James followed after Mr. Underhill through the corridors of the Auror Training Center and up into the Atrium of the Ministry for Magic.

The atrium was quite busy considering the time of day, and everyone was dressed rather nicely and James realized that a majority of these visitors were here for the inauguration of the new aurors onto the force. He spotted Augusta Longbottom fairly easily across the way, wearing her large hat with the vulture on top and great black plumes of feathers, and he waved to Alice, who followed after her mother-in-law, dressed in a simple grey sundress which sparkled at the waist and had large black flowers embroidered into the fabric of the skirt. She looked quite beautiful. Behind her, wearing a yellow polka-dotted dress that James had not seen before but very much enjoyed was Lily, carrying a wrapped parcel.

When Alice waved, Lily followed her line of sight to spot James, too, and she smiled, her green eyes glowing with joy at seeing him and she blew him a kiss. He mimed at catching it like a Seeker and he lowered his hand, opened it up, and gave an exaggerated show of surprise, reacting as though her kiss had smacked him in the cheek. She laughed and his lip hitched up on his tooth as he grinned back at her.

"C'mon loverboy," grunted Underhill, who was glowering at James from the other side of the wand-weighing line.

James blushed, waved bye to Lily, and handed over his wand to the wizard on duty, who weighed it and handed over his badge.

The auditorium was down a few levels and had great stone benches that curved in a semi-circle 'round a plinth in the center of the room, where stood a single podium. The inaugural class sat in the lowest two rows, then three rows of Ministry officials, and the remaining four above that were friends and family. "Go on and have a seat, Potter," Underhill pointed to the row and James nodded and broke away as Underhill continued on down the stairs and stepped across the room to the plinth, climbing up and having a seat in one of several chairs there.

James sat directly behind Frank Longbottom, though Frank was engaged in speaking to the person next to him and didn't notice until James leaned forward a bit so he was sure to hear him and said, "Blimey they're lowering the bar for aurors these days, aren't they?"

"Well they let you in the training, so we knew they were on the decline," Frank answered, turning 'round, grinning at James.

"I just spotted Mrs. Longbottom in the Atrium on our way through," James said. "I don't think the task force is the only thing you'll be successfully getting into tonight, if you know what I mean."

Frank's eyes sparkled and he looked about the upper rows, trying to spot Alice.

The auditorium filled up until the benches had no empty seats and some of the officials were forced to stand at the ends of the aisles. Alastor Moody, Barty Crouch Sr., and Harold Minchum arrived then, coming through a door in the side of the room and making their way up to the plinth, each taking seats beside Underhill. Moody leaned over and whispered something to Underhill, who chuckled. James spotted Annalee McKinnon following after them and stepping quietly to one side. She held a small notebook and beside her in the air hung a scroll and a silver quill, which was busily writing dutifully, her lips barely moving, dictating what it was to put to paper. Minchum took the plinth first, stepping up to the podium at the front and the moment he'd assumed his place, the entire auditorium quieted.

Harold Minchum raised his wand to his throat.

"Good afternoon to all in attendance," his voice was low like a lion's as he spoke, looking about the room at the various witches and wizards there. "Today, I have the great honor of our annual inauguration of the latest graduates of the Auror Training Program."

A bit of applause arouse from the spectators, and James clapped Frank on the back heartily.

"These young men and women are among the bravest that the Wizarding World can offer, and today they shall take vows of servitude and allegiance to the Ministry for Magic, for the safety and protection of all citizens of the wizarding world. In times such as these in which we live, when uncertainty creeps upon the door steps of every witch and wizard, it is especially telling of the courage required by these men and women to offer forth their lives in dedication to the defeat of the dark forces which threaten our lives. These - our newest aurors - are truly examples of sort that we wish to fill our ranks with. May your wands be ever powerful - your minds be ever clear - and your hearts ever strong."

Minchum raised his wand from his throat, holding it above his head, and it lit, bright as a flash, filling the entire auditorium with the brilliance. Several witches and wizards in the audience followed suit until the entire auditorium was lit with tiny specs of light, like a night time sky of stars. The rows of officials and aurors that lined the lower rows broke into applause and Minchum nodded, lowered his wand, and walked from the podium going to take a seat off to one side of the plinth. The moment he had sat down, Annalee McKinnon rushed over and offered him a cup of tea in her own pattern petite mother-of-pearl teacup on a dainty pink saucer.

"Lovely cup, that is," James heard a voice behind him say and he turned to see the copier, Sean Buckner, two rows behind him, smiling, just lowering his wand from the salute. James smirked and turned back 'round.

Mad-Eye Moody had stumped up to the podium now. "First off," he said, voice rough and loud enough to be heard without magnification, "I'd like to say that these kids have trained hard and come out with all their limbs in tact - somethin' they aren't guaranteed to have long once they've entered the true force. But they've done good so far at keeping their wits about 'em, even in difficult situations - this is what the training is for. Soon, they'll find themselves in the real world, in situations that actually involve life and death and not just a graded mark. Some of 'em have experience already, some of 'em have fought valiantly in battles, and that experience shows in the speed which they graduated the program. Without constant vigilance, anything can happen, any attack at any moment and the bloody villain is bound to win. But these kids have overcome and will continue to do so if they just stay on guard and watch their backs and keep up the good work. We're proud of you kids." He nodded and backed up and people clapped once more.

James watch as Mr. Underhill then got up and took the podium next.

"My name is Harry Underhill, and, as the head of the Auror Training Program for the Ministry of Magic Department of Magical Law Enforcement, I am pleased to present to you, this year's new officers." He waved his palms for the new inaugurants to stand. They did and everyone else clapped once again for them. He cleared his throat, "When I call your name, please - step up to the plinth. I will direct you in the recitation of your oath, and Mr. Bartemius Crouch, the Supreme Judge of the Council of Magical Law, shall present to you your badge and official Auror's identification cards."

There was another round of applause for this as well, and Underhill drew from his pocket a parchment, which he unfolded and stared down at for a moment before reading off the first name.

"McKenna Palesa Alliston."

James looked up and watched as McKenna Alliston stood up from her place in the row ahead of him and made her way down to the plinth to the sound of applause. She wore the auror's uniform, modified only by having a knee-length wool skirt instead of the trousers that the men wore, and she stepped up to the podium.

Underhill shook her hand and motioned for her to raise her palm, guiding her through the oath, and she stepped by to get her badge and cards from Crouch. There was a flash of a camera taking a photograph as Crouch attached the badge to her chest, and a second as they turned to look at the camera, their hands locked in a shake... Then Underhill called on the next inaugurant and the next... and the next...

It seemed to take forever before they finally got to Frank Longbottom.

"Franklin Conrad Longbottom."

James stood up as he clapped, and he heard from the rows far behind him the sound of Alice and Lily both woooo-ing. "THAT'S MY HUSBAND!" Alice yelled, and Frank flushed as he jogged down the steps to the plinth, heading up to the podium. James whistled and grinned when both Frank and Underhill looked over his way and he winked before settling down on the seat again.

Underhill turned back to Frank. "Repeat after me," he said and Frank nodded, raising his hand for the oath, repeating after Underhill, he recited:

"I, Frankin Conrad Longbottom, do solemnly swear, upon my honor, that I will never betray my integrity, my character, or the trust of the wizarding world. I will have the courage and veracity to uphold my myself to the highest of ethical and lawful standards - keeping myself and other accountable for our actions, while upholding the positive values of my country, community, and this agency which I serve. I do solemnly swear to work to banish evil and only to uphold that which is good and pure in this world."

"Very good, Frank." Underhill shook his hand and Frank grinned, then walked over to where Crouch awaited to pin on his badge and hand him his identification cards. He slid the new cards into his vest pocket and Crouch pinned his badge on. The flashbulb went off, and then they turned forward to shake hands for the second picture -- and Frank crossed his eyes and stuck out his tongue just as the flash went off.

"FRANKLIN CONRAD LONGBOTTOM!" echoed Augusta's voice from the crowd and everyone had a good laugh as Frank bowed for his amused audience and hurried off the stage. James could scarcely breathe.

"You bloody are goin' to get cuffed for that one, mate," James laughed, leaning forward to clap his palms on Frank's shoulders as he returned to his seat.

Frank laughed, "Alice dared me this morning. I honestly didn't think I'd really have the guts to do it but here we are."

Lily came into the bedroom that night while James was changing, hanging up his vest and digging his golden snitch pyjamas from the closet. "Another owl came this afternoon."

"Oh?" James asked, emerging out of the closet.

"Meg and Jasper are getting married September 12th."

"Brilliant."

"He's asked for you to be his best man."

James looked up in surprise. "Excuse me?"

Lily held out the envelope.

"Why - why would he do that? I mean, we're friends - but - we're not that close?"

Lily shrugged.

James took the envelope and opened it quickly. Inside was an invitation and folded in between the invite and the enclosed RSVP card was a folded up note. He took the note out and shook it loose, eyes looking it over.

James,

It would be my highest honor if you would do me the favor of being the Best Man at my wedding.

You may be wondering why I have chosen you. I know that in the years we have known each other, we have not always been the closest of friends and many will probably be surprised by this choice of mine. However, I have chosen you above others because it is you in whom I have complete confidence and respect for. I read that the Best Man ought to be a person whose advice you would seek in your darkest moments for advice for how to move forward in your marriage and above all people that I know, that is by far you.

Please let me know if you will accept this position as my official giver of advice and moral support as I endeavor on the most important adventure of my lifetime.

Jasper.

James looked up. "Well bloody hell," he said, flushed.

Lily smiled.

James looked back down at the letter, flushing all the redder. "Bloody hell," he said again, his voice even more choked than the first time he'd said it.

Lily laughed. "What a shining review."

James nodded.

Lily grinned and came over. "You know what else?"

"What's that?" he croaked.

Lily laughed. "Meg told me she's pregnant."

James laughed. "Bloody hell they'll have six kids."

"Seven, actually. They found out today it's going to be twins."

"Fuck me!" James laughed, his eyes crinkling, "You're taking the mickey out of me?"

"No," she laughed. "I'm not even joking." Lily shook her head, "James Potter, we need to get busy. The Odairs have managed to obtain seven kids in a week and we haven't even managed at one yet!"

James shook his head. "Bloody hell, listen to you appealing to my competitive side."

Lily grinned. "I mean, were you the bloody Gryffindor Quidditch Team Captain or weren't you?"

"Ohhhh I bloody was!" he said playfully and James grabbed her about the waist, pulling her into him quickly and pressing his mouth into her neck as she squealed and he lifted her up, her legs wrapping about his waist as she laughed and he jumped up onto the bed so that they both fell into the pillows, her hair billowing around them as they landed.