Hello everyone. Here's the the next installment of my first Harry Potter fic, the wedding!
Draco: I forgot to ask the previous chapter, why was my proposal accompanied by a Muggle song?
Because it was romantic and it fit perfectly, just like the song I plan to use this chapter.
Draco: Morgana help me...
Harry: It's not that bad Malfoy.
Ron: *enjoying Draco's suffering*
Disclaimer in the previous chapter still applies. On with the story, and please no flames. Thank you. And please the ending author's note, I have a message!
The entirety of the Wizarding world was in an uproar of excitement! It was six months ago that the Daily Prophet, Quibbler, and Witch Weekly got the exclusive on the Christmas engagement of Harry James Potter and his nemesis-turned-boyfriend Draco Lucius Malfoy, and now representatives from all three were waiting anxiously to witness what was hoped to be the wedding to rival all weddings. It helped that they were all invited as they were friends with the "bride" and groom; for the Prophet Colin and Dennis Creevey. Colin would get the photos and Dennis would take the notes he'd need for the story; Rita Skeeter wanted to get the story but with her tendencies to write scandalous lies as apposed to the truth she was black balled and the church was warded not to let in the uninvited even if they were in Animagus form. Xenophilus Lovegood of course came for the Quibbler as he owned it, and for Witch Weekly was Alicia Spinnet; she mainly wrote articles about the glamorous side of female athletes but was given the task of getting everything on the wedding once it was found out she was invited. This was the event everyone had been waiting for and the guest list was huge!
Aside from the guests at the Christmas party the engagement occurred at, there was Lavender Brown, Parvati and Padma Patil, Daphne and Astoria Greengrass, Vincent Crabbe, Gregory Goyle, Marcus Flint, Lee Jordan, Gabrielle Delacour, Katie Bell, all the students who joined Dumbledore's Army in 1995, the professors and staff of Hogwarts (Hargrid kept trying not to cry), Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Nymphadora Tonks and her parents, Rabastan and Rodolphlus Lestrange, Aberforth Dumbledore, former Hogwarts students who'd know the couple since their first year, like Oliver Wood, and even Harry's cousin Dudley and Aunt Petunia! Hey, the end of the war changed a lot of people; thank goodness it was for the better.
Everyone was happy and excited!
Well... Almost for the moment...
The event was taking place in Godic's Hallow in mid-June at Harry's insistence, a request that was easily given in to considering its significance in his life, and so it was in the graveyard at two graves marked by one headstone that three figures in black stood. Harry with Sirius and Remus on either side of him.
"Would they be proud of me, do you think?" Harry asked quietly.
Sirius squeezed his shoulder. The first time he and Remus brought their godson to his parent's grave was summer of his fifth year; they were lucky enough to catch Wormtail at the Ministry incident and get Sirius' name cleared finally, so Harry was put in his custody as Lily and James originally wanted. The first visit Harry came with only them and he had cried as he knelt before the marker tracing the names and dates, his second visit he brought Draco, Ron, and Hermione with him to sort of introduce them. Now he visited again, a black cloak completely hiding his wedding robes, so he could speak to his parents about this new chapter in his life.
"Of course they would Pup. You've grown into a very brave, strong, kind man, and now you're about to be happily married. That's all they ever wanted for you."
Remus gave a small sound of agreement as he rubbed Harry's back in soothing circles; he could never speak when he visited his friend's grave. He didn't really have anyone to really lean on when he attended their funeral since Sirius got sent to Azkaban that infamous Halloween night when he went after Wormtail, and as a result could not vocally express anything without breaking down.
Harry sighed and knelt in front of the headstone, "I really cannot thank you enough for the sacrifice you both made for me that night those years ago, but I wish you could be here for today at least. To give me away, hug the life out of Draco and me as you try not to cry, threaten his life... Tell me you love me... I love you both so much, and I swore when I learned the truth of your deaths that I would make the most of my life. I kept that promise. With the help and support of everyone who stood by me another war was ended with fewer casualties than feared, I have a family who cares for me, a man who loves me, and we're marrying today. I'm a Healer, and soon I will have my own children to raise. They'll definitely know all about you. Please be with me today Mum, Dad..."
He pulled his wand from the inner pocket of his cloak, as did Sirius and Remus, and they conjured flowers, a bouquet of lilies, roses, and orchids. Harry stood and blew a kiss before they left for the church for the wedding, and as they walked Harry smiled swearing he could feel eyes full of love, joy, and pride on his back; he knew his parents were happy for him and pleased at his choice of husband.
'Yes, Draco is everything I wanted, they wanted for me, and more.'
Draco let out a breath as he pulled his outer robe on. He still couldn't believe he would be getting married today, to his precious Phoenix! He expected to wake up and find the last six months to be a dream, that it was that beautiful Christmas day he had planned to propose to the brunet. Hell he expected to learn the past nine years to be a dream his subconscious conjured after he was physically and magically knocked unconscious for kissing Harry! But then his little cousins Teddy and Pandora came running into his room at the inn they were staying at and jumped on him; that proved it wasn't a dream if the sore abs were any indications. Go figure, two eight year olds put a temporary dent in his six pack.
"Oi Draco! You done primping in there?"
Ah, the most honorable Best Man Blaise Zabini. Since their days at Hogwarts the part Italian wizard prodded at Draco's tendencies to spend more time than necessary on his overall appearance. Narcissa must have sent him up.
"Just finished dressing! You can come in Blaise!"
The door opened and his friend entered giving a whistle at Draco's appearance.
The blond's robes were a three piece set of royal blue with a matching tie and a white shirt; Blaise and his other chosen Groomsmen wore similar robes except their outer robes were shorter. His black dragonhide boots were shined to reflective perfection and his hair was fetchingly styled without gel; Harry said it was his best look.
"If I didn't love Theo so much I'd try to elope with you." Blaise said making his friend chuckle.
"I wouldn't let you anyway. I love Harry."
"I know, I know. My offer from school still stands though, the moment he's single I strike."
Draco smirked to him, "As if that would happen. Besides, Theo won't share."
"Curses, foiled again!" Blaise said dramatically.
Draco laughed as he fastened his robe closed, "Well I'm ready. Let's go."
"Ah, ah! Not yet, you need this." Blaise went over to him and pinned a white spider lily to his lapel "Keep to the theme right?"
Draco smiled at the flower; of all the lilies that existed Harry's favorite were spider lilies. Oh in reality he loved all lilies for an obvious reason, but he did play favorites.
"Thanks Blaise." He smiled at his friend.
Blaise squeezed his shoulder, "Glad to stand by you today mate. Now let's go; I know your mum will want to gush over you before the ceremony starts."
Draco nodded and they went to the church's main hall. Looking around he could honestly say that his mother did a spectacular job with the decorating.
The color theme of the wedding was snow white and royal blue, the theme being picked after the Malfoy matriarch saw a gorgeous flower arrangement at a shop in Diagon Alley of white flowers of different types with blue roses. As per wedding tradition the symbolism of the rose was eternal love, and blue roses were a rare bloom in both the Muggle and Wizarding world, so she thought it would be nice to use them as a symbol for their rare, eternal love. Snow white was picked for the purity of the relationship; it wasn't every day one became lucky enough to marry their soulmate their first time around after all. The alter had a white arch with a royal blue sheer curtain draping at the sides with silver torches filled with oil and the burning flames were charmed white, flanking it. From the corners and the mid-points between each corner of the ceiling hung eight braided satin ribbons in the theme colors meeting at the center above the aisle holding a crystal ball about half a size bigger than a Quaffle holding fairy lights to cast a soft glow throughout the room. Under the orb where the ribbons tied was a silver bell that Luna insisted to be included; why though she hadn't explained, but it looked nice so it was allowed. At the outer ends of the pews stood waist-high stands holding pots with arrangements of spider lilies and roses, decorative silver chains with blue and white glass beads hung over the pot lips. Simple, yet beautiful; simple elegance was something to strive for, but not for Narcissa Malfoy neé Black if the room was anything to go by.
"Mother you should have become a wedding planner." Draco smiled as he reached the alter "You have truly out done yourself today."
"I'm glad you approve Dragon." Narcissa smiled as she reached out to straighten invisible wrinkles on his robes.
Draco noticed her eyes tearing up and he pulled her into a warm embrace nodding to himself when she released a shuttered breath and pressed her face to his shoulder.
"My baby boy is getting married..."
Draco's smile became warm as he rubbed her back in soothing circles, "No tears Mother, this is a happy day after all."
She laughed softly pulling back to brush away a stray tear, "It is because I am happy that I have tears to shed. I am so proud of you Draco, you have done and gained more than your father and I could have hoped for you. And a parent's greatest joy is seeing that their children have all they ever wanted for themselves."
"She is right." Lucius said coming over to them and putting an arm around his wife's shoulders "I admit, at first I didn't believe any good would come from your relationship with Harry. I knew one day the Dark Lord would rise again, and when he did you came home telling us you were courting him. I feared you both would be targeted for that, which was why I was adamant that you ended it; I'm glad you defied me because you were, and are more happy than I'd ever seen you in your life."
Draco hugged the man, "Thank you Father. I owe this to you, always telling me if a Malfoy wanted something he did all that would be necessary to obtain it. I owe you everything, both of you."
"Be happy, that's all we ask." Lucius said gripping his son's shoulder.
"And plenty of grandchildren. I want more to spoil!" Narcissa added making the two men in her life laugh jovially.
"Oi, they're ready!" Ron said from the door before rushing to stand with Draco, Blaise, and Theo at the front.
Narcissa kissed Draco's cheek before following Lucius to take their seats as were the other guests who were still standing.
Draco took a breath to calm himself as the beautiful melody of a piano and violin filled the room, and the doors opened allowing in Hermione, Ginny, and Luna. They all wore royal blue dresses with one strap a palm width wide, the skirt flared at the hips and fell in a high-low style to just below the knee and the ankle. Their hair was pulled into high ponytails with decorative spider lily insert combs with three chains of glass blue and white beads, and their jewelry sets were pearl earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. The wardrobe arrangements for the wedding party was all done by Pansy and her business team.
After them came Teddy and Pandora. Teddy's outfit looked like Draco's with out the robe and he'd changed his eyes to royal blue and his hair to a near white shade of blond, and he carried a silk pillow holding the wedding bands; platinum bands with thin gold inlay. Pandora was in a royal blue spaghetti strap dress with white lace lining the shin-length skirt hem, and a white satin shawl on her shoulders tied in a rose knot over her chest, she had the same jewelry as the Maids, and her hair was loose only being held back by a white headband. She scattered flower petals over the floor as she walked with her twin, both smiling at to coos of how adorable they looked.
Finally came the other guest of honor with his godfathers at his sides, and Draco became breathless at the sight of him making a mental note to bow at Pansy's feet for creating the vision coming towards him.
Pansy had taken full solo charge to design and make Harry's bridal robes; when he protested being referred to as the bride it had to be explained to him that the submissive partner in male-male relationships were, according to Wizard society, "brides" without the necessity of wearing a dress. Of that Harry was grateful of at least but still pouted for a while. But his robes came out beautifully; he wore a sleeveless turtleneck tunic with a belt at his waist, that fell to mid-thigh, tight pants and boots with a half-inch heel, the outer robe was an off-shoulder style with double sleeves, the first set hugging his arms comfortably with a triangle cut over the back of his palms and the second set being bell sleeves falling short of his wrists, the top half hugged his torso then flowed around his legs as a gown would, falling barely past his ankles. The whole ensemble was white with the exception of the blue rose pinned to the front of his robes like a broach. His hair fell freely to his shoulder blades in lax curls (Ginny's doing no doubt) with two foremost sections pulled back and tied with a white ribbon resting loosely against the rest of the midnight curtain, and he'd decided to wear contacts today.
Draco was not marrying a wizard, he was marrying a celestial being.
Kingsley Shacklebolt, the Minister of Magic and the officiator of the wedding, smiled as he saw the awed looks Harry and Draco were exchanging with one another as the brunet came closer. He had a great fondness for Harry and admired his skills in DADA, especially after the Department of Mysteries incident; he was disappointed when Harry said he wanted to become a Healer rather than an Auror. He would have been one of the best. When he heard of their engagement he was among the first to give his congratulations, and had felt more privileged than honored to be asked to act as officiator for them. He wished James and Lily were here today...
"Welcome all." He began to speak once Harry, Sirius, and Remus reached the front "Today we celebrate this joyous union between Draco Lucius Malfoy, and Harry James Potter. Who gives this young man away?"
"Sirius Orion Black," Sirius started.
"And Remus John Black, as his godfathers." Remus finished, both smiling.
The silver bell that hung beneath the glass orb rang twice catching everyone's attention and drawing curious murmurs to flow through the room. The only one not confused was Luna, in fact she was smiling brightly.
"So do Lily and James Potter!"
"What do you mean dear?" Molly asked.
Luna pointed at the bell, "That bell only rings when the dead are among the living; they ring it to signal their presence. It acts as a beacon in the spirit world to guide them to us, and it's brought Lily and James to see Harry's wedding."
"Ah, I knew that bell looked familiar." Dumbledore smiled making the sparkle in his eyes shine brighter "It is a rare magical artifact called the Spirit Bell. I am not surprised to know your family is in possession of one Ms. Lovegood."
Harry smiled as tears gathered in his eyes; his parents were here!
Draco took his hand pulling him to his side and brushed a tear away; Sirius and Remus went to take their seats both smiling with stray tears on their faces like many others who were close to the departed couple. Knowing Lily and James were there made today more special.
"Harry and Draco have prepared their own vows for each other written from their hearts, and wish to share them today to express before their friends, their family, and the world that from this day forward they belong to each other body, heart, and soul." Kingsley nodded to Draco "Mr. Malfoy."
The blond looked directly into Harry's eyes, "Harry, since that day we first met in Madame Malkin's shop in Diagon Alley I knew there was something special about you that drew me to you. When I learned exactly who you were I jumped at the chance to befriend you, but I botched it up with my harsh words. Still I wanted to keep your attention on me, so I tormented you for four years; as disgusted as I would feel with myself after every incident I took comfort that you had paid attention to me at all. Then there was that terrible tournament that opened my eyes to what my heart was trying to tell me: I am completely and madly in love with you. So I swear this on my life and my magic, before everyone here and in the world. I, Draco Lucius Malfoy, shall forever be committed to only you for the entirety of our lives together, for you are my light in the darkness, my sun after the rain, my moon and starlight at night, my entire world, my very life. And I thank your parents for bringing you into this world, into my world. You are, in my strongest opinion, its most precious jewel."
A barely restrained sob came from Narcissa and a few other women as Draco's vows, coupled with a Wizard's Oath, touched their hearts.
Harry really wanted to kiss his lover at that moment. He knew how much Draco loved him, but the blond's vows completely topped nine years worth of verbal and physical expressions of his feelings.
"Draco, standing here today with you, it's nearly impossible for me to look back on our first years knowing each other to see that pompous prat you used to be. That persona was practically erased when you kissed me that day when we were in school. The first ten years of my life I grew up completely ignorant of who and what I really was, being told I was a worthless freak who would amount to nothing in this world, and I believed it all. When I realized my feelings for you those hurtful beratings and insults became more real. I viewed you as perfect and only wanting the best, yet you chose me. I thought it too good to be true and prepared myself for a humiliating end; I didn't even expect to survive the Second War. But there you were at my side, lighting the shadowed path I had to walk, catching me when I fell, washing away my pain and sadness, loving me through everything even when I tried to push you away when I feared I would only be a danger to your life. I can't even begin to express my gratitude or the love I feel for you. So from this day forward, starting here and now, I will spend the rest of my life trying."
A loud sniffle came from the audience and everyone looked in the direction of Severus and Tom. Both just glared back weakly making it anyone's guess as to whom the sound came from.
Kingsley gestured Teddy forward and the boy came over with the pillow holding it up between his cousin and godfather. Draco picked up one of the rings first and slid it onto Harry's left ring finger, and Harry did the same, both smiling brightly at each other with overflowing love in their eyes.
"And now ladies and gentleman, I am honored to present to you Draco and Harry Malfoy. You may now seal your bond." Kingsely annouced happily.
Draco pulled Harry against him pressing their lips together as the entire room erupted with cheers and applause, and when they pulled away they were swarmed with hugs, kisses, and tearful congratulations.
"I am so proud of you sweetheart." Harry looked up at the bell upon recognizing his mother's voice echoing in his head, and he smiled.
"We trust him to you now. Continue taking care of him son." Draco looked confused at the strange man's voice in his head then he saw Harry looking up away from everyone.
He looked up at the bell and realized he heard the voice of his late father-in-law, "I promise..."
"I love you Mum, Dad..." Harry whispered as the bell rang again, only once.
"They have gone." Luna said softly.
Draco pulled Harry to him again kissing him softly, "I'm glad they were here."
"Me too Dragon." Harry smiled at his husband.
Everyone had now adjourned to the reception on the edge of town. A tent, much like at Bill and Fleur's wedding, had been set up with a multitude of tables bearing food and drink taking up one side while tables to seat the guests took the others leaving the center open for dancing. Harry and Draco sat close to each other at the head table as they gave extras to their friends for the stories that would be published. Speeches and well wishes were given, and the now married couple obliged to kiss when glasses were tapped.
Hermione stood after everyone had, had time to digest a bit after enjoying the banquet Molly insisted and making for the momentous day, "Now everyone, I think we all agree that it's time for the happy couple to have their first dance. And after a week of looking I have the perfect song for them; it really puts in words what their relationship is like."
Everyone applauded and cheered and Draco stood with Harry and they went to the center of the dance floor. Hermione used wandless magic to activate the music player and the sound of a piano filled their ears followed by a female voice filled with love, as if singing to a lover. Draco put a hand on Harry's waist and began to lead him in a slow dance.
Late at night when all the world is sleeping
I stay up and think of you
And I wish on a star that somewhere you are
Thinking of me too
Cause I'm dreaming of you tonight
Till tomorrow I'll be holding you tight
And there's nowhere in the world I'd rather be
Than here in my room dreaming about you and me
Draco recognized the song as a ballad, mid-tempo, and he smiled as he thought Hermione had chosen well.
Wonder if you ever see me
And I wonder if you know I'm there
If you looked in my eyes
Would you see what's inside
Would you even care?
Harry couldn't help his smile as the words of the beautiful song rang true for both of them; in the time between their realization and when Draco kissed Harry they had many nights of restless sleep wondering if it were possible the other returned their feelings. If not then would their rejection be gentle or harsh? So few questions causing so much fear, ah the vulnerability of a young, fragile heart in love. In that small yet eternal period of questioning and wondering, all they could do was dream of what they could have if they could be together.
I just wanna hold you close
But so far all I have are dreams of you
So I wait for the day (wait for the day)
And the courage to say how much I love you
Yes I do!
I'll be dreaming of you tonight
Till tomorrow I'll be holding you tight
And there's nowhere in the world I'd rather be
Than here in my room dreaming about you and me
"My waiting definitely paid off, my Phoenix." Draco whispered lovingly pressing his forehead to Harry's.
"As did mine." The brunet gave a soft peck to his husband's lips "I thought that because of all the bad blood between us you would never return my feelings. But then when you kissed me like that... I couldn't stop smiling the rest of the day."
"I'm glad you didn't. You are so beautiful when you smile."
(Corazón)
I can't stop dreaming of you
(No puedo dejar de pensar en ti)
I can't stop dreaming
(Cómo te necesito)
I can't stop dreaming of you
(Mi amor, cómo te extraño)
Late at night when all the world is sleeping
I stay up and think of you
And I still can't believe
That you came up to me and said I love you
I love you too!
Harry laid his head against Draco's shoulder making sure to mind the flowers still pinned to their robes.
Now I'm dreaming with you tonight
Till tomorrow and for all of my life
And there's nowhere in the world I'd rather be
Than here in my room dreaming with you endlessly
With you tonight
And there's nowhere in the world where I'd rather be
Than here in my room I'll be dreaming
With you tonight
(In my sleep)
The song trailed of softly with a guitar, soft drumbeat, and string instruments giving it a sort of magical quality that rang pleasantly in everyone's ears. Harry and Draco came to a slow stop in their dance and smiled at each other, their eyes filled with overflowing emotions of love and happiness.
"I love you Dragon." Harry said softly.
"I love you too." Draco leaned down and kissed his husband with a chaste passion expressing everything he felt in their nine years together.
And to everyone who stood witness, they could see they would definitely spend the rest of their lives in happiness together, just like they wanted.
[Mischief Managed]
Done!
Harry: Thanks for including my parents.
No prob, it was a must! The song was "Dreaming of You" by Selena Perez; those of you who've never heard it look it up! It's my favorite by her, and it really sucks that she died!
Hermione: Wait how did I even find this song?
It's a fanfic, I claim creative licence. Now, to you readers I ask this. I want to write a multi-chapter, maybe after Christmas. Which sounds more tantalizing? Here's two options:
What is Dark, & What is Light?: After finding James and Lily dead Severus Snape was entrusted with the task of raising their orphaned son away from the manipulations of Dumbledore. With the halls of Hogwarts filled with different opinions of Light and Dark magic and typical teenage drama how will Harry overcome the approaching war with the fate of the world resting on his shoulders? Or is he really the Pawn of two Kings? Slytherin!Harry, Drarry, and more.
Turncoat: Manipulated and betrayed one too many times Harry gives himself over to Voldemort seeking either his death, or the means to revenge. Drarry, Mentor!Voldemort, Dumbledore, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny bashing, Dark!Harry.