Well, here we are, back to The Wedding again, only this time we get to see an awful lot more of what went on behind the scenes. This is the first of a two-shot, part two later this week.

Many thanks to everyone that has supported this story. Unfortunately I still can't get access to my reader stats - in spite of countless emails to FFN - so I have to hope that you're still out there and still reading. With that in mind I'm going to once again shamelessly beg for you to make use of that useful little box at the bottom of the page - even if it's only to say hello.

Enjoy - Merrick x


Wedding Bells - Part One:

Harry was woken by a small thunderstorm taking place outside his room. At least that's what it appeared to be, until it resolved itself into the King of Asgard banging on his door. Harry buried his head in the pillows, whimpering in agony.

"HARRY POTTER"

"HARRY MY FRIEND ARE YOU AWAKE"

"I am now" Harry peered around the door groggily. The discomfort of his hangover following Loki's Hogwarts stag night paled into miserable and cowering insignificance before the utter agonising, gut wrenching misery that followed a night of pre-wedding carousing with Thor, Volstagg, Dalan – Loki of course, and half a dozen others whose names he was feeling far too ill to remember. As if to add insult to injury Thor was looking as bright eyed and bushy tailed as one that had gone to eight hours sleep on nothing stronger than a nice mug of cocoa.

"Come – my friend – you must wake and dress. The day is nearly half over already, and it is my brother's wedding day." It gradually dawned on Thor that Harry may not have been as enthusiastic as he was. "Are you well Harry?"

"Thor" Harry whispered "I had enough of your Asgardian ale last night to float an armada. I finally crawled into bed about four hours ago, and right now it feels as though my brain is trying to crawl its way out of my ears – and you really don't want to know what my stomach is doing at this moment..."

Thor looked puzzled. Then the light dawned. "Ah. I am sorry my friend – I forgot. The Lady Lucilla bade me give you these." From his pocket he retrieved two small vials, one labelled Hangover Potion and the second Headache Potion.

Harry looked at him – momentarily bereft of speech – and took the potions.

"Give me half an hour."

Then he shut the bedroom door in the King of Asgard's face.

ooo0ooo

Harry crawled down to the Great Hall twenty minutes later, mercifully free of headache and nausea but still horrendously tired. He consoled himself with the thought that he might be able to curl up somewhere quiet – and hopefully Thor-free – that afternoon to ensure that he didn't fall asleep halfway through the evening. He was greeted in the doorway of the Hall by Frigga, who smiled knowingly, putting a hand on Harry's arm.

"Good morning Harry, how are you feeling this morning?"

Harry shook his head weakly. "Remind me, the next time I get invited to an Asgardian Stag Party to stay in and wash my hair." When Frigga looked confused, he smiled. "Sorry, Midgardian expression... it's a bad excuse for backing out of a party."

Frigga nodded, chuckling. "Breakfast is long over, but I suspected there might be a few late risers this morning. You'll find food on the side table. If you ring the bell the kitchens will bring you coffee."

"Frigga, you're the best." Without thinking Harry kissed her on the cheek and followed the siren call of coffee. Shaking her head the Dowager Queen of Asgard left the survivors to their breakfast and went to check with the kitchen that all was in hand for tonight's celebrations.

When breakfast was over, and even Harry had drowned his cobwebs in the kitchen's excellent coffee, Thor broached his plans for the rest of the day, which seemed to consist of more ale, and several hours in the training ground.

Loki took one look at Harry's face and took pity on him. "I'm sorry Thor, but I have to steal Harry for the rest of the morning. I require his advice on a crucial matter pertaining to this evening's celebration. Harry, are you up for a trip into the city?"

Thor looked a little disappointed, but shrugged ruefully. "As you wish brother. I will see you at lunch, after which I believe we have a number of guests arriving via the Bifrost, and we need to find young Harry here something to wear – or are you planning to wear Midgardian garb?"

Harry shrugged. "I had brought my best robes for the occasion, but I wouldn't say no to Asgardian clothes. Would I need to wear armour?"

Loki shook his head. "For Thor's wedding later this summer we will have to find you full dress armour, but this evening we will not be so formal. Thor will be wearing his armour – I believe he would sleep in it if Jane would permit it but I will be wearing a coat and trousers, I'm sure we could find you something suitable."

Harry smiled his gratitude. "Speaking of weddings, have you seen Hermione yet?"

Loki looked surprised and laughed. "Such a thing is not permitted. Hermione will probably not even be awake yet. She will be woken in time for lunch, then will spend the afternoon in preparation. It is considered to be a bad omen for the bridegroom to see the bride before the wedding." He rose from the table. "Come Harry, or we will not be back in time for our lunch. Brother – enjoy your training. Please try not to injure yourself or anyone else. It would be most unfortunate if you were to attend tonight with a black eye or broken limbs.

ooo0ooo

The two friends walked down through the stables and out into the city, pausing to say hello to Dalan, and to visit Krellr, Loki's favourite chestnut, who whickered impatiently as soon as he saw Loki walk around the corner.

"I am sorry my friend," Loki rubbed under Krellr's forelock affectionately "we go on foot today, and tomorrow I will have other considerations, but I promise that we will go out for a gallop very soon. Reaching into a pocket he produced a twist of sugar purloined from the breakfast table as a treat before they left."

Leaving the stables they walked over a bridge and through the gates into the city. Harry had been before, but was still fascinated by the variety of goods on sale in the shops and stalls.

"So what are we actually out for? Or is this just a ploy to get us both out of the training yard?"

Loki laughed. "No my friend. Although that isn't such a bad idea. But we have a very important errand this morning. I have a gift to collect, a very special gift..."

Harry's eyes slid sideways, taking in the spring in Loki's step, the brightness in his face "Would this be a wedding gift by any chance?"

"Precisely Harry. Gyan is the finest goldsmith in the Nine Realms, and he has been working on a special commission for me. A commission we are going to collect, and YOU are going to deliver for me."

"Me?"

"Of course Brother. You cannot be suggesting that I should deliver them myself are you – that would be most improper..."

After about twenty minutes the two men turned right into a small side street. Loki knocked on the door of an unobtrusive house, which was opened by a neat woman that appeared to be in her late fifties who curtsied deeply.

"Prince Loki, you are most welcome, Gyan is expecting you." She bobbed a curtsy to Harry as she ushered him into a cool paneled hallway. "Can I offer you some refreshment gentlemen?"

"No thank you Magda" despite her age, the warmth of Loki's smile made the woman blush, and chuckle.

"Of course My Lord, you will be in a hurry to return to your bride." She put a tentative hand on his arm. "May I be so bold as to wish you all the happiness in the world for your marriage. It is so good to have you back among us."

"Bless you Magda. If I am half as fortunate in my wife as Gyan, I will consider myself happy far beyond my dues." He bent to kiss Magda on the cheek, and her blush deepened further.

"Get away with you Sir. Gyan is in his workshop. Would you like me to announce you?"

"No, he is expecting me, and you have far more important things to do than run around after me. I apologise I have been most remiss. Magda, may I present a dear friend of mine Harry Potter of Midgard. Harry, this is Magda, Gyan's wife."

Magda's eyes were wide. "Of Midgard. Goodness Sir. I have never met a Midgardian before. Welcome to the House of the Goldsmiths, any friend of Prince Loki's will always be welcome here."

Harry bowed gravely over her hand. "My thanks Mistress Magda, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Loki led The way up a narrow staircase to a low door under the eaves. Seeing Harry's expression, Loki paused his hand raised to knock. "What is it Harry?"

Harry smiled. "I was just remembering something my Godfather said to me once. That to know what a man truly is, you should take a look how he treats his inferiors, not his equals."

Loki shook his head. "Harry, if I live to be as old as the stars themselves, I will never consider myself better than Gyan and Magda, who are two of the best people I know... Now come and meet the master. Who knows, maybe you'll be coming here for a gift for a lady love yourself one day soon." Turning back, he knocked on the door, and entered.

The room was low ceilinged, but windows set into the roof filled it with sunshine. Long workbenches were lined with boxes containing tools, and draws at the far end of the room were labelled neatly with many of the materials of the goldsmith's trade.

Gyan himself was not immediately apparent, but after a moment, a small man with a shock of white hair, that appeared to be some years older than Magda appeared from under one of the benches. "Bless me there it is - now where...? Prince Loki! My apologies My Lord, I didn't hear you come in."

Gyan was, at first glance, an unprepossessing figure, small, stooped dressed in rough practical grey shirt and trousers, with a battered leather apron over the top. But his lined face was alight with wisdom and merriment, his blue eyes bright and alert, and full of joy at the sight of Loki, that was certain. The overall impression was of an alchemist. A dealer of wonder and magic, full of rare stories and skilled in his craft. Harry was entranced...

The three men sat, perched on the high stools that littered the workshop, and passed the time of day for some time. Gyan was full of questions concerning Loki's forthcoming wedding, and was intrigued by Harry, whom Loki introduced as a "Midgardian wizard of rare skill". After a while however, Loki looked up at the sun through the window, and rose to his feet. "I'm sorry Gyan, but we must leave now. You know I would happily stay all day... but I have a certain pressing engagement later today that I must not be late for."

"Of course My Lord, and I have what you came for right here." Gyan unlocked a heavy cupboard set discretely under the bench and drew out a beautiful flat wooden box. "You know that I would have been happy to deliver it for you."

Loki shook his head, and taking the box reverently from the old man, he handed it to Harry. "What do you think Harry?"

Harry opened it and gasped. The box contained two stunning hair combs, the teeth long and strong enough to hold Hermione's curls, but decorated with exquisite gold filigree, set with a beautiful naturalistic pattern of flowers, formed of coloured enamels, rubies and emeralds. A set of earrings and a pendent on a whisper thin gold chain had been made to compliment them. The whole set was stunningly elegant, but unusual enough to suit Hermione's personality.

"Wow – they're – wow."

Loki smiled broadly. "He is lost for words, a rare occurrence. Gyan you have without a doubt outdone yourself. This is some of the finest work you have ever produced. I thank you my friend."

He closed the box, and checked the lid with a smile. "Exactly as I requested. Thank you again."

Harry hadn't noticed the box before, and peered over his shoulder. The gold plate on the lid was engraved with a line of poetry that seemed vaguely familiar.

"And this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart
I carry your heart, (I carry it in my heart.)"

"ee cummings" mused Harry. "You're full of surprises Brother. But if we don't leave soon we will be late for lunch and your ... the King will never let us hear the end of it."

With a smile, Loki drew a pouch from his belt, and placed it quietly on the table, before offering his hand to the old goldsmith, who gripped it warmly.

"To think we should see this day Sir. My very best wishes to you and to your lady."

Gyan ushered them both down the stairs, bowing them both out of the door. Stepping out into the bustling sunny street, the two men headed back to the palace.


Reference for the ee cummings quotation will be in part two... M x