Chapter 4:


The wedding.

This is it: today is the big day. The Daily Prophet declared it one of the biggest events in recent time. I helped Madame Malkin design my gown. She said it was one of the most beautiful gowns she had ever made. Andrew hasn't seen it yet, but the girls have. Hermione (my maid of honor), Ginny, Tonks and Luna (bridesmaids) and Molly are in the room with me. Molly is her usual self, bustling around, wanting to help us all out. She hasn't seen my dress yet. The girls are changing into their dresses - dresses that each of them helped design. They settled on a silver, simple flattering design. Hermione will be wearing red. A color that looks very beautiful on her. Andrew chose Ron for his best man (I had no part in it). The girls are staring at themselves in the mirrors, doing their hair and make-up. Molly said that the make-up was not necessary, but they insisted. They know that we granted permission for the Daily Prophet to come. Susan Bones is the editor and untangled the web that the Death Eaters had spun. She is fueled by fact and not fiction. It is nothing like it was in the past.

"Your turn, dear," Molly says, scurrying over to me. My garment bag is hanging on a hook. I get up and take it down. I unzip it and put my dress on. It still fits perfectly. "Oh, my. That's lovely dear. You look so beautiful." She says, patting my cheek. There is a knock at the door.

"It's Paget." Molly goes over to the door while I comb out my hair, deciding what to do with it. I didn't want a veil.

"Hey. Sweetheart! You need some help with your hair?"

"Please," I tell her relieved.

She immediately gets to work. I can feel her twist and braid my hair. It takes her a while, but she finally finishes. It is the most intricate style of hair I have ever seen. It is beautiful.

Everyone just smiles as there was a knock on the door. It has been locked all day. Mrs. Weasley believes in the superstition about the groom not seeing the bride before the ceremony.

"Come on, Molly. It's Remus." She looks around, making sure we are clothed and opens the door.

"Ladies." Remus says, smiling. It is getting close. Very close.

"Hey," I greet him.

"You look absolutely stunning. Beautiful. Radiant," He tells me. I'm sure my cheeks flush. "I wonder how many times you're going to hear that today?" He asks smiling. He knows that I don't like being the center of attention, but me being me; it can't be helped.

Just then Teddy comes into the room. "It's time!" He was obviously sent in by his grandmother who will be helping him down the aisle.

The little guy is going to be our ring bearer.

Molly hands me my bouquet.

"Shall we?" Remus asks, extending his arm to me.

"We shall," I tell him, weaving my arm through his.

The girls go out of the room as I hear music in the distance. Laughing and smiling, the girls are excited.

"Moony?" I ask his as we walk to our spot.

"Yes, Annie?"

"I was just wondering what my parents would be thinking right now."

"Well, Lily would be happy for you, no matter what you decided. James, on the other hand, would have probably thrown a fit by seeing that your partner of choice is a snake, but he would have warmed up to the idea. But if all that matters, I approve. Besides, whose blessing do you think he asked for?" I just smile at him. "It's our turn," He tells me.

"Our turn," I repeat under my breath. We step out and everyone rises from his or her seats.

I see many faces: hundreds. Against my own wishes, I let the ceremony be open, but the reception is to be closed and by invitation only. I see people I know, people I don't. I see a lot of Hogwartarians: students and professors alike. Pretty much anyone who is in our year is here. I see some of my old Quidditch teammates. I see Susan up front, taking pictures of us coming down and I finally settle my eyes on Andrew. He looks very handsome. He has on traditional black suit. He smiles as he sees me. Remus walks us up to where he is supposed to and I turn to him and smile. He kisses me on the cheek. He places my hand in Andrew's and I step forward.

We then begin to exchange vows. I'm not really paying any attention unless I have to repeat what is said. I just stare into Andrew's warm eyes.

"Speak now or forever hold your peace." The audience is silent. "That's what I like to hear." He says as I hear many chuckles. "You may now kiss the bride."

As our lips touch, a loud clapping ensues. Fred and George are whooping and are the suspects of the miniature fireworks that go off. I just laugh as I pull away from him and we look over the audience. Everyone is standing up. Andrew and I walk down the aisle. The reception is being held inside. I go back into the dressing room and change into a more reception-appropriate dress. The majority of the people leave after the ceremony and I thank them all for coming as they do so. Snape is one of the people who laves even though he was invited to the reception. It was very kind of him to come.

I notice him attempt to stalk past unseen, but he doesn't succeed.

"Professor. You're leaving?"

"Err. Yes. Carry on with your festivities. Congratulations." He looks slightly embarrassed to have been caught. I quickly kiss him on the cheek, taking us both by surprise.

"Thank you, for everything. I owe you my life. And I'm sorry, about everything. And it was very kind of you to come tonight. Don't be afraid to keep in touch or visit."

He silently nods, wanting to get out of here quickly.

"I can see you're uncomfortable. I'll let you go. Thanks again."

He nods and disapparates.

I just smile as I see those who stayed laughing and carrying on. As I step farther into the crowd of mostly empty tables, I hear someone tap their glass and see Andrew rise. His eyes find mine, and I stand frozen where I am.

"I'd like to make a toast. A very improvised toast." He adds as some people laugh. "It's only been years since I first met Shannon, but it seems like it's been a lifetime, but now it will be. When I was a small boy, my mother would always tell me that I'd someday meet the girl of my dreams and whisk her off her feet. I still don't know how I managed that second one, without magic of course," he says, as more people laugh. "I know we've had our ups and downs and our scary moments...but here we are. A lion and a snake just married. I'm not going to lie, it's been tough, but when are life's most precious moments ever easy? When's something is worth fighting for, you don't stop fighting. She knows that better than anyone. She is the reason we are able to have peace here tonight. Hopefully now, she won't have to fight anymore. For once in her life, Shannon can just sit back and enjoy the ride and I want to help her do just that. In fact, I just vowed to do exactly that. I would like to thank Shannon for actually saying yes, for making this the one of the best days of my life. To my best friend and now wife, Shannon," he says, raising his glass.

"Shannon." Everyone responds.

I just bow my head. I go and stand beside him. I kiss then hug him. We both sit down. For once in my life, I am thankful that the spotlight is on me. Brides usually aren't called upon to do much on their wedding day.

His mother then goes up on the stage. "Well, I'd like to first say that, Shannon, you can stop calling me Mrs. Stanton, as you are now officially part of my family. You have been close to our heart from the first time we ever saw you. You were such a tiny thing back then. I don't know if you were ever told this, but that night, I begged Dumbledore to let me have you. I wanted to raise you so badly. Lily was my best friend," Paget then begins to cry. "Andrew, I wish your father could have been here to see this day. I wish he could see the man you're going to become. I know he'd be so proud of you. I know I am. I remember the day that Drew told me he was going to ask you for Shannon's hand, I could remember see his face light up like the sun. He was absolutely excited, so very happy- I just thought you should know that. You are a rare gem. To my new gorgeous, loving, caring, gracious, daughter-in-law who will hopefully raise me up some beautiful, talented grandbabies!" She raises her glass.

Fred and George are perhaps the most embarrassing, which they are on purpose, no doubt.

"Hello," George says, tapping the microphone.

"Hi." Fred adds.

"We owe pretty much everything to Anne. She is the one to get our business up and running."

"Something will be up and run-" Fred tries to add. It's obvious that we all know where he was going to take that comment. I just bow my head. Andrew rubs my arm and kisses my temple. I turn my head towards his and gave him a quick peck on the lips.

"BOYS!" I hear Molly screech.

"Sorry, Mum!" They call out.

"Well, we'd just like to thank you for making us the fine, handsome businessmen that we are."

"You are like another little sister to us. " George tells me.

"May you two have the-" Fred starts.

"Best of luck," They both finish. They finally sit down.

Ron and Hermione both give speeches, but the last one to give a speech is Remus.

"Annie — What can we say about her? It seems like there are not really any words. I just know that your mother and father would be so proud of you. I know I am. I can't tell you how honored I felt to be the one to walk you down the aisle. And just as any father should, I watched you grow in front of my eyes. I watched you grow into the beautiful young lady that you are today. You have been through so much, but you didn't let it destroy you. You have been an inspiration to us all. You made me realize who I could be despite what I am, you made me go back to my family, and for that I will be forever grateful. No matter how insufficient the words may be, they are the only words left to say: Thank you."

I am crying.

We all eat and after that, I walk up on stage. It is time for the Weird sisters, but no one knew that I invited them.

"Sorry, I have no toast. I would just like to thank everyone for coming; it means more to me than you will ever know. And as a special treat, I have asked a favor and it was granted. Please join me and welcoming…The Weird Sisters!" As soon as I step off the platform, Andrew is there.

"We're going to kick it off with a slow tune. As it is time for the first dance as husband and wife." The band's singer announces.

"May I have this dance?" Andrew asks.

"I believe it's customary, so you don't have to ask." I reply, smiling.

We are lost in our own bubble and I don't notice the end of the song or see Remus walk up behind Andrew, but he taps him on the shoulder.

"May I cut in?"

"Of course," Andrew tells him. "I'm going to go see if there are any pretty ladies who want to dance." He says laughing. As he leaves, the band starts a new, slow tune.

"I can't believe how much you've grown. You're such a beautiful young woman," Remus tells me.

"Thank you," I tell him, the tears flowing.

"You shouldn't be crying," He tells me laughing.

"Tears of pure joy. Everyone cries at weddings. And plus your speech didn't exactly help. It was the most touching thing I've ever heard."

"I meant it — every bit of it."

"You've always been like a father to me, Remus."

As the song finishes, we split apart and he goes to find Tonks,

"Now who's ready to speed it up some!" The next people who want to dance are Fred and George at the same time. We dance in a ring.

But when they play 'Do the Hippogriff,' everyone breaks off and goes nuts. George is dancing with Katie and Fred is dancing with Angelina. They play a couple more songs and leave. We then begin saying goodbye to everyone.

"So do you have any idea where you are going?" Arthur asks me.

"All I have figured out is that is somewhere in Ireland," I say.

"Ah."

"You all know, don't you?" I ask them.

"Yes!" They all reply enthusiastically.

"You're going to love it." Hermione tells me as Andrew walks over to us.

"Are you ready?" He asks me.

I hug everyone again and wave as we step inside the Floo and I see everyone disappear.