Chapter 10- Soñar

Author's Note: Thank you to all those who have commented, read and followed this story so far! Here comes the next chapter.

By the way, the chapter title: soñar is Spanish for "to dream/dream". Speaking of Spanish, there is a Spanish dialogue and a song played. I've put the translation for the dialogue at the end of the chapter. The song (played on Andean panpipes) is called Hasta Mi Final- Il Divo, I know that it wasn't even written (probably) around 1999, but I think this song is an excellent sum up of Gallardo and Marcena's relationship. It belongs solely to Il Divo, I only incorporated it into my story. I've actually not included a translation for it, but I would recommend having a listen to it in the background, from YouTube.

There's only two instances of danger in this chapter, but a lot a romance and love. I hope you enjoy anyway, though!

Late April 1999

"I can't believe it!" Marcena cried. "We're back!"

"Yes, we are," Gallardo muttered, there was a sense of idleness weighing down on him, Marcena rose, dusted off the dirt from her coat, adjusted the bag on her person and offered him her hand. He chuckled and reached for it before heaving himself up. A sudden April wind lunged at them; Marcena shivered, at which Gallardo adjusted his bag before taking off his coat, for it was bigger than hers. A cold wind sent goosebumps on his back at which Marcena shook her head.

"Let's share," she suggested and accepted Gallardo enveloping them both.

For a minute they just admired the bright sun struggling to give heat against the furious wind.

"We should head back," Gallardo whispered.

"Yeah," concurred Marcena. "Let's go home."

"Where we can't say Riddle's name without being hunted, mind you!" Gallardo chuckled.

"I think we'll live," Marcena assured sweetly. "So long as we have our friends and each other." Gallardo held her more firmly as they walked to the large white house- Shell Cottage.

They saw a man in a black coat walking to the house, he looked up and saw them approaching. The couple froze; Gallardo pulled himself in front and placed his hand to his wand, whilst pinning the man, who's mouth was covered by a scarf. He took it off, a move which caused Gallardo to ease up.

"Where have you two been?" called Bill. "You know, I'm all for romantic getaways but it's really not safe!"

"We just needed to do something," replied Marcena. "On behalf of the Order."

"We went back in time," Gallardo affirmed. "Don't worry, I've made sure that we're not being tailed!"

Bill man hugged him on approach and patted Marcena's shoulder. "I'm glad you two are safe!"

The couple looked bemusedly at each other and grinned. He held them both by the shoulder and said: "Let's go home!"

"Bill," Gallardo asked. "Are you high or something?" Marcena and Bill giggled.

"No, just thrilled."

They arrived at Shell Cottage and he knocked.

"Who's there?" called a voice from inside.

"It's me, Bill Weasely, head and Fidelius of Shell Cottage!" The door gracefully flew open as they walked in. The patter of their shoes resonated a feeling of comfort in their veins, the sort a traveller feels when sitting down after a day long hike.

"Mum, Dad and Aunt Muriel are all safe and fine!" announced Bill, in the hallway. "Ginny's back home, she sends you all her love.

"And you'll never guess who I found wandering like wayward children!"

They entered the living room and all went silent.

"Gallardo? Marcena?" Fleur rose. "We have all been so worried!" She hugged and kissed them both on their cheeks.

Next came Luna and Hermione, who started going a little teary as they hugged them. Ron, Harry and Dean enthusiastically shoulder bashed Gallardo, and hugged Marcena.

"It's good to see you!" Harry greeted.

"Hang on!" said Gallardo. "You're acting like we've been away for years!"

They all looked at each other. Hermione spoke up. "No, guys, you two have been gone for three or four days, we started to think that something had gone wrong."

"Oh," Marcena conceded, as the penny dropped. "We had no idea." The three month stay must have tampered with the time travel.

"You're here now, that's what matters," Luna pointed out.

"Thank you, honey," Marcena said. She joined Fleur and Luna for some tea.

"So, how was your shack up with Juliet?" Veera asked him, as she appeared from behind him.

"Marcena," corrected Gallardo. "Her name's Marcena."

"Oh, get a room!" she scoffed and scuttled off.

"Nice to see you too, Veera," he muttered.

Gallardo followed Harry, Ron and Hermione upstairs, his stomach battled against his lungs. They entered one of the rooms and seated themselves.

"So, mate," began Ron. "Share, what did you do?"

Gallardo inhaled and explained about the duel, what he did, about how they had been stranded with him being burnt and then healed, about the Baronze (who they now knew were behind the assassinations of the Field Marshal of the British Ministry). He divulged about the Nexus Prism and about how to counter it and what the next step should be or could be.

They all listened intently, Hermione engaged the most and Gallardo felt that she understood more than what was on the surface.

"So, you shared a bed with Marcena?" Ron asked curiously.

Gallardo nodded.

"Well did you, you know? How was it?"

"We didn't," Gallardo replied.

All three stared at him.

"Mate, are you sure that you're actually straight?" Ron exclaimed.

"Yes, of course!" Gallardo snapped indignantly. "I was tempted, but we want to build on the more important things first."

"You are mad!" Ron laughed. "This is Marcena we're talking about, how is it even possible?"

"No, he's not!" Hermione defended him. "I thinks it's sweet and great!"

"Thanks, Hermione," he said. "So how's the Gringotts going?"

"We've pretty much finished," Harry informed. "We should be heading out soon.

"We're glad to have you back and with us," he said, after a pause.

Gallardo breathed out and rose, before leaning against a wardrobe. His stomach leapt in anticipation. "Guys, listen. I want to tell you guys that you've been brilliant. All of you!"

"Thanks, mate," Ron said.

"Hermione," continued Gallardo. "Thank you so much for being a great cook, great medic and an even greater friend. Ron, my man, there has never been a dull moment with you around!" Gallardo swallowed slightly when he turned to Harry, who patiently waited with his arms folded. He was more worried about Harry's reaction to what he was about to say. "Harry, you've been a mentor and like a brother to me. We've all had the best of times together, and I hope that we can bring down Riddle and Diablus together, and I look forward to that day!"

"But?" Harry muttered.

"But to defeat Diablus, I need to be strong and pure on the inside, as well as physically," Gallardo explained. "And that's when I'll be ready to wield the scimitar.

"Marcena makes me feel, like I don't know... like strong inside when I feel weak, and pure when I'm just filled with bad emotions. I think I should stay with her to prepare myself for my showdown with Diablus," he smiled, joyfully.

"Oh God, " Hermione smiled back, with slightly shiny eyes. "You complete each other. You two really do bring out the best in each other! You have my blessing!" she sniffed and the two hugged.

"Well, you've done so much for us already," Harry weighed up, after Hermione and Gallardo had parted. "You've helped us get the edge, and I was right about not going after the wand. Mate, if you think that being closer to Marcena will train you to defeat Diablus, then you go for it. I would be honoured to fight alongside you again!" Harry grabbed Gallardo's hand and shook it in a manly way. "You've been a brother and a big motivation to keep going, and it has been a true honour have you by my side!" They hugged and laughed. "I suppose now I owe it to you, thanks for saving my life in the graveyard that day!"

"No problem," croaked Gallardo. "That's what friends are for! Eh Ron?"

"You son-of-a-!" Ron snarled.

"Ron!" yelled Hermione. She dragged him out into the doorway and began arguing with him in a hushed whisper. Ron began shaking his head, cursing under his breath.

The footsteps of two girls sounded as they approached on the stairs.

"I absolutely loved the Japanese cake, it just tasted so heavenly!" Marcena complimented.

"Thanks," Luna grinned. "Me and Daddy have tonnes of ingredients lying around, you should come around, once this war is over!"

"You!" Ron boomed, causing them both to jump.

Gallardo snapped into adrenaline mode and, along with Harry, and charged in between Ron and the girls. Luna gazed with fear at Ron, who fumed.

"Ron, I swear, don't even think about doing anything!" he growled.

"I have something to say to her," said Ron, easing up a little.

"It's okay, Gallardo," Marcena assured. "What did you want to tell me?"

"You..." Ron began quietly. "Have the one of the most honourable of men, who will do anything for you. Treat him well and make him happy," Ron finished, calmly yet burning with passion. "Or else Hermione will put a curse on you!"

Marcena laughed nervously. "Okay, I think that's fair!" She looked at Gallardo and Hermione, who both gave her a surprised apologetic look.

"OK then," Ron nodded and walked back into the room the four were in.

"You are bonkers, mate," Harry told him. "Absolutely bonkers!"

"By the way," Gallardo cleared his throat. "I've brought us a little something," he said, reaching into his pouch which lay on the bed. He drew a bottle with a white liquid, he summoned four cups from the kitchen. "Grape soda?"

"Why not?" Hermione grinned. She took the bottle and poured some soda for the four of them. "Why don't we toast?"

"To what?" Ron said.

"To love. And Freedom," Harry suggested, raising his cup.

"To love and freedom!" echoed the friends.

"And the end of this stupid war!" Ron added, causing them all

to laugh.

They all sipped; Gallardo took another and sighed. It felt sad because he was parting with Harry, Ron and Hermione, who he had lived alongside, every second stung a little as he knew that they were leaving. But he thought of the moments he would share with Marcena, these would empower him to fulfil his destiny, and that's what mattered the most. She had regenerated true hope in his heart, which was so much stronger than anger. He hoped that he would stand alongside his friends on the day that the regime of terror was to fall.

"Stupid naivety!" snapped a sly voice. The companions jumped; Griphook sat shaking his head. He must have sneaked in when they were outside. "I bet you stupidly think that you two will get married, have babies and everything will be fine, don't you? Well you're in for a disappointment, because most couples end up hating each other! She'll screw you or you'll get bored of her and have a few affairs!"

Gallardo breathed in and out. "Well of course, your opinion means so much to me, Griphook!" he snapped sarcastically. "By the way, I'm not going in thinking everything will be perfect, but we'll make it brilliant! We'll remember who we are and take any trouble on the chin and work as a team! I hope you don't carry that attitude for our mission," he added, sharply.

Griphook looked as though he had been slapped, as he rose and seemed to raise his hand to curse. Gallardo quickly reached his wand but Harry grabbed it and moved in between. "Come on guys, we're on the same side here!"

Gallardo's hands began sweating, as his heart raced and his adrenaline levels rocketed. Griphook's eyes pierced them like a poisonous arrow, for the first time he seemed dangerous; he tilted his head to the side and slowly (subconsciously or not) made a gesture which looked like stabbing himself in the leg.

"I'll leave you Wizards to your happy song-and-dance," he said finally, exiting the room without making any eye contact. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Keep an eye on him!" Gallardo hissed, grabbing hold of Harry's shoulder. He turned to Hermione. "Where's the sword?"

"It's safely wrapped up downstairs, why?" Ron replied.

"Good, but still keep an eye on him. We need him but if he endangers you then subdue him, if you have to."

"Gallardo!" Hermione hissed.

"Look, obviously try not to, but if he tries anything then your safety is more important!"

"OK," Harry nodded. "That's reasonable. Anyway, glad to have you back!"

"Glad to be back!" he replied, after a pause.

29th April 1999

Griphook's icy attitude seemed dormant for the next few days; he did not have another outburst, but all his moves were watched suspiciously by Gallardo, who despite pulling out of the Gringotts mission remained to give an alternative view on the plan and keep a check on the goblin.

He felt quite light hearted outside the sessions, his radiant happiness could be felt by Marcena, with whom he had only shared a few open moments, and fewer solitary ones. They would talk for a while but retire to their friends as both had things to do; Gallardo missed spending his nights lying next to Marcena and she missed him to. However, Veera would make a snide comment about the magic leaving their relationship and even went as far to suggest to Marcena that Gallardo had got bored of her. Luckily, Gallardo overheard and furiously set the record straight causing them to grow closer.

One evening there was a loud knock on the door; everyone froze.

The men placed a hand on their wands and rose slowly.

"Who's there?" Bill yelled.

"I am Remus John Lupin!" responded the voice. "I am a werewolf, I am married to Nymphadora Tonks, who prefers to be called Dora or Tonks."

Bill opened the door, momentarily allowing the icy wind in; Lupin was wrapped in a long coat as he entered and loosened up.

"Dora..." he began. "Has given birth! It's a BOY! I have a son!" he said, excitedly.

The whole room, even Griphook, rose in jubilation and began hugging Lupin, who held a picture of a healthy baby. "It's been quite a few months, but we've finally been able to tell everyone! We've had him checked by your mother and sister," he said, signalling to Gallardo, whose heart tendered.

"They're fine," assured Lupin, realising his thoughts. "They miss you, but they're fine and hoping you're safe. By the way, your mum wants to make sure that you're eating properly!"

Gallardo laughed nostalgically and nodded. Fleur offered drinks for them all; Gallardo and Marcena signalled teetotality and drank rose sherbet. Everyone grinned and caught up, Harry was offered the role as godfather to little Teddy Lupin, which he graciously accepted.

"To godfather Harry!" toasted Dean, and they all concurred.

"Dora thinks he looks like me, but I think he's like her," Lupin said. "Either way he keeps me awake and I have to go on Potterwatch really tired!"

"How is the old crew?" Marcena asked.

"We're all right, I see you've found Dean, when it's safe how about you come down and give us your take on things, Verdadera?"

"I'd love to, Romulus," Marcena replied.

"Seriously," Lupin said to Gallardo, while feeling a little tipsy. "She is a brilliant reporter!"

"I know," Gallardo nodded. "Remus, can I talk to you for a second?"

"Sure." They edged towards the corridor, where there was a little more privacy.

"I don't know whether this is your call or not, but can you let Potterwatch know to never send Marcena out into the field on her own, it's not safe, and I don't want her to be alone in the face of danger," Gallardo said calmly. "You hear me?"

Lupin began smiling. "You love her, don't you?" His words darted into the other's throat, causing dryness. Gallardo's heart jumped; he knew the answer but he also knew that he had to be sure. He thought about when he was back in Hogwarts, but it was not to be on that day. These words could not be taken back, and he also knew that losing that person would tear him apart. But denying something so obvious seemed pointless, and wrong. Slowly, he nodded.

Lupin's smile widened as he patted Gallardo on the side. "You are growing into a great man, Gallardo. You know, I used to think that my ideal death, if you can call it that, was to die in battle, fighting the Dark Wizards. But now, I would rather die in Dora's arms, because that's where home is."

Fleur passed them and entered the kitchen before retreating; Harry and Bill seemed to be talking, so she smiled at the two in the corridor before returning to the living room.

"Gallardo, if you feel something similar for Marcena, then you need to tell her if you haven't already; she needs to know!" Lupin escorted him back to the living room. "But the trick is to be able to put her before yourself; put her needs, safety and happiness before your own wants." He twinkled and nodded before walking back into the living room.

Harry exited the kitchen looking pumped with adrenaline, as Gallardo felt likewise, but with a touch of excitement.

"You all right?" Gallardo exhaled.

"Yeah," Harry muttered. "Bill... he seems to know what we're planning." He then lowered his voice. "If Griphook feels that he has been double crossed then we could all be in terrible danger."

"Keep an eye on him," Gallardo recommended. "And show him how reasonable you're trying to be. Excuse me, I need to do something."

He left a Harry, who seemed to be more at ease and entered the living room, where Hermione and Marcena were chatting.

"Hey!" called Marcena. "I was just telling Hermione of where we went and what we bought."

"Hey, how about I cook you some dinner tomorrow?" Gallardo beamed. "A picnic for you and me, out there?" he signalled to the garden.

"Sounds good!"

"Oh and..." he lowered his voice. "You should wear your new dress!"

30th April 1999

Gallardo exhaled and made a whistling noise, as he fastened his green tie over his stripy blue shirt, which was tucked neatly into his black trousers. He checked his pocket; it was there. He might need it tonight, he grinned to himself as he combed his hair into his usual sleek hairstyle, with the fringe curved up.

"Looking good," Dean commented. He and Fleur were sat in the living room, almost prepping Gallardo.

"Did you take the food up?" Fleur asked him.

Gallardo nodded. "Thanks for helping me cook, it means a lot to me."

"No problem," replied Fleur. "You know, your mother would be really proud of you!"

"Thanks," he flushed. "I've only been of age for about two years."

"Hi, so what's happening today?" asked a familiar voice.

Gallardo looked up and the brightest grin shot across his face. Her dress draped just past her ankles, the blue background was enveloped with blue, green and pink flowers. There were two spaghetti straps over her shoulders and a marble necklace hanging from her neck, with the initials 'MS' burnt in. Her brown hair was tied into a bun, as a white headband guarded her hair. But what made Gallardo (and Fleur and Dean) wow was the way her eyes and smile radiated the room, with no lipstick and only a touch of foundation, which jolted a sense of protective conservationism into Gallardo's heart. His eyes were blind to the scarce perfect blemishes on her skin.

After recovering, he held out his hand, she gave hers. Kneeling slightly, he kissed the top part, causing her to tremble.

"For you," he said, picking up a white jasmine from the table and placing it under her headband. He then held out his arm. "Shall we?"

"Of course," she affirmed and curled into his arm and let herself be escorted towards the garden. Dean and Fleur waved them, as he opened the door, into the night sky. It felt surprisingly warm for a late April night, but a breeze still chilled them as they entered the great outdoors.

He took of his jacket and placed it over her shoulders.

"Are you sure?" she asked. "Won't you be cold?"

"It's fine," he replied. "Hey, close your eyes a minute." She obliged. "No peaking!" He covered her eyes with his hands.

"OK."

He led her through the starry sky and onto the platform that was adjacent to a growing and healthy tree, with magnificent cherry blossoms developing. The platform began rising suddenly yet smoothly. The shock caused her to hold on to him. He removed his hands and she snapped her eyes open.

The were on top of the garden, on a ledge that preluded to the warm, cosy and sturdy looking tree house, with a protruding chimney. Gallardo opened the door and beckoned inside.

A small Japanese table was at the centre, accompanied by two low couches and a green low Turkish divan in the corner. On the right side was an enchanted fireplace, which warmed the place up and next to it, a worktop with a kettle, pot, plates, a bottle of rose sherbet and cutlery. The ceiling was transparent, the clouds and the constellation waved the couple but were not close enough to ruin their privacy.

"We can eat, drink, talk," Gallardo suggested to a pleasantly surprised Marcena. "And spend the night here. Chastely, of course!" he added quickly and Marcena giggled nervously.

"It's perfect," she whispered, kissing his cheek. "Thank you, so much."

Gallardo took off the coat over her shoulders and placed it behind his sofa.

He pulled out a zampoña, a set of Andean panpipes, after seating her down. "I've prepared a little something for your before we eat."

Marcena listened excitedly, as he raised the foot long instrument to his lips and blew lightly, echoing a soft and slow melody which caused goosebumps to erupt on her back.

White smoke glided out from the pipes and formed words that she understood, making her beam with emotion, as the words faded to make room for the next line.

Tu lugar es a mi lado,

Hasta que lo quere Dios,

Hoy sabrán cuánto te amo,

Cuando por fin seamos dos.

Y nunca estuve tan seguro,

De amar así, sin condición,

Mirándote mi amor te juro,

Cuidar por siempre nuestra unión

Gallardo lowered the zampoña, which kept relaying its melody, and offered her his hand. Marcena took it, smiling and allowing him to place his right hand on her waist, before twirling her once.

"Oh, you've been practising your moves, haven't you?" she whispered.

Gallardo nodded and sighed, absorbing the words that followed the ballad, as he looked into the eyes of the girl that he gently but passionately danced with. He felt her trembling slightly, causing him to hold her more firmly, refusing to let her fall.

Hoy te demuestro

Cuanto te queiro

Amandote hasta mi final

He smiled, he meant those words, even though his heart raced like mad, with excitement, fear, hope, or maybe all of these. Marcena seemed to be really thrilled and moved by the tune, and she seemed so happy that he wanted to do something right now, just to savour that happiness, but he had to wait.

"I've made some tortellini," he said, handling the pot, once the panpipes finished and prompted an enthusiastic applause from Marcena..

"Thank you, so much! I love this! I love Italian! Shall we tuck in?"

"After you."

"So how come you decided to stay?" she asked, after a few bites and sips of rose sherbet. "Because you can go with Hermione, Harry and Ron. I would wait for you, however long it takes."

"That means a lot," Gallardo said, touched. "But my destiny is to strengthen myself and stay with you. You give me that inner strength and purity I need, and will need. Besides, a girl like you really is impossible to find."

Marcena nodded and wiped her eye.

"Tonight is about, you and me," he whispered. "Not about Griphook, Diablus or any other angsty person!"

"Well, if you had to bring a Death Eater to this dinner, who would you bring?" Marcena teased. "Fenrir Greyback?"

"Hell, no!" Gallardo laughed. "He'll ruin the whole evening! Do we have to bring anyone?"

"Come on, hypothetically!"

"OK, then, Narcissa Malfoy. Just to show her what a dress actually looks like!" They burst into laughter. After finishing their meal, they poured some tea to drink as they watched the heavens, whilst absorbing comfort from one of the sofas that they shared.

"Well I'd love to tell you about the constellation, but all those years of Astronomy have gone. So can I tell you about puffy clouds, instead?"

Marcena laughed and playfully slapped him. She then lowered her voice, and stared up into the black velvet sky. "Gallardo, do you believe in a Bigger Plan, or a Greater Being, or Destiny?"

He thought for a moment. "Well... I've never really been a church goer, and if you'd asked me this last year or even six months ago, I would have said no." He sighed and continued stroking Marcena. "But over the past few months, I don't know... I've felt something greater in the universe. Something that brings all the plans together, because it seems as if we were meant to find each other, get stuck in time and find the answers we're looking for. There seems to be a bigger plan, which I hope will see this war over. What about you?"

"Same really, there has to be a bigger plan that gives us hope and will see the world safe again. There has to be," she replied, before getting up slightly. "But sometimes, I wonder if we're meant to live long enough to see the end."

"Hey, we shouldn't think like that!" Gallardo whispered, touching foreheads. It felt pleasantly cool on his apparently warm skin. "We should seize the moments and build for tomorrow."

Marcena nodded. "You're right!" She then shot up once more. "I've just realised something!"

"OK, what's that?" Gallardo rose, as well.

"How long did we spend in Garden Town?"

"Um... just under four months, why?"

"In our mental time, it's months passed your birthday!" Marcena cried. "I'm sorry, but I've not got you anything!"

Gallardo chuckled, placidly and held her hand. "Look, honestly babe, you being here with me is a gift."

"No, I insist," Marcena protested, her face suddenly shone. "I have an idea! Close your eyes!"

"OK." He closed his eyes and listened to his sweetheart's soft breathing.

She spoke in a serene and gentle crooning voice. "OK, take a few breaths. Breathe in... and out. Good. Now, I want you to imagine your Patronus gliding from the sky."

Gallardo smiled and imagined his ibex goat galloping from the moon and coming down into the garden. He tried not to think about being tied up trying to create a distraction for the Snatchers on that day, which seemed so long ago yet felt like yesterday.

"Gallardo, look!" she said, tapping his shoulder and signalling to the window. Both stole a glance outside.

The white glow of a muscular ibex galloped towards the back door, which led to the garden. But there was a beautiful dolphin hovering, waiting for that ibex. The touched heads, causing them to smile and do the closest thing that animals could to laughing with pleasure. The dolphin squealed into the night and the ibex almost purred before resuming their caresses. The ibex huffed and signalled in the opposite direction to the door. The dolphin yelled in affirmative, within seconds they were one white and pure glow, which gracefully took the aerial route into the sky, towards the millions of visible stars.

"Wow, that was," Gallardo croaked. "I don't know what to say... it was truly... unforgettable!" He exhaled and grinned.

"I'm glad you like it," Marcena signalled to her cheek, but Gallardo held her face by the cheeks is his hands and looked at her eyes. He blinked and breathed out once more.

"Ever since you walked back into my life, seeing you again and spending each moment with you makes me feel like... I'm blessed," Gallardo said. "Marcena, you really are the queen of my heart, and I love you!" His heart was racing even as he inhaled, he loosened his top button as his heart and lungs cheered him on.

Marcena nodded and hugged him. "I love you, too!" He could feel her heart beating on his chest, he embraced her and affectionately kissed her. "I have waited so long for you to say that to me! It was worth the wait, oh... just look at what we're blossoming into!"

"We're still growing," Gallardo remarked jovially; he held her hands and motioned for them to sit. He descended, sitting cross-legged, still holding her hands. Their knees touched and her laughter, that followed, transpired to his. He touched his forehead with hers before pecking it. It gave a jolt of energy, for the night wasn't over. He still intended to do one more thing.

"Marcena Sempatho," he grinned. "We're still growing because I'm going to protect, love, cherish and adore you, for the rest of my life. I want us to brave the storms together, to live, fight and walk as one. Because, there is no one I'd rather share this journey with!"

"Thank you," Marcena said. "Me next." She coughed and propped herself next to him. They lay down, she wrapped her arms around him and planted a few kisses on his cheek. The ripple effect tingled his senses, all he could see was a pleasant and heavenly garden with sweet scented flowers and plants, as she began whispering in his ear.

"I want to be the girl, who will not only love, adore and be by your side, but I'll appreciate you, I will look after you and sacrifice for you. I will be by your side as we make something beautiful, strong, loving and merciful!"

Gallardo nodded, chuckling coyly, and rose. He cleared his throat. "Marcena, I don't want to just tell you that you're the queen of my heart, I also want to show you how much you mean to me."

Marcena rose slightly, with a look of intrigue.

"I guess what I'm trying to ask is..." he looked directly at her smiling eyes, her patient grin and he listened to the flute like hooting of an owl. "Marcena Olivia Sempatho," he beamed, breathed and dropped to one knee. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the magnificent jade stone Meden Ring, the ring that she had saved his life with. "Will you marry me and be my wife?"

Marcena gasped with joy, as it sunk in; she began to cry and hold her face. "Y-yes!" she nodded. "I'd love to!" With that they hugged tightly.

Gallardo could not stop smiling as he rubbed noses with her. He placed the Meden Ring neatly on her finger and spun her around and held her hands and looked into her watery and tender eyes.

"Hey did we... just say our vows?" Gallardo asked, with his heart thudding, his body and soul tingling with excitement, once those words came out. He meant them, he was sure, and saying them filled his heart with a powerful joy. "Or do you want to make it official, in front of Bill later, as he is the Fidelius of this house?"

Marcena grinned mischievously. "How about we do both? My wonderful husband!" she whispered the last bit in his ear, straddling him with her arms and legs around him. For a moment, he went red with shock, but quickly recovered with a smile.

"Te amo, Marcena," he gently whispered back, nibbling her soft and cool ear. "Mi reina, mi vida, mi esposa hermosa!"

"Yo te amo tambien, mi cariño," she whimpered, softly, just millimetres from his lips.

He kissed her four times, he looked into her eyes, completely mesmerised. She was his and he was hers and now he was about to show her, in what he hoped was one of the most loving, sensual and tender ways.

1st May 1999

He exhaled and lay on his back, while putting his under shirt back on. Marcena was loosening her hair, she then spread herself across his chest, as he lay back down, looking up to the starry midnight heavens.

"I've already got your Dad's blessing," Gallardo murmurred, caressing her hair. "So, we can do this properly, in the morining, if that's what you want."

"I'd love that," Marcena said. "Is that what you spoke to him about, at Hogwarts?"

Gallardo nodded.

"Sweet dreams, my darling," she whispered and closed her eyes. She kissed him on the cheek and breathed heavily. Within minutes she was snoring lightly, fast asleep, with an arm fastened around his chest to keep him safe.

Gallardo grinned to himself and exhaled from the intimacy he had been engaging in for the past half hour or so. This was a new chapter in his life, and he felt so happy. He stroked the hair and bare back of the girl he loved and closed his eyes. He listened to her heart beating through her bosoms, which were fastened to his side.

But after sleeping for about four hours, he awoke panting, with a lake of sweat on each of his arm pits and a heart that excruciated and raced like an unfit marathon runner.

Te amo, Marcena, mi reina, mi vida, mi esposa hermosa!- I love you Marcena, my queen, my life, my beautiful wife.

Yo te amo tambien, mi cariño- I love you too, my darling.

Author's Note: That's it for this chapter! Thanks for reading! Excuse the mushiness in this chapter, I did warn you that it was the most romance orientated. Please read and review, I always appreciate them.

Anyone want to hazard a guess as to why he woke up like he did? How many guessed correctly what he asked Marks in the last chapter?

Just to let you know, this is the penultimate chapter of this book.