Chapter 10

Ruby looked at me and nodded "yes" she grinned, taking Lupin's arm and walking into the church through the huge wooden doors with Ginny and I following exactly three paces behind. I could see Fred standing at the end of the isle with the biggest grin that I have possibly ever seen. I could tell that Ruby had exactly the same look on her face. I could see my Georgie standing next to him looking beautiful in his suit, he made me feel weak at the knees, I really should get used to that feeling We reached the end and Lupin place Ruby's hands in Fred's before squeezing her shoulder as we took our seats in the front row. The vicar then started to talk.

Their vows were amazing and touching, there were so many feelings behind them "I Ruby Morden, take you Fred Weasley to be my husband, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our union and love you more each day than I did the day before. I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward for as long as we both shall live. " She spoke them perfectly her smooth voice making the words flow so easily. Fred's were as equally impressive. As they started to take their final vows it turned out that George had forgotten to give his brother the rings so suddenly had to jump up as Fred started to pat his pockets frantically. Once that commotion was over they continued,

"With this ring, I thee wed." Fred beamed,

"With this ring, I thee…" she stopped short and slowly turned around, muscles tensed as steady foot steps echoed off the flagstone floor. A man was walking down the isle, he was tall and lean with sandy coloured hair, dazzling blue eyes (almost the same colour as mine, and mine were to attract prey technically) that were rimmed red and bulging muscles. He had a hard determined look on his face that looked familiar. He was one scary man. "You though you could get away with getting married behind my back did you, you dirty little slag!" he boomed.

"Excuse me, who are you?" Fred shouted, irritated as he moved round Ruby to protect her. "Fred, meet Dean. Dean Morden" Ruby announced in a whisper. It. Was. Her. Dad. That's why he looked familiar. Before anyone could say anything he had batted Fred out the way, who now had a large red welt on the side of his face on the war path towards his daughter.

The entire church gasped and was spurred into action, wands appearing from clutch bags and socks. Or in my case my dress, knew it would come in handy. Dean was advancing on Ruby, backing her towards the corner, undoing his belt. I had seen the scars and had never questioned them but now the truth hit me, it was him. How dare he do that to Ruby. I was furious now . Ruby no longer had anywhere to go so she turned away from him as he lashed out and the belt struck her back. She managed to quickly turn her blood red (Halflings like us have black blood) before hitting the ground. It was like watching a slow motion film that I was helpless to stop. I felt guilty.

As Dean tried to lift Ruby up by grabbing her hair "CRUCIO" came from four people around the room, Arthur, Fred, George and Lupin. Ouch. The spells all hit Dean at the same time and he collapsed to the floor, releasing his grip on Ruby as he did so, convulsing violently .

We all jolted into action, Molly located the Vicar who was covering behind the alter and wiped his memory and the rest of us ran towards Ruby. I knew that she would be ok, she was one tough cookie. I wondered over to Dean who was now groaning and picked him up and carried him effortlessly out side before setting him on his feet. "you bastard" I snarled

"who the hell are you"

"your worst nightmare"

"what ever sweetheart, your too pretty. How about getting a drink and having some fun with Dean" He made a grab for my wrist. I punched him in the face.

"I have a boyfriend"

"That doesn't stop a lot of people" he grinned. I punched him again and again. I knew I should stop. A hand was suddenly in my shoulder, restraining my arms pulling me away "Ivy, that's enough". It was Lupin I tried to struggle against him "he hurt Ruby"

"I know, I know. It's ok Ivy" I collapsed into his arms sobbing as he gently patted my head. "how…how" I stammered,

"some people just choose evil, that's the way the world works. Look at You-Know-Who" I nodded, straightening up as two of the Cullen's came out and carried Dean off. "we'd better get back inside" I sniffed "don't tell Ruby about what I just did, I'd rather she didn't know"

"of course, of course" he replied kindly. I forced a smile at him and made headway towards the church. I slipped in just in time to hear Ruby say "With this ring, I thee wed". I saw her slip a ring onto Fred's finger before kissing him, smiling through the pain before signing all of the necessary paperwork and then slipping out hand in hand. I would talk to her later. I was worried, we really needed to talk.

I found George who was talking to his parents at the front of the church. He took one look at me and excused himself and led me outside. I buried my makeup stained face into his chest. Sobbing. "I hate myself" I mumbled into his chest

"hey don't say that" he replied stroking my cheek.

"but I do"

"why? " he inquired

"I hit Dean and then I couldn't stop, I just kept punching him and punching him and Lupin had to pull me off him" I whispered guiltily. Hanging my head in shame.

"that doesn't make you a bad person Ives, you were sticking up for your best friend, I'm sure she would have done the same for you"

"you think" I sniffed

"I know, look at me Ivy" so I did " don't beat yourself up, you were brave and stood up for your friend". Not that I heard much of that I was lost in his gaze

Nearly done, next chapter will be good. I promise !