LADY MALFOY
Disclaimer: Harry Potter and everything related belongs to J. K. Rowling. And the places I mention, in the story do not belong to me.
Author's note: Thanks to my wonderful beta, Pheonix Soar.
Most of you are wondering about Draco's attitude towards Harriet and vice-verse, right?
First of all, yes, they were both attracted when they first saw each other.
It's just that Harriet is afraid to look deeply into it more for fear of falling in love with him. I mentioned it in the chapter 6. It is, after all, a temporary marriage according to her. She fears that it would become difficult for her to leave him at the end if she were in love with him.
After all, it is easier to fall in love with someone you are already attracted to. Don't you think?
As for Draco, there is still 'I don't want to marry at all' thing with him. Reasons will be revealed soon why he feels that way. When Blaise told him the plan, Draco thought he'd maintain his distance with the girl and get rid of her after 3 yrs. But his problem is that Blaise showed him the girl, he was attracted to already. *Isn't Blaise sly* So it is very difficult for him to be aloof but he will try his best.
But don't worry; no matter how much they fight it, Love is inevitable between them. Please be patient and keep reading as their private moments are coming.
Well guys, the Chapter you all have been waiting for, is finally here!!!
Guys, don't get any ideas of kidnapping Harriet from the altar and marrying her yourself.
Gals, keep your drooling after Draco in control. We are in church. *bursts out crying* What am I saying? I am such a masochist or sadist or whatever; I am writing the marriage of the love of my life with another love of my life. I am gonna be sooooo lonely. *bursts out laughing* Just kidding, guys.
Oh, I also want to remind you that I am not a Christian, but I have incredible respect for all religions. There are parts in the chapter that refer to Christianity. If I made any mistakes in writing those, please forgive me, for it is nothing but my ignorance. Most of it came from research on the net.
I have tried my best to add all the 19th-century wedding traditions I researched, but at some places, I added my own imaginations that were in no way practised.
Enough with my rambling. ENJOY!
Warnings: AU NON-MAGIC . Harry is a female. You will find swear words but quite seldom. I will add further warnings as story progresses.
Chapter 9: The wedding
Mr. Dumbledore received them graciously at his house. After a little conversation, they all retired to bed since they needed to wake up at the crack of dawn.
Despite the tiredness and headache from crying, Harriet could not get proper sleep. What little sleep she got was filled with vivid dreams of being abandoned or her ending in loneliness.
Around five a.m., Molly woke Harriet from the restless sleep, instructing her to take a bath and brush her teeth.
Finishing the task, Harriet sat on the chair by the window and pensively watched the sunrise while Fleur, Hermione, Ginny and Molly got cleaned and dressed.
They were all dressed and ready by seven.
"Harry?" Hermione called gently.
Coming out of her trance, Harriet turned around and glanced between the four women.
"Look how absolutely beautiful you all are!" Harriet remarked, smiling brightly at them.
They returned her smile.
"Now you, beloved," Molly said, gesturing at her to occupy the dressing table.
Once Harriet had settled on the stool before the mirror, Fleur started working on her hair.
The Weasley boys arrived at the Dumbledore residency around eight in the morning. They would be escorting the ladies to the church. They were served tea in the morning room as they waited for their arrival.
Since it rained last night, Fleur suggested that Harry wear her wedding dress at the church to prevent mud stains on the gown. Donning on a light brown dress, Harriet, along with the others, left the guest rooms.
Glancing between her brothers, Harriet complimented them with a glowing smile.
All her brothers except Ron tipped their hats in reply. Harriet nodded once before clearing her throat loudly to gain Ron's attention, who was staring at a blushing Hermione.
"What?" Ron asked confusedly when he noticed everyone staring at him.
At his reply, the men burst out laughing while the women giggled in mirth.
For her part, Hermione turned bright red and looked like all she wanted to do was escape from there.
"You should leave now," Mr. Dumbledore suggested, looking at his pocket watch.
Arthur nodded and ushered the women outside.
The morning was chilly, Harriet noted, as she was lead to a specially decorated horse-drawn carriage hired for the occasion. As Harriet, Molly, Hermione, Ginny and Fleur were taken to the church in the carriage, Arthur and the Weasley boys walked behind.
On reaching the church, they were greeted cordially by Mr. Doge at the entrance. Since it was still half past eight, none of the guests had arrived. Charlie quickly ushered the ladies through the side door that led to the dressing room.
Inside the room, Hermione and Molly took the task of changing Harriet's dress while Fleur watched.
"Watc' ze 'air," Fleur cried as they put the wedding gown on Harriet. Molly and Hermione rolled their eyes but compiled nonetheless.
When Harriet was ready, Molly called her brothers in.
They stared wide-eyed at Harriet. A moment later, Bill's and Charlie's faces split into proud smiles as they took in the sight of the bride while Harriet smiled shyly.
"OK, who are you? And what have you done to our Harry?" George asked her seriously.
Fred and Ron nodded bemused.
Harry bit her lip before shrugging with smile.
Everyone laughed loudly.
Around quarter past nine, George returned to the dressing room.
"Mother, they are here," George informed her.
"Yes, yes," Molly said excitedly as she rushed to George's side. Taking his arm, she left.
Ginny and Fleur quickly walked up to the window to look at the bridegroom's party.
"What a pity that the groom is fairer than the bride!" Ginny commented loudly as they watched her parents and brothers greeting the Malfoy entourage.
Hermione put an arm on Harriet's gloved hand, noticing Harriet's downcast expression.
"Nonsense. 'Arry 'as a gorgeous and flawless light golden complexion. And clearly Mr. Malfoy finds 'er attractive," Fleur retorted, throwing a dirty look at Ginny.
"Well, aren't you a dashing young man," Alexandra remarked to the young man who helped her out of the carriage. "What's your name?"
"Charlie Weasley, Madam," Charlie bowed.
"Charlie, how you have grown so since I last saw you!" Alexandra said brightly.
"And you are looking as exquisite as ever, Lady Malfoy," Charlie replied with a wining smile.
Alexandra was dressed in a crimson satin-silk dress gown trimmed with silver satin and a cashmere shawl wrapped loosely around her arms. Her greying brown hair was held in an elegant bun at the nape of her neck. Her face glowed from the reflection of the diamond studded earrings and necklace she wore.
Alexandra laughed heartily. "Are you to escort me inside?"
"If you will honour me," Charlie replied, his smile not wavering in the slightest.
"Of course!" She took his extended arm.
When Arthur and Molly reached Lucius and Narcissa where they were standing by their carriage, they greeted them with smile (a forced one, in Arthur's case). All they received in return was an icy stare from Narcissa and a disgusted sneer from Lucius. He made to open his mouth to utter a nasty remark, but a look from Alexandra stopped him.
Not at all deterred, Molly gestured them inside the church.
Bill, Charlie, Fred, George and Ron escorted the ladies and ushered the gentlemen, who arrived with bridegroom, inside the Church Hall while Draco, Blaise and Regulus were shown to the other dressing room.
All of the bridegroom's party and the guests were ushered to the respective seats with Alexandra, Lucius, Narcissa, Elizabeth and Walter occupying the front row on the bridegroom's side.
At fifteen minutes to ten, the usher was signalled to enter the hall. As soon as Regulus had left, Draco took one last look at himself before making to leave. But Blaise halted his stride by grabbing Draco's arm.
Draco raised an incredulous brow at him.
"Draco, you have been my best friend since we were twelve, but I am afraid that it will not be the case if you ever hurt Harriet. I know you. I know that there will be times when you lose control. I am well aware of your temper. I myself am guilty of displaying the same at occasions. Just remember one thing: at the end of this agreement, Harriet has more to lose than anyone before you target her with it," Blaise said seriously.
Draco stared blankly at Blaise.
"When you signed the contract, one of her conditions was that you do not judge her family because of it," Blaise continued, looking intently into Draco's grey eyes. "Now, as a person who knows both of you quite well, I urge that you do not judge her character solely for accepting this agreement."
"I implore that you make her life a pleasant one as long as she is your wife," Blaise finished in a pleading tone.
After a long gaze, Draco gave him a curt nod. Blaise sighed in relief before letting him go with a relieved smile.
William, dressed in a taupe coloured suit, escorted the lovely Fleur who was dressed in jade coloured dress gown beautifully embroidered with silver silk thread. Her white blond hair, twisted in a loose bun, was covered with a simple bonnet decorated with orange flowers.
Next, Charlie, dressed in a charcoal coloured suit, escorted a buxom pink-cheeked Molly, who was dressed in a dark blue coloured dress gown, to the front row of the bride's side.
At this point, Draco entered the Church Hall from the side door and stood at the altar, facing the main entrance. He looked extremely handsome, dressed in a black coat with a swallowtail, worn over a white shirt held with a black silk puff tie and a black waistcoat elegantly embroidered with silver silk thread and black trousers. His coat was decorated with a double row of silver button above the waist and oversized buttoned cuffs. His pale skin and short white blond hair stunningly contrasted with his suit.
"Dwacooo, mama," sixteen-month-old, adorable Nicholas yelled cheerfully, pointing his chubby fist at Draco.
"Yes, darling," his mother, Natalie, agreed with a smile.
Regulus, dressed in a dark grey coloured suit, escorted Ginny who looked pretty, dressed in lavender coloured silk dress gown decorated with ribbon knots, along the aisle. She carried a bouquet of pale pink roses.
Following them was Blaise, who was dressed in a navy blue suit, escorting a charming Hermione dressed in a cherry blossom pink silk dress gown trimmed with lace and carrying a bouquet of yellow roses to the front.
As Blaise took his position between Draco and Regulus, the adorable four-year-old Isabella walked up the aisle, scattering white and pale pink rose petals from the basket along the way.
Arthur Weasley entered the dressing room as Hermione and Ginny left.
Harriet, who was staring at her image in the large mirror, turned around at the sight of her father and offered him a shy smile.
'Is she really Harry who would rather go exploring the village with her brothers than indulge in vanity like Ginny? One who would do her brothers' chores so they would take her along with them on their exploits? One who once expressed to Molly that her wish was to dress like her brothers?' Arthur wondered as he stared at the girl. 'No, not girl. Woman; a beautiful woman,' he mentally corrected himself for she looked like a woman for the first time in her life.
For a moment, Arthur remembered the first time he had seen a ten-year-old Harriet. Dirty faced, her thin and tiny frame covered in rags, her large green eyes were so open that they clearly spoke of misery, anxiousness and a tiny hope as they stared innocently at him and Molly.
Now, before him stood the same person, but the same eyes now relayed wisdom yet innocence. Arthur felt an incredible pride well up in his heart for raising such a daughter who was charming both inside and out.
"Father?"
Coming out of his stupor, Arthur smiled, teary-eyed, as he walked up to her and placed a tender kiss on her forehead.
Harriet smiled sadly at him before taking a huge breath.
"Shall we, Father?" Harriet prompted when Arthur stood still.
"Harry, are you sure about this union? You know none of us will care if you withdraw at this moment," Arthur said, staring searchingly at her face.
"I know, Father. But I wouldn't have agreed so in the first place if I had had second thoughts about it. So, yes, I am sure," Harriet responded with a reassuring smile.
Arthur nodded in acquiescence.
"Shall we?" he offered his left arm to her.
The pianist near the altar started playing as Harriet and Arthur stood at the entrance. Harriet noted several candles that beautifully lit the Church Hall. Incredible fear and shame welled up in her heart as her gaze fell on the statue of Christ.
'I know I have sinned by lying and betraying them, but, My Lord, as You protect Your loved ones from misery and pain, I am trying to protect mine. And this is the only way I could find. I will fully accept the responsibility of my actions when I am at Your door, and I will wholly submit to Your will. But, for now, please forgive me,' Harriet said mentally, closing her eyes for a moment.
Everyone stood and watched in awe as the bride progressed along the aisle on her father's arm.
Across the Hall, Draco stared stupefied at Harriet who was dressed in a gown made of pure white satin-silk with a darted bodice and a scoop neck. The gown was trimmed with appliqué lace with three-quarter length sleeves, a wide pleated hoop skirt and a white ribbon wound around her trim waist with a satin-made flower embossed at the centre.
Her black hair, twisted in a French style along the crown, was tied in a loose bun at her nape. Her hair was decorated with silver flower springs. Long, cascading black ringlet curls fell gracefully over her ears onto the light golden coloured smooth skin of her shoulders. Her full lips, curved in a shy smile, were painted red with the essence of cherry. The pearl necklace around her delicate neck and the earrings she wore only added to her angelic look. She also wore a gold bracelet (Molly's gift) on her white-gloved right hand.
Her eyes glowed like emeralds behind a Limerick guipure lace veil, which was edged with a border of floral motifs and held with a diamond and pearl studded tiara set on her crown. She carried a bouquet of orange blossoms and myrtle, The Book and a white handkerchief (Molly's gift) in her left hand.
"Angel, mama," Nicholas said in hushed tone, staring wide-eyed at Harriet.
"Oh my, they look like complete opposites!" Emily remarked to Natalie who threw her a look that said, 'I told you so'.
Blaise smirked in amusement at his friend's reaction, but cleared his throat softly as Arthur and Harriet neared the altar.
Coming out of the trance, Draco rearranged his face to a neutral expression as Harriet stepped up on the altar on his left. Everyone took their seat again.
Harriet and Draco together turned to the priest, who was standing by the Lord's Table, while Arthur stood just behind them. The priest started,
DEARLY beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this congregation, to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony; which is an honourable estate, instituted of God in the time of man's innocence, signifying unto us the mystical union that is betwixt Christ and his Church; which holy estate Christ adorned and beautified with his presence, and first miracle that he wrought, in Cana of Galilee; and is commended of Saint Paul to be honourable among all men: and therefore is not by any to be enterprised, nor taken in hand, unadvisedly, lightly, or wantonly, to satisfy men's carnal lusts and appetites, like brute beasts that have no understanding; but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, soberly, and in the fear of God; duly considering the causes for which matrimony was ordained.
First, it was ordained for the procreation of children, to be brought up in the fear and nurture of the Lord, and to the praise of His holy name.
Secondly, it was ordained for a remedy against sin, and to avoid fornication; that such persons as have not the gift of continence might marry, and keep themselves undefiled members of Christ's body.
Thirdly, it was ordained for the mutual society, help, and comfort, that the one ought to have of the other, both in prosperity and adversity. Into which holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined. Therefore if any man can show any just cause, why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter forever hold his peace.
When no impediment was alleged, the priest, glancing between the bride and bridegroom, said,
I REQUIRE and charge you both, as ye will answer at the dreadful Day of Judgement when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed, that if either of you know any impediment, why ye may not be lawfully joined together in Matrimony, ye do now confess it. For be ye well assured, that so many as are coupled together otherwise than God's Word doth allow are not joined together by God; neither is their matrimony lawful.
When they raised no objection, the priest turned to face Draco,
Draco Lucius Malfoy. WILT thou have this woman as thy wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honour, and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?
"I will," Draco answered.
Turning to Harriet, the priest said,
Harriet Jean Potter. WILT thou have this Man as thy wedded Husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou obey him, and serve him, love, honour, and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?
Her heart thudded against her bosom as Harriet replied, "I will."
Then the priest asked, "Who giveth this woman to be married to this man?"
"I do," Arthur answered, taking Harriet's right hand and forwarded to the priest. Arthur took his seat beside Molly in the front row of Bride's side.
The priest, receiving the hand at her father's, asked Draco to take her hand with his right hand and repeat after him,
I, Draco Lucius Malfoy…
For a moment, Draco gazed at her searchingly before repeating,
"I, Draco Lucius Malfoy, take thee Harriet Jean Potter to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my troth."
Then they loosened their hands; on the priest's gesture, Harriet, with her right hand, took Draco by his gloved right hand and repeated after the priest,
I, Harriet Jean Potter…
"I, Harriet Jean Potter, take thee Draco Lucius Malfoy to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish, and to obey, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I give thee my troth."
They again loosened their hands. Harriet, taking the wedding ring from Hermione who was standing behind her, laid it upon The Book with accustomed duty to the priest and the clerk, Mr. Doge, who was standing beside the priest. Draco, taking the ring from Blaise, did the same.
The Priest took the ring and passed it to Draco and asked him to put it upon the fourth finger of Harriet's left hand.
Harriet withdrew her hand from the white lace glove and passed it to Hermione.
Draco took her hand when she turned to face him again and said, "WITH this ring I thee wed, with my body I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen," placing the ring on her finger.
Next, Draco removed his white satin silk glove and passed it to Blaise.
Taking his hand, Harriet said, "WITH this ring I thee wed, with my body I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen," shakily placing the ring on his finger.
Lucius sneered in disgust at Molly's quiet sniffles, but stiffened at the noises coming from beside and behind him. Turning around, he stared, bewildered, as his mother, sisters and nieces dabbed at their eyes, while Narcissa watched the bride with a hateful glint in her eyes.
Draco and Harriet then turned to the priest and knelt down before the Lord's Table.
The Priest continued,
Let us pray.
O ETERNAL God, Creator and Preserver of all mankind, Giver of all spiritual grace, the Author of everlasting life; Send Thy blessing upon these Thy servants, this man and this woman, whom we bless in Thy Name; that, as Isaac and Rebecca lived faithfully together, so these persons may surely perform and keep the vow and covenant betwixt them made, (whereof this ring given and received is a token and pledge,) and may ever remain in perfect love and peace together, and live according to Thy laws; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Joining their right hands again, the priest said,
Those whom God hath joined together, let no man put asunder.
Next, the priest spoke to the people,
FOR AS MUCH as Draco Lucius Malfoy and Harriet Jean Potter have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have given and pledged their troth either to other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving of a ring, and by joining of hands; I pronounce that they be Man and Wife together, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Next, the priest added the Blessing.
GOD the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost, bless, preserve, and keep you; the Lord, mercifully with his favour, look upon you; and so fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace, that ye may so live together in this life, that in the world to come ye may have life everlasting. Amen.
The ceremony went on for a few more minutes before the priest asked the bridegroom to kiss his new bride.
Turning to face him, Harriet looked at him nervously as he lifted the veil slowly; then, putting his gloved right hand under her chin to tilt her face up, Draco bent down and placed a chaste kiss on her virgin lips.
'My first kiss' was the thought that occurred to Harriet whose eyes fluttered close when Draco leaned down. His intense gaze hadn't left her face as she opened her eyes slowly.
Suddenly, the loud applause that rang around the Hall broke their gaze. Together, they turned to their audience. Draco bowed low while Harriet curtsied deeply, blushing prettily.
Mr. Doge then placed the registry book on the table, along with an inkbottle and a quill. Draco first took the quill and signed his name where Mr. Doge pointed on the parchment. Next, Harriet signed her name one last time as Harriet Jean Potter.
Lucius and Narcissa grudgingly signed their names, followed by Arthur and Molly. Next, Alexandra, Blaise and Regulus signed their names from the bridegroom's side and Hermione, Bill and Fleur signed from the bride's side, making the count of ten witnesses.
"Congratulation, Mister and Mistress Malfoy," Mr. Doge said to Draco and Harriet, smiling widely as he took away the book.
Taking Draco's extended arm, Harriet exited the church with him. As they were about to cross the threshold, the guests threw rice and wheat grains over Harriet's head.
The guests followed the bridal couple outside, continuing to throw rice and wheat with joyful cries of Bread for life and pudding forever.
"Congratulations Darling," Molly said to Harriet, kissing both her cheeks and placing a hat on her head. Harriet and Draco were standing on the last step of the church, waiting for the bride-wain. "We will see you at the Manor." Her father, brothers and Hermione, standing behind Molly, were beaming at her. Percy stood among them with an apologetic smile on his face; Harriet gave him a reassuring smile in return.
Throwing a smile one last time at them, she turned to Draco.
Draco helped Harriet into the carriage when it drew in front of the church stairs. Climbing up, he stood on the open carriage. Removing coins from a red velvet pouch, he threw them in the air while Harriet sat and watched as people excitedly scrambled around on the ground for them.
By now, the bridegroom's party were seated in their carriages, ready to depart. The carriages left for Malfoy Manor one after the other.
Finally occupying the seat beside Harriet, Draco signalled the coachman to move. The sudden lurch of the carriage caused a grain of rice to fall from Harriet's head onto her lap. Picking it up in one hand, Harriet gazed at it sadly.
Noticing the stricken expression on her face, Draco asked lowly, "Is something wrong?"
She discreetly threw it away and whispered softly, "Nothing."
Draco gazed at Harriet who wouldn't meet his eyes, but did not press her further.
Several inhabitants of the town stood on the streets watching the procession in wonder and awe.
Harriet stared wide-eyed; as the Bride-wain drew on the path, curved with high hedges, towards an imposing pair of iron-wrought gates that were wide open. Beyond the gates, Harriet could see the handsome manor house of the Malfoys. 'I have never seen a manor this big in my life,' she thought in awe. Draco smirked smugly at her expression.
Just as they were about to cross the gates, the carriage before the Bride-wain stopped, halting the carriages behind them.
A blond haired young man, shorter than Draco, got off the carriage and helped a plump but attractive red-haired woman, who was dressed in a periwinkle coloured dress gown delicately embroidered with beads, and then a blond haired petite young woman dressed in a pale yellow dress gown trimmed with white lace, out of the carriage.
Together, they walked with purposeful strides and stood before the Bride-wain.
"Is there a reason why we are halting at the gates?" Draco drawled, raising an eyebrow at them while Harriet watched them curiously.
"Glad you asked. Now could you get down and help our new sister-in-law down, so that we could tell you the reason?" the red-haired woman said with a smirk.
Draco simply narrowed his eyes at her.
"What is going on? Why did you stop? Draco?" Lucius yelled in anger as he stuck his head out of the window of the carriage behind.
They stood their ground stubbornly and looked at Draco.
Draco grumbled irritably as he jumped out of the carriage. "Yes?" he bit out.
They shook their heads and looked pointedly at Harriet.
When Draco did not move to get her down, "Dear cousin, if you don't want to do it, I would be glad to help her down," the blond man said eagerly, moving forward.
"Absolutely not!" Draco glared at him before helping Harriet out of the carriage himself. The three cousins shared amused and knowing looks at that.
"Now, why exactly did we stop?" Draco asked with as much patience as he could muster.
The red haired woman ignored Draco; turning her head to Harriet, she said solemnly, "We apologise for this, sister-in-law, but unfortunately for us women, we will have to bear the punishment for our husbands' past crimes."
Harriet blinked at her.
"Now, you must be wondering what you beloved husband had done?" The woman continued. "Well, you see, Draco here was quite mischievous in his boyhood. He used to play embarrassing pranks on us. But he was also cunning enough never to get caught," she told her.
"Grandmother, you and Grandfather knew about it all the time, didn't you? You knew Draco was behind them, didn't you?" the blond young man asked loudly, staring accusing at Alexandra who watching them from the carriage window.
"Yes but we let it go since he was clever enough never to get caught in the act," Alexandra replied innocently.
The red haired woman and blond haired woman huffed while the young man grumbled irritably.
"Why is that relevant now?" Draco asked, ignoring their accusations while Harriet stared at him in shock.
The three of them looked at Draco with evil smirks on their faces.
"Since they never did punish you for it, we think this is the perfect time to get our revenge," the blond man said simply while the women nodded in acquiescence.
Harriet glanced anxiously at Draco, who raised an eyebrow mockingly at them.
"Draco, you will be allowed inside the Manor today only if you carry your new bride in your arms all the way to the hallway," the red haired woman declared with a smirk.
Paling a little, Harriet looked at them, horrified.
"You think you three can stop me from going inside?" Draco drawled mockingly.
Noticing the amusement on Alexandra's face, the blond man yelled, "Grandmother?"
Everyone turned to her.
"Draco, I have been partial to you all these years. It's only fair that I side with them now," Alexandra said apologetically though her eyes were twinkling brightly.
Draco narrowed his eyes at her.
Hearing her statement, all the other cousins joined the three and faced Draco and Harriet expectantly.
By this time, Harriet was looking nervously between Draco and his cousins.
Undaunted, "Stop with this childishness and let us through!" Draco snapped with a scowl.
They all shook their heads and stood blocking the path.
"Dear, give in already. The guests will be arriving any moment now," Alexandra urged him.
"Yes, you don't want to do it in front of the guests," the blond haired man said and then, a second later, added with a mischievous smirk, "Or do you?"
"It is fifteen yards, for Christ sake!" Draco argued.
"Well then, you should be grateful that your wife doesn't seem to weigh much," the blond young woman commented. Harriet immediately turned red at her statement.
"Come on, Draco, show us some of that masculine strength of yours," the blond man piped, winking at him.
"Why don't I beat you to pulp to prove that!" Draco sneered at him.
"That is one way, yes," the blond man agreed. "But there are ladies here; they cannot tolerate violence. Right, ladies?"
"Absolutely," Natalie agreed. "Enough stalling, Draco. You have to pick her up and cross the threshold anyhow. But now, you have to walk a little before that. That is all," she cajoled.
Seeing no other way out, Draco turned to Harriet so that his back blocked their view of Harriet and looked questioning at her.
Swallowing nervously, Harriet gave him an imperceptible nod. Draco hoisted her up into his arms, holding her up bridal style with a 'oomph'. The others quickly cleared the path with victories smiles and smirks. Draco gave them a final sneer before swiftly striding along the gravel path that led to the front door.
Blushing bright red, Harriet tentatively put her arm around his strong shoulders while holding her hat with the other hand. Halfway through, Harriet noticed Draco's hat slipping off his head. She quickly grabbed it before it could fall off and firmly set it on his head before she noticed Draco's bemused expression as he gazed at her. She let go of his hat as her blush deepened in embarrassment and she avoided his gaze.
Draco's cousins followed behind with loud cheers and comments. Seeing this, the children started hooting and giggling in mirth.
"Indecent act! What are young people learning these days?" Lucius sneered in disgust.
"The bride made no protests! She has no sense of shame or propriety whatsoever," Narcissa remarked, throwing an ugly look at the back of the bridal couple. Victoria and her husband, who were sharing their carriage, just shook their heads at Lucius and Narcissa's attitude.
The carriages followed the path behind them. As Draco was about to cross the threshold, Natalie yelled quickly, "Draco, stop. Don't cross."
Draco sighed in irritation, but stopped nonetheless.
Alexandra and the other women quickly walked inside the Manor where Elladora was waiting with a tray of tiny wheat cakes.
Talking one, Alexandra turned to Draco and Harriet. "Darling, bend down a little."
When Draco obliged with some effort, she broke the cake over Draco and Harriet's head. Elizabeth and Victoria followed suit. Finally Draco was allowed to cross the threshold with Harriet still in his arms.
Once inside, Draco gently lowered her onto the ground. Harriet immediately pulled her arm away from his shoulders. Harriet stared at the large hallway, which was lit with sunlight streaming through the large windows, and magnificently decorated with mahogany furniture and beautiful paintings. Most of the floor was covered in a thick and soft looking carpet.
"Dear, you should introduce Harriet to the rest of the family before we move to the family room," Alexandra told Draco.
Draco gave her a nod in acknowledgement.
Turning Harriet to his parents, Draco said, "Harriet, my father, Mr. Lucius Malfoy, and my mother, Mrs. Narcissa Malfoy."
When Harriet took a good look at Lucius, she was internally taken back. The resemblance between her husband and father-in-law was uncanny. Both stood six feet tall and had white blond hair and grey eyes. The slight differences were that while her husband had a lean frame, her father-in-law was muscular and he bore a thick moustache. He did look a little intimidating, Harriet thought, especially with the hateful glare he was directing at her.
"Father-in-law."
Curtsying deeply to him, Harriet next faced Narcissa. She was very beautiful and looked younger than her age. Narcissa had blond hair, though darker than that of her husband, and blue eyes, which were scrutinizing Harriet coldly.
"Mother-in-law," Harriet said, curtsying deeply to her, but Narcissa did not return her greeting like Lucius.
Undeterred, Harriet looked expectantly at Draco to continue while Draco and Alexandra glared at them.
Giving them up as a hopeless case, Draco said, turning Harriet gently, "This is Aunt Mrs. Victoria MacDougal and Uncle Mr. Nathan MacDougal."
Victoria was a beautiful woman in her early fifties with brown hair and blue eyes while her husband had receding red hair with brown eyes. He was a stocky man in his early sixties.
Harriet curtsied deeply to them with a smile.
Curtsying in return, Victoria said warmly, "Welcome to the family, Harriet," while Nathan bowed with a "Congratulations."
"Thank you."
"This is my eldest cousin, Mr. Peter MacDougal, and his wife, Mrs. Katie MacDougal."
Peter was a handsome, brown haired man in his early thirties while Katie was a pretty, blond haired woman in her twenties.
Harriet curtsied to them with a smile.
"Congratulations," they said, Peter bowing while Katie curtsied with a genial smile.
"And their son, Mathew."
Mathew was a cute little blond haired boy who was watching her haughtily.
"Hello, Mr. MacDougal," Harriet said smiling.
"I am Mathew. Mr. MacDougal is Grandpa," he replied loudly, pointing at Nathan while frowning at her.
Others except Lucius and Narcissa laughed at his response while the smile on Harriet's face grew bigger. Draco's mouth twitched a little in amusement.
"But of course. Can I call you Mathew then?" Harriet asked, looking expectantly at him.
Mathew stuck his nose in the air and gave her a nod.
"Thank you," she said with an indulgent smile.
"Cousin Mrs. Laura Baddock and her husband, Mr. Malcom Baddock."
Laura was a good-looking red haired woman while Malcom was a brown haired man in his late thirties.
Harriet curtsied and they returned her greeting in kind.
"This is their daughter, Kiera."
Kiera was a cute little red haired girl who was grinning toothily at Harriet.
"Hello, Kiera," Harriet said with a smile.
"Hello," she lisped in return.
"Cousin Mr. Morgan MacDougal."
Morgan was a brown-haired young man who wore a bored expression on his face, but when Harriet curtsied to him, he bowed.
"This is Aunt Mrs. Elizabeth Parkin and Uncle Mr. Walter Parkin."
Elizabeth was a plump woman in her late forties with white blond hair and blue eyes while her husband had greying auburn hair and brown eyes. He was a tall, thin and serious-looking man in his early sixties.
Harriet curtsied deeply to them with a smile.
"May you have a long and happy marital life," Elizabeth smiled, dropping a curtsy while Walter bowed with a "Congratulations on your nuptials."
"Thank you."
"You already met Cousin Mrs. Natalie Nott. This is her husband, Mr. Theodore Nott."
Mr. Nott was a blond haired short man who wore calculating look on his face.
Harriet curtsied to them with a smile.
"And, of course, the one hiding behind Natalie is young Nicholas."
Nicholas was an extremely adorable and chubby little boy who had white blond hair like Draco and large blue eyes, which peered shyly at Harriet.
"Hello, Nicholas," Harriet said with a bright smile.
Nicholas quickly ducked behind her mother with a giggle.
"And, finally, Cousins Mr. Edgar Parkin and Miss Emily Parkin."
Edgar and Emily were the blond haired twins who, along with Laura, had stopped them at the gates.
Harriet curtsied to them with a cautious smile.
"Pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Malfoy," they chorused in greeting. Noticing her wary expression, Edgar added, "And we apologise for dragging you into our games," with a flirtatious smile at Harriet.
Draco glared at him in warning while Harriet smiled in acceptance.
Harriet could not help but notice the elegant dress gowns and expensive jewellery the women wore while the men dressed in expensive suits.
"Regulus Black, my cousin," Draco introduced Harriet to a short and thin dark haired man.
"Nice to meet you, Mrs. Malfoy," Regulus bowed as Harriet curtsied.
"Finally, my dear Grandmother," Draco said as he and Harriet turned to a beaming Alexandra.
Alexandra took them both in her arms, "Congratulations, dears. I wish you a lifetime filled with love and joy." She let them go, but not before kissing them on their foreheads.
Linking her arms with Draco and Harriet on either side, she said, walking towards the stairs, "Everyone, let's proceed to the gallery."
Author's note: Sorry guys, for ending the chapter so abruptly, but it was getting bigger and I want to introduce a few more characters.
About Ginny's comment: In those days, a woman's status was decided based on her skin tone. Tanned skin meant that woman worked outside in the sun. Only lower class women worked in factories, fields and such, while middle class women were allowed to work as seamstresses or governesses. The paler the skin, the higher the class of the lady. So, some women even went so far as to use arsenic to get pale skin.
In those days, young unmarried women usually wore light colour dresses while older and married wore dark colours.
Wearing a white wedding dress was only recently practised. Before, the bride wore the best dress she had, no matter the colour. Also, marriages were not made such a big deal like I wrote. It was a simple affair attended by only family and close friends in middle class families. I made it a huge affair because the Weasleys felt that they should have an elaborate wedding that would rival the status of the Malfoys since the Malfoys were not asking them for anything. Also, because Draco who was going to be Lord of the wealthiest family in Wiltshire, would be expected to have a grand wedding, don't you think?
It was also tradition for the ten witnesses to wear dresses and suits identical to those of the bride and groom respectively to outsmart evil spirits who would then not know who is getting married, so they could curse them. I did not follow that in the chapter because I wanted Draco and Harriet to look unique. These witnesses then sign the marriage license without which marriage is considered not legal.
In the 19th century, wearing makeup was frowned upon, natural beauty was encouraged. If women did put it on, they never spoke of it. When someone asks, "Does she paint?" other than meaning whether she does painting, it also means does she put on makeup. Only actresses indulged in it.
Unlike the artificial makeup we have now, they used natural fruits and flowers as materials. Cherry essence was used for lips if at all, lipstick was put on.
Significance of orange blossoms was that they were used for the bouquet because the tree bears flowers and fruits in the same season, and leaves throughout the year. They symbolise Purity, Innocence and Eternal Love. Myrtle was sacred to the Goddess of Love.
Throwing wheat meant wishes for the newlyweds to always be wealthy and rice meant the bride to be fruitful. So, you can understand Harriet's reaction to it. Breaking the cake over their heads meant along the same lines. Those cakes did not contain sugar in it. *thank god*
Bride-wain is a special wagon(open carriage) that carries the bride to her new home.
The groom carries the bride across the threshold because it was considered unlucky if the bride tripped over it when first entering her new home. Well, it also serves my purpose nicely *wink*
Please feel free to ask your questions,
And Pleeeeeeeeeeeese tell me how the wedding was!!! Reviews I want, no I need them!!!
Look forward to the next chapter: Draco declared Lord Malfoy, wedding breakfast and wedding night.
I am telling you guys now not to expect wild, passionate sex between our protagonists immediately. It is slow romantic story. Sorry to disappoint, guys, but that is how it is.