Chapter 10 : Hallowe'en Wedding.
Several hooded and masked people were walking around an old manor, fixing damage to the house. The main door was in splinters and many windows were smashed. As they finished fixing the windows and door, a man entered the grounds.
"A meeting now!" he said firmly, then turning his back and entering the manor.
The mass of Death-Eaters looked at each other, from behind the masks. They all made their way into the house and into a large, dark room. In this room was a large amount of hooded and masked Death-Eaters. Some were sat, though most were stood bunched together.
A man that was sat at the head of a table looked around at all the Death-Eaters and then began to speak.
"We have just had an attack. We lost many, yet we have no kills. If we are to avenge the Dark Lord, we must be able to kill. There is no one who can lead us, therefore I am not telling you as a leader, though as a companion. Our hostage, Weasley, is to be married this month. There will be many people there, it is ripe time to attack." said a man softly.
This man was Snape an ex-Order of the Phoenix member. His voice was rough, even though he had a soft tone. He scanned the room, as though waited for someone to speak.
"Then we shall attack the wedding. We will let none live. Do you know the date?" asked another man, with a young voice.
"We cannot just attack a wedding, with Potter and Dumbledore present. Do you expect any of us to live, if we attack?" said Snape with a sneer.
"It is worth a chance. Do you know the date?" asked the man again.
"It is on Hallowe'en. I will tell you that I will not be one of the ones attacking. I had in mind, that someone could come up with a different plan. I didn't expect you to come up with our death." said Snape nastily.
"So be it. One less Death-Eater shall not ruin our chances." said the young man sourly.
"Macnair, do you not understand the power of Harry Potter, or even Albus Dumbledore?" asked a witch curiously.
"I understand. But they are only human. We shall attack the wedding, on Hallowe'en!" snapped the young man bitterly.
The surrounding Death-Eaters quietened and lowered their heads. Snape didn't say a word after that. It was Macnair who continued ordering and speaking.
"Once we have avenged the Dark Lord, we will be able to live however we want to live. Once Potter is dead, we can continue however we want. Dumbledore's death is a bonus. So on the day of Hallowe'en, we shall attack, at night." said Macnair seriously, curling an evil grin.
Harry, Ron and Hermione returned to Hogwarts the following day. Harry set up notices of Gryffindor quiddich tryout, to be held on Friday. Harry and Ron sat in common room, drawing quiddich strategies and formation.
"Where is Hermione and Luna?" asked Harry curiously, looking up at Ron.
"They are in the main Gryffindor common room, planning mine and Luna's wedding." replied Ron simply.
"They have left it a bit short. The wedding is at the end of this month. I thought they started planning in the summer, didn't they?" asked Harry calmly.
"Yeah they did. They stopped when problems occurred with us. They are just contacting people, gathering decorations and stuff like that. Dumbledore has given them time off of school." replied Ron softly, drawing a symbol on a piece of parchment.
"I know that Hermione has been planning for our wedding since the Duelling Tournament. All she does is research wedding objects and other things. I love her though. I want our day to be sacred." said Harry dreamily.
"It will be. So will mine and Luna's. I can't wait for it. Have you spoke to the Ministry about allowing our wedding to take place? As we are so young." asked Ron hopefully, looking at Harry eagerly.
"No, I will write to the Minister. I'll tell him about our feelings. He won't deny us." replied Harry happily, smiling at the happy look on Ron's face.
On the Friday, Harry and Ron walked down to the quiddich pitch. When they got there, there was at least thirty people. Harry was glad to see that many had turned up for the tryouts.
Harry and Ron stood in front of the crowd and looked them all over. He needed Chasers and Beaters.
"Hi everyone. I am glad to see that so many have turned up. I am in need of two Beaters and Three Chasers. No other positions are available. If you could all separate into the group you would like to be in. Beaters to the left and Chasers to the right.
Harry tested each of the groups. He tested the Chaser's ability to dodge and fly quickly. Whilst the Beaters were tested on their speed and aim.
At the end of the tryout, Harry had got his team. They weren't the best find, but they were definitely good enough to be improved.
The team was made up of Demelza Robins who was really good at dodging. Romilda Vance who was good at speed and passing, though was too girly. If she was told something by Harry, she would giggle furiously and then turn to her friends in the crowd, all who were also giggling. Harry thought that her attitude would change, if Hermione was there. The third Chaser was Ginny. Ginny was a shock to Harry, last year she was the Seeker, when Harry was banned. This year she tried for Chaser, she was brilliant. She was really quick, good at passing and could dodge things at speed. Harry knew she was his best find.
The Beaters were the worst find. They were both in third year and didn't know much about quiddich. The first was a broad-chested boy, who had a good strong smack on him. His name was Jimmy Peakes. The second was a weedy boy, who could of easily be knocked off his broom, Harry thought he could change that. He was very good with his aim, his name was Ritchie Croote.
Ron was the Keeper and Harry was the Seeker. Harry was the youngest Seeker for a century, he was the only first-year good enough to be placed on the team. Harry had only ever missed the Golden Snitch once. That was because a swarm of Dementors attacked him, making him pass out.
Harry was told by many people that he is the best Seeker the school had ever had. The only other person who was anything near Harry, was Charlie Weasley, Ron's older brother. He was said to be able to play for England, then Harry was certainly able.
Once Harry had sorted out his office, he and Ron headed back to the main Gryffindor common room, to collect Hermione and Luna.
When they got there, they found them with Ginny at a desk. There were many letters and books spread across a large table. They were all smiling and writing things down.
"Hey babes, what you ordering, France?" asked Harry humorously, sitting next to Hermione and wrapping his arms around her.
"It's all the decorations and clothing for the wedding. Have you two wrote your speeches yet?" asked Hermione seriously, kissing Harry softly.
"What speech?" asked Harry honestly.
"You're the Best Man. You need a speech. Luna's dad has wrote his and Ron needs to write one, by the look of his face." replied Hermione coolly.
"I didn't know I was Best Man, or I would of wrote one. That's amazing, I haven't ever been given such a privilege." said Harry happily.
"Who else would be Best Man? You're my best friend, like a brother." said Ron simply.
"Thanks. I'll get it wrote as quick as I can. I'm no good with speeches. Is there going to be a Stag night?" asked Harry curiously.
All three girl's heads shot around to look at Harry. Harry looked back at them, hoping they weren't going to shout.
"You lads have a Stag night, if you want. Can we have a Hen night?" asked Luna calmly.
"What will you be doing on this Hen night?" asked Ron heatedly.
"It's just a girls night in. We just have a girls party. It's a Stag night but for females." replied Ginny happily.
"Fair enough. You have a Hen night, we have a Stag night." said Harry calmly.
Over the following week. Harry and Ron set a Stag night. The Gryffindor, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw sixth and seventh years were partying in a private chamber. The girls took over Harry, Hermione, Ron and Luna's common room, where they partied.
Ron made Harry instruct a House-Elf to guard the common room. Harry instructed the House-Elf to make sure no males enter the common room, just as Ron wanted.
Harry and the boys had a good time when they were having the Stag night. Harry and the boys had a good laugh when Ron placed on an orange afro wig.
The girls just had a laugh and talked about their boyfriends. Hermione talked highly of Harry, Luna talked about Ron and Ginny talked about Neville. The other girls spoke about the boys they were with at the present time, and what they wanted it to lead to.
No boys were invited, so Ron worried for no reason. He had heard that at the Hen night all they did was talk and laugh. This put Ron at rest, about Luna possibly being unfaithful. Ron looked down at the end of the night, because of doubting Luna.
Harry sat up one evening and pulled a piece of parchment towards him. He was going to write to the Minister for Magic and ask him about the weddings that will take place.
He wrote:
Dear Secrolia,
I am writing to you, to ask for a personal favour. Me and my friends have found our soul mates. We have set a date for marriage. Myself, Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley are seventeen years of age. Ron's fiancé is Luna Lovegood, aged sixteen. You will understand why I am asking this favour. We wish to get married, though are a few years under age. Do this as a personal favour, I beg of you. You cannot understand how much we are in love with out lovers. The first marriage is Ronald Weasley and Luna Lovegood's on Hallowe'en. The second is myself and Hermione Granger's, on Christmas day. Please contact me back as soon as possible.
Yours sincerely,
Harry Potter.
Harry grabbed Hedwig and sent the letter off into the evening sky. Harry finished off what little homework he had. Just as he laid his final piece of homework down, Hedwig flew back into the room. Harry grabbed the letter excitedly and read.
It read:
Dear Harry,
I understand better than anyone. I also found my soul mate at a young age, eighteen. We wanted to marry each other more than anything. I will grant you permission to have you weddings. I would come, but I am awfully busy. I hope it goes well. I would like to point out that you wasn't placed as Minister because of your age. All we could do is give you the powers of a Minister. You had no need to ask me for permission, you can grant it yourself. Though I am glad you still include the Ministry in you life.
Your friend,
Secrolia Sersto.
Harry beamed at the letter and went to tell everyone else.
The day of the wedding, Harry hadn't seen Ron as nervous as he was on this day. As Hermione was the Head Bridesmaid and Harry being Best Man, they organised almost everything. Harry learnt that he and Hermione were to have the second dance, after Ron and Luna.
Harry finished getting ready and then he spent an hour sorting Ron out. Harry watched as Ron trembled furiously, out of nerves.
"It will be okay. There is nothing to worry about. You love her, she loves you. You are each other's soul mate." reassured Harry soothingly.
"I know it's just, what if I mess up my words?" asked Ron nervously, looking up into Harry's smirking face.
"Don't worry. I'll make a bigger idiot than you. When I have to say my speech, I'm done for." said Harry calmly.
Once Harry had made Ron look smart, Harry transported them both entered the grounds of Hogwarts. Harry and Ron stopped at the lake, in front of an altar. There stood a Priest and in front of the Priest was around a hundred of seats.
Around the area were large flowers and other blue and white decorations. Harry thought that the girls had done an amazing job of the decoration.
Harry watched as the chosen Ushers, Neville, Seamus and Dean, showed guests to their seats. The Weasley's and the Lovegood's all sat at the front of the chairs. Other friends and school teachers sat in the remaining seats.
A small orchestra was situated a few feet away from the altar, with their instruments. Harry, Ron and the guests waited for Luna and the Bridesmaids to come down the aisle, made by small flowers.
The orchestra immediately began playing a wedding tune. Luna was walking in front, with who must be her father, on her arm. Hermione was closely following, in a red dress. She was holding the bottom of Luna's dress.
Following Hermione was three Bridesmaids; Ginny, Lavender and Parvati. The Ushers took their seats and Luna joined Ron.
They smiled at each other awkwardly. Luna's dad sat down on the front row, whilst the Head Bridesmaid and the Bridesmaid's stood to the left of Luna. Harry was stood at the right of Ron. Harry watched Dumbledore sit with the other staff members. He beamed happily at Harry.
It took fifteen minutes for the Priest to read from a bible. He waved his wand and a golden ribbon bound Ron and Luna's wrists gently. He then began to speak to Ron and Luna.
"Say what is printed on these cards. These must be truthful words, the ribbons will know. If they are not the truth and are not felt deeply, then there will be no marriage." explained the Priest seriously, handing Ron and Luna a small card.
They read for a moment and then beamed at each other. Ron spoke first.
"I Ronald Weasley, take you Luna Lovegood, to be my wedded wife. To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness or in health, to love and to cherish 'till death do us part. And hereto I pledge you my faithfulness." said Ron proudly.
Luna smiled happily and blinked her eyes gently. She looked down at her card and then began to read.
"I Luna Lovegood, take you Ronald Weasley, to be my wedded husband. To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness or in health, to love and to cherish 'till death do us part. And hereto I pledge you my faithfulness." said Luna happily, beaming at Ron.
Everyone looked down at the gold ribbon binding their wrists. Instantly the ribbons turned silver and wormed off of their wrists and enlarged, so they could swirl around their bodies. They let off a small glow as they span around. Then the two off them were lifted a few inches off of the floor and they were turned to face each other, where they were placed back down on the floor.
"You may now kiss the bride." said the Priest calmly, smiling at the two.
Ron and Luna embraced, and kissed each other softly. Everyone cheered and confetti fell down onto the couple slowly. They both smiled broadly.
The orchestra began playing as everyone slowly moved out in order. They all entered the castle and into the Great Hall. It was decorated in white and blues. The head table had a white table cloth. Instead of the usual single gold chair, there was two.
In the centre of the Hall, there wasn't the usual four scrubbed wooden tables, though now it was a single large circular table. It covered the entire Hall. It was able to hold everyone. In the centre, there was a stage, for the dancing. In the very centre of stage, there was a smaller stage, where the orchestra took place.
Ron and Luna took the centre seats of the staff table. Harry took the seat next to Ron, whilst Hermione sat the Luna's left. Next to Harry was Mr and Mrs Weasley. Next to Hermione was Mr Lovegood. Past Mr Lovegood was the three Bridesmaid and past Mr, and Mrs Weasley was the three Ushers.
Once everyone had eaten and drank, Harry stood up to gather attention. Once everyone's attention were on him, he began speaking.
"I would like you to allow Mr Lovegood to speak. He has some words about his lovely daughter, Luna." said Harry clearly, holding his hand out in the direction of Mr Lovegood.
Mr Lovegood smiled at Harry and stood up. Everyone drew their attention to Mr Lovegood, who began to speak.
"Good afternoon I want to thank all of you for coming and helping Ron and Luna celebrate this important day in their lives!
I've tried to memorize this speech, which isn't easy when you have the memory of a goldfish, so please forgive me if I resort to my notes, almost every five seconds."
"The most important people here for Ron, are Molly and Arthur. It has been really good to meet them and become family in laws and friends.
What we find gratifying, is that Ron's parents feel the same about Luna. They have taken her to their hearts, and I believe that she is now their daughter, in fact as well as in law!" continued Mr Lovegood.
"I believe that marriage will teach Ron, loyalty, self-restraint, and control. It will develop in him a sense of fair play ... and many other qualities ... which he probably wouldn't have needed if he had stayed single! Seriously though, as someone with some experience of marriage, I would like to warn this beginner here about what he'll be up against.
You must consider these words; "Women are meant to be loved, not understood."
"Ron ... Now that you are married, Luna will always have the last word in any argument - any word that you come out with afterwards is by default, the start of a whole new argument!"
"Remember, when you buy her flowers ...it PROVES you're guilty.
Remember to put the seat down after you.
And always remember those two invaluable words "Yes Dear"
And finally, please be all upstanding and join me in a toast;
Luna, Ron:
May God abundantly bless you both!
May you live as long as you wish, and have all you need for as long as you live,
May the road you choose be smooth, and your burdens light,
May your joys be everlasting, and may all your pain be gone.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr and Mrs Weasley." finished Mr Lovegood happily, smiling down at everyone and then smiling at the newly wedded couple.
Everyone applauded him and then Harry once again stood up. He looked down at all the people once again, as he spoke.
"Ron, the groom, is next up to say his speech. After his speech and then mine, the Bridesmaids shall hand out the cake. I am sure that you are all now eager for the speeches to end. I can say that, that isn't soon. Anyway, here is Ron." said Harry happily, waving his hand at Ron.
Ron stood up nervously and pulled out a piece of parchment. He looked down and began to read.
"People, I don't want to take up too much of your valuable drinking time, but I do know there are a few things a bride and groom should share on their big day, so on behalf of Luna and myself, here we go."
"Someone once said that a good speech has a good beginning and a good ending, and a great speech keeps both of those close together! So tonight I promise to keep this speech as short as possible." continued Ron, his confidence gained as everyone smiled.
"Both Luna and I would like to say a big thank you to everyone for being here tonight to share this special occasion with us. We know many of you have travelled a long way to be here to celebrate with us so we hope that the night is enjoyable for you as it is special to us. Thank you all very much for all your many cards and presents which are very much appreciated. As a token of our appreciation, we have contacted each of your bosses to inform them that you will be calling in sick from work tomorrow."
The adults in the crowd laughed a bit at this. This gained Ron's confidence, making him continue.
"First off, I want to thank all of Luna's family for welcoming me into your family and treating me like another son, cousin and nephew. I was especially touched by the moment, over the summer, when Luna's twenty year old cousin Peter, put his arm around my neck, squeezed ever so gently as to cut off the supply of oxygen, and uttered those friendly words, "now don't be taking my sister for a test drive." … Peter, I promise I'll take good care of her." continued Ron happily, people laughed and a adult on a table waved his hand, obviously Peter.
"Both Luna and I would like to give a big thanks for a job well done, to Harry, our Best Man. Harry, through the years, you have been a dear and best friend to me and your involvement and assistance in planning this wedding has made it an evening to remember. Thanks for being a great friend, brother and a great stress counsellor."
Harry smiled and patted Ron on the back. Ron smiled down at him and continued his speech.
"We would also like to thank everyone's help in planning, organizing, and participating in the wedding: Luna's father James, cousin Peter, and Aunt Mary; my sister Ginny, me best friend Hermione Granger and my friends of seventh year. Their support and love for us has been overwhelming."
People smiled even broader now, some of the mentioned names blushed slightly.
"At this time, I wish to express my appreciation to my mom, dad, and siblings for their unconditional love, support and patience through the years. A special thanks to my Best Man, Dad, thanks for being there through the years to experience together both the triumphs and the disappointments. My only hope is that I can provide the same love and guidance to my children that you have given to me. May there be many years ahead to share and celebrate life together."
Harry wasn't shocked to see Mrs Weasley crying, but was shocked to see Mr Weasley crying. Harry patted his arm and smiled at him happily. Then Ron continued.
"Finally, to my beautiful bride Luna. Over the course of these last months, I watched in amazement as you carefully detailed and planned every aspect of this wedding. I don't know where I'd be without you. I can remember when you just sat next to me, when I was in a bad mood. You seemed to be able to calm me down, I couldn't help but feel love for you.
It is not hard for me to express how I feel about you. In fact, there is more to say than there is time tonight. So I guess I will have to spend the next 70 years showing you. And I plan on doing exactly that. Thank you for your honesty, your openness, and your love for my family, and me."
Luna blushed slightly and rubbed Ron's back, whilst smiling at him. Ron paused briefly, before continuing his speech.
"One of my friends once said that I am a lucky bugger for marrying you. Well, I prefer to consider it my good fortune. I am extremely lucky today to be your husband - and I look forward to many happy years together. To my wife."
"Before I sit down, I would like to ask you to not believe any of my Best Man's fantasy stories. They are all false. I would finally like to propose a toast to the fantastic Bridesmaids. They have done a great job today, they helped tremendously. Can you please raise your glasses and drink to the Bridesmaid? To the Bridesmaids …" finished Ron proudly, raising his own glass.
Everyone raised their glasses and muttered "To the Bridesmaids." They all blushed furiously, though gave a soft wave of their hand.
Then finally Harry stood up for the last time. He was nervous, this was where he had to say his speech. He was hoping it was alright for the surrounding people.
"Ladies and gentlemen, firstly may I start by thanking Ron, on
behalf of the Bridesmaids, for his kind words … and for those of you who
don't know me, and especially for those who I will meet at the bar later, my name is "Harry, what you drinking?" Here I go, here's my speech. However just in case I ramble on a bit too long, I want to point out that there are two emergency exits in the room, which are located at the back of the room and to my right. And remember, no pushing and shoving." said Harry, people laughed quite loudly.
"When Ron asked me to be his best man I was initially thrilled at
the prospect. But it didn't take long for this feeling to die down, when I found out I had to write a speech. So I hope you will be a little forgiving at how terrible this speech is." People laughed once again, gaining Harry's confidence.
"I have never been a best man before so lacking any experience I thought that
the simplest way to put a speech together was to ask someone else to write it,
I got a few people to write me a speech, only to discover that 95 percent of
them always start with the same joke. That being best man is like making
love to the Queen Mother - it's a great honour - but nobody wants to do it -
so I thought I wouldn't use that one." People roared at this one. Harry laughed himself.
"Actually, being the best man is a big responsibility, and one that I have not taken lightly. I conducted a lot of research to make sure that I wouldn't forget anything, and came up with a checklist of what my basic duties should be." continued Harry calmly, pulled out a piece of parchment.
"Item 1: Arrange the Stag Night. The less said about this the better, but I think you will agree that Ron does look rather fetching in an orange afro." People laughed at this and Ron turned as red as his hair.
"Item 2: On the wedding day, bring loads of cash in case there is anything the groom may have forgotten to pay for. Well, ever since I have known Ron, I have had to do this so
that's nothing new." People's laughs continued.
"Item 3: Help the groom dress himself. It took a while, but I did eventually manage to persuade Ron that the wedding had a strict no jeans and trainers policy." People's laughs still didn't fade.
"Item 4: Ensure that the groom is sober, punctual, has his shoelaces tied, his flies done up and uses the toilet before the service, I knew I had forgotten something, you can go to the toilet now Ron." People laughed, Ron was roaring with the rest of the Hall.
"Item 5: It is my responsibility to make sure his face and hair are in order. I think that this duty is quite unfair, if God couldn't do it the first time, what chance to I have?" said Harry laughing himself.
"The rules also stated that I should sing the praises of the groom and tell you all about his good points.
So what can I say about him?
He's Handsome,
Witty,
Intelligent,
Charming,
Er … Er...
Sorry Ron, what's that say? I can't read your writing, sorry." People roared and so did Ron. Ron was in stitches.
"I will now move on to reading out some cards and telegrams.
To Ron
- best wishes on your wedding Ron - your usual place awaits
you on your return.
- From the Governor of Azkaban Prison.
To Luna
- I'm sorry that I couldn't marry you myself and had to get one of my
mates to do it but best wishes on your special day.
- From The Pope." Harry had to place a spell on his throat to be heard over the laughter.
"In fact it is customary at this point for the Best Man to launch a severe character assassination of the groom and to tell you a bit about the stag party, but I am far too scared of Luna to do that so I will instead give Ron some advice, which I hope he will find useful in the years to come
Ron-
1: There are 5 rings involved in marriage: Engagement ring, wedding ring,
suffering, torturing and enduring.
2: Always tell your wife those 3 important little word's … "you're right dear." The men laughed, though the females were also laughing, though looking at their husbands dangerously.
"Now, it gives me great pleasure … and immense relief, to ask you all to stand
and raise your glasses:
Luna and Ron, may your years ahead prosper with love, affection, health and happiness, which you both richly deserve ... To Luna and Ron." finished Harry happily, raising his glass.
Once again, everyone raised their glasses, still chuckling. Once everyone stopped laughing they all applauded Harry. Then the Bridesmaids handed out pieces of a huge wedding cake.
After the after party, Ron and Luna asked Harry to allow them into a private chamber. So they could spend a wedding night together.
Little did everyone know, over a hundred Death-Eaters were filling the Forbidden Forest, waiting to attack.
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