disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or the song in this chapter, just Arabella. Hope you guys like this chapter!
Wedding of Arabella Black and Harry Potter
James Potter-Black stared out the window from the house in France. Snow was falling down peacefully, creating a layer on the grounds. James was very fascinated by the snow and couldn't wait to go outside and jump around in it, but he couldn't. Grandma Andy and Grandma Weasley wanted him and Teddy to stay inside so that they could keep an eye on them. The wedding was going to be held tomorrow and James wanted to get it over with. Let his parents get married already, what was taking them so long?
There was a knock on the door and James turned around to see his mother walk in. Momma gave him a soft smile as she stepped inside.
'How are you doing, sweetheart?' she asked as she took a seat next to him, though not facing the window.
'I'm fine, Momma,' said James.
Momma's hands were on her thighs, rubbing the sweat away. 'Well, Grandma Weasley needs to see you right now. She needs to alter your suit.'
James groaned as he pretended to faint against the wall. Momma laughed as she helped James back to his feet. She then gently pushed him out towards the door and towards the main hall where they came face to face with various people preparing for the wedding tomorrow.
Grandma Weasley spotted James and clapped her hands together. 'Come on, James, we have to get your suit ready and prepared for tomorrow.' She then saw the small frown on his face. 'You and Teddy can have some ice cream later.'
James raced towards Grandma Weasley, leaving Momma behind on the stairs, laughing.
Arabella stood in the master bed room, staring at the full length mirror in front of her. Her wedding dress was simple with laced sleeves to cover her scars. Her hair was done down, though half was up in a small braid with tiny little flowers in the braid. She gently touched her stomach and looked out the window. Snow was falling once again, though lightly. She could hear the distant noises of people on the large grounds.
Hermione and Ginny had already left, leaving Arabella alone to her thoughts. She looked around the room, smiling at the picture she had of James on the dressing table. She was getting married to the father of her son and her stomach was full of butterflies and bird chirping away.
The door then opened and Mr Weasley walked in, smiling at her. He was holding a thick coat in his hands and said, 'Ready?'
Arabella swallowed the lump in her throat and nodded. 'I'm not going to need that, thank you.'
'Are you sure?'
'I'm not going to wear a winter coat over my wedding dress, Mr Weasley.'
Mr Weasley nodded and placed the coat on the edge of the bed. He then turned back to Arabella and held his arm out for her. Together, they made their way down the stairs an out the back door.
She took a deep breath when she saw the white aisle leading to where Harry was standing next to the wedding minister just outside the marquee. There were lanterns in the air, bright against the dark sky, laminating everyone under it. Together, Arabella and Mr Weasley took a step forward.
They passed by many people as they walked down the aisle. Hagrid waved towards her, though he was wiping his face with his other hand. Professor McGonagall gave her a smile, along with Kingsley Shacklebolt, Grace Chin, Robert Trenholm, Julia Toews, and Tiberius Norwich. Luna Lovegood and Rolf Scamander, Seamus Finnigan, Dean Thomas, Lee Jordan, Parvati and Padma Patil, Katie Bell, Oliver Wood, and Alicia Spinnet, members of DA who were able to come, smiled as she walked by. Angelina and George held each other's hand and smiled at her as well. Percy and Audrey, Charlie, Mrs Weasley, Andromeda, Bill and Fleur, and Victorie.
There were people missing from her wedding, that was sure. Remus should have been walking her down the aisle, though Mr Weasley was very kind enough to do so. Nymphadora should have been there as well, standing beside Hermione and Ginny. Fred should have been there with George, laughing their asses off in the back row. And if she was really lucky, Sirius and Kassandra would have been here as well.
It seemed as though it took them years until they finally reached the end of the aisle. Mr Weasley gave Arabella a kiss on her cheek and shook Harry's hand. He then went to go sit beside Mrs Weasley. Hermione and Ginny were standing beside her in light blue dresses. James and Teddy were standing in front of Ron and Neville, all four of them standing beside Harry. Arabella smiled towards James and Teddy before turning to Harry. She let out a deep breath and then a dry laugh. It was finally happening.
'Hi,' she said quietly so that only two of them could hear.
'Hi,' Harry replied, smiling at her, somewhere in between giddy and genuine love.
They continued to look at each other for a moment and then turned to the minister.
The minister, a small little thing with wisps of light hair, smiled at the pair and said, 'Are you ready?'
Arabella nodded while Harry said, 'Yes.'
The minister then cleared his throat and began.
'Family and friends, we are here today to join Harry James Potter and Arabella Kassandra Black in a life of mutual commitment. It is fitting and appropriate that you, the family and friends of Harry and Arabella, be here to witness and to participate in their union. For the ideals, the understanding, and the mutual respect which they bring to their life together had their roots in the love and friendship and guidance you have given them. The union of two people makes us aware of the changes wrought by time. But the new relationship will continue to draw much of its beauty and meaning from the intimate associations of their past.
'Harry and Arabella, remember to treat yourselves and each other with respect, and remind yourselves often of what brought you together. Take responsibility for making the other feel safe, and give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your connection deserves. When frustration, difficulty and fear assail your relationship, as they threaten all relationships at some time or another, remember to focus on what is right between you, not just the part that seems wrong. In this way, you can survive the times when clouds drift across the face of the sun in your lives, remembering that, just because you may lose sight of it for a moment, does not mean the sun has gone away. And, if each of you takes responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and delight.'
Arabella can hear many guests sniffling, and in Hagrid's case, blowing their nose, making a trumpet-like noise.
'Do you, Harry James Potter, accept Arabella Kassandra Black as your life mate and one true love, promising to share in all that life offers and suffers, to be there for her in times of need, to soothe her in times of pain, and to support her in all endeavors, big and small.'
'I do,' said Harry as he looked Arabella in the eye.
'Do you, Arabella Kassandra Black, take Harry James Potter as your life mate and one true love, promising to share in all that life offers and suffers, to be there for him in times of need, to soothe him in times of pain, and to support him in all endeavors, big and small.'
'I do,' said Arabella, and before the minister could say anything, she continued. 'I, Arabella Kassandra Black, take Harry James Potter as my companion and my husband from this day forward. I promise to love you unconditionally, to cherish our union and love you more each day than I did the day before. I will trus – trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad time, regardless of the obstacles we may face together. I – I give you my hand,' she grabbed his hand, 'my heart, my love, and my life, from this day forward for as long as we both shall live.'
'Well, then, we shall continue –'
'And in turn,' said Harry, 'I will promise to be faithful and honest to you in every way, to honor the faith and trust you place in me, to love and respect you in your success and in your failures, to make you laugh and to be there when you cry, to care for you in sickness and in health, to softly kiss you when you are hurting, and to be your companion and your friend, on this journey that we make together. I promise to always be by your side and to grow with you throughout our life. I can't wait for tomorrow with you.'
'Well, that was nice,' said the minister. 'Do we have the rings?'
Arabella and Harry got their rings from Hermione and Ron, respectively.
'Repeat after me,' said the minister, 'Through this ring, I accept you as my wife, now and until the end of my days.'
'With this ring,' said Harry, putting the ring on Arabella's finger, 'I accept you as my wife, now and until the end of my days.'
'With this ring,' said Arabella, doing the same to Harry, 'I accept you as my wife, now and until the end of my days. No, I mean husband – husband!'
Everybody laughed at Arabella's small mistake. She covered her forehead with her free hand as Harry laughed with the rest of them. She was slightly embarrassed, but a small smile was slowly blooming on her face.
'Ladies and gentlemen, our newlyweds! You may now kiss your spouse!'
Everyone laughed and clapped, some whistled, as Arabella and Harry embraced each other, sharing a passionate kiss.
'Husband,' whispered Arabella, her lips inches away from his.
'Wife,' Harry whispered back, smirking.
Within a few short minutes, everyone walked inside the marquee and took their seats. Everyone talked to each other or gazed at the newlyweds, who were sitting at the top table with the bridesmaids and groomsmen. There was a small band in the corner, who were waiting for the signal to start playing. Waiters popped up and down the marquee with silver trays of champagne, whiskeys, tarts and small sandwiches.
Ron then stood up and tapped his fork against his champagne glass. Everyone turned to look at him as Hermione beamed at Ron, who looked as though he was sweating, though it was winter.
'Good afternoon, everyone,' Ron began, clearing his throat and slightly fidgeting. 'For those of you who don't know, I am Ron Weasley and I am the best man to my best friend, to my first friend, Harry Potter. Despite the nerves I am currently feeling, and the need to go to the loo' – laughs –'I'm pretty excited to say these next few words. When Harry asked me to be his best man today, part of me was honoured, then terrified, then I was laughing because, well, who else was it going to be, honestly?'
Everyone laughed and Ron turned apologetically towards Neville, who pretended to look heartbroken.
'Sorry there, Neville, but…'
Neville continued to play along as Ron went on with his speech.
'I have known Harry for about ten or so years now. We met on the train to Hogwarts and… wow, ten years is really something, isn't it? We share together many fond memories. We have done many things together during our long friendship. Over the years, we've battles trolls, spiders – I still blame you for that, Harry – Dementors, Dark Lords, Dragons, played Quidditch, and then… girls, well, it was only on girl for Harry, Arabella. It took them years to finally accept each other's feelings, and then longer to get their heads out of their asses, trust us, it was painful at time to watch. But through all those years, the pain, the laughter, and their blubbering mess, they have finally found happiness in each other and in my godson, James. Today, I stand here in front of all you, in front of my best friends, and in front of my wife, and congratulate the two of you. Harry and Arabella, your wedding is one of the best days of your life; because it's the day you realize you have the thing you needed to be happy. You will look at each other and see happiness and love, and… you don't forget that. You will always remember how much you two love each other and how much you are loved from the other. Harry, you are my brother and my best friend, and Arabella, you are my little sister, though you are a couple weeks older than me. I wish you two the best of luck, though, looking at the two of you right now, you don't need it. Family and friends, please stand and raise your glasses for our Bride and Groom, my best friends. May they live a long and fulfilling life together. To Harry and Arabella!'
Everyone stood up, raised their glasses and said together, 'Harry and Arabella!'
Hermione gave the band a nod and they began to play. Arabella was practically in tears by the end of the speech, but then laughed with tears in her eyes by the song My Funny Valentine sung by Frank Sinatra.
Harry stood up and held his hand out towards Arabella. She took his hand with a smile and made their way towards the dance floor, stopping to thank Ron, and give him a kiss on the cheek.
The band played the music, but Sinatra's voice echoed throughout the marquee. Arabella and Harry held each other close, swaying to the music as everyone surrounding them watched on.
My funny valentine
Sweet comic valentine
You make my smile with my heart
Your looks are laughable
Unphotographable
Yet you're my favourite work of art
Andromeda and Kingsley took to the dance floor as Mr and Mrs Weasley joined as well, each moving slowly and quietly to the music.
Is your figure less than Greek
Is your mouth a little weak
When you open it to speak
Are you smart?
Ron and Hermione, Ginny and Neville, Luna and Rolf, Bill and Fleur, George and Angelina, Percy and Audrey, and every other young couple took to the dance floor as well, gazing at their partners in admiration and love.
But don't change a hair for me
Not if you care for me
Stay little valentine stay
Each day is Valentine's Day
Grace Chin and Robert Trenholm joined the dance floor as well, while Professor McGonagall danced with Charlie Weasley, who was spinning her, though she managed to keep up. Hagrid was standing in the corner, swaying with Dean and Seamus as they drank together as well.
Is your figure less than Greek
Is your mouth a little weak
When you open it to speak
Are you smart?
James and Teddy were running around on the dance floor, going in between people's legs, skidding and just having some fun and creating some ruckus.
But don't you change one hair for me
Not if you care for me
Stay little valentine stay
Each day is Valentine's Day
Arabella's head was resting on Harry's shoulder as their bodies quietly moved together to the rhythm of the song. Arabella then moved her head slightly and kissed Harry just as the song ended.
'Are you happy?' Harry asked. There was almost worry in his voice.
Arabella smiled. 'Blissfully happy, Harry. I love you.'
'I love you too,' said Harry, smiling and kissing her.
Later on, the cake was cut, champagne floated around in the room, and Hagrid, Charlie, Dean and Seamus were having a drinking competition in the corner. James and Teddy tired themselves out and they gave Arabella and Harry kisses on their cheeks before Andromeda took them back inside the house and called it a night for the two of them. She then came back, looking very tired.
Andromeda hugged Arabella and gave her a kiss on the cheek when time was soon coming to an end.
'I am so proud of you,' said Andromeda, holding Arabella in arm's distance. 'You have matured so much in the last couple years, and you have turned into the woman, into the adult your parents and your godfather would be proud of. I love you, and I am so glad you have found happiness after all this time.'
Arabella smiled at her and rubbed her eyes a little. 'Thank you, Andy. I love you too.'
Andromeda then turned towards Harry and, with great uncertainty, squeezed Harry's shoulder. 'Take care of her.'
Harry, a bit surprised by Andromeda's action, nodded and said, 'I will.'
Andromeda then waited by patiently as everyone else congratulated them.
'Oh, I'm so happy for the two of you,' said Mrs Weasley as she hugged Arabella while Mr Weasley shook Harry's hand. 'Take care of each other, alright?' she added as she pulled Harry into a hug while Arabella hugged Mr Weasley. 'And enjoy your honeymoon.'
'We will,' said Harry, smiling as he hugged back Mrs Weasley.
'Don't have too much fun, though,' said Ginny, winking as she hugged Arabella.
'Oh, yeah, can't have none of that,' said Neville, thumping Harry on the back.
'Stop it, the both of you,' said Hermione, pretending to be severe about it. 'Don't tell them what to do.'
Ron snorted. 'And you've been doing what exactly for the last couple years?'
They all laughed as Hermione smacked Ron's arm for his remark. Hermione then joined in on the laughs, and then Ron, before Andromeda reminded them that they had to get going.
'We'll see you guys in a couple weeks,' said Arabella, looking back at her friends, her family.
'We'll be back in time for James's birthday,' said Harry.
They all said goodbye at the same time as Arabella and Harry touched the silver serving tray and was transported to the rooftop of the hotel. Andromeda already checked the two of them in, to avoid suspicion, and Harry took out his Invisibility Cloak from inside his robes, and threw it over their shoulders. They made their way out of the rooftops and followed the direction towards the suite. They opened the door and quickly locked it behind them.
Harry then kissed Arabella, marvelling in what they had just done. Married. They were finally married, and they were the last ones to do so. Arabella smiled into the kiss and pushed him away slightly, looking around in the room. Their bags were already there, food was already there, and the bed was unnecessarily large, though it made sense for newlyweds.
Arabella smiled and then she looked back at Harry with a smile that could be mistaken for a smirk.
'I'm going to go take a bath,' Arabella announced.
Harry's face fell slightly as she made her way over to the bathroom suite. She closed the door for a few seconds and then opened it again, sticking her head out.
'Are you going to join me or not?'
Harry quickly made his way to the bathroom, taking his robes off and nearly tripping as Arabella laughed a little.
Thank you for reading! It happened! They're finally married! Yay! *throws arms in the air*
