Chapter Twenty Five

Which is how Harry Potter ended up standing next to Draco Malfoy on his wedding day, holding best man Teddy Lupin in his arms. Malfoy tradition dictated that the nearest "worthy male relative" serve in the role and Draco had determined that Teddy fit the bill perfectly - albeit needing some assistance from his godfather to fulfill the duties.

This was not the first (nor the last) thing in conjunction with this particular wedding that reduced Molly Weasley to tears. In truth, she began crying as soon as Draco and Luna left the Burrow the morning they made their announcement. The rest of the family wisely took cover as the woman began violently cleaning the house, sniffling and ranting under her breath about Narcissa Malfoy. ("I can't believe his own mother won't be at his wedding!" "If it were my son..." "Regrets she will be unable..." "Orphans! That's what both of those poor children are! Orphans!")

The tears returned a few days later when she received an owl from Draco requesting guidance on who to contact in regards to surprising Luna with a birthday cake (in addition to the pudding) at the reception. When she read that Luna hadn't had a proper celebration since her mother died, Molly broke down once again.

She quickly wrote back and promised Draco that she would personally bake a cake to whatever specifications he would like. She then spent the remainder of the day berating her children for not celebrating Luna's birthday while they were at school - even Percy, Bill and Charlie, despite their protests that they had already graduated before Luna even started at Hogwarts. Not even Harry and Hermione escaped Molly's wrath on this point ("Time for quidditch and books, pranks and adventures but not for a poor little waif..." "Ginevra Weasley, I most certainly raised you better..." "After everything that girl has done for all of you...") Everyone hung their heads and swore oaths to never forget the date in the future.

After that outburst, Mrs. Weasley held it together pretty well until the morning of the wedding itself. She went to Andromeda's bright and early to help with the preparations and was there when a package arrived addressed to Ginny and Luna. When it was opened, they discovered two stunning silver tiaras fashioned to look like the daisy chain crowns from their childhood. The accompanying card read:

"Ladies - I possess no knowledge of the intricacies of bridal hairstyles but, if it won't cause too much of an disruption, I would be honored if you would wear these to pay tribute to the long ago promises that will come to pass on this day. Either way, they are yours to keep as a memento of your lifelong friendship. I am certain Luna will know which one is hers. Yours, Draco."

As Ginny read the note, Luna selected one of the seemingly identical tiaras. When asked how she was certain which belonged to her, Luna's answer brought on a new round of tears for Molly. "I know this one is mine because all of these daisies have an odd number of petals." Seeing their confusion she explained. "If there are an odd number of petals you will always end on "He loves me" if you are asking the flower whether the other person loves you or not."

Mrs. Weasley regained her composure long enough to help the girls get dressed and do their hair but standing behind them as they looked in the mirror was enough to start the waterworks anew. She joined the rest of the wedding party downstairs in the newly transformed living room but the sight of Harry holding Teddy had her reaching for more tissues.

As soon as Molly took her place with the others, the ceremony commenced. Ginny descended the stairs first, wearing an emerald satin dress and carrying a bouquet of brightly colored wildflowers. She took her place at the front of the room, leaned over and whispered, "Hold onto your socks, boys." There was a gasp from some of the other attendees and everyone turned and stared.

Luna had once again upended all of their expectations. Knowing that everyone assumed she would design an elaborate, over the top creation she deliberately went the other direction, fashioning a simple gown in a style similar to her mother's wedding dress. It had elegant lines and fastened at one shoulder with intricate beading fashioned in the shape of a small dragon, leaving the other shoulder and arm bare.

The fabric itself was woven from a magical silk that shimmered as she moved, catching the light like a prism as it flowed to the ground in a slight train. The hem of the dress had been enchanted to release a slight mist as she walked, giving the illusion that she was floating on a cloud. She wore her hair long and loose, pulled back from her face by the daisy chain tiara gifted from Draco. In years to come, Hermione would describe the sight by saying "It was if a Greek goddess had stepped off one of the urns at the British Museum and walked among us."

As the bride made her way towards them, Teddy clapped and exclaimed, "Una pwetty!" to the delight of all assembled.

When Luna reached the front of the room, Draco leaned over and whispered, "Una beautiful."

Luna responded, "Daco handsome."

They were moving in for a kiss when Arthur cleared his throat. The couple pulled apart and Draco blushed as the older man assured them, "We'll get to that bit soon, I promise."

Mr. Weasley then addressed the room. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the binding of two souls in holy matrimony. Before we begin the official ritual, however, the bride and groom have asked to say a few words." He nodded at Draco. "Go ahead, lad."

Draco turned towards Luna. "Unlike my school days, I am no longer comfortable being the center of attention. However, I will always be willing to tell anyone who will listen exactly how I feel about you."

He took a deep breath and gazed at his bride. "Luna Lovegood - your name could not suit you any more perfectly. You live up to your surname by embodying all that is good and loving in this world. The name your parents chose for you means "of the moon" and you are indeed a light in the darkness, a force strong enough to control the tides and your very presence can cause a man to lose all reason." There was a slight catch in his voice. "I don't know what possessed you to lose your reason to the point that you decided to accept me but, whatever it was, I am eternally grateful for it."

Luna wiped away a tear then stood very tall and said, "Draco Malfoy, I have always spoken my mind and will continue to do so, especially where you are concerned." This produced a good natured chuckle from everyone in the room.

She smiled and continued. "I know your relationship with your parents is complicated. But they couldn't have been more correct than when they named you Draco - "the dragon" - a creature whose strong exterior conceals a heart of fire..." She placed her hand on his chest. "One that fiercely protects that which he loves." He laid his hand on top of hers and nodded solemnly. "Your very presence grounds me and yet, at the same time, allows me to be completely myself. You provide me with a sense of security and love that allows me to freely explore the world around me with the firm assurance that I have a safe place to return and for that, I am eternally grateful."

It was now Arthur's turn to produce a handkerchief and dab at his eyes. He sniffed and said, "Well, I can't add much to that, now can I? So, if the two of you will take hands, we will begin the binding..."

xoxoxo

Once the ritual was complete, the bride and groom led the everyone into a large tent erected in the back yard for the reception, where Molly was once again overcome with emotion.

Just past the entrance, in pride of place, Draco and Luna had arranged for a table to appear with a sign announcing "In memory of beloved family". Each place setting featured a hand-written name plate with a burning candle floating above it. Molly read each one in turn as she walked along:

Xenophilius Lovegood

Pandora Lovegood

Edward Tonks

Nymphadora Tonks Lupin

Remus Lupin

Sirius Black

Garrick Ollivander

Molly reached for Arthur's arm and let out a slight gasp when she read the final name:

Frederick Gideon Weasley

Draco and Luna stood beside the older couple and the bride whispered, "We hope you don't mind. We have begun to think of you as family and wanted to acknowledge that we missed Fred today as well. If you don't think it's appropriate we can remove it."

Molly choked back a sob and threw her arms around Luna. "It's lovely, dear. Thank you so much for remembering him." She reached for Draco as well. "And you are family to us. Both of you, okay?"

When she finally released them, it was Arthur's turn to hug the couple. "Thank you both, very much. That was very thoughtful."

As Arthur lead Molly away, Draco noticed George Weasley standing quietly beside him. After a brief, awkward silence, Draco ventured, "I am sorry if this bothers you. We just..."

George cut him off with, "It made Mum and Dad happy."

Draco shook his head. "All the same, George, if we have upset you..."

George held up a hand. "Please, Malfoy. Don't use my first name and be nice to me at the same time. I don't think I can handle it - not today."

Draco nodded. "Fine." He paused then added, "Besides, I assumed that in your condition you'd only hear half of what I said anyway."

George turned and saw Draco barely concealing a smile. The red head arched an eyebrow. "Merlin's Beard! Malfoy made a joke...and it wasn't half bad. There may be hope for you yet, Ferret."

Luna appeared beside them and in a stern voice ordered, "George Weasley! I will not have you starting with that on my wedding day."

George cowered slightly. "Don't hurt me, Luna! This is how I treat everyone in the family." Seeing the surprised look on Draco's face, he said, "What? If we could eventually forgive Percy then nothing's impossible." He grunted and shrugged. "I'm not saying we are going to be drinking buddies or anything but it would be nice to have a decent quidditch player around during holiday pickup games at the Burrow."

Luna placed her hands on her hips and narrowed her eyes slightly. "If I were to allow my husband to participate in these games, would you promise to return him to me in the same condition as he arrived?"

George grinned. "More or less..."

Before he could finish, Angelina came up and grabbed his arm. "Come on! Your mum wants everyone to take a seat so we can begin the meal."

As he was dragged away, George called back. "Don't worry, Luna. We won't damage anything important on him until you have children!" which earned him a smack around his remaining ear from Angie and an exasperated, "George Weasley!" from his mother.

After dinner Molly and Andromeda unveiled Luna's birthday cake and everyone was touched as they watched the bride get emotional at her husband's thoughtfulness. He insisted that she make a wish and blow out the candles even though she staunchly maintained that she now had "everything I could ever have hoped for."

As the group finished singing 'Happy Birthday', Ginny climbed onto her chair and tapped her wand against her champagne glass. "Attention! Attention, everyone! Since the best man has a rather limited vocabulary, Ihave volunteered to give the wedding toast."

From the other end of the table Ron yelled, "Can't we at least give Teddy a chance?" before getting a sharp jab in the ribs from Hermione and a threatening look from his mother.

Ginny made a face at her brother and continued. "First off, on behalf of all of the women present, I would like to thank Draco Malfoy for such an over the top display of romance on the day before Valentine's Day, thereby forcing all of our significant others to step up their plans for tomorrow so they won't look bad by comparison." This produced a loud cheer from the ladies and no small amount of grumbling from the men at the table.

Ron looked at Draco and rolled his eyes. "You can't tell me that wasn't intentional."

Draco reached for Luna's hand. "I can assure you that it was not the ultimate goal... just an amusing side effect." This caused everyone, even Ron, to laugh.

Ginny smiled. "Right. With that out of the way, on with the toast." She turned towards the bride and groom. "Draco and Luna - if the last few years have taught me anything it is that love, without a doubt, is the most powerful magic in the world and that peace is the only goal worth pursuing. So that is my wish for the both of you - peace and love, forever and always." She raised her glass and said, "To Draco and Luna."

The room responded, "To Draco and Luna."

After taking a sip of her champagne, Ginny exclaimed, "All right, then. Luna promised pudding and dancing so let's get started!"

xoxoxo

After the toast Draco led Luna onto the dance floor where they surprised everyone with an elegant waltz. Afterwards the couple were asked to dance by Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, followed by Ginny and Harry.

As he watched Luna be let away by Harry, Draco rolled his eyes and asked, "Will my wife have toes left once Potter is done with her?"

Ginny glared at him. "Draco Malfoy! That is the man I love you are talking about."

Draco recoiled slightly. "Merlin's Beard! Did they have special classes at school where they taught all of you females that look?"

Ginny nodded. "As a matter of fact, they did. It was taught by McGonagall herself. I'll have you know that Hermione, Luna and I received top marks. " She snuck a glance at Harry and Luna then chuckled. "But to your point I placed a feather light spell on his shoes before we left home. She'll be fine."

Draco raised an eyebrow and Ginny shrugged. "What? I'm in love but I'm not blind to certain areas of improvement in regards to the 'Chosen One'."

Draco gave a solemn nod. "You are a very wise woman."

They continued to dance as Ginny said, "So, I understand my brothers give you the talk."

"Ah, yes. The 'hurt her and die' brigade showed up at the cottage yesterday evening. Thankfully, Luna was still there to protect me."

Ginny laughed. "Good. I took pity on you and made them take an oath to not make the bride a widow before the ceremony."

"So, it would appear that, once again, I am in your debt, Ginevra."

"Once again?"

Draco's expression turned serious. "Yes - again. I don't believe I have ever properly thanked you for your actions the night Luna was attacked. If you had not been there...well...I-I don't like to think of what might have happened." He took a deep breath. "I can never truly repay you for that, but if you ever find yourself in need of anything, Ginevra Weasley, simply ask and I swear that I shall do all that is within my power to assist you."

Ginny considered this before a mischievous grin spread across her face. "Anything, huh? Well, how about this, Draco Malfoy? For all of your faults, you are an excellent dancer. Do you think you can improve Harry's skills in that area before my wedding day?"

Draco looked aghast. "Bloody Hell, woman! I'm a damn fine wizard but even magic has its limits!"

Ginny glared at him until Draco sighed. "Fine. I can make an attempt but I proffer no assurances or guarantees." He looked across at Luna and Harry and flinched. "Just...tell me as soon as you set a date. We'll need all the time we can get."

When the music ended, Ginny curtsied and said, "That is all I can ask for, Malfoy."

Everyone was having such a good time that no one noticed when Andromeda pulled Harry aside for a brief conversation, after which the young man slipped outside. He apparated to a spot in the forest about a mile from the festivities where he found a sleek black and white cat perched on a low branch of a hawthorn tree, watching the proceedings through an enchanted mirror. At the sound of his arrival the animal froze, pupils enlarged and whiskers bristling. It stared at him for a moment before jumping to the ground, in the process transforming itself into an elegantly clad woman. She adjusted her dress, smoothed her hair and said, "Hello, Mr. Potter."

Harry bowed and replied, "Hello, Mrs. Malfoy."