AUTHOR'S NOTES: Breaking from how I usually write wedding scenes there are no actual song lyrics in this chapter. (Although I do recommend listening to Phil Vassar's 'Love is a Beautiful Thing' as you read this.) Mutated lyrics, though, are present in the dialouge and come from Phil Vassar, Big & Rich, and Amanda Marshall. If you can find 'em, nominate your choice for my next Disabled!Harry story.
Next chapter will be an epilouge for this story and focuses on the next generation leaving for Hogwarts. And I promise not to end the story with 'All was well'!
Read, review, and show your love!
Chapter 25 The Wedding
4 Years Later
Hogwarts looked radiant in the bright summer sun as the staff and students—current and former—finished final preparations for the wedding. By the lake, tents were set up providing the location for the reception.
Fred and George Weasley and Draco Malfoy were setting up for the fireworks display which would take place at dusk.
Mrs. Weasley and Petunia were running down a final checklist on the food for the reception and any moment Petunia's new husband, Inspector Thomas Sawyer, would be arriving with the floral centerpieces.
Inside the castle, the Great Hall was crowded as people took their seats facing the altar at the front where the staff table usually was. The Weasleys sat all together although Ron and Ginny were up by the altar as part of the wedding party. Hermione stood with them, holding Ron's hand and every few seconds, Ron's finger brushed the beautiful diamond engagement ring on Hermione's finger.
Outside the Great Hall, Sirius stood with Harry who, while deliriously happy, was still nervous. "Just breathe, Prongslet," Sirius advised, looking over his godson's tux and wedding robes. "You look just like James."
Harry grinned and ran a hand through his messy black hair. "Thanks, Sirius. I'm scared," Harry admitted, still grinning. "I never thought I'd be getting married."
"It's okay to feel a little scared," Sirius replied, twiddling the gold wedding band on his finger. "But I'll tell you… once you put that ring on her finger, that fear goes away and suddenly you can't remember being happier in your entire life."
Harry nodded, glancing briefly down at the cane he was leaning on. "Sometimes when Luna and I are together I can't even remember why I need the cane."
"Then it's definitely true love," Sirius laughed, pulling Harry into a hug. "Now… Go in there… I'll be there as soon as I find Anna. I think she was in the kitchens supervising house elves."
Harry turned and headed into the Great Hall, heading over Ron who gave a smile and held up the small box with Luna's wedding band. "I'm keeping it safe for you, Harry," Ron said, smiling.
"I'm not worried," Harry replied, giving Ron a hug. "Thanks for doing this." Looking at Ginny and Hermione he added, "All of you."
"Is Dudley coming?" Ginny asked.
"He and Leslie should be here in 10 minutes," Harry replied. "Where's Luna?"
Hermione pointed in the direction of a small room off of the Hall. "Her father's just helping her finish getting ready."
--
Luna twirled as she looked at herself in the mirror. The gown was a silvery material and seemed to float around her like a mist and the wedding robes looked stunning. Her hair was done up in a braided knot and an amethyst necklace finished off the look.
"I wish your mother could be here to see you right now," Xenophilius Lovegood said as he fumbled with his tie.
Luna smiled and with a flick of her wand fixed the tie. "How is it…?" Xeno asked, looking at his only child. "…that you've become such an exquisite person? You've gown up so quickly…"
"But I know that I will always be your little girl," Luna replied, hugging her father.
After the hug, Xeno stepped back and looked at the wedding dress. "You look so beautiful in your mother's gown."
"And Great Aunt Ruby's wedding robes go perfectly," Luna added. Seeing a tear in her father's eye, she gave him a warm smile. "It's okay, Dad."
"I know," Xeno whispered, hugging his daughter.
--
Once everyone was gathered and seated, Anna cued the music and as the delicate sounds of the Irish whistle played, the doors of the Great Hall opened and the crowd turned as one to see Luna Lovegood on her father's arm coming down the aisle.
Up at the altar Harry knew that if he still had knees they'd be shaking. Luna was the most perfect vision as she practically floated up to him and took his hand. Handing his cane to Sirius, Harry took both Luna's hands in his and looked into her beautiful gray eyes.
"If you are ready to begin, Harry…" Albus Dumbledore said, looking at the couple. Seeing Harry's nod, the headmaster began. "Family and good friends… here we gather to unite two people with the magic that knows no boundaries…" Glancing at Draco and Ginny who smiled, Dumbledore continued. "Before us today Harry Potter and Luna Lovegood offer themselves to each other and desire to forever bind themselves in matrimony."
Luna looked into Harry's green eyes and said, "Before she died… my mother told me that all we truly need in life is for but one person to believe in us. I have believed in you from the first moment I met you. I believed that you were a good person and a hero to all. I believed that you could overcome all obstacles in your way… and I believed that you would defeat a most sinister enemy. I will always believe in you, Harry Potter. I love you now and forever."
Harry felt his heart beat faster as he said, "You've been there for me ever since the first day of my 5th year. The way I feel about you… I've never felt that way about anyone before. With you I feel passion and serenity, chaos and peace… You captured my heart from the first time we touched. And with you by my side I know I can conquer anything."
"Mr. Weasley… Miss Granger…" Dumbledore said, looking at them. "The rings, please…"
Luna took the thick gold band from Hermione and said, "I, Luna Florence Lovegood, forever entwine my heart with yours. Through sun and storm, joy and sadness, sickness and health, life and death. Wherever you are, I want to be." Sliding the ring on Harry's finger, she said, "With this ring, I marry my one true love."
Harry couldn't find his voice for a moment as Ron gave him Luna's ring. Finally, he said, "I, Harry James Potter, forever entwine my heart with yours. Through sun and storm, joy and sadness, sickness and health, life and death. Anything that means anything to you means everything to me." Sliding the ring on Luna's finger, he finished, "With this ring, I marry my one true love."
"Rings are the outward symbol of love," Dumbledore said, looking at those in the crowd who were holding hands. "And today as, Harry and Luna join those of you who are happily married, I ask all of you to remember this special bond, that which not even the strongest magic can sever." Looking at Harry and Luna, Dumbledore said, "I now present to you all, Mr. And Mrs. Harry Potter."
Harry pulled Luna to him and the kiss they shared spoke of love, friendship, and the strongest fidelity.
--
Out on the grounds, Dudley shook hands with his cousin. "Congratulations, Harry."
"Thanks, Dud," Harry replied, grinning. "How about you and Leslie?"
Dudley looked over to where his mother was standing and then back at Harry before pulling on a chain under his shirt. Harry saw that on the chain there was a silver wedding band and his eyes widened. "Leslie and I eloped last month. Don't tell Mum. I'll tell her later."
"Your funeral, Dudley," Harry chuckled as Luna came up to him. "Hello, Mrs. Luna Potter."
Luna smiled serenely as she took Harry's and led him away from the others before pulling her new husband into a deep and tender kiss.