I disclaim ownership of Philosopher's Stone and Deathly Hallows.

Based on Facing Danger chapter 8 and Surpassing Danger chapter 21


Chapter 28: I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do

"That was exhausting," Arti said as they stumbled up to breakfast the next morning. Or to be more accurate, lunch as it was almost noon. "I didn't get any sleep last night since Bulstrode was crying her eyes out. How many more nights will I have to spend listening to those stupid girls sob over such insignificant things?"

"To be honest, I think she had a right to more than Parkinson did. Parkinson's always been melodramatic." Lena poured herself a glass of orange juice. "I'm so glad my roommates aren't like that. Though I'd pay money to see any of them sobbing hysterically. Or Greengrass for that matter."

Arti snickered. "Speaking of Parkinson, do you think what happened to Bulstrode was just coincidence?" She took a bite of her eggs.

"Why? Do you think it's not?"

"Parkinson was giggling about it with Davis in a way that suggested otherwise."

"You think they were involved?"

"I wouldn't be surprised, since Parkinson's horrid to everyone. Though I thought she and Bulstrode got on really well, but now that I think about it, I've noticed they haven't been getting on recently. I've been wondering why, not that I care."

"I might be wrong, but Bulstrode is a half-blood so she might have tried to convince Parkinson that it wouldn't be so had to have half-blood nieces and nephews. I doubt Parkinson took it well. Stupid of Bulstrode really. She ought to have known it wouldn't end at that given what happened to Greengrass. And now the circle widens."

"And I doubt Parkinson and Greengrass are done. Argh."

"Slytherins are good at holding grudges and they always want the last word," Lena agreed.

Arti sighed. "Some people are so sensitive."

Now that Valentine's Day was behind them, Lena realised with a jolt that N.E.W.T.s were only four months away. Their professors had also apparently realised this and were now assigning piles of homework. She was selfishly glad that they didn't have to worry about planning an event.

"Now there's only May Day left," Maya said as they walked to Potions.

"Don't forget your birthday."

"Yes, that too."

"And then N.E.W.T.s"

"Let's think about that later."

They walked into Potions and sat down, waiting for Professor Black to arrive. She did, her robes billowing behind her, reminiscent of Professor Snape.

"You are here to learn the subtle science and exact art of potionmaking," she began.

Several of the seventh-years choked back a laugh, which became increasingly harder as her imitation was remarkable. "As there is little foolish wand-waving here, many of you will hardly believe this is magic. I don't expect you will really understand the beauty of the softly simmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes, the delicate power of liquids that creep through human veins, bewitching the mind, ensnaring the senses... I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, even stopper death — if you aren't as big a bunch of dunderheads as I usually have to teach." She paused and gazed around the room. "But since you've all shown quite fair competency to this point, I don't believe that will be a problem."

Several of the seventh-years smiled.

"Now who can tell me some Healing spells?"

"Episkey," Maya said.

"Ferula," Cho added.

Several more were tossed out.

"Good. Now, can you name any potions that do the same thing?" There was a pause as everyone looked around at each other.

"Essence of Dittany seals wounds. It's sort of like Episkey," Cho said.

Professor Black nodded again then went on to list a few such as the Awakening Potion, which Lena thought would prove very useful while revising for N.E.W.T.s.

"And why and when would it be useful to use potions instead of spells?"

"For people who don't know these spells?" Lena suggested hesitantly. "Though they wouldn't know how to brew the potions either, so unless they had the potions ready made, it's rather pointless."

"Yes, but more broadly?"

"Because sometimes there just aren't spells that would do what you want?" Maya asked.

"Exactly," Professor Black said, giving her an approving smile. "Because, as much as your other teachers will deny it, there are things wands cannot do."

She went on to list some examples and the class learned to brew a potion which would mimic the effects of the Body-Bind.

"Do you think we could use any of these for the DA?" Katie asked as they left.

"Definitely," Maya agreed.

"We might have to modify some of them. We can bring it up at the meeting tomorrow."

"You might find that potion that mimics the Animagus forcing spell handy," Maya teased when they were alone later.

"Shut up. I only did that once! And barely that. It wasn't my fault foxes don't like werewolves. But I got over it didn't I?"

"For now."

Lena glowered at her as Maya laughed.


The seventh-years in the artillery brought their newfound knowledge to the next DA meeting. It took a couple of weeks to re-work the antidote patches on the potion pieces but when they were done, the patches were more effective than they had been before.

The medics also had a new potion added to their collection, one that helped to stop bleeding, which of course they wouldn't know how to do on their own yet.

"Oh good to know that I won't bleed to death now," Smith said.

"Keep that up and we might just let you," Seamus muttered.

It was decided that the potion which mimicked the Body-Bind was not as useful as they had initially thought so they decided against using it, though some of the artillery did want to experiment to see if they could brew something stronger that they could actually use. It took a lot of convincing before they found a volunteer to test their potion on.


"I don't think I ever knew when Ron's birthday was," Arti said as they went to Hogsmeade on the first of March.

"You do now."

"Maya's is soon."

"And then the wedding. Finally."

Arti giggled. "Come on, Lee's doing most of the work."

"I think I'm going to be done with parties for a while after all this. It's fun, but it's exhausting."

"Enjoy it while it lasts."

"At least you don't have to plan May Day, we just have to go and have fun."


Persis Blishwick was seated at a table in the dark, back corner of the Three Broomsticks, waiting for her friends to arrive. The four Slytherin girls came in and she waved them over. They each got a butterbeer before joining her at the table.

"Congratulations on a little girl," Flora said as she sat down.

"Thank you," she said dully.

"No luck yet?" Hestia asked.

Persis shook her head. "Not yet," she said with a resigned sigh.

"What's her name?" Lilith asked.

"Lucasta," Persis replied.

"That's right. There was an announcement in the Daily Prophet."

They lapsed into silence for a minute before Persis spoke.

"It's nearly settled. We'll let you know when it's time, though that should be quite soon. They too eager to wait much longer."

"Good." Hestia glanced sharply at Laurasia who was gripping her bottle of butterbeer so tightly, her knuckles were turning white. Laurasia flinched and lowered her eyes. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. I'm glad I could do something. We found someone who was very eager to help you. He wants his chance at the one who got away from him last time. And perhaps the opportunity to get a little more than he bargained for this time around."

"Excellent," Hestia hissed. Persis glanced around nervously. "We're fine. No one's going to care that we're talking. Most of Potter's lot is off somewhere. Or at least so I assume since I haven't seen them around today and they all travel in packs."

"You didn't arrange that did you?"

"No, merely a very nice coincidence. Which will give us a chance to introduce someone to you without arousing any undue suspicion."

"Oh?"

Hestia turned and beckoned. A girl with black curly hair came forward, looking nervous, but she quickly gained control over her emotions and her haughty expression returned.

Persis surveyed the younger girl who gazed unflinchingly back. "Ah, so this is your little friend."

Hestia nodded. "This is Romilda Vane. Romilda, this is Persis Runcorn. She was a year ahead of us at Hogwarts, though she left before her seventh year to be married."

"How do you do?" Romilda asked.

Persis nodded curtly then turned to Hestia. "Why didn't you bring her with you when you came to visit me over thee winter holidays?"

"Because I wasn't sure how useful she would be to us then and I didn't want us to waste our time on her if it all came to naught. Besides, I didn't think your husband would approve when I explained who she was."

Persis raised an eyebrow at her. "You're consorting with a Mudblood?" she demanded, looking horrified and disgusted.

"As if I would be desperate enough to even speak to a Mudblood." She shuddered.

Persis relaxed slightly. "You're a half-blood."

"Yes," Romilda said firmly.

Persis turned back to Hestia, "And what exactly would I want with her? If you think Thackery wouldn't approve then what are we doing with her?"

"She's a Gryffindor," Hestia said, emphasizing the last word. Persis's scowl deepened but her expression cleared as Hestia went on. "As are most of Potter's lot."

"Ah. Yes, then I can see why she would be useful."

"Oh she has been useful. Haven't you?" Hestia cooed, patting Romilda on the hand. She nodded eagerly and sat down in the chair Hestia indicated. "You'll have your fifteen minutes of fame. And your revenge of course." Hestia smiled nastily. "They won't have any idea what hit them."

After a few minutes the Slytherins dismissed Romilda. She wrapped her cloak around herself to hide the Gryffindor crest on her robes before she walked out of the Three Broomsticks.

"Vane."

Romilda stopped and turned to find Cho Chang behind her. "What do you want?" she asked rudely.

"They're using you. You're not going to get what you want."

"You're just saying that because you didn't."

"I wasn't the one who started associating with Slytherins who have known ties to Death Eaters."

"No, you went straight to Umbridge."

Cho winced. "I had my reasons," she said tersely. "I thought they were good reasons at the time, but of course in hindsight I see I was foolish. And mistaken."

Romilda gazed at Cho. "I thought you of all people would understand. I see I was wrong."

"I wasn't trying to get someone killed."

"No, you just betrayed the DA. And I'm not trying to get anyone killed either."

"Aren't you?"

"No."

"I pity the poor person you're trying to take revenge on. I don't suppose you'll tell me who. Or why."

"Why? So you can run off and warn them this time? Of course not." Romilda flushed. "And who says I'm planning anything?" she demanded.

Cho sighed. "And this is how we can tell you're not a Slytherin."

Romilda's response was short and profane. She turned to go, but Cho caught her arm. She looked Romilda in the eye. "I learned from my mistakes. I'm not sure you ever will. But when – if – you do, it'll be too late."

"For me or for them?"

"Both, I'm afraid. Why are you doing this? Why are you resorting to something so drastic? Or I assume so seeing as who you're associating with."

"So it's a crime now to talk to people in different Houses? What about all this inner-House unity everyone keeps talking about?"

"Considering who they are, I'd say so, yes."

"If you're so worried about talking to people in other Houses, why are you talking to me?"

"Because I'm trying to keep you from doing something incredibly stupid that I'm sure you're going to regret."

"Thanks but I don't need your help."

"So you'd go to the likes of them instead?"

"What choice do I have when my own House has turned against me?"

"Why wouldn't they? Gryffindors prize loyalty and bravery and you betrayed not only them but the entire DA to boot with your arrogant scheme. All for what?"

"You're the one who would have turned us over to Umbrdge!" Romilda tried to jerk her arm out of Cho's grasp, but Cho held firm.

"I regret it deeply. It was stupid of me and I did it for the wrong reasons. As I'm sure you'll realise after it's too late. But I've been trying to redeem myself since then. You on the other hand..."

"What about the rest of my friends?"

Cho signed in exasperation. "You tried an illegal, immoral method to gratify your stupid glory-hounding and you got caught. Now you're whining about the consequences? Of course your friends are going to distance themselves from you!"

Romilda smirked. "What choice do I have then? Someone has to pay. I already have." She jerked her arm out of Cho's grasp before turning and stalking away.

"This isn't a game anymore!" Cho called after her. "It's not some prank!" But Romilda didn't turn around. "Sooner or later you'll go too far and it'll be too late," Cho said quietly to herself. She sighed in defeat and stared after Romilda, wishing she could do more. At least this time, she could warn the DA that something was brewing.


The five Slytherin girls came out of the Three Broomsticks an hour later. They stopped just outside the door, gazing between Tackery Runcorn and several seventh-year Slytherin boys who were glaring at each other, covered in bruises. Persis stiffened, then rushed forward.

"What on earth happened?" she asked, putting a hand on her husband's arm.

He shrugged her off. "He says I'm not man enough to have a son," he said through clenched teeth.

"Well you aren't," Urqhart taunted. "It's your fault all you've got are girls! Even Daveis' bastard's a boy. And even those blood-traitor Weasleys have six boys! And you can't even have one!"

"At least I can have children," Thackery snapped. "I'm not sure you could even get that far."

The boy lunged at him but Thackery simply stepped aside, sending him sprawling. The boy got to his feet, spitting out a mouthful of dirt but before he could retaliate, Madam Rosmerta stepped outside.

"If you two don't break it up right now, neither of you will be having any children!" she snapped, brandishing her wand. "Now go away before I summon the Aurors."

Thackery crossed his arms. "Go ahead."

Madam Rosmerta half-turned and called to someone. A few moments later, a young woman with shocking pink hair came to the door, wearing Auror robes.

"Honestly, what's the world coming to when you can't have a quiet drink without being interrupted by hooligans trying to be pretend at being men? Now if you wouldn't mind, I'd like to get back to my drink instead of dealing with little boys throwing petty insults at each other."

She levelled her gaze at the younger boys who scuttled off.

Thackery glared at her. She gazed cooly back at him until he looked away.

"I'll show him," Thackery snarled. "Come, Persis."

Persis winced and the pair Disapparated.


Lena, Leanne, Maya, and Cho were sharing a table during Charms on Monday.

"I saw Romilda with some of the girls in your House," Cho said. "At the Three Broomsticks."

"You mean the evil four I share a dormitory with?" Lena asked.

"Yes. Should we be worried?"

"I would love to say no, but being a Slytherin, not to mention who we're dealing with, I'd say, yes, definitely be worried. In fact, be very worried."

"I thought so. I told her as much."

"She didn't deny it, I take it."

"No. Far from it actually. She all but admitted it. She realised her mistake and immediately tried to correct herself, of course."

Lena shook her head. "That's why she's not a Slytherin."

"I told her as much." Lena snorted.

Lena sighed, rubbing the heel of her hands against her eyes. "I thought it might have been a coincidence when they were at a table for Valentine's Day. I should have known better. I doubt there's much we can do, since it's no crime to talk to people, but..."

"We'll tell Neville then."

"Good idea."

"I tried talking to her. But she didn't want any help."

Lena smiled grimly. "She's in too deep already. Then again, any association with Voldemort means there's no way out. I guess she should have stayed with the DA instead of doing something to get her kicked out. Not that she sees it that way."

"Maybe we shouldn't have kicked her out then," Leanne said with a sigh.

"Would you have let her stay?"

"I suppose there's something to be said for knowing where they are...but no. Not really."

"Of course, as a Slytherin I have no problem with back-stabbing, since we tend to side with whoever will give us what we want. Not," she went on with a hard look at the rest of them, "that I'm saying I'm going to run off with the Death Eaters."

"None of us think that," Maya said gently.

"They're getting cocky," Lena said to Arti at lunch. "The Slytherins at least should know to be more careful."

"Are you complaining? We know they're planning something now."

"Yeah, but I have a feeling it's been going on for longer than that. We might already be too late."

"Just as long as Parkinson and the others don't get involved."

"Will you stop saying things like that? Now of course it's going to happen and that's the last thing we need!"


The Pride could hardly look at each other on the train ride home. They engaged in very mundane conversation, always skirting the issue of "What are you going to do over the holidays, though of course, Lena and Lindz could get away with "revising." Graham and Natalie were whispering together, casting excited glances at Maya when they thought she wasn't looking.

"See you tomorrow!" Lena called to Maya. "I'll need help with that Transfiguration essay. I can't understand a word." She winked at Lee who grinned at her over his shoulder.

Lena Apparated home with Roger. They could hear the children in the living room, and of course Zach was with them. Before they went in, Roger stopped her.

"Just so you know, Zach's started having stranger anxiety." He shifted uncomfortably. "He might not like it if you try picking him up."

Lena nodded. "I'll keep that in mind."

"And don't take it personally."

"I won't."

Zach was half-crawling, half-scooting across the floor to get at the toy he wanted. Horus was walking beside him. Lena gaped in astonishment.

"Wow..."

"The cat?" Lena nodded. Roger laughed. "Yeah. He won't let Zach out of his sight. I'd find it endearing if he didn't hate the rest of us. He about jumped in the bathtub a few times."

"Unfortunately I think this means we'll have to take him with us when we get our own place," Lena said dejectedly. "Maybe I could drown him."

"Er..." Roger said gazing shiftily at her. "Can we still get a dog?"

"Why not? Maybe he'll scare Horus and he won't like living with us."

"You really don't like that cat, do you?"

"The feeling is mutual."

The living room – and presumably the entire house – looked quite different than it had before. All small and breakable objects had been moved out of Zach's reach and gates were at each door to keep him from wandering off. Lena and Roger simply climbed over them.

"No fair!" Ollie said when he saw them. He jumped up and ran to Lena, throwing his arms around her. She ruffled his hair. Phoebe and Diana were off in a corner, attempting to play a game of chess and didn't notice their arrival.

"You'll be able to do that when you're a bit taller."

Zach had stopped moving and turned to look at them. He grinned and she noticed that he now had two teeth. Lena knelt and they stared at each other for a moment.

"Hi," she said quietly. He giggled.

She reached out and carefully picked him up. He burst into tears. She quickly handed him to Roger and Zach promptly stopped crying. She felt like a knife had gone through her heart, but she carefully kept her emotions in check. Roger stroked Lena's hair, looking apologetic.

"Yeah, it's been fun the last few weeks. He's going through stranger anxiety. And teething. Neither of which is a fun process. Luckily we found something that helps."

"Dare I ask?"

"Firewhiskey."

"You're joking."

"I don't let him drink it! I just put some on his gums and he stops crying."

"You're turning our son into a lush before he's old enough to talk," she said, shaking her head.

"It's better than having him cry all the time because it hurts."

She tentatively reached out to stroke Zach's hair. This at least didn't make him cry.

"He'll get used to you."

"But then I'll leave again."

"Next time you come home, it'll be for good."

"If I don't fail my N..E.W.T.s."

"You won't."

"I assume he's here about every day."

"Yeah. Free babysitting. And the kids seem to like it. Your aunt's usually the one with him since everyone else is gone most of the time now."

Zach began to squirm so Roger set him down and they went upstairs to Lena's room.

"The wedding's almost here."

"Finally. Ugh, I'll be glad when it's over."

Roger laughed. "And she has no idea."

"I don't think so." She turned back to face him. "Mother is eagerly anticipating a wedding. I told her she wouldn't get one until after I'd finished school."

"Oh good. Not that I don't want us to get married, but we're both rather busy."

"I know."

Buttercup announced dinner so they went back downstairs. Roger picked Zach up off the floor as Aunt Áine came into to usher the children into the dining room and they all sat down to eat. The children were very happy to see Nott again and though he tried to hide it, he was obviously pleased. Lena wasn't sure whether to gag or smile. Arti made faces at him when he wasn't looking.

"Here, try feeding him. He'll definitely like you then," Roger said, setting Zach in his high chair.

Lena laughed. "That's all I'm good for."

"I have no idea why, but he likes mashed spinach mixed with applesauce."

Lena made a face. "That sounds disgusting."

"I agree. At least we can get him to eat his vegetables," Roger said, putting him in his high chair.

"For now."

Lena was astounded at how ridiculously happy Zach was as he ate.

"Told you. He also adores broccoli."

Lena gazed down at Zach. "You are a very strange child."

"Oh it's been wonderful to have him here. It gets our children to eat their vegetables," Aunt Áine said from across the table.

"Really?"

"Well most of the time."

After dinner the children dragged Nott into a game of Gobstones and Lena got Zach ready for bed.

"Do you want to put him in my room so he doesn't wake up the whole house?"

"We could try that."

"Not that having him in his room would be a problem, since I'll probably wake up before he even starts crying anyway."

"He might not even wake up, since he sleeps through the night now mostly."

"That's good."

"I'll say."

"It's not like you had to get up with him."

"True."

Knowing that Maya would be extraordinarily busy over the second week of Easter holidays, Lena went over to Maya's flat practically every day that first week, so that the two of them could finish their homework before everyone got busy. It wasn't easy making frantic last-minute preparations for the wedding, while trying to keep Maya in the dark.

"Goodness, you're like Hermione," Maya teased.

"If we do it all now, we'll get it out of the way and we can relax next week."

"Yes, I suppose you're right. It just seems a bit out of character for you."

"Are you calling me lazy?" Lena demanded in mock-outrage.

"Maybe?" Maya said, eyes twinkling.


"I'll go back home tonight," Roger said on Saturday. "Since Lee's staying at our place."

"Oh, that's right, I'll see you in the morning then."

Zach slept soundly for most of the night, though he did wake up in the early hours of the morning. Lena rose, surprised that he wasn't crying but sitting in his cot, looking very pleased with himself. He looked up at her and laughed, clapping his hands in delight. She groaned.

"Sweetheart, go back to sleep. I have a wedding in the morning."

Luckily he did not too long afterward and Lena didn't have to worry about being tired and falling asleep at the wedding.

Roger and Lena met the others at the Pepper Pot for breakfast on Easter morning, trying their hardest to contain the excitement and impatience, though of course Maya must have sensed something was up. They were waiting anxiously for Lee's Howler to arrive. It seemed to take hours.

Fred, George and Danielle were looking over the timetable for the wedding and Crystal was making sure they all ate, humming snatches of various songs as she served breakfast. Then again Maya didn't know she was getting married so she wasn't nervous enough to not eat. Well, not yet anyway. Even Percy had been smirking all morning.

Lena sat with Zach on her lap, grinning at Roger over his head.

"What's Professor Black covering with you this year in N.E.W.T. Potions?" Danielle asked. "Just the standard curriculum, or did she mix it up a bit?"

"I think she mixed it up, though as I haven't been through the class before, I wouldn't know." Lena made a face at her. "We did a whole section on potions that mimic spells…"

"Which we never covered, so I think you're safe to say she's changed things." Danielle nodded. "What sort of spells?"

"Oh, all sorts. There's one to help stop bleeding, like Episkey will do with a wand, one to help revive someone who's a bit groggy, like Ennervate—we were able to work from that one to get a better mix for the antidote patches on the potion pieces—even one that mimics the Body-Bind, though it wears off pretty quickly so I wouldn't recommend it for DA or Order use unless we could brew it up stronger. Works with contact or vapour, though, so that's a plus. And there's one that mimics the Animagus forcer spell."

"Always a good thing to have on hand, if you know anyone who's learning that," said Roger. "If they were to get caught in form, or even halfway between forms, you could transfigure them back before they were in danger of losing their human mind. And with the potion, you don't have to know the spell, which I understand is a tricky one."

"It is," Fred put in. "Nonverbal, multi-part, and not exactly the easiest thing to practice."

"It's a bit uncomfortable, being dragged out of your form," George added. "Feels different than a standard change. Different from being transfigured as well."

This led into a lively conversation about the Animagus process and its downfalls, human transfiguration and the laws surrounding it, and the possibility of the war's impact on them.

A tapping noise came from the back room. Danielle broke off with a stifled squeal as Crystal got up from the table. She returned with an owl, a red envelope in its beak. Lena and the others exchanged knowing smiles as Maya swallowed, gazing with surprise at the envelope. Crystal began to whistle and Lena rocked Zach to the tune.

Finally the wait was over. Almost.

Maya caught the envelope as the owl dropped it. She tore it open, quickly setting it on the table.

"Good morning, Maya," said Lee's voice from the Howler, in normal tones. "Happy Easter. I'm sorry I can't be there in person, but it's bad luck for me to see you today. Or it will be, if everything goes the way I want it to." Maya frowned. "I asked you a question a little over a year ago, and you gave me an answer. I liked that answer a lot, and I'm hoping you'll give me the same one again, now that I'm asking with an extra word on the question." He took a deep breath before continuing. "Maya Pritchard, will you marry me—today?"

"Today?" Maya squeaked as the Howler went up in a silent puff of smoke. "But—but I'm not ready, I don't even have a dress—"

"Madam Malkin's will be open today, just for you," said Danielle, beaming. "Your aunt's already there, she's picked out a few dresses she thought would appeal to your tastes. All you have to do is choose one and they'll fit you up right there."

"Lee and Lindz are out collecting Dean and Natalie, and their families," Fred picked up the Quaffle. "Once they turn up, and Graham and his lot from Headquarters, we'll hang onto the boys here and send the girls over to get fitted out as bridesmaids."

"Red and royal blue," said Crystal, nodding. "Excellent colour choices."

"How did you—" Maya whirled to glare at Lena. "You set me up," she snapped. "All those questions all year long while we were working on Sanctuary, all those casual little conversations about what I wanted it to be like when we finally got married, Lee and I—you set me up for this!"

"Guilty as charged." Lena leaned back in her seat, smiling faintly. "Does this mean you don't want me for maid of honour?"

Maya turned her glare to Zach. "Maid I don't think you can claim anymore, not with a straight face," she said. "And honour…only if you're a Slytherin."

"Which I am." She lifted Zach to kiss him. "Q.E.D. So, do you want me there or not? And is it even happening?"

"Do I want you where? Where in the world could Lee find for us to get married on this short of notice?"

"You mentioned it yourself," said Roger with a smile. "And it's not exactly short notice. He's been planning this for most of the year."

"Most of the—" Maya broke off. "Sanctuary," she said in disbelief. "He wants us to get married in Sanctuary?"

"Why not?" George spread his hands. "Beautiful spot, magically important, needs as much good stuff as we can possibly cram in there…" He glanced over at Crystal. "Not a bad idea, really. Especially if you set things up for just the right time of day so the light's coming through one or another of those bits of stained glass, whichever one you like best."

Percy cleared his throat before Crystal could voice a suggestion. "I believe there's a question still unanswered here," he said when everyone looked at him. A wave of his hand indicated the ashes of the Howler. "Will you, Maya?"

Maya closed her eyes. After a few long moments she opened them and looked around the room.

"Yes," she said. "Yes, I'll marry Lee. Today."

Lena let out a sigh of relief. Not that there had been any doubt, of course.

Fred let out a whoop of glee and leapt up to start dancing around the room. George winked at Crystal before joining him. Percy sighed through his teeth, then got up, pushed in his chair, and headed for the Vanishing Cabinet. "I'll be at Sanctuary if anyone's looking for me," he informed the room over his shoulder. "There are bound to be a few last-minute details that need to be handled."

I have no doubt.

"What's with him?" Danielle asked, frowning as the Vanishing Cabinet closed with a click. "I mean, not that there won't be things to do at Sanctuary, but he's acting like he doesn't want to be here…"

"Penny." George stopped dancing. "Merlin's ear hair, we never thought of that. Today's bound to make him think of Penny."

Fred grimaced. "Hard lines on him," he said sympathetically. "But it's not fair to Lee and Maya to put that on their day. Your day," he corrected in Maya's direction.

"So, he's not." Crystal nodded towards the Vanishing Cabinet. "He's staying involved, doing his part, but as long as he's there alone, or mostly so, he can tell himself he's just setting up for a party of some kind. He'll probably leave before the rest of us get there."

"Hope he's over it by this time next month, at least enough to hold himself together through a ceremony." George shaped a tower with his hands. "Ginny won't like it one bit if we aren't all there at her wedding."

"But that being a month from now, and today being today, we need to get on with things," Lena said, standing up briskly and handing Zach to Roger. "Come on, Maya—time to turn you into a bride!"

Lena, Crystal and Danielle pulled Maya to her feet and led her out onto Diagon Alley toward Madam Malkin's.

"She's going to get you back for this," Crystal said quietly.

"Of course she is. I wouldn't expect anything less."

Maya's Aunt Voni was there with several dresses for Maya to try. As most of them hadn't met her yet, introductions were duly made. Lena realised with a jolt that even though they had made a Pride together almost a year ago, she had never met any of her other Pridemates' families. At least not until today. It didn't take Maya long to find the one she wanted and then they scurried back to Maya's flat.

"What time am I getting married?"

"That's not a question you hear every day," Danielle said with a giggle. Maya glared playfully at her.

"Two," Lena said. "So we have plenty of time."

"Why two?"

"You'll see," Lena said, smiling mysteriously.

"Can I at least see the bridesmaid dresses? That's not bad luck, is it?"

"I don't think so."

By the time they got back to the Pepper Pot, Lindz, Dean, Natalie and Graham and their families had arrived. More introductions all around.

"Strange how we're just now meeting everyone else's families," Lena said.

"Yeah. Hadn't really thought about that, but it's true," Roger agreed.

"Especially Maya's family."

"Don't buy out the entire store!" Roger called after the girls as they headed back out the door.

"We'll try not to! Don't have too much fun while we're gone!"

"We'll try!"

"I'm so glad I'm not pregnant now. It'd have been quite a nuisance to be fitted into a dress if I was."

"Is Zach staying home today?" Lindz asked.

"Definitely. I doubt you want him screaming in the middle of the ceremony. Maya'd never forgive me. We brought him this morning but Roger brought him home."

An hour later, they were back at Maya's flat again.

"Oh and I assume you'll want a copy of the invitations Lee sent out," Crystal said. "We saved one for you."

"I'm the last one to get one. Somehow that doesn't quite seem right."

"At least we didn't kidnap you in the middle of the night and you woke up in Sanctuary. That did cross our minds once or twice."

"At least you didn't do that," Maya agreed. "So when's yours?"

Lena groaned. "You sound like Mother. Whatever you do, please don't start that conversation with her today." Maya grinned and Lena turned to look at her. "Unless you're willing to plan my wedding, that is."

"Why not? You planned mine."

Something in Maya's tone made her wary. "On second thought, maybe I'll do this myself."

"If we do pull any pranks, we won't do anything worse than what you do today. Pride honour."

"Then you can't do anything, because we don't have any pranks planned. Well, nothing that I know of."

"It's so nice to be able to tell that I'm not being lied to," Maya said.

"I wouldn't lie to you about something like that. For that matter, I have never lied to you and hope I never will. Well I can't, obviously."

"What about the wedding?" Maya asked, her eyes narrowing slightly.

"I never lied. I concealed things from you and got information from you without your realising why I was asking, but I never lied to you."

"Hmph! Slytherins."

By the time they arrived at Sanctuary, preparations were well underway. All of the students participating in the Spell-Breaking Year and their families were invited, plus a few extras like Colin and Adrian and a few Red Shepherds and several Order members, whom Adrian was very eager to meet.

"Oh, it's beautiful," Maya said beaming.

"Don't get excited yet, we aren't done."

Arti and Adrian arrived with Mother and Father and his parents, all four of whom were exclaiming over how much had changed since they had last been here.

"How have you had time to study?" Mother asked.

"We don't sleep," Arti said. "I'll keep her away from you," she said quietly to Lena.

"Thank you," Lena whispered back.

"Well, both of them," Arti amended, nodding at Mrs. Davies who had arrived with Anne in tow.

Lena hugged Arti. "Thanks. Much appreciated. And I'll try to keep your mother," she said, nodding at Adrian, "away from the two of you."

"Thanks."

Maya laughed.


"It's nice to see some of the people we might be helping with Sanctuary," Lena said as she and Roger watched many of the classmates showing their Muggle relatives around. A few had gone out to take a tour of the grounds.

"Yeah, it is. I wish I could have seen all this as you were doing it. But I'm glad I get to see it now."

Lena glanced at her watch. "I better get changed," she said getting up. "You've got the rings, right?"

"Damn, I knew I was forgetting something!" Lena glared at him. "Don't worry," he said soothingly, putting an arm around her waist. "They're right here." He took a box out of his pocket and opened it. "See?"

"I've got enough to worry about without you giving me heart failure!" she snapped, swatting at him.

"Sorry," he said, though he didn't look it. "While you're getting dressed, I have to go threaten Lee within an inch of his life. I'll be back soon."

Lena laughed and they went off in opposite directions.

"Just don't blow anything up while we're gone," she said to the Weasley twins as she passed them.

"We won't. We promise."

"Yet," Fred whispered and winked at her when she turned back to him.

Lena met Danielle and Crystal and they went into the dressing room.

"Are you nervous?" Lena asked as she helped Maya into her dress.

"A bit."

"About this or tonight?"

"Both?"

"As to the former, I can't really give you any advice, except don't trip and don't forget your vows."

"And if you forget those, we have cue cards," Crystal said.

"You don't really?" Maya asked.

"No, we don't. Do we need to make some?"

"I'm sure I'll be fine."

"As to the latter," Lena said, with a wicked smirk, glancing at Lindz and Natalie. "Lie back and think of England."

Danielle and Crystal snorted with laughter.

"You're not helping," Maya said, glaring at her through the mirror.

"I rarely do. Really, just relax. It helps. In both cases."

"Does that "picture everyone in their underwear" thing really work?"

"Uh, I've never tried."

"You'll be staring at Lee and forget the rest of us are even there."

"Until you pull some prank."

"I already told you, we have no plans whatsoever to pull any pranks. Well, none that I know of."

"I don't find that at all reassuring."

"It's the best I can do."

"Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. And a Sickle in her shoe," Danielle trilled.

"The something old is this," Maya said, putting a hand to her veil. "Aunt Voni wore it on her wedding day. The something new is my dress of course. And I borrowed some of your jewellery," she said, nodding at Crystal.

"And your blue?" Danielle asked.

Maya smiled. "That's for later."

The girls giggled. All was going well until Maya looked at the clock and started to fret.

Lena put her hands on Maya's shoulders. "Relax, you'll be fine. Take all the time you need, they can't start without you."

"Oh, why did he have to do this?"

"Would you rather have known about it and been nervous for months? You probably wouldn't have been able to sleep."

"Last night or tonight?" Danielle asked with a smirk.

Lena and Crystal snickered.

"Both of course."

"I hate that you're being so logical."

"That's my job. At least for today."

By the time Maya's Aunt Voni came in, Maya was significantly calmer.

"See you at Hagrid's Place," Lindz said as the girls slipped out. "I wish we could just walk out the entrance, it wouldn't take nearly as long but of course we can't do that or everyone'd see us."

"I could Disillusion you," Lena said, "But it'd make it a little harder to sneak out because we'd probably run into someone or something and that'd just be awkward."

They found the boys in one of the bedrooms. Lee looked incredibly nervous.

"Relax," Crystal said. "You'll be fine. She's still here and she has no plans to go anywhere."

"We've been telling him that, he won't listen to us," Dean said.

"Roger's got the rings. Everyone is here and the only thing you have to remember are your vows."

"And if I forget those?"

"Then just start talking."

"I can do that."

"If you find yourself unable to do that, then just kiss her and everyone will be happy the ceremony just got shorter."

Laughing, Dean and Graham joined the girls and they all went through the passageway to Hagrid's Place before walking back toward the entrance to Sanctuary to wait for their cue.

"Which side do we sit on?" Graham asked.

"What?" Lindz looked at him in confusion.

"The bride's side or the groom's side?"

"Neither. You're in the wedding. You don't have to sit down."

"Oh, right."

Bernie and her parents and Lee's parents came to join them. Bernie came over to Lena and tugged on her dress.

"Did you bring the baby?"

"No. He's at home."

"Oh," she said, looking crestfallen.

"I can bring him over to Maya's sometime and you can see him then."

Bernie beamed.

"At least if it rains, we'll all be dry," Graham said.

"Even if we were outside, we could conjure tents or something. Or if worst came to worst, we could go into the Great Hall."

"Why am I nervous?" Lindz asked. "I'm not doing anything."

"Don't worry, I am too," Lena assured her. "Considering that I don't want to trip, or drop Maya's flowers or anything. At least you have Dean to lean on. Besides, no one's going to be paying attention to you, especially once Maya comes in."

They didn't have to wait long for Maya. Colin had snuck out and was taking pictures as Maya came toward them, looking absolutely radiant. The sunlight seem to create a n aura around her. After a few minutes, Lee's parents and Maya's aunt went to their seats. As they did, everyone lined up: Graham and Natalie, then Lindz and Dean and Lena last. Bernie and Echo would be behind them.

"He's here right?" Maya asked.

Just then, Lee and Roger along with Amelia Bones who would be officiating the ceremony, came in from one of the side rooms to stand at the platform. Roger straightened Lee's robes for him, which turned out to be a pointless task since Lee wouldn't stop fidgeting.

"No, he's left his own wedding, which he planned," Lena said sarcastically. "Yes of course he's here. He's right there, see?" Lena moved aside so that Maya could peek in. She smiled. "And if he wasn't, we'd track him down and drag him back here and then we'd kill him in the morning. And just so I'm covering all my bases, you're going to meet him at the end of the aisle right?"

"Yes."

"Good. Now that's settled."

Roger was half-turned toward them and winked at Lena before leaning in toward Lee. She assumed he was telling Lee how beautiful Maya looked. And she was absolutely radiant.

The music began. Lee had chosen Vivaldi's Spring and it couldn't have been a more perfect piece. Dean, Lindz, Graham and Natalie began to walk up the aisle, Lena following them. Bernie and Echo were behind her and they were making everyone laugh. Lena wasn't sure why until she got to the platform and could turn around to watch. Bernie was skipping as she scattered her flower petals.

The guests all got to their feet and turned to watch as Maya and her Uncle Par came up the aisle, giving a collective sigh at the sight of her. Lena sneaked a glance at Lee who looked mesmerised. It nearly made her cry. Sunlight streamed through the red stained glass windows, and the ceiling, illuminating Maya as she walked, giving her dress a rosy glow.

Finally, Maya came to stand next to Lee. He turned to her and grinned.

"You look beautiful," he whispered. She squeezed her hand.

"You look handsome," she replied.

Madame Bones glanced at each of them and began to speak. "Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of two faithful souls..."

Lena only half-listened to the rest. All went according to the usual script until Madam Bones asked, "Does anyone have any reason why these two should not be married?"

"No, but I wish they'd hurry up, I'm hungry," Ron muttered. Hermione smacked him.

George stood up from where he was sitting. Maya paled slightly.

"GET ON WITH IT!" he called.

Lee's attempt at a glare was hampered by the fact that he was shaking with laughter. Maya's glare was not. George sat down.

Mrs. Pritchard and Mrs. Jordan who had been crying quietly, started crying harder at this, though luckily it was from laughing now.

"I take that as a no, then," Madam Bones said with a smile.

Lee let out a small sigh, as though he were about to do something unpleasant and spoke. "I, Mervin Lee Jordan–"

"Mervin?" Maya gasped as many – including all those up on the platform with them – snickered.

Lee sighed. "Yes, Mervin."

"You never told me that."

"I can see why," Roger muttered.

"Mervin? Your name is Mervin?" Dean demanded, eyes wide.

"Shut up, shut up! Just keep going!"

"Okay. Mervin." Lee ground his teeth. "All right, all right," Dean said, holding up his hands in surrender.

"May we proceed?" Maya asked.

"Yes!" Lee took a deep breath. "I, Mervin Lee Jordan," he began, his voice echoing around the cave, "take thee Maya Anastasia Pritchard, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, to hold and to keep, from each sun to each moon, from now to forever, till death do us part."

By the end, no one was trying to hide the tears.

Lee turned to Roger who handed him the ring.

"With this ring, I thee wed," he said, placing it lovingly on Maya's finger.

Maya repeated her vows, stumbling slightly over Lee's name. Lena took Maya's bouquet and stepped back to her place in line. Maya took the other ring from Roger and put it on Lee's finger.

Then Madam Bones stepped forward again. "Then I declare you bonded for life." She raised her wand and a shower of gold and silver stars showered the pair. Several girls let out squeals of delight.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Madam Bones said, "I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Lee Jordan. You may now kiss the bride."

A barrage of fireworks went off as Lee obliged. Natalie jumped in shock and Lindz half-caught her, holding her awkwardly for a few moments before she set an embarrassed Natalie back on the ground.

Amid much cheering, Maya, Lee and the others recessed to the entrance of Sanctuary before everyone else got out of their seats to go to the dining hall to eat. The wedding party took pictures outside and followed a few minutes later.

The dining hall was now filled with many small, round tables covered in white tablecloths, complete with place cards, rather like it had been for the Soirée. Lena and Arti's, Adrian's and Roger's parents were all at one table. The four of them groaned when they realised this and indeed all three of their mothers were deep in conversation, no doubt planning their weddings.

"Luckily we will be far, far away," Arti said as they went to their seats.

"But if they plan it all for you, you won't have to do any of the work," Roger pointed out.

"There is that. But let's worry about that later."

"All right."

Lena and Roger sat down.

Roger put an arm around her and grinned. "The closer tot he family, the closer to the wine."

Lena laughed. "That does sound nice."

"Champagne?" Roger asked as a bottle floated over.

"Don't mind if I do."

The food of course was excellent and then it was time for speeches.

"As everyone is eagerly awaiting cake, I assume that no one will be paying any attention whatsoever to what I – or anyone else for that matter – will be saying. So really, I could very well start reading The Standard Book of Spells Grate 1 and it wouldn't matter," Roger said quietly to Lena.

"You probably could."

"But I won't," he said and got up to give his speech.

Lena, Maya's uncle and Lee's father all got up to give theirs, as did a few others. And finally time for cake. The house-elves brought it out and set it on the table amidst chants of "Cake! Cake! Cake!" from the crowd. Maya and Lee stepped forward to cut it, but before they could get very close, the cake exploded, spraying everyone in the vicinity. Several of the guests let out shrieks of surprise. Lee turned a murderous glare on the twins who waved cheerily back at him. Maya took the opportunity to wipe some of the cake off Lee's face.

"This is good," she said, licking her fingers.

"I would hope it is," Lee said irritably.

"This one won't explode, I promise," Fred said as another cake was brought in .

"It better not or I'll stuff one of those Wildfire Whiz-bangs up your–"

"All right, all right, no need to get violent."

Everyone gazed warily at it and waited with bated breath as Lee and Maya picked up the knife and began to slice through it. A collective sigh of relief issued when they successfully cut the piece and set it on a plate.

"Told you."

"I wish I didn't have to invite the twins to our wedding," Lena said quietly.

"Oh come on, it was funny."

"Sure, but I'd be afraid of what other pranks they'd pull."

"They'd never do anything dangerous. Well, not at something like this," Roger amended at Lena's reproachful look.

The cake was duly eaten. Bernie ended up with a lot of it on rather than in her. And several others took to throwing bits of it at each other. After the plates had disappeared it was time for the fun to begin.

Lee took Maya's hand and the they walked onto the dance floor. Soft music began to play as the pair swayed, lost in their own little world.

At the next song, Mr. Jordan led Maya's aunt onto the dance floor, followed by Mrs. Jordan and Maya's uncle. At the third song, everyone got up and the dance floor was soon filled with dancing couples.

"Do you get to keep the dress?" Roger asked. "Because you look very pretty in it."

Lena smiled. "I think I do. Maybe Lindz and Natalie could wear theirs at our wedding."

"I thought you didn't want to talk about that."

"I don't mind talking about it myself. I just don't want anyone else to talk about it."

Roger gave her a look that said he would never understand. She doubted he ever would.


"Do you know why the sixth- and seventh-year Slytherins have been pranking each other lately?" Ryan asked as several classmates longed in a corner.

Lena sighed, chuckling slightly. "It started out with Parkinson's brother running off with their chauffeur. Parkinson was not at all pleased with Greengrass for spilling the beans."

"But it'd have gotten out eventually," Su protested.

"That's what Greengrass said, but Parkinson didn't care. So she orchestrated a little plot to make it look like Nott liked her."

"But he was dating her sister, wasn't he?"

"Yes. But Parkinson apparently convinced her that it was only because he was too intimidated by her to ask her out and that he really liked her instead."

"And she fell for it?" Anne asked.

"Sadly, yes. I feel sorry for her. I mean, she's not exactly approachable."

"I doubt that ended well. For any of them."

"It could have been worse. But apparently the Greengrasses figured out pretty quickly that Parkinson had tricked Daphne. So they got back at her."

"How?"

"Halloween."

Su gasped, then began to giggle. "Is that why she was turned into a pumpkin?"

Blaise looked solemnly at her. "I don't suppose you had anything to do with that."

"I might have," Lena said airily, making everyone laugh. "Besides, I wasn't the only one. I was perfectly content to let her suffer the indignity of having a Muggle sister-in-law. But someone"– she flicked her gaze at Arti – "thought otherwise. Though I suppose if I hadn't helped, something worse might have happened."

"Exactly," Arti said as everyone snickered. Blaise was shaking his head in dismay, but there was no mistaking the smile on his face. "I don't suppose Colin got pictures."

"I think we'd have heard by now if he had."

"But how'd the rest of them get involved?" Anne asked.

"I'm not entirely sure, but I think Bulstrode tried to convince Parkinson that it wouldn't be all that bad having half-blood nieces and nephews, being a half-blood herself. And it all just escalated from there. And now practically my entire House is having a petty war over nothing but wounded pride."

"Your House sounds as bad as the court of Henry VIII!" Ryan said.

"Doesn't it? At least no one's killing each other." Yet.

"How do the seventh-year girls fit into all this?"

"I'm have no idea. Or how the boys got into it either. Though maybe Nott got involved to avenge Astoria? And then one of the boys decided that they wren't going to let some uppity former-Death-Eater-supporting pure-blood do something horrid to the likes of Pansy Parkinson? Either way, it keeps them out of our hair and makes them look ridiculous so I have absolutely no complaints. I will however be complaining vociferously if the rest of my House gets involved. Or if it keeps on too much longer. I think I can justify murdering some of them if I explain that I was stressed about revising for my N.E.W.T.s"

Several of her listeners snickered.

"Or turn them into one," Su suggested.

Everyone laughed.

"I wonder if that'd count as my Transfiguration practical?"


The Pride was sitting at one of the tables talking.

"So, what did you think?" Lee asked Maya. "Was it everything you hoped for?"

"It was wonderful. Thank you. I don't know how you did it."

"With a lot of help."

Lena scoffed. "We didn't do much, trust me."

"We couldn't have done it without you. All of you," Maya said, looking around at them. "Thank you."

"Have you planned a honeymoon yet?" Natalie asked. Lee nodded.

"I suppose you'll tell me where we're going before we get there?" Maya asked with a piercing look.

"Vermont."

Everyone turned to look at him.

"Where?" Maya asked.

"It's in America. Near Massachusetts, where Salem is."

"That's nice. And er, why are we going there?"

"Because I thought it'd be unique? They have maple syrup, and maple syrup fudge. And we can go skiing."

"What's that?"

"It's a sport where you essentially strap pieces of wood to your feet and go sliding down a mountain." Dean grabbed a napkin and took the quill Lee conjured for him and drew a picture. "More fun than it sounds, I promise."

"That's what you said about football," Roger said.

"It's much more thrilling than football."

"If you say so," Roger said dubiously.

"And we can visit the Salem Witches Institute. And go see a game of Quodpot."

"What's that?" Dean asked.

"America's version of Quidditch. It involves an exploding Quaffle."

Everyone looked intrigued at this.

"That sounds fun," Maya said, still sounding leery.

"They don't play Quidditch?" Roger demanded.

"Oh, they do. It's just that Quodpot's more popular."

"Oh." Roger looked disheartened, making the girls laugh.

"How'd you decide on Vermont?"

"I was talking to Professor Black's aunt at Christmas and she suggested it. Speaking of whom," he said, nodding at Professor Black who was coming toward them.

"Can we borrow Dean for a moment?" she asked.

Dean looked up apprehensively. "What've I done?"

"You're asking us?" Lee asked.

"It's nothing bad," Professor Black assured him.

Dean glanced nervously at her before following her toward one of the bedrooms.

"Wonder what that's about?" Lindz asked.

"We'll find out soon enough, I suspect."

"So..." Lee began.

"Yes, I'll go with you to Vermont. It can't be any crazier than getting married without any notice."

"I can think of worse things," Lindz agreed.

"How long are we going to be in America?"

"A week. We'll come back next Saturday."

Maya turned to Lena. "Is that why you were insisting on getting our homework done?"

"Yes. Not that I knew you were having a honeymoon – I forgot about that – but I figured you'd be busy regardless. We'll have a belated hen night for you after we start school again."

"We'll bring you back some maple syrup fudge," Lee said.

"Us?" Graham asked, gesturing at the eight of them. "Or everyone?"

"Uh...we'll think about that."

The conversation turned to other things, which trailed off when Dean returned.

"You all right?" Maya asked. He looked shell-shocked.

"Uh... I wasn't who I thought I was."

"What? Has someone been feeding you Polyjuice Poition?" Lena asked.

Dean cracked a small smile. "No, not that." He started to pace.

"Are you sure you're all right?" Maya asked again.

"I'm Regulus Black's son," he blurted.

Everyone turned to stare at him.

"You're...?" Maya began.

"Sirius's brother?" Lena demanded.

"Yeah..."

"Wow," Roger breathed.

"How...?" Lindz wanted to know.

"He met my mum during the war, after Professor Black, er, Sirius, ran way from home. And then he disappeared. He–he was a Death Eater then." They stared at him in horror. "No, I don't mean he–" Dean sighed, grabbing at his hair.

"Start at the beginning," Lindz suggested.

"Ok." He took a deep breath. "Sirius' parents were very anti-Muggle, as was his younger brother."

"Not surprising," Maya said.

"After Sirius ran way from home when he was sixteen, Regulus joined the Death Eaters. And we're not sure what exactly happened, but he went out into the Muggle world – maybe to prove to himself that the Muggles were just as stupid as his parents and the others said they were – and met my mum. But after a while, he realised that he didn't believe all that rubbish anymore. Or so we think. And then she got pregnant and he must've realised that he was putting her – us"– he shook his head in disbelief –"in danger and left. He sent her money, though she didn't know it was him at the time. She suspected but was never sure. But he died not too long after that. Sirius says he did something heroic, that he wasn't murdered by Death Eaters or anything, so that was nice to know."

They stared at him eyes wide and slack-jawed.

"The things you find out building a Sanctuary with people," Lindz said, shaking her head in awe. Maya snickered.

"So you and Meghan are cousins then?" Lena asked slowly. "And you and Draco are...second cousins." She laughed. "He was right when he said you were probably related. It's just that no one realised how closely."

"Yeah."

"Does that mean you'll have to call Professor Black Aunt Aletha now?" Lindz teased.

Dean glared. "I hope not. And I'm not changing my name either.

"No one says you have to," Maya assured him.

"Sorry. It's just a lot to take in."

"Naturally."

"Dean Thomas sounds better than Dean Black anyhow."

Lena stuck out a hand. Dean shook it. "Hello fifth cousin."

"Are we really?"

"Give or take. Maybe sixth actually." Lena laughed. "And here I was worried Roger and I'd be the only ones who aren't related to one of you."

"What?"

"Well, Maya and Lee are getting married which makes her Lindz' sister-in-law and if you two get married, you'd be in-laws and if and when Graham and Natalie get married you'd be...cousins-in-law. We're the odd ones out."

"Now you're not."

"Now we're not."

Dean turned to Linz. "We're not cousins or something right? If we ever get married, we'll be able to, won't we?"

"Yes," Lindz said chuckling.

After a few minutes Maya and Lee resumed making their rounds of the guests and Lena and Roger excused themselves.

"The party's not over until there's drunken singing," Roger said nodding toward a group of their classmates off in another corner.

They wandered over to find Fred and George – amid much giggling from a group of girls – singing what seemed to be a love song between the Whomping Willow and a bottle of butterbeer.

"I don't want to know how that got started," Lena said, looking askance at them. "I'm just glad it's not "Odo the Hero." "

"Next thing you know, they'll be singing about Harry and his various adventures."

"Oh, he'd love that."

"You know," Lena said to Roger a while later. "This news about Dean is wonderful."

"I assume you're meaning more than the fact that he's found out about his birth father."

"Well, yes. It means that even families like the Blacks aren't immune to having informal children," she said with a smile. "I'll have to tell Grandmother and maybe she'll stop being so judgemental."

"Why does it feel like you're taking advantage of someone's misfortune?"

"I'm not!"

"I know you're not, but it feels like you are."

She rolled her eyes. "Sometimes I worry about you."


"I think I'll stay at your place tonight," Lena said to Roger. "I'm not sure I can handle getting up with Zach."

"All right."

"Don't worry, we'll take care of him," Mother assured her.

"You can come home with me," Adrian said to Arti. "I mean, if you want to–"

"I do."

"You can't stop her, she is of age," Mother said to Father.

"I wasn't going to."

"We'll probably all just collapse on the floor from exhaustion anyway."

"Of the entire wedding party, I think there're only two of you who won't."

"Obviously."

"That was exhausting," Arti said, leaning her head on Adrian's chest. "Can we just elope?"

"No!" chorused all three mothers. Their children grimaced.

"I tried," Arti said.

"I know."

"That went well," Lena said an hour later, when everything had been cleaned up and they were ready to go home. The pile of wedding presents had been taken back to the Weasley's shop. The twins were under strict orders not to tamper with them. "Considering we might not have had a wedding if Maya had said no and all our planning would have been for naught."

"All's well that ends well," Roger agreed. "The only fighting was over the last piece of cake. And even that didn't get very bloody, though it did involve people stabbing each other with forks."

"I'm still getting you back for this," Maya said.

"Just me?" Lena asked sweetly.

"No, all of you."

"I think we had better go before she decides to act on it," Roger said nervously.

"Oh I won't do anything until I get back," she assured him.

"Uh, right."

They all clambered through the Vanishing Cabinet ("Are you sure this doesn't lead to Narnia?" Arti asked) and found themselves back at the Pepper Pot.

"Don't forget to take lots of pictures!" Lena called as Maya and Lee went upstairs.

"We will!"

They waved goodbye before the four of them Disapparated to Roger's and Adrian's flat.

"I don't have any things here," Arti said as they went in through the front door.

"I packed you a bag the other day," Lena said.

"Oh. Thanks."

"Your stuff's in my room," Adrian said, taking her arm and leading the way. Roger and Lena followed and went into his room.

She nearly fell asleep at the sink as she was brushing her teeth and wasn't sure how she'd made it to bed since she could have fallen asleep standing up.

"Night!" Arti called as she took her turn in the bathroom.

"Night," Lena muttered. "It'll certainly be quiet without Zach."

"Maybe we can actually get some sleep tonight."

"Good. I need it."

Lena was asleep almost instantly.

A yelp awoke them sometime later. Lena and Roger jumped up and ran to Adrian's bedroom. Opening the door, they found Adrian sitting bolt upright.

"I don't want to get married!" Adrian said, looking absolutely panicked. "I'm not ready."

"You don't have to," Arti said soothingly. "We'll wait."

"Okay," he said before his head fell back against the pillow he was fast asleep.

The other three snickered.

"Well then. We know how he feels about the subject."

"I'm not ready eaither, so that won't be a problem."

Arti grinned mischievously. After a moment of concentration, she conjured a ring, which she slipped carefully onto Adrian's finger. Lena clapped a hand over her mouth and stepped out into the hall. When she gained control of herself, she stuck her head back inside.

"He's going to kill you," she gasped.

Arti shrugged. "He'll get over it," she said indifferently before she conjured her own ring.

Lena, Roger and Arti were having coffee the next morning, all of them still in their pyjamas, when Adrian awoke. His scent went from sleepy to awake to shocked to angry in roughly thirty seconds. Of course, she didn't blame him in the slightest. She wouldn't have been either in his place.

"Here we go," she said quietly as he came into the kitchen. Arti stifled a giggle.

Adrian came through the door, still in his pyjamas and his hair in disarray.

"What," he asked, holding out his left hand, his gaze fixed on Arti, "the hell did we do last night?"

"I'd think it would be obvious," Arti said. She held up her own hand. "You don't remember?"

"No, and I don't see why I don't since I didn't have more than a glass to drink last night." He folded his arms across his chest and glared at her.

Arti stared back for a moment before the corners of her mouth began to twitch and before long, she was giggling. Lena joined in a few minutes later and soon the two of them were gasping with laughter.

"You–!" Adrian began, glaring between them.

Lena shook her head, pointing at Arti. "It was all her idea. You woke up last night yelling about how you didn't want to get married and she–" She broke off, succumbing to helpless laughter.

Adrian turned slowly to Arti who set down her glass of juice and jumped off her chair and bolted out of the kitchen, Adrian hot on her heels. He chased her around the flat for a few minutes before they were interrupted by the doorbell.

"Who could that be?" Arti asked.

"It's the witch from next door," Roger replied. "Or so I assume."

Adrian sighed. "Don't get it."

"Why not?" Roger asked "With those"– he gestured at the rings on their fingers – "and the way you look, you could tell her you just got married and she'd leave us alone."

Adrian grinned and turned to Arti. "I love you."

Arti grinned back and followed Adrian to the door.

"Yes?" he asked.

The woman outside had shoulder-length brown hair with wide blue-green eyes. She stared between the four of them.

"Oh!" she said, clapping a hand to her mouth and blushing. "I'm so sorry," she said. "I didn't know you had company."

"This is my wife," Adrian said, putting an arm around Arti's shoulders.

"Oh, you got married!" the witch cried. Lena winced at her shrill voice.

"Yes," Arti said, taking his arm possessively. "Last night."

"Congratulations!" she gushed. Then she turned sharply to Roger.

"And this is my fiancée," Roger said.

Lena waved. "And in case you're wondering, the baby is our son."

"I–I'm sorry I interrupted your morning," the witch stammered before turning and tottering back to her flat.

The four of them waited until the door was closed to collapse onto the floor laughing.

Adrian hugged Arti. "Thank you. Now she won't bother us anymore."

Arti smiled up at him. "Does this mean you aren't angry with me anymore?" she asked sweetly.

"No, I suppose not."

"Though now she'll have everyone talking about us again," Roger grumbled. "Except that instead of Henry Higgins and Pickering we're now Jane Bennet and Mr. Bingley and Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. Well sort of."

"Who cares? It got her out of our hair didn't it?" Adrian asked.

"Who's who?" Arti asked.

"What do you think?" Lena asked.

Arti harrumphed.

"And you had better warn Mother and your mother," Lena said, nodding at Adrian, "that this wasn't real or they'll be furious with you for thinking you eloped."

Adrian groaned. "Didn't think of that. But we'll worry about that later," he said and walked back toward the kitchen. "What do you want for breakfast?" he asked.

Arti followed him. "What do you mean, 'what do you want for breakfast'? You can't cook! I mean neither can I really. Or any of us for that matter. Which seems to be a serious flaw in our education since you can't conjure food..."

She trailed off as Adrian opened the ice box and began laying things out on the counter.

"You really are going to cook," Arti said in awe.

"I told you I was."

"When'd you learn?"

"I was bored," Adrian said. "So I asked Buttercup to teach me one day. Not that she liked the idea but I wore her down eventually." He looked proud of himself.

"You were bored so you decided to learn how to cook?" Lena asked. Adrian shrugged.

"Is that what you've been doing while I've been out all day?" Roger asked.

"What? You should be happy one of us knows how or one of these days we're going to starve!"

"Well, yes, but it doesn't seem like something you'd do."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Adrian demanded.

"Am I really hearing this?" Lena muttered as they gazed between the two men, exasperated and amused.

"Are you sure they aren't the one's who're going to end up getting married to each other?" Arti asked quietly.

"Maybe we should all move in together. I'm not sure they could handle living apart after this."

"Maybe we should," Arti agreed. "For the entertainment if nothing else."