A/N: Thanks for the reviews and for anyone who has added this story to their favorites/alerts. I really do appreciate the validation…. Also, still don't own HP or his world, but if wishing made it so, I would.
Chapter 28—The One with Their Wedding
When Charlie and Maya arrived at the Burrow, they were met with a crowd of people, including Maya's mother and sister. Maggie and Ginny were both thrilled to be part of the wedding and they agreed to go shopping with Maya the next day to find dresses. Charlie hung out with his brothers while the girls were giggling over table settings and photos of Maya's dress. "It's lovely," Ginny proclaimed. "You'll look fantastic."
"Cheers, Ginny," Maya said. "I rather like it and it looks pretty good on me, if I must say so myself."
"You'll just have to try it on for us tomorrow," Maggie ordered.
Meanwhile, Bill and Charlie were drinking beers with George. "So, when did you ask her?" Bill asked.
"On her birthday," Charlie answered. "I took her out for dinner and got chastised by the waitress for being late for Valentine's Day. Then, I told her it was Maya's birthday and she let up a bit."
"And after all that, she still said yes?" George teased.
"Funny, George," Charlie joked. "Not hilarious, but funny."
"I've got plans for hilarious," George promised. "I'm working on some new inventions that Fred and I had in our idea book. Ron's actually been really helpful, but don't tell him that. His ego is big enough as it is."
"So, how long until Ginny and Harry get engaged?" Charlie wondered.
"Very soon, I'm guessing," Bill replied. "Let's have some fun with him, shall we?" Charlie and George agreed that playing a little joke on Harry would be fun. So, Bill called Harry over. "We want to know what your intentions are with our little sister, Potter," Bill said, menacingly.
Charlie crossed his arms over his chest and puffed himself up. "Yeah, Potter," he agreed. "And if we hear that you've hurt her, you won't be able to walk again."
"Well, Bill, and Charlie," Harry stammered. "I, uh, that is to say, someday, I think, I hope to marry her." Bill and Charlie looked even more menacing and George glowered at Harry. "Of course, I promise not to marry her too soon," Harry added hastily.
He was starting to sweat a little when George started laughing. "Really, mate, do you think we'd do in the savior of the wizarding world?" he asked. "We're just having some fun. You've got to lighten up to make it in this family, Potter."
"Cheers, George," Harry said. "That was really funny. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to snog your sister for a while."
"Oh, Harry," Bill chimed, "we meant what we said about the possibility of violence if you hurt our little sister." Harry nodded and went off to find Ginny.
When the party started to wind down, Maya and Charlie went home to Wales. "That was fun," Maya said as they walked into the house. "And Ginny, Maggie, and I are going shopping for dresses tomorrow. And we're going to stop in to see Drew and Jamie."
"Good for you, love," Charlie said. "I'm going to visit George's shop tomorrow afternoon. Then, he, Bill, and I are going for a drink. Why don't we meet up for dinner?"
"That would be lovely," Maya replied. "And I think it's sweet that you just asked me on a date."
Charlie kissed her on the head, and held her close. Then, he squeezed her bum and started tickling her again. "Really?" she joked. "Is that all you think about?"
"Mostly, yeah," Charlie replied. "We should finish what we started this afternoon." Maya smirked at him and ran to the sitting room, grabbing a pillow off the sofa and smacking him in the head with it. Charlie laughed, and followed suit. He grabbed another pillow and swatted at her with it.
Their pillow fight continued up the stairs to their bedroom. The bed remained unmade, so Maya waved her wand and remedied that. Charlie tossed his pillow and grabbed her wrist, pulling her into him. Then, he kissed her fully while he unzipped the sundress that she was wearing. "You taste like champagne," he mused when he pulled away to remove his shirt.
"You taste like beer," she replied. He kissed her again, running his hands through her hair and tousling it. Their antics continued until they were sleeping soundly.
The next morning, Maya went to the Burrow to get Ginny, promising Molly to have her back that evening. Then, they apparated to Maggie's apartment in London. "Let's get a coffee first," Maya begged. She was exhausted from moving and all of the activities over the last few days.
"Charlie keeping you up late?" Maggie teased.
"Ew," Ginny said. "Please don't tell me about the sex with my brother. I'm not stupid and I know that's what you were doing, but please don't give me the details."
"Fair enough," Maya replied. "And yes, Charlie and I were up late." She did not elaborate, in spite of Maggie's pleas. They stopped at a small café around the corner from Maggie's flat for a coffee. Then, they met Drew and Jamie, who were coming along as fashion advisors. Ginny rather enjoyed Maya's best friends.
It took 3 hours and stops at several dress shops before Maggie and Ginny found dresses that they liked. They both agreed to wear lavender dresses, but Maya insisted that they did not have to match exactly. Ginny's dress was knee length. It had an empire waist and spaghetti straps. She paired it with silver sandals.
Maggie chose a knee length dress, also. Hers was strapless and had silver threading running through the dress. She also chose silver sandals to complete the outfit. Drew and Jamie were impressed with the girls' choices.
When the shopping was done, the group went to lunch at a sandwich shop. "Maya, we have good news for you," Drew said. "They're going to have open auditions for a production of an American play on the West End."
"When are the auditions?" Maya asked. "And what is the play?"
"The play is called Rent, and the auditions will be in late September," Jamie answered. "We're going to audition. Also, our agent wants to sign you."
"I'll think about the agent and the auditions," Maya promised. "I haven't really decided what I want to do yet." They agreed to keep track of any other auditions that were going to be coming up. After lunch, Maya took Ginny back to the Burrow and promised to meet again for lunch before the wedding.
That evening, Maya met Charlie in London for dinner. They ate at a small bistro in Diagon Alley that was very romantic. "I never knew you were such a romantic, Charlie," Maya commented. "I sort of like this."
"I sort of like this too," Charlie answered. "Of course, you absolutely cannot tell my brothers or I'll never hear the end of it."
The next few weeks flew by in a flash. Maya had arranged for Drew and Jamie to be brought to the Burrow by her mother and step-father. Grace had agreed to give Maya away. On the day before the wedding, Maya and Charlie went to the Burrow for the rehearsal. Maya, Maggie, and Ginny were going to stay there while Bill, George, and Charlie were going to stay at George's flat in Diagon Alley. After the rehearsal, Maya and Charlie sat outside in the garden until it was time for the boys to leave. "If I hear anything about strippers being present, I shall hex you all," Maya promised as they left with a wave. Charlie promised that he would not participate in any activities with a stripper.
The next morning, Maya woke early to start getting ready for the wedding. She made certain that she would have time for a bath and some pampering before the ceremony that afternoon. The ceremony was to start at 4:00 in the garden. By 10:00 AM, the caterers started to arrive, as had the company providing the marquee, tables, and chairs.
Maya ensured that they had everything they needed before heading back into the house to continue getting ready. Her mother arrived with her friends, who immediately took her to Percy's old room to do hair, make-up, and get her into her dress. This time, Maya thought, is so much more fun than the last time. Jamie put her hair in a simple chignon at the base of her neck with some loose strands framing her face. He gave her a very natural look with her make-up. When that was finished, Drew said, "I can't stand it anymore. I have to see the dress."
"Alright," Maya said. She marched to the dress bag and unzipped it. Her dress was simple, yet elegant. It was ivory chiffon and strapless. There was a ribbon that flowed down the back into a puddle train. Drew and Jamie were speechless. "I'm going to get into it and then you can gape all you want," she promised. She went behind a screen that had been set up and put on her dress. Drew helped finish the zipper for her.
"Darling, you are the most beautiful bride I've ever seen," Drew said. "Simply breathtaking and if I was straight, Charlie would have to fight me for you."
"Absolutely, sweetheart," Jamie added. "This is stunning on you."
Maya beamed. And for the rest of the day, she couldn't stop smiling.
When the time came for the ceremony to begin, Grace came into Percy's room. "Maya, you look amazing," she said. "I'm so happy for you." Grace wiped a single tear and then promised not to cry anymore. "Are you ready?"
"I've never been more ready for anything in my life," Maya answered. "Let's take a walk to the garden, Mum."
When Maya and her mother entered the garden, there was an audible gasp from the crowd. Molly and Arthur beamed, and each wiped tears from their eyes. Charlie stood at the end of the aisle, beaming with pride. George patted his shoulder and whispered, "Well done, mate."
When Maya reached Charlie, he winked at her and mouthed, "I love you." Then, the ministry wizard who was performing the ceremony called their attention. "We are here today to join this couple in the bonds of marriage. I understand that you have written your own vows?" Charlie and Maya both nodded. "Ladies first," he added.
Maya breathed deeply and willed herself not to cry. "Charlie, you're my best friend and companion. Today, I take you as my husband. I promise to love you and to respect you forever. I promise to laugh and cry with you. I promise to be your home and your hope and I can't wait to have children with you."
Next, it was Charlie's turn. "I'm not sure how to follow that, princess. Someone once asked me why I wanted to get married. I borrowed a line from John Lennon and said, 'Love is the answer.' I promise to like you for always, to never take you for granted, to honor you and respect you until the end of time. I promise to use pet names for you, sweets, until you order me to stop. I promise to find new reasons every day to love you and to do everything in my power to make you happy."
"Now," said the ministry wizard, "do you have rings?" George handed Charlie Maya's ring. As he slid it onto her finger, he said, "I, Charles Septimus Weasley, give you this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity."
Maya took Charlie's ring from Maggie, and slid it onto Charlie's finger, saying, "I, Maya Frances Binning, give you this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity."
The ministry wizard waved his wand over their hands and said, "Then, I now pronounce that you are bonded for life." Golden streams flew out of his wand and tied around Charlie's and Maya's joined hands before disappearing in a wisp of smoke. "You may kiss your bride," he added. Charlie gave a smirk and pulled Maya's face in his hands, kissing her gently. They only broke apart when the gathered crowd erupted in applause.
After the ceremony, Charlie and his brothers waved their wands to create a dance floor and set up tables around the marquee. Charlie and Maya had a table all to themselves. They took their seats as the waiters were serving the champagne. George stood from his table and proposed a toast. "I was shocked as hell when Charlie asked me to be his best man. Flattered, but shocked. I've watched Charlie and Maya for years and I couldn't be happier that they finally figured it out and got together. And this time, mate, there's no turning back. So, let us all raise our glasses and toast to Charlie and Maya. May you be happy and healthy and may your first child be a son you name George." The crowd laughed, but joined in the toast.
After the toast, Charlie and Maya shared their first dance. They had hired Lee Jordan to serve as a DJ for the reception and he was able to procure a copy of their favorite song. As they danced to "Fields of Gold," by the Police, Charlie kissed Maya gently. "Do you remember when we first danced to this song?" he asked.
"At the Prefect's Christmas party, our fifth year," Maya answered. "It was our first date, that was not really a date."
"Can I tell you a secret?" Charlie asked. Maya nodded. "I didn't ask anyone else because I only wanted to go with you."
"Since we're confessing," Maya said, "I turned down 3 invitations hoping that you'd ask me because I didn't want to go with anyone else. In case I forget to tell you later, I had a really good time today."
"Me too, my love," Charlie said, pulling her closer.
As the evening wore on, Charlie and Maya danced together frequently. However, they each got a chance to dance with their parents. Maya was dancing with Arthur and Charlie was dancing with Grace at one point in the evening. Grace said to Charlie, "I can't thank you enough for making her so happy."
"She makes me happy too," Charlie said. "And making her happy is something that I really love doing. I promise, Grace, that I'll take good care of her."
"I know you will, Charlie," Grace replied.
On the other side of the dance floor, Arthur was trying to keep up with Maya. "Welcome to the family, dear," he said.
"Thank you, Arthur," Maya said. "And thank you for raising such a wonderful son. He really makes me happy."
"Maya, I'm fairly certain that you make Charlie just as happy as he makes you," Arthur promised. "And from now on, call me Dad."
"I'd be honored, Dad," Maya answered.
By the end of the night, Maya and Charlie were both exhausted. "Don't forget we've got to leave for our honeymoon tomorrow morning," Charlie said, just as he and Maya were getting ready to leave.
"Are you still not telling me where you're taking me?" Maya whined.
"No chance in hell, my princess," Charlie said. "I'll give you a hint, though. We're going somewhere neither of us has ever been and it's somewhere you want to go."
"You're taking me to Africa?" Maya asked. Charlie shook his head. She was puzzling over where he was planning to take her when Lee announced the last dance. While they danced, Maya tried to guess where Charlie was taking her, but he refused to tell her or give her anymore hints. He had arranged for them to go to Paris and had rented the honeymoon suite at the very famous, Hotel George V.
After the song ended, Charlie and Maya thanked their parents and apparated to their cottage in Wales to sleep for a few hours before leaving.
