Epilogue - The Wedding
Daisy knocked on the door to the suite. When no one answered, she huffed and knocked harder.
"OPEN THE BLOODY DOOR, YOU TRIPLETS!" she shouted.
"WE'RE NOT DECENT!" a voice called out - she wasn't sure if it was Remus or Alan - but she could hear laughter following.
"I'M COMING IN REGARDLESS, SO YOU BETER GET DECENT!" she shouted, twisting the handle and stepping into the room. Remus and Alan were seated on a sofa - fully dressed - with Wills, whisky glasses in hand while Jamie was pacing around the room. An amused John was watching from behind the sofa.
"What's this?" Daisy asked as Jamie stopped and stared at her wide-eyed.
"How is she?" he asked, stepping over to her.
"About as nervous as you are, I reckon," Daisy said. "Sent me to check on you."
"Tell her I'm not drunk," Jamie said instantly. Daisy chuckled.
"She's not worried about that," she replied.
"Merlin knows, we tried," Remus said, holding his glass up.
"Care for a glass, Pix?" Alan asked. Wills was just staring at her.
"Blimey, Pix," he murmured.
"Please, Wills. Not the first wedding you've seen me in," she said, rolling her eyes. "And likely not the last with our family…"
"And you just look more and more beautiful with each one," he said. Daisy just shook her head and glanced down at her dress. It was a dark midnight blue with a lace overlay bodice and straight, satin skirt. All of the bridesmaids were in the same dress.
"Just a dress, Wills," she said, slightly exasperated.
"Maybe the next wedding should be yours," Remus suggested, looking between the couple with a grin on his face.
"OVER MY DEAD BODY!" Oliver roared from the other room.
"You have to admit, Dad's got good timing," Alan said with a laugh. Daisy just sighed, worried if she rolled her eyes again, they'd get stuck. She had been doing a lot of it that day between her brothers and father.
"Well, my job here is done. You lot are fine. I'm back off to the bride," she said, turning around.
"Stay for a bit, Pix? I've barely seen you all day," Wills said, standing. Daisy glanced back over at him, smiling slightly.
"They need me back to help," she replied. "Try not to do anything that Dad would kill you for."
"I would never," Wills said, frowning slightly.
"Oh, yes, you would," Oliver said, walking into the room.
"And you… try not to kill my boyfriend," Daisy said, pointing her finger at her father. "Mum'll be by to check on you before it's time to go out." She then turned and stepped out of the room, making her way back to the bridal suite. Stepping in, she saw her mother doing up the last of the buttons on Lila's dress. She stepped back and smiled as she gazed into the mirror, tears already in her eyes. It was a fitted dress that flared out slightly around her legs - solid lace with sleeves that hit her at the elbow and a deep neckline. It was classic and sophisticated - two words that fit Lila perfectly.
"You look lovely," she said. Lila turned to her, grinning.
"Thank you, Iris," she said.
"I still can't believe you're actually getting married," Lila's cousin Maisie said from where she sat on a sofa, sipping champagne. "You and Jamie Wood… I certainly wouldn't have thought that the first night we all met at the bar."
"I know… it seems like a fairy tale, no?" Lila said, turning back to look at the mirror. Maisie looked over at Daisy.
"I very clearly remember your bloke flirting with nearly everyone," she said, smiling slightly.
"Sounds like Wills," Daisy replied. She then looked at Lila. "Well, the boys are fine. Granted Wills, Remus and Alan are already into the whisky. As to be expected," Daisy said with a sigh as she shut the door behind her. "Jamie's pacing." Lila turned to look at her, laughing softly.
"I suppose he is just as nervous as I am," she said, stepping over to Daisy.
"Not sure why. Marcus won't let you fall going down the aisle," Daisy said, walking over and picking up a champagne glass.
"Remus, on the other hand, will likely trip me," Laura said with a sigh and a smile.
"Surely not!" Bridget exclaimed.
"You'd be surprised. Off the field he's rather clumsy," Daisy said.
"And I wouldn't put anything passed Remus – he'd do it just for fun," Iris said. She glanced over at Daisy, her eyebrows raised. Daisy nodded and looked around the room, meeting Maisie, Laura and Bridget's eyes. The three women stood.
"We'll go check on the bouquets," Laura said as the three quickly moved out of the room, leaving Daisy, Iris and Lila.
"Lila, dear. We, ah, well, we wanted to go ahead and give you your present from us," Iris said. Lila turned to face them.
"You did not need to get anything," she said. "You've already done so much for me and my father, plus all the work with the wedding."
"I know, but… we wanted to do this," Iris said. There was a light knock on the door. Iris crossed over and opened it, stepping back to let Marcus in. "Just on time." He walked in and looked over at Lila, his eyes widening as they filled with tears.
"You look, beautiful," he said softly as he walked over to her, pulling her into a hug. Iris looked over at Daisy, who had sat on the sofa, took a deep breath and closed her eyes.
"Don't cry, Papa," Lila said softly.
"Marcus? Lila?" a timid voice said. The two looked over, stepping away from each other.
"Marjorie?" Marcus said, his voice catching. The young woman with dark hair and hazel eyes gave them a watery smile as she nodded. They both looked over at Daisy, who was smiling softly from where she sat. "I can't believe it's you."
"I wanted to be here… to see this," she said, stepping towards them. "You've grown so beautiful, Lila."
"Mother…" Lila said, unable to say anything more.
"I should… be here for this," Marjorie said, her dark eyes sad. "I am so sorry, my Lila."
"It's okay, mother. I understand," Lila said softly. "I've… I've always wanted to meet you. Papa has told me stories. About your kindness and your beauty." Marjorie nodded, looking over and meeting Marcus' eyes.
"We had too short a time together," she said.
"I'm so sorry, Marjorie," he said. She raised her hand, still smiling softly. Softly, she touched his cheek.
"It was a long time ago, Marcus. Don't blame yourself. It was not your doing," she said. She then looked over at Lila, whose cheeks were streaked with tears. She gently reached out and placed her other hand on her cheek. "We're together now, that's all that matters. And I'm always watching."
The three chatted softly for another 20 minutes, before Daisy sat up on the sofa. While this was nothing compared to the day she brought her family back, she could feel a headache starting. Iris looked over at her.
"Are you alright?" she asked softly. Daisy nodded, smiling at her.
"I can handle it for a bit more," she said, watching the three.
"How long did it take you to find her?" Iris asked.
"She found me. I hadn't seen her all the other times I went through, but the last time… there she was. She knew what I wanted to do. And she said she was ready to see them. She still felt guilty… for what happened," Daisy said. Iris looked over at them and nodded.
"It wasn't her fault. She had no idea what would happen to Lila," Iris said.
"I told her the same," Daisy said with a sigh. "But it looks as though she'll be willing to talk more with her now." Iris nodded.
"I heard you brought Mara back the other day after practice," she said. Daisy glanced over at her.
"Who told you?" she asked. Iris chuckled.
"For all his quietness, Nilsson certainly has come out of his shell more. He and Julia come over for dinner every so often," Iris said. Daisy shrugged.
"He had been a bit listless lately. And Mara's been most persistent in telling him off. So, I brought her back," Daisy said. Iris chuckled.
"I bet that was an interesting conversation," she said.
"You've no idea. Mara and I are way more alike that you can possibly know," Daisy said, a look of awe on her face. She looked over at the three. "It's worth it, you know. Whatever I go through, it's worth it for moments like this." Iris looked at her daughter and reached out, taking her hand and squeezing it.
"I know," she said softly.
Marjorie hugged Lila and Marcus one more time before stepping back. She looked over at Daisy.
"Suppose it's about time," she said. Daisy nodded and took a deep breath as she let go of the connection and Marjorie disappeared. She slowly stood from the sofa as Lila walked over and enveloped her in a hug, tears still in her eyes.
Daisy took a deep breath, thinking back to their long, bumpy history. Back in her first season, she had never thought that the two would actually become friends – now soon to be sisters. Or that Lila would fall in love with her brother. That all those roads would lead them to here.
"I don't know how to properly thank you for this," Lila said softly as she stepped back, a watery smile on her face. Daisy laughed softly and shook her head.
"It's alright. She wanted to see you. I felt like today was likely the best day she could," she replied. Lila looked over at Iris and back to Daisy.
"Really, you all have done so much for us," she nearly whispered, starting to become a bit overwhelmed. She reached over and grabbed Marcus' hand.
"We're grateful," he added gruffly.
"It's what families do," Iris said, wiping at her own tears before starting to straighten Lila's dress. "Now… best get that makeup touched up. I dare say we have a wedding to get to."
Daisy stood at the front of the ballroom, looking back and forth between Jamie and the double doors. The flower girl and ringbearer were making their way down the aisle and any moment now, the doors would open and Lila would make her way towards them. Jamie was already fidgeting, unable to stand still. Remus punched him slightly from behind, causing Jamie to frown at him. But he settled down and now was calmly waiting.
The music changed, and they all looked back as the crowd stood to their feet. The doors opened to reveal Lila and Marcus standing there. She had put on a small veil that covered the top half of her face and stood out in contrast against her dark hair.
A brilliant grin graced her face as they started walking down the aisle. Daisy looked back at her brother and smiled. Jamie's eyes were wide as his lips stretched out into a goofy grin.
Glancing around the room, she could hardly believe they pulled off everything in just four months. But then again, as soon as they booked the venue, everything else had fallen into place with Lila's pre-planning. She already had her dress, colors and bridesmaids picked out and knew what flowers she wanted. There had actually been few decisions left to make. Just everything needed to be booked. With the Woods being part of such a large family, everything was split up between them and it was a rather painless process - much unlike Lucy's wedding.
Glancing over, she saw her mother and father in the front row, both of them smiling at Jamie though Iris was crying softly. The rest of their family was spread out behind them with the Puddlemere team and Arrows there as well. Lila's side was a bit smaller. Pansy and Blaise were there, being the only living family she had left besides her father. A few other of their school friends were there as well. And then Lila's co-workers at Quidditch Monthly. It was smaller than Lucy's and even Dominique's reception, but still, the love was in the room.
Daisy took a deep breath and turned her focus back to the front where Marcus was handing Lila's hand to Jamie. He smiled slightly and nodded then stepped back to take a seat.
Everyone sat as Jamie led Lila up to the officiant - one of Lila's favorite teachers from Beauxbaton who encouraged her love of writing - and the ceremony began.
"We are all gathered here today to bring together these two in love and marriage," the older witch said, beaming at the two. Lila looked down, blushing, as Jamie just grinned at her. Daisy looked passed him, catching Wills' eye. He was too busy watching her to pay attention to the ceremony, causing Daisy to chuckle and shake her head.
"You're here to support Jamie - not stare at me," she sent him.
"Sorry, Pix. Can't help it. You know I can't help but stare at you in awe whenever you're in the room," he replied. Daisy just shook her head again and then nodded towards Jamie.
"Pay attention," she ordered. He nodded shortly and winked at her.
Soon they were at the vows, with Jamie clearing his throat several times even though Lila was going first. He had been up most of the night before perfecting them. Daisy knew he got nervous speaking in front of everyone and had been slightly dreading reciting their own vows.
"Jamie… we have had a very… interesting path to where we are. When I first met you, it was as an enemy of sorts. I did not understand what it meant to have the love and support of a family and did some horrible things. But you were willing to give me a chance. You showed me patience, kindness, and most importantly… love," she said softly. "You accepted me as I was and because of you, I found I wanted to be a better person…" She glanced around at the Woods. "You have given me the family I always desired and needed." She looked back at him.
"I pledge to show you the same kindness, patience and love. To support you in all things - especially quidditch. To be your partner, lover, best friend, and someday hopefully, the mother to your children. This… I promise you," she said, sliding a ring onto his finger.
Jamie swallowed and looked down at Lila.
"Lila," he breathed. "I never was particularly good with this sort of thing." There were a few chuckles in the crowd and even Lila had to smile at him. "The thought of writing my thoughts down and then sharing it in front of loads of people terrified me… but then again… you always gave me strength," he said softly. Lila grinned up at him, squeezing his hands. "We've certainly had our ups and downs, that's for sure. But I also know that I've never met anyone like you before. From the moment I realized I loved you, it was as though everything made sense. I knew that you were the one for me and I never looked back and now… I'm excited that I get to spend the rest of my life with you.
"I promise to stand by your side always. To give you love, strength, support, whatever it is you need from me as a partner. I will always stand up for you, protect you. I love you always, Lila," he said as he slipped the dainty ring on her finger.
The two grinned at each other a moment as Lila's professor wiped at the tears in her eyes.
"It is with the greatest pleasure that I now pronounce you husband and wife," she said. "You may now kiss."
Jamie grinned and then pulled Lila towards him, giving her a chaste kiss on the lips.
"Oh, come on then, Jamie!" Wills shouted, causing most everyone to laugh, though Oliver scowled at him. Jamie glanced back down the line of groomsmen before turning back to Lila and pulling her into a romantic dip, before kissing her soundly. Cheers broke out as everyone stood and clapped. Jamie then led a grinning Lila back down the aisle as the bridesmaids and groomsmen paired up behind them.
"Had to go start a scene, did you?" Daisy said, grinning up at Wills.
"Someone had to say something," he said, winking at her. Daisy chuckled and shook her head.
"I can only imagine what you'll do when we get married," she replied.
"Oh, I've got something in mind," Wills said casually.
They quickly made their way outside to the garden that was now lit up by floating lanterns. There were dozens of tables spread around a dance floor and a band was already playing. Wills led Daisy over to the table for the bridal party and pulled Daisy's chair out for her.
"Just when can we expect you two to tie the knot?" Remus asked, grinning at the couple. "Curious so I can start planning how to spend my winnings." Daisy just shook her head - she was starting to get annoyed by that question and it seemed no amount of telling everyone they were waiting until she was 25 seemed to work.
"Keep at it and we may pull a Dom and run off and get married without telling any of you," she retorted.
"You wouldn't!" Alan nearly shouted. "You know we all have to be there to see Dad's face!" Bridget playfully hit him in the arm.
"Enough, Alan. Today is about Jamie and Lila," she chided. "Give those two a break." Daisy smiled gratefully at her.
"Same goes for you," Laura said, shooting Remus a look. He just raised his hands in his defense.
"I already got my bit in," he said. "I'm now all about the food and drink." Laura chuckled as John and Maisie sat down.
"Still don't understand how you all stand them," she said, casting a cool glance at the two brothers.
"You get used to them," John said with a sigh.
"You planning to marry into the family as well?" she asked, looking over at him, causing Daisy to nearly spit out her drink. John chuckled and shook his head.
"I've learned it's best to stay a friend of the family," he replied.
"You know that Molly's still single," Remus said, looking over to the table where Molly was now sitting with Lucy, Ryan and their parents. "And then there's Lils. Suppose Rose as well. She's not married."
"Isn't Lily still in school?" John asked, looking a bit dubious. "Bit young for me. And I thought Rose was set on that Malfoy dude."
"Not if Uncle Ron has anything to say about it," Alan replied with a chuckle. "And good luck with Lils. That one's definitely got a mind of her own and her sights set on quidditch."
"He handled Pix well enough. Reckon, Lils wouldn't be that different," Remus added. John looked across the table at Daisy, who was glaring at her brothers.
"You lot are rotten," she said. "Besides, Lils has a boyfriend."
"What?!" the two said together.
"When did this happen?" Remus asked.
"Does James know?" Alan followed it with.
"Course he does. She brought him to the wedding," Daisy said. The two immediately looked around, finding the Potters' table. James was sending furtive looks towards a tall, dark-haired young man sitting next to Lily. "He's a seventh year too. Hufflepuff, I think."
"Hufflepuff?!" the two nearly shouted, looking over at Daisy.
"Oh please, no one cares about that house thing anymore," she said, waving her hand in the air.
"Shouldn't matter, anyway," Wills added. Before the two could answer, cheers went up as Jamie and Lila walked in, smiling at the group as they made their way to the dance floor.
"Here, here!" Wills shouted, holding his glass up.
"If you'll would join me in giving a large cheer for the new couple!" the bandleader shouted. Everyone raised their glasses. "And now, they'll have their first dance as Mr. and Mrs. Wood!"
Lila wrapped her arms around Jamie as a slow tune started up and they started moving in time with it, only having eyes for each other.
"Romantic, isn't it?" Bridget said. "Almost like Romeo and Juliet, but happier."
"Getting ideas, are you?" Remus asked, grinning at her.
"Just think they are lovely together," Bridget replied.
"Besides, we all know you'll likely take Laura's eye out during your first dance," Alan replied, causing the rest of the table to snort and laugh. Remus glared at his brother.
"I'll learn how to dance before then," he said.
"So you are planning on making an honest woman of Laura," Wills replied.
"Shut it, Wills," Remus replied, throwing a balled up napkin across the table at him. The grinning chaser ducked out of the way.
"Stop it. You lot are ruining the moment," Daisy hissed, glaring at them before turning back to watch Lila and Jamie. She sighed slightly and leaned her head on Wills' shoulder.
"You think Remus and Laura'll be next?" he whispered.
"Either them or Roxie and Christos," she said, glancing over at the two at a table with Uncle George, Angelina, Freddie and his date. "Or possibly Toby and Tessa."
"Could get used to this," he said, glancing down at her. "All the weddings." Daisy glanced up at him, smiling.
"Me too," she said, leaning over to kiss him lightly. "This is certainly better than just a few months ago. And I like the lack of security." He chuckled and looked around.
All around them, the family and friends were all a bit misty-eyed as they watched the couple. Victoire was rocking a tiny infant in a light pink blanket. Adelaide Tonks Lupin had been born a couple months go to much fanfare, as only the first grandchild could. Fleur leaned forward and peered down at the bundle, smiling gently, as Teddy was torn between watching the couple and watching his infant daughter, who was obviously doing some sort of adorable cooing from the looks on their faces.
At the parents' table, Iris was leaning against Oliver, grinning brightly as she sighed and wiped at her cheeks. Next to them Marcus was watching intently, seeming a bit in awe that he was at his child's wedding. He too kept glancing around at the other guests.
"It's all come together," Wills said, returning his gaze down to Daisy. She glanced around and then looked back at him and grinned, nodding.
"That it has," she replied. "And you're sure you're not sore about the whole finals thing?" He chuckled and shook his head.
"Always a joy to lose to you," he said softly. Daisy just shook her head. "Besides there's always next year, Ms. Seeker of the Year." She sighed and nodded.
"Kelly really did deserve MVP," she replied. "He's been a good captain. Nice to see him rewarded for it… and I have time to snatch it up again." Wills nodded.
"True enough," he said, glancing down at her again. "Suspect Nilsson is likely to make you the next captain if and when Kelly decides to retire."
"Doubt it'll be any time soon," she replied.
"Does it matter? You've got a long, illustrious career ahead of you, Daisy Wood," he said. Daisy chuckled softly.
"I certainly hope so."
"How many kids between the four of them, you reckon?" George said some time later. He was now seated with Oliver and Marcus with Bill and Charlie joining him. Iris, Audrey, Scarlet and Angelina were over taking turns holding little Adelaide, while Teddy took Victoire for a spin around the dance floor.
"Dunno," Bill said, studying the four Wood children now out dancing. "You already trying to get your bets in?"
"He's only been talking about it since we found out Jamie and Lila were engaged," Charlie said with a chuckle.
"Those are my children out there," Oliver said, frowning at the three as Marcus laughed.
"Yea, but you've got the potential for the most grandchildren - which is another bet entirely," George said, turning to watch them. "I'm betting Jamie and Lila have the most. At least five. Then Remus and Alan will probably have about three each – possibly four or more if they got the multiples gene. Pix and Wills… hmm… It's either going to be one or 20." Oliver sat back in his chair, his face going white.
"That's at least 12 grandchildren…" he murmured.
"Please tell me you didn't break my husband," Iris said as she walked up to the table. George grinned.
"Just reminding him how many grandchildren to expect," he replied happily. Iris chuckled as she reached down and grabbed Oliver's hand.
"Allow me to rescue you… again," she said, grinning. Oliver nodded as he stood and followed her to the dance floor.
"Do you really think they'll all have loads of children? What if they all end up with triplets?" Oliver asked. Iris laughed loudly.
"Jamie's been married an hour and you're already worrying about grandchildren? You do know that we don't have to raise them, right?" she said.
"But still… that's a lot," he replied.
"Oliver, let's not get ahead of ourselves. 'Sides, I feel like you're going to rather enjoy the role of granddad," she said, smiling at him. "A whole new generation of little ones to teach quidditch to." Oliver started smiling as the thought came over him.
"We'd have enough to field at least two teams," he said, causing Iris to laugh harder.
"You're still after your quidditch team, are you?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
"A whole team of Woods… well, maybe we could convince Wills to change his name. Then it'd be more," he said. Iris just rolled her eyes.
"Oliver, can we please come back to the present and enjoy the moment," she asked. He looked down at her and then gently kissed her.
"Sorry, Red," he said. "Besides, they might not all want to play. But some of them will." Iris chuckled, shaking her head. She glanced around the garden and sighed happily. She couldn't help but let her thoughts wander. "What are you thinkin'?"
"Just… can't believe how it's all worked out," she said, turning to look back at him. "I never imagined all those years ago when I first met you at Headquarters that this is what would happen."
"Four children and tons of weddings?" Oliver asked, smiling. Iris laughed softly.
"That and… all these years of happiness. With more to come. I didn't even think I'd find the love of my life or a family and become a mother. Or even a grandmother," she said. "But… I did. Thanks to you." Oliver blushed slightly.
"Well, Harry helped you stay too," he said. "And Dumbledore. He's the one that convinced you to come back in the first place." Iris nodded.
"But I am certainly glad that I found you," she said.
"As am I, Red," he said, kissing her again.
"Get a room!" Remus shouted as he and Laura haphazardly swooped by.
"Oh, shut it, Remus!" Alan shouted from nearby.
"Both of you are being gits!" Daisy then shouted. "Leave Mum and Dad alone!" Iris just laughed and shook her head.
"Our children," she said, looking up at Oliver.
"They get it from you, you know," he replied. Iris just looked at him. "Okay, both of us." Iris then kissed him again.
"I wouldn't have it any other way."
Well here we are… finally at the end. Thought it would be nice to end everything with a wedding and then a moment between Iris and Oliver – the couple that started it all…
I am so incredibly grateful for all the love and support this series has gotten. When I started it, I was only writing it for myself and never thought anyone else would really care about it. But it's been great hearing from you guys and seeing that others enjoy the stuff that was only in my head until I wrote it down. It's also given me the confidence I need to push forward with my original work.
I won't say that I'm totally and completely done with this universe – I do have that short and possibly some one-shots – but I feel like this is a good place to leave things when looking at the big picture. I really need to focus on getting my novel ready so I can self-publish by the end of 2018 and hopefully get my own writing career started. (Planning to post the first chapter or so on WattPad soon to start getting an idea of how well it goes over… and hopefully build up some hype.)
As for Father of the Bride – still have about three chapters to finish up (unless more pop up as I'm writing), but I'll probably start posting that soon. As for all the questions about it, just wait and see what hilarity pops up.
And with other FanFiction stuff... I don't know. I've started several for other things (Merlin, Pacific Rim, Twilight - yes, I know) and there's a possibility I might revisit When Arthur Met Guinevere and do a short sequel. But for now, I'm not really working on anything, so we'll just have to see how inspiration hits and when...
But again, thank you everyone.
