George said he loves me! In front of everyone, he said he loves me!
Overwhelmed by happiness, Alicia stood passively while George kissed her. Only when he began to pull away did she realise that their first kiss as husband and wife was about to end before she'd begun to enjoy it! She immediately curled her hand around the base of George's neck and leaned against him, pressing her lips to his.
She felt his chest shake with silent laughter as the kiss lengthened and guests began to chuckle. It only increased her joy. I want to make you as happy as you've made me.
George's hands slid down her back to the curve of her waist. He pulled her closer, making a contented sound deep in his throat.
Another noise sounded disapproving. "Hem, hem."
Alicia opened her eyes to ask George dazedly, "Who invited Umbridge?"
Among the witnesses, sniggering broke out.
Her grinning husband turned to the celebrant. "You're not related to Dolores Umbridge, by any chance?"
Owlish eyebrows seemed to take flight toward the celebrant's hairline. "Indeed not!"
"Good man," George said, offering Alicia his arm.
The celebrant's robes rustled like ruffled feathers. "Ahem! Don't you wish me to present you as husband and wife?"
George winked at Alicia. "I reckon they know by now."
She tucked her hand in the crook of his arm. "I'd still like to hear it." She returned his wink. "Have something traditional for a change."
He sighed dramatically. "If you insist." George nodded to the celebrant. "Pronounce away."
"I shall," the old man said dryly. Clearing his throat, he said in a ringing voice, "I present you, George and Alicia, as husband and wife. May you always remember the love that brought you here on this day, and may your union be blessed."
In an undertone, he added, "This is where I'd say 'you may kiss the bride', but you've already taken care of that part."
Alicia looked at George.
He swept her into his embrace, leaning her back over his arm in a romantic gesture that had laughter and cheers joining the clapping from the witnesses encircling them.
When he set Alicia upright, George kept an arm around her waist as family and friends gathered to congratulate them. Molly was the first in line, throwing her arms around them both in a hug. "Such a beautiful ceremony! Such a blessed day! A new daughter and soon a new baby added to the family. I'm so happy—for all of us!"
Anne was next to offer congratulations. She kissed her daughter's cheek, whispering in her ear, "Now the rite is duly done; now the word is spoken, and may the love which made you one ne'er be broken."
Hearing her parents' vows caused Alicia to feel a pang of sorrow. Her dad would've loved George. She hugged her mum tight. "Tá grá agam ort."
Arthur stepped up, beaming. "I'm blessed to have daughters who are lovely inside and out."
The rest of the family and a steady stream of friends followed him to give their best wishes and congratulations. After all the witnesses had been had greeted with a handshake or a hug, George asked Alicia, "What's that I heard you say to your mum? Taa graw aggam orret?"
"I said, 'I love you' in Gaelic." Alicia looked into his eyes. "To you, I'll always say, Tá mé i ngrá leat—I'm in love with you."
"Taa may ee ngraw lat," he repeated huskily.
Her heart turned over. His accent was off, but the sentiment was perfect. She kissed him.
A hand tapped her arm. "Save it for the honeymoon, mate." Angelina stood with Blaise at her side, smiling widely. "We need to slip you into something more comfortable."
George cocked an eyebrow. "I thought that sort of thing was meant for private viewing only."
"Get your mind off garter belts," Angelina said teasingly. "That dress she's wearing is a work of art, but since the spells make it a little too form fitting. I—" She cut her eyes to Blaise. "We bought Alicia a dress that's gorgeous and comfortable."
"You didn't tell me your wedding dress was uncomfortable," George said to Alicia.
"It's tight, that's all. I've gained a bit of weight since it was fitted." Alicia threw Angelina a cross look. "I wouldn't have told her if I'd known she'd bring it up!"
"I'm glad she did," George said. "I want my wife able to breathe!"
Alicia's chest swelled with indignation. "I can breathe just fine!"
A smile flitted across George's face. "So I see."
The mischievous twinkle in his eye sparked her sense of humour. Alicia's lips twitched. "I'm afraid to try to sit down, though, so I'll go change." She smiled at Blaise and Angelina. "Thank you for such a considerate...and welcome...gift."
Angelina said, "It's in the house, upstairs."
Alicia hooked Angelina's arm with hers. "Come help pry me out of this dress."
"Isn't that my husbandly duty?" George smirked.
Blaise said, "Not until your wedding night."
"Was that a joke?" Alicia heard George say as she and Angelina walked away arm in arm. "Slytherins who make jokes upset the natural order of the world."
Blaise asked, "Is that a bad thing?"
Before the women strolled out of hearing, George said, "No."
Alicia and Angelina traded smiles.
In George's old room, it took Angelina several creative expletives to work the back zipper. "You weren't kidding when you said I'd have to pry you out of this!"
"I've never been skinny," Alicia said wryly, "but you're making me feel like a whale."
"You're preggers, not fat." Angelina let out a whoop as she triumphed over the zipper. "Yes! Now let's change your look from goddess of spring to goddess of fertility." She removed a gown from the wardrobe.
Draped and sweeping, the silk chiffon with satin accents was a fantasy of a dress. Alicia guiltily wondered how much the gift had cost.
Angelina brought the gown over. The fabric seemed to float. "It has twist ties that accentuate your curves, a sash you could make a bow..." She helped Alicia into the dress. "I'd tie it at your side so the ends will trail goddess-y, like so." She tied the sash and shook the folds of the skirt. "The puddle train is spelled to remain white no matter what you drag it over: grass or garden gnomes."
"You're right. I feel like a goddess," Alicia said, gazing at her reflection.
"Not fat?"
Alicia reached out and tugged a wisp of hair that had escaped her friend's elegant upsweep. "Making fun of a pregnant woman? You should feel lucky I didn't have a braid to pull."
It was a shock to see dark eyes fill with tears.
"I do feel lucky," Angelina said thickly. "I thought I'd never be happy again and I am, but—" She wiped the tears away almost angrily. "I should shut up."
Alicia wrapped her arms around her friend and squeezed. "No. I understand. George and I are happy, but we have sad moments, too. My father—Fred—times like this make you miss them even more." She exhaled raggedly.
"Brilliant," Angelina said. "I've made the bride cry. Your mum and Mrs. Weasley will hex me."
"They'll never know. We'll use complexion charms and add this to the list of secrets we're taking to the grave."
Angelina gave a watery laugh. "Like the time Fred dared George to go skinny dipping and we snuck down to the lake to find they weren't there?"
"Yes, only this time we won't risk hypothermia to prove girls rule by having a swim ourselves!"
They grinned at each other.
Angelina said, "Remember when we heard rustling in the underbrush and ran to get dressed? You should ask George if that was him and Fred, peeking at us."
"I can't. I promised eternal silence."
"I release you from your vow."
Alicia's skin tingled. Angelina had cast a nonverbal charm. "Thanks," she said, meaning it two ways. She concentrated on a spell to return the favour.
Outside, Alicia found her husband standing in the centre of a large group that was discussing Quidditch. He was pointing at the sky. "Unseasonably warm, few clouds, no wind. We could have a pick-up match today if it wasn't..." His words trailed away when he caught sight of her.
It was spring, not summer, yet Alicia had the fanciful notion that she was the Queen of May and George her Robin Goodfellow. Lord of Misrule and my heart, she thought.
George stepped forward. "You—the dress—you're beautiful."
"Thank you. And I'm a lot more comfortable."
He rubbed a hand across her abdomen in lazy circles. "Weasleys don't like being restricted."
Alicia felt a kick. She said, "I think our baby agrees...and wants Daddy to play Quidditch."
"Yeah?" His face lit up, and then fell. "No. You can't fly, and I don't want to leave you behind."
Touched, she clasped his hand and brought it to her lips. "You won't leave me. I'll be right there, waiting." Alicia looked up at the blue sky. "It's warm, there's no wind, and I'd love to watch you play Quidditch." She leaned close to say, "Nobody swings a bat better."
The corners of George's mouth turned up. "True." His eyes flickered over the guests. "Although some may believe otherwise."
Was he referring to Kenneth? Alicia thought George's competitive streak was cute. "Team Weasley against all comers?"
George looked tempted.
Ron, standing close by, said, "We don't have enough gear in the shed."
"I have equipment." Blaise's statement brought smiles of anticipation to the faces of those listening.
"I have a friend who's ace at long distance Apparation," said George. "Caper—"
The house-elf materialised, summoned by the sound of his name. Along with a black linen tea towel, he wore the magician's top hat from the shop. "Yes, Mister George?"
George filled him in on the situation.
Caper bowed. "I is honoured to help."
"Here's my card," Blaise said. "In case you run into security."
"Caper will not be seen." The elf Disapparated.
George plucked the silver embossed card from Blaise's fingertips. "Will this get me a free beer at Harpies matches?"
"No, but if you ever need assistance, you'll have my direction." Blaise's fleeting smile flashed white against mocha skin. "Free beer will be in the owner's box."
Ron frowned as though he didn't approve of George being chummy with a Slytherin, but when he spoke, all he said was, "I want to play Beater."
George said, "It isn't an easy position."
"I'll work hard," Ron said. "Learn as I go. You won't regret it."
Were they having a brotherly conversation within a conversation, talking about the shop as much as Quidditch? Alicia gently squeezed George's fingers. Give him a chance!
He ran his thumb across the back of her hand. "All right."
Ginny's voice rang out, "I call Seeker." She threw Harry a provocative smile. "Would you like to make a side bet on who catches the Snitch?"
Harry nodded as though mesmerised.
Alicia bit her lip to hide her amusement.
George leaned down to whisper in her ear, "Would you like to make a side bet on whether or not Harry will be a target for Bludgers?"
What kind of bet did he have in mind? A naughty one? Alicia nodded as though mesmerised.
George's eyes gleamed in amusement.
Behind them, Percy said, "If Harry's the other team's Seeker, who'll be our Keeper? I have to play Chaser with Bill and Charlie because I'm not a good enough flyer to block Quaffles."
"Dad," George said.
Percy looked startled. "Dad's too old. He'll never do it."
George grinned. "Want to bet on it?"
An hour later, Alicia stood outside a paddock with Fleur, Angelina, Penelope, Bridget, and Hermione, cheering as Arthur and his children took on Blaise, Kenneth, Joey, Vicky, Katie, Lee, and Harry.
Bridget, in her artless way, asked Angelina, "Why aren't you playing? You're the professional!"
"I'm insured against injury," Angelina said. "The only time I'm allowed to play Quidditch is when I'm fulfilling a contractual obligation."
"Oh. Too bad."
"I don't mind," Angelina told Bridget. "I like the view." She applauded when Blaise blocked a goal.
Alicia watched George zoom across the makeshift pitch. "Yes. He's very scenic."
The group burst out laughing.
Fleur patted Alicia on the arm. "I zink Bill is vairy scenic too."
Hermione gasped. "Ron almost knocked Lee off his broom!" Her tone was admiring. "He's so strong."
A few seconds later, a baby's wail pierced the air, turning heads toward a circle of older men and women. Apolline Delacour moved away from the others, little Louis in her arms.
"Mon petit chou!" Fleur cried.
The baby's cries tugged at Alicia's heartstrings. He sounded so pitifully hungry! She sighed in relief when Fleur took the baby and sat beneath a tree to nurse instead of walking back to the house.
Overhead, Ron Weasley's voice cut through the silence that had fallen. "OI! There's a match going on here!"
Chuckles filled the air.
"Oh, Ron," Hermione said dreamily.
"Oh, Charlie," Bridget said as the match resumed. "I wish he'd chase me like a Quaffle." She twined one of her blonde curls around a finger. "Although I want him to do more than score." Her eyes rounded. "Oh dear, did I say that out loud? Beg pardon."
Alicia smiled. "I'm sure every woman feels that way about a special man."
"Eventually," said Angelina, her eyes on a black-robed Keeper.
"I'd rather it be sooner than later," Bridget said pensively. "It's hard to catch someone when you're chasing them long distance."
"Then go to him," Angelina said. "Take a chance. Happiness is a goal only you can make."
Bridget brushed a tear from the corner of her eye. "That's a lovely saying."
"Our new management posted it on the board in the changing room when they took o—" Angelina's eyes flew to Alicia. "You don't think—"
"Those cunning folk use any means to achieve their ends," Alicia said, sotto-voice.
Penelope, who had been watching the game raptly, let out a squeak of excitement. "Look! Ginny and Harry are neck and neck!"
Even as Penelope spoke, Ginny edged forward to capture the Snitch. Cheers filled the air.
Bridget asked, "Do you think he let her win?"
Alicia glanced up to see the couple in question hovering close together on their broomsticks. When Harry and Ginny kissed, she said, "I think both sides claim victory."
George dove down and pulled up sharply to land beside her. His hair was ruffled, his face alight with pleasure. "Want to fly a lap around the paddock?"
She took his outstretched hand. "I'd love to."
They glided slowly, floating only a couple of metres above the ground, kissing.
A/N: George and Alicia didn't have a traditional wedding, so I couldn't give them a traditional reception! If any reader wondered how I was going to juggle an end-of-March wedding with George's April first birthday, until I wrote the chapter, I planned to give Alicia the reception pov and then move on to George's for his birthday. While writing, I decided, in the words of a band called The Offspring, you gotta keep 'em separated. So this chapter is fluffy, and the next one...well...you'll see!
The chapter title I took from a Michelle Branch/Santana song Game of Love with lyrics that fit love and Quidditch. It just takes a little bit of this, a little bit of that...It started with a kiss, now we're up to bat.
Alicia's dress I found on the Isabella Oliver website. It's the Belle Epoque wedding gown. I could imagine Alicia in it (and imagine a sales assistant thinking about Angelina, sure it's for your friend.) :P 'OI' and 'Oh, Ron,' were inspired by a scene from DH that better not be left out of the final HP film, if WB doesn't want Ron/Hermione shippers rioting in theatres. :D
Some stories end with weddings, but this one has a few more issues and chapters to work through—four chaps after this, in fact, unless a plot bunny bearing chocolate attacks me.
The readers whose reviews last chapter were sweeter than chocolate and calorie free (although not guilt free since I couldn't update soon, sigh) were...40/16, adrienne06052, alix33, AmazingBouncingFerret445, AshCarroll aka ShadowDiva, blacksleeves, Blue Leah, BobbieJo1, btyrhtout, Calenmarwen, Carnivalgirl, Cassandra's Cross, Charity, cinroc, Diana42, ElspethBates, Fibinaci, Freja Lercke-Falkenborg, GraceRichie, Her My Own EE, Hungarian Witch22, I'myoursweetestgoodbye, infinity, JasperisMYeverything, Kates Master, Lady Adrienne Faery, Lady Clark-Weasley of Books, LunaLiving9, mandymuggle, MBP, Meeh-san, MollyCoddles, Moonlight, Mrs.Hermione Jane Weasley, Nymphadora17, obliviate36, PhoenixDreamer55, RahNee, Robyn Hawkes, shortySC22, siriuslycoco, siriuslycrazy4snuffles, Sivaroobini Lupin-Black, Snuffles7, SOphia.weasley, sophia666, Squealing Lit. Fan, sunny9847, Tabbycat1220, tambrathegreat, tiffyrose, Tina101, Twinsmom, WEASLEYLOVER, WeasleyWeakness, x.0.gossip.x.o, and xoxphoenix.