Author's Note: Hello all, this romantic chapter is dedicated to my dear hubby. Aspects of the wedding are a tribute to just how much I love him and how lucky I am to have him in my life. There are two songs and two points of view, as Harry had some things he needed to add to the chapter. The first song is by Coldplay, the second by Colbie Caillat. I promise, Harry's singing is in Thursday's chapter. Thanks to my team and to all of you who are reading. I appreciate you so much. MNF
Chapter 36:
Paradise/I Do
May 30, 1999
Harry POV:
Charlie and I returned to the farm at about half nine on the morning of the wedding. The Weasley brothers and I had taken Charlie to a Quidditch match last night; his favourite team - Puddlemere United - against Ron's favourite - The Chudley Cannons. Since it was our version of a stag night, it was good Puddlemere won, although the only one who wasn't certain of Puddlemere's triumph before the match was Ron. We'd then retired to his house to imbibe in the brewery's best and eat too much. We'd all spent the night there, the brothers reminiscing until near dawn. Connor was with Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, spending the night at the Burrow. Mrs. Weasley was helping him with a 'project' to give to his parents today. Fleur, Audrey, Hermione and Ginny had taken Seph to the Belfry House spa and then they spent the night there together in their own version of a hen party.
The farm was buzzing with excitement when we arrived. Beaghy had the staff hard at work in the kitchen, preparing the food for after the wedding. A separate contingent of the staff, led by Corinne, was working on the foods for before the wedding. Long tables to hold the culinary delights the outdoor crew was whipping up had already been set up in the drive which curved around the barn. The more formal food would be served from the dining room.
The courtyard garden would be hidden from the guests as they arrived, and it too was being prepared. White chairs were being put into place under the whitewashed pergola which had been erected yesterday. Seph had hired a floral design team to decorate the area, and I was surprised how different it looked. Flimsy material in white and pale green had been woven through the large beams of the pergola. Pale pink flowers were intermingled with the material.
"Wow!" I exclaimed as we rounded the corner to the courtyard. "This doesn't look like the same garden Connor flies his motorbike in."
"It most certainly does not," Charlie agreed. "Why, I think it looks like someone is getting married here today." We both laughed. The guests were invited to arrive at eleven, with the meal being served at noon. Instead, the nuptials would be taking place.
We went through the house, finding Seph and Connor calmly playing with his castle playset. I'd never seen a bride more relaxed than she appeared. We chatted for a while before Charlie and Seph went down to welcome their guests, never letting on that they were marrying in less than an hour. I stayed with Connor, going over our jobs for the day. We then went downstairs, and I stayed close to the little guy, just to make sure he didn't spill the beans.
At half eleven, they disappeared into the house and went upstairs. Seph would be getting ready with the help of the girls who'd taken her out last night in the master suite. Bill had taken Charlie to the second floor guest room.
When they were gone, I took Connor by the hand and we walked to the barn area. I lifted him up onto a chair and cast the Sonorus charm to make sure he could be heard.
"Ebweybody, me and Harwy have something to tewl you," Connor called out and people chuckled and then quieted down to listen to him.
"Dis isn't just a party, dis is my Mummy and my Charwie's wedding! You awl get to come!" There was confusion in the crowd, so I cast the charm on myself and spoke up.
"Connor's right," I spoke clearly and slowly. "Persephone and Charlie are going to be wed in thirty minutes in the courtyard. They've gone to change into their wedding clothes. Please, continue to enjoy the hors d'oeuvres and we will see you shortly."
There was clapping, cheering and all around happiness. I lifted Connor down and he ran to Mrs. Weasley, who was going to help him get into his little suit. Mr. Weasley tipped his head to toward me before he Disapparated away. He and his wife had arranged some surprised guests for Seph. I hoped they made her happy. Before I could slip into the house, Chris stopped me.
"Harry, is there time to get my sister? I know she'd want to be here to see Seph get married, even if she's confused as to why it's not Sirius."
"We can help her understand, but I think it would be a great idea. Seph would be so touched. I'll make sure we don't start before you get back. If you think she'll be okay, then by all means, go and pick her up."
Chris grasped my shoulder with his hand. "Thanks, I'll be back as quickly as I can."
Ron, George, Percy were already changing into their wedding clothes in my room. Seph never liked robes and none of us were surprised when she opted to buy a Muggle gown rather than dress robes. Because of this, Charlie had opted for a Muggle leisure suit. If the groom wasn't going to wear dress robes, the brothers and I happily opted for suits of our own. The three brothers I was with, as well as Bill, needed to get downstairs quickly to help with seating the guests.
I pulled my new black suit from the garment bag, gave it a quick charm to remove any wrinkles and put it on. Seph had recently introduced me to the world of high end shopping, and the suit I was wearing had cost quite a bit, but Seph promised a well made, well cut suit was something no man should be without. The shopping trip was far better than the second hand shops Aunt Petunia had taken me to, or even robe shopping at Madame Malkin's. Apparently, if you're going to spend a lot of money, the stores make the experience enjoyable. They even served us wine and snacks!
I could the sounds of people being seated and the gentle music the string quartet had started. Only ten minutes were left by the time I was fully dressed. I opened my bedroom door, and was surprised to see Ginny coming out of Connor's playroom. She'd changed into a very beautiful green sundress and pulled her hair up into an elaborate knot on the top of her head. We'd seen each other briefly over the weekend, but we hadn't really had time to discuss anything. We had agreed to have tea this evening before she had to return to school.
"Ginny, you're beautiful. You might be prettier than the bride," I complimented her. She made my heart melt when she blushed while shaking her head.
"Impossible," she retorted. "Seph looks amazing, and she's glowing from her pregnancy already; but thank you."
"Is everyone ready?"
"She's waiting in her room for you. You look very handsome, Harry," she told me quietly. I wanted to say something else to her. I really wanted to just pull her to me and kiss her, but before I could do anything, she turned and nearly ran down the hallway to the rear stairs. I ignored my urge to follow her and instead made it the rest of the way to Seph's door and knocked.
"Who is it?" Seph cheerfully asked from the other side.
"It's Harry, you ready for me to come in?"
"Come on in," she chirped and I opened the door and slipped into the room. Fleur was putting the final touches on her hair. Seph looked simply stunning.
Persephone POV:
The look on Harry's face confirmed I'd picked the correct dress. I knew I'd need to wear something off the rack, since we'd only given ourselves six days to prepare. I'd hastily arranged a Portkey to New York City for Molly and me, to visit my favourite designer's shop. The variegated blue dress was pale at the shoulder straps, and progressively got darker until it reached the floor. The empire waist floated gently over my stomach and hips, hiding a multitude of figure flaws. Off the beaded belt on the right side, a dramatic drape arced from just below my breast before attaching at my left hip. The apex of the semi-circle was almost to my knees.
I had paired the dress with deep blue satin court shoes with a rhinestone buckle on top. I had to call in some serious favours to get the Manolo Blahnicks I was wearing; they were perhaps the most sought after shoe of the spring. While I don't generally throw my money around, it is helpful when you need to have the perfect thing for the perfect day. The four inch heels would put Charlie and me nearly eye to eye. I was wearing my great grandmother Engelsley's diamond and sapphire necklace, earrings and tiara.
Harry was just staring at me, not saying anything. I wasn't sure he was still breathing.
"Harry, Harry," I called his name while snapping my fingers. "Are you okay?"
He quickly came around. "Yeah, sorry Seph, it's just you look so beautiful. Charlie isn't going to know what hit him."
"That's what I was going for. Are we ready?"
"Let me just check a few things, and then I think we are," he told me before he quickly went to the mezzanine accessible from the door by the en-suite loo. He must have seen what he was searching for, as a minute later he was back by my side. "Everyone is in place. You ready to get married?"
"Absolutely." I could barely contain my excitement. "Thank you, Harry, for giving me away. Connor is a little young to do this, but know I consider you acting on behalf of you both, for the betterment of our little family."
"I'm happy to do it. Seeing you happy and embracing life, it gives me hope. I wrapped my boy in my arms and hugged him tightly. "Oh, Connor has the rings on his pillow, right?" I suddenly remembered.
"Yes, and they're magically attached, so he can't lose them. The registrar will use his wand to remove the spell," he confirmed, and my last worry was gone. "Let's get you downstairs so you can be married."
Harry escorted me down the rear stairs, so I wouldn't be visible to those gathered in the courtyard. Molly was waiting to give me my bouquet of white peonies and pink cabbage roses along with a hug of motherly confidence. She was hardly old enough to be my Mum, but it felt good to have someone giving me that type of love again. She quietly slipped to her seat.
Ginny started the ceremony with my favourite poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Her gentle voice lilted over the romantic words: "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways..." she continued. Harry's breath caught as he listened to her speaking of such deeply passionate love.
"She still feels that way about you," I whispered to him. "When she was helping me get ready, she told me how she wished today was your day with her. Don't lose hope, please."
"Smiles, tears, all of my life! - and, if God choose, I shall love thee better after death." The reading concluded and I had to wipe away a lone tear. I was only able to marry Charlie with the knowledge that Sirius approved. Love was altered by death, but not discontinued by it. My love for Sirius might be in the past, but it too would be part of me until I died.
The gentle movement of Bach's Air on a G String began and Harry walked me out of the house, under the floral and fabric draped pergola, to the small marquee where Connor and Charlie were awaiting me in their matching light brown suits, white shirts and blue ties. Connor was bouncing on the balls of his feet and Charlie stared at me, his face alight with joy.
When we reached the front, the quartet played for a moment longer. When they stopped Connor came up and held my other hand.
"Who presents this woman to be married?" the registrar asked.
"Her son, Connor, and I do, sir," Harry answered.
"Yup," Connor chimed in, even though he wasn't supposed to say anything now. "We's happy Charwie is in wove with Mummy." Our guests chuckled at my son's antics. Harry kissed my cheek, and then presented my hand to Charlie before going to sit in the front row. Connor came over and took my other hand, weaving his little fingers into my larger ones. Sandwiched between two of the most important men in my life, the third seated just behind me, I couldn't think of a better place to be.
I was surprised by the voice which started in on the second reading. Chris was supposed to do this reading, instead it was a feminine voice. I looked over to see my eldest sister, Paderau, reading instead.
"Your marriage should have within it a secret, a protected place, open to you alone." My sister read the anonymous passage about a walled garden. It was the first of the four passages we'd discovered while doing research, and I fell in love with it instantly, especially since we were being married in such a lovely garden space. Looking slightly to the left of Paderau I saw the rest of my sisters. Tears fell down my cheeks at the sight of them. I hadn't seen any of them in years. Philomena was even here, which shocked me slightly, as she was suing me for the farm. It didn't matter, they were here and supporting me. My heart felt like it would explode with happiness. "So take each other's hand and go back to your garden. Time spent together is not wasted, but invested. Invest in your future and the nurture of your love."
"If you will turn and face one another, your left hands holding each other, and your right doing the same underneath," the registrar directed us. Connor had grabbed onto my gown with one hand, the pillow dangling off his wrist with the elastic on the back. I was ever so thankful for the charm. Charlie and I had memorized our chosen vows. I hoped I remembered, although the officiant promised he'd help if we had problems.
"I promise to love and respect you," Charlie started, "and to put energy into keeping our love alive. I will be there for you in good times and bad. I will help you when you need help and make space for you to be yourself. I will try to bring you happiness.
"I will dedicate myself to you wholeheartedly. I will make time for you and support you in everything you do. I will help you to raise our children to become loving people, and support you in the fundamental role of mother.
"I, Charlie, vow to you, Persephone, that I will try to bring laughter to your life, and make you happy. I will consider you in the decisions I have to make, and will value your opinion. Today I solemnly swear to be your husband for as long as we both shall live."
I'd seen the vows on paper, but hearing them in Charlie's beautiful baritone made them that much more moving. I took a steadying breath before I began my identical ones.
When I'd said mine, the registrar reached for Connor's pillow just as an unexpected bit of music started. Pandora and her husband Archie had stood up and were singing one of my favourite folk songs from childhood. As I Walked Through the Meadow was about a couple who meet by chance one spring day, and run out to be married as soon as they could. Dora's lilting soprano blended perfectly with Archie's tenor and the gentle plucking of his guitar provided the perfect accompaniment.
We were each given our rings and we slipped them onto the correct finger. I had a little trouble with Charlie's knuckle, but a few twists and the ring slid down to the base of his finger. Connor immediately reached up and ran his finger around the simple platinum bands we'd chosen.
We had a surprise for Connor now, since there was more than Charlie and me in our new family. Harry stood and started reciting a bit from The Velveteen Rabbit, one of our son's favourite stories. It was about what made you real, and love being the catalyst for realness. I knew the moment my son recognized the passage. His face lit up and he looked up at Charlie and me.
Harry's face was trained on Ginny as he continued to read: "When someone loves you for a long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real. 'Does it hurt?' asked the Rabbit. 'Sometimes' said the Skin Horse. 'When you're real you don't mind being hurt' … the reading continued. I stole a look at Ginny, she was weeping now, and Molly had her arm around her daughter. If the couple weren't reconciled by the end of the day, I'd eat my fancy shoes.
When Harry sat back down, Charlie and I each reached for Connor's hands. We hadn't told him, but we were going to pledge ourselves as his parents, and ask him to affirm our family. I knew he wanted this, but we also wanted him to feel as important today as we were.
"Connor, you are my precious little boy. Today, I marry Charlie and make him my husband. By doing so, he's also taking a place in our house and in our family. Connor I vow to always love you, to listen to you and to take what you say into consideration. In return, I ask you love and respect both Charlie and me. Will you do that?"
My sweet child looked up at me with his big green eyes and nodded his head. "I promise, Mummy. I wobe you," he said and I mouthed back the words. He looked up at Charlie, "I wobe you, too, my daddy-Charwlie."
"I love you, too, Connor," Charlie answered, a tear clinging to his lashes. "I'm marrying your Mummy today, and making her my wife. I want you to remember your first Daddy, and how much he loved you. I hope that you'll let me fill in for him as you grow up. I promise to listen to you and do my best at taking care of you. I'm starting this a little later than your Mummy, so if I make mistakes, I hope you'll help me learn. Will you let me learn to be your Dad?"
"Sure, daddy-Charwie. You awready doin' a good job."
"That makes me feel really happy, Connor." Charlie bent down and lifted our son up and hugged him. I wrapped my arms around my boys and kissed my son's cheek.
"The bride and groom had chosen a closing reading, but I think the words they've already shared do a much better job. It is my pleasure to introduce you to Charles Septimus, Persephone MacPhearson and Connor Sirius Weasley," the registrar announced and there was a burst of happy applause. "Charlie, you may now kiss your bride."
I don't think I've enjoyed a kiss more in my entire life.
"We's a famiwy! Stop kissin' so we can eat!" Connor exclaimed and we stopped our snog to smile and laugh at the joy in our little boy's directive.