Walden stared incredulously after the two Wolves as they made their way to the bar and buffet. He hadn't dared admit that he didn't want them here, because Evey was obviously fond of them – although that was also the reason why he didn't want them here – but now he understood why she'd told him not to worry.

They had to be the oddest couple in all of their guests, and by far.

Although to be fair, he hadn't realised that Imhotep and Gorgo were also an item. They'd arrived together, their very first guests – Molly excluded, because she'd insisted on assisting Evey with her dress and hair. Gorgo had asked where she could find Evey, because she had something to give her before the wedding, and she'd left the men to talk as she made her way upstairs. She hadn't been seen since then.

Alice and the Ripper had both declined the invitation. Alice had sent them her good wishes but explained that she was currently in Italy and couldn't be back in time for the wedding, although Tony suspected that she'd declined because they hadn't invited Jeanne. The Ripper had come by earlier in December and left a note at the manor, apologising that she had to miss the party, but she'd just received a 'job' and had to depart for Canada right away. Evey had had a good laugh when she opened the gift the Ancient had left for them: it was a vintage 'vampire kit' of the like they sold in the late 19th to early 20th century, after Bram Stoker's famous novel was published. It contained all sorts of silver objects, notably bullets, crosses and stakes, as well as a bible and a pistol. Just in case you get tired of him, the Ripper had written, or if he should make the mistake of crossing you. Ancients didn't fear silver any more than they did garlic, but Walden was now severely allergic to both. Of course, the religious paraphernalia was useless.

The Bloodmother had sent a card as well, in which she expressed her fondest wish that the wedding went as they hoped, and thanked them warmly for their invitation. She adjoined two small carved stones, each held by a simple cord. The note said that, in her days, these were given from mother to daughter, and from father to son, when their offspring wished to pledge themselves to each other. The symbols represented life and death, meaning that from that day forward, they would share everything together – the good as well as the bad.

Tony was running around, making sure everything was perfect. And it was, of course. Walden hadn't expected anything else. The garden was beautiful, brightly alight with firefly lanterns – where he'd hit upon those at this time of year, Walden had no idea – and decorated with colourful flowers that must have come a long way. Tony must have cast a Preserving Charm on them, for they looked as though they'd been picked that very morning.

The buffet seemed endless, and perhaps it was: the food replenished itself continually. The elves of Hogwarts, who had always been quite fond of Tony, had outdone themselves. Walden hoped that Caraid had at least been allowed to give a hand, otherwise the old elf would never forgive Tony.

For once in his life, he was very consciously glad to be wealthy. It had never really affected him before, because he'd never been much of a spender. This, however, would cost him an arm and a leg, but it was money well spent if ever there was.

The ceremony proper would take place around ten. He'd wondered at that, pointing out that everyone would be pissed by then, but Evey and Tony both assured him that the real booze-up would start after they were officially married. They would keep the stronger liquors for later and only deal out the champagne and wine in small quantities, to go with the food.

Dumbledore didn't show up until nine, accompanied by Hagrid and Professor McGonagall. The imposing gamekeeper looked awkward in his brown suit, but his face hardened when he caught sight of Walden. He hadn't forgiven him for almost killing his hippogriff, apparently, despite his knowledge that the beast was still very much alive. The best way to remedy that, Evey had said, would be to give the creature back altogether. Walden went around the house, bowed smoothly to Buckbeak, and politely asked him to follow him to the garden. He was well-trained, he had to admit.

Hagrid became quite emotional after that episode, and he almost crushed Walden in a bear hug until Dumbledore interrupted him. The old Headmaster was wearing a very chic dress robe of an improbable magenta colour. Nah, he's not wearing it, Tony corrected him later, he's rocking it.

Molly finally came downstairs a few minutes before ten to ask everyone to take their places. Gorgo was still upstairs, as far as Walden could tell. Imhotep had spent most of the evening discussing with the Wolves. Who said vampires and werewolves couldn't get along?

Tony grabbed his arm a moment later and pulled him toward the golden arch under which Evey and he would be united. Dumbledore was already there and smiled brightly when the brothers approached. Tony was still fussing with Walden's tie when a sudden hush fell among the guests.


Evey had chosen a golden dress in the end, because it suited her complexion and hair better than a white or silvery one would have. And a good thing she had, because the tiara Gorgo had brought as a wedding present was of wrought gold. She wore no other jewellery save the necklace that Imhotep had selected for her, and it matched the tiara perfectly. They were both quite simple in design, with no superfluous adornments, delicate and tasteful. The necklace was relatively modern, as it had been purchased in Paris in the 1920'. The tiara, however, was the one the Spartan queen wore when she was married to Leonidas, a treasure she had cherished for centuries, and it was in pristine condition. Why she had suddenly decided to part with it was beyond Evey's understanding, for Gorgo barely knew her.

She was beginning to feel nervous, despite knowing that everything was going as planned. Molly, and then Gorgo, had turned her into a radiant bride – if she did say so herself – and she knew that the guests were in good hands. Antonin had truly outdone himself. Everything was perfect.

Except for the fact that she was starving. She hadn't eaten much when she woke up in the afternoon, and the excitement seemed to have burned out what little calories she'd ingested earlier. Of course, now was not a good time to grab a bite. She just hoped her stomach didn't rumble at the altar.

She glanced at the old grandfather clock and realised it was almost ten already. Molly caught her movement and nodded as she finished arranging Evey's hair. "I think we're done here," she said anxiously. "I'll go and gather everyone. It will only take a few minutes. Be ready." She didn't wait for a reply before hurrying outside.

Gorgo smiled reassuringly and patted Evey's arm. "Do not worry. Everything will be fine."

"I just don't like the attention," Evey said. She shook her head at her own foolishness. "It's stupid, I know. That's what weddings are for, isn't it? Focus everyone's attention on us, on our love."

"Think only of Walden," the older woman advised her. "Look him in the eyes, forget everyone else. This is about you two. The others are just here for the free buffet," she added with a grin.

Evey laughed perhaps a little too loudly, due to her agitation. "I wish I could attend the buffet right now," she said wistfully.

"You should have eaten something before we applied the make-up," Gorgo told her with a faint sigh. "It's too late for that now."

A bright golden light suddenly illuminated the room. That was the signal. Taking a deep breath, she rose from her chair and walked toward the stairs, Gorgo at her side.


Merlin, she's beautiful, Tony thought in wonder. His throat felt dry all of a sudden, and he cleared it as discreetly as he could. He wasn't the one who was supposed to gape and stare. But to be fair, it was difficult not to, and he had no pretty maids of honour to distract him, for there were none.

He hadn't seen the dress until now; Molly had been afraid that he would describe it to Walden. It was simple enough in design, but the gold shimmered brightly and was pleasantly accentuated by the jewellery, a ravishing tiara and a cute necklace. That explained why Gorgo had spent the evening upstairs, at least. She was fond of Evey, Tony knew – she had told him so – although he wasn't entirely sure why. They'd only met once, after all. Perhaps Evey reminded her of someone she'd known before, in another life.

There were tiny sparkling butterflies of many colours flying around the bride as she made her way down the aisle with Arthur. The balding man looked ever so proud of his part in the wedding. Besides, it will be good practice for the future, Molly had told him wisely. Walking Ginevra down the aisle would be a breeze after that. Not that it was very complicated, admittedly.

Evey was gazing dreamily at Walden, the guests apparently forgotten. She was smiling.

When Arthur left her with Walden a moment later, she turned briefly to Tony and grinned at him. As she faced Dumbledore, Tony spared his brother a glance. He looked oddly nervous; for a man who was used to facing down dragons and worse creatures on his own, it was strange indeed. He hoped Evey wouldn't take it to mean that she was more daunting than a dragon.

Dumbledore had a way with words, that couldn't be denied. The ceremony was short but quite entertaining, thanks to him. Tony didn't pay much attention to the vows – he'd helped both Walden and Evey write them, so he knew the gist of it – but instead let his acute hearing wander. There was always the possibility of an attack to consider, although he hadn't mentioned it to anyone but Dumbledore. The propriety was warded in every way known to him, but who could say what Voldemort had learned in the years since his defeat, especially after he recovered his body?

What he caught, however, was nothing more than the noises made by Walden's pets – as Tony called them – the various and quite numerous magical creatures that inhabited the grounds around the house. They were supposed to be tamed, partially at least, but Tony had taken no chance and raised a barrier between them and the beasts. The sounds were mostly muffled, but to him the wail of the Banshee was just as piercing as if she were standing beside him. Much like the thunderous appeal of Evey's stomach.

He revived long enough to provide the couple with their rings. As best man, it had been his job to choose the groom's ring; Walden had wanted something simple for himself, a plain golden band, and that was what he received. But Evey, who hadn't known that it was traditionally the maid of honour who picked the bride's ring, had asked Tony to pick one for her, and to surprise her. She laughed with delight when she saw the tiny fox with emerald eyes. He'd had it made especially for her. The fox occasionally moved along the ring and changed posture: goblin craftsmanshift at its very best.

Dumbledore ended the ceremony with a jolly "And now, for those of you who haven't tried the buffet," – he looked down at Evey with a knowing smile – "I highly recommend the cheese soufflés. They are scrumptious." Tony groaned softly at the mention of the food. Cheese soufflé had always been one of his favourite dishes at Hogwarts.

The cake would be served at midnight, to give the guests time to regain their strength after being away from the buffet for so long. Tony launched another round of champagne, of course, to toast the newlywed couple.

Now he made his way toward the Muggle music box Silverclaws had brought with him. It was about time they danced.