Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or the Avengers.

Authors note: Thank you to those of you who reviewed and welcome to the new followers and favourites.

Chapter 23

"WAKE UP!" Hela and Dahlia were woken with a screech and someone jumping on the bed then different coloured flower petals being thrown over them.

They sat up to see Baelen and a few other maids coming into the room laughing and smiling but it was Tora that was jumping on the bed, wearing only a large shirt drinking from a bottle of champagne while Kaeya stood beside the bed throwing flower petals on them. Hela and Dahlia looked at each other amused before they both reached to grab Tora's legs and she fell onto the bed, the champagne spilling a little.

"What was that for?" Tora said and went to take a drink but Hela took the bottle.

"I'm not having my best friend drunk on my wedding day, at least not before the ceremony".

"I'm not getting drunk, I am celebrating".

"What time is it?" Dahlia asked rubbing at her eyes still tired.

"Almost six," Kaeya answered.

Dahlia lied back down and put her face into the pillow as she complained, "the wedding isn't until midday, what are we doing awake?"

"Because it's going to take that long for Hela to get ready and to celebrate while she is getting ready," Tora said.

Dahlia sat back up and said, "I guess I should get going then now that you're getting ready. Do you need anything?"

"A hug," Hela said and leaned closer and the two sisters hugged. "Thank you," Hela said into Dahlia's neck.

"For what? The hug? It's nothing".

"No, I mean thank you for everything you have done for Falcon and I. We wouldn't be getting married today if you hadn't decided to interfere when I told you not to and persuade papa to let this happen. Thank you".

Dahlia kissed her cheek as she pulled out of the hug and said, "we're sisters, of course I was going to help you and Falcon. Besides, I had to promise dad that I wouldn't ever court. Even though he knows that's untrue, when the day comes-"

Hela interrupted, "I'll be right beside you…after I make sure he is good enough for my little sister of course".

"Of course," Dahlia said amused.

Dahlia then left knowing it was tradition and she would be one of the first to see Hela when she arrived at the temple to get married. She went back to her room and managed to sleep for another hour, knowing everyone had a long day ahead of them before Eva came to wake her. She had barely gotten out of bed before a knock sounded at the door and Eva went to open it to find Fenrir and Isolda.

Saying Fenrir looked tired was one word for it, exhausted would be another. He held Isolda's hand while holding the dress bag and shoes in the other. "Here she is and her dress," Fenrir said, "just on time. I told you I wouldn't forget".

"Perfect," Dahlia said as Eva took the dress and shoes.

Fenrir then kneeled and said to Isolda, "I'm just going to be in my room if you need anything but if you don't, I'll see you in the carriage when we go to the temple, okay? Dahlia is going to take good care of you".

Isolda looked to Dahlia and the two smiled at each other before Isolda looked back to Fenrir and nodded before hugging him. When they pulled away, Dahlia held out her hand and Isolda took it as Dahlia said, "I'll take good care of her".

"I know. Now, I'm going back to bed, unlike you girls, it doesn't take me long to get ready so don't expect me up for hours. Unless Falcon decides to run, then wake me so I can kill him".

"He won't. Fenrir, promise me you're going to behave today".

He grinned and began to back up to the door.

"Fen, it's Hela's wedding day, you have to be good. Please, for me," Dahlia almost pleaded.

"I'll see you later," Fenrir said then left.

Dahlia kneeled down next to Isolda and said, "I think Fenrir needs looking after today. Are you going to help me make sure he is a good boy?"

Isolda's shoulders shook slightly as she smiled as if she wanted to laugh. She nodded though agreeing to help.

"Good girl".

Hermione arrived not long later with her maidservant Annett and her dress as Dahlia invited her to get ready with them. It would only take them an hour or two to actually get ready but they didn't want to rush and actually wanted to enjoy the day. Isolda was a little hesitant around Hermione but wasn't as bad as she was around random strangers as she had seen the family interact with Hermione and how comfortable Dahlia was with her brought her comfort that the witch wasn't evil.

Less than an hour before the wedding was due to start, they were ready. Hermione had curly hair and wore a rose-pink coloured V-neck satin dress with a low back with the necklace that Dahlia gave her. Dahlia had to wear her tiara at the wedding as it was a royal occasion so she had a half updo with a braided halo and the rest hanging free. Her dress was burgundy with a sweetheart neckline and cap sleeves with a lace bodice and soft tulle skirt. Both girls wore heels. Dahlia herself did Isolda's hair and gave the little girl only a little make up as she watched Hermione and Dahlia get theirs done. Just a little eyeshadow and lip gloss and she hoped Fenrir wouldn't mind as she was a little girl. She wore flat white dolly shoes and a long pale blue dress with mock wrap over a V-shaped neckline to the front. There was also a crystal style emblem to the centre front waist.

They were ready and about to set off to the courtyard but Dahlia had one more thing to do. She knelt down to Isolda and said, "I have a surprise for you from Fenrir." Eva came over with a jewellery orb from the jewellers and opened it.

Isolda's eyes clearly brightened at the sight of the headpiece in the orb. It was a silver headpiece with small blue moonstones embedded into the silver but when it came to the centre of the headpiece, a moonstone carved into the shape of a crescent moon would hang at the centre of her forehead.

"Pretty huh?" Dahlia asked knowing what Isolda thought.

Isolda nodded and Dahlia took it out of the orb and put it on Isolda and it matched perfectly with the braid she put in Isolda's hair to keep hair out of her face while the rest of it hung straight. She made sure the tiny almost invisible clips at the sides were locked onto her hair so it wouldn't come off.

"Beautiful," Dahlia said then Hermione, Eva and Annett agreed. "Are you ready to go?" Isolda nodded. "Good, then let's go. The boys will be waiting for us and remember, we have to make sure Fenrir is on his best behaviour today…maybe keep an eye on Jora and my dad as well." Dahlia stood and held Isolda's hand as she said, "Eva, Annett, remember you have the rest of the celebration off." Eva went to speak and Dahlia said quickly, "we agreed. It's a celebration, go and celebrate. Hermione and I don't expect to see either of you during the celebration period, we can take care of ourselves".

They could already hear the celebrations beginning when they left the palace and the wedding hadn't even happened yet. All the guests at the palace had already left for the temple and there were two carriages left, one for the three Gryffindor guests and one for members of the royal family. Loki, Fenrir, Jörmungandr and the Weasley twins were waiting at the bottom of the steps like they expected and it was no surprise to Dahlia that Isolda immediately let go of her hand and ran to Fenrir.

Eyes were drawn to them when Isolda ran to Fenrir and the twins couldn't help themselves but whistle but when glares from Dahlia's father and brothers were targeted to them, George quickly said, "in a friendly manner".

"You girls look beautiful," Loki said with a smile.

"Thank you," Hermione said with a slight blush as Dahlia stepped close to her father and placed a kiss to his cheek.

"We should be going now. Hela won't be much longer," Loki said and Jörmungandr, Fenrir and Isolda got into the carriage.

The Gryffindor's carriage was opened by the coachman and Dahlia quickly said, "you'll be taken to where you'll sit at the temple and afterwards, you'll be brought back here. I'll find you when the celebrations begin".

"Stop worrying about us," Fred said, "we'll be fine".

Dahlia looked to Hermione and said, "look after them".

"I'll make sure they stay out of trouble," Hermione said.

"Oi!" the twins said together then Hermione pushed them into the carriage as Loki offered his daughter his arm so she could get inside their own.

The temple of Ymir was located just outside the city. It was large with a circular dome and was a place of worship where all those across the realms could go after they died. Ymir was the first being in all of creation, from him came life and many called him the God of creation. There were rumours, legends depending on the realm, that Ymir was of their realm but all that anyone could be certain of was that he was a giant of extraordinary power and the power he possessed made the nine realms what they are and connected them with the tree of Yggdrasil.

Carriage after carriage left the palace and flew to the temple that has the capacity to have 30,000 people and outside in the piazza could hold almost 400,000 and that was certainly going to be full too. With the crowds outside the palace, Hela was the last person to leave the palace and had to use a side exit to get to her carriage and the hallways cleared of all males.

At the temple, Dahlia and her family were waiting behind the large doubled doors of the temple. The temple doors closed until the ceremony was over but so were the inner temple doors as the bride had yet to arrive. She, her father, her brothers and Isolda were waiting as at any second Hela would arrive and come through the side door and it would be the first time any of them had seen her in her wedding dress.

It wasn't long before a female Vanir guard came through the side door and she held it open as she moved to the side and stood there was Hela. She was dressed in a long white beautifully designed dress. The dress had a V-shaped neckline but wasn't too revealing and made of silk with a silk tulle lace fabric on top. The silk tulle formed the straps of the neckline support which was tied with an almost invisible corset strapping. The waistline had swirls of diamonds as if they were blowing in the wind but the diamonds had a hint of colour to them, Hela's magic colour of blueish silver, and after the waist, the dress puffed out. Not too much but just enough that it was perfect. She also wore what seemed to look like a tulle lace cape that was made out of the same fabric as the dress and it was connected to the back of her shoulder blades and rested only slightly on the tips of her shoulders. It was only when you looked closer at the cape did you see that stitched into it were patterns of the different flowers from all across the realms connected together.

Her hair was in a casual twist with a few small braids hanging below the twist with what seemed to be clips made of diamonds holding the hair together. On top was her crown, not her queenly crown she wore on official business but one that had been made especially for the day. It was a silver crown with only a few sapphires and diamonds embedded into the silver. Her makeup was mysterious, tempting with grey and silver with a hint of navy eyeshadow around the eyes with a flick which blended perfectly with her two different skin tones. Whoever did her makeup made sure to blend the colours together on both sides perfectly so it seemed that although she had the appearance of the dead on the left half of her body, she looked like a goddess. Which she was.

Hela shifted the white roses and lilies she was holding as she stared nervously at her family, "what do you think?"

"You look amazing!" Dahlia said.

"Beautiful," Jörmungandr commented.

"Who knew our little sister could actually look good?" Fenrir said with a smirk and Hela glared at him playfully. Isolda gave a big smile and a thumbs up when it came to Hela looking at her.

All eyes then fell to Loki as he said, "are you ready?"

Hela nodded.

"We should get going then," Dahlia said and she and her brothers and Isolda walked to the doors.

Fenrir took Isolda's hand and the two of them walked in first due to Fenrir being the oldest, followed by Dahlia and Jörmungandr after he offered his baby sister his arm. The doorman then closed the door knowing the father and daughter needed a moment alone.

"What do you think, papa?" Hela asked filled with nerves that he wouldn't approve of her look.

He walked slowly to her then said, "beautiful, amazing, I don't think there are any words known in the universe to describe how perfect you look…are you sure you want to do this?"

"Papa," she rolled her eyes but said it lovingly.

"I know I know, you love him," Loki said as he reached to cup her face in his hands. "I remember holding you for the very first time, now in the blink of an eye you're all grown up and getting married. Has my little girl really grown up?"

"I'll always be your little girl," she said but then saw tears in her father's eyes. "Papa, don't cry. If you start crying then I'll start crying and this makeup took a long time".

Loki looked up and took a deep breath to get his emotions in check before he looked back, his tears being put at bay. He placed a kiss to her head before he took a step back and offered her his arm. "I guess it's time then." Hela took his arm and they walked to the door. She then took a slow breath to calm her nerves before her father nodded to the door man and the doors.

The large doors opened and all the members of the audience stood and the music of the harp, flutes and violins began to play. She was so nervous she thought she was going to fall but when she looked down the aisle, Falcon was stood there dressed in a black suit with a white shirt and he was smiling. She barely looked at anyone else as she walked down the aisle, she just quickly glanced at her family sat in the front row on the left-hand side as she passed them. She did notice the glass orbs floating around the room, projecting the image of the wedding across the realm to every looking glass so everyone could watch.

When she finally got to the altar, she stood beside Falcon as her father let her hand go and moved to the side. She smiled at her soon-to-be husband and whispered, "hi".

"You look beautiful," he said quietly back before they both turned to face Alec and Ari who would be performing the ceremony. Both of their adopted father figures playing a part in their wedding like they wanted.

Ari gestured for everyone to sit and after they all sat, Alec began. "We will begin as has been done of old and will be again. Since ancient times, people have communed with Ymir to learn more about themselves by example. Since it is in Ymir's power and the power of Yggdrasil, we ask for his blessings for Hela and Falcon. We ask to open the lines of communication between this couple. May their future be as bright as the dawn on the horizon. As magic flows freely to and from them and from us all, may their hearts and minds and souls come to know the universe and each other in this manner. Seeing not only with their eyes, may they come together to grow wise in the wisdom of love. We ask that Hela and Falcon's passion for each other and for life itself is ever strong and vital. As marriage forms a new chapter in their lives, it clears the way for new growth. May they know that this power is theirs to create change and to bring about the richness and quality that comes with true love. We ask that their love for each other and the comfort of loved ones forever surrounds our bride and groom. May they be well loved and love well and may it endure all trials that life brings forth. We ask for your continued blessings upon this couple on their union, and upon their family and friends who gathered here to celebrate this joyous union. May they become one in truth and forever revel in the magic that is love".

Ari then took over and said, "marriage is our higher selves and the best we have to give to one another. One of the greatest gifts of all is that of true love which is why we are present here today. We are gathered here in the sight of Ymir, with friends and family to join together this man and this woman in the joining of marriage. A mystical union that bounds one man and one woman for the rest of their lives, a union that will forever be remembered in the eyes of Ymir as you shall be bound as one in his eyes. A mystical bond that is older than all magic but that of Ymir and the bond shall never be broken as long as you live. Therefore, it is not by any to be entered lightly or with doubt in your heart as there is no greater vow to be taken. Marriage was created so that the natural instincts and affections within would be hallowed and directed to whom makes you whole, that those who are called together should continue their living together whole. As well as mutual help and comfort that the one ought to have of the other both in prosperity and adversity to which these two persons present have come now to be joined in such a way. Therefore, if any man can show any just cause why these two should not be joined, let them speak or forever hold your peace…"

No one did, not even Fenrir who everyone thought would joke and try to stand but what Hela couldn't see was that Isolda was sat on his lap and had a hand to his mouth and all those around tried not to laugh at the cute glare she was giving him, warning him something bad would happen if he moved or made a noise.

"Now I must ask you both to think if either of you know of any impediment why you may not lawfully be joined together in the sacred vow of marriage, you do now confess it or Ymir's wrath shall be brought upon you…" Alec said and waited a moment that wasn't needed before continuing. "Falcon, born Fredrick, will thou have this woman to be your wife, will you love her, comfort her, honour and keep her in sickness and in health for as long as you both shall live".

"I will," Falcon said.

"Hela Lokidottir," Ari said, "will thou have this man to be your wedded husband, will thou love him, comfort him, honour and keep him in sickness and in health for as long as you both shall live".

"I will," Hela said.

"Now before we get to the vows, I have a few words to say," Alec said which surprised the bride and groom.

Ari shrugged at the two, "I couldn't stop him, you know what he is like".

"Breaking a little tradition in the ceremony is nothing, I broke tradition a thousand years ago with making this one queen," Alec said and gestured to Hela which made her smile. "The words we say during this ceremony bounds these two until death but I am sure everyone in here can see the humour in that," Alec said and quite a few people actually laughed including Hela and Falcon. "I don't mean just because Falcon is Death and Hela is the goddess of death but because I am sure everyone in here has seen the way that they look each other and how they act with one another. It doesn't matter if you don't know them well, you just have to be in a room with them for a minute and you see the love they share. Even in death, they will not be parted of that I am sure. There are many of us in this room who saw this moment coming so long ago, some of us even before these two did and I think we would be fools to wait even one more second to do this. Am I right?"

A mixture of yesses and yeah and cheers came from the audience while Falcon and Hela just smiled even brighter than before.

"In all honesty though, if there were ever two souls destined to be, it would be the two of you," Alec said looking between the two.

"Thank you," Hela said giving him a tearful smile.

"Now back to the ceremony," Alec said.

"Please turn to face one another," Ari said and they did. Both Ari and Alec then brought out wedding bands out of their pockets and held them. Both bands were mostly silver with a thin line of gold going around the centre of the rings. "The blessing of the rings. Bless these rings and the couple that wears them, keep them safe through adversity forever, supported by your eternal blessing".

Alec said, "Falcon, if you swear by Ymir that it is truly your desire to become one with this woman, then present unto her a symbol of your pledge and a token of your love".

Falcon then brought out his sword he wore and held the handle in one hand and the tip of the blade in the other and he then said, "with Ymir as my witness I swear it".

The wedding band that Alec held was now placed onto the sword and he said, "the pledge of this sword is as the pledge of his soul, his prowess, his fire, his strength and courage and his ability to protect and care for you. Take from him now as his beloved the ring that rests upon it and choose him to be your own".

Hela reached out and took the band from the blade as Ari said, "repeat after me…"

Hela repeated the words he then spoke, "I accept the pledge of your blade and the eternal promise of this wedding band for the boy you were and the man you are and for the husband you shall be to me, I do choose you to be my own".

"Hela, if you now allow Falcon to place the ring upon your finger you shall from this day forth until the end of time take Falcon as your own".

Falcon put his sword away and Hela handed him the ring and he took her hand but paused as Alec said, "Falcon, repeat after me…"

Falcon repeated his words, "with this ring I take thee as my friend, my lover, my wife from this day forth" then put the ring on her finger. He then let go of her hand which he so wished he didn't have to.

Ari said, "Hela, if you swear by Ymir it is truly your desire to become one with this man, then present unto him a symbol of your pledge and a token of your love".

Hela looked back to her father who took out his sword, one of his oldest ones he had brought from Asgard that he had since Hela was born. He gave it to her as she handed him her flowers and she held the sword just like Falcon did his, tip of the sword in one hand, handle in the other and said, "with Ymir as my witness I swear it".

"The gift of the sword, the transfer of the father's power of protection over the bride to her new husband. The protection of the spirits of the bride's ancestors and the power they wield will now flow through her new husband," Ari said as he placed the ring on the sword.

Alec said, "Falcon, repeat after me…"

Falcon reached out for the band and repeated his words, "I accept the pledge of the blade and the protection of your ancestors and the eternal promise of this wedding band for the girl you were, the woman you are and the wife you shall be to me, I do choose you to be my own".

"Falcon, if you now allow Hela to place the ring upon your finger you shall from this day forth until the end of time take Hela as your own".

Falcon took the sword from Hela and placed it at his waist before handing her the ring. She took his hand and Ari said, "repeat after me…"

Hela said his words, "with this ring I take thee as my friend, my lover, my husband from this day forth".

She put the ring on his finger but this time, they didn't need to let go of hands, in fact both hands held each other's and they couldn't stop smiling as their gaze locked.

Alec then brought out a golden cloth and wrapped it around their hands and said, "today, now, forever and always, you are bound in love and life with the fullness of your hearts…Remember that as your hands are fastened, these are not the ties that bind, these are the freedom you have chosen to bind yourselves to each other to be husband and wife now and forever. The bond you have already formed with your hearts shall now be strengthened by the vows you have taken. All things of the material world shall wither and die and return to the earth, unlike the bond and connection of your spirits which will always be joined. May the blessing of Ymir's light be with you always. Life without and life within, may the sun shine upon you and warm your hearts until it glows like a great fire so that others may feel the warmth of your love for one another. Those who Ymir has joined, let no man tear apart".

Alec began to take the golden cloth off as Ari said, "with these rings and the joining of hands and the exchange of vows, we hereby seal these two souls, binding them as one for eternity. You are now husband and wife".

The cloth was cleared from their hands and Alec said, "kiss her you fool".

Falcon didn't need to be told twice and pulled Hela close then kissed her. They didn't hear the cheers of the people in the temple or the cheers of the hundreds of thousands outside the temple. They managed to keep the kiss brief to only a few seconds and when they pulled apart, he leaned his forehead on hers and said, "I love you".

"I love you too," she said, the happiest she had ever been.

They turned to the audience and smiled and gave a little bow and curtsy but there was one more thing left to do before celebrations began.

They walked out of the temple with the crowd cheering in front of them but at the bottom of the steps was a levitation platform with a crown on a stand, a crown made for Falcon. Why make his coronation another day when they could just do it now? They walked down the steps and onto the platform as it slowly began to rise as the people in the temple came out to join the crowds.

The same glass orbs in the temple followed them and circled them as the platform rose at a good distance but not too high that the people on the ground couldn't see them.

Hela gave a slight cough, the orbs projecting the sound across the audience and they all quietened as she picked up the crown and Falcon kneeled. She said loud and clearly, "Falcon, will you solemnly promise and swear that you will govern the people of Niflheim according to their respective laws and customs?"

"I solemnly swear to do so".

"Will you to your power, for law and justice in mercy to be executed in all of your judgements?"

"I will".

Hela moved closer and put the crown over his head and said, "so be it, by the sacred law vested in me, I crown you, Falcon, my husband, King of Niflheim".

Falcon then stood and took her hand and they stood facing their subjects and the crowd cheered for a moment before they cheered, "LONG LIVE THE KING, LONG LIVE THE QUEEN, LONG LIVE THE KING, LONG LIVE THE QUEEN".

Only two thousand people were invited to the afterparty at the castle as that's all they could hold in the ballroom on top of the tables that were in there for the feast with assigned seats and specific foods because of the different species present. Of course, it was right next to the ballroom and had large doors that remained open with a 30-piece orchestra playing all kinds of instruments from around the realms.

First was the meal and everyone seemed to enjoy what was made for them before moving on to the ballroom. There were servants walking around with food trays and drinks and a banquet table for if anyone got hungry. All the guests gathered inside before Falcon and Hela. The guests had created a pathway and had formed a large circle in the centre of the ballroom for the first dance.

Hela and Falcon walked in and the guests clapped and cheered as they made their way to the centre. The cheers calmed down and Falcon and Hela stood facing each other as the orchestra began. He bowed while she curtsied before they raised their right hands to face one another but their hands did not touch as they walked in a circle looking at each other twice, then again with the left hand then both hands.

Dahlia was stood beside her father and brothers to one side and on the other were her friends. It was clear that Hermione who was stood right beside her was confused by the lack of touching in the dance so Dahlia explained quietly, "it's a traditional dance. They don't touch at first because the dance tells a story. The story of their soul's being created and walking through life before they meet then when they touch, it signifies their meeting, becoming connected and finally becoming one soul".

Just as Dahlia said this, Falcon grabbed Hela by the hips and lifted her up, spinning with her in his arms for a moment before slowly putting her down and putting his hand on her hip while hers went to his shoulder as they held hands, the usual dancing position. They danced alone for another minute before Dahlia said to Hermione, "the next part, family and close friends join in for their approval".

Loki held out his hand and Dahlia took it to join the dance and other dance partners weren't far behind.

Dahlia danced a few dances with her father then danced with both of her brothers and at that point, almost everyone was dancing. She walked around the ballroom, making small talk with those who weren't dancing and having a drink or two and turning down more than one offer of a dance. It didn't take too long though before the one man that had been requesting a dance decided to grace Dahlia with his presence. She had just turned down the son of a lord of another planet and he was gracious and left her alone as she was watching her friends and family dance and have fun.

"And what about me?" the all too familiar voice of Micah asked. Dahlia looked to her left to see the prince stood there smiling. "May I have this dance?" he asked.

"Shouldn't you be charming other princesses and making allies?" she replied with a smile.

He shrugged and replied, "well you know me, politics isn't my strong suit. I was hoping that a certain princess may join me for a drink away from this political madness-"

She shook her head. "I can't just sneak away and have a drink with you, this is my sister's wedding".

"I know, which is why I was hoping you would dance with me".

Dahlia pretended to think about it before she grinned and he held out his hand and she took it.

They walked to the centre of the ballroom where people were dancing just as the orchestra began to play another song, they joined hands in the usual dance position. They made sure to keep a size of a football gap between them but they still didn't stop the stares as they started dancing. The youngest unmarried and single daughter of the god of mischief dancing with an unmarried and single prince was sure to draw attention and Dahlia was just glad her father and brothers didn't step in to stop her. They danced for a while as it stopped others from asking to dance with her and they enjoyed each other's company and their conversations weren't forced as many royals were.

Hours passed by and the celebrations didn't cease, in fact they only got bigger with the wedding party moving outside to join the Niflheim citizens in the celebrations and the streets were filled with banners and drinks, all the alcohol in all the taverns already being bought by the crown so people could celebrate with them for free. There were fireworks and shows of magic but Fred and George brought their own fireworks which surprised everyone and worried a few that it was a prank but when they used brooms to fly up to the sky to release the fireworks, they were surprised to find Hela and Falcon made up of fireworks dancing with each other.

That wasn't the only surprise of the evening. Later on, into the evening, everyone heavy into the celebrations and drinking, Dahlia was searching the streets for her friends. She found George watching a dagger throwing contest between drunken members of the realms and pulled him away. She said, "the fire demons are throwing a fire show in the palace courtyard".

"Wicked!" George said.

"Where are the other two?" Dahlia said looking around for Fred and Hermione.

"I don't know," George said and the two began to look around.

They were both most certainly surprised when they found Hermione and Fred leaning against the side of a shop, kissing. Hermione had her back against the shop, her arms wrapped around Fred's neck, one hand gripping at his hair. His arms wrapped around her waist holding her tightly against him.

While both Dahlia and George stood shocked, Dahlia's mouth was open, never thinking Hermione and Fred would happen. George was only shocked for a moment before he laughed and said, "go brother".

Fred and Hermione stopped kissing and Hermione pushed Fred away and she said, "I can explain…this…us…I…"

Even thought she said she could explain, it was clear Hermione couldn't and she turned and ran.

George stopped laughing as Fred shouted, "HERMIONE!" and just watched her run.

"Don't," Dahlia said when she saw Fred was about to go after her. "What's going on here?"

"Nothing…" Fred said and tried to leave.

Dahlia grabbed his arm and said, "it's not nothing. I know you've both been drinking but-"

"It's not about drinking," Fred said. "We've drank yes but this didn't just happen, we've kissed before, we've…I love her".

Surprised, Dahlia and George looked to one another, Dahlia seeing that even his twin didn't know of his feelings. She then asked Fred, "and Hermione, how does she feel?"

Fred shrugged and raised his hands to grip at his hair, "I don't know, she said to give her time, why couldn't I just give her time?"

"You stay with him," Dahlia said to George. "I need to find Hermione".

Dahlia took off, knowing Hermione didn't know a lot of places and if she was in an emotional state, she would want to be alone. They weren't too far from the palace so Dahlia believed her to have gone back there to her room to think. It still didn't stop her from looking around on her way back to the palace and ask the guards that were stationed around if they saw Hermione.

She found her in her room, laying on the bed with her face down.

"Hermione," Dahlia said as she walked inside and closed the door. She waved her hand to light the candles around the room and Hermione sat up to look to her with tears in her eyes. Dahlia walked to her quickly and climbed onto the bed to hug her friend. They hugged for a minute before Dahlia asked, "what happened? You and Fred, you were kissing and now you're crying, you wanted it, didn't you? He didn't force you-"

"No," Hermione quickly said not wanting Dahlia to think badly of Fred. "I promise Fred didn't force me to do anything".

"Fred said he loves you and something about you asking for time and that you've kissed before. Hermione, how long has this been going on?"

Both girls got comfy as Hermione began, "it started at the Yule ball".

"The yule ball?" Dahlia asked shocked, "but that was like, almost two years ago".

"I know. It was after Ron and I argued, I went for a walk and Fred found me crying and he was nice. He was making jokes, cheering me up and he said Ron was an idiot for making someone as beautiful as me cry. I told him I wasn't beautiful and he said that I couldn't be the brightest witch of my age if I believed that to be true. We started to talk more without anyone else around. Everyone was busy with the Tournament so it was easy and George was busy with Angelina as they had just started going out. I got to know a different side to Fred, behind the jokester and troublemaker. He's brave and daring and more sarcastic than George and loyal and protective of the ones he loves. He'll do anything if it protects those he loves. He even tests the prank products on himself first, even before George, because he is the older twin and he tells George that he has to look after his little brother which means he tests them first. He's ended up in the hospital wing a few times because of them but George hasn't because Fred tested them first and he always says it's worth it because he would hate it even more if he saw George in a hospital bed. He's so smart too, more than he lets on to everyone else. He didn't take school too seriously because he was too busy studying every prank product they made, making sure it was safe and, Dahlia, you should see how much research Fred does into each product so it doesn't hurt anyone and he's already really talented at wandless magic…"

Dahlia smiled, "then what's the problem with you being together? You sound like you like him".

"I do but the war…he's a pureblood, he's safe, well as safe as you can be being linked to the Order. I'm a Muggle-born, I'll be killed and he'll die trying to protect me".

"Hermione, that's rubbish and you know it. I wouldn't let that happen and if the war really did get that bad, I'd bring you here".

Hermione let out a tearful sob and said, "he said it was rubbish too, said I was making up excuses".

"Which you are, so why?"

Hermione shrugged, "we were good together, we were, I'm not denying that. It's just…we spent time together and after the second task, Fred kissed me telling me he was worried".

"Wait a second," Dahlia said frowning. "Fred kissed you, I thought you were going out with Krum".

Hermione shook her head, "no. Viktor wanted to and told me so after the second task but I didn't want to. Yes, he is good-looking and intelligent but I didn't feel anything and I told him that. We still hung around with each other because he was interesting to talk to and he just wanted to be around someone who didn't fuss over him or Quidditch. Ginny knew something had happened and knew it had something to do with a boy so I told her that Krum and I kissed".

"When the truth was, it was you and Fred and he was your first kiss. You know, looking back, this explains a lot about all the smiles and winks he gives you and why he always seems to stand close to you".

Hermione nodded, "we were happy but I told Fred to keep it a secret for now, that we shouldn't distract you from the Tournament. We saw each other but when Voldemort returned, I started having doubts and then at the start of this year with the DA and everything happening, I just told him that I needed time to think about us and he's been patient but…I keep going back to him and not thinking".

Dahlia reached for her hand and held it. "Hermione, I think that means your mind is already made up. He loves you and I think from what you've said, you love him. Why aren't you together? Why doesn't everyone know? You're not ashamed of him, are you?"

"No!" Hermione immediately said and shook her head. "Never, I would never be ashamed of him. I just…I…I don't want to upset anyone with us being together".

"Why would anyone be upset? Who are you talking ab-" Dahlia stopped talking as it dawned on her who would be upset if they discovered Fred and Hermione were together. "Ron. You're talking about Ron and his crush on you".

Hermione looked to her surprised.

"Come on, Hermione, everyone knows he has a crush on you, especially after his reaction to Krum and you. You're worried about how he will react".

"I don't care about Ron. After what happened with you, we've not been friends ever since. But he is Fred's brother and as much as Fred says Ron is an arrogant pig-headed idiot, he's still his brother. I don't want to cause a rift between them because not only does it affect them but the rest of the Weasleys will hate me for causing it".

"No one is going to hate you. You don't choose who you fall in love with and if that's what's happened between you and Fred then it's a cause for celebration not misery. Look at where you are, it's Hela and Falcon's wedding day. Hela once thought it best to push Falcon away because she feared the reactions of others and it almost destroyed them. Yes, they are happy and married now but it could have all gone down a different path if Falcon didn't go against what Hela said she wanted. Hermione, don't make the same mistake Hela did, it'll only lead you to pain".

"You shouldn't be here," Hermione said moving her hand out of Dahlia's. "It's your sister's wedding day, you should be out there celebrating".

Dahlia gave her a pointed look and said, "Hermione, really? We're celebrating today and there's two more days of nonstop parties. There is plenty of time to celebrate. Besides, I haven't seen Hela or Falcon in a while and to be honest, I think they've gone to celebrate elsewhere with just each other".

Hermione blushed and giggled and Dahlia joined in and laughed.

"Exactly. Hermione, don't let anyone stand in your way of happiness. Hela and Falcon may have their happy ending but look at my parents, they didn't because they allowed the danger and judgment of other people affect their lives. Now, I want you to think, do you love Fred?"

Hermione thought for a moment before she answered, "yes, as mad as it sounds, I do love him".

"Then let love win. Love is the strongest magic throughout the universe, it can overcome anything as long as you believe in it. You're on a different world, perhaps if you and Fred tried to be a normal couple here, you can go back to Midgard and know what you want to do with a clear mind." Dahlia climbed off the bed and held out her hand and said, "you have two options. Stay in here and mope or come back to the celebrations and give love a chance. I will distract George from the teasing he is likely giving Fred and you and Fred can talk. So, what do you say?"

Hermione looked between her best friend and her hand before she took her hand and Dahlia pulled her off the bed and the two girls walked out of the bedroom.

It didn't take them too long to find Fred and George, they were stood in the corridor to the entrance of the palace finding a quiet place to talk themselves and Dahlia assumed Fred had come to look for Hermione like he tried to do before. Their eyes turned to them when George noticed them first and Fred and Hermione looked at each other and no one else.

"Hey, George, let's go see the fire show," Dahlia said and walked past Fred and almost pulled George out of the palace doors.

They barely made it out of the palace before Dahlia looked back to see Hermione and Fred just looking at one another and Hermione took the plunge and reached out for Fred and kissed him. Dahlia smiled looking away, seeing the wedding was bringing together more people than just Hela and Falcon. Of course, Dahlia wasn't wrong when it came to her sister and new husband. They were nowhere in sight at the wedding, in fact they were miles from the city, in their own little paradise.

Authors note: Please review. There is also an M rated one shot about Hela and Falcon if anyone is interested. You can find it on my profile or under the name Little Piece of Paradise.