The wedding day having finally arrived, everything erupted into chaos. Despite all of our preparations, things were rushed to be completed on time and I was busiest of them all, busier even than Molly. The men took care of raising the marquee whilst I arranged the decorations with Hermione and Ginny, who unfortunately was still not allowed to do magic so had to do things by hand. I directed the tables to settle in the prearranged order, covered them with pristine white tablecloth of silk, made the boys carefully organise the chairs around them before starting to arrange the aisle, the flowers and everything else that needed to be done.
A crystal chandelier hung from the centre of the marquee top as it raised upwards like a tent, held aloft and I made certain that it sparkled as I flicked my wand for every little thing. The plates, cutlery, glasses and table decorations came zooming out of the house, forcing people to duck as I had them arranged on the tables in a heartbeat, the centrepieces made with gold and white lilies whilst I charmed little fairies to flutter over them. The twins arranged more white and gold flowers to grow and wind around the supporting poles of the marquee whilst I created an archway made from twisting wood with real roses, making a constant shower of gold fall behind it as I then focused on the fountain on the other side of the marquee, making it spout out silver sparkles like a rush of glittering snow.
We charmed golden butterflies to flutter around, banished any gnomes that tried to wonder into the garden, then I streamed long ropes of delicate golden bubbles to hang in sweeping curves from every corner of the marquee to meet above the chandelier which was floating thanks to a rather excellent hover charm from Hermione, as Ron had almost dropped it after he'd become distracted. I wanted everything to be beautiful, and once I was satisfied I could do nothing more to perfect the marquee, I then went inside to take charge of Fleur since Gabrielle and Madame Delacour were crying out of happiness and emotion.
I mopped them up and ordered Gabrielle to dress as Ginny was already wearing her bridesmaid outfit, a pretty shade of gold to suit her hair which Fleur was now putting into a round bun with a plait around the outside and curling the front of her hair so that it framed her face prettily and Madame Delacour expertly applied makeup. I helped Gabrielle with her dress then brushed through her hair to make it silky and neat before then turning her over to Fleur, as I then received Ginny. Placing a charm on a pair of butterfly ornaments I slid them into the hair bun and they shimmered and fluttered, leaving a light, glimmering trail whenever she walked as I made her turn, inspected her thoroughly then deemed her ready.
Doing the same for Gabrielle once she was otherwise finished, I placed one butterfly clasp in her hair and then charmed her bracelet so that the butterfly there would move it's wings with the same effect as Ginny's so that they matched. As we took a break, I dashed off to go check on Hermione and see if she needed help, tapping on the door and entering to see her bathing her hair in the sleeking potion so I quickly helped her with it. She looked very pretty in her lilac dress, and once her hair was dry, curly and arranged in a slightly raised style at the back to give her hair more volume, I then pinned it in a crisscrossing pattern which looked rather pretty before she too was ready so I left her putting on her shoes and got back just in time to help Fleur with her dress.
It was beautiful, and so was she. Already she looked positively flawless, her mother drawing the strings at the back of the bodice taunt before tying them together and tucking them into the dress. "Eet is charmed with a rather lovely spell." Madame Delacour informed Ginny and I as we both gazed at it rather wistfully. "Eet makes the wearer and everyone around seem more beautiful, eet 'as been passed down in my muzzer's family for five generations now." She sniffed, starting to cry again so I promptly provided a handkerchief, whisking it out of my pocket and Madame Delacour took it gratefully in order to dab at her eyes.
"It really is beautiful, and so are you Fleur. Are you nervous?" She gave a shaky smile but could not hide her trembling, though she assured me it was also due to excitement. That was when the door was flung open and in came a rather shockingly old witch with a sloping back but sharp, intelligent eyes which scanned the room in a heartbeat.
"So, this is the bride then? Hmph. Much too skinny. Hardly any meat on her." She croaked as she shuffled inside, a rather apologetic looking Ron standing behind her. In her hands I noticed that she was clutching an old box which she then lifted the lid to reveal the goblin-made tiara that Molly had mentioned before the start of summer and we all made an appreciative gasp. It was silver with diamonds encrusted along the frame, creating a sweeping, elegant design with larger sapphires positioned at the top, the largest one situated in the middle. "Now, if you are to wear this heirloom then I insist that it be worn properly. If it falls off your head in the middle of the ceremony, I'll have your hide."
This could be none other than the famous Great Aunt Muriel, and whilst Ron just looked mortified and thoroughly embarrassed as she lectured us on the correct way to wear the tiara, we had to repeatedly place it on Fleur's head until she was satisfied with the position, having made rather rude comments all the while, particularly about our appearances. According to her, my hair was far too curly and Ginny had a most disagreeable posture and she was made to stand upright as Aunt Muriel tapped her with the cane that she used to help her shuffle along. To be honest, I thought she was a right old laugh, but seeing as we were running behind schedule and I hadn't even begun to get myself ready, I had no choice but to usher her out as quickly as possible.
Whist the finishing touches were placed on Fleur, I hurried to change into my own dress. The themes were silver and gold, and since the bridesmaids were in gold, I the Maid of Honour had a dress of sweeping silver which sparkled from the neckline all the way down to my knees before it faded out. It was a gorgeous dress and it seemed to form effortlessly to my body as I then put on the sapphire necklace dad had given me for Christmas several years ago. It matched perfectly, tying everything together including the tiara Fleur was now wearing with a snowy white veil which drifted behind her and was charmed to float like a feather whenever she moved.
Having nowhere else to put my wand, I strapped it to my leg before putting on my silver heels then strode back into the room where Fleur was finally ready, though she gasped when she saw me. "Mia! You look most beautiful!"
"I thought the bride was supposed to be the prettiest on her wedding day?" I joked but soon found myself being pulled into a chair where everyone tugged and pulled at my hair, taming the thick curls in order to twist them into submission, securing them behind my head whilst letting the rest fall elegantly down my back and frame my face as Gabrielle insisted on dabbing silver powder onto my eyelids as Ginny added a deep shade of burgundy to my lips which oddly worked exceedingly well before my eyes were then lined with black and my lashes darkened and given volume, the magic mascara making them glitter like tiny icicles had settled upon them.
Our nails had all been done the night before, Ginny and Gabrielle's in gold, mine in silver with the ends looking like they were iced with tiny crystals so that they glinted whenever they caught the light, and Fleur had decided to keep hers plain but perfectly manicured. Then, with a little perfume for each of us, we were then deemed ready. Madame Delacour sniffed, still clutching the handkerchief I had provided as she kissed Fleur on her cheeks and then Gabrielle's before doing the same to myself and Ginny. "Qui Madame, I understand but it is time to go. You need to join the other guests. I'd better tell the boys to get people into their seats." Marching over to the desk, I picked up a random object, an empty ink pot, and transfigured it into a nightingale where I spoke a message then let it fly off in order to deliver the recording of my voice to the ushers.
Madame Delacour was replaced by Monsieur Delacour in order to escort her down, and after I had pressed her bouquet into her hands, I had given Fleur a smile and a hug. "This is it, you sure you don't want to change your mind? As Maid of Honour, it is my duty to help you escape if you get cold feet."
"But my feet, zey are not cold." Fleur informed me, making me laugh as I quickly explained the expression. "Ah, zen in zat case, you need not worry. I will marry Bill, and I would do it even if it were raining." Nodding my head, I invited us all to leave. We all organised ourselves outside the marquee, Arthur and Molly waiting for us arm in arm in order to lead the way so after we all had taken a deep breath, I snapped my fingers together and the shimmering silver and gold curtains of streaming sparkles parted ways in order to begin the procession, the groom's parents going first. Molly looked very happy as she walked in her deep amethyst robes, which I suspected were new and from the twins as Arthur also wore robes to match.
The bridesmaids went next, looking lovely in their golden dresses and smaller bouquets in their hands, the charmed butterflies fluttering upon them. Then it was my turn, so I lifted up my medium sized bouquet of gold and white flowers, I took the first step onto the velvet rug which formed the aisle and walked with an easy smile to the other end where Bill and Charlie were waiting. Charlie came to greet me, since he was the Best Man, offering me his arm and we went to stand to the side opposite to the two girls, Ginny and Gabrielle, so that when we all turned to look, we could see Fleur and Monsieur Delacour walking towards us in her faintly glowing dress which made even Great Aunt Muriel look rather splendid and youthful.
Kissing his daughter upon the cheek, Monsieur Delacour then placed her hand in Bill's, covered them both and gave a firm squeeze before then hopping back to his wife, with tears in his eyes, where Madame Delacour then loaned him the handkerchief so that he could dry his eyes. "Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of two faithful souls." The ceremony began and everyone listened with keen silence, watching as Bill and Fleur exchanged their vows, interrupted only by Aunt Muriel announcing in no small voice that her tiara set the whole look off perfectly before commenting that Ginny's dress was far too immodestly cut which made her grin broadly.
Once the vows were spoken, the Master of Ceremonies declared them both bonded for life and showered them both with silver stars as everyone gave a round of applause. The gold balloons I had left to Fred and George to organise burst at that moment to reveal flocks of birds and golden bells which sang prettily as they all floated around over our heads and I beamed at the two of them as they took a deep bow together "Ladies and gentlemen! If you would please stand up!" Doing so, the tables were then moved to line the sides of the marquee with the glasses, decorations and cutlery never once wavering as the aisle vanished and in its place was a dance floor, the walls of the marquee also disappearing so that the bright sunlight could shine inside.
Food and drinks began to appear, floating around in order to settle on the main table at the side of the tent towards the back whilst everyone who chose to resume their seats in order to eat were treated to menus which appeared and, deciding on what they wanted, had their choice promptly appear in front of them. I thought it was a nice nod towards our Christmas at Hogwarts when we had ben Triwizard Champions for our schools.
Of course, Bill and Fleur danced first to a slow, romantic song as they gazed at one another, seemingly forgetting that there were about a hundred people watching them. I quickly found dad who was with Remus and Tonks, having taken up a table with the twins and Charlie. "You guys are lucky you didn't have to wear heels. My feet are killing me." I complained, grabbing a seat and dropping into it in order to puff out my cheeks with a deep exhale. "I'm shattered. Helping organise this thing has put me off weddings altogether."
"Fred reckons he could put mum in a full-body-bind curse and let everyone wear what they want to his wedding." George said to me so I lifted my head and threw Fred a look.
"Who'd want to marry his ugly mug?" A croquette was promptly thrown at my face so I neatly flicked my wrist and sent it back, making it hit Fred right between the eyes which made everyone else laugh at his misfortune. Arthur and Molly had joined Bill and Fleur on the dance floor now, though they were partnered with Madame and Monsieur Delacour respectively, following a traditional practice of wizard weddings. "Shouldn't we be dancing next Charlie?" I frowned slightly, having a feeling that it was also traditional as he grinned.
"Yep."
"Oh…can I step on your toes?"
"Nope. Come on, one dance then you can rest. Mum will kill us otherwise, it's tradition." Groaning again, I clapped my hand into Charlie's as he held his out to me and he pulled me up onto my feet before I then glided forwards like a totally different person and danced with him, remembering the steps from when I had learned them for the Yule Ball. "Hm, no toe-stepping then?"
"Don't tempt me, with these heels on I could probably break something." I warned him but smiled, my hand resting on his shoulder as we moved leisurely with the other couples. To my surprise, Luna then joined us, which was definitely not tradition, and she had proceeded to turn on the spot with her arms waving slowly above her head with her eyes closed. I expected nothing less.
"Is she alright?" Charlie whispered with genuine worry and concern.
"Yes she's fine, it's Luna being Luna. Isn't she great?" Thankfully other people had started to join us too, so Luna didn't look so odd standing in the middle of the dance floor on her own, which included Ron and Hermione together which made me smirk. "And it looks like your little brother is finally wising up. It's about time too." I nodded towards the pair of them and Charlie turned his head in order to see.
"We'll I'll be. How did that scrawny git catch the eye of a pretty girl like her? Madness. That's what it is. Utter madness."
"You've been in Romania for a long time Charlie, you're missing out on all the family gossip." I told him seriously before chuckling as Charlie gave me a little spin, lifting our hands so I could turn under them once before coming back. We danced until the end of the song where I was allowed a little break, talking to my family until the twins dragged me back out for another song, Luna still standing there dancing the way she did, though Ginny had now joined her and Lee Jordan seemed to be swinging her about as the twins spun me around and I somehow managed to dance with both of them at the same time.
After that, dad claimed me for a dance which I thoroughly enjoyed and threatened to give George a cauliflower for a new ear if he dared interrupt as I could see that look on his face which read he was planning something. This was the first dad-daughter dance I had ever had with my real father, and I was going to damn well enjoy it. He hugged me to him, dancing with me slowly as I failed to hide my smile, closing my eyes to revel in it all. Mum and Leo arrived a little later, apologising for the lateness to Bill and Fleur and explaining that there had been an issue with the original travel plans where I'd popped up with a worried demand to know what went wrong, but they assured me that it was alright, but the Ministry had been snooping around asking a lot of questions.
Glad that they were here and safe, I made them sit down and eat something to relax, sitting with them for a while before I was then pulled back onto the dance floor, this time by Bill and Fleur who wanted me to join them. I held hands with Gabrielle to dance as she smiled and laughed prettily, then found myself dancing with Charlie again, and I even managed to persuade Remus to come up and join me for another slow dance where I could finally corner him. "Is everything alright, Uncle Rem?"
"Of course it is Mia, why wouldn't it be?"
"Because considering today is a happy day, you're looking rather miserable. Is it the anti-werewolf movement the Ministry are making? Is it getting to you?" I worried but Remus just smiled at me and assured me that he'd be fine eventually and that I shouldn't worry about an old fool like him. "First off, you're not old, second, you're not a fool, and third, you're my godfather and my uncle. Of course I'll always worry about you." Pecking his cheek with a kiss, I then swept us around to dance more enthusiastically. "Let's just enjoy the moment then, shall we? No Ministry, no problems, just family, friends, fun and…apparently, too much alcohol." I noted as I spotted a rather rowdy bunch of guests dancing on top of one of the empty tables, starting to hoist up their robes and kick their feet wildly. "It's your wedding all over again Uncle Rem." Even Remus laughed then.
The party only grew livelier from that moment on and I was quick to deal with any excessive nonsense as I was determined nothing was going to ruin Bill and Fleur's big day and I wanted Molly to also enjoy herself. She'd worked herself to the bone to pull off such a gorgeous event, so I left Arthur to keep her supplied with champagne until she hardly noticed the revelry going on around her as she laughed and chatted away, completely oblivious. I noticed Fred and George sneaking off with a couple of Fleur's cousins so I rolled my eyes and pointedly turned away to then see Hagrid, Charlie and another wizard I didn't know all holding drinks in their hands and singing at the top of their lungs, and Hagrid's carried quite far.
Then I heard raised voices and quickly dashed over to stop Viktor – who I hadn't had a chance to talk to all evening – arguing with Luna's father, who I had no clue what his name was. "That's enough, calm down you two. This is a wedding for Circe's sake." I snapped at them both, pushing their hands down from where they had been pointing at each other, though thankfully without wands. "Viktor, I'm so sorry I haven't been able to talk to you yet. Let's have a dance, shall we? It's been a long time, how have you been?" Bringing him away whilst talking, I shot a look over at Luna's further and mouthed for him to let it drop as Viktor let me pull him onto the dance floor where he started to shuffle his feet awkwardly, moving from side to side in his form of dancing.
"That man…he vore the sign of Grindlevald on his chest, I find it most insulting."
"Grindlewald? That's unusual. You don't hear the name often anymore." I mused lightly as we swayed together. "All the same, now's not the time to be starting arguments and fights. Come on, loosen up a little then we can talk somewhere quiet. How's training going with your team?" Viktor was about to answer when he suddenly looked up and stopped dancing, a light starting to shine above him so I looked around as well, watching something bright and silver come soaring towards us before it landed right in the middle of the dance floor where everyone backed away with a gasp but I turned around, already rigid and defensive as the form of a lynx patronus appeared and Kingsley Shacklebolt's rich voice spoke to us.
"The Ministry has fallen. Scrimgeour is dead. They are coming." Behind me, someone screamed.