Chapter 44

August 10th 1993

Falmouth,England

Daphne's eyes flew open. It was finally the wedding day. The sun was just beginning to rise. She clambered out of bed and rushed to the curtains and threw them open to be greeted by the orange sun basting over the serene ocean. Not a single cloud in sight.

Today was going to be wonderful

A few doors down Harry opened his eyes slowly, stretching and letting out a wide yawn, rubbing his fingers through his hair. He rolled over to see the clock signifying 8:30.

It was finally time.

He was getting married

The Greengrasses had rented a place near the coast for the wedding which was where they were currently staying.

And it was finally time.

The big day that they had been looking to for a year had finally arrived.

Which made him realize the sheer magnitude of what was about to happen later on today. True, for the past year he'd known that he was getting married and that it was for forever, but that was him thinking intellectually.

Two more years in school and then a life with Daphne was his reality now, but it didn't seem at all real; how could it be? It was too good to be true.

Harry yawned again and sat on the edge of the bed, rubbing the nape of his neck. He grabbed his bunched up pants off the ground and staggered into them and then he searched for his white button up shirt.

Finding it in his bag he slipped it on and buttoned up.

Everyone he knew would be here today.

His friends from school along with Daphne's extended family from all around Europe along with Master Dao.

He heard that Professor Snape may even stop by briefly.

There were a few people that Harry was sad would not be coming though.

His biological family, the Potters being in isolation could not be reached and would not be at the wedding.

That was sad but Harry had only had Master Dao and the Daphne's Parents as the adults around him for so long it wasnt though he had much he was missing.

He tried not to dwell on his negative thoughts though.

"Harry" Master Dao called, appearing in the doorway with Gabby. "It's time to get you ready. Harry, Gabby will be helping you get into your tuxedo. We don't want any uneven buttons."

Harry breathed in.

It was time.

Let's do this

SCENE CHANGE
Daphne sat before a large vanity with Adeline sitting nearby with tea and watching as Maria worked magic through Daphne's hair and gave Daphne a beautiful make over, but still trying to keep it natural, yet loud.

After a good forty minutes or so of work "The makeup is finished!" Maria announced.

Adeline looked at Daphne and smiled "Wonderful work Maria "She said "I've never really noticed how wonderful your complexion is".

"Thanks mum,"Daphne said.

"You did a good job Maria getting rid of the few blemishes on her perfect face "Adeline teased.

Daphne blushed "Mum".

Adeline laughed "I apologize Daphne you don't have any blemishes you look perfect naturally".

Marie then spoke while grinning "Okay, I'm almost done with your hair Daphne and I promise you're going to be like a queen."

SCENE CHANGE
Before getting ready to leave Harry looked at his reflection one last time. He was dressed in a suit and tie and his hair was slicked back and combed so much that it shined. He smiled at Edmund, his best man and his closest male friend who was dressed similar to him.

"You look very handsome Harry," Edmund said.

"I know, it's silly and maybe a bit over the top isn't it?" Harry laughed. "But I can't help it. I want everything to be perfect for Daphne."

"I'm sure it will be, "Edmund said.

Master Dao stuck his head in, a warm smile on his face. "It's time to start walking to the pavilion. Are you ready, son?"

"As ready as I'm ever going to be," Harry chuckled, leading the way out of the room.

SCENE CHANGE
Daphne looked in the mirror staring at her reflection and making sure that everything was in place.

Her wedding dress was just gorgeous and she just loved the white satin ribbon braided through her tied back hair.

She glanced at Astoria and Layla, who were both wearing a similar dress to her but both in lavender, Daphne's favorite color.

Adeline came in and gasped, stopping in the middle of the room. A proud smile curved her lips. "Oh my. You girls all look just lovely. Simply beautiful".Adeline then looked her over and then enveloped Daphne into a warm hug. "My my, Daphne. Harry Potter is one lucky fella. Look at you. You look like a princess, straight out of a fairytale."

"And the wedding dress is just beautiful. I am sure that Harry is going to love it."

"Harry would probably marry Daphne if she were in a sack," Astoria said."Yeah! Harry thinks you're the most beautiful girl in the world no matter what you wear Daphne. He's going to love you in this dress."Adeline said "You got really lucky".

Daphne just nodded. This was the day that she was going to stand up in front of everyone and declare her love and commitment to Harry. It was a pledge that she looked forward to making.

She and Harry had grown up together and were going to even more now, and this ceremony was to recognize that.

"How did you feel when you married dad"Daphne asked Adeline

"Just like you're probably feeling"She replied "But I know that when you get married your love for your partner becomes deeper than it's ever was before and your know that your really in love when you can't tell where you end and your partner begins

"I know your father and I are a part of each other now. That used to scare me at first, but now...I wouldn't have it any other way."

Daphne smiled and Adeline smiled and hugged Daphne tight before pulling away. "Well then what are we waiting for? Let's get you to your other half."
SCENE CHANGE
Arriving at the location where the wedding would be along with Master Dao and Edmund Harry breathed in.

"Ready Harry?"Master Dao asked coming up from behind him,

Harry took a deep breath and forced himself to nod, though he somehow doubted it would be so easy. His heart rate increased as Master Dao steered him toward the pavilion under which he would cement his future, and he did his best to breathe and remain calm. It was difficult to do.

He loved Daphne and wanted to be with her that was for certain.

But damn when you get to the actual moment of getting married it could be very nerve-wracking.

A pavilion was set up and situated in a shallow depression near the beach, with white latticework surrounding a hexagonal platform, and a domed roof overhead. The latticework rose only a couple of feet from the floor, providing for easy viewing for the assembled guests.

Surrounding the structure, the guests sat in simple white chairs set out in a crescent formation, broken only by the aisle that ran up the middle. A long red carpet had been laid over the grass there, and it ran all the way through the open area in front and up the steps, clinging to their shape, and into the pavilion. To the side was a simple platform where a string quartet was playing some kind of march that he wasn't familiar with.

He could not believe this was actually happening.

Master Dao and Edmund walked with him for a short distance but Master Dao had to separate at the base of the pavilion, leaving him to climb the stairs with Edmund, as his best man.

Taking a deep breath, but not slowing, Harry ascended the two shallow steps onto the floor of the pavilion and then turned to await his bride.

He had not yet seen the guests, and he was surprised at how many there were even if many of them were just Daphne's family.

Cyrus and Adeline sat in the front row; both were smiling. He smiled at all of them, silently acknowledging them as part of his new family, as unreal as that still seemed.

Harry was also surprised that they had gotten an actual pastor for this event.

He also felt a little uncomfortable in his crisp button up, vest, and coat.

Formal wasnt his preferred style to wear.

The music the climbed in crescendo, signaling that it was time for the bride

"Please rise for the bride," The pastor called out

This is it. Harry said in his mind. His heart was thudding harshly in his chest as the crowd rose and turned towards the aisle. The band counted off and began playing the wedding march. Daphne appeared at the end of the aisle. Harry's eyes nearly bulged from his eyes. He felt all the air leave his lungs. There she was.

Daphne looked absolutely breathtaking. Her dress followed her body perfectly. Her hair was sweapt up in an updo with pearls and sparkles dotting across it. She was nothing short of perfect. Harry could hear his blood in his ears swishing around.

"Oh my god," Harry couldn't help but stammer.

She was stunning.

The crowd was also in shock. Daphne's eyes were only on Harry, though. She didn't care about any of the people.

And Harry couldn't take his eyes off of her, even if he had wanted to. He wondered how he had gotten so lucky.

He took her hands as she reached the altar. He looked into her eyes and saw his life there. He knew for sure right then that he was going to love this woman for the rest of his days.

"You are so beautiful," Harry whispered, smiling and kissing her hands, unable to resist and still in awe.

Harry could see that Daphne looked happier than he had ever seen her, and he could detect no fear or regret behind her eyes, which surprised him and made his smile turn truly genuine.

The quartet fell silent, and a hush fell over the area as the ceremony began.

"Good morning," The pastor said in a clear, ringing tone. "We are here today to witness the joining of two lives in the eyes of our state and in the love of friendship and family and we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of Harry and Daphne in marriage".

Through their time together, these two have come to realize that their personal dreams, hopes, and goals are more attainable and more meaningful through the combined effort and mutual support provided in love, commitment, and family; and so they have decided to live together as husband and wife. To all present I say: We are gathered here, not to witness the beginning of what will be, but rather what already is! We do not create this marriage, because we cannot. We can and do, however, celebrate with Harry and Daphne the wondrous and joyful occurrence that has already taken place in their lives, and the commitment they make , Daphne, today you are surrounded by your friends and family, all of whom have gathered here to witness your marriage and to share in the joy of this special occasion. Today, as you join yourselves in marriage, there is a vast and unknown future stretching out before you. The possibilities and potentials of your married life are great; and now falls upon your shoulders the task of choosing your values and making real your dreams. Through your commitment to each other, may you grow and nurture a love that makes both of you better people, a love that continues to give you great joy, and also a passion for living that provides you with energy and patience to face the responsibilities of life. Harry, Daphne, Today you enter as individuals, but you will leave here as husband and wife, blending your lives, expanding your family ties, and embarking upon the grandest adventure of human interaction. The story of your life together is still yours to write. All those present have come to witness and celebrate your love and commitment this day - eager to be a part of the story not yet told."

Harry could barely listen. He couldn't stop looking in the corner of his eye at Daphne.

"Ultimately there comes a moment when a decision must be made. Two people who love each other must ask themselves how much they hope for as their love grows and deepens, and how much risk they are willing to take. Commitment may well be a fearful gamble. Because it is the nature of love to create, a marriage itself is something which has to be created, such that as we come together in marriage, we become a new creature. Harry and Daphne, the time has come to forget all the stress of planning this day and simply enjoy your friends and family who have gathered to spend this day with you. This group of loved ones will, likely, never be together in the same place again. Through quiet reflection and nostalgia, think about how each person has touched your life and why they are here with you today. Will there be vows today?"

"Yes," Harry was surprised by how strong his voice was. Harry and Daphne turned to face each other. She was absolutely stunning and glowing. She was an angel. His angel. Harry reached into his coat pocket and unfolded a piece of paper. He stared at it for a moment, and his eyes then slid over to Daphne, who was looking at him with bright eyes, "I wrote some... but... they're not very good." Harry crumpled the paper in his hand and dropped it into the sand, "I lost all reasonable thought when you walked down the aisle, Daphne. I feel like I can't even see straight. Let alone think straight. Daphne, you're my life. You're everything I've ever wanted.I can't even comprehend how much I love you. I've never loved anybody anymore than I love you".

Tears ran freely from Daphne's eyes. She was so deeply touched by Harry's words. She had no idea that he thought of her like that. She wanted to just bury herself in his arms and weep with joy, but she still had her vows to say, even though she didn't think she could ever do Harry justice, not after his lovely speech.

"You know, I wrote vows, too." Daphne told him laughing slowly in the process, "But they're pretty awful, if you ask me,I never thought or imagined this would be happening." She laughed, shaking her head and shrugging, "I'm having a wedding and I'm marrying the man of my dreams. I kept pinching myself all day... just in case. But it's true. I'm Daphne Potter." Tears filled Daphne's eyes, glossing her eyes over, "I never thought I'd love somebody this much. It's just... an overwhelming thought that this happened to me. That I lucked out so incredibly. That... that you chose me-"

"I'd choose you over and over again."

"I just can't believe that. If I'm dreaming, I hope I never wake up."

"That was beautiful." The pastor smiled, "The rings?" Astoria stepped forward, acting as ring bearer and set the rings in the pastor's hand, who passed it over to Harry.

"Daphne Greengrass, do you take Harry Potter to be your lawful wedded husband?"

"I do."Daphne breathed out tears in her eyes.

"Do you promise to love and cherish him, in sickness and in health, for richer for poorer, for better for worse, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto him, for so long as you both shall live?"

"I do."She replied.

"Do you together promise in the presence of your friends and family that you will at all times and in all circumstances, conduct yourselves toward one another as becoming of husband and wife?"

At that, both Daphne and Harry said: "We do."

"Do you together promise you will love, cherish and respect one another throughout the years?"

"We do."

The Minister then turned to Harry.

Harry Potter, do you take Daphne Greengrass to be your lawful wedded wife?

"I do," Harry said more confident in those two words than any other he had spoken before

"Do you promise to love and cherish her in sickness and in health, for richer for poorer, for better for worse, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her, for so long as you both shall live?"

"I do," Harry said

"Do you together promise in the presence of your friends and family that you will at all times and in all circumstances, conduct yourselves toward one another as becoming of husband and wife?"

"We do."

"Do you together promise you will love, cherish and respect one another throughout the years?"

"We do."

The Pastor then looked out at the crowd and then back at Daphne and Harry.

"As their family and close friends, each of you has played a role in bringing these two to this day, and in various ways will continue to support and contribute to their marriage. We solemnize this significant event in their lives and enter into this ceremony in an attitude of respect for their steadfast and ongoing commitment to each other."

"In marriage, we give ourselves freely and generously into the hands of the one we love, and by doing so, we receive the love and trust of the other as our most precious gift.".

"Today they commit themselves to honoring and protecting one another above their own separate selves, and to valuing their union above their own interests and in doing this they will secure for themselves a wealth of love and peace not otherwise attainable".

"But as you know so well, with this joy comes also the profound responsibility to protect the bond you share. For it is only with continual care that your love is truly secure in the face of life's inevitable tests".

Looking at Harry and Daphne the pastor then said.

"Regard each other always with the same deep respect that has kept you through your time so far together, and be ever mindful of the many gifts the other offers you".

"Inspire and encourage one another. For it is by strengthening your spouse, that you have strengthened your marriage. Bring out the very best in each other. Be sparing in criticism, and generous in praise for things well done".

"In communication, continue to be honest and open with each other, knowing that the heart that communicates truth without hesitation earns trust and builds a secure home".

"And as always, accept your marriage as a work-in-progress that consumes your attention day by day and yet is never completed. Because a lifelong love requires a lifetime of hard work. But it is a joyous labor, whose fruits are the very richest".

"Your future stretches out before you, vast and unknown. That future, with its hopes and disappointments, its joys and its sorrows, is hidden from your eyes. But it is a great tribute to your belief in each other that you remain none the less willing to face those uncertainties together. May the pure, simple love with which you join your hearts and hands again here today never fail, but grow deeper and surer with every passing year.

The pastor then took the rings and handed them to Harry, who gave his own ring to Daphne.

Harry and Daphne slide the rings on the appropriate finger and listened to the pastors's directions.

"Please join your left hands together so that Harry's hand is on top. Harry, please repeat after me. Daphne, I wear this ring you placed on my hand as a symbol of my love and commitment to you."

Harry smiled happily, all of his love shining in his eyes. "Daphne, I wear this ring you placed on my hand as a symbol of my love and commitment to you."

"Now, with Daphne's hand on top, Daphne please repeat after me. Harry, I wear this ring you placed on my hand as a symbol of my love and commitment to you."

"Harry, I wear this ring you placed on my hand as a symbol of my love and commitment to you."

"I ask that you each remember to continue to cherish each other as special and unique individuals and that you each respect the thoughts and ideas of one another. And most of all, be able to forgive each other, and not hold grudges against one another. Live each day in love with each other, always being there to give love, comfort, and refuge to each other, in good times and bad".

"And now, by the power vested in me, I hereby pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." A thunderous applause rang out in the beauty of Harry and Daphne's embrace. Her arms wrapped tightly around Harry's neck, while his arms slid around Daphne's waist. They didn't even hear the applause, they were on cloud 9 together.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you for the first time Mr. and Mrs. Harry Potter!"