MY DEARS!

So, I am having a mini freakout because Dalliance is one away from 300 followers. FREAKING OUT. I was a bit at war with myself over whether I would actually have a piece of this chapter in here, or if I was going to be a tease a little longer. I was so excited that I decided to give in.

I re-read yesterday's chapter and I decided that I liked it, especially after all of your amazing reviews (I AM LOOKING AT YOU SABLE).

Please leave a review and let me know what you think ;)

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Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling, and only the story line and any OC's belong to me.

As always for Sable and Lais, my loves xxx

My dear Calebski caught up this morning and my inbox was flooded with loveliness, so this chapter is for her *hearts*


All of the guests had already left for the reception under Dorea's guidance-she of course stopped first to take some candid pictures with her son, then with her son and husband, some alone with the bride and finally with all four of them together.

Consequently-with Hermione and Regulus's assistance-she gathered up Orion's limp form and levitated him in front of her as she left the clearing; Hermione and Regulus accompanying her.

The disguised Ronald Weasley and Harry Potter stayed in their seats as per Charlus's instruction earlier that morning; at the time they had no idea what was planned.

First the bride and the bridesmaids took their pictures, laughing, hugging, sparks dancing from their fingers in happiness. The background of the sunlight filtering in between the trees and the blue flower garlands wrapped around the trees only seemed to add to the magic of the pictures.

Second the groom and the groomsmen had their turn. At one point Sirius Black jumped onto James back and began to pepper his cheek with kisses. Then James Potter was held up by his groomsmen, head propped up in his hand. At this point all of their outer robes had been unbuttoned, and finally they posed in a line, arms thrown across each other's shoulders.

The bridesmaids and the groomsmen posed together, Marlene McKinnon let out a squeak when Sirius Black picked her up princess style-the following picture was her whacking him in the face with her bouquet.

The photographer was a tall, thin man with fine features, dirty blonde hair, thick, round glasses and he was wearing a well-tailored plum suit with pointy black dragonhide shoes. He was an old friend of Charlus's, they had been in the same year at Hogwarts; Reginald Finch had been in Ravenclaw and was a Half-Blood whose Mother had died in childbirth, so when he got his letter it was a good shock to him and his Father.

"Thank you bridesmaids and groomsmen, I just need pictures of the lovely couple now," Reginald said in a slightly nasally voice, smiling warmly at everyone.

Sirius Black and Remus Lupin hung back, a part of the plan that was about to be revealed-they told Frank they would catch up with him. The blond man shrugged nonchalantly and ran after his girlfriend, sweeping her off her feet-literally-and carrying her laughing figure out of the clearing.

"Those are the two that you told me about Charlus?" Reginald asked Charlus, who had been hanging off to the side whilst the younger wix took their pictures-Reginald was looking directly at the disguised Ron and Harry.

"I appreciate your discretion, Reginald...you always were good with secrets," Charlus winked at the other man, who snorted and rolled his eyes.

"Yes, that's why you made me take an oath not to speak about them, though I understand perfectly. These are tricky times we're living in," Reginald sighed wistfully, a faraway look in his eyes, his finger tapping against the side of his camera.

"Us?" Harry Potter asked in surprise.

"You didn't think we weren't going to have pictures with you, did you mate?" Sirius smirked playfully, batting his eyelashes at Harry.

Charlus turned to the two wizards that were making their way from the front row and waved his wand a few times whilst chanting-undoing his handiwork.

Harry rubbed his nose and pushed his glasses back further onto the bridge of his nose, stepping over a tree root and joining the others. Ron looked a little hesitant, and then Lily turned towards him questioningly.

"I'm not-I'm…" Ron trailed off, anxiously rubbing a hand through his cropped hair-it would have been longer, but he had shaved most of it off again a couple weeks ago, so it was around two inches at best.

"Ronald Bilius Weasley, you more than deserve to be here with us, now get your butt over here before I have to drag you over here," Lily said firmly, handing her bouquet to Harry.

Ron's eyes widened and he nodded jerkily, taking awkward strides to the others, settling in beside Remus.

Lily and James were at the front, Harry and Sirius were on their right and Remus and Ron were on their left.

"That's good, nice, yes, don't focus on me too much...Er-Ronald! Yes, don't focus on me. These people are like family, focus on them. This is a happy day, yes Lily take the bouquet back!" Reginald said with gusto as the group of wix interacted, ending with a group hug and bright smiles all around.

"Okay, now Lily and the raven haired boy with the lightning scar," Reginald directed, and the pictures went like that for the remainder of the time. Harry and Lily, Harry and Ron, Harry and James, James, Remus and Sirius, Lily and Ron, Lily and Remus.

The last picture of Remus and Lily was just being taken-Remus was hugging Lily around the shoulders from behind when Reginald tsked.

"I'm going to need to get more rolls of film from back at the house for the rest of the wedding. Now I want just the beautiful couple, the rest of you are free to go," Reginald said cheerily, chuffed with the pictures he had taken so far.

Charlus quickly replaced the charms of Harry and Ron, and transfiguring the small details that he needed to.

Harry's hair was bright blonde, his eyes were brown, his scar was gone, there was a mole on his left cheek, and his nose was longer and hooked.

Ron's hair was shoulder length and mousey brown, he had kept his bright blue eyes, he had a short beard and the tip of his nose had been turned up.

"Well let's go have some fun," Sirius said from behind Ron and Harry, clapping them both of the shoulders and guiding them out of the clearing. Remus chuckled softly before following them. Charlus was right behind them, but he stopped beside Reginald whose lips were pursed pensively.

"I'm not going to ask why a boy who looks exactly like your son, and what looked to be a Weasley were just in front of my eyes. Tell me one thing, are you sure you know what you're doing?"

"You know me, Reginald...I've always got a trick up my sleeve," Charlus said with a dazzling smile, patting his old friend on the back before meandering out of the clearing, hands in his pockets, whistling a pleasant tune.

"Right, now, big smiles," Reginald said to Lily and James, who were lost in each other, and didn't need to be told twice.


Flashback

Friday, March 9th, 1979

Malfoy Manor

Narcissa stares at her husband as he slumbers away, she can't resist brushing some of his bangs off of his forehead-however the motion rouses him. Lucius's eyes crack open, looking up at her blearily.

Directly across from their King sized bed are the French doors-that are currently open-which lead out onto their balcony, and the sheer white curtains are fluttering in the gentle breeze that's blowing into the Master bedroom.

Dark chocolate furniture with white walls, and white accents. The sheets that are currently on their bed are white. The room is vast and spacious, and if Narcissa didn't have to, she wouldn't leave it on most days.

"Morning," Lucius mumbles, throwing an arm across her thighs and snuggling into her side. She's sitting upright, legs out straight in front of her, her long fair locks are loose and brush the insides of her elbows as she shifts closer to her husband.

"We have to talk about the invitation we got yesterday," Narcissa reminds him in a soft whisper, leaning down to press a kiss to his temple.

"Fuck 'em. Why did they invite us anyway? It's not like we get on with the Potters...Father and Dorea Black haven't talked in years, even though he says they were close in school," Lucius props himself up on his left forearm, his right arm pulling her into him.

"She's Dorea Potter now, has been for a while," Narcissa says.

"We don't have to go because Dorea Potter crooks her little finger and asks us to," Lucius says bitterly, his shoulder length hair mussed from sleep and a few bangs are falling in his eyes-he shakes his head to shift them.

"Cousin Dorea invited us personally, she is a highly respected member of our society. She is still part of the Black family even if she is a Potter now, as much as I am still a Black even if I married into the Malfoy family."

"Narcissa-"

"Don't Narcissa me," Narcissa snarls, "Dorea is not a witch to trifle with. I'm sure your Father told you that much. We have to go."

Lucius shoots her an exasperated look, but after sighing heavily he begrudgingly says, "fine. We'll go. Even if James Potter is marrying a Mudblood."

Narcissa rolls her eyes, "I suggest you scrap that word from your vocabulary at the wedding."

"Yes, dear...now can we go back to sleep?"

"Yes, Lucius," Narcissa laughs lightly.


Present

Saturday, March 24th, 1979

Potter Manor

Lily and James's Wedding Reception

There is a vast tent running the length of the house in the backyard of the Manor. On the far left there are six round tables-able to seat five people comfortably-with starch white tablecloths and in slender vases in the middle of the table, are cornflowers and primroses in delicate floral arrangements. Polished silverware is nestled on navy blue napkins.

The far right has a table running along the short side with various refreshments and finger foods, Sirius Black himself nicks a small sandwich before heading in a beeline towards his target-which is as far away from everyone else in the middle of the tent as they can be; the middle is where most of the socialisation is currently underway.

Currently floating in the air are small lights-glass balls which are set to shift through a myriad of colours from dark blue to soft yellow every few minutes; however they are charmed only to work as soon as the sun set, so for now they are just towards the top of the tent just below the framework.

The tent top itself is navy blue, and braids of bluebells twist up the tent legs, and dark blue fabric is moving from the middle of each side of the tent at the top and is loosely pulled back to the tent legs-tied around the bottoms and tops, which gives it a bit more of a private feeling whilst still allowing airflow.

Emmeline is singing softly not too far away from the pair that Sirius is heading for, her small band of wizards is behind her playing cheery tunes on their instruments.

Sirius finally reaches his destination, and the pair are certainly surprised by his sudden appearance, despite this they cover it up well.

Lucius Malfoy's posture as always is as straight as a rod. Sirius used to joke that's cause he had one shoved up his arse. His shoulder length pale blond hair is pulled back into a short braid with a emerald ribbon at the end. His stormy grey eyes are twinkling with curiosity, and his strong jaw is clenched, his hand is on the small of his wife's back, and his black robes appear to be pressed and are immaculate as always. Sharp nose, prominent cheekbones, light pink lips, muscular build but not bulky. He's the image of proper grooming and the picture of a well bred Pure-blood wizard.

Narcissa is a delicate looking woman, but Sirius remembers when they played together when he was younger, she could be a fierce as a tiger when she is ready. Slender build and a small waist. She's wearing a lilac, sheath dress with a high neckline and no sleeves-it brushed loosely across her curves before pooling around her feet. She has a silver pin in her hair that is adorned with diamonds, and she must be wearing flats. Bright blue eyes, small, rosy lips, dark eyelashes with pale tips, and there's a distinct smell of lemon that seems to cling to her.

"Lucius, Narcissa," Sirius clasps his hands behind his back and inclines his head towards the pair respectfully.

Narcissa's features light up, happily stepping forward, and she grasps his upper arm. "Sirius!" Sirius had a feeling this would happen, he always one of her favourites. After he was burned off the family tree, the rest of the family was forbidden from speaking to him, but he had gotten a fine silk scarf that following Christmas from an unknown sender and he is looking at its sender.

"I'm here to relay a message, if that's alright," Sirius moves to put a hand on her exposed shoulder and he squeezes gently. He ignores the glower Lucius shoots at him, and when Narcissa nods with a puckered brow, he continues, "Mum-Dorea that is, and Hermione wish to speak to you, but due to...unforeseen circumstances, they got pulled away."

"Your Father crashing the ceremony you mean," Lucius says dryly, trying not to flinch when Narcissa elbows him-subtlety and hard-in the gut.

Sirius mouth twists to the side in a half-smile, "yes. Mum does however wish to invite you round for tea later this week, she's says she'll owl you the details."

"That's kind of her, do you have any idea what it's about?" Narcissa asks curiously, her lips pulling into a tiny pout.

"I have an inkling, but I think it best that I stay out of it," Sirius says. "Did you enjoy the ceremony?"

"It was lovely," Narcissa smiles softly. Sirius then notices that her loose waves are trailing down her back.

There is a loud wolf whistle and the other occupants of the tent begin to clap and cheer-Lily and James have arrived, and off in the distance Sirius sees Reginald striding hastily for the house, probably going in search of more film.

"Best man duties call," Sirius says merrily to Narcissa and Lucius, "lovely to see you, Cissa. If you'll excuse me."

Sirius nods at Lucius and lets go of Narcissa, spinning on his heel and rushing towards his best mate and his lovely doe. "Mister and Missus James Potter everyone!" Sirius bellows for the whole tent to hear, cupping his hands around his mouth. He doesn't see Narcissa and Lucius sneak away, feeling very out of place and like they had stayed the polite amount of time, they headed off for the floo that they had arrived in-it had been opened for the wedding guests, and it is the only way in and out since the wards had only been strengthened in the time that Hermione and the others had been here.

Sirius also doesn't see a tall woman with dark curls watching Narcissa leave with a sad and nostalgic smile on her face.


When Hermione arrives in the tent the party is in full swing, the lights floating around are changing colours out of sync but it only adds to the chaotic and wonderful ambiance.

The stars are twinkling in the sky and Hermione stripped off her heels at the entrance to the tent, her feet killing her. She can only smile wryly when she sees a pile of heels abandoned off to the side right next to her. She neatly deposits hers, and before she can really take a good look around her, someone grabs her by the wrist and drags her onto the dance floor.

She smells fresh parchment and chocolate and she knows exactly who it is. She looks up at her partner and doesn't even attempt to fight the bright, broad grin that spreads across her face as easy as melted butter.

"Mister Lupin," Hermione says as he twirls her in a quick circle, his hand instantly on the small of her back and pressing her against him a split second later as they dance.

He's less put together than he was earlier, his outer robes and waistcoat are nowhere in sight and the first few buttons on his button down shirt are undone, not to mention his sleeves are rolled up past his elbows-although his shirt is still tucked into his trousers, for now. His hair is mussed, and his hairline is slightly damp with sweat, and she can practically taste the Firewhisky on his breath.

"Miss Granger," Remus grins, spinning them around and then skipping to the side. Other couples dancing in time with and around them, normally she would feel anxious about stepping on his toes, but there's a confidence blooming in her chest as she lets him lead her around the tent.

Some of the older wix are off to the left of the tent, sitting down and resting their weary bones, whereas a few of them are right in the thick of it-a darling old lady is currently taking Frank for a spin.

Hermione sees that Arthur and Molly were able to make it after all and they are having a jolly time, she catches sight of Ron in disguise, and he's watching his parents with wonder and awe. Harry is beside him, but his focus is on the frosty haired witch that's belting out magical noises in time to the lively symphony behind her.

She turns back to Remus and sees that his gaze is on her, eyes ablaze with joy, and he's biting down on his lip. She doesn't know if it's the atmosphere, she doesn't know if it's because of all of the love that poured out during the ceremony. She grips the front of his shirt, and gathers every ounce of her courage and she kisses him.

Everything else fades away and it's just him and her. He tastes like Firewhisky and she's drowning on his taste, drunk on it, it feels like she's floating. They are the only ones stationary on the dance floor, but she could care less.

His fingers are clutching at the fabric of her dress and it sends tingles dancing up her spine, and her toes curl. One of her hands moves to bury itself in his soft hair, tugging gently. Why she hadn't buried her hands in it before she has no idea, it seems like such folly to have waited this long.

She can feel him smile, and she nips at his bottom lip, her tongue playing with his lip ring. Which only makes him growl lowly and she pants softly when they pull apart for air, the dark blue lights above her catch her eye, and then her eyes flick back down to his amber and gold ones.

"Fuck, you taste like honey, sweetness," Remus murmurs before dipping his head back down and claiming her lips again, his taste washing over her tongue as their tongues dance and slide against each other, as smoothly as velvet.

"Oi! Finally!" Hermione hears Sirius's voice say, but she ignores it, lost in the feeling of Remus, his firm torso and abdomen pressing against her, and she slows it down, pecking his lips one last time before breaking the kiss entirely.

Hermione's lip part as she moves to say something, but then they are surrounded and she can only chuckle as James, Frank and Sirius pull him away to dance in a line with them. Sirius's shirt was abandoned long ago, and James and Frank's are entirely unbuttoned,

Hermione still feels dazed, watching Remus with enchantment, as if she's been ensnared by him, bewitched; a part of her is whispering that she has been ensnared, she was from the moment she met him, she just didn't know it.

Arms wrap around Hermione's abdomen from behind and she jumps from the sudden contact until she hears the soft, happy voice.

"Come on, how about we dance too," Lily says, her chin resting on Hermione's shoulder.

"I'd love to, Missus Potter," Hermione laughs gaily, turning around in Lily's arms and sees Dorcas, Marlene and Alice beside her.

Marlene's frosty exterior has cracked and she is allowing herself a soft smile, and she cocks her head at Hermione in a friendly challenge-like manner.

Lily whisks Hermione off, and they are holding hands and spinning in a wild circle. Hermione's heart feels to burst from happiness, emotion overwhelming her. A few happy tears spring from her eyes and then Lily pulls her in for a hug. They're swaying and Lily presses a kiss to Hermione's curls.

She's not sure it can get any better than this.


Harry can't stop watching her. She's elegant, her voice is magical and enthralling, not to mention her smile makes his heart pound fiercely.

Which is why when she takes a break from singing to grab some refreshments-Ron and himself have been on the sidelines by the refreshment table whilst the others go wild-he feels like his tongue has tied itself into a million knots and that there is a wad of something shoved down his throat, preventing him from speaking.

Most people's attention is enraptured by Remus and Hermione off to the right hand side of the dance floor, finally snogging.

"Hello," The girl says, tucking her frosty blue hair behind her ears, taking a long sip of the water from her paper cup.

"H-Hey," Harry stutters, grateful that he got that much out.

"What's your name?"

"H-H-Harry," Harry says unthinkingly.

"Rupert," Ron says beside him, nudging Harry in the side, but he doesn't even feel it.

"Emmeline," the girls says and Harry puts the name he's heard in passing to its delightful face.

"Nice to meet you-"

"You too, bride or groom?"

"Pardon?" Harry frowns.

"You here for the bride or groom?" Emmeline clarifies, a small smile on his face.

"Both," Harry responds, blinking quickly.

The current song begins to die and turn to something more mellow, and Emmeline's eyes widen, "ah, that's my cue. I best be getting back. Maybe I'll see you around some time."

"I hope so," Harry says dreamily, a little misty eyed. Emmeline giggles and saunters back to her band.

"Mate?" Ron says by his side, waving a hand in front of Harry's face, "mate."

"She's amazing." Harry Potter was lovestruck.

In the background Sirius is cheering as he climbs on Remus's shoulders, and he begins to chug a bottle of Firewhisky all on his lonesome.

It is definitely a day and night that no one is going to forget anytime soon; the morning after would prove to be interesting in its own right.


Sorry for any grammatical errors, I'll probably go back tomorrow and sift through it with a fine comb when it's not as 'fresh' in my mind.

Love you all,

Indieblue xxx