Chapter 22 The Main Event
Harry stood nervously at the entrance of the Chapel, Ron at his side. All the guests had arrived and now they were waiting for Emily and her Father. Sarah Prewett, Emily's mother, had arrived and whispered to Harry that Emily was definitely on her way. Unfortunately this made Harry even more nervous. "Do you think I'm doing the right thing?" He asked Ron.
"You love each other, so why would it be the wrong thing?" Ron replied reasonably.
"What if she hates living in the magical world? What if I'm putting her in danger?"
"Well she would be involved in the magical world anyway, with her niece. And you are the best person to protect her from any dangers, magical or muggle."
"I know, I mean I think I know but damn it, I'm so bloody nervous!" Harry ran a frustrated hand through his hair and succeeded in ruffling it back to its normal state.
"Ease up on the hair mate – I reckon Emily will be pissed if you ruin her wedding photos by ending up bald!" Ron laughed at his friend. "How many times have you stood as best man – you managed to calm us all down. Now I'm telling you to calm down. Emily is coming – you will be happy together – and you are not making a mistake, got that?"
Harry took a deep breath and said, "Your right, I just need to relax."
"Of course I'm right," Ron grinned, and then pointed to the horse drawn carriage coming down the path. "See, here she comes."
Harry watched the carriage trundle towards them and then his future Father-in-law stepped out, dressed in dark blue suit. Fred turned and lifted Sarah down, she was dressed in a pale pink ankle length dress and her blonde curls were held up at the front with a cluster of pink flowers. She took a basket and stepped up to Harry. Who bent down in time to hear her whisper, "can we hurry up? I want to get my new Mummy and Daddy."
"We'll be as quick as we can, munchkin," Harry smiled at her and pressed a kiss on top of her hair. Then he straightened to watch Emily step out beside her father.
Emily was the most beautiful thing Harry had ever seen, he was so entranced by her that he forgot to breathe. She was wearing a traditional muggle wedding dress, with a huge hoped white satin skirt and a delicate lace over dress. The long sleeves covered her fingertips and the back trailed down to a long train. Her hair fell down her back in soft strawberry blonde curls and she wore a small diamond tiara, holding her veil in place. Harry caught sight of her diamond pendant he had given her, glinting in the sunlight.
Harry finally remembered to breathe when Fred led his daughter up the path and placed her hand in Harry's saying, "I entrust my daughter to you, Sir. Treat her well."
"I accept your trust, Sir. I will protect her for the rest of my life," Harry replied.
Emily smiled brightly at him, and all thought left Harry's head. Ron physically turned him around and gave him a gentle push up the isle, after Sarah, who was scattering her rose petals as she went.
Harry didn't know what Dumbledore said, or how long he stood there holding Emily's hand on his arm. But he sensed Dumbledore nudge him mentally and his attention snapped back. He turned and cleared his throat to make his vows.
"I am honoured by this perfect woman beside me, I pledge my life and my love to her for the rest of our lives. I claim her as my wife." He smiled as he heard Emily echo his vows and felt the tingle of the binding spell as they were joined together. Emily let out a small gasp of surprise. But when Harry looked at her he saw her eyes shining with happiness. Harry reached down and lifted her veil from her face. And after a moments hesitation he kissed her gently.
"Hello Mrs Potter," He whispered.
"Hello Mr Potter," She smiled in return.
Dumbledore said aloud, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you Mr and Mrs Harry Potter." The audience burst into applause. But Harry only had eyes for his beautiful wife.
Dumbledore made a sign to quieten the guest and then he said, "Could Miss Sarah Jenkins please step forward."
The little blonde girl stepped up to Dumbledore and stood in front of them. "The Ministry of Magic has completed the documents pertaining to Sarah's adoption. So I would like to introduce you all to Miss Sarah Potter and her new parents."
Sarah kissed Emily and then Harry and turned to face the applauding guests. Harry smiled at his little family and then grinned out at all his collective friends. Suddenly, he knew what had been missing in his life, now he felt complete. He had a wife and a daughter – and another child soon to arrive. He was the happiest man in the world, a far cry from the lost little boy who had been thrown into the wizarding world all those years ago.
Several years later saw the next wave of Weasleys, Potters, Longbottoms and Lupins attended Thistledown, coincidently most of them under Severus Snape's care for the seven years he was their year supervisor.
Ron eventually retired from Professional Quidditch, to take up the post of Head of Magical Games and Sports at the ministry of magic, Hermione became the Chief Healer at St Mungo's. Arthur Weasley had taken the post of Minister of magic when Dumbledore retired. Neville retired from the Auror's and became the Defence against the dark arts teacher, when Remus retired. Ginny joined her husband at thistledown as the Charms professor.
Many years in the future, after his four children and twelve grandchildren had graduated, Harry became the Headmaster of Thistledown School of magic. He and Emily had a long and happy marriage, until she passed away (aged ninety-three).
Harry remained a beacon of light throughout the Wizarding world and his last task before he died at the age of one hundred and seventy-two was to mentor a small girl who had been Prophesised as the next lead light for the Order of The Phoenix.
The End
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