Chapter 10: The Ceremony
*****
As they exited the house, they could hear a low hum of noise coming from the area where the Weasleys and friends had always gathered to play quidditch. As the path leading to it had been lined with cauldrons, burning merrily and casting a comforting, warm glow, they assumed that was the way to go. The path itself had been smoothed so that, even in heels, it was an easy walk.
They quietly made their way down the path, until the hum of noise became the sounds of many voices and they could begin to see figures ahead through a gap in the trees surrounding the clearing.
Of one accord, they stopped just out of sight of the gathered crowd.
"Are we ready, Ladies? The audience has gathered and is ready for the show to begin. The stage is set, costumes are on…" Katie began, running through their pre-show checklist.
"You nut!" Ginny laughed, before throwing her arms around her in a warm hug. Then, gesturing to Alinora, they pulled her in too until they were in a tight, three-way hug. They stood there for a moment longer before breaking apart.
"Right. Let's go." Alinora said briskly, dabbing discreetly at her eyes, "I have a husband waiting for me and I don't want him to think I've stood him up."
Laughing, the three continued down the path and into the cheerfully decorated clearing. There were people everywhere, blurring into nameless faces, as they made their way to the center where they could see Dumbledore standing with their men.
Ali's face lit up at the sight of George, standing rather tensely to the left of Dumbledore. As he saw her approach, some of the tension melted away and he took a half step forward, as if to come to meet her. He stopped at a comment from someone near by and waited impatiently as she walked a few steps closer. At that point, his restraint failed him and he quickly strode forward to meet Alinora.
Alinora held out her hands to him and, coming to a halt in front of her, he took them in his and drew her to him. Leaning over, he placed a kiss on her cheek before whispering, "You look absolutely brilliant. Thank you for agreeing to marry me."
"Silly man," she teased back as he turned and took her arm to lead her back to where Dumbledore was waiting, smiling in an amused fashion. "As if you ever had a chance of getting away from me."
In the back of her mind, she noticed that the other two couples had also joined hands and were moving into position around Dumbledore, but her attention was now focused entirely on George and what they were about to do. She had one last fleeting thought that it was good that there would be pictures since she was about to miss the weddings of two of her best friends and then she forgot about it.
Alinora and George stepped onto a large round disk and faced Dumbledore. The three couples were arranged in a half circle around him, with their guests arranged behind them. After they'd all arrived, Dumbledore raised his hands and each couple was enclosed in a glowing circle of light.
"Thank you all for coming today to celebrate the triple occasion of marriage. These three couples stand before you now willing to pledge their lives to each other and bind themselves into a single unit. Marriage, whether between muggles, or witch and wizard, has never been something to take lightly, or as a joke. Today, these young people will speak their pledges to each other and you, their friends, family and loved ones, will be able to judge just how seriously they take these vows." Dumbledore's quiet voice had carried easily over the gathered throng, causing all extra conversations to end. Now all attention was focused on them.
Ignoring the crowd, ignoring Dumbledore, George and Alinora turned to look at each other, hands clasped firmly together. For a moment, neither spoke, content to simply enjoy the moment that they'd waited six years for. Then, Ali smiled, wrinkling her nose, and released one hand to lightly tap George on the nose. He laughed softly, before retrieving her hand. With a deep breath, he began.
"Alinora. Ali," he corrected, smiling tenderly down at her, "I don't think there are words to describe how much you mean to me and just how much I love you. I find it hard to believe that it took me as long as it did to realize just how much you mean to me, but I don't plan to waste any more time. I love the way you make me smile when I'm in a bad mood. I love the way you challenge me to do better, to be better, than I think I can. I love the way you accept people, befriend them and bring out the best in them and show it to everyone. I love that you can see the ridiculous in ordinary situations. I love that you have always supported my dreams and done whatever you can to make them reality. But, most of all, I simply love you. The way you talk, the way you laugh, the way you're always singing or humming. The list goes on. I am honored that you have accepted me to be your husband and I happily pledge my life to you." George's eyes were sparkling slightly with unshed tears as he finished.
"George, there are many reasons that I love you. Many reasons why I am honored to be standing here with you today. Too many to name, though I've tried to make sure you know what they are. I love that you support me in everything I do and allow me to support you when you need it. I love that you accept everything about me, no matter how odd or unfamiliar it is. I love that you're willing to try new things simply because you know it would please me. I love your creativity and imagination, even when it means you're testing them on me. I love that my being a success in my career or having outside interests doesn't threaten you, but only gives us more to share with each other. I love the way you look at me, like I'm the most amazing person you've ever seen, even when I'm sick and look a mess and probably scare small children with my appearance. I love you. I always have, even before we'd met and I knew who you were. I look forward to spending the rest of my life with you. I'm sure it'll be an interesting experience. I'm honored that you have accepted me to be your wife and I happily pledge my life to you." Alinora spoke the closing words, laughing and crying at the same time.
Neither she nor George noticed the unwavering crystal brightness of the surrounding orb, but their guests did. The binding was a true one. Had any doubts been present or falsehoods spoken, the color of the orb would have shown those falsehoods. It worked along the lines of a truth spell, though it didn't force the truth to be spoken; only showing when it was not.
George carefully wiped the tears from her cheeks and enfolded her in a hug, as they waited for the orb to disappear. When it finally did, they turned, smiling, to look at Albus Dumbledore. Their hands were linked and they took a moment to observe their fellow marriage participants. All were smiling happily.
Dumbledore gestured with his wand and six small ring boxes floated over to each of the participants.
Alinora reached out to pluck the box holding George's ring from the air before turning once again to face him.
George gave her a mischievous smile before opening the box he was holding and removing the ring in such a manner that she was unable to see it. He quickly stuck the box in his pocket. Reaching out, he took her left hand in his and finally showed her the ring.
Ali gasped softly and turned to look around for her mom. Angelique was standing nearby, tears streaming down her face though she was smiling happily. She gave her daughter a slight nod, signifying that she realized that Alinora had recognized the source of the ring. The stone, a cabochon star sapphire, had come from the ring given to Angelique from Marcus for their own wedding. It had been reset in a swirling platinum setting.
George showed her the inscription he'd had etched inside the band, All My Love, before slipping it on her ring finger with a whispered, "With this ring…" and a kiss on the forehead.
Ali wiped her eyes and briefly admired the ring on her finger. Then, she opened the box she was holding and removed George's ring. Giving him a mischievous smile of her own, she hid it from his sight while reaching out to put the ring box in another of his pockets. "No pockets in this thing…" she said softly, causing him to chuckle. She reached out and took his left hand in hers and finally showed him the ring she'd had made for him. Inscribed within the band was the phrase Forever and For Always. As she placed the ring on his finger, it briefly glowed red, causing George's eyes to go wide in surprise, before it returned to its normal silvery appearance.
Reaching up to cup the side of his face in her hand, Alinora brought his face down to hers. As they formally sealed the binding with a kiss, the audience around them broke into cheers and began pelting them with colorful bits of confetti. Breaking apart with a laugh, they turned to face the others.
Alinora turned to look at Katie and Ginny, as they each turned to glance at her and each other. Leaving George's side, Alinora walked towards the other two where they met in a group hug. Alinora spared another minute and returned to Dumbledore, giving him a hug as well, before rejoining George and entering the crowd of well-wishers.
*****
There were so many people there. Alinora couldn't quite grasp how much effort had gone into arranging this wedding and getting everyone they loved there for it. There were friends she'd known since she was a child: Sara and Remi, though she had lost her other former teacher, Gerald Blackstaff, during an assignment for the Order a couple years back. There were friends from school: Pansy, Justin, Alicia, Lee, Neville, Dean, Seamus, and Snape… And then there was her family: her mom, the Weasleys, Hermione, Colin, Anna, the twins, and Angelina. Charlie had even brought his muggle girlfriend, Julia, to meet everyone. If she could survive this, she'd fit in just fine. It was a mad house, and just what she'd wanted.
Bill's wife, Fleur, was cradling their toddler daughter, Bella, and talking animatedly with Angelique in a far corner of the area. In another area, tables bursting with wonderful food were arranged for hungry guests. In the center of the space, once the ceremony was over, a dance floor had been constructed with small tables set up around it for those who simply wanted to watch the proceedings. After circulating for a while, Alinora and George finally settled, and worked out some nervous energy on the dance floor.
A couple songs later, Alinora laughingly called for a halt. "I need something to drink. Why don't we grab some punch, or whatever that is over there, and go sit with Colin and Anna for a while?"
George nodded in assent and the two quickly made their way off the dance floor. George seated Ali at the table with the other two before going to find drinks for them all.
"So, where are the twins?" Ali asked, looking around curiously.
Anna chuckled. "Molly has taken quite a liking to them and has 'borrowed' them for the afternoon while we are free to enjoy ourselves. She's over there with your mother and Fleur. I think she'd have claimed Bella by now too, but Fleur is a bit too possessive still."
"So, are you enjoying yourselves?" George asked, returning to the table while followed by four floating glasses of punch. Concentrating slightly, he waited until the drinks were appropriately distributed, then took a seat next to Ali.
"Of course we are!" Colin answered in astonishment. "It's wonderful to be able to be here and see our closest friends getting married. You guys are my family now. You've all been wonderful to Anna and me, and now the twins as well. I can't imagine anywhere else I'd rather be." Colin's expression, always so cheerful and excited, practically shone with his happiness for them all.
"I'm glad." Ali said simply, leaning over to give him a kiss on the cheek.
"Hey, the music's starting back up again," George said, tapping his foot with the beat, "Want to dance?" he asked, glancing over at Alinora.
"Not yet. Dance with Anna. She's been wanting to learn for a while…"
"Yeah, we were about to start lessons when we found out Anna was pregnant and, since she wasn't feeling all that well in the beginning, we decided to postpone it and haven't gotten back to it yet."
"We should all go," Alinora said happily, "Take lessons together. It would be fun."
"Ali, you already know how to dance." Anna pointed out, rather dryly.
"Then we can take something I don't know how to do." Alinora replied, sticking out her tongue at Anna, who laughed. "Now, go dance with my husband," she said, with a little thrill at being able to say those words finally, "I think Ginny's trying to get Colin's attention and I have something to do as well…" she concluded, with a rather evil grin on her face.
George cocked an eyebrow at her, but didn't say anything as he helped Anna to her feet and led her to the dance floor. Colin gave her a small kiss on the forehead as he went to join Ginny and some of their friends from school.
Alinora sat there in thought for a few moments more before getting to her feet and weaving her way through the mass of tables. She finally stopped at one and, extending her hand, said, "Care to dance Professor?"
"Testing your luck again, Ms Weasley?" came Snape's sarcastic response.
"Always. How can you know your limits if you don't test them? Are you going to turn me down on my wedding day?" Alinora was trying not to smile, but could feel the corners of her mouth straining upwards. "It's completely safe; I won't bite."
At that, Snape's lips twitched slightly, but his only response was, "I doubt that." He sat there for a moment longer before slowly rising to his feet. He didn't take her hand, at which she grinned broadly, but he did escort her to the dance floor.
Once on the floor, Alinora didn't attempt to engage Snape in conversation and he seemed content with the silence between them.
Finally, Alinora broke the silence. "I'm glad you came today. Even if it was only because Sara threatened to do something embarrassing if you didn't come. Thank you."
"As if that woman could threaten me with anything," Snape growled in response. "I am completely able to make decisions for myself and simply decided to accept the invitation extended to me by your… husband."
"Whatever the reason, I don't care. You came. I appreciate it. I know I've been a trial to you over the years and you've put up with it grandly and with minimal insolence. I can't ask for much more than that, can I?" she smirked.
Finally, she caught a glimpse of one of his rare smiles. "You have been a trial, I agree, but an amusing one. I once thought it would have been interesting had you been sorted into Slytherin house, but I have since seen that you are way beyond the scope of the minor and petty squabbles that reign there; you would've taken over with little to challenge you. That would have been a shame. Unfortunately, that meant you had to go to Gryffindor… but I think I can forgive you for that at this point."
"I appreciate that… I think," she said with a grin. "And I promise not to tell anyone you said so."
"Good. I would deny it completely." He was back to his normal haughty expression, but she could see a slight bit of humor lurking in the back of his dark eyes.
At that moment, someone tapped on Snape's shoulder. Stopping their movement, they turned to see George smiling quizzically at them. "I was wondering if I might reclaim my wife now for a dance?"
Snape merely nodded, but, before walking off, he leaned over to speak softly in Alinora's ear. "I said you would've been strong in Slytherin, but you became even stronger while in Gryffindor and since. That has been noticed. I've been hearing rumors of people who mean you harm. I have not been able to find out where they started. Be careful." And with that, he turned and walked back to his table, where Sara was waiting for him.
"What was that about?" George asked having been unable to hear Snape's parting words.
Alinora stood there for a moment, staring after him, not paying attention to what was going on around her, even when Sara finally drug Snape back out on the dance floor for a fast paced dance. Finally, she shook off the chill his words had given her and turned to look up at George. "I'm not really sure, but I'll tell you later. Hopefully it's nothing…. Anyway, I don't wish to worry about anything today! Not while we're celebrating." With a smile, she stepped into his arms and they rejoined the dancers.
*****
Finally, the evening ended and the guests began making their way home. Pansy stopped by on her way out to give Alinora and George hugs and confirm that she did indeed have the exclusive write-up of the day's triple wedding.
"Of course!" Ali exclaimed. "Who else would we trust at that bloody paper to get the details right?!? Have you seen some of the rubbish they've printed in the past? Colin will be sending you pictures for your article first thing in the morning."
"Wonderful. I can't wait to see them. Now, I must be off. Justin's waiting…"
"Justin, humm?" Alinora said coyly.
"Yes, Justin. And you best wipe that look off your face immediately. I can match make on my own quite well enough, thank you very much!" Pansy replied tartly, though with a hint of a smile on her pale face. "I'll see you later. Maybe after the honeymoon." and she walked off.
"Honeymoon?" Ali questioned, turning to look up at George. "What honeymoon?"
"They are rather traditional, you know. Did you think I'd leave that part out? Though this won't be a triple affair. The others can bloody well take care of their own plans for that!" He gave her a rather lecherous grin, which caused her to giggle.
"And where might we be going on this honeymoon?"
"It's a surprise. I'll give you hints when we go get your things."
"Well then, when does that happen, as you seem to know all the details today, while I'm being kept in the dark?"
"Right after you finish saying good bye to your family and are ready to leave. I believe you have something that belongs to your mother that she'll need before she can return home…" he said, giving her a pointed glance.
"Her skin! Yes, she'll definitely need that for the transformation. It's just upstairs. I'll go grab it now." With a quick kiss on his cheek, Alinora Apparated to the Burrow. Returning quickly with her mother's brown cloak, she hurried over to George, who had joined her mother.
Good-byes were always hard when they concerned her mother. Since Angelique was a selkie and lived in the ocean off the coast of Scotland, the two didn't get to spend much time together. Alinora and George escorted her back into the house so she could use the floo system to return to her former home in Scotland where she could then easily get back to the sea. She didn't like to travel by floo that much, but could do it when necessary, and attending her only child's wedding was definitely a necessity.
With one last hug, Angelique threw her handful of powder into the fire place, stepped into the green flames and was gone.
Ali sighed softly, and then turned, with a smile, to face George. "So, where are we going?"
"To your place, so you can pack."
"Ha ha. No, I want a location. You've been keeping too many secrets from me recently…" she teased.
"Somewhere warm, with sandy beaches and no one else around. It's a bit tricky to get there, since we can't portkey; I don't want you to be sick for the first half of our honeymoon. What's the fun in that?" he said, leering down at her.
Alinora laughed and punched him lightly in the stomach. "Control yourself. I have to pack and we still need to get to this place… Can we leave now, or are we expected around here for a while longer?"
"If you've said your good byes, we can leave immediately."
"Good. Let's go. I'm looking forward to warm…" With a rather leering grin of her own, Ali stepped back from George, blew him a kiss, then quickly Apparated from the room.
George burst into laugher and, with a muttered, "Women!" quickly followed.
