This is a short, fluffy chapter, I'm afraid! No real action in it. Never mind!
Responses to reviews at the end!
Chapter 30 – The first wedding
New Year's Day, 1985:
"SIRIUS!" Kathryn yelled.
"What?" He grumbled, pushing himself up in bed.
"We need to be at a wedding in three hours!" Kathryn yelped. "I'm supposed to be helping Alura out with her make up and dress! Crap!" She ran into the bathroom and took a momentary shower and reappeared wearing jeans and a sweater.
"I'm supposed to be helping out Damion!" Sirius growled and proceeded to throw clothes on.
Kathryn disappeared. "LILY! JAMES! GET UP!" Then there was a sudden laugh. "WHAT THE... I DON'T BELIEVE IT! YOU TWO ARE WORSE THAN US!"
Sirius blanched, wondering what Kathryn had walked in on and what their best friends were planning on doing to her.
"DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT, JAMES HAROLD POTTER! AARGH, YOU STUPID GIT!" Kathryn ran out of the room. And then yelled again. "LILY, WE WERE SUPPOSED TO BE AT ALURA'S HALF AN HOUR AGO!"
"HOLY CRAP!" Sirius heard Lily yell. "WHY DIDN'T YOU JUST SAY THAT?"
"WELL, I WASN'T EXACTLY PLANNING TO WALK IN ON YOU TWO SN –" Kathryn was cut off and yelped again. Sirius heard her running downstairs and then a crash. "HOLY MOTHER OF MERLIN! WHERE IS THE GOD-DAMNED HANGOVER CURE?!"
He sighed. This was going to be a looong few minutes.
# # #
Alura and Damion's home:
"Where have you two been?" Alura demanded as Lily and Kat Apparated in.
"Unfortunately, Sirius and I genuinely slept in late, what with it being New Year's Eve last night, not to mention your hen night." Kathryn grinned. She had finally found the Hangover Cure, but not after smashing several pieces of china. Sometimes it amazed her that she had made it through the Auror Academy when she could be so clumsy. "But James and Lily had other things on their minds..."
"Kat, I'll say this once, don't even think about it."
"Ah, but mind-influence doesn't work on me, dear friend. Occlumens, remember?" Kat grinned.
"Let's get down to business! Kat, you said you'd do my dress?" Alura asked.
"Sure."
Alura was half-Muggle and half-Magic, and had chosen Muggle formal clothing as the dress code. In truth, it was because she wanted the traditional big white wedding dress. (A/N: Sorry if I hadn't explained about Alura's heritage before. If I have, sorry if it's different. Damion's pureblood and so is Radella. Alura's dad is a Muggle.)
Radella and Alice appeared from the other room. Radella was Maid of Honour, while the other three were bridesmaids. Alice and Frank were a lot closer to the groups than before, especially to Sirius and Kathryn, since they had worked with them for so long.
"You two are already ready? Yikes!" Lily squealed.
"Hurry up, Lils. Now hush, I need to concentrate." Kathryn stated.
She concentrated on the picture of what Alura had drawn. The dress. Concentrating on the white silk robes before her, she let her wandless Transfiguration out. Crimson light gathered about her as she stared at the robes. Lily noticed the flash of crimson fire in her friend's eyes. Yet it didn't look evil or demonic, as Voldemort's red eyes did. It looked warm, good, comforting.
Slowly the dress took shape. And after a few more minutes, Kathryn helped Alura slip it on.
"Oh, Mystique, this is perfect!" Alura gasped. "Thank you, oh so much!"
"I'm glad you like it. Radella's the one for hair. I just need to get my dress on." Kathryn grinned.
Unlike Alura's bridal gown, the bridesmaids' dresses had been ordered, though designed by Alura herself. Kathryn slipped into the shimmering lilac gown, amazed that the colour and style suited all four girls, who all looked somewhat different, though it was Lily in particular, since the other three were varying shades of blonde. (A/N: Does Alice have blonde hair? Did I say what colour hair she has? I can't remember, so say she's got honey blonde hair.) But it did. It was very simple and elegant. An empire waistline (just below the bust), with thin straps and a lightly- flared at the ankle skirt. Kathryn and Lily both kept their wands sheathed, with holsters fastened round their thighs. They were spelled magically to make it seem like nothing was there.
Kathryn caught her hair up with a few hairgrips and let the rest of the cascade of curls and ringlets fall naturally at the back of her head. A little make-up and lip-gloss later, she slid on her shoes and headed out, to wear Alura was having the final touches put to her ensemble.
"Kat!" Radella grinned. "One last thing!" And she fixed a lilac rose into her friend's hair at the back.
"Thanks. You look great, Radella." Kathryn grinned.
"So do you."
Alura gushed happily, "You all look great! Thank you so much for being here and helping me! And now, as a little thank you gift..." She pulled out four wrapped boxes. "Here."
They all thanked her and opened the gifts. Each of them had an elegant silver bracelet set with a moonstone in the centre.
"Thank you so much for being my bridesmaids and maid of honour." She looked at Radella.
"It's nothing, Alura. Good excuse to get dressed up." Kathryn grinned.
And undressed up. Lily thought, not realising it was 'aloud'.
Lily! Kathryn scolded.
Oops.
They put on their bracelets – all of them wore simple silver jewellery with their outfits and all of them had a lilac rose in their hair.
"Where did you get these roses?" Kathryn asked.
"A shop in Diagon Alley. They're actually silk, but spelled to look and feel and smell like real – thornless – roses." Alura smiled. She herself had a number of tiny, delicate white roses in her hair, twisted into it. They were clearly of the same type.
"Well, girls, let's go. You did remember to wear waterproof and smudgeproof make-up, didn't you?" Kathryn teased, knowing they'd probably get sentimental.
"We used a spell for it to stay in place. It won't come off until we say the counter-spell." Lily explained. "And then that takes all the make-up off."
"Good idea." Kathryn grinned. "Saves all that waste this evening. Especially for Alura. I'm sure she can't wait for her wedding night."
# # #
Merlin's Hall:
Kathryn gasped at the sight. She had no idea that the place for magical weddings was so amazing. But then, it had been used for centuries.
Merlin's Hall was a large building, with several sets of suites and halls. Each suite had the Wedding Hall, a Ballroom and a Dining Room, complete with kitchen and dressing rooms backstage. The more expensive ones had bedrooms attached for the newly married couple and guests as well, if needed. The gardens were also exceptionally fine, and in the summer, the weddings often took place outside. Almost all British witches and wizards got married here, unless they were marrying a Muggle and chose a Muggle ceremony or just preferred a Muggle ceremony itself. It was also popular with foreign wizards and witches, because it was especially famous for being Merlin's birthplace. His mother had escaped the town and the house had sprung up as Merlin was born. Magically, of course. It was owned by the Society for the Preservation of Ancient Magical Sites, and they charged a fee for its use. Since this went to keeping the Hall in such splendid shape and the decorating, none of the couples minded.
Kathryn just gasped at the amazing floral and luminescent decorations. It looked superb.
She grinned at Alura as the twenty-year-old looked on nervously. She realised with a start that it was her own – and Sirius' – twenty-first birthday today. She nearly laughed, and wondered why they'd forgotten. Her present for him lay in their room, in the depths of her walk-in wardrobe, which was effectively a dressing room.
"You'll be fine. Just think. When you walk out of here, you'll be Mrs Damion Jackson." Kathryn teased.
Alura smiled and visibly relaxed. "I can do this. Okay, let's get this show on the road."
She handed her wand and a white rope to Radella, who held them on a cushion, as well as the ring.
"Radella, Remus, you two first." Alura ordered.
Damion was waiting in the Hall already.
Remus (Damion's choice for Best Man) and Radella entered the Hall and strains of glorious music followed them. Alice and Frank followed. Then Kathryn and Sirius. Then Lily and James. Each of the bridesmaids held a bouquet of white and lilac roses.
Finally, the Hall hushed as the wedding march began to play. Apparently, the tune was wizard in origin, though Kathryn wasn't really convinced.
Alura entered on her father's arm. She looked amazing. Her dress was a corset of white silk with pearl beads to decorate, falling into a wide, white skirt with a slight train behind her. There were no sleeves or straps, just the fall of a light, chiffon veil that covered her lovely features. Her hair was up, but curls cascaded from it, white roses looking striking against her dark tresses. A tiara of silver wire held her veil in place, pearls decorating it. A similar necklace graced her throat, and a terran and diamond betrothal ring sat on the ring finger of her left hand. Terran was a magical metal that looked either gold or silver, dependant on the wish of the wearer. It was always used in magical wedding and betrothal (or engagement) rings for this purpose, and also it's near indestructibility.
In truth, Alura Kingston looked amazing.
The Kernan (wizarding equivalent of minister or priest – in charge of weddings, christenings, etc.) stepped forward.
"Today has been chosen to witness the union of two magic holders, Damion Francis Jackson and Alura Regina Kingston. Who here gives this witch to this wizard?" The Kernan (named Winters) asked.
"I, her father, give my daughter, Alura Regina Kingston, to this wizard, Damion Francis Jackson." Alura's father stated.
"Does anyone here oppose this union before it begins?" Winters asked.
There was no reply.
"Then repeat after me." The Kernan ordered Damion. "I, Damion Francis Jackson..."
Damion repeated it, and went on to give his vows. He and Alura had written their own. "I, Damion Francis Jackon, take Alura Regina Kingston to be my wife for always in the eyes of law, magic and heart. I promise to love you and cherish you. I promise to worship you and help you. I will care for you, in life, in death, in sickness, in health, in wealth, in poverty, in this land, in the next. I will never betray you, abuse your trust or harm you. I shall help you and aid you. I shall never lie to you – except about gifts and surprises." A few titters went round the room. "I will do anything for you. I will live for you, I will die for you. I shall love you faithfully until life has left us. I love you, and I will always be yours, until death parts us. I promise that should that come before our time, I will do as you wish and beg that you will do the same. In life and in death, I wish you to be happy. And I promise to make you that." Damion smiled.
Alura went on with her own. "I, Alura Regina Kingston, take you, Damion Francis Jackson as my husband for always in the eyes of law, magic and heart. I swear that I will love, cherish you and worship you. I will love you in life and death, health and sickness, wealth and poverty, this land and the next. I will never betray you in trust or in harm. I shall help you and aid you. I will never lie or keep secrets – except those of my friends and gifts and surprises." Again, people laughed or smiled. "I shall never hold back from you, for I would and will do anything you ask. My life and death are yours and I will love you loyally until breath has left us. I love you, and I always will, until death parts us. I accept your promise that should death come too soon, I shall carry on, but only if you return the promise as you did. In our lives and our deaths, I wish you happiness. And I promise to do my best to make sure you reach that."
Kathryn smiled. That was so wonderful, and sweet.
"Then exchange the rings." The Kernan ordered.
Damion took the ring from Remus. "In the name of life, magic and heart, with this ring I promise myself to thee."
He slid it onto her finger, where the ring changed places with her betrothal ring.
Alura took the ring from Radella. "In the name of life, magic and heart, with this ring I promise myself to thee."
"And the joining of the wands."
The two magic-bearers took their wands from their friends.
"With the joining of these wands, we promise ourselves to each other in magic, life and heart." They spoke together, and then incanted, "Amor comparare ars magica." (A/N: Love join magic – supposedly. I'm using a Latin dictionary for spells, but I don't know anything about grammar!)
A pure white light emanated from their wands and they joined the tips together. A white aura, mixed with red, silver, gold and blue, shone around them for a moment. Then it dissipated and they took their wands back. Damion's disappeared up his sleeve. Kathryn used a levitation spell to slip Alura's into the sheath tied to her (Alura's) thigh.
"And the binding of the hands."
Alura and Damion turned to Radella and Remus respectively. Each had a soft rope – Alura's white, Damion's black – tied about their wrists. The rope in between the wrists was long, but the rope would not slip off the wrists easily.
They turned back to face each other. The Kernan held a red rope in his hands.
"With this rope I shall bind you both together in heart, magic and life." He turned to Damion. "Do you, Damion Francis Jackson, accept this binding and take Alura Regina Kingston as your wife?"
"I do."
"Do you, Alura Regina Kingston, accept this binding and take Damion Francis Jackson as your husband?"
"I do."
"Then place your hands on hers, palm to palm." He ordered. Damion placed his hands on Alura's, smiling. "With this rope, you are bound to each other in heart, magic and life." Winters murmured, winding the rope about the large expanse of rope between the wrists three times. He then smiled. "I pronounce you husband and wife in the eyes of law, magic and heart." He paused. "You may kiss the bride."
Damion removed Alura's veil carefully, for their hands were still bound. Then he cupped her face in his hands and kissed her soundly. The rope slid up Alura's arms as she flung them about her new husband's neck.
Everyone clapped as the two of them smiled and left the Hall, arm in arm.
As they got to the door, Damion undid the ropes as tradition ordered and tied Alura's, his own and the binding rope loosely about her waist. It actually looked quite good.
Kathryn smiled as Sirius offered her his arm.
"That was so beautiful." She sighed.
"Yes, I know. But there was one thing wrong with it." Sirius frowned.
"What?"
"We weren't the ones getting married." Sirius stated simply.
Kathryn raised her eyebrows. "Eager, aren't we, Mr Black?"
"Ah, I'm just looking forward to it, Miss Orenda. Besides, there's nothing like good wedding food." Sirius grinned. "And the dresses are wonderful."
"I'm glad you like it." Kathryn smiled. "But are you sure it's not just the wedding night you're looking forward to?"
"Yes, I guess that does have its perks." Sirius grinned at her suggestively.
"Well, you do know the tradition about bridesmaids and groomsmen?" Kathryn asked.
"Which one?" Sirius grinned wolfishly.
"The little one about them... ahem... getting more than a little friendly?" Kathryn euphemised.
"Oh, yes, I know about that one."
"Just make sure you get the right bridesmaid."
"There's more than one?"
Sirius clearly hadn't torn his eyes from Kathryn.
"It doesn't matter." Kathryn told him as they left the Hall. She pulled him into a secluded corner. "Not at all."
She slid her arm round the back of his neck to pull his head down a little – he was a good six inches taller than her, the top of her head level with the bottom of his nose, which he liked. He pulled her close, his arms round her waist and back.
"I love you." He breathed.
"I love you too." She murmured back.
Their breath mingled for a second before he kissed her, gently to begin with, getting ever more passionate. They were lost in near paradise for a few sweet moments, before being brought back down to Earth.
"Oi, Padfoot, Mystique! What are you doing here?" James' voice broke through their pure bliss.
Sirius groaned. "Nothing now, you idiot. Why, were you and Lily looking a secluded spot?" He asked, wickedly.
"No, we were looking for you two."
"Oh, well."
And Kathryn and Sirius headed with their two friends to the Dining Room for the Wedding Dinner.
# # #
Sirius' house (I've forgotten the name):
"I can't believe they did that!" Kathryn laughed, her eyes shining.
"Me either. I mean, in public?" Sirius gasped.
"And then the presents – I thought Alura's eyes were going to pop out when she saw ours!"
"That is why we chose it."
"Thank God I had a camera with me. A Muggle camera at that. That moment preserved forever in time."
Kathryn and Sirius were tired. Their friends had attacked them earlier that night, with their birthday presents. After unwrapping them and thanking everyone, they had headed home, tired. Now they were curled up in front of the fire together, while Lily and James did the same on the other couch.
"I hope our wedding's as good as that." Kathryn smiled.
"Me too." Lily grinned.
"WHAT?" Kathryn and Sirius yelped and fell off the sofa.
"You didn't, Prongs... You did! Wow!" Sirius grinned.
"He proposed at the wedding. How romantic!" Kathryn gushed.
"I'm just so happy now. I can't believe I ran away from all of this." Lily sighed.
"I still can't believe you were my first assignment." Sirius glared at her.
"Me either." Kathryn sighed, and pulled Sirius back onto the settee.
"'M tired." Sirius murmured as she snuggled into his arms once more.
"Mm-hmm."
It was like a sleepiness spell had suddenly hit the entire house. In their happiness and contentment, the four friends fell asleep on the sofas, clean, fresh and in love.
# # #
A/N: How soppy! Just a little fluffy chapter for everyone. Not very long at all. Never mind. Bit more uplifting than the last one. Don't worry, things are going to be good and bad. I've got three more weddings to write, plus a few other plans up my sleeve before the end of Part 1. And I don't think anyone will have thought of this.
Okay, now to reviewers:
BrokenSkye: Nope, I don't think 'sure as death' is an actual saying, but I don't think witches and wizards believe in Heaven and Hell! Voldemort bursting into tears – it was a spell. I just couldn't help myself! As for the new fic... Check it out! (Actually, I think you have...)
Raclswt: Thanks!
nightblade-advanced: Thanks. Again, I loved making Moldyvort cry. As for Writer's Block... Well, maybe I'll have to post up a different fic or more chapters on others where I don't have writer's block!
polgarathesorceress2: What's with going to Holland at Whit for Year 8s? My school's done that too! I would have asked if you went there, but since you reviewed the Friday they left or Saturday afterwards, it seems unlikely!
Hermione1989: Thanks for all of those reviews! They're great. I'm glad you like it. And I updated, see? You want a hint? Think Harry Potter universe, not real world. I guarantee, it's not really that difficult. But then maybe you need a dirty mind like mine... There's your clue.
Miss Black16: You couldn't wait? Wow, thanks. And I'm glad you liked the way they were tired. I figured they probably would be all too chipper after using their powers, especially Kat and Sirius. As for the hint, see my answer to Hermione1989 above!
Lenorathetrekkie: 'Oh, dry up'? Quit crying, sorry if it hurt! Have you really not heard that expression before? Glad you liked the defying and stuff, I'm kind of struggling with that. The second lot comes up soon, but the third defiance – for both couples – is a bit more exciting. In my lowly opinion. If I can just write the damn thing!
Wow, fair few of you there!
Now, the question from Chapter 29 still stands: Which night was obviously very cold in 1986 (for my fic) or 1979 (for real timeline)?
Here's the clue, like I said to Hermione 1989 and Miss Black16 (what's with you two and numbers?), maybe you need a dirty mind like mine to figure it out. Wink.
Lol, Tanydwr
Responses to reviews at the end!
Chapter 30 – The first wedding
New Year's Day, 1985:
"SIRIUS!" Kathryn yelled.
"What?" He grumbled, pushing himself up in bed.
"We need to be at a wedding in three hours!" Kathryn yelped. "I'm supposed to be helping Alura out with her make up and dress! Crap!" She ran into the bathroom and took a momentary shower and reappeared wearing jeans and a sweater.
"I'm supposed to be helping out Damion!" Sirius growled and proceeded to throw clothes on.
Kathryn disappeared. "LILY! JAMES! GET UP!" Then there was a sudden laugh. "WHAT THE... I DON'T BELIEVE IT! YOU TWO ARE WORSE THAN US!"
Sirius blanched, wondering what Kathryn had walked in on and what their best friends were planning on doing to her.
"DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT, JAMES HAROLD POTTER! AARGH, YOU STUPID GIT!" Kathryn ran out of the room. And then yelled again. "LILY, WE WERE SUPPOSED TO BE AT ALURA'S HALF AN HOUR AGO!"
"HOLY CRAP!" Sirius heard Lily yell. "WHY DIDN'T YOU JUST SAY THAT?"
"WELL, I WASN'T EXACTLY PLANNING TO WALK IN ON YOU TWO SN –" Kathryn was cut off and yelped again. Sirius heard her running downstairs and then a crash. "HOLY MOTHER OF MERLIN! WHERE IS THE GOD-DAMNED HANGOVER CURE?!"
He sighed. This was going to be a looong few minutes.
# # #
Alura and Damion's home:
"Where have you two been?" Alura demanded as Lily and Kat Apparated in.
"Unfortunately, Sirius and I genuinely slept in late, what with it being New Year's Eve last night, not to mention your hen night." Kathryn grinned. She had finally found the Hangover Cure, but not after smashing several pieces of china. Sometimes it amazed her that she had made it through the Auror Academy when she could be so clumsy. "But James and Lily had other things on their minds..."
"Kat, I'll say this once, don't even think about it."
"Ah, but mind-influence doesn't work on me, dear friend. Occlumens, remember?" Kat grinned.
"Let's get down to business! Kat, you said you'd do my dress?" Alura asked.
"Sure."
Alura was half-Muggle and half-Magic, and had chosen Muggle formal clothing as the dress code. In truth, it was because she wanted the traditional big white wedding dress. (A/N: Sorry if I hadn't explained about Alura's heritage before. If I have, sorry if it's different. Damion's pureblood and so is Radella. Alura's dad is a Muggle.)
Radella and Alice appeared from the other room. Radella was Maid of Honour, while the other three were bridesmaids. Alice and Frank were a lot closer to the groups than before, especially to Sirius and Kathryn, since they had worked with them for so long.
"You two are already ready? Yikes!" Lily squealed.
"Hurry up, Lils. Now hush, I need to concentrate." Kathryn stated.
She concentrated on the picture of what Alura had drawn. The dress. Concentrating on the white silk robes before her, she let her wandless Transfiguration out. Crimson light gathered about her as she stared at the robes. Lily noticed the flash of crimson fire in her friend's eyes. Yet it didn't look evil or demonic, as Voldemort's red eyes did. It looked warm, good, comforting.
Slowly the dress took shape. And after a few more minutes, Kathryn helped Alura slip it on.
"Oh, Mystique, this is perfect!" Alura gasped. "Thank you, oh so much!"
"I'm glad you like it. Radella's the one for hair. I just need to get my dress on." Kathryn grinned.
Unlike Alura's bridal gown, the bridesmaids' dresses had been ordered, though designed by Alura herself. Kathryn slipped into the shimmering lilac gown, amazed that the colour and style suited all four girls, who all looked somewhat different, though it was Lily in particular, since the other three were varying shades of blonde. (A/N: Does Alice have blonde hair? Did I say what colour hair she has? I can't remember, so say she's got honey blonde hair.) But it did. It was very simple and elegant. An empire waistline (just below the bust), with thin straps and a lightly- flared at the ankle skirt. Kathryn and Lily both kept their wands sheathed, with holsters fastened round their thighs. They were spelled magically to make it seem like nothing was there.
Kathryn caught her hair up with a few hairgrips and let the rest of the cascade of curls and ringlets fall naturally at the back of her head. A little make-up and lip-gloss later, she slid on her shoes and headed out, to wear Alura was having the final touches put to her ensemble.
"Kat!" Radella grinned. "One last thing!" And she fixed a lilac rose into her friend's hair at the back.
"Thanks. You look great, Radella." Kathryn grinned.
"So do you."
Alura gushed happily, "You all look great! Thank you so much for being here and helping me! And now, as a little thank you gift..." She pulled out four wrapped boxes. "Here."
They all thanked her and opened the gifts. Each of them had an elegant silver bracelet set with a moonstone in the centre.
"Thank you so much for being my bridesmaids and maid of honour." She looked at Radella.
"It's nothing, Alura. Good excuse to get dressed up." Kathryn grinned.
And undressed up. Lily thought, not realising it was 'aloud'.
Lily! Kathryn scolded.
Oops.
They put on their bracelets – all of them wore simple silver jewellery with their outfits and all of them had a lilac rose in their hair.
"Where did you get these roses?" Kathryn asked.
"A shop in Diagon Alley. They're actually silk, but spelled to look and feel and smell like real – thornless – roses." Alura smiled. She herself had a number of tiny, delicate white roses in her hair, twisted into it. They were clearly of the same type.
"Well, girls, let's go. You did remember to wear waterproof and smudgeproof make-up, didn't you?" Kathryn teased, knowing they'd probably get sentimental.
"We used a spell for it to stay in place. It won't come off until we say the counter-spell." Lily explained. "And then that takes all the make-up off."
"Good idea." Kathryn grinned. "Saves all that waste this evening. Especially for Alura. I'm sure she can't wait for her wedding night."
# # #
Merlin's Hall:
Kathryn gasped at the sight. She had no idea that the place for magical weddings was so amazing. But then, it had been used for centuries.
Merlin's Hall was a large building, with several sets of suites and halls. Each suite had the Wedding Hall, a Ballroom and a Dining Room, complete with kitchen and dressing rooms backstage. The more expensive ones had bedrooms attached for the newly married couple and guests as well, if needed. The gardens were also exceptionally fine, and in the summer, the weddings often took place outside. Almost all British witches and wizards got married here, unless they were marrying a Muggle and chose a Muggle ceremony or just preferred a Muggle ceremony itself. It was also popular with foreign wizards and witches, because it was especially famous for being Merlin's birthplace. His mother had escaped the town and the house had sprung up as Merlin was born. Magically, of course. It was owned by the Society for the Preservation of Ancient Magical Sites, and they charged a fee for its use. Since this went to keeping the Hall in such splendid shape and the decorating, none of the couples minded.
Kathryn just gasped at the amazing floral and luminescent decorations. It looked superb.
She grinned at Alura as the twenty-year-old looked on nervously. She realised with a start that it was her own – and Sirius' – twenty-first birthday today. She nearly laughed, and wondered why they'd forgotten. Her present for him lay in their room, in the depths of her walk-in wardrobe, which was effectively a dressing room.
"You'll be fine. Just think. When you walk out of here, you'll be Mrs Damion Jackson." Kathryn teased.
Alura smiled and visibly relaxed. "I can do this. Okay, let's get this show on the road."
She handed her wand and a white rope to Radella, who held them on a cushion, as well as the ring.
"Radella, Remus, you two first." Alura ordered.
Damion was waiting in the Hall already.
Remus (Damion's choice for Best Man) and Radella entered the Hall and strains of glorious music followed them. Alice and Frank followed. Then Kathryn and Sirius. Then Lily and James. Each of the bridesmaids held a bouquet of white and lilac roses.
Finally, the Hall hushed as the wedding march began to play. Apparently, the tune was wizard in origin, though Kathryn wasn't really convinced.
Alura entered on her father's arm. She looked amazing. Her dress was a corset of white silk with pearl beads to decorate, falling into a wide, white skirt with a slight train behind her. There were no sleeves or straps, just the fall of a light, chiffon veil that covered her lovely features. Her hair was up, but curls cascaded from it, white roses looking striking against her dark tresses. A tiara of silver wire held her veil in place, pearls decorating it. A similar necklace graced her throat, and a terran and diamond betrothal ring sat on the ring finger of her left hand. Terran was a magical metal that looked either gold or silver, dependant on the wish of the wearer. It was always used in magical wedding and betrothal (or engagement) rings for this purpose, and also it's near indestructibility.
In truth, Alura Kingston looked amazing.
The Kernan (wizarding equivalent of minister or priest – in charge of weddings, christenings, etc.) stepped forward.
"Today has been chosen to witness the union of two magic holders, Damion Francis Jackson and Alura Regina Kingston. Who here gives this witch to this wizard?" The Kernan (named Winters) asked.
"I, her father, give my daughter, Alura Regina Kingston, to this wizard, Damion Francis Jackson." Alura's father stated.
"Does anyone here oppose this union before it begins?" Winters asked.
There was no reply.
"Then repeat after me." The Kernan ordered Damion. "I, Damion Francis Jackson..."
Damion repeated it, and went on to give his vows. He and Alura had written their own. "I, Damion Francis Jackon, take Alura Regina Kingston to be my wife for always in the eyes of law, magic and heart. I promise to love you and cherish you. I promise to worship you and help you. I will care for you, in life, in death, in sickness, in health, in wealth, in poverty, in this land, in the next. I will never betray you, abuse your trust or harm you. I shall help you and aid you. I shall never lie to you – except about gifts and surprises." A few titters went round the room. "I will do anything for you. I will live for you, I will die for you. I shall love you faithfully until life has left us. I love you, and I will always be yours, until death parts us. I promise that should that come before our time, I will do as you wish and beg that you will do the same. In life and in death, I wish you to be happy. And I promise to make you that." Damion smiled.
Alura went on with her own. "I, Alura Regina Kingston, take you, Damion Francis Jackson as my husband for always in the eyes of law, magic and heart. I swear that I will love, cherish you and worship you. I will love you in life and death, health and sickness, wealth and poverty, this land and the next. I will never betray you in trust or in harm. I shall help you and aid you. I will never lie or keep secrets – except those of my friends and gifts and surprises." Again, people laughed or smiled. "I shall never hold back from you, for I would and will do anything you ask. My life and death are yours and I will love you loyally until breath has left us. I love you, and I always will, until death parts us. I accept your promise that should death come too soon, I shall carry on, but only if you return the promise as you did. In our lives and our deaths, I wish you happiness. And I promise to do my best to make sure you reach that."
Kathryn smiled. That was so wonderful, and sweet.
"Then exchange the rings." The Kernan ordered.
Damion took the ring from Remus. "In the name of life, magic and heart, with this ring I promise myself to thee."
He slid it onto her finger, where the ring changed places with her betrothal ring.
Alura took the ring from Radella. "In the name of life, magic and heart, with this ring I promise myself to thee."
"And the joining of the wands."
The two magic-bearers took their wands from their friends.
"With the joining of these wands, we promise ourselves to each other in magic, life and heart." They spoke together, and then incanted, "Amor comparare ars magica." (A/N: Love join magic – supposedly. I'm using a Latin dictionary for spells, but I don't know anything about grammar!)
A pure white light emanated from their wands and they joined the tips together. A white aura, mixed with red, silver, gold and blue, shone around them for a moment. Then it dissipated and they took their wands back. Damion's disappeared up his sleeve. Kathryn used a levitation spell to slip Alura's into the sheath tied to her (Alura's) thigh.
"And the binding of the hands."
Alura and Damion turned to Radella and Remus respectively. Each had a soft rope – Alura's white, Damion's black – tied about their wrists. The rope in between the wrists was long, but the rope would not slip off the wrists easily.
They turned back to face each other. The Kernan held a red rope in his hands.
"With this rope I shall bind you both together in heart, magic and life." He turned to Damion. "Do you, Damion Francis Jackson, accept this binding and take Alura Regina Kingston as your wife?"
"I do."
"Do you, Alura Regina Kingston, accept this binding and take Damion Francis Jackson as your husband?"
"I do."
"Then place your hands on hers, palm to palm." He ordered. Damion placed his hands on Alura's, smiling. "With this rope, you are bound to each other in heart, magic and life." Winters murmured, winding the rope about the large expanse of rope between the wrists three times. He then smiled. "I pronounce you husband and wife in the eyes of law, magic and heart." He paused. "You may kiss the bride."
Damion removed Alura's veil carefully, for their hands were still bound. Then he cupped her face in his hands and kissed her soundly. The rope slid up Alura's arms as she flung them about her new husband's neck.
Everyone clapped as the two of them smiled and left the Hall, arm in arm.
As they got to the door, Damion undid the ropes as tradition ordered and tied Alura's, his own and the binding rope loosely about her waist. It actually looked quite good.
Kathryn smiled as Sirius offered her his arm.
"That was so beautiful." She sighed.
"Yes, I know. But there was one thing wrong with it." Sirius frowned.
"What?"
"We weren't the ones getting married." Sirius stated simply.
Kathryn raised her eyebrows. "Eager, aren't we, Mr Black?"
"Ah, I'm just looking forward to it, Miss Orenda. Besides, there's nothing like good wedding food." Sirius grinned. "And the dresses are wonderful."
"I'm glad you like it." Kathryn smiled. "But are you sure it's not just the wedding night you're looking forward to?"
"Yes, I guess that does have its perks." Sirius grinned at her suggestively.
"Well, you do know the tradition about bridesmaids and groomsmen?" Kathryn asked.
"Which one?" Sirius grinned wolfishly.
"The little one about them... ahem... getting more than a little friendly?" Kathryn euphemised.
"Oh, yes, I know about that one."
"Just make sure you get the right bridesmaid."
"There's more than one?"
Sirius clearly hadn't torn his eyes from Kathryn.
"It doesn't matter." Kathryn told him as they left the Hall. She pulled him into a secluded corner. "Not at all."
She slid her arm round the back of his neck to pull his head down a little – he was a good six inches taller than her, the top of her head level with the bottom of his nose, which he liked. He pulled her close, his arms round her waist and back.
"I love you." He breathed.
"I love you too." She murmured back.
Their breath mingled for a second before he kissed her, gently to begin with, getting ever more passionate. They were lost in near paradise for a few sweet moments, before being brought back down to Earth.
"Oi, Padfoot, Mystique! What are you doing here?" James' voice broke through their pure bliss.
Sirius groaned. "Nothing now, you idiot. Why, were you and Lily looking a secluded spot?" He asked, wickedly.
"No, we were looking for you two."
"Oh, well."
And Kathryn and Sirius headed with their two friends to the Dining Room for the Wedding Dinner.
# # #
Sirius' house (I've forgotten the name):
"I can't believe they did that!" Kathryn laughed, her eyes shining.
"Me either. I mean, in public?" Sirius gasped.
"And then the presents – I thought Alura's eyes were going to pop out when she saw ours!"
"That is why we chose it."
"Thank God I had a camera with me. A Muggle camera at that. That moment preserved forever in time."
Kathryn and Sirius were tired. Their friends had attacked them earlier that night, with their birthday presents. After unwrapping them and thanking everyone, they had headed home, tired. Now they were curled up in front of the fire together, while Lily and James did the same on the other couch.
"I hope our wedding's as good as that." Kathryn smiled.
"Me too." Lily grinned.
"WHAT?" Kathryn and Sirius yelped and fell off the sofa.
"You didn't, Prongs... You did! Wow!" Sirius grinned.
"He proposed at the wedding. How romantic!" Kathryn gushed.
"I'm just so happy now. I can't believe I ran away from all of this." Lily sighed.
"I still can't believe you were my first assignment." Sirius glared at her.
"Me either." Kathryn sighed, and pulled Sirius back onto the settee.
"'M tired." Sirius murmured as she snuggled into his arms once more.
"Mm-hmm."
It was like a sleepiness spell had suddenly hit the entire house. In their happiness and contentment, the four friends fell asleep on the sofas, clean, fresh and in love.
# # #
A/N: How soppy! Just a little fluffy chapter for everyone. Not very long at all. Never mind. Bit more uplifting than the last one. Don't worry, things are going to be good and bad. I've got three more weddings to write, plus a few other plans up my sleeve before the end of Part 1. And I don't think anyone will have thought of this.
Okay, now to reviewers:
BrokenSkye: Nope, I don't think 'sure as death' is an actual saying, but I don't think witches and wizards believe in Heaven and Hell! Voldemort bursting into tears – it was a spell. I just couldn't help myself! As for the new fic... Check it out! (Actually, I think you have...)
Raclswt: Thanks!
nightblade-advanced: Thanks. Again, I loved making Moldyvort cry. As for Writer's Block... Well, maybe I'll have to post up a different fic or more chapters on others where I don't have writer's block!
polgarathesorceress2: What's with going to Holland at Whit for Year 8s? My school's done that too! I would have asked if you went there, but since you reviewed the Friday they left or Saturday afterwards, it seems unlikely!
Hermione1989: Thanks for all of those reviews! They're great. I'm glad you like it. And I updated, see? You want a hint? Think Harry Potter universe, not real world. I guarantee, it's not really that difficult. But then maybe you need a dirty mind like mine... There's your clue.
Miss Black16: You couldn't wait? Wow, thanks. And I'm glad you liked the way they were tired. I figured they probably would be all too chipper after using their powers, especially Kat and Sirius. As for the hint, see my answer to Hermione1989 above!
Lenorathetrekkie: 'Oh, dry up'? Quit crying, sorry if it hurt! Have you really not heard that expression before? Glad you liked the defying and stuff, I'm kind of struggling with that. The second lot comes up soon, but the third defiance – for both couples – is a bit more exciting. In my lowly opinion. If I can just write the damn thing!
Wow, fair few of you there!
Now, the question from Chapter 29 still stands: Which night was obviously very cold in 1986 (for my fic) or 1979 (for real timeline)?
Here's the clue, like I said to Hermione 1989 and Miss Black16 (what's with you two and numbers?), maybe you need a dirty mind like mine to figure it out. Wink.
Lol, Tanydwr