Thanks to Satyr-Oh for the beta work.

I don't own HP or JKRowling's characters, I'm just playing with them until HBP is cut loose. Hot damn, I can't wait. Until then,

Enjoy...

The Good the Bad and the OOglies

There were twenty Hogwart's students that were asked to report to the dungeons and the potions lab at six on Saturday morning along with all of Thundercloud house and Professor McGonagall and Madame Pomphrey. The two elder witches were somewhat surprised by Severus' request to join them in the dungeon at such an early hour. It was quite clear to them why exactly when they walked in and found over a hundred cauldrons set up in rows ready to brew potions on a massive scale. The Thunderbirds except for Harry who was forbidden to be there were all present. Neville who was no longer thought to be a jinx around a cauldron; seeing as how he marked excellent-superior for his NEWT in potions. Draco was standing with Severus at the head of the laboratory when Severus signaled for quiet.

"You are all here to brew a huge quantity of Pepper-up potion in a very short while. Since you have not seen the Daily Prophet yet, there are dark forces massing in western France as we speak. We believe that an attack is certain to happen and happen very soon. We will brew the Pepper-up potion and then add Xanadu to it and use the resulting potion if necessary, for battle energy and clarity of thinking during battle. I am sorry to say that the Hogwart's Express will not be on its tracks until after the battle is over with. There will be a special Keyport established somewhere on the castle grounds to evacuate the younger students when the need presents itself. In the mean time, we shall begin the potion brewing. The instructions are on the board. Madame Pomphrey, Professor McGonagall, Prince Draco and Prince Adam will assist any that need it. Lets begin and then I think that we can all go to breakfast. We appreciate it that you have given up a Saturday morning's sleep, but when we are finished, you will all be quite well fed. After we get the potions brewing, there is tea or coffee, hot chocolate and doughnuts to tide you over. I suggest you all start with five liters of water on a medium high flame under the cauldron for seven and a half minutes before you add..." Severus said and the assembly began brewing the Pepper-up potion.

Draco, Adam, and Madame Pomphrey were busy helping three wizards in different places in the lab while Professor McGonagall and Severus were measuring exactly the Xanadu potion to distribute around to be added after the fires were extinguished as the last ingredient. The potion brewers had added all of the ingredients they needed to, stirred the appropriate number of times in different directions, and incantations said while they added the ingredients. All they needed to do then was wait. Most had secured themselves a cup of tea or coffee. The American witches and wizards were impressed with the house elves version of a donut. Clearly, they were dough, fried, and covered with sugar, how they got them done shaped like nuts was beyond most of them. They did not care because they tasted great and breakfast was not for another forty-five minutes. The Europeans in their opinion did not know what they were missing.

The conversations stopped abruptly when Severus cleared his throat to quiet the noise. Professor McGonagall looked at him sideways when he did not demand silence right away like he was wont to do.

"If I may have your attention; please come here and take one portion each of the Xanadu potion to add as the last ingredient to the Pepper-up. The quantities have been exactly measured and when you all are behind your cauldrons on my command, extinguish the fires and then add the Xanadu to your cauldrons. Professor McGonagall and I will be doing an incantation at that time to bind the potions for the cooling period. I would like a few volunteers to help me bottle the potions into dose vials after breakfast. Form a line and take a portion of Xanadu" Severus said.

The potion brewers were unaware that this was the first time ever that Pepper-up and Xanadu were ever combined. Severus was confident that the quantity of Xanadu to Pepper-up would be sufficient to make the potion effective for twenty-four hours. Professor McGonagall offered to volunteer to be the first to give it a go. It was a clear, cold morning and she would not mind the warming effect of the potion. She could live with being awake for an extra day. Severus decided that it would be unfair to the elder witch to go through it alone and told her he would take it with her. If they had to play gin rummy and drink tea all night, they could tolerate each other's company while they did it.

Draco mentally called to Harry when the potion brewing was over with, and asked him to join him and the others in the Great Hall for breakfast. Harry entered the Great Hall with Seamus and Parvati Patil deep in conversation about the D.A. with the two Gryffindors when he spotted his husband looking straight at him.

"Uh, Seamus, Parvati, I have to go sit with Draco. I'll see you later at the meeting." Harry said.

"Right mate See you later, Parvati and I 'ave something to do later as well." Seamus said and they parted for their seats.

"Have you been waiting long?" Harry said.

"No, not really Harry; if you were going to be any longer, I was going to come get you myself. I know how you get lost lately." Draco said with a little smirk to hide his grin.

"Oh, bugger you! I do not get lost. Did you get the potion finished?" Harry asked.

"Yes we did, about five hundred liters or so." Draco said while he filled Harry's plate.

"Thank you. Will you pass the catsup?" Harry asked.

Draco passed the American favorite to Harry and he poured it all over his hotcakes. The table syrup was in front of Harry and all over his eggs as well. Harry chopped the lot together and started to shovel it in his mouth. Adam had been watching the whole scene from across the table and he elbowed Hermione gently in the ribs to get her attention. When the mildly miffed witch turned to see what Adam wanted, she spotted Harry put syrup, catsup, hotcake and egg in his mouth all at one time. That was all Hermione could take and she quickly conjured a bag and threw up her breakfast into it in front of everyone. Only one person noticed...

"How long have you been throwing up in the morning?" Luna asked from beside Hermione very quietly.

"About three weeks. You don't think that I'm..." Hermione whispered back, hoping no one was paying attention.

"Up the duff? Uh huh!" Luna said just a little louder than she should have because Ron's head turned so fast to look at his fiancé's face his neck cracked.

"Hermione... are you? A-are you pregnant?" Ron asked, also a bit too loudly with his brother next to him.

'Oi, everyone! Hermione's up the duff!' George mentally called to the Thunderbirds.

There was the sound of forks clattering to plates up two sides of Thundercloud house table when George opened his mind and spilt the secret Hermione hoped wasn't true. Adam Thundercloud was on his feet in a second checking out Hermione's aura. It was faint as was the case when a witch or wizard had two muggles for parents. Hermione's aura was visible on a different level and a trained eye was required to see her physical aura. Hermione was good at only showing her magical aura but Adam finally saw through it and he was happy to see...

"Hermione, you've got a pulsing aura. I'm surprised Gin or Luna didn't see it first." Adam said.

"See what Adam?" Hermione said.

"You've got a pink pulsing aura. I would say you have some 'splainin to do" Adam said.

"What's a pink pulsing aura?" Ron asked, his red going pale.

"It means that it's a girl baby that's what." Ginny said to her big brother.

"We're telling," "Mum and Dad" "as soon as" "they get here." George and Fred said.

"Oh, no you don't you two. I am telling my mother first and then Ronald can tell Molly and Arthur. After the wedding" Hermione cautioned the twins with a tiny lightening show in her fingertips as a non-verbal exclamation point.

"Oi, 'Mione love, you're the only other person besides Ginny that those two are scared of. I love you so much for this," Ron whispered.

"Any time love" she whispered back.

"You think it's really a girl Ginny?" Hermione asked loud enough for everyone to hear. If the cat was out of the bag, at least she could keep a collar on it.

"Yes. Yes I do. Ask Adam. He'll tell you. Won't you Adam?" Ginny said grinning at the bushy haired teary-eyed witch.

"That's right Hermione, pink aura means girl. Now, Harry's aura is pulsing different colors, blue, pink and hues in between. You can see them if you look closely enough. I'm not showing you this time," Adam said.

"That's all those two need right now, three more children and in who knows how much time. At least I know I'm probably in for the whole nine months." Hermione said to her friends.

Ron kept silent, listening to everyone just talk about having babies as if it were the most bloody common thing in the world. He was truly at a loss for words if the drool coming out of his mouth was any indication of his state of mind at the moment. Ginny being the ever faithful sister and always in need of blackmail material on her brother, conjured a camera and snapped his picture just as a big wad of drool spilt from his shocked face.

Flash...Flash...Flash

The third flash stunned Ron's eyes at the bright light finally and he shut his eyes and more importantly, his mouth. He said the first thing he could think of,

"Bloody hell Gin, why'dja takes so many pictures? You trying to bloody blind me?"

"Not at all Ronniekins, when your 'daughter' is born, I'll just save these for the day when we tell her stories of how you reacted when you found out you were going to have a bloody baby!" Ginny said with a laugh and a smirk. Her big brothers George and Fred were congratulating themselves at their hand at another sibling's upbringing, True ball busters through and through.

"Bloody hell Gred, she really is..." "Our sister, Forge?" The twins mockingly gushed at Ginny's complete lack of respect to Ron.

Draco and Harry laughed at the ribbing the Weasleys gave each other in good fun and they hoped that their children would get along as good as the redheads did. The weddings were still on for the early evening after supper in the Great Hall was over as long as there was not an attack.

The word from the French is that there were perhaps now four thousand assembled Death Eaters along with perhaps a hundred of the large magical spell canons. There was no attempt to hide the weapons or the magical arming of the same. It looked like the canons could store a huge amount of magic before it was released. Heaven help who ever it was that was on the receiving end of one of the releases of magic. Dumbledore was grateful that there was no apparent further movement towards Britain by the legion of dark wizards and creatures.

The Thunderbirds sat through the morning together trying to figure out the best possible escape for the younger students and how to protect them once the battle begins. Harry thought of opening a portal into the Elven realm but he would not think of imposing on the King of the elves to protect children that could possibly cause trouble, namely, witches and wizards in training. The Maltese children were a different lot all together and that is where Harry left the point.

Draco had given Harry the armor vest for his belly like Birdy had suggested and it seemed to fit him even if it was made for Draco originally. The stones that Harry had given to Adam to place on his staff were still glowing and a couple stones at a time from one Thunderbird or another were handed over and encrusted into the handle. Birdy had sent along enough stones to replace theirs three times over. The new stones were kept segregated from the older original stones in similar medicine bags until Adam's staff would be covered. The Thunderbird defenses were talked about, the battle spells were gone over, the scenario of the final battle that they were going to make sure happened, happened. They even went so far as to stage places so they would remember who was supposed to be where when they cancelled magic over the battlefield and Harry and Voldemort could 'get it on'.

Molly and Narcissa apparated to Hogwart's together with an auror escort through the gates of the school and the two witches did not skip a beat keeping up their conversation despite apparating and walking. The subject was the wedding of course and grandchildren. Molly was completely flabbergasted when Harry was confirmed to be pregnant but she was unaware as to how many babies the wizard couple was going to have this time. Narcissa was pleased to tell Molly the good news and the two witches cackled the rest of the way up the walkway to the castle steps. The aurors behind the two witches could not help but laugh at how the two carried on as if there was not a war on at all.

Draco had spotted his mother coming up to the castle when her path crossed his line of sight. He told the Thunderbirds that the guests had begun to arrive and the mother of one of the grooms was there as well. Luna, Hermione, and Ginny retired to one of their rooms to begin the process of getting ready for the nuptials. Ginny was very happy to help Hermione and Luna get ready for the most important night of their lives. Luna was an out and out whiz with glamour charms and had no trouble taming Hermione's mop of brown hair. When she was finished, Hermione's hair was laying flat with plaits and curls. Ginny added tiny bows and bells and streaming ribbons. Hermione preferred muggle cosmetics and gladly accepted Ginny's help putting it on evenly. When they were through, they turned their attention to Luna and her luscious curly blond hair. The two witches charmed Luna's hair into cascading ringlets that formed a perfect frame for Luna's face. Ginny conjured baby's breath to put into Luna's hair and put a stone encrusted circlet around the top of her head to finish it off.

The Thunderbird women had done some good work researching the current witch bridal designs and together they transfigured the exact copies of the dresses they saw in the magazines complete with trains. Ginny thought it would be a good idea if the trains did not actually drag on the floor so she charmed them to float a half inch off the floor behind them. They also did not have to pull the material; it just came along without resistance. The two brides modeled their gowns for Ginny and each other of course and between the three of them, they managed to accessorize with jewelry and flowers quite nicely. The bridal veils were charmed so they could see out but no one could see in. That was one of Hermione's better ideas. Too bad, she would not be able to use it repeatedly. Perhaps she could work something out with George and Fred in the future.

There was a polite knock on the door to Ginny's room and she popped over to the door to open it the old-fashioned way, by the knob. She was not too surprised to see her mother and Narcissa standing there both grinning as if they had just won a lottery.

"Come on in you two, we don't want the grooms to catch a glimpse of them in their gowns now do we?" Ginny said and then gave her mother a peck on the cheek.

Ginny brought the two witches into the bathroom where Hermione and Luna were putting on the final additions. Narcissa and Molly were not sure that the two visions of loveliness were really two of the most dangerous women on the planet or not, the point was mute. Narcissa stepped forward and gave the two brides charmed love pendants made from huge diamonds.

"Oh, they're lovely Narcissa, thank you very much." Hermione said gazing at the brilliance the stone was projecting.

"Yes, thank you Mrs. Malfoy. I don't know what to say." Luna said with a completely attentive look on her face.

"You just said it. You are both very welcome. Those have been in my family for a very long time and it seems that the two of you could do with them more than I could. When your grooms make their pledges, the stones will seal them. Diamonds are forever you know." Narcissa said.

Molly had gone about looking over Ginny's handiwork adjusting the girls' gowns and had pronounced them fit to wear. The idea of floating the trains was not overlooked when Narcissa said, "I remember my wedding gown, and the train was so long I needed six attendants to help me pull it along, Ladies that was a very clever idea."

"Just a little magic and viola, the trains were off the floor and quite well behaved." Ginny said.

"Oh, will you look at the time? It is almost six. Your parents should be here directly Hermione. Arthur and a dozen aurors are bringing them by portkey." Narcissa said.

"We'll leave you to yourselves ladies; I want to have a little talk with my sons. Come along Molly, there is still plenty to do and only about an hour to do it." Narcissa said to her friend.

"Oh, right Bee; we'll see you girls in about three quarters of an hour to collect you for the ceremony. Ginny, you'll be sure to keep those boys out of here won't you dear?"

"Yes mum. They all know better than to cross me."

"I'm sure they do dear. See you." Molly finished and closed the door behind her.

"Those stones are huge aren't they?" Ginny said to the brides.

"I'll say. Luna, I know now might be the right time, but you think maybe you could key in Voldemort and make sure he's not up to something?" Hermione asked.

"I'd do it if I could, but there's no magic for me to key in on. I know we know where he is, but there is a huge ward around that place; unless Harry want's to help us out I can't just find him and see what's going on."

"That's alright. I just don't want to be interrupted tonight of all nights" Hermione said.

"Neither do I," Luna responded wistfully.

"None of us wants to visit with Death Eaters but look on the bright side, they're in France."

"No Gin, the continentals are in France. Who knows how many are here in Britain alone." Hermione said matter of factly.

"Let's just forget about it and think of something else. Ginny asked, I wonder how the guys are getting along?"

The Thunderbird guys were still in the common room when Ginny walked in to see where the grooms were. She about busted a gut when she saw the two wizards still in their day clothes and she pulled her wand and set about stripping them one article of clothing at a time until they were well on their way to their rooms to change.

"You guys would have just let them sit here until it was too late. I'm not sure I shouldn't hex you into next week." Ginny lashed at the male Thunderbirds.

"Relax Ginny," "it only takes" "ten minutes to shower," "shave and" "get dressed." The twins said.

"Bollocks, they have to get into wizard tuxedos. You and you go help them now." Ginny said pointing to Draco and Harry.

Obeying the red headed witch was the lesser of evils and the two royal wizards obeyed even though it was not the way things were supposed to work. Frankly, they were a little bit scared of Ginny too when she was shouting. The two wizards waited for Ron first while he showered. The water turned off soon enough and Ron was singing a little song to himself as he dried He hadn't put the towel around his waist before he left the bathroom and he stepped into his room fondling his privates still humming the tune. He about crapped himself when he saw Draco and Harry staring at him.

"Bloody hell you two, I don't go around watching you while you're just getting out of the shower. Why are you in here anyway?"

"Ginny sent us to help you get into your tuxedo." Draco said.

"We're scared of her." Harry said.

"Enough said, I'm scared of her too." Ron said, "Now how exactly am I supposed to put this thing on?" He said holding up his wedding suit.

"Start with the pants and we'll build you up from there. You have to wear underpants too Ron." Draco said, stopping Ron from going commando.

"Bloody hell, Oh alright, they're not staying on for that long anyway." Ron said wiggling his eyes at Harry.

"Merlin Ron, now I'll have to gouge my eyes out at the thought of what you and Hermione do together. Yecch!" Harry teased his best friend.

"Now you know how I feel when you talk about doing things with him." Ron said pointing to Draco.

"You leave me out of this. You want me to tell you about what I did to Harry to get him pregnant?" Draco challenged.

"For Merlin's sake no! N-O no! That just bloody gives me the creeps." Ron said.

"I remember a certain bonding ceremony that... " Harry said.

"Oi cut it. I remember too. To be honest with you two, it was one of the best experiences of my life. I'll never forget it so you can just stop bringing it up." Ron said buttoning up his vest.

"I will if you stop saying how yucky what we do is. What you do with Hermione is just as yucky to us." Draco said for his husband before he had a chance to say a thing.

"What he said." Harry said agreeing quickly with his husband.

"There all done. How do I look?" Ron asked as he finished with his last button on his outer robes.

"You look like you're ready to be knighted. Come to think of it, kneel Ronald Weasley." Harry commanded, "Accio Excalibur!"

Harry held out his hand and Excalibur came streaking out of nowhere and into his hand light as a feather. Harry once again said to Ron,

"Kneel Ronald Weasley." Harry commanded, Ron complied with a shit-eating grin on his face.

Harry began the recitation he learned with Draco's help when they decided to make Dukes and Duchesses and his court. "Rise Sir Ronald B. Weasley, Earl of Ottery St. Catchpoole, defender of the crown." Harry said finally as he tapped Excalibur on each of Ron's shoulders.

Ron stood up with a tear in his eye that was about to fall. Draco gave him a handkerchief just in time to catch the tear. He had become Harry's first Knight, a very symbolic position in the royal court.

"You know you have to do everything we tell you now don't you Ron?" Draco teased.

"Like bloody hell I will. I will do the defender of the crown bit, but I will not be one of your slaves. Wouldn't make me better than a Death Eater now would it?" Ron said to a suddenly red Draco.

"I'm sorry it sounded like that Ron. You are Harry's best mate and I have made a fool of myself. I didn't mean anything by that you know." Draco said.

"I'm just pulling your chain Draco. Lighten up. You better go and check on Blaise, it's twenty of six." Ron said looking at his pocket watch.

"I told Ginny it only took a bloke ten minutes to wash and dress. I just knew I was right." Harry said triumphantly. Small victories were few like this one.

"Yeah, when she started stripping us, I guess she meant for us to get a move on. Now what do I do while I wait? I can't go off and have a shot of firewhiskey now can I?" Ron said facing twenty minutes to stew in his suit.

"Bugger Ron, you figure something out. We better go and see how Blaise is coming along." Harry said.

"Fine, I'll be alright. Go check on Blaise. I'm sure he's had a tuxedo on before." Ron said.

"He has. Comb your hair and you are all set Ron. See you in a few minutes." Draco said.

"Oi, get out of here." Ron said throwing a pillow at the two retreating royal heads.

The royal couple giggled at Ron's state while they walked the short distance to Blaise's room. They knocked on the door and were greeted by Blaise Zabini, a completely clean, perfectly groomed and dressed.

"Oh, hey you two come on in and sit a minute. Draco, will you help me pick out some jewelry to wear?"

"Sure thing. Cufflinks and a tie stud Blaise?" Draco asked looking into Blaise's meager but expensive collection.

"Yeah, I don't want to distract from Luna's beauty." Blaise said stiffly while Draco pushed the pin through his tie.

"There you go Blaise. Hey, you look great by the way. Doesn't he Harry?" Draco said.

"Him and Ron both now would you look at the time? Only a quarter of the hour and they are both ready. I am going to have to mention this to Ginny when I see her. I knew it would not take them ten minutes to get ready. Suffering' succotash." Harry declared.

"Where do you come up with those bloody awful sayings Harry?" Blaise asked the king.

"Muggle cartoon, it wasn't worth cursing over so I said it." Harry defended.

"Never mind that, how do I look? Honest opinion you guys." Blaise said changing the subject.

"You look very shagable Blaise. Luna is one lucky witch." Draco said to his friend.

"She is, isn't she?" Blaise said wiggling his eyebrows at Harry and Draco.

"You bet. Blaise, Are you ready to become a knight of the court of Camelot?" Draco asked.

"Huh? Oh, that must be why you're hauling that bloody huge sword around?" Blaise said eyeing Excalibur strapped to Harry's back.

"Quite. Kneel before us Blaise Zabini." Harry commanded.

Blaise was faster on the uptake than Ron was and he complied without further comment. Harry said the same thing to Blaise that he said to Ron and finished the small ceremony by tapping Blaise on the shoulders with Excalibur. Somehow, Blaise felt ... different after he had been given the title of Duke and declared a Knight. Somehow the fact that he was the child of Death Eaters, this might go a very long way to making his family name proud again. Harry and Draco held their hands out for the tall Italian wizard to stand up when he was commanded to "Rise Sir Blaise; it is time to go meet your bride."

'Thunderbirds, we're all ready. Ladies, it would do to have you go invisible as you are escorted to the ceremony to hide from the grooms. We will give you a two-minute head start. Hermione, I am sure that your parents might like to say a few words to you before you take the leap and I think that Luna's father might like a word with her as well. Blaise and Ron and we guys will be right behind you' Harry said to his comrades all at once.

"That's my Harry, taking care of business first." Draco said to Blaise from his spot standing behind his hubby.

"I just hope that we'll be as happy as you two seem to be. You know, Luna and I want children, Lots of them. I do not think that we will be breaking records like you two, but a large family would go a long way to making Zabini a good wizarding name once again. My father and mother were as dark as they could get and that was before they joined Voldemort. I hope to change that very quickly," Blaise said.

"You've already done that as far as Draco and I are concerned and that's what counts. The rest of the wizarding world should go along with my feelings when they find out exactly just how good a man you are." Harry said.

'We're down stairs already; Luna and Hermione are with their folks.' Ginny thought to her friends upstairs.

'Ok Gin, we're on our way down too. We're walking so it will take us a few minutes.' Harry thought back.

The Thunderbird men gathered in the common room each wearing their tuxedos under their Thunderbird emblazoned sky blue robes. Harry and Draco decided that the occasion warranted their wearing of crowns and their full royal dress outer robes. Their pointed ears had seven tiny braids with beads hanging just behind to symbolize the existence of their tiny princes and princesses forced to seek refuge in America. Adam was wearing his finery as well and it looked very good on him with his long black hair cascading to behind his knees straight as it could be and combed straight back. He was adjusting Charley's tie when all of Thundercloud house came from their rooms dressed in their best as well to escort the grooms to meet the rest of their lives.

Blaise and Ron were touched at the thought their house was showing them by going to all the trouble of dressing to the nines for them. Many of them had small brightly wrapped boxes and envelopes with ribbons. Thundercloud house was very thoughtful when it came to gift giving to those that they admired and loved. Blaise and Ron became fast friends with many in their house while they tutored them with their lessons.

Prince Raphaelo from Malta was very happy to see his friend Ron so happy and he stepped through the small throng of people just before the group left and handed the grooms both the deepest blood red roses to wear on their lapels. They were charmed to never wilt or lose their scent. A small sprig of baby's breath accompanied the roses and looked striking against the sky blue of the robes. They were the perfect last bit of finery the two grooms needed to complete their ensemble.

Princess Little White Dove had given the two brides their wedding bouquets. The flower edelweiss grew in the mountains of Montana as well as in Switzerland, and the blossoms were hand woven together to make completely white domes with cascades of the tiny flowers. White rose buds and baby's breath surrounded the edelweiss. The two brides were sad to think that they had to throw them away after they were presented to the congregation but they really did not mind.

Thundercloud house walked in close order to the Great Hall where the ceremony was to take place and sat on both sides of the aisle showing support for both brides and grooms. The attendees were almost the who's who of the British wizarding society and the current leaders of government. Arthur Weasley had more than a few friends at the ministry and being a Weasley meant you had a ton of relatives. The assembly was awash in red hair on one side. Hermione's parents were the only family the young witch had that knew that Hermione was magical. They just didn't know the extreme power their daughter the witch had.

Luna's father and Hermione's father were waiting in the anteroom at the back of the Great Hall with their daughters and their last minutes as the only men in their lives. None of them had to say a word. Their eyes said it all. A knock at the door broke the silent reverie. The knob turned and Ginny stuck her head in and said,

"It's time, last kisses now. Come on out when the music starts"

The four people did just that and gave last hugs to each other just as the bridal music began. The door to the room opened with a wave of Ginny's hand and the two pairs walked through it and began the procession up the aisle. Professor Dumbledore was wearing his very best ceremonial robes of a deep cerulean blue with phoenix embroidery around the edges and the cuffs. His smile was genuine and his eyes gleamed mirthfully as he watched the two witches march down the aisle with their fathers. He was amused at how uncomfortable the two wizards looked in the clothes they wore. Ron had to have more than a few calming charms cast on him before he would quit pulling at his collar. Blaise was as calm as he could be considering the circumstances.

The music stopped and Professor Dumbledore asked who was giving the bride's hands away. Getting the affirmative from the parents, he began the ceremony. When it came time for the vows, Hermione and Ron went first declaring their love for each other and promising fidelity and all that fluff that goes with a wedding. Ron spoke very clearly and loud enough for everyone in the Great Hall to hear him. Hermione was proud of Ron for not stumbling on his words and she was going to show him later how happy she really was. One by one, the couples said their vows and exchanged rings. Dumbledore waved his wand over the two pairs of clasped hands and said an incantation over the rings. They glowed a bit and returned to normal very quickly. When he was through and he had pronounced the couples married, the grooms let out the breath they had been holding in and kissed their brides before turning to greet their family and friends.

The applause was loud for the newlyweds when they were presented to everyone as married. Together, the two couples took their first steps of many millions together. Hermione's mother was smiling even though she was sure she had cried off her make up. Molly was blubbering right along with Mrs. Granger as their two children were finally in their eyes, adults. Arthur and Mr. Granger were not at all teary eyed and were very happy. Ron was going to be a great husband Mr. Granger thought, if Arthur was any indication of how Ron would act; his father was a great example. Arthur did not care in the least if his son married into a muggle family, it would be great fun to visit and be around all things muggle, no things magic.

Blaise did not have family attending and he was glad that Luna's father welcomed him as if he was his own blood. That meant tons to Blaise and it lifted a great weight from Luna's shoulders as well. She did not have to defend her husband's upbringing, his actions stood on his own. Blaise was his own man, his own wizard. The fact that he was tall, dark and very handsome was just on the outside; Luna loved the wizard on the inside much more.

Colin Creevey was invited to take all of the photographs and he was doing a fantastic job at making sure that everyone was included. The formal wedding shots were preplanned and he did not have much to do to block his shots quickly so that everyone could get on with the reception and the dancing. After the photographs were developed, Luna's father was going to select twelve for the Quibbler after the brides and grooms, Ron, Hermione, Blaise and Luna, Narcissa and Dumbledore approved them. Harry approached Colin just as he was putting his equipment away and asked him if he would take a photograph of him and Draco together in an informal pose. Colin about peed himself when he was asked. Three minutes later and the task was done. Harry thanked the exuberant wizard for his work and offered him the position of official Royal photographer to the court of Camelot. Colin had to sit before he spoke.

"I'd be delighted Harry." Colin finally stated. A royal appointment would look extremely good on his resume.

'You didn't have to do that you know Harry' Draco thought to his husband as the two walked away from the gobsmacked Gryffindor, pain-in-the-ass photographer.

'I know, but he's always been good to me. Are you ready to give them their gifts?' Harry thought back.

'You mean the newlyweds don't you?'

'Yes dear.'

'Sure why not. It does not look like they are being molested right now. I am glad that Colin put his camera away. The looks on their faces will be priceless.'

'Ginny seems to always be able to conjure one up when she needs one. I should ask her about that' Harry thought.

The King and his Consort headed straight for the head tables where the newlyweds were seated to give them their gifts. There were two boxes, one for each couple, wrapped in silver colored paper and tied with gold ribbons. Harry handed Blaise and Luna one box and Draco handed Ron and Hermione the other. The two couples accepted the boxes and were urged to open them right away before opening the others. The newlyweds complied and were amazed to find solid gold goblets studded with diamonds and sapphires and engraved with Thunderbird emblems, their family monograms and crests on either side.

Ron had never possessed anything as extravagant as the goblets. If it were not his wedding, he would probably refuse on principle. Blaise and Luna were equally happy to receive the goblets. Harry had to tell them that they were charmed to stay full of what ever they were drinking just in case it was something rare. Draco's idea really, thinking of that magnificent château they had on their wedding night.

Holding a private wedding with so many attendees in a school with a large resident population was no easy task to perform. The need for secrecy was not as high as it was for anything that Harry or Draco was to be the centers of attention. The auror guards of the school were bombarded with questions from the wizarding press that was now habitually camped out at the gates. They were happy to tell them nothing more than there was a private function and the only press allowed in was the Quibbler's owner himself and the usual sources for photographs should be consulted. They were not pleased. When the guests arrived, it was on an apparition point close to the entry and they were ushered in quickly before the press could waylay them.

As a final gift to the newlyweds, Adam asked the assembly to step outside to the gardens and cast its eyes skyward. The Thunderbirds were all coupled now and they did not care who saw them show affection to each other. Charley stood by Adam as the rest of the guests filed out into the crisp clear, late autumn night. The house elves were serving warmed mulled wine to the guests as well as hot chocolate and other hot drinks to everyone as they walked into the cool night air waiting for the mysterious American's "gift". The Thunderbirds, save for the newlyweds, knew exactly what was going to happen because Adam was going to focus their magic and they were going to have themselves a magical light show. Dumbledore of course had been consulted and Narcissa as well because this would be a signal to the Death Eaters and Voldemort that they were not living in fear but showing joy and happiness in the face of war and certain danger.

As soon as the last guest was seated and served, Adam began a chant in Navajo in which the Thunderbirds joined. Charley tried to step back a bit and Adam pulled him back to his side not missing a beat of the chant. Charley could not put his tongue around the funny language or he would have joined in with the chant. Dumbledore could and was signaled to join the Thunderbirds in their circle. The chanting stopped and Adam released the magic that the Thunderbirds and Dumbledore pulled from the earth to send skyward. There were seven pulses of magic showing as a bright light to come from Adam's staff, all going in different directions in the heavens. The lights racing away grew dimmer from the ground as they soared higher and higher until they began to burst one at a time.

Magical figures in the sky showed the family crests of the new families that started that day to the polite applause of the guests. For magic on a grand scale, this was a new experience for everyone, Sky pictures were not usually ever seen and were quite entertaining that is until the next five pulses exploded at one time and began their own light shows. Adam had figured how to turn his drawings into magical light and with Fred and Georges help; the three of them had invented projected wizarding photographs.

The images were of the Thunderbirds from their beginning to the bonding and baseball in Arizona. The last images were of Luna and Blaise, Hermione and Ron. Their likenesses looked like huge neon lights in the sky, the pictures moved and the couples images blinked back and forth from them smiling at each other to kissing and back again. None of the guests had seen magic like this and were on their feet applauding the spectacular new light show before it was even over.

Dumbledore was always amused by the Navajo flair for the use of light in magic. Now he had seen a third generation personally show the talent. First, it was Thundercloud himself, then Little Bird and now Adam. He knew in his heart that Adam was a one of a kind individual and he was so sorry he had not been able to send Sirius to Birdy in Arizona when he had a chance. He knew that Birdy planned to breech the Veil at the ministry to retrieve Sirius and he intended to help her. Perhaps now that Harry had been chosen to wield Merlin's magic along with the magic he already possessed, that might be possible when the war was over. He hoped he would be alive to see it all the way through.

The lights in the sky began to flicker and grow dim when Adam ended the spell the Thunderbirds cast for the newlyweds. He was happy he could add something interesting to the party. He hoped that Luna and Hermione would be happy with their new husbands as well as he hoped that Blaise and Ron would be happy with their new wives. He gave the brides gold pendant locks and he gave the grooms the gold pendant keys that fit the locks. They were symbolic gifts and not to gaudy and he got handshakes and kisses for the thought. Everyone had gone back inside the castle and made their way back to the Great Hall for more dancing and partying. After the wedding cakes were cut and served, a small number of gifts had to be opened.

The evening of merry making was signaled to end when the brides disappeared to change out of wedding attire. When the two witches had returned, their husbands by tradition removed the garters they wore to throw to the bachelors. The guest witches were scrambling for a good spot to stand for when Hermione and Luna tossed their bouquets. Frankie Creevey caught one of the bouquets when it bounced off the top of someone's head and landed smack in his arms. He turned as red as a Weasley and lofted the flowers over his head as quick as he realized that everyone was laughing at him and his reaction. He got a few pats on the back for handling the situation like any man would, he panicked and got rid of the flowers as quick as he could.

Just as the guests were about to leave, the charms the Thunderbirds wore to indicate that dark mark detectors were being activated. Until the situation was appraised, no one was going anywhere. Dumbledore used the sonorous spell and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, please remain where you are. There is an alert that we must see to before we can let you get to your homes. In the event that you need to spend the night, there is ample room for everyone. You are all quite safe if you remain inside the castle. We should be able to get news to you quickly. Please relax for now won't you?" He finished and ended the spell.

The Thunderbirds left the Great Hall and snapped straight into the headmaster's office. Fawkes trilled a few notes for his friend Harry when he appeared and was greeted with a soft touch to the side of his head. Dumbledore entered his office with Narcissa, Severus and Minerva right behind him. Molly, Arthur and Bill Weasley and Remus brought up the rear of the Order contingent.

"Why am I not surprised to find you here already?" Albus said to the Thunderbirds smiling that smile of his.

"Sorry sir, I suppose we should be more patient and use the door in an emergency." Draco said grinning at the headmaster.

"When the need arises, it might be a wise thing to consider Prince Draco." Albus said.

"Sir, Ron and Neville counted thirteen different coastal detectors all going off at the southern coast about twenty miles apart. They have not triggered the detectors around wizard homes yet. Do you think that they're going to see how we react or shall we expel them before they know what hit them?" Harry said.

"I think it wise that you repel them quickly to send a message to Voldemort. I am sure that they will try to get to him in his secret location. The coastal detectors have been upgraded to mark the death eaters with a tracking charm when they entered the country. If they go anywhere there should be a small light that begins to show their progress to where ever they go. If enough of them go to the same place then we might have to revise our plans and take the fight to him. In the mean time, you can all apparate to the coastal mark detectors. There are thirteen of them going off. I do not think you should take any of them on alone so at a minimum, go in pairs if you must. A group would be much safer. You may do as you need, you do not need the permission of any of the governments to do your jobs. I'm sorry to have to make you do this Mr. and Mrs. Zabini, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley on your wedding nights." Dumbledore said.

"No worries sir. You might want to roast a cow for when we get back." Ron said with a wink.

"Indeed, I shall inform the house elves. The MLE is already on its way to investigate. Please be careful won't you?" Dumbledore asked.

"If they're in their uniforms they'll be safe sir." Blaise said.

"Let the goddess make it so. Then I'll see you when you get back." Dumbledore said and the Thunderbirds snapped to the gates of the castle before anyone could say another word.

Seeing the Thunderbirds in battle dress come rushing out of the gates heading to the area beyond the apparition wards, several photographers tried to snap their pictures. Hermione waved her hand and fractured the lenses of the cameras. The reporters were a bit faster and tried to tag along with the Thunderbirds by grabbing their robes. They were missing hands instantly when the Thunderbirds disapparated as soon as they crossed the invisible barrier.

The Thunderbirds apparated together to the first coastal dark mark detector and found ten wizards tied to each other dead underneath the device. The MLE aurors would have to identify the bodies and if they were known inform the families. As a group, the Thunderbirds disapparated to the last and farthest detector only to find the same thing as in the first place they stopped, more bodies of wizards and witches and children. All of the victims had had been drained of blood and their hearts cut out. There was a message magically floating over the bodies and Draco summoned the glowing parchment towards the group and made it hover and uncurl to reveal its content.

"It looks like they know that it's us that are going to be facing them. Read what the message says." Draco said rotating the parchment so everyone could read it.

"Eeeww... it's written in blood," Hermione said.

"It's written on flesh," Blaise said.

"That is totally barbaric. If this is how they're going to be playing us, I say let's go to France and knock some sense into them." Ginny said before Hermione could.

"We better go check the other locations. The aurors will be busy all night and I think we had better be on guard. If there are ten bodies by each of the detectors then that is a hundred thirty victims. After we are done checking, lets get back to Scotland. We have to tell Dumbledore and the Minister." Harry said not looking forward to seeing more death.

"Come on love we'll get this over with. Luna and Hermione look like they could use a little cheering up by their husbands" Draco whispered not too quietly and smirking at the Thunderbrides.

"That's good Draco because Blaise and Ron look horny as hell." Adam said just a tiny bit loud.

"He damn well better be Adam, I've been flirting with him all day." Luna said complete with a Malfoy smirk.

"Let's get to the other detectors and get home. By the looks on their faces, they were alive when their hearts got cut out." Neville said after closer inspection of the corpses.

"Come on Nev baby, the aurors will sort this lot out. Merlin bless them," Ginny said.

The Thunderbirds apparated to the last of the detector locations that had been activated and found exactly what they expected to find. Dead witches and wizards with their hearts cut out, bled dry and no Death Eaters to confront. The MLE was indeed, in for a long night. There were no notes found on any of the victims this time. The Thunderbirds apparated to a location just out of sight of the gates of the school grounds and away from the reporters and photographers and went invisible. Together, they walked silently past the throng of reporters and photographers and stepped inside the gates. The auror on guard saw only the gate open and close ten seconds later, not the Thunderbirds as they walked silently past him.

After they walked around the curve in the path and became visible again. Together they snapped into their common room. Harry, Draco, Neville and Ginny elected themselves to make the report to Dumbledore and see if there was anything else that needed to be done before they retired for the night. The newlyweds were not wasting time while the report was given to the headmaster. Not to anyone's surprise, Hermione DID ward the "honeymoon suites" so the castle occupants didn't feel what they were feeling. Ron's magic leaked when he was emotional and Hermione did not want to share.

In Dumbledore's Office...

"Thank you for using the door this time. The fact that you are back so soon indicates a lack of bodies to give to the MLE." Dumbledore said hopefully.

"None that we sent them, one hundred thirty bodies ten at each location of the detectors, and all of them in abominable condition." Harry said with a tone of finality.

Dumbledore asked "Merlin Harry and no sign of Death Eaters?"

"None sir they left a message at the first location. It was quite to the point sir and, and it was written in blood... on flesh." Draco said.

"Goddess! The last time a message of that sort was left was in 1944 only it was on a lampshade. I will have to tell Empress Thundercloud and the Minister of Magic right away. Oh, there is some good news at least, there are more dragons on their way to join in the defense of Hogwarts and there are six more royal wizarding governments that are sending auror battalions to defend Hogwart's and King Harry." Dumbledore said with that damn twinkle in his eye.

"Defend me? I don't know if I should be flattered or angry." Harry said

"It is all in good faith no matter what the reason Harry. I think you should be happy that there are reinforcements on their way." Draco said while stroking Harry's arm.

"Indeed Harry. They will be arriving tomorrow morning. The battle brooms that we have been waiting for are due to arrive tomorrow as well. Unless there is anything else, I think it might be a good idea to try to get some sleep. I will see you all tomorrow unless something happens in the meantime." Dumbledore said.

"Good night sir." Draco said for everyone.

"Rest well. Good night." Dumbledore said as the Thunderbirds in his office left by the door.

"I'm out of here." Ginny said and snapped to Thundercloud common room. Her intended and the royal couple followed her in a blink of an eye.

"Good night you guys. See you in the morning. Lets go to bed Neville. I... need a massage." Ginny said wiggling her eyebrows at Neville.

"Good night you two" Neville said while reaching for Ginny's arm.

"Go easy on him Ginny." Harry said winking at Neville before the couple was out of sight.

Draco said "How about one of those massages Harry?" while holding his husbands waist.

"I'd love one. Thank you Draco." Harry said.

"I meant me Scarhead."

"I know you did. Now let's go get naked and we'll massage each other until we get off to sleep." Harry said.

Draco replied with a deep whisper, "How about until we just get off?"

"Good enough. Lead the way love." Harry said.

Draco did not have to be asked twice because after their door was closed; the two of them were naked within three seconds. Everyone in Hogwart's castle had a good night. Guests included.