Chapter Eleven

Christmas Presents and Wedding Wishes

"I can't believe you forgot we needed wedding clothes!" Serena said angrily as they walked back into the house.

"I didn't even know! Moony never said anything about wedding robes and dresses! I thought dress robes would be fine!" Harry said, glaring angrily at Remus.

"I thought you knew that!" Remus shouted back at him.

"How would I know! I know almost nothing about the wizarding world!" Harry yelled back.

"Harry!" Serena yelled. Harry looked at her. "Stop it. It's not doing us any good to yell and blame anyone. We both messed up, so lets fix it."

"How? I don't even know what wedding robes look like." Harry said.

"Of course you do, you've seen Molly's wedding album. They look like what Arthur was wearing." Serena said. "So we'll just charm some of our clothes to look like wedding stuff."

"Or, we could just be original." Harry said.

"How do you mean?" Serena asked.

Harry snapped his fingers. "Wizard wedding muggle look." He answered as they both stood in their clothes from Sam and Remus' wedding.

"Harry, all our friends in the wedding are wearing wizards clothes. Even Sam, though she's only borrowing my dress robes. We would look like the oddest people in the world!" Serena said.

"When has that ever stopped us?" Harry asked.

"Please, Harry?" Serena asked. "We waited so we could do this right. So lets do it right. For once since we've been together, lets be a normal witch and wizard. How many times have you ever been able to be a normal wizard?"

"Alright love. I'll talk to Dumbledore and see if we can't come up with something suitable." Harry said. "He's the only person I know that can do things like that."

"Harry dear, Albus said he had to leave on urgent business, and wouldn't be back till Christmas morning." Molly said. "I will try to help you though. I know what things ought to look like."

"Alright, I guess that can work." Harry said. Snapping his fingers to put him and Serena back in their muggle clothes. "Why did those damned tailors have to be so difficult! I could have customized everything with a snap of my fingers if they had just given them to me."

"I don't know, Harry. They were acting strangely." Remus said thoughtfully. "Harry, is their any way you can open the floo lines? I need to see someone quickly. I might be able to come up with a plan to help you."

"Sure, Moony." Harry said. Harry pointed a wand at the fireplace and a fire sprang up from it. "It will only work for you. So don't bring any visitors."

"Alright, Harry." Remus said and stepped into the fire. He disappeared quickly, no one hearing his destination over the conversations of Neville and Ron telling Arthur and the twins about video games.

"Sorry about yelling, Harry." Serena said.

"Same here." Harry responded.

"Well I guess even we have to admit we screwed this one up pretty good." Serena said.

"We should admit nothing of the sort yet." Harry said. "We still have a day and a half to get things done."

"Well then, since you don't want to admit it, get your ass moving!" Serena said quickly.

It was nearly midnight when Harry climbed into bed, frustrated that his spells weren't working correctly. Every time he tried to charm the clothes, they wouldn't move right. If he didn't know better he would have sworn that the clothes were cursed to disobey his spells. None of them would come close to the white they were supposed to be, and they wouldn't change into the proper design either. Serena reached behind her and rubbed his shoulder lovingly.

"How did it go?" Serena asked.

"Still nowhere near right. I threw all the power I had into one last spell and all I did was destroy my best dress robes." Harry said. "Its like the one spell I need to do just won't come out right. Like I'm a first year trying a seventh year spell."

"Just relax. You know your magic acts up in weird ways if you get to frustrated with things. Remember the day you were trying to teach me how to cast a shield and almost blew yourself up trying to show off?" Serena asked, laughing at the memory.

Harry smiled. "Yeah, that was something alright. Could you imagine what the Prophet would have said about me then? 'Boy who lived killed due to shield of death!' or some such thing." Harry said, laughing himself.

"Or worse, you would have gotten a new title. 'Boy who lived but died by shield'. That would have done wonders for your name." Serena said still laughing. "Don't worry about it so much. I'm sure everything will work out. Dumbledore won't let us down. If we still can't get it done tomorrow, we can ask Dumbledore on Christmas morning. That reminds me, how are the plans for the wedding decorations going?"

"Great. Got everything figured out. Imps, fairies, the flowers you wanted, everything hovering an inch off the ground, a nice warmth spell Dumbledore knows. A few more 'touches' Molly said were a surprise for us. Dobby and Winky are working with a few Hogwarts elves for the reception. That's going to be even better, but Dumbledore said not to tell you about that yet. He wants to do the great hall up as a wedding present."

"Wow, you didn't mess around today did you, love?" Serena asked.

"I told you. I have a few more thoughts, but they aren't perfected yet, so I wont mention them." Harry said.

"Ok, I trust you. But no jokes, pranks, or anything else to make everyone laugh, ok?" Serena asked.

"I promised you perfect. That is all I am going to give you." Harry said.

"Thank you." Serena said. "Now, shut it and go to sleep."

"I love you too." Harry said, smiling.

The next day had not gone well at all. Serena and Harry kept trying to work all the magic they could into a set of robes, but the most they could manage was turning one into a perfectly white rabbit. Frustrated and confused, they resigned themselves to having to turn to Dumbledore for all the help he could give them. They went to sleep early, knowing that tomorrow would be full of problems if they couldn't stay awake past morning.

"Harry, sir, it is being time for you to wake up." Dobby said. "You and Miss Serena is being married today!"

Harry opened his eyes slowly. "What time is it Dobby?"

"It is being eight o'clock Harry sir."

"Alright, we'll be downstairs in a moment. Thank you Dobby." Harry said, stifling a yawn as Dobby disappeared.

Harry kissed Serena briefly on the neck, letting his lips linger close for a minute. "Serena, it's time to wake up."

"Go 'way, damnit. I'm tired." She grumbled.

"But we missed the wedding love." Harry said. Serena sprang up quickly. It was only then Harry remember the spell. Pulling Serena back down on the bed just as they were thrown into the wall again.

"Damnit! Stop setting that awful bloody alarm spell!" Serena said, picking herself up off the floor.

"Say what you want about it, but it does have a certain way for waking you up quickly." Harry said, then groaned as he stood. "Think Hermione could fix us up quickly?"

"Don't want to use your spell?" Serena asked.

"My heads to jumbled for that right now." Harry said.

"Lets go." Serena said.

They made their way downstairs and had Hermione heal them up quickly before she started complaining about them using a spell like that.

"Happy Christmas everyone!" Sam said coming down the stairs.

"Sod off." Serena said, still rubbing her back.

"You're cranky for someone who's getting married today." Sam said.

"You'd be cranky too, if you woke up to see your bed throw you into a wall." Serena said.

Remus laughed as he came downstairs. "I guess you two found James' alarm spell." He said. "Used to be the only way to wake Sirius up."

"I told you Sirius had a hand in it." Serena said.

"Next time, remind me to put a cushioning charm on the wall." Harry said.

"Next time!" Serena said. "You use that spell again and I'll make Voldemort look like a Powerpuff Girl!"

Harry fell to the floor laughing. "I have to find a spell that really does that! I think that would be the most hilarious thing in the world!" He said.

Soon everyone was coming downstairs. People began opening presents smiling happily at the things they had gotten. Mr. and Mrs. Granger received books of every sort, muggle and wizard, by some of the greatest writers of both worlds. Hermione received much the same as her parents except she had books mostly for magical healing, which was something she had begun talking about doing when they all finally ended their after war holiday.

Arthur received, to his happiness, two generators and every electrical object Harry could find. Harry laughed as Arthur began asking Ron to tell him what all the things were. Ron had received new quidditch gear, various books from Hermione, as well as a new homework planner, making Harry laugh harder than he thought possible as a look of pure terror came over Ron's face.

Ginny received many things, including a wedding dress from her Mum, which made Harry wince and look at the door, hoping Dumbledore would knock. Neville received a great deal of plants and herbology books, as everyone knew that was his favorite subject. Harry was happy when he saw Remus and Sam open the presents from him and Serena.

Remus looked up at Harry confused. "Harry, I can't wear silver." He said.

"I know, that's why its not." Harry said. "I got those for you two to let you know that the other is safe. I wouldn't get you something to hurt you, Moony. Go ahead, put it on."

They did as he said, soon they both looked at Harry and smiled. "Thank you Harry." Sam said, rubbing the necklace fondly. "How does it work?"

"Touch the stone and you will see Moony. Same for you." Harry said nodding to Moony at the last.

"Thank you Harry." Remus said.

"No thanks for me?" Serena asked. "I'm the one who picked them out, you know. He just did the spell."

"Thank you too, Serena." Sam said, smiling. Opening the next one she saw a bracelet. "And what does this do?"

"That protects you." Serena said. "Works whether your muggle or not. Hard to find a protection charm like that for muggles."

"Took us the better part of a day." Harry said. "But at least now we know your not completely defenseless."

"Thanks, you two." Sam said smiling as she hugged them both. Remus smiled at them both.

"Why aren't you two opening presents?" Remus asked.

"Enjoying everyone else's reactions to theirs." Serena said cheerfully. "Besides, presents aren't too important. We've got friends, a beautiful home, and a wonderful family."

"Yes, but I remember what Dumbledore said." Harry said to her. "Last year, I said the same thing. He told me 'I would not advise you to grow old and mature before your time'. So lets open up a few, shall we?"

"Of course, Mr. Potter." Serena said smiling, as she summoned their presents to them.

They began opening presents, finding things neither was expecting. Harry received a few more ancient magic books from Hermione and her parents, another jumper from the Weasleys, even more joke items from Fred and George's shop, a wonderful portrait of a dragon, as well as a new suit from Remus and Sam. Harry smiled and thanked everyone.

Serena had gotten a beautiful dress from Sam, earrings from Remus, a wonderful set of muggle books from Hermione, who had taken Serena to a library in London and found that she liked a set of books about vampires falling in love. The Weasley's had also made her a jumper, Fred and George gave her some more experimental products that were sure to cause the devastation they had grown to love when they had seen some of the Marauders pranks. Ginny had given her the necklace that Harry had given to her on his birthday last year.

"Ginny, he gave this to you. I can't take it." Serena said softly.

"It's ok, Serena. It should have been given to you. Probably would have if not for your promise to Sirius." Ginny said smiling. "You deserve it. I want it to stay in the Potter family, and that is what it is going to do."

"Thank you, Ginny." Serena said placing the necklace on her neck. She looked at Harry and smiled handing him a small box. "I found this in one of the houses I have. I think you should have it."

Harry opened the box to find a key. Looking at her questioningly he said "What is it for?"

"It's for what's in the garage. Had Dobby bring it in the night." Serena said.

"What is in the garage?" Harry asked.

"A beautiful black motorcycle that belonged to someone important to both of us." Serena said. Harry's eyes widened and he pulled her into a firm hug.

"Thank you." Harry said softly. "You were right. I love it."

"I told you, you would, didn't I." Serena said smiling. "Face it, I know you all to well Potter."

"Wouldn't have it any other way." Harry said smiling.

Just then there was a knock at the door, causing Harry to jump from his seat and rush to the door. Opening it he saw the only person who wasn't present. Albus Dumbledore. He stood smiling holding two boxes in his hands and nodded to the interior of the house.

"May I come in, or would you like me to wait?" Dumbledore asked smiling. Harry moved quickly letting him in. Dumbledore went and sat in the seat closest to where Harry and Serena were.

"Sir, I need your help today." Harry said.

"I remember, Harry. But I believe we have time for breakfast, or maybe a very early lunch." Dumbledore said, still smiling.

"No, I can't make wedding clothes sir, and we couldn't buy any." Harry said.

"Oh my, that is horrible news, and on such a wonderful day." Dumbledore said. "Very well, open these quickly you two, and we will get to work. We will have the proper attire for you both in no time at all."

Harry and Serena nodded quickly, and opened the presents at an amazing speed. When the boxes were opened, however, they both looked from the boxes, to each other, to the smiling Dumbledore, back to the boxes. Slowly, the realization of what was in the boxes sunk in the they both threw themselves at Dumbledore, quickly hugging him and repeatedly thanking him.

"I must confess to a conspiracy against you two." Dumbledore said. "It would appear that you two were rather upset by this, but I made arrangements for you two not to be able to purchase your wedding clothes. I meant it as a bit of a joke, and as you see, many people are laughing now."

"What!" Serena yelled. "You made us worry like that for nothing!"

"Yes, my dear." Dumbledore said.

"Why?" Harry asked, now confused.

"To give you your Christmas present on Christmas." Dumbledore said. "These belonged to your parents, Harry. I believe they will fit you both, as was the spell Lily and James put on them."

"These, these were my parent's" Harry asked.

"Yes, Harry. That is why I couldn't let you buy your own. I hope you understand." Dumbledore said.

Harry looked at Serena who shook her head. "Bloody mess he put us through. You know we were almost ready to cancel the wedding. All so he could wait till today to give them to us!"

"Yeah, but he made up for it smashingly." Harry said.

"I don't give a damn!" Serena said. She pulled out her wand. "Now he's going to get what's coming to him!"

Serena waved her wand angrily as Dumbledore's eyes widened. Sparks shot from her wand. When they were inches from his face the sparks exploded and spelled the word 'Gotcha!' in front of him. Serena and Harry started laughing and Dumbledore soon followed.

"I suppose I deserved that." Dumbledore said merrily.

"Yes, you did." Harry and Serena replied in unison.

"But, with that worry over, I believe it is time for breakfast." Serena said.

"I agree, I've got a lot to do today." Harry said, walking to the kitchen with Serena.

Harry, Ron, Remus, and Neville were in one anteroom of the great hall. Harry was examining his clothes to make sure he had them on properly. Ron was adding some finishing touches to his clothes, and Neville looked as nervous as Harry should be. Remus just stood back and watched silently.

"Moony, you can tell me if I'm wearing all this right." Harry said calmly. "I don't know what I'm supposed to look like in this stuff."

"Oh, right Harry. Sorry bout that, I was just thinking how like James you are. Today especially, except for the last comment, he acted exactly like you are." Remus said.

"Wicked." Harry said, smiling. "I'll take that as a compliment."

"You should." Remus said. "You're wearing the robe wrong, though. The bottom half is supposed to be unbuttoned, that's why the robes come with pants. You might want to change the color of your shoes as well. It is customary for those being married to be all in white. It is done like that to say you are entering into marriage for the purest of intentions."

Harry snapped his fingers and his boots turned white as he began unbuttoning the bottom half of his robes. "Better?"

"Now you look almost perfect." Remus said, examining him carefully. "Missing something small. Let me see." He added thoughtfully. He used his wand to create a Lily from thin air and placed it in the collar of Harry's robes. "Perfect. Spitting image of James. Does Sirius know it is happening soon?"

"No, I have to tell him, but wanted to dress first. Would you mind watching my body for a moment?" Harry asked.

"Not at all, but be quick." Remus said. "You promised her three o'clock sharp, and she'll kill us both if you are late."

Harry nodded before sitting in a chair and going still.

Harry always felt a little disoriented going to the place where Sirius was. It was like the world was stuck in a haze, nothing was perfectly clear as was the normal world. He looked around carefully, before calling to Sirius. He waited for a moment before hearing that barking laugh he missed so much.

"Today is the day, I see." Sirius said smiling. "You are the perfect image of James today Harry."

"Remus helped me prepare." Harry said. "I'm feeling rather well about it all now."

"Only now? You proposed months ago, and it took you this long to like the idea?"

"No, Sirius. I feel good because sooner than anyone is ready for the war will be over, and I'll know how to bring back the three people I love." Harry said.

"What do you mean, Harry?" Sirius asked, now concerned.

"Slytherin knew a spell, one that could bring the dead back, exactly as they were when they died. I just don't know what I need for the spell. The ring won't tell me until I end the war."

"You can't be serious, Harry. Dumbledore said it was impossible."

"And it would be, if I wasn't a Parseltongue." Harry said. "Today, I will be a husband. But before the end of next year, I will also be a son and a friend to Sirius Black again."

"That's a day I will wait happily for."

"Thanks. Now, get your ass to Hogwarts, the wedding is starting soon." Harry said cheerfully.

"On my way, so get your ass moving. You are one of the guests of honor."

"Damnit! This dress doesn't want to work!" Serena yelled.

"Serena, calm down." Sam said. "Stop fidgeting and we can help you."

Sam, Ginny, and Hermione were trying to help Serena into the dress of Harry's Mum. It did not seem to like her too much, or else she was just too nervous to manage to slip into the dress comfortably. It kept shifting on her in a weird way.

Harry, I don't think your mother wants us to be married!

Why do you say that?

The dress won't work. Ask Moony if he knows a way to fix it.

After a few moments pause, Harry responded. Ha, ha, ha, look into a mirror say your real name and that you want to marry me.

Is that all?

Yeah. He thinks the dress thinks your a fraud.

I am in a way.

Just get moving, its almost three. I'd hate to see you hex yourself for being late.

Sod off.

Serena walked up to a mirror, ignoring its comments, and said clearly, "I am Nymphadora Tonks, now Serena Black, and more than anything I want to marry Harry James Potter."

The dressed grew warm, and slid up Serena's body, perfectly fitting to her form. She smiled quickly as she looked at her image in the mirror. Sam smiled at her, and gently placed a halo of lilies in her hair. Serena looked at Sam confused for a moment then smiled.

"Its a tradition in the muggle world. The mother gives their daughter something on her wedding day." Sam said.

"Thanks, Sam." Serena said. She looked in the mirror again and removed the Marauder necklace. "Today, I am only me. Not a Marauder, not an ex auror, just me."

"Sounds like a plan." Ginny said happily. "So, are you ready to get married up proper?"

"It's now or never. I hope Harry reminded Sirius." Serena said.

"He did, but you were too busy paying attention to your dress to feel it." Hermione said.

"Good, then all the important people will be here. I'm ready to be married, and I'm marrying Harry." She said, smiling almost giddy. "Lets get moving."

Harry stood outside, enjoying the warmth Dumbledore had provided, as well as the decorations that had been achieved in a few hours. Harry and Dumbledore placed Imps on each side of every row of seats, which were unleashing a rainbow of light constantly. They had red, orange and blue fairies frozen in place hanging over the entire area. The snow was glittering and sparkling like diamonds were strewn threw it, which was something Molly had come up with. Her big idea was to block the wind, snow, or any other element from entering the area until the last person entered the great hall. Lilies and white roses were placed just as Serena had asked them to be, which wasn't the easiest thing for Harry, considering some were being held in what would be the magical equivalent of a clear vase suspended in air. Since it was what Serena had wanted, he was more than happy he could pull it off.

Serena made the long walk from the great hall, and Harry could feel her smiling before he could see her. When he saw her, accompanied by Remus, his mouth fell open. Serena's dress was perfect. It was made of what looked like white lace and silk. The top half fit to her body perfectly, while being low cut in the front, and the bottom of it flowed outwards, making her every step appear to be a thing of beauty. As she stood next to Harry, she easily closed his mouth and rubbed his cheek gently. After he gave her a quick smile they both turned their attention to Dumbledore, who smiled merrily.

"Good day, everyone." Dumbledore started. "It has been wizarding tradition for over a millennium for people who love each other as much as these two to be joined together in the bonds of marriage forever. It is heart warming to see that even in these dark time, still love cannot be forgotten. I am honored to know these children, and to be here today to join them in this ceremony.

"Harry James Potter, Do you take Serena Anne Black as she is for the rest of your life?" Dumbledore asked him happily.

"I would have her no other way." Harry said, smiling at Serena.

"And do you, Serena Anne Black, take Harry James Potter as he is for the rest of your life?" Dumbledore asked again, as merry as before.

"How could I not?" Serena said, a smile of pure happiness on her face.

"And now for the ceremony of the rings." Dumbledore said, producing two rings from air and handing them to each of the two. "Harry, place the ring on Serena's finger and repeat after me."

Harry nodded and placed the ring on Serena's finger. "All I refuse and thee I choose." Dumbledore said.

"All I refuse and thee I choose."

"Serena, please place the ring on Harry's finger and repeat after me."

Serena did this. "All I refuse and thee I choose." Dumbledore said again.

"All I refuse and thee I choose."

"For the final part of the ceremony, could you each place your left hands in front of me." Dumbledore said. When they did Dumbledore passed his wand over their hand and then over them, saying the same incantation. Both of them glowed white quickly, and Dumbledore smiled. "Now, you are bonded both by love, and by magic. May each of your lives enrich the other's. I know pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride, Harry." Dumbledore finished smiling at the two.

"I love you." Harry said to her.

"I love you too." Serena said.

They didn't listen to the cheers or congratulations after that. They were too caught up in their first kiss as a married couple.