Embracing His True Self
Chapter 95
"Bet you never saw this happening, huh?" Harry said sniggering softly, from where he lay across Tom, extremely sated and happy. These were by far his favourite time of the day for sure. The curtains were open, they were already supposed to be up, it was Luna's wedding today. No doubt she was being fussed over by her father, father-in-law, brother-in-law and her soon to be husband. They didn't all adhere to the ideas of not seeing your bride or groom the night before. Some superstitions held, for some people, but for Luna and Rodolphus it was different.
"Hm?" the Dark Lord Voldemort turned to face his partner, clearly confused. He mostly certainly hadn't kept up with the twists and turns Harry's mind had made in the few seconds, added to the fact they hadn't been discussing anything that could have foreseen a rapid change in subject.
"Or did you?" Harry mused, chin resting on Tom's breastbone. "Did you attend the weddings of your followers? I mean back when you were 'Knights of the Walpurgis?',"
Tom's eyes crinkled and a smirk appeared on his face, "Of course," he replied, entirely too smug. "How do you think I did any socialising in order to recruit for the cause?"
"Wait," Harry said, pressing his hand against his chest, Tom's gaze lingered on it momentarily, "Are you telling me you actually did most of the recruiting?" quite shocked to find out this new information about his lover.
"Yes, what did you think happened?" Tom asked dryly, as always, he loved to shock and awe people. It was difficult to do with Harry so he enjoyed the win for what it was.
Inhaling sharply, he relaxed again, "Honestly?" Harry mused thoughtfully, "I thought you just got your followers kids to do the hard work for you. They've already been indoctrinated, all they had to do was do the same with others. It's how I thought Severus was brought into the fold." At least that's how it sounded anyway.
Toms hand idly brushed up and down Harry's back, "I do detest the word indoctrinated, they know exactly what they're getting into. I want the most powerful wizards in the world, the smartest for a reason, those that just do what they're told…I don't find them particularly interesting enough to gift them with the mark."
"Tell me this then, is Draco here out of family expectation or does he really want to be here?" Harry asked stubbornly, gazing at Tom determination. He wasn't even sure why he was using Draco as an example, oh, yes, he did, he was the only one that looked like he didn't want to be there. He knew nearly everyone from the ages of 24 down to sixteen that enters the manor. He played cards with groups of them, and really enjoyed himself. He knew Tom would have likely read his thoughts, so he was asking out of curiosity on Tom's opinion on Draco. More than anything else.
Tom couldn't help but be deeply amused by the question. Draco and Harry might be 'school boy rivals and enemies' more so on Draco's end since Harry couldn't care less about the boy unless he was being deliberately annoying in his sight. "You're right, family expectation but there is also a deep-seated need to be the best, to prove himself the best. When it realizes it's not going to happen, he decides it's suddenly not worth his time. He wants to be here but it's not what he thought it would be. He didn't think he'd need to claw his way to the top. He thought a spot would already be open for him because of his family, powers and fortune."
"Let me guess, he thinks I'm better than him at everything?" Harry rolled his eyes, honestly, Malfoy was an idiot and the quicker he grew up the better as far as he was concerned.
A pop interrupted their usual morning chat, a House-elf stood there with two trays levitating behind him.
"Put them at the bottom of the bed," Tom informed him, it was two trays filled with a rather large breakfast. The smell of it had his stomach grumbling hungrily. He'd been at meetings that had dragged on yesterday, which had him missing dinner and supper. Harry had made him a few sandwiches for him, doing it himself instead of asking a House-elf to do it.
"What's this in aid of?" Harry asked, sitting up properly, the covers pooling in his lap, glancing back at Tom who had remained reclining. "Aren't we eating downstairs?" or had they missed breakfast entirely? Craning around, he grasped his wand and spelled the time in front of him. Hm, no, he hadn't missed breakfast in fact, it was still a little early actually. They didn't normally eat in bed, in fact, Harry couldn't recall a time where they ever had.
"No, I decided last night that everyone would eat breakfast in their bed today and tomorrow if they're here." Tom replied, sitting up, and levitating both trays towards them. He immediately took a drink of orange juice finding himself rather thirsty. Missing the feeling of Harry lying against him but he'd never confess to such.
Not only was the breakfast there, but letters were too, on a little silver tray. The bundle itself, wasn't quite so little, but Harry wasn't surprised by the sight of it. Tom got a lot of letters, most of it amendments, or truce suggestions, all the 'dark creatures' that the Ministry had declared 'creatures' with very little rights at that, had decided to join Voldemort. They would be better off under his rule, a lot of people would actually, to be fair.
"Did they ask for me last night?" Harry asked, eyeing the letters and shaking off his amusement. He loved fucking with the people who actually asked for him. Like he was the make or break on some of the alliances the others decide on. Unfortunately, he wasn't in the manor last night until around eleven, he'd made him and Tom a few sandwiches – he could feel his hunger through the bond and it had made him bloody hungry! – and gone to bed, he was sure Tom had joined him within half an hour. At least he hadn't felt persistent pangs of hunger through the bond although at least a bit was his own hunger.
Oddly enough, none of the meetings when it came to werewolves…had he been asked for. Apparently, they were smart enough to have enough gossip – werewolves do go to pubs after all – and or just didn't care.
Tom smirked at the savage amusement he could feel coming from the bond. "Fortunately, not, no," he hadn't been in the mood for any of that, luckily the pack they had not attempted to ask or seemed interested. Either that or they had figured out Voldemort's mood and didn't dare to ask. They had either did scouting ahead and got the
"How do they feel with not only you being ultimately in charge but Fenrir being the ultimate Alpha of the werewolf packs?" Harry asked, picking up his fork and knife. He'd met them in passing, he doubted they knew or realized who he was. It wasn't as simple as knowing what someone smells like instinctively. He felt very fancy sitting with a tray on the bed, eating out of it.
"It was a problem to begin with," Tom confessed, between bites to eat.
"Let me guess, his reputation?" Harry asked wryly, drinking his orange juice.
"Yes, it would have helped keep everyone in line, there's no doubt about it." Tom said passionately, he had to say he was surprised Harry hadn't asked sooner. "Unfortunately, when it comes to cubs…werewolves are very territorial and protective. Not just of their own, or the cubs in the packs either, but all cubs. Fenrir's reputation made anyone too fearful to consider an alliance regardless of the good it would for them all." they weren't going to follow someone who hurt cubs for his own amusement. Turned cubs for his own entertainment or for revenge.
"Wait, how the hell did you convince anyone then?" Harry asked, entirely stunned. "I can't see Fenrir making himself vulnerable talking about it, even for you." Fenrir Harry deduced was more of a friend to Tom than a servant, and it wasn't just because of the lack of Dark Mark.
"Set them down in front of the rest of Fenrir's pack," Tom said with a smirk, who were undoubtfully extremely protective of Fenrir. He was the reason they were relatively sane, happy and had each other. Fenrir for his gruff nature and standoffish personality was very loyal and would do anything he could for his pack. He was a good Alpha and hell mind anyone that said otherwise. "Naturally, word began to spread, they always keep in contact with each other, mostly about hunters, wizards hunting them down for sport and such."
"Huh, I didn't realize," Harry confessed, it wasn't something of a recent development either. No, Fenrir and the other packs had all been on Voldemort's side for ages now. Rather more accurately, most of them. It showed he still had a lot to learn about everything actually.
"It happens when you don't attend all meetings," Tom said wryly, eyes twinkling mercilessly. "Not very well done of the Lord Consort." He couldn't help but tease. The right mood Harry had been in when he first heard those words had been admittedly extremely hilarious.
Harry groaned, "Don't call me that, ugh!" he couldn't believe that's what they called him. The Dark Lord's Consort, he probably should feel very insulted over it, and he would pretend from now on, but truth be told…he rather liked the sound of permanence around him and Tom. Was it wrong to want something to be his for the rest of his life on earth? "And they're aware that there isn't to be any bloodshed? That the changeover is going to be a peaceful one?" werewolves were bloodthirsty by nature, the thrill of the hunt, and Harry didn't blame them.
Remus Lupin was an oddity, he used to entirely suppress his werewolf. Both mentally and physically with the aid of potions. Not that he was taking it now, not after Harry told Sirius what the potion would inevitably do to him. Killing him slowly so that he wouldn't even see his fiftieth birthday.
"That is what you are," Tom pointed out, "And yes, they're aware, in fact, most of them prefer it that way. Violence has plagued them all too often as of late, it's devastated the packs to the point where they don't want any more losses."
"And you?" Harry asked curiously, wiping his mouth where a piece of scrambled egg stubbornly remained.
"I don't care how my goals are accomplished, just as long as they are accomplished." Tom confessed with an intense look on his face. "Back in the sixties I was forced into violence as all other doors were closed to me. Dumbledore made sure of it, it's when I let go of the Tom Riddle façade entirely and became Lord Voldemort." He still was Lord Voldemort to the world…only a few recognized the visage of Tom Riddle to think of him this way. Harry was the only one who actually saw both people. "Forced might not be the correct term, for I actually revelled in the thought." He was not one to shy away from his own emotions.
"You certainly did," Harry said wryly, "I can understand why everyone wanted to bury their heads in the sand. If the Prophet was right about the attacks. You really were strategic, weren't you? you kept them guessing constantly, even with your mind warped its…"
"Pathetic?" Tom asked dryly, if he'd had his right mind he would have won. For he wouldn't have been so paranoid and wouldn't have believed everything he heard.
"Beautiful," Harry said, nudging Tom with his arm smiling at him. "The next generation will be born in less than a year…will you be marking them?" thinking of Luna's child, there was no way Luna would want that to happen. Rodolphus besotted idiot that he was, would agree with anything Luna said regardless of his desire to serve Voldemort.
"No," Tom shook his head, a faraway look on his face, "No more marks, by the time they're old enough…the war should truly be over and we won't have to worry about any need to call others to our side." At least he rather hoped he wouldn't be fighting still to get the world the way he wanted it, in seventeen years' time.
Shuffling out of bed, his breakfast eaten, he opened the doors to the balcony and inhaled the fresh air with relish. Only to do a double take when he noticed that everything was already going up rapidly and it was beautiful. He could smell the lavender and lilies which is what Luna had chosen for the circle.
"It smells and looks amazing," Harry said watching the magical display, no less amazed by the sight as he had been as an eleven-year-old. "The Gazebo was massive, flowers intricately woven around the gazebo, the white wooden design was breath-taking.
Tom joined him, pressing himself up against Harry, blank eyes taking his fill. He saw no need for all of it, but if it kept his people happy and they celebrated? Then it would be worthwhile, he supposed. "Would you like to get married?" he asked, eyes roaming around the sight as tables were brought out and covered with a white cloth that probably had another name.
"Oh, Merlin, no," Harry said shuddering, "I detest big displays and celebrations, you know that. I've had every single one you've put on, doesn't help that you enjoy them so much." Poking him in the stomach with a grin, "Although, some people helped make it less so." He confessed, especially the celebrations for his birthday.
"You detested the beginning of the first one," Tom corrected him, wrapping his arms around him. "You enjoyed every single one since, don't lie." He said wryly, most of his followers would probably have a heart attack if they saw him right now. Even his inner circle would feel extremely awkward despite knowing that he was a man as well. He supposed he had nobody to blame but himself really. He had made them all see him as something…godlike, not human, with powers unrivalled – in anyone except Harry – truth is he was just a man with goals he wanted to accomplish.
It didn't help the fear he had caused while insane ran deep.
Harry hummed and hawed a bit, before laughing softly, "I suppose so," it had taken a while for him to truly relax and enjoy everything though. It was vastly different from how things had been at any other time of his life. Like the Yule ball, it was meant to be about all the champions but it had mostly just been about him, and everything he'd done that year had ended up in the newspaper and bloody analysed to bits.
"So, did you ever see yourself marrying?" he'd asked about kids, which Harry insisted he didn't want…it didn't sound like a lie, but it was very unusual to hear anyone say they don't want at least one kid. Maybe once their world is a bit fairer and he took over…perhaps he'd change his mind then. He dreaded the thought. He had no desire for children or to carry on his line, they were annoyances he could do without.
"I barely saw myself surviving you two chess masters," Harry scoffed, so of course he hadn't seen a wedding and happiness in his future just some sort of hopeful freedom. "So no, I didn't ever see myself marrying to be honest."
Voldemort wanted to say that the difference between him and Dumbledore would be that he didn't send out children to war, but he sort of had done. In his defence, he had been out of his mind, whereas Dumbledore didn't have that excuse to fall back on.
"As for what you really wanted to know, it doesn't bother me, we're already bonded far closer than anyone else will ever be." Harry said wryly, "Bonded in a way Wizardkind could only wish they could get with their husbands or wives. And the answers aren't going to change no matter how many times you ask me. Or alter in the different ways you choose to ask." Giving him a look that suggested he was utterly idiotic.
"And you're not thinking about it more heavily? Someone you know is going through both," Tom pointed out, as they watched more tables were spread around along with chairs slotting magically into place. "Someone very close to you, the closest to a sister you ever wanted by your own admission. That and you did get terribly attached to Grindelwald in the brief time you knew him." It was natural, from what he'd observed of humanity. He knew he was different, didn't feel as strongly as everyone else…but when he did? He felt it fully.
"It's almost as if you want me to be," Harry turned to look at him properly, cocking his head to the side. "Do you want to marry and settle down?" he teased him.
Tom blanched, vehemently shaking his head, "Merlin, no,"
"Then stop assuming I will change mine." Harry said firmly, he got it though, why Tom would think he would. He was young, and he knew a lot of young people changed their minds. He wasn't one of them.
"Good," Tom said inhaling heavily, "For I don't believe I could give you what you wish…or let you go." Death would be the only other alternative and that was also unsuitable. Marriage he could manage, but children? Again, it wasn't something he wanted.
"Then stop thinking about it," Harry said, a slight reprimand in his voice, he didn't say 'worry' because he honestly didn't think Tom actually worried about anything. He liked to think himself 'above' worrying like a plebian or so he insisted. "The meetings, when are they?" knowing Tom had opened the mail before coming over.
"Tomorrow at eleven am," Tom said staring out at the lush grounds of the manor. He had picked very well indeed, to think when he brought this place it was an overgrown mess. The land bought cheap, with the amount of work needed put into it. It was tiny compared to the old families' estates, there was no doubt about it, but he didn't need anything more than this.
Ironic that a great many old families had ended up living in the castle for months if not years. Thankfully though, since gaining their new identities they had begun restoring their families' seats, names and money and estates.
Even his old friend, Lestrange, had gone well overboard. Then again, he had waited decades for a grandchild. And for decades more would have thought it would never happen. He didn't see the desire himself, but Lestrange exuded it to the extreme.
"Black is trying to get in touch," Tom commented, noticing the blue hue indoors whereas Harry was still watching outside so did not see it. "Where are they now?"
"They've gone to Singapore." Harry commented, it was a relief to know they were away from the Order entirely or what was left of it. So that they couldn't be convinced to start fighting again. They'd done their fighting; it was time for them to live their lives. He honestly didn't want to think about what might happen if Remus and Sirius took up wands against the other side.
"Might be Neville," Harry pointed out, his and Neville's relationship wasn't the same as it used to be. Neville still hadn't gotten his head around the fact you could be a 'dark' wizard and practice dark magic without being evil. It's no surprise given what happened to his parents he supposed. It still hurt to see that relationship he'd built with Neville being partitioned off a bit at a time.
"Doubtful, won't they already be here in the UK?" Tom arched a brow in query. Surely, the Lord of the Longbottom estate didn't need to tell everyone where he was whenever he was. The mirrors were ingeniously made but he saw no need for them.
It's what the Dark Mark was for after all.
A House-elf popped in for the trays, Harry said thank you while Tom entirely ignored it's presence. Other than the fact he acknowledged it was the House-elf that had gone for Harry on that very faithful day.
"What exactly are you doing with Bellatrix?" Harry asked as he grabbed the mirror, not activating it yet.
"The House-elves are healers are taking her to the beach for the day," Tom answered, glancing dubiously at the sky, while it was clear…it wasn't exactly sunny enough outside for a trip to the seaside.
"The beach," Harry scoffed, he's never been there and Bellatrix was getting to go, "Maybe I should have killed her," he confessed darkly. It would be better than listening to Hermione going on and on and on about Pagan rituals he already knew and had read them years ago. Barty had just found it hilarious…and made no move to interfere…mostly because he was glad not to be on the receiving end.
"Don't pout, it doesn't become you," Tom said, smothering his amusement, at both the pouting and the comment. Even more hilarious was the fact he knew Harry meant it, unfortunately, Harry's honour would stop it. He'd given Rodolphus leave to decide her fate, at the end of the day it was up to him.
He wanted Bellatrix as far away from his wedding as possible and so it would be.
"On the hottest day of the year, we will go together," Tom promised.
"Oh, please, you just want to get your kicks out of confusing and pissing off as many Muggles as you can by making a beach disappear for the day." Harry laughed, but there was no mistaken the longing in his green eyes, it actually sounded pretty damn perfect.
Honestly, the couple wouldn't have survived if not for the bond they share, the amount of times things is brushed over. Either that…or they only do it because of the bond…one would never find out.
"Excuse me," with that Harry moved away to answer the mirror call, which it did turn out to be from Remus and Sirius who were in yet another different country. Remus and Sirius were extremely tanned now, given the countries they were visiting it wasn't any surprise. At least Remus was making sure Sirius put on his sun cream that was all that mattered.
If Harry had his way, he would make sure that they did not spend much time in Britain at all for the rest of their lives. He didn't talk too long though, a legitimate reason, he did have to attend a wedding very soon.
Luna breathed shakily out, in her bare feet she walked across the carpet and towards the full-length mirror. She was alone, naturally the boys had gone off to get dressed themselves for the ceremony which was almost ready. They'd picked out what flowers were to be used in the circle, but hadn't done that themselves yet. They would be doing it when they got there though. The dress was in the dress bag still, despite how excited she was, she felt so very nervous too.
She was too intent on looking at herself she almost jumped a mile when the door was knocked.
"You decent in there?" Harry called out.
Luna giggled, pressing a hand to her heart, breathing out in relief, "Yeah, I am, come on in." she was decent, she had a pair of pyjamas on, shorts and t-shirt.
"It's nearly time, your father is driving everyone mental down there…shall I tell them it's time to get seated?" Harry asked, squeezing her hands in comfort. Naturally, her father would remain behind, he wasn't 'giving her away' so to speak, that didn't happen in pagan ceremonies, but Luna had wanted her 'fathers' to have a part in it, and thus, Lestrange and Lovegood would be walking her towards the circle, to her new life with her husband Rodolphus.
Luna looked at Harry in confusion, now why would her father drive anyone mental? Shaking off that particular confusion, she said, "Yes, I'll be ready within a few minutes." And the beauty of having magic, one didn't need help, even getting into a tricky designed dress.
"I'll leave you to it then," Harry said, leaning forward and kissing her cheek, "May your lives be long and happy." He said, a wistfulness about him, so very grateful to have at least one real friend that saw every facet of his personality and loved him.
No, no, that wasn't true, Marcus, Terrance, Blaise, Theodore…he had more friends than he realized. He just didn't know how to do anything other than play cards with them because he didn't know them despite all the hours, he'd spent chatting away with them. That and they wouldn't want to speak 'out of turn' because he was as Tom called him, The Dark Lord's Consort.
Butterflies made a persistent home in Luna's stomach; she'd barely eaten any breakfast. Her nerves were getting the better of her, despite the fact she knew how it all ends. She guessed, even the most confident of people, who knew they were made for each other, must get them too.
"Daddy?" Luna said, making her way down the stairs into the main lobby, her father was dressed very dapper in a normal black suit, white shirt, white tie, and a black waistcoat. Inside the waistcoat though, the silk was covered in fine hand stitched animals, both real and what they imagine those yet to be found animals actually looked like. He wasn't going to mention his socks.
Xenophilius Lovegood jerked around from where he was staring outside into the gardens. Almost bewildered for a few brief moments until his eyes fell upon his daughter.
She was a stunning, completely mesmerising, his only daughter about to get married. "Oh, Pandora, how I wish you were here, you'd know exactly what to do and say." Xenophilius said quietly to himself, eyes wet with tears, as he watched as his daughter glided down the stairs, a beautiful vision.
Xenophilius however, stumbled forward, his eyes only for his daughter. Breathless, his mind conjuring up memories of his daughter at different ages, with his wife so similar to their daughter in most of them. Oh, she would be so happy to see this. Maybe she had, maybe she had seen this very scene in her mind. It made his smile more genuine, happiness bursting forth.
Xenophilius reached out for his daughter as she took the last few steps. She was in a pair of white flat shoes; his daughter had never done well in high heels. "You are…breath-taking, my little Luna bug, your mum would have loved to have been here."
"She is here, daddy, she is," Luna said smiling, her eyes brimming with tears.
"Last chance to back out," Xenophilius teased softly, but it was his duty to ask as such. He knew his daughter though; he knew that she wouldn't give in now.
"Daddy!" Luna chastised her father, but she was still smiling. "Be nice, Rodolphus is going to give you your favourite grandchild." Looping her arm around his.
"I wouldn't play favourites," Xenophilius protested, of that, he was sure.
Luna patted his arm, well aware that his father-in-law was waiting at the door. Giving her a chance to talk to her father alone, it wasn't easy, far from it. To say goodbye to being the only man in his daughter's life. especially after tragically losing his wife so early into their marriage life. One always expects to have a lifetime their significant other…multiple decades, but sometimes, tragically it's not meant to be. He understood, thus patiently waited outside.
Lord Lestrange turned around when he heard the door opening, revealing Luna Lovegood – soon to be Luna Lestrange – in all her glory. "You are…magnificent," he confessed, a bit young, he thought, but still very beautiful. You can't help who you fall in love with, but at least Rodolphus had made this choice on his own without any input from him. Or expectations.
Better still, she loved him back and was giving him his first grandchild. An heir for the Lestrange line at long last.
He was very fond of her himself, if he was entirely honest, and he was going to rain hell down on anyone who even thought to bully Luna and name call her, the 'Looney Lestrange' would be the last words they ever utter.
Luna smiled sweetly at the wizard who was like an older version of Rodolphus. It was good to know that her husband was going to age well, especially considering it was going to occur to him quicker. She was younger than him, but if her visions were correct…they were going to have a long and happy life.
"Shall we?" Lord Lestrange asked holding out his arm with a small smile on his face. He was incandescently happy to see his family expanding and genuinely happy for the first time in a long time. It was as much emotion as he would ever allow to grace his face.
Emotions were a sign of weakness, that was something he'd been raised to believe. Thus, he rarely showed emotion, even to his own kids. He'd taught Rodolphus and Rabastan to shield their emotions from others, so that nobody thinks they could use them, but never the way he'd been taught. His boys didn't think emotions were a weakness.
Luna looped her arm through her father-in-law's and she made her way towards where her wedding party awaited to celebrate her day with her. There were far more people here to see Rodolphus' big day than her, but she'd always been very content with a close group of friends.
The butterflies in Luna's stomach became more prevalent, she wasn't the only one, although Rodolphus would rather die than even for a second give a single indication to anyone except Luna, of course. His soon to be wife.
His soon-to-be pregnant wife.
She looked ethereal as she walked towards him, the gown she had on made from a stunning lightweight purple velvet teamed up with a breath-taking brocade middle panel with beautiful embroidered detail of the Lestrange coat of arms.
White scrolled braid trims the neckline to add the extra 'wow factor' complete with a stunning Scottish widow style hood that has been lined in the matching brocade fabric, this she had over her head. The sleeves are a semi fitted style with a wonderful open sleeve bottom section. This has been lined in matching brocade fabric and trim added to the top part. These have been designed in a way to show your forearm and the bottom of the sleeve to drape behind the design was Simply stunning.
The front and back has a corset type lacing. Luna had it tightly laced for the perfect fit. It didn't cling to Luna; it drapes in folds of fabric making her look goddess-like. The princess seams added to the flattering figure she made.
There hadn't been a more beautiful Lestrange bride, in Rodolphus' grand opinion.
Luna had a smug smile on her face, as if she had been proven right by something. She probably had, and he made a mental note to ask her about it, and as he grasped her small delicate hand, the drums, bells and applauding started up, they didn't speak, Rodolphus didn't think he could if he wanted to, both of them beginning to make their way towards through the circle. It smelt fragrantly delicious, newly cut flowers, freshly blooming.
Rodolphus with his black suit looked very dapper, hair jelled back just so made his cheekbones look more prominent. Threaded through his very favourite pocket watch were purple and white ribbons making even that fairly festive. Luna thought he looked very handsome, and she made a mental note to tell him that later.
"We welcome you, friends and family, in joining us today in celebrating the happy couple transition from fiancé and fiancée to husband and wife." Lord Lestrange said, speaking as an officiant, both as head of the family, but as an actual officiant.
Luna and Rodolphus stood hand in hand smiling, both of them beyond happy. For both of them it was a novel experience, Luna spent most of her life ostracized and bullied, and Rodolphus? Fake friends, and a wife he didn't want and couldn't control – not that he'd wanted to 'control' her so to speak – but she was insane and it had been for their…no, he was not going to think on her for a second today. He would not let her spoil this day.
"They do this today in the traditional handfasting, and we welcome you all in taking part." Rabastan stated firmly and loudly so everyone could hear. He was the second officiant.
"Today we begin with the ringing of the bells to ward off evil spirits!" Xenophilius called out, and for a moment there was a thunderous roar of dozens upon dozens of bells being rung by the people attending the handfasting. "Today we witness the joining of these two people as we ward off evil spirits!" every move the wizard did, he made it look effortless, like he was simply performing a dance routine.
To some he was also the 'comedic' to straight Rabastan and Lord Lestrange.
"The Blessed couple will now also bless this circle!" Xenophilius declared, a big bowl filled with flowers and herbs, ready for them to bless the area, to welcome the goddess herself to join them.
Rodolphus and Luna accepted the bowl, and begun to scatter the herbs and flowers the sound of their guests sounding their bells. Luna could already feel the magic beginning to roll through the area. It's why Voldemort had been happy enough to let the wedding happen here. Sacred places were more powerful, blessed, it would power the entire estate and the forest.
Harry watched everything avidly, copying Tom for the most part. This was his first ever pagan wedding, wait, no they called it handfasting. It was entirely fascinating to him, and Tom, luckily didn't mind telling him what was happening or what was about to happen.
"This sacred space has now been purified, let us begin!" Xenophilius declared, so profoundly honoured that he was getting to do this for his daughter. He had immediately trained – not that it needed much – to be an officiant. It hadn't taken long either, he was able within a day, not that he'd needed to use twenty-four hours of that day either.
"We give a prayer, from the happy couple themselves,
I call upon the land of Slytherin
Deep as the waters of the sacred wells that quench the thirst,
The joy of swimming in the waters of the lakes,
Joyful as the dancers around the drumming firepit
With honour and pride we raise god poles,
And honour given to our ancestors at the standing stone
Ancestors and lost women we remember,
Dreams we hold dear as we kneel before the lord and lady shrine
Strong women who refuse to kneel at the red spiral
A centre of strength and manhood at the men's caring
Strong backs who keep the fires alight,
Little fires of memory that we kindle in our hearts
Warmly we remember pets and loved ones together
Firelight that brings warmth and miracles
Mirth and song lift our spirits,
Spirits of the land whom we make offerings
We call upon the land of Slytherin
We honour our gods!
We honour the spirits!
We honour the ancestors!"*
Rabastan recited the poem that had been written, it was a little stilted in places but from the heart. It made him gasp in awe as he felt the magic, bright, powerful and so, very strong encompassing him. He wasn't the only one either, it rolled over on everyone, the wards themselves were buzzing and pulsing with magic.
"Rodolphus, Luna, you have both loved and lost before. You know what each you of wants in a partner and what you have to offer in a relationship. You stand here today to share the overwhelming joy you find in each other, and the dedication you have for each other, with those who matter most to you here today." Lord Lestrange declared, staring at both of them. They had both lost their mothers young.
"You have made a house a home. Have already spoken the words of love and commitment to one another. You stand here today before family and friends, before the gods, to pledge your commitment to one another with this handfasting." Rabastan said, he was so happy for his brother. His gaze when he wasn't talking, was focused solely on Severus. He hoped one day to be going through this but with him standing where his brother was and Severus where Luna was.
Severus was too busy scowling darkly at Rabastan and watching the scene with hooded eyes. He wasn't at all comfortable, especially in these situations. Harry had been relieved to see it, otherwise he truly would have thought Severus had, had a personality transplant.
"Friends and family who have gathered here today, you stand here as Rodolphus and Luna's strength. Will you celebrate this marriage, standing beside them in rough times, and allow no one to do harm to their relationship?" Lord Lestrange called out, sombre and serious.
"We will," came the guests replies, all dressed in beautiful dresses, suits, and a lot of them bare footed. With their shoes beside their chair, as they allowed their feet to skim the grass, to feel the magic in the land, in the air, to fully experience it.
"So, mote it be!" a flush of magic echoing through the estate, most closed their eyes as momentarily as it was, experiencing the rush. Handfasting wasn't as popular as it used to be, and it made them all sad and somewhat nostalgic.
"We give thanks for the blessings on this day." Xenophilius called out, "And now, the receiving of the rings!"
Harry stood, walking around the circle, giving the rings 'positive energy' so to speak. Until he reached the middle and walked towards Rodolphus and Luna, who were positively incandescently happy. Harry felt nothing but happiness for them. This handfasting was as close to the kind of bond he had with Tom.
Grinning at Hermione and Barty, Hermione definitely didn't look comfortable with those that surrounded her. The names had left a bad impression on her, despite the fact she hadn't ever spoken to or been on the receiving end of a single glance from them.
Most ironic thing of all, was the others were just as uncomfortable with Hermione there! They didn't half have a screwed-up opinion of Muggle-borns that's for sure. However, he reckoned she would make them all reconsider their stances for their own sake not just the way the wind was blowing and demands from Tom.
"Each of you will now hold your rings, it's time to say your vows to one another, with the rings as a symbol of your commitment and promise today." Rabastan stated, taking a step back, curious to hear them. Rodolphus had kept quiet about what he had written.
"Luna, you are the light of my life, my reason for breathing, my heart and soul. I'd give them all to you just to see you smile and be happy." Rodolphus murmured quietly, so quietly that hardly anyone could hear him properly except Harry, his father, his father-in-law and his brother and maybe the front row. "Every moment I've waited for you, the suffering I've endured has been worth it. I would go through it again just knowing you're waiting at the end of a long lonely path."
Hermione sniffles, watching the wedding with a tearful gaze, overwhelmed with happiness.
"Are you alright?" Barty asked, tightening his hold on her, not sure whether it was safe to ask or not. Honestly, even after dating them girls didn't make sense to him. Never know what's going to start them off. Handing over a cloth handkerchief he produced from his pocket.
"I'm fine," Hermione murmured, "The vows are so beautiful."
"Yes, they are," Barty agreed, more so than she could even imagine, considering what Rodolphus had been through. Same as what they had all been through, many thought he was luckier but he'd have rather have been in Azkaban than suffering under his father's thumb.
Naturally Luna did, and she had tears rolling down her face, luckily the magical make up was impervious to water be it tears or rain.
"I love you; you make all the bad fade away into the background. Cherish me in a way I didn't think I would be cherished…and make me feel like the most important person in the world. I promise to love, cherish and honour you in turn, and give us the family we've always wanted." they had decided they didn't care for the 'love honour and obey' but Luna had wanted to put some aspect of it, in.
"Do you swear to live by these vows as long as your love still stands?" Lord Lestrange asked them.
"I do," they both swore.
"Do you swear to do your best to build on your committed healthy, long-lasting relationship as husband and wife?" Xenophilius questioned.
"I do," they both swore, eyes for only each other. Their magic enveloping around each other, like a warm security blanket.
"These rings will act as a reminder of the vows you've taken today so mote it be!" Lord Lestrange said, as the pair exchanged their rings, with Harry slipping back beside Tom who looked thoroughly bored out of his gourd.
"It is now time for you both to literally, tie the knot!" Xenophilius said cheerfully, withdrawing the ribbons and cord from his robes. Lord Lestrange did the same, all different colours and kinds.
Luna and Rodolphus took turns reciting the vows as their fathers wrapped their hands together, handfasting them together, their magic flaring each time one was wrapped around them. Their words not vows not even oaths but still held power in them.
"These are the hands that will cherish you."
"These are the hands that will passionately love you."
"These are the hands that will help you in every endeavour."
"These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind."
"These are the hands that will wipe the tears from your eyes."
"These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it."
"These are the hands that will help you build our lives together."
"These are the hands that will lift us up to be all we can be."
"These are the hands that will be your strength, and stay."
"These are the hands that will help you raise our children."
"These are the hands that will be your shield, and your protection."
"With the fashioning of the knots through the joining of hands…your lives are now irrevocably bound to one another. So, mote it be!" Lord Lestrange said, and with that magic flared even more brightly, magic glowing between them before blasting off into the wards, the excess making the area stronger than ever.
Rabastan placed the broom in the middle of Rodolphus' and Luna's circle, and both of them jumped over as soon as the drumming sprung up again with chants of 'jump!' following that first beat of the drum. The cheering and applaud almost drowned out the drumming, almost.
"We now pronounce you husband and wife," called the three wizards who had become officiants today. Their pronouncement barely heard in the cheering as everyone applauded, genuinely happy that Rodolphus had found someone. "You may kiss the bride."
Rodolphus leant forward and kissed his new bride, his wife, eyes gleaming with happiness that was so foreign to him that it was odd to experience but thrilling nonetheless.
"May your lives together be blessed," Rabastan said.
"Blessed be," Xenophilius announced.
"Blessed be!" came the chorus from those that actually heard it over the celebratory congratulations happening right now around Rodolphus and Luna.
"You alright?" Harry asked sliding up next to Neville. "Still leaving right away?"
"No," Neville said watching the proceedings with interest, "No, I'm going to stay." His hand clenched in Hannah's, a small smile on his face. It was nothing like how he'd dreaded it to be. There was no bitterness or unhappiness that the Lestrange's were happy, even if they had nothing to do with what happened. Nobody could be blamed for how they felt, least of all him.
Harry thumped him on the back happily, "Good! Luna's going to be so happy!" grinning at him, "Come on, let's go get a drink!" guiding the two of them towards the tent, everyone was doing the same thing, which left the decorated broomstick behind.
They danced, drank and made merry long after Luna and Rodolphus had left to begin their honeymoon. Whisked away by a Portkey before they became too drunk to safely operate it. After last goodbyes from Lord Lestrange and Xenophilius of course. Rabastan was utterly besotted with Severus to notice his brothers exit.
Harry didn't stick with one person too long, no, he chatted with everyone he could the drink loosening him up a bit. The most time he spent with any one person was definitely Tom.
"They've returned with her," Tom stated, "They've got her in the converted loft." At least the House-elf had been smart enough not to take her to the cabin. It would have been blatantly clear someone had gone into it even from this distance. Also, Bellatrix's voice tended to carry.
"So, it's time," Harry said in realization, able to pick up Tom's cues easily, without needing the bond.
Tom nodded, he wasn't risking exposure, too many wizards and witches here who still didn't know they were sitting amongst the Dark Lord Voldemort's elite.
"Alight," Harry agreed, squeezing Tom's shoulder, noticing that Neville was watching him intently again. What was going on with Neville he wondered? He stood up, intended on finding out what had made Neville rather rude.
Harry wove around the groups, that were loud and joyful despite Rodolphus and Luna already gone. It was dark but the lights in the mason jars and big massive globes of light way up high had the area flooded with enough light as to ensure he moved unhindered. Not that he needed it, out of all people there except a few, he knew the place blindfolded. Tom could deal with them; he was actually beginning to tire as well.
"Hey, guys, have a good night?" Harry asked, despite having just visited their table less than an hour ago and asked the very same question.
"It was…illuminating," Neville confessed, glancing once again at Tom.
"What is it?" Harry asked baffled by Neville's actions.
"I'll see you at mine?" Hannah said, kissing Neville on the cheek before she used her own Portkey and left for her childhood home after Neville affirmed, he'd be there. It was natural for them to visit Hannah's parents while they were in the UK. Hannah smiled almost mischievously at Harry before she left.
"Why didn't you go?" Harry asked, perplexed.
"Walk with me," Neville said, turning around, Harry stepped in line beside him too curious.
"You do realize that my gran went to school with Tom Riddle…right?" Neville pointed out, keeping his voice, very, very low.
"Uh, huh," Harry said confused.
"We know who he is…who he really is," Neville said, "He's not just a son or grandson, he's the exact spitting image that I saw in the end of the year book for Hogwarts for my Grans graduating class…same mannerisms, same haughty attitude, it can't be faked." Blanching a little when he realized what he'd said and who he'd said it about. "You're dating him."
Harry stared in stunned disbelief, heart pounding erratically, he knew Neville's gran had told him Voldemort had returned. That he likely knew that Harry had joined the dark side, well, not likely, had. He never expected Neville to figure out that he wasn't just on the dark side, but he was dating Tom…or Voldemort as people knew him as. He was surprised, he probably shouldn't be this was Neville they were talking about. He was a keen watcher of people, more so than anyone realized, even him, and he knew Neville quite a bit. "Yes," he confessed, a load being removed from his shoulders, expecting to be condemned for it.
"I'm going to take it Hannah knows?" Harry asked, frowning, not sure how he felt about that. He lamented the fact it would come out sooner or later, but he would have preferred it to be very, very much later.
"Yes, but don't worry, she's not going to gossip about it…we both value our lives." Neville said dryly as they continued to walk towards the entrance. Which was probably about another fifteen minutes away, twenty if they kept up the slow pace.
Harry continued to walk, opening and closing his mouth in disbelief, "You know I'd never hurt you." he said vehemently, hurt shining through his eyes at the thought of Neville thinking that for a second.
Neville glance sideways at Harry, "No, I know you wouldn't," he confessed, thinking of his parents, "You did everything you could to right their wrongs…but Harry…it doesn't make what they did alright."
"No, it never will, Nev," Harry agreed, he was entitled to hate them.
"They're still alive, aren't they?" Neville asked tensely. It wasn't just the Lestrange's avoiding him like the plague, but the only other 'Crouch' it didn't take a genius to put the puzzle pieces together. They had spent the entire evening avoiding coming within breathing distance of his table. Hermione had been over and he didn't take long for him to make his excuses and all but run. Even Hermione had been surprised by her fiancé's actions. He doubted it was guilt, they just didn't want a constant reminder of their years in Azkaban no doubt.
Harry opened his mouth to blatantly lie to Neville, he didn't owe him anything, he'd done everything he could to correct the Lestrange's mistakes. "Yes," he confessed, if there was anyone that deserved to know it was him. Plus, Neville wouldn't have dared to even open his mouth and say the words if he wasn't sure.
Neville inhaled sharply, the confession like a slap in the face. "My mum…she's pregnant." He confessed, "The foetus was frozen in stasis by one of the healers in St. Mungo's. Nobody knows who, but my mums own magic has slowly deteriorated it these past months."
"Merlin's balls," Harry choked, eyes wide, "You're going to be a big brother!" heck his brother was going to be ages with his kid more or less, Hannah said she wanted siblings close in age when she had kids. Since her and her brother were ages apart, and she barely knew him since he was so old compared to her. Hannah was one determined witch, so he wouldn't be surprised if she did it.
"Tell them…tell them I forgive them," Neville said, staring out into the now distant party, staring at the gates. "I-if you can forgive the wizard who killed your parents…I can forgive those who hurt mine." He said, his countenance pensive but sure. "I'll never forget…and I honestly don't think I would piss on them if they were on fire."
Harry grinned, "You've been spending a lot of time in the company of Muggles,"
"It's Mundane over there, and yes," Neville said, surprised that Harry had nothing to say.
Leaning over, Harry whispered, "The main perpetrator, Bellatrix no-last-name not only lost her magic but is living as a squib…unable to end her misery." He told him with a feral intensity that Neville flinched. That was until the news sank in, not only had Bellatrix been disowned as a Black but a Lestrange…but she was now a squib. He had no doubt that Harry had done it, that smug undertone? Oh, yeah, he'd done I alright. "She'll live out her life in regret."
Neville smiled grimly, "Good," he was a good wizard, but he wasn't that good.
"Give my best to the Abbott's," Harry inclined his head, the distant sound of the party began to die down.
"I will," Neville said, giving Harry another look before smiling, "Talk to you later,"
Harry smiled, relaxing, happy to hear that, "We're good?" still stunned Neville had forgiven those who attacked his parents.
"Yeah, we're good." Neville confirmed, "I'll chat to you tomorrow once we get back. Just because we're on different sides…doesn't mean we can't be friends. Although, in all honesty, I don't think we're on opposite sides…" He was more neutral than anything else, a far cry from the 'light' boy he'd been while at Hogwarts.
Fortunately, everything had changed, with just a peak of that intelligence Tom Riddle so possessed, in getting Harry into his clutches.
That and the boys of the prophecy were beginning to embrace their true selves.
And they were nothing like Dumbledore had wanted them to be.
A/n – alright back to the meetings because this is boring but then again, we always knew it was going to be, didn't we? I mean there's not going to be any real big battle, even Dumbledore's end isn't going to be a big glorious battle! I made the dark side too good I reckon…if I ever write another Tom/Harry I think I'll make it darker with a really good battle in it between Dumbledore and Harry in public 😉 sounds good, doesn't it? I'll just need to imagine it while I write this 😊I think that's where my muse sort of shrank knowing that but still, it's a steady pace so all is good and sorry if the top bits getting a bit repetitive you did want more Tom/Harry and until we get over this bit it's all I can offer 😊 I'll give you one very saucy scene at least😉 before I end the story 😊 although not sure why! Mostly everyone just skips it (and I do too) so can you think of any other kind of creatures that aren't vampires, werewolves, Trolls or Giant's to spice up 'meetings' before the end of the story? And who's left of the Order we can get some fighting and resistance with? Hmm hopefully I've left a few alive 😊 hehe
Oh! Let me know what you thought of the wedding scenes eh? I know people didn't quite like Rod/Sirius' wedding, felt it was a bit jumpy in The Contract so I'm going to experiment on this one, if it's good then I'll definitely do something similar for Harry/Rabastan 😉 (The Contract is another story of mine just in case you aren't familiar with it) which could be the case, not everyone is for Rabastan/Harry stories 😊 READ AND REVIEW PEASE GUYS!
.*. The poem doesn't belong to me, I found it online and it has been edited to fit the story though.