9 YEARS LATER
Despite how busy my schedule was, I always made time to attend the weddings of the couples I helped. It was rewarding to watch each couple make solemn vows to each other and it was always heartwarming whenever an invitation to an engagement party, or to a wedding arrived in my post. I made sure to attend each one, even if that did mean my schedule was far too packed during the summer months and even if it did mean I had to rush between multiple events that were being held on the same day. But I loved it all, even if it did tire me.
Today's wedding had been no exception. It was a beautiful event, one that was a wonderful combination of the two cultures of the couple, paying respect to each of their heritage. As I sat, back ramrod straight and eyes fixated on the pair at the front of the aisle, I knew I had the same sappy smile on my face that made James tease me, but I didn't care. I was happy. Genuinely, truly happy and witnessing love like this always made me warm inside.
A hand, warm and steady, settled easily on my knee as I watched the couple exchange their vows. James's thumb, a little distracting if I was being completely honest, was tracing slow soothing circles on the side of my knee. I was tempted to bat his hand away, but I didn't. Instead, I put my hand on top of his, interlinking our fingers together and holding it steady. Wordlessly, James leaned in to prop a gentle kiss on my shoulder before facing forward as well, just in time to catch the couple's first kiss as a married couple.
Applause and cheering rang out through the room and I felt my smile widen, splitting my face open in a smile that was too toothy and not entirely photogenic, but I knew it was James's favourite smile. I continued to watch the couple prolong their first kiss, smiling into it, and swore I could feel my eyes becoming misty. Godric, I loved my work.
At my side, James momentarily stopped his applause and reached for his pocket square and held it out expectantly towards me. I turned to face James, meeting his knowing eyes and offering him a thankful smile. Patting at the corner of my eyes to catch any wayward tears that threatened to escape, I sniffled, just once.
"Who would've thought you'd be a crier," James teased as we stood, and watched the couple as they walked down the aisle and headed towards their reception.
"I'm not a crier," I protested, returning James's handkerchief to him. He tucked it into his pocket and grabbed my hand, holding it steadily until there was a space for us to feed into the aisle.
We walked at a slow pace, trying to stay behind the rest of the wedding guests, so as not to draw attention to ourselves. Today was for the couple, it was their big day and they didn't need us to take their spotlight. Their guests didn't need to crowd around the newly appointed captain of the English national quidditch team and his long-term partner, they needed to crowd around the happy couple.
Taking our time to make it to the reception gave James the time to point at different design elements of the wedding, noting the things he didn't want to replicate for our upcoming wedding but he did mention wanting to ask the couple who had done their flower arrangements. Noticing the looks we were getting, I elbowed James who dutifully fell silent, even as he shot me a look.
"What?" he protested, rubbing at his side.
"Stop it," I said pointedly, "You're going to drive yourself craving by hyperfixating like this. We've got ages."
"I have to help you now because once the quidditch season kicks off, I'll be useless," James said simply as we finally made it into the reception hall.
We paused at the entrance and James's eyes searched the hall, likely making a note of different details. Before he could come up with another idea that would likely drive me crazy - I'd already vetoed the idea of a red and gold colour scheme - I tugged him into the room after me. I went to approach the happy couple, ready to give them my congratulations, when James planted his feet firmly, rendering me unable to move him.
When I glanced curiously at him from over my shoulder, James glanced pointedly at his wristwatch. "Remember, we've got another wedding we need to get two in a couple of hours, don't start fawning over them."
I narrowed my eyes at him, "I don't fawn and you know it."
Releasing my hand, James tucked his hands into his trouser pockets, watching me with a teasing smile. "No, you don't fawn, even when you should. Even when your outrageously handsome muscular fiance is right there for you to fawn over."
"Well, one of us has to keep your ego in check."
Rolling his eyes at my teasing, James stepped towards me and dropped a quick kiss on my forehead before straightening up again. He took me by my shoulders and turned me around so I was facing the newlyweds. Quick as a flash and before I could protest, he patted me on the bottom, ushering me forward, "Off you to, darling."
My mouth dropped open in surprise. Knowing my luck, one of the wedding guests had gotten a picture of the little gesture and it would be featured in a newspaper tomorrow morning. Shooting James a look, I narrowed my eyes at him from over my shoulder before turning again and hurriedly closing the space between me and the newlyweds.
The couple, standing so close to each other, as if they'd never let anything come between them, beamed widely when they saw me. Before I could say anything, they took me in a double embrace and my arms struggled to wrap around both of them as they thanked me for bringing them together.
I drew back from them, exchanging pleasantries and thanking them for the invitation. But really, my attention was far away from them. It was all fixated on the man I knew was standing on the outskirts of the reception hall, watching me with appraising eyes. He really was the best thing to have happened to me.
