As Before this chapter has not been beta read.
I apologise for any potential errors I have missed

Thank you again to those reviews. And extra special one to one of my first reviewers, Miss T Felton.
Posting this one for you.

XOXO

Natstar

SHATTER ME

Chapter 29

Sirius adjusted his dress robes of a very dark blue, that almost seemed black. The collar and cuffs were embroidered with the Black family crest in silver. Something that he had objected strongly to. Most in Grimmauld Place were woken to the argument between Sirius and Fleur.

"I disowned that mark when I left at fifteen!" He bellowed at the slight blonde witch.

"You deed not deesown your name, Black. And you are leeving in Zee Black family 'ome Yees? You 'ave title to all zee gold and property of zee Black Family yees?" She countered tossing her hair angrily. Sirius faltered and Fleur saw victory.

"Zen you are wearing Zee robes Seereeus! And don't theenk you can zap zee crest off. I told zee dressmaker to spell it." Fleur turned on the spot with a long roll of parchment and stomped down the stairs shouting orders at those unfortunate enough not to move out of her way in time; leaving Sirius holding the offending garment and his eyes blazing in fury.

As there it was still school holidays for Hogwarts, it seemed that there was going to be a much larger crowd to attend the wedding. It didn't help that as Fleur had taken it upon herself to plan the day for "practeese" for her own she was yelling as much as the portrait of Sirius's mother once did directing everyone to their correct places. She had somewhat reluctantly left Demelza in charge of making sure that Hermione and the girls would be ready, especially after the hair and makeup artist never showed. The men were under sufferance of Bill to get ready in Sirius's room.

He looked at the robes. Despite his loathing of the crest, they were well made and fitted him perfectly. His movements and ministrations were seemingly calm on the exterior yet his own feelings were a whirlwind inside him; a mixture of excitement, dread, and nerves. His only tell for his nerves was his hand moving to the pocket where he kept his vows. They had been written and rewritten since the day he first proposed to her, before she returned fully to the present.

Behind him Harry stepped out of the bathroom struggling to tie his cravat. Sirius noted through the mirror that his hair was more dishevelled than usual, strongly reminding him of James all over again. He also saw he bungled his cufflinks as well.

"How in Gryffindor's balls are you meant to tie this thing?" Harry looked pleadingly up to his godfather. Sirius strode over chuckling at his godson.

"You look exactly as your dad did on his wedding day – half about to hang himself on his own ensemble." He batted Harry's hands away, untying the multiple knots Harry managed to make and retied it deftly.

"Though at least you were able to get your robes on the right way." Sirius remarked as he adjusted and straightened the collar. Harry's robes were a similar cut to Sirius's with less embroidery. Pulling the cravat pin from the shirt cuff and pinning the perfectly tied cravat in place. Obediently Harry held out his arms so Sirius could repair the damage done and fixing the cufflinks in place.

"There, you'll do" Sirius smiled warmly. "Thank you, Harry. Thank you for accepting to be one of my groomsmen."

Harry gave him a wry look, "Sirius, I was always going to say yes. My Godfather is about to go and marry one of my best friends. And besides, I know mum and dad would have both been happy that you finally get to."

Sirius pulled Harry into a tight embrace. "They would be extremely proud to see how much you have grown up." They pulled away, Sirius scruffing Harry's already scruffy hair.

A brief knock on the door was all the announcement they were given as Remus stormed in scowling. He too was in a matching set of dress robes like Harry's. Dora followed behind, grinning broadly.

"Wotcha Harry. Don't you scrub up well."

Harry's face flushed a little, "Uh, thanks Tonks. Or do I now call you Mrs Lupin?"

She snorted at the title, "Dora will be fine Harry,"

"Why are you sour Moony?" Sirius asked the old wolf.

"Who in Godric's name picked a cravat knot so bloody complicated as to choke you?" Remus snarled.

Dora and Harry shared a grin, having just had Sirius fix his own it seems funnier with someone else bearing the same struggle as he had not five minutes before. Sirius took pity and beckoned him over to the mirror, showing from behind how to tie it correctly.

"Husband, you look perfectly handsome," Dora moved to stand beside him at the mirror, kissing him on the cheek, when Sirius was satisfied Remus was as dressed as he would get him. Remus gave his wife a long stare through the mirror, but wrapped an arm around her regardless.

"Well now that you lot are all ready for the show. I've been ordered to make sure you get down to the drawing room without you ruining your attire." Dora grinned, moving towards the door and nearly hitting the wall beside the open doorway if it wasn't for Remus's arm still around her. Sirius followed behind Harry muttering, "Bossed around in my own home."

The stairs were busy with people making their way towards the drawing room. Bill smiled at them in greeting as they descended to the second floor. "Better get in there. Fleur wants you in there before she brings Hermione and the girls back through the fireplace."

"I have been waiting an inordinate amount of time to see Hermione at the right time." Sirius answered wryly.

"So I hear." Bill grinned and gestured them through.

Sirius took two steps through the door and stopped in his tracks. He had expected the room to be the same as it had been since Remus and Dora's wedding. Instead, the room that still did not look at all like a room, looked more like a winter garden. The floor was bewitched to look like snow, and seemed to almost glow and glitter with a soft light.

Snow drifts piled under evergreens that were garnished in crystal like icicles and glittering lights through the branches. Chairs lined either side of the aisle, white covers with deep blue sashes around the backs and a sprig of the evergreen trees and a pale blue winter rose tied into a bow at the back of each chair. The Aisle had a long silver rug leading up to an arch that was trimmed and adorned with more pale blue roses.

"Wow, Sirius this is impressive!" Harry said in awe behind him.

"Wasn't me that did this mate." His gaze finally moving to the guests that had already arrived. Andromeda and Ted Tonks were both sitting in the place where, if his parents were alive would have sat. Not that they would have even received an invitation of course. Behind them were mostly members of the order including, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Mad-eye Moody, and several others he had met briefly. Sirius had a strong suspicion that Moody's eye was trained directly on them since before they entered, most likely it was trained on Harry, who was still classified as the Dark Lord's primary target and focus.

Sirius's accountant and several of his wizarding employees from his business were also in attendance, courtesy of Remus. All staff were thoroughly checked and rechecked to confirm that they were not death eaters or under the imperius curse, or simply just spies.

He looked over to the other side of the aisle dedicated for the Brides immediate family and close friends and noted sadly the first row was completely empty. Hermione and he had discussed that she did not have or know any family aside from her parents. They were both only children and had lost her grandparents at an early age. She was as much an orphan as Harry. Harry's exception was that he still had relatives, though muggles and cruel ones at that. Yet despite all this directly behind the first row it was filled with a rather large group of Hogwarts Students and a couple of ex-students.

It seemed that despite its apparent secrecy nothing would ever be truly hidden at Hogwarts. Harry too noticed the group, moving past Sirius to greet and talk with them. Most he guessed were Gryffindors, though he couldn't be sure as they all were dressed for a wedding and not their uniforms.

A brief hubbub behind him redirected his attention as Professor Dumbledore entered with Professor McGonagall and what seemed most of the teaching faculty of Hogwarts.

"Now Sirius, surely you did not think that we would not be here for the wedding of our most gifted student to one of our most mischievous student?" Dumbledore's eye twinkled through his half-moon glasses as he moved past. Professor McGonagall patted him on the shoulder as she went past in reassurance to sit beside the headmaster, who had chosen the row directly behind the students.

Sirius had to turn away from laughing at the shock and sour looks the students gave as the rest of the teachers followed suit. And then to the other end of the room after hearing Professor Dumbledore assure the students that he was here as a guest and not as a Headmaster and their behaviour would not be scrutinised. The look on Professor McGonagall's face indicated otherwise.

Remus was at the archway chatting with the officiant hired for the wedding, caught Sirius's eye, nodding him over. He didn't make it two steps when a very large hand came down on his shoulder.

"Sirius"

"Hagrid"

The two looked at each other for some time. Hagrid was in his dressed in his shaggy brown dress robes and yellow and orange bow tie. It was the best and only suit the groundskeeper had. He had even gone to extreme efforts to neaten his appearance. The only other person he had ever done that for was Madame Maxime. Hagrid took a deep breath.

"Don' break her heart Sirius. She is special ter all o' us."

"I would never dream of it Hagrid. I would break the world before breaking her heart."

Another minute passed before Hagrid nodded his head and moved away, taking a seat at the very back so as not to block everyone's view. Sirius let out a long breath and strode across the now rather full room towards Remus. He knew his marrying Hermione would be controversial, he also knew many would not openly say anything to deliberately cause Hermione to be upset. Not only that but Dumbledore was one of the most delighted to learn of their marriage, as if he knew more about it all than he let on.

"You look like you could use a sip of this," Remus held out a very familiar flask. It was the same one that he offered to Remus in the same circumstances. He raised a brow as Sirius shook his head, "You were right Moony, I can't keep using it as a crutch each time something goes wrong or is too hard."

Remus looked at his friend long and hard, before nodding and replacing the cap.

"So, does this mean that our poker nights are out?" Fred appeared beside Remus, George beside Sirius, adding "Because nobody will like betting with you being sober Sirius."

Sirius Grinned, "Don't worry gentlemen, I will still bring the grog and take home your galleons in the next game."

"Well that is a relief, we were a tad concerned that our wedding gift would be useless."

Remus snorted, "He will need to check with his wife before the next game."

The twins chuckled, shaking Sirius's and Remus's hand in turn before taking their seats with their respective partners. Sirius noted as he looked around the room that just about all the guests were sitting and waiting. The murmurings grew around him as people quietly chatted waiting for the guest of honour.

He checked his watch again. "She is late." Remus heard the nerves finally coming through.

"She is the bride. It is customary for her to be late."

"Hermione is never late." Sirius looked at his friend, then past him.

"Where is Harry?"

VVWVV

"Hermione, it is your turn to sit" Ginny indicated to the vacant chair, watching Hermione pace up and down. Demelza, though not in the bridal party, promised that she would help with hair and makeup. Something Fleur had been reluctant until the one she booked failed to show. Fleur after seeing her work on Luna who was first to be styled, was satisfied left the girls to it and moved on to organise everything else. Demelza even managed to doll herself and dress herself as Hermione would just not sit at all.

"Why am I so nervous? I shouldn't be nervous." Hermione continued to pace; her fingers laced together painfully. She felt a flutter in her stomach.

"You are about to go and publicly declare your undying love and devotion to Sirius-bloody-Black, richest bad boy wizard and according to Witch Weekly the most good looking bachelor and ex-convict."

Hermione stopped pacing. "Not helping Ginny!" she moved towards the chair, yet at last second veered away again straight into the bathroom.

"Well done Gin. You successfully scared away the bride," Demelza scowled.

"Honestly I thought Brides are meant to be all excessively happy on their wedding day. I know I would be." Ginny huffed, sitting in the vacant chair.

"I think she is happy" Luna looked up from the book she was reading, "She is happy, scared, nervous, sad, excited and confused all at once. Those emotions are a big whirlpool inside her. Plus hungry, I think she is hungry as well. I know I'm hungry"

"I am most definitely hungry" Hermione stood in the doorway, face still damp. As if on cue, there was a knock on the door. Demelza opened it a crack, then widened it quickly as Dobby walked in holding a very large tray with one hand and covering his eyes with the other.

"Good morning Misses!" Dobby's voice squeaked, as he continued walking blindly and stumbled over an open trunk. Ginny rushed to stop him grabbing the platter as Demelza helped the elf up.

"Dobby, why in Merlin's beard are you covering your eyes?" Hermione asked as she charmed the platter to float mid-air for them to sample the selection of sandwiches, pastries and cakes.

Dobby tried to turn towards the voice, which meant he was facing the bedpost and not Hermione. "Because Miss, Dobby heard it was bad luck to be seeing the Bride, until it is safe to see the bride."

All except Hermione giggled, Hermione's face still dimpled into a smile as she reassured the elf. "That is only for the Groom to not see the bride before she walks down the aisle Dobby. You are safe to see the bride, before the wedding."

"Unless she is deliberately avoiding getting ready," Ginny muttered, causing Demelza to choke on the cake she just bit into. Dobby however, kept a firm hand over his eyes.

"Are you sure miss? Dobby does not want to give you bad luck on your wedding day."

"Dobby, you have my word that you won't cause any bad luck."

An eye peeked out from between his fingers. Ginny nudged Hermione handing her a sandwich, giving her a hard stare. "Don't worry Dobby. Since Hermione hasn't even let us help her get ready there is absolutely no chance of any possible bad luck."

"Oh," Dobby's hand dropped and he smiled toothily at them, "That is a relief. Dobby didn't know how to bring in his wedding gift if Dobby couldn't see."

"What? Gift?" Hermione said, but Dobby had already disapparated with a loud pop.

"What's the bet you are getting wedding socks" Ginny sniggered.

They did not have to wait long as a loud pop as Dobby apparated back with an extremely large box. The elf stood next to it looking up at Hermione waiting for her to open it. There was a large red ribbon that was tied in a bow. Guessing this was the best place to start she pulled. The ribbon, as soon as it was pulled, seemed to take on a life of its own, causing Hermione to let go and step back as it unravelled from the box. As the ribbon let go the box came apart revealing her gift.

Dobby snapped his fingers and the packaging disappeared leaving a beautifully carved bassinet complete with a canopy and coverlet. Sitting on them was a little beanie and mismatched socks.

"Dobby it's…." Hermione tried to speak but found herself lost for words. Dobby's ears drooped slightly.

"Dobby knows it is not goblin made. It is elf made. Dobby and some of the elves at Hogwarts worked hard to make this in the small moments of their time for Harry Potter's friend Hermione."

Hermione's eyes were tear-bright as she looked at the hand carved bassinet. Every open surface was carved with pictures and scenes, she guessed from wizarding fairy tales. The canopy and coverlet were quilted depicting a forest, with little creatures, both magical and non-magical moving about through the scenery.

"Thank you, Dobby. But, how did you know?" Hermione finding her voice at last. In her stunned stated she had been guided to sit down in the chair by Demelza and Ginny. They wasted no time in starting on her hair, as they put another sandwich into her free hand.

"Dobby and the elves overhear a great many things. Most witches and Wizards don't notice or pay attention when we are there cleaning."

"I always notice you are there." Luna said serenely as she pulled a flower from one of the bouquets she was arranging and pinned it to Dobby's jacket.

"Thank you miss! Dobby must be going now, so he can finish decorating the cake." He bowed at them and popped out of existence, leaving them to finish getting Hermione ready.

Hermione's thoughts were not on anything to do with the day as they made her up, and styled her hair. It wasn't until Ginny stood in front of her with a dress bag did she refocus on what she was about to do. Another flutter in her stomach.

The dress that Hermione and Fleur picked out was a strapless satin gown. The bodice hugged her curves to just below her hips, where the skirts flared out to the floor. Over the satin were layers of chiffon softening the look. The bodice was detailed with two embroidered silver cranes dancing. Stitched across the seam and down the dress were soft down feathers, that seemed to float on the dress as Hermione moved. The feathers lining the top edge of the bodice didn't fail to hide Hermione's abundant cleavage that seemed to have grown almost overnight, which was apparent as all three girls were needed to lace her in. Instead of a veil, Hermione opted for a fascinator of feathers and silver matching the dress. After setting the final touches they stepped away to see their work complete.

"Hermione, you look absolutely stunning." Demelza said with pride.

Ginny grinned, "Sirius is going to be speechless."

"You look like the queen of the fairies," Luna stepped forwards handing her the bouquet she had arranged.

Hermione smiled in thanks at them, not quite able to talk herself. Taking a deep breath, or as deep as she could in the tightly laced gown, stepped in front of the mirror. She stared at the woman in the frame, not quite believing it was herself staring back in surprise. The image before her was someone who was about to get married. She lifted a shaking hand and watched in the mirror as she brushed a loose curl, yet felt that something was missing. Ginny came to stand behind holding a necklace to put around her neck.

"We can't have you walking down the aisle without your parents with you," She said gently as she hung the necklace around Hermione's neck, fixing the curls she needed to move. Hermione blinked. The sight in the mirror became distorted as tears welled in her eyes.

"Don't worry Hermione. I made sure that crying won't ruin your makeup." Demelza handed her a lace handkerchief. It was all she needed before she dissolved into tears. Both girls put arm around her as she cried.

"I- I should be h-happy on my w-wedding day." She sobbed, mourning that neither her mother or father were there to see her or walk her down the aisle. Demelza detached herself from the group huddle to answer the door as Luna handed Hermione a fresh handkerchief. Fleur breezed in to see if they were ready to go, faltering to a stop as she took in the scene.

"We may need a few more moments before she is ready, Fleur." Demelza said quietly.

"I do not understand. Zis eez 'er wedding day. Ze bride eez meant to be 'appy!"

Ginny sent Demelza a look to do something.

"Fleur, perhaps we can go and make sure the boys are properly attired and give Hermione some space to compose herself" Demelza held the door for the blonde who sniffed and nodded striding out. The dark witch flashed a quick smile and left Hermione with the bridesmaids.

"Your parents would be happy for you and would want you to be happy today." Ginny said encouragingly.

Hermione nodded, "I know. I just… until this moment I actually forgot my parents won't be here today." Fresh sobs shook her.

"It is ok to sometimes forget." Luna had been quiet, patted Hermione's back gently, watching with sad eyes.

"Sometimes to make it hurt less is to sometimes let yourself forget them. You are always going to remember them in those special moments. And it's ok to be sad, but we should make sure we also enjoy the moments as if they were here."

Hermione sniffed and looked at Luna with a watery smile. "Thank you Luna." Hugging the blonde witch tightly.

Another knock and Ginny went to answer it, groaning. "I swear if it is Fleur again I will hex – Harry! What are you doing here?"

Ginny's face turned scarlet as she looked him up and down. Harry's own pink tinged cheeks indicated he had done the same with Ginny.

"Erm, Demi and Fleur mentioned that there was a slight issue. Demi said that it might be best if I come and talk to Hermione."

"Oh, that is actually a brilliant idea," Ginny opened the door wider to let Harry in, yet he stalled at the threshold.

"Isn't it bad luck to see the bride?"

Ginny huffed, grabbing and hauling him into the room, "Honestly you are as bad as Dobby."

"H-Harry?" Hermione looked through the reflection at Harry. "What are you doing here? Is something wrong?"

She wiped her eyes and turned around. As Demelza promised there was no smearing of her makeup, it remained flawless.

"Wow, Hermione" Harry stared at his best friend momentarily forgetting why he was there. His face flushed slightly as he noted at her considerable décolletage, grinning.

"Sirius is not going to know where to look"

Ginny sniggered, "You do realise that Sirius has seen her naked, on multiple occasions already?" Harry blushed so hard it rivalled a Weasley blush. Hermione hiccoughed and giggled. Her own cheeks coloured in embarrassment.

Ginny picked up the other two bouquets and held one out to Luna, "why don't we make our way over to Grimmauld Place and give Harry a moment with our bride?"

Luna nodded and followed the red head from the room, shutting the door gently behind her.

"Demi told me what happened." Harry said quietly. Hermione nodded. She was still holding a handkerchief in one hand and her bouquet in the other.

"I feel silly for getting so emotional, but…"

"It feels like there is a giant ball of sad pushing out the happiness?" Harry finished. She nodded.

"And I feel guilty because it is not mum I am sad for. D-dad w-was supposed to w-walk me down the aisle." She choked again. This time Harry didn't hesitate and wrapped his arms around her letting her cry out the rest of her grief, guilt and sorrow.

"You know, Sirius may just be starting to be getting nervous you might not show right about now." Harry said after she had stopped shuddering and hiccoughing.

"I imagine he would be," She pulled away, "Thank you Harry."

He grinned back, "So are you ready to marry my godfather, and become Mrs Black?"

Harry's grin brought a small dimple one of her own. "Yes, I think I am." Shifting he took her arm in escort.

"Then let us go Miss Granger."

Hermione snickered, "Lead the way Mr Potter."