Happy Halloween a few days early, my freaky darlings! I shall be rocking my witch robes and magic wand tomorrow for the residents' Halloween party. Hope you all remain safe and have fun. Thank you for reading and enjoying, and sharing your lovely thoughts with me. I own nothing, I just like playing with other people's toys.
Chapter 61
Instead of staying put and worrying about the safety of his firstborn and wife, Lucius accepted an invitation to visit several old acquaintances. He knew the topic of conversation before he arrived. Vincent Crabbe, Sr, might be the host, but Rodolphus or Corbin Yaxley would be the spokesperson. He accepted a glass of fire whiskey and after checking for potions, he sipped the drink.
"May I suggest we skip the pointless small talk and cut right to the chase?" He locked eyes with his brother-in-law.
Yaxley nodded twice. "Look, Lucius, we can all agree what happened was unfortunate, but."
"Unfortunate?" Lucius interrupted. "Unfortunate? The Dark Lord wishes to remain in the shadows, but a wanted fugitive comes into my house during an event crawling with aurors and ministry officials, and other invited guests violated my hospitality, drawing the attention of said officials. And what were they doing?" He asked in a quiet voice.
"Attempting to recover our Lord's followers." started Crabbe.
"BY ATTACKING MY CHILD IN MY HOUSE!" roared Lucius, causing Yaxley and Rodolphus to flinch. "I have been rather clear about my hesitancy to rejoin this asinine endeavor, this event cements my decision. Seventeen years ago you and my father manipulated my grief to steer me in the direction you desired. Then this twisted brotherhood abused the laws of hospitality and decency. I've seen Hermione's memory. I know exactly what was said and done, and by who. I know how Hermione survived and I know how Bella died."
"Your daughter is harboring those promised to the Dark Lord." Goyle asserted.
"She is not. Hermione has been quite upfront and truthful, she does not know where any of them are. Though the fact that they felt the need to run suggests perhaps they are not the most eager of soldiers. Forcing them with threats is not the way to gain allegiance. And torturing the children of those you hope to sway back to your side is lunacy. I want to be clear, I have no interest in your endeavors this time."
"So, you're going to throw your lot in with Dumbledore and his Order of the Phoenix?" sneered Rodolphus.
"Do not be daft. I have no interest in feeding that fool's over-inflated ego. Just because I am not on your side, doesn't mean I am on his. I am on my own side. My family is my only priority. And please pass on to the others Hermione will be wearing her reptilian familiar at all times from now on, her venomous reptilian familiar." Lucius finished his drink and placed the glass on the coffee table. "I am leaving now. I expect this to be the end of the discussion."
Crabbe Sr looked confused, "Do you really expect us just to let you walk out of here?"
"Yes, I do. Because I am the only thing keeping the wrath of House Black off of you. I cannot save the younger Lestrange, Warrington, or Parkinson, even if I wanted to, but if you leave us alone, Black will leave you alone; completely, as in politically, financially," he paused dramatically, "and physically."
Yaxley nodded, "Good enough for me."
Rodolphus grabbed his arm, "He won't be pleased."
"He'll be less pleased if Black starts dismantling his ranks and funding." He turned to Lucius. "Truce." He held out his hand.
"Agreed." They shook hands. Lucius nodded and departed.
He never imagined the reception waiting for him when he arrived home. In addition to the expected faces, he found McGonagall, Lupin, and Tonks animatedly discussing the contents of Bellatrix's vault. Or at least, one particular item. He wrapped his arm around his wife's waist, the display of affection visibly surprising McGonagall. "It seems you had a more eventful morning than I did."
She smiled, pressing a kiss to his cheek, "We did, indeed. It seems that my departed sister accidentally aided in the endeavor defeat of her beloved dark lord." She indicated the gold-colored cup on the table.
"Is that Helga Hufflepuff's cup?" He peered closer, careful not to even reach towards the cup. He felt the urge, the need, to pick it up increasing the longer he stared at it. "We'll be storing it with the other, then?"
McGonagall nodded, "Yes, I'll be taking it with me to Albus."
"Speaking of the headmaster, how is he doing?"
"Severus's potion is holding him, but those that know him best can see him slipping away. I feel this will be his last school year." She smiled sadly. "Though he still insists he is the only one keeping Voldemort at bay."
"Being made of clay is keeping him at bay." Hermione snorted. "And the attack on me proves he doesn't have a very strong grip on his followers. He's going to have to start moving soon, letting them feel like they are doing something." The others nodded solemnly.
"Madame Bones and Robards are taking things seriously. Fudge won't give them carte blanche, but he also isn't hindering attempts to up training."
Sirius smirked at Remus, "We've been working with the Weasley twins on portkeys that can punch through anti-apparation wards. The twins have a line of shield hats and cloaks they started as a gag."
Harry laughed, "The hat or cloak has a permanent shield charm. Their idea was challenge your mate to a duel and watch all the spells bounce off. The ministry has put in a huge order." He shook his head.
Draco snorted, "Not everyone was taught Defense by competent teachers. A different teacher every year affected our abilities. We've been lucky." He paused, "We had Lupin for a year. And he's continued to teach you and Hermione, and you all pass that along to the rest of us." He looked at the werewolf, "I know you don't hold any grudges, but I apologize for my behavior that year. I was a complete git."
"No need, but thank you."
Narcissa smiled, "Now onto more important matters since you are both here, we need you to finalize a color scheme for the wedding. We have two days." She glared at her niece, who shrunk back.
"Cameo pink." Hermione said. Everyone looked at her. "Tonks' hair is usually bubblegum pink, cameo is a complementary shade." She smiled at the bride. "As your maid of honor, I suggest cameo."
"Agreed." Tonks smiled at her.
"Perfect that just leaves your gowns, and robes for Remus and Sirius." She looked at Remus, "I do hope you have picked up the license and selected the rings."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Perfect. Your gown and robe appointments are at 3. I expect you to be here and ready to floo to the shop at 2:30, Nymphadora."
One glance at the steely look in her aunt's eyes, saw the young auror swallowing her usual reaction to her given name. "Yes, ma'am."
Narcissa gave her daughter a softer look, "The healer suggested you take regular rest breaks, darling."
Hermione nodded, "I have potions take anyway." She patted Tonks' shoulder as she left the room. "See you at 2:30."
Under Narcissa's knowledgeable eye, dress shopping went smoothly and quite quickly. Rather than allow her niece to be overwhelmed by the selections and salesperson, she asked five questions and narrowed down the selection immensely. Addressing the clerk, "We'd like to see bridal gowns with a medium skirt, nothing too fluffy, nothing too narrow. Not sleeveless, but no long sleeves, perhaps a halter neckline."
Three dresses later, Tonks beamed at her reflection, Andromeda pushing away a tear. "Perfection, Remus won't be able to think straight." Once Tonks was sorted, attention was turned to Hermione's dress. To match, Tonks' choice, she approved a halter top floor-length gown. Her aunt whispering about the immaterial nature of the color. Then a brief stop at the shoe store to select the perfect slippers for the bride and pumps for the bridesmaid. The entire trip took two hours.
"How is that some women take months to find the perfect dress, and Tonks found hers in like twenty minutes?" Hermione questioned.
"It helps that on some level Dora does not care about the ceremony itself, just that at the end she will be bonded with Remus. So, once we discovered what she didn't want, it didn't take long to determine what would suit her. Her tastes are relatively simple. And I doubt she's spent much time envisioning the perfect wedding. The event is intended to be low key and intimate, requiring less detailed planning."
"That makes sense."
"Do you ever think about what you want your wedding to be like?" Narcissa asked with feigned disinterest, which did not fool her daughter for a second.
Hermione shrugged, "Occasionally. Though, I fear my visions are less elaborate than will be expected or even accepted."
"I promise when the day comes that as much as possible your preferences will be given priority. It will be larger than you'll like, full of people you barely know, but I will not do to you what my mother did to me and Bella, and my grandmother did to her."
"What was that?"
"She ignored us and planned the wedding she had wanted because that is what her mother did. Sadly, it is what most pureblood women do, we live vicariously through our daughters because that is what our mothers did to us."
"So, you and I will break the cycle."
"Yes, we will."
"And your grandchildren can elope and skip the whole ordeal."
"Don't push it." They both laughed.
Experience taught Hermione that she and the bride would begin getting dressed in the early afternoon for the sunset ceremony. She asked Winky to bring her a light lunch when the floo she and Draco shared flared to life. Theo stepped out, brushing soot from his dress robes. "Theo, what are you doing here?" She looked confused.
"Hello, sweet, delightful to see you, too." He replied blandly.
Hermione chuckled, "Hello, Theo, you look very handsome. Now answer my question."
"While my father does not approve of your half blood cousin marrying a werewolf, etiquette dictates that as your betrothed, I accompany you to social events like weddings. He cannot give his blessing, so I left before he returned home."
Hermione rubbed her forehead. "I hate all
of this. How is he taking Dad's declaration?"
"Riddle is displeased, so Father isn't pleased, he realizes nothing is going to change Lucius's mind at this time. He keeps insisting I need to take the Mark as soon as possible. I mentioned Black would demand on breaking our engagement, consequences be damned if I did that."
"He'll wait until we get married then push for it."
"Pretty much. But enough about the tightrope we walk, tonight is about love and acceptance."
She raised onto her tiptoes and kissed the tip of his nose, "You are correct. Join me for lunch before I have to go start getting ready?"
"Sure." After lunch, Theo wandered off to find Draco, while Hermione headed over to the Den to get dressed.
Despite Remus's attempts at protest, Tonks insisted on getting married at sunset on the edge of the forest that now housed Moony and Padfoot's full moon romps. Lanterns hung from the trees ready to illuminate the area once the sun disappeared. Glass jars holding candles lined the center aisle. Remus hated full moons, but Tonks was determined he would love new moons. A handful of former classmates, work friends, and a few Order members chatted in wooden folding chairs. Harry and Dudley sat near Ted Tonk's muggle sister and her family. The two attempted to explain events as best they could.
The tip of the sun dropped below the horizon signaling the beginning of the wedding. To the strains of Brian Crain's "Butterfly Waltz" Hermione slowly made her way down the candlelit aisle toward the vine-draped archway where Remus and Sirius stood waiting for the bride. She smiled brightly at Theo, feeling her cheeks warm at his blatant admiration of her dress. She took her place to the right of the ministry officiant. The music changed to "Clair de Lune," causing Hermione to beam brightly. A song named light of the moon seemed the perfect song to her. Sirius smirked at his fellow marauder, as Moony recognized the song and frowned.
All annoyance vanished when Tonks made her grand entrance. Remus' mouth dropped slightly, and his eyes brightened, briefly flashing amber for a moment. Then a brilliant smile illuminated his entire face, visibly erasing years. Tonks focused all her attention on Remus. Hermione doubted she even glanced at anyone else the entire trip of the aisle. She barely even glanced at her father, as Ted slipped her hand into Remus'.
In keeping with the theme of simple, the officiant welcomed the guests and began the exchange of rings and vows. In the glow of twilight, Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks promised to love, honor, and cherish one another, tying their magic together for life. As they exchanged their first marital kiss, a shimmering silver light burst above them, showering them in light. Overhead, Weasley fireworks exploded as a yellow jackrabbit chased a red lion across the sky, causing the onlookers to first applaud then laugh. The remaining fireworks resembled more mundane muggle ones.
After the Weasleys twins' display, a few flicks of some wands conjured tables between the chairs and revealed the banquet. Hermione joined her brother and their friends. "Wow, Mione, you look amazing." Dudley complimented.
"Thank you."
"I could have sworn that dress was cream-colored when you got home." Draco remarked.
"Because your mother is incapable of a simple color change spell?" condensation dripped from her tone.
"You look amazing in yellow." Harry assured her.
"Thank you, Harry." She kissed his cheek. "You can be my favorite."
"Hey!" protested Theo. "I thought I was your favorite."
"No, you git, as her brother, I'm her favorite." Draco proclaimed.
"Actually, my favorite changes based on who has pleased me the most at any given time. Right now, Harry is because of his compliment. Once Theo goes to get me a butterbeer, he'll be my favorite. That's the way this works."
"You want us to compete for your favor?" exclaimed Draco.
"No, I just reserve the right to change who I like the best at any given moment over something arbitrary, because honestly, I love you all the same amount just in different ways." She smirked smugly.
Harry eyed Theo, "Very differently, I hope."
The boys laughed at Draco's grimace. "You are definitely not my favorite, Potter."
Given the late hour of the wedding, and the clumsy nature of the bride, the couple decided to forego the dancing portion of the wedding, hosting an informal dinner. The crowd gathered to see the couple off on their honeymoon around midnight. Theo wrapped an arm around Hermione's waist, pulling her close. "That will be us someday, sweet." he whispered in her ear.
"Yes, it will be." she breathed back, grinning when she felt him tense, and swallow hard, as her breath caressed his ear.
Entirely too early in the morning, Winky roused Hermione from her bed to get ready to depart for school. Hermione dutifully downed her potions and levitated her trunk downstairs. Draco looked as blurry-eyed as she felt. "Ugh, don't tell the Lupins, but yesterday may have been more activity than I was ready for." Hermione groaned.
Narcissa's hands flew to her face in horror, "Oh, darling, I never even gave it a thought. Are you sure you're feeling up to returning to school?"
"Of course, I know my limitations now, and I'll be careful not to overexert myself."
"How did you make it through the day?" Lucius inquired.
"Pepper up potions and caffeine." At her parents' worried look, "I won't overdo them. It was just to get through yesterday, I promise."
Unconvinced, Narcissa watched her carefully, fussing over her before she boarded the train. Lucius whispered in her ear as he hugged her farewell, "Thank you for tolerating your mother, you know how she worries."
Hermione pulled back, "I promise to write weekly. At least until closer to NEWTs, then all bets are off."
Lucius nodded and laughed, "Off with you now before your mother drags you home."
Once aboard the train, Hermione and Harry joined Neville in a compartment. Both boys insisted she nap for a bit, Neville swearing to get her a gilly water and cauldron cake from the trolley if she slept through. She snuggled down into the seat across from them and closed her eyes. When she woke, Fay sat on the floor, flipping through a magazine. "Morning, sleepyhead, or should I say, afternoon."
"Hi."
"How are you feeling?"
"Not too bad, just a little stiff. I still get tremors on occasion. Why aren't you with Draco?"
"Once Goyle and Crabbe joined them he shooed me off. Probably the same reason Nott didn't join you, something is going on and they want to spare us." She shook her head, "Idiots. Like we're not going to stand with them."
"Exactly, we're Gryffindors, for Merlin's sake."
Harry shifted uncomfortably, "Maybe they just want to keep you safe." Both girls stared at him blankly. "I didn't say it was a good idea or a brilliant one, but kind of huge for them."
"Come again, Potter?"
"Slytherins aren't known for their dramatic acts of bravery, silent acts are more their style. Keeping you away from the danger is their way of showing how they feel."
"I suppose you have a point, but I don't need to be protected."
Fay declared, tossing her hair over her shoulder.
"I have enough on my plate without adding Slytherin Junior Death Eaters politics." Hermione sighed.
"Do you think that's what's going on?" Neville asked.
"Ninety percent sure," she shrugged, "but there isn't much I can do to help, so I try to stay out of it. Pretend it isn't happening."
Fay nodded, "I can do that."