Her first week of school this year was as busy as it had been last September, but she was not as nervous. She was glad to see a lot of familiar faces among her older students. The third years, of course, were all new students, but most seemed interested in the class. The fact that Professor Umbridge was not there criticizing everything was a relief to the entire staff. There was another change in staffing this year; Professor Snape had been appointed to the Defense Against the Dark Arts class, and Professor Horace Slughorn had been hired to fill the Potions position.

For Holly on a personal level, the best part of life was that Remus was able to visit her often. They saw each other one day of every weekend, more if her work allowed.

On the evening of the last Friday of September, Remus contacted her by floo network to let her know he'd checked on her house.

"Everything's fine. A few of the vegetables in the garden had ripened, so I got them and brought them to Grimmauld Place. I thought I'd use them in tomorrow's dinner."

"That's fine. I'd hoped if anything was ripe, you would get it and use it. I don't imagine there will be much more come in, but use it even if it's not gonna be for me."

"Okay. Mrs. Weasley likes to use fresh vegetables, so she'll be glad to hear that. So we are

still on for tomorrow night, then?"

"Absolutely. But I will need to spend Sunday grading essays."

" I understand, you do have to work. In fact it looks like that's what you were doing. Do I need to let you get back to it?"

"You're right, I am grading papers. Even though I'd love to sit here and talk to you all night, I do need to make some more headway or I won't be able to meet you tomorrow."

"Okay. Goodbye, sweetheart."

"Bye honey."

The next day they met for dinner at Grimmauld Place. Remus had prepared a meal for everyone there. He had cooked a pot roast that was perfectly seasoned and tender with some tiny new potatoes and carrots around it. He'd also made a crusty bread and crisp garden salad using the last of the greens and tomatoes from her garden. For dessert there was a cheesecake with cherries on top.

As she ate, Holly was again impressed with Remus' cooking skills. She knew she was going to get quite spoiled if he cooked often. By the time she'd eaten some of everything, she was stuffed; but it was the best meal she'd had this week. The Hogwarts house elves were good cooks, but nothing compared to what he could do.

When they finished eating, Remus cleared the table, then the two of them went into the den. They sat on the love seat and snuggled while they talked about wedding plans. Holly reminded herself aloud of what was left to do.

"We need to get the invitations out, decide on flowers, think of who we can get to perform the ceremony and decide where we're going to have it."

"If possible, I'd like Professor Dumbledore to perform the ceremony. He's always been so kind to me that it would be an honor if he could do it."

" I agree with you. He was almost like a father to me right after my parents died. He took care of things for me, but he also did all he could to help me deal with the loss. He was responsible for suggesting that I talk to any of the teachers at any hour if I needed, and ensuring that it would not negatively affect my schoolwork. As the years went by, he helped me make decisions about my inheritance and the property. He never told me I had to do it his way, he just gave me information and helped me decide. He became someone I trust a lot. I hope he can do this for us too."

"As for the location, since it's a winter wedding, and will be small, maybe we could use the Great Hall. It's big when the house tables are removed, and it could be decorated easily."

"Yeah, and it has the enchanted ceiling. I like that idea too If we time it right, the reception would be after dark, so we would be dancing under the stars.. For the flowers, I was thinking of blue lilies and white roses- I think that would look good with the colors we picked."

"I do too. Invitations shouldn't be a problem. Our guest list is small, so we could probably write them out in a day if we both work at it."

"It would easily fit in a day. I was planning on getting some pretty parchment with a simple design on it from Scrivenshaft's. I can do that tonight if I have time, or when I take a break tomorrow. Then we can either get together one day during the week or wait until next weekend."

"Whichever way is easiest for you. Just let me know what you need me to do."

"There is one other thing I want to ask you about. How do you feel about me walking down the aisle alone, and having two empty chairs where my parents would have sat for me to place a flower on?"

"I think that would be a beautiful gesture, and I like it. As for walking down the aisle alone, it's appropriate and if that's what you want, it's okay with me. Or, if there's someone you want to stand in for your dad, that's okay too."

"There's no one that could fill his place. There's nobody I see as a father figure anymore, except Dumbledore, and I'd rather have him perform the ceremony."

"That's fine with me."

They sat for a while longer, just enjoying being together. After a while, Holly looked up at the clock, and it was nearly 10 p.m. Even though that was not as late as she'd been known to stay with Remus, she knew she had a busy day tomorrow. So, she gave him a long goodnight kiss, then used the fireplace to return to the castle.

October comes in clear, cool, and with splashes of orange, red, and gold as the leaves change. By mid-month, there's another color added to the palette Holly sees most days- blue. She and Remus sent out 50 invitations, and responses started coming in within a few days. In with the flurry of mail, Holly received two good pieces of news, both from Alyssa.

First, she asked Holly if she and Remus would like to use her beach house in Australia for their honeymoon. Alyssa figured they might like the fact that it's summer there, and the house is situated on a secluded stretch of beach. A few days before Halloween, she wrote to tell Holly that the baby had been born. It was a girl, Stephanie Ann, born October twenty-fifth, weighed seven pounds, six ounces, and was twenty inches long.

One Monday in early November, Professor Dumbledore came to Holly's office during her break between classes.

"I've been meaning to talk to you for the last few days. I wanted to let you know that I will be able to perform the wedding ceremony for you and Remus. Also, you can use the Great Hall for the ceremony and reception."

"Thank you sir. I know I speak for both of us when I say I'm very pleased to have you do this. We've both always thought very highly of you; you helped each of us through some difficult times in our lives. As for the Great Hall, I appreciate that as well. It will be just the right size, and if Hermione and Ginny come up with a good decorating scheme, it will really be beautiful."

"I'm glad to know I could be of help. I'd also like to say, as your friend, that I am very glad to see the two of you getting married. I think you make a good couple and I wish you the best of luck for the future."

"Thank you, Professor. I'll pass your sentiments along to Remus when I talk to him again."

"I'll let you get back to your work, then. Have a good day."

"You too."

After her classes were over Friday, she left the castle and spent the evening with Remus. She told him about Dumbledore's acceptance of their requests, and that he had congratulated them. This evening, they checked the invitation list against the responses they'd received. Everyone they invited had accepted.

As they sat down to dinner, Holly realized they had not made any decisions about the food. They were seated a little apart from everyone else, so Holly whispered to Remus

"Do you think Mrs. Weasley would be willing to prepare the wedding cake and a few items for a small buffet?"

"I bet she would. She loves to cook, and we haven't asked her to do anything yet."

"Okay, I'll ask her."

In a normal voice, Holly addressed Mrs. Weasley

"Mrs. Weasley, would you be willing to bake our wedding cake, and prepare a few items for a small buffet? I know it's short notice, but I didn't even think about it until today."

"Of course I'll do that for you. I'm honored that you asked me. It's not really short notice, I've got over a month. We can discuss in more detail what you want after dinner."

"I couldn't think of anyone who cooks as well as you do. Thank you for accepting. I will discuss the details with you after dinner. Don't worry, it won't be a lot."

Once they had finished eating, Remus and the two women gathered at one end of the dining table. Holly explained that for the buffet, she would leave it to Mrs. Weasley to cook whatever she felt everyone would like. After all, she knew most of the guests, so she could pick some appetizers she would normally prepare for a gathering.

"As for the cake, I want a three layer round chocolate cake. I'd like white frosting with blue roses on it. The top can be a bouquet of roses like the ones on the rest of the cake."

"That will be easy, then. Are you sure three layers will be enough?"

"I'm fairly sure. We only invited fifty people, so I think that will take care of it. If I change my mind, I'll let you know several days ahead."

Settling that issue finished all of the planning except the decorations. The clothes had already been chosen and were being altered. The seamstress had notified Holly earlier in the week that she was done with over half of the work. She anticipated being finished in about ten more days. The flowers had also been ordered and the arrangements would be ready to pick up the day before the wedding.

Remus and Holly spent the rest of the evening talking and listening to the wireless that was playing in the den. Holly asked him "Have you decided for sure if you want to live at my house after we're married?"

"Yes, I have decided. I do want us to live there. I've spent a good bit of time there since we've been together, and I really like the place. The times I've gone to check on it, I found myself spending several hours there. I think it will suit us just perfectly."

"I had hoped you would. The place just has a way of growing on you. I also wanted to let you know I found out from Professor Dumbledore that once we're married, I can go home every evening, unless there's an emergency. If something happens after I leave, they'll contact me to come back."

"That will be wonderful. We'll be able to be together a lot more than I had thought we would."

"As much as I'd like to stay here, I need to get back to the castle. I've got a lot to do tomorrow."

They kissed goodnight, and Holly left.

December brought with it ferocious wind and heavy snow. But for Remus and Holly, it also brings the increased excitement of the approach of their wedding. School is out for the holidays from the second week of December to the second week of January.

Everything was ready for the wedding by the start of the holidays, except the decorating scheme. The girls had drawn it out, they just didn't have time to present it to Holly until vacation. The first day of break, after classes were over, the two girls came into her classroom with a big roll of parchment.

Ginny spoke first "Professor Williams, this is the plan for the decorations for the wedding. I hope you will like it. The drawings probably don't completely capture it, but it should give you a good idea of what we want to do."

"I'm sure it will. Let's put a couple of these desks together so we'll have enough room to spread it out."

Once they had the parchment unrolled and weighted down, Hermione began explaining the drawings.

"We got the idea from the way the Great Hall was decorated for the Yule Ball a couple of years ago. It's too bad you didn't see it, that would have helped you visualize this better."

Ginny continued "It was really beautiful the way they had it done. I've got a few pictures here you can look at, but it's not much. The whole room was decorated in a way that made you feel you were in an ice cave. The tables, walls, and floor all looked as if they were carved from ice. With that idea in mind, we thought we'd do almost the same thing. We also thought instead of the usual floating candles, we'd use ice crystals lit from inside."

"The tables would be draped with blue linens, some dark, some light, and pale silver runners. A small vase of flowers would be at each table. We thought either white or crystal dinnerware would look best. The archway would also look like ice- clear with a blue tint in this case, and of course flowers woven into it." Hermione explained.

"We thought since you're having both the ceremony and the reception there, the back of the hall would be tables and chairs; the front would be rows of chairs split by an aisle, like you usually see. The aisle itself will be a shimmery dark blue carpet. We've also got an ice sculpture in mind, but we're not going to tell you what it will look like, because that's a surprise. And we've got a band; it's not the Weird Sisters, but they are good."

Holly had been listening and looking at the parchment and pictures. "This looks wonderful. You've really done a great job. Who will actually execute the work?"

Ginny answered "We'll do some of it, but Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Flitwick have all agreed to do the things we don't know how to do."

"Great. I know it will turn out perfectly. We'll show this to Remus at dinner tonight. I'm sure he'll love it. If he does, then you can carry it out."

"Okay. We'll leave the parchment and photos with you, then."

"That's good. I'll see you later."

The two girls left, seemingly excited about her reaction to their plans. If it all went as well as they had explained, it would be a truly spectacular sight.

That evening, she showed the plans to Remus, who liked them as much as she did.

On Friday, it was the full moon, so Remus would go through his monthly transformation. Even though he dreaded it, he admitted the timing was good. As she had most months since their engagement, Holly spent the day with him.

He told her "I'd rather it happen now than closer to the wedding or during our honeymoon."

"I agree. This way, you'll have time to get your strength back before wedding."

He grinned playfully " I have a feeling I'm gonna need it."

"You better believe it."

Like several times before, they had gone to her house ahead of time. According to Remus, Holly was getting quite good at taking care of him. She always made sure he had plenty of good food to eat, but he was especially grateful for her company. Sirius had provided for him until Holly stepped in, and Remus said he'd done a good job.

But he had gotten spoiled very easily to curling up with Holly, even cuddling with her sometimes. He had told her that her presence helped keep him calm during those long hours.

As before, she spent most of the night on the sofa with him, talking to him a lot. When the sun came up and he returned to normal, they both went to bed, exhausted as usual.

On the twenty-third, Hermione, Ginny and Alyssa gave Holly a bachelorette party. The party was rather tame by some standards, but it suited Holly just fine. They each had brought a small gift. They had decided together to each buy her a piece of lingerie. All three girls were familiar enough with the muggle world to be comfortable shopping in London, so they had gone together one afternoon.

Alyssa had bought a simple white satin teddy with pink roses silk screened on it. Hermione had chosen a blue lace tank top and matching bikinis; Ginny bought a short pink silk nightgown, trimmed with white lace.

Holly thanked them for the gifts, and gave them each the gifts she had chosen for them as a thank you for serving in the wedding. She had picked up a gold necklace with a pearl in a little heart-shaped cage for each of them.

They spent the rest of the evening sipping butterbeers and talking. They chose that drink because they didn't want to be groggy or hung over the next morning.

Christmas Eve morning dawned clear and cold, with a layer of new snow on the castle grounds.

Holly was the first one up, and spend about half an hour looking out the window over the grounds. She know from experience that from the outside, the castle looked like something out of a Christmas movie.

Around 10 a.m., the other girls got up. She had just made coffee, so she poured some for each of them. Then she turned on the wireless so they could listen to some Christmas music. They had a light breakfast, then dressed and went downstairs.

When they got there, the decorating was underway. It was not nearly finished, but since the wedding wouldn't start until 4 p.m. it was okay. Holly wanted to help, but was shooed away by the girls. So, she and Alyssa went back to her quarters.

For the next several hours, they talked. It was the first time in a couple of years that they had the chance to spend such a large chunk of time together. They both enjoyed the chance to catch up.

Holly asked "Where are the kids?"

"At home with Steven. They'll be coming around 3 p.m. because I figured you would want to spend a little time with them before the wedding."

"I had hoped you would think of that, because I do. Mark is such a sweet little boy, and I haven't even seen Stephanie yet. She's only a bit over a month old."

"This is the first time I've been away from her overnight. But I know Steven is more than capable of taking care of them both. Speaking of kids, and I'm not saying this to make you mad, but you know mom told me she's ' figured out' that you must be marrying Remus because you're pregnant. I almost laughed in her face when she said that."

"It doesn't really make me mad anymore. It just disappoints me to know she really thinks there's got to be some reason than the obvious truth, that I simply love him. That's sad, to be so completely unable to accept the truth. What's worse for them is they've not only lost me, but the chance of getting to know Remus, who would be a wonderful son in law to them. As far as kids, we do want them, but we haven't had sex. I guess they didn't realize I'm still a virgin...that's one of the reasons I broke up with some of the guys I dated so briefly. A few of them couldn't understand the concept of waiting."

"Sadly, they don't seem to figure out a lot of things about you. They thought things should just fall into place for you like they did for me. The don't realize I was just lucky. I fell madly in love with the first guy I seriously dated after graduation, and I married him."

"Yes you were very lucky. I guess I have been picky...but I just didn't meet the right guy until Remus. I don't regret the choices I made, though. I enjoyed my career as an Auror, and I know I wouldn't have been truly happy with any other man. Even though it sounds mean to say it, I don't regret breaking ties with them. I've got enough stress in my life without having them on my back. But, enough of that. Today is a very special day for me, and I'm happy. I don't want to think about anything but good stuff. So, how have things been for you? We haven't really talked in a long time."

"Life's been good. Steven and I have both gotten promotions at work, and we're both enjoying our jobs. We help train new Healers. Actually, I've resigned my position until Stephanie is three or four years old, when I can enroll her in preschool. I know there are daycare centers for younger kids, but I just want to be with her these first few years. Mark is doing well in school; we send him to a muggle elementary school near our home. I guess maybe it seem silly to put my kids in school with muggles, but I want them to be with other kids, and to learn how other people live. He's looking forward to going to Hogwarts, even though it's four years away. He's already begun having little accidents from time to time, so we'll likely home school him next year. We've already told him we will do this, and he's actually not worried about it. I promised him he could still stay in touch with his friends, that teaching him at home was just to get him ready for Hogwarts. I also told him it was so that he wouldn't have to explain any of the little slips that happen to his teachers. He's handled it all very well, but we've tried to treat his magical ability as a gift, not something to be ashamed of, and it seems to have worked."

"I'm glad you've been able to help him see it that way. So many of my pureblood students have been raised not knowing anything about muggles, and in some cases they have been raised thinking they're better than muggles. A fair number of my muggleborn students encountered all kinds of problems when their talents started showing...several have commented about being taken to doctors to make sure nothing was 'wrong' with them. I know the staff at Hogwarts usually tries to stay in touch with the parents of these kids when they're young, but sometimes they aren't able to do so. I'm glad you're exposing them to muggles, it will be beneficial to them later. As for me, I haven't decided how I'm going to handle it when I have children. Unless something changes, Remus likely won't be able to work. Very few people will hire a werewolf. If that remains the case, then he'll stay home with the kids and I'll work. But I could be quite happy with that, I love my job, and I know he'll be good with kids. It's not as if I'd never see them, I just would not be with them during the day. Did I tell you he's also a great cook? You've got to come eat with us sometime. Nothing Jane cooked was ever close to what he can do. You should have seen what he made for our first date."

"You told me you went on a picnic by the lake."

"Yes, but when was the last time you had a picnic that consisted of steak, roasted potatoes, rolls, red wine and chocolate dipped strawberries? And it was all perfectly prepared."

"Wow. Usually a picnic means hamburgers or chicken, potato salad, and maybe cookies or a cake. You're going to get spoiled."

"I already am. He's cooked for me like that several times since we met, each time as good or better than the last."

"So tell me more about him. You've said a little, but not much."

"Well we met over the Christmas holidays last year...exactly a year ago today, at a meeting of the Order of the Phoenix. I told you about them already. He was in school with us; you probably remember that. He was bitten when he was about six years old, and has spent most of his life ashamed of what he is. He had a few friends at Hogwarts, but due to a series of circumstances, he was alone for a long time after James and Lily Potter's death. As a result of this, in my opinion, he shut himself off from the world. He didn't get close to anybody, and the shame he felt caused him to believe no one could love him. Three years ago, while he was working as a teacher at Hogwarts, his friend Sirius Black escaped from Azkaban. Sirius is innocent of the crime he was accused of, but that's another story. He was eventually able to return to his home, and he let Remus move in with him. This was a lot of help to Remus, because it not only gave him a place to live, but someone he was close to for company. Then, a year later, the Order of the Phoenix re-formed, and it gave him work to do again. When I met him last year, I was immediately reminded of how crazy I'd always been about him. The more time we spent together, the more I realized I loved him. Under that layer of shame that made him keep his distance is a wonderful, caring, sensitive, kind man. It took him a while to realize and admit to himself that he was in love with me, but once he did, he became steadily more affectionate and more comfortable showing it."

"He sounds like a perfect fit for you. I'm glad you two found each other and I'm happy to have him as my brother in law. I find it interesting that you met the man you'd marry when you were only eleven years old."

"That is sort of a funny part of our story. Who'd have guessed that a teenage crush would turn into real love, twenty years later? I had long since put any thoughts of him aside, but when I saw him a year ago, it was like the first time all over again. That night, we apparated to Hogsmeade, and we did it side along so we'd land closer together. When I took his hand, I got this little tingle, and I couldn't get him or it out of my mind for days. I spent nearly every evening of the holidays with him."

"So, it was love at first sight, then?"

"Not quite. I knew I was still attracted to him, but I thought it might be just physical, and because we'd spent a lot of time talking about our school years. I didn't realize how deeply I cared for him until he was gone for two months. He went on a mission for the Order and was totally cut off from me from January until mid-March. That was the longest two months I've ever had. When he got back, he sent me a letter. I was so glad just to know he was alive. The minute I was able to leave school, I went to see him. He spoke to the Order that night to give his report, and he looked so tired. He'd been with other werewolves all that time, and without his potion, so he went through three full transformations, since he'd left just before the full moon in January and came back just after it in March. He had cuts and scratches all over his neck and arms. When I watched him, though, what stood out was how sad he seemed. It broke my heart to see him so hurt. I talked to him for a while afterwards and had to fight to myself to keep from hugging him. That night confirmed for me what I'd suspected for weeks- I was head over heels in love."

"How did he handle being away from you?"

"I found out, about a month and a half later, that I was the only happy thing he had to think about. He remembered the time we'd spent together and that made it easier. He really missed me, but didn't admit until late April that he was in love with me. Sirius had a lot to do with that...they had a couple of long conversations that made him acknowledge his feelings. After that, we started dating, and the rest you know."

"Since I'm your sister and can get away with asking you questions like this, I'm going to. You said you haven't had sex, but you've been affectionate, so I'm guessing you've kissed?"

"Oh, yeah. We kissed three times on our first date. For a guy who's only had a couple of girlfriends, he sure knows what he's doing. We've spent a lot of time cuddling, and have slept in bed together several times after his transformation. I've taken care of him almost every month since August. He's always so exhausted when he goes back to normal that he'll sleep about eight hours straight, even though it's in the morning. The first time I took care of him was at my house, and he's such a gentleman, he was going to sleep on the couch. But I insisted he sleep with me on my bed. I knew he just needed to rest, and told him so. Early in our relationship, he was shy about kissing me around other people, but now, we do it all the time. He even holds me on his lap sometimes, which I love.

"I like that too. When I was pregnant, though, that didn't work out so well. Now, we've gotten back to our normal relationship."

Just then, Ginny and Hermione walked in . Ginny announced "Everything is finished, except laying out the food. Mom will do that when she gets here."

Hermione commented "It all looks beautiful, much better than it did on paper. Do you want to go see it?"

Holly replied "Of course. Let's go."

They all went downstairs to the Great Hall. Hermione was right, it was truly beautiful. Mere words could not do it justice. The room looked like it had been carved from ice. Everything glittered and sparkled as if the sun were actually shining on it. As she made her way around the room, she was impressed with the girls' attention to detail. Everything was done exactly the way she'd have done it herself. When she reached the buffet table, she found the ice sculpture. It was a sculpture of herself and Remus embracing.

Hermione asked "What do you think of it?"

"It's perfect. I love it."

"Ginny managed to get a photo of you the night you announced your engagement. She showed it to me and I thought it would make a good sculpture. We can't take credit for actually carving it, though. Professor Flitwick did that."

"He did a great job. So did the two of you with your designs. I couldn't have done better myself."

They spent a while longer walking around, the girls showing her different things and telling her which of them had come up with the idea. From someone else, it might have sounded like bragging, but she knew from them it was just enthusiasm.

Then they all went back upstairs to get ready. Holly had chosen simple dresses for them all. They had also agreed on simple hairstyles and makeup as well. Before Holly gets changed, there's a voice at the door. It's Alyssa's husband and their children. He had come by floo network to the Great Hall so he wouldn't walk in on them undressing. He asked if someone will let them in, and Alyssa does.

Mark gives his mom a big hug, then runs over to Holly and hugs her. Even though they haven't spent as much time together as Holly would like, he is an affectionate child who loves hugs. He always greets Holly with a big hug. They visit for a while, and since Alyssa finished dressing quickly, she entertains them in the living room while Holly and the others get dressed.

By 3:15 p.m., everyone was ready, so they went downstairs. They used a little room just outside the Great Hall as a gathering area before the ceremony. Hermione looked into the Hall and saw that most of the seats were full. At 3:55, the music started and they filed out. As she walked down the aisle, Holly is pleased to see everyone she invited is there. These people are her family, not by blood, but by choice. Every one of them has helped either Remus or herself in some way. She looked to the front of the room, and her eyes lit on Remus. He looked gorgeous in his new robes, but he had the biggest smile she'd ever seen on his face. He couldn't look happier and be standing still. She suspected she looked very happy too, because she was so thrilled she didn't even think her feet were touching the floor.

She reached the end of the aisle, turned to her left, and placed a single white rose on each of the two empty chairs. She took a couple more steps, then Remus walked to her, took her arm in his, and they walked to their place in front of Professor Dumbledore.

Then they read they vows they had written. Remus read first

"On this special day, I give to you in the presence of these witnesses,

My promise to stay by your side,

In sickness and in health,

In joy and in sorrow, through good times and bad.

I promise to love you without reservation,

Comfort you in times of distress,

Encourage you to achieve all of your goals,

Laugh with you and cry with you,

Grow with you in mind and spirit,

Always be open and honest with you,

And Cherish you for as long as we both shall live."

Holly then read the same vows back to him.

Professor Dumbledore asked that Remus place the ring on Holly's finger, then Holly places the ring on Remus' finger.

Professor Dumbledore then spoke " The rings you have exchanged are a tangible symbol of the promises you've just made to each other. May they remind you of the permanence of your love for each other. I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

They kissed, then turned around to face the guests. Professor Dumbledore announces

"I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Remus John Lupin."

The music started, and they filed out to the entrance hall, then back in for the reception. Several people there took pictures, which took almost an hour. Finally everyone is finished, the band starts, and they dance. Professor Dumbledore and McGonagall discreetly sent the rows of chairs out of the way to open up more room for the dance floor.

As they danced, Holly was so happy she felt giddy. She rested her head on Remus' shoulder and whispered "I love you".

"I love you too, sweetheart."

By now, the Hall really showed off the girls' work. The sun had set, and the ceiling was reflecting the velvet black sky, dotted with millions of stars. The light provided by the ice crystal candles made everything sparkle.

The evening was made even more perfect by Mrs. Weasley's food. The cake looked beautiful, and tasted even better. The buffet setting was simple, but provided a little something for everyone. There were finger sandwiches, sausages, fruit, cookies, and punch.

Ginny and Hermione had made a wise choice with the band they booked. The group played some soft, slow music, as well as some upbeat, faster tunes. Holly noticed they had paired off with the guys- Ginny was dancing with Harry, Hermione was with Ron. Alyssa danced with Steven, having asked Mrs. Weasley to watch the kids for a few minutes. Sirius took turns with several girls, but danced with Holly right after her first dance with Remus.

The reception lasted until about 8:30 p.m. By this time, most of the food was gone, and the couple was ready to leave. Sirius and Bill Weasley got their luggage from the room off the Hall. Holly and Remus then left by floo network.

A few minutes later, they arrived in Australia, inside a beautifully decorated beach house. It's small, but comfortable, with a living room, full kitchen, two bedrooms, and a big bathroom. They looked out the window and realized it was a very short walk to the beach.

They put their luggage in the larger of the two bedrooms and changed into their swimsuits.

It was a beautiful morning outside, and they were anxious to get out in the sun. After the cold weather they started the day with, they knew it would feel good.

When Remus walked out of the bathroom where he'd gone to change he was wearing a dark blue pair of swim trunks and a light blue Hawaiian shirt. Holly had just finished tying the last strings on her bikini bottom. She loved this suit because its color nearly matched her hair, but she was not fond of the fact that it had so many ties. There was one on each hip, then a front and back one on the top. However, Remus' appreciative whistle told her she'd chosen the right suit.

He grabbed a blanket and his wand, ant they went to the beach. They spread the blanket out, he took off his shirt, and they went into the water. They swam and splashed, enjoying the warmth of the water, and the fact that they were totally alone on the beach.

After a couple of hours, they went back to the blanket to sunbathe and talk. She puts her head on his chest, and after a few minutes, she turns and faces him, caressing him carefully on the chest. He puts his arm around her, then rolls onto his side and kisses her deeply. He looks down into those bright amber eyes "tiger's eyes" she'd called them when he complimented her on their color one day. Since then, he'd thought of them that way, and of how well that description fit her. As she lay there, her sinewy body stretched out beside him, he could for the first time appreciate how catlike she really was. Like a tiger, she was beautiful...slender and graceful; seemingly very gentle and tame, yet at the same time muscular and powerful.

He pulled away for a second, but her eyes called him to kiss her again. He did, enjoying the familiar sweetness of it. His hands explored her body, stopping just long enough to untie the strings of her swimsuit. He pulled the damp, clingy fabric away, and caressed the curves offered him by the newly exposed skin. He could feel her body tremble slightly as he moved his hand along her stomach. His fingers lightly traced her navel, then followed a line of down-soft hairs to the nest of copper curls that had been covered by her bikini bottom. As he did this, a small moan escaped her lips. He let his caress continue downward along the soft sensitive skin of her inner thigh. Her leg moved aside, allowing him access. He placed his free hand on the other side of her. Their upper bodies in direct contact, he could feel the warmth of her breath as he lowered his weight onto her hips. She whispered, then moaned his name against his skin. The sound of pure pleasure in her voice fueled his desire for her. He could feel her body tense beneath him, her hands clutching his back, nails digging in slightly. He could hear the soft gasps she made as their passion reached its peak. She reached up, her fingers toying with the damp strands of hair on the back of his neck. Her eyes locked with his, and there was no need for words; the satisfied smile on her face was all he needed. He kissed her lightly, then stretched out beside her. They lay there, lingering in the moment for quite a while. Then they gathered their things and went inside to sleep.

The afternoon is warm and beautiful. They linger in bed for a while after awakening, simply to enjoy being together. Some time around 1p.m, they actually get out of bed, have brunch, and talk about what to do with the day. They decide to explore the area around the house more to see what's nearby. They dress and leave, then after a short walk, find a small muggle community . They spend some time looking around, then head back to the beach house. They change into their swimsuits, then go out on the beach. Their idea is to build a sand castle, but somewhere along the way, plans change and they end up in the bedroom.

This is how their honeymoon is spent-exploring...exploring their surroundings and exploring each other. At the end of the week, they return to England, totally happy and relaxed.