Pansy bustled into the room that had once been hers to share with Millicent. Headmistress McGonagall had been kind enough to open up their old dormitory for the purpose of getting ready for the binding ceremony. It stood that none of the Weasley boys would want to come into the Slytherin girls' dorm anyway and, since the students were out on Christmas holiday, the place blissfully empty.

Taking one look at herself in the mirror, Millicent smiled. Her dark brown hair had been magically elongated for the ceremony and was done up in an elegant twist; ivory roses the color of her wedding robes were twisted in the locks of hair. Her makeup had been done by Pansy who had been quite the expert back at Hogwarts and was near-perfect at it now. She had never felt more beautiful in her entire life. Still, there was the nagging reminder that Fred didn't really love her…the thought made her feel sick inside. Literally, she felt like vomiting all over the delicate slippers that she had bought to match this outfit.

"Are you okay, Millie?" Pansy asked, concerned. Sylvia, her daughter, was playing the role of flower girl in this ceremony; the excitement of this wedding trumped even the fact that tomorrow was Christmas and Sylvia's birthday…and that was saying something. "You're looking a little green around the gills."

Millicent smiled gently, "My stomach is a little upset." She answered and shook her head. "Just nerves I think, there's lots of people out there."

Molly came bustling in before Pansy had a chance to reassure her. She stopped short, her eyes brimming with tears, "Oh Millie, dear." Sniffling loudly, she stepped forward and enveloped her newest daughter-in-law in a tight hug. "Welcome to the family, Millie! You look beautiful."

Tears began to stream down Millicent's face as well, "Thank you, thank you." She forced he tears back as she didn't want to have to spend another hour while Pansy corrected the makeup charms.

Ginny came up behind her mother, "Minerva says we're all ready when you are Millicent." Smiling gently, she ushered Sylvia out of the room to help her set up the charms on the flowers before she made her way into the Great Hall.

"This is it," Pansy said with a demure smile. "Come on, Millie, let's get you married."

Millicent made her way down the steps carefully; she knew that the robes were charmed to stay out from under her feet, but that didn't stop her from tripping over her own two feet. With the butterflies exploding in her stomach, she didn't trust herself to be steady. She wanted this so deeply but that didn't stop her from nearly fainting at the sight of nearly a hundred witches and wizards there to see her "reaffirm" her marriage to Fred.

Fred was already standing in the front of the Great Hall. All of the tables had been removed or set to the side where food and refreshments would go later. Even the teachers' table had been removed. The enchanted ceiling showed nothing but bright sunshine and clear skies; light streamed through the giant glass windows of Hogwarts. In short, everything was as perfect as it ever could be. But that didn't stop Fred from looking like he was about to swallow his own tongue.

Bill, Charlie, Oliver and Ron stood next to him looking very handsome in their dress robes; Fred, though, looked incredible. His black dress robes were custom cut to his body by Draco Malfoy's own tailor. In short, the dress robes were made for a king and Fred looked like one. Millicent couldn't keep her eyes off of him and that sentiment was likewise for Fred.

Sylvia led the train, tossing delicate white lilies and baby's breath onto the long stone walkway that would lead Millicent to Fred and her future. Bridget was close behind, leading the train in her delicate purple robes. Fleur went next, looking superb after having a baby less than two months ago. Ginny smiled proudly as she made her way second to last. Finally, Pansy took her walk down the aisle…that left Millicent, the bride.

Music swirled around her and she suddenly felt compelled to run and hide. Every witch and wizard in the crowd was staring at her, waiting for her to make a move. Molly was bawling loudly in the front row while holding onto Arthur, who was also looking suspiciously teary. Penelope had decided to sit in the back with Little Percy and George and give Millicent a bright smile.

Everyone was waiting on her, watching her. Suddenly the nagging urge she had to vomit came through full force. She nearly doubled over from the feeling; she would've if it hadn't been for a strong pair of arms around her waist. "Relax," He said, smiling brightly at her.

Millicent let out a shaky breath and linked her arm in Draco Malfoy's, "Thank you." She whispered. It seemed that a collective sigh went through the crowd as she began to move down the aisle half-escorted, half-held-up-by Draco Malfoy.

As if it were normal, Draco brought her to the very front of the Great Hall and pressed a kiss to the side of her cheek, "You're welcome."

Fred's arms immediately replaced Draco's and Millicent felt secure again. Looking into his eyes, she let his strength be hers too. She knew he was nervous but this was their wedding…they were going through with this. All the papers were signed, the honeymoon was paid for, and there was no backing out now.

He wondered briefly if she was alright, she seemed sure about this wedding and him…but he could feel the weakness in her arms. Before he had time to speak, Minerva McGonagall turned to both of them, "We're gathered here today to bind together Millicent and Fred in the magic of their love," Despite her firm resolve, she felt herself going a little weepy at the sight of the two lovers.

"I will ask first if there are any objections to this binding," Her beady, near-black eyes swept over those congregated there. Nobody moved, nobody seemed to breathe until she gave a nod of her head, "Since there are no objections, let us continue. Bill, Pansy, do you have the rings?"

Pansy took a step forward, coming to stand next to Bill. Each of them knew their place; in their right hands, they extended the rings that Millie and Fred picked out for one another.

"Raise your wands please," Minerva said firmly. With her own wand in hand, she pressed it to Bill's palm, "Repeat after me, Iugorum!"

Bill's strong voice echoed hers as he pressed his wand to the ring, "Iugorum!"

Next, Minerva turned to Pansy, "Repeat after me, please, Iugorum!"

Pansy smiled as she pressed her wand to the ring, "Iugorum!"

"These rings have been bound sacredly into the realm of our magic. They bind you forevermore in love and pain, sickness and health, thick and thin, in life until death do you part." Turning her eyes to Millicent, she smiled. "Do you, Millicent, honor these sacred vows as I have spoken them?"

Without hesitation, Millicent replied, "I do."

Turning to Fred, Minerva smiled, "Do you, Fred, honor these sacred vows as I have spoken them?"

Nary had a heartbeat passed and Fred nodded, "I do." His voice came out shaky and slightly weak, but it was strong enough to be heard. Millicent felt tears of joy building in her throat. It was really happening…they were really getting married.

Pansy and Bill handed off the enchanted rings to Millicent and Fred respectively before taking their places once again. Minerva turned to Fred, "Repeat after me, Fred. With this ring, I pledge myself to you, Millicent, forevermore."

Fred gently slid the ring on her finger, "With this ring, I pledge myself to you, Millicent, forevermore." She was so beautiful, he felt his chest nearly burst open with pride and…lo…tenderness.

"Now you, Millicent," Minerva said gently. "Repeat after me, with this ring, I pledge myself to you, Fred, forevermore."

Through the tears, Millicent wasn't sure exactly how she had managed it but she did get the ring onto Fred's finger. "With this ring, I pledge myself to you, Fred, forevermore." She loved him more in this very moment than she would ever be able to express.

"Fred, Millicent," Minerva started, "I now pronounce you wizard and wife, may you live in love, peace and happiness in the vows you have made today, forevermore." She stood back, "You may kiss the bride!"

Applause and cheers exploded from the guests when Fred pulled Millicent into his arms and kissed her deeply. She wrapped her arms around him, joy, tears rushing through her all the same time. They kissed so long and so deep that Minerva began to clear her throat and one of their guests (Fred swore it was his Uncle Fabian) yelled 'Save it for the honeymoon!'

The newly married couple broke apart, blushing. Fred put his arms around him, "Well, Mrs. Weasley, what now?" Despite the fact that this was the last thing on earth he'd ever wanted, he felt so bloody happy that he felt he could fly without a broom.

Millicent chuckled, "Beg off from the reception and see if married sex is as good as they say."

The shock on his face just made Millicent laugh, "I've made a wanton out of you!" He said but then leaned down and kissed her gently on the lips. "We'll get there I promise," he made a flashy display of the ring on his finger that was still glowing. "The marriage consummation law the Ministry made is the only one I like."

Laughing heartily, Fred and Millicent were whisked from the Great Hall for some alone time before they were bombarded with congratulations, pictures, cake and who knew what else Molly had planned…Millicent sure hadn't been paying that close attention to the details. After all, they hadn't really planned on going through with this wedding.

Millicent found herself in a room that she'd never seen before, "Where are we?" She asked, turning to Fred who was smiling brightly. He came up behind her and pressed a kiss to the back of her neck that sent shivers up her spine.

"This is where all the Hogwarts students used to go to shag without getting caught," He said with a wry smile.

"Well it's no wonder I've never been here," She laughed and slung her arm around him. "Why are we here?"

Fred waggled his eyebrows, "Why do you think?" At the surprised look on her face, he laughed and shook his head, "I just wanted a chance to be alone with you before the circus starts. Mum has really outdone herself on this one," He said with a sigh.

Nodding, Millicent sat down on what appeared to be a bench but as soon as she sat down on it, it magically turned into a bed. Instead of jumping back up, she leaned against one of the pillows. After several moments of silence, she sat back up, "Fred, do you regret what we did?"

His solid brown eyes met her rich hazel ones, "No." He said without reservation. "It made everyone happy, my family, you, and even me." Taking a seat next to her, he took her hand in his, "You are happy, right?"

Millicent didn't know why that bothered her…he was happy about this, he had just said so. But, the tone of his voice revealed that he seemed to be reluctantly happy. "Of course I'm happy, Fred." She answered and pressed a kiss to his hand in hers. "Who knew I'd ever marry such a handsome wizard as you?"

"You deserve better than me," Fred retorted. "You've really made me the luckiest man in the world by marrying me but…I really don't deserve you."

"I love you, Fred," Millicent replied softly. "With my whole heart, my whole soul, I love you." Closing her eyes, she sighed, "You don't have to say it back. In fact, don't say it back unless you really mean it. But I want you to know how I feel about you."

Fred felt like scum; he cared about her deeply, he wanted her not only for her body but for the way she helped him, loved his family and cherished every moment they had together. "I care so deeply for you, Millie," He started, "But I don't know yet."

It hurt so deeply that Millicent nearly recoiled; she forced herself to hold it all inside. She wanted him to be honest with her but she needed him to want this life and her. "Well," Millicent swallowed the tears in her throat, "We have all the time in the world to figure it out."

His arms came around her and he pressed a kiss to her temple, "That we do."

A loud knock sounded on the door, startling them both. Ron's voice broke through, "You two better not be shagging in there! Mum says you better come out now for pictures before you two sully your robes!"

Fred and Millicent both snickered. "We'll be right there, Ron!" Fred called, "And you can tell mum we're not shagging!" Standing up, he took Millicent's hand in his. "Mrs. Weasley," He said with a goofy grin on his face.

"Mr. Weasley," She answered with a very un-Millicent giggle. "Let's go." And with that, they were off to meet and greet their guests.

The first face that Millicent saw…of course, it had to be Molly Weasley. Before she even got one breath out, Molly threw her arms around her, "Oh Millie dear, welcome to the family!" She gushed, tears running down her face. "I never though I'd see the day my Fred got married!"

Fred sighed loudly, "Mum, please!" He succeeded in only drawing her attention his way. The sloppy mother kisses made him blush even redder, "Gods, mum, that's enough!"

Bulbs were flashing left and right, formal photographers, guests and, surprisingly enough, some house elves. Perhaps Dobby had insisted on a few photos to hang on the kitchen walls or maybe they were helping the photographer…Millie didn't really care either way. She merely smiled, twirled, turned and posed a thousand different ways for a million different pictures. Fred was beside her the whole time, cracking jokes in her ear, holding her tightly. It seemed to everyone that they were the perfect couple, happiness would be theirs forever.

An entire hour of the reception had passed with people merely loitering, chatting, and eating the delicious sampling of food that the Hogwarts house elves had cooked up. The newly married couple had been passed around from friend to relative and the back again. People were slowly weeding out by the time the actual dinner was served.

Funnily enough, Molly had chosen a fabulous bed of greens and a cup of French onion soup to begin and a delicate Brill for the main entrée. Millicent wondered aloud if Fred had told his mother about their first date; apparently, he hadn't. It simply was fate that things turned out like this…all of the things. Everything.

Dinner was delicious. Millicent found that her appetite had returned full force; the little case of nerves she had was nothing to worry about after all. She and Fred were sitting at a table slightly elevated above the rest. To her other side was Pansy, Theodore and Sylvia surrounded by a sea of friends and coworkers. On Fred's side there was a shocking collection of red hair and the Weasley wives of course; it was a club Millicent was the newest addition of.

Leaning over, Fred took her hand in his again, "Would you like some champagne?"

Millicent shook her head, "I felt a little barmy this morning. I don't want to tempt fate," She said and kissed him chastely on the lips. "I want to be sober and feeling fine for our honeymoon."

"Well, when you put it that way," He set down his glass and smirked. "I see your point."

As the house elves began to cleanup, the music began. Molly had hired the same quintet of string players that had played at her wedding; yes, the members were considerably older and some had been replaced, but at the first movement of their bows, it was perfectly evident they were the very best that money could buy.

"Well, they can't dance until we do," Fred said, standing up and holding out his hand to her.

Millicent gasped, "Fred I don't do dancing." She bit her lip, "I'm afraid I have no rhythm, none at all! You saw me as a child; I tripped over my own two feet more often than I walked."

A bark of laughter escaped him, despite the fact that he tried to hide it. "You'll be perfect, Millicent," He pulled just hard enough to get her to her feet and then brought his lips down to hers. "Don't do it for me, do it for my mum. I don't think there are enough pictures of us yet, we owe her this."

"Fine," Millie feigned a scoff but she was smiling. The crowds seemed to part like water as the two of them made their way to the dance floor. One of Fred's hands rested on her waist and the other took her free one. In turn, she placed her arm on his shoulder.

The quintet started up a slow, sweet canon that pierced the air, raising goose bumps on many a person's skin. Fred, although her was reluctant to do so, let Millicent lead just so it wouldn't look as if they were about to fall on their faces. Soon, they found a comfortable pace and Millicent brought her cheek to rest against Fred's.

"Thank you," She whispered, holding him close to her.

Fred laughed softly, "For what, Millicent?"

Swallowing hard, she just shrugged, "For everything. For believing in me here and now, and for not running away after I lied to you," she whispered. "You could've made that very hard on me…and I don't blame you. I lied about my name."

Suddenly, Fred sobered, "Millicent, I thought that was behind us." Pulling back slightly, he looked into her fathomless hazel eyes. "You may have lied about your name, but everything we did, everything we have was you and I. What does it matter if you're Marlene Braedenstock, Millicent Bulstrode or Millie Weasley?"

"Dear god, I'm Millie Weasley," She said, shocked. Laughing, she shook her head, "My dear parents have to be spinning in their tombs right about now."

He hadn't ever heard Millicent speak about her parents beyond to discuss how they had neglected and abused her. "Forget them, Millie," He said and pressed another kiss to her lips, "They don't deserve to share this day with you."

Suddenly, Millicent realized that she was…dancing! She hadn't even noticed that she was moving to the beautiful music or that many others had joined them there. Arthur and Molly were making an excellent standing. Draco and Ginny beside them were putting every one of them to shame; Bill and Fleur were keeping time, swaying and holding each other's hands while Bridget, Lilliane and little Molly huddled by their feet. Penelope was holding Lila and little Percy while trying everything in her power to ignore her husband. Even Ron was having fun twirling his new fiancée Florie around the floor.

For hours it seemed, they danced. Fast dances, slow dances, waltzes, jigs and tangos. Before long, even more guests had left and it was time to cut the cake. It was a giant thing, tiers and tiers of white frosting done with little flowers and an enchanted pair of dolls on top that looked like Fred and Millicent. Molly had the decency to look properly scandalized when the miniatures on top were found snogging heavily before they were pulled off and set aside.

Bill grabbed a glass of champagne off a tray and raised it, "This may be an odd time for a speech but just the simple fact that I'm keeping Fred from his cake makes up for it." An appreciative chuckle went through the crowd, especially the immediate family, who knew of Fred's ardor when it came to cake. "My little brother has found a right perfect woman in Millie," He leaned in, kissing Millie on the cheek. "I hope only that you are blessed with a happy marriage, glad tidings and all the love in the world!"

"Here, here," A voice cried. Thunderous applause resounded in the hall that seemed to get louder as Fred and Millicent linked hands to make the first cut of the cake. More flashbulbs went off and both were pulled away so that cake could be distributed. The festivities were winding down, the hour was growing later and the young, single ladies were all gearing up for the bouquet toss.

Millicent had to admit, the cake was absolutely exquisite. The only problem was that, once again, she was feeling slightly barmy. She knew she was a little worried about the honeymoon. Being Christmas, it was extremely difficult to get reservations to somewhere warm. Fabian had been nice enough to lend them his villa that was located somewhere in Wizarding California. He hadn't divulged why he owned property in the states but he had promised them quiet and romance; and that, Fred and Millie, were not going to turn down.

Draco leaned down, "Fred, do you mind if I borrow your wife a moment?" His cloudy grey eyes were unreadable as he held his out to Millicent.

Fred nodded, "Don't keep her long, though. Looks like everyone is getting ready to leave and Bridget has informed me that throwing the bouquet is a tradition."

"I won't be long," She said and gave Fred a gentle parting kiss. Much to Millicent's dismay, Draco brought her out onto the dance floor. "What's going on, Draco?" She asked gently.

Sighing, he shrugged, "I just wanted to make sure you were okay, Millie." He said quietly. "You were very…tense, earlier."

For a moment, she had already forgotten what had happened during the binding ceremony. "I don't know what happened, Draco." She said, her eyes meeting his. "I was feeling wonderful, great and then suddenly I felt very ill. I'm sure it was just nerves."

"And he makes you happy, Millie?" Draco queried. "You know that even though I am Ginny's husband and connected to the Weasley Family, I'm still your friend first and foremost. If he ever, ever mistreats you or you need to get away or he goes away and you're afraid to be alone, Millie," He cupped her face and looked her straight in the eye, "There is always a bed for you at the manor. No questions asked."

For some reason, that brought tears to her eyes, "Thank you, Draco." She hugged him before parting, "It means everything to me that I have friends who care as much as you do." Turning to the quintet, she found that they were quickly packing up their things. Pulling her hand from her hip, she pressed it to her throat, "Sonorous!" Immediately her voice was amplified, "I'd like to thank everyone who has come today to support Fred and me on our very special day." She smiled over at her new husband who gave her a sly wink. "It means everything to me, to us." Bleary eyes looked back at her, a mix of drunken stupor and extreme happiness (it was more of the latter). "And now, single ladies line up!"

A squeal went over the crows as Millicent was handed her bouquet. Turning around, she let them fly without any pretense. Turning around, she noticed that her brutish strength hadn't all disappeared…the flowers had flown high over the single ladies and into the arms of…Penelope.

The dark haired women looked up and smiled. To Millicent she mouthed 'Thank you' and sat back down.

Millicent found herself smiling broadly. Penelope deserved to be happy…and if that wasn't with George, so be it. Somehow the flowers symbolized a new beginning for her. And, a new beginning was starting for Fred and Millicent now.

With a flourish of goodbyes and waves, tears and laughter, Fred and Millicent made their way to the Headmistress' office where the portkey to Fabian's cottage was. They bags had been sent to the cottage and unpacked by Fabian's house elves—at least, that's what they had been told. Everything was planned. All the cottage needed was the two of them in it.

Wrapping his arms around her, he smiled. "This was surprisingly fun," He pulled the portkey off of Minerva's desk. It was set to depart in exactly 5 minutes and Fred was taking no chances.

"I had fun too," She answered, keeping her arms firmly around him. "Everyone looked so beautiful and they weren't just pretending to enjoy themselves. I swear, before today I thought weddings were just expensive, disgusting displays of wealth that everyone secretly hated. I guess I never took into account the tender loving care that goes into it."

Fred nodded his assent, "Yes, but don't go telling my mother that. She'll bloody well guilt you into planning Ron and Florie's wedding. She may well do it anyway, but don't make it easy on her!"

Laughing, she shook her head, "I won't give her any encouragement. There's no doubt that I'd be absolutely horrendous as a wedding planner. Everyone would be dressed in mauve or grey or green and the flowers wouldn't match. Your mother is just perfect; I can probably never live up to her."

"Don't sell yourself short, Millie," Fred said, holding her tighter as their five minutes got down closer to go-time. "Any wedding you would've planned would've been perfect. My mother just has more experience, that doesn't make her better than you. I know for a fact that my mother doesn't write as brilliantly as you and will never be half as sympathetic." He chuckled.

Millicent reached up, pressing her lips to his. Fred kissed her back, the portkey sandwiched between them as it flared to life and sent them to their honeymoon.

To my lovely reviewers, and my lurking readers too :D Thanks for reading!