Chapter 2: The Wedding Disasters


The next two days went by in a blur.

Emilie was the last student Harry saw and then didn't have someone to teach for the next month. Harry was going to get married and then go off on a holiday with Ginny, his wife. Malfoy was going to handle the business end of things while he was gone.

Ron stayed over at Harry's the night before the wedding and Ginny stayed at Hermione's. When Harry woke up in the morning at eight o'clock, Ron commented on how unusually hot it was. They were due at the Burrow at noon and the entire family was going to Apparate to the Ceremonial Grounds for the wedding. Ginny would already be waiting there with Hermione and Molly.

Ron wasn't lying when he said it was unusually hot. Everyone had expected a normal early-November weather. They were all dressed for it. All the men wore velvet robes and the ladies were dressed in wool dresses and wool dress robes. Harry, Ron and Neville were wearing Muggle Tuxedos. It was too hot.

"Why hasn't anyone tried Cooling Charms?" George asked as soon as they had Apparated to the Ceremonial Grounds.

Hermione came running towards the group, nearly sobbing. "The ice-sculptures are melting too rapidly and three of the elderly guests have already fainted from a heatstroke. Ginny's dress is ruined because she keeps—she keeps—"

"She keeps what?" Ron snapped with fear.

"She keeps sweating!" Hermione explained. "I tried to use all sorts of Cooling Charms and nothing is working. The weather is not cooperating at all and we had Charmed the tent for warmth and it's too hot. Molly has been struggling as well; she fears she'll faint too!"

Arthur Weasley and rest of the Weasley family ran towards the bride's chambers to check on Molly. Harry tried to run after them, with them, but Hermione stopped him.

"You can't see the bride before the wedding, Harry!"

"Hermione, with the way things are going, everyone is being admitted to hospital, I don't think there's going to be a wedding today!"

"No, don't say that, Ginny—"

"Ginny will care more about her mother's health than a stupid wedding ceremony!"

Harry let go of Hermione's hand and he ran towards the bride's chambers as well. Harry felt dizzy from the heat and all the sweat from just running for a few minutes. When he entered the bride's chambers, he saw Molly sitting on a chair and her family huddled around her. George, Percy and Charlie had already taken off half of their Dress robes because of the heat.

"Take her to St Mungo's, and everyone else that might need any medical attention," Harry said. "Ginny—are you okay?"

Ginny nodded, looking sad. "I'm sorry—our wedding day is ruined," she said.

"No, it's okay, Gin," Harry tried to console her. "It's not your fault—the weather—it's just—"

"I know, just take mum to the hospital. Hermione and I will announce to the guests—that are still here—that the wedding is postponed."

"I'll stay behind to help," Neville said.

Harry nodded. Molly held onto Arthur as they Disapparated, and moments later, Harry Disapparated along with the rest of the Weasley family.


/*\


By Monday morning, the news of the fact that Harry didn't end up tying the knot with Ginny spread everywhere like wildfire. The Prophet called it a "curse," claiming that someone had cursed Harry by enchanting the weather to make it impossible for him to get married.

"Who would curse the weather?" Ron asked scoffing.

Harry could think of one person. The one person he'd been avoiding, the one person he needed to apologise to. Harry sent an owl to Malfoy asking him to dinner at the Wizard's Quest. Malfoy agreed.

They sat at their usual table and the waiter brought over two tumblers of Firewhisky and two pints of beer. It was their usual order. They didn't even bother looking at the menu because the waiter was going to bring the same appetizer Harry always ordered. But Malfoy stopped the waiter before he had a chance to leave the table.

"I think I'll try the crab cakes today," he said and the waiter nodded and walked away. Malfoy looked at Harry and spoke. "Change can be good, don't you think?"

"Why the change in order today?" Harry asked.

"If you order the same thing over and over again, you get too used to it. You might not even realise that something better is there. I don't want to be someone who simply just settles."

Harry nodded. He knew what Malfoy was saying, but Harry was going to choose to ignore it. "How were the rest of the lessons for the week?" he asked instead.

"They were fine. Emilie was quite excited about your news in the Prophet. She thinks she still has a chance." Malfoy finished the shot of his Firewhisky and rubbed his lip with his thumb. Harry tried not to stare.

"What do you think?" Harry asked.

"I'm sorry to hear about Mrs Weasley. I read that she had to spend two nights in the hospital," Malfoy said. "I sent flowers."

"I know, I was surprised to see them," Harry replied. "I didn't know you cared."

"I'm not that heartless, Potter," Malfoy retorted. "I felt bad that, due to the extreme weather conditions, your future mother-in-law may have suffered a stroke."

"Why? You didn't have anything to do with it."

Malfoy didn't answer. He took a sip of his beer and looked in the direction of the waiter as though he were all of a sudden too eager to try the crab cakes.

"Anyway, I wanted to apologise," Harry said. "About what happened—that night. I was out of line and I hope that you can—"

"I can what?" Malfoy asked.

"That you can forgive me and I hope that this won't affect our business relationship," Harry answered. He gulped silently. All of a sudden he was nervous again. Malfoy was looking at him as though he was trying to read Harry's expression or trying to imagine him naked or something.

"It's fine," Malfoy answered coolly. "It wouldn't be the first time someone tried to experiment with me mere nights before their wedding."

A pang of jealousy went through Harry.

"I wasn't trying to experiment—"

"It's fine, Potter. Really." Malfoy's voice was detached. "Does this mean there's no honeymoon, and you can come back to work?" he asked and Harry nodded. "Have you picked another date?"

"Date for what?" Harry was confused.

"For the wedding, pillock," Malfoy retorted.

"Oh yeah, in a few months, after Christmas. There's less chance of a weather catastrophe it seems, and I guess Hermione is going to need some time to do some research on handling weather-related emergencies. The Cooling Charms, even the Freezing Charms, didn't work in the heat last week. It was the most bizarre weather, don't you think?" Harry asked. He realised he might have been rambling and Malfoy was simply staring at him.

"Oh, I wouldn't know. I was at the Manor, reading."

"What about your lessons?" Harry asked.

"They were cancelled because the students were invited to your wedding," Malfoy answered. He always had this habit of making Harry feeling like an idiot, and it always worked. No matter how hard Harry tried to not show that it worked.

The food arrived and Harry dropped the subject of his wedding and the weather. He figured business-talk would be the best sort of conversation to have anyway. No stress there.

"It seems that we've already become famous with the students at Hogwarts," Malfoy said in midst of the meal.

"What do you mean?" Harry asked.

"I've been receiving owls from Hogwarts students asking if we can schedule them in for lessons during the Winter break. Most of them are second and third years who need a few pointers. Their parents have offered to pay double. I call it 'the holiday rate'." Malfoy grinned.

"Yeah, show me the schedule, it should work," Harry replied. Malfoy in-turn handed Harry a parchment with names of students and dates he'd pencilled in.

"It also has the rates we're charging, depending on their family wealth. I've pencilled in a few freebies so you can sleep better at night," Malfoy said rolling his eyes.

"This is a full schedule." Harry looked over the table. "You're not going to take any time off except for Christmas Eve and Day?" Harry had a hundred questions in his mind. "And wouldn't it be too cold at that time? Where are we going to practise?"

"The field behind Malfoy Manor—the garden—where my mother used to work," Malfoy said and Harry nodded as if he was supposed to know. "It's spelled with an Atmospheric Charm, so it wouldn't be a problem. I've informed the parents already by writing, and we are going to have some slots opening because most of our usual students are going on holiday with their parents. They won't be back until well after the New Year."

Harry was stunned silent.

"Additionally, you might have a huge family and all the presents Galleons can buy, but the Orphanage is still looking for volunteers and I…" Malfoy paused, "...for the sake of the company, am donating brooms and lessons as a Christmas present."

"Is that going to help you sleep better at night?" Harry teased. Malfoy threw a piece of his crab cake at him. It didn't take long until they returned to their light-hearted routine. Harry was at ease again. The thought of Malfoy being cross with him made him edgy.


/*\


A few weeks passed, and everything seemed to be routine again. Harry's business dinners with Malfoy were back on track and Ginny and Hermione were back to planning for an early January wedding.

"Hermione told me last time that you didn't seem too interested in incorporating Muggle traditions in the wedding, Harry," Ginny said to Harry over brunch. They sat at Ginny's favourite café on Saturday morning since Harry had cancelled on her late on Friday night claiming that he was too tired after dinner with Malfoy.

Harry didn't bother hiding his annoyance with Hermione. "She did? I didn't think she'd tell you," he said.

"I don't mind. If you want to simply do wizarding traditions, that'll be okay with everyone," Ginny replied and Harry shrugged. "Harry, I just want you to have an opinion. About something."

"I don't know, Ginny," Harry said, "I just want to make you happy."

"Okay then, let's go to the Ministry tomorrow and register to get married in front of the marriage official. It's just a piece of parchment right?" Ginny laughed.

"Your mum—" Harry panicked.

"I know, she'll kill us." Harry let out a sigh of relief. "Are you really sure you want to get married? We can wait—or call it off."

"Call it off?" Harry exclaimed. "Ginny, you've been wanting to get married on the same Ceremonial Grounds as your parents for ages. We can't call off the ceremony!"

"I know, it just seems that it's not really the thing for us, you know? It was my parent's wish but Bill and Fleur got married without a hitch and we just seem to have bad luck—" Ginny sighed. "Not just with our wedding, our whole relationship, sometimes I think—"

"What do you think?" Harry asked.

"I don't know. Hermione thinks I'm crazy," Ginny answered and took a sip of her breakfast cocktail. "She also thinks that we—" Ginny stopped talking.

"We—"

"Potter, Weasley, fancy seeing you here." A voice too familiar startled Harry. He knew that the person behind him was the reason he was late to brunch that morning.

"Malfoy, nice to see you again," Ginny said pleasantly.

"Malfoy, what are you doing here?" Harry asked.

"You're not the only one that eats brunch, Potter," Malfoy replied. "Relax," he added. "When I got home last night, I received an owl from a friend who wanted to meet today. I remembered how you had once said that this was Ginny's favourite place for breakfast so I offered to bring him here."

"Him?" Harry asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, him." Malfoy smiled at Ginny, then looked at Harry before speaking again. "Sorry, didn't mean to barge into what looks like a private conversation."

Harry and Ginny watched Malfoy walk away and meet up with a bloke Harry had never seen before. They hugged and the man placed a kiss on Malfoy's cheek. Harry turned to look at Ginny who was watching him with the most peculiar look. "What?" he asked.

"Is something the matter?" Ginny asked.

"No, of course not. It's just—I told him I was probably going to come here with you today and he just—shows up!"

"It's a restaurant, Harry. Lots of people go to restaurants based on their friends' recommendations. Why are you getting so worked up about this?"

"I'm not!" Harry threw his arms up in the air with frustration and knocked over a glass of water. "Sorry!" he said and tried to be calm again. Ginny only laughed at him. He wondered what she thought of him, being so incredibly senseless.


/*\


When Harry met Malfoy again for their Wednesday night business meeting, he asked Malfoy about his brunch date.

"Oh, he's some bloke I met at a pub a very long time ago. We provide a kind of friendship—"

"A kind of friendship that requires you to have breakfast at the same restaurant as me?" Harry asked interrupting him.

"Wizards need to eat, you know," Malfoy teased. "I don't just teach and share meals with you, Potter. I have a life. I shag blokes in my free time. As I'm sure you shag your fiancé whenever you get a chance."

Harry felt uncomfortable by Malfoy's statement. "What I do in my own time is none of your business!" Harry retorted.

"Yeah and who I do, before or after breakfast, is none of yours," Malfoy said calmly. "Besides, he was the reason I had no idea how the weather was on your wedding day. I was too busy having hot sex with him. It was so hot; I feared the sofa was going to catch on fire!"

Harry swallowed inaudibly. He wasn't sure what Malfoy's words were doing to him. He felt jealous and at the same time, the thought of Malfoy having hot sex made his cock twitch. Harry decided that being around Malfoy only confused him so he was going to do what he knew best, keep things strictly professional. He was also going to cancel on the business dinner meetings. He owled Malfoy the next day saying that he was so busy that the only time they should meet up was if it were an emergency.

Malfoy didn't reply to Harry's owls. Harry didn't know what to make of his non-communicative behaviour, but instead of questioning it, he stuck to his routine.

Harry followed the schedule Malfoy had placed for him and saw the students assigned to him. Friday night came and went and Harry didn't go to Le Chateau. On Wednesday night, he made plans with Ron and went to the Leaky Cauldron for drinks. Weeks passed and everything was becoming a procedural—a different kind of a routine. Harry would receive correspondence about the business via owl from Malfoy but never anything about business dinners or their friendship. He wondered if Malfoy even missed him or if Harry had just freed up more time for him to have hot sex with blokes he met at pubs.

Christmas had come and gone, and Harry sent an owl to Malfoy wishing him a "Happy Christmas" with a small gift. He didn't receive a reply.

"Is everything alright?" Ginny asked Harry while he was over the Burrow on a Friday night. It was a week before their scheduled wedding.

"Yeah, why?" Harry asked.

"Ever since you stopped your business dinners with Malfoy, you seem more…edgy. Irritable."

"I do?" Harry asked, surprised. He thought he was being normal.

"Yeah, did you two have a tiff?" she asked and Harry shook his head. "Must be the nerves then, about getting married and all?"

"No, no nerves," Harry reassured her.

"Is he going to come to the wedding?" she asked.

"Who? Malfoy?" Harry was surprised. "He didn't come the last time because he was too busy having hot sex!"

Ginny laughed. "At least someone was," she commented. Molly came into the room with tea and their conversation was put on hold for the moment.

Later that night, when Harry left the Burrow, he decided to take a walk before Apparating to his flat. He thought about Ginny's passing comment about having "hot sex" along with how a few weeks ago Malfoy had made a comment about Harry shagging in his free time. Why was everyone around him so obsessed with sex? Putting the thoughts out of his mind, Harry arrived at his flat, only to find a pissed Malfoy sitting on his sofa.

"What are you doing here?" Harry asked. Malfoy scoffed and raised the glass of the expensive Firewhisky he was drinking. "You came here for supplies? That's not why I've lowered the wards for you."

"Well, clearly, you haven't lowered them for any other reason," Malfoy answered.

"I don't understand," Harry said

"Yeah, you never do." Malfoy stood up to fetch himself another drink.

"Why are you here, Malfoy?" He walked up to Malfoy by the liquor cabinet and grabbed his hand before he could reach for the bottle of Firewhisky.

"I miss you," Malfoy whispered. Harry's stomach dropped. "I go to Le Chateau every Friday, and you just—I thought we were friends."

"We were, we are," Harry said.

"Then—"

Harry looked into Malfoy's eyes and they were so gentle, so open. Malfoy caught him by surprise and leaned in to kiss him. Harry didn't push Malfoy away. He pulled him in. Malfoy tasted like Pansette de Gerzat and Firewhisky.

Harry pulled Malfoy onto the sofa and before he knew it, Malfoy was on top of him, Harry's shirt was on the floor and his glasses were beginning to fog up.

"Wait," Malfoy said. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have come here."

"Why did you?" Harry asked. His hands were grabbing onto Malfoy's hips. They'd stopped kissing but they hadn't stopped touching. Malfoy was still on top of Harry, and Harry was very aware of where his erection was pushing up against Malfoy thigh.

"I missed you; I wanted my friend back...I didn't mean to—"

"You kissed me."

"Yeah, and you kissed me back."

"We're back to the same situation from two months ago."

Malfoy chuckled. "Funny how we keep finding each other back in the same spot."

"You always kiss me first," Harry said. He lightly squeezed Malfoy's hips and Malfoy immediately stood up.

"I won't again," he said. "I still don't think you should marry her, but I won't kiss you again. I'm sorry." Malfoy knelt down and handed Harry his shirt. He fixed his clothes and walked up to the fire place. "I'm too drunk to Apparate home, so I'll just take the Floo."

Harry nodded; he didn't know what to say.

"See you, Potter," Malfoy said, right before he vanished leaving Harry confused and hard.


/*\


The Weasleys didn't bother throwing Harry a stag party again. Mrs Weasley feared that it would be bad luck, given how horribly things had turned out the last time. This time, everyone was prepared for any strange weather disasters. Hermione had taken all necessary precautions for a heat wave, a snow storm, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions—even though there were no volcanoes anywhere near there.

"We can't be too careful," Hermione said when Ron joked about it.

Unfortunately, no one accounted for tornadoes.

A heat wave in November was odd; a blizzard in January was expected, but a tornado? No, no one saw that coming.

Everyone was gathered under the tent, Heating Charms were pleasantly placed all over, and Ginny looked beautiful in her off-white beaded sleeveless gown with a faux fur wrap. Hermione wouldn't have allowed her to wear real fur.

At first, they heard a crash.

"It's nothing, I'm sure," Harry said. They turned to look at the officiator when there was another crash. Harry looked at Ron who nodded at them and went outside the tent.

"I don't believe it," Ron shouted. "Everybody, Disapparate now! There's a storm coming!" Ron came running into the tent and grabbed Hermione. "A tornado...it's headed this way. The wind is blowing like crazy! We have to get out now!"

Hermione ran to grab Ginny and Harry and they all Disapparated to the Burrow. Everything seemed normal at the Weasley household; the tornado must not have hit that part of the country. Only the immediate family and some guests arrive at the Burrow. Arthur Weasley reckoned that the others must have simply gone home.

"Again! I can't believe…this has just happened…again! Ginny all but shrieked. "The powers that be, really don't want us to get married!"

"Where's the officiator?" Harry asked.

"She's not here, she must have gone home," Ron said.

"I don't have any trouble getting married at the Ministry anymore, Ginny," Harry said, huffing.

Ginny laughed and wrapped her arms around Harry. "But mum—"

"I don't think your mum wants any more trouble than we do," Harry said.

"You should give it one more try," George commented. He seemed to be the only one who looked like he was having any fun. "Come on, third time's the charm."

Ginny looked at Harry expectantly. "It's your decision, Ginny. It's your day," he said. She hugged him tightly and thanked him with kisses. Harry stiffened up. They'd never been this affectionate in front of her family before. He felt embarrassed. She must have felt his reluctance and pulled back. Her grin didn't fade.

"Are you really sure?" Hermione interjected. "George is taking bets on what kind of weather you'll have next time. That's why he's pushing you to do this."

Ginny laughed. "I wouldn't put that past him. But, if Harry is okay with it, then let's wait it out."

"I think you are utterly ridiculous," Hermione commented.

"I think it's romantic," Ron said pulling Hermione in for a kiss. "What if it was us? Wouldn't you want to test it against fate?" She nodded reluctantly but eventually gave in.

Harry reckoned they had everyone's blessing for a third try, so they settled on the first Saturday in June. Harry wondered if he and Malfoy would kiss again or if Malfoy would ever try to tell Harry to call off the wedding again.

"What are you thinking about?" Ginny asked as she sat next to Harry on the sofa in the Burrow handing him a cup of hot chocolate.

"Oh, nothing. Just—I keep changing my work schedule and I suppose I'll be heading back to the lessons tomorrow. Reschedule the time table with Malfoy," Harry lied. I need to stop, he told himself. He needed to let go of his infatuation with Malfoy. Asking Malfoy to help with the business was probably the worst decision he'd ever made. Malfoy would argue that proposing to Ginny when he wasn't ready was the worst decision he'd made.

Harry sighed. He could even hear Malfoy's opinions in Malfoy's tone in his head.

The next day Ginny left and wouldn't be back for a few weeks to start the planning for the wedding all over again. Harry was back to the teaching. He was determined to be involved in the wedding planning this time. Maybe that would help keep the unnecessary and the unwelcome out of his mind. Tossing and turning in his bed that night, Harry decided to send an owl to Malfoy asking for all the new students to be assigned to him. He needed to distract himself.


/*\


"So the wedding's still not called off?" Malfoy asked when Harry met up with him on Friday night at Le Chateau. Harry scowled at him. "I'm just asking, Potter."

"No, we're going to give it another try," Harry said. "If that doesn't work, because of the weather, then we'll be simply having the ceremony in front of a Ministry appointed Officiator."

"When is it scheduled for?" Malfoy asked.

"The sixth of June," Harry answered.

"Why so far away?" Malfoy asked and Harry frowned again.

"Why are you so interested?" he retorted. "If you must know it's because we have to schedule time off for Ginny from her Quidditch games and that was the next time she would get a set of days off."

"Wow," Malfoy mumbled as he took a sip of his wine and handed a small book to Harry. "These are all the numbers, profits, charity donations, and salary information for the past six months." Harry took the documents from Malfoy's hand. Malfoy continued talking 'business' and Harry never got a chance to ask him about what he meant by the 'wow'.

"Oh, before I forget," Malfoy added. "We also received a letter from a parent named Troy Smith, he's American. He's just took a job in the British Ministry as a Liaison Officer and his son is going to be going to Hogwarts next year. He said that Quidditch rules in America are different than Europe, so he wanted to enrol his son with us starting in March, when they move here."

"Alright," Harry said.

"So we both have to meet him when he's here in March," Malfoy said.

"Okay, in March, it's January." Harry didn't understand.

"I know, just telling you to mark your Calendar."

"You're the one that handles my calendar anyway, Malfoy," Harry replied. "Just tell me when and where to show up."

"Is that what you say to your fiancé too?" Malfoy asked. Harry was about to retort but thankfully the waiter had interrupted their conversation. He wouldn't have known what to say.

Days turned into weeks and Harry's time was spent between flying lessons and wedding planning with Hermione. Ginny would pop in and out some weekends and Harry gave her his input on the colours of the season and the table decorations.

Before he knew it, it was the 17th of March and he and Malfoy headed to Cheshire to meet the Smiths.

Jacob Smith, ten years old, had dark hair and dark skin that was a toss between smooth caramel and milk chocolate. He was well presented with freshly pressed trousers and a V-neck sweater. His father, Troy Smith, was a sight for sore eyes, Harry thought. The tall dark-skinned man looked as though he'd just walked off a Muggle magazine that Harry had seen lying around in Hermione's flat.

"Wow, that's—that's our client?" Malfoy uttered to Harry as they waited outside the Smith house for the father and son walked down the long corridor in the garden to greet them.

"Mr Potter, Mr Malfoy, Troy Smith, it's a pleasure," the man said and he gestured for his son to shake their hands.

"It's no problem," Malfoy said. Harry wasn't too sure but he seemed a bit smitten.

They followed Troy and Jacob to the house and Harry was sure he saw Malfoy check out the man's arse. He winked at Harry as they walked and Harry simply shook his head.

The afternoon was mostly spent in business-talk and contract signing. Harry and Malfoy also learned a lot about Troy and his family. Troy was a single father, gay, who had lost his partner four years ago. Jacob's mother was Troy's "high school sweetheart" who left him with the baby as soon as Troy had come out of the closet.

Harry thought it was an interesting little tale, but Malfoy's interest in the man severely annoyed Harry.

"I think you were being unprofessional," Harry said, after they had left the Smith household and Apparated back to the Malfoy Manor.

"Unprofessional?" Malfoy asked. "The man was talking about his late partner, what was I supposed to say? 'Sorry we are not here to listen to your personal woes'? The man's paid us for two months in advance!"

Harry groaned but didn't argue back. "Whatever, I'll see you Friday," he said before Disapparating home.

A couple more months passed and Harry and Malfoy had their hands full with twenty students that they both taught on a weekly basis along with the weekend lessons at the Orphanage.

Summer quickly arrived.

It was the day of Emilie's birthday party. Harry couldn't believe it had already been a year since his life had changed and the Alderson's had offered him something that had shaped his career.

Ginny was stuck at Quidditch practice and couldn't make it to the party this year. Harry went alone with Malfoy, although Malfoy said that he needed to shop for a present for Emilie so he would meet Harry there. Harry agreed.

When Harry arrived at the party, Emilie ran towards him and gave him a hug. Harry was surprised to see that Malfoy was already there. "What did you end up getting her?" he asked Malfoy.

"I can't tell you, it's a surprise," Malfoy answered. "And you?"

"I insisted to her parents to allow me to buy her a 'big girl's' broom," Harry answered and Malfoy nodded impressed. Harry was curious to know what Malfoy got her. "Do you want to come with us when we test out the new broom?" he asked and Malfoy agreed.

As the party continued, Harry asked Emilie what she had asked Malfoy for.

"I told him that I hate that it's always so hot on my birthday. So he told me he'd do something about it," she answered innocently.

"What could he do about it?" Harry asked and the little girl simply shrugged.

An hour later, Harry was out in the field with Malfoy and Emilie. Malfoy looked at her and smirked, and she immediately giggled. Harry was thoroughly confused.

"I think we should get a head start before everyone catches on to the phenomena?" Malfoy asked and Emilie nodded frantically. Harry looked at the both of them and both Malfoy and Emilie were hanging midway in the air and staring at the sky. Emilie's eyes widened and Harry looked up.

"Is that—is that—snow?" Harry asked.

"I don't know what you're talking about, Potter," Malfoy answered in a witty tone. He turned to Emilie next and spoke. "Ready? We won't have a whole lot of time before the opportunity melts away."

Emilie and Malfoy leaned back and pointed their broom upwards. A few moments later, they were off! Harry rushed behind them. Emilie was laughing wildly. She reached out her hand trying to catch a flake and almost toppled over. Both Malfoy and Harry screamed for her to hold on. Five more minutes and it was beginning to become chilly.

"Alright Ms Alderson, I think we are done with the fun," Malfoy said. Emilie pouted but when they looked down a small crowd had gathered by the house. "Okay, ready?" Malfoy asked and Emilie finally nodded. Malfoy looked over at Harry as though he wanted to make sure he was part of the little game. Harry nodded as well. Malfoy raised his right hand and snapped his fingers. The snow stopped. They all descended down together, and before they reached the crowd Malfoy whispered, "Now remember…"

"I know, we have no idea what happened." Emilie smiled then squealed with excitement. "This is the best birthday ever!"

"I'd hope so," Malfoy said, "you share it with me!"

Emilie gasped. "It's your birthday today too?" Malfoy smiled and nodded. As soon as she landed, Emilie hopped off the broom and ran to her parents. A few minutes later, what had been Emilie's party turned into Emilie and Instructor Malfoy's birthday celebration. The random singularity of a hint of snow was soon forgotten by the guests but Harry would never forget it.

He was sure Emilie wouldn't either.

"You can control the weather?" Harry asked Malfoy when the party was beginning to wind down and most guests had left.

Malfoy hesitantly nodded. "It's not something I talk about, not in public anyway," he answered. "It's why I travelled so much, Asia, the Caribbean, etc. I read about ancient wizards that were able to grasp control of their ability of controlling the weather through reflection and meditation."

"And the two times you ruined my wedding..."

"I was an idiot," Malfoy answered. "I'm sorry, Potter. I was being a selfish prat who wouldn't take no for an answer. I was jealous the first time, hence the heat, again, apologies for causing your future mother-in-law a stroke. And the second time, I was just…hurt. You'd rejected me again. I'd tried to change your mind so many times and despite everything you've stood your ground—so naturally, a tornado to turn your life upside down. I know I'm a horrible person for ruining your and Ginny's special day. You love her, and you'll make her happy. I know that now. Trust me, I'll behave tomorrow."

Harry stared at Malfoy with shock.

"I promise," Malfoy added.

"I—um—Malfoy—" Harry didn't know what to say but felt as though he had to say something.

"I'm coming by the way, to the wedding I mean, even got myself a date and everything," Malfoy said.

"Oh, yeah?" Harry asked, that was all he could do.

"Yeah, remember Troy?"

"The American?" Harry exclaimed.

"Yeah, we've been seeing each other, a few times for dinner. So I asked him, since he was going to attend anyway, we'll be coming together."

"Great," Harry answered. His heart sank. All of a sudden he couldn't feel the ground and needed to sit down.

"Are you alright, Potter?"

"Mr Potter, is everything alright?" Mrs Alderson asked rushing to Harry's side.

"Yeah, just feeling a bit light-headed. I just need to sit down," Harry answered.

"It's probably the snow. We've been having such strange weather lately, I don't know what Merlin is thinking," Mrs Alderson replied.

Harry caught a look that Malfoy and Emilie shared. He suddenly felt jealous. Malfoy had such a great bond with everyone and now he was going to date one of the parents. Harry wished that he'd made a rule of no dating any parents when he'd signed Malfoy on, but it seemed too late now.

Why did he care, anyway?

Before he left, Harry congratulated Malfoy. "What for?" Malfoy asked, surprised.

"You've finally stolen Emilie's heart. I think she's definitely smitten with you now, instead of me." Malfoy laughed at Harry's comment. She's not the only one, Harry thought unable to shake the thought of Troy and Malfoy from his mind.


TBC