Notes and Apologies: I'm so sorry for those who read this fic!!!! From the depths of my heart, I am truly sorry I had no time to update this fic, as I am studying for my licensure exams this December…… I really need your prayers… I'm also thanking those who liked this excessively long story…. Need your opinion, guys…. George Weasley's head is on the chopping block…. I need your violent protests or encouragements… I have developed a serious liking for both Viktor and George Weasley and I can't seem to choose between the two of them…. Merci beaucoup!

Chapter 60: Bad News and Good News

I woke to a very cold winter morning when my mother suddenly entered my room and dragged me towards the bath. I suddenly remembered it was my wedding day. Most brides would be excited to get married but I felt like it was just like any other normal day. I mean, I was more excited at my engagement rather than this… I guess it was because I was already married to Viktor in my heart when he said those three words to me.

"You look absolutely beautiful," Nikki commented as she put the veil on Ianthé's head.

Ianthé smiled at her best friend, "I'm so glad you could make it. So where's your boy toy?"

"Charlie? He's with Edmond, trying to scare off the groom…" Nikki giggled, "So, you're retiring form the Giggly Girls Club and onto another… Married Bliss, eh?"

Ianthé just smiled, "I still don't know how the rest of Hogwarts couldn't figure out that I'm with that geezer…"
"That geezer who makes you so wasted?" Nikki whispered.

"Oh shut your mouth!" Ianthé whispered while smiling.

"Slughorn seemed to be bent on trying to match you two up… At least he's not that oblivious…" Nikki gave Ianthé the bouquet, "I still don't know how they got these roses in the dead of winter!"

Ianthé shrugged, "Magic?"

The music had started as Ianthé appeared on the doorway.

It was not the dress, nor the jewels that made Ianthé look breath-taking. It was the look of love in her eyes, and in Viktor's. They seemed to be magneted to each other's eyes as Ianthé glided towards the front.

Their fathers are the ones conducting the ceremony.

"The golden rope that signifies everlasting love," Viktor's father, Khan Krum, pointed his wand on Viktor's and Ianthé's intertwined hands.

A thin rope that seemed to have been made from molten gold appeared and snaked its way around their linked hands.

"Our blessings for a long, good and happy life," Alexander Herze also pointed his wand on their hands.

A strong glow of white light appeared and seemed to fill the couple.

The light faded, and the guests clapped their hands.

Viktor smiled at Ianthé and bent down to kiss her.

Several catcalls and hoots were heard from the crowd.

"Someone's missing… I can't point my hand on it but someone who needs to be here is not here…" Ianthé whispered to Viktor as they sat beside each other on a very long table filled with relatives from both sides.

A loud banging noise was heard from the door of the dining room.

A house elf opened the door and revealed a harassed-looking Tarquinus.

"Sorry to spoil the evening, but I have very bad news…" he quickly addressed the crowd.

"Out with it, boy!" Uncle Scipio growled.

"The Dark Lord is apparently aware of the nuptials."

Strong and loud murmurs erupted from the people on the table. Margeaux, Ianthé's mother, clutched Alexander's hand.

"The good thing is he's quite happy for my cousin. He, in fact, wants me to tell you that he wishes both of you well and our families are now under his protection. He thought that this marriage would be a prime example of what he wants to be once he conquers both the wizarding and the Muggle worlds. He wants to establish a new world order under his command."

"That deranged fool!" Uncle Scipio exclaimed.

Viktor squeezed Ianthé's hand.

"I still have grave news," Tarquinus, at this point, chugged a glass of wine to calm his nerves.

"The werewolves have a new leader… The former Ministry executioner, Macnair, volunteered to turn into a werewolf and head the new pack. We're in such big trouble…."

Soon, the wedding celebrations turned into a serious meeting regarding the safety of both families. Ianthé and Viktor decided to formulate plans to further increase the security of Hogwarts once they get back.

"Ernie," Ianthé walked towards the Head Boy as soon as she got back to Hogwarts.

"Call in the DA. I'll call the professors. We need to set a very important meeting."

Ernie nodded and soon sprinted to find the members of the DA.

Ianthé quickly walked towards the Headmistress' office.

"Dignity," she said to the stone gargoyle.

The gargoyle moved to reveal a revolving staircase. She stepped in and climbed to the door.

"Professor McGonagall?"

"What is it, Miss Herze?" the headmistress sat near the fireplace.

"I called in a special urgent meeting with the rest of the staff and the DA. Professor Krum already informed the others."

"I gather this is very important?"

Ianthé nodded feverishly, "Could I ask you a question?"
"Go ahead."

"Could you also include the active members of the Order?"

"This is related to school matters, I presume?"

"Very related, Professor."

"Very well, when is this meeting?"

"Tomorrow night after dinner."

"Are you sure about this?" Nikki asked nervously as they trudged deeper into the Forbidden Forest.

Ianthé was pointing her wand towards large bags in front of them.

"Yes, I am sure."

"What if we don't come out alive?"

"Don't you worry, I've got back up…"

Hooves were heard around them.

"Ianthé…."

Ianthé placed the bags down and placed her wand back on her pocket.

"I am humbly asking to have counsel with the leader of the herd," she said in a loud clear voice.

"What is it you want, young human?" a distant voice was heard in the midst of the trees.

"It is about the signs you have foreseen many years before…" Ianthé bowed her head.

Nikki was confused but followed suit.

"You mean to tell me we went here to speak to centaurs?" she whispered to her friend in panic, "You're absolutely mental."

"What are the things you have brought with you?" the voice boomed closer.

"We come bearing gifts for the entire herd," Ianthé said in a very respectful voice.

"We receive no gifts from lesser beings like humans," another voice was heard.

"We do not wish to bribe you. I am not aware of your esteemed capability to protect your kind but I thought what we brought with us might be of help to you."

A clip-clopping noise was heard.

A centaur appeared before them. He looked very powerful and seemed to be treated by the other centaurs with respect.

"What is it that you wish to counsel with me, human?"

"It is for the safety not only of the young students of the school but also the creatures that live in this forest…"

"And what danger you warn us of?"

Ianthé opened a bag and took out a long arrow. It was tipped with shining silver.

"The werewolves are threatening to attack. They will use the forest and kill every living creature in their path. I am a firm believer that your kind possess a greater deal of knowledge that us humans. I also believe your kind deserve an equal chance to fight for the forest you call home. These things might help even out the odds."

The centaur looked at the two with authority, "Human, you are wise beyond your age. We will accept the gifts and we appreciate the warning you gave us."

"I know I would seem to be abusing this arrangement, but if it would become worse, please do everything to protect the young children inside the castle. The older students have been trained to protect themselves, but not the younger students. I beg of you," Ianthé suddenly knelt in front of the centaur leader.

"Your plea is genuine. You have our word. We will protect the foals when the fighting becomes worse."

Ianthé's tears fell, "I am whole-heartedly thanking you all for understanding our plight."

Another centaur approached them and helped her up, "The Dark Lord is not tolerable of any other magical kind except for his own. We will join you in your fight to protect the structure you call your home."

The centaurs followed them until they got out of the thick of the Forbidden Forest.

Nikki's hands were clammy from nervousness.

Ianthé let out a big sigh.