The Dance Keeperoliver Chapter 8

Two days before the wedding, Sirius decided Remus needed a bachelor party. He intended to get him thoroughly drunk. Make a fool out of him, and then take him home to mama. Tonksie would probably try to kill him, but it was worth the risk. It wasn't every day your best friend gets married.

It had been three days since his last change, so Remus was feeling much better. Then he started to feel ill all over again when Pads broke the news to him about the bachelor party. He had a feeling he would regret it. But, knowing him like he did, he wouldn't stop until Remus agreed. He talked to Tonks and she agreed with her cousin. He needed a night out with his friends, and besides, Luna had a hen party planned for her and her friends. Remus did not feel so bad after this was told to him. He just hoped they both would not regret it.

The night of the party was starting off pretty good for him. He had just kissed Tonks and watched as she left for the Burrow, where the hen party would take place. He then left for the Lair, where his party would take place. Some how he got Harry to agree with this request. Harry would be staying with Luna and Ginny at the Love Shack, since he was too young for the party.

Remus entered the Lair, and found it full of his order member friends, including Albus Dumbledore, the Minister. In all, over a dozen men already partaking in Pads entertainment. He could not believe who Pads got for the entertainment for the evening. Madam Rosemerta agreed to be the exotic dancer for the evening. She was already performing the dance of the seven veils for the party goers. Albus already had three of the five she had discarded. The old coot was really enjoying himself.

Remus walked in and was attacked by Sirius, "About time the guest of honor showed up. I thought you were going to chicken out. Cone on over and sit down, we have a seat saved for you. Come on Moony, don't be shy. Sirius led him to a seat directly in front of Rosemerta, who had just taken off her sixth veil. Once again, Albus caught the silk sheet as she tossed it into the air. Some how it just drifted through every one else hands, and went right to Albus.

The minute he was seated, Sirius presented him with a drink. Remus did not have to bring it to his nose to smell the alcohol. He raised his eyebrow at it, and looked at Sirius. He was already downing his drink. Remus took one sip, and spit it out. He swore if it had hit a spark, it would have ignited into flame. He looked around the room to see what every one was drinking, and they all had the same drink. How in the hell were they able to stomach the vile tasting fluid. He put his done, and got up and found himself a butterbeer. He took a sip and thought, 'This is more like it.'

Sirius saw what Moony was drinking, and laughed, "PUSSY, can't take a mans drink."

Moony just took another sip and replied, "I want to live to see my wedding. I hear it's going to be a wonderful event."

Sirius laughed even louder, and hit Remus in the back. "Trust the only sane one in the bunch to have a thought like that. Of course it's going to be wonderful, I made sure of it."

Remus sat up straight, "WHAT? Pads what did you do? What can I expect from you that will get me killed before the honeymoon even starts?"

"Relax Furball. Nothing insane, I promise. I just got you some live music for the reception. They are really good. They call then selves the Chosen Few. Kinda catchy, don't you think, with Harry and all."

"And that's it? Nothing else?"

"Well, maybe a little surprise. Nothing major."

"Flea Picker, if you don't tell me what it is, I will turn your nose upside down so that you blow snot in your eyes when you sneeze."

"Damn it Moony, you are so funny when you get frustrated. It is nothing at all. I promise you. Just a photographer friend of mine. He is going to take a special set of marriage photos for you and Tonks. I know you already have a professional taking the wedding photos, but just consider it a gift from me to the two of you."

"I don't like the sound of that. Is there anything else I should be aware of?"

"NOPE! That's it. I think I did enough damage already. Now enjoy your evening."

Remus looked up to see that Rosemerta was sitting down now that her dance was over, and had a drink of her own. One of Sirius' specials. He watched as she picked up her glass, and downed the contents in one shot. 'How the hell do they do that?'

Even Albus was drinking the concoction Sirius made. The thing was though, it didn't seem to be affecting him. He knew for a fact that he has had at least three since he has been here. Remus finished off his butterbeer, and got up to get him another. He was intercepted by Kingley, and it was the first time Remus saw him drunk. Kingley was telling him jokes that he somehow got the punch lines mixed up with other jokes. He laughed at everything he felt was a punch line just to show Kingley he was funny. He finally made it to the butterbeer and got him another. He was thinking to himself, 'This is going to be a long night.'

TD-}

Harry felt like an intruder all night sitting with the girls. He had nothing in common with what they talked about or who they talked about. He had no input to add to their conversation, and just sat there all evening trying to show interest in what they said. Luna knew he was bored, but she appreciated it that he still sat there and at least tried to show interest.

Ginny could not find anything to talk about that would draw Harry into the conversation. He had hardly said ten words all evening. She wanted to talk to him so bad, but she didn't want Luna to feel left out. Weird that she thought that way, because that was what she was doing to Harry.

Then Luna surprised them both when she said she was feeling tired and was going to bed. She got up and Hugged Ginny then walked over and hugged Harry and gave him a peck on the cheek. She then whispered, "Good Luck, Harry." and she left the two alone.

It took a few minutes but harry got up the nerve to finally say something to Ginny, "Gin, would you laugh at me if I told you something really weird?"

"No Harry, I won't laugh. As a matter of fact I think I need to tell you something as well. You go first."

"No, Gin ladies before gentlemen. You start."

Ginny blushed at his words. Being around six unruly brothers, she wasn't used to being called a lady, and was definitely not used to being asked to go first in anything. "Thank you Harry. I need to apologize for dropping all that stuff on you that day at the cemetery. You didn't need to hear all that. It is just Dean really upset me, and I needed to let it all out. I'm sorry if you were offended."

Harry once again felt his heart drop. "No Gin, I wasn't offended. You didn't say anything that could offend me. I was surprised at the emotion you showed when you said it. What I was going to tell was that you should talk to this guy you like, and tell him how you feel. He really needs to know how lucky he is. I envy him in a way. If I knew someone like you had feelings for me, I would be the happiest man alive. No, I think I already am the luckiest man alive. I have Luna there for me. I love her Gin. She knows it too. But it is not the type of love that runs so deep it fills the soul with happiness. Do you understand what I am saying?"

Ginny shrugged her shoulders, "I'm not sure Harry. You love her, and she loves you. But it is not the love you are looking for, is that it?"

"No, I think you are missing the point. The love she gives me is what I am looking for. But not completely. I wish I knew the words to explain what I am feeling. Luna fills my heart with happiness. She has been brilliant since I met her. She knows all the right things to say. She knows when to say them, and when to let me think on something, and not be disturbed. Yes she told me she loved me, but not in the same way I loved her. The thing is, she's right. I don't love her in that way either. I thought I did, but I have since found out it was the love of a brother for his sister. I hope this explains it better."

"It explains the love part just fine Harry, but it doesn't tell me what you needed to tell me when we first started talking."

"Did your mum tell you why Hermione and I were fighting?"

"No, she didn't, but I think I know a little about it from the cemetery scene. Something about you being insane in your thinking. It sounded like she thought you talked with dead people. Harry, Hermione is all about books. If the book tells her something, or discredits something, then it is the truth no matter what others may say. I think Luna finally made a point with her when she said that books are not all knowing."

"That's just it Gin. What she said was true. I spoke with my mum and dad, in my mind. Twice. Earlier that day, before I went to the Burrow, and when we went back. Does that make me crazy?"

"Harry, have you ever heard of a Familiar before? I don't mean like Hedwig, or family. I mean a medium. A person who talks to dead people. Most of them are fakes, but there are a few with the gift."

"So, you don't think I'm crazy then?"

"No Harry, I don't. How could I after seeing you come back from the dead."

"I'm glad you brought that up. I never did thank you for putting my wand in my casket when you thought I was dead. It saved my life. Well, It sort of did. I mean I was dead, or at least I thought I was. Then when I came back to life, I almost died again, because of lack of oxygen. My wand got me out."

Ginny smiled at his explanation. "I didn't realize it would come in handy for you Harry, but I'm glad I did it now. I hope you aren't upset that I too your Things."

"How could I be upset about something that saved my life Gin?"

"Good, now can you answer a question for me?"

"I'll try."

"Why do you keep calling me Gin?"

"I'm sorry, does it offend you when I do?"

"NO, oh no, Harry. I like it when you call me that. It's just that you used to call me that before... you know. No one else gets away with calling me that."

"Well, to be honest, I thought it felt right calling you Gin, more personal."

"Now, we were talking about you and your parents."

"Oh yeah, anyway, when we were in the cemetery my mum told me something that confused the heck out of me. Now don't think me silly, but she told me that the person you were talking about was me."

"Did it upset you when she said it Harry?"

"Not upset, just confused. I mean how could someone like me, after just meeting me?"

"But I hadn't just met you Harry. I told you we were a couple before you di...you know."

"So, are you saying you still like me Gin?"

"Do you like me Harry?"

"No fair, I asked you first." Harry laughed.

"Fine then, yes Harry, I do. Now how do you feel about me?"

"Let's just say, when it comes time for the dance you save one for me, and I will tell you."

"Why do I have to wait?"

"Maybe because I'm worth it."

"You think a lot of yourself don't you Potter?"

"No Gin. I just want to make sure you save me a dance."

Ginny smiled at Harry, "I'll think about it. Good night Harry." and Ginny got up, and hugged Harry, and she gave him a kiss on the cheek just like Luna did.

Ginny's kiss was a lot different than Luna's. It burned a path all the way to his heart.

TD-}

For the first time that he could remember, Remus was scared. So sacred that he was beginning to think that Tonks would turn away, and leave him standing at the alter. He could understand it if she did. Who wants to marry a beast, after all. A half a man. A person who could rip you apart and not even think about it.

He looked to the door to the Burrow, expecting someone to come running out and shouting, 'The wedding is off. The bride has left and will not be coming back'.

Different scenarios drifted through his mind in the different ways she would leave him.

Then he was brought back to reality by his sick friend. Sirius still had not got over the bachelor party hangover. He wanted to wear a pair of dark glasses to keep the sun out, and to hide his bloodshot eyes. His head hurt in 47 different places. His mouth felt like it was filled with sand. His stomach felt like a volcano, ready to spew. His legs felt like they were made of rubber. You name it, and if it was bad, he felt it.

Remus looked at his closest friend, and felt no pity for him. What ever it was he drank, had him and Kingsley looking like shite. Kingsley was the lucky one though, as he at least got to sit down, and cover his face. Then came someone to save the day for the two. Dobby appeared in front of Sirius and gave him a vile of purple liquid. "Flea Picker must drink this if he is to feel better." then Dobby was off, and appeared in front of Kingsley, "Ifs you wish to feel better, then yous have to drink this."

Kingsley looked to Sirius and saw him drink the liquid, and so he downed his as well. The effect was almost immediate. The two looked 100% better within 1 minute of drinking the potion. Kingsley looked down at the elf, "Why did you wait so long to give this to us? We have been suffering for the last day and a half."

"To teach yous a lesson it is. Master Harry said to wait until the last minute to give you,'THE CURE'. He is a good master to allow me to gives it to you."

Kingsley wanted to be mad, but couldn't. He was the way he was because he listened to the Flea Picker. Never again will he do such a stupid thing.

They had been given THE Cure just in time, as the music began to blare in their ears, starting the wedding. Remus looked up, and the procession began to leave the Burrow heading towards the alter. Finally it was time for the bride. Once again Remus thought it was all a dream, and Ted would be marching out alone. Such was not the case, as the most beautiful sight he ever saw made it's way towards him. Tonks was exquisite in her white gown laced with crystals that reflected the sun light creating a rainbow of colors on the guests as she passed them. Even the glare from the crystals could not keep her beauty from Remus' eyes.

Remus walked down the steps to meet his bride to be. He took her hand from Ted, and promised him she would always come first in his heart and mind. He then took her up the steps and stood before Albus.

Albus looked out over the crowd, "Before I begin, is there anyone here who does not think this marriage should take place. Let him or her speak now, or forever hold their peace. Very good. We are here to honor the sharing of a bond between Remus John Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks. It was my task to question the two to see if they were truly compatible. I must say, it would be hard to put to words what they feel for one another. A love this strong can withstand the test of time with out end. Nymphadora if you would please."

Tonks reached out and took his hands in hers, "Remus, you are the only man to ever touch my heart. Your soul is the perfect mate to mine. I knew this from the moment I first met you. Unfortunately it took the most irritating man on the face of this earth to get you to notice it. I'm glad he did. I don't think I could have faced my future, with out you being a part of it."

Albus turned to Remus, "Remus, if you would."

"Nymphadora, I promise you that will be the last time I ever call you that. When Sirius woke me up to see the light that you had become in my heart, I could have kissed him. Strike that, I could have hugged him. I don't know how I could have been so stupid to think I would never know love, and yet here I am marrying the most beautiful girl in the world. How it came about, I have no idea, but I thank whoever was behind it. You are more than a dream come true, as I could never dream of someone as beautiful and wonderful as you."

"Thank you both for those wonderful sentiments." and in ten minutes time, Nymphadora Tonks was no more. She was now Tonks Lupin, wife of Remus Lupin.

The procession following the wedding left the participants in a line accepting the congrats from all the guests. This took longer than the wedding, but it was all a part of something Remus thought he would never be a part of. His own wedding.

TD-}

The reception soon followed the wedding, and Harry and the rest of the men cleared the floor for the dance. It only took a minute, with every one pitching in, and then the bride and groom made their appearance for the event. They had changed clothes to be more comfortable, but Tonks was still in a dress so that she could make her final acts of the wedding. The tossing of the bouquet and Remus shooting her garter out to the men. Hermione was lucky enough to catch the bouquet, and when Remus had Tonks take a seat so that he could remove her garter, as he lifted her dress, there were wolf whistles coming from the crowd as her leg was shown. Remus stood up from her leg slowly, not wishing to leave being so close to her. He turned his back to the crowd and shot the Garter over his shoulder. It landed in Harry's hands somehow. Harry put it on his wrist so he wouldn't loose it.

After the meal, and the cutting and serving of the cake, it was time for Remus and Tonks to start the dance. Well it was supposed to be a dance, but all they did was stand there in each others arms, swaying to the music. When it was over, another song began, and the dance floor began to fill.

Harry stood up to go ask Ginny for a dance, but she was already in her father's arms dancing with him. Harry saw Luna sitting and watching, so he asked her to dance, and she jumped from her seat and into his arms. As they danced, harry talked, "Luna you look amazing today. I can't believe no one asked you to dance."

"OH there were offers harry, but I was waiting for a certain someone to ask me first."

"So why then are we dancing? Did you get tired of waiting for that certain someone?"

She smiled up at him, "No silly, he finally asked me."

Harry drew back from her, "You were waiting for me to ask you to dance. Why?"

"So that we could talk Harry. Have you been thinking about Ginny?"

"I was going to ask her to dance, but she was already with her father. I imagine it will be hard to find her alone with all her brothers and her friends."

"Don't give up on her Harry. You two need to talk. Now if you will excuse me, I promised the next dance to Charlie. That should drop the competition down a little bit." She kissed him on the cheek, and left to get Charlie. Harry headed for Ginny, but once again she was dancing, this time with Percy.

It was that way for over two hours, and Harry did what Luna asked him not to do. He gave up trying to get a dance with Ginny. He returned to his table and had a glass of punch. Then another, and another. Hermione came over to him and asked him to dance, and he accepted. They had just got started when Ron came over and took her away from Harry. Hermione threw him a sorry look, and Harry just smiled at her and returned to his seat. After thirty minutes, he decided he had to dance with Ginny, and it didn't matter who she was dancing with.

He got up, and started to look around for her. She wasn't in her seat, and she wasn't on the dance floor. Harry lowered his head and was going to return to his seat when, "Are you looking for someone Harry?"

Harry turned to the vision that was Ginny. She was more stunning up close, and her perfume made his head swim. For some reason, he felt giddy. "Not any more I'm not. Would you care to dance Gin."

"I thought you would never ask." and she took Harry by the hand and led him to the floor.

It was a fast dance, and they didn't get much talking done. So Harry waited for the next dance. It was a slow one, and he asked her for another dance. She accepted, and moved into his arms, when George walked up and asked her to dance. Harry pulled her in close and said, "This is MY dance George, go find another partner." Harry expected George to get upset, but was relieved when George just laughed.

"Not a problem there Harry, just thought you might like a break." George continued to laugh as he saw Luna getting ready to sit down.

"I'm sorry about that Gin, but I have been trying to get you to dance with me all afternoon. I have something I need to say to you."

"I'm sorry too Harry. I tried to get away from those prat brothers of mine, and my friends, and Sirius and Remus. It seemed someone was trying to keep us apart. Now what is it you wanted to tell me?"

"I have been fighting this in my mind for two days not Gin. I couldn't figure out why you would like me and not even know me. NO, wait a minute before you say anything. I know you knew me in my past life, but that was a different me. This me doesn't remember a single moment of my past life. Don't get me wrong Gin, I'm not trying to scare you off. On the contrary, I'm trying to get you to like me for who I am now, not who I was then. Could you like the new me?"

Ginny thought on this a bit. It was hard to imagine what Harry was thinking. To her this was Harry. Not a past Harry. Nothing had changed in her mind. What did he want her to say. Then it hit her. He wanted to start all over again, anew. This was all new to him, and he was starting life all over again. So she answered him in the only way she could think of, and hoped it was right. "Harry, do you think we could take it slow and see where it takes us. I would like to give it a try. You and I. Maybe as friends to start and then pick it up a little as time goes by?"

Harry's smile stretched from ear to ear. This was just the answer he was looking for. "Thank you Gin. Your answer was just what I was looking for. I'm not ready for a total commitment just yet, but if I was, you would be my choice for it. Luna has been trying to get us together since I first met her. She thinks a lot of you Gin."

"And I her. She has been my best friend for a long time. But I never saw her take to anyone like she has for you. You touched her Harry like no had touched her before. The book you gave her, has become her bible. There are many times she opens it, and never gets past your note to her. Now however, I think someone is moving in on her. Look at her and George dancing. They are both having a ball. This may sound strange harry, but before you came back, life was just something we watched as it passed us by. Your return brought new life to everyone. That was how much we missed you." Ginny's eyes had tears streaming down her cheeks.

Harry looked into them for just a moment, then he leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers. It was not a long passionate kiss, but it was filled with love.

A love that Harry wished would last forever.