A/N : I have discovered that the marks I put in to an earlier chapter to denote a change of scene didn't translate into the published version for some reason. I apologise for that, this chapter contains many scene breaks, hopefully they will be marked, but if not, you have been warned.
Thank you all so much for your continued support and lovely reviews, welcome to a few new readers, always a pleasure.
The usual mention for mercersburgrachel, who has been brilliant at naming stuff and giving great ideas for my whimsical needs, writing has gone pretty well despite being unable to put Batman : Arkham Knight down, it does take 2 hours to charge the pad when it dies, so, ample writing time.
Enough of my waffle, enjoy the new chapter (very subtly updated)
Chapter Nineteen
Hermione arrived around 6pm, Harry and Narcissa were sat together on the sofa and looked up in surprise at their friends early arrival.
"Sorry for barging in, just wanted to tell you to floo straight to Andromeda's house, she owled me earlier, I'm going to get ready when I get there and just popped in to tell you"
"Thank you, I'll head right over when I'm ready"
"What about me?"
"Ron will be along shortly, don't look so worried Harry, everything will be fine"
She smiled brightly at them and left, Narcissa glanced at the clock and decided that it was probably time to get herself ready, as she tried to stand, hands pulled her back down, her stomach leaped at the sensation of the fall, she attempted to look annoyed when faced with Harry's broad grin. He kissed the underside of her jaw and her cool composure evaporated.
She let him continue, enjoying the feeling of his soft lips but as his hands began to wander she gripped his wrists and with a heavy heart, met his eyes and shook her head.
"Patience, it won't be long until we're married, and there will be plenty of time for that kind of behaviour, in fact, I will insist upon it"
"Oh you will? You're very full of yourself"
She sat up straight, her arms tight around his neck, she leaned closer, slowly, for the full effect and whispered in his ear
"Would you deny me?" she laughed at his expression "I didn't think so"
She flashed him a brilliant smile, got up off his lap and sauntered out of the room. He enjoyed their playful exchanges, he loved her confidence and was powerless to resist her, he sat there musing about the wedding, he wasn't keen on a party the night before the main event, but it wasn't the festivities that bothered him, it was more to do with not being able to fall asleep with or wake up to her.
A clearing of the throat made him look up, she looked amazing, her outfit was understated but she looked like royalty, silver and black silk shimmered like water, the skirt hugged her curves as did the blouse, she chuckled as he gaped at her.
"You may escort me downstairs Mr. Potter"
"It would be my pleasure Miss Black"
He left his seat and offered her his arm, she rested her head against his shoulder as they walked, in the kitchen he kissed her gently and pulled away, she ran her fingers through his messy black hair and pulled him back to her, they broke apart breathing heavily, she gripped his hair in her hands and he winced at the discomfort.
"You better be there tomorrow on time, or there won't be a place on earth you can hide"
"Don't you worry, I plan on being there early, I'll be waiting for you, now go before I persuade you to stay, I'm missing you already"
She smiled and stepped into the green fire. Narcissa stepped out into her sister's house and from the sounds coming from the living room, she had walked out into the middle of an argument.
"I'm not budging Hermione, it's not a good idea, I know you have potions to protect the baby and hangover cures but cutting loose, as you put it, isn't wise"
"We could just go somewhere muggle"
"No, I am happy to go out, a few drinks and a meal, somewhere in our world, somewhere with a bit of status, a place that won't look twice at four ladies having a meal and drinks, the wedding is public knowledge now and we should be keeping a very low profile. If we must go out, then I want to do it in a way that sticks two fingers up at those who buy into Rita Skeeter's bullshit"
Her sister and the young witch had become close during the planning of the big day, there weren't many people who could go toe to toe with Andromeda. They were alike in many ways, fiery, but for all the locking of horns, the arguing and unbelievable levels of stubbornness, they cancelled each other out. They started owling each other about wedding plans, then they started meeting in Hogsmeade at weekends to talk over coffee.
As Madam Puddifoot's was the only place to get a decent cup of tea or coffee, it became a source of much amusement for Narcissa, as they sat around Andi's house, on a rare occasion when they could all meet up, she made one too many 'date' jokes and incurred the wrath of them both, it wasn't funny after that.
The fire burst into life behind Narcissa and startled the woman, Astoria stepped out and smiled at her mother-in-law who signalled for her to remain quiet. She pointed towards the other room and the two women continued to eavesdrop.
"I still think hitting some muggle clubs is the best way to stay incognito, there are plenty of places to eat and we can have a few drinks and dance, there is no way anyone would recognise us"
"Hermione, I was young once, I was very young when I ran away from home, I used to go to muggle clubs, they are horrible meat markets full of drunk men all wanting a quick hook up, it could only end in disaster"
"They aren't all like that Andi, but you do have a point, fine, we will do it your way"
The young witch sounded less than impressed. The older witch's face softened considerably
"Don't look so dejected, we will still have a good time, it will just be more suited to ladies of our stature"
"Your stature perhaps, I'm the commoner amongst wizarding royalty"
"Don't sulk, you can't always have your own way, and no one thinks you common, my sister thinks very highly of you, I think very highly of you," it had gone very quiet in the other room, a long time seemed to pass before Andromeda spoke "We best not keep our guests waiting any longer"
Andromeda stomped into the room where Astoria and Narcissa were stood and glared at the guilty looking pair.
"Do you disagree with me?"
"I suppose not, but let's try and make a night of it, I could easily have stayed at home, I must say that Harry was making a very convincing argument for me to stay"
"For the love of Merlin, please keep your sordid love life to yourself"
"Andi's only upset because it's the school holidays and she has a whole six weeks before she can go back to drooling over Teddy's school teacher"
"My dearest sister, when I told you to stop your coffee shop innuendos, I had hoped you'd take the hint and apply it to all aspects of my love life, I appreciate your concern, but I'm a big girl, and if you must carry on, as you can't seem to help yourself, I may have to siphon off a few choice childhood memories, there are a few that spring to mind that I think Harry would enjoy"
Narcissa's cheeks flushed, she asked Astoria to open the bottle of wine sat on the side, Hermione and Andromeda exchanged amused smiles. The wine was poured and distributed, they sipped at the dark red liquid appreciatively, it was a very nice vintage.
"How is your love life Hermione?"
Astoria asked the question quite innocently, the young witch caught Andi's gaze and was briefly reminded of how much the woman looked like Bellatrix, but her soft brown eyes twinkled with mischief.
"That's a low blow Astoria, my love life is non existent, I'm quite jealous of you all, I don't even have a crush"
"Something will come along, I assumed you'd be inundated with suitors"
She let out a snort of laughter and shook her head, taking a large sip of wine, Narcissa spoke up.
"So where are we going for our night out?"
"Astoria has done some research, and short listed a few places"
"OK ladies, the choices are The Golden Dragon, The Flaming Phoenix, The Faerie Garden or The Mermaid and Sailor"
"The Mermaid and Sailor? It sounds like a muggle pub"
"There is nothing wrong with the place, besides I like seafood, I also think it should really be Narcissa's choice, after all she's the bride"
They quietly sipped at their drinks while the blonde witch decided on where they would go, she had heard of them all, they were all very reputable, she hadn't been to The Faerie Garden in years, the weather had been glorious all day and retained much of its warmth, an alfresco dining experience appealed.
"I want to go to the Faerie Garden, I have fond memories of going there when I was younger"
"That's settled then, let's finish our drinks and leave.
(Scene Break)
Harry had stayed in the kitchen after Narcissa left and absent-mindedly massaged his scalp , he knew it wouldn't be long until he was with her again, and then it would be as man and wife, but he would miss her all the same, even more so when he eventually slept, he wasn't sure what the night had in store. As if in answer to his thoughts the flames grew large in the grate, Ron appeared and whacked his head on the mantel as he stepped out of the fire, Harry chuckled at the industrial strength language, his friend definitely had a way with words.
"Hey Harry, I've been told we are to wait for the ferret to arrive, Seamus can't make it, family emergency, personally I think it's an excuse" the tall man looked annoyed but it soon passed "I saw Neville today, he came into the shop and asked me if all the news was true, he was shocked at first, but the great Harry Potter can do no wrong in Neville's eyes"
Ron was distracted rubbing the spot where he'd banged his head, Harry made a move with the intention of giving his friend a good smack but the lanky ginger was too fast, he moved out of reach and caught himself on the fire place again. Cursing loudly he held his hands up in mock surrender, sought out some mugs and proceeded to make them a cup of tea, his wedding must be a special event for Ron to take the initiative and make them drinks.
"Cheers mate, it's about time you made a cup of tea around here, where the hell is Malfoy?"
"No idea, but this isn't my idea of fun, you, me and the ferret, how did we get talked into this?"
"The amazing coercive powers of Hermione Granger"
Ron chuckled as he sipped his tea.
"Well I do hope he turns up soon, I'm going to need a few drinks to get through tonight"
"Try and be nice, it's not an ideal situation for anyone, but it'll sure make my life easier if we all just get along"
His friend just grunted and Harry took that as a reluctant agreement. They drank their drinks and made small talk, mostly Ron talked as he listened, he talked about the shop, his girlfriend and his disappointment about the attitude of his family, that line of conversation soon died out, neither man had a whole lot to say about it, they both felt an acute sense of loss. The melancholy was interrupted by the arrival of Draco.
"Sorry for being late" he nodded his head towards them both "Astoria insisted on laying down the law, any chance of a drink, preferably something with a bit of a kick to it?"
"Yeah, no problem, Kreacher!"
The elf appeared and produced a fine bottle of fire whiskey, a generous measure was poured into three crystal tumblers and levitated into their waiting hands, the elf bowed low and vanished.
"That ugly little git is growing on me"
"Ron, don't talk about Kreacher like that, he is completely reformed, you saw this place, it's no wonder he acted the way he did"
"He's right Weasley, we learned the hard way when it came to mistreating creatures that we believed to be below us"
"Good old Dobby, let's not bring the mood down too much, this is supposed to be fun"
They raised their glasses and drank to those that hadn't survived the war.
"So Draco, what are we allowed to do?"
"Nothing! I don't dare defy Astoria, she's like mother, she knows everything, I was going to suggest a few muggle clubs, possibly a strip joint, copious amounts of alcohol and a kebab to soak it all up with"
Ron's eyes lit up and he looked at Draco in a new light.
"I'm guessing we aren't doing any of that"
"Nope, she was terrifyingly specific about what would happen if I didn't play nice and make sure you get to the wedding in good order"
"We can stay in and drink or we can go somewhere for food and drink?"
"That's pretty much what she said"
Ron looked as though Christmas and birthdays had been cancelled and he would be forced to exist on bread and water for the rest of his life.
"I think we should go out, although, ultimately it's down to Harry"
"I would like to go out, but I don't have a destination in mind"
"I have a great place in mind, my family and I used to go there, I doubt even Astoria could find a problem with it, we'll leave when you're both ready"
Harry had the feeling that he should change and attempt to look smart, he rushed up to his bedroom and changed into a smart set of jet black dress robes, he paused at the door and inhaled deeply, the room smelt of her and he just needed a reminder, he was counting down the hours.
(Scene Break)
The women walked and chatted, they rounded a bend a few hundred metres away from the apparation point and The Faerie Garden came into view, it was obviously magical. Hermione stood in awe, in front of her stood a tree, but it was unlike any tree she had ever seen, on a family holiday she had been to Canada and seen a giant redwood with her own eyes, this tree was at least ten times bigger and she couldn't see the top.
They came to a halt at a rustic wooden gate, a female centaur smiled at the group, she wore a shimmering green tunic, on closer inspection she saw that it was made of leaves woven with grass, it was exquisitely made, she addressed the group in a soft melodic voice.
"Welcome sisters of the house of Black, the moon has waxed and waned many times since you were last among us, and you have two foals with you, welcome young ones"
Hermione and Astoria smiled at her, Andromeda requested a table for four, the name of Black still carried a lot of weight here and they would get the best seats in the house. The gate swung open and they stepped through, the grass was thick and lush, flowers blanketed the magical meadow, Narcissa kicked off her heels and picked them up by their straps, they followed her lead, it was like walking on the softest carpet, they walked towards the tree.
The entrance was a huge knot hole near the base, stairs had been expertly carved into the wood, inside was huge, the massive trunk was hollow yet the tree was thriving, the place was remarkably well lit, fluctuating golden light danced across every surface, as Hermione focussed on a patch of light she realised that it was a cluster of faeries, they flew towards her face and she could feel the beat of tiny wings and tinkling laughter, then they moved away again.
A young male Centaur approached to show them to their table, Astoria took Hermione's arm and dragged her along, they were seated almost dead centre, part of the tree's heartwood had been carved into wondrous shapes, surrounding it was a circular pool filled with sparkling cerulean blue water, a few massive koi carp swam lazily by. Looking up towards the canopy a clear starlit sky was just about visible, the tables and chairs all seemed to be made from the tree and felt warm to the touch.
"Everything here is alive, this tree hasn't been abused in any way, the Centaurs crafted it like this"
"It's the most beautiful place I have ever seen"
"I'm pleased you like it so much Hermione"
(Scene Break)
Harry headed downstairs with a spring in his step, he was feeling a whole lot better about the evening, he entered the kitchen and was surprised to see Ron and Draco conversing like normal adults, the topic was Quidditch, considering who they both supported he was amazed the kitchen was still in one piece.
"I'm ready, where are we going?"
"That's a secret Potter, wouldn't want to ruin the surprise, seeing as you don't know the location we'll have to side along apparate, can we do that from in here?"
Harry nodded, Draco held out his arm and he and Ron took hold, seconds later they were stood on a country road, it wasn't remarkable in any way, it was a dead end, a large circle of tarmac, in the centre stood an ancient looking tree, grass grew long around its trunk and roots, a dry stone wall completed the layout.
"Where are we?"
"Somewhere in the west country, I was only a young boy when I came here last, I think it's somewhere on Bodmin moor"
Draco strode off down the road and the two men followed trying to match his brisk pace, it was a nice night to be out, the moon lit the countryside and the sky was full of stars, the lane twisted and turned, high hedges ran along each side.
"How far away is this place?"
"It's not far now, just a few more bends"
They walked for a further five minutes, Draco stopped suddenly, Ron and Harry narrowly avoided walking right into the back of him, he pointed and they followed the direction of his finger.
"What in Merlin's name is that?"
"Welcome to The Faerie Garden, it's a fantastic place, Centaurs run it, it's very exclusive, no one could find a fault with my choice of venue this evening"
They approached the entrance, a female Centaur viewed them impassively.
"Good evening gentlemen, how may I serve you this evening?"
"A table for three please"
"The best you have, it's a special occasion, Harry is to be married tomorrow"
"Harry Potter? By the stars, it's an honour, please enter, once inside you will be well catered for"
The Centaur inclined her head towards them and allowed them entrance, they walked across the meadow, a warm wind made the grass and flowers sway, it was very relaxing. They passed through the natural arch and into the hollowed out trunk, the majority of the diners were wealthy looking witches and wizards, an elderly looking warlock sat at a grand piano that looked like it had been grown, he played skilfully, Ron was mesmerized by the wood nymphs as they danced to the music, Harry nudged him sharply in the ribs as a severe looking Centaur trotted over, his coat was black as were his eyes.
"Young masters, I have the perfect table set aside for you, this way please"
They were led to a table in the centre, as they pulled back their chairs a shrill voice called their names, a few fellow diners raised their heads at the noise, mild annoyance on their faces at the break in the tranquil atmosphere.
"What on earth are you lot doing here?"
The three men and the dark Centaur stood stock still as the bushy haired girl approached, Draco was the first to recover and quietly requested that the tables be merged. Narcissa looked delighted, Andromeda and Astoria looked a little bit surprised.
"Great minds think alike, I'm pleased that you took notice of me Draco, seeing as we are all here, we might as well enjoy it, so much for keeping you apart before the big day"
Harry sat next to Narcissa and received a chaste kiss, Draco slid in beside his wife, Ron took the empty space opposite Hermione and Andromeda, the menus were passed around, the order was taken and the glasses on the table filled with their drinks of choice.
As they waited for the food to arrive Andromeda amused them with a few choice tales from her childhood and didn't spare her sister any blushes. In her youth, Narcissa had been crazy about animals, while her sisters and parents had left her unsupervised, she had managed to lure a unicorn foal into the house and up to her bedroom, Andi had found her trying to tuck it up in her bed and swiftly summoned Bella, they narrowly avoided being gored, the creature had panicked and caused a fair amount of destruction, somehow they had managed to hide the incident from their parents.
Harry was surprised to hear that Narcissa was a natural on a broom, Andromeda was shocked to learn that her youngest sister had frequently 'borrowed' her father's broom and practised flying on their quidditch pitch, she took a lot of pride in the fact that no one had known, it wasn't all guilt free, apparently the broom had been scratched and both her elder siblings had been called to their father's study and questioned, they had denied it but still received a lash from his belt, the youngest Black sister apologised, she had no idea her covert actions had landed her sisters in hot water.
Food arrived before the childhood tales became too embarrassing, the food looked sublime but it was nothing compared to the smell, those thoughts were surpassed after the first forkful passed their lips. Ron made a real effort to eat like a human rather than a pig at a trough, all of the diners cleared their plates and decided that there was always room for dessert.
Harry and Narcissa were called out for feeding one another, there was much tutting and eye rolling from Andromeda, Astoria leapt to their defence and proceeded to load up a spoon of the cake and cream for Draco, he misjudged the bite and his wife giggled hysterically as he grabbed a napkin to clean his face, the alcohol was flowing just enough to make them relaxed and cheery, full of good food and content, they sat and chatted until a chestnut coloured Centaur informed them that it was time for them to leave.
They walked back to the apparation point with a steady stream of patrons, the chatter was loud and jovial, a few members of the crowd viewed them curiously but if they had been recognised no one said anything, soon they were the only group remaining. The girls would be heading back to Andromeda's house, the boys were going to make use of Malfoy Manor, Draco wanted a few home comforts, namely a full English breakfast provided by the house elves, Ron had no complaints on that score.
Harry couldn't resist pulling Narcissa to him and kissing her, he whispered assurances that he would see her tomorrow and he couldn't wait to marry her, reluctantly they parted, both parties apparated away.
(Scene Break)
Hermione woke early the next day and busied herself with wedding preparations, the three bridesmaid dresses hung magically, they made her think of medieval princesses, the highly decorated sleeves and bodice glinted in the light, she ran the material of her dress through her fingers, it felt soft and light and reminded her of how Harry's invisibility cloak felt.
In the centre of the room was Narcisssa's dress, she walked around it several times, the train was the simplest part of it, but that, in and of itself was a work of art, viewing it up close was a revelation, the detail was immense, interlinked serpentine shapes made an intricate border, when viewed at distance a winged horse stood proud. The dress was comprised of several parts that made up the whole, the corset was fashioned from albino dragon hide, it allowed the dress maker to carve the designs into it, the sleeves were long and left her shoulders bare, a thin veil wrapped around her upper body and gave the impression that the carvings on the corset were alive, it tapered down to a point at the front, curved around Narcissa's hips and held the skirt tight to her waist.
The skirt fell to the floor like a waterfall, a two tone effect made it flit between platinum and silver, Hermione would swear that it gave off its own luminescence, she had only seen her wear it once and it had brought her close to tears, Harry was going to be knocked for six when he saw her later on that day.
Pleased that everything was in order she went into the kitchen to fix herself something to eat, she ate a simple breakfast of buttered toast and jam then made her way to the shower, she washed thoroughly and wrapped herself in a robe, it was still early, the household was waking and things were about to become very hectic, that was just regarding the queue for the bathroom. She went back downstairs and laid out everything she would need to fix everyone's hair and make up, she wondered if the boys morning would be as busy as her own.
(Scene Break)
Harry was shaken awake by Ron, it was rare for him to sleep in so heavily.
"It's ten o'clock, you need to get up, eat, wash and dress, hurry up you scrawny git"
He sat up as a towel was flung in his direction, he disentangled himself from that, then the sheets and shuffled his way to the edge of the bed, he groaned a little as he stood up, he made his way to the bathroom, the water brought him to full wakefulness, there were only a few hours to go, barely any time at all, time enough to get ready, but not enough time to rest on his laurels, panic was setting in and a sense of urgency lent speed to his actions.
With his towel tied tightly around his waist he headed back to his room, elves were summoned and breakfast requested, he ate swiftly and used the en suite to brush his teeth and tame his hair, he gave up taming his hair and went in search of clothes. Ron and Draco were in a side room to one of the large bedrooms, there were cubicles for dressing and full length mirrors at regular intervals around the room.
Harry was pleased with his suit, it was finely made, jet black, double breasted with a plain white silk shirt and bow tie, it fitted him like a second skin and magically enhanced so as not to cook him in the heat, once dressed he fussed over the rings despite Ron producing them on command several times.
At the stroke of midday a Hogwarts elf arrived and instructed them to apparate to a designated room within the school, Draco was led away to fulfil an extra duty, he would be giving his mother away in the absence of a suitable candidate, before he left he held his hand out to Harry, they shook hands and he turned and left. Ron slouched against the wall while the groom proceeded to wear a rut into the floor.
(Scene Break)
Astoria had left Andromeda and Hermione to tend to Narcissa, she was inspecting the Great Hall, there wasn't segregated seating, it would be woefully unbalanced, the enchanted ceiling reflected the gorgeous summer weather, the hall remained cool even during the hottest part of the day. Once the ceremony was complete the seating would be removed and the tables would line either side, these would hold the buffet, the stage would play host to the band.
In Mcgonagall's personal quarters Narcissa was having the final touches put to her dress, she slipped on the shoes and her sister attached the train, Hermione was applying light touches of make up, she needed very little, she stood back, satisfied with her efforts, Andromeda straightened out the train and adjusted the hem of the skirt, together they picked up the large mirror so that the bride could see the final result.
She gasped at her reflection, it was better than she had hoped, she was incredibly pleased with her hair, the slight curls had been made prominent, golden ringlets framed her face, the rest had been piled on top and pinned in place, a tiara matching the design of the dress kept her fringe in check, it left her shoulders bare and her neck exposed, tear drop earrings sparkled in the light spilling in from the window.
They turned at the sound of the door opening and Draco stepped into the room.
"How do I look?"
"Words fail me mother, Potter will be beside himself, I still have reservations but I can't find fault today, if you're sure about this and he makes you happy, then you have my blessing"
Narcissa blinked rapidly and fanned her face with her hand as she desperately tried not to cry, he crossed the room and she pulled him into an awkward hug, the two women moved in after the embrace was over to fuss over her dress.
"I'm slightly concerned that there's been no word from Mother"
"Grandmother is coming? Is that a good idea?"
"It's not like she gave us a choice, it was a condition of her agreeing to let the wedding go ahead"
"How is Harry doing?"
"He seemed pretty calm Granger, he scrubs up well"
Astoria came in, she beamed at Draco, it was almost show time, she had bumped into Minerva on her way back, she was on her way to collect Harry. The three bridesmaids went to put their dresses on, they had the best part of thirty minutes, more than enough time, the hard work was done. Twenty minutes later they were ready and waiting for the summons to the Great Hall.
(Scene Break)
The door opened unexpectedly, Harry placed his hand across his heart, the shock made it feel like it was about to beat out of his chest, the severe looking face of his old Headmistress softened slightly as she apologised for scaring him witless, it was time, he adjusted his suit, exchanged a look with his best man and they followed the elderly witch through familiar halls.
She held a door open for them and they stepped inside, Harry recognised it immediately, it was where he had come after his name flew out of the Goblet of Fire, the other exit to this room led to the stage that usually held the large carved phoenix shaped lectern and teachers' dining tables, he was nervous before, now he had discovered a new plane of nervousness, Ron gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder and he managed to give his friend a weak smile.
Muted noise filtered through the heavy oak door, the guests were arriving, after what seemed like an age the noise died down. The back door opened and Teddy came in looking resplendent in his custom made suit, he hugged Harry around the middle and Ron helped him place the rings safely in his pockets, his best man was adamant that the young lad got to present the rings and Teddy looked like he was going to burst with pride.
Two sharp knocks on the other side of the stage door brought another wave of nerves, he shivered and shook it off.
"Come on mate, in a few minutes you won't have anything to worry about, you'll be fine"
Ron strode over to the door and held it open, Harry crossed the threshold, his friend and godson close behind. He risked a look at the people assembled in the hall, there were as many unfamiliar faces as there were familiar ones, his eye was drawn to the back of the hall, an elderly lady was struggling to her seat, many others were still making their way to seats, he was gently steered in the right direction and took his place in front of Minerva McGonagall.
"You're looking very dapper Potter, she's a very lucky woman"
"Thanks Professor, I think I'm the lucky one"
The quiet roar in the room lessened by degrees, Harry cast an eye out across the assembly, each positive action, a wave, a smile or a thumbs up calmed his rattling nerves like a balm, there were just as many grim faced observers, he spotted the elderly lady he had seen struggling earlier, she had found a seat next to an eccentrically dressed middle aged woman, he could have sworn that the elderly woman had winked at him.
The giant doors opened a crack and the crooked figure of Argus Filch stepped through, he took up position, ready to open the door upon the arrival of the bride. Satisfied that the crowd had settled, McGonagall took out her wand and gestured towards an ageing piano, its pleasant sound filled the hall, as the last strains of the piano music faded a loud knock on the hall's grand doors echoed around the room.
The piano started again, Filch grabbed the large iron wrought handles and pulled them apart, every head turned towards the doorway. Harry's mouth went dry and he felt like he'd just been force fed gillyweed.
There was a collective gasp from the seated crowd, Andromeda and Astoria held the train and Hermione walked a few steps behind holding an impressive bouquet of Daffodils, he barely noticed Draco's almost imperceptible nod of the head, he only had eyes for the woman he was escorting. He would swear until his dying day that he had never seen such a beautiful sight, and doubted he'd see anything that would come close even if he lived for a thousand years.
Draco bowed and kissed his mother's hand before taking his seat in the front row beside Ron and Teddy. Astoria and Andromeda laid her train out behind her and Hermione handed her the bouquet, they curtsied in unison before taking their seats. While they waited for the murmuring to subside, Harry mouthed the words 'I love you', Narcissa looked close to tears, she mouthed the words back and gently dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief.
Minerva cleared her throat and all eyes in the room turned to her.
"Welcome to Hogwarts, for many of you, welcome back"
A small ripple of laughter spread round the room, she opened her mouth to speak again.
"We have gathered today to witness the bonding of these two persons, may I request the presentation of the rings"
Ron gave Teddy a wink and a tiny push in the right direction, he walked slowly up to the front until he stood between Harry and Narcissa who smiled down at him, he produced two boxes from his jacket pockets and handed them to the Headmistress, he turned towards the bride and she handed the young boy the arrangement of flowers, he bowed before returning to his seat. Harry took hold of her hands for the next part of the ceremony.
Minerva drew her wand and gestured to Hermione, she stepped up and handed Harry his wand and Narcissa hers, they were instructed to hold their wands in their wand hand, as they repeated the vows laid out by the Scotswoman, she took their free hands and placed them together, Harry gently closed his fingers around Narcissa's hand, warm golden threads poured from the tip of his wand as he repeated his vows. Silver from the tip of hers joined with the gold and wove together along the length of their arms. As the bonder, Minerva said her piece and threads of pure white light mingled with the gold and silver, it was almost too bright to look at, when the light faded she proclaimed the bonding a success.
The newly weds were instructed to take up the rings, Harry placed it tenderly onto his wife's finger, Narcissa did the same to her husband, the rings glowed briefly in acceptance of the union. The bit he was most looking forward to was equally the most nerve racking, the kiss.
(Scene Break)
At the very back of the hall a hunched old lady watched proceedings with unprecedented glee, she kept glancing at the woman to her left, the ceremony was reaching it's end, the elderly woman poked the middle aged woman with a bony finger, she whipped her head round and looked down her nose at the old lady, her nose wrinkled in obvious disgust.
"What is your problem you mad old bat?"
"Nothing dearie, I just don't want anything to ruin this moment, so I suggest calling an end to your plans to gatecrash this wedding"
"You are cracked, soft in the head, age is getting the best of you dear"
"There's nothing wrong with me Rita, but you shouldn't be here, you weren't invited"
The eccentric looking woman narrowed her eyes at the old crone, it was then she noticed a strange gleam in the woman's eyes. The woman cackled softly and then spoke
"A clever little charm, it allows me to see right through any glamours"
"Who are you?" she looked unsettled
"You'll see, any minute now"
On cue, subtle changes began to happen, slowly at first, her crows feet lessened and smoothed, she sat up straighter, Rita Skeeter's eyes grew as large as saucers, sitting by her side was Druella Black.
"I read your article, I'm pretty sure you have plans to ruin this day, I am suggesting that you do your best to make sure that doesn't happen"
To add incentive, Druella pressed her wand firmly into the reporter's side, she held one hand up to signify her compliance, her other hand reached into her bag, she removed a glass orb and shook it.
"It's done"
"You and I will sit and enjoy the rest of this wedding, they make a wonderful couple, the Boy-Who-Lived-Again is very well mannered and adheres to tradition, I'm quite fond of the young man, and my youngest daughter looks stunning, don't you agree?"
Rita just nodded, she had a face like thunder
"Good, good, I think you should write a wonderful piece about this, it's sure to be the wedding of the century, should I find your coverage unacceptable, then we will have a problem and I will be forced to visit you for an extended chat"
The newly wedded couple had reached the point of the kiss when the huge doors to the hall swung open and crashed loudly against the wall, a large crowd entered, all heads turned to the unexpected arrivals
(Scene Break)
Harry and Narcissa looked across the heads of the crowd at the newcomers, it was impossible not to notice the remaining members of the Weasley family, this must be the result of the article in the Prophet, Mcgonagall looked furious and more than capable of breathing fire.
"What is the meaning of this? Are we going to have a problem on today of all days?"
The crowd shuffled and talked among themselves. Everyone waited with baited breath for the outcome of this stand off, Molly Weasley stepped forward.
"We are just here for the wedding"
The Headmistress addressed the couple
"Are you happy for them to stay"
They exchanged glances with one another and nodded.
"Very well, I am pleased to declare this bonding complete, the magic accepts your love to be true, you may kiss your bride Potter"
As his lips met those of his wife a great roar thundered through the hall and rattled the stained glass windows, unnoticed by the masses, the lone figure of Rita Skeeter scuttled out through the doors, Druella Black rose from her seat and made her way towards the couple, those who noticed her gasped and pointed, those who had no idea who she was were quietly informed by their neighbour, as the news of her presence spread the noise lessened until it sounded like leaves rustling in a brisk wind.
She shook the reluctant hand of the woman in charge of the ancient school, kissed her son-in-law on each cheek and embraced her youngest daughter. Andromeda, Hermione and Astoria rallied the guests, removed the seating, set up the banquet tables along each side of the hall and disappeared through a side door only to return moments later with the band. The middle Black daughter took the opportunity to lead her mother by the arm and fix her a drink.
The band leader signalled to the musicians and they began to play a slow romantic number, magical light travelled along the floor, the guests swept away to the sides of the room, the light stopped on the bride and groom, Harry offered Narcissa his arm, Astoria quickly removed the train from the gown.
As they took to the floor magical confetti fireworks shot from every direction, no doubt supplied by Weasley Wizard Wheezes, as every colour in the rainbow fluttered all around, they began to dance, he placed his hands on her hips as she draped her arms around his neck and pressed herself against him. She sighed contentedly as he tried to explain how beautiful she looked, as the song ended and the next one began the floor slowly filled up.