Winter may have been creeping ever closer, but there was a stream of sunshine bursting through the window on this October Sunday morning. The brightness, combined with the scent of tea, coffee, fresh bread, and pastries was enough to put anyone in a good mood. But it was the reason they were all gathered together that had the Drill family buzzing.
"When can we start?" Ava tore her eyes away from the tempting table.
"We're waiting for Jamie, Fenny, and Grissy.", Imogen answered while gently moving Zara's roaming hand back from a plate of blueberry muffins. "When they get here we can start planning and eating."
Before Zara could complain the doorbell rang.
"I'll get it." Abby opened the door to reveal all three of Fleur's mentors standing there. "Come in, hope you're hungry."
"Starving.", Jamie grinned as he hugged his goddaughter. "Why do you think I'm here?"
Of course, he was joking, he was honoured to play the same part in Fleur's life as he did in her sisters and after a week without them, he was more than ready for some time with his surrogate nieces.
Fenny and Grissy may have only seen the girls the previous Friday but they too were delighted with the hugs they received as they entered the kitchen.
"No Lily, is she with her mother?", Fenny asked when she noticed the family's usual weekend guest was absent.
"Yeah.", Ava sighed, like Abby she missed Lily when she wasn't there. "But she'll be at Fleur's party."
"This is your chair Fenny.", Zara interrupted impatiently.
"Thanks Zee."
"You all need to sit so I can eat."
Constance tried but couldn't keep the sides of her mouth from turning up with amusement. Like her eldest sister and some may say her Mama, Zara was rather direct with her words. But in this case, she was saying what everyone was thinking so they were happy to grant her request and tuck into the food Imogen and Amelia had laid out.
"Okay.", Imogen started. "You know the basics. Elizabeth is going to conduct the ceremony and she'll invite us all to say a few words. We were thinking Dad and Amelia first, then Stephen and Gaby, Jamie, Fenny, Grissy. Then Abby…"
"I have lots to say about Fleur.", Ava cut in. "Can I say something?"
Imogen nodded. "Of course Poppet and Sweetpea, you can say something as well if you'd like."
"Okay.", Zara was too focused on her pastry to pay much attention.
"Then we'll finish with me and Constance."
It all sounded clear but Fenny did have a question. "Is there anything in particular that you want us to say?"
"No.", Constance told her. "Just what part you see yourself playing in her life."
"Kind of like wedding vows." Grissy was reaching for the coffee pot so missed Abby's eye-roll. "I've been working on mine but Fen hasn't even started yet have you?"
"I still have a few months.", Fenny pointed out. "We're not getting married until New Year's Eve."
It was earlier than planned, but having gotten a good deal on a venue, the date for the Blackwood-Feverfew wedding had been set. And if anyone didn't know about it, a few minutes with one of the brides-to-be would have them informed in no time.
"Can I show Fenny and Grissy my new dress?" Ava had selected her dress for Fleur's naming ceremony the previous day and was dying to show it off. On getting her mothers' agreement she ran to get it. "Do you like it?"
"It's so pretty.", Grissy told her. "Almost as pretty as your flower girl dress."
"For God's sake.", Abby muttered, causing Jamie to snigger into his coffee. Even he could see that wedding fever had hit.
"I love them both.", Ava stated simply. "My flower girl dress is going to be very pretty but Mummy said I can wear this one lots. And it will always remind me of Fleur's special day."
Before Grissy could say anything else wedding related, Abby wrapped her sister in a half hug.
"That's right. I still have the dresses I wore to your naming ceremony, and to Zara's, and they make me smile whenever I see them."
"Awww.", Grissy beamed at them. "I hope you'll feel the same way about your bridesmaid dress."
At this point, Imogen was fighting the urge to make a smart remark. She could understand the excitement, she had felt the same when she and Constance were getting married but this was far too much. But instead of showing a bad example to her girls, she bit back what she wanted to say and asked, "More coffee?"
"Oh, thanks but we should go.", Fenny smiled weakly. She too was getting sick of the constant wedding talk but was reluctant to say anything, not wanting to cause any arguments or hurt any feelings. Instead, she was hoping things would settle down before Grissy annoyed too many people. Though, from looking around the table she was beginning to see they may have already reached that point.
There was no 'may' about it.
"Bye Bridezilla." Abby gave a sarcastic wave once the couple was gone and Ava and Zara had retreated to their playroom.
"Wow, you weren't wrong.", Jamie told Imogen as he poured more coffees.
"Hah!" Abby turned towards her parents. "I knew you were cheesed off with her too."
It was pointless lying.
"She is rather trying at the moment.", Constance sighed. "I do understand that she's excited but it appears the wedding is her only topic of conversation right now. She's even got her Willow's group swept up in wedding fever and there's still a full two months to go."
Amelia agreed. "And while I am happy to make the bridesmaid and flower girl dresses, I don't think there's been a day in the past month where she hasn't wanted to talk about tweaking a seam or adding lace somewhere. I haven't even started yet because I'm afraid she'll change her mind and I'll have to begin all over again."
"Mum?" Abby knew what that clenched jaw meant and it wasn't good.
"All we wanted was an hour to talk about Fleur's naming ceremony. Just about that. Was that too much to ask?"
"No Pumpkin.", Tom murmured, he too knew the warning signs.
"No, didn't think so." Imogen took a deep breath before lifting her youngest child from her swing. "But I'm not going to let it get to me, not when we have this little kitten's special day to look forward to. Are you excited?"
"Eeeeee, eeeee.", Fleur squealed, leaning towards her Mummy with an open mouth revealing her two, soon to be three baby teeth.
"Well, we're all very excited too.", Imogen told her with the requested kiss. "But if Grissy isn't careful she may find herself un-invited."
"Really?" Abby hadn't expected that.
Imogen shrugged. "I'm venting a little. I know I've over-reacted when it comes to any of you being overlooked before, so I'm probably being too sensitive. But if she makes the naming or Halloween ceremony about her and the wedding, then I will have no problem in asking if she wants to reconsider her mentor role."
Constance stayed silent but by the look on her face, everyone could see she felt the same.
"Well, I'm not reconsidering anything." Jamie decided to change the mood around the table. "So Abs, what's say we get this one and her crazy sisters ready to meet my equally loony sons at the park?"
Abby pushed Grissy's wedding obsession out of her mind for now. She may have been almost fifteen but she was still somewhat of a playground connoisseur, the installation of some new climbing frames had pushed their local one close to the top of her ever adjusting list.
"Let's do it."
Grissy was hardly seen over the next couple of days. When she wasn't teaching she was spending time with her mother, who appeared to be struck with the same affliction as her daughter.
"Thank goodness they haven't roped Mum into whatever they're doing." Fenny thought as she finished her marking in the staffroom.
Emma Feverfew, much like her daughter was looking forward to the wedding but was practical about it. Together with the bridesmaids, they had chosen Fenny's wedding dress with minimum fuss. Emma had also found her own outfit along with a suit for Fenny's father. She had been happy to give her opinions when asked but was careful not to overstep the mark. They had been through a lot when Fenella had lost her powers and as long as her only child was healthy and happy, that was all she wanted.
Fenny had just finished marking the final paper when Imogen and Fleur entered the room.
"You don't have any more classes today do you Fen?", Imogen asked hopefully
"Nope, all done for the day. Why?"
"Abby's been great in helping get ready for tomorrow, so I phoned the nail salon and booked us in for an appointment as a treat. The only problem is Constance is at that Potions seminar until six and Dad and Amelia have gone away for the day."
"Say no more." Fenny held her arms out to take the baby. "I'd love to have her for a few hours. What about Ava and Zara?"
"They've gone to an early Halloween party at their friends' house. Constance will collect them on the way back. Thanks so much for this, are you sure you'll be okay? Where's Grissy?"
"We'll be fine, won't we Fleur? And Grissy, she's off with her Mum doing more wedding planning."
Imogen couldn't stop herself. "All the wedding talk, do you not think it's a bit…well…"
"Much?" Fenny knew exactly what her friend meant. "Yeah, I do. I keep hoping she'll calm down but it's not happening and I'm getting fed up with it. Don't get me wrong, I can't wait until we get married and I'm excited about the day but I guess, well, I'm just not as into the organising and planning as she is."
"From what I can see you have a lot of that done.", Imogen pointed out.
"Apparently not. I don't know, maybe I should say something to her but I'm afraid I'll upset her."
"Fen, you might have to. We all want her to be happy and enjoy the build up. I've been there and I know how exciting it is, but she's letting herself get bogged down in the details and that's pointless." She took a pause before deciding to carry on. "And if I'm truthful, I don't think it's great for Ava and Zara to be caught up in the wedding hoop-la and listening to how everything has to be perfect. They're excited enough as it is and we're thrilled that they're part of it all, but they're young and don't always get that the wedding is still two months away, not tomorrow. I'm worried that it's getting so hyped up that it won't live up to anybody's expectations, especially Grissy's."
"You're right." Fenny sighed. "And if I'm not wrong, if I don't say something, Abby will."
"Well." Imogen wasn't going to lie. "You know what she's like if there's something on her mind she'll say it. She's held back so far but I think a few gentle words from you will go down better than my little firecracker blurting something out. Speaking of whom, I'd better go and get her. Thanks for doing this." She bent to give Fleur a kiss. "Love you kitten, see you in a little while."
With that, Fenny was left alone with Fleur and her thoughts. She knew Imogen was right, she'd have to say something and seeing as Grissy was landing her broomstick, now seemed as good a time as any.
Griselda looked exhausted as she entered the room. "Whew, we've been all over the place but we got loads done. We found covers for the chairs and I've picked up some ribbon samples I like, you can help me narrow it down."
"Err, hello." Fenny pointed at Fleur and herself.
"What?"
"You didn't even say hello when you came in."
"Didn't I? Sorry, hello. I didn't know we were babysitting but actually…" She reached into her bag and pulled out green and blue ribbons, placing them each against Fleur's red hair. "Which looks better? Do you think Imogen and Constance would let us do something with her hair for the wedding? A ribbon or a band to make her look really pretty?"
"Gris, sit down." Fenny could feel her annoyance rising by the second. "We need to talk."
"Okay." Grissy did as she was told and waited until Fenny had put Fleur down before asking, "What's up?"
"Before I say this, I don't want you to get upset, but I need to tell you, the wedding talk, it's too much."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean.", Fenella continued. "You're obsessed. Everything is about the wedding. What just happened was a prime example. Rather than being excited that we get to spend time with Fleur, it seems like you're happy she's here because it's convenient for your wedding planning. She'll be nine months old for goodness sake and she's already really pretty, she doesn't need a silly ribbon."
"That's not what I meant.", Griselda bristled.
"Maybe not.", Fenella acknowledged. "But that's how it came off. Gris, tomorrow is her naming ceremony, we're her mentors and you haven't even thought of what you want to say, but you've been hounding me about our wedding vows and it's still two months away."
"I was going to write it this evening, I've been busy. It's not easy planning a wedding you know." Grissy was in defensive mode now. "Especially when you don't seem interested."
Fenny counted to ten. "I don't think that's fair. I was with you when we chose the venue and the catering. I have my dress and I made suggestions for the flowers and the music. I also helped pick out the colours for the bridesmaid and flower girl dresses and I made the booking for our time away after the wedding. What else is there to do?"
"Details." Grissy waved her hands in frustration. "We can't show up on the day and expect everything is done can we?"
"No, but we can't spend every single minute obsessing over it either. The hotel hosts weddings every day, they know what they're doing and we're already paying them to organise things like seat covers. I don't get why you need to double up on the work. Or the expense."
It didn't matter that Fenella was staying calm, or that she was talking sense. By this point, Griselda was too infuriated to listen.
"Where are you going?"
"For a walk."
"Gris, wait." It was too late, Fenny was talking to a closed door.
Walking did not help, in fact, each step Grissy took around the castle grounds seemed to increase her anger even more. She looked so furious that even the first years who usually flocked towards their Spells teacher at every opportunity knew to stay away. Luckily a certain someone was a lot braver.
"What's up with you?", Maud called across the courtyard after watching Grissy stomp past for the third time.
With that, the floodgates opened.
"Can you believe her?" Grissy finally paused for breath.
"Actually, I can. You're not going to like this G but she's right. Ever since you set the date it's been nothing but the wedding. And before you say it, we're all pleased for you and can't wait for the day but it's way too much. And you're wrong in what you're saying about Fen, she has been helping but she's not letting it consume her like you seem to be. Hey, don't cry." Maud dropped the basketball she had been holding and wrapped her arms around her friend.
"It's... I've been planning this wedding in my head since I was fourteen and now it's finally here I don't just want it to be one day."
"Don't be silly, it's going to be way more than that. You'll be married, remember what Constance told you? That's what counts."
The mention of Constance set Grissy's tears off again. "Oh, I've completely steamrolled the planning for Fleur's naming ceremony haven't I?"
"Well, maybe you took it over a little bit but I'm sure you can redeem yourself. It's the same with tomorrow, it's not only about what you say, it's about showing Fleur and her mothers that you want to be a positive force in her life."
"I guess I have some apologising to do."
Maud laughed before giving Grissy another squeeze. "I'm sure you'll be forgiven."
As she walked back towards their rooms, Griselda hoped her friend was right.
"If we're going to carry on arguing can it wait until Fleur's gone home?", Fenny asked as she heard her partner enter. She was prepared for the worst but was pleasantly surprised by two arms wrapping around her waist.
"I'm sorry."
"You are?"
"Don't sound so surprised. I suppose I knew you were right but it was Maud who helped me admit it. I just hope you still want to marry me?"
"Of course I do." Fenny twisted carefully in the embrace so they could kiss.
"And I hope that you and your parents still want me to be your mentor.", Grissy addressed the little girl in her fiancé's arm, taking Fleur's giggles to be a yes.
"We do.", Constance reassured her later. "And we appreciate the apology but nothing could take the focus off this little girl tomorrow, could it?"
"Not even Bridezilla." Abby couldn't resist jumping in.
Even Grissy had to laugh, she knew that was exactly what she had become. "I deserve that. And I've already spoken to my Mum. She agrees we were going a bit far. Apparently, my Dad's been saying something similar to her but they wanted to make sure I was happy. Anyway, we're going to take several steps back and enjoy the build up. But more importantly, Fenny and I are really looking forward to tomorrow."
"I'm glad to hear it." Imogen hugged them both. "On that note, we'd better go and get a few things organised, including getting Ava and Zara out of their costumes before bed."
"Yeah, I need to help Ava whittle down her speech. Right now she'll need about three hours to say everything she wants to.", Abby sighed. "See you tomorrow."
"See you then." Fenny and Grissy stood in the doorway, laughing as Fleur popped her head over Constance's shoulder to give them a damp grin goodbye.
"Speaking of speeches, any ideas what you want to say?, Fenny asked once they were alone.
"Actually, I do."
The next day, at a little after 4 PM, the Drill family and their friends gathered in a specially decorated room off the Great Hall.
"We gather today to celebrate Fleur, to give thanks that she has come into our lives and to bless her with a name that is all her own." Elizabeth beamed at the baby who was peering up at her, dressed in the same white robe the mother holding her had worn forty years beforehand. "And I know there some special people who want to share some words that are especially for you. So if everyone is ready we'll begin?"
Just as her sisters had, Fleur had already chosen 'her person'. This was someone she naturally gravitated towards and could happily spend hours with. Whether it was their shared birthday, personality traits or even their hair colour that had caused it, Tom was only too happy to be the recipient of that honour.
"Fleur, your Granny and I love you very much and as we promised your sisters, we will be your guides when you need us. Time moves fast little girl, and our hope for you is that you enjoy every moment of the wonderful childhood and life we know is ahead of you."
Amelia paused to stroke the porcelain smooth cheek. "We will spoil you and infuriate your mothers at times, but we never want you to doubt the joy you have brought to us from the moment we knew of your existence. Thank you for being a part of our lives."
Stephen was next and alongside Gaby promised to love, care for and support Fleur throughout her life. "And I'll probably tease you like I do your mothers and sisters.", Stephen blushed. "But that just means I care about you, okay?"
"And we'll teach you to tease him right back kitten." Imogen grinned at her brother. He may not have been at Ava's naming ceremony, but he had excelled at his uncle responsibilities ever since returning from Australia and her girls were lucky to have him.
Everyone was still smiling at the exchange as Jamie made the first of the mentor vows. "I'm lucky enough to already be playing this role in your three sisters' lives, but that doesn't mean I am taking this any less seriously. Whenever you need me, no matter what for, I'll be there for you. That's a promise." He gave Fleur a quick kiss before passing her to her other mentors who had a very clear idea of what they wanted to say.
"You are a very special little girl and we are so proud to be your mentors and grateful that your mothers have placed so much trust in us. We'll also be there for you whenever you need us and we know that we're going to need you too. We already enjoy every minute we spend with you. Watching you learn teaches us so much about experiencing life and taking pleasure in the simple things we sometimes take for granted."
Fenny took over on hearing Grissy's voice crack slightly. "And we also wanted to say, seeing as today is your naming ceremony, your Mummy and Mama picked the perfect name because, like you, it is absolutely beautiful."
"That was lovely.", Abby told them as she took her baby sister into her arms to say her own words.
"So Fleur, it's been unanimously agreed that the Drill sister club has improved hugely since you joined us. We hope by now you know how we feel about you and we promise that won't change. We're going to look after you, be your playmates, your confidants and we're so proud to be your sisters. And as your eldest sister, I want you to know I will always give you cuddles and treats but most importantly, you can tell me anything and I'll always listen. But I also promise that if I think you need even more help than I can give you, I'll ask for support from one of the other special people in your life because I always want you to be safe. So don't start complaining if that ever happens, okay?"
Although they were laughing, Constance and Imogen were both very impressed by Abby's words and that she knew her limits.
"Poppet, did you have something to say?" Imogen prompted, hoping that Abby had been able to use her sisterly skills to keep Ava's speech short.
"Yes. Fleur, I always want you to be happy because you make us very happy. I love you." Ava looked around at everyone. "That's it."
Abby, who despite her best efforts had been ready for a monologue, managed to swallow her surprise. "Well done Noodle. Zee, how about you?"
Zara was suddenly feeling very shy, but after some gentle coaxing from her Mama agreed to whisper directly to her sister instead. "I'm your friend."
The words were barely audible but her mothers still managed to make them out. They caught each other's eyes and thought back to the toddler who told them almost daily for several months that she didn't want a baby sister. Now, if Fleur was gone for more than a couple of hours there was an inevitable 'Zaratrum' that only ended when her sister was returned to her.
"She knows you are Sweetpea and she's your friend too.", Imogen whispered as she took her youngest daughter from her eldest and stood with her wife. "You've all said so many beautiful words and we appreciate it so much. We knew we wanted a fourth child to complete our family, but we had no idea that we would be blessed with such a perfect fit.
"Fleur, all we want to do is love and support you and protect you from any hurt. We'll also comfort you and help you move past any pain knowing that you are loved, wanted and that you belong with us. And even when you are older and living your own life, you will always have a home with your family."
"Would you like to talk about her name?", Elizabeth asked.
"Yes.", Constance smiled. "We have always known what your middle name would be. One day you'll know just how much your Granny has done for me, your Mummy and our family." She glanced at an emotional Amelia. "But for now just know that you have been named after someone who we all love very dearly and are grateful to have in our lives. And as for your first name, that took a little longer, but you can thank your Mummy for finding a name that fits you perfectly. You are our precious flower, already growing in front of us and we cannot tell you how thrilled we are to watch you continue to blossom."
Elizabeth drew the ceremony to a close. "Fleur, you are indeed a blessed girl. May you experience a lifetime of health, happiness and be safe in the knowledge that you are loved."
The next hour was spent mingling with those who had spoken and the other guests including David, Lily, Sarah, Fionn, Cillian, Maud and of course Davina, who had been a massive help in preparing for the other ceremony of the day.
"All under control, you have my word.", she told Constance. "The fourth years played their part and everything is ready when we are."
"Thank you." Constance had been as excited about the naming ceremony as everyone else but if she was honest, this next part was what she was looking forward to most. "We'll give the children a snack to tide them over and we can begin."
Once the children, and Jamie and Stephen, who also declared themselves famished, had eaten it was time to join the students in the great hall. Although Constance was principal, it was still considered Amelia's duty to kick off the traditional ceremony.
"Girls, I am so pleased that we can all be together on this, the most important night on the magical calendar. And as you know, one of the most sacred traditions is welcoming a new member to our world. Your families carried out this tradition for each of you and tonight, my family is pleased to invite you to join us as we celebrate Fleur.
"Fourth years, you were here when Miss Hardbroom and Miss Drill shared Zara's special moment with you. And you may not know this, but when Miss Blackwood, Miss Feverfew, and Miss Moonshine were pupils here, they sat right where you are now for Ava's induction. And I can tell you all, it may be the third time we have had this privilege but we are all just as honoured to be part of Fleur's first magical ceremony."
She paused to allow a murmur of excitement spread across the assembled students before directing her attention to the front row.
"Constance, you have proven your knowledge and your powers time and time again and if they follow the leads of their parents I have no doubt that your children will go very far in life. So now, I ask you to bring Fleur to join her fellow witches as we celebrate her future magical abilities."
While Ava, Zara, and Abby cuddled close to Imogen, Constance carried her wary looking little girl onto the stage as requested. She did, however, pause on the way to make a special request.
"Will you join us please?"
"Me." Fenny gasped in shock. "But I.."
"You are still a witch.", Constance murmured. "And I would like you to join us, both as Fleur's mentor and a Witch whose magical knowledge I know will have a huge impact on the lives of my children."
"Thank you." With shaking legs Fenny made her way onto the stage and joined the circle next to a teary-eyed Grissy as well as the other magical Cackle's staff members.
Before Constance started to speak, she adjusted Fleur into a comfortable position where she could see her Mummy and sisters which seemed to reassure her somewhat. Then, after dropping a loving kiss on her daughter's head, she began to speak.
"Fleur Amelia Drill, as I have told your sisters, you are part of a rare but remarkable group of women. And I make of you the same request I made of them. Use your powers wisely, use them for good and always know that you are surrounded by Witches who will help you hone and perfect your abilities. You are already a gift to your family and I know beyond doubt that you will be a wonderful addition to the world."
They may have seen it twice previously, but Abby and Imogen still squeezed each other's hands in awe as once the chanting had finished, a ball of light hovered for a second before entering Fleur's body. Abby was also keen to see the reaction of her father and best friend who were seeing this event for the first time. She wasn't disappointed, Lily's jaw was practically on the ground and as for David, for someone who, having seen all manner of things during his military career was generally un-shockable, he appeared well and truly overwhelmed.
Meanwhile, Ava and Zara were watching everything with wide eyes. Their Mama had explained what would happen but it didn't compare to actually seeing it.
"Did that really happen to me too?" Ava couldn't believe it.
"It did Poppet and you know something? Fleur is extra lucky because when she comes into her powers, she'll have you and Zara to help her too." Imogen hugged her two middle children tightly.
"I'm going to be the best witch in the world.", Zara exclaimed loudly, much to the amusement of everyone in the room, especially her Mama who had brought Fleur back to join her family.
"Modest as always Zee.", Abby joked, although if that became the case she would not be in the least bit surprised. "Congratulations baby witch." She turned her attention to Fleur. "But there's something you need to remember, right crazies?"
Ava recited the rule while Zara joined in with what she could remember. "Even when we have our powers Abby is still more powerful 'cos she's the oldest and we have to take her out on our broomsticks whenever she asks and make her magical toast when she's hungry."
"You are nothing if not prepared", Constance told a smug looking Abby.
"What can I say? I may not have powers but luckily for me, I'll have these three for my non-trivial needs."
Everybody knew Abby's tongue was firmly planted in her cheek, it was hard to think of anyone who cared more about her family. But if there was any doubt, the way her sisters were never far away from her would have banished it instantly.
While the students worked together to clear the chairs and set up for the next stage of the evening, Fleur was surrounded by her family and two of her mentors.
"You make everything seem so effortless.", Grissy told Constance and Imogen.
"Oh, there's plenty of effort.", Constance laughed. "But when it comes down to it, it's worth it"
"Exactly.", Imogen agreed. "And now the hard work is done for today, we can relax and enjoy ourselves." She smiled as a thought occurred to her. "You know, I was never much of a winter person but today's reminded me how that's changed."
"How so?" Abby was curious.
"Well, Halloween is extra special again this year but it's also the starting point to lots of great events. Your birthday for one. Then it's Christmas and the build-up to that, which is just as much fun, especially as it's Fleur's first one. And of course this year we have a certain wedding to look forward to."
Grissy shook her head. "We're not talking about that remember?"
"We can talk about it.", Abby shrugged. "Just not obsess over it and Mum's right, the anticipation is just as much fun."
She turned her head so the brides-to-be couldn't see the smirk on her face. She may have been too young to be part of the traditional pre-wedding events but along with her fellow bridesmaids, Maud and Gaby, she had come up with some ideas that everyone in the bridal party could enjoy.
Winter may have been coming but as Abby changed Fleur into something warmer before the remaining Halloween festivities, she made another promise.
"It's going to get cold and dark outside, but you wait and see Fleur, your first winter is going to be absolutely fantastic."
A/N: And yes, the "hen nights", including all members of the bridal party (+ friends) will be covered over two chapters in November.
