Hermione was relieved that the meeting between her friends and Blaise went surprisingly well.
April had stalked into the room, determined to hear the entire story. As the story spilled from her, Hermione visibly watched the girly "Awww" look appear on April's face.
"My gosh, Hermione. That has got to be the most romantic thing I've ever heard. I'm really happy for you. Frank and I would be happy to be your witnesses," the witch said.
"Thank you," Hermione said gratefully, then asked softly, "Where is Rand?"
April looked sad for a moment. "Hermione...I don't think that Rand will be coming."
Realization hit Hermione.
Rand had obviously had deeper feelings than Hermione had thought, and while she felt badly, she hadn't given mixed signals. She liked Rand a great deal, but there would never be anyone like Blaise for her.
"Who is Rand?" Blaise asked curiously.
Hermione blushed. "He's a friend of April and Frank. We all went out together a few times. It wasn't anything romantic," she hastened to add.
Blaise smiled. "I know that. I trust you, Hermione."
Blaise was finally secure in his love with Hermione. He didn't care what had happened before, he only wanted to start anew and make his life with his woman.
Hermione had thought that she was going to have to sacrifice a bit in planning her wedding, but she was pleasantly surprised at how quickly the plans came together. Blaise was correct about the power of money. After a visit to a Gringotts branch in Hecate Village, and the arduous task of converting the Galleons to Australian money, they proceeded to the Australian Embassy. Thankfully, they had risen early, to better avoid the crowds and very sharp eyes of some of the employees. They found a greedy little Consular that was only too happy to accept the money, and date the Notice of Intended Marriage Form for an earlier date.
In the Village they found the perfect venue. It seemed like fate had lent a helping hand in the form of a small chapel, with beautiful stained glass windows depicting tropical flowers. The small chapel was built of stone and looked like something from a misty Scottish town, but surprisingly fit in the tropical scenery, surrounded by a lush garden of rock, cooktown orchids and banksia nestled sidelong deep green ferns.
Though small, the interior had a hallowed air with dark, polished wood and golden fixtures. The floor was more of the rich ipe wood and lent the room a feeling of comfort and coziness. The room had decidedly Christian elements, but not overtly. Hermione had been told that she would be able to find the type of wedding service she desired at Stonegrove Chapel.
The minister, Timothy Northcliff, who was also a wizard, was very happy indeed to be considered to officiate the wedding.
"I know that my chapel is unusual to say the least in Wizarding society, but I'm the product of a witch mother and a very spiritual father. They always encouraged me to peruse both sides of my heritage," the thirty-something year old wizard said, his plump cheeks dimpling.
"I'm so glad to have found you. Actually, I'm very surprised that we were able to find someone with your views so easily," Hermione said.
"Actually, it's more common than you would think, at least since you know who's death. I respect you so much for your part in freeing us from V-Voldemort," Timothy said, stumbling a bit over the dark wizard's name. "People, especially half-bloods and Muggleborns, are glad not to have to shed all of their past beliefs. I believe that it's possible to be magical and still spiritual. That is why I love my work," he continued. "Are you sure that you want the most traditional wizard's marriage ceremony? It isn't like the ceremonies that they perform now. It cannot be undone. It binds the souls, making a true soul mate bond. That is why it has become out of fashion, what with people divorcing left and right these days."
Blaise winced a bit, thinking of his mother, before stating. "That is exactly what we want."
"April, I'm about to go mad. I have less than four hours to find a dress, shoes, and accessories. Not to mention doing my hair and makeup. Why did I decide to marry and arrange it all in one day? This isn't bloody Las Vegas," Hermione moaned. They had enough time to get married, change then get on the plane for France. They were sacrificing their wedding night, but Hermione assured herself that that wasn't the most important part. She would have her love. They would have years of special nights. Besides, after everything she thought that she would be too exhausted to put in much of a performance.
April patted her back. "Come on, one more store. I'm sure this one will have the perfect dress."
Hermione was tired of the search for the "perfect dress". If she wasn't getting married in such a beautiful venue, she might have gone home and just put on her white bikini. Merlin knew that it was hot enough for the swimwear. They had shopped in the Village, not finding anything that she liked. Now, in desperation, they had begun to shop in the Muggle shopping district.
"Okay, but this is the last store. If I can't find something here, I'm going to wear something I already have, and just transfigure it white," Hermione said, exasperation creeping into her voice.
"No, I won't allow it," April said dragging Hermione into a cheery looking bridal shop. The colors were calming, painted in a soft lilac with white molding and comfortable seating areas. All around the room were platforms on which mannequins in beautiful dresses stood.
They approached a large glass counter, and Hermione wanted to groan in irritation. The woman behind the counter couldn't be more ancient. What would she know about wedding dresses? Hermione was afraid that she was going to leave the store clothed in a lacy Victorian mess. Hermione tried to covertly look around for someone else to assist them and was startled at the surprisingly young voice the woman had.
"Hello, I'm Farida. Welcome to my shop. Which of you is the bride?" the woman asked moving around the counter, her spry movements belying her age.
The woman was tiny, almost birdlike, most of her height being the white bun on the top of her head. Hey eyes were a dark green, and her most standout feature.
"Not me, her," April said, nodding a head toward Hermione.
Hermione's hand was grasped by the woman's small one, and she was pulled into an open spot of the floor.
"Stand still. Arms out," Farida ordered, circling Hermione. "You are a size four? Correct?"
"Yes," Hermione said, astonished. Maybe I should give her the benefit of the doubt, especially if she can tell my size by only looking, Hermione thought.
"I will need to answer a few questions for me. Is your wedding traditional or modern? Where is the venue? How many guests? What look are you going for?" Farida shot rapid fire questions at her.
"Um...it's somewhat traditional. It will be held in a beautiful stone chapel. There will just be my groom and I, and our two friends, who are also witnesses. Oh, and one photographer. As for my dress, I would like something simple, but lovely. I don't want sleeves; it's far too hot for that. I want my dress to stand the test of time, something that I would still love twenty years later, while looking at the photos."
"Hmmm," Farida said. "I have a dress I just finished that I think would serve you well," the woman said turning and walking through a door in the back.
"See, it seems like she knows her stuff," April whispered.
"We'll see," Hermione said skeptically, slouching a little, but straightening when she heard the click of Farida's shoes returning to the room.
In her arms was a lilac and white box, with the name Farida in silver cursive letters scrawled across the top. "Go try this on," Farida said, thrusting the box into Hermione's arms. She directed Hermione through a doorway.
The door opened to room with a curtained dressing room to the left of the door way, and a large wall- sized mirror with a platform in front. In front of that was a white couch, obviously meant for a bride's guests to comfortably give their opinions of dresses.
Hermione entered the dressing room, quickly shedding her shorts and tee-shirt, and kicking off her sandals.
She stepped into the dress, calling for Farida to help her zip the garment. She had had to remove her blue bra, as it didn't look good with the dress. She would have to invest in a strapless bra apparently.
Barefoot, she pushed back the curtain and walked to the platform. There she took the time to look at herself, gasping at the sight of the dress.
"Oh Hermione, that dress is perfect," April breathed.
The dress was perfect. It was spaghetti strap, with a v-neckline the bodice almost seeming to wrap around her torso. At the waist was a white fabric flower that was the dress's only decoration. The skirt floated away, and seemed to convey lightness.
"I think that this is the dress, April," Hermione whispered. Hermione loved it. Even with her hair in a sloppy ponytail, the dress gave her a simple elegance.
From behind her, Farida smiled, another sell under her belt. "Now we just need the shoes and undergarments. Follow me."
April and Hermione rushed back to the condo. They had a miracle to perform.
Blaise had gotten ready while they left and would be waiting at the chapel for Hermione's arrival.
Hermione jumped into the shower, washing with the jasmine shower gel that Blaise loved. Wearing her bathrobe, she tackled her hair. She smoothed her hair with Sleekeasy's drawing it into a loosely curled plait hanging over one shoulder. She added fresh jasmine flowers, and dusted her hair with tiny specks of gold glitter which added the subtlest shimmer.
April applied her makeup, taking to heart Hermione's warning that she wanted a natural look. She applied a light moisturizing foundation, with a slightly matte finish, setting it with a translucent powder. There would be no shine allowed in the pictures. Next, she applied a peachy, pink blush on the apples of Hermione's cheeks. On her eyes, she used a light brown liner and dusted her eyelids with a soft cream colored shadow, finally adding a coat of mascara to open her eyes. April dabbed a berry colored lipstick on Hermione's lips that made them look dewy.
"I forgot accessories," Hermione said frowning.
"I have that covered," April said, leaving the room. The witch wore a dark green strapless dress, her hair up in a French twist. She came back with a small bag. Opening it, she removed a thin gold necklace with matching delicate bangles.
"Your something new is the dress. Something blue is your engagement ring. I thought you could combine the old and borrowed by wearing these. They were my mother's and she gave them to me on my graduation day. I'd love if you would wear them," April said, smiling.
"Are you sure?" Hermione said, touched.
"Of course. Now hold still and let me fasten the necklace for you."
After securing the necklace, she helped Hermione step into her wedding gown, zipping the garment for her. She stepped into golden stilettos that were bejeweled with a light blue square stone. She pushed the gold bangles on her wrist and stepped back.
"We better get going. Thank Merlin, you decided to marry in the Village. Its seriously going to shave travel time Apparating over," April said.
The Apparated outside the building, quickly mounting the stairs and entering the vestibule.
"I'm going to go in ahead and make sure that everything is ready. Frank will to come out to walk you down the aisle. When the music starts, you enter through the doorway, okay?" April said.
Hermione nodded nervously. She had been fine until she entered the chapel doors, but now her stomach felt as if it was filled to the brim with chocolate frogs, all jumping around for dominance.
"Hermione?" April said, concerned.
"Okay," Hermione said weakly. "I understand."
April looked at her for a beat, but then nodded and entered through the doorway.
Frank came out soon after, leaving the doorway open, and walking to Hermione, who was off to the side. He handed Hermione a small bouquet of white flowers sprinkled with a golden dust.
He wore a dark grey suit with a black tie, and looked dashing. He held out his arm, and Hermione placed her small hand in the crook. Johann Pachelbel's in D major began to softly play from the sanctuary, and taking a deep breath, Hermione began to walk through the doorway and down the aisle.
For a moment, she concentrated on simply placing one foot in front of the other, her hand tightening on Franks arm, but gathering her courage, she looked up and into her groom's eyes.
The look on Blaise's face took her breath away. It was filled with a deep and abiding love that seemed tangible and washed away all of her nervousness. Her back straightened and she walked more purposely down the aisle, secure in his love.
Blaise wore a black double breasted tuxedo with besom pockets, under which was a snowy white shirt, smoky grey vest and a black tie. He looked suave, from the top of his inky curls down to the tips of his shined black shoes.
Hermione didn't notice which flowers that decorated the pews, nor did she notice the white and gold ceremonial robe that Timothy wore. Beyond her notice was April standing to the side, or the lighted ivory and gold candles. She didn't notice the photographer. She didn't see anything, but the man she loved.
After a walk that seemed miles long, she finally arrived at her groom's side, Frank handing her to Blaise. She handed her bouquet to April and blushed a little as Blaise brought her hand to his mouth, softly kissing her skin.
They turned, facing and looked into each other's eyes, before turning to face Timothy.
"Greetings," Timothy spoke in a deliberate, rich voice. "Today we gather to witness the weaving of two lives. In tribute and commemoration of both their cultures, Blaise and Hermione have chosen to incorporate both wizard and Muggle tradition into their ceremony. Blaise and Hermione, as a couple, exemplify the message of hope, love, respect and acceptance. It is a lesson that all should take to heart. One that should extend beyond these hallowed walls into all our lives. A lesson of love. This ceremony will consecrate the love that Blaise and Hermione share."
Timothy continued, "Let us first have a moment of silence to honor the memory of those not present in body, but certainly here in spirit."
Blaise thought of his father, and smiled inwardly. He felt sure that the man was watching from above. He would have loved Hermione.
"Blaise and Hermione," Timothy said, "the ties that will soon knit you together is a blending of the soul, and no vows are more sacred than the vows that you are about to speak. No spell on earth more binding. You are joining together, your soul's entwining forevermore. You will enjoy this walk through life together hand in hand, extending beyond death, past the stars and into eternity. Put your relationship on a pedestal and commit yourselves to it. Become each other's calm in the middle of any storm. Be each other's rock. Comfort and love each other always. Now, I would like to read a small verse from the bible. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a: Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails."
Timothy walked forward taking their hands and leading them to a small table, "Now we will light the candle of unity to symbolize the union of your lives and hearts." Handing them both a white taper, Timothy watched as the couple lit a large, white pillar candle.
They moved away from the table as Timothy spoke, his voice seemingly more official. "Do you enter into this marriage legally and spiritually free? And have you come here freely and without reservation to give yourself to each other in the holy state of matrimony?"
Hermione and Blaise both answered yes.
"Since it is your purpose to join in marriage, please join hands," Timothy said drawing a blue ribbon from his robe. "As you hold the hands of your love, listen to what I am about to say. The Gr´a Siorai is a spell, an invocation if you will, passed down centuries from our Druid Ancestors. It is not an entreaty to be taken lightly, but it expresses the most pure and devoted love between a witch and wizard."
Timothy wrapped the blue ribbon around Blaise and Hermione's joined hands. Pulling his wand from his robe, he swirled the wood in a circular motion speaking, "Gr´a Siorai," thrice. A mellow golden light surged from the wand, and gently warmed their hands. The ribbon seemed to glow a vivid blue, before fading.
"Now, Hermione and Blaise have opted to speak their own personal vows, join me in witnessing this moment."
Blaise swallowed before speaking. "Hermione, I never thought that I would ever meet someone like you. I never expected love to ever be something that I would experience. I realize now that meeting you has filled my world with light, pushing away the shadows. I promise to love you beyond forever. To be there for you during times of trial and times of joy. I promise to work hard for you and any children that we may have, and to love those children with every fiber of my being. You are so beautiful, in body, mind, and spirit. With you at my side, I can face anything. On this day, I'm blessed to love and be loved by you, and to marry you."
Hermione blinked back tears. "Blaise, I love you so much. It's a love that has changed me, transformed me from the blindly focus driven witch who did nothing but study. The witch that hid from life, afraid to be hurt. Knowing you has brought me more joy that you will ever know. Being with you gives a framework to my life, and I love you for it. You are a strong, smart, honorable man. A man too humble to know just how lovely you are. I also promise to love you forever. And I am blessed to know, love and be loved by you, and to marry you."
Timothy unwound the ribbon for the exchange of rings, setting it aside. It was usually a lovely memento for a wedded couple. "The rings?" he asked.
Frank and April stepped forward. April gave Hermione the ring that she had surprisingly found the time to buy, and Frank handed Blaise a ring as well.
"These rings are a physical reminder of your constant love. The circle represents the wholeness of that love, everlasting and unbroken. These rings are hereby blessed," Timothy intoned.
Turning to Blaise, Timothy said, "Repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed."
"With this ring, I thee wed," Blaise said, his voice deep with emotion. He slid the gold band on Hermione's finger, next to her engagement ring.
Turning to Hermione, Timothy said, "Repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed."
"With this ring, I thee wed," Hermione said huskily, sliding a golden band on Blaise's ring finger.
Timothy smiled. "By the power vested in me, I pronounce you man and wife." Nodding at Blaise, he said, "You may kiss your bride."
Blaise circled an arm around Hermione's waist and she tiptoed resting a hand against his face. He drew her lips to his, kissing her softly, but thoroughly and passionately.
His eyes closed, his forehead resting against hers. "Now we are truly together forever," he said before drawing her lips in another soft kiss.