Chapter Thirty-Four:

Daphne needed to use the Hermione lecture tape a couple more times before Pansy's day came. When word came from her parents that Bianca was not attending, Pansy went faint. Hermione called on Aphrodite for that. The grand lady came and slapped her daughter in law.

"You listen to me, Pansy. You are ten times better than that bitch. Don't let her ruin your big day. This is just a jealous move and that is all. Now let's ready." Aphrodite helps everyone get dressed in their dresses.

"Thank you, Mother." Pansy whispers to her as she helps her with her wide brimmed, candle rimmed hat. Hermione places the spells to keep the candles from tipping and burning the bride. Her gown is an one shouldered asymetrical flamenco dress with tiers of organza and jewled detail. Tracy, Daphne, and Riss have turquiose mid length gathered halter satin gowns with black trim.

The guys' tuxes are black velvet with blue ruffled shirts, top hats and bowties. Leo's tux has pockets for all of his doodads. The best man and groomsmen laugh to see their clothes. Jason is the best man, with Percy, Frank, and Nico standing up for him too.

Aphrodite hands out the bouquets of black, orange, blue and white roses and carnations.

They have the wedding at the nearest magical cemertary, as is customary. The tombs are all lovedly decorated with flowers and bready sweetcakes. Pansy is walked down the asile by her father, who is openly crying.

Harry is still a bit upset at his older brother. Hermione is an honorary bridesmaid, so Nico, who she was paired with, carried her down the asile. He set her down next to Lord Parkinson. The three of them are joined a suprised Rita. On the other side, Ares and Enyo sit behind Hesphestus and Aphrodite with a wavering spirit who is crying spectral tears at the sight of her son getting married and honoring their family.

Harry had to deal with Nico again carrying his wife up the asile, much to everyone's enjoyment.

A section in the middle of the cemertary, is decorated for the reception. The food is done as a buffet. Harry has a tough time figuring how to hold Hermione and still get food for the both of them. His father comes to the rescue, Ares scoops Hermione up and carries over to the table. "You fill the plates and I will hold her so she can decide what she wants." Harry agrees reluctantly and does as he says.

After eating their table sits and watching the party around them. Both Hermione and Daphne rest in their husband's arms and discuss their issues and joys. Hermione shares her Rolaids and smiles at the other pregnant lady's smile of relief.

"How come you haven't told me about those, Jake?" Daphne scolds him. The older man chuckles a bit. "I tried, but you wouldn't listen about anything that isn't magical." He coos to her.

The first dance is a tango, which makes all the ladies melt. Harry and Hermione nibble at the sugar death heads. Over all it is a happy and enjoyable way to end the season of weddings for the "kids". Pansy and Leo leave after shaking hands and hugging with everyone.

Harry picks his wife up and carries her to the car that will drive them back to the school. He uses the passages to their suite and lays her down. He kisses down her neck and back up.

"Thank you, Baby for everything. I love you so much, Hermione." He whispers to her and lays next to her running his hands along her face and belly. So she is asleep and snuggled against him where she should be.

Mexican Fun!

by Rita Skeeter

Ole'! The long awaited wedding of Senor and Senora Valdez was tonight. It was a rousing success. I could not spot an unhappy face in the whole group.

Though the mother of the bride was not in attendance in a show of snobbish jealously, I will plainly say Lady Parkinson would have brought the whole fiesta down. She was not missed by anyone, including Lord Parkinson. He was the most relaxed, I have ever seen him in public.

Mrs. Valdez was a vision in her gown and large candle lined hat. Mr. Valdez was truely stunned by her. Pansy was attended by her matron of honor, Daphne Black, she is starting to rack them up, Tracy Flint, Clairisse Nott and honorary bridesmaid, Hermione Potter, who was in the front row with her feet up.

Mr. Valdez was joined by best man, Jason Grace and groomsmen; Percy Jackson, Frank Zhang, and Nico Mars, who helped Hermione to her spot and joined the boys. Harry protested the whole way that he could have carried her. It was cute when Nico turned to his younger brother and said that he wanted to carry his partner as the others were to escort theirs.

Lord Parkinson walked his daughter down the asile. Lord Hesphestus walked beside a floating dark haired woman. Lady Aphrodite happily followed on the arm of usher Grover Underwood.

I found myself escorted to sit with Harry, Hermione and Lord Parkinson. Ares and Enyo Mars were seated behind the groom's parents. I later found out who the spirit was, Leo's mother. She was able to join the celebration because of the day's legends. You could see the woman crying spectral tears and she repeatedly clasped both Aphrodite's and Hesphestus' hands.

The ceremony was short and sweet, but the party following was long and fun.

Again, I sat with the Potters. Hermione was cute in a bridesmaid's dress that stretched over her growing belly. She and Daphne both sat out most of the events, being married and pregnant. Both fathers looked on, as the girls discussed their experiences so far, and beamed.

When Mrs. Black noted that heartburn right now was the pits as "We can't take the normal potions." Hermione pulled out a bottle of chewable antiacids. She ate a couple and passed them around.

"I learned my lesson at Uncle Frank and Aunt Hazel's wedding. Have Rolaids will travel." Ours was the only table that was not groaning a couple hours later.

The bridal couple danced a tango. Daphne told us that Pansy has been taking lessons for two months now. "Leo joined her, he wants to learn whatever Ares and Jane did at her wedding. I wasn't there, but I heard it was something."

Being a themed wedding, the idea was everywhere. Black was a major color, but the effect was broken up by bursts of bright colors. Skeletons were everywhere also, as was Death Heads. Our favors were Death Head cookies, that I heard Mrs. Valdez and Lady Aphrodite made.

The oddest aspect to the celebration was where the ceremony and reception was held. All the tables, dance floor and everything was in the middle of a cemertary.

Mrs. Potter explained to us that's how the day is celebrated. After her explaination, I found myself thinking that it is a lovely way to honor the dead.

Mr. and Mrs. Leo Vladez are taking a week in Fiji. Have fun!

To all my brides and grooms, thank you for inviting me to report on your big days. I was able to learn a lot more about you all from this. To my adoring public, I want to tell you all that this up coming generation is going to be our finest yet.

As I am going to be busy with my own ceremony and reception, I am passing the reins to another for the day. She will get the byline and I think that it will be an entertaining guest columist. I will be back to my normal articles after my honeymoon. Until then, Love Rita.