Molly had taken what Fred had asked to heart and for his funeral and Bridget had helped her prepare an assortment of his favorite pies, turkey, pudding, and canapés. It was a lovely memorial and there was more laughter than tears as they all told stories and knew that Fred was there, somewhere, watching them all.
Remus and Tonks funeral had been held together. Bridget met Andromeda Tonks, Dora's mother and with her met Teddy. She smiled and played with the two and a half month old, telling him that he would be well looked after, and telling Andromeda that she would gladly take the boy anytime if the woman ever wanted a break, Harry agreeing.
John had taken up residence in their old home in Caithness, having fixed it up with the help of Bridget, George, and the other Weasleys. The two would go there often to have dinner with him and he would visit them in the shop as she had moved in with George in the flat above it, having decided not to finish school, not being able to stand being away from George despite Hermiones objections. George slowly began to recover, the loss of his brother never quite leaving him but he still laughed and still made new items for the shop with hers and Rons help, them helping him cope with the loss as much as they could. Neither of them had the heart to change Freds room though, Bridget only going in there to keep the dust away. They would take Teddy from Andromeda some nights, taking him to visit the Weasleys so that they and Harry could spend time with him as well. George knew he was the only reason she was taking the loss of Remus and Tonks so well, their child being what they left to keep her strong.
Molly had begun helping them plan the wedding and they decided that they would have it at the home in Scotland as not to copy Bill and Fleur, and so that Molly still had a kitchen to work in because she had insisted on cooking for them.
She, George, and John were at the Burrow having dinner with everyone when there was a knock on the door. Arthur got up to get it, "Kingsley- I mean Minister!"
"No need for that old friend." The man laughed.
"What can I do for you?" Arthur said letting him in.
"Actually I was hoping to find someone, she wasn't at her address, or finishing school for that matter." Kingsley's eyes landed on Bridget with a smirk.
She looked at him, a fresh bite of food in her mouth. Bridget quickly swallowed it, "What? Harry and Ron didn't go back either."
Ron and Harry shot a look at her like she was trying to get them in trouble as well.
"I know, I'm not here about that." The Minster laughed, "I was hoping for your help."
"With what?" She asked, trying to think of what she could do to help the Minister of Magic.
"Along with my reform I wish to start incorporating more magical species into the Ministry, Primals included." He took the seat that Molly offered him, "I want you to help me come up with ways to make that happen."
"Well for Primals, getting rid of registration would be nice." She shrugged and George laughed at her.
"Alright then, that's first." He smiled at her, "We will not have any more Primals register and will figure out how to get rid of the documentation on those that already have."
"Really?" Bridget perked up and the others at the table wore smiles.
"Really." The new Minster smirked, "What else?"
"Well allowing Primals to work in the Ministry would be a good start for us, as well as allowing creatures like Centaurs and others that want to but aren't allowed to as well, without jokes or ridicule." She took a sip from her drink, "Giving creatures like us the ability to be a part of the normal wizarding society will be good for us and our livelihood but will also stop the rumors and stories about us that make witches and wizards fear and dislike us. Also perhaps getting rid of or refining the classifications for all creatures would be good since some are classified differently because they don't want to share the same status as another creature. It is a conversation that you should have with races of all backgrounds."
"I'm glad to know I came to the right person." Kingsley smiled.
"She can also help you bridge the gap between the different leaders of all the species as well since she has connections with the Primal council as well as having good relationships with Centaurs and the Merpeople." George piped up.
"Sounds good. Will you help me?" Kingsley asked, "Will you come and work for me at the Ministry to help make this happen?"
"What? Really?" She asked, not believing this, it had only been a few months since the war had ended, she hadn't even been focusing on getting a job, just helping people recover and rebuild. Harry gave her a nudge and a smile, knowing that this would help her be able to pursue the life she wanted like he was doing.
"If there is anybody that people will listen to it's you." Arthur interjected, "The Primal who gave her life to save the people she cared about, witches, wizards, and creatures all the same. If anyone could possibly make things equal for all, then it would be that girl."
"I agree." Kingsley looked at her, awaiting an answer.
"Can you give me a week to make sure that everything is ready and taken care of?" Bridget looked at him.
"Of course, make sure you're ready to start then send me an owl. I'll make sure you have plenty of time to continue helping within the community as well as preparing for the wedding." He smiled at her before extending a hand to her, "It will be an honor to be working with you Ms. Faltey."
"You too, Minister." She shook his hand.
Bridget was stocking, a smile on her face as she placed Phoenix Fyre on the shelves, Fred's last creation. Hearing the door chime that someone had entered she called out, "Hello, welcome in!"
She didn't get a response so she peaked her head out and was surprised to Draco. Walking over to him his eyes didn't meet hers. Instead he just held out his hand to her, a bag in it, "I was told you live here now. I found this. Thought you might want it back."
"What?" She questioned before opening the bag and seeing her parents wedding album inside of it. A soft smile grew on her face, "I hated myself that I'd forgotten this."
Ron came around the corner, "Bloody Hell what's he doing here?"
"Who?" George asked right behind his brother, both of them stopping, seeing Bridget standing there with Draco. Both of their faces grew annoyed and she waved them off.
"Both of you stop it." She waved them off and looked back to Draco, "Thank you. I owe you one."
"You saved my life. I don't think we'll ever be even." He still avoided her eyes.
"I wouldn't have been able to if you hadn't let me out of my room that night." She placed a hand on his arm, and he finally looked at her, "So you're right, we'll never be even. I'll always owe you."
"He's the one who let you out?" George stepped closer to them, Ron looking slightly confused.
"Yeah." Bridget smiled at her fiancé.
"Then thank you." George held his hand out to the boy and Draco hesitantly took it, but then they shook.
"I…I should go." Draco looked around slightly uncomfortable, "If I find anything else, I'll bring it to you since I don't think you ever want to come back to the manor again."
"Yeah, no offense, I think I've been there enough for one life…or two." She smiled at him. He turned to go but she called out to him, "Draco, if you ever need anything, ever need to talk, you know where to find me."
Draco looked at her and nodded, a small smile on his face, "Thanks…Bridget."
She watched him leave and George flipped through the album in her hands, looking at the pictures smiling, seeing both of their sets of parents young and happy. Ron piped up, "Wasn't that a Portkey?"
"Yeah, it was made for a one way trip though." Bridget looked at it fondly, "Mum must have realized John was right that we were being followed and must have planned this for our escape, so we couldn't go back. This was her most prized possession. I don't think she meant for me to take the trip alone, but she didn't want to waste time."
"She knew she was sending you somewhere safe." George looked down at her as he pointed to a picture of Molly and Emmele, "They seemed close, she must have known that even if she wasn't with you, Mum would have taken care of you."
"Mum would have taken care of a stray cat if it looked at her with sad enough eyes." Ron laughed.
"Clearly, she took care of you." George looked back at his brother and Bridget couldn't help but laugh.
Molly was bustling about the house making sure everything was prepared. Outside George was with all the men helping get the tent ready. Ginny and Hermione were helping Bridget get ready, Minerva popping in on them every now and then between making sure all the decorations were in order. It was to be a small wedding, just close friends and family, also the few remaining members of the Order.
She stared at herself in the mirror and smiled. It wasn't a fancy dress but she loved it. Long sleeves, jewel neckline, cinched at her waist and as white as the snow on the ground. It was perfect for a winter wedding. It was Christmas Eve and she was glad everyone had agreed to that date, not being upset about it happening the night before Christmas. Minerva and Molly came into the room, Molly letting out a gasp. Minerva smiled at her, "You look beautiful, my dear."
"Thanks Aunt Minerva." She smiled back.
"You're a spitting image of your mother like that." Molly came up to her giving her a hug, being sure not to mess up her hair, which was twisted from two small strands to the back, holding it away from her face. Pulling away Molly looked at her, "Any worries? Second thoughts? Best consider them now."
"I've never been more sure of anything in my life." Bridget smiled at her.
"That's good, we did go to all of this trouble after all." Ginny teased.
Bridget gave her a laugh and called to Hermione, who was in the bathroom, "Hermione, are you ready?"
"Yes!" Hermione said opening the door, "Just need to be zipped up."
The two girls smiled at each other, one in white and the other in a dusty rose colored floor length dress. Ginny helped Hermione and the five woman all smiled at each other, a happiness surrounding them that didn't need to be spoken of. Molly broke the silence, "The warming charm has set in and your brother is waiting for you downstairs. Let's go."
Bridget nodded with a smile, picking up the bottom of her dress going out of the room with everyone else. Ginny, Molly, and Minerva all went out to the tent and Ron, who was Georges best man, escorted Hermione out. John came to her side, "Never thought I'd be doing this so soon."
"Or ever." She smirked up at him.
"I would have found my way back to you eventually." He looked down at her, the music began to play, "Are you ready?"
"I've been ready." Bridget let out the breath she didn't even know she was holding in as the door to the home opened and they walked down the path to the tent, George coming into view.
As their eyes met a smile grew on his face, seeing her there, walking towards him, snow falling behind her. She was really about to be his wife, he was really going to be her husband. He'd never felt so lucky. Bridget smiled at him as she and her brother passed the six empty chairs, meant to seat Fred, Remus, Tonks, MacRose, Emmele, and Patrick. Proudly, John put Bridgets hand in Georges and both of them stood in front of Kingsley, who had agreed to preside over the ceremony, as he would be there anyway. George smiled down at her, "You look stunning."
"You don't look so bad yourself." She smiled with a blush at his compliment.
There were tears from everyone as they said their vows and slipped the rings onto each other's fingers. George ran his thumb over the bands on her left hand as he had done so many times before, but now there were two. She smiled up at him and as Kingsley said, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
"I've been waiting to hear for a long time." George smiled before cupping her face and pressing his lips to hers. She smiled as well as everyone began to applaud and when George broke away for a moment she laughed as he quickly kissed her again. He whispered on her lips, "I love you."
"I love you too." She smiled back before they turned to look at everyone, officially married.
The reception started and the wonderful food Molly had prepared was served. Everyone sat together, joked, and laughed, sometimes dancing or eating. George had gone to dance with his mother and Hermione leaned over to Bridget, "You know, if someone told me that night four years ago after the Yule Ball that we would be sitting here, you with George, me with Ron, Harry with Ginny, I'd have laughed at them. I would never have guess you two would have gotten married so young, but I'm glad you did."
"Why's that?" Bridget smiled at her.
"Because you were made for each other. It was clear from the start that this would happen, so I'm glad to see you not wasting any time, not after so much was lost." Her best friend looked at her, "I want you both to be happy and together every day from now on. After everything that happened, it's the least you deserve."
"Thanks." She smiled at her, taking her hand, "You deserve it too. But promise me that you won't rush this."
Hermione laughed and Bridget did too before Kingsley came up to them, "Well then Mrs. Wealsey, I must be off, enjoy your holiday and your honeymoon. I'll see you next year."
"You too Minister." Bridget got up giving him a hug. She watched as the Minister said the rest of his goodbyes and she felt arms wrap around her shoulders in a hug.
George gave her a kiss on the cheek, "About ready love?"
"Is it that late already?" She asked.
"Time flies when you're having fun." He smiled down at her.
"Or when you don't want the night to end." She smiled back.
George whispered in her ear, "The night is far from over."
"Can't wait." She kissed him on the cheek now, "Just wish I knew where we were going after this."
"I promise you'll love it." He helped her up, "Now come on, let's make our exit."
"Okay." She smiled her hand in his. They said good bye to everyone then once they were ready they apparated. Bridget couldn't help herself from taking in a slight gasp, "George…"
She looked out of the room they were standing in to see the Eiffel Tower lit up in the night sky. The suite they were in was a beautiful French style room with gold accents and ivory and taupe decorations. She walked to the double doors and opened them, going outside, feeling the snow falling and taking in the wonderful view. George followed her out and she smiled looking out at everything, "George, it's beautiful."
"Yes, it is." He was looking at her, his hand moving down the side of her face. She looked at him with a slight smirk, giving him a playful shove. He laughed putting his arm around her waist and kissed her gently.
"But how-"
"Fred." He answered looking down at her, "He'd apparently been saving for months. It's what I found under his bed at Aunt Muriels, he was planning on giving this as our wedding gift."
She had a small smile on as she placed her head on his chest, "Thanks Fred. It's perfect."
"It is." He kissed the top of her head. She looked up at him and he placed a light kiss on her lips, smiling as his nose nuzzled to hers. Kissing her one last time on the balcony he took her hand leading her back inside. After taking off their shoes they entered the bedroom and he turned her around, moving her hair over her shoulder, undoing the buttons on the back of her dress. He let out a quiet laugh, "Are these buttons pay back for the layers I normally wear?"
"No, just a very good coincidence." She smiled at him over her shoulder. George began kissing the back of her neck while slowly continuing to remove her dress. As he pushed it down her shoulders removing it from her body, noting the only thing she had on under it was panties, before she turned and their lips reconnected. Their kisses were slow and drawn out as she removed his blazer and tie. They had the rest of their lives, nothing about their actions were urgent, neither of them was going anywhere. His hands explored her naked back as she undid the buttons of his top, her fingers ghosting over the skin it exposed. Once the fabric was on the floor he pulled her close, skin touching skin, chest touching chest, tongue touching tongue as they were engulfed in each other. Her hand ran through his hair as the other was gently on his chest, his held the back of her head as their kisses deepened.
He could stand there with her for hours like this and it wouldn't bother him at all. His fingers had already memorized every curve and dip of her body, the two white lines on her back where her wings came from, the scars on her neck she had caused, the mark from the thorn from the graveyard, even the snake bite wound on her shoulder. Each and every mark he knew, each one he loved. Bridgets hand glided over where his ear once was and she smiled. He whispered, "What?"
"I never thought I'd miss an ear so much, it was the one I enjoyed kissing the most." She smiled up at him.
"Now the right one knows and is jealous." He smirked.
"Well why don't I make it feel better?" She laughed reaching up to kiss his ear, pulling his lobe between her lips, sucking on it gently.
"Oh yeah, it had reason to be jealous." He whispered as she kissed down his neck and with a laugh kissed him again and reached for his belt, undoing it and his pants, pushing them to the ground. George reconnected their lips, her usual glow making him smile, the beautiful amber glow that belonged only to his wife. Wife. He smiled even more before scooping her legs up with his arm, "I do believe tradition states this is how it's supposed to be done tonight."
"Never thought you were one for tradition." She smirked as he began to carry her over to the bed.
"I could just throw you on the bed and ravage you if you'd prefer." He stopped walking with a smile.
She took his hand in her face, "How about a bit of both?"
"I love how we compromise." He grinned before he finished the trip to the bed, dropping her down on it with a bounce and a laugh before climbing on top of her. Trailing kisses from her stomach up her chest he stopped at her neck, sucking on the flesh as she let out a quiet gasp. Her fingers ran through his hair as he took her skin between his teeth, their hips grinding together only separated by thin fabric. Bridget ran a leg up his and hooked it over his hip helping to increase the sensation. Taking a hand to her breast he squeezed the mound before running the hard pink bud between his fingers, causing her to moan into the quiet room. George placed a kiss on her lips as he removed her leg with his other hand, "Do you know how much I love the noises you make?"
She blushed but still smiled, "Enough to marry me."
"My amazing," He kissed her lips, "beautiful," Her jaw, "talented," Her neck, "seductive," the top of her breast, "wife." Her laughter was replaced by a gasp as he wrapped his lips around one of her nipples, sucking on it with enough pressure to make her whole body arch to him. He got his wish to hear more of her noises as she released whimpers of pleasure from his hand and mouth on her chest. Smiling as she gripped his hair tight, her fingers pressed into his back he slid his hand from her breast down under her underwear, his finger finding her clit.
"George." His name escaped her in a whisper dripping in ecstasy. His fingers pushing in and out of her while his mouth moved to her other breast, her hands gripping him tighter as her breathing shuttered. Feeling her clench around his fingers he slowed his rhythm as her orgasm coursed through her. He kissed down her stomach just above her panty line and began removing the lace from her before removing his own underwear. Kissing her inner thigh, he put her knees on his shoulders before lining him up to her entrance. His hands gripped her hips as he pushed into her, he knew how much she liked this position and he loved the view of her it gave him. Slowly thrusting at first he smiled, watching her chest heave with every movement he made.
She felt his lips against her inner thigh again and gasped as he lightly pulled some of the flesh between his teeth before he leaned more into her, thrusting deeper into her. Gripping the sheets as he picked up speed Bridgets noises became louder as she grew closer to cumming. Slipping his hands between her legs he rolled his thumb over her clit as he kept his speed. Her back arched in pleasure as she came below him, his name exiting her in a pleasure filled whine. The sight, her noises, it was almost to much for him and he pushed her knees from his shoulders moving on top of her, lips crashing into hers. Her arms wrapped around him instantly, fingers tangling in his hair, pressing along his spine, as their wet kisses deepened, and he continued moving in and out of her.
Like always he was completely lost in her. Tonight, it was different though. She was his wife. They had already been bound for life from the bond, but they had officially become each other's completely. She was his wife. He was her husband. He was hers.
Kissing down her neck he tasted the salt from their sweat as her hands gripped him tight. He pulled her hip closer to him as he reached the deepest part of her, a breathy gasp escaping her. As he sucked on her neck George slowed his thrusts, the pleasure of feeling him slowly enter her each burned inside of her and she wanted to feel every inch of him. Bridget pulled him tight against her, no space between them as they were tangled in each other. She put her hand on the side of his face, pulling his lips back to hers and they kissed slow, his fingers running through her hair as the other one held on to her hip. They stayed at this pace, with this connection, because they didn't want it to end. Eventually George couldn't stop himself and when Bridget tightened around him again he released himself into her. He broke the kiss and looked down at her before placing a peck on her lips again, "I love you."
"I love you too." She whispered back to him.
"Are you tired?" He asked. She nodded and he moved to pull the sheets from under them and they both got under. Rolling over to him she laid her head on his chest and he ran his fingers down her shoulder, "Best Christmas ever."
She laughed, "I don't know, you looked so dashing at the Yule Ball, it's a hard Christmas to beat."
"You always look beautiful, but tonight walking down that aisle…I'll never forget that image as long as I live."
"I'll never forget the one of you waiting there for me." She kissed his chest, "That damn grin on your face."
"How could I not smile? My biggest dream was coming true." He settled his hand on her waist.
Her eyes were now closed, a smile on her face despite the sleep in her voice, "Mine too."