HERE WE GO! 2 CHAPTERS LEFT!
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40
The day of the rehearsal dinner was busy around the Marauder's Love house as decorations went up. The invites for the dinner had been sent along with the wedding invites to those who were supposed to receive them. The register had been updated to reflect the guests that were coming. It wasn't a very big list considering it was mainly people that had helped in getting everything setup and a trial run of what was to come tomorrow. The guest list for the dinner had included Xeno Lovegood, Ron and Hermione, Minerva McGonagall, George and Angelina, Neville and his girlfriend Hannah Abbott, and Rubeus Hagrid with his date Madam Maxime from Beauxbatons. Hagrid was standing in as the father figure for Harriet to walk her down the aisle. Hagrid was in tears when she asked him. He couldn't even get the words out so he just nodded yes. He was originally going to ask Mr. Weasley but neither Ron nor George thought that was a good idea with their mother being involved. She was invited to the wedding as Mr. Weasley's date providing she could be civil. Ron and George had spoken to her about this ahead of time.
As the guests started arriving outside Luna and Harriet would greet them and show them to the living room where everyone else was. Most of the guests came in one floo call from Hogwarts. The rest arrived rather soon after. With George and Angelina popping in last just outside the wards because they had to close up the shop.
The dinner had been setup out doors on the patio with a round table being big expanded enough to fit all the guests so they could talk freely. At the end of the patio a mock setup of what it would look like tomorrow had been setup so they could get a rough idea of what the process would be. The dinner and dessert had been wonderfully with Winky and Kreacher popping in to help where they could and provide refreshments. Harriet had tried to get them to sit down and have dinner with them but the insisted on helping out and serving.
Once the dirty plates were cleared away they were left with some simple snacks and some magical champagne. It was magical because it tasted like whatever the drinker wanted it to but remained the champagne color and still had the alcohol. They were making small talk when the heard an OOF from Ron before he blushed and stood up. He tapped his glass with his fork despite the fact that they were staring at him anyway.
"Right," he stammered as he began what was sure to be an interesting speech, "so apparently I'm supposed to make a speech or something but I'm not very good at speeches."
"Then sit down," George interrupted, receiving a chuckle from everyone but Ron.
"Anyway…I could sit here and tell you all the stories and adventures we've had but most of you were either there with us or gave us detention because of it." That received a good laugh from everyone, even Professor McGonagall who rarely let loose. "However, this isn't about us. It's about them. Harriet and Luna. When they first got together I thought they were crazy but as time went on I saw that they were happy. More than happy. They loved each other. As I watched them interact I knew that they were truly meant for each other and I hope to have that kind of love when I get married."
"If Hermione will have you," George added, earning another round of laughs and a deep blush from both Ron and Hermione.
Harriet got up and hugged Ron whispering a thank you in his ear. Ron turned a deeper red before they both sat down again. Hermione stood up this time.
"Like Ronald, I had my doubts when this relationship began. I didn't want to see Harriet get hurt anymore then she already had been and I didn't know Luna exceptionally well. At school their relationship was…unusual…to say the least. Not because of who they were and not because they were two girls but because anybody looking at them could tell how deep their love was. It's like they were truly and honestly meant for each other. I've never seen a more perfect couple so in sync before. It's miraculous and I hope that one day I can find that kind of relationship."
"Looks like you're out of luck," George told Ron. Both Luna and Harriet got up and hugged Hermione.
"We'd like to have everyone move out to the archway out there so we can do a quick run through for tomorrow," Harriet announced. As everyone stood and headed for the archway, Luna and Xeon went to the left side of the carpet that lead into the archway, while Harriet and Hagrid went to the right. Hagrid already had his handkerchief out and was dabbing his eyes before they had even started. Ron stood ahead of Harriet and Hermione stood ahead of Luna. The music started and both pairs slowly made their way up to the arch in the center. Hermione and Ron stood off to the side and the couple could finally see each other. Both were grinning as they knew it wouldn't be long now.
After they had finished the trial run, Luna spoke up. "Umm…excuse me. If I could get everyone to go back to the round table I have one more surprise for the evening." Harriet looked at her with a confused look on her face. Luna just smiled and motioned towards the table. Once they were seated around the table with only Luna remaining standing she spoke up again. "Harriet, I need you to close your eyes and don't open them again until I tell you to."
Harriet closed her eyes and could feel her heartbeat rising. She had no idea what was happening. She felt Luna spin her around in her chair and touch her hand with something before placing it on the table with a quiet thunk behind Harriet. She heard gasps from the other guests and struggled not to open her eyes.
"There were many people who couldn't be here tonight or for our wedding tomorrow. These people would like to say a few words."
"Hello darling," came a familiar voice. Harriet recognized the voice immediately but it couldn't be. Her eyes flew open and there standing before her were her parents. They weren't ghosts like this time. They were solid and whole. Without even thinking she shot forward into her mother wrapping her in a tight hug as tears rolled down her face. Her father joined the hug as well and embraced the pair of young women.
"We're so proud of you. You defeated Voldemort and found a wonderful partner. Not to mention you're quite the Quidditch player. Not quite the Chaser I was but I suppose it will do," James said to her. Both Lily and Harriet laughed through the tears.
"We love you and we're so proud of the beautiful young woman that you have become. We don't have a whole lot of time but there are some other people here who would like to speak with you," said Lily with a smile, tears still streaming.
"Hey pup," came another familiar voice from behind her. She turned around and saw Sirius standing there with Remus and Tonks. As they talked Luna wandered over and was introduced to Harriet's parents officially. While they talked, George sat there staring at the impossible as did the rest of the table. All of a sudden a familiar voice came from behind George. One he had known his whole life.
"Hello Georgie! Can you ear me ok?" George's eyes grew wide as he fought back the tears. "Hello Freddie. It's been a long time." He stood around and hugged his twin brother. Angelina's eyes were streaming tears as she watched the twins' temporary reunion. Professor McGonagall covered her mouth with her hands and struggled to maintain composure at the reunions going on around her. The empty chair next to her pulled out and Albus Dumbledore sat down.
"Hello Minnie."
"Oh Albus! It's good to see you again." She hugged the former headmaster.
There was one person there that they hadn't expected. Xeno was watching his daughter interact with her fiancés long lost parents when somebody came up from behind him and covered his eyes. "Guess who," a feminine voice whispered. It was a voice Xenophilius hadn't heard since Luna was a child. Xeno started shaking and had a hard time speaking.
"P…P…Pandora?"
"Yes my love" With that she spun Xenophilius around a placed a deep kiss on his lips. Xenophilius stood up as they kissed and wrapped his arms around her. It had been a long time since he had and he didn't know when or if he would get to again.
Harriet had noticed the woman behind Xeno. She looked remarkably like Luna. Meanwhile Luna was talking with Harriet's parents. She stopped when she saw Harriet staring behind her with wide eyes. Luna turned around and saw her father kissing a woman with long blond hair. That was something she would have never expected to see. When they broke apart Luna's eyes watered as she spoke quietly, "Mommy?" Her parents were too far away for them to hear her. "Go to them," Harriet told her over shoulder. Luna burst across the patio startling quite a few people as she landed in her mother's arms.
"I've missed you Moonflower," Pandora said as she held Luna. "You've gotten so big and soon you're going to be married. Mrs. Luna Potter-Black. It does have a certain ring to it." Luna talked and hugged and kissed her parents for a while before they all wandered back over to the Potters, Blacks and Lupins. For the first time ever their entire family was in one place. They even managed to get a magical photo taken to remember the night. There were many photos taken that night including one of everyone that had shown up. They wanted these memories forever.
With so many reunions it was a very emotional time. There wasn't a dry eye in the house as everyone mingled and hugged and congratulated Harriet and Luna. However all good things must come to an end as the former spirits bid their friends and family a fond farewell promising to watch over them.
Almost everyone left except for Ron and Hermione.
"It's getting late and we've got a long day ahead of us so we better get going," came the voice of reason named Hermione. "Luna and I will be staying here to get ready tomorrow. Ron and Harriet are going to go back to Hogwarts for the evening. It's bad luck for the brides to see each other on their wedding day."
Harriet and Luna said goodbye and goodnight. Both still looking forward to tomorrow. Hermione and Ron also said their goodbyes as Ron and Harriet stepped into the floo. With one last look at their girls they flooed back to Hogwarts.
Harriet and Ron stayed up talking for a little bit before Ron passed out on the couch. After that Harriet went into her room and changed before lying in bed. It was the first time she had been sleeping seperate from Luna in a long time and she didn't like it. She tossed and turned for a while but gave up on sleep.
It's weird trying to sleep without you came Luna's voice inside her Harriet.
I know the feeling. I miss having you here with me. Thank you by the way. For tonight. That was the 2nd best present I've ever received. Harriet replied.
What was the best one? Luna inquired
You.
Harriet and Luna stayed up til the early hours of the morning talking before they both passed out from pure exhaustion.
Early the next morning there was a pounding on the front door of their hidden Hogwarts room. Ron had stumbled off the couch and managed to open the front door to find the Headmistress standing there, obviously shaken up. "Where is Miss Potter? This is urgent."
"She's still sleeping I think."
The Headmistress made her way past Ron and knocked loudly on the bedroom door. "Miss Potter, wake up. There's been an attack. Someone attacked the ceremony site. It's a complete disaster!"
Harriet threw open the door as she was typing her robe closed, disheveled and concerned. "WHAT?"
