Two Cousins, One Altar
By five in the morning, many people were already awake and hurrying around getting everything ready. Hermione went to the room Chloe and Ginny had slept in, while Ron went to the room Dudley and Harry had slept in. The brides and grooms were quickly sent for a shower. As they took turns taking their baths, the ones who had finished sat on the bed, waiting for the others. Soon, both the brides and both the grooms sat in front of the mirrors.
Although heavily pregnant, Fleur wasn't sitting idle. She had magically enhanced the perfume to make the wearer look and smell more elegant. She not only applied it to Ginny and Chloe, but also sent Hermione to give it to Ron to apply the perfume to Harry and Dudley.
Dressed in a stunning ivory satin gown, Chloe turned over to her side of the bed. Jane and Alistair Gabbers stood with mirth, waving at her as though frozen in time. It was a muggle photograph. A heavy weight settled in her chest, and she blinked back tears, desperately wishing her parents were alive on this special day. Clodagh Gabbers was about to start a new life with Dudley Dursley, the man she loved with all her heart.
Ginevra's dress was a breathtaking shade of emerald-green silk. She looked over at her side of the bed, where a moving portrait of Fred Weasley seemed to be pulling a raspberry. Her heart grew heavy, and she missed her brother more than ever. Percy, too, had become emotional on his wedding day. But Ginny had been strong that day. She had consoled Percy and provided strength to him in such a way that had surprised many. Even after the death eater attack, Ginny stayed strong when she was with company, seeking solace only in Harry's arms. But now, it seemed like she was losing control in front of others. She was getting married to the boy she had fallen in love with all those years ago. Not the rich savior of the wizarding world, but the humble, loving, and strong young man with brilliant green eyes. She missed her brother terribly on this day. Her eyes were streaming, and she yearned for the comfort of Harry's arms, afraid she would burst into tears in front of Chloe. She hastily wiped her eyes.
Once again, the flame of hatred for Crabbe Snr. and Goyle Snr. for the murder of Alistair and Jane Gabbers flared up within Chloe, and just as Ginny sniffled, Chloe unconsciously muttered, "Crabbe died in the Room of Requirement."
Ginny turned, glad for some kind of distraction. "Yes, when Harry, Ron, and Hermione destroyed one of the Horcruxes, they managed to save Malfoy and Goyle, but not Crabbe from the FiendFire."
Chloe looked up in shock. "I didn't realize I was talking loudly."
Ginny smiled warmly and said, "It's okay. I think I know what you're thinking. But listen, you have Dudley! You have all of us!"
Chloe, however, stared intently at Ginny.
"What's-what's wrong?" Ginny asked nervously.
It was Chloe's turn to give a warm smile. "Nothing. Remember that you have Harry. You have all of us."
Ginny blinked back tears. "What?"
"You were muttering in your sleep about the chamber last night. And you were looking at your brother's photo now." Chloe said.
"Yes, I did. When you were looking at your parents photo." Ginny said. Chloe blinked back tears, yearning for the comfort of Dudley's arms.
The door opened just then, revealing Hermione and her mother. Mrs. Granger had brought some muggle cosmetics, insisting that they'd enhance the bride's looks. The two brides swiped at their faces quickly and smiled at Emily Granger.
Meanwhile, the groom's room was busy as ever. So busy that the nerves were visible!
Dressed in a charcoal gray three-piece suit, Dudley kept swinging his arms widely, highly reminiscent of Vernon Dursley when agitated.
Harry's was a classic black tuxedo, and while he'd normally chuckle at a Dursley being so agitated, his own nerves were sky-high at the moment. He continued fidgeting with his fingers and staring at the mat.
Ron entered the room and rolled his eyes at their antics. He grabbed their hands and made them sit on the foot of the bed the cousins had shared the previous night.
"Now, sit straight. Let me apply this perfume Fleur has given you!" Ron said.
Harry, however, jumped and pulled Ron into a tight hug, just as he handed over some perfume to Dudley.
"Blimey! What's wrong, mate?" Ron asked, his blue eyes wide open.
"Ron! Thank you for everything you and your family have ever done for me! I would have never made it if I had never met the Weasleys on that wonderful day! Because of you, I found a family! I found out what a mother's love is, what a father's affection is, and what a brother's care means! I met Ginny, and today we are starting a new life together." Harry broke down.
"Harry?" Ron said in shock.
"No, no, let me finish. You were my first friend; you have always been my best friend; you always stayed by my side, even when I wasn't a good friend to you or Hermione." Harry said.
"Not true, mate! You are a wonderful friend!" Ron patted Harry's back, his own emotions threatening to spill. Harry shook his head.
"Words aren't enough to express how much you mean to me, Ron. Nothing in this world can compare to my feelings for Ginny! I'd rather die for her than live without her!" Harry said.
"Shh! Don't talk about inauspicious things on an auspicious day, buddy!" Ron tightly hugged Harry, sniffling.
The boys pulled back and saw that Dudley's eyes were also filled. "I'm sorry, Harry!"
Harry shook his head. "It's okay. I'm sorry for not being in control, Ron."
Ron shook his head. "Harry, listen! Hermione and I will always be by your side! You hear me?" Harry shakily nodded.
"Good!" Ron hastily swiped at his face and applied the perfume to Harry as they cleared their throats.
"How did a girl like Chloe even like me? Am I doing the right thing?" Dudley asked just then.
Harry and Ron stared.
"Course! Chloe loves you because you have grown up, Dudley. You are more responsible and less of a prat!' Harry said, offering Dudley more perfume.
"If this is all a dream, don't wake me up!" Dudley shakily said.
"What number is this?" Harry asked suddenly.
Dudley frowned. "Four! I'm not a kid!"
Harry ignored him and repeated the question.
"Seven!" Dudley said, rolling his eyes. "Stop it!"
"Okay, one last time!" Harry said.
"One!" Dudley stood up, irritated.
"Cool, you're not dreaming!" Harry said with a satisfied nod. "Chloe loves you and is really getting married to you today."
"Thanks!" Dudley said, sitting back down with a sigh.
"There! Now you both look dashing!" Ron cheerfully said, exiting the room. "Let's find lapels for you!"
Harry turned to Dudley and said, "You see, Dudley? Ginny has everything. A lovely family with loving parents and caring siblings Why would she fall for an orphan like me?"
"You saved the wizarding world from Voldemort!" Dudley said.
"Exactly. If you think that's why Ginny likes me, Chloe's reason for liking you involves you not being a bully like you were before. Understood?" Harry explained.
Dudley nodded. "I wish I had friends like Ron and Hermione. They encourage you to be better. I had one best friend, and he never encouraged me to be better or anything. And I still miss him."
"Missing your best friend isn't wrong, Big D! It is natural!" Harry patted Dudley's back. "I know what it feels like without Hermione or Ron by my side. Piers Polkiss isn't the ideal kind of best friend, but he was nevertheless your best friend, and it's natural you would want him on your special day."
"Thanks, Harry!" Dudley flashed a smile, just as Ron returned with calla lily lapels for them.
The snow-capped mountain rose majestically in the background, creating a breathtaking natural backdrop for the wedding ceremony. The pristine white snow against the clear blue sky contrasted beautifully with the vibrant spring colors. Adorned with fresh flowers, two identical wooden altars were erected side by side. The aisle leading to the altar was lined with flower petals, and floral arrangements of pastel pink and white adorned the path.
Long rows of rustic wooden benches adorned the area for the guests to attend the wedding ceremony and the reception. Meals for the day would be served in a banquet hall erected at the entrance of the venue. The reception was set for the evening, when soft lighting and candles would create a romantic atmosphere for the relatives and friends to enjoy their meals while watching the sun set behind the mountain, casting a warm glow over the festivities.
One side of the first row was marked for the portraits in this order: Dumbledore, Snape, Sirius, Lily and James, Remus and Tonks, and the muggle photograph of the Gabbers couple. The ever-curious Tonks kept prodding at the muggle photograph and asking Lily why the Gabbers were so still. The same row continued with Arthur, Molly, Petunia, and Vernon sitting in this order. Finally, an empty seat in the end was dedicated to all the fallen warriors in the Voldemort wars—human and non-human. All the Weasleys except the parents, the Delacour couple and Gabrielle, the three Grangers, Andromeda (with Teddy), and Mr. and Mrs. Cruz occupied the second row. These two rows weren't always fully occupied because some of the occupants were busy attending to guests, running errands, or making arrangements when the actual ceremony wasn't going on.
The invited professors and students of Hogwarts, both former and current, occupied several rows with the various employers, colleagues, and acquaintances of both sets of brides and grooms. House-elves like Kreacher and the goblin head of Gringotts also sat amidst them. Firenze occupied a seat in the third row. Hagrid had brought his half brother, Grawp, who was assigned a special place at the end. But Hagrid mostly would be walking around helping or interacting with everybody.
Everybody turned and craned their necks as Ron Weasley led Harry Potter and Dudley Dursley to the front. Both the grooms wore identical navy blue bowties and sleek black dress shoes. Dudley Dursley and Harry Potter stood tall, yet nervous, on their respective altars.
Ron left and appeared a moment later with Hermione Granger in his arms. Together, they occupied the seats marked for them.
Finally, soft music blared. A tiny sheet of rain had begun. Arthur Weasley had gone into the bride's room and had emerged holding his daughter's hand to his right and Chloe's hand to his left. Both the brides' veils cascaded down their backs like a waterfall, their eyes moist, and their lips curled into a smile.
A ruby necklace that had been passed down generations in the Evans family adorned Ginny's neck.
Lily tearfully looked at Petunia. "You remembered?"
Petunia nodded shakily. "That belonged to Mum. Yours and my row should never come in the way of that."
"Thanks-thanks, Tuney!" Lily sobbed.
An emerald necklace that had been passed down generations in the Evans family adorned Chloe's neck.
"Chloe looks graceful!" Lily wiped her eyes.
With a watery chuckle, Petunia said, "Ginny looks more graceful, I think!"
After a point, Arthur stopped. To his left, Chloe walked up to Dudley. To his right, Arthur saw his beloved daughter walking up to Harry. Eyes growing moist, Arthur sat next to Molly, the couple shedding happy tears.
The photo of the Gabbers was damp, as if the muggles in the photograph were also crying happily.
"Tuney! I-I...! It's finally happening!" Lily sobbed. Amidst her tears, Petunia trembled, "Y-Yes, Lily! They're grown up already! Too soon!"
People stared as the Evans' sisters seemed to have momentarily forgotten their differences.
James swiped at his face. "They grow up too fast!"
Vernon couldn't help but clear his throat gruffly and nod at James words, "Yeah, both the boys were so small!"
Tonks flashed excited looks everywhere. Lupin looked on with a nostalgic smile and nodded approvingly. Sirius and Hagrid seemed to be in competition about who cheered Harry the loudest.
"Come on, dear Prongslet!"
"So proud of ya, Harry!"
George Weasley, too, joined in, cheering for his sister. "GINNY! YEAH!"
Snape rolled his eyes at their antics and said, "Immature as ever!"
He couldn't help but sniffle and growl, "Potters always win the redheads! But who is chopping onions here?!"
Dumbledore chuckled and wiped his eyes. "It must be the rain, is it not, Severus?"
"Exactly!" Snape cleared his throat.
Dudley suddenly felt like Mark Evans, the boy Dudley and his gang had beaten up long ago before dementors had attacked Dudley. Just like the poor little boy had lost the strength of his knees that day, Dudley felt the strength in his knees vanishing. What was a poor mortal like him doing standing in front of an angel like Chloe? Chloe flashed a smile at him, and he felt like he was melting away.
Harry suddenly wondered if Voldemort's attack on him in that forest had rendered him incapable of standing. As Ginny walked by, she looked like the purest of angels, untouched by negativity. And here was Harry, the miserable orphan. What he was doing standing in front of her was beyond him, but then she flashed a smile at him, and his knees almost gave way.
George chuckled with Sirius. Hagrid got excited and pulled George into a bone-crushing hug. George grinned with the knowledge that at least one of his ribs was broken. They watched as Kingsley Shacklebolt came forward to officiate the dual wedding and faced the audience.
"A very good morning to everyone gathered around here to witness this wonderful dual wedding. First of all, I would like to welcome all our esteemed family and friends gathered for this lovely occasion! For the uninitiated, I am Kingsley Shacklebolt, the Minister for Magic." His rich and deep voice boomed across half the village, drawing cheers and applause.
"On one side, we have Miss Clodagh Gabbers and Mr. Dudley Dursley!" He pointed to his right.
"On the other side, we have Miss Ginevra Molly Weasley and Mr. Harry James Potter!" He pointed to his left.
The petite forms of the brides turned to face the massive and strong forms of the grooms as Mr. Shacklebolt spoke.
The chocolate brown eyes of Chloe looked into the deep blue eyes of Dudley. Her crispy brown hair sailed gracefully in the air as a strand rested on her forehead. Dudley removed it from her eyes, his blonde hair sailing in unison with hers.
The chocolate-brown eyes of Ginny looked into the emerald-green eyes of Harry. Her glorious red hair resembled the fire of love and passion that flared up in Harry's chest. He raised a hand and arranged her hair behind her left ear. His jet-black hair got even messier, and the Marauders chuckled, knowing that even James' hair had grown just as messy during his wedding with Lily all those years ago.
"One is from Elm St. Edmund." Kingsley continued. "One is from Ottery St. Catchpole."
Kingsley turned and looked at both couples before continuing, "Two are from Surrey!"
There were some cheers. Nodding, Kingsley continued, "And yet, here we are, witnessing the power of love they hold despite being from different backgrounds."
The two couples faced the audience as Kingsley spoke: "One pair went to Hogwarts together. The other met outside of Hogwarts. This wedding is a beautiful combination of pure-blood, half-blood, and muggleborn society! Something that many of us gathered here fought for and lost loved ones along the way! It is because of their sacrifices that we are living in a free society today! So, let us celebrate this double union!"
Nathan Granger nudged at Emily Granger and pointed to their daughter and Ron. Emily smiled and held her daughter's hand.
Hermione lifted her head from Ron's shoulder and looked at her mother.
"What about you and Ron?" Emily asked.
"We are waiting for the good news, dear!" Nathan looked at his daughter with love.
Hermione's eyes watered. Her parents and she had come a long way from them being angry about her moderating their memories during the war. Her parents had become more accepting of her and her relationships. She shook her head. "Soon enough!"
"Hermione? What's wrong?" Ron turned to them.
"Nothing, dear!" The elderly Grangers said warmly.
Hermione's head dropped into Ron's chest. "I am so happy for Harry and Ginny!"
Holding her close, Ron kissed the top of her bushy brown head. "My sister and Harry will be the happiest couple ever!"
Hermione's parents looked at them with affection and turned to the front.
Hermione sniffled into Ron's chest, her voice muffled. "When do we tell everyone, Ron?"
"Once we settle into our new house, love! We can select the date for September the first, maybe?" Ron said.
Hermione giggled and nodded before snuggling into Ron.
Kingsley looked at both pairs and said, "Now, at the special request of Mrs. Lily Potter and Mrs. Petunia Dursley, there is something that is required of the brides and the grooms. Like a tradition of the Evans' family. I request Mr. Potter, Miss Weasley, Mr. Dursley, and Miss Gabbers to come down and join me."
Hand in hand, the couples walked down to Kingsley, looking confused. Kingsley gave them a reassuring smile.
"Miss Weasley, might I request that you exchange with Mr. Dursley what you like the most about Mr. Potter? Mr. Dursley, might I request that you exchange with Miss Weasley what you like the most about Miss Gabbers?" He nodded. "Miss Gabbers, might I request that you exchange with Mr. Potter what you like the most about Mr. Dursley? Mr. Potter, might I request that you exchange with Miss Gabbers what you like the most about Miss Weasley?"
Ginny looked at Dudley and said, "Harry is not just any hero, but my hero! He is down to earth and compassionate."
Dudley nodded. "Clodagh has the potential to see people for who they are. Like Professor Dumbledore, she believes people can improve if given second chances."
Chloe looked at Harry and said, "Dudley's presence is always reassuring. He is strong!"
Harry chuckled. "Yes, he is!"
Chloe looked shocked. "Oh, please don't take it the wrong way. I do not encourage him to bully you."
"I know. I, too, believe in second chances." Harry said. "Ginny is a strong and independent witch. But beneath that toughness, there is a tender and affectionate side to her!"
"That's lovely!" Kingsley said. A golden plate with floral garlands was now in his hands. He gave one garland to each of them.
"Mr. Dursley, kindly exchange garlands with Miss Gabbers. Miss Gabbers, kindly do the same." Kingsley said.
Chloe and Dudley exchanged garlands with grins.
"Mr. Potter, kindly exchange garlands with Miss Weasley. Miss Weasley, kindly do the same." Kingsley said.
Ginny and Harry exchanged garlands with grins.
"Perfect! You may kindly walk up your respective altars!" Kingsley said it in delight and waited patiently. There were excited whispers as the couples made their way.
Kingsley looked up to his right.
"Mr. Dudley Dursley, do you take Miss Clodagh Gabbers to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
"I do!" Dudley looked at Chloe with all the love he could muster.
Kingsley looked up to his left.
"Mr. Harry James Potter, do you take Miss Ginevra Molly Weasley to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
"I do!" Harry looked at Ginny, the creature in his chest roaring in triumph.
Kingsley nodded and turned to his right yet again.
"Miss Clodagh Gabbers, do you take Mr. Dudley Dursley to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
Chloe's eyes watered as she nodded. "I definitely do!"
Kingsley looked to his left yet again.
"Miss Ginevra Molly Weasley, do you take Mr. Harry James Potter to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
Ginny's eyes filled, and she nodded. "I most certainly do!"
"Excellent! I now pronounce," Kingsley raised his right hand, "Mr. Dursley and Miss Gabbers as Mr. and Mrs. Dursley!"
Raising his left hand, Kingsley continued, "Mr. Potter and Miss Weasley as Mr. and Mrs. Potter!"
Loud cheers and applause tore out of everyone's hands and mouths. Several people actively sobbed out of joy, hugging one another, as Kingsley brought his hands together, palms pressed together, and declared, "YOU MAY NOW KISS YOUR RESPECTIVE BRIDES!"
Dudley gathered Chloe in his arms and kissed her like never before. His heart thumped ferociously against his chest as Clodagh Dursley put her arms around his neck, crying and kissing him just like he did. Chloe Dursley tightened her hold and never let go of Dudley.
The creature in his chest roared louder than ever before in absolute victory as Harry gathered Ginny in his arms and kissed her full on the mouth. Ginevra Potter wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him just as passionately, crying as she did so. Ginny Potter wouldn't leave Harry so easily and clung to him.
"May I request the parents and the guardians to stand up for the brides and grooms to touch their feet and take their blessings?" Kingsley asked calmly.
Dudley and Chloe went first, with Harry and Ginny in their wake.
"You all have bright futures together!" Dumbledore blessed them with happy tears.
Lily sobbed harder than ever: "Harry and Ginny! Dudley and Chloe! Our blessings will always follow you."
James cleared his throat. "The four of you always have us whenever you need anything! Okay?"
Petunia was hysterical. She grabbed Dudley and Chloe, sobbing loudly. "My precious Dudders!"
Then, knowing that everyone was watching, she also hugged Harry and Ginny and sobbed. That was the first hug Harry had ever received from his aunt.
Vernon cleared his throat, patted his son's back, and smiled at Chloe.
Again, noticing his wife, he followed suit by patting Harry's back and smiling at Ginny. That was the first acknowledgement Harry had ever received from his uncle.
Chloe burst into tears when they approached her parents portrait. She and Dudley touched the portrait in reverence. Ginny had also began tearing up. Harry quickly dried his eyes, the tears flowed when it was his and Ginny's turn to touch the portrait came.
The Weasleys knew of no discrimination. They hugged Chloe and Dudley with just as much love as they hugged Ginny and Harry.
"Congratulations!" Arthur choked.
"We are so happy for you! Remember that we are always there if you ever need anything!" Molly cried.
"This is wonderful! With all your blessings and best wishes for the two couples, may I request the family and friends to proceed for lunch?" Kingsley said, drawing the wedding ceremony to a close.
"Bill, I think something is wrong!" Fleur said, her face screwing in pain.
"Fleur?" Bill looked worried. Fleur had buried her head in Bill's chest, moaning against him.
"Let's take her inside and see." Fleur's mother said.
"I hope she will be okay. And the baby," Audrey said.
"Yes! I'm certain it will be a girl!" Percy puffed out his chest. "I want a girl, too!"
"Percy!" Audrey blushed, burying her head into his shoulder.
Charlie and George were laughing and walking hand in hand, just as Charlie stopped.
"George? When's yours?"
Blushing red, George said, "Angelina and I plan on waiting for some time, Charlie. Maybe sometime next year. Not any time soon."
"No problem!" Charlie said that and put an arm around his brother. The two walked to the banquet hall.
It turned out that Fleur was fine but exhausted. With her head on Bill's shoulder, she sat and consumed some diary products and sweets for her cravings.
"Hello, Harry. Congratulations to you! And to Ginny! Meet my parents." Dennis said. Harry was meeting Colin's parents for the very first time.
"Our son would often talk about you! It means a lot to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Potter!" Colin's mother wept. Colin's father put an arm around her and nodded at the newlywed Potters.
"Pleasure is ours to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Creevey!" Harry said.
"Yes! Colin was a wonderful friend of ours! We miss him a lot!" Ginny cried.
Dennis gave a watery smile and led his parents away as Ginny buried her head in Harry's shoulder briefly, before they made their way to the banquet hall to interact with the guests.
Meanwhile, Chloe's head was buried in Dudley's shoulder as she wept, a multitude of emotions like joy, nostalgia, and grief swirling within her. Dudley rubbed her back.
"Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Dursley!" Professor McGonagall said Chloe and Dudley turned to face her.
"It's wonderful to witness this wedding!" McGonagall wiped her eyes. "I have just sent Miss Lovegood to the banquet hall. Perhaps you'd like to join her?"
"Thank you, Professor!" Chloe sniffled as McGonagall gave an approving nod at Dudley and left.
Dudley and Chloe proceeded to the banquet hall to interact with the guests.
Dudley encountered many curious people, as well as skeptical people. They wanted to know how he and Chloe got together, why he and Chloe chose a particular date or time for the wedding, why he and Chloe chose to live at Hogsmeade, why he and his parents were horrible to Harry, and so on. But after a while, Dudley found people supporting and vouching for him and Chloe, such as Hagrid, the Weasleys, Professor McGonagall, and at one point, even Andromeda Tonks!
This allowed Dudley and Chloe to find some privacy. Dudley held Chloe in his arms and stared into her lovely eyes. Pulling her closer, he kissed her full on the mouth. She wrapped her hands around his neck and kissed him deeply. The future looked promising and hopeful as they held one another in a deep embrace.
"When do we leave for Edinburgh?" Chloe's voice was muffled.
On the other side, unbeknownst to either couple, Harry and Ginny stood in a passionate embrace. Harry's arms wrapped around Ginny's waist, and her arms were around his neck as they passionately kissed one another's mouths. Ginny lowered her head and kissed Harry's chest while Harry, looking into her lovely eyes, kissed Ginny's forehead. Ginny nestled herself deep into Harry's chest.
"When do we leave for the Maldives?" Ginny's voice was muffled.
By then, the first round of meals was over, and the second round of people had begun to sit down. A lot of people had begun to take a brief rest before getting ready for the reception in the evening. A few others did not have time to attend the reception, and they left. A few more people who hadn't attended the wedding would begin arriving in two hours or so.
Back in the cozy tent behind the foodstall, both the cousins simultaneously answered their newlywed wives in unison, "Tomorrow afternoon!"
As the evening approached, live music from a well-known wizarding music band blared. Almost the entire village showed up to witness the reception, and this included the media. Ella, Eva, and Mia sat alongside Sheldon and Lynn at one table as the band began performing.
Fleur was now feeling better and joined her family (Delacour and Weasley) in enjoying the reception. The portraits were taken back safely. The elderly and the babies were taken back to rest after a tired day. Those who couldn't attend the wedding walked up the dais to congratulate Harry and Ginny, as well as Dudley and Chloe, before leaving.
The dance opened with the newlyweds. Chloe's head was buried in Dudley's chest as he tenderly held her waist. Ginny's head was nestled in Harry's chest as his arms wrapped around her waist and back. Together, the couples danced to a lovely and romantic song the band had released recently. The two couples ended the dance with a peck on the lips.
"Let's dance?" Dudley asked Ginny.
"Sure!" She laughed.
Harry asked Chloe for a dance as well. The four laughed out loud as they danced. After that, a few of their family and friends asked to dance with them, and they obliged with a chuckle.
"You sure dance well!" Hermione complimented Dudley as she danced with him.
"Thanks, Hermione!" Dudley chuckled.
"Yeah, faster, Chloe! Swirling around is fun!" Ron exclaimed.
Chloe laughed out loud. "You sure love speed, don't you, mate?" and increased the speed of their dance.
The energy-packed music, the delicious sweets, the mouth-watering snacks, and the sunset in the background made the entire function memorable to everybody present. Many people congratulated the couples, had dinner, and left. Some others stayed for longer before leaving.
As the guests left one by one, Harry and Ginny joined Dudley and Chloe at a table. The two cousins looked at one another and burst out laughing for no particular reason. Chloe did a high-five with Ginny and the girls giggled. The four of them threw their heads back in laughter and raised a toast for their future.
Meanwhile, in a dark cell in Azkaban, a pale prisoner with blonde hair of the same age as the cousins sat all alone, his shoulders shaking. The piece of parchment slipped from his trembling fingers. He has received the worst news anyone could receive - his mother's death the night before. His eyes flashed with grief and hurt. He wondered where he had gone wrong in life. He leaned and looked into the cell his father was imprisoned. The man couldn't even meet his son's eyes. Sitting back, the youngster wondered if he should seek revenge and continue on the path of hatred, blood purity, and destruction. Did Voldemort have a point?
"Today, the two cousins got married at Hogsmeade together. Potter and his cousin are enjoying their lives, while I am rotting here! How can they live happy lives when my life is shattered?! We're all the same bloody age!" He muttered furiously to himself.
Is there more to come in the following months?
Author's note- Thank you for following till the end, if you have reached all the way down. I hope you enjoyed reading as much as I enjoyed writing this plot. Constructive criticism is welcome.