Chapter 63
4 years later
A very nervous Hadrian Potter stood at the small altar in the church at Godric's Hollow, eagerly awaiting the arrival of his bride.
Hadrian had initially decided against holding the wedding here but Daphne had pointed out that the venue was small and private enough to keep the event as minimalist as they wanted, and that this was the place where his Grandparents and Parents had been married. Hadrian eventually conceded to the points that she made and agreed with her. Very happy and touched that she would take the latter reason into consideration.
They had been discussing marriage for some time but both had decided that they would wait until Daphne had completed her potion mastery, they were able to change the clause in the marriage contract which stated that they had to be married when they turned 18 with the help of their respective fathers. She was now working alongside her father in his shop where she was learning to manage the business.
Hadrian had wasted no time in proposing to her, doing so on the very day she received the aforementioned mastery. After, of course, gaining permission from both Cyrus and Elizabeth, who had immediately given their blessing without hesitation. They were delighted that the young man would become an official member of their family; even though they had the contract.
Hadrian had eventually taken over the business from James, who had no interest in handling the business anymore and had found solace in managing Hogwarts with Lily.
He, of course, had asked Rigel to be his best man for the event with Draco, Thomas, Neville and Blaise taking part as his groomsmen.
Daphne had selected Tracey to be her maid of honour, who had been engaged to Rigel Black, much to Sirius and Marlene's delight.
The bride-to-be had also chosen both Astoria and Susan, who were married and engaged to Draco and Thomas respectively, to be her bridesmaids, much to the joy of them both.
Hadrian's breath hitched in his chest as the bridal march began to play and all attention within the room had become focused on the door the bride would enter from.
Rosy and Susan were the first to come through, Rosy wearing a deep red dress and clutching a bouquet of white flowers to her chest, smiling brightly as she walked to take her place.
She was becoming a beautiful young woman, Rosy was in 3rd year at Hogwarts and keeping her family tradition of being in Gryffindor house .
"You'd better keep an eye on her," Rigel whispered in amusement.
"Shut up," Hadrian growled. "Don't think I won't hex you just because it's my wedding day," he warned.
"Like you could," Rigel returned with a chuckle.
The back and forth between the two was interrupted as Astoria entered the room, wearing an identical dress and carrying a similar bouquet to that of which Rosy had carried.
Tracey was the next to enter and quickly took her place, much to the amusement of Hadrian. The girl usually enjoyed being the centre of attention but clearly not in situations such as these.
Hadrian took a deep, anticipatory breath when he realised that Daphne would be the next and final person to come through the door. And soon after Tracey had taken her spot, she did.
She looked simply beautiful and all Hadrian could do was stare at the woman, thanking and blessing every deity he could think of for his fortune.
Her dress was a simple, form-fitting white gown with a deep plunge at the bust line, accentuating her lithe but shapely figure. Her hair had been placed in a neat, yet intricate hive style and her make up completed sparingly. Though Hadrian always insisted that she never needed it; she was perfect to him in every way.
She was led up the aisle by Cyrus who was beaming proudly, although it was clear to everyone in attendance that he was fighting the emotion that was threatening to overcome him. His eyes were shining in a similar fashion to that of the woman he was escorting towards her soon to be husband. It was plain to see he was caught up in the moment of handing his first daughter into the care of another man. Though it was the only man he could or would entrust someone so precious to him to.
"Stop gaping you moron," Rigel hissed in Hadrian's ear, carrying out his duty to ensure the day went smoothly on the groom's end.
Hadrian snapped his jaw shut with an audible click as he turned to face his best friend, another look of amusement overcoming him.
"You sounded just like Arcturus then," Hadrian pointed out to his friend, who looked nothing short of horrified by that declaration.
"I'm flattered but Never say that again," Rigel pleaded.
"The old man obviously rubbed off on you," He chuckled in response.
It was at this point that Cyrus and Daphne reached them and the man took a deep breath before offering Hadrian the arm of his daughter with a content and confident smile.
The younger man took the hand of the woman and helped her onto the slightly raised dais before turning his attention back to her father and bringing him into a hug.
"I won't let you down," he whispered sincerely into Cyrus's ear.
The man nodded gratefully and clapped Hadrian firmly on the shoulder as they broke apart, giving him a very grateful smile and nod of appreciation before heading to his seat.
Hadrian turned back to face his bride and took in the moment, waiting for the proceedings to begin.
"You look amazing," Hadrian mouthed to Daphne who blushed slightly, an ability that Hadrian had never lost over the years they had been together.
"Ladies and Gentlemen!" The voice of Dumbledore cut in merrily, the man having been given the honour to conduct the ceremony. "We are gathered here today to witness a celebration of love and marriage between a very deserving man and woman," he began, "I believe that the couple have written their own vows, so without further ado," he finished, gesturing for Hadrian to begin.
Hadrian once again took a deep breath and braced himself accordingly, not wanting to spoil the moment in any way. He cleared his throat gently before speaking.
"I think that it is safe to say that I'm not very good at talking about my feelings. If I remember correctly, the first time I told you I had fallen in love with you, I whispered it," he began with a shake of his head.
There was a scatter of chuckling heard across the room at his admission.
"It's not that I'm scared to tell you how I feel," he continued, completely serious now. "It's because I know that any words I can find could never do my true feelings justice," he added, looking his bride in the eye, who was completely enraptured by the words and the way he spoke. "I don't think it is even possible to put how I feel into words, but I do know that what I feel for you is something that has and will only keep growing. You're my whole world and my reason to keep going, something that I can't even bear the thought of losing. I love you with everything I am Daphne and I will always show you that in everything we do. My words can't say it so I will spend the rest of my life showing you it," he vowed sincerely.
Many sniffs could be heard amongst the crowd as Hadrian finished, the attendees dabbing at their eyes with conjured tissues. Dumbledore himself discreetly conjured a tissue and wiped away a few errant tears that had fallen at the sentiment and love shown by the young man. He could not be more proud of Hadrian and everything he had done. And now, he had the distinct honour of playing a pivotal role in his wedding. Both he and Hadrian had become not only close friends over the years, but had formed a much more familial bond. Each being there to support each other through the difficult times that most thought either experienced.
Daphne swallowed deeply and wiped away a tear or two of her own before giving Hadrian a watery smile and starting her own part of the ceremony.
"You saved my life the first time that we met properly and from that moment it has only ever been you I wanted," she began a little tentatively as she remembered how he had saved her from the angry Griffin in the lands of Potters castle when they were 6. She had been lost in the enormous castle and had been wandering around trying to find someone. "It wasn't because I saw you as my hero, although you are, it's because of the man I saw within you. I saw a care and compassion that I never knew could exist, and even though I thought I was dead, I was content and fearless when you arrived. That's what you do for me, you make me feel as though nothing can harm me when I am with you. I know that you would give yourself before you would let anything happen to me, but even that means very little compared to everything else," she spoke genuinely. "It's just everything about you that I fell in love with, you're perfect to me and I wouldn't change a thing about you. I couldn't imagine my life without you because it would be hollow. I love you Harry and fall in love with you more and more each day, even though I think it's impossible to love you more," she intoned, swallowing deeply. "I will happily spend the rest of my life feeling like this and doing everything I can to show you, just the same as you have promised," she finished resolutely.
The two placed the rings on each other's fingers and shared their first kiss as husband and wife after Dumbledore had finished the intricate spell, sealing their vows.
"Ladies and Gentlemen," the headmaster said, "I give you Hadrian and Daphne Potter!" he announced, his eyes twinkling in happiness, shining with the additional tears that had formed once more.
The gathered guests erupted into a chorus of loud cheers and applause at the declaration, something that the wizarding world had been waiting for quite some time.
Before they knew it, the guests were all assembled in the ballroom of Potter's Castle, sharing in the festivities of the reception. They had all just finished their meal when Rigel gently tapped his spoon on his goblet and rose to give the required speech of his position.
"I have been instructed under threat of severe pain that I have to keep my words tasteful," Rigel informed the room with a slight pout and a sad look towards his betrothed who was glaring at him threateningly. "I couldn't be more proud to stand here as Harry's best man" he continued after a moment. "I was there when he fought all manner of horrible men and creatures, and I was there when he worked tirelessly to fight Tom Riddle and Gaulitier eventually '' he elaborated darkly. "I can't think of anyone who deserves as much happiness as I know he is feeling right now and someone who fought so hard for it, never once giving up. I couldn't be more proud of the man you have become and I can say confidently that both of your grandparents would be just as proud of you as your parents are," he stated as James and Lily nodded firmly with tears in their eyes. "You deserve everything that comes your way and I don't even need to wish the pair of you luck. I think it's clear to all of us how lucky you guys are to have me in your lives." Rigel winked as everyone chuckled. "You don't need luck because I know you will both make each other's dreams come true, to Harry and Daphne!" He finished emotionally, raising his goblet in tribute to the pair.
The room gave him a round of applause and he smiled in gratitude.
"Now I think it is about time that the newlyweds share their first dance," he suggested as he flicked his wand
Hadrian and Daphne rose to share their first dance together in their married life, something that would be repeated many times over the following decades.
Hadrian took his wife into his arms and led her around the floor to the song Kiss Me by Sixpence None The Richer, a song they had both grown fond of after hearing it in the first muggle movie they had seen together.
The night came to an end a few hours later when Hadrian and Daphne bade their farewells to the guests to begin the rest of their lives as Mr. and Mrs. Potter, both as happy and excited as the other for what was to come.
2 Years later
Hadrian simply stared in complete astonishment at the bundle of white blankets he held in his arms that housed the couple's first born child. He could not believe that he had been a part of creating something so beautiful, so perfect.
"Well?" Daphne questioned him tiredly, amused at the expression of shock that adorned her husband's features.
"She's perfect," Hadrian whispered as a stray tear slid down his cheek, his sheer joy escaping him as his daughter shifted slightly to fit in the crook of his arm. He noticed that she shared many traits with his grandmother and couldn't control the emotions that flooded within him.
"She?" Daphne asked breathily.
"It's a girl," Hadrian confirmed, looking at his wife and beaming. "And she's just as beautiful as you and grandmother," he revealed as he stepped forward and placed his daughter in the arms of her eagerly awaiting mother.
"She looks just like Dorea." Daphne whispered in awe.
"She does," Hadrian agreed happily.
"Merlin," Daphne said in shock, "Harry, look" she implored.
Hadrian frowned slightly and bent over to look at his daughter who immediately looked up at him, looking up at him with her own emerald eyes.
Hadrian took a deep breath in shock. The little girl that his wife held in her arms was an exact replica of her great grandmother, yet her eyes were very much those of her grandmother.
"Damn" Hadrian finally managed to mutter, shaking his head. "She really is beautiful," he added with a watery smile.
The new parent's were interrupted by a tentative knock on the door that opened slightly to reveal Lily and Elizabeth who had been eagerly anticipating the arrival of their first grandchild.
"Can we come in now?" Lily asked just above a whisper. "We saw the healer leave and assumed you were done," she explained.
Daphne smiled and nodded towards her mother in law excitedly, who immediately called the rest of the people that had been waiting along with her.
Lily, along with Elizabeth, James, Cyrus, Thomas, Rigel, Susan, Astoria, Tracey, Sirius, Marlene, Remus, Tonks and Dumbledore all entered the ward, all keen to get their first glimpse at the new addition to the Potter family.
"Holy shit," Tracey and Rigel baulked as they laid eyes on the blonde-haired and green-eyed child.
Draco and Astoria frowned at their friends and slapped them on the shoulder at the use of profanity.
"Language Tracey, Rigel," Daphne chided with a chuckle. "You shouldn't swear in front of your god daughter like that" she pointed out amusedly to Rigel.
Rigel's face morphed into shock as Daphne's words sunk in.
"Me?" he asked dumbly.
"You," Hadrian confirmed, clapping his friends on the shoulder.
"You mean it?" The junior padfoot asked emotionally, "You really want me?".
"I couldn't think of anyone better," Hadrian replied sincerely. "Besides, Daphne won't let me curse her boyfriends, so you'll have to do it," he added, earning a glare from his wife.
"You've got it," Rigel choked, laughing at the same time.
"And we decided that Susan would be the godmother," Daphne spoke, looking towards her Friend who just nodded her agreement while fighting back the tears of happiness that welled in her eyes, not trusting herself to speak in the moment.
"What have you named her?" James asked as he stared in amazement at his granddaughter for the first time.
Hadrian and Daphne shared a smile before Hadrian answered.
"Ophelia Iolanthe Potter," he informed the room happily as he placed his arm around his wife.
Those in the room nodded their agreement with the name, their smiles mirroring that of the clearly proud father.
Over the next 3 years the Potter's would be blessed with the birth of children twice more, both occasions producing boys: Alexander Charlus Potter and Cyprus James Greengrass-Potter.
Hadrian willingly gave up the headship of his houses to his son's after they reached their 26th birthdays respectively so they themselves could experience the Wizengamot. As a Baron, the family titles were not necessary and it gave him an excuse to forgo the meetings.
Both Hadrian and Daphne guided and looked on in pride as their children grew and achieved in their lives.
Hadrian had taught them all the family magic as they had reached the age of fourteen when they were responsible enough in his eyes to learn it. His daughter in particular was a very skilled duelist and fighter, something he was very happy with. She was very magically powerful and had a natural talent for charms which she pursued after she had finished Hogwarts writing her own books and creating new spells as she went along. She went on to marry Ara Arcturus Black, eldest son of Rigel and Tracey, and become Lady Black eventually.
Alexander had followed in his father's footsteps and was a prodigy in his own right in defence against the dark arts. It seemed that not only was he the double of his father, but he excelled in the same areas as demonstrated by his joining of the auror force to work for Tonks, who was more than happy to employ the talented young man. He married Adrienne Delacour.
Cyprus had been a real surprise for both parents. He excelled in potions and transfiguration equally but he had certainly inherited a mischievous streak such as his grandfather and Sirius had. Though he had mostly been a quiet and reserved boy, he could often be found pranking his older siblings and even other members of the family in ways that even James was envious of. Despite his penchant for jokes he took his schoolwork very seriously and followed his mother into a career in potions having extra tutelage from his Grandfather Cyrus on the subject whenever he could and the same with James in transfiguration. He went on to marry Lucretia Longbottom
Yes, both Hadrian and Daphne had every reason to be proud of their children and loved every moment of being parent's. Though the childhood years of their offspring ended much too soon for either of their likings.
They watched as all three of the families they came from continued to grow and grow through the next few generations of children, content and happy that the family names would live on for the foreseeable future.
Author's Note
Finally! The story is finished. When I started this story on October 12, 2021, and posted it on Fanfiction Net, I never thought I would come this far with this story. It was something that I started for my satisfaction, as I have said before I read tons I literally mean tons of HP fanfiction and I dare say that I have read every Haphne story on Fanfiction net and most of Harry Potter fanfiction, but I never found the satisfaction which I needed but I got a glint of hope in the fanfiction 'Hogwarts Black Prince' (In fanfiction net) but that story too lost its spark after first 10 chapters and soon I found a few stories which satisfied me but to my dismay, those stories were either abandoned or on hiatus and showed no sign of continuation from the author. I started writing this story (Copying, pasting, and editing) and that is how this story came into existence I hope this story entertained you guys and I don't think I will be writing any more Fanfictions as I don't have the time or energy for it but who knows I have found a wonderful plot in which Harry is surprised as he meets his family in 5th year who have been trying to get in touch with him for many years but couldn't, when they finally did Harry is taken in by American cadet branch of Potter family where some of his family members undermine him and try to usurp him ... Anyone willing to write it with me?
If you have finished reading the story, do review it. We will start working on improving the quality and fixing the plot holes.