I do not own Harry Potter, the Wizarding World, or any canon characters.
Hello everyone, hope all are doing well. This is the second to last chapter. I will be posting the final chapter this coming Monday and will be adding a chapter that's just a note right after. I typically like to put a note up with the last one but I have a feeling that this one will be very long and don't want to clutter the chapter up. Thank you all for your time and attention and your kind words. Thank you for sticking with me and the story and hope it lives up to the end.
Have a lovely day!
-0-0-0-
A Taste of Magic
175th Course – Threaded and Simmered, Together
One year later
The old church was beautiful.
While there were plenty of flowers about, hanging from the walls or collected in bunches and sitting in decorated vessels, they added to the chapel instead of distracting or detracting. The air was sweet with their floral freshness, making the air feel clean and sweet. The pews and seats had been lovingly polished and cared for, the wood gleaming in the light.
The priest of the church in Godric's Hollow had been ecstatic when Harry and Lavender asked to have their wedding there. They were regular visitors by that point, more so Harry, and the priest liked them both very much. Harry regularly donated to the church and helped provide for the local villagers here and there and the priest was touched when they wanted to be wed there. He had given his blessing and was happy for them.
The planning for the wedding was surprisingly easy for the most part. They would have the ceremony at the church in Godric's Hollow, then all return back to Hogsmeade for the reception and the ensuing celebration. Hedwig's Hearth would provide the facilities for cooking all the food and everything was set up outdoors right outside with plenty of room for all the guests.
Lavender had spent a long time designing and sewing her dress and the clothes of their wedding party. Not alone of course. She had the option of doing less but she had really enjoyed doing it, having drawings and designs dating back to even before Hogwarts, and she had loved bringing to life her longest dreams. The various members of their friends and families had added to the design or the materials, and she gratefully accepted their aid.
Harry had a tougher time with his end of accepting circumstances. To his surprise, well-warranted or not, it was soundly agreed by the others that he would not be cooking for his own wedding. His protests that Lavender was sewing clothing for it fell on deaf ears for the most part, and after much negotiation that necessitated the presence of Sue and Pansy acting as legal counsel and mediators, Harry was allowed to cook an appetizer and a course and that was it.
He even tried to argue that the people cooking for it were his guests and he did not want them working for his wedding. Of course it was pointed out that he should not be actively working during his own wedding and the courses he would be making would be made the day before and finished by the others. He was finally mollified when the ones who would be cooking said they could be both guests and caterers for his wedding and it would be both a genuine honor and pleasure on their part.
In fact, unbeknownst to Harry and Lavender, there had been a scuffle for who would be the one responsible for the wedding meal as the head. More than a few of his friends and would be guests fought each other for the roles, again needing Sue, Pansy, and even Susan to act as legal counsel and negotiators and mediators. After much contested debate, it was decided that Diglin would be the head Chef but many of the courses and things were divided among others to do. It worked out for the better with no one really responsible for more than a course, so people would be able to fully enjoy themselves in celebrating Harry and Lavender.
The guest list had astounded the happy couple. Space was not a problem, thankfully, nor was finances to accommodate everyone. The sheer amount of people they wanted there was something of a surprise, as in seeing it all written out, but a welcome one. Each invitation had returned very swiftly with not a soul saying no.
Also surprising, though not surprising to some, there turned out to be media interest in the wedding. The newspapers and magazines showed considerable interest in the affair, granted the specialized ones were more skewed towards their interests such as the fashion side and the food side of things, since both Lavender and Harry had made a name for themselves in either realm. Most were respectful however, thankfully, and the others had capitulated swiftly under threat from Sirius, Rita, the Flamels, Drake, and Edwina. Threats that were the opposite of subtle had been made by them and they anticipated no interference on the wedding day itself.
It was going to be a beautiful day celebrating a momentous life event for two wonderful people and everyone involved swore it would be the best for them.
They certainly deserved it.
-0-
"Stop that, it's perfect," Parvati scolded, slapping Lavender's hands.
Lavender looked sheepishly at her best friend and Maid of Honor. "I can't help it!"
"I know you can't, that's why I'm comfortable with smacking you to stop fiddling with it," Parvati snorted. She waved her wand and the mirror floated to them. "See? It's gorgeous, you're more gorgeous, and it's amazing."
Lavender looked down at her dress with sincere happiness. It was white and floor length, billowing out a little the closer the hem got to the ground. The waist and chest had elegant lacework done and embroidery, and small parts of it had been sewn together and then sewn onto the dress itself. Dee had mentioned it was a goblin tradition for beloved friends and family members to add small parts of what they made to the dress.
Granted it was sometimes more like plates of metal for armor but the feeling and intent was the same.
Lavender had loved the idea and more than a few of their friends and families volunteered pieces to add and it became a tapestry of love and affection that Lavender had happily and skillfully put together for her dress.
She looked at Parvati who was waving her wand again. "What are you doing?"
"Checking the temperature of your feet," Parvati said nonchalantly.
"Parv!" Padma smacked her sister. "Rude!"
"Just having some fun to reduce the tension!" Parvati exclaimed, smacking her back.
Lavender laughed merrily. "No cold feet here," she said smugly. "Literally or figuratively. The shoes are charmed and my feet are pleasantly warm."
"I should do that more," Hermione remarked. "That's a great idea."
"And I've been calling myself Lavender Potter in my head for a long time anyways," Lavender said confidently. "I knew it was only a matter of time and I wasn't in any real rush, but I'm not going to put it off if I don't have to!"
She turned to smile at her bridesmaids. "Thank you for being a part of my wedding party!"
"As if we'd do anything else," Millicent said, squeezing Lavender with a big hug.
"It's so exciting!" Luna said, clapping enthusiastically.
"We're so happy for you two," Sue smiled broadly.
"You're the first of us to get married," Hermione smiled. "We're paying attention and learning while enjoying the experience and celebrating you."
"I'm surprised you and Nev haven't yet actually," Parvati said.
Millicent shrugged. "We'll get there. We're in no rush." She rolled her eyes a little. "Mum and his grandmother are a bit but they respect us. I mean, they're still surprised we became a couple in the first place so we've got a lot of leeway."
"That makes sense," Luna nodded. "Nice things happen when they do and not a moment before or after."
"Exactly," Millicent said, hugging Luna with one arm.
"And before anyone asks, Tracey and I are also happy with how things are now, but we are planning for it," Hermione said wryly, snorting at Parvati's look of insincere innocence. "Too bad you both aren't taking more time off to go on a honeymoon or something."
"Works a bit too busy for that but we'll take it soon enough," Lavender smiled. "We're finally at a point where we can trust our businesses being taken care of with us away and have plenty of people to help."
"Hey!" Parvati squawked, making everyone laugh.
"And have plenty of people to help," Lavender giggled, repeating herself and returning Parvati's pokes.
The door opened and Leena appeared with Clover and Marigold. "Hello girls," Leena smiled broadly. "I'm here to do my privilege of helping Lavender with her makeup." In the Wizarding World, it was tradition for a witch's mother to help them with their makeup on their wedding day. If the mother was unable to for whatever reason, a close family member or a friend was asked to do the same. Leena had been overjoyed when Lavender had asked her without any hesitation and had accepted without a shred of hesitation either.
"There's so many people," Clover said, eyes shining.
"It's so exciting," Marigold exclaimed.
Lavender smiled as she sat down and her feet tapped from giddy anticipation as Leena laid her things out. "Oh I can't wait!"
-0-
"That is a lot of people," Harry said, sounding slightly stunned as he looked out of the door to where he and the groom's side of the wedding party were.
"Just all the people that genuinely care about you and Lavender," Pansy said. She steered him back into the room and sat him down. "Pay them no mind. Remember, you had more people staring at you during the International Showcase and for all of the Rising Stars and none of them cared nearly as much."
"She's got a point," Dora smiled.
"Yeah, you're right," Harry said with a smile.
"I frequently am," she beamed. "Hence why you chose me to be your Best Maid."
"Well that and you're my best friend," he laughed. "After Hedwig and Lavender of course."
"Harry, you can't be best friends with your partner," Tracey said, chiding him gently with a big smile.
"You can't?" Ron asked.
"Of course not. One cannot complain about their spouse to them," Blaise said. "That is terribly gauche."
"I frequently complained about my partners to their faces at the time," Chloe said dryly. "Perhaps that is why I do not have one."
Susan and Neville joined the others in laughing along. When Harry selected his members of the wedding party, he picked the people he was closest to, forgoing the literal use of groomsmen. It had worked out perfectly in matching with the bridesmaids. Chloe had been very touched to be asked to be a part of his side and had felt incredibly warm when Harry had said he had come to see Chloe as a close friend after working together over the last few years. Daphne had a place in either party but she elected to play the music for them during the ceremony and they had happily accepted her wishes there.
"Seriously though, not too long ago, you'd never see a mix of people like that out there," Neville said, looking out the door at the gathering guests. "All the different sides of the Wizengamot, goblins, lots of people from outside Wizarding Britain too."
"Even Harry's nemesis," Pansy said slyly.
"Hey come on," Ron complained half-heartedly, smiling wryly as the others laughed.
"Hannah and I get along great now," Harry said. "And as long as I don't open a competing place in Diagon, it'll stay that way apparently."
"She was mostly kidding about that," Ron said weakly.
"I don't want to have anything like the Cauldron on Diagon so no worries there," Harry said comfortably.
"Are you having any last second panicky thoughts?" Susan teased, her smile taking the sting and the accusations out of the words.
"None," Harry said emphatically. "I can't imagine a life without her."
"You two have a love that is beautiful," Pansy said warmly.
"And slightly nauseating at times," Blaise winked.
"Don't be jealous," Susan sniffed.
"Yeah, when are you going to let Parv make an honest man out of you?" Tracey asked.
"I don't know what you mean," Blaise said, looking away.
"You most certainly do," Pansy snorted.
"We are friends, and nothing more," he said evasively.
"I have known you all for the least amount of time and it is glaringly obvious to me that the 'nothing more' is certainly something more," Chloe remarked.
"Uh, should we be talking about this on Harry's day?" Neville asked.
"Don't mind me, I'm enjoying it," Harry grinned.
"Oh, are we mocking Blaise for not being honest?" Daphne asked, walking into the room.
"How'd you guess?" Dora laughed while Blaise glared.
"I have a sense for when he is getting his due comeuppance," Daphne said smugly, frowning when Blaise threw a rude hand gesture her way. The frown became a smile and she looked at Harry. "It is about time to begin. Are you ready?"
"Ready," Harry said, getting up and smoothing out his dress robes. "Thank you, all of you, for being a part of this and helping us celebrate. It means a lot."
"Means a lot to us too," Dora said, hugging him. Her hair elongated and became midnight black and her eyes bright emerald green. "Let's get you hitched and grow the family!"
-0-
Daphne played her best, filling the chapel with music from the organ. The music made the flowers bloom and billow, the ribbons swaying in time with the notes. The guests smiled and sighed as the bridesmaids and groomsmen and women walked down the central walkway, heralding the arrival of the others. Harry walked down to waves and cheers and he waited at the altar, nervously excited.
The chapel was full of people. The guests mixed themselves up on either side to share in the joyous occasion. Leena sat in front of the bride's side, bursting with pride. Sirius, Andromeda and Ted, and the Flamels were in front on the groom's side, smiling through tears of pride.
Emmie walked down next, dressed in a very adorable dress and had a look of intense concentration on her face as she scattered flowers up and down the walkway. Rubi and Granite looked on with evident pride along with the other goblins as the little girl scattered the petals and flowers with meticulous attention to detail, making everyone smile.
Lavender's appearance took everyone's breaths away. Escorted by a wet-eyed Daniel, she walked down the walkway with a smile that lit up the entire church. Even the blind could see how radiantly happy she was, and the way her eyes lit up when she saw Harry, and the way his did the same when he saw her, just showed how perfect they were together, and how much they loved one another.
They stood together at the altar and for a brief moment, they only saw each other, and no one else was there.
Dumbledore appeared then, dressed in stylishly cut robes of deep plum and royal purple, looking incredibly proud to be there, and incredibly happy to see Harry and Lavender before him. He smiled from ear to ear, his eyes twinkling the brightest they ever had before, and he patiently waited for the music to end as Daphne ceased playing.
"Hello everyone," he said warmly. "We are gathered here today to bear witness to the union of Harry James Potter and Lavender Elizabeth Brown. To show them our support and adoration for the happy couple, to celebrate with them in this incredible moment and to help them along in the next chapter of their lives."
He looked at Lavender and enjoyed her expression of pure radiant happiness. "I still remember the first time I saw Miss Brown," he said. "Even then, when in a completely foreign environment, she had the biggest smile, much like today. I always found her to be someone that was always smiling, always finding the joy in things, and not only that, to encourage others to share her joy. As the years passed, that sense of happiness only grew. She has such an effervescent personality, a true joyfulness that not only invites a person to be happy with her, but demands it in a way. It is very difficult to not smile when she is around, and her incredible ability at chasing away storm clouds so that the sun can emerge."
His expression softened as he turned to Harry. "Now Mister Potter on the other hand, was rather unassuming at first glance," he teased, making everyone laugh. "His finest quality emerged however, also refusing to be ignored or overlooked. His kindness is the warmest I have ever encountered, and it has touched so many lives. No matter the cause, no matter the situation, he has tried to see the best in people and help them in any way he can, but especially through his chosen medium. He shares himself with others, and his motivation is typically to see them smile, and that is a currency that is rarest and sweetest in all of itself."
He smiled at them both. "So it is no wonder that they found each other and have made each other all the better. They support one another. They encourage each other. They love deeply, fiercely, and completely. To say they are halves of the same whole diminishes their inherent qualities. Instead, I truly believe that they are like candle flames. Able to exist apart, but warmer and brighter together. And in being together, warm and enrich the lives of everyone around them, blessing us all."
At his gesture, Hedwig came swooping into the church, barking loudly and mightily. She was followed by the three silver snowy owl Patroni, barking with her and flying in formation. Hedwig landed on the altar, proudly delivering the rings. After nuzzling Harry and Lavender, and making everyone laugh when she tugged his hair about to straighten it, she perched on Pansy's arm while the Patroni landed and lined up with the groom's side, much to the delight of them all. She looked at Harry with deep satisfaction, fluffed up and proud.
Dumbledore dabbed at his eyes after Harry and Lavender put their rings on each other. "It may come to no surprise, but I am very old," he joked. He sighed at Aberforth's gravely laugh and Ariana's bell-clear cackle, seeing Drake and the Flamels equally amused. "I have done many things," he continued, trying to ignore them. "I have been asked to do many more. But being asked to officiate this wedding will be at the top of all that I have done. I am thankful for the privilege, and deeply honored."
He took a deep breath and his eyes glinted and he did not bother to wipe them. "It is with honor and pleasure I announce to you all for the first time, as Husband and Wife: Harry James Potter and Lavender Elizabeth-Brown Potter!"
The church was full of cheers and applause and the wood and stones of the venerable building rang from the happy sounds. The bells tolled all of a sudden, filling the air with brassy music, heralding the new Potters and letting the world know that they were together.
Dumbledore smiled at the happy couple. "And to my recollection, I have never said this either and am glad we are not at the school," he joked. "Harry, you may kiss the bride."
Harry, heart pounding, drew Lavender to him and kissed her sweetly on the lips. He nearly lost balance when she wrapped her arms around his neck and shoulders and pulled him close, crushing her lips against his. When they finally broke apart, their cheeks were red from lack of breath and laughter, but not a trace of embarrassment between them.
-0-
Harry and Lavender exclaimed with delight when they arrived at the reception area. Their friends and families had transformed the area outside of the Hearth with flowers and decorations, erecting a massive tent to defend against the elements. Tables and chairs dotted all over with plenty of seating options of all sorts.
"Chloe, you're a guest, remember?" Harry asked, looking at his groomswoman with concern.
"I am aware," she sniffed, holding her metallic slate. "And as your groomswoman, I am doing my duty to ensure that things are going smoothly and well. Besides, you know that I enjoy doing my job."
She pointed at the tables closest to the Hearth. "We have decided food shall be buffet style to not interrupt any of the other activities. And when something runs low, then the ones responsible for making it can go into the kitchen and make more of it. The house elves will refill as needed while also being your guests, do not worry that was made amply clear. There is also not formally assigned seating as you mentioned because we want people to be able to come and go as they please and join in on the fun."
"Sounds perfect," Lavender said and hugged her enthusiastically.
"Hors d'oeuvres will be out in moments," Chloe smiled.
"Oh these look familiar!" Lavender smiled. Kreacher had come to them first, bearing a heavily laden tray, and it had small cups of puff pastry filled with creamy chicken and sauce. "Vol-au-vents right?" She popped one into her mouth and ate it enthusiastically. "Mmm, better than I remember," she said. She happily took another from Kreacher before he moved on. "Who made this?"
"I did," Harry smiled. "I knew you liked them, even if Celine made them at the time and you weren't too fond of her."
"Well yours are much better," she said and they laughed. "And she's mellowed out some, which isn't saying much but still. At least she's nicer to you now."
The other hors d'oeuvres came out in rapid succession. Louis' contribution was a crystal-clear chicken consommé, served in traditional clear cups, smelling deeply savory and tasting delicious. Rocko made large ravioli filled with lobster, carefully dressed with a rich butter sauce. Soon after, the tables were filled with the other dishes that people could serve themselves. Akari and Kaito and Sota made bowls of soba and broth, simple and savory, as well as tempura sea-bream. They were traditional dishes to wish the happy couple longevity and good luck. Gabriel's dish was duck prepared many ways: a confit of the leg, the breast pan fried and sauced, and even the fat to cook potatoes in. Anthony made a braised beef dish where the beef fell apart at a touch and was served with creamy whipped potatoes and delicately roasted vegetables.
Diglin and the Crew made a rich crab chowder (not crake), fried mushrooms, and skewers of nicken that were roasted over coals, much like yakitori much to Akari's interest. Gwendolyn made a selection of sweet miniature pies including apple, pecan, blueberry, and sweet potato. Harry's course was his now famous beef stew, both the regular and the dragonfyre version. There was a little sign warning people of the firepepper pods in the dragonfyre one and unsurprisingly, it was not a deterrent.
Finally, the wedding cakes were made by the elves, both Grimmauld and Hogwarts. The largest one had a miniature Harry, Lavender, Hedwig, and Cokie on top and it was surrounded by many little ones, ones that could be eaten in two bites. They had an array of flavors with the largest one being a combination of them.
The food was fun and the small portions invited people to be able to eat all they liked and eat more of their favorites. People frequently moved around as they sat and ate and relaxed, creating an easy-going atmosphere that was welcoming and comfortable. Harry and Lavender were never alone with the constant cycle of guests wanting to chat and eat with them.
The petlings moved about, enjoying the food and the fun as much as the others. Hedwig, Cokie, Sunny, Fawkes, and Crookshanks were joined by Blinky, Azuki, and Ebi and it was a delight for the guests to see the animals eating and visiting with the others so openly.
Musical instruments played throughout, charmed by Daphne, filling the air with happy music. Trays moved about with ales brewed by Aberforth and glasses of bubbly champagne and wine, brought by the Delacours.
As the sun set, Parvati rose to her feet and noisily cleared her throat, drawing the attention of everyone. She smiled demurely, the expression taking on a vaguely sinister air when she looked at Lavender.
"I'm going to kill her," Lavender growled under her breath, knowing what was to come.
"At least give her a chance to earn it," Harry chuckled.
"Hello everyone!" Parvati said brightly, pitching her voice a little. She smiled gratefully when Daphne flicked her wand and the instruments played a lot more softly. "Thanks Daph! Hello everybody, so good to see everyone. Let's give a round of applause to the Bride and Groom!" She led the applause and continued when it faded. "I've had the pleasure of seeing Lavender and Harry's relationship grow from the very beginning, and even before that. We were in the same year at Hogwarts as most know, and in the same House even! I still remember meeting Lavender on the train and by the end of the night, we were best friends. I thought she was like the sister I had but we actually shared interests."
"Thank you, by the way, not sure if I ever said that," Padma said in a loud whisper to Lavender.
Parvati made a rude hand gesture while people laughed. "And I met Harry like within the first few days and well, I always thought he was a bit odd. I mean, at the time, who cared about cooking and stuff like that? But I'm happy to say that it is the only time that I have ever been wrong."
"That is not the only time-" Padma and Hermione said together.
"The only time I have ever been wrong," Parvati said loudly, ignoring them and their huffs and the general merriment. "Even in our first year, Harry and Lavender had something special. She was the sweetest obviously and he was the sweetest subtly. She encouraged us to be happy and friendly while he showed us how to care and how to be kind. Their friendship was absolutely wonderful and it was the kind that made others want to have friendships like it, and to be friends with them."
She sighed dramatically. "Of course, to no one's surprise, the friendship became something more eventually and it had to fight for its life, the poor thing. It took a while for both of them to admit it because she's incredibly dim, and he's incredibly dense." She smiled as people laughed and Lavender glowered at her. "At least he had an excuse. He's a boy, though he is admittedly unreasonably mature despite it."
"Thanks Sis," Harry said loudly.
"You're welcome Bro! Oh and we're sibs, unofficially despite us looking exactly the same," she added, prompting more laughter and Durga nodding with deep approval and Aditi laughing. "I think one of the best parts of their relationship is how much they trust each other. They think about each other. They don't see it as a chore or an obligation, but out of a genuine desire for it. And that is something they do for so many others, but it's especially sweet when you see them together. They want the best for each other and they will fight tooth and nail for each other. I've seen it, it's awesome."
"Like any good relationship, it grows and works hard. It's not perfect but it shouldn't be. Perfect is an appearance where their love constantly grows and goes to the heart sincerely. Despite some rough moments here and there," she coughed and it sounded suspiciously like 'tom-arse', making their friends including Fleur, Sophie, Colette, and Aimee laugh, "it's still there. It gets stronger every day. And it's a love you want to share with people you love, and want to have one day."
She raised a glass. "To the best friend a girl can have and the best brother a sister can have!" Everyone raised their glasses in toast and drank and cheered out loud.
Pansy stood next, smoothing out her dress robes and she smiled at the expectant crowd. "My first meeting with Harry was rather…traumatic." Her smile grew as some people laughed and others looked shocked. "Not because of him though, thank goodness," she added and there was more laughter and relieved expression.
"Couldn't have led with that?" Harry asked with a wry smile.
She grinned at him and patted him on the shoulder. "Just having my fun," she giggled. "No, but I had a rather bad incident with someone I thought I was very close to at the time," she said seriously and people leaned in to listen. "I was crying in the corner and wishing I was anywhere but there."
She smiled down at Harry. "And then Harry was there. He was very awkward, slightly more awkward than he is now, but he was there. And up to that point, the only interactions I had with him were not positive at all. I confess I was very mean and rude to him, the casual cruelty only children who don't know any better can have and show. Of course, he was a Gryffindor and I was a Slytherin so we were natural enemies at that time. Despite all that, despite my rudeness, he did not do what just about anyone would do in that position. He was not cruel; he was not hurtful. He offered me a muffin, one that he had made earlier. When I asked why, he simply said that he did not like to see anyone cry."
Soft sighs were heard at that and Pansy smiled through tears from the memory. "And his kindness only grew from there. I watched and listened, waiting for him to drop his mask, waiting for the revenge to come. And yet, there was no revenge, he wore no mask. He was simply a kind person. And he taught me a valuable lesson that day. And the more time I spent around him, the more I learned that people can be kind to one another for no reason other than to be kind."
She looked around the gathered people. "We all are here because we have been touched by Harry's kindness. His enormous heart has changed things for the better. It certainly made my life better, fuller. I have friends now I never would have dreamed of, a life I never would have imagined and I wouldn't even have realized how much I would miss it."
Pansy smiled at Lavender who was teary herself. "And it is only fitting that the one who made our dreams come true is wed to the girl that makes his dreams come true. Lavender is incredibly kind as well and it is nearly impossible to be upset in her presence due to her bubbly nature." She grinned. "Trust me, I have tried before."
Everyone laughed at that and Pansy joined in. "As loathe as I am to say it, Parvati is right." She waited for the laughter to subside and she returned Parvati's rude hand gesture. "They have a love that is admirable, one that you can bask in the shared warmth and be all the better for it. They love each other so completely, so fully, that it spills out and encompasses what they do and the people they are with. As blessed as they are to have each other, we are equally blessed to be with them and to share in that love.
"To the Bride and the Groom, and to all the years they will share together with us alongside!" Everyone cheered and toasted once more. Lavender hugged her first and then Harry and Pansy felt warm within and without at their happy smiles and expressions.
"So who did the better job?" Parvati asked.
"Parv! It's not a competition!" Lavender gasped.
"Actually it was, because we figured who did better would be the first godmother," Pansy said.
Harry laughed at Parvati and Pansy's not-so-innocent expressions and Lavender's incredulous exasperation. "Still not anywhere near needing that decision," he chortled.
"Just saying we haven't forgotten," Parvati said airily.
"I'm sure they'll make the right decision," Pansy said, smiling sweetly.
"I'm sure they will, baroness," Parvati said with an equally sweet smile.
-0-
"Getting tired?" Daniel asked, smiling softly.
Lavender shook away the yawn. "A little bit, but I don't want things to end yet. Having too much fun!"
Daniel chuckled softly, dancing with his daughter. It was night now but there were plenty of lights illuminating the area. There was still plenty of food despite everyone eating consistently and constantly without stinting themselves. Music and laughter and chatter was ever present, soothing and constant like the waves of the sea.
Lavender looked up at him. "Daddy, are you crying?"
"Maybe a little," he admitted, wiping the tears away. "It's mostly happy tears, don't worry. Just, well, you're all grown up and it's wonderful and breaks my heart a little."
She hugged him hard about the middle, making him cough. "You know I'm not going anywhere," she said, her voice muffled due to her face pressed into his chest.
"I know," he said, rubbing her back. "I'm just being old and silly." He smiled as he felt her talk into his chest. "I love you too," he said and kissed the top of her head.
"Don't worry, I won't grow up too much," she said, resting her head against him. "Slightly related, don't go into Clover or Marigold's room before they do."
"Oh I haven't in a long time," he laughed merrily. "Learned that lesson for many different reasons." He looked over at Harry who was dancing with Emmie, swinging her around while she shrieked with glee. "He's a good man."
"He is," Lavender said, eyes full of love. She looked up at Daniel and smiled. "You know, we made a really good family with everyone."
Daniel smiled back. "We sure did."
"And it's only going to get bigger," she sighed happily.
"It sure will," he sighed happily.
-0-
"There you are!"
Harry smiled and handed a cup of steaming espresso to Lavender. "And here you are!"
"Thanks! I need the boost." She sipped it delicately. "Mmm, perfect. Let me guess, the machine wasn't working for anyone else?"
"No, that's why they asked me to come before Auntie Ari hexed it," Harry said and they laughed. "I don't know why the machine just sometimes refuses to work for anyone but me."
"I can relate, I feel like that sometimes," Lavender said impishly, smiling broadly as Harry laughed.
"Ready for another dance?" he asked.
"Always!" She handed the cup to an insistent Kreacher and dragged Harry to the dance floor. She and Harry joined the others, dancing to the fast beat before it became a slower song and she melted into Harry's arms. "This is wonderful," she said. "My cheeks are hurting from smiling too much." She smiled even more when Harry kissed them. "Perfect."
They swayed together beneath the stars, amid the warmth of the fires, surrounded by their loved ones. As he held her close, he felt something rumble and he looked down at her and grinned. "Still hungry?"
"For you? Always," she replied, laughing. "How about you?"
"I don't think I've ever been hungry like I was before since the day we met," he said softly.
Her heart melted and she pulled him close to kiss him soundly. "You're getting better at being romantic," she giggled as her eyes sparkled.
"Thank goodness," he smiled.
"But to answer your question practically, I can eat more," she said. "Really?!" she gasped when Harry turned and knelt down a little.
"Why not, it's our wedding right?" he asked.
"It is!" She clambered onto his back, charming her dress to stay low and covered, and wrapped her arms around him from behind. She beamed as others cheered when Harry carried her easily to the tables. "I love you!"
"Love you more," he replied. She could not see the smile on his lips, but she could hear it as plain as day.
"No you don't," she said, smiling more loudly than him.
-0-0-0-
Arnie1701 - Might happen one day.
61394 - And now the inevitable conclusion to the engagement. Rita's just a bit eager because she believes in him.
Hufflepuffzd96 - Thanks for reading and hope you enjoy.
JRSDH1 - I spent a lot of time on this one with all the callbacks and what not so hopefully you enjoy it.
odonnellzoo99 - I always wondered that too about professional chefs and the like. Must be more stressful for the caterers. You know I like my callbacks and there's some good ones in this chapter too. Knowing Emmie, maybe.
Accio698 - Thank you.
Hands Off MY Wolfie - They have pretty good heads on their shoulders and have a good idea of what they want. Thanks for reading.
poka - It really did feel like a Harry, in this setting, thing to do and it hit just the right notes for me.
TheSphynx - Hedwig got to retain one of my favorite roles in fanfic for this chapter.
alix33 - The cakes came out very well in this chapter I feel.
Bitterkeit - I knew people wouldn't love Celine, but I had hoped people could understand where she was coming from,, and that she would play a realistic role/viewpoint for someone in this setting. But it is okay. I suppose having suchh a reaction to her is a good thing as well. Glad you found the story and enjoy it.
DOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - And the happiness continues and they deserve it.
TheReader81 - Hope it, and this one, was worth the wait. Thank you.
guest - Well, in a way, it will continue for a bit yet. Thank you for reading.
Wentley - I tried to inject a smidge of reason. They were starting their businesses and working and enjoying themselves so it took some time, but it would make sense at least in my mind. I like those cookbooks too. It feels more real and human and personable.
1529 - Unforuntately it must come to an end, but at least the end will be good, hopefully. Thanks for reading.
DarkRavie - Thank you.