A/N: Thank you for all of the wonderful support! I really appreciate it. I would also like some reviews on how you like the story so far. Am I making things interesting enough? Constructive criticism, please... not destructive. :)


Rising Storms

A Harry Potter and Percy Jackson crossover


Part 2

Chapter 5:

Harry

The air in the drawing room of Potter Mansion was thick with tension as Harry and Daphne sat at the large oak table, poring over wedding plans. It was the beginning of August, and their wedding was just a few weeks away. Every detail had to be perfect, and the pressure was beginning to weigh heavily on both of them.

James Potter sat across from Daphne's father, a glass of scotch in hand, as they watched the young couple with a mixture of amusement and concern. They could see the stress written on Harry and Daphne's faces, and they exchanged knowing looks as they observed them.

Daphne's mother sat beside her daughter, her brow furrowed in concentration as she flipped through wedding magazines, offering suggestions and advice in a steady stream of chatter. Daphne's younger sister, a vision in pink tulle, fluttered around the room like a nervous butterfly, her excitement palpable as she eagerly contributed her own ideas to the mix.

Harry and Daphne exchanged weary glances as they listened to the endless stream of suggestions and opinions, their minds racing with the myriad of tasks that still needed to be completed before the big day. They had already spent countless hours agonizing over seating arrangements, floral arrangements, and menu selections, and the stress of it all was beginning to take its toll.

"I think we should go with the roses for the centerpieces," Daphne's mother was saying, her voice breaking through the haze of Harry's thoughts. "They're classic and elegant, don't you think, dear?"

Daphne nodded absently, her mind elsewhere as she tried to keep up with her mother's rapid-fire commentary. She stole a glance at Harry, who was staring off into space with a furrowed brow, his thoughts clearly elsewhere.

"Harry, are you even listening to me?" Daphne's mother asked, her voice tinged with annoyance.

Harry started, snapping out of his reverie as he focused on Daphne's mother with a forced smile. "Of course, Mrs. Greengrass," he said, his voice strained. "Roses sound lovely."

Daphne's mother frowned, sensing Harry's distraction, but before she could press the issue, Daphne intervened, placing a reassuring hand on Harry's arm. "Maybe we should take a break," she said gently, her eyes meeting Harry's with concern. "We can come back to this later."

Harry nodded gratefully, relief flooding through him as he stood up from the table, stretching his stiff muscles as he turned to Daphne. "That sounds like a good idea," he said, his voice hoarse with exhaustion. "Let's go for a walk, just the two of us."

Daphne smiled, her eyes softening with understanding as she took Harry's hand in hers, squeezing it gently. "I'd like that," she said, her voice gentle and reassuring. "Let's get some fresh air and clear our heads."

As they made their way out of the drawing room and into the cool night air, Harry felt a weight lift from his shoulders, if only momentarily. He knew there was still much to be done before their wedding day arrived, but for now, he was content to simply be with Daphne, his anchor in the storm of wedding planning.

The next week, after much arguing with her mom who seemed to want to do things her way, Daphne had put her foot down for the wedding. They were now having a simple, but elegant, wedding instead of the 'over the top' one that Lady Greengrass wanted. Harry heard Astoria say one day, "Thanks, Daphne, now mother will be going overboard with my wedding to Draco!" Astoria pouted cutely, and Harry smiled.

Harry watched the two sisters bicker back and forth, smiling around the rim of the cup of tea he held. Sometimes he wished that he had a sibling. He thought that it would be something like this. Harry looked over at the open doorway of the Greengrass's sitting room as movement caught his attention.

Lord Greengrass led Harry away from the lively chatter of the sitting room and into his private office, the heavy oak door closing behind them with a soft thud. Harry sank into the plush armchair opposite Lord Greengrass's desk, a weary smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he met the older man's gaze.

"It's hard to believe it's only a week until the wedding," Lord Greengrass remarked, pouring two glasses of fine whiskey from a crystal decanter on his desk and passing one to Harry. "Time certainly flies, doesn't it?"

Harry nodded, taking a sip of the rich amber liquid and relishing the warmth that spread through him. "It does indeed," he agreed, setting his glass down on the polished wooden surface of the desk. "It feels like just yesterday that Daphne and I were discussing the details of the ceremony."

Lord Greengrass chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Ah, yes, the joys of wedding planning," he said wryly, taking a seat behind his desk and leaning back in his chair. "I must admit, I'm relieved that Daphne has finally put her foot down and insisted on having things her way."

Harry couldn't help but laugh, the tension of the past few weeks melting away in the warmth of Lord Greengrass's easy camaraderie. "You and me both," he said, his voice tinged with amusement. "Lady Greengrass has been... enthusiastic, to say the least, about her vision for the wedding."

Lord Greengrass nodded sympathetically, taking a sip of his whiskey as he leaned forward, his expression turning serious. "I hope you know, Harry, that Daphne's happiness is the most important thing to us," he said earnestly, his gaze steady on Harry's. "We may have had our disagreements, but we both want what's best for our daughter."

Harry felt a surge of gratitude towards Lord Greengrass, his heart warming at the older man's sincerity. "I know," he said softly, meeting Lord Greengrass's gaze with a grateful smile. "And I want you to know that I'll do everything in my power to make sure Daphne is happy."

Lord Greengrass returned Harry's smile with a nod of appreciation, his eyes crinkling at the corners with warmth. "I have no doubt about that, Harry," he said warmly. "You're a good man, and I couldn't ask for a better match for my daughter."

Harry's chest swelled with pride at Lord Greengrass's words, a rush of emotion sweeping through him as he clinked his glass against Lord Greengrass's in a silent toast. "To Daphne," he said, his voice choked with emotion. "And to the beginning of our life together."

Lord Greengrass raised his glass in agreement, a fond smile playing on his lips. "To Daphne," he echoed, his voice filled with pride and affection. "May she have all the happiness in the world."

As they both took another sip of whiskey, the strains of laughter and conversation drifted in from the sitting room, filling the air with warmth and joy. In that moment, Harry knew that everything was going to be alright, and he couldn't wait to begin this new chapter of his life with Daphne by his side.

The third week of August arrived with a flurry of activity, the final preparations for Harry and Daphne's wedding in full swing. The days seemed to blur together as Harry found himself swept up in a whirlwind of fittings, tastings, and last-minute arrangements, each moment bringing him closer to the day he had been eagerly anticipating.

As the week drew to a close, Harry and Daphne found themselves reluctantly facing the inevitable separation that preceded their wedding day. It was tradition, they reminded each other, a chance to build anticipation and excitement for the moment they would finally become husband and wife. Still, it didn't make saying goodbye any easier.

With a heavy heart, Harry bid Daphne farewell at the door of her parents' house, her hand clasped tightly in his as they exchanged promises of love and devotion. They lingered for a moment longer, reluctant to part, before finally tearing themselves away and heading in opposite directions, each carrying the other's heart with them.

The morning of the wedding dawned bright and clear, the air tinged with excitement and anticipation as Harry prepared to marry the woman of his dreams. He found himself surrounded by family and friends, their laughter and words of encouragement filling the air as they helped him dress and prepare for the momentous occasion.

At last, the time arrived for the ceremony to begin, and Harry felt a surge of nervous energy as he made his way to the front of the grand hall where the wedding would take place. His heart skipped a beat as he caught sight of Daphne, her beauty taking his breath away as she made her way down the aisle on the arm of her father, Lord Greengrass.

As Daphne drew near, Harry felt his pulse quicken, his eyes fixed on her radiant smile as she approached. Lord Greengrass placed her hand in Harry's, a silent blessing passing between them as they stood together at the altar, ready to exchange their vows and pledge their love for all eternity.

The ceremony was a blur of emotion and joy, the words of the officiant washing over Harry as he gazed into Daphne's eyes, lost in the depths of her love. With each heartfelt vow spoken, their bond grew stronger, until at last they were pronounced husband and wife, the weight of the moment settling over them like a warm embrace.

As they made their way down the aisle together, hand in hand, Harry felt a sense of peace settle over him, knowing that he had found his soulmate in Daphne. The reception that followed was a whirlwind of celebration and laughter, the air alive with the joy of their union as family and friends toasted their happiness and danced the night away.

As the evening drew to a close, Harry and Daphne stole away from the festivities, their hearts full and their spirits light as they prepared to embark on their honeymoon together. Hand in hand, they made their way to the waiting carriage, their future stretching out before them like a vast, uncharted sea, ready to be explored together as husband and wife.

After a few blissful days of honeymooning in a secluded villa nestled among rolling hills and lush greenery, Harry and Daphne Potter found themselves basking in the warm glow of their newlywed bliss. As they strolled hand in hand through the picturesque gardens, the worries and cares of the world seemed to melt away, replaced by a sense of peace and contentment.

"Do you remember the way our dads got completely plastered at the reception?" Harry chuckled.

Daphne laughed, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "How could I forget? They were like a pair of overgrown children, stumbling around and making fools of themselves."

"They were celebrating, and maybe mourning a little too," Harry mused, a hint of sadness creeping into his voice as he recalled the bittersweet undertones of the evening. "It's hard to believe that our parents are getting older, isn't it?"

Daphne nodded, reaching out to squeeze Harry's hand comfortingly. "But they had a good time, and that's what matters. And now it's our turn to enjoy ourselves."

But their idyllic reverie was shattered when a raven suddenly swooped down from the sky, its sharp cry piercing the tranquil atmosphere. Startled, Harry and Daphne watched as the bird alighted gracefully on the edge of the nearby balcony railing, a letter tied to its leg.

Curious and slightly apprehensive, Harry reached out to untie the parchment, his heart pounding in his chest as he unfolded the letter and quickly scanned its contents. Daphne stood beside him, her brow furrowed in concern as she waited for him to share the news.

"It's from Grover," Harry said, his voice tight with worry. "He says that Percy's missing."

Daphne's eyes widened in shock, her hand flying to her mouth in disbelief. "Missing? But how? When did this happen?"

"I'm not sure," Harry admitted, his mind racing with concern. "But we have to do something. We can't just ignore this."

Determined to take action, Harry and Daphne wasted no time in preparing to leave their honeymoon retreat behind. With heavy hearts and a sense of urgency driving them forward, they set out on the journey to find Percy, their minds filled with worry but their resolve unshaken.