Chapter 19: 19 - The Wedding
The rest of the week was remarkably calm, all things considered. Harry attended his classes during the day, and split his evenings between Fleur and Sebastian. The latter had a number of things to discuss with him, ranging from recommended changes to his financial position, to explaining how the wedding would work.
And then he blinked, and the week was gone.
Before he knew it, he found himself standing in a daze on the grounds of the Chateau, which turned out to be an actual castle. While it was the size of an average mansion rather than something like Hogwarts, it was still quite impressive. Situated on plush, expansive grounds, it was like something out of a fairytale.
Light-colored stonework glittered under the rays of the morning sun, giving the place an almost ethereal glow that reminded him of Fleur. Beautiful stained glass was interspersed here and there among large picture windows, as though the designer wanted the beauty without sacrificing the view of the grounds. Spires rose at the four corners like miniature versions of Gryffindor Tower.
And all around was an expanse of rolling hills and valleys, carpeted with plush green grass, and dotted here and there with trees so ancient that they had probably outlived even Merlin himself. The ocean was visible on the horizon, and the sound of distant waves crashing upon the shore was remarkably soothing. It was breathtaking, and incredibly peaceful.
But Harry was having a hard time taking it in.
A heavy weight had settled on him in the last hours as he realized the sheer magnitude of what was about to happen. True, for three weeks now he'd known intellectually that he was getting married, and that it was forever, but that was intellectually. His subconscious mind, on the other hand, insisted on seeing it as just another adventure that would last through the year and be done.
But that wasn't going to happen, was it? Never again would he return to his dreary existence at the Dursleys; instead he would be here in this idyllic setting. This was his reality now, but it didn't seem at all real; how could it be? It was too good to be true.
And then there was Fleur. She was no longer merely a visiting guest who he barely knew and wouldn't have to worry about after the year was over. No, in too short a time, she would become his wife who he barely knew instead.
She was not simply going away. She would be part of his life forever. He could barely fathom the actual meaning of the word, and where he once had vague ideas and dreams about how his future would go, he no longer had a single clue. What would it be like living with her for the rest of his life?
Harry blinked out of his daze and turned to see his godfather approaching from the direction of the Chateau. Nobody had told him ahead of time that he'd made it to safety, and it was a wonderful surprise. He looked much better: gone were the rags and the matted hair, and in their place were fine robes and a sleek ponytail that made him look quite distinguished.
True, his eyes were still haunted, and he had a long way to go before his cheeks would lose that sunken look, but it was still a massive improvement, and lessened Harry's worries considerably. Instead of running from the Ministry, he would live with the Delacours until something more permanent could be arranged. He would eat well and be comfortable, and Harry would be able to see him from time to time, which was brilliant.
Harry snorted morbidly at him, though. "Ready?" he echoed in honest confusion. "Sirius, I don't think I'll be ready for this in ten years! What the hell am I doing?"
Sirius approached him and studied his expression for a long moment. "You're saving the life of a beautiful girl," he said seriously as he clapped him on the shoulder. "It's a damn fine thing to do, and the rest will work itself out, alright? Now, just try to relax and get through it."
Harry took a deep breath and forced himself to nod, though he somehow doubted it would be so easy. His heart rate increased as Sirius steered him toward the pavilion under which he would cement his future, and he did his best to breathe and remain calm. It was difficult to do.
The pavilion was situated in a shallow depression near the Chateau, with white latticework surrounding a hexagonal platform, and a domed roof overhead. The latticework rose only a couple of feet from the floor, providing for easy viewing for the assembled guests. Even from a distance, Harry could easily pick out the stately form of Amelia Bones as she waited patiently for him.
Surrounding the structure, the guests sat in simple white chairs set out in a crescent formation, broken only by the aisle that ran up the middle. A long red carpet had been laid over the grass there, and it ran all the way through the open area in front and up the steps, clinging to their shape, and into the pavilion. To the side was a simple platform where a string quartet was playing some kind of march that he wasn't familiar with.
Harry squared his shoulders and stood tall as he walked up the aisle with Sirius by his side. Unlike Muggle weddings, wizards had no concept of bridesmaids or best men; there was only family, who were there for support until the time came. And though his godfather's hand had finally fallen from his shoulder, he was grateful for his presence.
He could not believe he was actually doing this!
Sirius separated at the base of the pavilion, leaving him to climb the stairs on his own, as was required. Sebastian had explained that it was symbolic: family could follow you many places, but there were some where you could only walk alone. This decision was his to make, and nobody could make it for him.
Taking a deep breath, but not slowing, Harry ascended the two shallow steps onto the floor of the pavilion, and then turned to await his bride. He had not yet seen the guests, and he was surprised at how many there were, even if it was only thirty or so. Most were human, but there were also quite a few veela, and he even noticed with some surprise that Riptooth and Ragnok had come.
Sebastian and Arienne sat to his right in the front row; both were smiling, and though Arienne already had tears in her eyes, they were clearly tears of joy. Next to her, Caterine's expression was more mischievous, but what she was thinking about, he would probably never know. He smiled at all of them, silently acknowledging them as his new family, as unreal as that still seemed.
On the other side of the aisle was Sirius, who had just taken his place, and next to him sat a dazed-looking Remus Lupin, to Harry's pleasure. Professor McGonagall of all people – he was surprised she decided to attend – was sitting next to them, eyeing them warily. He couldn't keep the slight smirk off his face; she'd likely had far too much experience of their pranks.
And on both sides of the aisle in the second row sat many of the Weasleys.
To Arthur he gave a genuine smile, but Molly was another matter entirely. Though she'd sent a long and apparently very sincere letter of apology, it was still very hard to forgive her. He was no longer confident in her opinion of him, and that was a bitter pill to swallow; he simply didn't trust her anymore. But, not wanting to have any regrets later, he'd invited her anyway.
The twins sat opposite their parents on the other side, and both were grinning, though there was a serious look in their eyes that once again underscored that one should never underestimate them. They knew this was a solemn if joyful occasion, and they would not make a scene. He hadn't even thought to warn them off from it, but it appeared to be unnecessary, at least for the ceremony.
Next to them was Ginny, and he was shocked to see her in tears. She looked heartbroken! He knew she had a crush on him, but was it really that serious? His smile faltered upon seeing it, but he forced it back to his lips. He'd never thought of her in the way she wanted, and she was going to have to get used to that, but he still didn't want to offend her.
And all the way on the other side, next to his parents, sat Ron.
While he probably thought that his feelings were well hidden, Harry knew him too well not to see them. His jealousy was reaching insane proportions. He viewed Harry's life through rose tinted glasses, and would likely never understand what that life would cost him if he had it himself. It was sad, but Harry didn't want to think about that today, so he merely maintained his now-wooden smile and moved on.
He recognized many other faces. Hermione and her parents, sitting behind the Weasleys, beaming at him; Neville Longbottom, sitting next to Hermione, holding her hand; Susan Bones, on the other side of the aisle next to Neville's grandmother. He even spotted Dobby lurking in back, and many more besides who he had never met before – mostly the veela.
And then the music changed, and all was forgotten as he turned his attention to where Fleur was making her approach.
She was, in a word, stunning!
And frankly, that didn't do her justice. She was as radiant as ever, even with her allure restrained. Her flowing white robes shimmered, adding to her natural glow. Her silver hair shone brightly under the sun, arranged in a neat plait that fell down her back, only a few loose wisps framing her delicate features.
She looked happier than he had ever seen her, and he could detect no fear or regret behind her eyes, which surprised him and made his smile turn truly genuine. All other considerations aside, it was astounding that he could end up with such a beautiful creature. She even put the other veela to shame, at least in Harry's opinion.
Gabrielle held her hand as they approached, her head turning every which way as she tried to take everything in at once. She, too, was dressed in white robes, and looked terribly cute. Fleur had insisted that she be the one to deliver her to the pavilion; she loved her sister deeply, and wanted her involved. Harry could only agree that she was the perfect choice.
The younger veela, however, could not hold his attention like her sister could.
Gabrielle obediently peeled off to go sit with her parents, and Harry offered an arm as Fleur gracefully ascended the steps. She accepted with a soft smile, and then they both moved forward, coming to a stop in front of Madam Bones. The woman smiled pleasantly down at them, giving each a subtle nod before looking out over the guests.
The quartet fell silent, and a hush fell over the area as the ceremony began.
"Good morning," announced Amelia in a clear, ringing tone. "We are here today to witness the joining of two lives in the eyes of Magic. Variations of this ceremony extend to us from the dawn of time itself, through the time of Merlin and the Founders, and onward to the present day. Of all the many traditions we hold dear, this is the most profound; the most sacred.
"As Merlin himself once said, while we can brew our potions and cast our spells, the true beauty of magic lies not in those simple things, but in the bonds of friendship and love. Each of our lives affects countless others in infinite and unpredictable ways. But never will that magic be more visible than between two people who choose to share their hearts, their lives, and their souls.
"Today's union is unique in that it is one borne of necessity. A month ago, these two young people did not even know each other. They were merely faces in the crowd, noticed but not understood. There was no bond between them, and they so easily could have parted none the wiser.
"But Magic works in mysterious ways. Though this joining is necessary for the survival of the bride, neither of these young people have taken it for granted. They have instead chosen to build something much stronger, much deeper, and much more resilient. They have learned about each other; they have come to respect each other; and they have come to like each other.
"And as surely as I stand before you today, ladies and gentlemen, I believe that they have come to love each other."
Harry and Fleur exchanged smiles, though on Harry's part that smile was a little sad. He did not truly understand what Fleur felt for him, let alone what he felt for her, and he would not even consider lying to her about that. But Amelia's words gave him hope, and he felt deep in his soul that one day he really would come to love her.
And he wanted to, for what would his life be, if he never found love?
"And so it is my honor," continued Amelia, "to join these two lives today. And to that end, I now call upon these two people to come forth and proclaim their bond."
With another deep breath, Harry took a symbolic step forward, as did Fleur beside him. And again his nerves flared up, for what he was about to do could never be undone. But he squelched them, reminding himself that he liked her, and that he must do this, because he could not allow her to die.
"Harry James Potter," intoned Amelia, "I ask you now, should you choose it, to swear your life to this woman before these witnesses."
Harry swallowed the lump in his throat, stood up a little straighter, turned to face Fleur, and drew his wand from the pocket of his robes, hold it loosely at his side. He was so nervous that it took a moment for him to remember what he was supposed to say, but he was fast enough that nobody noticed. And in a clear voice that surprised even himself, he took the first step.
"On my magic," he said as he stared into her eyes, "I do hereby swear my allegiance, my magic, and my life to this woman, that no other shall come between us."
Amelia nodded and shifted her gaze to Fleur. "Fleur Annalise Delacour," she intoned, "I ask you now, should you choose it, to swear your life to this man before these witnesses."
And like Harry, Fleur drew her wand to hold at her side, never taking her gaze from him. He could see the deep emotions swimming in her eyes. "On my magic," she said clearly, "I do 'ereby swear my allegiance, my magic, and my life to this man, that no other shall come between us."
Harry felt a deep warmth flow through him at her words, spoken with such conviction. This was not a mere show for him; these words had meaning, and he could tell that just as he meant every word he spoke, so had she. And to hear her pledge herself to him in that fashion moved him deeply.
Remembering what was supposed to happen now, Harry raised his wand so that the tip met Fleur's in the space between them, just barely touching. Fleur smiled at him, and he could not help but return it, even as Amelia started speaking again.
"I, Amelia Susan Bones, do hereby seal these oaths, and I call upon Magic to bind these souls in matrimony, that they may be as one from this day forth." And with that, she added her own wand to the mix and intoned, "So mote it be!"
"So mote it be!" echoed Harry and Fleur in unison.
Harry had never before seen Magic invoked in this fashion. It was usually spells and incantations, or a simple oath that a single person gave. But it worked, and what happened next surprised him, as nobody had warned him about it.
First the dim white glow appeared as he'd been told it would, but it was only supposed to last for a second or two. Instead it remained, and then grew brighter – and quickly started acquiring color. And as the magic swelled he felt it moving within him, seeking out his magical core, worming its way inside.
It took only a moment to realize that what he was feeling was Fleur's magic.
It was warm, and it was comforting, and though Harry had never known the meaning of the word, it felt loving. It wormed its way deep within, wrapping around him, bringing him a sense of peace that he'd never known before. And as it began to fade, the only word he had to describe what he was feeling was complete.
Meanwhile, the colorful glow settled into a deep golden hue, the light of it reflected brightly in Fleur's wide eyes. She, apparently, hadn't expected this either. But they only had a moment more to appreciate it before it began to fade, receding into their skin, fusing with their very beings.
It left them breathless.
There was a ringing silence as the glow faded out, leaving the couple staring in awe at each other. In that moment, there was nobody else in the world. He stared deeply into her eyes, and though a multitude of questions intruded on his consciousness, none of them mattered.
And then, finally, Amelia broke the silence.
"Ladies and gentlemen," she announced, "The bond has been formed, and these two are now one. It is my honor, and my great pleasure, to introduce to you for the first time, Harry and Fleur Potter!" Catcalls and whistles went up at the announcement, even as she amended in a quiet undertone, "Go on."
Fleur's expression cleared at her prompt, and even as Harry remembered what came next, her smile turned blinding. He could not stop himself from mirroring it as he leaned in, and as their lips brushed, he wrapped his arms around her. He would never know how long that kiss lasted, for it went on for an eternity, but was far too short.
Their guests were still applauding when they finally drew apart, but before Harry could offer Fleur his arm, Amelia put a hand on each of their shoulders to stop them. He looked up at her questioningly, but she just gave him a smile and a wink.
"Let it be known," she boomed, silencing the crowd almost instantly, "that this union has been blessed by Magic herself, as I stand in witness. A golden aura such as we saw today is very rare. This union is Chosen of Magic, and I think it safe to say that they will have a wonderful life together."
Another huge round of applause went up, and Harry exchanged a wide-eyed look with Fleur. He didn't understand even half of that, but he knew it was a big deal. He would have to ask about it later; he was certain Sebastian would know, and failing that, then he could ask Hermione. He had no doubt that by now she had read all about magical marriage customs...
"Shall we, mon amour?" smiled Fleur.
Harry nodded and with a smile, he led her out of the clearing, and into their new life together.
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