Authors' note: Tonight, you get part two of the wedding and then E/M leaving for the honeymoon. And another Weasley could turn Gabriel's head. Also, for those of you who've asked, we give you a list of the cast of characters ages at the end of the chapter. Please read and review.
"I missed you," Hans said." I pulled out of my shoot so I could be here today."
Darla rolled her eyes." Go away, Hans. I'm busy."
"Dar please," Hans caught her hand." It's been three weeks since we talked and I've thought about you constantly."
"You could have fooled me," Darla said angrily.
He had hoped Darla would be pleased to see him but apparently that wasn't the case." Look I'm sorry about everything I said to you that one night."
"Is this because that tart Kendra Collins broke things off with you?" Darla asked him angrily." I saw that cute little photograph in the Prophet."
"We went out once to an industry party," Hans followed her." It was some do thrown by my agents..."
"Oh how nice," Darla hissed." Didn't take you long to get over me, did it?"
"That's the whole thing," Hans protested." I'm not over you Dar. That's why I'm here."
Darla stared at him. He really did look gorgeous and she was tempted to take him back, but they'd just end up back where they were before.
"How did you even get in here?" she asked him.
"I sort of snuck in," he confessed.
"You crashed my sister's wedding?" she asked incredulously.
"I had to see you," he said sincerely.
Darla looked down at her feet. Hans stepped closer and was about to tilt her chin up when one of the caterers interrupted.
"Miss Weasley?" the woman asked." Is it okay if we begin serving? There's a really impatient guest with red hair like yours who keeps asking us..."
"That would be my father," Darla replied." He's probably just hungry... go ahead and start."
The caterer nodded before walking away.
"There are place cards on the tables," Hans said." I don't have anywhere to sit..."
Darla hesitated a moment." Well since you came... we can make room at the head table. That's were Drew and I are sitting since we're bridesmaids."
Hans smiled." I'd like that."
"Look I don't want you to read too much into it," Darla replied cautiously.
"I won't," he took her hand and kissed the back of it." I really did miss you Dar."
"Yes, well," Darla said pulling her hand away." We'd better go and sit down."
Hans followed her to the table." Hi Drew, Brian." he nodded to them.
Brian stood up to shake his friend's hand." Good to see you, mate."
"You too," Hans smiled at him. He moved over to congratulate Ethan and Maddie and Drew looked at her twin with her eyebrow raised.
"He crashed the wedding," Darla explained." This doesn't mean we're back together. It means that I'm not going to use my sister's wedding to make a scene."
"Still, he showed up." Drew shrugged." I think that should count for something, right?"
"We'll see," Darla said turning to see her parents staring at her with much the same look on their faces as Drew.
"It's okay," she motioned to them.
At the children's table, Katie was talking excitedly to Caroline." When I get married, I'm going to have more people than this. And my dress is going to be sooooooooooo pretty. I'm going to look like a real faerie princess."
"You should wear a really pretty tiara," Caroline agreed." And your hair like Aunt Maddie's!"
"I think her hair would look nice up too," Ashley commented." With little tendrils. Kind of like how Mum's is today..."
"No I'd wear it down," Katie looked dismissively at her sister.
Ashley sighed. She was really trying to make an effort to be nicer to her younger sister, but Katie didn't seem to want to help.
"Your hair looks really pretty today, Ashley," Caroline said.
"Thanks, Caroline;" Ashley said smiling across the table at the younger girl." It's a French twist."
"Did your Mummy do it?" Caroline asked." My mummy did mine this morning."
Ashley nodded." She fixed mine and Katie's."
"Daddy said mine was the prettiest of all the girls," Katie said smugly.
"He told me that too," Ashley returned.
Katie rolled her eyes." Whatever..."
Ashley rolled her eyes as well and pressed her lips together.
"I can't wait until they start the music and we get to dance!" Caroline said." That's going to be so much fun!"
"We can see if they have one of the songs from our recital," Katie turned so her sister was exonerated from the conversation." And we can show everyone how good we dance!"
"Ash, you're going to dance with us, right?" Caroline asked.
"Maybe," Ashley shrugged." We'll see."
Ron smiled expectantly as the waiter came to their table.
"Sir would you like chicken or fish?" he asked.
"Both," Ron said happily." And be really generous with the helpings..."
"Ronald," Luna nudged him, laughing.
"Hey, Harry is paying." Ron replied." Give me two servings of each, actually."
"How about we just set up a trough in the back and you can just dive in?" Harry asked his friend.
"I'm all for that," Ron shot back with a grin." I've only had six dinner rolls, two salads, and a helping of beef so far today. I'm starved!"
"They just started serving, Ronald," Luna asked." How did you---"
"I had to make sure they had everything ready in the kitchen earlier," Ron replied.
"The official taster?" Hermione asked shaking her head.
"You got it," Ron beamed." In fact, I'll have three helpings of each. Generous helpings, please."
"Yes, sir," the waiter said.
"You're going to make yourself sick," Luna said.
"Nah it's a special day," Ron sat back as champagne was poured for all the adults.
"I've never seen Maddie look so happy," Luna said looking toward the head table where her daughter was beaming at Ethan.
"That's all I can really ask for," Ron gazed over as well." She's grinning from ear to ear."
"Ethan's the same way," Hermione said tearing up. She reached for Harry's handkerchief." Oh, here I go again..."
Harry was amused at his wife's theatrics but he kept it carefully hidden.
"And we'll get to go through this two more times," Luna told her husband." When Drew and Darla get married."
"I hope not," Ron joked.
"Ronald!" Luna exclaimed.
"I didn't mean it like that," Ron said hastily.
"I can't even imagine going through this with Saffron," Harry said." I'll be a right mess."
"More than I am right now," Hermione wiped her eyes.
"She's my little girl," Harry said defensively." Ron knows firsthand what that's like. Right, mate?"
"Definitely," Ron agreed." It nearly killed me to give her away."
"You did just fine," Luna said resting her head on Ron's shoulder." And you looked so handsome!"
"I did, didn't I?" Ron asked with a grin.
Luna nodded and sighed happily.
"Hello!" a shrill voice said from behind them." Ronald Weasley, you look good enough to eat!"
"Parvati?" Ron asked." What are you doing here?"
"I was invited, wasn't I?" Parvati did a little spin so they could all see her robes, which were rather tight." Madeline did say everyone at the office could come."
"How nice of her," Hermione mumbled." Um, Parvati Patil, I'd like you to meet my mother, this is Dr. Elinore Granger."
"It's very lovely to meet you," Elinore nodded politely.
"Nice to meet you," Parvati said warmly. She scanned the rest of the table and gasped when she saw Gabriel talking to his father." Oh my God! It's like being transported back into time! You are the spitting image of Seamus Finnigan."
Gabriel stared bemusedly at the woman." I should hope so. He is my dad."
"Seamus I simply cannot BELIEVE you have a son," Parvati sat down in the seat next to him, failing to notice Lavender's name card in front of the plate.
"Gabe, this is Parvati Patil," Seamus explained to his son." She went to school with me."
"Nice to meet you," Gabriel put his hand out.
"Isn't he polite?" Parvati asked shaking Gabriel's hand. She turned her attention back to Seamus." I do hope you'll save me dance. You too, Harry!"
"I uh... we'll see..." Harry said lamely.
Lavender returned from saying hello to a couple of old friends and her jaw nearly hit the floor when she saw who was sitting in her chair.
"Can I help you?" she asked in an icy tone.
"I was just talking to your handsome husband and stepson," Parvati said sweetly." Don't you look lovely, Lavender. And you're wearing the colour Lavender, too! How cute!"
"Yes I know," Lavender said coolly." You're in my seat."
"Oh," Parvati said standing up." I'm so sorry."
Without so much as another word to the woman, Lavender sat down and turned her back.
Parvati tossed her hair back." I'll see you boys later. Ta-ta!"
"What on earth is she doing here?" Lavender rolled her eyes." That woman has an uncanny knack of sticking her head in where she's not wanted."
"She's really good at that," Elinore said grinning at her niece.
"Anyway," Lavender tossed her hair." Maddie looks just gorgeous today."
"You did a lovely job on her dress, Lavender," Elinore said proudly.
"Thanks Aunt Elinore," Lavender beamed." She's a perfect model."
"Here comes the food!" Ron exclaimed practically bouncing in his seat
"He's like a three year old," Harry said with a pointed glance at Emma, who was behaving similarly.
"I don't even know where to start," Ron said rubbing his hands together as the waiter set a plate in front of him.
"This all looks delicious," Maddie was looking eagerly at her own plate." Yours does too."
"You're not going to eat off my plate, are you?" Ethan asked." Mads..."
"Come on Ethan," she gave him a sweet smile." We're married now!"
"What's mine is yours and all that?" Ethan teased.
"Absolutely," she leaned in and gave him a kiss.
"Okay," Ethan said picking up a fork and handing it to her." Go ahead..."
"We can share," she laughed.
"You're sickeningly sweet," Frankie said with a laugh.
"You were the same way," Ethan reminded her." On your wedding day you and Will were lip locked the entire time."
"I never said we didn't," Frankie said winking at her husband.
"I'm so excited about tonight," Maddie said in a low voice as they ate." Just you and me Ethan... and we don't have to stop."
Ethan grinned at her." Which one of those little nightgowns are you going to wear for me tonight?"
"You're going to have to wait and see, Mr. Potter." her heart fluttered as his grin got bigger.
"I can't wait," Ethan said leaning in for another kiss.
"We really haven't eaten all day," Saffron told Andrew." We all had bagels this morning around seven but that feels so long ago now."
"Maddie stayed here last night with all of you?" Andrew asked." Like a big slumber party?"
"Something like that," Saffron nodded." Frankie hired this guy to come in and dance. It was hilarious."
Andrew nearly choked on his water." I beg your pardon?"
"This guy came in and danced," Saffron replied." Frankie had Maddie sit in the middle of the room and the guy was down to almost nothing. I've never seen anyone turn so red."
"You watched some bloke take his clothes off?" Andrew asked her.
"He didn't even look my way once," Saffron replied." And he was only wearing some tight trousers to begin with."
"How degrading," Andrew said shaking his head.
"I thought it was pretty amusing, actually." Saffron didn't notice the look on his face.
"So," Andrew said." What if RJ and I went to the Veela Snatch some night..."
"The Veela Snatch is nothing but a disgusting seedy place," Saffron replied.
"I heard that your Dad had his stag night there," Andrew said.
"He did," Saffron nodded." Mum wasn't happy about it but apparently some girl there was trying to get all over him and he pushed her away."
"And you didn't hold it against him, did you, when you found out?" Andrew asked.
"Of course not," Saffron pulled a confused face." What's this all about?"
Andrew shrugged." Nothing..."
"Are you angry with me over last night?" she asked.
"No," Andrew said." I just don't like to think of you watching some bloke take his clothes off is all."
Saffron set her fork down and smiled at him." Would it make you feel any better if I told you I imagined it was you the whole time?" she asked softly.
"A little," Andrew admitted.
"Just a little?" she asked, slipping her hand onto his thigh under the table.
Andrew grinned." Lots better."
"Oi, Saffron!" Ethan called out." Behave! You don't want me to get Dad!"
"Shut up Ethan!" Saffron grew red when she realised her brother had seen the whole thing.
"Saffron Grace," Ethan said in a sing-song voice." She's going to be sucking face..."
"Ethan," Maddie nudged her husband.
"I had to do it," Ethan said with a wicked grin.
"Better watch it or you won't make it until tonight," Saffron threatened.
"Says the girl who can't do magic out of school," Ethan cackled.
"My boyfriend can," she retorted.
"Andrew wouldn't do that," Ethan said.
"Ethan come on," Maddie placed a hand on his." Let's not get into an argument."
"Listen to your wife, Ethan," Saffron said glaring at him.
"You'll save me a dance right Saf?" he teased.
"Yeah, I'll step on your toes," Saffron said sweetly.
"Look!" Maddie said nudging her husband." Your dad---"
They all turned to see Harry standing in front of the stage." As most of you know," he began." I am the father of the groom..."
"Uh oh," Ethan said but he was grinning.
"And I couldn't be more proud," Harry said smiling at his son and daughter-in-law." Hermione and I are so happy for him and Maddie and we wish them well as they begin their new life together."
"Thanks Dad," Ethan said with a grin. Maddie was busy wiping at her eyes with a tissue.
"And we hope everyone continues to have a good time," Harry continued." Ron hasn't eaten everything...yet."
"Yet!" Ron echoed, holding up his glass and making everyone laugh.
Harry laughed." I'd like to ask for Ethan and Maddie to come up here and have their first dance."
"Are you ready?" Ethan asked, taking his wife's hand.
Maddie nodded and couldn't stop smiling as he led her out onto the dance floor.
Aware that all eyes were on them, Ethan wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close." I've been very bad-I don't think I've told you once just how stunning you look today."
Maddie looked dreamily at him." Thank you. So do you."
"I was in a little bit of shock when I saw you," he said softly." Walking down the aisle- you looked like something out of a dream."
"I felt the same way when I saw you," Maddie whispered.
Ethan gave her a kiss." And now we have the next two weeks to spend just together... no one to bother us."
"I can't wait," Maddie said dreamily.
Alexa leaned against RJ." They look so happy together," she sighed.
RJ smiled and wrapped his arms around her waist." They've been through a lot."
"Yeah," she said." I'm so glad we got to be here. It's been such a romantic wedding."
RJ rested his chin on her shoulder." Romantic..."
Alexa thought about how sweet RJ had been lately." And it's always great being with you," she whispered.
"I love you," RJ said nuzzling her neck.
"I love you too," she said.
Gabriel noticed them standing together and tried not to look as RJ wound his arms around her waist. He'd tried to keep some distance between them as to not make her uncomfortable and they'd only shared a few words since the ceremony.
"How you holding up, son?" Seamus asked him.
"Fine," Gabriel smiled at his father." Lavender did a bang-up job on that dress." he nodded at the bride.
Seamus nodded." She did. Wedding dresses are one of her specialties."
"Obviously," Gabriel said with a grin.
"Never easy to watch someone you care about with someone else," Seamus said.
"I'm fine," Gabriel said." Really...I'm just glad she's happy."
"You should ask her to dance," Seamus said." It would be a shame to waste all of Saffron's training..."
"Maybe," Gabriel shrugged." I don't want to cause a rift between the two of them. RJ already doesn't like me."
"She said she still wanted to be friends, right?" Seamus asked.
"Well yeah but--"
"Hi, Gabe," Alexa said from behind him." Mr. Finnigan."
"Hello, Alexa," Seamus said smiling at her." Lovely to see you again."
"You too," Alexa said shyly." Are you both having a good time?"
"Aye," Seamus said." In fact, I think I'm going to go and say hello to an old friend. Be right back, son."
"Okay," Gabriel said nodding.
"I'm sorry I haven't come over to see you until now," Alexa apologised.
"It's okay," Gabriel said motioning for her to sit down." I know you've been busy."
"Yeah just a little," Alexa replied." I don't want to neglect you though. You're leaving in a few days."
Gabriel nodded." I'm going to be really busy with school so I don't think I'll be coming back to England anytime soon."
" Maybe me and Saffron can come visit you in California," Alexa suggested shyly." And you can show us around."
"Yeah, maybe," Gabriel said quietly.
"I mean it," she said." I know it's not what you want to hear, but I want us to stay friends."
"Friends," Gabriel repeated." At least you didn't say you thought of me like a brother..."
"I'll keep my mouth shut then," she joked.
"I don't know if I can just be your friend, Alexa," Gabriel said honestly.
"Oh," she answered softly.
He stood up." So, I guess it would be best for everyone if we just said goodbye now."
"Gabe..." she said quietly.
He gave her a slight smile." Good luck with school and thanks for being----thanks for being my friend."
"I'll always be your friend, Gabe." Alexa promised." I wish things didn't have to be this way."
"Yeah," Gabriel said." I'm going to go find my dad...."
"Are you okay?" Saffron came up behind her friend." What were you talking to Gabe about?"
"I think I made things worse," Alexa said watching him walk away.
"How?" Saffron asked.
"I told him I hoped we could still be friends and he said he didn't know if he could just be my friend," Alexa explained." And he said it would be best if we just said goodbye now."
"Wow I guess he took things harder than I thought," Saffron said." I'm sorry Lex."
Alexa nodded." I made a mess of this."
Saffron put a comforting arm around her." At least things are okay with RJ right?"
"Things are great," Alexa said." I'm going over there after the wedding actually."
Saffron's eyes widened." What are you going to do?" she asked in a hushed voice." Are you going to...?"
"I don't know," Alexa whispered." Maybe..."
"Wow," Saffron replied." That's so..."
"We're going to see how things go," Alexa said." And I kind of told my mum and dad I was staying with you..."
"I'll cover for you if they ring," Saffron promised.
"Thanks," Alexa said." Let's go find---"
Her words were cut off as she saw Gabriel dancing with a pretty blonde-haired girl. Saffron followed her friend's gaze." That's Danielle. Bill and Fleur's youngest."
"She's really pretty," Alexa said ignoring the slight stab of jealousy.
"She's part Veela like her mother," Saffron said." But she lives in France, so I wouldn't make too much of it."
"It's fine with me," Alexa shrugged." Where did RJ and Andrew go?"
"Andrew asked Ashley if she wanted to dance," Saffron said." I think my niece has a bit of crush, actually."
"That's cute," Alexa said with a grin." Although I can't blame her."
"I know," Saffron said." Look, there they are---"
The two girls laughed as Andrew tried to dip Ashley back." He's not that great at dancing but I love him for trying," Saffron said fondly.
"That is the sweetest thing I've ever seen," Alexa said grinning.
Meanwhile, the happy couple was still dancing in the middle of the floor.
"Okay, Mads---you ready?" Ethan asked.
"For what?" she asked.
"You remember our one-two--cha-cha-cha, right?" Ethan asked winking at her.
"Here?" she asked with a laugh.
"It's our signature move," Ethan said extending his arm." Ready?"
" Ready as you are," Maddie replied with a grin.
Ethan was laughing as he and Maddie did an impromptu cha-cha across the dance floor." One-two---"
"Cha- cha-cha," they said together.
"Those two," Julie realised instantly what they were doing and laughed." Do you remember that Nick?"
Nick nodded." Who knew back then that they'd be doing that so many years later as husband and wife?"
"It was all she could do at the time to get him to dance with her," Julie leaned against her husband of many years now.
"Well, he finally wised up," Nick said spinning his wife around.
"Now I guess we just have to hope that Saffron will make as good a choice as both Ethan and I did," Julie grinned at him.
"I think she's well on her way," Nick said motioning to where Andrew had finished dancing with Ashley." Nice kid to ask Ash to dance."
"He is really nice," Julie agreed." Mum and Dad really like him. And Saffy is head over heels for him."
"Hopefully, they'll be as happy as you and me," Nick said giving her a kiss.
"I think so," Julie kissed him again." Hard not to be happy when you've got such a fantastic husband..."
"And two daughters who, for once, aren't at each other's throats," Nick said.
"Let's be thankful it's holding out this long," Julie laughed as he dipped her back.
Ashley smiled shyly at Andrew as he led her back over to the table where her sister and Caroline were." Thanks, Andrew."
"You're very welcome Ashley," Andrew grinned at her." I'd like to dance again later if you don't mind me stepping on your feet some more."
"Really?" Ashley asked." Sure!"
Andrew grinned at Caroline." Your dad was looking for you. He wanted to see if you'd dance with him."
"He was?" Caroline brightened." I'm going to find him!"
Andrew waved goodbye at Ashley before following Caroline.
Ashley practically floated back to her seat.
Katie leaned back in her chair." What are you so happy about?"
"I just had a lot of fun dancing," Ashley blushed.
"You know he didn't really want to dance with you," Katie said." I bet Aunt Saffy made him do it."
Ashley stopped smiling." He wouldn't have done it if he didn't really want to," she said.
Katie shrugged." I bet she'd promised him she'd give him sweets if he danced with you."
"Shows how much you know," Ashley retorted." Aunt Saffy doesn't have to promise people sweets to get them to do things."
"What's that mean?" Katie asked hotly.
"Look," Ashley reeled in her temper." I don't want to fight with you today, okay?"
"Well, I don't want to sit with you," Katie said standing up." I'm going to go find Grandma."
"Fine," Ashley leaned back and watched her sister leave.
"Hey, Ash," Saffron said sitting down beside her niece." Everything okay?"
Ashley nodded." Aunt Saffy can I ask you something?"
"Sure," Saffron replied." What's up?"
"Did you ask Andrew to dance with me?" Ashley was curious." Or did he come over by himself?"
Saffron smiled reassuringly at her niece." He had such a good time with you and me when we were at Brighton. And he thought you'd like to dance with him. I promise, Ash .I didn't tell him to do it."
"Thanks Aunt Saffy," Ashley's smile returned." He's not a bad dancer. Did you show him how?"
Saffron giggled." I might have showed him a thing or two."
"You're good just like Grandma and Grandpa," Ashley said wistfully." I wish I was too..."
"Ash let me tell you something," Saffron put an arm around her niece." You are going to do so well in whatever you decide to do. You're smart, pretty and headstrong."
Ashley smiled up at her aunt." I'd like to teach art someday. I've been helping Emma with her drawing. She goes outside of the lines, but she's really good with picking colours that go together."
"See," Saffron grinned at her." I mean you're ten years old and already thinking of what you want to do when you grow up."
"Did you always know you wanted to play Quidditch?" Ashley asked.
"Yeah," Saffron said." Dad sometimes says I was born on a broom."
Ashley laughed." You're so great at it. I'm really glad that when I go to Hogwarts next year that you'll be there. It'll be nice to already have a friend there."
"And I'll make sure no one gives you a hard time," Saffron nudged her." By then I'll surely be Head Girl. We'll have so much fun Ash."
Ashley beamed at her aunt. She had always looked up to Saffron and had thought of her more as a friend than an aunt.
"It'll be nice to be away from Katie," Ashley admitted." I've tried to be nicer to her, but she just makes it impossible..."
"Your mum told me you've been trying really hard lately to get along," Saffron said.
"I've even volunteered to help her with the summer reading her teacher assigned," Ashley said." But she tells me no every, single time."
"It's all right," Saffron reassured her." I think it's really cool that you're trying."
"Here she comes," Ashley said as her sister came back over to join them." Aunt Maddie and Uncle Ethan are going to cut their wedding cake soon."
"I want a huge piece," Saffron grinned." Maddie made sure it's a chocolate cake."
"Do you think Aunt Maddie will try and smash it in Ethan's face?" Ashley asked with a giggle.
"I wouldn't be surprised if Ethan smashed it in Maddie's." Saffron laughed." Come on you two let's go get front row seats."
"Okay," Katie said tossing her hair over her shoulder.
Ashley caught her aunt's eye and behind Katie's back, did a near perfect imitation.
Saffron covered her mouth with her hand to stifle her laughter." Come on, guys."
Andrew joined them as they went over where the massive cake was displayed. Ron was already waiting there with a fork and plate in hand.
"Dad, where did you get that?" Drew asked." They haven't brought those cake plates out yet!"
"I come prepared," Ron said with a grin.
"Daddy, don't ever change!" Drew said giving him a hug.
"I don't plan on it," Ron kissed his daughter's cheek." Now come on and cut that cake-I'm starved!"
"Not up to me, Dad," Drew said with a laugh." Darla's gone to fetch Ethan and Maddie. They have to cut the cake."
"Do you think anyone would miss it if I just took a wee little bit off the side?" Ron asked.
"Dad!" Drew said swatting at his hands." Wait!"
"I can't hold out much longer," Ron said dramatically, making Caroline and Emma giggle.
"Big cake!" Emma squealed." Right, Gampa?"
"That's right baby," Ron set his plate down and picked her up." And we're going to eat it all aren't we?"
Emma nodded." Em love cake!"
Ron kissed her cheek." We'll get the biggest pieces," he promised." All right Em?"
Emma nodded happily and clapped her hands when she saw her aunt coming forward with Ethan." Mad cut cake!"
Maddie laughed." Are you waiting for a piece Em?"
"We both are," Ron said with a grin.
Ethan and Maddie walked around the table where Drew handed Maddie the knife.
"Ethan put your hand over hers," Drew instructed as Darla brought over the photographer.
"No mashing this in my face, Ethan," Maddie whispered.
"Oh come on, just a little mashing?" Ethan asked." It's tradition!"
"I get to mash first then," Maddie said as they smiled for the photographer.
"Works for me," Ethan replied with a grin.
They cut into the cake and Maddie picked up a small piece of the cake and held it up." Open up, Mr. Potter."
Ethan did as she said laughing as she got icing all over his mouth.
"He's a bit messy, isn't he?" Maddie asked the guests.
"Your turn," Ethan said, holding up a bigger piece for her.
Maddie smiled." Okay...be nice. Don't ruin the dress..."
"Like you've ever let a piece of cake drop," Ethan teased her.
Maddie stuck her tongue out at him.
"That's a good picture to have!" Saffron teased.
"Perfectly defines their relationship," RJ joked.
Ethan smashed the cake in his new wife's nose.
"We shouldn't waste cake like this!" Maddie said giggling.
"Kiss me then," he leaned in.
Maddie didn't bother wiping her face as she pressed her lips to her husband's. The photographer snapped away and everyone clapped.
"RJ!" Danielle exclaimed to her cousin." Bonjour!"
"Hey Danielle," RJ grinned at her." Comment ca va?"
"You can speak French?" Saffron was amazed.
"Don't look so surprised," RJ said nudging his friend." Most of Bill's children speak it so I've picked up a few things here and there."
"Saffy," Danielle said pecking the younger girl on the cheek.
"Hi Danielle," Saffron grinned." You look great!"
Danielle smiled modestly and Saffron noticed that the girl was standing beside Gabriel who seemed to be trying very hard not to look at Alexa.
"Where's Uncle Bill?" RJ asked." I haven't seen him or Aunt Fleur all day."
"They're around here somewhere," Danielle brushed back her perfect blonde hair." With my parents, who knows right?" she laughed.
"I'd like you to meet Alexa," RJ said putting an arm around his girlfriend." Alexa O'Leary, this is my cousin, Danielle."
"Hi," Alexa offered her hand politely.
Danielle smiled." Alexa, RJ has spoken of you often!"
"Dani goes to Beauxbatons," RJ explained. He glared at Gabriel and tried to be civil to the boy for Alexa and Saffron's sake." Hullo, Gabe."
"Hi RJ," Gabriel replied." Having a good time?"
RJ nodded and pulled Alexa even closer." Great time."
"Gabriel has been such a sweetheart to me," Danielle gushed." Apparently, he's just had his heart broken..."
Alexa dropped her glass, watching in horror as it shattered at her best friend's feet." Saffy I'm so sorry!" she gasped.
"It's okay," Andrew said quickly withdrawing his wand and cleaning up the mess.
"Slippery hands," Danielle joked.
"That's me," Alexa managed a smile." Clumsy old Alexa."
"Broken hearted, eh?" RJ asked coldly.
"That's a little overdramatic," Gabriel fidgeted.
"When do you leave exactly?" RJ asked.
"Come on, RJ," Alexa said hastily." Let's get some cake."
"Fine," RJ stared at Gabriel as they brushed past.
Gabriel rolled his eyes and shook his head." Gabe don't mind him," Saffron said." You're having a good time right?"
Gabriel nodded." Yeah, how about you?"
"Loads of fun," Saffron grinned." Danielle, you'll let me steal my cousin away for a dance later right?"
"If you let me have him back," Danielle said with a flirtatious wink at Gabriel.
"I've got my own," Saffron linked arms with Andrew.
Danielle took Gabriel's hand and led him away.
"That was tense," Andrew said to Saffron.
"Tell me about it," Saffron sighed." I understand why RJ's upset but I wish he'd let it go, even if just for today."
"He is trying," Andrew said in defence of his best friend.
"I know," Saffron smiled at him as she wound her arms around him.
"You look beautiful today," he said kissing her forehead.
"You said that already," she grinned." But I don't mind hearing it again."
"You want to dance with me or you want to get some cake?" he asked her.
"I really want some cake," she said." But dancing with you sounds more fun right now..."
"Good answer," he said spinning her around." Come on, Saf..."
"You know there is one thing you haven't done properly today," she said.
"Snogged you?" Andrew asked.
"You read my mind," Saffron grinned.
"Let's see what I can do to rectify that," Andrew said pulling her close.
Saffron closed her eyes as her boyfriend pressed his lips to hers. Kissing Andrew was one of her favourite things to do.
"How's that?" Andrew asked when they broke apart." Marks out of ten?"
"Eleven," she said dreamily.
Andrew grinned." Who's the man?"
"For me?" Saffron giggled." That would be you, sir."
Andrew gave her another kiss before leading her out to the dance floor.
At the head table, Frankie was eyeing Will's cake. She had promised herself she wouldn't eat any sweets today, but that cake really, really looked good.
"Frankie?" Will asked, an amused tone to his voice.
"What?" she smiled at him.
"Would you and the cake like to be alone?" he teased.
"Can I have a bite?" she asked sweetly.
"Sure," Will said handing her his fork.
He watched in amazement as his wife nearly devoured the piece on his plate." Frankie!"
"It's really good," Frankie said grinning at him.
"I'd have gotten you your own piece you know," he chuckled.
"I didn't want my own piece," Frankie reasoned." I just wanted a small bite."
"And a small bite was half my cake," Will shook his head.
"Your worldly goods are my worldly goods," Frankie said giving him a kiss on the cheek.
"You're lucky I love you so much," Will teased her.
"Yes, I am," Frankie said." How about you get us another piece of cake then?"
"I'll get a big piece so in case you want another small bite, I can have some too," Will got up and headed back for the table.
She watched her husband go and thought about how happy she was. They hadn't discussed the children issue anymore and things had been great between them. Maybe, someday she would change her mind, but for now, she liked exactly how everything was.
Darla was talking to one of the members of the band when she felt a hand on her shoulder.
"Great wedding," Hans said smiling at her." You and Drew did a fantastic job."
"Thank you," Darla said guardedly.
Hans stuck his hands in his pockets as Darla turned her attention back to the bandleader. She wasn't making this easy on him at all. An idea came to him and when Darla walked away, he sprung to action. He whispered something to the bandleader and within moments, the band began to play" The Way You Look Tonight" . Darla froze in place as she recognised the song.
Hans went over to her." Come on," he said, taking her hand." Please Dar?"
"You don't fight fair," she grumbled.
"It's our song," he said." Dance with me… please?"
"Okay," she said quietly.
Hans smiled as he pulled her close.
Darla rested her head on his shoulder and felt her defences melting away.
"I really have missed you," Hans said quietly." I wasn't just saying that."
"That's not what the Prophet says," Darla said quietly." You and that tart---"
"Who listens to the Prophet?" Hans asked." Not me..."
"I thought this shoot of yours was crucial to your career and you couldn't have gotten out of it if you'd tried?" Darla asked.
"Didn't turn out to be that crucial," Hans admitted." I might have embellished a little..."
"Why would you have done that?" Darla asked pulling away from him.
"I don't know," Hans shrugged." I don't know why I've done a lot of things in the past few weeks."
"That makes two of us," Darla said angrily." I can't do this, Hans. It's constantly up and down with you. Who's to say in a couple of days, things aren't exactly the same?"
"We don't have to let them be that way," Hans said." Please Dar...I don't want us to break up. I love you all right? I love being with you."
"I love you too, but sometimes that's not enough," she said trying to stave off her tears." You haven't been there for me..."
"That's going to change," he promised." I swear."
"Hans--" Darla started to say, but her words were cut off when he kissed her.
He cupped her face in his hands, knowing she wanted to pull away but not letting her.
Instinctively, she wrapped her arms around his waist and finally gave into the kiss.
"He certainly isn't wasting any time," Drew remarked from just off the side of the dance floor.
"He loves her," Brian said squeezing her hand.
"I just want her to be happy," Drew leaned against him." Happy as I am with you."
"If she gives him a chance, I think she will," Brian said." He's been miserable without her."
"I didn't realise you'd been in touch with him," Drew said.
"He owled me about a week ago and we went out round the pub one evening," Brian replied.
"Drowning your sorrows?" Drew teased.
"He was," Brian tightened his arm around her." I have none."
"Me either," Drew said dreamily.
"Come on," Brian said." We haven't had our chance to show off yet."
"Dance!" Drew exclaimed." We have to make it a quick one. Maddie's going to be throwing her bouquet soon."
"All right," he laughed as she tugged on his hand.
"Where are you and Aunt Maddie going on your honeymoon?" Katie asked her uncle.
"We're going to the Caribbean, Katie Bear," Ethan replied.
"Where's that?" Katie asked." Is it in London?"
"It's over near America," Maddie told her.
"What do you do on a honeymoon?" Caroline asked innocently.
Jon nearly choked on his champagne." Um, Angel Girl, It's just a holiday really. People who get married go on them."
"Then why don't they just call it a holiday?" Caroline asked curiously.
"Well," Jon said trying to choose his words carefully." Because...well...Josh...Care to help me out?"
"Because it's just special, for people who get married," Josh told his niece." Everyone who gets married goes on one."
"Did you go on one?" Caroline asked her uncle.
"Yes I did," Josh replied." So did your Daddy and Mummy."
"Where did you go, Daddy?" Caroline asked.
"The first time we just went back to my flat," Jon replied.
"But that's not a holiday," Caroline was baffled.
"It was," Jon argued.
Caroline put her hands on her hips." But you didn't go anywhere, Daddy."
Lizzy looked at Allison." You're just going to watch as he digs himself into a hole?"
"It's sort of funny," Allison said with a grin.
"Uncle Jon, where did you go on the second honeymoon?" Katie asked." You said the first one you just went home. Where did you go on the second one? And why did you get two?"
"Because Allie and I are extra special," Jon said with a grin.
Josh guffawed." Girls, let me just tell you something about extra special Jon Weasley. You see, what he did was..."
"Sweep me off my feet," Allison interrupted." Jon Weasley is very romantic."
"And that's why he and Allie had two honeymoons," Maddie said grinning at her big brother.
"Thanks, Mad Dog," Jon said.
"I bet we're extra special too," Ethan drawled." Bet we get three honeymoons."
"Four," Maddie corrected.
"Four works for me," Ethan grinned wickedly.
"And we get started tonight," Maddie said dreamily.
"Finally," Ethan whispered in her ear.
Nearly an hour later, Maddie and Ethan went upstairs to change clothes. They'd be leaving soon, but the bouquet toss and garter throw would take place before they left for their honeymoon.
" Now are you sure you've got everything you need for tonight?" Frankie had come up with her best friend.
Maddie nodded." I was thinking I'd wear the white negligee tonight. What do you think?"
"I think that's perfect," Frankie replied." Because after this, you'll no longer get to wear white and get away with it." she nudged the blonde.
Maddie blushed." I can't wait."
"You're going to love it," Frankie told her." I know Ethan won't try to rush things, but just go at your own pace."
"I'm a little nervous," Maddie admitted." But I'm beyond ready...you know?"
"I know you both are," Frankie helped Maddie out of her wedding dress.
"I know this sounds like such a cliché," Maddie said." But this really has been the happiest day of my life."
"It's supposed to be," Frankie beamed at her." My wedding day certainly was."
"You've been such a great friend to me," Maddie said as she changed into her sundress." I don't know how I would have been able to do any of this without you."
"It's me who should be thanking you," Frankie said." It's so funny, when I was younger I'd have never once thought you and me would be so close, much less have become best friends like this."
"I know," Maddie said smiling at her." You were too busy trying to get your mum and dad to let you date."
Frankie laughed." And we see how that turned out."
"You sure you and Will don't mind watching Blue for us?" Maddie asked kneeling before her pixie's cage.
"Not at all," Frankie replied." He's a cute little guy."
"I'm going to miss him," Maddie said opening the cage.
"I'm sure he'll miss you too," Frankie laughed as the pixie flew excitedly around Maddie's head before settling on her shoulder.
"I'm so glad he was able to see us get married," Maddie said laughing as Blue played with her hair.
"It amazes me how expressive pixies are," Frankie held her hand out as Blue flew over to her palm.
"You remember how Dolly was," Maddie said.
"Vaguely," Frankie replied." Come on- say your goodbyes so we can get you on your honeymoon Potter."
"Okay," Maddie said motioning for Blue to fly back in his cage. The pixie obediently complied and smiled sweetly at Maddie as she closed the cage door." You be a good little guy for Auntie Frankie and Uncle Will. I'll bring you back something really nice from our holiday, okay?"
Blue nodded and rattled his cage excitedly.
"I love you, little guy," Maddie said blowing him a kiss.
"Save those for your husband," Frankie giggled.
Maddie smiled." Right. Let's go."
Ethan met them just outside in the hall." Have you got everything?" he asked his wife, giving her a kiss.
"Yes," Maddie replied." You?"
"All I need is right here," he said.
"He's a good one," Frankie said patting her friend on the shoulder." You should keep him."
"I plan on it," Maddie replied dreamily.
Downstairs, everyone was waiting for the bride and groom to come back down.
"This is going to be hilarious," RJ said to Andrew." These girls are going to fall all over themselves to catch Maddie's flowers because they think they'll be the next to get married."
"What's so wrong with that?" Saffron asked." I happen to think it's quite a romantic tradition."
"Sounds like fun to me," Danielle chimed in." I would like to catch it!"
"Like you need any luck in getting married," Saffron teased." Being part Veela and all..."
"Maman says that none of that really matters," Danielle said with a laugh.
"Maybe Lexie here will catch it and RJ will get the garter," Saffron nudged her friends.
"I think I'll sit this one out," Gabriel said, but Danielle grabbed hold of his arm.
"No you won't," she said with a flirtatious grin.
Alexa rolled her eyes. She seriously hoped that Gabriel didn't honestly fancy this shallow girl.
Everyone cheered when Ethan and Maddie appeared." All the single girls come here!" Maddie laughed." One of you has to catch this!"
Saffron grabbed hold of Alexa's arm." Come on, Lex."
"I don't really want to," Alexa complained.
"She's not very athletic," Danielle said breezing past them." Perhaps she's afraid she'll embarrass herself..."
Alexa gaped at the other girl, amazed at her behaviour." Fine," she pushed ahead." I bet I can catch it."
Drew, Darla and the other single women gathered around in the middle of the ballroom.
"You ladies ready?" Maddie asked as she turned away from the crowd.
"Throw it to me!" Saffron squealed.
"Throw it away from her!" Saffron heard her father yell from somewhere off to the side.
Maddie took a deep breath and then tossed her bouquet behind her.
Everyone scrambled forward and Danielle nearly pushed Darla out of the way, but her efforts were in vain. The bouquet landed in Alexa's outstretched hands.
"Lexie you caught it!" Saffron clapped her hands excitedly.
Alexa grinned." I can't believe it..."
"Way to go Lex," RJ gave his girlfriend a kiss." Now it's just up to me to get the garter."
"Good luck," she said smiling at him.
"It's in the bag," RJ winked at her.
Ethan grinned at the bachelors that were not gathered around." Madeline Molly, please tell me you left your garter on?"
She smiled at him and hiked up her skirt." Come and get it."
A few of the men let out catcalls as Ethan knelt before his wife.
"I don't think I want to watch this," Ron turned away.
Luna patted her husband's back." I'll let you know when it's over, Ronald."
Ron scowled at Neville who was laughing." Sod off Longbottom."
That only made Neville laugh even harder, but Cho elbowed her husband hard in the ribs to keep him quiet.
"You can look now," Luna told Ron." Ethan's about to throw the garter."
"All right you lot," Ethan twirled the lacy bit around his finger." Who's ready for this?"
"Get on out there," Lavender told her stepson." You're a single bloke..."
"I don't really want to," Gabriel shook his head." This isn't my thing."
"Just go stand over there," Lavender said giving him a push.
"Lavender," he complained as he was thrust forward. He accidentally bumped into RJ who gave him a frosty look.
"Sorry," Gabriel muttered.
"Just throw the damn thing, Potter!" one of Ethan's fellow Aurors called out.
"Right," Ethan said with a grin. He tossed the garter high in the air and watched as it fell into the group of men standing in front of him.
Gabriel was about to turn around and rejoin his parents when the garter struck him in the head and then fell into his hand.
"Hey," he said In surprise." I caught it..."
"It wasn't pretty, but you did catch it," Saffron said running over to her cousin.
"We need a picture of Alexa and Gabriel," Maddie said to the photographer.
"We don't have to do that..." Gabriel started to protest.
"Tradition," Lavender said again pushing her stepson forward." Can't argue with tradition..."
Alexa couldn't look RJ in the eye as the photographer seated Gabriel on a chair then had her perch on his lap.
"Smile," the photographer urged." This is a happy day, right?"
"Right," she murmured, looking shyly at Gabriel before she forced a grin onto her face.
"Nice catch," Gabriel said smiling at her. He had meant to play it cool, but this was probably the last chance he had to be close to her.
"You too," she said, a more sincere smile appearing on her lips. Neither of them noticed the photographer snapping away.
"Technically, I didn't really catch it," Gabriel said with a laugh." It kind of fell into my hands...after it hit me on the head..."
" Well you still caught it," Alexa replied." I think um...I think he's done taking the picture."
" Right," Gabriel said." I guess we're done then.."
She nodded and stood up and headed back over to RJ, giving him one last look over her shoulder.
She nodded and stood up and headed back over to RJ, giving him one last look over her shoulder.
RJ smiled at her. "I nearly had it..."
"I know," she gave him a kiss. "But at least I got half the prize."
"Let's go say goodbye to Ethan and Maddie," RJ said taking her hand.
"Okay," she agreed, following him over to the newly married couple.
"Daddy, you're not crying again, are you?" Maddie asked.
"Of course not," Ron replied gruffly. "You just have a good time Madeline Molly and don't forget to bring your old man back some rum cake."
"Lots and lots of rum cake," Maddie promised giving him a big hug. "Thank you so much for giving me away."
"You'll always be my baby girl," Ron hugged her tightly. "I'm so proud of you sweetheart."
Luna dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief. "We hope you have a wonderful time, Maddie."
"Thanks Mum," Maddie hugged her mother. "Thank you so much for everything."
Hermione smiled warmly up at her son. "I can't believe you're married."
"I can't believe someone actually WANTED to marry him," Saffron joked.
"I still miss the little girl that thought I could do no wrong," Ethan teased his sister. "Can we get her back?"
"I don't know what you're talking about," Saffron said innocently. "Little man."
"Very funny," Ethan hugged his sister. "I'll miss you just a little bit, Saf."
"I'll miss you too," Saffron said mussing his hair. "I know I give you a hard time, but..."
"Don't worry you're on the gift list," Ethan grinned at her.
Harry put an arm around his youngest daughter. "That's the most important thing, right Saffy?"
"Of course it is," Saffron giggled.
"Bye, Uncle Ethan," Ashley said stepping forward with her parents and Katie. "I hope you and Maddie have fun."
"Thanks Ash," Ethan hugged his niece. "Mads and I will have a blast."
"Congratulations mate," Nick said. "You take care of my cousin."
"I will," Ethan grinned at his brother in law.
"You two," Maddie looked at her sisters. "Thank you both so much. You guys made this the best day of my life."
Drew grinned. "It was nice to finally do one of these for someone in our family."
"No eloping for me," Maddie hugged them both.
"It means so much more when it's someone you care about too," Darla said.
"If I get married, you two can do my wedding," RJ said stepping between his twin sisters. "No eloping for me either."
"We're holding you to that Junior," Darla gave him a pinch.
"I love you guys," Maddie said getting teary-eyed. "All of you are the best."
"We love you too Mad Dog," Jon and Josh hugged their sister. "You behave on your honeymoon."
"Like the two of you did on yours, right?" Maddie asked teasingly.
"Exactly," Both her brothers answered at once.
"Ready Mads?" Ethan slipped his arms around her.
Maddie smiled. "If you are..."
"I'm more than ready," Ethan replied.
"Mr. and Mrs. Potter," Drew said. "Your car awaits..."
Due to request, we've put up a list of everyone's current ages as of this chapter:
Harry/Hermione, Ron/Luna, Cho/Neville, Seamus/Lavender: 50's
Julie/Nick, Toshio/Chiaki: mid 30's
Jon/Allie, Josh/Lizzy: early 30's
Will/Frankie: mid-late 20's
Ethan: 23
Maddie: 20
RJ, Gabriel, Andrew: 18-19
Saffron, Alexa: 16
Ashley: 10
Katie: 8
Caroline, Mia: 7
Emma: 3
Masanobu, Mitsuko: 1-1 1/2
Casey, Noah, Aidan: 1