A/N: We wrote this recently JUST for you guys, since we actually never originally intended on doing N/J's wedding. But so many people wanted it that we just had to get it down on paper- or rather, Microsoft Word ;)
As always, please let us know what you think by leaving a review! And in the next chapter we'll be making quite a jump into the future to when Ethan's 20 and a certain blonde is turning his head…. ;)
"Nicholas," the vicar said grinning at the happy groom. "You may kiss your bride…"
Nick gently pulled back Julie's veil. His wife's eyes were shining with tears but she was smiling.
He leaned in and pressed his lips to hers, wanting to savour this moment as long as possible. Getting married wasn't something he'd ever thought he would do but he hadn't counted on meeting Julie.
Julie was a little dazed when they pulled apart. She barely heard the vicar introducing them to the guests as "Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Tarrington Malfoy."
Nick smiled and caressed her cheek before kissing her again, and they clasped hands as they walked down the centre aisle together.
"Jules," Nick pulled her into a tight hug as they got outside the chapel. "We actually did it Jules! We're married and there's nothing anyone can do about it now!"
"I was a little worried when the vicar got to the part about if anyone could show just cause while..." Julie said with a laugh, hugging him back.
"All that matters now is that we're married," Nick kissed her as people began to file out of the chapel.
Chiaki was beaming at her best friend. "We're old married girls now, Jules!"
Julie laughed. "And it never felt better!" she hugged Chiaki. "Thanks for everything you've done Chi."
"I didn't do anything special," Chiaki said modestly. "Just what you did for me on my wedding day."
"You're the best," Julie said as Nick stepped forward to hug his half sister.
"You take care of my girl," Chiaki said in her most stern voice. "Or I'll make you pay, Mr. Malfoy."
"No worries," Nick grinned at her. "There's nothing I wouldn't do for this one." he had his arm around his bride's waist.
Molly and Arthur came out and Molly dissolved into tears again as she took in the newlyweds. She buried her face in her handkerchief while Arthur patted her back.
"Nana," Nick said grinning at her. "I hope those are tears of joy."
"Of course they are love," Molly sobbed. "I'm just so happy for you both!"
Nick gave his grandmother a hug while Arthur did the same with Julie. Julie searched the crowd for her parents, but couldn't find them anywhere. She supposed they were waiting for the masses to clear, but for some reason Julie wanted to see them more than anything.
R.J. and Maddie had served as the ring bearer and flower girl after Ethan had adamantly refused to be a ring bearer ever again after the fiasco (his words) with Chiaki's wedding. So her only brother had been promoted to groomsman.
"Guess what!" Maddie skipped up to them. "Ethan promised to dance with me later!"
"He did?" Chiaki asked in surprise.
"He promised he would only if I promised that I won't go around and say that we're getting married," Maddie recited.
"You're not giving up are you Mad Dog?" Jon asked scooping his little sister up in his arms.
"No but I really want to dance," Maddie giggled.
"Me too," Nick said grabbing his new wife and swaying with her.
Julie shook her head. "Not just yet. We have to pose for pictures with the wedding party."
"At least we have the ride to the reception to snog," Nick whispered in her ear.
"I want to dance with you too Nick!" Maddie bubbled. "And with Daddy, and Jon, and Josh! And Grandpa!"
"I'm going to dance with Steven, Curtis, Brian, Timothy and David," Frankie announced. She tugged on her bridesmaid dress trying to make it shorter.
"Only if Dad let's you," Allison said. She and Frankie were bridesmaids for Julie's wedding and she was happy that it had allowed her to walk down the aisle with her own husband.
"What he doesn't know won't hurt him," Frankie scoffed. She caught sight of one of Hermione's cousins. "WHO IS THAT?"
Allison caught Chiaki's glance and they both rolled their eyes.
"He's 23 years old," Chiaki said shaking her head. "Mum and Dad are going to have their hands full with you, Francesca."
Frankie lifted her chin. "Just because I want to date a lot of boys? That's stupid."
"Define a lot of boys," Neville said coming up behind his daughters and putting a hand on Frankie's shoulder.
"We're just talking Dad," Allison smiled at her father. "You know how Frankie is."
"Aye, I do." Neville laughed and he moved on to congratulate Nick and Julie while Frankie shot her sister a look of gratitude.
"Just be on the lookout tonight Frankie," Allison said, not forgetting how her younger sister had come through for her the previous year. "I'll cover for you if I can, but don't take advantage of it all right?"
"I won't," Frankie promised. "Thanks Allie."
Julie still hadn't seen her parents or Ethan or Saffron for that matter. "Maddie? Have you seen Ethan?"
"Not since we were all inside there," Maddie replied.
"Oh," Julie said.
"What's wrong love?" Nick asked.
"I don't know where my parents are," Julie said.
"Maybe they had to tend to Saffy," Allison suggested. "She looked a little antsy."
"Maybe," Julie said as a few people she recognised as her father's co-workers came up to congratulate them.
Julie's parents were staying in the chapel with Ron and Luna waiting for the crowd to die down before they went to offer their congratulations.
Saffron stumbled a bit as she walked toward her father. She wore a pretty set of pink dress robes and her brown hair was styled in two little pigtails that curled at the ends. "Daddy, swing!"
Harry laughed and picked her up and twirled her around knowing the second he put her down she'd ask him to go again.
"She's getting so big," Luna said to Hermione. "I remember when Maddie was still that young."
"And walking all over the place," Hermione said. "I think I've lost a stone chasing after her."
"You've never looked more gorgeous," Luna said. "And Julie was positively radiant today."
Hermione felt tears well up in her eyes. "She really did, didn't she? I can't believe she's married now."
Luna smiled. "At least she didn't elope."
"How are Allison and Jon doing?" Hermione asked. "They look really happy."
"Everything's quite lovely for them," Luna answered as they all began to make their way out of the chapel. "Allison's moved into the flat with Jon and Neville's finally let go of any lingering grudges he may have had against the match."
"About time," Hermione said smiling at her.
"Come on baby," Harry said to Saffron. "Let's go see your sister."
"Joos!" Saffron clapped.
Harry laughed. "That's right. Let's go see Joos."
"Big girl Daddy," Saffron chattered as Harry picked her up. "Saffy big girl!"
Ethan laughed as he walked beside Ron. "I just heard your stomach growl."
"I haven't eaten since before the ceremony began," Ron mused. "I'm ready for a big piece of cake..."
"Among other things," Ethan grinned. "Jules told me they're having prime rib at the dinner."
"You are a kid after my own heart," Ron said mussing Ethan's hair. "But we probably won't get to eat for at least two hours."
"I know where they're keeping some of the appetizers," Ethan said. "I can sneak us something when we get there."
"I like the way you think," Ron said grinning at him.
"Daddy, we've got to be back at Hogwarts tomorrow," Drew said taking her father's hand. They'd received special permission from Dumbledore to come home for the weekend for the ceremony.
"Yes I know sweetheart," Ron said as Darla took his other hand. "But tonight we're going to have loads of fun. You'll dance with me right?"
"Of course," Darla said giggling. "Just don't do that stupid chicken dance."
"Or the hokey pokey," Drew said. "That's such a childish thing."
"I'll have to teach you two the cha-cha," Ron said. "Your mum taught me, you know?"
"Mummy said you had two left feet before she taught you how to dance," Drew said innocently.
"She did, did she?" Ron asked. "Your mum needs to remember that..."
"And that you nearly blinded her with a cork," Darla interjected.
"Luna," Ron said. "What sort of lies are these?" he grinned.
"They're not lies Ronald," Luna said. "They are the complete and utter truth. Our girls wanted to hear about our courtship and I told them everything."
"Everything," Ron grumbled.
"Everything," Drew and Darla said in unison.
Julie sighed in relief as she saw her parents finally exiting the chapel. "There they are," she said.
"Joos!" Saffron said beaming at her older sister. "Pretty Joos!"
"Hey Saffy," Julie kissed her sister's cheek. "You look so pretty too!"
"You took my breath away up there, Julie Liliane," Harry told his daughter. "I was so proud."
"Thanks Dad," Julie said as he passed Saffron to Hermione so he could hug his daughter. "I was getting worried, I didn't know where you guys were."
"Just waiting for the crowds to die down," Harry explained.
"That's what Nick said," Julie leaned against her new husband.
"Welcome to the family," Harry said extending his hand to Nick. "Officially, of course."
"Thank you," Nick shook his hand firmly. "Feels great to be a Potter." he grinned.
"I imagine your Malfoy ancestors just turned over in their graves at those words," Ron teased his nephew.
"Good," Nick's eyes glinted mischievously.
"Congratulations Nick," Drew and Darla chorused earning a hug from their cousin.
"Thank you girls," Nick said. "You both look gorgeous today- I hope you'll save a dance for me later."
Drew and Darla both nodded and stood back with R.J. to wait for their parents.
"Congratulations sweetheart," Ron pecked his goddaughter's cheek. "You look stunning today."
"Thanks Uncle Ron," Julie said beaming at him. "I can thank my Aunt Lav for that."
"She's definitely got the eye," Ron chucked her chin gently. "Now... when do we eat?"
"I hate to break it to you but you have to wait until after the photographer takes pictures," she said. "Seeing as you were the best man and all."
"Aye," Ron said. "Well let's get that done so we can go get some food. I haven't eaten--"
"For about an hour," Harry interrupted dryly as Hermione embraced her daughter.
"I actually did it Mum," Julie said hugging her mother.
"As if there was any doubt you wouldn't," Hermione said, tears in her eyes. "Oh Julie you look so beautiful. We're all so proud of you sweetheart."
"I just hope that Nick and I will be as happy as you and Daddy," Julie said tearing up as well.
"You will be," Hermione predicted. "He certainly loves you, and he treats you like gold. That's all your father and I could ask for."
"He is pretty great, isn't he?" Julie gushed looking over at Nick who was talking with her father and making a goofy face at Saffron who giggled and clapped her hands.
"That he is," Hermione answered with a smile. "Looks like Saffy has her eyes on him too."
"He is quite the charmer," Julie said winking at Nick.
The photographer called for the wedding party to assemble for wedding photos and Ron volunteered to go round up the bridesmaids and groomsmen.
Julie went to her husband's side. "Come on you," she said. "Time for them to make our memories of today."
Nick smiled. "You lead the way Mrs. Malfoy."
"I can't wait for tonight more than anything," Julie said softly. "I know we've been together before, but this feels different now that we're married."
"Since we won't be living in sin any longer?" Nick teased.
Julie laughed. "I enjoyed living in sin with you." she kissed him.
"And I've finally made an honest woman out of you," Nick whispered low.
"And I've made an honest man out of you," Julie returned softly.
"Come on newlyweds," the photographer said waving them over. "I'd like to get some photographs of just the two of you to begin..."
"All right," Julie said. Chiaki helped arrange her dress and the photographer began snapping pictures of the newlyweds.
The rest of the bridal party stood huddled together watching. Jon stood beside his wife holding her hand while trying to keep an eye on R.J. and Maddie.
"They're so in love," Allison sighed.
"I wish I could have given you a wedding like this," Jon whispered.
"It's all right Jon," Allison looked at him. "We did what we had to do to be together. And I don't regret that for one second."
Jon smiled. "And we've almost made it through our first year too."
"September," Allison said, giving him a kiss. "I can hardly believe it myself."
Maddie giggled as she looked up at her brother and sister-in-law. She let go of R.J.'s hand and looked down the row and saw Ethan fidgeting beside his father. She waved enthusiastically at him to get his attention. "Psst! Ethan!"
Ethan gave her a little wave in reply.
Maddie grinned. "Can I go down there and see him, Jon?"
"Sure Mad Dog," Jon said. "Just don't pester him about getting married all right? Give him a break about that today."
"Okay," Maddie said nodding. She walked toward Ethan.
"Oh no," Ethan grumbled.
"Hi Ethan," Maddie said. "I can't wait to dance with you later."
"As long as you stick to our deal," Ethan cautioned.
"I know," Maddie said, swaying a bit so her skirt swished around. She giggled. "I want to tell you what Dolly did the other day."
"What?" Ethan asked trying to sound as if he could care less. He couldn't help being interested. Maddie's pixie was pretty cool.
"Daddy said I could let her out of the cage to play with her in the kitchen while Mummy cleaned out her cage for me," Maddie giggled again. "And she flew around and ate all of Daddy's sandwich before he could stop her!"
Ethan laughed. "I bet Uncle Ron was mad!"
"He was- and so he made a new sandwich and Dolly ate that one too!" Maddie was giggling hard by that point. "Mummy said his face was as red as his hair."
"Dolly's definitely a Weasley," Ethan said still laughing. "That's cool Mads."
Maddie beamed as if Ethan's words were of the highest praise. "Maybe you can come over soon and we can play," she suggested. "I know I don't have that cool fort but we have the woods."
"Woods?" Ethan asked. "What are they like? Lots of trees and stuff?"
"Yes," Maddie nodded. "Dolly and I have a little house that Daddy helped make out of sticks and things. You can play in it if you want too."
Ethan was about to tell her that actually sounded pretty cool when it suddenly dawned on him what she might want him to do in her little house. "I'm not playing any tea parties or pretending that its our house and Dolly's our baby, Maddie. You got that?"
Maddie looked back at him. "I wasn't going to say that at all," she replied, her blue eyes serious.
"You weren't?" Ethan asked folding his arms. "I know you Maddie. That's what you've been trying to do every single time you've seen me."
Maddie stared back at him a moment. "I'm sorry," she answered quietly. "I won't do it anymore if it makes you not like me."
"It's not that," Ethan said quickly not wanting to hurt her feelings. "It's just not something I enjoy doing. You're actually not that bad when you're not talking about getting married and having pixies for babies, Maddie."
"Oh," Maddie said, still feeling stung at Ethan's words. "I'm going to go stand by my daddy." she said, going back in Ron's direction.
Ethan watched her go. He hadn't meant to hurt her feelings. But, she just didn't make things easy when she was trying to get him to dance or play along with her when she talked about getting married.
Ron had been talking to Jon and Allie when Maddie came running back over to him.
"What is it sweetheart?" Ron asked picking her up. "Why do you look so sad baby?"
"Nothing's wrong Daddy," Maddie said. "I just want a hug."
Ron smiled as Maddie wrapped her little arms around his neck. "How did you know that I needed one too. You and your sisters give the very best hugs in the world, did you know that?"
"It's because we love you so much," Maddie explained.
"I love you too baby," Ron said kissing her forehead. "Now where's that Madeline Molly smile I love so much? Come on..."
But Maddie didn't smile, she just buried her face in her father's shoulder and Ron exchanged a worried look with Jon and Allison.
"Ethan," Jon mouthed to his father so Maddie wouldn't hear.
Ron rubbed his daughter's back, his fingers tangling in her silky blonde curls. "Come on baby," he said. "Tell Daddy what's wrong."
"I'm okay," Maddie lied not wanting to get Ethan into any trouble. He already hated her, she didn't want to make things worse. "I'm just really sleepy."
"Are you sure?" Ron asked, concerned. "You were so happy just a few minutes ago."
Maddie nodded. "I'm sure Daddy."
"Maddie!" Nick called. "Can you come over here so we can get a picture with you and R.J.?"
Ron set Maddie down and watched as she walked purposely over to her cousin and stood beside R.J.
"Poor Maddie," Allison said softly. "Something bad must have happened when she walked over to see Ethan."
"She probably started talking about them getting married," Jon said. "You know how Ethan is about that sort of thing."
"Luna and I talked to her about that," Ron said looking down to where Ethan was standing. The raven-haired boy was pulling at his collar and looking quite forlorn. "She said she wasn't going to do that anymore."
Jon shrugged. "They're kids though. I'm sure it'll blow over by the time we all get to the reception."
"I hope so," Ron said relieved to see Maddie smiling with R.J. as the photographer snapped away.
"That's lovely," the photographer said. "And can we get some of the bride and groom with the bride's family?"
"Of course," Harry said, propelling Ethan towards Julie and Nick. "Where should we stand?"
The photographer thought about this before suggesting Hermione pose beside her daughter with Harry standing beside Nick. Ethan and Saffron would stand in front of the bride and groom. The problem was Saffron didn't want to stand still. As the photographer set up the picture, Saffron turned around and looked up at Julie. "Joos! Hold me! Joos!"
"No Saffy," Harry said. "You have to stand there for a minute okay baby?"
Ethan took his baby sister's hand. "Just like me Saffy. Okay?"
"Joos?" Saffron looked up at her sister.
"Come here sweetheart," Julie said leaning down and picking her up. "That's my big girl. Can you smile really pretty for the nice man over there?"
"Smile Joos!" Saffron said happily.
Everyone laughed and Julie pointed toward the photographer. "Right there, Saffy. Okay, smile..."
Saffron looked at her sister then at her father and stretched her mouth out. "Joos!" she said happily. "Big girl!"
The photographer took quite a few snapshots of the happy couple with Julie's family before moving on to photos with the bride and groom's attendants. Nearly an hour later, they all departed for the reception.
Ethan noticed as they arrived that Maddie was keeping her distance from him. Part of him felt relieved and another part felt bad that he'd obviously upset her.
Greta tapped Ethan on the shoulder. "Did you want to go check out the buffet table?"
"Sure," Ethan said. "I'm starving."
"You've been awfully quiet," Greta said leading him over to the tables. "On the way over here, you didn't say one word. Very unlike you Ethan James."
"I'm just hungry," Ethan said in his own defence.
"Okay," Greta said not believing for a moment that was all that it was.
"Wow Uncle Ron's going to go crazy when he sees all this!" Ethan said, his eyes wide.
"It does look delicious doesn't it?" Greta asked admiring the spread. "What do you want to try first little man?"
"Everything!" Ethan said, grabbing for a plate.
Maddie tried not to look at Ethan as she followed her sisters to the buffet table.
"Hi Ethan," Darla said grabbing a plate for herself and Maddie. "Hi Greta."
"Hi," Ethan said. "You guys have to try these!" he held up some crème puffs. "They're bloody awesome!"
Maddie stared at her feet.
"Maddie, did you want some of those?" Darla asked but Maddie just shook her head.
"I'm not hungry," Maddie said politely.
"Come on Madeline," Darla said putting a cream puff on both their plates. "Ethan's right. These look positively yummy."
"I'm just going to go and sit with Mummy," Maddie said quietly.
"But Maddie--," Darla said but Maddie had already walked away.
"What's wrong with her?" Drew asked. "She's never this quiet!"
"She said she was sleepy," Darla replied continuing to fill up her plate and Maddie's with food. "You remember how excited she was last night about coming back to London and seeing everyone."
"Almost as excited as me!" Drew said with a grin.
Greta tapped on Ethan's shoulder. "Love, you're holding up the queue. Are you sure you're okay?"
"I'm fine," Ethan said, sneaking a quick glance back in Maddie's direction.
Ron was practically salivating as he looked at the buffet table. The queue was nearly a mile long he thought sadly wishing he and his family had arrived sooner. He grabbed a waiter. "I'll make it worth your while if you go load up a plate of food for me."
"How much?" the waiter asked.
"That depends on how much you bring back," Ron said.
Josh shook his head. "If you're paying, I'll go and get you a plate of food, Dad."
"I'll see what I can do sir," the waiter said with a grin before heading back to the kitchen.
"I could use a few extra Galleons," Jon continued.
"You're welcome to work a few shifts at the shop," Ron said. "That offer stands for both of you."
"Gee thanks," Jon said sarcastically before leaving to join his wife.
"You could have just joined the queue, Ronald," Luna pointed out. "And Drew and Darla were at the front. You could have just asked them to get you something."
"This makes it easier," Ron said, pulling out a chair. "It gets brought to me and I can also pick off my daughters' plates."
"You can have my plate Daddy," Maddie said from her perch on Luna's lap. "I don't want anything."
"Madeline," Ron's smile faded. "Are you sick love?"
Maddie shook her head.
Josh smiled at his little sister. "Come on, Maddie. Drew told me that you were so excited about the wedding and you even had Dad show you how to do some of those dances."
"I'm just sleepy," Maddie said, leaning against her mother's shoulder. "I want to have a kip."
"She did stay up late last night," Luna said rubbing Maddie's back. "You go on and kip if you want Maddie."
Maddie nodded as music started playing throughout the room.
"Looks like the dancing has started already," Josh said. He looked at Lizzy. "Want to attempt it with me?"
"You're actually volunteering?" Lizzy asked teasingly. "Okay then, Weasley. Let's go."
"We're having our big dance together after dinner," Julie was explaining as they passed her and Nick. "We thought it might make things more fun if people could eat and dance whenever they wanted."
"Dad got to you, didn't he?" Josh asked with a grin. "Jules, I'm so happy for you and Nick."
"Thank you Josh," Julie gave him a hug and kissed his cheek. "You two going to dance?"
"I'm going to try," Josh said. "Say a prayer for Lizzy's poor toes."
"Save one for me later," Julie laughed, waving him on.
"Come on Jules," Nick said. "I'm starving."
"You're always starving," Julie followed him. "No... I had them bring plates to our spots at the table." she pulled him away from the buffet.
"I'm a Weasley," Nick said laughing.
"Too right," Julie kissed him. "Nick I'm so happy."
"So am I," Nick said softly. "And I can't wait until we're alone."
"That I'm looking forward to the most," Julie giggled as they kissed again.
"Get a room!" Chiaki called out from the main table.
"We were the same way," Toshio nudged his own wife.
"Worse," Julie said sitting down. "You two mysteriously disappeared at your reception for about a half hour."
"So we did," Chiaki said with a satisfied grin. "And if you would like to disappear I will of course as your best friend and matron of honour give you an alibi and provide excuses..."
"We just might take you up on that," Julie said grinning at her.
"You are my favourite sister Chi," Nick told her.
"I'm your only sister," Chiaki pointed out.
"Too right," Nick said, reaching for his drink.
"Not to bring up a sore subject or anything, but have you heard anything from your folks?" Toshio asked Nick.
"Not a bloody word," Nick raised his glass. "And in my opinion, no news is good news."
"The people who we all love and care about were here," Julie said smiling at her husband. "That's all that matters."
"Aye," Nick leaned in and kissed his wife. "All that matters to me."
"How cute was Saffy?" Chiaki asked. "Absolutely adorable!"
"She is too sweet," Nick agreed. "And Maddie too."
"And little R.J.," Chiaki chimed in. "In his little dress robes..."
"Everyone looks fantastic today," Julie said dreamily.
"Josh is dancing," Jon said sitting down with Allie. "I want someone to catch that on camera."
"Someone will," Allison laughed. "And I don't see you asking me to dance."
"You said you wanted to eat first," Jon said defensively.
"The honeymoon over already Jon?" Chiaki asked with a laugh.
"It's never over for me," Jon said in a smartass tone.
"I rather like this honeymoon period idea," Nick said. "I heard that it's where the bride thinks the groom can do no wrong and vice versa...."
"It's a myth," Toshio interjected. "Complete and utter myth mate."
"Excuse me?" Chiaki glared at him. "Did I not let you drink from the orange juice carton with no complaints for a week after we got back?"
"Yes but that quickly ended, didn't it?" Toshio asked. "And then there was leaving the toilet seat up. And me not cleaning up to your standards...."
"Which you still don't do," Chiaki interjected.
"What about you taking those long showers using up all the hot water?" Toshio asked. "Or that annoying habit you have of getting up at the crack of dawn to do yoga."
"I have to stay in shape," Chiaki argued. "And I have more... body to clean and longer hair than you do. So I need more hot water!"
"You're in there for nearly an hour Chi," Toshio said. "And I'm sure all of our friends would love to hear about your singing in the shower...."
Chiaki turned red. "Let's dance," she said hastily.
"You can't leave now," Nick said. "I want to know more about this. What does my sister sing in the shower?"
Toshio didn't have the chance to answer because Chiaki had grabbed his arm and led him toward the dance floor.
"Chi can't sing," Julie said laughing. "She sounds like a sick cat."
"And she doesn't want us to know about it," Nick snorted.
Maddie was still sitting with her parents, watching everyone out on the dance floor having fun.
Ethan hadn't really touched his food. He still felt bad about how he'd treated Maddie. He'd wanted her to leave him alone, but he hadn't wanted to make her feel bad in the process. And although he knew he'd probably regret this, he knew what he had to do.
His cheeks were bright red as he walked over to the Weasleys table.
"Hi Aunt Luna, Uncle Ron," he said shyly. "Hiya Maddie."
"Hello Ethan," Ron smiled at him. "Having fun? Good eats here aren't there?"
Ethan nodded. "I uh---well I was kind of wondering..."
Maddie looked at him while playing with one of her blonde curls.
"I was sort of wondering if Maddie wanted to dance," Ethan stuffed his hands in his pockets while his cheeks flamed even redder.
"She's been a little sleepy," Luna said apologetically. "I'm sorry Ethan maybe some other--"
"You want to dance with me?" Maddie asked cutting her mother off.
"Sure," Ethan replied. "I mean, I promised you we would, and you looked sort of bored so..."
Maddie smiled. "I'd like that. I'd like that very, very much."
"Okay," Ethan smiled back at her.
"Have fun you two," Luna said pecking Maddie on the cheek. "You can show Ethan what your Daddy taught you."
"Okay Mummy," Maddie's cheerful demeanour had returned, much to Ron's relief.
Ethan led Maddie through the crowd to find a space on the dance floor.
"I'm sorry Maddie," he said looking sideways at her. "I didn't mean to hurt your feelings when we were at the church."
Maddie smiled at him as he put his arms on her waist. "It's okay Ethan."
"So what sort of dance did your dad teach you?" Ethan asked.
"He taught me..." Maddie thought for a moment. "The waltz, and something called the cha cha." she giggled. "It was really funny!"
"The cha cha?" Ethan asked wrinkling his nose. "How do you do that?"
"Do you want me to show you?" Maddie asked eagerly.
Ethan nodded. "What do we do?"
"We have to dance kind of close," Maddie said.
"Oh," Ethan tensed up, but he supposed it was okay. It was just dancing. "Oh, alright."
Maddie guided him through the steps her father had showed her a few days before. "See it's really fun!"
"I've seen this one before!" Ethan said laughing. "My mum dances this one by herself sometimes. And she's always going 'cha-cha-cha' while she does it."
Maddie giggled as they began to do the dance all over the floor, much to the amusement of some of the other guests.
"Cha-cha-cha!" Ethan and Maddie sang together as they moved. "Cha-cha-cha!"
"That is too cute," Hermione said to Harry.
"I hope no one teases him about it," Harry said breaking up a small piece of his bread roll and handing it to Saffron.
"Better not," Luna said as she joined them. "Do you know he actually came up to her and asked her to dance? She was so thrilled!"
"I swear we didn't say anything to him," Harry said. "He did that all on his own."
"That's so sweet," Hermione said with a smile. "He's really such a good boy."
"He is indeed," Luna said laughing as Ethan and Maddie danced by them. Saffron giggled. "Etan! Daddy! Etan!"
"That's right baby," Harry laughed, pulling her onto his lap. "That's Ethan!"
"Dance Daddy," Saffron said pointing. "Dance?"
"You want to dance Saffy?" Harry stood up. "Guess that means I have to show my baby girl a move or two."
"Bye Mummy!" Saffron said waving her little hand.
"Bye sweetheart!" Hermione laughed. "Have fun with Daddy!"
"She's a Daddy's girl just like Maddie," Luna said to Hermione.
"That she is," Hermione agreed. "And Harry's so crazy about her... I suppose we both spoil her quite a bit. She was so unexpected."
"She's a gift," Luna said knowing very well how hard it had been for her friend over the years with conceiving. "I was talking with your parents earlier and they were talking about how much she looks like you. Your dad even took his wallet out to show Ron and me the pictures."
Hermione smiled. "She's got a mix of both me and Harry I think."
"She does," Luna agreed. "Can you believe we're here. It seems like just yesterday, we were all sitting by the lake at Hillsdale."
"I know," Hermione said. "So much has happened since then. So many good and bad things... but I wouldn't change a moment of it."
"Neither would I," Luna said looking at her daughter and Ethan on the dance floor. Maddie reminded her so much of herself. She could still remember the crush she'd had on Ron back at Hogwarts and how he'd not known what to make of her.
"This wedding is turning out to be quite the celebration," Hermione mused, looking around the room. "I think having dancing before the main dinner was a great idea."
"Julie's a smart girl," Luna said. "Like her mum."
Hermione grinned. "What can I say?" she asked with a laugh.
"Getting her started early eh Dad?" Julie asked as she and Nick danced beside her father and Saffron.
"Too right," Harry grinned at Saffron who was giggling her little head off. "She likes it when I dip her back."
"Do again Daddy!" Saffron squealed.
"All right baby," Harry chuckled, dipping her back and making Julie and Nick laugh as her little pigtails touched the floor.
"She's a natural," Julie said smiling at her little sister.
"Dance Joos!" Saffron chattered. "I dance!"
"Yes you do," Julie said with a giggle.
"Mind if I cut in?" Nick asked thinking Julie might like to dance with her father. "Come on Saffy. Want to give me a go?"
"Nicky!" Saffron reached for him.
Harry gingerly handed Saffron to Nick who promptly began an impromptu tango with the little girl pushing through the amused crowd.
"My husband the goofball," Julie said laughing.
"I can't believe you're married," Harry said, holding out his hand. "Can I have one last dance with my baby girl before she starts her own life?"
"Oh Dad," Julie said feeling tears well up in her eyes. "Don't get me started again!"
"I'm sorry sweetheart," Harry began to twirl her around. "I know you've been on your own for awhile now but this just shows how much you've grown up- and too fast, in my opinion. I'd have kept you as a little girl forever."
Julie rested her head on her father's shoulder. "I remember dancing with you at weddings and parties when I was little. You used to let me stand on your feet."
"I had to let your mum stand on my feet a few times too," Harry joked.
Julie smiled. "Dad, this is the happiest day of my life. I keep wanting to pinch myself to make sure it's all real."
"That's how I felt the day I married your mum," Harry looked at his wife across the room. "It's only going to get better Jules."
"I hope so," Julie said softly. "I want to be just as happy as you and Mum."
"You will be," Harry kissed her cheek. "And you know you can always come visit us- as often as you want."
"I will," Julie promised. "You're not getting rid of me that easily Dad."
"Music to my ears," Harry laughed.
Julie finished her dance with her father and the two of them set off to find Nick and Saffron. They were both nearly blindsided by Ethan and Maddie who were still doing their own version of the cha cha across the dance floor. Julie bit back a teasing remark when she saw how much fun her little brother was having and the wide smile on Maddie's face.
"I wonder why he's being so sweet with her?" Julie said. "Usually he runs the other way when Maddie's around."
"I don't know but I'm not questioning it," Harry smiled.
"Probably a good idea," Julie said squeezing her dad's hand. They found Nick and Saffron sitting with Greta at the main table.
"Did you have fun dancing Saffy?" Julie asked her little sister.
Saffron nodded and gave a little yawn.
"I might have knackered her out," Nick admitted.
"She usually has her kip about this time," Greta said.
"That's probably why," Julie pinched Saffron's cheek gently.
"She's such a good baby too," Greta said softly as Saffron closed her eyes.
"Aye," Harry lifted her gently and sat down, patting her back.
"Nicholas hasn't told me where he's taking you for the honeymoon," Greta told Julie. "Do you have any idea?"
"Fiji," Julie answered, taking a sip of champagne.
Greta grinned. "That sounds lovely!"
"I'm so excited," Julie answered. "But more to just be alone with him than anything. We haven't really had any time to ourselves in the past month or so."
"Too right," Nick said. "Everything has been about the wedding."
"Nicholas," Greta said. "I can't believe you wouldn't tell me where you're taking your wife on your honeymoon!"
"I'm sorry Greta," Nick said laughing. "But I wanted to Jules to be the first to know. It was a surprise."
"And a surprise it was," Julie said. "Here I was thinking we were going to Greece and he had this planned all along."
"I hope the two of you have a wonderful time," Greta said happy that her young charge finally found the happy family that had he'd always wanted.
"I think we will," Nick shared a smile with Julie then looked at his former nanny. "But I think I owe someone a dance other than my wife." he held his hand out to Greta.
"Nicholas I haven't danced in years," Greta said shaking her head.
"All the more reason I can show you a thing or two," Nick teased.
"Okay," Greta said getting to her feet. "But only one dance."
Nick grinned at Julie before leading Greta onto the floor.
"I am starving," Julie said. "I've been too nervous all day to really eat anything."
"Chi put a warming charm on your plate when you and Nick were dancing," Allison told her.
"She's fantastic," Julie sighed, starting in on some of the appetizers.
Neville and Cho walked over to the table to offer their congratulations to Julie and also to see if anyone knew where Frankie was.
"I think she was going to get some fresh air with Drew and Darla," Allison lied.
"Oh," Cho replied. "Well that's odd- I just saw Drew and Darla sitting by Ron..."
"Oh well I did see her a few minutes ago," Allison said hastily. "Perhaps she's in the loo?"
"I'm sure Frankie's fine Dad," Chiaki came up to them.
Neville nodded and sat down. "Where's your hus-, I mean where's Jonathan?" He still wasn't used to the fact that his middle daughter was a married woman.
"He was over by the bar with Josh a few minutes ago," Allison said. "They were talking about working in their father's shops on the weekends to get some extra money."
"Are you and Jon having money troubles?" Neville asked. He's offered to give them help, but Allison and Jon had steadfastly refused. They'd wanted to make it on their own. "Your mother and I would be happy to..."
"No, we're not." Allison replied. "But thank you Dad. He just wants to have some extra spending money for us that's all."
"Are you sure?" Neville asked. "I know how hard it is when you're just starting out..."
"We're doing all right," Allison said. "Not fantastic, but we're managing just fine. I promise we'll come to you if we need anything though."
Neville nodded. "And you're liking your job at the book shop?"
"I am," Allison smiled. "I've met some really nice people."
"You and Jonathan should come by for dinner some night," Neville offered. "I could make my spaghetti again."
Allison's smile turned into a full fledged grin. "We'd love to!"
Neville knew how much it meant to Allison for them to get along and he was willing to make the effort. He didn't want to lose her now that they'd come so far.
"Francesca?" Cho asked as her youngest daughter sat down. "Where on earth have you been?"
"I was..." Frankie looked at her sisters who gestured frantically. "In the loo."
"All this time?" Cho asked. "Are you feeling okay love?"
"Just fine Mum," Frankie said. "I had a lot to drink when we first got here."
"You could spend some time with your parents," Cho teased. "We're not that embarrassing are we?"
"Just a little," Frankie joked.
Neville grabbed at his chest. "Ow, Frankie! That one hurt!"
Allison laughed. "Come on Dad, let's go dance all right?"
Neville smiled. "I'll try and stay off your toes."
"You might just want to dance on his feet," Cho called after them.
Harry laughed and tried not to wake up the now sleeping Saffron.
"I was going to ask you to dance, but it looks as if someone else has your dance card filled up," Cho said motioning toward Saffron.
"I'm a bit tied down at the moment," Harry grinned.
"She's out like a light," Cho said softly.
"She's had a busy day," Harry replied.
"So have we all," Julie said finishing off her plate. "But I don't want this day to end."
"Of course you don't," Cho said. "It's your wedding day and you never looked more beautiful Julie."
"Thanks Aunt Cho," Julie said. "Aunt Lavender really outdid herself."
"She always does," Cho said. "Her robes are just gorgeous. I love the ones she's wearing today."
Everyone turned to get a glimpse of Lavender on the dance floor in her fittingly lavender dress robes.
"I love Seamus but he has no rhythm," Chiaki said.
"But Aunt Lav sure manages to make him look good in the process," Julie laughed.
"Of course," Harry said.
"There's my granddaughter," Robert said coming over with Elinore. "We've been trying to get you alone all day love."
"Hi Grandpa," Julie hugged her grandfather. "Hi Grandma!"
"Ellie was crying her way through the ceremony," Robert teased.
"I wasn't that bad," Elinore told Julie. "I just got a little emotional seeing you so beautiful and happy."
"I am definitely happy," Julie said as Nick and Greta came back over laughing. "Happiest I've ever been."
Nick kissed his wife on the cheek. "Me too."
Julie leaned against him as he put his arms around her. "I feel like dancing again."
"As you wish," Nick said kissing her forehead. "Let's go."
"Grandpa I still want to dance with you," Julie called back.
"I'll hold you to that," Robert said winking at her.
Nick led his new wife to the middle of the dance floor and motioned for the band to play the song he'd requested.
"Ooh," Julie grinned as she recognised the notes. "Are you singing today Nicholas?"
"Not today," he said with a grin.
"Awwww," Julie pouted. "I like it when you sing."
Nick pulled her close and began to sing in her ear, "Look at Julie ...She's a bright, bright star...Look at Julie..."
Julie smiled dreamily as she closed her eyes. "I love when you do that..." she whispered.
"I love you," he said softly.
Julie pulled back and kissed him. "I love you too."