Authors' note: Brighton continues this chapter, but there's also a sweet flashback of a favourite couple---no, not Harry/Hermione…
Upstairs, RJ was just getting out of the shower when he saw the last person in the world he'd want to see.
"Hiya, RJ," Hans said. "Long time no see. How are you, mate?"
"What are you doing here?" RJ frowned.
"I'm here to see Darla for a couple of days," Hans replied. "She wanted a glass of water."
"Oh," RJ replied. "I'm sure she's glad you're here."
"But no one else obviously is," Hans said quietly.
RJ felt guilty at that remark. Obviously the bloke cared otherwise he wouldn't be here.
"Dar told me you moved in with Alexa, wasn't it?" Hans asked, trying to remember the name of RJ's girlfriend.
"Audrey," RJ corrected. "Alexa's my ex."
"Sorry," Hans apologised. "Well, Darla says she's very nice."
"She's the best," RJ smiled.
"Maybe you and Audrey can come and visit Darla and me in New York," Hans told him.
RJ looked at him strangely. "Visit Darla in New York?"
Hans nodded. "Yeah, we're moving there. I mean, Darla hasn't said so yet, but she's going to come around."
"What makes you so sure?" RJ asked.
"She loves me," Hans said confidently. "And she'll do what's best for us."
"Sure," RJ nodded.
"Later then," Hans said to his brother-in-law. RJ stared after him a moment before he headed for his bedroom. Audrey was putting on her makeup. The two of them were going out that evening. "Hans is here," RJ told her.
"Really," Audrey raised her eyebrows.
RJ nodded. "And apparently, he believes Darla's going to move to New York."
"I didn't think she would ever do that." she said.
"Neither did I," RJ said walking over to the closet. "I have a feeling it would be much more of the same even if she was there."
"I would hope not," Audrey brushed at her hair.
"He reminds me a little of how I acted when I first started at Puddlemere," RJ told her. "I started to believe the hype, you know?"
"I remember you saying something about that," Audrey put her brush down. "I'm glad you got it out of your system before we met."
RJ grinned at her. "Me, too. If you'd have met me then, you'd never have given me the time of day."
Audrey smiled back. "Maybe I would have."
RJ laughed. "Aud, I was a complete arse back then."
Audrey got up and gave him a kiss. "Not anymore..."
"Not anymore," RJ said softly.
Audrey gave him another kiss.
"I love you, Aud," RJ said.
"I love you too," she said.
"I'm glad we're getting out of here tonight," RJ said. "I love my family, but sometimes it's nice to get away just the two of us."
"Definitely," Audrey replied. "I've been looking forward to this all day."
"Me too," RJ said. "So, you'd better finish getting ready, Aud."
"I am, I am." she hurried back to the mirror.
RJ grinned. "You don't need all that makeup you know."
"Flatterer," Audrey said.
"That," RJ joked. "And I'm trying to get us out of here as fast as I can since I'm starving."
"I'll speed things up," she promised.
"I'll believe that when I see it," RJ said as he put on his dress shirt. "There is a lobster out there with my name on it."
"And some jumbo shrimp for me," Audrey said, disappearing into the closet.
"Don't talk about Saffron like that," RJ said, raising his voice so his friend could hear on the other side of the wall. "She's not a jumbo shrimp."
"Shut it RJ!" he heard her thump on the wall.
"Do you prefer stuffed crab then?" RJ called back grinning at Audrey as he said this.
"How about you skewered on the end of a sharp stick," she retorted.
Audrey laughed. "Good one, Saffy."
"Thanks Aud!" Saffron called back.
"I'll get you my pretty and your little dog too," RJ cackled in a high pitched voice.
"RJ you're an idiot," Saffron said.
"I resent that," RJ shot back.
"No, you resemble that," Saffron retorted.
"Saffron, I swear---" RJ started to say, but Audrey clamped her hand over his mouth.
"Get ready," she said. "You know you'll never win against her."
"She's so quick with the comebacks," RJ grumbled.
"Exactly," Audrey said with a grin.
"Okay, okay," RJ said. He finished getting ready and before long, he and Audrey were walking downstairs.
"Ooooh," Jon teased. "Junior, you're so dressed up."
"Looking good, aren't I?" RJ said.
"Hans better watch out," Jon joked in dramatic fashion.
"Don't listen to him," Allison said. "You look very handsome, RJ. And Audrey, you look gorgeous. That's a lovely dress."
"Thanks, Allie." Audrey replied. "It's new."
"You two have a great time," Allison told her.
"See you lot later," RJ took Audrey's hand.
Audrey squeezed his hand.
"This is going to be the best night," he promised. "No interruptions, just us."
"Sounds perfect," Audrey said smiling at him.
"And you do look absolutely gorgeous," RJ said.
Audrey had gone shopping that afternoon with Alexa and Saffron. She had thought it might be a little strange, but she'd actually had a great time with the two girls. They'd even helped her pick out the dress she was wearing tonight.
She had been prepared to find it extremely awkward, especially being with Alexa. But the other girl was nothing but sweet and friendly.
"Thank you, RJ," Audrey said. "You look great tonight, too."
"You'll outshine me in a moment," RJ said softly.
"I don't know about that," Audrey said leaning against him.
RJ slid his arm around her, once again glad they were alone. He'd had enough of her bloody cousin now that Becca was at the pub.
"You never did tell me what you and Andrew did while we were out," Audrey commented.
"We were lazy," RJ said.
Audrey nudged him. "Lazy, you two?"
"Believe it or not," he told her.
"Saffy's really excited about the wedding," Audrey told him. "She said she's never been this happy."
"I'm glad," he said. "Saf needs someone like Andrew in her life."
"I hope Becca can find someone like that," Audrey said thoughtfully. "She needs someone to give her stability."
RJ looked away so he could roll his eyes without his girlfriend seeing.
"Last time I spoke with her, she told me she had her eye on someone," Audrey said.
"Did she say who?" RJ asked.
Audrey shook her head. "No, but I'm sure I'll get it out of her when we get back."
"Right," RJ said.
They approached the restaurant and Audrey grinned. "Is your lobster calling your name?"
"Very loudly," RJ joked.
He held the door for her and Audrey stepped inside.
"Reservation for two," RJ said to the maitre'd. "Weasley..."
"Ah," the maitre'd said looking at his reservation book. "Right this way."
RJ stood back to let Audrey walk in front of him.
The maitre'd led them through the restaurant and out to the patio where they had the whole area to themselves. The ocean view was breathtaking and Audrey turned to look at her boyfriend. "RJ, this is amazing."
"Not so much as you are," RJ said in her ear.
Audrey smiled and turned to give him a kiss.
RJ kept his lips pressed to hers for a moment before they sat down. He grinned at his girlfriend. "Did I do good?"
"Incredible," Audrey said happily.
"I'm glad," RJ said softly.
"I think this will be the best night we've had since we got here," Audrey gazed out over the ocean.
"This has been a great holiday so far," RJ said motioning for the waiter to bring over the champagne.
"Yes it has," she agreed.
"My family really likes you," RJ told her. "In fact, they might like you better than me."
"Oh now that's hard to believe," Audrey grinned wryly at him.
"It's true," RJ said as the waiter poured them each a glass of champagne. "Even the little ones..."
"I just can't get over how cute they are, with their princess club," Audrey laughed.
"Cute and completely serious," RJ said. "Emma's like a little general."
"Especially when it comes to food," Audrey said, taking the glass he held out to her.
"Speaking of food, I think my dad cheated on his diet," RJ told her. "He and Jon disappeared this afternoon and I think they hit the bakery in town or something."
"Your dad doesn't need to be on a diet," Audrey shook her head.
"Tell him that next time you see him," RJ said.
"I will," Audrey nodded.
"So, did you have a great time this afternoon shopping?" RJ asked her.
"I really did," Audrey nodded.
"Lex and Saffy sung my praises all afternoon, didn't they?" RJ asked with a grin.
"Hardly," Audrey replied. "Saffron took the Mickey quite a bit..."
RJ rolled his eyes. "She would."
"But for everything she said, she did say you were a great guy," Audrey finished.
"She did?" RJ asked.
"Sure did," Audrey smiled at him. "Saffron would probably never admit it aloud, but she does care about you."
"She's like a little sister to me," RJ told her. "I would do anything for her and it killed me when I didn't protect her when that---you know..."
"How could you have?" Audrey asked.
"If I'd have been at that party, she wouldn't have been alone with O'Neal," RJ said quietly. "I wouldn't have let him anywhere near her."
"But who knew he was capable of doing that?" Audrey reasoned.
"I knew he was up to something," RJ argued. "I just don't think I'll ever forgive myself for letting her down when she needed me the most."
"You were there for her after, and that's what counts," Audrey told him.
RJ nodded. "She's been through so much."
"And Andrew is by her every step of the way," Audrey said gently. "So you have no reason to feel guilty."
RJ reached across the table for her hand. "Thanks, Aud."
She squeezed his fingers in hers. "Won't have my boyfriend all mopey on a night like this."
"Right," RJ nodded. "No moping."
Audrey grinned at him again.
"Happy thoughts," RJ grinned back at her. "Good food. Great girl."
"And best guy," Audrey raised her glass.
RJ clinked his glass against hers. "To new beginnings."
"You know," Audrey said after she'd sipped her champagne. "I'm not going to want to go back to work after being here."
"Jon and Vic can't do without their best waitress," RJ said.
"Becca's improving," Audrey said. "She's just got to learn to focus on her job and not flirt so much with the patrons."
"Yeah," RJ said picking up his menu. He didn't want to talk about Becca.
"Still getting that lobster?" Audrey looked at her own menu.
"Yes," RJ said. "For a start..."
"A start?" Audrey asked. "RJ, how much are you going to spend on this meal?"
"Money is no object," RJ said with a grin. "You can get whatever you want, Aud. What you don't eat, I'll finish."
"That I know for sure," Audrey said.
RJ winced. "Squid. I think I've found the one thing I will not eat."
"I've heard calamari is delicious," Audrey replied.
"Are you feeling adventurous?" RJ asked her. "Gonna try it?"
"Maybe," Audrey said.
"Jon loves it," RJ told her. "Em wanted to try it, but she said she couldn't bring herself to eat a poor octopus."
Audrey laughed hard. "She is too much!!"
"She did," RJ said. "Ask her about it tomorrow."
"I will," Audrey scanned the rest of the menu.
"If you wanted to try the squid, I wouldn't hold it against you," RJ teased.
"I don't know if I'm in the mood for it," Audrey said.
"You could get lobster like me," RJ said. "But, don't you dare mention to my Aunt Cho or Chiaki that we ate it. They're vegetarians and the last time I had one and they were around, they hounded me the entire meal about how it was boiled alive."
"Ugh," Audrey wrinkled her nose. "I don't want that either."
"You're beautiful when you're indecisive," RJ said grinning at her.
"Very cute," she said dryly.
"You like trout, right?" RJ asked her.
"Yes," Audrey nodded.
"So do I," RJ grinned. "So if you can't finish it, I'll be good to go."
Audrey laughed. "So your true plans are revealed."
RJ rubbed his hands together. "And now you've caught on..."
Audrey set her menu aside.
"Good thing I don't mind."
"One of the many things I love about you," RJ said smiling at his girlfriend.
While RJ and Audrey enjoyed their evening out, Jon was giving Emma and Adam a bath. Adam giggled as Emma splashed water at their father.
"Daddy's all wet, Adam!" Emma squealed.
"Daddy wet!" Adam splashed him too.
"Hey, hey, hey!" Jon splashed them back.
Emma shrieked. "Daddy!"
Allison appeared in the doorway and shook her head. "There's more water on the floor than in the tub, Jon!"
"Bad Daddy!" Adam exclaimed.
"Yeah, bad Daddy," Emma echoed.
"You lot are turning on me?" Jon asked, his jaw dropping. "I thought we were a team!"
"Team," Adam nodded.
Allison grabbed a towel. "Come on, Em. Out with you."
"Mummy you're no fun," Emma complained.
Jon grabbed another towel and lifted Adam out of the bath. "Your mummy is very fun, Emma. And she's right. You've been in here long enough. It's bedtime."
"I'm not tired," Emma said as Allison dried her off.
Allison smiled at her youngest daughter. "Well, I'm sure I could tell you a story before you and Adam go to bed..."
"Yay!" Emma bounced happily. "A story, a story, a STORY!"
"So I'm a little bit fun?" Allison asked teasingly.
"Yes," Emma admitted.
Allison grinned. "I think you're a lot of fun, too. My Emma Madeline."
"Love you Mummy," Emma gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"I love you, too," Allison smiled. "Let's go and grab your pyjamas."
"My Ariel ones," Emma followed her out of the loo, wrapped in her towel.
"As if I would put you in any others," Allison teased.
Emma's room was just across from Andrew and Saffron's. Allison could hear Saffron and Alexa talking about wedding dresses.
"I am not wearing feathers, Lexie!" Saffron giggled. "I'd look like a bird!"
"But just a few would look so pretty--" Alexa said.
"No feathers," Saffron interjected. "Honestly--- Em, Allie. Come in here."
"What's up Saffy?" Allison asked.
Saffron held up the bridal magazine. "Look at this dress and tell me what you think?"
"It's pretty," Allison said. "But I always saw you in something more simple."
'Thank you," Saffron said looking at Alexa. "That's exactly what I think too."
"Okay," Alexa replied. "I'm not saying you had to be as feathery as this but I just thought you'd look pretty with a few."
"Big Bird," Emma said pointing at the picture.
Saffron broke out into gales of laughter. "Thank you Em!"
Emma beamed at her. "You're welcome."
"All right," Allison said. "It's time for me to get this princess into bed."
The two girls said good night to Emma and Allison led the way back to Emma's bedroom.
"Mummy, did you wear feathers?" Emma asked.
"No I didn't, baby." Allison said.
"Did Daddy?" Emma asked.
Allison laughed. "He didn't either."
Allison pulled Emma's pyjamas from her dresser.
"When I married your daddy, I was wearing jeans and a jumper," Allison told her.
"No dress?" Emma asked. "Why?"
Allison helped her daughter into her pyjamas. "It was kind of a last minute decision."
"How come?" Emma pursued.
This wasn't exactly the bedtime story Allison had planned on telling her daughter. "Well, your daddy and I loved each other very much, but no one seemed to understand. They thought we were too young to be so serious about each other."
"Grandpa didn't like Daddy?" Emma asked.
"Well, he did," Allison said. "He just didn't like the idea that his little girl was growing up and falling in love."
"How could you not like Daddy?" Emma asked.
Allison smiled. "You know, when you were very little, Daddy and I told you and Caroline this story. And you asked that same question."
"I don't remember," Emma said softly. She sat down on the bed and looked at her mother.
"Well, we were married for the first time in a small church," Allison told her. "It was just your dad and me and your Uncle Josh."
"That's small," Emma said as Allison helped her into her Ariel pyjamas.
"It was one of the best days of my life though," Allison remembered. "The only thing I regretted was that my family and friends weren't there to see it."
"I wish I was," Emma said.
"You came along later," Allison grinned at her.
Emma smiled back.
"But, we had a proper ceremony after I graduated from Hogwarts," Allison told her.
"With a dress?" Emma asked, sliding under the covers.
"With a dress and bridesmaids," Allison said smiling at her.
"Tell me about it," Emma begged.
Allison lay back on the bed and Emma cuddled up beside her. "Well, neither your daddy or I knew what was going on."
"Why?" Emma asked.
"Well, I was just out of school and your Daddy was working for your great uncles Fred and George," Allison said. "We didn't have much money. We always wanted to have a proper ceremony, but we wanted to save up for it."
"Didn't Grandpa and Grandma help?" Emma asked.
"Actually, they did," Allison told her.
Allison and Jon had only spent weekends and holidays together since they'd married. When Allison graduated, they moved in together in the flat over the shop.
They had talked about whether or not they wanted to spring for another ceremony or save money to buy a house, and the house won. Though Allison was disappointed that she wasn't able to have her dream wedding, being married to Jon was worth it.
Since she had the day off from her job at the book shop, she decided to straighten the flat. She was still trying to make the place seem more like a home. She'd hung some curtains over the windows and bought a nice duvet for the simple double bed.
There was a knock on the door and Allison sighed. Fred and George had taken to using the young couple as guinea pigs for some of their products. She hoped they weren't planning on pulling something now. To her surprise and relief, her two sisters were standing on the other side of the door.
"What are you two doing here?" Allison asked.
"We have a surprise for you," Chiaki took her by the arm.
"Chi, I really don't have time for this," Allison protested. "I have to finish---"
"We'll help you finish it later," Frankie interrupted her. "Come on Allie- you know we won't take no for an answer!"
"I can't go out like this," Allison argued. She was wearing sweats and a t-shirt. "Chiaki---"
"It doesn't matter," Chiaki told her. "Come on!"
Frankie giggled. She loved surprises and she knew her sister was going to love this.
"What are you two up to?" Allison said, grabbing her cloak as she was ushered out the door. "Where's Jon?"
"He's with Dad," Frankie said gleefully.
Allison raised her eyebrows. "Am I missing something?"
"All will be revealed in good time," Chiaki said in a pitch perfect imitation of Professor Trelawney.
"I hate when you're being deliberately vague," Allison answered.
"You're going to LOVE us," Frankie reassured her.
"Shhh," Chiaki warned. "Frankie, maybe it would be best if you didn't say anything the rest of the way. You're going to give it away."
"I am not!" Frankie scowled.
"Who spilled to mum about that watch Dad got her for Christmas?" Chiaki asked. "Who blabbed to everyone when Allie and me snuck out that one time to walk on the beach?"
"That's when I was younger," Frankie stressed.
Chiaki rolled her eyes. "You wonder why no one tells you anything."
Allison shook her head as her sisters led her away.
Jon, meanwhile, was just as clueless as his wife. He'd been surprised to see his father-in-law approach him just as he was opening the shop. Neville had asked him to breakfast and Jon, though nervous, had jumped at the chance to get to know his father-in-law a little better.
"I know it's late notice, but I was hoping we could get you the afternoon off," Neville told him.
"I was going to help Allie," Jon said. "We still have loads to do with the flat..."
"I'll talk to her," Neville covered.
"Oh," Jon said. "Um, well I'd have to clear it with Uncle Fred."
"Sure," Neville nodded.
"I'll be right back," Jon said.
He hurried over to the back room where he knew Fred would be working on inventory.
"Uncle Fred?" Jon asked.
"Yeah?" Fred asked distractedly.
"Would it be alright if I had the day off?" Jon asked.
Fred's eyebrows knotted together. "You want to leave now? You just started."
"I'll work a double shift tomorrow," Jon promised. "Al's dad is here and I want to make a good impression."
"Aha," Fred smiled. "Go ahead. I'll call George and make him get in here."
Jon grinned. "You're the best. Thanks, Uncle Fred."
"Go on," Fred waved his hand. "I'll see you tomorrow."
"Thanks," Jon said again.
When he rejoined Neville, he saw his father-in-law looking at his watch.
"Are you in a hurry, sir?" Jon asked.
"No," Neville said quickly.
Jon nodded, but couldn't shake the feeling that he was up to something.
"Where are we headed?" he asked.
"To my house actually," Neville replied.
"Oh..." Jon said. "Okay..."
"You're not nervous are you?" Neville asked.
"I don't really know what's going on..." Jon said.
"You will soon enough," Neville reassured him. "You've had this coming, Jonathan."
"I do?" Jon asked, his voice high pitched.
Neville laughed, but to Jon, this sounded menacing.
He felt like he was walking to his doom as he followed his father in law. And he'd thought he'd come so far- made such progress with Neville since he and Allison had gotten married.
"Beautiful day, isn't it?" Neville asked. "Nice, summer day."
"Yeah," Jon choked out. "Really nice..."
They arrived at the Longbottom house and Jon was hoping that Cho was there. To be sure, Neville wouldn't hex him or anything with witnesses about.
"Come on in," Neville opened the door for him.
"Thanks," Jon said stepping inside.
"Cho?" Neville called, making Jon feel better. "We're back."
Cho came out of the kitchen. "Hello, Jon."
"Hi, Mrs. Longbottom," Jon replied.
Cho smiled. "Jon, you are family. You can call me Cho."
"Oh right," Jon managed a smile.
"I'll take him upstairs then, shall I?" Neville asked his wife. "They're ready for him, right?"
"They?" Jon asked.
"They've been waiting for you," Cho said pushing him toward the stairs.
"Who?" Jon stumbled up the steps.
Neville didn't answer as he followed the young man upstairs. "Second door on your right, son."
Jon stared at his in laws for a long moment before reluctantly reaching for the doorknob.
To his surprise, his father and twin brother were in the room, wearing dress robes.
"Dad, Josh?" Jon asked. "What are you doing here?"
"Come on in, Jonathan," Ron said. "We need to get you ready."
"Ready for what?" Jon asked. "Will someone please tell me what's going on?"
"Your wedding ceremony," Josh said with a grin. "A proper one this time."
"My what?" Jon asked.
"A wedding ceremony," Josh said again.
"What?" Jon asked, completely dumbfounded. He turned to look at Neville. "You know about this?"
"Sure do," Neville smiled at him.
Jon was at a loss for words.
"He's in shock," Josh joked.
"For once he's speechless," Ron replied. "Come on Jonathan. Your bride will be waiting."
"Allie," Jon said. "Did she know?"
"No," Josh said.
A slow smile spread across Jon's face. He knew that this was what Allison really wanted and she was actually going to get it.
"Now he's catching on," Josh held up a set of robes.
"Let's do this," Jon said taking the robes from his brother.
A few rooms down, Allison was going through something similar with her sisters.
"We don't have much time," Chiaki said as she gently pushed her sister down on a chair. "Lizzy, can you go and make sure that Jon's here?"
Lizzy nodded and winked at Allison before she left the room.
"I can't believe this," Allison kept saying.
"You deserve it, Allie." Frankie said twirling around.
Chiaki grinned. "Wait until you see the dress. Frankie, would you do the honours?"
"Ooooh yes," Frankie replied excitedly.
Allison turned and watched as her younger sister opened the closet and pulled out the dress. Allison gasped. She'd seen that dress in Frank and Alice Longbottom's wedding photographs. "Grandma's dress?"
"Right," Frankie said. "Lavender modernized it just a bit, and took it in so it'll fit you."
"It's beautiful," Allison whispered.
"Come on, let's put it on," Chiaki urged. "We need to get you ready."
Allison nodded. "Okay..."
"He's here," Lizzy came back in. "Ron and Josh are getting him ready."
"Fantastic," Chiaki said. "Now, do you think you want to wear your hair up or down?"
"Whatever way it looks best," Allison shrugged.
"I think down with ringlet curls," Chiaki said thoughtfully. "It will look really pretty with the veil."
"Okay," Allison said, a flutter of excitement in her stomach.
"And I didn't tell," Frankie said proudly. "I wanted to, but I didn't."
"Good job, Frankie," Chiaki smiled at her little sister.
"Thank you, Frankie," Allison said softly.
"It's all just soooooo romantic," Frankie said.
"You haven't seen anything yet," Chiaki caught her sister's eye in the mirror.
"Why?" Allison asked. "What else did you lot do?"
"Just wait until you see the backyard," Chiaki said with a grin.
"Let me go peek," Allison said.
"Absolutely not," Chiaki said firmly. She picked up her wand and started to curl her sister's hair.
Allison waited patiently while her sister fixed her up. "I'll help you get into your robes," Frankie offered.
"We will let you see your bouquet," Lizzy said.
"You got me a bouquet?" Allison asked. "Really?"
Lizzy giggled. "Allie, what bride gets married without flowers?"
"Me," Allison said.
"Maybe the first time, but this time you're doing it right," Lizzy said pulling out the bouquet.
"Right," Allison agreed, her eyes wide. "Oh those are beautiful!"
"You really like them?" Lizzy asked. "Chiaki, Frankie and I picked them out."
"You three did wonderful," Allison felt tears sting her eyes.
Chiaki shook her head. "Allison Catherine Longbottom Weasley, you will not cry! You will not mess up your makeup."
"Okay," Allison blinked. "I won't cry, I promise."
In the makeshift groom's room, Jon was struggling with his tie. "I hate these things..."
Luna smiled at her son. "You always did, but that's just because you never could tie them correctly. Come here."
"Thanks," Jon said gratefully.
Luna felt a lump in her throat as she looked at her son.
"What's wrong?" he asked her.
"You're my baby," Luna sniffed. "And I'm so proud of you!"
"Thanks Mum," Jon smiled crookedly at her.
"Mum, you're not going to cry all day are you?" Josh teased her.
"Of course not," Luna said.
Jon smiled at her. "This is a happy day."
"Very," Jon said. "It was a great surprise."
"You have Neville to thank for that," Ron said. "He and Cho came up with the idea."
"They did?" Jon asked in surprise.
Ron nodded. "I was just as surprised as you were."
"That was really cool of them," Jon said.
Luna smiled. "It is. I know he loves his daughter and I know that he wants to make her happy."
Jon smiled too. "I make her happy."
"She must if she's willing to live with you, you slob," Josh teased.
Jon sent him a sardonic grin.
Maddie stepped inside the room. She was dressed in her flower girl dress and she carried Dolly's cage.
"Mad Dog," Jon said grinning at her. "Look at you!"
Maddie twirled around, nearly crashing into a dresser. "Oops!"
"You okay, Maddie?" Ron asked.
"Yeah," Maddie peered into the cage. "So is Dolly."
Josh nudged his brother. "She put the pixie in a matching dress."
"Seriously, Mad Dog?" Jon looked at the pixie.
"Isn't she pretty?" Maddie beamed at him.
"Looks just like you," Jon said wryly.
"Remember, she stays in her cage," Ron told his daughter.
"I know," Maddie pouted.
"That look isn't going to work on me this time," Ron said.
"But Daddy--" Maddie tried to argue.
"Look away, Dad," Jon said. "You're no match for it."
"No," Ron said firmly. "Madeline, we talked about this. She stays in her cage or I take her home."
Maddie pouted. "Okay..."
"That's my girl," Ron said.
Drew and Darla came into the room. "Dad, Uncle Neville said to tell you it was time," Darla said.
"Thanks," Ron said. "Guess we'll see you out there, son."
Jon nodded. "I'm---I'm really glad that you're all here."
"Wouldn't have missed this one for the world," Ron clapped Jon's shoulder.
Jon grinned at his father. "Thanks, Dad."
Josh looked over at him. "See you out there, mate. Wait until you see Allie."
"Thanks for being my best man," Jon said.
"Again?" Josh joked. "Not a problem."
Jon couldn't wait to see his bride. He was tempted to search through the house until he found her just to see how she was doing, but he knew he should wait.
"Come on," Josh tugged at his sleeve.
"Right," Jon said. "I'm ready."
They headed downstairs and Jon's jaw dropped as they went into the backyard.
"Nice, isn't it?" Josh asked him.
"Yeah..." Jon nodded. He saw Harry and Hermione with Ethan and Saffron over sitting on one of the chairs. Julie was standing nearby, talking to Nick. He was also astonished to see Seamus and Lavender, all the way from California.
Josh pulled at his brother's arm and led him toward the gazebo where the vicar was waiting for them. Jon recognised the man immediately as the same vicar who had performed the ceremony last time. "Good to see you again, son."
"Hi," Jon said, amazed. "How... when--?"
"Your brother here found me," the vicar said looking at Josh.
"Wow," Jon said. "Thanks mate."
Just inside the house, Allison's sisters helped her downstairs where Neville was waiting.
"Hi, Daddy," Allison said beaming at him.
"Hey sweetheart," Neville said. "You look beautiful."
"I can't believe this is really happening," Allison said softly.
"We wanted to be there for your wedding," Neville told her.
Allison took his hand. "Thank you, Daddy."
Neville gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Come on."
Maddie was waiting outside with Luna. She had reluctantly handed Dolly off to Darla.
"Hi, Allie," Maddie said when she saw her sister-in-law. "You look soooooo pretty!"
"Hi Maddie," Allison kissed her cheek. "You always do."
"Remember what to do with your flowers," Luna said to her daughter. "I'll be right up front with your Daddy."
"I'll look out for her, Aunt Luna," Frankie promised.
"Thank you Frankie," Luna smiled.
Luna gave her daughter-in-law's hand a squeeze before she hurried to take her place with Ron.
"This is it, Dad," Allison said. "You at least get to give me away this time."
Neville nodded. "The hardest thing I'll ever have to do."
"It won't be that hard..." Allison said.
"You have no idea," Neville said. "But, I love you and want you to be happy."
"I am," Allison. "Happier than I've ever been."
"That's all I needed to hear," Neville said.
He watched as his other two daughters slowly walked down the aisle.
"This is just like the wedding I'd hoped for," Allison said. "Thank you."
Neville swallowed the lump in his throat as the wedding march began to play. The guests turned to get their first glimpse of the bride.
Allison smiled as she and Neville began to walk forward.
Jon's jaw dropped when he saw Allison.
"Hi," she mouthed to him.
Jon grinned at her. "Hi," he mouthed back.
She remembered feeling so nervous the first time, but this time there was nothing but happiness.
"Who gives this woman to be married to this man?" the vicar asked.
Neville looked at his daughter. "Her mother and I do."
"Thanks Dad," Allison whispered and kissed his cheek. "Thank you so much for this."
Neville smiled. "You're welcome, sweetheart."
He looked at Jonathan. "Take care of her, Jonathan. I mean it."
"I promise," Jon nodded.
Allison handed her bouquet to Chiaki and then took her place beside Jon. She reached for his hand.
He gave it a squeeze. "Can you believe this?" he whispered as the vicar began speaking.
Allison smiled at him. She couldn't believe they were actually here---in front of everyone they cared about.
"Do you, Allison, take Jonathan, as your lawfully wedded husband?" the vicar asked.
"I do," Allison replied.
"And Jonathan," the vicar said. "Do you take Allison as your lawfully wedded wife?"
Jon's eyes were fixed on his wife's and he didn't seem to hear the question.
"Jonathan?" the vicar prompted.
Jon broke out of his reverie. "Oh, yes," Jon said quickly. "Absolutely. I do."
Allison smiled at him.
"It wasn't all that long ago, when this young couple stood before me," the vicar said. "I had my doubts about a couple marrying so young, but I could tell that Jonathan and Allison truly cared for each other and wanted to be together."
Jon and Allison both nodded.
"Today they stand before their family and friends renewing their vows," the vicar continued. "Allison and Jonathan have reaffirmed their commitment to each other."
"You may now kiss your bride, Jonathan." the vicar said.
Jon grinned. "My Allie," he whispered before pressing his lips to hers.
Allison slid her arms around his neck and deepened the kiss.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the vicar said. "I present to you, Allison and Jonathan Weasley."
Everyone watching clapped as Jon took Allison's hand and they hurried back down the aisle.
When they reached the house, Jon picked up Allison and swung her around.
"How's it feel to be Mrs. Weasley?" he joked.
Allison laughed. "Even better the second time around."
Jon gave her another kiss. "You look stunning, Al. This is the way it should have been the first time."
"I loved our first wedding too," Allison said. "This was even more special because our families were here."
"Right," Jon smiled down at her.
"You know," Allison said. "This is our wedding night..."
"I took care of that," Jon said. "When I was getting ready. I made reservations for us at a bed and breakfast in Yorkshire. It's nothing fancy..."
"That's okay," Allison said eagerly.
They pulled reluctantly apart when the guests started to approach them. Allison thanked Lavender for the work she had done on Alice Longbottom's dress.
"I just wish she could have been here to see it," Allison said softly.
"I'm sure you look as lovely as she did," Lavender said reassuringly.
"We'll visit your grandparents," Jon said to his wife. "Soon."
"We'll bring some pictures," Allison said.
"Gran will love that," Chiaki said.
"I hope so," Allison said.
Maddie took Dolly's cage and carried it over to Ethan. "Hi, Ethan! Dolly wanted to say hello!"
Ethan rolled his eyes. "She has on the same dress you do."
"I know," Maddie said. "She's soooooo pretty today."
"I don't think she likes wearing a dress," Ethan said looking at the pixie.
"It's okay," Maddie said. "She told me she doesn't mind too much."
"She talks to you?" Ethan asked.
"All the time," Maddie nodded.
"What does she say?" Ethan asked, curious despite himself.
"Lots of things," Maddie replied. "A lot of secrets."
"That's kind of cool," Ethan admitted.
"She likes you a lot," Maddie blushed. "That was one of her secrets."
Ethan turned red. "Maddie!"
"It's true!" Maddie insisted.
"Everything okay?" Julie asked coming over to join them.
"No," Ethan said grumpily, casting a look at Maddie. "She's starting again!"
"I was just bringing Dolly over to say hello to Ethan," Maddie told Julie. Her lower lip trembled. She did not like it when Ethan was mad at her.
"I'm sure that's all you were doing," Julie said reassuringly. "Ethan..."
"Are you crying?" Ethan asked incredulously.
"No," Maddie blinked.
"I didn't make her cry!" Ethan exclaimed looking pleadingly at his sister.
"Go on Ethan," Julie said. "I bet Greta will get you something to eat."
Ethan nodded and hurried away.
Maddie used her free hand to wipe at her eyes.
"Maddie don't worry about him," Julie reassured the little girl.
"He doesn't like me," Maddie sniffed.
"He's a silly boy if he doesn't like you," Julie told her.
"Thanks, Julie," Maddie said smiling through her tears.
"Dolly looks beautiful in her dress," Julie said. "Almost as beautiful as you do."
"I dressed her up all by myself," Maddie said proudly. "No one else helped."
Julie leaned down to get a better look. "Did you do the ribbons too?"
Maddie nodded. "She sits still for me when I tell her to."
"You love her very much, don't you?" Julie asked grinning at her.
"She's my best friend," Maddie nodded.
"Don't worry about Ethan," Julie told her. "He'll come around and someday, we might be at your wedding..."
"You think so?" Maddie asked hopefully.
"You never know what might happen," Julie said. "But for now, how about you and I go and show your pixie to Saffy?"
"Okay," Maddie agreed.
"No more tears," Julie said to her.
Maddie shook her head. "Dolly doesn't like to see me cry."
"No one likes to see you cry," Julie said glad to see the little girl seemed to be in better spirits.
A short time later, the happy couple was sharing their first dance.
"We didn't do this last time," Allison said dreamily.
"No we didn't," Jon said softly, kissing the side of her head.
"And to think," Allison said looking up at him. "I was thinking the most exciting thing I'd do today was put up those bookshelves."
"And I thought I'd be a guinea pig," Jon looked over where his two uncles were laughing at his father by the buffet. "They knew all along what was going on."
Allison smiled. "This is the nicest thing they could have done for us."
"I know," he said. "I love you so much, Al."
"I love you too," Allison said resting her head on his shoulder. "I've never regretted what we've done, Jon. Not ever. We belong together."
"I never regretted it either," Jon said. "I was pretty floored when you agreed to it though."
"You were?" Allison laughed. "Imagine how I felt when you asked."
He grinned at her.
"But, here we are," Allison said before tilting her head toward him. "Married and everyone seems okay with it."
"Everyone IS okay with it," Jon gave her a kiss.
Allison beamed at him. Things had not been easy but she knew that no matter what came their way, they'd face it together.
"And that's how we got our second wedding," Allison finished her story to Emma.
Emma smiled. "I was there."
Allison laughed. "In a way, I suppose you were."
Emma hugged her. "I love you, Mummy."
"I love you too, baby girl," Allison kissed her forehead. "Now into bed with you. Hannah will be up in a moment."
"But Daddy hasn't tucked me in," Emma protested.
"He's with Adam," Allison said. "I'll go send him in here when he's done."
"Promise?" Emma asked.
"I promise," Allison held out her pinkie finger.
Emma grinned and linked her pinkie with her mother's.
"I'll see you in the morning, love." Allison said.
"Bright and early," Emma said in a sing-song voice.
Allison laughed. "That's right."
Allison walked down the hall to the nursery and smiled when she saw her husband telling Adam a bedtime story.
"And so the prince climbed up the tower--" Jon said.
"No," Adam replied.
"The prince grabbed his broom," Jon corrected.
"Ok," Adam said.
Jon grinned. "And flew up to the tower and the princess..."
"No," Adam interjected.
"Adam," Jon laughed.
"The princess was too busy slaying the dragon," Allison said from the doorway.
Adam grinned. "Yes, Mummy!"
"And the prince flew off on his broom for his daily Quidditch match," Allison continued.
Adam clapped his hands.
Jon shook his head. "You've got me beat, Al."
"I know my audience," Allison said winking at him.
"Mummy tell rest of story," Adam said.
"Okay," Allison replied. "Only because Daddy has to go tuck Emma into bed."
"No, Em," Adam said.
"Yes, Em." Jon said. "I'll see you in the morning, champ."
"Night, Daddy!" Adam exclaimed.
"Night son," Jon kissed Adam's forehead.
Jon walked into Emma's bedroom. "I heard you were going to go to bed without a kiss goodnight, Em."
"No way," Emma said.
Jon sat down on the bed. "How's my favourite five year old?"
"Good," Emma said. "Mummy told me how you got married."
"She did, did she?" Jon asked.
Emma nodded. "In the backyard."
Jon smiled at the memory. "Your mummy looked so beautiful that day."
"She always does," Emma said loyally.
"Yes she does," Jon said.
Emma snuggled down and Jon pulled her covers up. "Not too tight, okay?"
"I know just how you like it," Jon said. "Tomorrow, guess what I'm going to do?"
"What?" Emma asked.
Jon grinned. "Waffles."
Emma's eyes grew huge. "That's my FAVOURITE breakfast!"
"Is it?" Jon asked, pretending to be surprised.
"You know that," Emma said happily.
Caroline peeked inside the room. "I just wanted to say good night!"
"Daddy's making waffles tomorrow," Emma told her.
"Ooooh, really?" Caroline asked.
"Sure am," Jon said.
"You're the best, Daddy," Caroline said.
"Of course I am," Jon said.
Caroline giggled. "I was just walking by Adam's room and he was still talking about his big fish."
Jon felt a pang in his stomach. He really wanted to be there to see his son's fish.
"You okay, Daddy?" Caroline asked.
"I'm fine, Angel." Jon said. "Are you off to bed too?"
Caroline nodded. "I'm really sleepy."
"Where are Mia and Katie?" Jon asked.
"Mia's brushing her teeth and Katie's in the bath," Caroline replied. She walked over to her sister. "Night, Em."
"Night Sissy," Emma reached up to hug her.
"Love you bunches and bunches," Caroline said hugging her tightly.
Emma giggled. "Lots of bunches."
Jon gave both his girls another kiss good night before he walked into his and Allison's bedroom.
"So," Allison said looking at him. "Are you going to tell me where you were today?"
"New York," Jon said.
"New York?" Allison asked.
Jon nodded. "Dad and I went to see Hans."
"Which explains his sudden appearance," Allison said thoughtfully.
"At least he came," Jon shrugged. "I was glad for that."
"They looked pretty happy at dinner," Allison commented.
Jon nodded. "You should see his place there, Al. It's pretty incredible."
Allison sat down on their bed. "Oh?"
"It's pretty amazing," he admitted.
"You're pretty amazing for doing that for Darla," Allison said.
"Yeah well she's my sister," Jon said. "I'd do anything for any of them."
Allison smiled. "One of the many things I love about you."
Jon wrapped his arms around his wife. "I love you too, Al."
"Don't feel bad about missing out on today with Adam," Allison said. "You can take him out tomorrow."
"I was going to," Jon nodded. "I hate that I missed him catching that fish."
"He was so proud," Allison said with a grin. "You know it keeps getting bigger every time he tells the story."
Jon laughed. "Wonder where he gets exaggeration from?"
Allison laughed too. "I can't imagine..."
"I told the girls I'd make them waffles in the morning," Jon said. "Wake me up early would you?"
"You're going to bed now?" Allison asked, moving behind him and massaging his shoulders.
"I'm a little tired," Jon admitted.
"You have had a big day," Allison said softly.
"I should take you to New York," Jon said. "They have all sorts of shows there, and food..."
Allison laughed. "Which I'm sure you sampled..."
"Hans gave us a hundred Muggle dollars and Dad and I blew nearly all of it at a bakery." Jon said sheepishly.
Allison wrapped her arms around him. "Don't worry. I promise not to tell Emma."
"I was thinking near the end of the summer, maybe we'd take the kids there for a few days or something," Jon replied.
"Really?" Allison asked. "They'd love that."
"I'll look into it," he promised.
"Jonathan?" Allison whispered.
"Yeah?" he asked her.
"You're not too knackered, are you?" Allison asked nipping at his ear.
He smiled. "No..."
He grabbed her and pulled her around so she was on his lap. "Jon!"
"I thought you liked it when I was like this," he grinned at her.
"I do," Allison said huskily.
He ran his hands up her back and she leaned down over him.
"My Allie," Jon whispered.
She laughed. "Always your Allie, Jon."