Harry Potter and the Alucinor Dicio

Disclaimer- see previous chapters

Chapter 25 - Wedding Reception

Harry glanced about the room as the reception was reaching it's high point. There was so much love and happiness filling the room, Harry thought Voldemort would drop dead just from walking in there. Even the Slytherin's were celebrating, as Snape was there Head of House. Harry watched the happy couple dancing together, there was a glow of happiness about them that seemed to envelope all those around them. Harry prayed that this moment would last for them.

Harry was momentarily distracted from his thoughts by the gentle brush of a soft hand against his face. He glanced up at Hermione who stood over him with a concerned expression on her face.

“ Harry, are you alright? You look like you're having very deep thoughts for a wedding.” she spoke , leaning down close to his ear so he could hear her over the music. Harry breathed in deeply, smelling her comforting scent of cinnamon and herbs. He heard a chuckle from behind her, and looked over her shoulder.

“ Indeed, indeed, Harry. Weddings are no place for thoughts of the past or uncertain futures. It is a time to laugh, and dance, and if I may say so, indulge in several brandies.” Albus Dumbledore chuckled from where he had suddenly appeared at Hermione's elbow. “ Now you would do much better by asking your young lady to dance, as there is something about weddings that seems to strike women as oddly romantic...” Dumbledore trailed off here, as if this particular point befuddled him greatly.

Harry took Hermione's hand in his, and started to lead her onto the floor. Hermione, however was pulling back slightly resisting.

“ But Harry, I'm not very good at dancing, and it's really crowded, and..” she stopped here, having been unable to come up with a third excuse. Harry just turned around, wrapped his arms around her while laughing softly.

“ And you think I can? Hermione did you see me at the Yule Ball in fourth year? I was horrible!” Harry grimaced at this memory. “ But I had rather thought that as my company has so vastly improved, that my skill might as well. If not then I am sure we can dance badly together.” Hermione smiled up at him as he spoke, and finally relented, letting her hands sneak up to twine themselves in his hair.

As they danced under the swirling stars that occupied the Great Hall's ceiling, Harry observed the people around him. He could see Dumbledore sitting with Rowen and Severus over glasses of brandy, his eyes twinkling merrily. Harry also observed with some humor, the fact that Ron was being lead along the dance floor by Luna who wore a dreamy expression on her face, and when they danced close by, could be overheard lecturing Ron on the various curses placed on bridal bouquets, so they must in no way get near it. Hermione snorted upon hearing this bit of information..

Harry could also see Neville sitting on his own at a corner table, looking around himself rather forlornly. Harry nudged Hermione, nodded his head in Neville's direction, and they both stepped off the dance floor by unspoken consensus and headed over to Neville. Before they could get there however, they were surprised to see Ginny seat herself next to Neville, smiling brightly and chatting a mile a minute. Neville looked shocked, and then started blushing fiercely.

“ Don't even think about it, Mione” Harry whispered in her ear, as he saw a slightly calculating gleam enter his girlfriends eye. She glared up at him while pouting, which was surely a feat only his Hermione could accomplish.

Harry instead detoured them towards Rowen and Snape's table, as they hadn't had much of an opportunity to congratulate them, as he and Hermione had sat with McGonagall, as promised, until Madame Pomfrey showed up. Harry observed them as they approached the table. Rowen was leaning slightly forward in her chair, her hands curved protectively over their baby, with a tired smile on her face. Snape was leaning forward, speaking to Dumbledore, but one of his hands was circling the lower portion of Rowen's back. Dumbledore was just sitting, his eyes taking in everything as usual.

Rowen looked up as Harry and Hermione approached, and her smile grew wider if possible. “ Harry, Hermione! I feel like I've hardly seen you today! Sit!” she said brightly, waving a hand to indicate the free chairs at the table. Harry leaned down giving her a hug before taking a seat next to Hermione.

“ We've been around, we were sitting with McGonagall at the wedding, so we didn't want to leave until Pomfrey came to get her.” Harry smiled. “ So you're hitched! How's it feel?” he teased Rowen, as Hermione pinched his arm while glaring at him.

“ Well, I feel fine! Severus would be feeling the drag a bit more, though, as he chained himself to two not one today!” Rowen laughed as she spoke. Severus just stared at her silently, his eyebrow twitching up as he watched her. Rowen just laughed and made a face at him, leaning into him as she did so.

“ Well, I believe that I promised an old friend to share a visit and perhaps some contraband wedding cake with her, so I shall be off! My many best wishes once again Severus, Rowen.” Dumbledore stood up as he spoked, bowing slightly in Rowen and Snape's direction, before turning and heading towards the cake table. Across from him, Rowen let out a large yawn.

“ Well, I won't last much longer! I swear this baby is determined to take away all my nocturnal tendencies! Obviously Severus' doing, not mine!” Rowen spoke in a cheerful tone. Harry leaned forward to hear her better.

“ Have you decided on a name then? Or am I inviting a war by asking?” Harry chuckled. Rowen rolled her eyes at him, but it was Severus who answered.

“ We have come to an agreeable compromise. We have agreed, however, “ he said this with a stern look at Rowen, “ not to tell anyone until her naming ceremony after she's born.” Rowen sighed gustily and slumped back in chair.

“ Which is driving me mad, quite frankly, I'm bursting to tell someone.” she said morosely. Snape smirked at this. “ And he knows it too! It's why he's torturing me with it! Clearly he did not read the top ten reasons to not annoy your pregnant wife booklet I had printed up for him!” Rowen tried to keep her features angry as she spoke, but failed miserably before giving up all together.

“ We should go dear. You need you rest.” Snape spoke sarcastically, but Harry could see actual concern clouding his features. Rowen got up tiredly, with his assistance.

“ All right, Severus! We have to say goodbye to the guests first, however. So come on! Smile, time to circulate!” Rowen spoke with an evil grin. Snape allowed her to drag him off with a resigned expression.

Shortly after that Harry and Hermione decided to leave as well, taking a walk about the lake. They spoke quietly as they walked through the balmy spring night. Harry could only feel an immense sense of peace settle in his chest as he gazed at the stars with his arms around her, her head resting comfortably on his chest. Right behind the sense of peace however, was the fear that this was but a short respite for him and all those he loved.

A/N: Okay a short chapter I know, but I wanted to write the reception, thought it would be an excellent chance for some group interaction. Will you still review and love me if I promise the next chapter for this evening? :: pouts ::