An Auror's Work is Never Done

Chapter 16 Dress Hunting and Nerves

Six weeks later found me in Madam Malkin's picking through bolts of material with the proprietor of the shop and my favorite cousin. Ginny had been the only one who could get away for the day with me. Ms. Malkin showed me yet another sample. I have to confess I'd never seen such a vast array of fabrics before. The woman had enough to clothe the entire British magical community!

"I'm sorry, Ms. Malkin but Gin'd kill me if I choose the burgundy."

"Yes, I would. How about green? I look stunning in green," Ginny grinned.

"No more green. I want something different. What if...that's it!" I explained to the seamstress what I had in mind.

"That will look lovely, dear. I'll put in an order for the material as soon as I measure the attendants."

I'd asked Hermione, Ginny, and Tonks to be bridesmaids. Shawna was, of course, my maid of honor and Aunt Molly, matron of honor. Harry and Dad had both insisted on a huge wedding. It was being billed as 'The most sought after invite of the century' by Rita Skeeter of the Quibbler. Harry and I had given Mr. Lovegood's paper exclusive rights to an article and photos of our nuptials. Colin would be our photographer naturally. Professor Dumbledore had told us under no uncertain terms that we would be using the Great Hall for the gathering and Dobby had informed us that the House-elves wanted to cater it.

Nicholae and Draco were in charge of what the guys would wear. Harry had admitted he was clueless about clothes and happily relinquished control to the two stylish men. All the details were finalized except one, my dress.

I didn't start to panic until there were only sixteen days left before the big day. I had yet to find 'The Perfect Dress'. I'd tried every Wizard and Muggle shop in a 400-mile radius. I hadn't even seen a pattern I liked, much less an entire dress. I could picture it in my head but no one seemed capable of producing it. You'd think with all the magic that surrounded me someone could have!

Sighing and close to tears from yet another failed expedition, I flopped down on my bed. Pink bubbles floated down from the ceiling, tickling my nose. I sat up laughing, swiping them away and noticed something out of place in the room. 'That's funny. I could have sworn I shut my closet door this morning.' I pulled out my wand and peeked in. Imagine how stupid I felt when I almost hexed THE dress. It was breathtaking.

"But where did it come from?"

Arms wound around my waist and turned me around. Sparkling emerald eyes looked into mine. "It was Mum's. Molly told me you were having trouble finding your dress so I thought maybe..."

"Oh, Harry. That's so sweet." I brushed his lips with a soft kiss.

"If you don't want to wear it that's okay."

"Do you want me to?"

"I kinda hoped you would."

I gave him a scorching lip locker. "It's exactly what I've been looking for. I had this picture of what I wanted my gown to look like and all this time I've been searching for your mum's! I knew I'd seen that dress somewhere! I was beginning to think I'd never find it."

"Glad you like it then."

"I love it. Thank you."

"You're welcome."

I giggled. "The bubbles were a nice touch."

"Your cousins' latest invention. They're going after the girls' market now."

"Sounds like Alicia and Angelina's influence."

"No doubt. They've become regular romantics. I never would've believed it from those two."

"Well, my baby wrote the book."

"Really?"

"Um hmm. Maybe if you're nice I'll ask him to autograph one for you." I distracted him from a retort with a long snogging session.

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The day had finally arrived, the day every little girl dreams of even after she'd grown. I woke early and went out on the Cottage's porch to watch the sunrise. I sat on the old wooden swing marveling at what the past years in this foreign land had had in store for me. I closed my eyes, savoring the memories that flickered behind them. I remembered meeting my cousins, Harry, and Hermione for the first time, my first and last days at Hogwarts, the Final Battle, dueling lessons with Senor Montango, Puddlemere games, both of Harry and my breakups, my time in Romania and on the run. Some memories still had the power to hurt but I'd never let them overwhelm me ever again.

"Daydreaming about tonight, Sis?" Draco teased breaking into my musings.

"You better believe it, buddy."

"Aurora, I am shocked and disgusted."

"Only because you're afraid you'll lose the bet," I smirked.

"You know about that?" he gulped.

"How could I not? Y'all weren't very discreet."

Shawna had spilled the beans a week ago. Apparently it had all started as an argument between Fred and George on whether or not Harry and I had 'shagged' yet. When Ron had stepped in to defend my honor, the bets had started. Shawna was recruited to hold the money and keep track of the dates and times everyone thought we'd do the "deed". At last report the pot was up to 245 galleons. Fearing undue influence no one was allowed to reveal what day and/or time he or she had chosen. Can you believe it? My own family and friends betting on such a private matter! Anyway Shawna had confessed to me what was going on because Fred and George had figured someone would have to verify the winning bet. One third of the pot would go to Harry and me if I coughed up the winner.

"Well, I couldn't pass up such a prime opportunity to relieve those two pranksters of their money, now could I?"

"You're so sure you're going to win?"

"Yep." He gave me a wink and we laughed.

"Rory?"

"Yeah, Shawna?"

"Mrs. Molly just flooed. She wants us to go over for breakfast."

"Harry's not there is he?"

"He'd better not be," Draco growled. "Ron and I have plans for him today."

"Good. Tell her we'll be there in fifteen, Shawna."

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Aunt Molly spent the next hour mothering over me. She practically shoved three pancakes down my throat along with two glasses of milk.

"You'll need your energy today," she encouraged when I protested that I couldn't possibly eat another bite.

"Aunt Molly, if I keep eating I won't be able to fit in my dress."

Gin giggled when her mom backed off. "I've never seen her let go of something that quickly without a fight before," she whispered.

"I heard that, young lady."

"Oops. Umm. So anyway, what time are we supposed to be at the salon?"

"Two o'clock. That should give us plenty of time to pick up the bridesmaids' dresses and have lunch first. Where are Tonks and Hermione?"

"Tonks said she'd meet up with us at the salon and Hermione is having brunch with her family. It's her grandmother's birthday," Aunt Molly answered. "She said she'd see us at around 1:15."

"Sounds like a plan."

"Mum, you did tell Harry he had to stay away from Aurora today, right?"

"Yes, dear. Ron and Draco are taking him to watch Oliver Wood's team practice."

"What about their suits?" I asked worriedly.

"Draco told me he picked them up yesterday. It's all taken care of. Stop worrying," Aunt Molly said patting my back.

"I'm so glad you're here, Aunt Molly."

"Mum, I think she's getting a wee bit nervous."

"You did the same thing need I remind you, Mrs. Longbottom."

"What's your point?" the younger girl cheekily replied making us all laugh at her mischievous grin.

Hedwig interpreted, soaring over the table and dropping a single red rose on my lap. She held out a leg for me to relieve her of the letter attached.

'Miss Aurora Dawn Weasley' was written on it in scrawling black ink. I took the envelope, gave her a few bits of toast, and off she flew. I picked up the rose and inhaled its intoxicating fragrance. Smiling, I broke the seal and read the parchment inside.

Dear Aurora,

Sorry but I couldn't go all day without at least writing you a short note. Ron and Draco are dragging me to Puddlemere's practice in thirty minutes, and yes I do mean dragging. I'd much rather sit and think about what the events of this evening will culminate in: our joining together as husband and wife forever.

How's it feel to know that in less than ten hours you will be Mrs. Harry Potter? Until I see you tonight.

Love,

Harry

"That is the sweetest thing I've ever read," gushed Shawna over my shoulder.

"Shawna Moreau! Your mother would be ashamed of you."

"Not really, Mrs. Molly. She'd have taken it from Rory and read it first. Where do you think I get it?"

"Merlin, help us all. I can only imagine how much trouble the two of you got into together when you were little."

"About as much as Fred and George probably did," she snickered.

"And those two got into more mischief than all the others combined," the matron sighed.

Ginny giggled. "Neville says their portable swamp is still up."

"I never said they weren't clever."