Harry Potter and the Horcrux Quest

Chapter 7: A Loony Wedding

Harry surprised everyone by getting up early and making breakfast. It was nice making food for people who appreciated it and actually thanked him.

Hermione's father drove them in her car. Her parents were going to portkey back to their home and leave for their vacation the next day. Hermione thought that having non-magical means of travel would come in handy. And they thought it may be slightly safer, since the Ministry, at least, could detect magic being performed throughout the country -- after all, they detected underage magic. And if the Ministry could do it, the Death Eaters might, too. But Harry liked having the option to drive. The fact that the other types of wizard travel, except broomstick flying, bothered him might have had something to do with his attitude. And Hermione liked having her car. They arrived at Ottery St. Catchpole around ten in the morning.

The house was in chaos. Molly Weasley seemed to be everywhere, getting the tables moved and chairs set up, organizing the flower arrangements, setting up the ceremony area, and especially getting the food ready. Ron and Harry were put to work with the tables and chairs, until Ron was sent inside to get into his good robes for a final fitting. Ginny appeared briefly, and grabbed Harry in a big hug, which almost knocked him over as he wasn't expecting it. He quickly overcame his annoyance and returned the hug, feeling guilty that he shouldn't be doing that. But Ginny, too, was quickly sent away by Molly to work on something.

Harry saw Fleur, moving gracefully through all the confusion like there was nothing out of the ordinary. She gave Harry a friendly hello and kiss on his cheek. Even though she didn't seem rushed, she quickly broke off their conversation to get to whatever it was she was doing before she stopped. Fred and George greeted him, and helped with some of the furniture. They had their own set up to do, though. They were providing a fireworks show that evening, and wanted everything ready well ahead of time. They put up some powerful wards around the fireworks, which were on the other side of the pond. As far as Harry knew, the only person who got caught by the magical barrier was Ron. The shock knocked him off his feet, and it took Fred and George almost no time (except for the laughing) to turn him back to his normal color.

Around noon a light lunch was set out - various meats, cheeses, and breads for making sandwiches. Harry met Fleur's mother. She was even more beautiful than Fleur. Harry noticed that Ron stopped eating when she came into the room, and just stared at her, sometimes with his mouth open. Harry thought it was funny; Hermione didn't. Ron was very apologetic, but the fact that it kept happening made Hermione mad.

"It's not his fault, you know," Harry told her.

"Why doesn't it affect you?" Hermione asked in reply.

Before Harry could answer, Ginny piped in with a snarl, "It does. He can't keep his eyes off her."

"Hey, I don't think I'm affected like Ron."

"I'll say one thing for that Veela magic - it's the only thing I've seen that can interfere with Ron's eating."

The girls laughed, Ron turned red, and Harry just smiled. He was soon distracted.

"Harry Potter! Harry Potter! Harry Potter! Harry Potter!"

Harry was tackled by a silver haired bundle of energy.

"Harry Potter! Harry Potter! Harry Potter! Harry Potter!"

Harry managed to keep his balance, and lifted the little girl up.

"Gabrielle! It's good to see you!" Harry said with a big smile.

Fleur appeared a moment later and said, "Gabrielle! Do not keel 'Arry before thee wedding. We have too much too do weethout 'aving to bury 'Arry, too.

"'Ello 'Arry."

"Hello, Fleur. Is there anything I can do to help you?"

Ginny snorted.

"No, thank you. I theenk we 'ave everything almost ready." She took a small sandwich and moved off purposefully to do more preparations. Gabrielle clung to Harry as they walked around the grounds, and was talking a mile a minute about the preparations, her dress, the flowers, Beauxbatons, where -- even though the letters hadn't been sent yet -- she was expecting to go next fall.

"You may have a lot of new students if Hogwarts is closed next year."

"Why wouldn't it open?" Harry noticed that her English was much better than Fleur's.

"With the Dark Wizard trying to take over Britain, the parents may think it's too dangerous to have their children there. In which case, Beauxbatons is the closest big school."

"Harry! Can you help me for a few minutes?" Ginny called from the other side of the field where the chairs were set up in rows before the platform where the actual ceremony was to take place. The field was surrounded by a very old, low stone wall, with just a few openings. There may have been gates at the entrances, but were long gone. Harry wondered if sheep were once kept here.

"I'll see you later, Gabrielle. Duty calls."

"Dance with me, tonight, Harry."

"I will." He gave her one more smile and went to see what Ginny had for him.

"Hi, Ginny. What can I do?"

"Oh, nothing really. I was just saving you from Gabby-the-Pest."

Harry frowned. "Why do you call her that? She seems perfectly normal for a ten year old--enthusiastic, active, the attention span of a puppy."

"She just bugs me.

"Oh, did you know that Percy showed up? He's come back!"

"That's great!" They walked back to the house, and were soon parted as the preparations continued.

The twins encountered him while he was folding silverware into napkins.

"Percy's here," said Fred.

Harry looked at them. They weren't happy.

"What's wrong?"

"After he came, Dad talked to us," George began.

"Seems that he doesn't want us to do anything that will upset Percy," Fred continued.

"Which is a real disappointment to us..."

"As he was always the most fun of all our brothers..."

"To play tricks on..."

"His reactions were priceless..."

"Only Ron comes close..."

Harry interrupted, "Did you ever consider that part of the reason he didn't want to come back was because he didn't like being the target of your pranks?"

Fred and George looked at each other.

"Ridiculous."

"Absurd."

"Impossible."

"Maybe."

"Probably."

"It will be a trial, but we'll avoid pranking him."

"Thanks, guys. I'm looking forward to the fireworks."

"The fireworks will be our second show. Wait until you see what we have cooked up for arranging the dinner seating."

Harry had wondered about it. The chairs were set up in the field on the other side of the garden. The tables were lined up behind Mr. Weasley's shack where he worked on his hobbies, mainly batteries and plugs. He figured the ushers (Fred, George, and Ron) and a few others like himself would be moving the tables and chairs out soon after the actual ceremony. The wedding was at five, and the dinner was at six-thirty, so he expected a lot of quick carrying.

"What's going to happen?"

"You'll just have to wait and see."

Soon after, Harry went to Ron's room and put on his new robes that Madam Malkin's had delivered. When Harry came back down, the early guests were arriving.

Remus arrived with a contingent of Order members. They seemed more intent on checking the area than socializing. Ginny appeared and took him by the arm, and tried to monopolize him, talking about Quidditch as she directed him away from people.

"Oh, no," she said.

"What's the problem?"

"Luna's here."

"She told me she had an invitation."

"Both her and her father. Some of the people Dad included in the guest list, along with a lot of ministry people. Luna's alright in small doses, but in a crowd? I hope she doesn't ruin the wedding."

Harry looked at her. "I thought you two were friends?"

"We are, but she has so many ... loony ... theories, it's embarrassing sometimes."

Before Harry could answer, Molly called her daughter away. As she went to get ready, she asked, "Harry, can you do me a favor? Can you watch Luna and keep her out of trouble? Please?" She ran to her mother, who was visibly nervous.

Harry sighed. It wasn't that he didn't enjoy Luna's company, because he did. He'd had a nice time with her at the party last Christmas. But Ginny's reaction bothered him. He saw Luna talking to Percy and made his way over to them. He was dressed in formal robes and wore an expression of frustration. She had on the same dress that she wore at the Christmas party. She wore little silver earrings and a pearl necklace. She looked good.

"There is no conspiracy among the Aurors, with or without dentists!" Percy said, very loudly, causing some nearby people to look his way.

"Hello, Luna, you look very nice. Hello, Percy. I'm glad you made up with your family. Is this about the Rotfang Conspiracy?"

"Yes, you see...." Luna started talking, but Harry interrupted her.

"Luna, let me introduce you to some Aurors, and Hermione's parents, who are dentists, and I think you'll see that the theory might need to be revised. For example, I haven't seen Percy smile since he left Hogwarts, and he's not an Auror. Talk to you later, Percy." Harry took Luna's hand, and led her away. A moment later, Percy realized that he'd just been added to Luna's conspiracy.

"Hullo, Harry. Are you and Ginny back together?"

"No, not really. I think she wants to be, but until I'm done, I don't want the complications."

"But you're holding my hand."

Harry looked down, and seemed to notice that fact for the first time. "Uh ... as friends. Is that alright?"

Luna beamed a smile to rival the one she gave him when he asked her to the Christmas party. "That's wonderful. Thank you."

True to his word, he introduced Luna to the Grangers, where they insisted that many of the dire consequences that she believed resulted from gum disease do not happen. At least, because of the gum disease. Luna in turn introduced Harry to Professor Ransom, the Runes teacher at Hogwarts. The Professor complemented Luna on the Rune Puzzle in the Quibbler, which he always did first when he got his copy, and promised to give Ravenclaw some points should Hogwarts reopen in the fall. He also asked about some information that Luna had asked for and she thanked him for it. Harry asked about the possibility of Hogwarts closing, but Professor Ransom didn't know any more than he did, except that Headmistress McGonagall was in favor of having the school year as usual.

Harry re-introduced Luna to Remus. He had taught her second year Defense Against the Dark Arts class. She mentioned the curse on the Defense teaching job, and Remus dismissed the idea. His curse, he told her, predated the job, and that's what stopped him from teaching again.

"Actually," Harry chimed in, "the job was cursed. According to Professor Dumbledore, it's been cursed ever since Voldemort applied for the job and wasn't hired."

Both Remus and Luna looked at him in surprise. He explained what little he knew about it -- he didn't know the exact date, only after Dumbledore was headmaster. Luna smiled brightly. She knew Harry didn't agree with her beliefs, but unlike other people, he didn't make a big deal of it, and he never attacked her for holding them. But this time he was defending one of them. She looked around, but her father hadn't shown up yet.

Remus mused on the idea for a moment, then changed the subject.

"Do you have your wand, Harry?"

"Yes, of course."

"Keep it handy."

"Why, do you expect trouble?"

"Maybe. A known opponent of You-Know-Who and family and friends and probably Order members -- and you -- all in one place? I know I'd attack if I were him."

Harry nodded. His spirits fell.

"But don't get too depressed. Bill's been working all week on something new. You know that ward that kept people without the Dark Mark from passing through? Bill's reversed it. Those with the Mark can't get through. He's put a barrier all around the property."

"That's good news."

"But stay alert anyway. You just never know."

Harry introduced Luna to Tonks, to give her the Aurors perspective on the Rotfang Conspiracy. Tonks suggested that the evidence of the effects of the conspiracy could be easily explained by incompetence, bureaucratic infighting, and many years of poor leadership from the Fudge administration. After almost a year under the new minister, she had some doubts about things changing. It seemed all the changes were superficial. Harry noticed that Tonks and Remus were getting along better now. Even Luna commented on that after they moved on.

They met Fleur's grandmother, Zelda Sapientiae, a full blooded Veela. Even though she was an old woman, she was still beautiful. Harry learned that Luna could speak French. The old woman and young witch talked for quite a while before Luna translated Mrs. Sapientiae's thanks to Harry for his rescue of Gabrielle during the Triwizard Tournament. Harry started denying that he deserved any thanks, but was interrupted by the Veela.

"She says that it's a mark of a hero to disbelieve that he did anything heroic."

Mrs. Sapientiae whispered something while Luna was translating.

Harry said, "I did not do anything heroic!" which for some reason made both women laugh. Actually, it caused Fleur's grandmother to chuckle, but Luna to almost fall down in hysterics. Harry had to hold her up while she regained control of herself.

When she did, she told Harry, "That's exactly what Zelda said you'd say!"

The Veela smiled, gave Harry a kiss on his cheek, did the same to Luna, and said something to her, before walking away with a smile. Luna looked uncomfortable, and stood up on her own. Harry suddenly became worried. Luna was never embarrassed. He realized he had just been holding her, not just her hand.

"What did she say?"

"She said," and Luna paused to look around. That didn't help Harry's nervousness. Since when did Luna care what other's thought?

"She said that we make a good couple."

"Oh," Harry didn't know what to say to that, so he changed the subject. "What were you talking about near the beginning of your conversation?"

Luna seemed glad to talk about something else. "Part of the time, she was surprised that a human woman was being pleasant to her, and a human male wasn't acting, uh...." She seemed at a loss for words.

"Like they usually do around Veelas?"

"Yes. We talked about that. She thought it was part of the Veela magic, but I thought it was just jealousy. She also guesses that you have an immunity to Veela Magic."

"It seems that way. I certainly don't act like Ron around Fleur."

While he was talking, he noticed another guest heading his way. His first instinct was to get away -- lose himself in the crowd. But then he thought that this could be a conversation to remember.

"Luna, there's someone coming I want you to meet. Hello, Minister. May I present Luna Lovegood. She's in Ravenclaw. Luna, this is the Minister of Magic, Rufus Scrimgeour."

"How do you do, Miss. Harry, I just wanted you to know that your Apparition test is scheduled for your birthday. The Weasley boy can re-take his at the same time. Just stop down at the ministry that day. That's really all I have to say...."

Luna, however, had something to say. "Excuse me, Minister, but why aren't the Heliopaths being used in the fight against the Death Eaters?"

"What? The Heliopaths? I'm afraid you're behind the times, Miss Lovegood. The last known action of the Heliopaths was near the end of World War II, when they were used to attack Hitler's bunker. There were twelve under the control of the Minister at the beginning of the War, and only seven by the end. It's said that three survived that last battle, but there's no record of them after that. They would be useful to have, but I think they're extinct now."

"But there are lots of sightings...."

"I know. I investigated some of them. The last credible witness was in the mid seventies. After that, there are still sightings, but they aren't accompanied by the telltale burn marks they make with their feet. As I said, they would be useful, but I'm not one who dwells on things we don't have.

"Harry, Miss Lovegood, I really have to get going. I have a wedding to perform."

"You're the minister? I mean..." Harry stumbled over his own words. Scrimgeour smiled.

"I know what you mean, and yes. I asked Arthur if he wouldn't mind. As long as I keep politics away, they let me do this."

He walked away as quick as his limping leg could carry him. He didn't have time for any more questions. There was an overall movement of people towards the area set up for the wedding. Harry and Luna started moving that way, too. As they reached the gate into the field, Ron came up to them. He looked uncomfortable in the dress robes.

"You look very handsome, Ronald."

"Uh, thanks Luna. You look pretty good too."

"Thank you."

George and Fred walked up. One asked, "Bride?"

The other added, "Or Groom."

Luna laughed, which always got someone on the twins' good side. George linked arms with Luna, and Fred offered to do the same with Harry, which got some more laughs. They were led down the isle to a row about 8 from the front. Hermione and her parents were already there, with a round-faced, dark haired wizard.

"Hello, Daddy. This is Harry Potter."

"Hello, Mr. Potter. I just want to thank you for that interview you let us have. It came at a good time for the paper."

"I'm glad I was able to do it. I hope a few people prepared, while Fudge was denying everything."

"Fudge!" The wizard put all the disgust he could into the word. "I can't say how happy I am that he's gone. Still not sure about Scrimgeour yet. He does come from the Aurors, and that is the hotbed of the Rotfangs."

"Daddy, I talked to the Grangers," she motioned to Hermione's parents, "and I think the conspiracy theory will need to be revised. They're dentists, and insist that there's never been a government that's fallen because of gum disease."

"I can virtually guarantee it," Hermione's father chimed in.

"Drat! That always got a good response from the mail. We'll have to think of something else."

"Hey, Harry! Hi, Hermione, Luna!" Neville Longbottom and his formidable looking Grandmother were being seated behind them.

"Hello, Mrs. Longbottom, Neville. You're looking good, Mrs. Longbottom," Harry said. She was looking good. The smile she gave the students ahead of her was genuine, and it lit up her face. She wasn't wearing her stuffed-vulture hat, but a more conservative white pointed one. As it was warm, she didn't have the fur, and while it didn't look new, her white dress was well cared for. The green gloves seemed older, but they were clean.

"Thank you, Mr. Potter. And than you for all you've done for my grandson." They talked for a few minutes, and as he was turned around, he saw Hagrid and Madam Maxime arrived. Remus came over and enlarged two chairs for them. Harry noticed several red haired families being seated ahead of him, and several Veela women being seated on the other side of the central isle. He figured they had turned off their Veela magic, since they made just a minor ripple of excitement. Soon Harry noticed that very few people were left standing. Harry noticed some Goblins a few rows behind Neville..

Music started. Harry looked around, but couldn't see where it was coming from. One of the twins walked Fleur's grandmother down the isle, and sat her in the third seat in on the Bride's side. Ron walked his parents down the isle, followed by the other twin, Fred, Harry thought, and sat in the front row of the Groom's side. Percy was already sitting there, and Molly gave him a hug. Then George walked another Veela (or, more likely, half Veela -- Fleur's' mother) to the second seat on the Bride's side. He walked to the back, and the music increased and Harry recognized the traditional Wedding March, even though he'd never been at a wedding before. He looked around for the music's source, but again failed to find it.

"Magic," whispered Luna. Harry looked at her, and noticed she had a strange expression on her face. It reminded him of how she looked when Fleur's grandmother called them a couple, but it wasn't exactly right.

"Are you alright?" he asked her. She just nodded. If she was going to say anything more, she was interrupted by everyone standing up and facing the back of the field.

George and Gabrielle were walking down the isle. She looked supremely happy in her gold gown, with her long, silken, silver hair flowing down her back. George smiled, and Harry was sure Gabrielle winked at him as they slowly walked, arm in arm, towards the front. They stepped up on the platform there, separated, and walked away from each other. An arched trellis covered in flowers was set in the middle of the platform, and Harry assumed that the wedding would take place under the flowers.

The crowd turned again. Charlie and Ginny were walking down the path. Harry thought he looked strange, since he'd never seen Charlie in anything approaching formal clothes. Ginny looked good, but Harry noticed something about her expression. He realized that she didn't want to be here. He knew that he hated being the center of attention, and figured Ginny was feeling the same way. There were people taking pictures, and Harry cursed himself for not thinking of it. As they moved towards the front, he noticed a photographer in front of the first row, snapping away with his camera. He also noticed that Minister Scrimgeour had taken a position in center stage. Harry thought that seemed strangely appropriate.

Charlie and Ginny took positions next to George and Gabrielle, respectively. Bill dressed in black robes with shiny gold trim, walked from the side, to wait at the front of the isle. His red hair was tied back in his signature ponytail, and he still wore the dragon tooth earring. His face was a mess of scars, and his smile looked more like a grimace. But his eyes somehow conveyed the happiness that his mouth seemed incapable of broadcasting.

The music got louder, and Harry turned with everyone to watch Fleur walk down the isle with her father, Charles. Her white robes had gold trim, and she wore an old but beautiful tiara. The blue flowers in her bouquet matched her eyes. She marched down the isle with a slight smile on her face, and her eyes on her husband-to-be. When she reached the end, she kissed her father, and took Bill's arm in hers. They stepped up on to the platform and faced the Minister.

"Marriage is a noble estate, and these two young people have come of their own free will to be joined as husband and wife. Is there anyone who knows of a reason why this witch and this wizard should not be married? Let them speak now, or forever hold their peace."

On the platform all the members of the wedding party turned and looked at George. Meanwhile, in the front row, Arthur, Molly, Ron, and Percy were staring at Fred. Neither twin made a move and the ceremony continued. The vows were simple, and spoken by Bill and Fleur, his in English, and hers in French. They promised to love each other throughout their lives, in good times and bad, prosperity and poverty, heath and sickness, for as long as they both should live. As they put rings on each other's hand, they were surrounded by a dim, blue glow. For some reason, Harry was reminded of the phoenix song. The glow faded quickly, Bill and Fleur kissed, and the Minister introduced them as husband and wife to the guests.

They then walked down the isle, followed by Charlie and Ginny, and George and Gabrielle. When they reached the back, Fred and Ron started directing people from the rows, starting in the front. Soon, all the guests were in a receiving line around the edge of the field, near the stone wall. Ron was keeping them around the outside even after they greeted the new family. While most people were waiting their turn, Fred and George stood in the middle of the field.

Fred touched his wand to his throat, and with a Sonorus enhanced voice, announced, "Ladies, and gentlemen! Weasley's Wizarding Weazes is proud to present, the table rodeo!"

The music changed from Jesu, Joy of Men's Desires, to The Theme from the Magnificent Seven. Fred and George waved their wands, and the chairs started running around. At first there didn't seem to be a pattern to the movement, but soon all the chairs were galloping in a circle within the line formed by the guests. George moved some people away from the stone wall that bordered the field near his father's shed. A group of chairs left the circle, galloped toward the wall, and leaped over it. They reappeared in a moment, chasing a table. The table appeared to be trying to escape the chairs, but the circle of chairs still running kept it corralled. The chairs chasing it soon had it surrounded, and it appeared to collapse in exhaustion. The chairs surrounded it, and the table rose to its legs in a weary manner. The chairs then positioned themselves around the table.

The whole thing was repeated multiple times, as the guests waited their turn to greet Bill and Fleur. After the first few tables were in place, George helped those guests who had already congratulated Bill and Fleur to pass the running chairs and take seats around the tables. Soon two dozen tables were in the field, and the chairs and tables were no longer moving on their own.

But George and Fred weren't finished. From the direction of the house, balloons started floating towards the field, lots of balloons. The first ones were grouped in sets of four, and were carrying tablecloths, which were deposited on the tables. The balloons went back for more, and started carrying plates, silverware, cups - the strings hanging below acting like tentacles, wrapping around the object being carried. Once done, a set of balloons hovered over each table.

Harry and the group of people sitting with him made their way to the front of the line while the tables were being set. They were introduced to Charles, Fleur's father, and greeted her mother and grandmother, as well as Gabrielle, who gave Harry a big smile and a kiss. Ginny also gave Harry a kiss, but wasn't smiling.

Harry asked Ginny what was wrong, and she just nodded at Gabrielle, and rolled her eyes. Harry wasn't sure what to make of that.

Luna had something nice to say to each of the members of the families, and (a little to Harry's surprise) didn't say anything outrageous. She said something to Gabrielle in French while looking at Harry, and the two of them looked at him and laughed. Harry and Luna both gave Fleur a hug and kiss, and Harry gave Bill a handshake while Luna kissed him, and complemented them both on their taste in partners. Luna said something else to Fleur in French, which got her another big hug from the bride.

As they made their way through the galloping chairs, with a little help from George, Harry asked, "Alright, what was that last bit?"

"Well, it's not very polite. But it's a Veela wedding wish. Loosely translated, it hopes that parts of the anatomy of anyone who would damage their marriage would fall off. It's really not very nice, but it's traditional."

"And where did you learn of that tradition?"

"I did some research on Veelas this past week to be prepared."

"You are amazing!"

"Thank you, Harry."

Ginny stood between Bill and Charlie. She had had enough of both Phlegm and Gabby-the Pest over the last week. And their mother. And their grandmother, who didn't even speak English. Good thing she didn't arrive until that day.

Her resolve right after the Battle of Hogwarts to get along with Fleur had crumbled under the pressure of her presence. Even though her love for Bill was evident, what kind of declaration of that love was, "I'm beautiful enough for both of us?" A conceited one.

And she had tried. She really did. But it was no good. She was nicer, but Phlegm didn't change. The first morning back, she had made breakfast for everyone, and right after she served Phlegm, her future sister-in-law abandoned her meal, and helped Bill, just back from Grimmauld Place, to his bed. She stayed with Bill, who was so exhausted he could barely walk, all morning, and her breakfast was eventually thrown away. And there was never a thank you.

Why couldn't Bill have decided to marry someone else? Why did he have to marry one of ... Yes, she'll admit it - she didn't like Veelas.

And now Harry! He's laughing with them, getting a kiss from both Phlegm and her grandmother. Gabrielle hugged him, and he lifted her up while hugging her back! He didn't do that to her! And Luna making jokes with them in French? It was all wrong.

Harry was hers! She would fight anyone for him. Sure he has to be all noble and go off and save the world, but she was a Griffindor, and she was as brave as him, and she was going to help him save the world, and they would live happily ever after - her and her hero!

She barely acknowledged anyone else in the line. Well, maybe Hagrid. You can't ignore Hagrid. He's just too big to ignore. But even he wasn't that interested in her. He was with Madam Maxime. And while he didn't know Fleur personally, he stood beside the other Half-Giant while the headmistress spoke at length to Fleur in French. Ginny was sure that Hagrid didn't speak French, but he just stood there acting like he was listening.

The goblins were a bit disturbing, too. But luckily, they mostly ignored her. How could Bill work with them?

Finally the people ran out, and the wedding party went to the table set beneath the trellis of flowers at the front of the field. After the balloons set the tables, Molly Weasley, her sister Nancy, and sister-in-law Monica left the receiving line, and started levitating dishes of food to the tables, and the feast began. Ginny looked around and saw Harry, Luna, Hermione and her parents, Professor Ransom, Neville and his grandmother at a table. She looked around her table - Phlegm, Bill, Charlie, Gabby-the-Pest, the twins, and Ron. She sighed, wishing she was at Harry's table.

Dinner was wonderful -- roast chicken, cooked with interesting herbs, potatoes and gravy, several kinds of vegetables (which Hermione encouraged the teenagers to eat). There was butterbeer and pumpkin juice to drink, as well as wine for the adults and older teens. Molly and the other women who were serving kept wandering around making sure everyone got enough to eat.

At Harry's table the conversation never got very serious. Luna talked about the unsuccessful search for Snorkacks the previous summer, but they did find something whose name Harry couldn't pronounce, which was described as a single horned rabbit. It was the first sighting of the rare creature in Scandinavia. Hermione rolled her eyes, but held her tongue. Her parents, not as informed as Hermione about the general feeling concerning the creatures Luna talked about, asked a lot of questions. Harry had come to the conclusion that the existence or non-existence of any magical creatures had no impact on his life, so why bother arguing about it? Professor Ransom asked about magical inscriptions and runes she encountered while on her trip. He, too, took the blond girl's flights of fancy in stride. Mrs. Longbottom spoke quietly to Hermione's mother, and Neville was mainly silent. The conversation stopped when Charlie got up to give a toast to the newly-weds. Gabrielle also got up and gave a toast in French. Luna, Professor Ransom, and the rest of the French speakers broke out in laughter a few times during the speech. Even Mrs. Longbottom chuckled.

After the toast, Mrs. Longbottom told Neville that he should follow Bill's example and find someone to marry.

"Follow his example and marry a Veela?" he asked. Then he realized that what he did might be considered talking back to his grandmother, and he paled slightly.

It may have been the Champaign or the general atmosphere, but she did something that Neville never expected. She laughed.

"If you could get one to ask you, go ahead. But remember, you are the heir to an old pure-blood family." Harry looked at her, suddenly suspicious.

Hermione asked, with a somewhat challenging tone, "What does that mean?"

"It means that whoever he marries, the wedding should probably be large, but most definitely should be grand! You find a nice girl to marry, no matter who her parents are." The atmosphere at the table lightened considerably. Mrs. Longbottom then started telling stories about weddings that she had attended over her long life, and how something always went wrong. So far, she hadn't noticed the disaster at this one. But no matter what happened, it was the quality of the people that made the marriage. Then she complemented the quality of the teenagers at the table with her.

Dinner ended, and the cake was cut and shared. George, Fred, Ginny, and Charlie helped their mother and two aunts clear the dirty dishes, levitating them into the house. The balloons floated away, to come back baring lanterns, even though it was still too light to need them. At George and Fred's directions, the people vacated their places, and moved to the edges of the field. The tables were shrunk since they only had to hold snacks and drinks, and they walked close to the stone walls. The chairs followed, at a sedate pace. The guests re-arranged themselves around the tables. Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione sat around one, while nearby Luna, Neville, Gabby, along with a red-headed ten year old, Greg Weasley, one of Ron's cousins sat around another table. As a six piece band tuned up, Fred and George created a wooden dance floor over most of the field. Harry was impressed. The light was fading as Bill and Fleur had the first dance. Suddenly, the couple was surrounded by tiny flying lights. Several dozen fairies were fluttering around the dance floor. Fred and George walked to the table next to Harry's and thanked Luna, patted her on the back, and walked away.

As they passed Harry's table, Hermione asked, "What was that all about?"

"We asked Professor Flitwick..."

"Where he got the fairies for the Yule Ball..."

"And he told us that a student who can speak Fairy invited them..."

"So we asked the same student."

Hermione looked shocked. "You mean Luna?"

The twins nodded, and moved on.

"Did you know she speaks Fairy?" she asked the rest of the table, quietly.

Ginny shook her head, and Ron said, "Well, she is in Ravenclaw."

"I don't think they teach that at Hogwarts, even to Ravenclaws."

Harry just shrugged. For some reason, he was reminded of her question, "How do you use love?" and thought that if anyone could figure that one out, it would be Luna.

The music changed, and other couples got up and danced. Hermione's parents were among the first up, and Gabrielle raced over and grabbed Harry's hand. He tried to tell her that he didn't dance, but she insisted he keep his word given earlier, and wouldn't take no for an answer. He noticed Ginny's look of anger as he let Gabrielle drag him to the dance floor. He tried to follow her and did manage not to step on her toes. She had practiced with her sister all the last week so as to dance at the wedding. Harry noticed Ron and Hermione dancing. Then the floor began to shake. That stopped not only them, but most of the other couples around them. The source of the problem was quickly found - Hagrid and Olympe were dancing, too. Fred and George followed the couple around for a few minutes, reinforcing the dance floor, and soon everyone was dancing again.

When the music stopped, Ginny was next to him, and insisted that he dance with her. She wasn't as good a dancer as Gabrielle, and expected Harry to lead, which meant the dance was much less enjoyable for both of them.

The music changed again, and they walked back to their seats. Luna was still sitting at her table with Greg. Harry kept apologizing to Ginny, but it didn't seem to penetrate her bad mood, and he was left feeling guilty. As they got to the table, Fred and Angelina walked up, each carrying a tray. They helped themselves to some butterbeers from Fred's tray, and Harry got a couple of extra for Luna and Greg. Angelina had Champaign, which she said she wasn't allowed to give to anyone underage, and the powers that be wouldn't trust Fred with enforcing the rule. Fred declared that most rules were suggestions, confirming whoever hadn't trusted him. Harry guessed Molly.

He looked around at the party, smiling. Everyone (except Ginny) seemed to be having a good time. The music had temporarily paused, and Ron and Ginny, and Gabby and Neville (smiling like he hadn't a care in the world) were making their way back to the tables.

Then Harry shivered as a cold breeze blew his perpetually unruly hair.