𝓢𝓽𝓾𝓹𝓲𝓭 𝓖𝓲𝓻𝓵!

C53 Darkness falls

I stared into the mirror as Ginny put my hair up. Wearing a simple black dress and heels. Today was the big wedding day. I said thanks to Ginny as she went to help Hermione with something. I stared at myself in the mirror, I touched the ring dangling down my neck. How I wish I could throw it out. Maybe one day. I sighed, placing both hands on the sink in front of me. I thought about earlier that day, the minister of magic came and sought me and the golden trio. 

You could practically grab the tension in the air with how thick it was. The minister held out a paper and it levitated into the air. "Herein it is set forth the last will and testament of Albus Percival Wolfric Brian Dumbledore. First, to Ronald Billius Weasley I leave my deluminator. A device of my own making. In the hope that when things seem most dark, it'll show you the light." The minister handed it to Ron and Ron then unfolded it from the cloth it was in. "Dumbledore left this to me?" The minister muttered. "Yes." Ron looked it over. "Brilliant. What is it?" I rolled my eyes as Ron clicked the button and all the lights in the room went into the small contraption. With another click, they returned to their original spots.

The minister continued. "To Hermione Jean Granger, I leave my copy of the tales of Beedle the Barb. In hope, she finds it entertaining and instructive." He handed Hermione the book and a pain shot through my chest. So many nights from when I was younger, I had him read me all kinds of books. I missed what Ron had said while I was reminiscing.

"To Harry James Potter, I leave the first Snitch he caught at his first quidditch match at Hogwarts as a reminder of the rewards of perseverance and skill." I breathed in and then out. "Is that it then?" Harry asked and the minister shook his head. "Not quite. Dumbledore left you a second bequest. The sword of Godric Gryffindor. Unfortunately, the sword was not Dumbledores to give away. As an important historical artifact it belongs-" Hermione cut in. "To Harry. It belongs to Harry, it came to him when he most needed it in the chamber of secrets."
The minister continued. "The sword may present itself to any worthy Gryffindor Miss Granger. That does not make it that wizard's property and in any event, the sword is missing." He leaned in, studying Harry. "I don't know what you're up to Mr. Potter but you can't win this war on your own. Now if you'll excuse me and Ms.Black there are more affairs for me to go over."

The three of them left with the items they had been given and I sat opposite of the minister now. "I'd like to say my condolences on your loss." He muttered and ruffled in his bag for more papers. "To my dearest Raylona Black. I leave the house that has always been in the Dumbledore family and with it all of my personal items that weren't in my will." The minister pulled out a key ring. "I leave in her and my brother, Alberforth Dumbledores care a subsequent amount of money." He placed the deed to the house and the bank title with the key ring on the table. I looked at the items, tears welling up in my eyes. "Is that it?" It came out barely a whisper. "I'm afraid it is." The minister stood, collecting his belongings. I sat there staring at the few things I was left. How could I go back home? I ran my hand through my hair and watched as George came to sit by me.

"You haven't been home in a while. Are you thinking of going back soon?" I shrugged, wiping the tears from my eyes. "I don't know. Maybe. I guess I'm just dreading being alone." He sighed sadly, wrapping an arm around me. "I'll go with you. I'll help with whatever and then we'll come back for the wedding. Speaking of which I was wondering... If you'd be my date." A light blush spread across his face. "I'd like that." He smiled and I gave a small one in return.

It was hot outside as guests started to pour in, butterflies and bees hovered along the grass, and lanterns, and balloons were all around. The supporting poles for the tent were entwined with white and gold flowers. I helped Fred and George welcome the guests, the boys elbowed each other as some of Fleur's cousins arrived. "I've got this." George said but Fred hurried past him. "Not so fast your holiness." He joked about George's non-existent ear. "Here- permettez-moi to assister vous." They giggled and I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. George instead showed a gaggle of older witches and Ron showed Mr. Weasley's old work colleague to where he needed to be which left Harry with the old deaf couple. I found myself trying to get Hagrid situated as he had crushed some chairs rather than sitting in the enlarged seat for him. While Mr. Weasley repaired the chairs I finally got Hagrid in his seat. With a sigh, I went back to the entrance to find Xenophilius there talking to Harry and I could tell Harry would rather be anywhere but here at the moment. "Ah yes, gnomes. I thought I had cleared them all but somehow they had managed to sneak themselves back into the garden." I mustered. He turned to look at me with a smile. Luna had popped up at some point, showing her father that the gnome had actually bitten her. He continued on as Harry showed them to their seats. I sighed and decided I needed a break. I went to the bathroom and sat on the toilet lid. Taking deep breaths in and slowly letting them out. I could push through, I needed to. Today is supposed to be magical for Bill and Fleur. I took another quick breath before going back to the wedding tent and standing beside George. Everyone was talking about Uncle Billius and how he would down an entire bottle of fire whiskey and rush to the dance floor to hoist up his robes and start pulling flowers from his nether regions. I raised an eyebrow as everyone laughed until a late coming Viktor Krum interrupted. Ron's ears turned red and Hermione dropped her beaded bag and then scrambled to pick it up. Of course, Fleur had invited him. Harry took Krum to his seat but it was time for everyone to sit down. I took my seat next to George.

The tent filled with anticipation and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley strolled up the aisle waving to relatives. Mrs. Weasley was wearing new amethyst-colored robes with matching hat. A moment later Bill and Charlie stood at the front of the marquee, both looking dashing in their dress robes. Fred wolf whistled which caused some giggling from Fleur's cousins and I had to resist rolling my eyes. When the crowd grew silent the music started to swell. Everyone turned to look down the aisle. A great sigh came from the assembled witches and wizards as Monsieur Delacour and Fleur came walking up the aisle. Fleur was wearing a simple white dress that seemed to emit a silver glow.

"Ladies and gentlemen." Said a slightly sing-song voice. I turned in shock to find the same person who had officiated at Dumbledore's funeral. That stung a bit and George, seeming to have noticed put his hand on mine, squeezing reassuringly. We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of two faithful Souls. Do you, William Arthur take Fleur Isabella to be your lawfully wedded wife?" Bill beamed. "I do." The wizard turned to Fleur. " and do you Fleur take William to be your lawfully wedded husband?" Fleur smiled. "I do." Mrs. Weasley and Madame Delacour sobbed into lace handkerchiefs. Trumpet-like sounds from the back of the Marquee told everyone that Hagrid had taken out one of his own tablecloth-size handkerchiefs. "then I declare you bonded for life." The tufty-haired wizard waved his wand High over the heads of villain Fleur and a shower of silver stars fell upon them spiraling around their now entwined finger. As Fred and George led a round of applause the golden balloons overhead burst birds of paradise and Tiny golden Bells flew and floated out of them adding their songs and Chimes to the din. "Ladies and gentlemen!" Called the wizard. " if you would please stand up!"

Everyone stood up. Auntie Muriel grumbled audibly; he waved his wand again. The seats on which they had been sitting Rose gracefully into the air as the canvas walls of the Marquee vanished so that they stood beneath a canopy supported by golden poles, with a glorious view of the sunlight Orchard and surrounding Countryside next to the pool of molten gold spread from the center of the tent to form a gleaming dance floor; the hovering chairs group themselves around small, white-clothed tables, which all floated gracefully back to Earth around it and the golden jacketed-band trooped toward a podium. Waiters had popped up on all sides carrying silver trays of butterbeer fire whiskey and pumpkin juice. Others carried sandwiches and sweets. We moved to sit at a table just in time for the music to start swelling again and the happy couple taking to the dance floor. Fred sat down with three fire whiskeys. "You look like you needed something stronger than butterbeer or pumpkin juice." I chuckled lightly and sipped on the drink. I never much cared for it but I guess it could help me relax and enjoy the moment. 

In the midst of everyone talking and having a grand time, that's when they came. That's when everything turned very dark and ugly. We ran. Geoge and Fred had grabbed me and off we went, running and appariting and running and appariting again. I didn't see anything as my heart pounded into my ears and I checked my body until a sigh of relief hit as I clutched my bag with all my things in it. Hopefully, my animals at home were okay as the only pet I had on me was Squeek. Fred and George gave each other grim looks. I know they were just hoping everyone is alright.