The Flight Of The Vulture

Chapter 21: A Deeper Understanding

-Part 3: Belle Fyre

June 20th, 1976

"I pronounce you both to be Husband and Wife." The officiant they had hired to marry them said softly before he stepped away. He then used a Polaroid camera to snap a picture as Belle embraced her husband into a kiss.

He took a few more photographs of them before bidding them a long and happy marriage. Belle and Ed then held each other tightly, in a moment Belle wished she could have bottled. It had always been their intention to marry alone, on the beach as the sun set behind them.

Her dress floated as they walked together, arm in arm through the ocean, both completely devoid of shoes or inhibitions. It certainly wasn't the reception Vivi had intended for them, but it was exactly as Belle desired. Quiet and warm while they walked along the beach. 

She felt like the most beautiful woman in the world. Her dress was  a complete and opulent vision of blues, greens and white. The periwinkle flowers in her hair matched the ones she carried in her hands. 

Ed had rolled up the legs up on his dress pants, and due to the unprecedented heat, chosen not to wear the suit jacket and necktie. Instead he wore a soft white dress shirt with the collar unbuttoned and red suspenders.

It was everything she had dreamed and more. A simple wedding for the simple life they wished to lead. 

They said almost nothing, just basked in the orange and purples of the dimming sunlight until they reached the car which was parked nearby.

Ed's soft blue eyes looked even more handsome in the last light of the lowering sun. Golden specks freckled his face.

He stopped her before they got into what was now, their car, "Now there is a single tradition I can't ignore."

"What's that?" Belle asked, giggling a little at his big smile.

He reached into his car and turned it on. He then put a cassette tape in and turned the radio up loudly. "Our first dance of course." 

He took Belle into his arms and began swaying to the music. 

"Unchained Melodies?" Belle asked, recognizing the tune. He'd played it for her before.

"I hope you don't mind." He kissed her forehead.

She admired his sweet gesture as they continued to sway, "I love it."

"To the sea, to the sea." Ed quietly sang along, his eyes welling with tears. He spun her around, "See! We're at the sea." 

"Why are you crying?" Belle asked before softly kissing below his eyes. The tears tasted as salty as the sea air around them. 

"I've never been happier in my entire life." He kissed her again. 

Even after the song ended, the two continued swaying in the setting sunlight.

After a week long honeymoon spent on the Florida shores, the two returned to Wisconsin and to their home together. The house was in a muggle area with muggle amenities, but it wasn't completely devoid of magic. She'd transfigured her new aviary to look like nothing more than a toolshed and there was a well hidden Portkey to take her to Moda whenever she pleased.

They lived in a state of joyful togetherness for a few years. Just enjoying a simple married life together.

She knew about the state of the world back home, but she took Gideon's advice and focused on the life she was leading. She decided to appreciate the sacrifices and live exactly as she had dreamed. Even in her letters to Alice their correspondence barely discussed the war. Instead they discussed the challenges and triumphs of newly married life.