Nova's Universe

Chapter 6 (1995)

Charlie

Watching everyone walk down the aisle calmed my nerves - especially when Tonks took a tumble on the flower petals. Then Nova appeared, and for a moment, I forgot to breathe. Her radiant smile melted into tears the second she saw me. She was breathtakingly beautiful. Even though I'd had feelings for her since I was 14, she still knew how to make my heart jump and leave me speechless.

I'd vowed to hold it together, but seeing Bill fighting back tears as he whispered to Nova before offering her his arm, and Nova's tear-streaked cheeks, made it a near-impossible feat.

"You look beyond stunning, love," I whispered as we stood before the officiant.

"And you," she replied with a watery wink, "look beyond handsome yourself."

"We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Charles Weasley and Nova Io Blackwood in marriage," the officiant began. "They have known each other for more than half their lives, and their love has blossomed to the point where they've decided to take the next step and begin their lives as husband and wife. Charles and Nova have chosen to keep things simple, so whenever you're ready, you may begin your vows." He smiled warmly at both of us.

"Nova," I started, "every day, I thank those Slytherins for trying to steal my book because it led to you standing up for me. That evening, as we spent hours reading on the floor in the courtyard, I knew I wanted to be your friend. Your love for creatures, especially dragons," the crowd chuckled as Nova giggled, wiping away a tear, "your kindness, and your non-judgmental nature - you understood me in a way I never thought possible. You showed me true friendship, and then, to my incredible luck, you returned my feelings. Every day feels like a dream because I'm living it with you. You're everything I ever wanted, and I can't believe I get to marry my best friend." Nova's giggle, like a melody breaking through the tension, sent a shiver down my spine. Reaching out, I gently brushed a stray tear from her cheek.

"I promise to always be by your side, through thick and thin," I continued. "I promise to be the best version of myself, to grow with you, and to truly understand you. Even if it means holding your hair back countless mornings, no matter how many times you have morning sickness." The crowd erupted in laughter, and a few gasps rippled through it as the realization dawned - Nova was pregnant. We'd completely forgotten to tell some of the guests!

"I promise to be a good dad to our baby and to support you in everything you do. I'll try to be less protective, to see you for the strong woman you are, not a fragile thing. I promise patience, a listening ear, and unwavering strength as we face any obstacles life throws our way. With you by my side, I feel like we could conquer anything, fight any dark wizard. I can't wait to grow old with you, Nova. I love you more than words can express."

Tears streamed down my face as I released her hand for a moment to wipe them away. Bill's sniffles were audible behind me, and I could practically hear Mum and Olivia crying too. A glance confirmed my suspicions - the girls behind Nova were sobbing too, mirroring Nova's tears.

"Charles," Nova started, "when I wrote a letter to my mum about you being my best friend, never in a million years did I imagine I'd be saying these vows today. But somehow, both our mothers knew the second we met them at King's Cross." A wave of laughter washed over the crowd, and I smiled, remembering the revelation that our mothers were Hogwarts classmates.

"You've always been there - my rock, my cheerleader, the one who truly understood me. We developed a silent language, where words were unnecessary and our thoughts intertwined. This was especially evident during my darkest days, after my dad's passing. You knew exactly what I needed, and I couldn't have imagined anyone else by my side during that grief. There's something I never confessed because even I wasn't sure at the time, but I think those walks in the Forest were my turning point. You'd read to me while I cried, hold me close, and whisper reassurances. It was then, I believe, that my feelings for you started to bloom." My breath hitched at her words.

Love rarely follows a clear timeline. I distinctly remember being captivated by Nova in Care of Magical Creatures, sometime in our third year. Nova, however, grappled more with her emotions. Between the loss of her father and her infatuation with Murphy, she couldn't pinpoint the exact moment. She always said something shifted after our reconciliation in the Forest, but the intensity of her feelings remained a mystery, even to her.

"Right then and there, I knew you were someone I wanted by my side," Nova continued. "Someone who understands me, who can comfort me with silence and brighten my day with a simple smile. All these years later, that hasn't changed - your smile still lights up every room for me, and always will. I admire your passion for following your dreams and your enormous love for those dangerous creatures. I promise to always stand by you, support your ideas, and offer advice when you're struggling with a decision. I promise to be your sunshine on bad days and to keep Pancake Sundays a tradition, even when we're old and can barely hold a pan." She chuckled, and a laugh escaped my lips.

"I promise to be your healer, tending to every scrape and scar, even the deep ones inflicted by your 'buddies,' as you call them. I promise patience, love, and the occasional concession - like letting you use the bathroom first in the mornings." The crowd roared with laughter, and I playfully shook my head. "More importantly, I promise to be your rock in any fight, to be strong when you feel weak. I promise not to break your hand when we give birth to our baby, and I vow to be a good mother. With all the years we've known each other, I believe there's nothing we can't face together. We're stronger as a team and absolutely amazing. I can picture us growing old together, grumpy but content, watching our grandchildren play while we rock in those wooden chairs. I may have been nervous walking down the aisle, but now I'm beyond excited to embark on this journey with you, to spend the rest of my life cherishing the incredible gift of your heart. I love you, Charles."

Tears streamed down both our faces, a testament to the raw emotions we poured into our vows. Though I yearned to hold her close as she spoke the last words, professionalism held me back for the ceremony. The officiant waited a beat, letting us savour the moment, before speaking again.

"Charles Weasley, do you take Nova Io Blackwood to be your lawfully wedded wife, promising to love and to hold her, through happiness and sadness, in sickness and in health, and to face any challenge together for as long as you both shall live?"

"I do," I declared confidently, my gaze locked on Nova's.

"And do you Nova Io Blackwood, take Charles Weasley to be your lawfully wedded husband, promising to love and to hold him, through happiness and sadness, in sickness and in health, and to face any challenge together for as long as you both shall live?"

"I do," Nova whispered, her voice trembling slightly as she squeezed my hands tighter.

"Can the ring bearer present us with the rings?"

Bill stepped forward, retrieved a satin box from his tuxedo pocket, and presented it to the designated person. The man opened the box, revealing our wedding rings. He passed mine to Nova.

"With this ring, Charles," Nova said, her voice steady despite the tremor in her hands, "I give you a symbol of friendship, partnership, and true love. I commit my heart and soul to you, and let it be a reminder that my heart will always belong to you."

She finished and slipped the ring onto my finger. Now, it was my turn.

Taking Nova's hand, I mirrored her words. "Nova," I began, "I give you this ring as a symbol of our friendship, partnership, and true love. With this ring, I commit my heart and soul to you, and let it be a reminder that my heart will always belong to you."

After slipping the ring onto her finger, we both turned to the officiant, anticipation hanging in the air.

"By the power vested in me by Merlin himself," he boomed, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. Charles, you may kiss your bride."

Nova and I locked eyes, a love story unfolding in that silent gaze. We broke into wide smiles as if our lives together had just begun. Gently releasing her hands, I placed mine on her waist, drawing her closer. One hand cupped her cheek, my thumb brushing away a stray tear. Then, I leaned in, and our lips met. Cheers erupted around us, a joyous symphony celebrating our union.

I embraced my wife tightly, then swept her off her feet in a celebratory twirl. Her laughter filled the air, a melody sweeter than any music. As I set her down, Nova leaned forward, her forehead resting against mine. At that moment, the world faded away. Everything except the two of us, basking in the long-awaited joy of this perfect moment. I closed my eyes, mirroring her contentment, and let the feeling of forever wash over me.