American Royalty III

Part 5: The Wedding

The Burrow was alive with the buzz of celebration, and Valerie found herself standing in front of a mirror, adjusting the soft folds of her gown for what felt like the hundredth time. The embroidery shimmered like lightning against the dark blue fabric—a nod to her heritage, one she wore with quiet pride but a touch of unease.

"You look fine, Val," Jason said from the doorway, leaning casually against the frame. His own tie, adorned with similar lightning patterns, caught the light as he spoke. "It's a wedding, not some pompous Olympus ball. Relax."

Valerie sighed, her fingers pausing in their fidgeting. "Maybe not, but the way people stare, it might as well be."

Jason's eyes softened, though a small smile tugged at his lips. "They're curious. We're not exactly ordinary guests."

"Understatement of the year," Valerie muttered. She glanced back at the reflection and gave a resigned shrug. "Let's just hope they don't ask too many questions."

They descended the stairs, Jason adjusting his collar while Percy joined them at the bottom, already looking mildly impatient. "You two took your time," Percy remarked, his eyes flicking over them. "Come on, the ceremony's about to start."

Valerie followed her brothers outside, stepping into the garden where guests had gathered beneath twinkling fairy lights. As she passed through the crowd, she couldn't shake the weight of the gazes that followed them. It was more than just curiosity. Their presence here, as royalty amongst the wizards was something she would never get used to. Sure, being a child of Jupiter came with its own stance of leadership, but this, this was nothing like that

"Your majesties!" a cheerful voice called out.

Turning, Valerie saw an elderly man approaching, his wrinkled face beaming. He extended a hand toward her. "A pleasure to meet you both. I've heard so much about you. I am Elphias Doge,"

Valerie forced a polite smile, taking his hand. "Thank you, Mr. Doge. It's an honour to be here."

Jason, ever the diplomat, added, "We're grateful for the hospitality. The Weasleys have been incredibly kind to us."

Elphias nodded enthusiastically, his eyes sparkling. "Of course, of course. It's a rare occasion, to have such distinguished guests at a wedding like this. How are you finding Britain?"

Valerie hesitated for a moment, glancing at Jason. "It's... different," she said carefully. "But fascinating. We have learnt a lot in our time here."

As Elphias nodded in understanding and moved along, Valerie caught sight of another guest—an older woman with sharp eyes and a severe expression. She stepped forward, clearly intrigued.

"I thought I recognised you, couldn't quite put my finger on it," the woman said, her voice clipped yet curious. "Is it true? Are you those Royals I have read so much about?"

Valerie exchanged a brief glance with Jason before offering a slight nod. "We hold those titles, yes. But we're just here to enjoy the wedding, like everyone else. We are here for Bill and Fleur."

The woman raised an eyebrow. "Titles don't just disappear because you're at a wedding, dear."

"Perhaps not," Valerie replied, her voice calm but firm, "but we're not here to flaunt them."

The woman seemed taken aback by Valerie's composure, and after a moment, she simply nodded, muttering something under her breath before moving on.

Jason chuckled softly as they watched her leave. "You're handling it better than I would have."

Valerie sighed, looking around at the guests who were still sneaking glances their way. "This is exactly why I didn't want to come. We stick out like a sore thumb."

"Yeah, but at least we'll be gone soon," Jason reminded her, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Just remember the plan."

Valerie gave a quick nod. The plan. She had to stay focused on that.

As the ceremony began, the mood shifted to one of joy and celebration. Bill and Fleur exchanged vows, and for a brief moment, it seemed like the world outside didn't exist. Valerie found herself smiling as Fleur's radiant happiness lit up the garden, the guests applauding as they kissed.

But even in this moment of peace, Valerie couldn't shake the feeling of impending danger. She caught Harry's eye across the crowd. He looked tense, standing with Ron and Hermione, his gaze flicking around the guests as if waiting for something to go wrong. Valerie knew why—they were all on edge, knowing this celebration was just a fleeting moment before the storm hit.

As the reception began, Valerie mingled with the guests, exchanging pleasantries and making small talk, but her mind was elsewhere. She watched as Harry, Ron, and Hermione huddled together, whispering in hushed tones. The time was nearing—they would have to leave soon.

"Enjoying the party?" a voice asked from beside her.

Valerie turned to see Luna Lovegood, her dreamy expression and eccentric attire making her stand out even more than usual. Valerie couldn't help but smile. She quite like Luna, even if she was a bit strange.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Valerie replied, gesturing toward the fairy lights and flowers. "But I have to admit, I'm not much for big gatherings."

Luna tilted her head thoughtfully. "Neither am I. But it's nice to have moments like these, especially when things are so... uncertain."

"That's one way to put it," Valerie muttered, her thoughts returning to the plan to leave with Harry and the others.

Before she could respond further, a sudden chill swept through the air. The guests stopped in their tracks, murmurs spreading as a silvery lynx Patronus materialized in the centre of the garden. Kingsley's voice echoed across the Burrow, cold and clear:

"The Ministry has fallen. The Minister is dead. They are coming!"

Panic erupted instantly. Guests screamed, chairs overturned, and spells began flying as Death Eaters Apparated into the garden, their black robes and masks like shadows in the firelight.

"Death Eaters!" someone yelled.

Valerie grabbed Jason's arm, pulling him behind a table as a curse whizzed by, barely missing them. "Get down!"

They crouched, their hearts racing as chaos broke out around them. Spells flew in every direction, bright jets of light illuminating the once-peaceful wedding. She could see Percy and Annabeth fighting off two masked Death Eaters near the edge of the crowd, while Piper stood with Harry, wand raised, deflecting curses with precision.

"We've got to get to Hermione!" Jason shouted over the noise, his eyes wide with urgency.

Valerie nodded, scanning the crowd for any sign of Ron and Hermione. Through the chaos, she spotted them near a hedge, dueling fiercely with two attackers. Percy and Connor were already pushing their way toward them, weapons flashing in the dim light.

Valerie darted forward, dodging between guests and overturned chairs, her heart pounding in her chest. She finally reached Hermione, who was struggling to fend off a particularly aggressive Death Eater.

"We need to leave—now!" Valerie shouted, grabbing Hermione's arm just as Ron disarmed the Death Eater with a swift flick of his wand.

"I know!" Hermione gasped, her voice breathless with panic. "Everyone, grab hold!"

As they prepared to Apparate, Jason stumbled, his hand flying to his head as a glass, shattered in the chaos, hit him. Blood trickled down the side of his face.

"Jason!" Valerie cried, catching him before he fell. He winced but remained conscious, his eyes locking with hers.

"I'm fine," he gritted out, though his voice was strained. "Let's just get out of here!"

With one final glance at the wreckage of the wedding, Valerie grabbed hold of Hermione and placed her other hand on Jason, and in a whirl of colour and sound, they Apparated away, leaving the Burrow behind to the chaos of the Death Eaters.