Misery [T. Higgs] ✔

marriage

Marriage. It seemed almost insane to Helena how quickly she and Terence decided on marrying. But she didn't really mind it. A midnight summer wedding. Under the dark night sky. Illuminated by candles and the stars in the sky. It took her a bit of self convincing but she decided to invite Harry and his friends. Just because of blood relations. Like one does invite this one insane thrice widowed aunt to their wedding that owns 300 cats. She went dress shopping with Tonks, who had recently gotten engaged to her father. And despite the muggle lady that was advising them to not choose a black dress they did anyways and added a spell she had created that made it look as if the stars themselves were sparkling from the layers of beautiful black tulle. Of course they had to choose the night carefully. After all.. they couldn't just have her father transform into a werewolf and go wild..
Now there she was. In the apartment she now officially shared with Terence. Having her soon to be stepmother help her into her dress while both sip from glasses of champagne, talking about the events to come. Both are very cheerful. Their spirits up. Helena twirls in front of the mirror. The black lacy veil draped over her face. "How do I look?", she asks. "You look beautiful, kid.", Tonks says. Smiling at her. A knock directs their attention to the door. "May I come in?" "Come in, uncle Sirius.", Helena chirps, her eyes still fixed onto the mirror.
"Wow.." She turns around and looks at her father and uncle who stand in the door frame. Just staring at her. A smile plays around the corners of her lips. "It's time to go, isn't it? Tonks and uncle Sirius. You'll go first and walk up to the altar and wait there. Tell them they can play the music. We come in five minutes." Tonks and Sirius nod. Then both disapparate.

"You look beautiful, my dear." Helena smiles. Embracing her father. "Thanks dad." "Are you sure you want to do this? We can still get your things and just disappear.. Spain is supposed to be very beautiful around this time of year." Her bright laugh fills the room. "I love you, dad. But I want this. I want to marry Terence. I've never wanted anything more than this." Remus sighs and kisses his daughters head. Then they apparate to their wedding location. The area is barely luminited by only five candles around the altar. So when the stars in her dress begin to shine and illuminate the night the guests gasp in awe. She glides next to her father to Terence, who takes her hands into his and kisses them. "You look gorgeous." She smiles. "And you look handsome, my love."
The ceremony begins. They say their wedding vows, put on their rings and he finally lifts the veil.
"You may kiss the bride." He leans down and the two share a loving kiss. And Helena ignites the candles around them. The world around them is then drenched in warm romantic light and now they can perfectly see the newlyweds. Applause echoes through the night and cheering. Both of them smile happily and Terence helps her down the stairs so that they can talk to their guests. Remus embraces his daughter and then his new son in law. "Now I feel old but I am happy about it." They laugh and go on. Sirius and Tonks by their sides. Molly Weasley squeezes the two with a beaming smile. "You look breathtaking, Helena!", she says. Helena giggles. "Thank you, Molly. I am incredibly happy." Arthur too congratulates them. Terence's parents whom she had only met when they were already preparing for the wedding embrace both their son and their daughter in law and exchange a few kind words. Their friends come up to them. Draco, who had been invited by both of their account first. Leaning down slightly Helena embraces him and the 15 year old embraces back. "Congratulations, Helena. Terence." She beams. "Thank you, Draco. I'm happy you're here." He nods with a smile. Then the Weasley twin squeeze them. "Our Helena." "Married." "We can't believe it.", they chorus and the two newlyweds laugh.
Oliver and Percy congratulate them. Shaking their hands kindly and then they step forward. Harry walks up and wordlessly embraces his sister who after a few moments hugs back. Then he hugs Terence as well and silently whispers in his ear "take care of her" before letting go. Ron and Hermione too hug them. And finally Helena's favorite Professor steps up. Snape had previously been hidden in the shadows but then and there he steps into the light and proudly squeezes Helena's hands. "I knew from the first day that you two would be a good match.", he says. Helena and Terence grin. "Thank you for coming, Professor. We are very happy to have you here." They all gather up when the two newlyweds cut their huge wedding cake and toast with glasses of champagne. Then the guests are allowed to feast from the wide ranging buffet and house elfs, dressed in proper suits and dresses they had hired from Hogwarts, serve drinks. Music plays and everybody is cheerful. That night is a good one. That night would be their sanctuary from what was still to come. Each of them would come to miss that night. And the calm atmosphere that filled the air as newlywed husband and wife dance elegantly in the starlight.