Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Harco Empire	By : Toddy Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Draco Views: 34430 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or films. I do not make any money from the writing of this story, just enjoyment.

Chapter List
- 137
- 138
- 139
[Note: conversation =: “speech” & ‘thoughts’ & *telepathy* & #Parseltongue# & {telephone}]
~~~ HITCHED ~~~
The Irish family’s ancient pile was a rambling affair. However, the main hall was still fairly impressive with massive stone arches and a rib-vaulted ceiling. The bog-oak floor shone deeply with eons of polish. Each alcove had a statue in it surrounded by a sea of cut flowers. As well as the tall clear lancet windows there was a clerestory of circular stained glass casements. Harry was reminded of an indoor garden and a magical forest both at the same time. At one end was a minstrel’s gallery in which the Smiling One’s group orchestra played. At the other end was a raised dais on which a table and some chairs had been arranged in opposition; at the head of this sat Francis with Fawkes on an ornate perch next door.
Around the edge of the main floor there were tables about which the family groups sat. Andromeda and Teddy were with Narcissa; Draco went to sit with them. Harry sat next to Dudley with Vernon and Petunia.
Francis nodded to the Fortress’s Major Domo and at his signal the music stopped.
“Potter versus Weasley,” the Major Domo declaimed.
The band started a quiet march. Both families stood. Molly and Arthur flanking Ginevra, walked to the centre of the room. Harry was flanked by Vernon and Petunia and did the same. Whilst that was happening two elfin bearers had emerged from a side door holding the family flags. On reaching the centre of the floor the triples made a formal bow to each other, turned and followed their bearers to the dais and then the music ceased. Fawkes flew up and circled the group.
“Families Weasley and Potter/Dursley is it your wish that Harry James and Ginevra Molly become betrothed?” asked Francis formally.
“IT IS!”
“You have exchanged contracts; are these contracts in accordance with both your families’ wishes.”
“THEY ARE!”
“Will the guardians please sit and sign each other’s contracts.”
They each signed and then passed their copy to the other family for signature. Harry watched until that was completed.
“Ginevra Molly, accept this ring as a sign of my intention that we marry,” said Harry shakily, putting the ring on Ginevra’s finger.
“Harry James, I accept your proposal and offer this ring as a seal of our bargain.” Ginevra placed a signet ring on Harry’s finger. It had entwined Potter and Weasley emblems incised in it.
Fawkes spun round the couple encircling them with his fiery benediction.
The band was more triumphal in its presentation. Ginevra and Harry kissed briefly and stood down from the platform, walking hand in hand towards the minstrel’s gallery, following their flags and followed by their guardians. What Harry had not realised was that the badges on Ginevra’s and his robes had been magically changed when they kissed; they were now the same – A potted privet tree beside a crooked house, both joined by Harry’s lightening emblem.
In front of the wall beneath the minstrel’s gallery was a small table with a flagon and two glasses on it. Ginevra poured out the wine and offered it to Harry; Harry did the same for her. They linked elbows drinking the wine with their arms entwined. The band played a fanfare, the audience clapped, the guardians retired to their respective tables, and Ginevra with Harry went to sit on a double chair nearby.
Next it was Draco’s and Astoria’s turn; they returned with a dragon and aster joint emblem on their robes. They were followed by the Weasleys and Grangers witnessing Hermione and Ron; Ronald presented the same ring to Hermione that she had accepted in front of Harry. Next it was the Dursleys turn again, but this time with the Bulstrodes.
As both Goyle parents were dead, so Narcissa and Andromeda acted as Gregory’s guardians, smiling at the Parkinsons as they approached the platform. Harry and Draco had a repeat performance followed by Ginevra and Astoria; Seamus and Dean were the last pair in the ceremony. The last three contracts were much the same except for the intention which was to become partners for life. Then a number of little people walked in, a mixture of leprechauns and elves there was a small ceremony in which Pullet and Phealey pledged themselves. Fawkes blessed each union in turn.
The house-elves and leprechauns rearranged the tables so that, after the guests had taken a breather by way of short walk in the garden, a celebratory dinner could be held. Afterwards they retired to a room hung with tapestries. The chat in that solar’s comfy chairs lasted about two hours before the various participants ported home.
However, the four participants lingered.
“Are we going to visit Lough Macgilliguddy?” Astoria asked.
“Why should we want to go there?” Draco could feel some stirrings down-below.
Ginevra grinned wickedly: “There’s a very interesting bay we should show you. It is filled with the most comfortable water-thyme plants.”
Harry giggled and adjusted himself: “I take it you know of undines. Ours are called Morgan and Nigel.”
Astoria smiled knowingly: “We hope to meet Nora and Maeve. They are extremely adept at their particular form of entertainment.”
“And their kisses are heavenly,” added Ginevra.
Fairly quickly a four-person dinghy was found. Finding the bay was just as easy. This time four undines waited, lying voluptuously in the sweet-smelling water-thyme. Luckily the island’s green magic was having a day off so they were not coerced into sexual antics they would prefer not to undertake. Nevertheless, all four mages were worn out afterwards. The undines, however, seemed to be less affected.
~~~ TWO SATURDAYS TO GO ~~~
By the time the next Saturday came round Ignatius and Sigmund had put together the proposed itinerary. The fourteen were relaxing in and around the pool when the post arrived. Draco and Harry had their elfin copyists make a facsimile for each pair so that by lunchtime everyone had perused the suggested route. It included fireworks in Amsterdam, and a masked ball in the Palazzo in Venice. Another equivalent event was planned for Vienna later in the period.
“Pity its summer, I’d hoped to go skiing,” remarked athletic Astoria.
“Grass skiing is included at the Schwartzberg.”
“Oh great! Hans was teaching us to slalom recently?”
“I hope we can take one of the special summer walks too.”
“We get to shop in Avignon.”
“So we do; and again Amsterdam.”
“What are you buying in Amsterdam then? You know it’s the naughtiest capital in Europe don’t you?”
“There’s time put aside for you and Dean to exploring the red light district with the rest of you mucky men.”
“Some of us girls might be interested too.”
More chit chat took place, but everyone agreed that each pair had at least the top three of the places they wanted to visit on the itinerary. Draco was asked to accept it on their behalf.
Fawkes was very pleased with their decision: *Now you have your army together there are things planned for you all to do on the journey*.
Both Harry and Draco groaned when they heard that prognostication. Fawkes just chuckled.
~~~ ONE SATURDAY TO GO ~~~
The committee of mums were organising the marriage event: Narcissa was reviewing the acceptances with them.
“I expected about eighty percent acceptance, so far there have only been two refusals.”
“Minerva would like all the students to attend, and Justin says all the Dumbledorians plus their families are coming also,” added Molly.
“I think we’d better get Seamus and Dean to add another side gallery in church; so it complements the other one in the transepts.”
“Hmm … Good idea, Petunia, you live almost next door, will you ask them, please.”
That last week Seamus’s and Dean’s sixth and seventh years hastily added the balcony in the other transept and refurbished the small one over Saint Godric’s chapel; much to the Mums’ Committee’s relief.
Molly and Bronwyn were in charge of catering with a lot of input from Winky and her team. Somehow they had made a seven tiered cake, the topmost layer of which was crowded with miniature icing figurines, representing the pairs to be joined. It would need a very strong Wingardium Leviosa to transport it to the top table on the day. There was a mountain of barrels on the lawn at Chantry Cottage, just waiting to be transported into the Parish School once it had closed for the summer holidays. Every cellar in the Farmers Arms was full of cakes, jellies, magically preserved sandwiches and many other meats, vegetables, salads and delicacies.
Dan the policeman was chatting to Bronwyn: “I’ve had that interview with the Chief Constable for you. As nearly all the inhabitants are coming to the ceremony, he has given permission to close off the village square for the day. Now it’s no longer a through route things are much easier. Anyone arriving by car can park in the lane and the Milkwood playground is open as a relief car park.”
“Thank you so much, Grandpops Foley has offered us an enormous amount of canvas, so we should be able to waterproof most the area, or if it’s fine, the sheets will act as a sunshade. Now all we have to do is find seats and tables.”
“It’s been done before at Harvest Home, if you remember. If you like, I’ll ask around the village. All kinds of tables and chairs appear when we have a big do. Grandpops has a stage arrangement that masks the war memorial; perhaps that would be a help. Then the parish hall has some and I’m sure Richard would let you borrow the matching ones from his functions room.”
“Thanks again … Hmm … We could seat the couples in a semicircle and cone-zone the family guests so that they are opposite the couple with whom they have closest connections. The other guests can sit in loose concentric circles beyond that.”
~~~ THE SATURDAY ~~~
A special train arrived with many of the muggle guests. The Eagles were in attendance near the Station apparating area to check them and for malcontent interlopers, however many of the Dumbledorian guests used their medallions and the Toppers Wallow circle. Quite a few of them acted as ushers; so some semblance of order pertained, even as the last people rushed in and were conducted to their seats.
Needless to say, there were many nervous tantrums as the various brides, grooms and partners prepared themselves for the ceremony to come; however, their attendants calmed them down so that, when the church clock struck ten, everyone was ready.
By arrangement the men had all congregated at Chantry Cottage.
“If Harry and I lead off, Dudley, Gregory and Ronald should be next. Then the two professors and the two tutors complete our procession.”
“Why put us at the back, Draco?” Seamus asked.
“So we don’t trip over each other in the church porch. You four have the first part of the ceremony, don’t you?”
“Oh yes! John wants us to come up single file.”
“Yes well, us affianced ones are supposed to be at the front before the ceremony.”
The church bells started ringing and the procession set off.
When they arrived the Smiling Ones started to play the Londonderry Air whilst the five grooms took up their position at the front of church. The organ and congregation then joined in with: ‘I cannot tell why he, whom angels worship, should set his love upon the sons of men …’ as that happened the two pairs who were to become partners came forward to kneel at the altar rail.
John was at the altar to greet them: “Is there anyone present who wishes to oppose these two pairs becoming partners blessed by God? Speak now or forever hold your peace.” There was a pause as he looked around the squashed congregation. As no one came forward he continued with the ceremony. At the appropriate time the partners swore their oaths and swapped rings.
The congregation prayed: ‘Together, and in the sight of God, we will support Dean and Seamus in their life together and in their love for each other. With them, and by God’s grace, we will live by faith, journey in hope, nurture and share love with each other and serve God’s world. For all that has been, we are grateful. For all that is yet to be, we say yes. Amen.’
At the end John wrapped his stole round the conjoined pair: “As with David and Jonathan and as with Paul and Epaphroditus, you are partners joined in the sight of God and this congregation. Let your love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; support one another and show true honour to your partner throughout all your lives.”
And so it was the same for Pullet and Phealey. Both couples were applauded in recognition of their union. As they took their aisle-walk to the back of the nave the musicians played Jeremiah Clarke’s Trumpet Voluntary.
There was a short pause; then the instrumentalists and choir started the bridal march from Lohengrin. That heralded the marriage part of the service and the bridal procession commenced. Hermione led; then Pansy and Millie. Ginevra and Astoria were the final two. Their dresses were almost identical; however, their posies and ribbons were of different hues. Light green for Hermione, rose for Pansy and lilac for Millie. Ginevra and Astoria had blue accoutrements, Astoria affecting a darker hue than Ginevra.
As the grooms rose the onlookers noticed that their creamy robes had matching piping and ties to their brides to be. As each bride reached the front so her consort stood and went with her to the altar rail. Meanwhile Dean and Seamus had quietly walked down the side aisle to join George. They made the best men for three couples; Draco and Harry were to act for each other.
John stood and declared: “Holy Matrimony was established and sanctified for the happiness and welfare of mankind, into which spiritual and physical union one man and one woman enter, for procreating children, cherishing a family of mutual esteem and love, bearing with each other’s infirmities and weaknesses, comforting each other in trouble, providing in honesty and industry for each other and for their household, praying for each other, and living together the length of their days as heirs to the grace of God.”
Harry’s two friends were first.
“Hermione and Ronald, you have committed yourselves to each other in marriage, and your marriage is recognized by law. The Church of Christ understands marriage to be, in the will of God, the union of a man and a woman, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until parted by death. Is this your understanding of the covenant and promise that you have made?”
“IT IS!”
And so the pair pledged themselves to each other, exchanging rings and having their union blessed.
Then they stood; John wrapped his stole over their conjoined hands: “What God has joined together, let no one put asunder;” he declared in a loud voice.
So each of the couples were joined and declared indissoluble. Then came the signing of the registers in the vestry; this took quite some time. The congregation sang ‘Love divine all love’s excelling,’ followed by the choir and instrumentalists giving a rendition of Schiller’s Ode to Joy based on the Beethoven tune and including the marvellous and lugubrious woodwind march. “The Lord’s my shepherd’ was the next hymn to be sung; followed by the Mozart wind and string octet that had been played at the Griphooks’ house blessing many years before.
As the couples emerged from the vestry, the congregation rose to their feet expecting the final procession. Instead; three pairs stood to one side. Harry, Ginevra, Draco and Astoria came and stood in front of the altar rail again.
“We have one further rite to enact before the jollifications can start.” John smiled at the standing throng: “Please be seated.”
There was an amount of shuffling as people sorted themselves out.
“As you have been aware for some years now; the four young people you see before you have been inseparable. If one were invited all four came, if anyone objected all four departed. It is their intention to make a complete household together, caring for each other in happiness and health, in sickness and in distress. To that end they wish to pledge to each other between the marital bonds, man to man, woman to woman. This is an unusual step, but then they are unusual people, as we all fully well know. Astoria, Draco, Ginevra and Harry is it your wish to make this union of four and will you honour each other as you honour your spouses?”
“WE WILL!”
Whilst John was speaking Pullet and Phealey had quietly walked up the main isle bearing cushions each with two rings upon them.
“Place the rings on your partner’s fingers and make your pledge to them.”
“I PLACE THIS RING ON YOUR FINGER AS A SIGN OF OUR EVERLASTING PARTNERSHIP.”
An amount of fumbling took place as they swapped rings – Harry with Draco, Ginevra with Astoria.
“I ACCEPT THIS RING AS A SIGN OF OUR UNION. I WILL HONOUR AND DEFEND YOU, WORK WITH YOU AND LOVE YOU; UNTIL WE ARE PARTED BY DEATH.”
All four placed their hands together and John covered them with his stole: “Before God you have consented to be a conjoined household. Let your love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; support one another and show true honour to your partners throughout all your lives.”
D: *Look into the rafters, Partners*.
H: *I think that that means something special, but I wonder what*?
Ginevra and Astoria could hear the internal thoughts whilst they held their partners’ hands. The foursome could see ghostly white shapes resting there; they seemed to have wings and were nodding with approval. They also noticed a resplendent Fawkes flanked by Erwin and Regent. Then Dolores let rip on the organ with the commencing fanfare of the Mendelssohn Wedding March. The beings faded and the couples formed up and retired down the main aisle, Hermione and Ronald leading, Ginevra and Harry making the final pair. Parents and families followed on and then the rest of the enormous congregation.
Dennis Creevey had taken over his brother’s mantle and was waving his camera around, Justin helped to find people for the numerous photographs and, of course Rita Skeeter was there poking her nose in. She was especially intrigued by the final piece of the ceremony and wanted someone to dish the dirt. However, those in the know had rehearsed their lines together: ‘All four of them will form a joint household at Chantry Cottage,’ was the adhered-to line.
The day was cloudless and the canvas very welcome, not for keeping off the forecast rain, but for providing shade and funnelling the light breeze. The speeches were interminable despite an agreed length of no more than five minutes per person. Harry fidgeted and Draco had eventually to give him a calming draught to stop him hexing the sometimes pompous orators.
Seamus had made a long two-handled knife which, when passed through the bottom-most tier of the cake, all the couples could place a hand on for the ceremonial cutting. Molly, Winky and Bronwyn had laid a special charm on the cake so that, once the knife reached the base, the cake split up into hundreds of pieces and automatically served itself to everyone there. The pieces were borne aloft by a balloon; inside of each was a small guest-present. Unfortunately, some people let their balloons go and had to hex them to retrieve their gift.
There was plenty of time for the guests to partake of the bounteous food and drink provided; although the guests of honour had a train to catch; something for which Harry was thankful, because he was getting very uptight about well-wishers. It reminded him of the back-slappers after he had defeated Voldemort.
The church clock struck the half hour after midday, The Smiling One’s band struck up a march and the pairs of partners rose from the table. Ten minutes’ walk had everyone down at the station admiring the polished maroon coaches standing at the platform. [Seamus and Dean had had their students clean the rubbish blocking the siding so that the carriages could be shunted, after the service train had left]. At a quarter to one o’clock the specially hired steam engine whistled and the train drew slowly out of the station. The couples stood on the rear balcony waving in a shower of rice and confetti. Train out of sight, the crowd walked back to the village square to continue the festivities; ending much later, of course, with the obligatory WWW firework display.
~~~ HONEYMOON ~~~
Great Grumblewell: 12.45 – Ashford: 17.15
On board there were some light refreshments.
“Just in case you didn’t manage to have any of your wedding lunch,” Iggy explained: “Siggy’s up front with the steam engine.”
He then introduced Maggie and Aggie [really Magdalena and Agnes] to the assembled company. The female staff showed the passengers to their respective cabins and announced that tea would be served at four o’clock. What a tea it was, Harry had never seen so many varieties of sandwiches and delicious cakes. Even aristocratic Draco had to admit that he was impressed. Ronald was given a pile all to himself amid much ribbing from the rest of the party. It did, however, bring home to the red-head the notion that he had to curb his voracious eating habits, so that the rest were not put off their meals.
When they reached the main line Iggy unhitched the steam loco and picked up his conductor/driver for the next leg of the journey. They had a green signal and, engine purring at the front, set off at great speed. As they passed the steam engine they waved to the crew, the men with some nostalgia and the ladies in relief that the smoke no longer blew into the balcony. Theirs was a curious route, not direct to London as would be expected, but bypassing Birmingham and taking the line to Reading. Maggie explained that by doing that, their train could take lesser used lines and avoid the congestion that passing through the capital would involve. When she showed them the map it was possible to see the almost straight line running from Guildford to Ashford.
###
“We hope you enjoyed your tea, ladies and gentlemen!” Aggie started, to all round nods of approval: “There are a few guidelines which would help us to serve you properly. In under an hour we will be arriving at Ashford, where we will shunt onto the back of the train to Paris. The process can entail lots of short movements and much waiting round. We ask that you do not alight, even if, as is sometimes possible at other stations, we are waiting at a platform. We would hate to leave anyone behind. We will, of course inform you when it is safe to alight. Often, when we arrive at our destination, the carriages have to be moved to another place, so we would ask for your forbearance in that matter also. The other request is about water conservation. Please be sure to leave no taps running by accident, or you might find yourself unable to shower. Each cabin has its own water supply so you only have yourselves to blame if you run out. We do recharge at every stop where possible. Showers whilst on the move are permitted, but on a short wet, then soap, then short rinse basis. At a base, when we are connected to the supply, more lingering showers are possible and a small green light will show next door to the shower controls. Thank you for your attention, please make yourselves at home.”
“What about dirty laundry, please”
“Good point. We met Elder Kreacher earlier today, and he is arranging for your laundry to be collected and replaced almost every day. All you have to do is place it in the linen baskets provided.”
“Just like Hogwarts then!”
“I hope we are slightly more luxurious that your old school.”
Everyone chuckled, and Aggie exited the balcony.
###
They had just about got used to the scenery departing from them when there was a rattle of wheels and the outfit slowed to a stop. Iggy came out wearing a high-visibility vest and lifted the table on the balcony. Harry felt slightly alarmed, but contained his worry and watched. A small cabin rose from underneath, Iggy entered and their carriages drew backwards, into a forward facing siding. Iggy closed the cab down and it became a table once more.
Quite soon a passenger train made its appearance, slowing to a stop on the track next door. The points changed and Iggy, driving from the front, moved their small train to the rear of the longer one. Quite soon they were off behind the Eurostar and in under twenty minutes would enter the Channel Tunnel.
- 137
- 138
- 139
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