Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

It Started With a Kiss	By : NutsAboutHarry Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female Views: 6059 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 16
- 17
- 18
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Sunday July tenth dawned the most beautiful day. Despite being the middle of Summer no trace of the previous weeks stupidly hot weather hung in the air. Neville rose late in the morning and after washing his hair and shaving he disapparated to the family Manor in Upper Flagley about midday with his specially tailored dress robes. He was greeted at the front door by Algie who was overseeing the delivery of the flowers.

‘Hey matey just in time Gussie was about to have a conniption wondering when you were going to get here’ he said waving a delivery man carrying an enormous arrangement of white and yellow roses through the door.

‘I suppose I should go and see her before I get ready hey?’ Neville said banishing his bags and robes into the direction of his old bedroom.

‘I think that wise old son’

Neville pocketed his wand and set off through the house following the direction of his Gran’s voice which was carying throughout the airy spacious home and was seemed to be coming. He finally found her outside walking between the rows of chairs set up for the invited guests.

‘NEVILLE! she exclaimed bustling up the aisle her arms outsrtetched.

‘I wondered when you were going to get here!’ she exclaimed hugging him feircely ‘how are you feeling?’

Neville grinned.
‘Nervous’ he said ‘but impatient to get married you know?’

Augusta grinned.
‘Yes I do know dear’ she said ‘I felt exactly the same when I maried your pop’

‘Are Mum and Dad about?’

‘Not not yet they’re finishing up at the Ministry they were working til midday but they’ll be back here about half past. They’re escorting the music people here. They’re going to set up to the left side of the seating then the lighting people are coming at quarter to. Then Ginny, Susan, Hermione, Louise and Mick will be escorting Hannah here at two. Bill and Charlie who are ushering guests will be getting here at half past one’

‘And the celebrant?’ Neville asked.

‘He’s getting here at two’ Augusta replied ‘Algernon will be waiting for him in the library he’ll be coming through that fireplace’

‘Aw Gran I can’t wait’ Neville said bouncing on the balls of his feet ‘really I can’t’

‘I know you can’t dear. You’ve found your soulmate in Hannah she’s your perfect match. I saw that right from the off’

‘You did?’

‘Yes it was blatantly obvious that you two were meant to be. It’s rather common for the Longbottom men to marry the first woman they ever fall in love with. Your great grandfather did, your grandfather did and your father most definitely did. He fancied your Mother right from first year’

‘He did?’

‘Oh yes’ Augusta said dreamily ‘he came home that Christmas and said ‘Mum I’m in love!’

‘Right form when he was eleven years old?’

‘Oh yes, of course your Mother didn’t think much of him at first’ Augusta said reminiscently ‘it wasn’t until sixth year that your father’s persistence paid off and they attended the Christmas Yule Ball together. Even when they were made prefects in fifth year she still thought he was a pain’

‘She said that?’

‘Oh yes’ Augusta said with a smile ‘but their wedding day was magical just like yours will be Neville. They had it in the Rose Garden in the British Wizarding Gardens up in Scotland. Your Mum looked like a Princess’

‘Just like Hannah will’ Neville said with a grin ‘I just know it’

‘She will m’dear now scoot on upstairs you have to spend the next two and a half hours getting ready’

‘It’s not going to take me that long’

‘Nevertheless something might come up now go on scoot!’

Neville turned and made his way upstairs to the third landing and his bedroom. It was there that the enourmity of the occasion his Neville, he slammed he room door shut and bolted for the door where he emptied the contents of his stomach into the lavatory.

And for the next hour and a half he spent bent over the loo. His knees were getting sore from kneeling on the tiled ensuite floor when Harry and Ron arrived.

‘You right mate?’ Harry asked in concern thumping Neville on the back.

Neville nodded weakly.

‘Are Dean and Seamus here?’ He mumbled wiping his mouth on his sleeve.

‘Yeah they’re downstairs helping Bill and Charlie usher guests to their seats’ Harry said closing the lid of the loo and making him sit on it.

‘Is Hannah here yet?’

‘Apparently yes, she’s on the other side of the manor and that’s a bloke free zone’ Harry said ‘Mrs Weasley is standing at the door like a bouncer at a nightclub. Even her brothers are banned’

Neville laughed.

‘I suppose I better get ready then’ he said getting to his feet ‘ugh I smell like spuke’

‘Have another shower then’ Ron suggested ‘there’s plenty of time’

‘What time is it?’

‘Half one’

‘Right’

Neville stripped off and stepped into a steaming hot shower. He washed his hair again and scrubbed his skin with some of the fancy cologne body wash Hannah had given him for Christmas. He then stepped out of he shower steam billowing off him in clouds and his fair skin a shade of pink.

‘That’s better’ he said through the gap in the door ‘much better’

‘Your Gran came up and there’s a vial of Calming Draught on the bedside table’ came Ron’s voice ‘she made me promise I would get you to take it.

Neville towel dried his hair then wrapped his towel around his waist. He then left the bathroom in a huge cloud of dust. From the open bedrom window he heard the low rumbling of the assembled guests.

‘Shit they’re all here’ he said nervously.

‘Yup and you invited them all’ Harry teased him with a grin ‘Neville don’t worry you’ll be fine’

‘Yeah just think you’re the first of us in the old dorm to get married’ Ron teased ‘doubt Seamus and Lavender or Dean and Padma will get marrried any time soon. Reckon Harry and Gin will be next’

‘Reckon Seamus and Lavender and Dean and Padma will get married before you and Hermione’ Harry said with a grin carefully tying up his bow tie ‘I think everyone we know will get married before you and Hermione. Look at Luna and Rolf they beat everyone to the post’

‘Oh shut up Harry’ Ron said rolling his eyes.

Neville dried and styled his hair then carefully dressed in his black and white dress robes. He shined his patent leather lace ups with magic and let Harry tie his white bow tie.

‘Got the rings mate?’ he asked finally flopping down into a chair beside the bathroom door that in his youth had often been a dumping ground for wet towels.

Harry patted his chest just over his heart.
‘Yup got Madam Malkin to sew a special pocket into the lining and the rings are in there with an extra strong secutity charm keeping them safe’ he said ‘even the velvet pouch has a double knot in it’

‘You are going to be able to retreive them when the celebrant calls for the rings aren’t you Harry? Ron said in amusement.

‘Of course I am. If not I’ll hex the knot off the drawstring’ Harrys said ‘no dramas’

Half an hour later a knock came at the door and Algie now dressed in his smart Navy Blue dress robes poked his head around.

‘Time to get things started boys’ he said ‘Seamus and Dean said they would meet you downstairs at the altar’

Neville stood up and nervously ajusted his robes as Harry and Ron grinned.

‘Let’s go mate it’s time!’ Harry said.

Neville left the bedroom flanked closely by Hary and Ron. Algie joined them as they made their way downstairs and outside. There was a small smattering of applause as the four men made their way down the grassy aisle and Neville acknowledged them with a small but embarassed wave. Algie took his seat next to Enid and Neville, Harry and Ron went to the head of the aisle where Dean and Seamus were waiting.

‘Hey lads’ Neville said shaking their hands.

‘Not long now mate’ Dean said ‘good luck to you....and Hannah’

‘Yeah half an hours time you’ll be a married man’ Seamus said clapping Neville on the back ‘it’s all about you and Hannah now mate go with the flow’

‘I’ll do that’

Neville stood alongside Harry, Ron, Seamus and Dean for the next twenty minutes holding polite conversation and inwardly wondering when Hannah would appear when suddenly everyone’s attention was drawn to the sound of a heavy door closing from behind the seating. Then the next thing that was heard was Hermone’s voice.

‘SERSUM CORDA!’

And from the end of her wand shot a huge flock of snow white doves that flew over the many guests and turned into silver and gold sparks which rained down on everyone eliciting many ‘Ooohs’ and ‘Aaaahs’

Hermione appeared at the head of the aisle dressed in a strapless floor length sheath dress the deepest colour of purple. She set off down the aisle carrying a small bouquet of white roses and yellow orchids the mid afternoon sun glinting off her chesnut hair. Around her neck she wore a fine chain of diamonds and her hair normally worn up was decorated with two silver and diamond slide combs and it flowed down her back in large soft sausage curls. The frizziness of youth long gone, on her feet she wore bright silver pointy toed heels and on her face she had applied the faintest touch of makeup the overall effect was beautiful and the low hiss from next to Harry told Neville Ron also thought so.

Ginny, Louise Hannah’s sister and Susan Hannah’s best friend followed each wearing the same dress and carrying the same flowers as Hermione’s Louise positively floating down the aisle. Neville noticed that several times his future sister-in-law casting doe eyes at her husband William who was seated on the left hand side of the aisle directly next to Victoria Hannah’s stepmother.

When the girls reached the altar and lined up the string ensemble struck up a lively version of ‘Here Comes The Bride’. Neville felt his stomach clench in anticipation as Hannah appeared at the top of the aisle on the arm of her father who was resplendent in dress robes a handsome shade of claret. His breath caught in his throat as he viewed his wife to be.

Hannah was dressed in a simple but elegant strapless floor length gown along the hem of the skirt and the the top of her bodice were stitched fine gold thread and crystals forming a diamond patterm and her elegant honey blonde locks was swept back in in a tight elegant braid. From her head flowed a floor length light as air veil held in place by a small yet elegant tiara. In her hands she held an enormous bouquet of white and yellow roses.

‘Harry!’ He whispered clutching Harry’s arm ‘she’s beautiful! Merlin I have never seen her look like that!’

‘You’re a lucky bastard Longbottom’ Harry said with a grin as gasps of ‘Ooh’ and ‘Aaah’ came from the guests seated either side of the aisle ‘you’ll have every bloke this side of Hogwarts drooling’

‘Wow Neville she looks gorgeous’ Ron whispered as Hannah and Mick made their way down the aisle.

‘Yeah you lucky bastard’ Seamus said ‘makes getting married worth it seeing girls made up like that’

‘Oh I’m sure Lavender would love hearing you say that’ Dean said dryly.

Hannah reached the end of the aisle kissed her father on the cheek and handed Susan her bouquet Mick let go of her arm and kissed her on each cheek before sitting down in the front row next to Victoria. Hannah then took Neville’s outstretched hand lacing her fingers through his and giving him a squeeze. Then as a pair they stepped up to the celebrant who held his arms out in a welcoming gesture.

‘Welcome welcome!’ He called ‘We are gathered here today to join Neville Frank Longbottom and Hannah Marie Abbott in forever matrimony who giveth this woman to be wed?’

‘I do!’ Mr Abbott called from the front row his voice ringing with barely contained emotion.

‘Let us proceed’ the celebrant said ‘in place of the traditional vows Hannah and Neville have chosen to recite thir own vows to better reflect the significance of their relationship. But first may I have the rings?’

Harry reached into his robes pocket and undid the knot with a poke from his wand he then reached into the velvet pouch and brought out two redwood ring boxes both of which had a small gold plate on the lid. On engraved with ‘Neville’ the other engraved with ‘Hannah’. Harry then handed the boxes over to the celebrant who levitated the boxes in front of him.

‘Neville if you could take Hannah’s ring, slide it up to the knuckle and recite your verses’

Neville opened the box containing Hannah’s ring and slid it onto her ring finger stoppng short of her knuckle.

‘I Neville Frank Longbottom declare this solemnly in the presence of our family and friends that I take you Hannah Marie Abbott to be my wife, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our union and love you more each day than I did the day before. I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward for as long as we both shall live’

There were several loud sniffs and nose blows from the gathered guests as Neville slid the ring all the way up Hannah’s finger and squeezed her hand. Hannah’s green eyes were shining with barely suppressed tears as she returned the squeeze.

‘And Hannah if you would please take Neville’s ring and recite your own vows’

Hannah took Neville’s ring and slid it onto his finger.

‘Neville a lot of people who get married initially meet at school but I bet none of them can say they hooked up like we did’ she said her soft voice shaky with emotion ‘to say we met in less than romantic circumstances is the understatement of the century but I would have it no other way. I am convinced that how we met was fate. There is no other way to describe it. From that moment in the Great Hall when we kissed six years ago, I knew you were the one with whom I wanted to share my life. Your beauty, heart, good soul and mind inspire me to be the best person I can be. I promise to love you for eternity, respecting you, honoring you, being faithful to you, and sharing my life with you. So I Hannah Marie Abbott give you Neville Frank Longbottom this ring to wear with love and joy. As a ring has no end, neither shall my love for you. I choose you to be my husband this day and forevermore. This is my solemn vow’

By now all the women including Hermione, Ginny, Luna and Susan were openly weeping and Neville himself felt emotion well up and a lump form in his throat as Hannah slid the ring all the way up his finger.

‘Ladies and Gentlemen Hannah and Neville have publicly declared their love by their solemn vows so it is with greatest pleasure invested in me by the Ministry of Magic to declare them husband and wife Neville you may kiss your lovely bride!’

Applause burst out as Neville turned to Hannah and slowly lifted her veil.

‘How about that we’re married now’ he said with a grin.

‘Yeah so shut up and kiss me’ she said with a grin.

Neville gently cupped her face in his hands and leaned down softly capturing her lips in his. She responded enthusiastically putting a hand on the back of his head and one on his back. Harry, Ron, Seamus and Dean whisted loudly and along with Hermione, Ginny, Luna and Susan thrust their wands into the air and with several loud bangs made sparks, ribbons and lurid coloured balloons erupted from their tips. Neville grabbed Hannah around the waist and dipped her in the exact same manner as he had six years previously at the end of the Battle of Hogwarts and returned her fervent kiss. This earned a fresh round of laughter from those who had witnessed the initial kiss all those years previous and Seamus in partucular let out an ear splitting wolf whistle.

A full minute later Neville and Hannah parted both breathless and red in the face. They then laced their fingers through the others and led the way down the aisle the hired photographer walking backwards snapping away furiously to capture the moment.

‘Hannah Longbottom’ Neville said when they reached the end of the aisle ‘that as a nice ring to it’

‘Yeah it does doesn’t it?’ Hannah said with a giggle ‘I think I’ll be able to get used to it’

‘Legally you have to’ Neville said with a grin.

Hannah rolled her eyes.
‘Ha ha’ she said as Mick and Augusta approached them.

‘Hannah dear you look beautiful! Augusta declared embracing Hannah ‘your dress!’

‘Yeah didn’t Madam Malkin do a lovely job?’ Hannah said doing a little twirl ‘I love it. I’m going to shrink it when I get home and put it on one of my old porcelain dolls. Mum did that with hers’

‘Well you look like a princess dear and a radiant one, welcome to the family you’re a very welcome addition’

‘Thanks Augusta’

After shaking Neville’s hand Mick walked over to his daughter.

‘Sweetheart you’re looking just beautiful!’ he said softly hugging her ‘you’re the spitting image of your Mum on our wedding day’

Hannah felt a lump from in her throat.
‘Really?’ she whispered.

‘Yeah you are’ Mick said brushig her cheek with the pad of his thumb ‘I can’t believe my little girl has gone and grown up. I’ll have grandkids before you know it’

‘Aw I dunno Dad I reckon Louie and Wills might get thre before Neville and I’ Hannah said hugging her father again.

‘Maybe maybe not’ Mick said in a watery voice ‘when are you having the photos taken?’

‘In about half an hour’ Hannah said ‘Neville and I are just going to do a meet and greet with the guests then we’ll come and find you and V and we’ll apparate back to the farm’

‘Okie dokie well I’ll go and mingle spreading the Abbott charm you come find me when you’re ready to go yeah?’

Hannah giggled at her fathers joke.
‘Yeah Dad I will’ she said.

Half an hour later Hannah went looking for her father and found him with Zac and Augusta by the back door of the Manor.

‘We’re ready to go for the photos Dad’ she said ‘you coming Augusta and Zac?’

‘You want me to come?’ Zac asked in surprise and Augusta readily agreed.

‘Of course I want both my baby brothers there’ Hannah said with a grin playfully getting her youngest brother in a headlock ‘and Louie too haven’t found her yet’

‘She and Wills are probably off shagging somewhere’ Zac said dryly as he went arm in arm back to the group of people waiting to depart for Beacon Park for the official wedding photos.

‘Probably’

Moments later Louise emerged form the Manor and made her way over to her sister.

‘Photos now?’ she said brightly.

‘Yep see you at the farm yeah?’

‘Yup’

Hannah grasped Neville’s arm and together they disapparated south to Hannah’s old family home.

The photographer was already there setting up his equipment a few feet from an elegant cast iron archway that had a thick growth of jasmine over it.

‘Okay if I can start with the bride and groom under the arbor that would be great!’ he announced picking up a large fancy camera ‘then we’ll move into the bride and her family’

Neville and Hannah made their way over to the jasmine arbor where Susan and Hermione set about spreading out her train and skirt with their wands and hands. Neville lifted up Hannah’s hand and kissed the back of it just as the photographer snapped a picture.

‘That can be one for the cover of the album’ he said with a grin.

‘But we weren’t ready!’ Hannah exclaimed half heartedly.

‘And that’s the beauty of the photo I just snapped m’dear the best ones are often the one’s where the subject was not ready for the flash or did not know the picture was being taken’ the photographer said with a grin ‘I have several taken during the ceremony that I think you will be most pleased with’

‘You’re the boss’ Neville said ‘now behave yourself wifey’ he added in a whisper to Hannah.

‘Wifey?’ Hannah hissed as the photographer snapped away ‘Wifey? oh you are so going to regret saying that to me tonight’

‘Oh really?’ Neville said with a grin in an imperious tone ‘promise?’

Hannah slapped his arm with a giggle.
‘Oh you’ she said.

Neville an Hannah posed for their photo then it was Hannah’s turn with her father, brothers and sister. He leant against the fence watching proceedings and Harry and Ron joined him sipping on some butterbeer that Mick had summoned from the house on their arrival.

‘Can’t believe you’re married mate’ Ron said as Hannah shreiked in surprise as Jake picked her up ‘just think six years ago we were all concentrating on staying alive and now you’re doing something as normal as getting married’

‘Yeah weird isn’t it?’ Neville said as Hannah playfully smacked her brothers shoulder and shreiked ‘JACOB MICHAEL ABBOTT PUT ME DOWN THIS INSTANT! ‘wouldn’t have it any other way though’

‘Hmm’

‘You know seeing you one of our best mates makes that whole year worth it’ Harry said after a moment of silence where Hermione, Luna, Ginny and Susan now joined Hannah for photos ‘all the shit that went down was worth it even losing the people we did to see life so...so....’

‘Back to normal?’ Neville suggested.

‘Yeah exactly’ Harry said a smile playing across his face as he watched Ginny fool around with Hermione ‘especially in experiencing your Bucks Night Neville that is an event that ill go down in the annals of Wizarding history’

‘Oh fuck off it will not Neville said rolling his eyes as Ron and Harry fell about laughing ‘I drank enough Vodka and Firewhiskey that night to kill Britain’s entire population of Hippogriffs. Seriously I have never been that ill in my life’

‘Was worth it though wasn’t it?’ Ron said with a grin ‘has Hannah seen your cock peircing yet?’

‘Of course she has’ Neville said.

‘AND?’ Harry and Ron chorused.

‘And she likes it’ Neville said with an embarrassed grin ‘think she might’ve chipped her teeth on it though’

Harry and Ron made faces as Neville burst into laughter

‘To much info mate’ Harry said.

‘Yeah way too much info’ Ron added.

‘What about your dragon tattoo?’ Ron asked.

‘Yeah Hannah likes it’ Neville said ‘I do believe her words were ‘It looks manly’

‘Gin said mine looked spiffy’ Harry said dryly.

‘Spiffy?’ Ron snorted ‘Hermione said ‘masculine Ron very masculine about mine’

‘Gin thinks ink suits me’ Harry said ‘the dragon tatt I got on your bucks night Neville was my tenth’

‘You have ten?’ Neville exclaimed.

‘Yup Mum and Dad’s dates of birth and death on the inside of my left bicep, Hedwig on the inside of my right bicep, the Hogwarts crest on my left upper arm, a wand sprouting three stars to signify Ron, Hermione and myself on my left ankle, the Deathly Hallows sign on my right hip, the sword of Gryffindor on my right calf, a Firebolt on my left hip, a stag on my back between my shoulderblades, Expecto Patronum in gothic text just above my bum crack and the Hungarian Horntail Dragon that starts on the left side of my chest and finishes on the right side of my stomach’

‘You must have no room left to put anything else’ Neville said as the photographer paused to put more film on his camera.

‘Nah I have loads’ Harry said ‘fancy getting the Gryffindor crest done next dunno where I’ll put it though’

‘How about your arse?’ Neville suggested with a laugh.

‘Nah my house crest deserves somewhere where everyone can see it’ Harry said ‘maybe my right upper arm I dunno’

‘Okay can we have the bride and groom with all friends and family then can we get the horses out?’ the photographer asked moments later ‘the sunset’s not far off’

The photographer took a whole roll of film of the whole group then paused to put another roll of film in his camera.

‘You stay here with Neville’ Mick said to Hannah ‘I don’t want you dirtying your gown the boys and I will get the horses’

‘Okay’

‘You’re having horses in your wedding photos?’ Ron exclaimed in surprise.

‘Yeah they’re a speial part of Neville and my life we have to include them’ Hannah said sipping butterber from the bottle Neville gave her ‘I’m having pictures taken with Magic my horse and Neville’s having pictures taken with Chocolate the first horse he ever rode when he came here. When Louie got married she had photos taken with Aspen her horse’

Moments later Mick and Zac emerged from the barn leading Magic and Chocolate. Magic had been clipped, preened and groomed to within a inch of his life and he was wearing a black leather bridle with silver fastenings and skipped along at the end of his lead rope. Chocolate being the quiet horse that she was walked sleepily alongside Zac lazily chewing on the silver bit in her mouth. She wore an identical bridle to Magic right down to the little silver criss cross pattern on the browband.

‘Okay can we get the horses on the grass over there?’ the photographer asked pointing to where Harry, Ron and Hermione were waiting with the rest of Neville’s family and friends ‘I want to get the white paling fence and the setting sun’

Neville and Hannah’s family and friends moved out of the way while Neville and Hannah made their way over to the grassy verge. They then took their horses reins Hannah careful to keep her gown out of Magic’s hooves. Chocolate perked up on seeing Neville her ears pricking just as the photographer began snapping away.

‘Perfect guys I’m going to get some great photos from this session!’ he said enthusiastically zooming in on Neville and Chocolate ‘I reckon I might be able to get half a dozen albums out of this lot’

The photographer snapped away til the sun began to set and it was too dark to get any more good shots.

‘That ought to be enough’ he said happily putting his camera back in it’s bag ‘when you’re back from the honeymoon I’ll have them all developed’

‘Thanks’ Neville said gratefully handing Chocolate back to Zac.

‘Sweetheart we’ll just put the horses back in ther boxes levitate their feed bins in and be back to apparate back to Neville’s alright?’ Mick said to Hannah ‘five minutes tops’

‘Yean no worries go ahead Dad’

‘We’ll apparate back up north and get things ready for your arrival yeah?’ Harry said to Neville ‘I’ll announce you and Hannah in you’ll do the first dance then the food starts’

‘Sound like what we planned’ Neville said with a grin ‘now all of you sod off so I can snog my wife’

Ron wolf whistled loudly before disapparating with the others. Neville held Hannah’s head in his hands and kissed her softly on the lips.

‘You’re a picture you know that Mrs Longbottom?’ he said ‘I so cannot wait til tonight when I can rodger you stupid’

I’m looking forward to that’ Hannah said with a grin squeezing his bum ‘Louie tells me married sex is better’

‘We’ll find out soon won’t we?’ Neville said with a grin leaning forward and brushing his nose against hers ‘Back at the flat or should we wait til we get to Paris?’

‘Let’s wait til we get to Paris’ Hannah said with a grin as her brother and father emerged from the barn ‘I want to make lerrrrrrve in the city of lerrrrrrve’

Neville laughed.

‘So are you coming back up north with us or by yourselves?’ Zac asked runing his wand over his dress robes to banish any trace of hay.

‘We’ll go up by ourselves’ Hannah said ‘Harry said her would send us a sign whe he’s ready’

‘Rightio well see you up there then’ Zac said with a grin ‘try and keep your hands to yourselves now won’t you?’

‘Zac sod off’ came the chorused reply.

Mick and Zac disaparated leaving Hannah and Neville alone on the back lawn watching the sun set. Moments later a shower of red sparks appeared in the sky the sign from Harry the guests were ready for their return to the Manor.

‘Time to go’ Neville said grasping Hannah’s hand ‘time to dance and drink and kiss loads in public’

‘I’m up for that’

And at that Neville and Hannah turned on the spot and disapparated north. They arrived seconds later to find all the seating from the ceremony gone and now several tables dotted around a charmed wooden dance floor. Waiters in smart trousers and white waist coats flitted around the guests and delivered drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Harry saw their arrival and swept over.

‘Okay you two ready?’ he said taking his wand out of his robes.

‘Yep go onto the dancefloor and do your thing Potter’ Hannah said with a grin.

Harry gave them a wink then walked onto the dancefloor casting the Sonourus Charm on his voice.

‘Ladies and gents if I could have your attention please! he said clapping his hands.

Heads snapped in Harry’s direction and the buzz of conversation died away.

‘Ladies and gents to get the night underway we will have the first dance of the bride and groom, so withut further ado please welcome onto the floor my good friends the NEW MR AND MRS NEVILLE LONGBOTTOM!

All the guests leapt to their feet and applauded enthusiastically as hand in hand Neville led Hannah onto the dancefloor and the melodius tune of ‘Fields of Barley’ began

‘You know I never thought I’d be this happy’ Hannah whispered as the gas laps surrounding the dancefloor dimmed ‘when Mum died I never thought I could be happy again but then the Battle happened and you kissed me. I meant what I said in my vows Neville that kiss was fate’

You'll remember me when the west wind moves
Upon the fields of barley
You'll forget the sun in his jealous sky
As we walk in the fields of gold

‘Well whatever it was I’m glad it happened’ Neville said in her ear as they swayed to the music ‘now we can concentrate on making lots of little Longbottoms’

So she took her love
For to gaze awhile
Upon the fields of barley
In his arms she fell as her hair came down
Among the fields of gold

‘And I can guarantee you we’re going to have loads of fun doing that’ Hannah said in his ear ‘you’re going to blow like Krakatoa when I get to you’

Neville bit back a laugh.
‘Is that a challenge Mrs Longbottom?’ he whispered in amusement ‘who’s going to be the first to come in the wedding night?’

Hannah grinned.
‘I hadn’t intended it to be but maybe I can ajust things’ she said ‘in fact let’s make it a bet, but an interesting one....’

‘Oh?’

Will you stay with me, will you be my love
Among the fields of barley
We'll forget the sun in his jealous sky
As we lie in the fields of gold

‘Let’s do it in a field of barley’ Hannah said with a soft giggle ‘you know how I like doing it somewhere we might be caught. Remember that time at Kings Cr…’

Neville cut Hannah off by placing a deep yet soft kiss on her lips. She let her hands slide down ot his hips and returned the kiss feeling heat flood throughout her body.

See the west wind move like a lover so
Upon the fields of barley
Feel her body rise when you kiss her mouth
Among the fields of gold

‘Yes I do remember that time at Kings Cross’ Neville whispered in her ear ‘I believe it had something to do with a Disillusionment Charm and….’

‘Yeah no one needs to know’ Hannah said ‘any louder and you may as well make it part of your speech’

Neville grinned.
‘Ha ha’ she said kissing him on the lips ‘now shut up and dance’

I never made promises lightly
And there have been some that I've broken
But I swear in the days still left
We'll walk in the fields of gold
We'll walk in the fields of gold

Many years have passed since those summer days
Among the fields of barley
See the children run as the sun goes down
Among the fields of gold

‘I think this’ll be our song’ Hannah whispered closing her eyes ‘I think we’ll be listening to this til we’re old and demented’

‘And that’s just fine with me’ Neville said resting his forehead on hers and looking her in the eyes ‘I love you so much Hannah Longbottom we’re in this for the long haul you and me you know that don’t you?’

Hannah nodded.

You'll remember me when the west wind moves
Upon the fields of barley

‘Yeah I do’ she murmurred dropping a kiss on his nose ‘forever and eternity then a day to make sure’

Unbeknownst to them Neville and Hannah’s friends were watching the pair from the edge of the dancefloor mezmerized by the romance of the scene on front of them. Susan, Hermione, Ginny and Luna were openly weeping and having to be comforted by their partners.

‘Oh they’re so perfect for each other!’ Luna said dreamily as Rolf stroked her hair ‘the most perfect couple ever!’

‘Yeah I reckon you might be right’ Ron said in a low thick voice swiping at his eyes with the sleeve of his robes.

You can tell the sun in his jealous sky
When we walked in the fields of gold

‘Ronald Weasley you wouldn’t be turning into a soft touch would you?’ Hermione said wiping her eyes.

When we walked in the fields of gold

‘Ha as if’ Ron replied drawing himself up ‘Gryffindor men are not soft touches in any sense of the word’

When we walked in the fields of gold

The music ended and the gas lamps ignited once again, Harry stode onto the dance floor as Neville and Hannah exchanged yet another kiss totally lost in each other.

‘Okay ladies and gents now we have the night underway we’ll start with the meals and after sweets we’ll hear the speeches!

Neville and Hannah left the dancefloor and sat down in the middle of the bridal party table just as the waiters began bringing out the entres. Antipasto, Prawn Cocktails, garlic bread and cheese and chive scones. No sounds but low conversation and the music the DJ was playing could be heard as everyone tucked in. Hannah got a bit of all the apprtizers and pounced on the food like a lion on a wilderbeest.

‘Bit hungry?’ Neville commented after biting into a prawn.

‘Yeah starving’ Hannah said wincing after a too large mouthful made its way down her gullet ‘feel like I haven’t had breakfast or lunch’

‘Did you eat much at those meals?’

‘Yeah Hermione took us to a McDonalds you know the muggle fast food resturant in Doncaster and again to this chicken resturant in Blackpool. I ate tons’

‘I had to buy a separate bucket of chicken’ Susan said from beside Hannah.

‘Yeah for a while I didn’t think I would fit into my dress’ Hannah said chewing on a mouthful of ham ‘but I did. I would’ve spelled it bigger had I stil had a full tum’

The main meal arived three quarters of an hour later and out of the Baked Red Snapper, fried porterhouse steak with mushroom sauce and garden veggies and roast duck both Neville and Hannah chose the steak. Neville waited til Hannah was gulping a huge mouthful of lemonade form her glass when he leaned over to her.

‘Han are you pregnant?’ he whispered.

Hannah’s eyes bulged and she struggled not to spray the contents of her mouth all over the table.

‘Of course not why? I would know if I was’ she responded in surprise ‘anyway I’m on the potion and I’ve been, well you know still having my monthlies why?’

‘Because you’re eating like a horse lately exactly how Jas did before she found out she was pregnant with Piper’ Neville said cutting up his steak ‘she ate like a starving Hippogriff before she went to St Mungos and had the test done’

‘I’m just hungry’ Hannah said putting a huge piece of baked potato into her mouth ‘I’ve not been eating much recently in the lead up to the wedding stressing that everything would go as it was supposed to. Now that it has I can relax and eat properly’

‘Hmm okay if ou’re sure but I want you to have the test at St Mungos when we get back. Promise me that’

‘Promise’ Hannah said with a grin ‘and anyway if I’m not pregnant now I certainly will be once we get back form Paris’

‘Oh you think so?’

‘Oh hell yeah’

After everyone had eaten their fill Harry once again got to his feet and cast the Sonorus Charm on his voice.
‘Ladies and gents now we come to the point os the evening where speeches are given out he said ‘tradition dictates that the father of the bride is the first to give such a speech so please welcome Hannah’s father Mick!

There was loud applause as Harry sat down and Mick made his way up to a lectern that had been conjured at the end of the bridal table. He took a sip of water, coughed and began to speak.

‘Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen my name is Mick Abbott and for those of you who don’t know I am the proud father of the gorgeous and most radiant bride and as father of the bride I have the pleasure of making the first speech.
I have been given lots and lots of advice on what to or what not to say such as keep it short, no smutty jokes, try and remember... names... etc etc.
However it is over 23 years since I was allowed to say anything without being disagreed with, laughed at or ignored so this is too good an opportunity to miss.

Hannah rolled her eyes as the guests laughed. Mick grinned and continued on.

At the end of the day it is my speech and I can say what I like.
I would like to start by on behalf of the brides step-mother, myself and grooms parents by giving a warm welcome to all the relatives and friends who have joined us to celebrate Hannah and Neville’s wedding. I know that many of you have traveled long distances to be here. Thank you all for coming to help celebrate this very special day. As I look around the room I realise how many friends Neville and Hannah have and I hope that you all have a wonderful afternoon and evening.
Today I must admit that I am the proudest dad in the world to have accompanied Hannah today. I think that you will all agree that she looked stunning. This is where I am supposed to say a few embarrassing things about her when she was younger but as she worked with me for a time she probably knows more gossip about me than I know about her so I have called a truce. Suffice it to say that Victoria her step-mother and her brothers Zac and Jake and her sister Louise and I are both very proud of how she looks today and how she has grown up and are both delighted that she has found someone who she obviously loves and cares so much for her.
There are two things which we as parents try to give our children, one is roots and the other is wings. Hannah you have now grown your wings and fled the nest but you will still be loved all always still have roots within our family.
In Neville I believe that Han has met her perfect partner. Although we have not known Neville as long as we have Hannah, Victoria, Louie, Jake and Zac and I think he is everything one could hope for in a son in law.
Mind you I knew we would get on when he took time from his own well earned holidays to ask for her hand in marriage. I remember thinking ‘I hope he picks the hand which keeps dipping into my pocket’. We shall see

‘Yeah good on ya Dad’ Hannah said dryly ‘ha ha very funny’

Mick grinned and gave Hannah an wink before resuming his speech.

‘Seriously he has many good qualities, not least of which is an ability to appreciate the finer things in life. Well, after all, he did marry our daughter didn’t he?

‘Well that’s true’ Neville whispered in Hannah’s ear.

Now we get to the tricky part of the speech.
According to tradition, and my brother David’s advice, this is where I am supposed to give advice on the subject of marriage. Many would probably say that I am probably not the best person to do this. Perhaps the only thing I know about marriage is that it is the time when you stop painting the town and start painting walls and ceilings..
Anyway Neville and Hannah do not need my advice. The only thing I would say is that you must choose the right partner for the right reason and I think that they both have done this.
I suppose that after Sixteen years of happy marriage to Hannah’s beautiful Mother Marie and six months to my dear Victoria Hannah’s stepmother I ought to be able to manage something a bit more constructive. Neville just remember these three words all, just and only. You will hear them time and again. Such as all you need to do is, its only costs so much and it will only take five minutes. These are all gross understatements but as a great philosopher or comedian said, women are to be loved and not understood. Mind you, helping around the house is not a bad idea. I know from the crime statistics that there has never been a case of a wife hexing her husband while he was doing the washing up.
After that I had better finish but before that I would like to offer one or two final thoughts.
Marriage is the meeting of two minds, of two hearts and of two souls. It is clear that Neville and Hannah are a perfect example of this.
May they be blessed with happiness that grows and with love that lasts and a peaceful life together.
I wish them enjoyment for today, the fulfillment of all their hopes and dreams for tomorrow and love and happiness always.
It is now my pleasure to propose a toast to the happy couple. Please be upstanding and raise your glasses to the bride and groom Mr and Mrs Longbottom

All the guests rose and said as one ‘Neville and Hannah’

Hannah went over to her father and hugged him hard.

‘Thanks for not spilling the beans on all the embarrassing things I did when I was younger Dad’ she said with a grin as Harry got to his feet once more.

Harry stepped up to the lectern and once again charmed his voice.
Ladies and gents now it’s time for the chief bridesmaids speech so would you please welcome Hannah’s best friend Susan!

Susan smiled nervously and left her seat making her way to the lectern. Harry stood back and Susan coughed nervously and began speaking.

‘Good evening ladies and gentlemen my name is Susan Bones and I am proud to be the best friend of the blushing bride. I have been afforded the privelege of being the Chief Bridesmaid today and nothing fills my heart with joy more than seeing Hannah so happy

Susan paused breifly to swallow the kump that had formed in her throat.

Well, she's done it. Hannah has finally found a man who deserves her and, as one of her oldest friends, I couldn't be happier for her.
I just wanted to say a few, unbiased words about what a great friend she is. No matter how far away we are, she is always there for me and always says the right thing. I hope I can do the same for her today on her most important day. We go way back to the days when we were both in nappies, dreaming about going to Hogwarts and mucking about on her family’s horse farm. I have seen her through the darkest times in her life like when her Mum was so suddenly taken from us and likewise she was with me when my Aunt Amelia was taken from my family though not for one minute do I pretend my loss has been as momentous as hers. I was also there when she met Neville the wonderful man who she married today. Though I do have to say everyone who was there in the Great Hall that day and who was there to witness the downfall of Voldemort also saw the cavelier display in which Neville stole her heart

Neville blushed hard as all of his and Hannah’s school friends laughed heartily. Susan grinned and continued on.

‘I remember finding out from Hannah on Christmas day last year that Neville had proposed to her. An owl arrived right in the middle of Christmas dinner and before I opened the letter it brought up it opened up of it’s own accord and yelled ‘NEVILLE AND I ARE GETTING MARRIED!’ the said letter deafened me and the rest of my family and I have since found out that each and every one of out friends received an identical owl. I am sure we are still having issues with our hearing. Little incidents like that is what makes Hannah an induvidual and one of he best and most sincere frineds a girl could have. It gladdens me that she has chosen such a brave, funny and selfless man like Neville to share in her life. I’m sure all her friends and in particular her family will agree with me when I say, Neville you’re the luckiest man on earth. Treasure he like a precious gem because that is what she is’

An errant tear escaped Susans blue eyes and she sniffed before finishing her speech.

‘I would like to propose a toast though it has been done before, to Hannah my best friend and her new Husband Neville....to the bride and groom!

‘The bride and groom!’

After the applause died down Harry stepped up to the lectern.

‘Ladies and gents we’ll take a small break now where dessert and liquers will be served then after sweets we shall hear from the groom and me the best man’

‘I hate the Sonorus Charm’ Harry complained after removing the charm and plopping down next to Neville ‘it leaves your throat dry’

‘Have some honey’ Neville suggested as a bottle of Irish Cream liquer levitated over to the table and dropped right in front of him ‘Gran always had me swallow a spoon of that stuff when I was small’

‘Might do that’

By the time dessert and liquers had ended many fireflies had gathered under the canopy giving the scene a slightly fairytale effect. Harry left his seat and made his way up to the lectern again.
‘Ladies and Gents forgive me I have decided to do away with the Sonorus Charm it’s too taxing he said speaking loudly so his voice carried over the crowd we come to the second last speech of the night which is that of the groom so with no further ado please welcome to tell us how wonderful his new wife is the newly married Neville Longbottom!

Dean, Seamus, Ron and Harry when he sat down whistled and cheered. Seamus and Ron waved their wand in identical movements and long white ribbons flowed from the tips of their wands twisting over Neville’s head spelling out the words ‘Just Married’ Neville laughed and began speaking.

‘ On behalf of my wife and I, we'd like to thank you all for coming here today and sharing our special day with us. There are times when it's good to be surrounded by people who are important to you, and for us this is one of those occasions. We hope that you're enjoying it every bit as much as we are and we'd like to thank you for your kind wishes cards, presents and support.

We must say we've been really touched by the number of people that have rallied round to help us in preparation for today, if you're not mentioned by name and that's most of you, please be assured that Hannah and I are very grateful.
To Mick, I would like to thank you so much everything you have done and for welcoming me so openly into your family I feel very proud to be able to say that I am your son-in-law and will always do my best to live up to your expectations and promise to take care of Hannah I promise wholeheartedly I'll take good care of her and of course do everything she tells me to, even if it involves housework!

The guests laughed in amusement and Hannah said ‘you better’

Neville grinned and continued on.
‘ I also want to say thank you to my Gran Augusta Longbottom who brought me up when Mum and Dad couldn’t and who has put up with me for all these years, you have been there for me when I've needed you and given me a wonderful start in life and I'm very fortunate and proud to have you as my Grandmother. I've a present for you here Gran, as a thank you.
I have known the lovely woman who is now my wife since my first day of Hogwarts. She was the first in our year to be sorted. But as you all know we didn’t become an item til May Second 1998 the day of the Battle of Hogwarts. Anyone who was in the Great Hall at Hogwarts that day will tell many theatrical versions of how Hannah and I hooked up, yes that means you Seamus Finnigan, but take it from me one of only two people who can tell the truth about that occasion. I don’t know what made me kiss a woman who I had only known in passing from my years at Hogwarts….for we only ever took Herbology together she being in Hufflepuff and me being in Gryffindor. But as Hannah said in her vows this afternoon I think it was fate we did, if we hadn’t I wouldn’t be here today seriously the most deleriously happy man in the world. Amongst such tragedy happiness can be found.
The next lot of thanks must go to the ushers for the day. Bill and Charlie Weasley who have done a magnificent job of seeing our guets to their seats. Lads Hannah and I appreciate all your help and we have a small token of appreciation for you both that we will get to you before the end of tonight’s proceedings.
I would also like to extend thanks to the blokes who stood beside me this afternoon Dean, Seamus, Ron and Harry these are the four blokes who I have known intimately right from my first day at Hogwarts. They are the four blokes who are my closest friends and who have been there for me in all the years I have known them. Thanks guys for standing with me today’
Thanks also must go to the four lovely girls who stood beside Hannah today, Susan, Louise, Hermione and Ginny you girls look stunning. I thank you four from the bottom of my heart for helping to get my gorgeous wife to the altar today. She has spoken often of the preperations for today and the role you four had in it and I am sure without your help today wouldn’t have been as special as it has been.
I can imagine that Harry, my best man is getting impatient to make his speech soon. Now many people don't know that Harry suffers from a rare medical condition which causes him to invent fanciful stories. He really does believe these stories to be true and I thank you for humouring him during his speech.
So in conclusion I would like you to stand and charge your glasses to my new wife Hannah and the infinite amount of hapiness she has brought me up to this point and the infinite happiness she’ll bring me in the future!

‘To Hannah!’ came the refrain.

When Neville sat down Hannah leaned over and gave Neville a kiss that caused everyone under the canopy to whoop and cheer.

‘Oi you two wait til the wedding night when you’re behind closed doors yeah?’ Seamus said with a snort.

‘Fuck off Seamus’ they chorused.

Harry paused a few moments gulping down some water before getting up and beginning to speak.
Good evening ladies and gentlemen. On behalf of the bridesmaids and groomsmen, I would like to thank Neville for his kind words. For once in my life, I find myself agreeing with him, they look stunning, and only rightly outshone by the bride, Hannah. And, I'm sure you'll agree with me gentlemen, today is a sad day for single men, as another beauty leaves the available list. For those of you who don’t know my name is Harry and I have been one of Neville’s closest mates ever since or first day at Hogwarts twelve years ago.
I have very fond memories of growing up with Neville. I’ve been his partner in crime on several occasions like the time in our first year when along with Ron and Hermione I landed him in his first ever school detention the details of which need not be aired here

‘Thank Merlin for that’ Neville said loud enough for the guests to hear.

Harry suppressed a snort and with a grin continued.
Neville and I have done many things together during our long friendship. Most recently going through the Ministry’s Auror training program and both amazingly graduating a year early. Over the years we've bunked at school together, worked, played and socialised every week occasionally got drunk together and, in quieter times, a close confidant to whom he could tell almost anything now on this day we are sharing a top table together..

I remember the heady days after The Battle of Hogwarts when Neville captured Hannah’s heart in such a public way. He expressed concerns he wasn’t good enough for Hannah and at one point he asked me ‘Why would she like me? I’m the geek of Gryffindor a Herbology nerd, no one special just Neville’. I said to that, mate the reason Hannah likes you is because you’re you. She wants to be with you because you are a Herbology nerd, you are special uniquely you and that’s why she’s chosen you.
Not being married myself I can’t pass on any advice on the matter so I went to some married men who I am close to and they gave me these pieces of advice on having a happy marraige, primarily Neville this is for you….
Love with your whole heart, because when you’ve lost everything love will be the thing that will get you through
Never go to bed angry...always stay up and argue
Always agree with ‘yes dear’
And always, ALWAYS keep the loo lid down
And as I conclude ladies and gentlemen I would like to propose a toast to the bride and groom.
My greatest wish for the two of you is that through the years your love for each other will so deepen and grow, that years from now you will look back on this day, your wedding day, as the day you loved each other the least....TO NEVILLE AND HANNAH!

‘To Neville and Hannah!’

There was loud and enthusiastic applause and the odd whoop and cheer a Harry sat back down next to Neville and took a large swig of water.

‘I think we’ve gotten drunk on more than one occasion mate’ Neville said with a grin sipping at his Firewhiskey ‘and not including my stag night’

Harry grinned.
‘Oh yeah the party we had after graduating form Auror training was memorable’

‘Was it?’ Hannah who had also attended the party commented ‘I don’t remember much about it’

‘That’s because after Neville you were the next most pissed’ Ron said with a grin swirling his Firewiskey in it’s snifter.

‘Oh pigs you were’ Harry said ‘your mother would’ve had a heart attack had she seen you streak down the main street of Ottery St Catchpole in the raw’

‘Hey Hermione joined me’

‘And how does that justify your actions?’ Neville asked with a healthy laugh.

‘Are we going to reminisce about our youthful drunken episodes at every wedding we attend?’ Hermione asked her round cheeks a distinct shade of rouge.

‘Maybe’ Neville said with a grin ‘we could make it an old D.A tradition. At every wedding of one of the old crowd we can each contribute a story’

‘Well you’re not going to get any contributions from me!’ Hermione declared.

‘No worries Hermione I’m sure Ron would be more than happy to recall said streaking incidents’ Neville said with a grin

‘He won’t if he values his teticles’ Hermione said under her breath.

‘I’ll put an extra strength sheild charm on them before opening my mouth’ Ron said with a laugh.

‘You’ll have to piss though your nose then’ Seamus said with a snigger.

‘Seamus Finnigan you are rude and crass and your mother would hex you an injury if she heard such language spew from your potty mouth’ Hermione said in her best bossy voice.

‘Actually she probably would’ Seamus said with a grin ‘me Mam can weild her wand with the best of ‘em’, I’m trying to get her to join the Dublin seniors duelling circuit’

‘How come you haven’t joined the duelling circuit?’ Neville asked his friend flicking his wand and pouring himself a measure of Firewhiskey.

‘Ah can’t be fooked’ Seamus said ‘having loads too much fun in the Experimental Charms department. How about you how about you join the duelling circuit Neville?

‘Fuck off Seamus I’m about to become a fully fledged Herbology Professor I won’t have the time to duel anything but Louie’

‘Who’s Louie?’ came the collected chorus.

‘He was my imaginary friend when I was really small’ Neville said blushing slightly ‘small like four or five’

‘Aww that’s cute’ Ginny said ‘I never had time for an imaginary friend when I was small I had too many brothers annoying me’

‘Oy we resent that!’ George who had been walking by the bridal table with Charlie at the time said upon hearing that snippet of conversation.

‘Oh admit it George Fabian Weasley you’re an annoying pain in the arse’ Ginny said with a grin toasting her brother by lifting her champagne flute to him.

‘Yes I am’ George said with a grin ‘all Weasley men are but I reckon Ronniekins would have to take the cake in the annoying stakes’

‘Shut up George’ Ron retorted.

‘Oh original comeback bro’ George said dryly.

‘Didn’t you have to be somewhere?’ Ron said pointedly.

‘Yeah yeah whatever’

George grabbed Charlies arm and they disappeared into the crowd.

‘Git’ Ron muttered half annoyed half amused.

‘When are you and Hannah due to head off to Paris?’ Harry asked Neville.

‘We’re going to take a portkey at half twelve’ Neville said.

Harry looked at his battered old watch which read ’10:45PM’

‘Okay how about in half an hour I announce you and Hannah onto the floor for the garter removal then the cake cutting and if you head off at quarter to twelve that’ll give you enough time to get back ot the Leaky then change and head off to ‘ze city of leeeeeeeerve’’

‘Ha ha ha’ Neville said dryly.

Half an hour later Harry left his seat and made his way to the middle of the dance floor.

‘LADIES AND GENTS! he called waving his arms to catch everyone’s attention ‘NOW THE TIME HAS COME FOR THE GARTER THROW SO COULD I PLEASE HAVE THE BRIDE AND GROOM TO THE FLOOR AND COULD ALL SINGLE, UNNATTATCHED BUT NOT ENGAGED GENTS MAKE THEIR WAY HERE AS WELL PLEASE?

‘Shall we Mrs Longbottom?’ Neville said with a grin holding his arm out.

‘Let’s Mr Longbottom’ Hannah said.

‘Oh you two are nauseating’ Ron said rolling his eyes as he followed all the other unmarried men onto the dance floor.

‘Oh sod off Ronald you and Hermione are worse’ Hannah said with a grin ruffling Ron’s hair ‘any time anyone sees you two in public you have your tongues down each others throats’

Neville snorted loudly.

Neville and Hannah reached the centre of the dance floor where Harry was waiting. Their friend weilded his wand and conjured a high backed moroon felt and gold gilded throne chair.

‘For the bride’ Harry said with a grin.

Hannah sat down on the edge of the throne like chair and the guests quietened down as Harry waved to get their attention.

‘LADIES AND GENTS THE WAY THIS IS GOING TO HAPPEN IS MR MUSIC IN CHARGE OF TONIGHT’S ENTERTAINMENT IS GOING TO PLAY A PIECE OF MUSIC AND NEVILLE HERE IS GOING TO TAKE OFF HANNAH’S GARTER AND THROW IT OVER HIS LEFT SHOULDER. LEGEND HAS IT THAT THE MAN TO CATCH THE THROWN GARTER WILL BE THE NEXT TO GET MARRIED

There was a loud and enthusiastic cheer from the men gathered around Hannah, Neville and Harry

‘OKAY MR MUSIC A TUNE PLEASE! Harry called to the DJ waving.
The DJ winked then pressed a button on his set up and a doof doof style club tune began and the lamps around the canopy flashing in time with the music’s rhythm. Hannah hoisted up the skirt of her gown and pointed her toe. Neville grinned and leaned down grabbing the blue and white lacy garter between his teeth. This attracted cat calls and wolf whistles from every bloke who had gathered on the dancefloor with the hope of catching the breif garment. Hannah burned scarlet and Neville also felt his cheeks warm and he slowly dragged the garter down Hannah’s shapley leg and to her foot encased in a glittering silver stiletto. He flicked it off then dragged the garment standing up it still hanging between his pearly whites. The men who gathered on the dancfloor then began jostling for position.

‘Okay lads make it a fair game no poking proding, hitting hexing or jinxing’ Neville said with a grin turning around.

‘Oh just hurry up Neville’ Seamus said dryly.

Neville scrunched up the garter then with a great heave threw it over his right shoulder. He turned around just in time to see it sail through the air in a graceful arc and land precisely in Harry’s hands.

Seamus swore.

‘Aw shit Harry it would have to be you wouldn’t?’ he said good naturedly as a rousing cheer went up from the crowd as Harry bowed like he’d just given a musical performance.

‘Look after it Harry it took ages to make’ Hannah said putting her shoe back on and getting up with Neville’s help.

‘What am I going to do with it?’ Harry mumbled going bright red and stiffing the lacy garment in his pocket.

‘Use it as a headband’ Neville said with a great snorting laugh.

Harry rolled his eyed and vanished the throne like chair Hannah had sat in with a swish from his wand.

‘I so don’t think so’ he said ‘Okay ladies and gentlemen now is time for the cake cutting if you would turn your attention to the centre of the dancefloor the disgustingly happily married Neville and Hannah will cut the cake!

Two of the waiters who had been hired for the reception rolled out a table containing a pyramid shaped four tiered marzipan covered chocolate mud cake. The outside was decorated with marzipan white and yellow roses like Hannah had carried in her boquet and on the top tier were two figures a bride and groon standing inside a upturned horseshoe. All the guests ‘oohed’ and ‘ahhed’ at the magnificent piece of culinary art.

‘It’s going to be a pity to cut that’ Hannah said to Neville as they walked over to it ‘Mrs Weasley did a great job'

‘Before they cut the cake Neville and Hannah would lke to say a few words’ Harry said.

‘You say it all’ Neville said to Hannah.

Hannah took a deep breath and began speaking.
‘Neville and I have thanked many people tonight wether it be in speeches or one on one’ she said ‘but there’s one person who really deserves some kudos and that’s Molly Weasley. She along with her many helpers is solely responsible for the great food tonight. The steak and Seafood were my favourite. And of course she personally made….all on her own this magnificent piece of art called our wedding cake. Neville and I appreciate her help so so much. So Molly if you could please stand up and everyone if you liked what you ate tonight please show your appreciation!’

The guests burst into whoops and cheers and loud whistles as Mrs Weasley got to her feet her face a magnificent shade of red. She gave a small wave then sat down quickly a small smile on her kind face.

‘Okay guys go ahead cut the cake’ Harry said with a grin ‘I’ll have a nice big slice’

‘Oh shut up Harry everyone’s getting a slice exaclty the same size’ Hannah said with a grin as she and Neville picked up the silver knife with ivory ribbons tied around the handle ‘gannat guts’

‘Oh whatever’

‘Ready?’ Neville said with a grin.

‘Remember don’t let the blade of the knife touch the bottom of the cake or you’ll be divorcd by your first anniversary’ Harry said with a great snorting laugh as Hannah and Neville sunk the blade into the soft marzipan icing.

‘Shut up Harry’

Hannah and Neville cut the cake then with the two accompanying forks each scraped off a small mouthful.

‘Cake Mrs Longbottom?’

‘Yes thankyou Mr Longbottom’ Hannah said with a grin holding up her fork.

Neville and Hannah each fed the other with their forkful of cake then linked arms and washed it down with a mouthful of champagne. A cheer rose from the guests as they put down their flutes and engaged in a very sweet choclatey kiss. Neville then drew his wand and charmed the knife to cut the cake in equal pieces.

‘It was a pity you had to cut that cake’ Ron said as they returned to the bridal table and sat down ‘masterpeice isn’t it?’

‘Yeah it is’ Neville said ‘But we’re keeping the top tier for our first anniversary. It’s a muggle tradition that Luna told us about she and Rolf have done the same with the cake they had at their wedding. Gran reckons if we store it in the deep freeze it’ll keep well’

Soon everyone in the canopy had a slice of cake even though they were all stuffed from the sumptuous and elaborate menu Mrs Weasley had created.

‘I’m never going to eat again after this’ Ron said to no one in particular after swallowing a mouthful of cake ‘seriously Mum’s coking should be illegal it’s so good’

‘Have I heard correctly?’ Hannah said in mock disbeleif ‘Ronald Weasley full? I remember at Hogwarts I never saw you not eating something’

Everyone on the table fell about laughing (especially Hermione) but Ron just rolled his eyes.

‘Oh ha ha bloody ha’ he said dryly ‘very funny Hannah just hilarious not’

‘She does have a small point though you know’ Hermione said patting his cheek ‘I think if everyone who knew you at school that is here tonight put a memory of you in a penseive it would feature you eating something’

‘Oh is this pick on Ron Weasley day?’ Ron said ‘you lot are supposed to me my friends….you he added to Hermione ‘are my girlfriend you’re not allowed to rib me like that’

‘Oh yeah says who?’

‘Actually Ron being your girlfriend Hermione probably has the most right out of all your friends’ Seamus said ‘and your family have birthright’

‘You think too much Finnigan’

After the cake and more champagne was consumed Harry once again got to his feet and for the last time cast the Sonorus Charm on his throat.

‘Ladies and gents it is almost time for the bride and groom to depart on their honeymoon’ he said ‘but before they go the bride must toss her bouquet Hannah can you make your way over here please?

Hannah made her way over to the dancefloor carrying her enormous white and yellow rose bouquet.

‘Okay could I please have all single and not yet betrothed ladies onto the floor? Harry said ‘and like with the blokes no wands, this has to be an even contest!

There was a flurry of activity as all the single witches under the canopy flung down their wands and rushed onto the dancefloor. Seamus caused some hilarty by transfiguring his cake fork into a blonde wig and marching onto the dancefloor and saying in a high girlish voice ‘It’s mine hands off ladies!’

‘Go and finish your cake Seamus’ Harry said dryly as Seamus ran off the dancefloor snorting gleefully ‘okay girls this is the moment you’ve all been waiting for I’ll conjure a box for Hannah to stand on and she will then toss her bouquet over her shoulder. And like with the blokes and the garter legend says the girl who catches the bouquet will be the next to get married!

A cheer rose from the girls as Harry conjured a wooden box. Hannah kicked off her heels and stepped up on the box using Harry’s hand to steady herself.

‘Be nice girls’ she said ‘this bouquet cost a fortune and took ages to put together I won’t have it damaged! READY?

‘YES! came the enthusiastic reply.

And with one ginormous heave Hannah threw her bouquet over her head double handed. It hit one of the floating lamps in a puff of petals then immediately fell downwards right into Ginny’s outstretched arms.

‘Whoo hoo I got it!’ Ginny declared hoisting the bouquet into the air and waving it above her head.

‘That’s too freaky to be planned’ Ron said to Neville ‘Harry getting the garter and Gin getting the bouquet. Mum’s going to be disgusting now asking them about when their big day is’

‘I don’t think it’ll be too far away’ Neville said as all the women headed back to their seats ‘by years end’

‘How do you figure that?’

‘Ahhh I just do’ Neville said getting to his feet ‘just a feeling. Theirs might be the next Weasley wedding after George and Angelina in August’

‘Maybe’

Neville walked over to Hannah who was waiting for him on the edge of the dancefloor.
‘You guys ready to head off and make lots of little Longbottoms?’ Harry asked with a grin.

‘Yes we are not that it’s any of your business you nosey git’ Hannah said with a grin ‘we would invite you to watch but this is something Neville and I need to do on our own’

‘Hannah!’ Neville exclaimed glowing red.

Harry leaned forward and hugged Hannah and held out his hand to shake Neville’s
‘I think she was joking mate’ he said grasping his mates hand firmly ‘I’ll say goodbye here but you two take care yeah? Have a safe trip to Paris and have fun’

‘Well thanks for being my best man Harry it meant a lot to me’ Neville said giving his mate one of those blokey man hug slaps on the back ‘you’ve done a magnificent job even if the Sonorus Charm has almost ripped out your throat’

‘Yeah it has but nothing a bit of water and some painkiller won’t fix’ Harry said ‘it’s been a privelege being your best man thanks for choosing me to do the job’

‘No worries there was really no one else I wanted for the job’
Harry turned to crowd most of whom had gotten to their feet.

‘Ladies and gentlemen it is now time for the Bride and groom to depart’ he said ‘without doing anything illegal or something that will harm those around you let’s draw our wands and snd them off in style!’

Around the seating dozens of wands were drawn an thrust into the air, many different spells were cast and within secnds Neville and Hannah were covered in lurid coloured ribbons, multi coloured sparks and curiously hit by a stuffed giraffe. Neville caught the giraffe and gave it to Hannah who’s gown had attracted someone’s spell of purple glitter.

‘You match the bridesmaids now’ Neille said with a grin as they walked toward the back of the Manor waving to all their guests as they went.

‘Actually it’s a pretty effect isn’t it?’ Hannah said with a grin doing a little twirl.

From the table where the majority of the Weasleys were seated George levitated a box onto the table and tapped it with his wand the lids opened and dozens of Weasleys Wizarding Whizz Bangs flew out to all corners of the marquee. Catherine Wheels, Flaming Snapping Dragons one particular shower of sparks that turned into a pair of lions that chased each other around the dancefloor and several miscellaneous pops whistles and shapeless showers of sparks.

‘GO ON SOD OFF GO HOME!’ Harry called waving them off ‘WE’LL CLEAN UP!

With one last wave Hannah and Neville turned on the spot and disappeared into the compressing darkness appearing seconds later in their flat above the Leaky Cauldron.

‘What a night!’ Hannah sighed flopping down into the lounge in a puff of glitter and chiffon ‘I’m knackered’

Neville took off his bow tie and unbuttoned the first three buttons of his shirt.
‘Too knackered for a wedding night shag?’ he said whispering in her ear leaning down across the back of the lounge and kissing her on the neck.

‘Dunno maybe after a measure of Revitalisng Draght I might let you bend me over a bench’ Hannah said with a grin turning her head and dropping a kiss on the lips ‘but can you help me out of the dress first? There’s a zip in the back I can’t reach’

‘Sure’

Hannah got up and made her way into their bedroom she carefully took off her veil and tiara and banished them to a cloak stand in the corner of the spacious room. Neville came up behind her and kissed her on the neck.

‘You look gorgeous in that dress you know’ he said huskily trailing his fingers down her arms and up her chest where he slid his hands down the bodice and palmed her breasts.

‘Oh you’ve been dying to do that all night haven’t you?’ Hannah said with a giggle.

‘All day really’ Neville said with a grin ‘especially in the middle of our dance when you brought up the time we shagged right in the middle of Kings Cross’

‘You got a hard on in the middle of the bridal waltz?’ Hannah exclaimed half incredulous half amused.

‘No but I almost did’ Neville said with a grin taking a step back and slowly undoing the zip than ran the length of Hannah’s back ‘in fact since I kissed you in the Great Hall that time I’ve almost been walking around with a twenty four seven hard on’

Hannah stepped out of her gown and rolled her eyes.
‘Yeah sure whatever’ she said dryly flourishing her wand and shrinking her dress.

‘Well at the very least in your last year at Hogwarts when I couldn’t see you save for Hogsmeade visits and the odd illicit visit’ Neville said with a grin as they made their way into the bedroom.

‘Now that sounds more realistic’ Hannah said banishing her gown to the wardrobe ‘it was the same for me you know that year. I often found myself daydreaming in class or bumping into people in the halls between lessons because I was’t paying attention to where I was going’

‘A prefect not paying attention? Tsk tsk’ Neville teased pulling on a pair of tracksuit pants.

‘Oh shut up it wan’t just me Hermione and Ginny who was Head Girl was the same though those two were better at hiding it than I was’ Hannah said pulling on a floaty summer dress ‘now how does that look?’

‘Hannah you would look good in a potato sack’ Neville said with a grin.

Hannah giggled.
‘I can transfigure it into a potato sack if you like’ she said twirling her wand.

‘Let’s leave that for when we get to the hotel room in Paris huh?’ Neville said with a grin ‘on that we better hurry up our portkey is supposed to leave in half an hour’

‘Yup’

And as they got ready for their departure Neville was sure that today his wedding day he had done the best thing in his life....getting married.

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A/N: 'Sersum Corda' is Latin for 'Lift up your heart. So according to the movie Sister Act 2 when Father Ignatius said to Sister Mary Clarence 'Sersum Corda....it means lift up your heart'. If you're learned in Latin and it's wrong please do correct me! Lift up your heart did seem to be good ot say at a wedding though!

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It Started With a Kiss