A/N: Wow! We can’t believe we have reached the end of the story. It has been an amazing journey and we have all of you to thank for it. If not for our reader’s encouragement, reviews and votes we never would have made it this far. And in case any of you have ever considered it, we would like to encourage someone else to take up this idea and start an interactive story of their own. We would love to be on the voting end of things!
Thank you for everything and we hope you enjoy the wedding as much as we enjoyed writing it!
From Blind Dates To Wedded Bliss
The door opened suddenly and Aberforth found himself face to face with an upset looking brother.
“You’re late,” Albus quipped as he grabbed the front of his robes and dragged him through the door.
“What in Merlin’s name…” he got out before he was bodily moved toward the hallway.
“I told you to be here over thirty minutes ago. Some of our guests have already arrived and are sharing drinks with our parents in the parlor.”
Aberforth reached up and loosened his brother’s grip on his arm. “Wonderful! I knew being fashionably late would turn out well”
“Fashionably…” Albus’ voice trailed off but not before he emitted a low growl of frustration. “There is still much to be done,” he said shortly.
Aberforth glanced around and didn’t see where there could be any possible improvements. In fact, he thought everything had come together very nicely from the redecorating. Though the large number of vases full of fresh flowers was certainly not to his taste, they would make a lovely snack for some of his kids. “The house looks better than ever from what I see.”
Albus continued to lead him past the parlor and into the study. “There is much to worry over and if you had been here when you were supposed to be you would be wiser to the details.”
As Aberforth settled himself in a chair, he watched Albus pace back and forth in a pair of very traditional robes, an odd choice for his eccentric brother. “I don’t see what difference a few minutes would have made.”
“Just sit and listen,” Albus retorted as he took the chair across from him. “Minerva and I are getting married.”
The brothers sat there looking at each other for a quiet moment before Aberforth spoke. “Yes, I am well aware of that.”
“Tonight.”
“Tonight meaning some night in the near future?” Aberforth said hopefully.
“No, tonight meaning in one hour’s time.”
“Oh.”
When Aberforth said nothing more, his mind trying to wrap around all that had transpired since he walked in the door, Albus asked a simple question.
“Will you stand with me at the ceremony?”
The brothers’ eyes met and a look of understanding passed between them. “It will be an honor.”
They both stood and clasped each other’s hands before giving in to a hug. As they both laughed to release the tension which had finally eased in the room, Aberforth congratulated Albus and they shared a glass of wine from the decanter on the bar in the corner to celebrate.
“You never wanted the big wedding did you?” Aberforth asked wisely.
“No, Minerva and I went along with it to please her parents and Pernelle.”
“They won’t be very happy when they realize what you have done without them.”
“Perhaps not but their love for us will override everything in the end. Of course Mother had to convince Minerva several times of this fact.”
“I should have known she was behind all of this,” Aberforth chuckled. Their mother usually had brilliant ideas and she was not afraid to share them.
A voice issued from the recently empty portrait that was hung over the fireplace in the room. “The McGonagall’s and Flamel’s have arrived. Your Mother sent Minerva’s parents and Maggie up to see her as requested.”
The brother’s looked up to see their father looking at them with a mischievous smile on his face. Albus set his glass down and gestured for his brother to follow him. “It is time for the announcement.”
Minerva stood in front of the full-length mirror in the master bedroom suite in nothing but her favorite dressing gown and ran through everything once more in her head. No matter what they said, this wedding was going to happen tonight and that was final. At least that was what the woman inside her kept yelling while the little girl hidden deep within her soul desperately hoped her parents wouldn’t offer any objections. Aside from Albus, they were the most important people in her life and if they couldn’t be happy for her and share in her joy, then how could she expect anyone else to do the same?
She had practiced her speech several times with Albus but she had to admit he had been of little help when it came to portraying her parents’ reaction to her news. They had done a bit of role-playing, trying different scenarios and ways of telling them of their deception but on the whole it hadn’t gone well. Mrs. Dumbledore had been the most helpful and in hindsight Minerva realized she should have gone to her future mother-in-law first, especially since she had been the one voice of reason and cooperation in the wedding plans. Her advice had been simple.
My dear Minerva, tell them the truth. Tell them you love and appreciate everything they’ve done for you and that you love my son with all your heart. While you are sincerely grateful for all their help in planning, you and Albus wanted a more intimate ceremony with just a few friends and family in attendance. Surely they will understand your reasoning and will be happy for you, just as we are.Suddenly a calm settled over Minerva, as if Albus’ hands were resting reassuringly on her shoulders and she closed her eyes in enjoyment of the sensation. In a very short while she would be married to the man of her dreams and she wasn’t going to let anything spoil her wedding. Just then a knock sounded on the door and she heard her father asking for permission to enter. With a glance back towards the wedding dress splayed out across the massive bed, she confidently opened the door and invited her parents and best friend into the room.
“Petal, what’s wrong? Aren’t you supposed to be downstairs greeting your guests?” her father asked with a serious tone invading his voice when he noticed her lack of proper attire. He crossed the room and enveloped her in a hug after planting a kiss to her pink cheek.
“Yes…Mrs. Dumbledore said you wanted to see us as soon as we arrived and she sent Maggie up with us. Not that we mind Maggie, dear” her mother offered quickly, hoping she hadn’t offended Minerva’s friend by her comments.
“Everything is fine but I wanted to have a few words with you before we go downstairs.” Minerva quickly transfigured the sofa in front of the fire into three comfortable chairs and invited her parents and Maggie to have a seat. So far, everything was going just as Minerva had predicted so she forged ahead with the rest of her plan.
“Albus and I wanted our closest family and friends to join us tonight for something special, something more than just a dinner party for everyone to become acquainted. After talking honestly and openly from our hearts, we both decided that we shared a vision of our wedding day, one that did not involve hundreds of people, lavish attire, a grand banquet, not even an outlandish chapel decorated with hundreds of flowers and silk ribbon.” She paused to give her words time to settle in their minds before explaining the true nature of the dinner party downstairs.
“Albus and I are getting married…tonight. We have invited everyone we would like to be present and it would seem everyone was able to attend. As we speak, Albus is making the announcement downstairs and asking Nicholas to perform the ceremony.”
Harold and Athena sat motionless in their chairs while Maggie squealed with delight and offered her heartfelt congratulations to her best friend. Minerva hugged her friend tightly and asked that she serve as the maid of honor, to which Maggie readily agreed.
“Would you please go downstairs and ask Pernelle and Mrs. Dumbledore to come back upstairs with you in a few minutes. I’d like a moment alone with my parents and then I’d like the important women in my life to help me get ready for my wedding.”
As soon as the door closed behind Maggie, Harold stood up and hugged his daughter. “Minerva, sweetheart, are you in some sort of trouble? I mean…well we know you two have already…consummated your love…but if you’re in a motherly way, you don’t have to forgo the grand wedding. We can just speed up the date and plans,” he offered sympathetically. “Albus surely wouldn’t object to that, considering it’s his responsibility too to see this child brought into this world in a proper manner.”
“Daddy, I’m not expecting a baby. And while you’re right about us sharing our love,” she blushed as her mind raced back to that fateful day in Egypt when her parents and the Flamels had been greeted with more than an eyeful, “we have been careful and I assure you, this is what we both want. I am not being pressured into giving up my wedding plans in lieu of something simple. This is the kind of wedding I’ve dreamed of since I was a little girl.”
“But all those plans we made. All those shopping excursions…Pernelle and I even went to the trouble of making a seating chart for the reception, contacting several caterers, you have no idea what we’ve been through…” her mother finished close to an outright sob.
“Yes I do. But Mother, did you ever stop and listen to what I wanted? I never said I wanted the big affair. Those were things you and Pernelle wanted, not me. I love you and appreciate everything you’ve done, really I do. But this…this is what I want and I’d love for you to be happy for me. This…getting married to the man I adore here in our home with those we love the most…that has always been my vision of a wedding.”
“But you went along with everything we suggested, at every step of the way…why?” she asked as the tears began to fall from her eyes. Athena wanted nothing more than to see her daughter happy, especially on her wedding day but she also needed to understand the past few weeks.
“Athena, perhaps Minerva and Albus love you and Pernelle so much that neither wanted to hurt your feelings. I have been privy to more than one conversation between those two about all of this and I can assure you…and you Pernelle…that Minerva was torn between following her heart and following yours. In the end, her love for my son and their future were the deciding factors in all of this. It had nothing to do with either of you and everything to do with them.”
Alianora’s calming voice spoke from the portrait placed over the mantle for this one evening. Minerva had made it very clear that she wanted her future mother-in-law to be involved in the bridal preparations and after little persuading Alianora had been only to pleased to accept the invitation.
“She’s right, Athena and you know it. Our little girl would never do anything to hurt you, even if it meant sacrificing her own desires.” Harold knelt in front of his wife and whispered words so softly that only she could hear, leaving the rest of the gathering to wonder just what he had said. Regardless, when he leaned over and kissed first this wife, then her rounded stomach he turned to Minerva with a smile. “I am going downstairs to give my congratulations and consent to Albus and to offer up a toast with the rest of the gathering downstairs while you ladies make my wee petal the most beautiful bride in the world. Sweetheart, I will meet you at the foot of the stairs when you are ready. I want to at least give away my little girl on her special day.”
With Harold gone and the door secured behind him, Minerva turned to her mother with hopeful eyes and waited with baited breath. Everyone in the room seemed to be teetering on the edge of their seats, patiently anticipating the next move. “What time is the wedding supposed to start?” Athena asked softly.
“In less than an hour but we aren’t on a true schedule. Dinner is to be announced at eight and our hopes were to be married before then and have the dinner as our reception.” Minerva felt a glimmer of hope as she locked eyes with her mother.
“Then we don’t have much time,” Athena announced as she struggled to get up from her chair with the help of Maggie and Pernelle. “Not that we could do anything to make you even lovelier than you already are, my darling little girl. So, I suggest you tell us what you want us to do so we can get you married on time. I’ll not have it said that my daughter was late to her own wedding.”
Albus stumbled forward a step before regaining his balance as Xiomara pounded his back in congratulations. She was the first guest in a line of well-wishers. His announcement of the wedding had been met with shocked silence for a moment but an enthusiastic shout from Xiomara had everyone quickly stepping up to give their best and to express their pleasure at such a wonderful surprise.
“Congratulations! I should have known you two were up to something,” Xia remarked. “Did you know about this Abe?”
Aberforth shook his head and gave a mischievous smile to his brother. “Apparently I was not on the list of the privileged.”
Albus simply smiled and then proceeded to ignore his brother’s taunting. “Thank you Xiomara,” he said as he shook her hand. “I believe the elves are providing a vintage wine for the occasion if you would care to indulge.”
Xiomara winked and moved toward a hovering tray. “You certainly know how to treat a woman. It must run in the family,” she stated as she gave a knowing look to Aberforth who had begun to turn red at the sound of quiet laughter behind him.
“I wish you and Minerva the best of happy endings,” Aberforth said as he grabbed his brother into a hug. “I don’t know two people who deserve it more.”
Albus returned the hug and thanked him quietly so as not to betray the emotion in his voice. It was not long after that he realized it was a futile effort. The kind words and heartfelt praise for himself and Minerva were overwhelming as the rest of the guests filtered through. It was at the end, when Pernelle and Nicholas stepped up that he realized how truly lucky he was to have such a solid foundation of friends and family.
“What a wonderful surprise,” Nicholas said merrily. “And of course you and Minerva have our very best wishes for your wedding.”
Albus shook hands with Nicholas and the two ended up grinning at each other a little foolishly until they each caught sight of Pernelle standing by quietly, her expression very serious.
Pernelle waited until they both were watching her before speaking. “I must say I was a bit shocked by the news but I suppose I should not have been. Minerva has said time and again she wished for a small gathering. I suppose Athena and I were too caught up in the excitement to really hear what the two of you wanted for yourselves.”
Albus went to interrupt, to tell her how much he appreciated her help on everything but Pernelle held her hand up to forestall him.
“Tonight is beautiful and I believe there could not be a more perfect day or setting for your wedding. I love you, both of you, dearly.” Pernelle wiped at her eyes which had started to water. “You are like a son Albus and I hope you and Minerva have a blessed marriage filled with love, laughter and all the happiness the world can offer.”
Albus struggled to find something to say but his throat had become tight and so he did the next best thing and reached over, picked Pernelle up and hugged her tightly. Instead of scolding him, as she would often do when he tried such tactics, she hugged him back just as tightly.
When they parted, a voice piped up from beside Nicholas. “Mrs. Flamel, Minerva requested your presence to help her get ready for the evening.”
Maggie grinned at Albus as Pernelle straightened her dress. “Of course, it would be my pleasure.”
Nicholas and Albus watched the two women leave and Albus waited for the inevitable.
“So who did you find to perform the ceremony? Anyone I know?” Nicholas’ voice was cautiously curious with just a hint of disappointment.
Albus hid his smile but could not stop the twinkle in his eyes. “Oh yes you are quite familiar with him. I haven’t confirmed he can do it but I was convinced of his answer so I did not feel it necessary to ask in advance.”
Nicholas’ face brightened and Albus nearly broke right then and there but didn’t comment further.
“Well get on with it,” Nicholas intoned impatiently after a lapse of around thirty seconds.
Albus laughter spilled out of him causing several heads to turn. “You know you are my very first, and only, choice. Would you consent to performing the ceremony for Minerva and me?”
“Of course, of course! I would be highly insulted otherwise. Now, where is the paperwork from the Ministry? I want to look it over and review a few things before we get started.”
Albus grinned and pointed his long-time friend in the right direction. He looked around the room at the happy groups who were obviously enjoying their conversations and the wine. Armando was in a heated discussion with his father. His mother’s frame was empty, helping Minerva in her rooms as planned he guessed. Poppy and Xiomara were laughing at something Aberforth said while Armando’s wife, Jean, shook her head, a small grin lighting her face. Stephen was in a discussion with Hagrid, a curious pair to be sure, but both were from time to time gesturing toward Fawkes who looked bored with the lot of them. A happy sigh escaped his lips as he moved toward the back of the room to retrieve a glass of wine for himself.
And I'll already say thank you so much for allowing us to participate ! 
. Ooooh will we get a wedding night lemon?
