Chapter 10: Wedding bells
Their life had become a whirlwind of overwhelming stress, each day an intricate dance of exhaustion and survival. With a newborn in hand, every waking moment felt like a test of their endurance. Their once peaceful routines had vanished, replaced by the cries of their baby, late-night feedings, and the constant juggle of trying to maintain some semblance of normalcy. But as if that wasn't enough, there was Pansy—Pansy who had gone completely manic about her upcoming wedding. She was an unstoppable storm, sweeping everyone into her frenzy, and Theo felt like he was barely keeping his head above water.
At first, they tried to manage everything with optimism. After all, the arrival of their baby had been a joyous occasion, something they had both looked forward to with excitement and a sense of wonder. But no amount of preparation could have readied them for the reality of caring for a newborn. The sleepless nights piled up quickly, each one more difficult than the last, with the baby waking every few hours, needing to be fed, rocked, or changed. The simplest tasks—like making tea or brushing their teeth—became Herculean efforts. The house that once hummed with quiet peace was now filled with the constant sound of their baby's cries, the shuffle of footsteps, and the hushed voices of two utterly exhausted parents.
Luna, with her natural grace and calm demeanor, handled the situation as best as she could, but even she wasn't immune to the toll it was taking on them. Theo could see the weariness in her eyes, the way her shoulders slumped just a little more than usual. Her smile, though still as warm as ever, lacked its usual sparkle. There were moments when she would sit in the rocking chair in the nursery, cradling the baby in her arms, and Theo could see the silent exhaustion in the way she moved, her body aching for rest.
And then, there was Pansy.
Pansy had always been dramatic—Theo knew this better than anyone—but the wedding had taken her to a new level. She had become consumed by the details, obsessed with every minute aspect of the upcoming ceremony. The slightest hiccup, the smallest imperfection, would send her into a tailspin of panic and frustration. It wasn't just the normal pre-wedding jitters. This was full-blown mania.
"The flowers!" she would exclaim, as if the world itself was ending. "The roses are too pink, not blushy enough. What kind of florist can't tell the difference between pink and blush?"
And that was just the beginning. The color of the napkins wasn't right. The invitations didn't have the exact shade of gold foil she wanted. The catering menu had become a battleground, with Pansy changing her mind every other day, trying to decide between a seven-course meal or something "simpler and elegant." It felt like there wasn't a single detail too small for her to fret over, and Theo found himself dragged into it more times than he cared to admit.
Even Luna, who was normally so tolerant of Pansy's eccentricities, was growing weary. There were times when she would look up from feeding the baby or rocking them to sleep and catch Theo's eye, her expression filled with a mix of amusement and exasperation. "If Pans asks me one more time about the color scheme," she'd say in that soft, melodic voice of hers, "I might have to fake an illness to get out of this."
He could only chuckle, but inside, he felt the strain tightening around him. Between the baby and Pansy's constant wedding demands, it was like he was being stretched too thin, pulled in too many directions at once. He had responsibilities of his own—work that required his focus and attention—but it all seemed to pale in comparison to the unrelenting chaos at home. He found himself staying up later and later, trying to catch up on work once Luna and the baby had finally drifted off to sleep. But his mind was never at rest.
There were days when he would walk into the sitting room and see Luna sitting there, nursing the baby in her arms, her expression serene but tinged with exhaustion. He would sit beside her, running a hand through his hair, and simply watch, wondering how they had ended up here, in this endless cycle of sleeplessness and stress.
Pansy, of course, didn't seem to notice the strain she was causing. Her calls were incessant, her texts non-stop. There was always something new, some crisis or catastrophe that needed immediate attention. "Theo, darling," she would say in a breathless rush, "I need you to come to the bakery and help me choose between these two cakes. I know you're busy, but it's an emergency."
An emergency. For cake.
He had learned early on in their friendship that Pansy's definition of "emergency" was far more expansive than most people's. But even so, with everything going on at home, it was becoming increasingly difficult to manage her demands. Every time his phone buzzed, his stomach tightened, wondering what new disaster awaited. He had half a mind to turn it off, but that would only lead to more frantic messages and, eventually, Pansy showing up at their doorstep, in full bridal meltdown mode.
Luna had suggested they set some boundaries. "Pansy needs to understand that we have our own lives, too," she had said one evening as they sat together after the baby had finally gone to sleep. "You can't be her personal wedding planner on top of everything else."
He had nodded, knowing she was right, but setting boundaries with Pansy was like trying to stop a tidal wave with a spoon. Pansy was a force of nature, and when she wanted something, she wouldn't rest until she got it.
And so, the days passed in a blur of baby cries, wedding crises, and sheer exhaustion. Theo began to lose track of time. Was it morning or afternoon? Did he eat lunch? When was the last time he slept for more than two hours straight? The lines between days blurred, and the demands never seemed to end.
But through it all, there was Luna. She was his anchor, his constant in the storm. Even when she was just as tired as he was, she never lost her sense of calm. There were moments when they would sit together in the nursery, the baby finally asleep in the crib, and he would lean back in his chair, closing his eyes for just a moment, feeling Luna's presence beside him like a balm to his weary soul.
"We'll get through this," she would whisper, her hand resting on his. "It won't be like this forever."
He would nod, his heart swelling with gratitude for her—her strength, her kindness, her unwavering belief that things would get better. And in those quiet moments, as the world outside their little bubble seemed to spin faster and faster, he clung to that hope. That one day, they would look back on this time and laugh. That one day, they would sleep through the night again. That one day, Pansy would finally get married, and they could return to some semblance of normalcy.
Until then, they would keep going. Because, as exhausting as it all was, they had each other. And that, more than anything else, made the chaos bearable.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The late afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the Nott Manor, the rays filtering through the large bay windows of the sitting room. Luna sat by the fireplace, softly humming to herself as she cradled Lysander in her arms. His tiny hands grasped at the air, his wide blue eyes blinking up at his mother in wonder. He was only a few months old, but already, she could see glimpses of curiosity in his gaze—a trait she knew would only grow as he got older.
Outside, the sound of tires crunching on the gravel driveway broke the peaceful quiet. Her heart lifted with a smile, knowing who had arrived. She leaned down to kiss Lysander's forehead, murmuring softly, "Auntie Mimi is here, little one."
The doorbell rang, followed quickly by the familiar voice of her house-elf announcing, "Miss Granger and her cat have arrived, Mistress Luna."
A moment later, Hermione stepped into the room, her face lighting up as soon as she saw Luna. In her arms was Crookshanks, his squashed face set in its usual expression of grumpy indifference, though his tail flicked with what she knew was quiet contentment. Hermione looked a little winded, as if she had rushed through the visit to get there, but she was glowing, clearly excited to see Luna and the baby.
"Luna!" She beamed, crossing the room and immediately setting Crookshanks down. The ginger cat, his fur tousled from the journey, stretched lazily before trotting off to inspect the room. Hermione, however, was focused solely on Luna and the tiny bundle in her arms. "Oh, it's so good to see you," she said breathlessly, bending down to kiss Luna on the cheek. "And look at him!" Her voice softened, filled with awe as she looked at Lysander. "He's grown so much since the last time I saw him!"
Luna beamed as she gently shifted Lysander in her arms, his tiny fingers curling around her finger as he gurgled in response. "He's growing like a Niffler in a vault," Luna said, her voice a sing-song lilt. "It's amazing how quickly time flies with him. Every day is something new."
Hermione carefully sat down beside Luna on the large, plush sofa, her eyes still locked on Lysander. "May I hold him?"
"Of course," she said with a soft smile, handing the baby over to Hermione with the utmost care. As soon as Lysander was in Hermione's arms, she instinctively cradled him close, her face lighting up with warmth as she looked down at him.
"Hello there, little one," Hermione whispered, her fingers tracing the soft curve of Lysander's cheek. He blinked up at her, a curious expression on his tiny face, and then, much to both women's delight, he reached up, his little hand wrapping around one of Hermione's fingers. "Oh, babes, he's perfect," she breathed, her voice full of awe. "Absolutely perfect."
Her heart swelled as she watched Hermione interact with her son. There was something so tender about the way Hermione held him, the love and care radiating from her every movement. She had always been nurturing in her own way, and now, seeing her with Lysander, Luna couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for their friendship.
"You're a natural," she said softly, her eyes twinkling with affection. "He likes you already."
Hermione chuckled, her eyes still fixed on Lysander. "I think it's mutual," she said, rocking him gently. "I can't believe how much he's grown. Last time I was here, he was so tiny."
"He's going to be tall like Theo," she mused, leaning back against the cushions with a sigh. "I can already tell."
Hermione's smile softened as she glanced over at her friend. "How are you, babe? Really. I know how overwhelming things can be with a newborn."
She smiled, though it was tinged with exhaustion. "It's been…an adventure," she admitted, her voice gentle but truthful. "There are moments when I'm so tired, I feel like I could sleep for a year. But then I look at him, and it's all worth it."
Hermione nodded, her gaze understanding. "I can only imagine. But you're doing an amazing job. Truly."
As they continued to chat, Crookshanks, who had been exploring the room, finally decided to grace the humans with his presence. He leapt up onto the arm of the sofa, his tail flicking lazily as he surveyed the scene. His amber eyes briefly met Lysander's, and for a moment, Luna could have sworn that the baby's face lit up in recognition of the fluffy creature.
Crooks, with his amber eyes half-closed in contentment, sauntered over to where Lysander lay on a soft blanket by the fire. The ginger cat sniffed the air near the baby before carefully settling down beside him. With a gentle paw, Crookshanks reached out and patted his tiny tummy, his touch light and cautious. A low, rumbling purr resonated from Crookshanks' chest, and Lysander let out a soft coo in response, his little fingers curling toward the furry visitor. The two seemed to find a quiet understanding in that moment, bonded by the peaceful warmth of the room.
She giggled softly. "I think Lysander's already taken a liking to Crookshanks."
Hermione grinned. "Well, Crookshanks tends to have that effect on people—whether they like it or not."
Crooks, seemingly unimpressed by the attention, hopped down and curled up on the rug by the fireplace, his purring a low rumble in the background. Luna watched him for a moment, feeling a sense of calm settle over the room. It was moments like this—simple, quiet moments spent with friends—that reminded her of the beauty in the midst of the chaos.
After a while, Hermione shifted him in her arms, smiling down at him as his eyelids began to droop. "He's falling asleep," she whispered, her voice filled with wonder.
Luna nodded, her own voice soft. "He does that sometimes when he's near someone he trusts. It's like he knows he's safe."
Hermione's heart swelled at her words, her gaze tender as she continued to hold the sleeping baby. She glanced at Luna, her expression full of gratitude. "Thank you for letting me spend time with him," she said quietly. "It's…healing, in a way."
She smiled, her eyes warm. "We're always happy to have you, Hermione. You're family."
They sat in comfortable silence for a while longer, the only sounds the crackling of the fire and the soft purring of Crookshanks. As the sun began to set outside, casting a soft pink glow over the room, Hermione carefully handed Lysander back to Luna, who cradled him against her chest.
"I should be going soon," Hermione said, though there was a hint of reluctance in her voice. "But I'll come by again soon. I promise."
She smiled, brushing a gentle kiss against Lysander's forehead. "We'll look forward to it," she said softly.
As Hermione gathered her things, Crookshanks stretched lazily before hopping up onto the sofa beside Luna, settling down with a satisfied grunt. Hermione chuckled, reaching down to scratch behind his ears. "Looks like Crookshanks might want to stay a bit longer."
Luna grinned, stroking his fur. "He's welcome anytime."
With one last hug and a promise to return soon, Hermione left the house, her heart feeling lighter than it had in weeks. As Luna sat by the fire, Lysander asleep in her arms and Crookshanks purring beside her, she closed her eyes and let the warmth of the moment wash over her.
For now, in this peaceful bubble of friendship and love, all was well.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The sun rose on the day of Pansy and Neville's wedding, casting a golden hue over Parkinson Manor that seemed to set the world aglow. The soft light filtered through the leaves of the surrounding trees, creating a shimmering tapestry of light and shadow that danced across the garden. Excitement and nervous energy mingled in the crisp morning air, as the garden transformed into a breathtaking spectacle of flowers, ribbons, and twinkling fairy lights. Delicate petals in every hue imaginable bloomed in a vibrant array, while ribbons in shades of emerald and ivory fluttered gently in the breeze. The entire scene reflected the love that had blossomed between the couple, a true testament to their journey together.
Inside her suite, Pansy stood amid a whirlwind of activity, her heart racing with a mix of anticipation and disbelief. She was surrounded by her closest friends, each of them buzzing with excitement and laughter, their joy palpable. The sound of chatter filled the room as her bridesmaids flitted about, adjusting the delicate folds of her gown, a stunning phthalo green creation that flowed like liquid silk. Every detail had been meticulously planned, from the intricate lace detailing to the shimmering beading that caught the light just right.
As she caught a glimpse of herself in the ornate mirror, Pansy felt a whirlwind of emotions crash over her—exhilaration, nervousness, and an overwhelming sense of happiness. "I'm getting married," she whispered to herself, the reality of the moment sinking in. It was a thought so monumental that it felt almost surreal, as if she were a character in a dream rather than the bride standing on the cusp of a new life.
Her bridesmaids, noticing the introspection, turned toward her, their faces bright with smiles. Luna, her best friend and maid of honor, stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on Pansy's shoulder. "You look absolutely breathtaking, Pansy. Today is your day to shine!" she encouraged, her voice warm and steady.
With a deep breath, Pansy let the comfort of her friends wash over her. Their laughter, the way they playfully teased one another, and the collective excitement created an atmosphere of love and support that enveloped her like a comforting embrace. Every shared memory and moment of friendship swirled around them, grounding her amidst the flurry of preparations. She felt fortunate to have such strong bonds in her life, especially on this momentous occasion.
As the last touches were made—a spritz of her favorite perfume, a delicate adjustment of her veil. The warmth of that thought filled her heart with a profound joy, igniting a spark of excitement for the beautiful day that lay ahead.
At that moment, Pansy felt overwhelmed with gratitude for the support surrounding her. She glanced at the ornate mirror, her heart racing as she took in the reflection of a woman ready to embark on the most significant journey of her life. As her thoughts drifted to Neville, a soft smile crept onto her lips. He had always been her rock, steady and unwavering.
Meanwhile, in a nearby room, Neville paced nervously, fiddling with the cufflinks of his dress robes. He looked dapper in phthalo green, perfectly complementing Pansy's gown. However, beneath the polished exterior, a whirlwind of emotions churned within him. "What if I trip while walking down the aisle? What if I can't find the right words during the vows?" His thoughts raced, but just then, Theo entered, a teasing grin on his face.
"Relax, Longbottom. You're marrying the love of your life. Just focus on her and everything will be perfect," Theo and Draco said, slapping a hand on Neville's back, offering reassurance.
Finally, the moment arrived. As the music swelled, guests turned in their seats, eyes fixed on the entrance. Pansy, heart pounding, took her father's arm, her breath hitching as she caught her first glimpse of Neville standing at the altar, his face awash with emotion. Time seemed to slow, and all her doubts melted away. This was it—her forever.
As she walked down the aisle, she felt a wave of love and support enveloping her. The garden, vibrant with blooming flowers and laughter, seemed to fade into the background, leaving only Neville in focus. When their eyes met, it was as if the entire world fell away, leaving just the two of them.
"I can't believe this day is finally here," Neville murmured as she reached him, his voice thick with emotion.
"I've always dreamed of this moment," Pansy replied softly, her heart swelling with happiness.
The ceremony unfolded beautifully, with heartfelt vows exchanged under the wisteria-draped arch. Each word spoken was laced with love and promises, sealing their commitment in front of family and friends. The moment Neville kissed her, the world erupted into applause, and Pansy felt as if she were floating, weightless in a sea of joy.
As the reception began, the garden transformed into a magical wonderland. Twinkling lights illuminated the night sky, and laughter filled the air as guests mingled and celebrated. Pansy and Neville danced their first dance as a married couple, moving effortlessly in sync, lost in each other. The melody enveloped them, a beautiful reflection of their love.
"We did it, Pansy," Neville whispered, twirling her around, his eyes sparkling with happiness. "We really did it."
"Yes, we did, my love. And this is just the beginning," Pansy replied, beaming at him.
As the night wore on, friends and family filled the dance floor, laughter echoing through the air. Ginny spun around with Blaise, while they swayed nearby. The atmosphere was electric, a celebration of love and unity.
Pansy couldn't help but feel a profound sense of belonging. Surrounded by their closest friends, she realized how fortunate they were to have such strong bonds. With each clink of glasses and laughter shared, the foundation of their new life together solidified.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After Pansy and Neville's wedding, they arrived back at their home, the warmth of the evening still lingering in the air. The night had been filled with joy and celebration, and now, as they stepped into the peaceful silence of their house, Luna's happiness seemed to overflow. She skipped through the hallway, her steps light and full of childlike glee, her laughter ringing out like soft bells.
Theo watched her with an adoring smile, leaning against the doorframe, taking in her carefree spirit. He couldn't help but feel like the luckiest man in the world. As she twirled past him, her ethereal blonde hair floating behind her, he reached out and caught her hand, pulling her gently toward him.
"Are you happy, my love?" he asked, his voice soft, but the intensity of his gaze told her how much he cared about her answer.
She beamed at him, her eyes twinkling with the same light that always seemed to come from within her. "Extremely," she replied, her voice almost musical.
Hechuckled softly, brushing a loose strand of hair away from her face. "You know," he said, his tone more serious now but still filled with affection, "we can have a wedding too. Something beautiful, something special. You deserve that."
Her smile softened, her hand resting on his chest. "I know, my Sun," she said, her voice tender. "But I already have everything I want. Besides, I always ask for things, and you always give them to me."
Theo's heart swelled with emotion at her words, and without a second thought, he pulled her close, kissing her deeply. His lips pressed against hers with a passion that seemed to say more than words ever could. When they finally pulled apart, his breath was heavy, his forehead resting against hers. "I would give you the whole universe if you asked, my love," he whispered, his voice thick with sincerity. "There is nothing I wouldn't give you."
"I know," she whispered back, her fingers tracing delicate patterns on his chest, her touch both grounding and magical at the same time.
For a moment, there was only silence between them, a comfortable, intimate quiet. But then, Luna looked up at him with curious, wide eyes. "Theo, why are you in love with me?"
Her question hung in the air like a puzzle that needed solving. He blinked at her, momentarily stunned. His heart skipped a beat as he tried to process the simplicity and weight of her question. "What… what do you mean?" he stammered, his voice suddenly rising with panic. "Are you not in love with me? Oh Merlin, what if she isn't—what if this whole time—"
His mind raced, and before Luna could respond, Theo was spiraling. His dramatic side took over as he released her and began pacing the room, running his hands through his hair, looking absolutely frantic.
"Oh my GOSH, Luna!" he exclaimed, his voice cracking with exaggerated emotion. "Oh my GOSH! Have I misread everything? Have I been living in a delusion? Am I some lovesick fool who's been following you around like a lost puppy while you—while you—"
He spun around to face her, his eyes wide and full of theatrical despair. "What if you don't love me?" His voice grew louder, more impassioned. "What if this has all been some cosmic joke? Oh Merlin, I can't breathe! What if I'm just... some idiot in love with the moon, destined to forever orbit around you while you remain untouchable and indifferent?"
Luna, who had been watching his dramatic meltdown with a serene expression, stifled a giggle. She walked up to him, gently placing her hand on his cheek, forcing him to stop pacing and look at her. "Theo," she said, her voice steady and reassuring, "I am in love with you. More than you know."
She froze, his wild thoughts coming to a screeching halt. His heart, which had been racing just moments ago, suddenly felt like it was soaring. "You... you are?" he asked, his voice small and vulnerable, like a child seeking comfort.
Luna smiled that dreamy smile of hers, the one that always melted his heart. "Of course I am, silly. Why else would I ask?"
He let out a long, exaggerated sigh of relief, his hands finding her waist and pulling her close again. "You can't just ask questions like that, Luna!" he said, his tone still a bit frantic. "You nearly gave me a heart attack!"
She chuckled softly, resting her head against his chest. "I'm sorry, my Sun. I didn't mean to scare you. I just wanted to hear you say it."
He leaned down, kissing the top of her head. "I love you more than anything in this world," he whispered, his voice full of emotion. "And I'm sorry for being so dramatic, but... you really scared me for a second."
She looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Well, I suppose I should scare you more often. I rather enjoy seeing you all flustered."
He laughed, his earlier panic melting away entirely as he kissed her again, softer this time, filled with love and promise. "Please don't," he murmured against her lips. "My heart can't take it."
And as they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, Theo knew that whatever came next, whatever life threw at them, it would be okay—because he had Luna. And that was more than enough for him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Theo had meticulously planned a romantic evening, intent on making it perfect for her. The room was bathed in a soft, flickering glow as candles illuminated every corner, casting warm, golden light over the space. The bed was a sea of crimson rose petals, their fragrance filling the air, creating an intoxicating ambiance. It was intimate, serene, and utterly magical—everything he wanted their moment to be.
As she entered the room, her breath hitched, and her eyes widened with surprise and wonder. She stood there, taking it all in, her lips parting in awe. "Oh my gosh, love," she whispered, her voice full of heartfelt emotion, "this is... breathtaking."
His heart swelled at her reaction. He stepped forward, his gaze soft and adoring as he reached out to take her hand. "I wanted tonight to be special," he murmured, his voice low and tender, "for you, for us."
Her smile was radiant, her eyes shimmering with gratitude and love. "It already is," she replied, stepping closer to him, her fingers gently brushing his cheek.
Theo bent down and kissed her softly, his touch reverent and full of unspoken promises. "I want to take my time tonight," he whispered against her lips, his voice thick with affection. "I want to show you how much I love you… every inch of you."
Her breath quickened at his words, her heart beating in sync with his as she leaned into him. They melted into each other, the world around them disappearing as Theo slowly, tenderly led her to the bed, determined to make every second count.
He smiled and walked over to her, wrapping his arms around her waist. He leaned in and kissed her deeply, their tongues exploring each other's mouths. She moaned softly as his hands roamed over her body, cupping her breasts and squeezing her nipples.
"I want you so bad," she whispered, her voice husky with desire.
He picked her up and carried her to the bed, laying her down on the rose petals. He stripped off his clothes, revealing his hard, muscular body. Luna watched him, her eyes glazing over with lust. She reached down and started to touch herself, her fingers finding her clit and rubbing it in slow circles.
He climbed onto the bed, his cock hard and ready. He positioned himself between Luna's legs, pressing against her wet heaven. He slowly pushed himself inside her, feeling her tight walls grip him. She moaned loudly, her back arching as he started to make love to her.
He moved slowly at first, his dick sliding in and out of her pussy. Her moans grew louder, and she started to beg for more. He picked up the pace, fucking her harder and faster. Her breast bounced with each thrust, and she was dripping wet.
He leaned down and started to suck on her nipples, biting them gently. She cried out, her pussy clenching around his dick. He could feel her starting to have a huge orgasm, her cunt tightening around him.
"Fuck, "she moaned, "I'm going to cum."
Theo kept fucking her, his cock hitting her G-spot with each thrust. Her moans turned into screams as she came, her cunt flooding with wetness. He kept fucking her, his member still hard and ready.
She reached down and started to stroke his cock, her fingers wrapped around his shaft. She could feel him starting to cum, his dick twitching in her hand.
"Cum for me, love," she whispered, "fill me up."
He groaned loudly, his cock exploding inside her. She could feel him filling her up, his cum leaking out of her and onto the bed.
They lay there for a moment, their bodies covered in sweat and cum. She looked up at Theo, her eyes shining with love and desire.
"I love you, Sunny," she whispered.
He smiled and leaned down to kiss her.
"I love you too," he said, "in every universe."
They lay there, their bodies entwined, their hearts beating as one. The rose petals around them were crushed, but their love was stronger than ever.