At 3 PM the next afternoon, Harry, Ron, Fred, and George were standing outside a giant white tent in the Burrow's backyard, ready to greet the arriving wedding guests. Harry had taken a heavy dose of Polyjuice Potion and now looked like a red-haired Muggle boy from the nearby village of Ottery St. Catchpole. Fred had snuck a few hairs off the kid using a Summoning Charm. Their plan was to introduce Harry as "Cousin Barney", the Weasleys had a massive extended family, so hopefully no one would question it.
A long purple carpet led into the tent, flanked by rows of delicate golden chairs. The pillars were wrapped in garlands of white and gold flowers. Fred and George had tied clusters of gold balloons above the spot where Bill and Fleur would take their vows. Outside, bees and butterflies lazily drifted over the grass and hedges.
At the far end of the yard, one by one, colorful figures began appearing out of thin air. Within minutes, the garden was a flurry of sparkling hats with fluttering magical birds and flowers, and gleaming jewels adorned the ties of many wizards. The crowd moved closer, their excited chatter gradually drowning out the buzzing of the bees.
"Are those?" Harry squinted toward a group of witches.
"Veela," came the familiar voice of Skoll, dressed in his usual grey robes and black-rimmed glasses.
"Excellent," George said, craning his neck. "Must be our Veela cousins. They'll need someone to help them understand English customs, guess I'll just have to volunteer."
"Oh, I'm coming too," Fred added, hurrying after him. "All that crash-course French I've been learning might finally come in handy!"
"You didn't bother changing clothes?" Ron asked, eyeing Skoll up and down. "It's a wedding."
"If you knew how much this robe cost, you'd understand it is formalwear," Skoll replied, peeking inside the tent, clearly looking for someone.
"She's still upstairs," Ron said. "Helping Ginny with the bridesmaid dresses. Been at it for three and a half hours."
Skoll and Harry exchanged a look.
"Uh, well, I should go greet the guests," Ron muttered, rubbing his nose and practically running over to a group of newly arrived middle-aged witches.
"So, where am I sitting?" Skoll asked, waving his invitation.
"Let's see, " Harry scanned the seating chart. "Here we go."
He pointed to a spot in the corner of the tent. "Next to Lupin."
"Nice and low-profile. I like it." Skoll headed over to his seat, but just as he got close, something bright yellow nearly collided with him.
"Whoa, careful," Skoll said, instinctively steadying the person.
"Oh, thanks," said Luna, gripping his arm to regain her balance.
Luna was dressed in a long, bright yellow robe with a giant sunflower perched in her hair. She looked about as conspicuous as possible, but her dreamy expression likely kept most people from initiating conversation.
"Obsidian?" she asked, still holding Skoll's arm. "That's rare. Did you know, " She looked up at his face, then leaned in and sniffed him rather conspicuously.
She didn't seem the least bit aware how rude this might be to someone she just met.
After a moment of sniffing, she asked, eyes bright, "Do I know you?"
"I don't think so, Miss," Skoll said coolly. "Mind letting go of my hand?"
"Oh." Luna nodded and released him. Skoll noticed a small, bleeding bite on her left index finger.
"Got bitten by a gnome!" she said brightly, holding up her finger. "I had no idea Ron's garden was full of such interesting little creatures. It's wonderful!"
"Shouldn't you put something on that?" Skoll took a small step back, hand in his pocket.
"I'll be fine," Luna said, dreamily sucking her finger and eyeing Skoll up and down again. "You remind me of a good friend of mine. Her birthday's in May. I gave her a gift, but I don't know if she liked it."
"If you're good friends, she probably did," Skoll replied, heading toward his seat.
"That's good to hear," Luna smiled. "Did you choose obsidian for your ring because it's also called Apache's Tear?"
"Hey! Luna!"
Hermione appeared, radiant in a flowing lavender silk gown with matching heels. Her hair was sleek and smooth, cascading over her shoulders. A teardrop-shaped necklace at her collarbone highlighted the graceful curve of her neck.
"This is Viktor," Hermione said, smiling brilliantly as she pulled forward a young man with dark hair, Viktor Krum. "You remember him from the Triwizard Tournament."
"Oh, hello," Luna said dreamily. Viktor gave her a slightly puzzled nod. "Hello."
"Skoll?" Hermione seemed to notice him only now. "Hi. Luna, what were you two talking about?"
"Weird names," Luna said, turning her gaze back to Skoll. "We were just talking about Skoll's obsidian ring."
"Oh? Is that what it is?" Hermione asked, intrigued. "I noticed it before, but I didn't realize it was obsidian, "
She pronounced the word very clearly.
Krum looked even more confused. He still hadn't figured out why Hermione had dragged him over here.
Skoll gave a faint smile. His voice was still low, but it had lost some of its usual coldness. "It is. In fact, if I may, I'd like to share the meaning behind it."
As he spoke, he didn't look at anyone in particular, simply lowered his head slightly, gently rotating the ring on his middle finger. Ancient runes and symbols engraved on the band seemed to ripple like liquid.
"Apache's Tear is the other name for obsidian. According to legend, a band of Apache warriors was ambushed and wiped out. When the women heard the news, they wept. Their tears fell to the ground and became tiny black stones, said to be gems that never cry again. It's believed that if someone gifts you one, you'll never need to cry, because the Apache maidens already cried for you. Giving obsidian to someone you care about means wishing them happiness and a life without sorrow."
Hermione's ears turned bright red. Luna and Viktor were both staring at Skoll.
"But I chose it as a ring because it's durable and can withstand powerful magic," Skoll added, lifting his head with a calm smile. "Anyway, storytime's over. Ladies, enjoy your conversation, I'm off to say hello to someone."
He walked toward Lupin, who had just entered with Tonks.
"I think Skoll looks like Anne," Luna murmured, watching him go.
"No way," Hermione said quickly. "Anne's in Asia right now. I just spoke to her on the phone yesterday."
"Asia?" Luna tilted her head, then her eyes lit up. "My dad just arrived, I've got to tell him I was bitten by a gnome. He'll be thrilled. Bye, Hermione."
"Bye," Hermione replied.
"Herm-own-ninny," Krum tried again, mispronouncing her name. "That stone…"
"Hmm?" Hermione stood beside him, her eyes following Skoll as he chatted with Lupin in the corner.
"Obsidian," Krum said. "If you like it, I'd like to get you a piece."
"What?" Hermione blinked, finally turning back to him. Krum's thick eyebrows were drawn together, his expression slightly shy.
"Oh, thank you, Viktor. But it's fine."
"Why? You don't like it?" he asked.
"No, it's not that. Thank you, really. I'm happy to see you again. Let me take you to your seat. The ceremony's about to start."
Inside the tent, everyone was seated now, the space filled with a warm, excited buzz of conversation and occasional bursts of laughter. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley walked down the aisle, waving cheerfully to relatives. Mrs. Weasley wore a brand-new purple robe and matching hat.
Soon, Bill and Charlie stood at the front. Both wore formal dress robes, white roses tucked into their buttonholes. Fred gave a cheeky whistle, and the Veela cousins burst into giggles. Then the music began, seemingly drifting from the golden balloons overhead. The crowd quieted.
A chorus of gasps rippled through the tent as everyone turned toward the entrance.
Monsieur Delacour entered, escorting Fleur. Fleur walked gracefully; her father was practically skipping with joy. Her white dress was simple yet radiant, giving off a silvery glow. Usually, Fleur outshone everyone, but today, that silvery light seemed to make everyone else more beautiful. Ginny and Gabrielle, in golden dresses, looked especially lovely.
When Fleur reached Bill, she smiled and took his hand from her father with elegant poise.
"Ladies and gentlemen," announced a short wizard, stepping between them. "We are gathered here today to witness the union of two faithful souls…"
From his corner, Skoll twirled the ring on his finger and gazed intently at Hermione's back. As if sensing it, Hermione turned and gave him a clear, radiant smile.
Skoll smiled back before quickly turning his head away, ears turning slightly red.
Hermione giggled behind her hand and turned back. Ron, about to nudge Harry and make a joke, stopped when he saw Harry gazing dreamily at Ginny.
Ron shook his head. What can I even say? He turned back to the ceremony.
"William Arthur Weasley," the wizard said, "do you take Fleur Delacour to be your lawfully wedded wife, from this day forward…"
Mrs. Weasley and Madame Delacour were both dabbing their eyes with lacy handkerchiefs. From the back row came a sound like a trumpet blast, Hagrid blowing his massive handkerchief. Many guests had tears in their eyes.
"…I now pronounce you bonded for life."
The wizard waved his wand above the couple's heads, and a cascade of silver stars fell around them, swirling around their embrace. Fred and George led the applause. The gold balloons exploded overhead, releasing glittering birds and tiny golden bells into the air.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" the officiant called, "Please rise!"
Everyone stood. With another wave of his wand, the seats floated gracefully into the air. The tent's canvas vanished, revealing the sunlit orchard and rolling countryside beyond.
Then, like molten gold, a gleaming dance floor spread out in the center. The floating chairs gathered around tables draped in white linen, then descended gently back to the ground. A band in golden jackets marched onto the stage.
"Not bad," Skoll said, watching it all unfold. Waiters began appearing, some with trays of pumpkin juice, butterbeer, and Firewhisky, others carrying teetering piles of pies and sandwiches.
Skoll grabbed a glass of pumpkin juice and headed toward Aaron and Diana.
"No matter how many times I see this, I never get used to it," Diana said, sipping her Firewhisky.
Skoll scratched his nose awkwardly. Aaron laughed.
"If you saw him scolding someone at a meeting, you'd be even more surprised," Aaron said.
"Ahem, I explained this already. It's the enchantments. Voice and expressions are altered. And honestly, without the stern face, I couldn't keep order. Every time I see Professor McGonagall, I still flinch a little," Skoll muttered in that deep, out-of-place voice.
"All right, we'll stop teasing," Diana said, sipping again. "Are you settling in well? If you need anything, just ask Gooka to send it."
"Everything's good," Skoll said. "Don't worry. I'll take care of myself. And you. Both of you."
Diana and Aaron exchanged a small smile.
The band started to play. Bill and Fleur took the dance floor to a round of applause. Soon Mr. Weasley and Madame Delacour followed, then Mrs. Weasley and Fleur's father.
Diana watched the cellist on stage, her eyes narrowing in thought. Skoll noticed and glanced at Aaron, who gave a small shake of his head: Don't ask. Skoll nodded back.
"It's been ages since I danced at a wedding," Diana said, downing her drink. "So, who's asking me to dance first?"
Skoll looked momentarily conflicted, he wanted to, but,
Aaron smoothly took her empty glass and offered a gentlemanly bow. Diana smiled and took his hand.
Skoll watched them disappear into the dance floor, frowning.
At that moment, Hermione approached with Ron.
Skoll looked around, the floor was full.
He slipped behind one of the massive golden columns, the white drapes around it hiding him completely.
"Can you Apparate within the Burrow?" Hermione asked as she slipped in beside him.
Skoll nodded, and Hermione immediately grabbed his hand.
"Third floor landing. Now."
Pop. The third floor landing was empty.
She dragged him into the first room on the left. Inside, she tapped the door handle with her wand. Her ever-present bag dropped to the floor with an unnatural thump.
"What's going o—"
Before he could finish, Hermione snatched off his ear-clip and glasses. As Skoll slipped off his ring, she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him.
"Mmm, " Anne stepped back, hitting the wardrobe behind her. Hermione tasted of Firewhisky, but Anne didn't mind at all. She pulled her close, feeling the warmth of Hermione's skin through the thin silk dress.
Heat flooded Anne's chest and mind. As their kiss deepened, Anne's fingers quickly undid the buttons of her grey robe. It dropped to the floor, revealing a simple white shirt and cropped trousers. She unbuttoned two more buttons. Her bag thumped to the floor.
Glasses, ear-clip, ring, wand, watch, all forgotten.
Without realizing it, they kissed their way to the bed.
Sunlight from the horizon filtered through the window, casting the room in warm amber. A strap of Hermione's silk dress had slipped off her shoulder. Holding her, Anne thought she looked absolutely delicious.
Their eyes met, amber and brown, and Hermione gave a wicked little smile. She pulled Anne down onto the soft, sun-scented sheets.
Anne caught the scent of the violet perfume she'd given Hermione. Faint and subtle, only noticeable this close. She buried her face in Hermione's neck and breathed her in.
Hermione giggled and licked Anne's earlobe, one hand around her neck, the other reaching for the next button on Anne's shirt.
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The complete release can be accessed through Patreon.com/Crimson_Lore