RP: Wedding Day

[tt_alicia]

Date: 18. August, 2002
Characters: Alicia Spinnet, Viktor Krum, OPEN TO EVERYBODY (Please add your character's tag as they join)
Setting: Around Settlement 1
Content: TBD
Status: Open: Public

Comments

[tt_dempster]

Dempster couldn't help his sigh of relief when she corrected him with her use of "we".

It had never really occurred to him that he'd be in a relationship that people might find odd, but even the wizarding world wasn't color blind, and his age and their status as co-workers certainly didn't help matters.

When it came time to do something that wasn't just the two of them, he worried more than he might normally. But now he just smiled, and looked around the crowd for spots. Pointing he asked, "How about over there?" It was a busy table but not packed, with a couple of Bulgarians - strangers to him, but he assumed from the way they talked in a language he didn't recognize - and a witch he vaguely recognized from Kingsley's office talking to another from the security's admin staff.

[tt_cecilia]

When Cecilia had seen the note on the notice board at the Med Center, where one of the Healers were asking the Herbologists if they would bring back some of the decorative flowers they found, she had found it to be a brilliant idea, and had done so as a present to a couple she didn’t know. Well, she knew of the groom, in that she had heard his name on the Wireless back in the old world.

It wasn’t until a few days ago, however, that she had learned that Jamie knew the groom, or at least claimed to know him, from the time he was spending at The Ark after school, when he had asked her if he could go to this wedding and if he could, what would he be wearing? So, the two of them had agreed to go, and Jamie had approved of the suit Cecilia had found for him, while she herself had settled on an ankle-length blue dress, that seemed stylish enough without being too out of place for an outdoor event such as this.

They had arrived at the reception area before the couple, and had both taken part in the cheering and congratulating of them… and then she had lost sight of Jamie. She wasn’t worried, though. Everybody seemed to be in great spirit and she knew that he would find a way to contact her if he needed her for any reason.

So Cecilia had accepted the request for a dance, and had had fun meeting people she had never seen or heard of before. After a particularly lively dance, she had opted out, and found a seat by one of the tables where she could watch the people while enjoying her glass of chilled white wine.

[tt_lavender]

Lavender stood on tiptoes to peer at the table. "Perfect." It never hurt to mingle a bit and everyone at the wedding seemed to be friendly. With such a celebratory atmosphere, it would have been hard not to be in a good mood. Alicia and Viktor's nuptials had drawn quite an international crowd and it seemed as though the Bulgarians really knew how to throw a party.

"You know," she said as they made their way towards the table, "this is the first wedding I've been to since coming through the portal. Seems almost overdue, now that I think about it. Like there should have been more somehow."

[tt_dempster]

Dempster nodded as they made their way through the crowd, "It does seem odd." He desperately wanted to tease her, ask her if she thought they should do something about that, but he worried how she'd take it.

Instead, they got to the table and set down his plate and drink before pulling out her chair.

Sitting down next to her and leaning in close, clearly excluding the others, he said, "I don't particularly want to share you," with a small giggle.

[tt_lavender]

It was hard to resist kissing him when he leant in like that; Lavender pressed a light peck to his lips. "Good," she said quietly, almost smugly, "because I don't want to be shared. I only want you." The words brought a little colour to her cheeks, but she didn't look away. In fact, she shifted her chair a little closer.

"I'm going to hold you to that promise of a dance later," she added.

[tt_remus]

Remus finally was able to break away from the chatter around him and found Ginny's table. "Hello Ginny. You look lovely today," he said, sitting down next to her. "That was a nice wedding."

Remus had dressed up in dress robes, not sure which way the crowd was leaning. Call him a traditionalist. And unlike his normal color of wearing black, he settled for a midnight blue. He hoped he wouldn't stand out too much.

Re: Reception

[tt_james]

James was at Lily's side one moment and then swooping around her and stopping in front, facing her, the next. "May I have this dance, Lil?" His look was sheepish, and he'd felt ridiculous all day in his suit, but it had been worth it to see Lil having such a good time and looking so lovely all done up to celebrate.

He wondered, if they ever got to this point, what their day would look like.

[tt_dempster]

Dempster didn't let her go that easily and pulled her in for another kiss - an appropriate one, but certainly not a light peck. "A dance. Later, huh? How about now, and then later we can negotiate the terms of another 'dance'?" He quirked his eyebrows at her, his food and drink forgotten the moment her cheeks blushed like that.

He stood and lifted her with him, "Honestly I just can't wait to see the jealousy on everyone's faces, when they see you in my arms." He leaned down, whispering right into her ear, "Far more beautiful than the bride, though I know better than to say that out loud."

Re: Reception

[tt_lily]

Lily grinned at him, "Why yes you may, good sir," she said and offered him her hand. "Have I told you how handsome you look today?"

Weddings had crossed Lily's mind more than once today. She thought of her first one with James, and wondered if they'd ever do it again. She thought of the time she had actually been invited to Petunia's wedding, but opted not to go. She wondered if she'd see her friends marry in this lifetime. Or even her son. She felt robbed in her first life.

"Weddings are so romantic." She randomly said.

Re: Reception

[tt_james]

James laughed as he scooped her into his arms and started swaying to the music, not a slow tune certainly but not a fast one either. "They really are, but I think that's the point," he joked, giving her a small squeeze.

"What would yours look like if it could look like anything?" He was curious, and curiosity was often a downfall - all that Gryffindor bravado and the like - but that being a fault had never stopped him before.

Re: Reception

[tt_lily]

"I just want a wedding with a bunch of friends around. Didn't get that last time. Maybe on the beach. I want a wedding without fear and paranoia." Lily was being quite blunt, she hoped she would get a second chance for another wedding. Maybe one that was just as lovely as Alicia's. That young woman made a beautiful bride.

"What about you? Do men think about that?" Lily loved being in his arms, dancing or not. She felt safe and content.

[tt_lavender]

"Mm. Anyone would think youre trying to seduce me." Lavender lowered her voice to a whispeer. "I think we won't need to do much negotiation." A dance now and then some 'dancing' in private later would be perfect. Dempster knew the way to her good side.

Taking his hand, Lavender laughed softly. "You're terrible," she teased with a roll of her eyes. "Though I think a few people might be jealous of me."

[tt_dempster]

Dempster laughed with her, enjoying how their voices sounded in chorus together. Had he really been so grumpy and gruff and quiet before he'd known her? He felt like there was noise in his life now, after so long buried in his books and his work.

Pulling her onto the dance floor gently he wrapped his large hands around her and pulled her close. "I think anyone would be right, Miss Brown," he added as an afterthought.

Spinning her out and then pulling her into his chest once again he asked with a grin, "So Alicia is the first of your friends to get married?"

[tt_lavender]

"Good." Lavender smiled widely as Dempster pulled her against him, right where she belonged.

The smile never left her face as she spun out and then back into his embrace. "Now that you mention it, I think so. Other weddings I've been to have mostly been family and that sort of thing."

[tt_viktor]

The crowd of the progression, the noise level, was nothing unusual for a traditional Bulgarian wedding but it resonated differently here. He once again thought of his parents, but only briefly. The sun was shining in Alicia's smile, and that was all that mattered, his wife and their future together. Her radiant smile warmed his heart and he grinned when she replied, noticing that her inflection was getting better.

Although the pace of the procession was quick, Viktor was mindful not to overstep his stride since Alicia was wearing heels. Dancers occasionally branched off to invite bystanders into the group all the way to the church. Viktor's smile broadened when they turned the corner and the converted building came into view. He could see Shacklebolt standing by the door, there to give his 'official' seal on the union.

Viktor slowed his step, drawing Alicia close in as he turned, spinning her in a small circle with a deep chuckle to the cheers and clapping of his friends. "Only few step more," he said, grinning, as the singing began to die down, though the dancers showed no signs of slowing. Viktor made sure her step was solid again before restarting their walk toward the church as his teammates broke away from the crowd to race ahead, taking their places on either side of the stairs leading up to the church.

[tt_alicia]

Walking down the unpaved paths of the Settlement was a great deal easier than Alicia could have feared. The music somehow kept her on her toes, literally, and one of the Babas had perform the small stroke of genius, when she had cast a ward on the hem of Alicia’s dress, ensuring that it wouldn’t drag along the ground. She let Viktor guide her as she looked up at him, marvelling how this proud, solid man fit so perfectly into the elated mood with the loud voices and the festive music. But he did. He was so vibrant and alive, looking happier than she could remember having seen him outside of their home, and good Godric, this was the man she was about to marry!

She had just spotted Kingsley, waiting for them in front of the church, when Viktor drew her close. With a delighted laugh, she looped her arms around his neck, looking down into his beautiful, dark eyes as he spun them around. She felt light and free and only the thought that their next kiss wouldn’t be until they were married, kept her from dipping her head down to show him just how much she wanted him right now. Instead she nodded. “A few more steps,” she grinned back, nodding. “Let’s go do this. I don’t want to wait any longer.”

Once again back on the ground, Alicia smiled as first her mum, then Sam kissed her cheek and went to join Viktor’s team mates, and take their places as her family in this. She smiled up at Viktor and gave his hand a squeeze before they began their walk towards the church and up the stairs. Seeing how each one of his team mates were standing there, supporting them in all this, made her take a deep breath; she was not going to cry today, at least not because they had wonderful people in their lives.

And then they were standing in front of Kingsley, and this was it. She beamed up at Viktor, before she looked up at Kingsley. Supposedly, brides were supposed to be blushing, at least that was the impression Alicia had gotten, but try as she might, she couldn’t keep her smile demure or blushing. There was simply no room for that, and really? Why shouldn’t she show how happy she was today?

Re: Wedding

[tt_viktor]

They entered the building together, past their friends and family gathered along the stairs, and into the space proper. The benches were full and some were standing along the sides as well. It seemed as if all of Settlement One was trying to fit into this space, but that didn’t bother Viktor, pleased as he was to see so many of his settlement-family present. The Bulgarian minister was singing a hymn as Viktor guided Alicia to the altar. The wedding party followed at a distance and then took their places on either side of the couple.

Kingsley stood to the left of the minister, both with their tablets in hand, he in his wizarding robes and the priest in black and gold vestments. It had been agreed upon beforehand that the minister would lead and Kingsley would repeat the section in English a moment later, giving all gathered the time to understand the ceremony.

The Bulgarian minister motioned for everyone in the crowd to sit, and then offered up a prayer for the couple. There was a brief pause and then he read from the book of Deuteronomy:

“These are the commands, decrees and laws the Lord your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I will give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. Hear, O Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey just as the Lord, the God of your fathers, promised you. Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”

The group of musicians started into a soft, calming hymn as soon as Kingsley finished repeating the passage in English. Viktor gave Alicia's hand a gentle squeeze, feeling reassured and peaceful as the Christian words reminded him of his youth attending services with his parents. It had been a long time since Viktor had felt these things, reminders and subtle messages of a faith that he had not embraced in a very long time. He was thankful that Alicia had agreed to the traditional service. A minute cough from the Bulgarian Minister drew his attention away from his lovely bride just as the older man began reading the second and last gospel passage of the service.

When it was Kingsley's turn, his deeper voice seemed to resound the words more fully, saying. "My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. You are the most excellent of men and your lips have been anointed with grace, since God has blessed you forever. Gird your sword upon your side, O mighty one; clothe yourself with splendor and majesty. In your majesty ride forth victoriously in behalf of truth, humility and righteousness; let your right hand display awesome deeds. Let your sharp arrows pierce the hearts of the king’s enemies; let the nations fall beneath your feet. Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy. All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces adorned with ivory the music of the strings makes you glad. Daughters of kings are among your honored women; at your right hand is the royal bride in gold of Ophir. Listen, O daughter, consider and give ear: Forget your people and your father’s house. The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord. The Daughter of Tyre will come with a gift, men of wealth will seek your favor. All glorious is the princess within her chamber; her gown is interwoven with gold. In embroidered garments she is led to the king; her virgin companions follow her and are brought to you. They are led in with joy and gladness; they enter the palace of the king. Your sons will take the place of your fathers; you will make them princes throughout the land. I will perpetuate your memory through all generations; therefore the nations will praise you for ever and ever."

Motioning for the assembled crowd to stand once more, the Bulgarian Minister led in singing the Gospel Acclamation of "Alleluia". When it was finished, he motioned once again for everyone to sit. There was an echo in the near-silent space as the assembled community moved almost as one. Reaching out, the Bulgarian Minister enveloped his hands over their joined ones before him, speaking in soft tones about the mystery of Christian marriage, the dignity of wedded love, the grace of the sacrament, and the responsibilities of married people. When he finished, Kingsley took his spot, repeating the words from memory so he wouldn't have to stop and read his tablet.

Taking over to reverse the translations, Kingsley solemnly requested that Viktor and Alicia state their intentions about their freedom of choice, faithfulness to each other, and the acceptance and upbringing of children, after which, the Bulgarian Minister translated to the assembled audience.

Turning to Alicia, taking both her hands in his, Viktor took a deep breath before speaking slowly to get the words right. "Alicia, vhen first ve meet, I know you special. Da time ve spend together, is best time of my life. I dink of vhat future hold for us vith happiness. You are only voman I vant to haff family vith, grow old vith, und spend all my life lovink. Today, I take you as my vife. I vow to loff you und cherish you, to keep you safe und protect you, to share all time, good und bad. I promise alvays I loff you, und hold faith only unto you. I vill alvays be there vhen you need me, und vant be best husband."

Re: Wedding

[tt_alicia]

Alicia knew that she ought to be paying attention to the words both the Bulgarian Minister and Kingsley – in particular – were saying. That she should commit the words to memory or at the very least take them to heart. But she couldn’t. Everything was so overwhelming, from the massive attendance of more people than Alicia could ever have dared hope would be there to celebrate their love and joy, the gentle music and the beautifully delivered prayer in both Bulgarian and English, to Viktor holding her hand and seeing the look in his eyes when he looked at her.

But she tried to pay attention, until Viktor’s gentle squeeze of her hand made her look up at him. It seemed impossible to look away, and Alicia could feel her eyes stinging from the tears in her eyes as she beamed up at him. The Minister’s gentle cough brought their surroundings back to her, and with a smile she allowed Kingsley’s voice to commit at least the beginning of their speech. It wasn’t until she turned to Viktor that the words stood out crystal clear to her, and every single one of his vows was etched deeply into her mind. Gently she brushed her thumb over his knuckles, the stinging tear finally spilling when she felt like she would burst from all the love and warmth she got from.

“I love you,” she mouthed to him when he finished, then cleared her throat and paused for a beat to say her own vows. “Viktor, you didn’t just change my life; you gave me life. I came here to survive, with hopes and dreams for no more than that. Then I met you, and you made me want to live rather than just survive. You made me dream again, and hope for a future with you and the family we will have.” Swallowing down to keep her voice steady she sent him a warm smile. “Today, I take you as my husband. I vow to love and cherish you. To treat you with respect and cherish every moment we have shared and will share for the rest of our lives. I promise to take care of you in good times, and in bad. To support you and guide you, and be the best wife that I possibly can. I love you more than words can say, but I promise you that I will love you forever.”

Re: Wedding

[tt_viktor]

A long moment after Alicia finished her vows, Zograf tapped Viktor on the shoulder and he released one of Alicia's hands to take the ring from his best man. Behind Alicia, Ginny wiped a tear from the corner of her eye and tried hard not to sniffle as she slipped the ring off her thumb, placing it in Alicia's free hand with a reassuring pat before she stepped back again, grinning like a fool.

The Bulgarian Minister blessed both wedding rings and then Viktor slipped the band gently onto Alicia's finger. Holding his hand steady for her, he smiled as the gold band slipped into place on his own finger. The Bulgarian Minister again blessed the rings, holding both their hands in his for a moment. Kingsley coughed discretely, leaning over to say. "You may kiss your bride now."

Viktor needed no more encouragement, slipping his hand around Alicia's waist and pulling her close as he bent his head, pressing a warm, heartfelt kiss to her lips. He drew back just enough to press his forehead to hers, smiling as he whispered. "Mrs. Krum!"

It was the Bulgarian Minister's turn to make a soft noise to get their attention back, then he read a prayer over the both of them, one that Kingsley repeated to the crowd. "Join with me as we ask God's blessing on this new couple. Eternal Father, redeemer, we now turn to you, and as the first act of this couple in their newly formed union, we ask you to protect their home. May they always turn to you for guidance, for strength, for provision and direction. May they glorify you in the choices they make, in the ministries they involve themselves in, and in all that they do. Use them to draw others to yourself, and let them stand as a testimony to the world of your faithfulness. We ask this in Jesus name, Amen."

Viktor made the sign of the cross and nodded to the Bulgarian Minister, taking Alicia's arm and curling it through his as he turned to face the assembly. Behind him, Kingsley said. "With the powers given to me, I pronounce you man and wife," he paused for a moment before turning to the gathered crowd as well. "It is one of the greatest duties I have, presenting to you, Viktor Krum and Alicia Spinnet Krum!"

A cheer went up in the building, carried by most, and Viktor led Alicia slowly down the aisle, followed by Zograf and Ginny, then the rest of the team. The building cleared out slowly as their family and friends melted out onto the path leading to the reception hall, some taking up song again, filling the air with bold voices.

Re: Reception

[tt_viktor]

After toasts had been given and more songs sung, after Viktor was sure that Alicia's feet had recovered from the walk to the ceremony, then to the reception, he drew her up from her chair, leading the way onto the dance floor.

The musicians struck a nice, slow song as soon as they saw the happy couple take the floor. Viktor drew Alicia close, stealing a quick kiss as he began moving to the light rhythm. "You tell me ef feet hurt, da?" he whispered, a twinkle in his dark gaze. He was inordinately happy and proud. "Minister Nikolov say you most beautiful bride he marry, but dis I know. I am most lucky man in all of dis vorld, my loff."

[tt_sirius]

He'd been on his way to the pub when he'd inadvertently crossed paths with the wedding procession on the way to the chapel. Sirius couldn't say what possessed him to follow, or to stand in the back of the building as the ceremony took place. He could explain how he'd gotten from there to the reception - several of the Bulgarians had insisted that he join them.

Sirius was nursing a scotch when he turned and saw Cecilia in that dress, dancing with another man. He felt his mouth go dry and took another drink. Another fellow beside him struck up a conversation that he tried to follow along with even as he watched Cecilia. When she finally left the dance floor, Sirius had finished his drink and gotten a refill, excusing himself before crossing the floor. Coming to a stop beside her table, Sirius asked. "May I join you?"

Re: Wedding

[tt_alicia]

Alicia beamed up at Ginny when she gave her the ring and snuck in a tiny, grateful squeeze of her hand, before she turned back to Viktor. She watched and listened with fascination as the Minister spoke and Kingsley translated, and she was positive that her heart skipped a beat when Viktor placed the ring on her finger. For several beats, it felt as if the world could have collapsed around her and she still wouldn’t have been able to tear her eyes away from Viktor’s warm gaze. That is, until Kingsley’s voice drew her back, and she laughed softly, delightedly that they were already at that point.

Tilting her head up, she smiled into the kiss as she melted into Viktor’s embraced and her eyes closed giving her that moment of pure bliss when they were just the two of them. Mrs. Krum. Hearing him say that her smile returned full force as she gaze up at him, sharing this incredibly intimate moment with the majority of the Settlement, though for all Alicia sensed, it was just her and Viktor. “That’s me!” she whispered back, loving the sound of her new title, though no more than what that title actually meant: She was Viktor’s wife and Viktor was her husband. They may have been a couple before, but now it was official and it had been announced to the world.

Re: Reception

[tt_alicia]

Alicia had kissed more cheeks, given more hugs and shaken more hands than she could remember ever having done, and yet none of them had come off as forced. Everybody seemed to genuinely share in their happiness, and several times she had had to dap away a tear or two when someone – whether friend or stranger – had shared their hopes and wishes for them. She had delighted in the songs from Viktor’s friends and enjoyed the songs her mother and Sam had prepared, all in between cherishing the stolen moments she could with Viktor.

Letting him lead the way to the dance floor, she stepped easily into his hold, humming softly at his gentle kiss. The twinkle in Viktor’s eye had her chuckling. “One of the Babas cast a Cushioning Charm on my shoes, so I feel like I’m walking on pillows,” she whispered back. “But I can always fake sore feet if we need an excuse.” Her cheeks heated up slightly at his compliment, but she didn’t look away. Instead, she moved just a fraction closer, if possible, letting his strong body set the rhythm for them on the dance floor. “You are lucky,” she told him softly. “You married that luckiest woman in this world. Thank you for a wonderful day, Viktor.”

[tt_cecilia]

Cecilia’s attention had been captured by a little girl, a toddler, wearing a red dress with a bow on the back. The bow, apparently, was of high interest to the girl, but she was having a difficult time seeing it and as a result ended up spinning in a slow circle while attempting to look over her shoulder or under her arm, until someone – the mother, by the looks of it – charmed a second bow to the front of the dress.

With a chuckle, Cecilia looked away, her eyes landing on Sirius as he came to stand by the table she was sitting at. Try as she might, she couldn’t completely ignore that pleasant feeling in the pit of her stomach when she saw him, and her smile turned warm. “Of course,” she said softly when he asked if he could join her, shifting so she could sit facing him once he sat down. “Had I known you’d be here, I would have come found you earlier,” she told him, then gestured to the happy couple that was sitting by one of the other tables. “You know them?”

Re: Reception

[tt_ginny]

There was a momentary flicker of self-consciousness when Ginny smoothed her hand over her hip, the gold, sheath dress shimmering with the tiny movement. It was far more grand than anything she'd ever worn before. Not that she could outshine Alicia anyway, who looked amazing and radiant like an angel.

"I think I see what she means, but I'll put in a good word for you," she teased, smiling quickly. During the crazy fairytale switch-a-roo, Adrian had been so kind to her and she hadn't forgotten that.

"They really do," Ginny agreed. "Loads of fun now that I don't have Viktor's ring on my thumb. Talk about feeling the pressure there. I was so afraid I was going to loose it on the way to the chapel."