At The Heart Of The Matter

Authors Note: Thanks again to ALL my reviewers! Harry Potter is still not mine!

Will You?

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(Saturday, September 1st)

Arriving at Hogwarts at 7:00am, Harry and Alicia met Minerva in the entrance hall.

“Harry, you and Neville will be in the Founder’s Wing of the Castle.” said Minerva as they walked to a part of the castle that had been unused for better than a century and a half. Alicia and Harry were looking around at the opulence as the Headmistress continued, “Each of the four Founder’s had their own suite installed here during the construction, and only the heir’s can use them….after claiming ownership of the castle, of course. If you had known, you would always have been in this area of the castle, but we know how forthcoming Dumbledore was with information concerning you. He probably didn’t tell anyone that you were the Gryfindor heir, because even he couldn’t get into this wing without your consent.”

“That would certainly have put a damper on his plans to control me. He could have done so much to help our world, if he hadn’t been so damn greedy and power hungry. I don‘t think I’ll ever understand why he did what he did.” said a frustrated Harry.

As they approached a huge set of intricately carved mahongany double doors, that had to be 10’ tall, Minerva said, “You need to place you palm on the doors, and once they recognize your claim, they will open. Once Neville shows up, you two can set a password and key only those you want to allow entrance into the wards that guard this area.”

Doing as instructed, Harry felt a wave of magic wash over him, and then a soft click as the doors began to swing open, allowing him admittance. As he passed through the doorway, he instinctively knew how to key Alicia and Minerva into the wards to allow them to enter. The three of them walked down a short 5’wide by 6’ long hallway, that spilled into a very large reception room.

“SWEET MERLIN! This place is absolutely amazing!” said Harry in complete awe of his surroundings.

There were 7 large window that must have been 20’ tall, and in-between each, hung the house flag of each of the Founders. The floors were a done in a dark cherry finish with a huge round plush area rug, depicting the finished castle and its surroundings, that lay under a scattering of richly appointed leather couches and chairs. Walls of the richest mahogany paneling curved gracefully around the circular room. Finishing off the simple yet sumptuous hall, on opposite sides, were to of the largest fireplaces Harry had ever seen.


“Harry, Alicia….Welcome to the Founder’s Hall! Your right, Harry, this is amazing. I’ve never been inside, obviously, but have heard tails of its splendor.” said Minerva, also looking around in wonder.

“From what I understand, under the flag that represents your family, you need to place you hand on the wall, and a door will appear to your private suite. If you’ll excuse me for a moment, the wards just told me that Neville and Hermione have arrived. I’ll bring them up and then you two can set the wards and passwords then settle in.” Minerva said, leaving Alicia and Harry standing in the middle of the room.

A few minutes later, Harry felt the wards accepting Neville, and then he heard a gasping sound that alerted him that Hermione was also present. Turning to face his two best friends, he grinned at them as they, too, were overwhelmed by the simple beauty before them.

“Damn, Harry….we sure are moving up in the world….not that our Manors aren’t nice, but DAMN!” said and excited Neville.

“I know what you mean, mate. This is just too much. Let’s check out our personal suites….I’m dieing to see them!” stated Harry with an smile that made him look 5 years old again.

Doing as Minerva suggested, both Neville and Harry put their palms to the wall under their house flag, and suddenly, there were two doors that seem to blend in with the mahogany paneling almost seamlessly. Alicia followed Harry, and Hermione going with Neville, they entered their suites. Minerva chuckled from her seat in the reception room when she heard all four yell out simultaneously “BLOODY HELL”.

Harry and Alicia just stared ahead, not even fathoming that this was their new home. They entered another smaller reception room that was floor to ceiling creamy marble and had one large black marble fireplace, with a portrait of Godric Gryfindor above it, that waved at them and called out a welcoming greeting. Speaking for a few moments with the portrait of his ancestor, the couple decided it was time to explore. The flooring was still a dark cherry, but the furniture was of a Louis XIV style and tapestries softened the other wise hard surface of the marble walls. The room was accented by the darkest reds, soft champagne golds, and black accents that were surprising warm and welcoming.

On each side of the reception room were five columns each, done in the same black marble as the fireplace. The set to the right lead to a sunken formal living room and the set to the left, a formal dining room, also sunken down 3 steps. The style and flow of these three rooms were seamless and accentuated with diamond and gold chandeliers, rich velvety drapes over large windows, and beautiful statues that only added to the graceful splendor. On either side of the fireplace, were two hallways that lead to the private areas of the suite. After inspecting the right hall first, they found five bedrooms, two bedrooms on each side, with the enormous master suite being at the end of the hall. The left hall lead to a private study, massive three story library, glass conservatory that housed an indoor pool with Jacuzzi, and surprisingly a very modern training room. Stunning didn’t even begin to describe this suite, and both Harry and Alicia fell instantly in love with their new accommodations.

The two couples, after showing each other and Minerva their personal suites, called out to Dobby and Winky. Asking if they would like work for the Founder’s heirs, and getting excited affirmations, Harry and Neville hired them and would, from now on, be the private house elves to the Founder’s Hall. Harry had never seen the two little creatures quite so happy, so left them to unpack the trunks, and spent the rest of the day setting up their classrooms.

Harry and Alicia met Chen in an enormous gymnasium that was in another abandoned section of the castle. It had a jogging track that was over half mile long around the parameter guarded with protection wards from the dueling area in the center. A weight lifting room off to the left, and martial arts/weaponry training center to the right finished this state of the art facility. With the help of several more house elves, the three were almost finished setting up by the time lunch rolled around.

After lunch, and quickly finishing up any last minute details to their classroom, Harry, Alicia, Neville, Hermione and Chen went out to enjoy the peace of Hogwarts grounds before the students arrived.

Ron, who had been disappointed that Harry and Hermione had not been on the train this year, made his way to the Great Hall talking to the only other upperclassman left in Gryfindor House, Ritchie Coote. Once he entered, he took in the enlarged head table, and noticed several of his former friends sitting their. Wondering why they were there, along with the rest of the students, he took his seat to wait for the explanations that he was sure would come.

Deputy Headmaster Flitwick escorted the first years in, the sorting hat sang his song about the wonderful ways of old being renewed once more, and the sorting began. When the sorting was through, Headmistress McGonagall stood and calling for silence, began the open speech.

“Good evening, and welcome to a new year at Hogwarts. We, the staff and I, are very excited this year as we have been allowed to implement the old ways of the Founders and bring Hogwarts back to its former glory. Some of you may recognize some of the new staff members this year as former students last year. Your eyes are not deceiving you, but just know that they have all been approved by the Ministry Teaching Certification Department to be instructors. It is up to them to explain how this has happened if they choose. Before we explain the changes this year, I would like to ask Neville Franklin Ravenclaw Longbottom and Harry James Thurox Gryfindor Potter to say a few words as owners of this fine institution.” she ended and fought to keep the smirk off her face as the Great Hall exploded in shocked gasps and whispers.

Standing, Neville and Harry heard the gasps from the student body, who for the first time were getting their first good look at these two very much changed young men. Making there way over to the podium, and motioning for Neville to go first, Harry stepped back a few paces and turned his attention to the hall.

“Good evening, everyone. As one of the Founder’s Heirs, I would personally like to welcome you to Hogwarts, and hope that you enjoy this new year of learning. Until this summer, I was unaware of my Ravenclaw lineage, but am proud to be representing that line now and in the future. I hope you like the changes we have made, and the way this year will progress. Now, I’ll hand over the podium to the other owner, Harry Potter.” Neville finished, stepping back and allowing Harry to address the student body.

Dwarfing the small podium with his 6‘7” muscular frame, Harry put a smile on his formidable face and using his sexy baritone voice captured the attention of all, and started, “I, too, wish to welcome you all to Hogwarts, and like Professor Longbottom, have claimed my heritage and ownership of this wonderful school under the Gryfindor line. The Founder’s spirits, for centuries, have watch their creation blossom and turn out some of the worlds finest witches and wizards until these past several decades. The changes that have been implemented for the last 75 years have weakened us as a whole, but that will all change from here on out. The Founder’s ways will be renewed, and once again Hogwarts will be the foremost magical school around. Thank you.”

After retaking their seats while the applause died down, Minerva continued with the announcements that named Filius as the new Deputy and introduced the rest of the staff, she went on to explained the new curriculum and structure to the very excited young witches and wizards. A thunderous applause greeted the end of her speech, and with one final note, she concluded, “We will be postponing the first day of classes until Wednesday, September 5th, to provide time for questions and sign ups of the new classes, and so you can all re-assimilate yourselves with the castle again, as it has been opened up completely once again and classrooms have been moved around to reflect the changes. Prefects, you will be given a tour tomorrow morning at 9:00am so that you may assist the rest of the student body. Upperclassman, please stay behind, and Professor Spinnet will show you to your new dorm. Thank you, and have a good evening.”

As the Great Hall began to clear, Tonks walked in, and pulling Harry, Neville, Filius and Minerva aside, said, “We have five marked students in the dungeon, and will be taking them in after the students are completely cleared and in their dorms.”

“Who are the students, Tonks?” asked Harry.

“Pansy Parkinson, Steven Harper, Anthony Goldstein, Terrance Higgs, and Owen Caldwell.” Tonks answered.

“I was hoping no one would be arrested….I’ll go inform their parents that they are being taken to the Ministry, and that they’ve been officially expelled from Hogwarts. Thank you Tonks, and be sure to pass a thanks to Kingsley for us.” stated Minerva.

Turning to address the upperclassmen, Filius said, “As you can see, your numbers are a lot less than the end of last year. Many of your classmates, Harry, Alicia, Neville and Hermione for example have all graduated and advanced further over the summer. I expect that all ten of you will help the younger classmates, as you all have become the newest upper year prefects. Head Boy this year is Wayne Hopkins, and Head Girl is Mandy Brocklehurst. Professor Spinnet will explain how you will serve your houses while being separated from them during the year. Do not abuse these new privileges, or they will be taken away. Have a good evening.”

Leaning over quickly, Harry said to Alicia, “I’ll see you in a little while. Call me if you need me for any reason. Love you.” and with that, they all parted.

Shortly before 10pm, Alicia entered the main reception room, and plopped next to Harry on one of the sofa’s. “This year should be interesting….Ron was already acting like he was above everyone else. I just don’t get what you three saw in him to ever call him a friend in the first place. He’s such a……UUGH! I don’t know how to describe him!” Alicia finished, looking exasperated.

“If he gives you a hard time, you just let me know, and I’ll happily see to it that he’s put in his proper place. No one messes with my woman!” Harry said teasingly.

“Your woman, Mr. Potter? Well, your woman is going in for a nice long soak in that wonderful Jacuzzi, and if her man would like to join her, he better rephrase himself.” said Alicia, teasing right back.

“Yes MAM! Like I said before, you can take care of yourself, my wonderful, talented girlfriend.” Harry said this while standing and bowing to his girlfriend. This set all four to laughing, and after saying their goodnights, they went to their own suites. Changing quickly into their swimsuits, Harry and Alicia settle into the steamy, swirling water, and let the water works its magic on their tired bodies.

“Was Ron really that bad? I will take care of him if he was, all joking aside. You’ve been through enough the last couple of weeks to have to put up with him.” stated a very stern Harry.

“You really are my night in shining armor….I love you, Harry James Thurox Gryfindor Potter.” Alicia said as she kissed him tenderly. They spent the next hour just talking, snuggling and sharing heated kisses, until they both felt like prunes, and climbed out. Making their way to bed, they gave each other another kiss, and pulling Alicia close, Harry shut off the lights and went to sleep.

During the upperclassmen tour the next morning, Ron decided to continue being a jerk, and began harassing a third year Hufflepuff that had the audacity to ask directions to the new charms classroom. Rolling their eyes, Harry and Neville quietly made their way over to Ron, and tapping him on the shoulder, Harry said, “Is there a problem here, Mr. Weasley? Was it not explained to you last night that you were to help the younger years, not berate them for needing help? Is that too complicated for you to understand?”

“Harry, this kid was disrupting the upperclassmen tour. He needs to understand that we come first!” said Ron, resolutely.

Neville, wanting a piece of the action said, “What is that suppose to mean, Ron? Does your manhood depend on belittling those younger and smaller than you? You need to grow up and act your age…..if not, we could always demote you back to the regular dorms. I would love for you to give me one more reason to do that….please!”

“You can’t do that! I’m, by right, in the NEWT dorm!” yelled Ron.

“Really! If you remember, I own part of this castle, and that gives me all the rights I need to decided what his best for this school….would you like to test that theory?” ask an increasingly irate Neville, standing imposingly at 6’3’ and well muscled next to Ron’s 6’ lanky frame.

Receiving no further comment, Neville and Harry started to make their way back to the front of the group when Harry’s enhanced hearing picked up Ron’s mumbled response. “He better watch his back! He’s nothing but a squib that used his money to get in anyway. He has no authority over me, my father is a teacher here, and he’ll set that jerk in his place! They think that their so much better than the rest of us because the supposedly own Hogwarts….” he never got to finish his whispered musings, as Harry had him pinned to the wall, arm pressing at his chest, katana resting just below his chin before Ron could even register that he had been moved.

“BLOODY HELL! Harry….what are you doing?” asked a scared Ron.

“You ever threaten anyone again, Ron, and your parents won’t have to worry about paying for this school year or next…..you won’t be here.” growled Harry through clench teeth pressing the katana in just a little harder, leaving the open threat for all to figure out. Backing away slightly, but never removing the threat of his sword, Harry finished, “I think it in your best interest to stay as far away from me and mine as possible….do I make myself clear, or do I need to spell it out for you?”

“I-I got it, Ha-Harry.” Ron whispered.

“Very good. We won’t have this conversation again….next time I’ll just take action. By the way, it‘s Professor Potter and Professor Longbottom to you!” said Harry menacingly, leaving a shaking Ron behind and the tour continued as if nothing had happened.

When the tour ended, Harry went to his classroom, and began an intense two hour work out to get rid of his pent up anger. He set up the dummies to fight both magically and physically, and set them to keep coming until there were none left to fight. As his magic flared around him, he began his attack. Students that had been exploring the new classrooms, had spread the word of what Harry was doing, and soon, unbeknownst to him, most of the school was sitting around the track watching, mesmerized by the awesome brutality in which Harry worked through his opponents. As he was nearing the end of the dummies, Chen walked in. Hearing Harry give out a frustrated yell as the last two dummies came forth, Chen quickly armed himself and stepped into the fight.

The fight was intense with spells flying everywhere, high, powerful kicks racking each person’s frame, and metal clashing with metal, until finally, Chen knocked Harry’s katana from him while doing a sweep of his legs, sending Harry to the mat. Harry lay panting with a sword to his throat, and giving his yield, was brought to a sitting position by Chen who knelt next to his younger friend. Dropping his head to his knees, he attempted to bring himself under control.

“Harry, what got you so worked up? I haven’t seen you this intense in a while.” asked a concerned Chen, quietly, so as not to be overheard by the near silent crowd.

“I was just so frustrated with Ron and his attitude….years of pent up….” Harry trailed of as he caught a faint chuckling to his far left. Whipping his head around, he noticed it was coming from Ron and Zachary Moon, a 6th year Ravenclaw. Standing gracefully, holding his hand out for Chen to place his katana in it, he spun around once the blade was on his person again, and stalked over towards his outcast friend, in a deadly low voice said, “Do you two find something amusing about this?”

“You sure didn’t last long against the old guy. I thought you were suppose to be all powerful and perfect?” said Ron nastily, feeling gleeful over his ex-friend’s defeat.

“Get up.” Harry snarled. “You think you can take on 12 dummies then, when your exhausted, take on a Master Swordsman, the go ahead and try! I’ve had it with you and your attitude! I won’t even make you fight them…your going to fight me….NOW, GET UP!” screamed Harry in the deathly silence that had taken over the gym.

Trying to figure out a way out of this, he looked over to his parents and giving a pleading look said, “Dad, tell him I can’t fight, or I’ll get expelled.”

“Ron, you’ve brought this on yourself. One of these days, your going to learn that you don’t know all you think you know. Good Luck, son….your going to need it.” finished Arthur, looking very disappointed in his last son.

“STAND UP AND FIGHT! Not feeling to sure of yourself now, are you….TO BAD!” and with his long reach, dragged Ron up to his feet and brought him over to the weapons rack, he growled, “Pick your weapon….NOW!”

“I don’t know how to use a sword, Harry! Don’t do this, mate!” pleaded Ron.

“I…Don’t….Care! Don’t call me mate, either…you brought this on yourself, now….CHOOSE!” said Harry in a quiet growl that scared Ron more than he would ever admit.

Once he had finally pick out a katana for himself, they made it back to the center of the gym. “Prepare yourselves…three, two, one, BEGIN!” shouted Chen, and without even giving Ron a chance to inhale, he attacked. Harry never unsheathed his katana, choosing to use his karate skills to physically beat the pulp out of Ron. In less than a minute, Harry had landed over 10 kicks, and 15 punches, that had Ron out cold on the floor, bleeding and bruising quickly.

“Enervate” said Harry, and watched as Ron opened his eyes, as he moaned out in pain. “Don’t you ever fuck with me again, Ron….I’ll finish you for good next time, got it?”

“Harry?” said a soft voice behind him. Recognizing it to be Alicia’s, he turned to her, and without pause, he hugged her tight, feeling the tension in the room lesson just a little. It was at that moment that he truly noticed the number of people that had witnessed the last couple of hours. Tucking in tighter to Alicia, he whispered, “Baby, let’s go back to our rooms….I need to get out of here.”

“Okay.” she said, and as he took her hand to make his way out of the room, he saw some of the students were backing away from him, scared.

“Please….don’t be scared. I wouldn’t attack anyone without cause, and trust me when I say, I had cause with Ron. What you witnessed prior to that was just my training routine. Professor Li, would you explain to those present more about that?” asked Harry, and getting a nod in agreement, left to head back to the Founder’s Hall.

Feeling completely drained, Alicia let him be, and he headed right for the Jacuzzi. Stripping naked, he crawled his way in, and leaning his head against a built in pillow, fell into a light doze. Harry wasn’t sure how much time had passed, but he soon realized that he wasn’t alone anymore. Cracking open his eyes, he was completely awe struck to see Alicia there, in the Jacuzzi with him, naked as well.

“Baby? What are you doing?” he asked as she slowly made her way over to sit in his lap.

Hearing him moan with the feel of her naked body close to his, she said, “Let me take care of you, Harry, just like you take care of me. Just relax and let my body regenerate your soul.”

“Your playing with fire, Alicia. You know how bad I want you, and you sitting in my lap, teasing me….” he said while his mouth worked her neck and nibbled at her ear, hands rubbing her bare back and smooth thighs.

“Harry….” she moaned breathlessly, and started rubbing herself against his manhood, slowly.

Letting out a primal growl, he grabbed her perfect globes in his hands, and proceeded to help her rub her clit up and down his achingly hard member. He would never break his promise to her to wait, but he was a man who had gone almost 11 months without any gratification and planned on enjoying what she was offering to him now.

Kissing her with a deep, needy passion, she clung to him, purring her want and need out to him by her own sounds. As she began to thrust her hips faster, he started rubbing up her cleft, over her tight ring of muscles that lay within.

Gasping at the new sensation, she said, “Oh….Merlin, Harry….that feels….good.”

“You like that, Baby….aahh….damn, I’m close.” then with both panting in heady need, he inserted his long thick index finger into her ass, and slowly began pumping it in and out.

“Aahh! Harry….YES!” she breathed, and minutes later, they both screamed out their joint orgasms, sending them into blackout for a few short moments.

Pulling his finger from within her, she whimpered at the loss of sensation it had stirred within her. Still holding her close, he captured her mouth again in a slow, sensual, desire filled kiss that lasted till they both needed air.

“Damn, Baby…that was an unexpected, but pleasant surprise.” Harry said nearly 5 minutes later, both still breathing hard from their previous activity.

“Merlin….I want you so bad, Harry. Me and my stupid beliefs!” Alicia said in frustration.

“Oh, Baby….just think how much better it will be when we do wait. Trust me, I want you just as badly, but don’t give in….It’ll mean so much more to both of us on our wedding night, when you give yourself to me forever.” Harry said in a reassuring voice.

“Harry? Did you just say OUR wedding night….as in you and me?” she asked, looking into the eyes she loved more than life itself, slightly surprised by his words.

“Do me a favor….go get changed, and meet me in the Dining Room in 15 minutes. I’ll answer all your questions then, okay?” Harry asked, with pleading eyes, still rubbing her back gently.

“Okay, your weirding out on me, Harry….but I’ll meet you there.” she said, and climbing out of the Jacuzzi, headed to their room to change.

Gliding into his closet, he silently dressed, then glided into the Dining Room and began to prepare for Alicia’s arrival.

When she caught her first glimpse of the room, she gasped at the beauty before her. Soft music played in the background, and scattered all around were bouquets of long stem red roses that glowed in the soft candlelight. There had to be a thousand of them, and filled the room with the most romantic scent.

Hearing her, Harry turned to Alicia, and taking her arm in his, led her over to the petal covered table, lifting her gently to sit amongst the petals and bouquets. Handing her a tall elegant flute filled with the best champagne his cellar at Thurox Manor had to offer, he look directly into her warm brown eyes, leaned in and gave her a tender, but loving kiss.

Leaning his forehead against hers, he started, “The day we went to Azkaban, I went to Gringotts to visit the Potter Vaults…but after everything that happened, I’ve been waiting for the right moment….and I can’t think of a more perfect time than right now.” Harry said, then kneeling as he ended, pulled her hand to his and laid a small black lacquered box in it.

With tears in his eyes, he looked up to her, and while he opened the box, he said, “Alicia, you are my everything. You’re my love, my best friend….the very air I breathe. I don’t think I could continue living if I didn’t have you to share my life. Alicia, will you do me the honor to consenting to be my wife, lover and friend….forever?”

Smiling tenderly down at him, through tears of her own, she answered, “Yes, Harry…..Yes!” she said passionately. Rising up to meet her, he pulled her close, and they shared the most loving, passionate kiss of their lives.

Pulling back a little, he cupped her face with his hands, and looking deep into her loving brown eyes, he said in a breathless whisper, “Thank you for loving me, Alicia. I love you more than you will ever know!” and they shared another tender, more gentle kiss.

“Shall I put the ring on your finger?” he asked. Receiving a nod and a smile, he reached for the box, removed the ring, and slipped it on her finger. She again gasped, as she took in the beautiful piece of art that now rested on her finger. The center stone was a two carat princess cut diamond, nestled in a bed of dark blue sapphires, all held together in a gleaming platinum and gold setting. Bringing her hand up, he kissed the ring and finger where they met.

“Harry, it’s the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen. Thank you!” she said, tears again falling from her eyes.

“It was my mother’s….I know she would want the woman I love to have it. You’re the only one I could even think of giving something so special to. I love you, Alicia.” he said, smiling at her amazement.

“I love you, Harry…from this day forward you own my heart!” she said, and the rest of the afternoon was one of the most tender, romantic days either had ever shared. They didn’t show up to dinner that evening, or breakfast and lunch the next day. It was dinner, Monday night, before any of the students and staff saw them, and when they walked into the Great Hall, glowing smiles on their faces, holding hands tightly, it was Hermione who caught sight of the ring first.

“OH MY GOD! Is that what I think it is?” Hermione squealed excitedly, pointing to her hand.

This got the attention of everyone in the hall, and after a whispered okay from Alicia, he stood tall and announced, “I would like you all to say hello to the future Mrs. Potter!”

The roar of clapping and exclamations was deafening for several minutes, while their friends and, to Alicia’s surprise, her parents descended upon them.

“MUM, DAD….When did you get here? How did you know to be here?” Alicia asked while hugging her parents tightly.

“Oh, sweetie, congratulations….I’m so happy for the both of you!” cried Rhonda. Then to the surprise of all gathered round, Harry turned to Marcel and asked, “Sir, I realize it’s a little after the fact, but I would like to have your blessing and approval to marry your daughter. I swear to love her for all eternity, sir.”

“Harry, I wouldn’t trust her heart to anyone else…I couldn’t asked for a better son-in-law! Congratulations, son!” and the two gave a manly hug, only to be pulled apart by the women in their lives, Alicia hugging her father, Rhonda embracing Harry.

“So….when’s the big day?” asked Daphne, after giving both her friends a huge hug.

“Well, we thought it would be nice to have it this year, on Christmas eve.” said a beaming Alicia. Immediately, the women around them began talking of plans, and the men all looked at each other, then Harry exclaimed, “Women are so SCARY when there’s shopping and planning to be had!” and this got everyone laughing.

When everyone had calmed down from the hugs and well wishes, the newly engaged couple took their seats, only to have the tinkering of silverware to glass bring their attention back to the hall. Looking at each other, knowingly, Harry slowly, to tease the crowd, lowered his lips to Alicia’s, and as their lips met, it was like the world stopped, and it was only them. Pulling back, looking in her eyes, he whispered his love to her, and then the world came back into focus and they heard the applause and cat-calls. Laughing at the antics of everyone, they ate dinner, and retired to their suite, enjoyed the rest of the night, surrounded by friends and family.