At The Heart Of The Matter

Authors Note: Thanks again to ALL my wonderful reviewers! You guys are the BEST!!! Harry Potter is still not mine!

The Big Day

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As November drew to a close, it was with heavy hearts that Harry and Alicia got back to teaching classes, and planning their wedding. Harry had spied in on Voldemort after the club incident, through their connection, and had witnessed Tom throwing a real tantrum over all the botched raids he had been experiencing. Harry had overheard him talking with Bellatrix a few days later when re-visited the connection, and Riddle was down to about 25 Death Eaters, the Dementors, and a few rogue vampires. These last few months had really done a number on his ranks, so Harry knew the final confrontation wasn’t far off.

Hermione, Padma, Blaise and Harry had been pouring over ancient tomes and spell books, looking for some way to capture Voldemort’s spirit into an object that Harry would pre-cast in Blood/Runic Magic. They hoped that once they had his spirit trapped, before the body died, Voldemort’s blood could be used to banish the object into oblivion, then they would kill what was left of Voldemort. The premise was very similar to what would happen in a Dementor’s kiss, and Harry thought it would be very fitting for Tom to go this way.

December roared in with several early blizzards, and was promising to be one of the coldest, snowiest ones in history. A week before the wedding, Hogwarts broke for the Christmas Holiday, and Harry went back to Thurox Manor to help prepare it for the monstrous reception that would be held there. The final count to the invite list was 536 people, and all had responded in the affirmative. The actual wedding was to be held in the Founder’s Hall, in the main reception room. The only ones invited to attend the private ceremony were the friends from time warp, Alicia’s family, Amelia Bones, Mrs. Longbottom, Mr. & Mrs. Zabini, the teaching staff at Hogwarts, Dobby, Winky, and Cornelius Fudge, who would be officiating, and his wife, leaving the grand total at 73 attendees.

With the help of several house elves, Harry transformed the grounds of Thurox Manor into a grand ballroom. Several clear tents were brought in and linked together to form a massive hall, that let the guests view the snowy landscape and the sparkling night sky from the warm confines inside. A dark cherry flooring was laid inside the tents, and soon, the tables and chairs arrived. The dance floor and head table area were set up mid tent, with guests spanning out to the right and left. Several bar areas were placed throughout the tents, as well as appetizer and dessert areas.

The main meal was to be served very much like the meals at Hogwarts, the only difference being that the person had to speak one of three course items into their plate, and the food would then appear. Once the bare bones construction was taken care of, the decorating began. Harry hired a professional wizarding party/wedding planner to come in to do this part. Alicia specified what she wanted, and the planner made it happen. Rhonda Spinnet was on site most days to make sure that everything was going according to plan, so Harry didn’t need to be involved any further.

Late afternoon before the wedding, everyone arrived at Hogwarts for the wedding rehearsal, and the dinner that would follow. Upon entering the reception area of the Founder’s Hall, where the wedding would be taking place, Harry and Alicia let out gasps of surprise over the beauty before them.

The room was set up much like a church, with seating on each side of a red, rose petal covered central aisle. With one of the massive fireplaces as a backdrop, the ceremony alter was placed there and held a graceful arch that was covered in boxwood leaves, evergreen sprigs, roses, and silk that flowed like ribbons around its gentle curves. The house elves had used eight, 20’ Christmas trees, all decorated with deep red roses, champagne colored magnolias, berry garlands, and sugared fruits that sparkled in the twinkle cast by fairy lights making the room very cozy, but very romantic. Candles were placed around the room adding to the ambience, and with the guest chairs draped in dupioni silk in the same rich colors as the flowers there was a softness that glowed throughout the décor.

“Dobby, Winky…this is the most beautiful place I‘ve ever seen….thank you!” said a tearful Alicia.

“Anything for our Missy Alicia and Harry, sir. We is hoping you are pleased.” said Dobby.

“You both have out done any and all expectations. This is amazing, really!” said a awe filled Harry.

“You both is making us happy and honored to be involved.” said Winky.

A little after 6:00pm, the rehearsal was over, and they all headed into Harry’s suite to the formal dining room. There they enjoyed a very casual affair, hoping to relax as much as possible in these last few hours before the big event. Shortly after 9:00pm, Harry, Alicia, Marcel and Rhonda headed out to do the final inspection on the reception site.

Entering where they would the next day, through glass french doors in the middle of the enormous tent, it felt like they stepped into a dream. Calling it a winter wonderland didn’t do it any justice. Everywhere they could see were white willow branches spattered with diamond dust that sparkled in the soft ambient lighting cast by the thousands of candles and fairy lights throughout the room. On each table, a lavish centerpiece of red roses, calla lilies, white monte casino, ivy and bear grass cascaded down like a water fall over the 5’ high crystal pedestals in graceful arches towards the base. Soft silks and sheer chiffons were gracefully draped around the room and across the ceiling and where the soft fabric was attached, lay beautiful smaller bouquets matching the rest of the floral décor.

The chairs and tables were covered in the same dupioni silk used at the wedding site, and the table settings were made of the finest gold and silver found anywhere. Surrounding the 75’ x 75’ square dance floor, were twelve, 25’ creamy white marble columns, that where spaced at 25’ intervals with silk and floral garlands swaying between them creating a gentle scallop around the perimeter only to puddle at the bases of the four corners. The whole romantic display, twinkled and sparkled, leaving a euphoric feeling of being completely enchanted by fairy dust that was sure to leave many guests breathless.

“Oh, Harry! Can you believe this place. Mum this is spectacular! It’s so beautiful, and glistening, and beautiful….I’m going to cry again…..” trailed off an overwhelmed bride-to-be.

“Rhonda, you and the planners….Wow! It’s….Wow!” Harry said, words not able to describe the sheer beauty.

“Thank you, both of you. I was hoping that you would be pleased.” said Alicia’s beaming mother.

After spending the better part of an hour just walking amongst the splendor, and admiring the details that they would surly miss tomorrow, it was time for the bride and groom to split until the ceremony the next evening. Excusing themselves for a few quiet moments alone, Harry led Alicia over to the dance floor, and using magic, had a soft, slow melody begin to play.

As they danced close, Harry whispered in her eye, “Are you happy, Alicia? Is this what you always dreamed your wedding would be?”

“Harry, I don’t think it’s possible to be any happier than I am right now. This is so much more than I ever hoped my wedding would be, and I thank you for giving this to me. As beautiful as all this is, just having you is more than enough….this is just the crème de la crème. I love you, forever.” Alicia answered, resting her head against his chest as they danced together.

“I love you, too.” said Harry, pulling her into a very tender, yet meaningful kiss. This was the sight Alicia’s parents walked in on, making them smile and feel completely reassured that their daughter had found her true love.

When the song ended, Marcel said, “Okay, you two….it’s time to say goodnight. Harry, we will see you tomorrow at 6pm.”

Giving Alicia one last passion filled kiss, they parted ways. Harry had a hard time falling asleep that night, to excited about the day to come, so went and took a late night swim in his weather controlled heated pool, and just after 2am, he finally fell asleep.

The next day, all the groomsmen met Harry in his suite at Hogwarts, for a late lunch, and just to hang out and keep the nervous groom from going nuts. Oliver chuckled at him while saying, “Guess getting married isn’t like trying out for Quidditch….you’re a wreck!”

“Shut up, Woods….just you wait till your wedding day. Merlin, could this day drag on any longer?” said Harry, pacing relentlessly.

“How about I get us all a shot of fire-whiskey….that should help calm your jitters.” suggested Neville.

“Yeah, Nev…sounds like a good idea. It’s not that I’m jittery ‘cause I’m unsure….I just want the moment here, you know, when I can make her my wife. OH! GOD! I am a teddy bear!” Harry said, throwing his hands up in exasperation.

“Mate, what are you talking about?” asked Adrian

“Alicia said I was turning all mushy lately, like a teddy bear….she was so right! I AM!” exclaimed Harry, much to the amusement of his groomsmen.

“Harry, your suppose to be all romantic and sentimental when your with the woman you love….that’s normal.” said Remus.

“I get that part of it, but I’m doing it in front of the guys now! Nev, hurry up with those drinks….would ya!” Harry said, still pacing.

“You’ll be happy to know, when we finish our drinks, it’ll be time to get ready, so just hold on, man!” teased Paole.

“You do know that teasing me right now might not be the smartest thing you’ve ever done, Paole. I’m liable to hex you much quicker at the moment.” Harry said in a mock threat.

“If it will get your arse to calm down….” mumbled Remus.

“I heard that Remus! Was Dad this bad on his wedding day?” asked Harry.

“Worse, if you can believe it. I almost tied him up and gagged him just to get a few minutes peace.” chuckled Remus at the memory.

“I do wish Mum and Dad were here. I know this is going to sound bad, but most days, I don’t really miss them, but during the big moments in life, it’s like the whole they left gets a little bigger. The one I really miss, is Sirius. Do you think they would approve of this marriage?” asked Harry as he sat down, taking his drink from Neville.

“I do understand what you mean about your parents, trust me, and all three of them would be very proud of you, of the man you’ve turned out to be. I know I am.” said Remus, giving Harry a one armed hug.

“Thanks, Remus….I needed that.” finished Harry. He gulped down the last of his drink, and began getting ready. At 5:30pm, Fred and George made their way out to the main reception room, to greet the guests, and at 5:55pm, Harry and the rest of the groomsmen took their places for the ceremony.

At 6:00pm exactly, the door to Neville’s suite opened up, and Alicia’s attendants began making their way down the aisle to the soft melodious strings of a harp. They were all wearing dark red silk sleeveless evening gowns that had sheer wide straps that went over the shoulder forming a V at the middle of the back were they connected with roses, then the sheer tails trailed down to the floor below. Long gloves and simple white rose hand tied bouquets finished the elegant look.

When Alicia made it to the aisle, time seemed to stop for Harry. She was beyond beautiful….she was literally, breathtaking. Her gown was a long, form fitting, seamless princess cut gown that flared gently at the knees, then trailed behind her for three or four feet. At first glance, it appeared to be a strapless gown, but as she drew nearer, the part that covered her upper chest, and down her arms was a delicate sheer chiffon that hugged her frame like it was a second skin. Where the sheer chiffon met the silk and along the bottom hem of the gown, there was a 2” wide band encrusted with diamonds, pearls, and spun gold. At the base of the sleeves, they, too, had encrusted bands, but then a delicate bell of the chiffon cascaded over the back of her hands, ending at the first knuckle of her fingers.

Her hair was pulled into a taught bun, that was expertly shaped to form a rose as it rested on the back of her head. Simple tear drop diamond earrings and a hand tied red rose bouquet finished off everything. The gown, which was so exquisite in its simplicity, spoke of a quiet sophistication that made Alicia even more enchanting to Harry.

When she made it to the alter, she smiled tenderly up at him, both a little teary eyed. Taking her hand in his, he kissed it gently while saying, “You look so beautiful…you took my breath away.”

Taking her arm in his, they turned to Cornelius who started the ceremony. “Welcome, Ladies and Gentlemen. Today, we are here to witness the joining of these two wonderful people, in matrimony. They have chosen a bonding of their hearts, minds and souls, forever more in the time honored traditions, dating back to Merlin’s time.

“Harry, Alicia, touch your foreheads together, and open your minds to each other, and learn of the other’s past - ‘Celo Nihil’.” said Cornelius, reciting the spell that meant - to hide nothing. After several minutes, Harry and Alicia pulled away slightly, both looking into tear filled eyes after experiencing all the thoughts and emotions of the other over the course of their lives. There were no secrets between them any longer.

“Harry, Alicia, now, if you would take the other’s hand, and place it on your heart - ‘Aeternus Amor’” Cornelius intoned, meaning eternal love. The magic in the air was swirling gently with two of the three parts done.

“Harry, Alicia, leaving your hands on each other’s heart, rejoin your foreheads - ‘Detexo Pectis Oris’” finished Cornelius reciting the spell that literally meant, complete the soul. When the spell was complete, the magic began swirling around them, and as it entered their bodies where they were joined, it pulsed a brilliant white then disappeared.

“Harry, you may now state your vows to Alicia while placing the ring on her finger.” said Cornelius.

“Alicia, I love you. I can’t promise you a lot of things, but I can promise that my love will never falter. I never thought love really existed on this level, but I have been proven wrong. The night we got engaged, I told you that you were my everything, the very air I breathe, but that doesn’t even begin to speak of how I feel right now. Without you, there is no me, there is no life, and there is no love. We complete each other, like two halves of a whole, and you can be assured that from this day forward, you will always be cherished, honored and loved, before anything else on this plane of existence or any other. I love you…..forever.”

“Alicia, you may now state your vows to Harry while placing the ring on his finger.” said Cornelius.

“Harry, I love you, and also promise that my love will never falter. When I look in your eyes, I see my soul, my love, and my life nestled securely in them, and you can’t imagine how humbling that is. I have often said over the last few months that you own my heart, but it is so much more than that. You give your heart just as much as you own mine, and I promise to always cherish that. I look forward to the day when my body gives you the family you have always dreamed of, and I look forward to loving you as we grow old together. We complete each other, like two halves of a whole, and you can be assured that from this day forward, you will always be cherished, honored and loved, before anything else on this plane of existence or any other. I love you…..forever.”

“May the fires of passion, the fertility of the earth, and the spirit of the heavens, guide you both during this journey you set forth on today. As in the old times, I will now seal this union calling the two parts to join as one - ‘Bifariam Admisceo ab Unicus’.” and with this incantation, Harry and Alicia were once again engulfed in the softly swirling white magic, joining their hearts, mind and souls as one.

When the magic died down, Cornelius said, “Ladies and Gentlemen, it’s an honor to introduce to you, for the first time, Mr. & Mrs. Harry James Thurox Gryfindor Potter. Harry, you may kiss your bride.”

Taking his hand to her cheek, wrapping his fingers around the back of her slender neck, Harry smile down at his wife, and pulled her to him, tenderly claiming her mouth forever his. When they pulled away, they both smiled watery smiles at each other, then turned to their applauding guests. Walking hand in hand back down the aisle, they quickly made it to the back of the room where he engulfed her in his arms, and proceeded to swing them both around in circles, while he passionately seal their union with another kiss.

The twins could contain themselves no longer, and started whistling at the fiery kiss they were witness to. Soon enough, most of their friends had joined in, and as the newlyweds broke apart, they both smiled at everyone, and Harry said, “Now….let’s go PARTY!” causing everyone to start cheering and laughing.

They arrived at the Manor shortly before 7pm, and after the wedding guests got settled, the master of ceremonies announced the wedding party, “Ladies and Gentlemen, the groomsmen and the brides attendants. We start of with Mr. Paole Constantine and Ms. Bianca Zabini….….next we have Mr. Adrian Pucey and Ms. Hannah Abbot…..…now entering are Mr. Oliver Woods and Ms. Su-Li….....next are Mr. Remus Lupin and Ms. Hermione Granger……..and now, I would like to introduce the Best Man, Mr. Neville Longbottom, and the Maid of Honor, Ms Angelina Johnson……………Would you all give a warm welcome for the newlyweds, Mr. & Mrs. Harry Potter!”

Harry and Alicia walked in, beaming at each other and all their guests, the applause deafening to say the least. When the clapping died down, he cast a ‘Sonorus’ on himself, and said, “Thank you, all of you for being here. I know it is a little unheard of, but Alicia and I are going to now do a general ‘Thank you all for coming’. With so many here, we would never get to each and everyone of you individually this evening so, please accept our humble thanks. We, Alicia and I hope you enjoy your meal, but most of all have fun!” and this was met with even more applause.

As the evening wore on, they received praises over the reception’s food and décor, congratulations from all, and were constantly kissing due to the clattering of silverware on crystal, not that either one would complain. Many people oohed and aahed over Alicia’s dress and over their matching wedding bands, that had over 3 carats of diamonds that ran the circumference of the platinum and gold bands. Everyone seemed to be having a great time, and they all danced, laughed and partied well into the night.

Shortly before 2am, Harry once again cast a ‘Sonorus’, and said, “Ladies and Gentlemen….we would like to, once again, thank you all for sharing in our special day and making this one of the best parties we’ve ever thrown!” he said as everyone laughed, “I am now going to take my bride, this absolutely, amazingly, beautiful woman, away from you all, and be selfish for the rest of the night. W hope you all stay and have fun for as long as you like….just be gone by breakfast!” and with that funny little speech done, he swooped Alicia up in his arms, and carried off to their home.

Once he carried her over the threshold and up the stairs to their master suite, he gently set her upon their bed, capturing her soft, warm lips with his. Rubbing his thumb along her cheek, he said, “Alicia, I love you, Baby. Let me claim you as mine, forever.”

“I love you, too, Harry. I give you all that I have.” she said, and with another heated kiss, he began working the buttons down the back of her gown. Once he had them undone, he helped her stand, where she undid the buttons on his outer robe and silk dress shirt. Stepping back from him, she slowly let her gown cascade down her body, revealing her naked form as it went.

Looking up as her husband came close, she felt him place his large hands on her waist, then leaned down to caress her lips with his. “You are so beautiful.” he whispered to her while nibbling on her ear lobe. She brought her hands up to his shoulders, and trembling slightly, she help his shirt off of him, her fingers following the silk down his arms. Drinking in his exquisite form, she began raining small kisses down his chest, as she slowly kneeled before him.

As she raised her eyes to his, his hand softly supporting her head, while his thumb caressed her cheek, she reached up, undoing the fastenings on he pants, then slid them down his muscular thighs to puddle at his feet. Reverently kissing her way up his calves, past his knees, and up his thighs, soon, she was gently teasing his pelvis and hips. Hearing him moan softly, she took his throbbing member in hand, and starting at the base, she gently, but agonizingly slow, licked her way up to the leaking tip. When she reached the head of his aching penis, giving one tender kiss to it, she looked up to his face, and seeing that he was completely undone by her actions, took him in, as far as she could, into her warm, wet, silky mouth.

“Aaahhhh…..Baby…..” he moaned, making sure to keep his hips as still as possible. They had never done this before, and he was not about to hurt or scare her. After several minutes, Harry could feel his climax coming, so gently took himself from her mouth, and bent down to help her stand. Kissing her with an all consuming fire, he growled when he tasted himself on her tongue. Without breaking the kiss, he picked her up again, and laid her on the bed, encasing them both amongst the soft silk pillows.

Starting at her forehead, he began laying gentle kisses over her face, across her lips, down her long beautiful neck, suckling where it met her shoulder, till finally, he worked his way to her finger tips, where he suggestively started sucking them in and out of his mouth. Making his way back up to her neck, he proceeded to go down the other arm, paying special attention to the inside of her elbow and wrist. When all he could hear from her were wanton pants and groans, he recaptured her lips, showing the want and passion he was feeling.

Running his hand up her thigh, over her hip bone, across her stomach, he reached the underside of her beautiful breasts, teasingly tracing each one, and lowered his head, giving each nipple a little kiss, he fully took one into his mouth while he massaged the other. As he made contact with her sensitive, pert nipples, she arched into him longingly.

“Harry…..OH GODDESS…..Please…..” she moaned to him.

“Sshh….Patience…..I want to taste you” he said, while reclaiming her lips. Sliding down her body, to rest between her spread legs, he growled when he noticed that she was completely shaven. “Merlin….” he breathed. Using his thumbs to separate her, he flicked his tongue out to tease her rising nub.

“OH MY! Do…that….again!” she loudly moaned, thrusting her hips toward his mouth. Not needing to be told twice, he began to attack her clitoris in earnest. Licking, nipping and sucking it until she was trembling, on the verge of her climax. Not wanting her to come just yet, he grabbed a pillow, and shoving it under her hips to raise them, began sucking her juices from her heated entrance. Inserting his tongue into her, he moaned out his pleasure, and slowly inserted one of his long, thick fingers.

“Harry…..Please!” Alicia cried out. Removing his tongue, he added another finger to her, and pulled back to watch her writhe under his administrations. As he felt her opening relax, he inserted a third finger, and continued his pumping and stretching of her. While adding the forth finger, he re-attacked her clit with his tongue, and within moments, she was screaming his name out in completion.

By the time she came down from her orgasmic high, he had already moved back up her body, and was watching her regain control with loving eyes. “God! You look incredible when you cum. I love you!”

“I love you, too, Harry….please, make me yours?” she whispered to him, sincerity shining in her dilated, warm brown eyes.

“I’m going to take it slow….I’ll try to ease as much of the pain as I can.” he said, lowering his lips to claim Alicia’s again. Positioning himself at her entrance, he slowly entered her, inch by inch, until he felt a resistance. Watching her keen under him, he said, “Baby, you okay?”

“Yeah……go ahead.” she said while wrapping her arms around his neck. As he broke through her barrier, he swallowed her painful cry in an open mouth kiss. Pulling away a little, he wiped her tears away, and again rained kisses over her face.

Concerned by her free flowing tears, he asked, “Do you want me to stop….I didn’t hurt you to bad, did I?”

“No, Harry…..I’m just so happy right now. I’ve waited so long to give this part of myself to you…..” and as she trailed off, they kissed with renewed fire. When he felt her inner walls relax, he began to slowly withdraw, only to gently thrust back in.

He kept this intimate pace up until she said, “Harry….harder….Aaahhh!” Increasing his speed, to a moderate pace, he began to feel her walls ripple around him. Sucking at her breast, he again sped up, pounding into her even harder. Knowing that he wasn’t going to last much longer, he teased her clit in rhythm with his thrusts. She was thrashing and crying out in need and soon, they both could hold back no longer. Grabbing him tightly to her, she arched as the most explosive orgasm of her life crashed over her. With her walls squeezing even tighter around him, two strokes later he followed her into orgasmic bliss. Both cried the other’s name as they came, and after shooting his seed into her, he felt another small climax rack her body.

When they began to regain control, they met for a tender, loving kiss, and once he gently removed himself from her, he pulled her tightly to him and reverently said, “Thank you, Alicia. Thank you for giving yourself only to me. I am truly humbled and honored by you gift.”

“Oh, Harry, my love…..I said last night that I couldn’t be any happier, but I lied. This happiness, this rightness I feel at this moment, is by far the most awe inspiring of my life. I love you….forever.” she said, looking into his watery green eyes, with her teary brown orbs.

“I love you, too….forever.” and shortly after, with all the exhaustion of the day finally leaving them, they fell into a blissful slumber. Late the next morning, they got up, after another round of love making, and headed out to the Hawaiian islands for their honeymoon. Harry rented a private beach house in the only wizarding area on Kauai, the most beautiful of all the islands with its lush foliage, dramatic sea cliffs, silken sands, and rushing waterfalls. They spent the next 7 days exploring their surroundings, and each other, making wonderful memories that would last a lifetime.