Chapter 611: Wedding
Chapter 611: Wedding
"Ladies and gentlemen", Dumbledore's voice rang out from the platform as the newlyweds took their places. He stood on the raised dais in front of the three couples. "Today, we gather here to celebrate the union of three devoted souls..."
"Yes, the headpiece really brings out Fleur's beauty, but it's a pity she's a French student", an old lady whispered loudly. "And I must say, Ginny's dress is a bit too revealing."
"Who's that?" Liam asked quietly. Percy leaned over from behind. "That's our Aunt Muriel. Fleur's headpiece is on loan from her; it's an Elven Jewelry piece. But honestly, sometimes our aunt meddles too much, though we can't really say much with her being 107 this year."
Liam shrugged and continued listening to Dumbledore. "On such a joyful day, I'm sure none of you would want to listen to an old man like me ramble on. So, let's get to the point."
He then looked at Lupin and said, "Remus John Lupin, do you take Nymphadora...?"
Liam heard a soft sob from the back row, likely from the Werewolf representatives. Then, a trumpet-like sound from behind the tents drowned out the sobs, and everyone knew Hagrid had pulled out his tablecloth-sized handkerchief. Hermione squeezed Liam's hand tightly and turned to look at him, her eyes glistening.
"... I now pronounce you lifelong partners." After a few minutes, Professor Dumbledore completed the ceremony for the three couples. He then raised his wand and waved it high above their heads.
A cascade of silver stars burst from the tip of the wand, landing on them and swirling around their tightly embraced bodies. Fred and George led the applause and cheers, and golden balloons burst overhead, releasing Joybirds and Golden Bells that floated in the air. The noise of the crowd was now accompanied by the chirping of birds and the tinkling of bells.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" Dumbledore raised his voice. "Please rise!"
Everyone stood as Dumbledore waved his wand again. The seats rose gracefully into the air, and the tent canvas disappeared, revealing a sunlit orchard and the surrounding countryside, a breathtakingly beautiful scene.
Then, a golden light slowly emerged from the ground at the center of the tent, forming a shimmering dance floor. The floating chairs gathered around small tables with white tablecloths and gently descended to the ground around the dance floor. The band, dressed in golden vests, marched to the stage.
"Truly remarkable", Liam marveled. Despite having traveled through many worlds, he had never seen magic applied so beautifully in daily life.
At that moment, servers appeared from all directions, some carrying silver trays with Pumpkin Juice, Butterbeer, and Firewhisky, others with precarious stacks of pies and sandwiches.
Liam and Hermione each took a Butterbeer from a passing tray and found a corner table to sit at. Soon, the three couples stepped onto the dance floor, earning enthusiastic applause. A short while later, Mr. Weasley led Madame Delacour to the dance floor, followed by Mrs. Weasley and Fleur's father.
"I like this song", Luna suddenly appeared, swaying to the waltz-like melody. A few seconds later, she stood up and glided onto the dance floor, spinning in place with her eyes closed and arms outstretched.
Watching Luna dance alone, her arms moving around her head as if trying to shoo away mosquitoes, Liam felt the urge to dance too. So, he took Hermione's hand and led her onto the dance floor.
After two songs, Liam saw Dumbledore waving at him from a distant table. He apologized to Hermione and walked over, while Hermione followed him back to their table.
"Good afternoon, Professor Dumbledore", Liam said to Dumbledore, who was sitting there with a small half-cup of golden Honey Mead, smiling as he watched the people dancing on the dance floor.
"Good afternoon, Liam", Dumbledore replied, then looked at the joyful crowd on the dance floor and said, "This is what we are fighting to protect. Every time I see them, I feel that all my efforts are worth it."
"Indeed", Liam nodded. "Sometimes we have to do some terrible things to protect this beautiful world. Some sacrifices are necessary."
Hearing Liam speak so directly, Dumbledore was taken aback for a moment. He then put down his glass and turned to look at him. "Liam, you don't have to bear everything on your own. You can try to trust others."
"I know, Professor Dumbledore. I'll try my best to trust others", Liam nodded. Dumbledore could tell that Liam's words were not entirely sincere, but he did not press the issue.
Since Liam's direct confrontation with Voldemort a few days ago, Dumbledore had come to see him as someone with the strength to engage in equal dialogue. Therefore, on matters that were not of fundamental importance, he did not lecture Liam as the young man had expected.
"Alright, let's talk about other things", Dumbledore said, smoothly changing the subject to the main topic of their conversation. "I received your letter. Thanks to the help of Deputy Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Madam Bones, the procedures for Lucius Malfoy's release from prison are complete. I can go with you to Azkaban tomorrow and bring him out."
"Thank you so much!" Liam said sincerely. In matters like these, even his power was of little use. Building a network of connections in the magical world took time, and Liam lacked precisely that.
"It's nothing. For someone of my age, it's just a trivial matter", Dumbledore said, raising his glass for a sip before continuing, "But do you really think Lucius Malfoy will truly join our side once he's released?"
"Absolutely", Liam nodded. "To be precise, he has no other choice. The Dark Lord is not a merciful leader. I don't believe he will give the Malfoy family another chance after what happened at the end of last term."
"You're right. According to the intelligence I've received, the Malfoy family is now on the same level as Igor Karkaroff in Voldemort's eyes. Given Tom's character, he will never admit that the failure of the attack in the castle last term was his fault. Therefore, the Malfoy family, who were responsible for the operation, will bear the consequences. The reason that the Malfoys are traitors will perfectly cover Voldemort's mistake last term."
Dumbledore then changed the subject. "As the ones who thwarted Voldemort's important plot last term, you and Hermione are now high-priority targets for him. Have you considered spending the rest of the summer at The Burrow?"
"Thank you, but I don't think it's necessary", Liam said easily. "As an Alchemical Master, I have confidence in the defenses of my home. You don't need to worry about that."
"Alright", Dumbledore did not continue to persuade him. He knew that an Alchemist's home was not easy to breach, and if Liam said he was prepared, he must be. "Then I'll come to pick you up at ten o'clock tomorrow morning, and we'll take Lucius to Sirius Black's ancestral home from Azkaban."
(End of Chapter)
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