The Wedding

By: Veela Covington Polgara and Karelin Elladora Lestrange
Images by Karelin Elladora Lestrange

Jacob stood on the hill overlooking the beach, looking down at the spot where he would soon, a matter of hours now, wed the love of his life - Veela Polgara. Ever since that explosive fight back in his second year, he had begun to nurse a soft spot for her. However, it wasn't until that fateful night on top of the Astronomy Tower where she had almost died at the hand of Jacob’s own mother that he had realized he couldn’t wait any longer to tell her how he felt. For the remaining couple years of school they had dated and grown closer - almost as close as Jacob was with his twin sister Karelin. But, looking down at the modest yet elegant wedding trappings being set up, Jacob couldn't help but think back to what had led him to this place - standing on this sandy hill outside Tinworth in dress robes watching his wedding being assembled.

-

It had been a mere two years since the two had graduated from Hogwarts, and they were still deciding where their lives would take them. But Jacob knew one part of his direction. He was sure he had known for a while now, and that was what had led him back to Hogwarts to his old Astronomy professor’s, and Veela’s father’s, office. He was here to formally request the hand of his daughter in marriage. Jacob felt it was only right given the huge amount of respect he had come to associate with the professor through the years. Jacob was nervous as he waited for Prof. Polgara to finish a meeting with a student. Finally, the student walked out with the Professor calling after him, “And don’t let me find you placing dungbombs in the Astronomy Tower again, Banerjee!”

Jacob chuckled, “I see I’m not the only one to play that trick on you.”

Papa looked around, saw Jacob standing there, and exclaimed, “Ah, Jacob! Come in my boy, to what do I owe the pleasure? How’s Veela and your sister?” he asked extending a hand for Jacob to shake and opening the office door inviting him in.

Jacob chuckled, took the hand Papa had extended, and shook it. Jacob then followed the professor into his office. “They’re both fine,” said Jacob. “Veela’s been busy majoring in astronomy at college, and Karelin’s busy with her Auror studies.”

Papa nodded, chuckling at the part about Veela, “Well she’ll do well! I have no doubt, as she is my daughter. And good for Karelin! Now what brings you here my boy?”

Jacob swallowed and his throat suddenly drying out. “Well today I’m not here as a former student but as your daughter’s boyfriend,” Jacob began. Papa sat down behind his desk and smiled - he had approved of this relationship from the beginning. “And today… sir….,” Jacob gulped and swallowed before continuing, “today, despite our short time together so far…. I would like to request your permission to ask your daughter to marry me.” Polgara was slightly but not thoroughly surprised. He leaned back in his chair while he processed what Jacob had just said. The professor had known the young couple was pretty serious, but he didn’t realize that they were this serious.

He regarded Jacob a moment. The boy was clearly nervous about coming to him with this request and obviously wanting of his approval to even ask for his daughters hand. However, Jacob did seem very sincere, and after watching him for a moment Polgara smiled, which seemed to put Jacob at ease. Speaking for the the first time in several minutes, Polgara replied, “Of course! Of course you have my permission, my boy! I’m sure you will take good care of my Veela.” He smiled at him, stood up, walked around his desk towards Jacob, and pulled him into a big hug. He added after pulling away, “and welcome to the family!”

Jacob smiled, relieved that the conversation had gone the way he hoped, “Do you… do you want to see the picture of the engagement ring I was going to have made for her, assuming you said yes of course?”

Papa chuckled and smiled saying, “Of course, my boy!” He leaned forwards as Jacob extracted a piece of folded parchment with the drawing of a ring on it.

Jacob let out a slow breath of relief before saying with a chuckle, “Now I just have to ask her!”

“That’s the hard part, isn’t it?” replied Polgara with a smile. “Meet me at the Three Broomsticks at 7pm today. After all the birthday surprises she’s given me, I’m going to help Veela give the biggest surprise in her life!”

“May I ask you a question, sir?” asked Jacob.

“Sure,” replied Polgara.

“When Veela gave you the yearly birthday surprises - were they actual surprises, or did you know that they were coming?”

“Yes, I did know they were coming,” chuckled Polgara. “I know my daughter very well. However, a lot of times she and her friends were quite creative on how the gifts were presented. That being said, I don’t thinks she will expect your proposal. This could be our Super Special Space Secret.”

Jacob couldn’t help but chuckle at Polgara’s comment. “See you later today, sir!”

--

Several months later, with the special engagement ring crafted by goblins and fully paid for, Jacob had finished planning the special evening with Polgara’s assistance. With Polgara’s permission and insistence that the Astronomy Tower was the perfect place, Jacob had decided to use the Tower as the special location. Polgara had calculated when Saturn -  which Jacob knew from Veela to be Polgara’s favorite planet - could be easily viewed from the Tower. Jacob thought, “What better time to propose marriage than under the gaze of the planet that meant so much to her and her connection with her Papa?”

Jacob had set up the telescope - with Polgara’s aid - in the direction it would be visible that night. He then lit some candles and placed them all over the rooftop and had custom-made fireworks made that would be shot into the sky in front of the telescope’s angle with Saturn - the telescope being zoomed out just right with Papa’s help with the calculations.

As Jacob stood waiting for her, fiddling with the ring in his pocket, he took a few deep calming breaths. He had convinced her to come to the top of the Tower that night under the pretext of showing him Saturn and teaching him a thing or two about it. Jacob knew that once Veela started teaching someone about Astronomy, she became so excited. It was as if her dark brown eyes glowed with enthusiasm. He loved that look on Veela.

Precisely at 10 pm - it was unusual for her to be right on time - Veela burst through the door in a flurry. After running into his arms and kissing him, she asked, “Am I late? I was so busy studying for my exam next week that I almost forgot the time!

Jacob chuckled and replied, “No not at all!” with a smile before adding, “But now that you're here shall we go and look at Saturn?”

Veela smiled back at him and, glad that she had not been late, replied, “Of course! You know I’m so glad that you’ve started to take an interest in Astronomy, Jake!” Casually, she walked towards the telescope and peered through the lens. She was immensely proud of him, as the telescope was all set up and was even already pointing right at Saturn.

Meanwhile, Jacob had scooted around to stand just off to her left and bent down quietly on one knee. He held out three fingers to unseen helpers, namely Papa and Karelin who stood out of sight but within sight to receive the signal. He counted to three on his fingers, and on three, they released the precisely timed and coordinated fireworks. As they began spelling out the script, Jacob saw Veela mouth the words as they wrote it. He spared half a glance to see that they had written the works exactly right before turning back to her and holding out the ring - just as she pulled her eye from the telescope’s lense to ask him if he saw the fireworks. What she saw was Jacob, down on one knee, his hair a nice blond and neatly trimmed looking, his eyes a piercing blue.She had always admired his Metamorphmagus ability, and he was holding out a gorgeous ring with a yellow diamond in the shape of the moon (like the top of her wand) and three small round white star-like diamonds along the band on either side of the Moon. Veela gasped, staring at the ring and glancing up at the fireworks still spelling out, “Veela, Will you Marry me?” in a gold colour.

She realized she was just staring at him in amazement and wonder, and he was waiting for her answer. She exclaimed, “Yes,yes, a thousand times yes!” while holding out her left hand. Jacob slid the ring on to her finger and stood up swiftly to pull her into a long passionate kiss and hug. When they had pulled apart, she took her finger and flicked the tip of his nose with the tip of her finger in an affectionate way. Papa and Karelin came around the corner applauding - Papa chuckling, and Karelin giggling and exclaiming, “Its about time!”

Back in the present Jacob was smiling at these happy memories as he stood on the sandy hill. The sky had darkened around him, and it was nearly that special time.

Papa had come up behind him and put his hand on his shoulder saying, “You ok Jacob? Nervous?”

Coming out of his reverie, Jacob shook his head to clear it. He looked at Papa, who looked amazing in his own dress robes a star shaped flower that seemed to be twinkling in his buttonhole. “Veela’s idea?” asked Jacob as he gestured to the flower. 

Papa chuckled, “Ya she felt I needed something sparkly.”

Jacob chuckled back and let out a deep breath, “Well, how do I look?” he spread his arms wide showing off his burgundy dress robes trimmed in gold, his own buttonhole adorned with a with a star shaped yellow (but not sparkling) flower.

“Smashing very handsome,” said Papa as he smiled at his future son-in-law clapping him on the shoulder in an affectionate way. “Shall we go down?” Papa asked him.

Jacob gave him a curt nod, his insides doing the tango having just realized everyone was nearly all seated, “Yes, I suppose we should.” When the pair reached the bottom of the hill, Jacob went left towards a small tent they had set up for him and his best man and cousin Teddy to enter from, and Papa went right where he would walk Veela down the aisle from. Glancing back over his shoulder as Jacob entered his own small tent and closed the tent flap, Papa took a deep breath and opened his own tent flap and stepped inside. Veela standing there, all dolled right up in her gown - her hair and makeup looked simply radiant. Papa cleared his throat.

She turned around smiled in delight and ran over to him, throwing her arms around his neck, “Oh Papa! You look so handsome!”

He smiled and chuckled at her saying, “Why, thank you, and you” - he spread her arms wide to get a good look, even getting her to twirl a bit - “you look simply stunning, radiant, gorgeous!” A small tear leaked out of his eye.

Veela noticing this pulled a small handkerchief from a nearby table and wiped it away, “Everything okay, Papa?” she said.

Papa shook his head, “Nothing, nothing! I swear! I’m just so happy and proud of you, dear. You look so beautiful, and Jacob is going to be so overjoyed to see you walk down the aisle.”

Veela stepped back and ran her hands down her dress smoothing it out before saying, “You think so? Really?”

Papa, without even hesitating a second, said, “Of course!”

She twirled in front of the mirror for a second, admiring her carefully chosen dress. Then they heard it, her chosen music beginning to play,

Papa took a deep breath and offered his hand to his daughter. “This is it! Shall we?”

Veela picked up her dress and stepped into her shoes before taking her father's hand and saying, “Yup!”On Veela’s nod, Papa opened the tent flap and followed Veela out before linking arms with her and walking towards the aisle, which was lightly coated in twinkling star cutouts. Everyone stood as they approached and turned the corner, Veela thought she heard several gasps of delight at her dress. She focused on looking up at Jacob as Papa led her down the aisle.

As she got closer she could see that tears had formed in the corners of Jacob’s eyes and that he was grinning from ear to ear. As they continued to walk, Veela heard several more gasps and whispers about her gorgeous dress. It truly was beautiful; it was what the store called a princess style-ballroom look, complete with a beaded bodice that seemed to twinkle due to the small white lights embedded into various parts of it and a few stray light and beads stretching down the length of the dress in strips. A large cream coloured bow inset with a twinkling diamond like star sat just off center, the bows tails stretching down the length of the dress. Draped around her shoulders she had a simple shawl. Her hair was a treat to see, as it was out of its usual twin braids down her back and instead was long and wavy falling down her back in sheets. Her hair was inset randomly with tiny, twinkling white lights.Blushing slightly at all the whispers, Veela busied herself looking at the rest of the wedding party. She smiled at Jacob’s cousin, Teddy Lupin, who standing beside Jacob as his best man. Her eyes slid over Jacob, who looking as handsome as ever in his burgundy dress robes trimmed in gold, and over to Julius Dowler, her advisor, looking stunning and handsome in his yellow dress robes that were trimmed in black. Karelin stood beside Julius wearing a short, tea-length pale yellow dress, the edges trimmed in black, and holding a small basket full of twinkling star shapes cutouts. She smiled at Veela, who smiled back. Thats when Veela realized she had completely skipped over Alex Quillmane! He looked very handsome in dark blue dress robes trimmed again in gold, and he was holding a small felt pillow to which their soon-to-be wedding bands were tied. As Papa and she reached the front, and as she turned around to give him a kiss on the cheek Veela finally really saw Papa’s dress robes. They were an extravagant bright yellow down his front with black sleeves, the twinkling star flower sitting so nicely in his buttonhole.“Oh Papa,” she whispered, “You really do look amazing.”

Papa chuckled saying again, “No better than you, my darling,” and with that he kissed her on the forehead.

She then turned around to take her place across from Jacob. The couple took each other’s hands and smiled at each other. Jacob, who still had tears of joy in his eyes, whispered, “You look gorgeous,” before August Rubedo - their official - cleared his throat ready to begin.“Who gives this woman to be married to this man?” Rubedo asked.

Papa, still standing in between Jacob and Veela several paces back, responded, “I do,” before going to take his place in the front row.

Looking from Veela to Jacob, Rubedo continued, “Veela and Jacob, today you celebrate one of life’s greatest moments and give recognition to the worth and beauties of love, as you join together in the vows of marriage. If anyone can show just cause why this couple cannot be lawfully wedded, let them speak now or forever hold their peace.” Rubedo paused for a moment during which no one said anything. “If there is no just cause as to why these two fine young people cannot be married then let us continue,” he said with a smile and a nod to Jacob.

Jacob nodded to Rubedo. After pulling her wedding band off the pillow Quillmane held, he turned to Veela. While placing the ring on her finger, he said, “Veela, my love, I take you to be my lawfully wedded wife. Before these witnesses, I vow to love you and care for you as long as we both shall live. I take you, with all your faults and strengths, as I offer myself up to you with all my faults and strengths. I will help you when you need help, and I will turn to you when I need help. I choose you as the person with whom I will spend the rest of my life.”Veela smiled up at Jacob. Tears in her eyes now, she turned to pull his wedding band off of the pillow - Quillmane stepped back to the side - before saying to Jacob as she to placed the band on his finger, “Jacob, my love, I take you to be my lawfully wedded husband. Before these witnesses, I vow to love you and care for you as long as we both shall live. I take you, with all your faults and strengths, as I offer myself up to you with all my faults and strengths. I will help you when you need help, and will turn to you when I need help. I choose you as the person with whom I will spend the rest of my life.”Rubedo, smiling, placed a hand on each of their shoulders as he said, “Jacob and Veela” - he looked from one to the other - “you embark now on a journey, a journey to be undertaken together. Let love be the core of your marriage, your reason for being. But also trust one another, knowing in your hearts that you want the best for each other. It will take dedication, stay open to one another and learn and grow even when it is not easy.”Rubedo smiled at the couple before continuing, “Jacob and Veela, with all the love that the two of you have you have agreed to live together in Matrimony, have promised your love for each other by these vows, and as such I now declare you to be Husband and Wife.” Looking at Jacob, he said, “You may now kiss your bride.”When they finally broke their kiss, they stood up grinning from ear to ear and turned to face the crowd of their friends and family hand in hand. Rubedo announced, “I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Lestrange!” With that, and joined arm and arm, Jacob and Veela marched back down the aisle followed by Teddy, Dowler, Karelin, Quillmane and Rubedo. They proceeded into the tent Jacob had left from.

As Rubedo entered he pulled out a sheet of parchment, a quill, and an inkpot. “Ok,” he said, “now it is just the simple matter of the legalities.” He placed the parchment on a small table and began pointing out the places where Jacob, Veela, Dowler and Teddy were to sign. When they had all signed their names, he waved his wand causing the parchment to roll itself up and vanish - it was being sent to be recorded at the Ministry.

--

Meanwhile the guests and hired helpers have been busy changing the setting from the ceremony to reception. The chairs were all grouped around small white clothed tables. A hardwood dance floor was conjured and seemed to pour over the sand. Rows of tables laden with food appeared out of no where, and waiters popped into the picture carrying trays of butterbeer and champagne. The guests were milling about - talking to one another or sipping drinks - when Veela and Jacob made their reappearance. When they walked out of the small tent, which vanished with a pop after the last person had exited it, the crowd erupted in cheers. Both Veela and Jacob were grinning broadly, hands still clasped tightly together. They immediately walked towards the dance floor. At Jacob’s nod, the music began to play, and they started their first dance as husband and wife. They waltzed around the newly conjured floor, surrounded by family and friends.

As they neared the Astronomy PA team, they saw evil grins. They looked at each other with eyes that seemed to say “Uh Oh!” When the couple was close enough, the team threw an assortment of confetti and glitter bombs in Gryffindor colours, making them explode over top of the couple and showering them with confetti and glitter. Veela shrieked for a moment as the first “bomb” exploded over their heads, and then the couple just spun around in the falling glitter and confetti until they were coated in it. Once they had stopped spinning, Papa tapped Jacob on the shoulder. “Might I steal her for a dance?” he smiled. Jacob, still laughing over the confetti and glitter, gave his new wife a twirl into her papa's arms and, grinning, said, “But of course… Papa.”

-

Papa took Veela’s hand and spun her around and into his arms before starting a slow waltz. “So, Mrs.Lestrange,” said Papa, “how does it feel to finally be married?”

“Oh Papa, its wonderful - but you know I’ll be keeping my last name,” she chuckled back at him.

He smiled gave her a twirl and replied, “Only if that is what you want my dear.”

Veela nodded, then placed her head against his chest as they slowed down. “Yes it is what I want. I love Jacob to pieces but I can’t bear to lose the Polgara name - and Jacob fully supported me from the moment I mentioned it. He’s so wonderful.” She waved at Jacob as they danced on the spot and smiled, he smiled and waved back also blowing her a kiss. When the song ended, Papa gave his daughter a tight hug and a kiss on the forehead before saying, “I’m very sure you both will be very happy together, and I couldn’t be prouder of the both of you. Jacob is a fine young man.”

Veela smiled widely, “Oh, Papa I’m so happy you approve!” She suddenly heard her stomach grumble. “Oh, my I suppose I should get something to eat,” she said with a giggle.

“Yes, you should,” Papa chuckled. Just as Veela was about to go to Jacob and suggest they get something to eat, someone started clattering a spoon against their glass, and a steady rhythm of spoons and chants of “Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!” rang out. Veela laughed and ran over to Jacob and jumped into his arms, he caught her and then dipped her over backwards in a passionate kiss.

When they finally stood back up again, Veela in a breathless voice said, “Lets go get something to eat, I’m starving,” to Jacob.

Jacob chuckled at her and said, “I thought you’d never ask my dear, I could eat a Centaur! Not that I would but you get my point,” he grinned.

Veela laughed at this comment before replying, “Well let’s not waste any time! Let’s eat!”With that they moved to the buffet table and loaded plates up with everything they could reach and went to sit down at the table Papa had just sat at and began to eat. Papa chuckled at their obvious appetite, “I told you guys you should have had a bite to eat before the ceremony.” Both Veela and Jacob shrugged and continued to eat until they were full. --After a parade of well wishers coming up to them at their table, it was time for the last events of the night - the “Bouquet toss” and the “Garter Belt toss” for the single ladies and gentlemen, respectfully. Veela started by taking the plushy star they had reserved for this - a touch to the awesomeness that is Astronomy. Veela stood with her back to the group of single ladies, and with a look over her shoulder, she spotted Quillmane standing just off to the side from the group. A playful grin crept over her face and she aimed and threw it right at him. It caught him by surprise but he caught the star. He looked at it then up at Veela and her devilish smile and put his face into his free hand while shaking his head. Everyone just laughed at this.Next is was Jacob’s turn to throw the garter belt. Veela took a seat in a chair in the middle of the floor and leaned back, pulling up one corner of her huge dress just far enough to expose the lowly placed - midnight blue with twinkling “stars” garter belt. Jacob chuckled at this and bent down and used his teeth to pull it off, wiggling his eyebrows as he did so; Veela couldn't help but laugh and clap her hands at this. When Jacob had finally gotten it off she sat back up and straightened her dress as Jacob flung it into the crowd of bachelors. He overshot and it landed in Dowler’s hands. Since Dowler was already married, he flung it to Rubedo, who ended up tossing to Papa, who looked at it and put his face in his hand as Quillmane had done and shook his head. Quillmane wandered over clutching the plush star, “Oh Daxxy, I guess we’re finally going to get married?” he giggled uncontrollably.

Papa looked at him with his sternest gaze. “No Alex, a thousands times no,” he said before chuckling at him.

Dowler had wandered over during this exchange. “Aw, no wedding?” he pouted.

Papa just raised his eyebrows at him.

Dowler laughed  at Papa’s reaction before saying, “You know Dax, I was surprised you didn’t make me wear a dress today - surprised and relieved of course.”

Papa chuckled, “Oh trust me I tried, but Veela and Jacob talked me out of it - barely. I was this” -  he held his thumb and forefinger so close they almost touched - “close to convincing them.” Dowler wiped his brow. “Well then I should go thank the lovely couple then,” he said as he disappeared into the crowd. The party went late into the evening and finally broke up at about 1 or 2 am. As they thanked everyone for coming Veela and Jacob couldn’t help but sigh thinking of how they had their whole lives ahead of them. When the last of the party goers had disapparated and the beach was cleared up , Jacob swept Veela into his arms and - turning on the spot - disapparated, off to parts unknown for a wonderful honeymoon.

The End