{.74. Evviva gli Sposi}
Carina Bella Zabini had been devastated since Luna Lovegood had been kidnapped by the snatchers. She could only think about the torment that she would be faced with and she couldn't help but feel incredibly guilty that she hadn't tried harder to help her. All she wanted to do was wallow over the Christmas holidays thinking of Luna and not leave her room.
Fred Weasley on the other hand, had different ideas. He didn't like seeing the girl he loved so dearly crying in her room and self-loathing, he had wanted to help her as best as he could but all she wanted was cuddles but Fred Weasley had better ideas than cuddles. He knew that Carina loved Christmas and all he wanted to do was make this Christmas the best Carina had in years.
He was going to marry her.
The idea was choppy but he had permission off Leonardo to use his Devon home where Fred's family, Kian, Jamie and the rest of their family and Blaise would be there waiting for her. The location was under the Fidelius charm so there would be no way there would be intruders and Bill was going to apparate everyone from Muriel's to the secret location. Even Charlie Weasley was making the trip from Romania and Professor McGonagall was coming because everyone knew that Carina idolised the woman.
Fred didn't really know why he'd gone from wanting to wait to marry Carina to wanting to marry her immediately. He was scared for whatever the future would hold and he wanted to make sure he spent his life loving Carina Bella Zabini, until his last breath. He wanted to show her that despite the hardship she was going through, he was always going to be there for her. What they had was forever. Despite the fact that Carina and Orion were soul mates, he thought that he and Carina were meant for each other, it wasn't just their souls, it was their entire lives, despite their differences their lives were completely in sync.
The two understood each other, they were two parts of the same being and despite not being literal soulmates like Carina and Orion. He loved his position in her life. Freddie knew that he'd never overtake Blaise or Orion in the list of Carina's main boys but he knew how bloody important he was to her and that despite everything she was the love of his life. He would never love anyone else and that he was sure of.
Fred had given each person a small task to complete, Molly Weasley had absolutely no say in the events as Fred wanted to be completely in control and have a stress free day. He wanted it to be as perfect for Carina as possible. They had even sent an owl to Eleonora to ask if she would like to be part of the festivities. Leonardo had said she was trying to protect her children so Fred thought he'd at least give the opportunity for her to be present. He knew how important Carina's mum was to her despite whatever she said.
Orion's task was to distract Carina all day and offer to do her curls for her; he had bought her the most precious flower crown for her to wear which would match her bouquet. He had been reading up on Italian traditions so that he could make the wedding as close as possible to a wedding Carina deserved.
He also had managed to get the tie that her father wore in his wedding to be made into ribbon so it could be wrapped around the bouquet, the rattle that Siri had gave her would be incorporated into the wedding. He even knew that Marcello and Cedric would be there in spirit as he reserved two seats for them along with the other people in Carina's life who couldn't make it.
Orion was doing a marvellous job in distracting Carina, they had been gossiping like school children all morning. She never realised how much she truly appreciated Orion and how much she had missed him when she was at school — Ravenclaw tower just wasn't the same.
"Come on Little one, let me just get you ready!" Orion groaned as he tried to put some mousse in her hair
"What do I even need to be ready for? You've had me dressed in green all day, been fussing about washing my hair. I thought we weren't allowed to leave the burrow until Bill got us to go to shell cottage?" She asked
"Well I'm taking you on a date, it's going to happen in the burrow so just humour me," Orion said
Carina rolled her eyes, she knew something was going on because Orion was a terrible liar but she decided to indulge him as she felt at ease for once, and she quite liked him playing with her hair. Carina was happy that she didn't get too scared anymore when the people she loved the most touched her and she was thankful that for three nights in a row now she had managed to cuddle Fred in the night. Sometimes she got scared but she would move so she was the big spoon and she felt like she was back in control again.
"Alright you two? You look pretty, princess," Ginny said with a wink causing carina to blush
"Thanks Gin. You're calling me a princess but you are the one all dressed up?" She asked with a raised eyebrow
Ginny was wearing the most beautiful dress and Carina couldn't help but admire how lovely Ginny looked. She truly was beautiful and Carina thought Potter was stupid for bloody breaking up with her before he went off on his little trip, doing whatever he was doing.
Orion and Ginny continued getting Carina ready but she had no idea for what. She was loving getting her make up done by the two and was relishing in the time they spent just joking and laughing. Carina thought it was truly marvellous.
The afternoon came around extremely quick and Blaise was dressed in his suit with Leonardo standing outside Carina's room in the Burrow fidgeting with the bouquet in his hands that was from Fred. He was nervous as he wanted his sister to be happy and he felt like all his dreams for her were coming true but he couldn't help but be worried something was going to go wrong. He just wanted everything to be perfect for his sister, he knew she deserved it more than anyone else.
Leonardo knocked the door and smiled at Carina who was sat giggling with Ginny and Orion. Carina looked up and grinned at him.
"Bloody hell Zio you look smashing!" She said
"Ginny, Orion, Bill is here for you," he said
"See you later piccolina," Orion said kissing her forehead
Carina waved at the both but not before laughing at Orion's Italian bless him, she raised an eyebrow at Leonardo who gestured Blaise in. Carina gasped and wrapped her arms around Blaise, she couldn't believe how handsome her brother looked.
"Why are you guys dressed up? I feel like Orion isn't taking me on a date?" She said wrapping her arms around her knees
"Because sorella he isn't," Blaise said as he held the bouquet to Carina
She laughed nervously and took the card in the bouquet. She was extremely worried about what on earth was going on. Everyone was acting so weirdly but she was willing to roll with it as she was actually so excited to see what on earth was going on.
Amore mio,
You're probably wondering what the bloody hell is going on and to be quite honest, I'm hoping you just say yes.
Ti amo Carina Bella Zabini, vuoi sposarmi.
Today, at three thirty at your Zio's home.
I can't see you beforehand because it's bad luck but I've researched all the Italian traditions and spoke to your Zio so there is so many things that will be accurate. It will have the Weasley flair though love ( Thats the spontaneity of you weren't aware — no plan is my favourite kind of plan ) If you say yes then Leo will apparate you with Blaise where everything will be sorted.
Ti amo, amore. Per sempre. Xxx
P.s, the blue ribbon around your bouquet was made from your fathers tie that he wore on his wedding day, so at least he can still walk you down the aisle on this special day x
"He wants to get married? To me? Today? Is this boy crazy? We're in the middle of a war!" Carina fumed her Italian accent coming through clearly causing Leonardo to laugh
"Take a breath dolcezza, everyone deserves to be happy through a war or not and nobody deserves happiness more than you," Leonardo assured
Carina couldn't believe this, of course she wanted forever with Fred. It was all she ever thought about but was it safe? Who was going to be there, Carina didn't have many family members and the friends that she did have were extremely limited.
Did she really want to have a wedding where she had no input or say? Carina had never been one of the people to dream about her wedding as a child, the main reason being she thought it would be a wedding she never wanted to be a part of.
She still wasn't sure how on Merlin's balls she would be able to be married. Dark curses were running through her blood as if it was second nature to her and she just couldn't stop worrying about how that would affect Freddie in their later life.
She looked at Blaise who was smiling at her and looked back at the bouquet and the blue ribbon around it. She couldn't help but smile softly and wipe her eyes. Freddie was so thoughtful and something extremely small like this and learning Italian traditions was really special to her.
"Ok, yeah let's go marry Freddie," she said with a grin
Blaise and Leonardo let out a cheer and apparated over.
In Leonardo's home, Fred, George and Orion were sorting out their suits. Orion was nervous as he was carina's bridesman along with Ginny but he was the main one. He knew Carina better than anyone, almost as well as Blaise and Blaise didn't want to be the bridesman as he didn't think it would be fair to Orion who had been there for her sometimes more than he had over the years.
Orion was staring out the window when he saw everyone standing under the marquee in the garden. There truly wasn't many people there, there was Mr and Mrs Weasley, Bill and Fleur, Charlie, Remus and Tonks, then Kian Phillips, Jamie and the twins. Sarah had to work in the Muggle world so she wasn't able to make it so last minute.
He saw that Carina, Leonardo and Blaise had just apparated in and he fist pumped the air because she had said yes. Orion kissed George's cheek and squeezed Fred's shoulders tight.
"I'm so happy for you both. I love you with my whole heart. Nobody deserves happiness more now I'm going to see my soulmate," he said as he ran to greet Carina.
Fred stayed in the room fussing with his tie when there was a knock at the door. George had been trying to help but he was no use, sometimes they needed a mother's touch.
"Oh my boys! You both look fabulous!" Molly gushed
"Mum!" George whined
"Actually mum, can you help me?" Fred asked as he gave up with his tie
Molly Weasley nodded getting teary eyed as she saw yet another one of her boys getting married. She knew they were rushing but she truly believed Fred and Carina loved each other deeply; That love was unmatched.
"Are you ready Freddie?" George asked with a wink
"Ready," fred grinned and they headed downstairs.
In carina's room she was panicking, she had no idea about the first things about getting into a wedding dress! She didn't even realise she had one until Blaise brought one out saying it was made from the finest Italian lace.
She was staring at the dress with tears in her eyes when there was a knock on the door. She huffed because she had told Blaise to give her a moment to herself while she placed the dress on.
"Blaisey I thought— mamma?"
Carina couldn't help but let the tears fall when she saw her mother standing in the doorway. Eleonora stood with a smile as she took in how beautiful her daughter truly was. They may have had a strained relationship until now but Eleonora Zabini would never miss her daughters wedding.
"Hi tesoro," eleonora said
Carina didn't waste a second before she wrapped her arms around her mother and choked on a sob. It was like the months and months of torment meant nothing to Carina because her mother was here. Eleonora was there and she was safe and she was happy for her daughter and that was more than Carina could ever wish for.
"I'm here, I'd never miss your day like this. I'm sorry for everything my sweetheart. I love you," eleonora said rubbing her daughters back
"I can't forgive you straight away. It'll— it's going to take some time, but I'm glad you're here mamma," She said
Eleonora smiled and sat down on the bed, she went into her bag and brought out a box, handing it to Carina.
"This is a necklace that your father had given me on our wedding day. He loved you so much, you were his little angel baby and he loved our family so much. He would want you to have this," she said handing Carina the necklace
Carina had never seen something so beautiful, but she smiled and put the necklace on. She looked at herself in the mirror and smiled.
"Thankyou, this is beautiful,"
"Now let's get you in that dress and get you married!" Eleonora grinned
The mother and daughter spent some time getting Carina into the dress, it was beautiful and Carina couldn't believe that Blaise had this sort of taste! It was marvellous! Her mother was making her follow tradition and not allowing her to look in the mirror unless she removed a shoe, — Eleonora was the marriage expert if ever there was one — so Carina was checking herself out in the mirror and smiling. She truly thought she looked beautiful. There was a knock on the door and it was Blaise.
"Are you ready sorella?" He asked
"Blaisey, who's walking me down the aisle?" She asked
"We thought you'd want to do it yourself and have Orion and Ginny behind you," he said scratching his neck
"You're wrong. Blaisey my whole life you've constantly been there, you've supported me when I've had no support, protected me whenever I've felt scared and you've loved me unconditionally. I wouldn't feel right having the biggest day of my life without you being there right by my side," she said "it's only fitting, we were born together, we fight together, you walk me down the aisle so we're together,"
Blaise looked at her and coughed a few times looking down before he wiped his eyes and looked up. He didn't want to show his sister that he was crying. He loved his sister so much that it hurt. He would have done anything for her and the fact that she asked him to share her special day with her was the best gift that she could have ever given him.
"I love you so much sorella," he sniffed wrapping his arms around her tightly "I love you more than all the stars in the sky vita mia," he repeated
"Where are you t— oh sorry. I didn't realise I was interrupting something but Kingsley is asking if you're ready as he has to get back to the Muggle Prime Minister," Orion said
The two pulled apart and Carina's took Orion's hand and squeezed it three times.
"How lucky am I to have two boys that love me so much in my life," she sniffed chuckling
"You're pretty lucky if you ask me little one, I love you so much you look beautiful," Orion said smiling gesturing the twins outside of the room
She followed the two boys down the staircase, the front door led straight to the marquee and she kissed Orion and Blaise's cheeks before she held his hand tightly.
"Blaisey don't let me fall," she whispered, Blaise chuckled softly
"I'll always be here to catch you sorella. Always,"
At the end of the aisle Fred Weasley stood playing with his fingers, he could count on his hand how many times he had been nervous. George was behind him with Charlie and Bill. He was upset that Ron couldn't have been there but he knew Ron was there in spirit and would be happy for him.
The music started playing and Fred felt his hair getting ruffled by his brothers. He moaned at them to get off but Bill, Charlie and George winked at him and smiled. Fred heard the music start to play. He clicked his fingers and took a deep calming breath before he looked up and grinned at Carina.
She was walking down the aisle looking radiant, Fred truly thought the girl in front of him was beautiful. She was holding hands tightly with Blaise who was rubbing patterns on her thumb. She had the widest grin on her face and chucked a wink at Freddie.
He never thought that they would get to this point after recent months and he couldn't wait to start this next chapter of their life together.
She carefully stepped forward making sure not to fall, she was preying to Merlin. She couldn't help but stop the grin when she saw Fred as soon as she saw him and she immediately felt at ease. She loved that it was the closest people to her and even though there was only Eleonora, Zio, Kian, Jamie and the two sleeping twins on her side she couldn't help but feel like her heart was completely full. Especially when she saw the empty spaces for her dad, Siri, Cedric and Uncle Marcello. She couldn't have asked for a better life partner.
"Do you give Carina Bella Zabini to be wed?" Kingsley asked
"Yes," Blaise said before he kissed her cheeks and hugged her tightly.
"I love you more than all the stars in the sky Blaisey, forever," she whispered quickly
Carina passed her bouquet to Orion before she smiled at Fred and gave a small hello as she held his hand. Fred stated at her in awe and couldn't believe she'd actually agreed to this day. Carina gave a small wave to Charlie and he winked back at her pointing finger guns causing her to chuckle.
"You look beautiful," Fred said softly
Kingsley spoke a bit about the ministry regulations but in all honesty Carina just couldn't pay attention to him. She was totally engrossed in Fred and how handsome he had looked, she only just registered that Kingsley said they were doing their own vows.
"I'll go first because the poor girl didn't expect this so she can look completely terrible once she's heard my love declaration," carina chuckled and smacked his chest lightly
"Carina Bella Zabini, ever since you started Hogwarts I noticed you, when we had to take you to the hospital wing in your second year, when I saw you after you couldn't face your boggart or when I outright rejected you for the Yule Ball. I've always thought you were the most beautiful person I've ever been blessed to know and I know we took a long while to get here and I can never forgive myself for wasting precious years with you and for that I am sorry. However, I don't regret a moment because if I knew that these little moments led to where we are now I'd do it every time, in every lifetime because you were worth the wait and I will always treasure what we have."
"You have always loved me, supported me, and pushed me to be better without even knowing. I knew I was in love with you this time last year when you wrote the terrible twins, the effort you went to so that I'd have a personalised gift that I can tell everyone about forever it's unfathomable and I love you Carina Bella Zabini. You have my heart and you'll have it forever, this is my promise to you forever. I have never known a love like this and I'm lucky to be loved by you and I can't wait for forever," he said with a grin at the end
Carina had tears streaming down her face, Fred's vows were short and sweet but it was like everything she had ever wanted to hear. Fred Weasley was perfect for her. She wiped her eyes and cleared her throat.
"Merlin's balls that's a tough act to follow. Ever since I was little I never thought I deserved love. I didn't like emotion and I didn't like showing anyone how I felt, well anyone who wasn't Blaisey but that changed when I got to Hogwarts. I met people who encouraged me to be better and to do better and you were one of those. Freddie, I have thought you were handsome since I was maybe thirteen or fourteen years old and never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd be blessed to be loved by you, the most handsome man of my dreams. Sorry Moony." She teased looking at him
Moony looked at carina and he shook his head laughing at the younger girl, he could see the Luca in her more than ever as that was such a typical thing for him to do in a serious moment. He felt extremely proud of the young girl he'd seen who hadn't been able to face a Boggart a few years back standing in front of everyone as a strong woman.
"You're kind, patient and you're so bloody encouraging when it comes to me. You've never made me doubt myself and you always push me to try my hardest and help me learn when I can't read or remember charms. You make me feel safe when I'm anxious, you make me laugh until my belly hurts when I'm sad and a wise man once told me to be so happy that you can make the saddest person on earth smile and that's what you do to me Freddie, you make me so happy that it radiates from me. You could say that I fall in love with you one hundred times over and that's so true because each time I crave the feeling that my heart gets when I look into your eyes and I have to tell you that getting to look into your gorgeous eyes, I'm going to fall one hundred times more,"
Carina paused so she could wipe her eyes and smile at him before she cleared her throat again.
"I'm honoured to be loved by you, and if for any reason we were separated I would come and find you, in any life and in any lifetime because I love you Freddie. I will always love you until my last breath. Per Sempre," she said
Carina looked around and noticed that there wasn't a dry eye in the room. The two tied the ribbon to symbolise their 'eternal bond' and then they were allowed to kiss each other.
Fred went to place a gentle kiss on her cheek but Carina pressed a soft kiss on his lips. It was a big moment for the two of them and Fred couldn't help but smile.
They walked out of the marquee after everybody else and had rice thrown on them. Carina laughed as it symbolised fertility — she wasn't having a baby for a few more years — Orion ran to carina and span her around.
"I'm so happy for you! Bloody Carina Bella Weasley!" He joked
"I can't believe you knew and didn't tell me!" She giggled hugging Orion tightly
Carina didn't have any idea what she would do to her name. Would she be Carina Bella Zabini-Weasley? That was too long and she didn't know if she even liked that. All she knew was that she was the happiest she had ever been.
"Carina!" Kian Phillips walked up to the girl and kissed her cheek gently after asking permission
"Kian!" She beamed
"I feel so proud of you kiddo, you truly are so bloody beautiful," Kian said grinning at her
"That truly means the world to me, th—"
"Bella!" Jamie shouted "congratulations you two! You're the most adorable humans and I wish you a happy marriage!"
The celebrations were in full swing, Molly had made the loveliest spread to eat. Even Eleonora looked as if she was having a good time as she was dancing with Leonardo. Carina was sat drinking a glass of wine when Remus and Tonks came up to her. Tonks looked radiant, her pregnancy glow was out of this world.
"Congratulations Carina!" Tonks said sitting down sipping on a glass of water
"You truly have made your father proud today, the vows were just beautiful," Remus said
"Thank you Moons, just to clarify though this doesn't mean I don't think you're handsome anymore. I'll always think you're handsome," she teased and Tonks chuckled
"My husband, the charming man," she said
"How long until the baby is due now? Are you guys excited?" She asked
"I'm very nervous Carina but yes, we are looking forward." Moony said very abruptly, bidding Carina a hug and a good bye.
Professor McGonagall came to sit by Carina and she smiled at the young girl, so proud of how far she had come.
"Minnie! I can't believe you're here!" She beamed
"I'm very proud of both you and Mr Weasley, Miss Carina," she said
"Minnie, that means the world to me. Thank you very much for everything," carina said wrapping her arms around the elder witch, she knew how much she was risking just by attending the wedding so Carina was eternally grateful for everything Minnie had done for her.
"It's been an honour Miss Carina," she whispered
The music changed and Blaise ran over and grabbed Carina and told the people that were surrounding her to get to the dance floor. In traditional Italian weddings, there was a dance called 'La Tarantella' which was when the guest danced in a circle around the married couple to wish them luck.
Carina was laughing during the dance and Fred had never felt happier than he had hearing that sound. She leant up and pressed a kiss to his lips and she felt like she was in pure bliss.
"Ti amo per sempre freddie,"
"I love you forever amore,"
"Carina! Congratulations! Welcome to the mad family!" Charlie shouted "you're like my sister now babe!" He grinned
"Oh no! Is it too late to get out of this?" She laughed shaking her head
"To the newest Weasley!" Charlie shouted
"The newest Weasley!" Everyone toasted
For that moment, it felt like there wasn't a war going on, everybody was happy. It was a shame it wouldn't be like this forever.
***
Unedited
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