I do not own Harry Potter, or Sherlock.

Chapter 11

"And the flowers are all in white?" Daphne asked, a quill in her hand.

"Just in the Church, I think. Maybe with green accents?" Lorelai said. Wedding planning with her two best female friends was going well, but was exhausting.

"Are you doing a full out Muggle wedding? It won't be accepted in our world if there isn't some Wizarding elements." Susan said, looking concerned.

News of her engagement had hit both worlds last week. Mycroft and Lorelai had released a statement in the Muggle world, and it had been announced shortly thereafter in The Daily Prophet.

Both groups had them under severe scrutiny, though for very different reasons. The Muggles had been scandalized in the begining by their age difference, and the apparent disparity between their social classes. Many felt that Mycroft was taking adavantage of her youth, in order to marry into the Nobility, and old money.

They had reported Mycroft's 'minor position in the British Government' as proof, though they did acknowledge his personal wealth. Compared to Lorelai's wealth though, it paled in comparison.

Some gossip columns had suggested that Lorelai must be pregnant, for them to get engaged so quickly. The Palace had quickly fired back, stating that Lorelai had been Courted in the old fashioned way. Never having been alone with Mycroft before a ring was on her finger had put paid to that speculation, causing new interest in Courting as a choice before marriage. The Palace stating that Lady Potter-Black had been introduced to Mr Holmes by the Queen, and that the marriage was supported by her, took some of the heat off.

"No, we are being bonded after the Muggle ceremony. I am Church of England, and we are getting married in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. Afterwards, the Muggles will be led to the location of the reception by car, while the Magicals will be portkeyed to Potter Manor for the bonding. We are planning a short, simple bonding. Augusta has agreed to officiate, and I have chosen an appropriate ceremony." Lorelai laughed. "Mycroft is scandalized at having to be barefoot!"

The three girls laughed, imagining his indignation. "Where is poor Mycroft?" Daphne asked.

Lorelai sighed. "He is in Saudi Arabia. He is working on some kind of oil crisis? Anyway, he will be back in a week."

It was par for the course. Mycroft worked more hours, in more different places, than anyone she knew. Once they were married, Lorelai would go on some of these trips with him, but not even close to all of them. She was starting Law School at Cambridge on next October first, for Michaelmas Term.

Her current degree was finishing before the wedding, which was tentatively scheduled for Saturday, June 3rd. She was glad to have a few months to adjust to married life before entering Law School. It worried Lorelai that they would both be so busy. She just hoped they would make it work. They would have to, bonding was forever.

It was December 11th, and she had spent the last two days decorating Potter Manor for Christmas. It was elegant, and understated, but the season was very evident at the Manor, and at Grimmauld Place.

The thought of Mycroft coming home next week to an empty, undecorated home, made her sad. Maybe she could surprise him?

"Hey, how about we decorate Mycroft's house for him? I know he doesn't really care about Christmas, but I don't want him to come home to his house feeling like a crypt." Lorelai said, getting excited about her idea.

Rory had been to Mycroft's home in Pall Mall. It was cold, empty, and impersonal. Mycroft had said he would keep it as only an 'official residence' if she wanted, and that they could move anywhere else she cared to. He also said she could redecorate it as she saw fit. (She knew he didn't mean Christmas decorating, but he did not specify that, so that was a loophole she planned to exploit!)

They decided to go to Mycroft's tomorrow, and decide how to decorate it. Rory was sure that Mycroft didn't have any decorations, so she decided to take some of her leftover decorations over for his home. By next Christmas, they would be living together anyway. Which was a sobering, yet exhilarating thought.

The next day, Lorelai, Susan, and Daphne, who were accompanied by Lucy, descended upon Pall Mall with a vengeance. They also brought along three large boxes filled with garland, bows, and white fairy lights. Rory also contacted Mummy, who was bringing ornaments for a large, artificial tree. She seemed greatly amused by her plans for the house, and was delighted to be included.

Mr Williams, Mycroft's Butler, was initially reluctant to allow them entrance. Only Mummy arriving changed his mind. She scolded him something fierce, and Lorelai was positive he would find himself without a job forthwith.

"Now that that is taken care of, we can begin. I sent my driver to get the largest artificial tree he can find. This is such a wonderful idea, dear! I am so happy about your engagement! You will make my son very happy, I'm sure." Violet Holmes said.

She was genuinely delighted by this turn of events. Mycroft was going to be taken care of, which eased her mind considerably. Her older son had always been a bit pretentious, and officious, yet lately he had become even more closed off. His relationship with Lorelai had started to thaw him out, which was desperately needed.

Sherlock was doing well. He had finished rehab, and moved into a new apartment on Baker St. He had been cut off from his Trust Fund, to keep him from buying drugs with the money. Once he had been sober for 90 days, he would have access once more.

Detective Lestrade had promised to not let him work cases unless he was clean, and to do random drug searches at his home. Violet wished it was not neccessary, however it was at this time. She was, never the less, proud of her youngest son. He had come a long way, in a short while.

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A week later, Lorelai met Mycroft at the airfield. She had missed him, and they had yet to be alone together since their engagement. Mummy was throwing an engagement party soon, and then she was hoping to help Lorelai plan the wedding.

Although she was a squib, Mrs Holmes had been taught some of the Fawley Family traditions by her father, and she wanted to include them in the bonding ceremony. Lorelai had, of course, agreed.

Mycroft seemed exhausted from his flight, and was surprised to see her. He seemed pleased, though.

"Rory! This is a wonderful surprise." Mycroft said, catching her as she jumped into his arms, causing him to drop his umbrella.

Lorelai kissed him on the mouth, excited he was home. "I missed you! I arranged a private dinner at yours, I hope that's alright?" She asked, hoping that she had not overstepped.

"Of course. I will see you later, Anthea." He said, walking to Rory's car. He told his driver to take Anthea home, then return home, before climbing into Rory's vehicle.

As soon as they were on their way, Mycroft took Rory in his arms, and kissed her passionately. She was wearing black slacks, and a silk, white shirt, topped with a Burrberry coat. Mycroft found his hands had a mind of their own, running along the side of her shirt, and carressing the soft fabric. He could feel the lace of her bra, as his hands moved higher on the side. At that, he stopped himself, and wrapped his arms around her back.

"Mmm. What a warm welcome home. I could get very used to this." Mycroft said, burying his face in her neck.

"You will have to. I plan to welcome you home, for many years to come." Lorelai said, stroking his hair. She felt his lips on her neck, and moaned when he started kissing, and licking it. She was shocked at how good it felt.

They had started to get carried away, when they felt the car stop. They seperated, and hastily tried to fix their mussed appearances.

The look on Mycroft's face as the door was opened, was priceless.

"What on Earth-" He started, looking around at the garland and red bows on his banisters.

"Do you like it?" Lorelai interrupted nervously. "I hated the thought of you coming home to no decorations, so myself, my girlfriends, and Mummy brought over some things, and decorated for the Holiday. Is... is that alright?" She asked, biting her lip slightly in nervousness.

Mycroft swallowed his protests, and reassured her it was fine. He knew he would have to get used to changes to his routine, and the decor was a very small one. He could take it, or leave it.

"Thank you, Darling. It is very understated. You said Mummy helped?" Mycroft asked. Before he left, Rory had called her Mrs Holmes, so he was curious as to what had changed.

"Yes. I asked if she wanted to help with the wedding planning, and mentioned our intentions to decorate for Christmas. She asked to help, and we had a great day together. She insisted that I call her Mummy, and I agreed. I hope you don't mind?" Lorelai said, as she led him to the dining room.

"Not at all. I know Mummy is very excited to finally have a daughter in law. I am glad you get along so well." Mycroft said, while being served the first course of their meal.

He was glad they got along. Mummy could have made their relationship Hell with her disapproval. He would have stayed with Rory, but Mummy could be viscious. Her 'cold shoulder' was like an iceburg, and Mycroft shuddered at the thought of her disapproving of his wife. Luckily, that was not the case.

Later, cuddling in front of the fire, and staring at the Christmas tree lights, Mycroft reflected that he was luckier than he deserved.

He vowed to love and protect Rory, no matter what anyone thought.