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Author: MyGinevra Story: The Hog's Head Rating: Teens Status: Completed Warning: Innuendos Reviews: 13 Words: 426,278
Wedding preparations advanced, impelled by the relentless and implacable force of Molly Weasley. She had recovered from the depression that had almost swamped her before and during the anniversary of Fred's death, and Ginny pretty much let her have her way, since the big decisions had already been made: the gown, the guest list, the entertainment, the food, the marquee, the ceremony, the flowers. Harry had settled in to the attic room, which he had all to himself except for a few nights on the weekends when Ron and Hermione slept over. Percy had offered him his old room, but Harry didn't want to sleep where, if he didn't make his bed for a few days, he knew he would feel the distant disapproval of the room's former resident. Besides, lack of privacy didn't matter since Ginny was enforcing the "house rule" with discouraging firmness. Harry suspected that, other than not wanting to deceive her parents, there was a purpose behind Ginny's adamancy: to make him crazy. She wouldn't even go with him to any of the hidey places around the Burrow that they had used last summer; all she would tell him was that, "It just makes me uncomfortable, and besides, when we're married you can have me as often as you want." "But we did break the stupid rule last winter, a couple of times. Can't we —" "Harry, no. Goodness, it's only three weeks until we're on the honeymoon, which, by the way, you still won't tell me where it is. How can I decide what clothes to take if I don't know what the weather will be like?" "Don't worry about the weather or clothes. In fact, don't take any clothes. But you're changing the subject." Ginny couldn't help a giggle. "I'll be happy to wear or not wear whatever you want on the honeymoon, but the subject is closed." Harry groaned. "Okay. Would you mind asking your mum to get me a tub of ice water to sit in? Running around the house in my shorts won't do any good; it's too warm out." Ginny kissed him, but pushed his hands away from her hips. "You're adorable when you're suffering. I love you." There were some distractions for Harry. A couple of times a week they walked into the village and Ginny, as promised, treated him to ice cream at the local sweet shop. They also went up to London to spend a day with Ron and Hermione — who got to show off her new drapes and furniture — and they also visited Andromeda and Teddy. The baby was cruising around the parlor holding onto the furniture, laughing and changing his hair color every few minutes. He also had learned how to make his nose longer or shorter, and tried to make Harry's nose match by pulling on it. Harry and Ginny enjoyed themselves, and they vowed to spend more time with Teddy from now on. Two weeks before the wedding Ginny told Harry that she wanted the dancing to be something more than what Fleur had at her wedding. An orchestra was already hired — it was Aunt Muriel's wedding gift — but Ginny, remembering the Yule Ball in her third year, feared that dancing with Harry would be a chancy thing at best. She asked her mother, Hermione, and finally Fleur what to do, and she wasn't at all surprised when Fleur announced that she would teach Ginny, Harry, Hermione, and Ron how to waltz. "Ze waltz is ze expression in motion of romantic love," she said to them; they were outside by the peach tree on a small wooden platform that Fleur had conjured. "When you are waltzing wiz your lover, you are saying to zem, 'My love is eternal like ze flowing movement of ze dance.' You must begin and end your wedding celebration wiz a waltz. Voldemort deserved to die because 'e sent 'is Deat' Eaters to my wedding before I could dance ze last waltz wiz' Bill. I will never forgive 'im for zat." "Never mess with a marrying Veela," Ron muttered; Harry chuckled, but Ginny poked his arm and he quickly sobered. Standing proudly to one side next to one of his prized Muggle contraptions was Arthur Weasley, with his wand at the ready. At a nod from Fleur, he tapped the old phonograph and the robust strains of a military march filled the air. "Alors, qu'est–ce que c'est? Not zat one!" Fleur put her hands on her hips and glared at the flustered Arthur. Bill, who was standing next to the phonograph, reached in and flipped the record over. In a moment they heard the smooth melody of a Viennese waltz. "Ah, much better," Fleur smiled. She held her arms out to Bill; he took her and they started to whirl around the platform. "You see? One–two–t'ree, one–two–t'ree! Very easy, very graceful. Let ze music sweep you into a world of nobility and elegance." She and Bill split; Fleur took Harry and Bill took Ginny. "'Arry, put your 'and in ze middle of my back, yes, like zat. Now lean back just a little. No, no, not so much, we will fall on our faces. Yes, like zat. Excellent. Now..." In a few minutes both couples were doing a reasonable facsimile of a waltz. Then Fleur put Harry and Ginny together, and after one or two false starts and lots of giggling, they were both grinning and Ginny's hair was flying through the air behind her as they danced. Meanwhile, Fleur and Bill took Ron and Hermione in hand. Ron posed somewhat more of a challenge than Harry; his feet were always crossed and his knees always knocking into Fleur's. But Harry and Ginny kept on whirling, and when the music ended, they stood in the middle of the platform, still holding each other and still grinning at each other. "Wow!" Harry said, looking at Fleur. "You're right. It takes you away from here. It goes with the music." "What do you mean, 'Arry?" Fleur was puzzled. "What goes wiz ze music?" "Oh, just the feeling. Nothing," he said quickly. "You learned fast," Bill remarked. "Most people take a while to pick it up." "It just felt right," Harry smiled at Ginny. "Didn't it?" She nodded. "Come into the kitchen, love, there's something I forgot to show you." She pulled him off the platform and they walked back to the house as the music started again and Ron and Hermione stumbled around the platform. Ginny didn't go into the kitchen where her mother and Charlie were sitting at the table; she veered and took Harry into the empty parlor and closed the door. "Did you feel it?" she said, taking both of his hands. Harry nodded; he took her into the dance position and they started to waltz. "I know exactly where you're going," he said as they spun around the room. "It's almost like I'm dancing with myself, but I'm looking at you and I can feel your whole body move." "This is brilliant!" They stopped and Ginny clapped her hands in glee. "I so much wanted to dance with you, but I didn't know how fast we could learn." She sprang at him and they kissed, but after a minute she pulled her head away and removed his hands from her bottom. "Take it easy, lad," she said, "you'll only get yourself worked up. Did Mum ever get you that tub of ice water?" "Actually, I have a better idea," Harry said brightly. "Let's go to the field down the lane and —" "No, no, no." She put her finger on his lips. "It's only two more weeks. Be strong." Three days before the date, Ginny sprang another surprise on Harry. She found him sitting alone in the parlor and informed him that he was going to spend the night before the wedding at the Diggorys' house, which was about three miles from the Burrow. "I'm not superstitious, but Mum made sure that Dad didn't see her on their wedding day until she walked down the aisle." "You don't call that superstitious?" Harry said incredulously. "Geez, next you'll be telling me you don't believe in ghosts or goblins." "I've seen those. Please, Harry. The Diggorys said they'd be happy to put you up for a night. I admit it's silly, but it'll make me feel better." He sighed. "Okay, why not? How will you make sure that I don't see you when I get back. Should I wear a blindfold?" Ginny came to where he was sitting in an easy chair and bent down, putting her hands on his shoulders; Harry put his around her hips but this time she didn't push them away. "Sweetie, I'm sorry, don't be angry. It's just for a night, and think of how grand it'll be to see me for the first time walking down the aisle toward you." She leaned in and kissed him. Harry had no choice. But an hour later, while he was sitting with Ron near the garden, he couldn't help his frustration. "For Merlin's sake," he grumbled, "why is she doing these things to me?" Ron and Hermione had arrived early that morning. Ron was supposed to be de–gnoming the garden, but he'd decided to soak up a little sun first in the reclining lawn chair that his father had brought home last summer. "What things?" he asked, not bothering to open his eyes. "She won't let me touch her until the honeymoon. It's been months! Can you believe it? And now, I'll have to sleep in a strange bed the night before the wedding. I probably wasn't going to sleep very well anyway, but this guarantees it." "Months... that's tough. Hermione does that sometimes. It's a pain, but when she relents it's pretty fantastic." He opened one eye and peered at Harry. "I'll bet the two of them cooked it up together." "Actually, maybe it's better not to be here the night before. I'm sure they'll all be nutters. Why don't you stay at the Diggorys with me?" Ron sat up and grinned. "Hey, that's a brilliant idea! I'll tell Mum that I'm waiting to de–gnome the garden until that evening, and then I'll be gone. The next morning she'll be too crazy to think about it." He lay back and closed his eyes with a satisfied smile. The next day, two days before the wedding, Neville Longbottom arrived with Keesha in tow. The Weasleys had commissioned him to create a living marquee in their back yard, with walls and roof of vines supported by trees, and with growing flowers entwined in the vines. Neville set up shop in the open space between the peach tree and the woods, and went to work. Harry offered to help, just to take his mind off his own uselessness, and soon they were joined by Ron, Hermione, and Charlie. Neville spent an hour teaching them the magic, and a couple of hours after that there were a dozen slim trees growing in a large circle, with two more rising in the middle. When the outer trees were about eight feet tall, they stopped growing and began sending out branches; the ones spreading toward the middle rose up at an angle, while the outer ones grew perpendicular to the trunks for about six feet, then stopped, forming an overhang. Trellises sprang up between the trees. Meanwhile, the trees inside the circle grew to meet the branches from the outer ring. When they met, about twenty feet up, vines began to grow up the trellises, and then along the branches to the twin peaks of the roof. By the eve of the wedding, the living marquee was ready, and Fleur began decorating it with magic lanterns and fairy globes that gave off a silvery glow. That day, the day before the wedding, Harry's nervousness began to grow. He wanted to talk to Ginny, just to calm himself, but she was constantly busy. There were final adjustments to her gown, which was kept in her mother's room behind a locked door. There were conferences with Molly, Fleur, and Hermione about food and the bouquets that they would be carrying. Then Ginny flew into a rage when her mother announced that she wanted the Prewett cousins to precede the Athair twins up the aisle. Charlie and Bill got her calmed down, but Harry was standing outside the parlor when she exploded. He tiptoed away and went back up to the attic room and joined Ron, out of sight, lying low. By dinner time the entire family had arrived at the Burrow, except Aunt Muriel who would be fetched by Charlie and Percy in the morning. The kitchen was crowded and noisy. After dinner, as dusk began to fall, Harry and Ron packed up their wedding attire and brought their bags downstairs. George cracked a few jokes about being sure to come back in the morning, which Ginny didn't smile at. Molly gave Harry and Ron typical hugs, and then they walked outside with Ginny and Hermione. The marquee stood beyond the garden; it seemed to stir and move slightly, even thought there was not even the hint of an evening breeze. Next to the garden Ginny turned and put her hands on Harry's chest, then she stepped forward and kissed him. "The next time I kiss you I'll be your wife," she whispered. Harry dropped his bag and took her in his arms. "I love you, Ginny Weasley," he whispered back. "Tomorrow will be the best day of my life." Ginny held him tight, and when she looked up at him again her eyes were moist. "I love you, too, Harry Potter." Harry picked up his bag. "Come on, mate," he said to Ron. They walked around the house to the front gate. Harry blew a kiss to Ginny and he and Ron turned on their heels. A moment later they were outside another gate in front of the home of the Diggorys. Amos Diggory and his wife bustled out to greet them. "Welcome, welcome." Amos held his arms out. "I'm so glad we could help. When Arthur asked us to put you up, I told him that Frances here had done the very same thing to me." He chuckled and his wife smiled. "Come in, boys," she said. "Would you like anything to eat? I made a nice peach pie this afternoon. It was Cedric's favorite." They walked into a small sitting room and then into a kitchen that was much neater than Molly's. They sat at a small table and Mrs. Diggory put out plates and a wonderfully aromatic peach pie. "Thanks, Mrs. Diggory!" Ron said after he had wolfed down his fourth piece. "This is really good." She looked at him in wonder as he took another slice. "Another one for you, dear?" She offered more to Harry, but he put his hand up. "No, thank you. I think I'd just like to get to bed. I'm a little jittery." He laughed nervously. "I understand," she smiled, then she sighed and wiped her eye. "Cedric would have liked to be at your wedding, I know for certain. He was very proud to be competing against you." Harry nodded. "He helped me, you know. I never would have got as far as I did otherwise." "I'm glad to hear that." Mrs. Diggory wiped another tear. "Oh, dear. I didn't mean to get like this. Amos, why don't you show the boys to their room?" Mr. Diggory led them upstairs. On the second landing he pointed to a closed door. "That was his room. Here's the guest room," he opened a door across the landing. "We put another camp bed in it. I think you'll find it comfortable enough. The loo's just down the hall." It was small but cozy, with two beds and a few other pieces of furniture, as well as a mirror hanging on the wall. "Looks great, sir," Harry said. Mr. Diggory wished them goodnight and closed the door. They looked at each other, then Ron dropped his bag on the smaller camp bed. 'You take the bed," he said. "You'll need all the rest you can get." He flopped on the camp bed and put his hands behind his head on the pillow. "So, how are you feeling? And weren't you going to tell me tonight where the honeymoon is?" Harry told him, and Ron grinned. "That's perfect! She'll flip when she gets there. Good show!" They talked about the wedding, the waltzing that Ron was certain he would make a fool of himself at, and what their plans were for after the honeymoon. "You and I don't have to be back at the Ministry until September," Ron said. "Maybe we can all spend a weekend in Paris. It sounded like a lot of fun." "Ginny will be in training camp the entire month of August," Harry answered. "They have three or four friendlies, and the season starts on September 15 against Puddlemere." He told Ron about the tip that Griselda Marchbanks had given Ginny, and Ron laughed. "I heard that old crone loves Quidditch. I also heard that she loves to bet on the matches. I wonder what the odds are on that one now." They talked for about an hour, then Harry said he wanted to try to sleep. He tossed and turned for another hour, but when he finally did fall asleep he slept soundly and dreamed he was dancing with Ginny high in the air above the sea. * * * * Ginny and Harry's wedding day dawned. The sky at first was overcast and there were a few brief rain showers, but as the sun rose, a cool westerly breeze pushed the clouds away and the sky cleared. The rain left the air bright and fresh. Harry awoke as the sun was coming up; he lay in bed for a few minutes staring at the ceiling. This was it; this was the day he had been awaiting for months, maybe even since the day after the Battle of Hogwarts. They were going to be together, alone, for two weeks on their honeymoon, and besides the wedding itself, he had never anticipated anything so much in his life. He touched the Bouquedelle that he had hung around his neck before he left the Burrow last night, but he had no desire to put it to his lips. Today all he wanted was the real thing: his beloved Ginny. "Morning," he heard Ron mumble from the cot. "How'd you sleep?" "Great!" Harry swung his legs out of bed and tossed his pillow onto Ron's head. "Let's go, I don't want to be late." "Merlin, it's not even seven o'clock. We don't have to be there for three hours." "I don't care. I want to be ready." Ron threw the pillow back and turned over. Harry got up and opened the wardrobe where they had hung their tuxedos. Ginny had decided that all the men in the wedding party should wear Muggle wedding attire; she said that formal dress robes reminded her of all the memorial services at Hogwarts, and besides she thought that Harry looked perfectly gorgeous in a tux with emerald green trim. He ran his fingers over the fine material, then took the tux from the wardrobe and started to dress. He was putting the trousers on when Ron sat up in bed and stared at him. "What the hell are you doing?" he said. "Take a shower, then eat, then get dressed. Someone will just have to Scourgify you; you're bound to spill something all over yourself." "Oh," Harry said distractedly. "I hadn't thought of that." He looked sheepishly at Ron. Ron grinned. "Ready for action, are we?" "Who, me?" Harry started to take off his trousers, but he got stuck with one leg half–way out, then lost his balance and started hopping on his other leg. He fell backward onto his bed while Ron laughed. "Can I make a suggestion?" he said when Harry had finally taken his trousers off. "Hang the monkey suit up, get back into bed, then start over." Harry scowled, but did hang his clothes up. He put his jeans on and went out. In fifteen minutes he was back with a towel wrapped around his middle, carrying his jeans. He put on fresh underwear and his jeans, then went to the door and opened. "She's up, by the way. You can smell breakfast," he said over his shoulder; he stood aside as Ron leaped out of bed, threw on his own jeans and a tee shirt, and bolted for the door. "Ready for action?" he called to Ron's back as his friend hurried down the stairs. Mrs. Diggory was prepared for Ron this time, and there was plenty of food. Harry didn't think she was as good as Molly or Winky, but he figured that she only had herself and her husband to cook for. They were back upstairs at seven–thirty, but when he went to the wardrobe again, Ron slammed it shut. "We don't have to be ready for two and a half more hours, mate. Chill!" Harry sighed and lay down on the bed. "What am I supposed to do until then?" His nervousness was returning, and he felt Mrs. Diggory's sausages — a little on the greasy side — starting to churn in his stomach. "Think about the honeymoon." "Oh, right," Harry said. "That'll calm me down, especially after a month of no..." Ron looked over at him. "I didn't mean that. Think about lazing around doing nothing for two blissful weeks." "I'll try to nap. We'll be up late tonight, at least I hope we will." "You two amaze me sometimes," Ron said. "Yeah, take a nap, I suspect you'll need to keep up your strength for a while." Harry did manage to fall back to sleep. Ron, freshly showered, awakened him at nine–thirty and Harry started dressing again. He put his formal shirt on and stood in front of the mirror that hung on the wall. "I can't get this damn thing buttoned," he muttered. Ron peered at him; Harry's hands were shaking and there were beads of sweat on his face. "Hold on." Ron finished buttoning his own shirt and came over to Harry. "Let me give you a hand." "No, I have it — Ah, crap." The button popped off and flew onto the bed; Harry picked it up and looked at it. "What the hell do I do now? Do you know how to sew on a button?" "No, but Mrs. Diggory probably does. I'll go get her. You finish dressing, if you think you can handle it by yourself." Ron left and Harry stood motionless until the door opened and Mrs. Diggory came in with her wand. "It's a simple Reparo," she tisked. Harry looked down; his shirt was completely buttoned. "Thanks," he mumbled, embarrassed. "I should have thought of that." "Not at all. I'm sure you have lots of other things to think about." She stepped back as Harry put on the cummerbund and the jacket. "Oh, my, Ginny is a lucky girl! You look very handsome, Harry." He blushed, then turned and looked at himself in the mirror. For a moment he felt Ginny with him, but it passed almost instantly. She's keeping me out so I won't see her, he thought, and smiled to himself. Ron was already dressed. They took their bags and went downstairs; Mr. Diggory came out of the parlor and looked them both over. "Very handsome," he said approvingly. "Is it time for you to leave?" "Yes, sir," Harry held out his hand. "And thank you very much for letting us stay." "Not at all. We'll see you in a few hours." Harry and Ron stepped into the yard, waved goodbye to the Diggorys, and then were back in front of the Burrow. The door flew open and Emma and Claire came charging out. "Mrs. Weasley said you would be back soon!" Emma shouted in greeting. "We're getting dressed in an hour. Ginny's upstairs but she said you can't come in the house." "We saw her gown, but she'll give us bat bogies if we say anything," Claire said. "And guess what? Our parents said we can keep the owls! We'll be taking Rosie and Mocha home with us. Now we can send letters to everyone!" Harry looked mournfully at Ron. "I can't even go in the house. What am I supposed to do if I need the loo?" "There's a, um... a bunch of little houses in the woods where you can..." Emma turned red and giggled. "Yeah, just watch out for the spiders," Ron grinned. Harry sighed, but before he could register another complaint, two young owls zoomed a foot over his head; one landed on Emma's arm and the other on Claire's. "They're hiding in the marquee vines," said Claire as she stroked Mocha's back. "Mrs. Weasley wanted them to leave, but Ginny wants them to see the wedding. She told them they could stay if they were quiet and didn't poop on anyone." Harry looked at Ron and rolled his eyes, but his friend grinned. "Relax and enjoy, mate. I'll go tell Ginny you're here." He went into the house and Harry walked around back with the twins, who said they would show him where the "little houses" in the woods were. But the first thing Harry noticed was the marquee. The vines had thickened to form a dense roof covering; the sides weren't as thick, and he could see through them. Tables had been set up around the circumference under the overhang, like an outdoor café. Harry walked through one of the entries into the marquee and the girls followed. Inside, it felt like dream, with silvery light from dozens of fairy globes mixed with a bit of sunlight filtering through the green ceiling. A magical floor covered most of the ground, made of dark red and light brown inlaid wooden tiles polished to a satin smoothness that reflected but softened the fairy light. Harry looked up and saw thousands of white, gold, and red flowers growing in the vines. For the ceremony the inside of the marquee resembled a small, round amphitheater. Four rows of seats rose from a central circular area about twenty feet across; the rows of seats completely surrounded the central pit. The first level was a foot above the floor, and each level rose a foot above the one below it; this would give everyone a view of the ceremony. The seats were padded and looked very comfortable. After the ceremony, the seats and the amphitheater would vanish, leaving a level surface where the guest tables would appear. And when dinner was finished, the tables and chairs would move to one end, away from the bandstand, and the floor would be cleared for dancing. Off to one side, the head table was already set with a white tablecloth. Next to it was another table on which sat a multi–tiered wedding cake; Winky was standing on a stool in front of it, finishing off the decorations. The twins ran over to see her and Harry looked around. On the other side of the interior, opposite the head table, was the bandstand. The professional orchestra that Aunt Muriel had hired would share it with the Huffle Badgers, led by Keesha Baker. Harry saw Keesha and Neville — in his tuxedo — and walked over. "Harry Potter, you are beautiful!" Keesha jumped down and examined his tuxedo. She straightened his bow tie and brushed a speck of dust from his lapel. "Ginny won't be able to keep her hands off you." Harry grinned. "This marquee is brilliant," he said to Neville. "Well, I already told this to Ginny, but it's my wedding present to you. Mrs. Weasley wanted to pay me, but I told her no." Harry felt a rush of emotion, including tears. "That's great," he said thickly. "Thanks, Neville." He shook his friend's hand and they stood awkwardly until Harry glanced at Keesha, who was looking at him with a small smile. "And the band is your present?" he said to her. She nodded, and Harry gave her a hug. "Thanks," he patted her back. "I was fishing for a hug," she laughed. "Gotta go, though. We're on second so we have to get set up and do our sound checks first." She hopped back on the bandstand and Harry walked with Neville to see how Winky was doing. "You and Keesha seem pretty tight," Harry remarked as they made their way around the amphitheater. "We really like each other, but we'll see what happens. We're both set on careers that would kinda keep us apart." "Why, what's she interested in?" "She wants to do archeology in Africa. You know, there's a whole school of thought that says magic evolved there. Have you heard of that?" Harry shook his head; they were standing in front of the cake where Winky was placing the last bit of frosting on top; Emma and Claire had disappeared. Winky hadn't taken notice of them and Harry didn't want to disturb her. "I thought it began in Albania or Egypt or someplace like that." "Egypt's in Africa," Neville said. "Well, yeah, but it isn't black Africa." "Used to be. But Keesha says there's lots of evidence that magic started in the forests farther south. Anyway, she wants to move there, or at least spend a lot of time there." "But there must be lots of magical plants there that you could study." Neville shrugged. "I suppose so, but I've really got interested in British magical flora. And..." He looked down. "Professor Sprout wants me to become her assistant at Hogwarts." "Wow!" Harry grinned at him. "That's brilliant, Neville! We'll be in Hogsmeade for a while, too." Neville nodded. "So we'll see what happens. Keesha signed up for an expedition this fall. It's being funded by a rich shopkeeper in Diagon Alley. I think you know him; it's where you got your rings. His daughter is interested in African culture. They'll be gone for half a year, and we'll see how things stand after that." "I'll miss her." "Yeah, me too," Neville sighed. Harry thought back to the day after the battle when Keesha had more or less seduced Neville by talking about the sword of Gryffindor. He smiled to himself and put his hand on Neville's shoulder. Winky had climbed down from the stool and was examining her cake. Harry stepped closer and peered at it. "Be careful, Harry Potter!" she squeaked. "Winky's cake is for everyone, especially Ginny Weas— Ginny Potter. How will Winky explain it if Harry Potter's nose is in Ginny Potter's cake?" Harry stepped back. "It's beautiful, Winky." "Yes, Winky's cake is beautiful, especially without Harry Potter's nose stuck in it." "She's a treasure," Harry said to Neville as they walked away. "I was wondering what she was going to do with Ginny's last name." Neville was silent as they approached the bandstand; Keesha was talking to the bass player and didn't see them. "I'm glad you'll be living in Hogsmeade," he said. "I'm expecting the next few months to be rough." "We'll be there, mate." Keesha finished her sound checks and stepped off the bandstand; she gave Neville a kiss. "Time to get dressed," she smiled. She hurried outside. They saw her speak to Luna, who was standing with Dean and Seamus in front of one of the entrances to the marquee. The two girls went to the back door of the house and inside. Harry and Neville wandered around the marquee for a while, then went out and joined Dean and Seamus, who were also in their formalwear. A few minutes later Harry heard Ron call his name. He looked and saw his best man standing at the back door of the Burrow, beckoning to him. He walked over. "It's time to get ready, mate," Ron informed him. He adjusted the yellow orchid in his lapel. "You're supposed to go into the parlor through the back door and get fixed up. Ginny's upstairs." "Yes, sir," Harry said. He waved to Dean, Neville, and Seamus, and they all went inside. They met Charlie and Percy coming out of the Burrow; both of them were also wearing tuxedos with yellow orchids in the lapels. "You look great, Harry!" Charlie said, reaching up to straighten Harry's bow tie. "Nervous?" Harry shook his head. "I was until I got here. Now I want the party to start." "Good!" Charlie clapped him on the back. Percy smiled and nodded as the two walked toward the marquee to take up their ushering stations. Inside the Burrow was chaos, but Harry couldn't tell if it was controlled or not. He could hear loud voices from the second floor just above his head. Then a window somewhere flew open and he heard Mrs. Weasley shrieking something about flowers. There were more shouts, and he almost collided with Fleur who was carrying a large bouquet of red roses. "You didn't see zis!" she cried, and whipped it behind her, then backed up the stairs so that it remained out of sight. Harry next saw Arthur Weasley, wearing his tuxedo, pacing between the parlor door and the kitchen, a lost look on his face. 'Harry! There you are," he said loudly when he saw the boys who had just come in. "You need to flower yourself. I mean put the flower in — on..." Harry looked at Ron, then at Arthur. "It's okay, Mr. Weasley, I think I can handle it." "I knew that. Thank you, thank you so much for everything, my dear Harry." He took Harry's hand and started pumping it. "Molly has everything under control, as you can see." The back door banged open. They heard shrieks, and Emma and Claire raced past them, smashing into chairs, knocking one over. They were followed by three younger girls who Harry had never seen before. They all wore fluffy, cream–colored dresses with matching flats and ribbons in their hair. "Hi, Harry!" Emma called as they flew out the front door. Claire slammed it shut in the face of the leading Prewett cousin, who crashed into it, then backed up, causing her trailing sisters to pile up behind her. They yanked the door open and ran out after the twins. "She does have things well in hand," Harry said to Arthur. "Aren't I supposed to go into the parlor?" "Yes, yes, you are. Thank you, thank you for everything, my boy." He kept shaking Harry's hand, until finally Harry had to pull it away. "Come on," Ron said, shaking his head. Inside the parlor they found Aunt Muriel perched regally on the sofa, attended by Bill and George. Neville, Dean, and Seamus already had yellow flowers in their lapels and passed Harry on their way back outside. The ancient witch beckoned to Harry when she saw him. "Here, young man," she said and took the lone red orchid that was lying on the sofa. Harry stood in front of her as she put it through his lapel buttonhole and affixed it in place with a tap of her wand. She looked him up and down. "You are very handsome, Mr. Potter, but I know that is not why my Ginevra is marrying you, although it doesn't hurt," she added with a snicker. "I welcome you to the Prewett and the Weasley families. You and Ginevra have my blessing, for what it's worth." Harry leaned over and kissed her cheek. "Oh!" She touched the place where his lips had been and smiled. "Yes, I do know why she's marrying you. Now, you are to remain here until that nephew of mine, the one who needs a haircut, gives the signal. At that time, you and all of your good–looking young friends are to go to the marquee and await the arrival of Ginevra's wedding party —" "I know, ma'am. We rehearsed yesterday, so everything's all set." "Don't call me 'ma'am'. I'm not the Muggle Queen of England. Aunt Muriel will do fine." "Yes, Aunt Muriel." Harry nodded and smiled. George, sitting next to her on the sofa, was barely able to contain his mirth; Harry gave him a look, which only increased his hilarity. Bill got out of his chair and took Harry's arm; he led him away from the sofa to a window that looked out onto the back yard. "Is everything okay?" he asked. "Did you sleep well?" "Well enough," said Harry. "Your dad is in a state, though; have you seen him? He's in the kitchen and I think if his head fell off and rolled under the table he wouldn't notice." Bill laughed loudly. "His baby is getting married. He'll be fine as soon as the wedding starts. Is everything all set for the honeymoon?" "Yes," Harry grinned. "And thanks for everything." "Not at all. I know you'll have a great time." At that moment a lone, pretty young woman walked past the window, looking around hesitantly; it was Ginger Beale. Harry called to Ron and pointed her out. "She's the girl Ginny met at the tryouts. Can you go introduce her to Dean and those guys? She doesn't know anyone here." Ron went outside and Harry saw him lead her to where the ushers were standing next to the marquee. She started talking with them, and Harry smiled when Dean Thomas led her away and over to one of the refreshment tables. "Ginny said that she was Dean's type," he said to Bill. Harry sat down on the sofa next to George. They talked about Hogsmeade, where he was planning to live with Angelina. George also mentioned that the twins were going to spend a week with him and Angelina, helping to finish fixing up Zonko's for the opening of Hogwarts in September. "They're incredible," George said. "I never saw two smarter kids; they're always full of ideas. They're going to be richer than you." Finally, at noon, Charlie stuck his head in the door. "Time, gentlemen and Aunt Muriel. Harry, your moment draws near." "You make it sound like he's getting his head chopped off," quipped George. "Mr. George Weasley," said Aunt Muriel as she rose and took Charlie's arm, "has anyone told you recently that you talk too much?" "No, ma'am, not since the last time you did." "I'll have to say it more often, then. Ignore him, Mr. Potter," she called over her shoulder to Harry, who was following them out of the room. "You will have four other brothers–in–law, so you don't need this one." Arthur Weasley was still pacing in the kitchen, and he stopped when he saw the procession heading outside. "Is it time?" He hurried over to the bottom of the stairs and peered up. "I don't see her. I hope everything's alright." "Dad," Bill put his hand on his father's shoulder, "relax. Mum and Fleur are up there with her. Everything's under control." "I know," he sighed. "Everything except me." He took out a handkerchief and mopped his brow. "Harry, I'm sorry. I don't know why I'm so nervous. Shouldn't you be the nervous one?" "I'm becoming a little nervous, now that you mention it," Harry said. "Good!" Arthur declared. "Now I feel better." "Okay," said Bill, "let's roll. We have to be out of here before Ginny can come down. George, the rings?" George reached into his pocket and took out two small velvet boxes, one red, the other green. He held them up and Bill flicked his wand; a white silk pillow appeared, and George set the ring boxes on it. He took the pillow from Bill and held it in front of him. Bill opened the back door. "Let's go! Everyone's seated." Percy was right behind him, and he and Charlie each took one of Aunt Muriel's arms. The procession left the Burrow, except for George who would bring the rings at the head of the bridal party. Aunt Muriel with Charlie and Percy led the way; the others followed. When they got outside they saw Emma and Claire, trailed by the Prewett cousins, tearing around the side of the house; a moment later they heard the front door bang open and Fleur yell, "Come, girls! It is time! Quickly!" They were joined by Dean, Neville, and Seamus. They entered the marquee through an entrance off to the side, near Winky's cake. As soon as they were spotted, heads turned, a hush fell over the assemblage, and the orchestra took up a slow but cheery march. They passed down an aisle between the raised seats and Harry looked up at the faces there. He nodded to Minerva McGonagall and Filius Flitwick, who seemed to have got over their spat about the Quidditch Cup. Tony Trostle and Carlos grinned at him. They walked into the center of the amphitheater where the Minister of Magic stood. Charlie and Percy escorted Aunt Muriel to a front row seat, then joined the rest of the groom's party in a semicircle on the left of Kingsley. Harry stood next to the Minister who smiled and nodded; he was dressed in wildly colorful robes with a huge gold earring dangling from his right ear. Harry gazed around; he wanted to savor every moment and remember every detail. He filled himself up with the beauty of the living marquee, the people, the music, and the faces nearest him. Ginny was already there, even if he couldn't see her; he knew that she was now with her parents outside the back door of the Burrow, waiting for the signal. He felt an exhilarating anticipation, but he loved the suspense and the drama; he wanted her there yet he wanted the expectancy to stretch out. There were so many people there who he loved. He saw Mary Wilson and Madame Rosmerta; Stan and Harriet whose wedding would be in the autumn. Saliyah was sitting next to a witch who Harry didn't recognize at first, then he saw that it was Laura Lovegood, looking attractive for the first time that he could remember. She wore dark green dress robes trimmed in silver, and her blonde hair fell around her shoulders instead of being tied up in a tight bun. He grinned at Sean Allen, Zoroaster Black, and Abigail Abernathy who were fidgeting in the second row, turning their heads to the entrance every ten seconds, undoubtedly looking for Emma and Claire. He gazed at Zoroaster. The boy had grown considerably since last autumn, and he looked more like Sirius than ever. Harry was glad that someone from the Black family was there. Dennis Creevey was sitting behind the Slytherins with the rest of the Gryffindor Quidditch team. The intrepid Keeper grinned and held up his camera; Harry nodded and smiled back. He looked to his right past Kingsley and there were Hagrid and Madame Maxime standing at the end of an aisle; Hagrid was already wiping his eyes with a huge handkerchief. Harry felt his heart lurch for the man who had been there for him all of his life, from picking him out of the wreckage at Godric's Hollow when he was a baby, to carrying his seemingly lifeless body out of the Forest just a year ago. Harry felt Ron shifting on his feet next to him. He looked at his best man, the friend he had depended on the most for eight years. Ron had gone through so much on Harry's account, had given so much of himself and asked for so little in return. Harry couldn't imagine a better life than one where his best mate was also Ginny's brother. On the other side of Ron stood Bill; Harry suddenly realized that his disfigured face now seemed normal. Bill looked at him and winked, and Harry smiled; he felt safe with Bill, almost the same way he had felt with Sirius. Ginny's other brothers stood on Bill's left: Charlie, who had always shown Harry a loyalty that came from his fierce love of Ginny; and Percy, who had always... well, Percy had helped Harry unselfishly, and Harry was grateful. On the other side of Percy stood his roommates, three friends whom he had lived with for six years, who had fought alongside him, risking their lives with him. He knew that the five roommates would always be there for each other. There would be a bond between them for the rest of their lives. The music changed, and George appeared at the main entrance carrying the two ring boxes on the silk pillow. He paused until he was sure that every eye was upon him, then solemnly walked up the aisle. He glanced around, as though he was looking for someone; Harry knew who it was, and he bit his lip. George stopped in front of Harry and bowed his head, then he stepped into the empty space between Ron and Bill. The music changed again, and Ginny's bridesmaids came up the aisle. They were stunning in gold dresses trimmed with red lace embroidery and gold ribbons in their hair. They walked one at a time: Keesha, Luna, Angelina, and Audrey; they carried bouquets of red and gold roses. They moved into another semi–circle on the other side of Kingsley; Harry held his breath when he saw Luna stare up at the ceiling for several moments, but she must have sensed his gaze, because she looked at him with the most radiant smile that Harry had ever seen on her face. He smiled back and relaxed. Two figures appeared in the entrance, and Harry's eyes grew wide; he heard both Ron and Bill suck in their breaths. Ginny's Maid and Matron of Honor — Hermione and Fleur — stood there, each one impossibly beautiful in their gold dresses; even their contrasting hair colors added to the compelling picture they made. Their gowns had red sashes around the waist and were trimmed with red roses. They wore golden shoes and earrings of pale yellow stones that glowed in the light of the magic lanterns. Their bouquets were red and yellow roses. They both gazed around the amphitheater, smiling at people in the seats, then they started slowly up the aisle. Hermione was elegant and stately; her eyes glistened and her smile went from ear to ear. Fleur was regal and dazzling; her silver hair took on golden overtones that added to her awesome beauty. Harry couldn't take his eyes from them. He was used to being overwhelmed by Fleur's stunning looks, but Hermione's radiance was a wonder to behold. He glanced at Ron who was staring at her as though struck by a spell. Fleur graced Harry with one of her beatific smiles, and Hermione pursed her lips at him, sending him a silent kiss. They took their places next to an appreciative Kingsley. The five flower girls came next, as Harry's anticipation mounted; he could see shadows outside the marquee, and he knew that one of them was Ginny. But he couldn't ignore the Athair twins' bubbling enthusiasm and glee as they scattered white petals up the aisle. They walked very slowly, grinning like crazy; Harry chuckled when he realized that they were milking the moment for all it was worth. The poor Prewett cousins kept running into the twins' heels, but Emma and Claire ignored them. Emma, in her innocent brashness, actually spoke to Professor Sprout who was sitting on the aisle in the third row; the professor looked at her in surprise, answered her, then looked around to see if anyone had noticed. Harry shook his head and marveled at their determination to enjoy themselves to the hilt. The flower girls took their places next to the bridesmaids, and Harry let out a breath. The orchestra took up the wedding march and everyone rose from their seats and turned. There was a collective gasp, and then a murmur swept the marquee. Ginny stood, framed in the entry by flowering vines. Molly was on her right and Arthur on her left, but no one noticed them; no one could take their eyes from Ginny. Harry stepped forward, and now he stood in the center of the circle in front of Kingsley, staring open–mouthed, transfixed. Whereas everyone else saw an alluring bride in a romantic cream–colored gown, Harry saw a figure beautiful beyond description, surrounded by a silver–white glow. But in the dazzling light that shone for him and no one else, he could clearly make out three details as sharp as if they were right before his eyes. On Ginny's head was the tiara that Aunt Muriel had given her; its burnished gold was like the sun, and the gems embedded in it cast red, blue, and green rays back at him like searchlights. Around her neck was the Veela necklace; the solitaire diamond lay between her breasts, just above the neckline of her gown. It radiated a power that Harry was sure only he could feel, because through it he saw into Ginny's heart, and he saw himself there. On her left hand was the ruby ring; the blood–red stones pulsed and throbbed with hidden might. Through the swirling glow that surrounded Ginny, Harry clearly saw their two Patronuses, stag and doe, standing guard above her. For a moment he thought his parents' faces were also there, but the brilliance of the light about Ginny made it difficult to tell. Harry saw all those things, but as Ginny and her parents approached, everything else faded and he saw her. Her blazing eyes, looking directly at him, now held the incandescence that had surrounded her. His own gaze swept down her gown and his breath caught at the beauty and sensuality of her form; he wanted her, he longed to possess her. He could see her blush as she sensed his desire, and he received in turn her willingness and her own desire to possess him. He felt his face grow warm. Ginny stood before him and they could not tear their eyes from each other. But she turned to her mother and Molly embraced her, kissing her cheeks and then her lips; tears poured down her face. Molly took Harry and did the same to him; he felt her embrace, soft, warm, and maternal. She was weeping as she stepped back. Ginny's father took her hand; he kissed it, then lifted her chin. "My precious Ginny," he whispered. Arthur gave her hand to Harry, then stepped back. He and Molly took seats next to Aunt Muriel, who sat erect in her chair, dabbing at her eyes with a lace handkerchief. Harry put his hand under Ginny's and they stood looking at each other; there was not a sound in the marquee until, after what seemed like minutes, Kingsley discretely cleared his throat. Ginny turned to him, then Harry. The Minister smiled; he gestured to Hermione who came and took Ginny's bouquet of red roses. He looked over the hushed crowd, and spoke in a loud, ringing voice. Neither Harry nor Ginny heard a word he said; they were inside each other's mind, their eyes penetrating into each other's heart. Harry took both of her hands while the Minister of Magic talked about the joyous event that had brought so many people together to celebrate. He talked about the Weasleys and he reminisced about the Potters. Still Harry and Ginny stood, only inches apart, their fingers gently caressing, swaying slightly toward each other, their eyes blinking and their lips moving slightly as silent words passed between them. Kingsley spoke for ten minutes. When he stopped, Harry and Ginny looked at him, almost surprised that he was there. Then George stepped forward with the rings. Kingsley gestured and a large cushion appeared on the floor. Fleur held Ginny's gown as she and Harry sank to their knees on the cushion, facing each other. George bent low and the green box opened. Harry took the gold ring from it and held it up. He took Ginny's left hand. "Ginny," he said in a low voice that was meant only for her but that carried to the top row of the amphitheater. "Ginny, I put this ring on your finger as a pledge of my love for you. You are my life; you will always be my life. I vow that I will love you forever, without condition, without judgment, without limit. I will protect you, I will take care of you, I will support you, I will be strong for you. We will live our lives always together. We will raise our children in total love. I will use every power I have, every thought in my mind, every feeling in my heart to love you and cherish you. My love is yours, forever." He slipped the ring onto her finger in front of the ruby ring. George bent low again and the red box opened. Ginny took the gold ring, identical to hers, and held it up. She took Harry's left hand. "My Harry," she said in a voice that Harry heard as music, "I put this ring on your finger as a pledge of my love for you. You are the love of my life. My love is for you, always and forever. I will protect you, I will take care of you, I will support you, I will be strong for you. I will care for you when you are well and when you are sick. My love will feed your soul and fill your heart, as it fills mine. There will never be a barrier between us; our hearts will be open to the sky. Our children will be born from inside me, and they will flourish in our love as a flower in sunshine. My love is yours, forever." She slipped the ring onto his finger. Their hands gripped, their fingers entwined; they could not have released them if they wanted. Fleur helped Ginny rise and they stood and the cushion vanished. George stepped back. There was not a sound in the marquee. Kingsley Shacklebolt placed his hands on their heads. "With all the power I possess, I bless this union. It is also blessed by everyone who is witness to it, either by their presence here or by their presence in our hearts. "Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley, as Minister of Magic in Britain, I declare that you are married by the laws of our world. But it is by the laws of your hearts that your true union exists. Nothing outside of yourselves can now sunder you." He took his wand from his robes and waved it above them. A shower of silver stars fell about them. "Congratulations!" Kingsley beamed. They took each other in their arms and kissed; their bodies crushed against each other and their mouths fused. An ovation filled the marquee; first Aunt Muriel stood as she clapped, and then gradually everyone did. In the vines above them, two owls and six owlets hooted. Ginny and Harry heard nothing, just as they had not heard Kingsley when he first spoke. As their bodies pressed together, their hearts beat in unison; every thought in one mind was in the other; every sensation one felt was felt by the other. Their bodies and minds did not exist separately; they had complete knowledge of each other. But this time they did not pull back in fright; this time they plunged in; they were two souls but one person. After what seemed like an hour but was only a few seconds, a perception penetrated. There are people around us. Our family and our friends. They broke apart and heard the cheers and the applause, the laughter and the crying. Ron and Hermione were next to them, grinning and hugging them as Kingsley shook their hands. Ginny turned and flung herself into George's arms; he was weeping and he clung to her while Bill put his arms around them both. Harry was shaking hands with both of his, and trying to keep from staggering as his old roommates pounded him on the back. Emma and Claire were jumping up and down and shouting; Ginny, then Harry, hugged them both. It was beautiful bedlam. The circle became crowded as people left their seats to join the wedding party; everyone wanted to get to the newlyweds. Finally, the bridesmaids and the groomsmen formed a phalanx for Harry and Ginny and pushed their way out into the sunshine. Back in the marquee, Percy tried to usher everyone out. "Please clear the area, people!" he shouted. "We have to convert the floor. Please clear the area!" Harry and Ginny stood next to the garden, Ginny with her bouquet again. Ron and Hermione were there, and Harry grabbed Ron and hugged him, then Hermione. He glanced into the garden and put his hand on Ron's arm; Ron turned and saw a dozen gnomes watching them. He shook his head and grinned. Someone caught up Ginny in a smothering hug. Molly was crying and laughing, and then she grabbed Harry. "Oh, my darlings," she said, wiping her eyes. "How beautiful! It was perfect. You are both beautiful!" "Thanks, Mum," they both said at the same time. Harry put his hand to his mouth and stared at Ginny. "What's wrong?" she smiled. "That's her name." Arthur and Ginny held each other in an embrace that lasted more than several minutes. When they separated, Arthur wiped his tears, then took Harry and hugged him. They didn't speak, but then Arthur put his hands on Harry's shoulders and nodded with a smile. Everyone came to visit while the interior of the marquee was being switched. The most surprising visitors were Teddy and Victoire in the arms of Andromeda and Fleur. "We wanted them to greet you, too," said Andromeda. Teddy smiled when he saw Harry and reached for him as his hair turned green. Harry took him and poked him in the belly, and Teddy squealed with laughter. He yanked Harry's eyeglasses off and put them in his mouth. "Teddy! No," said Andromeda; she handed them back to Harry. "Were they in the marquee during the ceremony?" Ginny asked as she took Victoire from Fleur. "No, we didn't want them to disturb it," said Andromeda. "Your elves were watching them." "The elves?" said Harry in surprise, wiping saliva from his glasses. "Do elves know about babies?" "Didn't you know zat?" said Fleur. "Zey are excellent wiz children because zey are small like zem. I t'ink you will find zem very useful when you 'ave your own." She smiled knowingly. "Mmm." Ginny took Harry's arm. "I'm liking this marriage more and more." People crowded around, everyone wanted to congratulate the couple. Saliyah and Kingsley came over, and Harry noticed a short wizard standing behind the Minister; he seemed shy about showing himself. "Dung!" Harry exclaimed when the Minister and Head Auror left and he finally could see who it was. "It's good to see you." "I'm so glad you're here," said Ginny, and extended her hand. Mundungus hesitantly shook it, and glanced around as though he had been caught taking a bottle from one of the babies. "I just wanted to wish you very 'appy," he said, and smiled bashfully. "An' I do appreciate that you invited me 'ere, Mrs. Potter. This is a very nice party." "Have a good time," Ginny gave him her sweetest smile, "and be sure to have a piece of the cake." He grinned at Ginny, bobbed his head at Harry, and disappeared into the crowd. "Better count the silver right away," said Ron. "And the furniture, too." "He'll be fine," Ginny said. "He fancies me." Harry grinned at Ron. "He was on a case with us last winter. He tracked down that shipment of Darkness Powder, but he nicked some of it and I got him to tell me about it because he likes Ginny." Ron's eyebrows shot up. "My baby sister helped solve a crime? Tell me, Gin, what don't you do?" "I'm very versatile, aren't I?" "I'll second that," said Harry, looking at her hungrily. "Am I allowed to smack him if we're married?" Ginny asked Hermione. "Yes," she declared firmly. "I distinctly heard Kingsley say you can." "I'll let you off this time, Potter," Ginny said to Harry, "but from now on you'd better be careful." Harry grabbed her and kissed her, which became a snog, but Ron tapped Harry's shoulder. "Here comes brother Percy. I think the tables are ready." "You mean you think the food is ready," said Hermione, taking Ron's arm. 'I'm trying not to be rude. Why do people always assume I'm thinking about food?" "Because," the three of them said in unison, "you're always thinking about food." At that moment Percy walked up. "The tables are ready," he said to Ginny. "The food is ready," he said to Ron. They walked to the marquee, greeting people along the way. Then Harry pointed, and he and Ginny turned toward the woods. Hagrid was there with Olympe Maxime, and sitting under a tree just past the gate was Grawp. Hagrid's smile was wider than the whole yard, but tears were also pouring into his beard. "Harry," he blubbered, "an' Ginny! What a day it is! I was there the day after yeh was born, at yer folks' house, and now here I am at yer weddin'." He bent down and put his arms around them — carefully, for Hagrid — and completely soaked Ginny's gown and Harry's tuxedo with his tears. "Hagrid!" Madame Maxime scolded. "What are you doing to Ginny's gown?" She pulled him back, then took out her wand; in a moment their clothes were restored. "Sorry about that," Hagrid wiped his face with his handkerchief. "It just kinda overwhelms me, yer bein' all grown up an' married. And pretty soon you'll have yer own kids an' they'll be comin' t' Hogwarts an' I'll be teachin' 'em just like I taught the two a' you." Ginny blushed, and Harry smiled. "In a couple of years. Ginny's got a few league cups to win first." Hagrid nodded. "I know, I know. Ye'll do it at yer own pace." He glanced at Grawp. "Would yeh mind comin' over an' sayin' hello to Grawpie? He can't get under the marquee, so he didn't get t' see the weddin'." They went over to the giant. Grawp reached down and Ginny stepped into his gargantuan hand. He lifted her up and smiled at her. She took off her tiara and let him touch it, then lifted her Veela necklace for him to see. He had a tear in his eye when he lowered her gently to the ground. "Gin," he said. "Pretty Gin." Ginny leaned over and kissed his fingertip; Grawp put the finger to his mouth and smiled. "Oh," Madame Maxime laughed, "I think he is blushing. Hagrid, I have never seen your brother blush before." Grawp waved his hand and turned his head away. Ginny patted the giant's foot. "Goodbye, Grawp," she called up to him. "Thank you, and thank you for coming to our wedding." They went into the marquee. The floor was now flat, and several dozen round tables were set up, covered with white linen; each table had a candelabra and floral arrangement on it. They went to the head table where Hermione and an impatient–looking Ron sat on either side of the two center seats; the rest of the Weasley family with their partners were also sitting. As people noticed them, applause built until the marquee was filled with the sound; Harry waved and Ginny blew kisses. They took their seats, and a glass of bubbly liquid appeared in front of everyone: champagne for the adults and sparkling water for the children. Ron stood and raised his glass in the sudden silence; he looked down at Harry who gazed back up at him, blinking through his eyeglasses. "Harry, my best mate, my brother, I can't believe all the things you and I have gone through to get to this place and time. You saved my life at least once, but then a lot of people can say that, or at least they should. Now don't blush, I know you don't like to hear stuff like that, but this is my toast and I can say whatever the hell I want." He went on, ignoring his mother's scowl. "I told you a few months ago, after you proposed to Ginny, that you were now my brother, but actually I think you've been my brother ever since the day I first saw your skinny, lost face on the Hogwarts Express eight years ago. Since then a few odd things happened to us now and then, here and there —" Harry smiled and some chuckles came from people sitting at the tables "— but as you so memorably said at Hogwarts a couple of months ago, here we are." He turned to Ginny. "Ginny, my baby sister, I know how much you hate that. But until about a year ago, that's what you were to me. Maybe I was misguided, but all I wanted to do was protect you. Then this git came along, and all of a sudden there was someone else who was protecting you. I had a hard time accepting that, and it took me longer than it should have. But I think I've known for a long time, deep down inside, starting from that summer when you were still a brat and all you talked about was Harry, Harry, Harry, that we would all end up here, and I would be making a toast to the two of you. "So..." He gestured with his glass to Ginny and Harry. "So, I offer a toast to the health and endless happiness of the couple who were truly meant for each other, Harry and Ginny Potter." A loud, "Hear, hear!" from hundreds of voices sounded, and then a moment of silence as glasses were emptied. The wedding feast began, and course after delicious course magically appeared on the tables. Winky and Kreacher served the head table, standing on low benches that popped up in front of it whenever one of the elves needed it. Hermione wasn't happy to see the elves working, but when she asked Winky why she didn't sit down and enjoy the wedding, the elf drew herself up and glared. "House–elves is enjoying theirselfs, Miss Spew," she said loudly; Hermione blushed and put her face down as Ron chortled. Ginny patted Hermione's hand. "What is you laughing at?" Winky scowled at Ron. "Nothing," Ron said quickly. "As long as you're having a good time, it's okay with me."
Winky turned back to Hermione. "If Hermione Granger is marrying that one, she should learn him not to be rude." Hermione, recovering, glowered at Ron then grinned at the elf. "Thank you, Winky. I'll be sure to do that, if I marry him." Both Harry and Ginny were laughing, and he leaned toward Ron. "Flowers, mate, flowers and maybe you should write a poem, too, and then you might not have to sleep on that new sofa of yours for more than a week." Ron nodded and sighed. "Lesson learned. Again." The orchestra played at the other end of the marquee. Soon Harry and Ginny left the head table and started walking around, chatting with everyone at their tables. After about an hour, when the meal was winding down and Winky was magically moving the table with the cake in front of the head table, a bell rang and everyone turned. George Weasley rose holding his wand. He flicked it; the bell sounded again, and there was silence. "My friends," he said loudly, his voice carrying to the far side of the marquee, "before we destroy this beautiful pastry, we'd like Ginny and Harry to come back from their wandering amongst you for something special." They were at one of the Dumbledore's Army tables, talking to Ginger and Dean, who were sitting together. They looked at each other, and Ginny shrugged; they walked back to the head table holding hands. George smiled at them. "Ginny and Harry, your family have a gift for you that's going to let you enjoy something together that we know you both love to do, and no, Harry, it's not that." There was laughter as Harry put his hand over his face and shook his head. Ginny put her head on his arm; she knew her face was crimson. George grinned and continued. "Gin, you are about to embark on a career as a professional Quidditch player for the Holyhead Harpies —" there were cheers and a few whistles "— and, as you know, professional Quidditch players usually have a backup broomstick. Here's yours." He waved his wand dramatically and, with a bang that was much louder than it had to be, two long, graceful brooms appeared, floating in the air in front of Ginny and Harry. They both gaped. These brooms were longer than Ginny's Firebolt, and even sleeker; the wooden shaft of each was highly polished, and seemed to glow from the inside. George put away his wand; he took a broom in each hand and held them out. "You are looking at the successor to the Firebolt, the Ion One. These are the first two ever to be sold in Britain. Ginny and Harry, happy flying from the family that loves you both as much as you love each other." They took their new brooms and looked at each other. Ginny's mouth hung open; she glanced back and saw Ginger grinning at her and holding her thumb up. She turned back to George. "I heard there was a new broom out! Where did you get them?" "We have vast contacts in the wizarding world, Sis, me, your brother Bill, and your brother Charlie. Nothing is too good for you, so we got the best." She wrapped her arms around him as the marquee rang with cheers and the orchestra played the Harpies fight song. Then Harry hugged George, then Ginny went around the head table and hugged Bill and Charlie and everyone else. She came back to Harry wiping tears from her eyes. "Can we take them on the honeymoon?" "I don't see why not. Ron can ship them tomorrow." He ran his hand over the smooth length of the shaft. "Look, the twigs aren't stiff. I'll bet that makes them more maneuverable." He and Ginny stood there admiring their new brooms until he felt someone tug on his trousers and looked down; Winky was there with a cake cutter in her hand. They put the brooms down on the head table and, amidst great enthusiasm from all, the cake was soon cut and passed out, except for the top tier which would be saved for the birth of their first child. Then the tables were moved aside and Harry led Ginny out onto the floor. He took her in his arms and the orchestra struck up the first waltz. They had practiced every day, and they dazzled everyone as they whirled around the floor. It was like magic, induced by the music and the rhythm; all they were aware of was each other's eyes and arms, and the movement of their bodies. It made Harry feel strong and confident as he guided Ginny with pressure from his hand on her back. It made Ginny feel joyful and loved as she followed Harry's lead. When the dance ended, to more applause, Bill and Fleur came over and there were more hugs and kisses. "Zat was like a consummation," Fleur said as she held both of their hands. "I 'ave never seen two lovers waltz so beautifully. Ginny, you must allow me to 'ave ze next dance wiz your 'usband." Ginny was blushing again, but so was Harry, as much at being asked to dance by Fleur as by what she had said. The orchestra played, and Harry took Fleur out on the floor while Ginny and Bill danced. The space filled with couples; Ginny noticed Dean and Ginger struggling to keep up with the music. Arthur and Molly were dancing, as were Ron and Hermione, Kingsley and Saliyah, Neville and Keesha, and all her brothers, even Percy with Audrey. The orchestra played for an hour, then there was a break while the Huffle Badgers set up. A few moments after they started playing, there was an exodus from the marquee of most of the older wizards and witches, but the floor was still crowded with all the Hogwarts students, including all of Dumbledore's Army. During one of the band breaks Ginny found herself at a table with Luna. Her friend was looking dreamily up at the roof where the owlets were fluttering among the vines and flowers. "Owls are marvelous," Luna said. "I wonder how they understand everything we say to them." "It is amazing," said Ginny, shifting in her seat so that her gown wasn't being crushed. "I'm surprised they never taught us much about them at school." Luna gazed at her. "Hagrid likes big, dangerous creatures or small dangerous creatures. Except for unicorns." She blinked and thought for a few moments. "I'll go find out." "Find out what? About owls? Right now?" Ginny knew Luna well enough not to be surprised, although she didn't quite expect her to get up and walk out right then. "No, I don't think now," Luna shook her head. 'I'm having too much fun here." "I'm glad," Ginny went with the flow. "I noticed you dancing with a bunch of different people." "Yes, at your birthday party I spent most of my time with Dean. He's very nice, but I think he was starting to think that I fancied him. I'm glad that girl from London is here so he's not mooning over me." "Ah, yes, it's lucky for him. So what are you going to do now? I mean now that we've left Hogwarts." Luna smiled again. "Travel with my dad. We'll go to places that have interesting owleries, and maybe I'll learn the answer to my question." "About owls, you mean?" Luna nodded and looked dreamily up at the owlets again. The band started playing and Ginny took Luna's hand and dragged her to the dance floor. Soon the marquee was rocking and the owlets flew out; they perched in the tree above Grawp and ducked their heads under their wings. After another hour the bands switched and the adults drifted back into the marquee, while most of the young folks went outside. Ginny and Harry spent some time at Fred's grave with the family, but then Ginny wanted to dance with Harry, so they went back. She asked for slow dances, but after three of them they had to stop because Harry was starting to get too amorous out on the dance floor. At eight o'clock, supper was served, and the two bands played their final sets, first the Huffle Badgers and then the orchestra. Ginny could tell that Harry was getting restless to be leaving, and, when she stopped to think about it, so was she. She had had a brilliant, deliriously happy day, and now it was time for it to come to an end. She told her parents that she and Harry would be leaving soon, and then she went to the orchestra and asked for a last waltz. The wizard conductor bowed, and the strains of an old Muggle waltz, composed long ago about a majestic river, filled the magical marquee. AUTHOR'S NOTE: For those of you who are interested, you can see a picture and description of Ginny's wedding gown.
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