Summary: The four teenagers have left Hogwarts and are beginning their lives together. The story focuses on the event s at Grimmauld Place surrounding Ron and Hermione, Harry and Ginny, with some individual character spin offs...
Rating: PG-13
Categories: Post-OotP
Characters: None
Genres: None
Warnings: None
Challenges: None
Series: None
Published: 2003.09.19
Updated: 2003.10.05
Index
Chapter 1: Prologue
Chapter 2: Reunited
Chapter 3: Life Changes
Chapter 4: Hermione's House
Chapter 5: October 15th
Chapter 6: Harry's Speech
Chapter 7: Harry's Eyes
Chapter 1: Prologue
The story begins one year after Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger leave Hogwarts.
In that year, the trio all go their separate ways in the career area.
Harry joined the ministry and began his three year auror training.
Ron was signed as keeper for the Chudley Cannons and soon became the hero of the team.
Hermione went into further education and began to study to become a healer.
During the year after the trio left Hogwarts many changes were brought about in the wizarding world.
Cornelius Fudge was demoted from Minister for Magic and he was replaced by none other than Arthur Weasley.
Dumbledore's death, meant that Minerva McGonagall became the new headmistress at Hogwarts.
With Voldemort defeated on the 26th June, that day was made an international wizarding holiday, known as Harry Potter Day.
Known Death Eaters, such as Bellatrix Lestrange and Peter Pettigrew were locked up in Azkaban, with new security measures in place, ensuring that the criminals of the past would never again be free.
Everyone were celebrating like maniacs around eastertime when Ron WEasley and Hermione Granger announced their wedding, with none other than Harry Potter, himself, as the best man.
Harry himself, had managed to keep his romance away from the press, considering that his girlfriend did not need the hassle of the media, especially in her NEWT year. Harry stayed in almost constant contact with his girlfriend writing at least once every two days, which meant a lot of flying for Hedwig.
Arthur Weasley added new levels and security to the Burrow making it bigger and better.
Harry, Ron and Hermione moved in together at Gimmauld Place, which Harry had inherited rom Sirius. Now fit for human habitation, the three teenagers had decorated the house with photographs of the order, the original order, themselves, Ron's family, Hermione's family, Harry's parents and Sirius, Harry's girlfriend and their classmates at Hogwarts. Ron had also added Cannons posters and quidditch pictures in almost every room.
Harry hosted regular parties for all his friends. He was finally free, Voldemort was dead. He no longer had the thoughts of his destiny hanging over him. He had the best friends that a man could possibly have and the most beautiful, wonderful girlfriend that Harry could ever imagine.
The entire wizarding world loved Harry. No longer did they think him mad, or attention seeking or a dramatic little hero who wanted nothing more than to be worshipped. Most realized now what Harry really was. A young man who had suffered terribly at the hands of Voldemort and had got his revenge. Harry Potter deserved nothing more than to be happy.
Naturally, Harry was top of the class in his Auror training. Five people had been taken on from his year at Hogwarts. Himself, Seamus Finnegan, Susan Bones, Padma Patil and Neville Longbottom.
Neville had made sure that he got revenge on Bellatrix Lestrange. Harry remembered that day well, the day of the last battle, the day when Neville tortured Lestrange using the Cruciatus curse, and how Neville had relished the moment. Because of her all his parents had ever given him was empty gum wrappers. They didn't know him, they couldn't love him, they knew nothing. They just survived. Almost as though they had been kissed by dementors. But Neville sought revenge, just like Harry, and that was what he got...
Chapter 2: Reunited
Harry walked up and down on the platform, waiting. He had been waiting for over an hour. Why was the train taking so long? He was aching to see her. Not since Christmas had he seen her. Not since Christmas had he held her in his arms, not since Christmas had he kissed her, or felt the warmth of her body or touched her silky soft hair. He was desperate to see her.Harry suddenly looked up from the ground. He could hear it. It was coming. He stood back on the platform and watched the beautiful red steam engine pull into the station followed by its magnificent carriages.
The train came to a hault and the prefects stepped out holding the doors open. Harry's green eyes searched the horde of students. He couldn't see her where was she? His eyes frantically searched the crowd, then he saw her. She was looking for him.
"Harry!" she squealed.
She ran into Harry's arms and he kissed her passionately, savouring every moment.
"I've missed you, Harry," she said smiling widely.
"I've missed you too, Ginny," said Harry.
He kissed her again. When they broke away, Harry grabbed her trunk.
"Come on, Ginny, lets get away from here. The others are waiting in the main station."
With one strong arm Harry dragged the trunk and with the other he grasped ginny's hand tightly, pulling her close. They walked through the barrier and withing ten seconds Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger descended upon Ginny.
Three hours later, Hermione, Ron, Harry and Ginny were sitting in Charlie’s old bedroom, telling Ginny the details of things that had happened whilst she was at Hogwarts.
“They caught Wormtail,” said Ron. “About three weeks ago.”
“Yeah, Harry told me,” said Ginny.
“His trial was fascinating,” said Hermione.
“Yeah, he couldn’t answer half the question they asked him, he was that nervous,” laughed Ron.
“He got life in Azkaban,” said Harry.
“Cornelius Fudge was sacked, well, obviously,” said Hermione.
“They couldn’t do anything else after he was caught with a group of known Death Eaters,” said Harry.
“When they brought in Pettigrew, Arthur immediately had Sirius acquitted of all his charges. After all, with Wormtail alive, they had proof that Sirius was innocent,” said Hermione.
“They held a memorial service for Dumbledore, the other week. Over a hundred thousand people there. They had to use the quidditch stadium,” said Ron.
“That was so sad,” said Ginny. “He just passed away in his sleep.”
“Yeah,” said Harry. “A lot of people will miss him.”
“Dad made 26 June Harry Potter Day,” said Ron chuckling. “Harry wasn’t too impressed.”
“Too right I wasn’t. That the last thing I need, more worship,” grumbled Harry.
“Aw, poor ickle ‘Arry,” said Ginny kissing him on the cheek.
“I like the sympathy though,” said Harry kissing Ginny gently on the lips.
“Its been one hell of a year. They’ve arrested every single Death Eater. None of them have walked free this time,” said Ron.
“They can’t risk it,” said Hermione. “Many of the Death Eaters were as terrible and ruthless as Voldemort himself.”
“They locked Draco Malfoy up too,” said Harry.
“What!” said Ginny.
“He was charged with being a spy at Hogwarts,” said Ron.
“Leaking information about secret passages into the school, giving Voldemort Harry’s timetable. Making sure that Voldemort knew when Dumbledore was away,” said Hermione.
“I didn’t know that,” said Ginny.
“Neither did we,” said Harry. “I don’t know how they found out about it.”
“I’m willing to bet it was Moody,” said Ron.
“He’s not looking to good at the moment is he?” said Ron.
“No,” said Harry.
“How’s our old friend Snape doing, Gin?” asked Hermione.
“Vindictive as ever,” said Ginny. “Although he’s definitely not as biased against Gryffindor as he used to be.”
“He never got the Defence job, did he?” said Ron.
“No. Good job too,” said Hermione.
“What about Bellatrix Lestrange?” asked Ginny.
“She was charged with the murder of acquitted Death Eater Sirius Black, and the use of the cruciatus curse to insanity on Frank and Alice Londbottom,” said Hermione.
“She was kissed,” Harry said quietly.
Harry put his arms around Ginny and pulled her close to him. He kissed her gently. Hermione smiled, Ron looked disgusted.
“Honestly, Ron!” said Hermione, exasperated.
He grinned and kissed her passionately. Ginny giggled. Hermione turned red and pushed Ron away.
“When I the wedding going to be?” asked Ginny.
“Sometime next summer, we think, or maybe Christmas,” said Hermione smiling.
“You must be really happy,” said Ginny with a definite note of envy in her voice.
“We are,” said Ron.
Hermione grinned and kissed him again.
“Are you not happy?” said Harry.
“Of course I am,” said Ginny.
She smiled. Harry took her hand and slid off the bed.
“Come with me,” said Harry.
The two of them ran from the room, leaving the kissing couple in peace.
Ten minutes later Harry and Ginny were walking through the woods hand in hand.
“I’ve missed you so much this year, Ginny,” said Harry.
“I missed you too. Gods, it was almost unbearable. If I hadn’t had NEWTs to distract me, I think I might have gone insane.”
Harry smiled.
“I know the feeling,” he said.
He turned to face her. Harry put his arms around Ginny’s waist and held her close. His mouth was close to hers he leant forward and kissed her. His hands held her waist gently, supporting her as she melted into the kiss. She loved him, so much and she knew that he loved her. He was genuinely happy to see her, and she knew he was telling the truth when he told her that he’d missed her. Harry broke away, gasping for breath.
“Promise me, that you’ll never leave me Ginny,” Harry said.
“I promise, Harry,” she said her gaze never leaving his deep green eyes.
Something slid onto her left ring finger and she gasped. A voice whispered in her ear.
“Will you marry, me?”
Chapter 3: Life Changes
Ron cradled Hermione in his arms. He kissed her gently on the lips."So, when are we getting married?" he asked.
He kissed her again, passionately and intensely.
"As soon as possible," said Hermione grinning.
"Autumn it is then," said Ron, also smiling.
"How beautiful," said Hermione. "We can use the lovely little chapel in my home village."
"We can get married wherever you want, love."
He smiled. Hermione through her arms around his neck.
"It doesn't matter," Ron said quietly. "A long as we're together."
They lay back on the bed kissing passionately. This was all Hermione had ever wanted, Ron Weasley. She had loved him since third year, or at least that was when she'd realised it. She remembered how cared she'd been when he'd been dragged out of sight by that huge black dog. She thought she'd lost him forever. Hermione snuggled closer into Ron's muscular chest. She'd never loved anyone else, it has always been Ron. She had been so disappointed when he hadn't asked her to the Yule Ball in fourth year. She smiled slightly as he kissed her forehead. She loved him so much, more than she ever thought she could love someone.
Ron wrapped his arms more tightly around Hermione, protecting her. He had loved her since second year, since he saw her, in the hospital wing, just lying there, petrified. He had felt the pain rip through his body. How could he have let something hurt her. He always felt so ridiculous about not asking her to the Yule Ball and how he was so obviously jealous of Viktor Krum. He smiled and kissed her on the forehead. Now she was his, not Krum's, not anybody's except his.
It was late, well after midnight. Harry and Ginny crept into the kitchen hand in hand. The whole housse was in darkness. They were halfway uptairs when I voice said from the living room,
"Where have you two been?"
A fire roe in the grate and Harry turned to see Mrs Weasley staring at him. He and Ginny quickly ran back into the living room.
"Just walking in the woods Mum," said Ginny.
"Hmm," said Mrs Weasley.
"Nothing hppened Molly, honestly," said Harry, clutching Ginny's left hand tightly.
Ginny and Harry sat down beside Mrs Weasley, Ginny held out her left hand.
"Well, you know, except this," Harry said showing Mrs Weasley the magnificent ring.
The perfect diamond twinkled in the firelight. It was the perfect ring for Ginny. The delicate gold band touched the diamond and twisted elegantly away, suiting her wonderfully.
"Oh my," said Molly. "Its beautiful."
Ginny grinned and Harry put his arm around her shoulders. Mrs Weasley leaned forward uddenly and drew Harry and Ginny into a tight hug. She wa crying.
"Congratulations!" she sobbed. "Both of you."
"Thanks, Molly."
"Thankyou, Mum."
Molly looked at the happy faces of her daughter and Harry.
"Now of to bed with you! Its very very late."
Molly chivvied the teenager upstairs and they both entered Harry's room.
"Come on, wifey, time for bed," grinned Harry sliding under the cover.
"I'm coming, hubby," she giggled crawling in beside him.
Ginny snuggled up next to Harry, gently playing with the beautiful ring on her finger.
"I love you, Harry," she said.
"I love you, too, Ginny,"he said.
Harry kissed Ginny on lips and the two of the drifted off to sleep, almost simultaneously.
Hermione awoke alone in bed. She sat up and looked at her watch, it wa past ten o'clock. Everyone else must be down at breakfast. She dressed hurriedly in flared jeans and a pink vest top, looking effortlessly gorgeous. She ran a bruh through her much less bushy hair and duted some powder and blusher lightly across her face.
She entered the kitchen to find the entire Weasley family (minus Bill and Charlie) and Harry seated at the table. Hermione sat down next to Ron and smiled round at everyone.
"Morning, Herms," said Harry.
"Morning Harry," she said in reply.
She stared at Harry and Ginny for a moment. They both looked in a curiously jovial mood. Harry kept kiing Ginny's cheek and Fred and George were looking on with expressions of mixed amusement and disgust.
"What's gotten into you two?" asked Fred.
"You've never acted like this before," said George.
"Oh," said Ginny. "We got engaged yesterday, must have forgotten to tell you," she said casually.
Harry laughed at the shock on the faces of the Weasley boys (including Aarthur) and Hermione. Harry kissed Ginny on the lips before she was engulfed by Hermione' huge hug. Ron punched Harry's arm cheerfully.
"Congrats, mate," he said grinning.
"Listen Ron. Come outside with me for a minute will you?"
Harry stood up from the table and went into the garden followed immediately by Ron.
"I was gonna tell you after breakfast," he said.
"Harry, its OK. I think its gret, you and my sister."
"Good," said Harry smiling. "Erm, will you be my best man?"
"Like I could refuse. I'd have pummeled you into the ground if you hadn't asked me."
Harry chuckled.
"Hermione and me set a date," said Ron proudly.
"Yeah?" said Harry. "When?"
"October 15th. Its gonna be in a little chapel in her parents's village."
"That great Ron. You guys'll be so happy."
"So will you."
The two men smiled and sat down in the grass.
"Isn't it so weird," said Harry. "You know, growing up, falling in love, getting married. I mean, when you and I first met on the Hogwarts Express on our first day, I thought I'd never grow up."
"Yeah. It's so scary, but I'm definitely happy and I wouldn't want my life to be any other way."
"I would, because there are three things missing in my life. My mum, my dad and Sirius."
"Of course. I hadn't thought about that."
"Don't get me wrong. I am happy, and I love your sister so much and I have the best friends in the world. My life is still pretty good."
"I agree with you there."
"Come on. Lets go back inside, everyone will be wondering what we're up to."
Chapter 4: Hermione's House
Hermione sat by the electric fire in the living room of her parents' house. It was about eleven o'clock at night on October 14th and she was alone. Ginny and her parents were upstairs finalising arrangements for tomorrow's big day. Hermione pulled a blanket around her shoulders as she stared at the artificial flames.Why on earth am I doing this? Why am I getting married? Why? I'm so young. There's so much I could have done with my life than become somebody's wife. And what if something goes wrong? What if our children are born muggle? What if Ron and I fight like we used to? I just couldn't bear it. It would be awful. I'm so nervous. What if Ron backs out tomorrow? What if he never shows up? I'd look like such an idiot. I'd never forgive him. What if I forget what to say? Or if I trip over my dress and fall? I couldn't live with myself if I embarrassed Ron like that. And what about Harry? No doubt he'll be trying to put us off, either that or he'll be making goo - goo eyes with Ginny. Why did I agree to this whole wedding thing? Look at my nails! They're bitten down to the quick, practically! They look a right mess, and my hands are shaking! I am actually shaking! I've never been this nervous before. Not before OWLs or NEWTs or even the Last Battle. Why am I getting so worked up about? It’s just a wedding; it’s a happy occasion, nothing to get worked up about. I'm such an idiot getting worked up like this. I mean, I'm an intelligent girl and Ginny's planned out every single step, every single breath that Ron and I will take. Nothing can possibly go wrong. What if Death Eaters turn up? Don't be an idiot Hermione! Death Eaters are not gonna turn up at your wedding. They're all in Azkaban as it is, and why would they want to sabotage your wedding, it not like Voldemort's gonna come back. They've got nothing to fight for. I wish Sirius were here. I always got on well with Sirius, he always knew so much, kept us well informed. I know that Harry misses him, and Harry is one person who deserves happiness in his life. Well, he might get that now with ginny. Everyone knows that they adore each other, it plainly obvious to anyone with eyes or ears, even ones that don't work that great. Ron's not that good at noticing thing though. It took him years to notice that I liked him. It did amuse me to see how frustrated Harry got with it all though. Yeah. Those were some good times. I miss Hogwarts. I've perhaps only just realised it, but I do. I miss the castle, the moving stairs, the classrooms, the lessons, the roaring fire in the common room, the dormitories and the four posters, the library, the quidditch matches and the electricity and harmless rivalry with which they were approached. In a way I miss Malfoy. I miss being able to have a go at him, or watching Ron desperately trying to injure Malfoy because of something he said to me. Oh, I love Ron so much, I just hope we're not rushing into anything. Why would we be though? I mean, we've been going out with each other for years, we've loved each other for years. That' all we need right? Love? I shouldn't really be nervous at all but I am. Why am I being so ridiculous? Its like all sense has been knocked out of me. Maybe that's what love does to a person...
Ginny shut the door with a gentle click and ran silently up to the room where she would be sleeping.
Poor Hermione is so nervous!
Ginny giggled. She went to her trunk and rummaged around in the bottom of it. She pulled out a mirror. A two-way mirror. The mirror that had once belonged to Sirius Black, a mirror given to her by Harry.
She held the mirror up to her face.
"Harry Potter," she said clearly.
The handsome face of her fiancé soon replaced her reflection.
"Hey Harry!"
"Hi Ginny! What's up?"
"I'm just checking up on you. I'm missing you."
"I miss you too, sweetie."
"How's Ron doing?"
"He's very nervous."
"So's Hermione. She's just sitting my the fire staring into it as though watching something tremendously important, or you know, reading a book. She mutters to herself occasionally too. Its quite funny to watch."
"Well, this just proves how perfect they are for each other."
"How's that?"
"Well your brother is doing exactly the same thing that a certain Miss Granger is doing."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
"Seems like they really do belong together."
"Hmm."
"What time are you apparating tomorrow?"
"Around half oneish."
"I'll make sure that Hermione, Susan and I are ready by then. Hermione looks so lovely in her dress. Ron will be drooling over her without doubt."
"Better make sure I've got some tissues handy then."
Ginny giggled.
"That would probably be a good idea."
"So what's Hermione's house like."
"Small, but dad would love it. Everything has plug and batteries."
"Has she shown you the chapel?"
"Yes, he has. It is the most beautiful little church I have ever seen. It definitely has to go on my top ten buildings list."
"What else is on your list?"
"Well, you know. The Burrow is number one, Hogwarts, Grimmauld Place, that castle where we spent Christmas when I was in sixth year. Stuff like that."
"I don't have a favourite building in particular. Whatever building you're in is always the best, especially if I'm there with you."
Ginny smiled at his last statement.
"I wish you were here now, Harry."
"Me too. You look gorgeous even through this mirror."
"You're just saying that!" exclaimed Ginny, smiling all the same.
"I mean it, sweetie. You're the most beautiful woman in the world, you always light up the room."
Harry grinned at her.
"I love you, Ginny."
"I love you, Harry."
"Tomorrow should be a good day."
"Yeah, I'm looking forward to it more than Hermione is I think. She's very nervous."
"Most people are on their wedding day."
"Yeah, I guess you're right."
"I'm expecting you to look gorgeous tomorrow, Ginny. Give the bride some competition."
"I wouldn't dream of it, Harry Potter. Especially not if it is jut to satisfy your needs."
"Well, you know what they say about the best man and the chief bridesmaid."
"No."
"That they end up together."
"Oh."
"Looks like this time that saying is going to come true."
"Certainly looks like it. As long as you behave yourself!"
"Of course I will Miss Weasley. There will be no 'funny business' tomorrow. I promise."
"There'd better not be. I don't want anything to spoil Ron and Hermione's big day."
"Me either."
"I'd better go now, sounds like Hermione's coming upstairs."
"Ok. I love you Ginny."
"I love you too Harry."
"Bye."
Harry disappeared from the mirror. Ginny quickly changed into her nightgown and slid into bed. Tomorrow would be a very busy day.
Chapter 5: October 15th
Ginny stood in the lounge of Hermione's parents’ house. She gazed at her reflection in a full-length mirror and smoothed the golden dress she was wearing."Come on Hermione!" she called upstairs.
Ginny looked up the stairs to see Hermione descending them. She was dressed in a creamy white coloured dress. She looked beautiful. The two women and magicked their hair up into elaborate curls and adorned them with autumn leaves.
"Oh, Hermione! You look wonderful!" said Ginny rushing forward to hug her friend.
"I'm so nervous, Ginny."
"Don't be, you're gonna be fine."
"Yeah, maybe you're right."
"Maybe?"
"Definitely."
They both grinned.
"Harry's getting Ron to the chapel for a bout half one."
"Good."
"He said Ron was about as nervous as you last night." Ginny giggled.
"When did you talk to Harry?"
"Last night, using a two way mirror."
"Ah right."
"Anyway, we better get going. It half past twelve already."
"Yeah."
Ginny and Hermione left the house and met Hermione's parents in their car. Mr Granger sped off to the chapel.
How do I look, Harry?" said a nervous Ron Weasley.
"Well, the robes are good, but your face is about as red a your hair!" Harry Potter chuckled.
Ron punched his best friend on the arm.
"I don't know what you're so nervous about. You and Hermione are made for each other."
"Yeah, you're right there."
"So, you won't be back for a week will you?" said Harry leading Ron down the stairs of number 12 grimmauld place.
"No, we're going to Hawaii."
"Nice. So Ginny and I will have the place to ourselves then?"
"Don't you be getting any ideas, Potter! That's my little sister you're talking about!"
"Don't worry Ron. I love Ginny. I'm not gonna hurt her. Now let get going."
Harry and Ron apparated and met Ron's parents at the chapel.
"Come on, Ron." said Arthur. "Let's get you inside."
The Weasley boys and Molly walked Ron into the church. Harry waited outside for Hermione and Ginny.
The car arrived outside and Ginny got out first. Harry ran towards her and picked her up.
"Hi Ginny," he said.
Harry put her down and put his hands firmly around her waist.
"You look lovely," he said.
"So do you," she said grinning,
Harry kissed her. Hermione climbed out of the car behind them and linked her arm through her father's.
"Good luck, Hermione," said Harry letting go of Ginny and kissing the bride briefly on the cheek, "I've got to go now."
He kissed Ginny again and jogged into the church. Harry took his place, standing beside Ron and turned to watch Hermione, Mr Granger and Ginny enter the church. Ginny grinned at them and Harry grinned back. As they reached the altar Mr Granger sat down and Hermione took Ron's hand and the two turned to the altar. Ginny stood next to Hermione, but she and Harry never took their eyes off each other.
"Repeat after me," the priest said. "I, Ronald Joseph Weasley,"
"I, Ronald Joseph Weasley,"
"take thee, Hermione Elizabeth Granger,"
"take thee, Hermione Elizabeth Granger,"
"to be my lawfully wedded wife,"
"to be my lawfully wedded wife,"
"in sickness and in health,"
"in sickness and in health,"
"until death parts us."
"until death parts us."
Ron breathed a sigh of relief and grinned.
"Hermione, repeat after me," the priest said. "I, Hermione Elizabeth Granger,"
"I, Hermione Elizabeth Granger,"
"take thee, Ronald Joseph Weasley,"
"take thee, Ronald Joseph Weasley,"
"to be my lawfully wedded husband,"
"to be my lawfully wedded husband."
"in sickness and in health,"
"in sickness and in health,"
"until death parts us."
"until death parts us."
Ron squeezed Hermione's hand.
"Do you, Ronald, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do."
"Do you, Hermione, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, as long as you both shall live?"
"I do."
Harry and Ginny both smiled as Ron and Hermione both breathed a sigh of relief.
"Ronald, place this ring on Hermione's finger as a symbol of your bond, everlasting."
Ron slid the ring onto Hermione's finger.
"Hermione, place this ring on Ronald's finger as a symbol of your undying love for one another."
Hermione pushed the ring onto Ron's finger.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Ron pulled Hermione into his arms and kissed her. They left the chapel hand-in-hand and Harry guided Ginny out of the church with his right hand around her waist.
Outside the church all the witches and wizards apparated to the Leaky Cauldron for the reception, except Arthur Weasley who organised a portkey for all the muggle guests.
Chapter 6: Harry's Speech
Ron and Hermione circled the dancefloor gracefully. Harry and Ginny sat together in the corner watching them. Harry wrapped his arms around Ginny and whispered into her ear,“Soon, it will be our turn.”
Ginny smiled.
Hermione gazed adoringly into the eyes of her new husband as he guided her around the new dancefloor at the Leaky Cauldron. Ron’s hands held her close to his lean chest and he rested his chin on her head.
“You look lovely, sweetheart,” he said.
“So do you,” said Hermione.
“I’ve waited for this day since that very first day I met you,” said Ron.
Hermione looked up at him and kissed him passionately.
“I love you, Ron. I love you so much,” he said, tears filling her eyes.
“I love you too,” he said pulling her even closer.
“This is the happiest day of my life,” said Hermione, positively wailing.
Ron stroked her hair.
“Don’t cry, ‘Mione.”
“Sorry.”
They stopped dancing and Ron led his wife to a table near the back of the magically enlarged room. Ron sat down and Hermione sat beside him. He took her in his arms and kissed her, tasting her sweetness. Hermione melted into his kiss.
“Harry said you were nervous,” said Ron when he finally broke away.
“Yeah, I was,” said Hermione. “But now I realise that I had no reason to be. We’ve done the right thing. We’re gonna be happy. I love you.”
Ron kissed her again. He pulled Hermione closer to him as he kissed her.
“I’ll love you forever,” he said.
Hermione buried her head in his chest. This was the way it would be.
A waiter wept across the room and placed two full glasses of champagne in front of them. Ron looked up when he heard the tapping of a spoon on a glass and was surprised to see Harry standing up.
“As the best man, it’s up to me to make a speech about our bride and groom, so here goes. I first met Ron and Hermione eight years ago on my first ever journey to Hogwarts on the Hogwarts Express. I’ll never forget the look that Ron gave me when Hermione entered our compartment to inquire about Neville’s toad, Trevor. If you’d told me that day that they would end up together, I would have thought that you were crazy or you’d got in the way of a strong bamboozlement charm.”
Most people chuckled.
“After that three years passed at Hogwarts and the friendship between Ron and Hermione grew and to think it all began with Ron’s infamous words, ‘She’s a nightmare, honestly!’ They had their ups and downs, without a doubt. The worst had to be when Ron believed Hermione’s cat had eaten his rat. But they forgave each other and after that year became closer than ever.”
He smiled at hi best friends.
“Next came fourth year, and that was when the Triwizard Tournament was played. As you know, with the Triwizard Tournament comes the Yule Ball. Ron was so blatantly jealous of Viktor Krum, Hermione’s date, that it was so funny. Ron spent the entire evening glaring at them. Very amusing in my opinion.”
Many of the old Hogwart’s students nodded in agreement.
“I remember walking in on their argument that night and Hermione shouting ‘Next time there’s a ball ask me first and not ass a last resort!’ It was then that I knew that Hermione liked Ron as much as he liked her.”
Ron kissed Hermione’s neck and she grinned.
“And so we entered fifth year and still nothing happened, even though Ron was still jealous of Viktor Krum. I had to laugh when he said to me ‘What does she see in Krum?’ Ron, mate, you couldn’t have been more obvious!”
Ron laughed, as did most people in the room.
“Finally in our sixth year, Ron asked Hermione out and the rest as they say is history!”
Harry raised his glass.
“To the happy couple!”
Everybody followed suit including Ron and Hermione.
“To the happy couple!” they repeated.
Harry sat down.
Ron kissed Hermione who was still smiling at the speech.
“Harry did a good job, didn’t he?” she said.
“Yeah. I knew he would, I mean, he knows us better than anyone really, well, except maybe each other,” Ron smiled.
Hermione leant forward and kissed Ron, her eyes alight.
“It brought back some memories, didn’t it, Harry’s speech?” she said.
“Yes. It was cleverly done though. He cut out all the unpleasant thing from our Hogwarts years. He reminded us of all the good things.”
“Sometimes it’s good to forget the past and get on with the future.”
“Sometime, but there’s something I certainly don’t want to forget.”
Hermione grinned.
“Honestly, Ron!”
Ron pulled her close and kissed her, his mouth moulded to hers and the two became like one person, bonded with love. T that moment, there was no one in the world happier than they, no one at all.
Chapter 7: Harry's Eyes
This chapter takes place in the October, a year after Ron and Hermione’s wedding. Harry and Ginny are also married and Rodney was born the previous month.***
“Oh, Harry,” said Mrs Weasley. “She’s so beautiful.”
“Is she? How’s Ginny?” Harry asked anxiously.
“Ginny’s fine, a little bit tired I think, even though she won’t admit it,” Molly smiled.
“That sounds like Ginny. So what does she…”
A door opened.
“Mr Potter?” A healer said.
“Yes?”
“You can go in now.”
Harry smiled and entered the small sideward. He gulped. Ginny was sitting up in bed, cradling a baby in her arms. He conjured a chair next to the bed and sat down and kissed his wife on the cheek.
“Hi Daddy,” Ginny said giggling.
“How are you, Mummy?” Harry asked.
“Really, really happy. Do you want to hold her?”
“Yes,” said Harry.
Ginny smiled and gently laid her baby girl in her husband’s arms.
“What do you want to call her, Gin?”
“I was thinking, Lily, after her Grandma, but add another name to it, to make her a bit different.”
“Lily would be great. What else are you thinking of?”
“Anne, or Marie.”
“Marie,” said Harry.
“Ok,” said Ginny. “Tell the others to come in.”
Harry placed his daughter in Ginny’s arms and went to the door, opened it and returned to the bed followed by the Weasley clan, complete with Hermione and baby Rodney.
“Everybody,” said Ginny. “There’s someone we’d like you to meet.”
Harry sat down beside Ginny and put his arms around her.
“This is Lily – Marie Potter, our little girl,” Harry finished.
“She’s perfect,” said Hermione.
Mrs Weasley lifted the baby out of Ginny’s arms and showed her off to the others. Harry kissed Ginny gently.
“She’s wonderful, Ginny,” he said quietly. “The most beautiful girl in the world, well, apart from her mother.”
“No, she’s more beautiful than I am, by far.”
Molly gave Ginny back her baby, and the little girl’s proud parents watched as all the Weasley’s left the room. Harry gazed proudly at his daughter. Lily’s tufty red hair was already beautifully shiny and her green eyes were just like Harry’s. In fact, she looked just like Ginny, except for the eyes, Harry’s eyes.
“You know, Gin,” said Harry. “I found a picture of my grandparents the other day.”
“You did?”
“Yeah. I didn’t know that my Grandma had red hair.”
“It seems like you Potter boys find us red head irresistible.”
“There’s only one red head that I find irresistible.”
Harry bent down and kissed Lily – Marie on the forehead. Ginny glared at him indignantly.
“Well, maybe two.”
He kissed his wife on the lips. He now had a family, the one thing he had always wanted and Harry knew that he would be happy forever.
+From the Author+
There will be a sequel published shortly, it’s already in the works. It will be written with Harry and Ginny’s daughter as the main but it will contain plenty H/G. Thanks to everyone who reviewed, your comments help me a lot. I really hope you enjoyed the story and I’m sorry that it ends so abruptly. The sequel will be more interesting, I promise. I’m hoping to post it in a few days time, the first chapter at least, so look out for it. Hogwarts: Past and Present. Thanks for reading.
*/~Fire~\*