Chapter 4 - Wedding Bells
Previously on Harry Potter and the Wizard Manipulations…
"Ah, mum, dad," Hermione started to say, "I'd like you to meet Harry Potter, my fiancé."
Harry's only thought as Hermione was saying that was, 'Oh, crap. Why me?'
After Hermione finished introducing him to her parents, Harry suddenly found himself under severe scrutiny. He, for the first time in a long time, found himself wishing he'd never been born. Unfortunately, before he could wish anything further, Hermione's mother, Emma, went straight for the kill shot with her question, "Your fiancé, Hermione?"
"Yes, mum, my fiancé. Now, before you judge him poorly, know this, he's not had a great childhood and his school years at Hogwarts have been little better."
"Oh?" Hermione's father, Dan, questioned.
"Yes, daddy, Harry is a nice boy. And well, he's smart, courageous, funny, and brave too. He sees me for me, and wouldn't change anything about me, nor would I him. Harry may have had several bad things happen to him, but he's really great. He's willing to do anything to protect me, and I am the same way. So don't even think that you can scare him off. We are getting married tonight and that's final."
"Okay, princess, you're getting married. But can you explain why? And to a boy we hardly know?" Hermione's father questioned again.
"Because, daddy, if I don't, then I'll be forced to marry a red-headed idiot."
"Uh-huh. And this explains why you're getting married tonight how?"
"Well, daddy, if I don't marry Harry tonight, then most likely our headmaster will try to force me to marry the idiot some time in the near future. My being married to Harry would negate any other contracts and I would actually be happily married instead of miserably."
"Okay, but this is all kind of short notice. I mean, what do we really know about Harry?"
"Daddy, I think that the fact that I love him more than life itself should be enough. Plus all of the other information I told you minutes ago."
"Dan, Hermione is right. Over the past six years, I have received several letters from Hermione. In every letter she describes a boy who has done more for her than we ever have. Harry saved her life in first year from a mountain troll, then he went on to face his parents' killer. In second year, he killed a sixty-foot snake was it? And all to save our little girl who had been petrified. He was willing, in his third year, to face a serial killer who was supposedly out to get him, despite the danger to himself. Fourth year, he had to go through that tournament. This last year, he had to face an evil toad, his parents' killer again, and he lost his godfather. Knowing all of that, and seeing his kindness that brief time in the summer before their second year, makes me happy to give my blessing to his and Hermione's marriage. And you would do well to do the same Daniel Granger, or you'll be sleeping on the couch."
"Yes, dear. Absolutely. Hermione, Harry, you have my blessing to get married tonight."
"Thank you, Mr. Granger."
"Thanks, daddy."
"Okay, now that I have said item. Time to make this official. Hermione Jean Granger, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
"Yes, Harry," Hermione said tearfully, as Harry placed a diamond engagement ring on her finger. The ring had heart shaped emeralds on either side of a round diamond, all centered on a white gold band.
"I hope you like it, Hermione."
"I love it, Harry, was it your mum's?"
"Yes, she said I could use it, and when I saw it, I thought it was perfect for you."
"You're right, Harry. It is perfect, the emeralds remind me of you. Wait-" Hermione said as if she had just realized something, "did you say you're mum said you could use it? How, Harry? You're mum is dead."
"Right, Hermione. However, I did discover on my jaunt down in my vault, my parents' portrait, which activated when I was down there."
"Your parents had a portrait done? And you didn't bring it up here to see your wedding?"
"Whoa, Hermione, yes, I did. Their portrait was large, so I shrunk it and put it in my pocket. Now, hang on a moment," he said as he carefully pulled his parents' portrait out and resized it.
"Oh, Harry, is this Hermione? She's very beautiful," Lily fired off right away.
"Yes, mum, this is Hermione. Hermione, these are my parents, Lily and James Potter."
"Hey, why'd you introduce your mum first?" James whined.
"Cool it, James," Lily threatened.
"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Potter."
"Call us Lily and James, dear. Mr. and Mrs. Potter were my in-laws," Lily said.
"Alright. Harry?"
"Yes, Mione?"
"They seem different than ordinary portraits."
"Ms. Granger is right, Mr. Potter," Severus said from the corner he and Minerva and Poppy had been standing in.
"Snivellus, what are you doing here?" James asked.
"Dad, so help me, if you aren't nice to Professor Snape, I'll have mum hex you in the painting."
"But why are you being nice to him? And since when was he a professor?"
"He has been a professor since 1981, dad, and I'm being nice to him because without him, I would still be under the influence of a love potion, and I would never have found out about any of this."
"Yeah, James, so be nice to Sev. He's earned it."
"Oh, I wouldn't say that, Lily. I've still committed many atrocities in my life."
"And you've atoned for every one of them. Stop trying to make excuses, Sev. I know you are a good man. Even my son sees that you are."
"I wasn't always nice to him."
"Professor, if you had been nice to me, then I think you're Slytherins would have become suspicious. They would have questioned your loyalty to Voldemort and told their parents. You would have been dead the moment that Voldemort was resurrected. Plus, some of that was actually the potions talking."
"I suppose you're right. It still doesn't excuse anything, though."
"Are you sorry for what you've done to me, Professor?"
"More than anything."
"Then that is all that matters. As long as you're sorry, then I forgive you for anything you've done, and anything you will do."
"But-" Severus tried to speak.
"No, no buts'. And if you try to make one more excuse, I'll have Professor McGonagall transfigure you into something that can be used in one of your own potions."
Severus gulped, but nodded at the threat.
"Now, that that's out of the way. Uh oh."
"What is it, Harry?" Hermione asked.
"You don't have a wedding dress."
"Oh, yeah, uh oh."
"How could that slip our minds? I mean I have the rings, and I don't even have dress robes for the occasion."
"Guess we didn't think everything through. Of course I kind of sprang this on you."
"What do you mean, Hermione?" Emma asked.
"Umm, well, we kind of planned our wedding for December, but then I realized that Dumbledore would probably try something before then if he noticed we were off the potions, that I decided we should get married tonight."
"Oh. Well, Harry, would your family have something like a wedding dress and dress robes in the vault?
"Of course, we would. The Potters had many clothing articles down there. I even think Godric Gryffindor's and Rowena Ravenclaw's wedding robes are down there, in excellent condition I might add. I am sure you could use those," James said.
"Oh, that would be so perfect, Harry, let's go get them," Hermione stated.
"Umm, Hermione, I should warn you that going down there is like going on a rollercoaster."
"Oh, don't worry Harry, Hermione loves them," said Emma.
"Mum!"
"Well, at least your father didn't mention anything about your liking of-"
"Stop! Come on, Harry, let's go. Griphook, could you take us down?"
"Of course, miss."
Harry and Hermione followed Griphook out and down the hall to the main hall. When they were at the entrance to go back in, Harry wrapped the cloak around Hermione and himself. Walking to where the carts were slowly, Harry was relieved that Dumbledore was nowhere in sight. Getting in a cart, Hermione hugged Harry tight, making Harry give her a questioning look.
"I don't mind roller coasters, but those have seat belts. This however does not. So you're just going to have to deal with it."
"Ha ha. You do bring up a good point, Mione," Harry said as they sped off down the tracks, turning to Griphook he asked, "Griphook, why aren't there seat belts or some form of a restraining device on the carts?"
"I don't know, I guess it's because no one has been stupid enough to lean over the edge and fall."
"But what about curious little kids? I mean, I know that I wanted to lean over the edge when I came down here on my eleventh birthday. I'm sure there are other people who are just as curious."
"Probably. I'll ask Director Ragnok to consider your idea. It would certainly be much safer."
Arriving at the Potter family vault again, the three were surprised to see none other than Albus Dumbledore standing in front of it with another goblin.
"Harry! What are you doing here? You should be back up at the school," Albus shouted indignantly.
"And you should be at the ministry. Yet here we are. Why, pray tell, are you trying to get into my vault?"
"Well, Harry, I just wanted to make sure everything was in order for you. Sharptooth here was assisting me. Unfortunately, I have met with some resistance."
"That would be my own, Professor Dumbledore. I have reset the vaults to where only I can get in them.
"Harry, you have created more work for me. Why?"
"Headmaster, how could I have created more work for you. I took on my family title; therefore, the additional work is on me. Also, the name is Lord Potter to you."
"Harry-" Dumbledore tried to say.
"NO, Headmaster. Harry has only done what he is entitled to do. He could have done this when he was eleven and probably should have. Then, maybe, he wouldn't have had so many problems to deal with."
"Ms. Granger, even if Mr. Potter has an excuse to be away from school, you don't."
"Actually, Headmaster, as the betrothed of Lord Potter, I do."
"Betrothed, Ms. Granger? I think you are confused. Harry is currently courting the young Ms. Weasley."
"Not anymore, Headmaster. Not since I discovered that she was manipulating my feelings with a love potion. Now, since you have no business here. Leave now before I have Griphook bring security."
"Harry, be reasonable."
"NO. Oh, and Sharptooth, your services handling the Potter accounts is no longer required. I have a new account manager, since I am also in control of the Black accounts."
"Now, Harry-" Dumbledore started.
"LEAVE NOW, DUMBLEDORE!" Ragnok shouted as he arrived in a cart, having been brought down by another goblin.
Dumbledore, sensing no victory here, decided to retreat and regroup, and find out why Harry and Hermione seemed to be free from all of his potions. He climbed into Ragnok's cart along with Sharptooth, and Ragnok took them back to the surface.
Meanwhile, Harry and Hermione went into the Potter family vault, after Hermione briefly marveled at Merlin's. They quickly found the dress robes that James was talking about and saw that they were in pristine condition.
"Harry, these are perfect. Now, if only had some jewelry to put into my hair to raise my veil."
"I'm sure you could find something over here, Mione. This chest has many jewelry pieces, including hair pieces."
Hermione looked through the chest, while Harry meandered about around his vault. He noticed a portrait sitting at the very back of the vault and made his way towards it. When he looked at the man and woman in the painting,, he knew immediately who they were.
"Godric Gryffindor and Rowena Ravenclaw," he said, not actually surprised the people in the painting woke up after he said the names this time.
"Ah, hello young man. Who might you be?" Gryffindor asked.
"Oh, umm, I'm Harry, sir. Harry Potter."
"You must be our many times great-grandson then," Rowena said.
"Yes, ma'am. That's right."
"Potter? What happened to the family name of Pendragon?"
"Pendragon, sir?"
"Yes, my dear boy. My name in the muggle world was Arthur Pendragon. I was the grandson of Emrys Myrrdin."
"Wait. Are you saying that I am the heir of Merlin himself?"
"Well, yes, dear boy, if you are my heir, then you are his."
"HERMIONE!"
"What is it, Harry?" Hermione asked coming to where he was with Griphook following her.
"I'm the heir of Merlin."
"What? Harry, there hasn't been an heir of Merlin in hundreds of years. The line died out."
"I'll have you know, missy, that the line didn't die out. My family line was the Pendragons, heirs of Merlin. I am Godric Gryffindor, and if this lad is my heir, then he is the heir of Merlin."
"You're, you're-" Hermione stammered in great shock.
"Yes, Hermione, he is. Umm, have you found what you were looking for?"
"Yes, Harry, I found this diadem. It goes splendidly with the wedding robes."
"Oh, that's my old diadem. My father had it specially commissioned by the goblins for when I got married. It matched my wedding robes perfectly.
"But you're, you're," Hermione stammered again, in even greater shock.
"Good Lord, does she always do this?" Rowena asked.
"Well, sir, you and Rowena are famous in our world for founding Hogwarts. And Hermione is very intelligent, that she could probably become the next Rowena Ravenclaw in our world."
"Indeed? Hmm… guess our legacy would last longer than we thought, eh Rowena?"
"Indeed, yes, Godric. Pray tell, why do you need wedding robes? You seem so young to be married."
"Well, ma'am, that's kind of a long story. One that we don't have time to tell, unfortunately. Since if we don't get married soon, my fiancée will probably be forced to wed another man."
"Well, we can't have that happen. Just shrink our portraits and we'll go with you. Also, Harry, have you seen my brother's portrait?"
"Brother?"
"Oh, that's right, you wouldn't know. Our grandparents, to protect us after our parents were killed, separated my brother and I. Umm, his name is Salazar."
"Salazar? As in Salazar Slytherin? As in the one who hated muggleborns?" Hermione asked.
"That's a lie. Salazar never hated muggleborns. He merely suggested that we integrate them into magic entirely, so that not too many muggles would find out. We favored the idea as well, since it was around the time that many hunted us and burned us."
"But what about him leaving the school?"
"Well, he did leave, but that was only to help move his familiar into the castle. I mean after all, Daisy was quite big."
"Daisy?"
"His familiar, a basilisk."
"Hold it. You mean, the basilisk my Harry had to kill to save a potions crazed fan chit was named Daisy. She was vicious and tried to kill Harry."
"You killed Daisy? Oh, Sal won't be happy about that."
"Umm, sorry, I don't mean to interrupt, but Hermione we do need to get a move on. And no, Godric, I don't know where your brother's portrait is. Most likely it is in the Slytherin vault, which I can't access."
"Ah, but you can, young Harry. After all, our lines crossed somewhere, so that would make you his heir as well."
"Plus, Harry, you can claim the Slytherin vault by right of conquest over Voldemort, too."
"Okay, way too much information right now. First, we will go to Slytherin's vault, fetch his portrait, and then head back to the surface. Second, after tonight's events are over, we will then have a long discussion about my ancestry. Until then, let's just get through the rest of the night, eh?"
"Alright, Harry," Hermione said as Griphook shrunk Gryffindor and Ravenclaw's portrait and handed it to Harry.
After leaving the Potter vault, they headed right to Vault #4, which was Slytherin. Harry quickly went inside, found Salazar's portrait, gave a hasty explanation, shrunk it, and headed back out. As they were heading back up, he felt as if he was running on autopilot. His brain felt like it would burst from all of this new information. He wondered how Hermione could take everything in stride.
"Ah, what took you all so long?" Minerva asked as they came back to Ragnok's office.
"Well, besides our altercation with Dumbledore, Hermione and I found out shocking news."
"And? What was it?"
"Umm, I'm the heir of Pendragon and Merlin."
"WHAT?" All three members of the Hogwarts staff shouted.
"Yes, but right now, we have a wedding to handle. Everything else can be discussed later."
"You're right. You two should change into your robes. I expect the druid will be arriving soon."
Harry and Hermione went into separate offices in a side hall to change and when they got back, they noticed the druid had arrived.
"Sir?" Harry asked Severus."
"Yes, Mr. Potter?"
"I was wondering sir, if you could stand beside me as my best man?"
"Me, Mr. Potter?"
"Yes, sir. I know our relationship isn't the best, but I do need a best man, and I would like it to be you sir."
"I would be happy to, Mr. Potter."
"Harry," he said to Severus, offering his hand out in a tentative truce.
"Severus," Snape replied.
They quickly moved to stand in front of the druid, while Hermione went to stand by her father. Ragnok had gotten a goblin to enchant a harp and a piano to play some appropriate wedding music. Hermione and her father walked down a makeshift aisle and came to stand next to Harry. The druid began by speaking about love, then Harry and Hermione exchanged vows and rings, and then the druid declared them man and wife, and they shared their first kiss. As they kissed, a golden glow appeared, signifying that their magic accepted each other and was exceptionally powerful. After that, they had a makeshift reception, and Hermione's parents left to go back home, while the others headed back to a ritual room to get ready to break the bindings on Harry's magic.
(A/N Sorry about the long wait. My friend, Riddle Potter 23, and I went to Italy with our church for a trip, and we spent two weeks there. I have to say I didn't like the ending for this one, but I didn't know how to do a wedding scene, and Harry and Hermione would have been too exhausted. Also, I got the idea for the basilisk's name Daisy from potter8668's story 'The Prince of Gryffindor.' I know I promised that they would break the bindings this chapter, but it was already running too long, so look soon for Chapter 5 - Evil Spells. Please read and review. And thank you to everyone who has reviewed so far.)
Enigma Potter 23