Harry Potter had faced a great deal in his life, but none of that had prepared him for this. What do you do when your best friends won't speak, your fiance keeps breaking down in tears, and you are getting married in less than 24 hours? Expelliarmus couldn't fix any of that. Groaning softly, Harry ran his fingers through his hair. He couldn't sleep, and was now attempting to complete paperwork. Ginny was just a mound of blankets in their bed, and Harry's wand light was quite dim, casting long shadows around their room. Knowing full well he would regret missing this sleep while he got married tomorrow, Harry continued to forge ahead, squinting at the tiny words. Article 3 under clause 7A states that, within a muggle facility, wizards are not permitted to take out their wands. Article 6 under the same clause contradicts this however, implying that, under extreme circumstances... Wand use….. Clause 5….. The words began to swim on the parchment, and Harry rubbed his eyes. Images flashed through his head as he slowly lowered it onto his desk.
Hermione dashing crookedly down a hallway. Ron sitting sullenly in the corner at Harry's bachelor party, mutinously stirring his drink. Ginny, coming home from her dress fitting sobbing, asking Harry to finish the rest of the day's tasks. He didn't blame any of them, but he was tired. So, so tired. His eyes began to slide close, and his thoughts spun into an abstract world. Hermione kissing Ron passionately as Ginny kept trying to interrupt them, water leaking out of her mouth like tears. Suddenly, Ron was whispering to Harry, that he was too young for marriage. Harry's parents sat in a circle with Ginny, telling her that she would be less upset if she joined them. Hermione was laying on the ground, dead. At some point, the disturbing thoughts slid into dreams, and the dreams slid into peaceful black.
An alarm beeped angrily and without falter. Consciousness was forced upon Harry with every tone. With a start, he realized that he still sat at his desk, and sunlight was filtering through the thin blinds in his room. It was his wedding day. His wedding day. He sat straight up, slamming his arm off the desk and swearing. Their bed was empty. Muttering groggily, Harry left the warm room to see Ginny in the kitchen, the smell of french toast in the air. She seemed happier than she had in weeks, whistling as she whisked. A grin brightened Harry's face, and he crept forward until he was directly behind her.
"I thought you would be too nervous to eat," Harry laughed in her ear, and Ginny jumped.
"Oh I am, I couldn't stomach anything right now. It's for the bridesmaids and my mom and stuff," Ginny replied. Harry nodded. At 10:00, Mrs. Weasley, Luna, and Hermione were coming by. Andromeda was also dropping little Teddy off, for he was the ring bearer.
"You seem happy," Harry offered tentatively.
"I know!" Ginny responded brightly,"I had a dream last night, that people were coming up to me constantly and telling me terrible things, but I couldn't react."
"That doesn't sound cheery exactly," Harry puzzled before Ginny continued.
"Well yes, I suppose not, but it was what the dream made me realize. Ever since the battle of Hogwarts, I haven't been letting myself really cry. I was so scared that if I let the grief wash over me, I would be swept away. This entire week was just overcompensation for the time I had spent suppressing my emotions," she finished, then turned to Harry looking nervous. "Does that make sense?"
"It makes perfect sense," Harry soothed. "So what do we have on the agenda today?"
"Well, I need to pick up the dress and the bridesmaids dresses in a half hour, so I get back just in time for the others. You, meanwhile, are going over to Ron's with the suits, and then going to the venue to check the final preparations and stuff. Hmmm, I feel like I'm forgetting something…" Ginny trailed off, smirking.
"Uh I think it's something about a wedding?" Harry supplied, and Ginny nodded. She put her arms around the back of his neck, making sure not to get any sugar on his pajamas.
"Harry Potter. I hope you know that I have loved you since the day I met you," Ginny whispered slowly, her warm brown eyes locked on his vibrant green ones. Harry bent close to her ear until Ginny could feel his warm breath, and she resisted the urge to shiver.
"I vaguely remember something about my hair being like a blackboard?"
Ginny laughed, blushing, then kissed him. It was a safe kiss, but full of passion. He could feel their entire life spanning out ahead of them. Regretfully, Harry pulled his head back, knowing that they still had a lot to do. Ginny turned back to her toast, beaming.
"Let's just hope Ron and Hermione can stand being within a few feet of each other," Harry called as he changed in their bedroom, then grabbed the suits. The air was heavy with the scent of cinnamon, and Ginny's dress hung in a gray bag on their closet door. Harry still had no idea what it looked like. He left the little room, glancing around the flat as he left. Boxes were piled all around, and the apartment felt strangely bigger without all their belongings. That night, they would be moving to a larger house in the country, at a new all-wizard development.
"See you at the altar!" Harry called to Ginny as he shut the door behind him, leaving their cozy first home forever.
On his way down the stairs, he nearly ran into Andromeda, who was leading little Teddy along. It was still unnerving how much Andromeda looked like her sister, Bellatrix, and Harry had caught Neville glaring at her every once in a while. However, unlike her deceased sister, Andromeda's face was warm and friendly, with smile lines wrinkling around her eyes.
"Oh, almost didn't see you there, Harry," Andromeda said, slightly flustered as Teddy's hair was currently dark magenta and fell to his feet, and he kept tripping on it.
"Uncle Harrrrrrrry!" Teddy singsonged, and his hair became jet black and short. He launched himself at Harry, giggling, and Harry swung him up.
"I bet you'll be happy for a break," he snorted to Andromeda as Teddy began to pull on Harry's ear.
"You have no idea. I thought all this metamorphmagus-toddler nonsense was over after Dora-" Andromeda's voice died in her throat, and Harry looked at his feet, where Teddy was now trying desperately to shove Harry's shoelaces in his mouth. Chuckling softly, Harry handed Teddy back to Andromeda and continued down the steps, waving goodbye.
Knocking on the door three times, Harry stood at Ron's doorstep, suits slung over his shoulder. The door opened with a creak, revealing Ron's freckled face. He forced a smile, and welcome Harry into his apartment. Last time he had come here, the place had been a pigsty. Now, however, it was clean and organized. Hermione. Harry noted sadly. The newspaper clipping of Hermione had also been taken down, and Harry desperately told himself that they would work it out. Ron and Hermione always fought, but they would get over it. They had to get over it.
Neville sat on the couch in full robes, and waved excitedly as Harry walked in. He had obtained the position of Herbology teacher after Professor Sprout retired last year, and had obviously just flooed from the school.
"Harry! It's so good to see you!" Neville beamed, then gave Harry a hug. After the Battle of Hogwarts, Neville had become closer with the three friends, and had also drastically improved in confidence and ability.
"It's good to see you too!" Harry responded, clapping Neville on the back. Neville shot a concerned look at Ron, who was now sitting down and trying to appear present while staring of into space. Giving a tiny shake of his head, Harry motioned to Neville to let it go. The next few hours passed in laughter and warm cider, and a fond remembrance of past times. Even Ron cracked a smile or two.
"Oi," Neville exclaimed, now sporting a gray dress robe, as he checked his watch, "It's nearly 2:30."
Harry nodded and started to the closet for his winter cloak, and Neville strolled to the window. His mouth widened in an O shape as he assessed the road outside.
"I think you'd better see this."
Apprehensively, Harry came up behind Neville and peered out the frosty glass. The road outside was glistening with snow, packed down by tires, and more fat flakes drifted lazily from the pearly sky. Ivory drifts rolled at least a foot high on the sidewalk. Somehow, in the course of four hours, the day had turned from gray-and-brown to pure white.
"It's...its…" Harry murmured, while Neville and Ron looked on anxiously, "It's beautiful."
Harry knew that something like this on a normal person's wedding could reduce them to tears. However, he had no guests driving. He had the power to heat a space despite the snow. Somehow, the unexpected blizzard was just the cherry on top to a perfect wedding. Cocking an eyebrow, Neville stared at Harry in confusion.
"It's perfect," he repeated, a smile lighting his lips.
The trio walked up a giant white hill, Harry in the lead clearing snow in front of them to reveal a stone path. As they reached the top, they forked out silently. The top of the hill was wide and flat, enough to fit a wedding and reception. Four poles stood, like gray sentinels, at the edges of the tiny plateau, a fourth of the way covered by snow. Harry flicked his wand and muttered crouvier revelio, and as he did so thin spidery strands began to speech from the poles and into the air. They shimmered in the gray light like watery gold, weaving into each other until becoming a glittery canopy.
Swishing his wand, Neville created a long silver aisle straight down the center of the area, and Ron clumsily summoned fifty chairs. The chairs arranged themselves in neat rows, and their color seemed a swirling mix of silver and gold and bronze, not able to pin down to one hue. The three continued to wave their wands and whisper incantations, until the cold little hill was transformed to a glittering venue in an hour. Small emerald candles lined the silver aisle, causing everything around to sparkle. The altar itself almost seemed pearlescent, and a hundred white roses cascaded from the top down. Around the edges of the canopy were dozens of fairy lights, changing from white to gray to yellow in harmony.
The air itself almost seemed to shimmer, and the snow changed from a soggy hindrance to a glittering decoration in the altered light. Ron too seemed changed by their sparkly surrounding, smiling and talking a great deal more than before. As Neville made some final adjustments to the roses, Ron stepped to Harry.
"Look, mate," he began, looking him in the eyes, "I'm sorry that I've been such a cruddy friend lately, it's just…" he trailed off and Harry reassured him before Ron could escape back into his regret.
"Yeah," Harry nodded.
"...but- I love you mate. I'm so happy for you," Ron grinned, "You deserve this."
"Thanks, Ron," Harry beamed, hugging him. They laughed and separated, and Ron began towards the greeting area before turning back a final time.
"Don't forget, Harry," he called, "You were my brother before any rings."
Watching the ginger head as he weaved away through the sparkling scene, Harry was carried away by how much Ron meant to him. Although it had been nearly ten years since a small boy offered him a compartment, spot of dirt on his nose and smile on his face, Ron hadn't changed at all. He was just as willing to offer a stranger a seat as ever.
A loud crack sounded through the cold air as the first guests apparated. Ron lead half the Weasley clan to their seats, Mrs. Weasley looking around in wonder with her arm looped through Mr. Weasley's, Charlie and Percy deep in conversation, and George bringing up the rear, looking the slightest bit lost. More cracks split the air as more guests arrived and took their seats, including Bill leading a pregnant Fleur, who wore a tighter dress to show off her baby bump, the Patil twins, and Headmistress McGonagall.
Ron was showing Dean and Seamus to their seats when Hermione apparated, caught sight of him, and disapparated. Ron pretended not to see her, despite the fact that half of the guests turned to look at him. Their spat was well publicized, but despite their apparent upset, Harry held back a laugh. It was nice for a bit of romantic drama to be their biggest challenge now, not the constant threat of Voldemort.
In a flash of candles and chiffon-clad guests and thickly falling snow, everyone was seated. The far end of the tent was now closed off by two thin flaps of silver fabric, swaying liquid-like in the breeze. Harry could just make out a shapes moving behind the veil, Ginny and her bridesmaids, and his groomsmen. His heart was in his throat, not with fear or trepidation, but with joy. Everyone he loved and needed, everyone who made his life so great, was here with him and for him. Harry thought his chest would burst with the happiness he felt.
This was what he fought for. This was what made him go into that forest alone, to face his death, so that these people could live. The fact that he could be with them here, now, was such a blessing. With a start, Harry noticed six open seats in the front row of his guests, and one open seat in Ginny's. A small rectangular place card sat on each chair, and golden letters spelled out seven names. In Ginny's row was the name Fred Weasley. In Harry's row were the names Nymphadora Tonks, Remus Lupin, Sirius Black, Albus Dumbledore, James Potter, and Lily Potter.
Without warning, tears blurred Harry's eyes, hot and thick so he could barely see. Hagrid and McGonagall were the only living people in his front row, seated next to Dumbledore's name. He looked at McGonagall, without words, noticing her eyes too seemed to glisten with tears.
"We thought they would be sorely put-out if not invited to your wedding Harry. I hope it's alright with you," she said with a small smile. He nodded in response. Suddenly, he felt thirteen again, standing on the tower at Hogwarts with Hermione, Sirius, and Buckbeak surrounded by a velvet sky of stars. He could see his godfather's face, taunt and waxy, as his hands rest on Harry's shoulders. Sirius's words seemed to echo in his ears now, and Harry was sure that if he had turned around, Sirius would be standing right behind him, waiting for his seat.
The ones that love us never really leave us.
Harry took a deep breath of warm air, product of a heating spell so the guests could see the snow but not feel it. Turning around, he climbed a single step up to the altar and took his place behind Kingsley, who was to officiate the ceremony. So many emotions were clambering inside of him as he looked out across the faces of the guests, who had stopped talking once he had taken his spot. Music swelled from some unseen source, beautiful and mysterious and joyful. It sounded like phoenix song and mermaid song woven together into a beautiful melody. Harry had no idea who supplied it, but it immediately reduced a third of the guests to tears, and Harry was surprised when he didn't join them.
The silk curtain parted, and little Teddy began bouncing down the aisle, followed by Andromeda to keep him in check. He was tossing pure white petals, while Andromeda held the rings. Teddy's hair was a violent shade of shimmering gold, and his little face beamed at all those in attendance. Close behind was Neville leading Luna, who wore a dark green bridesmaid dress covered in sparkles, giving her the appearance of a glittering emerald. Her hair was swept into an updo, and she grinned, as though still surprised by her inclusion. Harry held his breath as the next two people walked out. He had told them both that he could rearrange the party, but both had resisted, not wanting to "ruin the wedding." Although Harry thought a huge blow up during the procession would be just as bad.
They stepped out, Hermione's hand resting lightly on Ron's elbow, as though she was afraid he would snap. Ron refused to look at her, but smiled at the crowd and Harry, seeming happier than he had for over a week. Hermione's dress was a shade lighter than Luna's, giving her the appearance of jade rather than emerald. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail, then puffed out at the back of her neck in a mass of rich brown curls. She beamed at Harry, and mouthed the words "I'm so happy for you", but her smile lessened as she shot a glance at Ron, who was visibly leaning away from her.
The curtain parted a final time, to reveal Mr. Weasley guiding Ginny. Harry's breath caught in his throat at how beautiful Ginny looked, and he felt swept away by how much love he had for her. Her white dress matched the color of the snow, and fit her form perfectly. Harry noticed the tiny seafoam pearls cascading from her waist, and couldn't help but admire Parvati's personal touches. Ginny's hair was brushed a hundred times over until it shimmered in the lights, a sheet of brilliant red. She was beautiful, from her shining look of happiness to her silver pumps, and Harry beamed at her. Taking her place across from him, she winked and Harry's heart skipped a beat.
"Do you have vows prepared?" Kingsley asked in his rich deep voice, and they nodded.
"Ginny," Harry began. "We all have something that keeps us going. We all have that factor that keeps us in the race, keeps us from giving up. For some it is music, or food, or literature. But for me it is you. You are my motivation, Ginny Weasley. And I will spend the rest of my life protecting you, or needing you to protect me. I will provide for you, I will care for you, and I will love you no matter what. Because at the end of the day-" Harry's voice broke, "It's you. It's always been you."
Ginny grinned, her eyes glistening.
"Harry Potter. From the moment I saw you, I knew you were the one. And I waited, I patiently stood by, pursued others in the meantime, and continued life as usual. But I never gave up on you. Even in the darkest hours of war, when you were nowhere to be found, and we weren't even together, I never gave up. And yes-" she laughed, "I will always be here to protect you, if you let me. I will always be here to answer reporters, if you let me. I will be here when you are sick and hurting, or healthy and celebrating, if you let me. So will you let me?"
Harry took a deep breath, completely unaware of everyone else nearby, lost in Ginny's fierce expression he knew all too well.
"Of course. And you me?"
"Always."
"Without further ado," Kingsley spoke "I pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss."
Ginny flung herself at Harry, wrapping her arms around his neck, and kissed him. Music, bubbly and effervescent, exploded into the air, and Harry kissed Ginny back like it was their first day on earth. The guests all stood in raucous applause, and joy swelled like a hot air balloon in his chest, carrying him into his bright and perfect future.
Author's Note: Hey everyone, sorry this took so long to add, I have been super busy. I hope you enjoyed this addition, the next and final chapter will be in everyone's perspective. Please review so my writing can improve! Or just to make me feel good, haha. (P.S. if anyone who is actually good at art would like to illustrate anything from this story, feel free to, and PM me if you want to figure out a way to share it!)