It was finally the day of the wedding, and everything was ready. The ceremony would be held on Hogwarts' grounds, under the tree where Lily, James, Harry and Ginny's initials were carved. The reception would take place in the Great Hall, which had been decorated for the occasion. Once Harry had presented the idea to Ginny, who loved it, he asked Professor McGonagall whether it would be possible. She had agreed, even coming up with ideas for decorating. His hardest task had been talking Molly Weasley around, as she was sure that the wedding would have been held at the Burrow, like Bill and Fleur's. After several long discussions, in which Ginny was involved, she had finally come around to the idea of a ceremony at Hogwarts, even talking with McGonagall to exchange ideas for decorations. The rest of the Weasley family, and Hermione, had pulled together to decorate the grounds and the Great Hall, along with arranging transportation, invitations and seating plans.
Harry was in a chamber just off of the Great Hall, where the first years normally gathered just before they were sorted. He was with Ron, his best man, Arthur and Hagrid—who were there to provide moral support, although it was more Hagrid embarassing Harry and Ron by telling Arthur stories of when the 'Golden Trio' were at Hogwarts. Harry was stood in front of the mirror, his vows in hand, doing last minute checks to make sure everything was perfect. Ron was practicing his best man speech in the corner with a dopey smile on his face—clearly pleased that he didn't have ghastly robes like the one he received for the Yule Ball. Harry had paid for everything, much to Molly's dismay, which included the robes that Harry and Ron wore, the bridesmaid's dresses that Ginny had chosen and the wedding dress, also of her choosing. He had also bought, with Ginny's guidance, a beautifully woven sky-blue dress for Molly and a set of royal navy blue dress robes for Arthur.
As Harry read through his vows and desperately attempted to flatten his hair, McGonagall, Kingsley and George were ushering people to their seats out on the grounds. As Harry read, he imagined what Ginny would be doing at that moment. Was she still getting ready? Was she reading through her vows, trying to memorise them? Or was she confiding any last minute doubts in Molly, Hermione and Luna? Of course she's not; Harry told himself sternly, if she had any doubts, she would talk to me about them.
"Uh Harry? Harry?" Ron's voice interrupted Harry's thoughts, and he was bought back to the present with a jolt.
"Yeah?" Harry replied, turning around to face Ron.
"You alright mate? You look like you're going to be sick."
"Oh, yeah I'm fine, really. I was just thinking about Gin, if she was having any last minute doubts." As soon as he voiced his concern, Ron's eyebrows rose and Arthur and Hagrid stopped talking mid-conversation to look at Harry, exchanging bewildered glances as they did so.
"I don't think you have to worry about that, Harry," Ron said quietly. "I talked to Ginny yesterday and trust me she is intent on marrying you. I gave her the big brother talk, just to make sure she was… well you know… sure about what she was doing. Don't look at me like that," Ron snapped at his dad, who was looking incredulous. "She is my little sister; I don't want her making the wrong choice. Anyway Harry, do you know what she told me? She told me she's been in love with you since she was 13 years old, and that you are her soul mate. That you weren't only lovers, but the best of friends, and she wants to spend the rest of her life with you. And she means it," Ron said. "She loves you so much mate, I don't think she could ever have second thoughts about this. I think she's more worried about you getting cold feet," he smirked.
"Is that true?" Harry asked, looking at Ron and then Arthur, who smiled and shrugged his shoulders.
"True as I'm stood here," Ron replied, smiling. "She really loves you, Harry."
Harry only smiled, reassured. "Ron, have I ever thanked you?"
"For what?" Ron replied, looking confused.
"For being so cool with it all," Harry said. "I always assumed you would have an issue with Gin and I being together, but you've been so… great. You've helped organise the whole wedding and you've been the best-best man I could have asked for."
Ron's ears glowed red, but he acted like he didn't notice. "Save it for the speech later," he laughed. "Besides, I think it's time to go." He glanced over at his dad, who nodded, before turning back to Harry. "You ready for this?"
Harry nodded, not trusting his voice. He had waited a long time for this day—but his nerves had finally overtaken his anticipation. He knew that the moment he saw Ginny his nerves would dissipate, but until then…
"Let's go then," Arthur announced, giving Harry a sympathetic smile. When he had married Molly he had gone through the same spectrum of emotions, and the same amount of doubt as Harry was currently experiencing. He had almost forgotten how it felt, but looking at Harry brought it all back.
Hagrid and Arthur went first, and then Harry and Ron. They walked in silence, Harry was too nervous to speak, and the others didn't know what else to talk about. Eventually they reached Hogwarts' entrance, and they walked outside into the warm sunshine. The first thing Harry noticed was the sheer amount of guests. Many people had turned up, family, friends and other people that had come to wish the boy who defeated He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named good luck and best wishes on his wedding day.
"There are so many," Harry murmured, mainly to himself, though Arthur chuckled lightly.
"You saved the Wizarding World from a dreadful fate, Harry," Arthur reminded him. "People hold you in high regard. They just want to wish you well on the day you get married."
"This was supposed to be a fairly quiet ceremony," Harry replied. "I don't want Gin feeling overwhelmed by the amount of strangers that have turned up."
"She won't," Ron said. "She'll only have eyes for you, mate."
Harry nodded; his throat dry. Instead of focusing on the amount of guests, he looked around at the decorations that Molly and McGonagall had designed, with Harry and Ginny's guidance. The main decorations were mainly red and gold, incorporating the Gryffindor element in to the wedding. It had seemed fitting, since both the ceremony and the reception were to be held at Hogwarts. The chairs, many of which were occupied, were covered in white linen, with turquoise bows tied around the back. As Harry's eyes drifted towards the tree under which he and Ginny were to be married, he noticed seven empty chairs in the front row.
"Who are those chairs for?" Harry asked, wondering why no-one was sat there.
"Oh, those?" Ron replied. "No idea. Apparently Luna's telling everyone to make sure that no-one sits there, though."
"If it's Luna's orders it's bound to be something a little crazy," Harry remarked lightly, "but we'll leave those seats empty anyway."
Ron nodded, apparently agreeing. "I'm sure she has a good reason," he said. Out of the corner of his eye Harry noticed that Hagrid and Arthur had begun to move towards the seats. He nudged Ron and began to follow them, his heart hammering in his chest. This is it, he thought, I'm getting married!
When they reached the front, Hagrid went to sit in the seats with the other guests, and Arthur headed towards the start of the aisle that Ginny would walk down. Ron smacked Harry on the shoulder and began to move towards the front of the seats, where the wispy old wizard who did Bill and Fleur's wedding stood. Harry was so busy trying not to trip over his own feet that he didn't notice Molly slip into a seat near the front. Instead he followed Ron, trying to ignore the stares of the guests that were boring into his back. As he came to a halt next to Ron, the old wizard turned to face him. He nodded once, his smile wide, to which Harry responded with a nod. The wizard then turned to talk to someone who had approached him.
"All ready?" Ron asked suddenly from his left. Harry turned around to face him.
"I think so," Harry replied. "I've memorised my vows, and the ring is with you, right?"
"Yeah," Ron replied, holding out a velvet pouch that contained Ginny's wedding ring. It was a beautiful, gold goblin made ring—seemingly plain, but when put on Ginny's finger the words 'I will love you, always' would appear, and they would never disappear for as long as the couple still loved each other.
"Then that's it," Harry nodded. "Just waiting on Gin now."
"She'll be here soon," Ron promised.
"I know," Harry replied softly. "How are you and Hermione doing, by the way? I'm guessing you haven't seen each other much, what with her being Gin's maid of honour."
"No I haven't," Ron shook his head. "She's been really busy, but I think we're still good. She came around the day before yesterday and we spent a couple of hours together, but then she had to leave," he remarked sadly. "I miss her—I can't wait till this wedding is over so we can be reunited." He glanced at Harry, noticing his amused expression. "Not to say this wedding isn't going to be bloody brilliant," he said hurriedly, "because I'm sure it will be, but I really miss Hermione."
"I know mate," Harry laughed. "I miss Ginny too. I haven't seen her since yesterday lunch-time, and even that was for only an hour or so. It's crazy how much you miss a person once they're gone, even for only a little while."
"How sweet," Ron remarked, chuckling. "Not to worry, Harry," he said, a grin beginning to form. "Judging by those opening doors, I'd say your time of waiting is up."
"Wait… w-what?" Harry stammered, looking over at Hogwarts' main door. It was opening slowly, as if time itself had slowed down for this moment. He watched, transfixed, as Ginny came into view holding a bouquet of beautiful red roses. The aisle was long; it ran from the main doors of Hogwarts right down to the place where Harry stood with Ron. Ron had insisted it was too long, but Harry had disagreed, believing it would build up the excitement. As he watched Ginny walk towards him, with Hermione and Luna in tow, he knew he was right. The closer she became, the more excited Harry was to marry her. She's beautiful, he thought to himself, and he wasn't wrong. Ginny was dressed in a beautiful floor length gown. It looked minimalistic at first, but the closer she drew, the more of the dress was noticeable. Grey lilies had been embroided into the dress—at Harry's own request—which climbed up Ginny's legs to the side of her ribcage. Her hair was done up in an elegant bun with a few loose strands framing her face, glinting in the afternoon sun. On top of her head sat the goblin made tiara that Muriel had lent Fleur for her wedding. It suited Ginny perfectly. Despite having borrowed the tiara from Muriel, Muriel herself hadn't been invited to the wedding, much to Harry and Ginny's relief.
Arthur was clutching on to Ginny's arm, his smile that of an extremely proud dad. Hermione and Luna followed closely behind wearing identical turquoise gowns and each carrying a bouquet of red roses, the same as Ginny's. Harry had to admit that they both looked beautiful—but neither as radiant as Ginny.
As she drew to the start of the 'proper' aisle, where the chairs started, the orchestra began to play the traditional marriage tune. The people in the chairs all rose, admiring Ginny's gown and whispering excitedly amongst themselves. Harry saw Ginny's eyes widen momentarily at the sheer amount of onlookers, but the shock quickly settled into comfort as she met Harry's eyes. Both she and Harry had anticipated people coming that they hadn't invited, and she had made her peace with that. It was only natural of people to want to celebrate with the boy who had saved theirs, and many other witches and wizards' lives.
After what, to Harry, seemed like a lifetime of waiting, Ginny was finally stood next to him; ready to become his wife. As the tufty haired old wizard stood in front of the couple, Arthur went to sit down and Ron, Luna and Hermione moved to the side, Harry slowly reached out and took Ginny's hand into his own. He turned to look at her and their eyes met—the excitement was clear from both of their faces.
The old wizard who would be carrying out the ceremony coughed lightly, to signal that he was ready to begin. Harry turned to face the front, as did Ginny, though they never released hands.
"Ladies and gentleman, friends and family, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Harry James Potter and Ginevra Molly Weasley in matrimony. Before I continue, I do believe the bridge and groom have written their own vows," he looked at Harry, who nodded.
Harry swallowed nervously, before turning to face Ginny. He took her other hand in his hand and looked into her eyes. "No matter what we've been through together, we have always come out fighting. You have always stood next to me in my time of need, giving words of support and comfort. You are my best friend, my soul-mate and my lover, and there is truly no-one else I would rather spend the rest of my life with. I promise to fight until the last of my strength to keep you safe and happy. I promise to love you, to care for you, to listen to you and to protect you through the sun and the rain, the happy and the sad, the difficult and the easy, for the rest of my days." By the time Harry had finished, he could hear Molly sobbing somewhere in the crowd. He glanced around at Hermione, whose eyes glistened with tears as she mouthed the words 'that was beautiful, Harry'. Finally, Harry looked back at Ginny, whose eyes were also filled with tears. She squeezed Harry's hands tight and gently nodded. Internally, Harry breathed a sigh of relief. Though he had spent a while coming up with the perfect words to say, he had realised that he didn't need to say anything fancy. Ginny knew it all anyway. And as he looked at the woman he was about to be married to he knew that she reciprocated his feelings.
"Ginny, if you please," the old wizard murmured quietly, to remind Ginny that she still had to say her vows. She nodded before taking a deep breath.
"I have loved you for ten years, since the day I met you on that crowded King's Cross platform. At first you were just 'The-Boy-Who-Lived' and I was in awe of you, but the longer I knew you the more I got to see the real Harry Potter, the boy I fell in love with. You are not just courageous and heroic. You are kind, gentle, friendly and smart. I have been with you through your best and your worst days, and my promise to you is this: I will be there through every adventure, whether it is good or bad. I will help you up when you feel down, I will smile with you when you are happy, I will care for you if you get sick and I will remain at your side for as long as it is possible for me to do so. You make me happier than anything in the whole world, Harry, and I am honoured that I am the one you have chosen to spend the rest of your life with—and there is no-one else I would rather spend the rest of my days with than you."
Silence followed Ginny's vows. Her words were so sincere; no-one could doubt them. Least of all Harry who, as he looked straight into Ginny's eyes, knew that the promises she had made she would be kept for as long as they loved each other. Pulling himself away from Ginny's loving gaze, he looked out over the crowd. Most of the guests were crying, though still managing to look up at Harry and Ginny with something akin to awe. When Harry and Ginny made their relationship public after the death of Voldemort, there had been countless articles writing of their relationship. Some were complimentary, others were not. But many of them believed the relationship would never last. And many of those writers were here today, at the wedding of Harry and Ginny—the wedding they thought would never happen. But together, they had proved them wrong.
"Thank you for those heart-warming words," the tufty old wizard remarked suddenly, making Harry jump and the rest of the guests look up. "Now to continue the ceremony. The rings, please," he said, motioning towards the couple. Harry turned to Ron, who passed him the velvet pouch. Ginny turned to Hermione, who placed a single gold ring in the palm of Ginny's hand. The ring Ginny had bought, much like Harry's, was seemingly plain. However, once fitted on to Harry's finger, the words 'you are my soul-mate' would appear. Unlike Harry's, however, the words would not linger—only returning in times of doubt for Harry.
Both Ginny and Harry turned to face the old wizard, both smiling, excited by how close they were to being a newly-wed couple. The old wizard beamed, clearly pleased about something. "Now, the traditional giving of rings," he turned to face Harry. "You first, Mr. Potter. Do you, Harry Potter, take this woman, Ginevra Weasley, to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
"I do," Harry replied in a heartbeat.
The old wizard nodded. "Very good. Now place your ring on to your partner's finger." Harry did so, taking Ginny's left hand in his own and slowly sliding the band on to her third finger. As the words lit up on the band Ginny let out an almost inaudible gasp, inspecting the newly placed ring on her finger.
"It's beautiful, Harry," she whispered.
"I thought you'd like it," Harry replied quietly.
The old wizard coughed lightly once more, taking away Ginny's chance to reply. "Ginevra Weasley, do you take this man, Harry Potter, to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
"I do," Ginny replied, without a single hesitation. Relieved, Harry exhaled the breath he hadn't realised he'd been holding. Despite Ron's earlier words of comfort, Harry still had doubts. And within one short moment Ginny had managed to wipe them all away as if they never existed.
"Glad to hear it," the tufty haired wizard replied, smiling. "Now place your ring on your partner's finger as a symbol of your love," he said.
Ginny took the ring in her fingers and, taking Harry's left hand in her own, slid the ring up his finger. Then she gave Harry's hand a reassuring squeeze as he looked at the writing on the band. She noticed the slightly shocked expression on Harry's face as the writing began to fade and she stifled a laugh.
"The words will only reappear in times of doubt," Ginny told him.
"Oh… right," Harry replied sheepishly, grinning.
"Now," the minister interrupted, glancing between Harry and Ginny. "I am going to wrap this cloth around both of your hands, and arms, and if you will please repeat the words I will say next," he told them. He gently wrapped the golden cloth around Ginny's arm and then hand, and then around Harry's hand and arm. Then, still touching the cloth at the point where Harry's and Ginny's hands met, he began to speak.
"I promise to love and cherish and honour you until my dying day. No matter what troubles we may pass through, let us pass through them together. Let me guide you through right and wrong, through thick and thin, so that we may have a happy life together. Let this cloth be a symbol of our eternal bond to each other that we now share in sight of the witnesses gathered here today."
"I promise to love and cherish and honour you until my dying day. No matter what troubles we may pass through, let us pass through them together. Let me guide you through right and wrong, through thick and thin, so that we may have a happy life together. Let this cloth be a symbol of our eternal bond to each other that we now share in sight of the witnesses gathered here today," Harry and Ginny repeated in unison. As they spoke the words, the golden cloth began to glow, remaining that way until the last word had been said.
"Very good," the minister nodded, gently removing the cloth. "I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may kiss the bride," he added on the end, smiling slightly.
Harry leant forwards and pressed his lips against Ginny's in a passionate, yet romantic, way. It felt like seconds, but when they finally broke apart Harry could hear the whistles and cheers from the audience. Beaming, Harry glanced around at everyone. Ron had his thumbs up, smirking slightly, whilst Molly and Arthur were hugging each other and smiling at their daughter and new son-in-law.
As he watched, the audience slowly began to stand up. Once everyone was on their feet, they all raised their wands; pointing them directly at the sky. Silently, golden stars began shooting out of everyone's wands and towards the Heavens.
"It's a traditional wizarding wedding thing," Ginny whispered into Harry's ear.
"Oh, thanks," he smiled, feeling a little less confused.
"No problem," she replied. "Oh, and Harry?"
"Yeah?"
"I love you."
"I love you too, Gin," Harry replied, pulling Ginny in for a hug.
Now that the ceremony had finished, people had begun to come up to congratulate them. The first amongst them were Ron, Hermione and Luna. Ron, Harry noticed, had his arm around Hermione's waist, and was looking especially pleased. I bet he's just glad to be properly reunited, Harry reminded himself.
"Congratulations Harry!" Hermione laughed, pulling him in for a hug. "And you too, Ginny," she added, hugging her best friend. "I can't believe you're actually married! I mean I know you said you were going to get married but I can't believe that you're actually married, it seems unreal!" she gushed.
"Let the newly-weds breathe, Hermione," Ron said fondly, hugging Hermione to him. "Anyway, congratulations Ginny," Ron smiled, genuinely happy for his little sister. "I mean, I'd prefer it if it wasn't Harry, but…"
"Ron!" Hermione chided.
"You didn't let me finish!" Ron replied. "I guess if you had to have him it's alright, you won't find a better guy than him anywhere."
"Thanks mate," Harry smiled.
"No problem," Ron replied, laughing. "I can't believe you two are actually married! I mean, it took you forever to realise you liked Ginny, and that Ginny liked you. Totally hopeless you were… but look at you now! Married!"
"Congratulations you two," Luna chimed in dreamily from the back.
"Thanks Luna," Ginny replied, smiling at her other best-friend.
"Thanks Luna. Oh, I have a question for you," Harry said.
"Yes?" Luna replied softly.
"Who were the seven chairs for in the front row? I was waiting for people to sit in them through the entire ceremony, but no-one did," he remarked lightly.
"Nice to know what you were thinking during the ceremony," Ginny laughed, nudging her husband gently in the ribs.
"For Lily, James, Dumbledore, Sirius, Lupin, Snape and Fred of course," Luna replied airily, "who else?"
"You… why did you…?" Harry stuttered out.
"I don't think they would want to miss your wedding, Harry," Luna gave a tinkling laugh. "I thought they deserved front row seats."
"Th-thanks Luna, that was really thoughtful," Harry replied finally, trying to ignore the lump in the back of his throat.
"It's nothing," Luna replied. "I think they enjoyed it, don't you?"
"I hope so," Harry smiled.
"So… are you guys all packed for your honeymoon?" Ron asked.
"Yep," Harry and Ginny replied in unison.
"Oh, where are you going?" Luna asked curiously.
"Crete," Ginny replied, smiling.
"Oh, it's lovely there this time of year," she replied dreamily, "although, people I know that have visited there have come home with their heads simply filled with Wrackspurts… so look out for them, won't you?
There was a moment of silence where everyone was letting Luna's words sink in. Then, all of a sudden, everyone started laughing.
"Thanks for the warning Luna," Harry replied, still chuckling to himself. "But I'm sure we'll be okay."
After that, Hermione, Ron and Luna departed, most likely to find their seats in the Great Hall and to usher other guests that way. After Hermione, Ron and Luna came Molly and Arthur, who wished Ginny and Harry congratulations and the best of luck in their married lives. After came other various members of the Weasley family and Hagrid, offering their sincere congratulations and, in George's case, a slight joke aimed in Harry's direction. After the Weasleys came reporters from different Wizarding Newspapers—the most prominent of which was the Daily Prophet. Harry and Ginny answered their questions in a polite but vague manner, in a way that Harry had learned to do from his first interview with Rita Skeeter who, fortunately, was not there. After answering their questions and receiving very enthusiastic congratulations from the wizard who carried out the ceremony, McGonagall and Kingsley; Ginny and Harry finally decided to leave the grounds and go into the Great Hall, since the rest of the guests had already retired there.
As they walked, both Harry and Ginny were revelling in the fact they were now officially married, and how lucky they were to have found each other. Ginny kept glancing down at her ring every couple of seconds, admiring it. The ring on Harry's finger felt odd—not uncomfortable, just unfamiliar. I'll get used to it, he told himself.
Finally they reached the Great Hall. They stood outside for a moment, both flashing each other a brief smile, before pushing open the large oak doors which led into the Great Hall. As the doors opened they were greeted with the sound of clapping and cheering from the guests.
When the doors had finally opened, Harry took a moment to take in the decorations. It was stunning. It had been decorated similarly to how it was for the Yule Ball, though far less Christmas-y. For the wall decorations, it was mainly red and gold, once more reflecting the Gryffindor element of their wedding, which Harry loved. The tablecloths were plain white, with red roses placed in the centre of every table. The chairs, similar to the ones outside, also had turquoise bows attached to the back. There were masses of tables, and all of them were full. The table where the teachers usually dined was the place where Ginny and Harry were to sit, along with Molly, Arthur, Ron, Hermione and Luna. Harry noticed the three empty chairs one side, and the four empty chairs the other, but he didn't say anything. He didn't need to; he already knew who they were for. There was a space in the middle of the Hall, which was meant as a dancing space. This was where Ginny and Harry were going to have their first dance as husband and wife—before the speeches and the meal.
Professor Flitwick was stood off to the side of the dance-floor, in front of a small orchestra that would provide the music for the first dance, and during dinner. As Harry and Ginny stood in the entrance to the Great Hall, Flitwick cleared his throat. "Ladies and Gentleman, it is my greatest pleasure to introduce you to Mr and Mrs Potter. Let the couple now share their first dance!" he announced, signalling to the orchestra that it was time to begin playing. The moment the music started, Harry took Ginny's hand and led her on to the dance-floor. Putting his hand delicately on her waist, he began to lead her gracefully around the dance-floor. As they moved, neither could take their eyes off of the other; it was simply as though the other guests did not even exist.
"You got good at dancing," Ginny mumbled, loud enough for Harry to hear, though it would have been unintelligible for the other guests.
"I took some lessons," Harry admitted, just as quietly. "I didn't think you would want to be embarrassed during our first dance together."
"You could never embarrass me, Harry," she replied. "Although, you were pretty bad at dancing before," she smiled.
"Yes, I remember the Yule Ball," Harry laughed.
They twirled around the dance-floor, completely oblivious to everyone else in the room, their eyes only on each other. Both of them heard the barely audible whispers from the guests, but neither of them focused enough on what they were saying to understand.
When the first song finished, Harry and Ginny slowly broke apart. Hand in hand they bowed to the guests, which brought on a round of applause. They moved towards the teacher's table, Harry pulling out Ginny's chair and waiting for her to sit down before sitting down in his own chair. Moments after they were seated the starter, chicken salad, appeared in front of everyone in the Hall.
McGonagall stood up, clearing her throat as she did so. "The starter is served!" she announced.
There was general chatter whilst everyone ate, making the atmosphere a comfortable one. Harry talked to Hermione and Ron, whilst Ginny got talking to Luna about The Weird Sisters, the band they were having play later on in the Reception. Eventually the chatter died down, and the empty plates vanished, and full champagne glasses appeared in front of the guests.
"Harry, it's time for your speech," Ron told him. Harry nodded in response, before standing up and looking out over the guests.
"I'd like to thank each and every one of you for attending Ginny and I's wedding. It is a very special day for us, and we feel privileged in being able to share it with you. It is rare in this world that you find true happiness, well at least it feels that way when you spend seven years avoiding death," Harry paused, smiling when laughter erupted around the room. He waited for it to quieten down before he started again. "But I've finally found it, the happiness I was always searching for. It's due to this woman right here," he touched Ginny gently on the shoulder. "She has made me the happiest man alive, and I owe everything to her. So I would like you all to raise your glasses to the most amazing woman in the world; Ginevra Potter."
Everyone raised their glass and chanted in unison, "Ginevra Potter." Harry glanced down at Ginny, only to see tears in her eyes. She smiled up at him, wiping away the tears with the back of her hand.
"Thank you," she mouthed.
Harry sat down and Ron stood up, next in line to make a speech. Ginny had decided that her vows had said enough, and had never planned to make a speech. Harry didn't mind though, Ron and Arthur were going to make speeches anyway.
"Hi, I'm Ron… Harry's best man.I first met Harry when I was 11 years old, on the Hogwarts Express. Back then I hadn't realised he would become not only my best friend—but my future brother-in-law. It took a long time for Harry and Ginny to get together, and when they finally did in Harry's sixth year, things didn't work out quite as planned. But despite the odds being stacked against them, they did it, and now they're a happily married couple. So if you all would raise your glasses in a toast to my baby sister and my best friend, and the fact their everlasting love was written in the heavens," Ron raised his glass, and everyone followed suite.
"To the Bride and Groom and their everlasting love," the guests echoed.
Next to give a speech was Arthur. Originally he wasn't planning on giving one, but when he was with Ron and Hagrid, watching Harry memorise his vows, it occurred to him that he did want to say a few words. He stood up, glancing around the room at the attentive faces of the guests.
"I'm Arthur Weasley, Ginny's dad and Harry's new father-in-law," he looked over at Harry, who smiled encouragingly. "Harry first entered our family on September 1st, 1991, when Ron chose to sit with him on the Hogwarts Express. It was a lucky turn of events for the Weasleys, as Harry has helped our family out many a time and, as such, has become an integral part of our family. And now he has taken my daughter, and made her the happiest that I have ever seen her. We owe him so much," Arthur smiled to himself. He turned to Harry. "Thank you, Harry. I am proud to call you my son-in-law, and I don't think I could have asked for a better man to take care of my daughter."
Harry nodded; words not coming to him. He had always wanted to be accepted into a proper family and, in his opinion; there was no better family to join than the Weasleys. He barely noticed when McGonagall stood up and announced the main course was served- it took Ginny's hand on his own to pull him back to reality.
"Sorry, I was in another world," Harry admitted, looking over at his wife.
"It's fine," Ginny assured him. "It feels strange, doesn't it? Being married?"
"It does," Harry replied quietly. "But it won't take long to get used to."
"We've got the rest of our lives," Ginny smiled at him, tightening her grip on Harry's hand for a split second, before pulling her hand away and turning to talk to Luna. Harry watched her for a few minutes, watching the way she laughed and how her eyes were so bright that they appeared to sparkle. He found himself smiling in spite of himself.
"We've got the rest of our lives," he sighed, perfectly content.
Hey guys! Apologies that this is late, I had some personal stuff to deal with, and sorry that it is such a long chapter, but I couldn't bear to leave anything out! This is the last chapter that I've finished, so updates from this point onward might take a little longer, but I'll always try to have a new chapter posted within two weeks. So yeah, thank you for reading and I hope you liked it! And feel free to leave a review if you liked it, or even if you didn't! (Sorry, shamelessly asking for reviews, I'd like to know whether you guys like what I'm writing).
Hope you all have fabulous rest of your weeks, and see you soon for another update!
