So, I apologize for letting this story sit for so long! But I'm back, and hopefully, better than ever! I'm really excited about working on this again, so I hope you enjoy. Review and let me know :) Thanks!
It was the morning of the wedding and the excitement was palpable throughout the house. All of the girls were crowded into Ginny's room getting ready. They shimmied into their dresses while swapping beauty spells and oohing and ahhing over the bridal gown. Mrs. Weasley couldn't stand still for excitement. She could be seen darting up and down the stairs, and all around the burrow, handkerchief in hand as she straightened and fussed over every little thing.
Downstairs the men had congregated in the kitchen, toasting Harry and anticipating the start of the ceremony. Hagrid was crouching down as to not hit his head on the ceiling.
"Always knew you two would end up together!" he boomed at Harry, eyes twinkling. "Jus' like me and Olympe. Meant to be, it was!"
"I certainly didn't know you'd end up together." Said Percy. "I remember the first time you showed up here, Harry. Fred and George had picked you up in that old Ford Anglia. Ginny was so nervous when she saw you, I don't think she spoke one word the rest of the summer!" He reminisced.
"Yeah!" Ron laughed in agreement. "She was already mad over Harry, but I never thought he'd fall for my kid sister then."
"Nor did I, honestly" Harry admitted. "But after everything happened with the Basilisk that year, I started to come round." Everybody spent a quiet moment in remembrance.
"Here comes the bride!" called Mrs. Weasley, entering the kitchen. "Harry! What are you still doing in here? Shoo! You can't see Ginny before the wedding!" she scolded.
"Right!" said Harry, as Ron led him out towards the marquee. Most of the men followed, ready to take their places. Mrs. Weasley ushered her only daughter down the stairs, followed by the Hermione and the bridesmaids. Mr. Weasly was waiting at the bottom, and took Ginny's arm into his.
"You look splendid, my dear." He said lovingly to his daughter. Tears of joy sparkled in his eyes.
"Thanks, Dad." Ginny said beaming. Hermione lowered the delicate veil over Ginny's face. Mrs. Weasley was overcome by emotion, and began blubbering into her handkerchief.
"It's time!" announced Luna gaily. The group filed out of the house in procession. Harry and Ron stood in front of an aisle scattered with thousands of pink rose petals. The guests had all taken their seats and their chatter died as a harpist began to play. Little Victoire was the first to enter, proudly scattering even more petals from a heart shaped basket. Next came Luna, Gwenog, Fleur, and Hermione all dressed in strapless silk gowns in a deep plum purple. The music changed to Pachelbel's Canon, and there was a collective intake of breath as Ginny appeared on Mr. Weasley's arm. She was stunning. Her gown was tailored perfectly to hug her form. The top was a corset style bustier draped in fine lace. The glowing white fabric skimmed over her hips and then flared into a long, luxuriant train. She carried a bouquet of pink and white roses and her long red hair was adorned with a crown of ivy over the veil.
Harry seemed to have stopped breathing entirely. He had imagined this moment, but his fantasies could not come close to the stunning reality of his bride before him. Ginny locked eyes with Harry as she moved slowly towards him. Soon she had arrived, and Mr. Weasley placed her small hand into Harry's. The preacher began the ceremony. Everything was a bit of blur to the couple. Nothing outside of the two of them seemed to exist. They made their vows in all earnestness, while Mrs. Weasley sobbed, and Hagrid blew his nose loudly.
"You may kiss the bride." Announced the little wizard finally. Harry didn't need to be told twice. He lifted Ginny's veil, gently stroked her cheek, and leaned forward pressing his mouth to hers. The kiss was quite passionate and lasted until Ron coughed loudly. Ginny and Harry both opened their eyes and grinned at each other sheepishly. The crowd gave a murmur of good natured laughter. The harpist struck up a bright, new melody and the newlyweds strolled back down the aisle to the cheers of their family and friends.
Just like at Bill and Fleur's wedding, the marquee was then transformed for the reception. Tables appeared and a dance floor spread out where the alter had been. Harry and Ginny were introduced as "Mr. and Mrs. Harry James Potter" as they re-entered the tent, and were subsequently mobbed by well-wishers. After accepting many congratulations, the dancing began. Harry spun Ginny around in a waltz, her dress flowing gracefully behind her. After a few moments, Ron led Hermione out on the floor, holding her as close as the baby bump allowed. Then came Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Bill and Fleur, and Hagrid and Madame Maxime who towered over the other couples. The scene was undeniably romantic.
The music died down, and the band began an upbeat tune which lured everyone out to the dance floor. Luna and little Victoire were both spinning in circles together and giggling. Percy did a fussy little jig, and George twirled Fleur's sister Gabrielle. Appetizers were passed around and the champagne and fire whiskey flowed freely. Everyone reveled in the newlywed's joy. A few songs later, Harry was gazing over Ginny's shoulder and noticed a large man, skulking near the bar looking rather uncomfortable. Squinting his eyes, he attempted to identify the awkward guest. Suddenly, he realized who it was.
"Ginny, you're never gonna guess who just walked in!" Harry whispered into his bride's ear.
"Who?" she asked.
"C'mon," Harry said taking her hand and pulling her toward the bar, "I think it's time you met Dudley."
