Chapter twelve
Harry woke up looking around puzzled at where he was, then he remember. He was at Bill's and it was his wedding day. He sat up smiling thinking, he was getting married to Ginny today. His heart swelled at the thought and he had never felt happier in his life, knowing that in a few short hours Ginny will be his forever.
He got up and went downstairs. Bill and Fleur were sitting in the kitchen at the table having breakfast. 'Morning,' Harry said cheerfully,
'Morning Harry, you looked very happy this morning, no nerves yet?' Bill asked looking at Harry.
'Nope, I'm really excited, and I can't wait actually.' Fleur handed him some breakfast and a cup of tea. 'Thanks Fleur.
'You're welcome Harry, you do look good, everyone told me that Bill was a nervous wreck the day of our wedding.'
'He was Fleur, I remembered seeing Charlie and Mr. Weasley trying to calm him down.'
'Yeah, well, how could I not be,' he looked up at Fleur, 'When I was going to be marrying this beautiful woman. I kept thinking she was going to leave me at the altar.' Bill laughed looking at his wife's face, he pulled her towards him and wrapped his arms around her waist.
Harry was watching this show of affection and knew him and Ginny will probably be driving everyone crazy with it as well, especially Ron, who just happened to appear in the kitchen.
'Morning,' he mumbled, not used to being up so early. He sat down and Fleur put a plate of food in front of him. He started eating before he looked back up at everyone. Bill, Harry and Fleur were smirking at him. 'What?' asked Ron.
'Nothing Ron, knowing you for years now, I know you aren't much of a morning person until you get something to eat, it good to know some things will never change.' Harry said smiling at Ron.
'What are you so happy about?' Ron asked, still eating breakfast.
'I'm getting married today Ron, remember, to your sister, and I couldn't be happier.' said Harry still smiling at Ron.
'Oh, right, sorry forgot about that, I'm still waking up.' Ron said as he went back to his breakfast.
Fleur walked up to Bill. 'I'm off now Bill, I've got to go help Ginny and Hermione with their hair.' Harry looked straight at Fleur when she said Ginny's name.
'Fleur, will you tell Ginny I can't wait to see her and,' he sheepishly glanced at Bill and Ron, 'and tell you I love you.' Harry said smiling again at Fleur.
'Of course Harry, that is so sweet.' she looked back at Bill who stood up, wrapped his arms around his wife and kissed her passionately. Harry smiled, and Ron scowled.
'I really don't need to see this first thing in the morning.'
'Well don't look little brother,' Bill said smirking and kissed Fleur again.
Fleur looked at them all, 'Bye, I will see you at the wedding,' she walked to the fireplace, threw in some floo powder and was gone.
At the Burrow it was a hive of activity, Molly was racing from one end of the kitchen to the other. Kreacher was standing at the stove, calmly cooking. Mr. Weasley, Charlie, George and Percy were outside making sure all the decorations we're finished and that the yard was tidy, or Molly would have a fit.
Tables were being floated into the marquee, the bar was being filled with all sorts of drinks. The stage was set and ready. Molly had told Arthur how she wanted the tables set out and what decorations to put on the table.
In front of the marquee, was a beautiful white archway with red and white roses all over it. The boys had put all the chairs along both sides of a red carpet. George had set up some of his fireworks for later in the evening. Fawkes seemed to want to sit outside just to the right of where everyone will be sitting, Charlie had put his perch there for him and he sat there happily.
The time seemed to be speeding up on Molly, but she had everything under control with Kreacher's help. She was very thankful for Kreacher being there, he was a tremendous help and was going to ask Harry if there was something she could do for him, but she will have to wait until after their honeymoon.
Hermione was rushing about between the house and the kitchen, helping wherever she could. She was outside helping the boys when Mrs. Weasley called.
'Hermione, have you got a minute, please?' asked Mrs. Weasley hurrying back inside.
Hermione walked back into the house. 'Yes, Mrs. Weasley, what can I do now?'
'Could you go and wake Ginny now, she doesn't want to be late for her own wedding now, does she?'
'Sure Mrs. Weasley, I'll go up now.' she left the kitchen and walked up the stairs to Ginny's room. She knocked quietly just in case Ginny wasn't awake.
'Come in,' came Ginny's voice.
Hermione walked in smiling and saw Ginny sitting up in bed looking at her gown which was hanging in front of her wardrobe.
'Hi Ginny, you ready to get married,' Hermione said walking in and sitting on the bed beside Ginny.
She turned to Hermione, smiling but with tears running down her cheeks. 'Oh Hermione, I can't believe this day would ever really come. I'm marrying Harry, I'm so happy.' she sat their crying.
Hermione put her arms around her, knowing these tears were for the happiness she was feeling and nothing else.
'I know Ginny, you and Harry deserve this day, and I'll help make this dream of yours come true.' she rubbed her back. 'Now come on, you have to start getting ready, you need a shower before Fleur gets here to do our hair. You've got two hours before you walk down the aisle and marry Harry.' she smiled at Ginny.
Ginny jumped out of bed and ran to the bathroom making Hermione laughed, got up and went down to tell Mrs. Weasley Ginny was in the shower. As she walked into the kitchen, the fireplace erupted in flames and Fleur stepped out.
'Hello mum, hello Hermione,' said Fleur as she walked in and pecked Mrs. Weasley on the cheek. Then walked over and did the same to Hermione. 'Are you ready, Hermione, I can do your hair now if you want, then I can do Ginny's.'
'That will be great Fleur, where do you want to set up?'
'I think in the sitting room, there is plenty of room and the light is good.' Fleur and Hermione walked into the sitting room and Fleur conjured a stool for Hermione to sit on that Fleur could spin around. She started working on her hair, flicking her wand here and there, doing some intricate moves.
Ginny came down the stairs and walked over to her mother. 'Hi mum, sorry I slept in,' Ginny went and gave her mother a kiss on the cheek.
'That's quite alright dear, but now you're up you have to eat, even if it's just a small amount, you're going to need it.' said Molly bustling over to the stove and putting some food on a plate for Ginny.
'Hello Kreacher, how are to today?' Ginny asked the elf.
'Greetings Mistress Ginny, I am fine, do you wish for anything?'
'No thank you Kreacher,' Ginny said and sat down at the table.
Ginny poured herself a cup of tea as her mother put a plate in front of her. 'Did I hear Fleur's voice?' Ginny asked her mother.
'Yes, dear, she's in the sitting room doing Hermione's hair.' her mother told her and then went back to bustling around the kitchen. 'You can go in after you eat something.' Molly said still bustling around.
Ginny nodded and ate very little, she was just too happy at the moment. She drank her tea thinking about today and her wedding. Hermione walked in a couple of minutes later.
'Oh Hermione that looks wonderful, Ron won't have any choice but to admire you, and probably try to race you off, especially after he sees you in your dress.' said Ginny smiling at Hermione. 'Fleur, you did a great job, do you want to do mine now?' she asked her sister-in-law.
'Come in the sitting room and I will get started.' she walked back into the room and waited for Ginny.
Ginny got up and walked into the sitting room so Fleur could do her hair. She was sitting on the stool and relaxed as Fleur went to work.
Ron was dressed and standing in the living room at Bill's waiting for Bill and Harry to come down. He was pacing around the room, knowing he couldn't sit down or he would crease his robes that went over his tux. Bill walked in dressed and he went over the Ron while they both waited for Harry.
Harry was in the spare room putting his robes on over his tux, he was trying to get his hair to lie flat but it was no use, it just stuck up everywhere and it was getting very long. He looked in the mirror and thought he looked good. He knew he would have to take his robes off when he played his guitar but that didn't matter. He was anxious to go, but they still had a half an hour before he had to leave. He took a deep breath put his wand in his inside pocket of his jacket and walked out of the room and down the stairs.
Ron and Bill were chatting away while waiting for Harry, when he arrived, Bill waved his wand and poured them all one drink.
'He's to the groom who today becomes an official part of our family.' he raised his glass to Harry and they all drank.
'Come on, it won't hurt to be a few minutes early, will it?' said Ron.
'Yeah okay, we can go, but we'll apparate to the Burrow, so we don't get any ash on our clothes.' said Bill and they walked out the door.
'Give me a minute, will you?' asked Harry and walked over to Dobby's grave. He squatted down carefully. 'Hey Dobby, I wanted to let you know that I'm getting married to Ginny today and I wish you were here with me.' Harry put a hand on the grass which had now grown over Dobby's grave, he looked up at the stone he had carved for him. 'Thank you again Dobby.' he stood up and taking one last look walked back to Ron and Bill. 'Okay, I'm ready, let's go. They nodded to each other and turned on the spot.
The guests had started to arrive about an hour ago due to the special arrangements Kingsley had put into place to protect everyone at the wedding. Aurors were guarding the perimeter and mingled with the guests. The magical law enforcement squad we're checking everyone's invitations before they were allowed to enter.
Mrs. Weasley was upstairs in Ginny's room helping Ginny and Hermione finish dressing. They could hear people laughing and talking through the window. Hermione had finished dressing and was helping Ginny with the last of her jewellery. As Mrs. Weasley and Hermione finished they stepped back to look at Ginny.
Ginny's white dress was tight fitting with little pearls all over it and long white sleeves and a plunging neckline, not to revealing but just enough. It had a very delicate lace hood that sat on top of her head about half way from the front. Her hair was mostly tucked around the back but she left some down around her face and it was lightly curled, her makeup was light, just enough to enhance her natural beauty. Around her neck she had an emerald necklace in a tear drop shape with matching earrings, a present from her parents. On her wrist was a beautiful delicate bracelet with small emeralds around the small band. Her whole overall look was spectacular.
'Oh Ginny,' Mrs. Weasley's eyes had started to tear up. 'You look absolutely beautiful, Harry is a very lucky man. I can't believe my baby is getting married.' she said dabbing at her tears as not to mess up her makeup.
Hermione didn't say anything she was just staring at her friend, and couldn't believe this was Ginny.
'Hermione, what do you think?' asked Ginny nervously, watching Hermione look at her.
'Oh Ginny, you are so beautiful, it's hard to believe it's really you.' Hermione also had tears in her eyes and was dabbing them as well.
'Do you know if Harry's is here yet?' asked Ginny starting to get excited, she just wanted to get down stairs.
'Yes, Ginny, he's here, but do not go to the window, you are not supposed to see each other until the actual wedding, which is due to start in about fifteen minutes. So relax and breath, it won't be long now.
Ginny was anxious for the wedding to start but mainly to see Harry, she had missed him so much last night and couldn't wait to see him. She was looking in her mirror trying to see whether Harry would like the way she looked. She was lost in her own thoughts when her father came up behind her.
'Ginny, you look absolutely lovely.' he smiled at her and gave her a small peck on the cheek. 'It's time.
Hermione handed Ginny her flowers and went down the stairs in front of Mr. Weasley and Ginny.
Harry and Ron were standing at the front of the huge crowd waiting for the music to begin. Harry didn't take his eyes from the door waiting for his Ginny. Fawkes was singing his beautiful phoenix song as he sat on his perch near the front.
Kingsley Shacklebolt was standing in front of them waiting as well. He leant over to whisper to Harry. 'Harry, are you alright?' he smiled at his young friend.
'I'm fine Kingsley, just anxious to see Ginny.' he smiled at Kingsley then glanced back towards the door of the Burrow.
'It almost time, don't worry.' he smiled again and straightened back up. Kingsley saw Mrs. Weasley come out from the house and knew that as soon as she sat down it was time. Molly sat and Kingsley nodded to Harry. Just then the music started and Harry's heart began to beat very fast.
'Calm down Harry, breath or you'll pass out,' said Ron smiling at Harry.
Harry did as Ron suggested. He breathed slowly trying not to hyperventilate. He saw Hermione come through the door and heard Ron gasp. Hermione looked beautiful in a full length lilac dress that was fairly tight fitting like Ginny's, but not quite as tight. Her neckline was also plunged but nowhere near as low as Ginny's either. Harry quickly looked at Ron and saw his mouth open.
'Ron, close your mouth,' Harry whispered to him. Ron slammed his mouth shut as Harry smiled at him but it made everyone laugh.
As Hermione was about half way down the door opened again and Mr. Weasley led Ginny out. The moment Harry and Ginny's eyes met they never noticed anyone else. Harry thought she was the most beautiful woman in the world. Her dressed was making his mind wander and wanting to get straight to the honeymoon. As Ginny got closer to Harry, she smiled at Harry, knowing what he was feeling, he could feel the love she was feeling and her desire as well making Harry gulp.
Mr. Weasley and Ginny reached Harry and he placed Ginny's hand in Harry, gave Ginny a kiss on the cheek and sat down with his wife.
Ginny and Harry still hadn't taken their eyes off each other, when Kingsley finally spoke.
'Welcome everyone. We are gathered here today to join together Harry James Potter and Ginevra Molly Weasley in the bonding of marriage. This special couple have come together through wars, heartache, sacrifice and hardship. Their love for one another overcame all so they could be here today to celebrate their wedding with the people they care for most. Who gives this woman to this man?' Kingsley asked and looked at Molly and Arthur.
They both stood, 'We do.' said Molly and Arthur together, Kingsley nodded then looked back at the happy couple.
'Marriage is about love, we all know that, but it also about committing yourself to the person you are going to share your life with. It's about communication, so any fears or concerned can be talked over. It's about giving yourself fully to your partner in every way.
'Harry, please state you're vows to Ginny.'
Harry looked into Ginny's eyes sending her feelings of all the love he could.
'Ginny, because of you, I laugh, I smile, I dare to dream again.
You have brought sunshine to my world and I will bring the same to yours
I look forward with great happiness in spending the rest of my life with you.
Caring for you, nurturing you, being there for you in all life has to offer us,
I vow to be true and faithful to you forever.'
Kingsley spoke again. 'Ginny, please state you're vows to Harry.'
'Harry, I promise to be there when you need me.
To fill your days with love, to comfort you and encourage you.
To help you reach your goals, to be your best friend for ever,
And to love you all my life with all my heart.
Kingsley looked to Ron, 'Do you have the ring?' Ron handed the ring to Harry. 'Harry repeat after me. With this ring I become bonded to you for life, this ring will join us in marriage and in life.'
'Ginny with this ring I become bonded to you for life, this ring will join us in marriage and in life.' Harry slipped the ring onto Ginny's finger then lifted her hand and kissed it.
Kingsley looked to Hermione, 'Do you have the ring?' Hermione handed the ring to Ginny. 'Ginny repeat after me, with this ring I become bonded to you for life, this ring will join us in marriage and in life.'
'Harry with this ring I become bonded to you for life, this ring will join us in marriage and in life.' Ginny slipped the ring onto Harry's finger then lifted his hand and kissed it as well.
'Harry, as you have given Ginny a ring as a sign of your never ending love, do you take Ginny to be you're wife, to live together, be there for each other, comfort each other, forsaking all others, keep yourself only for her, as long as you both shall live?'
Harry had a huge smile on his face as he answered. 'I do.
'Ginny, as you have given Harry a ring as a sign of your never ending love, do you take Harry to be you're husband, to live together, be there for each other, comfort each other, forsaking all others, keep yourself only for him, as long as you both shall live?'
Ginny also smiled as she answered. 'I do.'
'As Harry and Ginny have exchanged their rings and made the vows to each other, I now,' Kingsley said passing his wand over Harry and Ginny's clasped hands, 'pronounce they are bonded as husband and wife.' he waved his wand again and a golden rope twined their hands together as it glowed, after a minute, it finished glowing and the rope disappeared.
'Harry you may kiss your wife.' Kingsley said smiling at the couple.
Harry took Ginny's face in his hands, looked into her eyes and said, 'You look spectacular and so beautiful Ginny,' and kissed her gently, then they both couldn't help themselves as they wrapped their arms around each other kissing passionately.
Wolf whistles and laughter started in the crowd, but Harry and Ginny ignored them. Finally they pulled apart. Kingsley spoke again.
'It is my great honour to present to you all, Mr. and Mrs. Harry and Ginny Potter.' the crowd cheered and clapped.
Mrs. Weasley went to her daughter with tears in her eyes and pulled her into a hug tightly and kissed her on the cheek. 'That was beautiful Ginny.'
'Thanks mum,' said Ginny hugging her mother back.
Mrs. Weasley went to Harry as Arthur went to Ginny. 'Harry you look wonderful dear, and that was a very beautiful ceremony.'
'Thank you Mrs. Weasley,' said Harry smiling and hugging Mrs. Weasley.
'Well that has to change now doesn't it? You can call me Molly or mum if you want to.' Molly said smiling at Harry with still more tears in her eyes.
'Thanks mum,' said Harry happily as tears came to his eyes. Mrs. Weasley smiled and walked away.
'Ginny, I just can't believe my baby girl is married, make sure you both look after each other.' he hugged his daughter.
'We will dad, don't worry, but I'll always be you're baby girl, but that's just between us.' she hugged her father back. Arthur smiled and went to Harry.
'Harry, congratulations, I know you have and will continue to make Ginny very happy, and I'm very proud of both of you.' Arthur said giving Harry a hug.
'Thank you Mr. Weasley, and I will look after Ginny with everything I have. I promise.'
'I know you will Harry, and please, Arthur or dad, your choice.'
'Thanks dad,' Harry said. Arthur smiled and walked away.
After everyone came and congratulated Harry and Ginny, they started making their way to the marquee to get a drink. The band had started playing some music while the bride and groom we're having photos taken. A short time later they made their way to the marquee.
Everyone clapped again as they walked in and made their way to the bridal table and sat down. Waiters brought them all a drink and Harry and Ginny sat there just staring at each other, occasionally taking a drink, they didn't notice anything going on around them until the band announced that it was time for the happy couple to have the traditional first dance.
Harry and Ginny got up and Harry led Ginny to the dance floor. Nobody knew it but they had secretly taken a couple of dance lessons to learn how to waltz. As soon as the music played Harry led Ginny around the dance floor. They were getting applauded by everyone who watching them. Then Ron and Hermione got up and started to dance, then Arthur and Molly got up, after that everyone got up to dance.
After a few hours of dancing, eating and chatting to friends and family, Harry and Ginny sat down. While Ginny was talking to Hermione, Harry knew the time had come for his surprise. He got the attention of the band to let them know it was time. They nodded to him.
'Ginny, I'll be back in a moment, okay, I won't be long.' he leant down and kissed her as she nodded.
Harry made his way to the back of the stage and stood to the side, picked his guitar up and waited.
'Ladies and gentleman,' the leader of the band said. 'Could I have your attention please, and can I ask everyone to please leave the dance floor and take their seats and I ask the bride to make her way to the front please and take a seat.' he pointed his wand at the dance floor and a chair appeared. Ginny looked puzzled but as she got up, Hermione handed her a tissue, again she looked puzzled but continued on walking down to the front of the stage and sat down, looking around at everyone.
'I have great pleasure in introducing a special guest singer who wishes to sing a song for the bride.' As the band started playing a guitar sound started from just off stage. 'Please welcome to the stage the fabulous voice of Mr. Harry Potter.' Harry started singing as he walked on stage playing his guitar and everyone gasp and clapped as they heard Harry's voice and they watched as he stared at Ginny the whole time he sang. Ginny looked at Harry first with shock then with love in her heart for what he was doing for her. Tears started streaming down her cheeks as she listened to Harry sing.
Harry finished playing and put his guitar down as everyone clapped and whistled in shock as to what they had just seen and heard. He walked off the stage and up to Ginny and saw she was crying, he held her hand out and when she put her hand in his, he looked back at the band and nodded. The crowd went silent as they realised Harry was finished. The band started playing again. Harry led Ginny onto the stage and took her in his arms and looked into her eyes when he started to sing again while they danced.
As the song slowly finished Harry lowered his head and kissed Ginny passionately, the crowd erupted in applause and cheering. As Harry and Ginny finished their kiss, both Harry and Ginny had tears pouring down their faces. Harry smiled and wiped Ginny's tears away with his thumb.
'Harry…' Ginny took a couple of deep breaths and tried again. 'Harry that was beautiful, oh Harry, those words...' she put her head on his shoulder and cried.
'I meant every word Ginny, I love you so much.' Harry led her off stage and down to their table to sit down. Everyone was still applauding as the band starting playing again. Mr and Mrs. Weasley came over to Harry and Ginny.
'Harry, that's was wonderful, I didn't know you could sing,' said Mrs. Weasley with tears rolling down her cheeks as well.
'Thanks mum, I wanted it to be a surprise for Ginny.' Harry said holding Ginny tightly against him.
'Oh Harry, it was, it was a wonderful surprise. Your voice is so beautiful,' Ginny said again and cuddled Harry, as friends and family came over to tell Harry how much they had enjoyed it. Hermione just hugged Harry tightly but couldn't say anything, but Harry understood.
All over the party everyone was still talking about Harry's voice, but Harry had only eyes and ears for Ginny.
'Did you really like it Ginny, I was so nervous, but I kept telling myself that if I kept looking at you and not at everyone else, I could do this for you.' Harry said giving Ginny a small kiss.
'Harry, it was wonderful, it really was, I can't believe it. You have such a wonderful voice, how come I never knew you could sing?'
'Well, I haven't for a long time, there just wasn't much to sing about for the last few years, but you make me so happy Ginny, I just can't stop myself from singing. I've been trying not to let you hear me when I'd forget and just start singing, like in the shower and when I'm walking around the Burrow waiting for you to come down. You know I don't like being the centre of attention, but I wanted to sing for you to let you know through song how much I love you.'
Ginny's eyes had welled up again, as she kissed him fiercely. She looked at Harry with fire in her eyes, and Harry could feel what she was feeling.
'Do you think we could leave now, will everyone let us go? We've been here for a long time and I want to get you alone Ginny.' he was looking at her with heat and passion in his eyes.
'I think it's time, why don't we tell everyone.' she looked at Harry and stood up, Harry stood up with her.
'Everyone, everyone could I have your attention please,' Harry said waiting until their guests had quieted down and looked at them. 'I think it is time for this happy couple to take our leave.'
Everyone started walking up to Harry and Ginny to congratulate them again and say their goodbyes. Last was Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. They hugged Harry and Ginny, Mrs. Weasley had tears in her eyes, looking at her daughter.
'Please be careful and take care of each other. I'll miss you both terribly.' she hugged them again and stepped back. Arthur hugged them as well, and put his arm around his wife's shoulder.
'Thank you for everything, mum, dad, and don't worry, we'll be careful.' Harry said and he took Ginny's hand and pulled her out of the marquee and just beyond the wards. They looked back at everyone and waved.
While they waved, Ginny put her arms around Harry and he turned on the spot and they were gone, ready to start there married life.
{ Just to let everyone know, I originally was going to add the words to a couple of songs, but decided to let the readers think of any song they liked. The two songs I listened to while I wrote this was Bryan Adams, everything I do, I do it for you, that was the second song, the one they danced to. The first song was Ronan Keating, the way you make me feel. There just two songs I liked and ended up listening to as I was writing this chapter. }
