A/N: Lyrics from Avril Lavigne's "I Will Be" and Westlife's "Unbreakable" appear here.
Sorry to split up this chapter, but when I got past 6000 words I figured that was enough torture for you guys. Part 2 will be up soon and will be the wedding night and honeymoon…
AUGUST – Part 1 of 2 (The wedding and reception)
The smell of coffee and bacon woke Harry up from a deep sleep the next morning. Kreacher had brought his breakfast up to him in his room, and Harry breathed in deep, enjoying the aroma.
"Thanks, Kreacher," Harry said, sitting up.
"Of course, Master," he replied. "With your permission, I am off to the Weasley's to lend my services."
"Oh, thank you, that would be fantastic. Could you please give that gift to Ginny for me?" Harry asked, pointing to a small box across the room.
"Of course," Kreacher said, taking the gift from Harry's dresser. The elf bowed and vanished with a "pop."
Harry looked out his window to the beautiful blue sky and stared at the puffy clouds for a moment and smiled and stretched his arms up. He looked over at his clock – 9:30AM – he had plenty of time. Ron was coming over about noon to dress here and help Harry get ready.
He thought instantly of Ginny, and hoped that she was able to relax a little this morning. Just as he was getting out of bed, Helena began tapping on his bedroom window, and he let the tiny owl in. He untied the note from her leg, and the owl flew out into the bright sunshine again.
1 August
Dear Harry:
Can you believe our day is finally here, love? We've come so far, haven't we?
Thank you for the wedding present! I have no idea what it is or what it does, but it's a pretty color! I love it, whatever it is.
There's so much I want to say, but the words never seem like enough, do they?
Please know now and always that I have never loved anyone more than you. You are my reason for being, my everything.
I hope you like your wedding present – but you don't get it until tonight. I think I'll like you unwrapping it as much as the present itself…
And you get two presents as well!
I love you, and I will see you at two.
Always,
Gin
He laughed and was touched all at the same time. He knew the feeling of trying to express what he felt for Ginny using words – they were just so inadequate. He thought it was great that she had no idea what he had gotten her for a gift, but he knew that she would love it once she knew how to work it.
He was intrigued when she said that she would like him unwrapping his gift as much as the gift itself. Hmm… that sounded promising. Harry hoped it was Ginny in skimpy lingerie.
He finished his breakfast and left the tray on his bed as he went into the bathroom. He took a long, hot shower and brushed his teeth. With a towel wrapped around his waist, Harry ran a brush through his hair, laughing because not even on his wedding day could his hair behave itself. He shaved and then threw on shorts and a t-shirt and went down to watch TV and wait for Ron.
Xxx
Things were a little bit more hectic for the Weasley's at the Burrow that morning, though. Mrs. Weasley was running around barking orders at anyone who didn't move fast enough. Bill, Ron, Mr. Weasley and Charlie were putting the finishing touches on the tent and the arch where Harry and Ginny would stand to recite their vows. The dais where the ceremony would take place had been set up for a couple of days, and the florist was working wonders with the beautiful flowers. Numerous enormous vases full of flowers stood every few feet around the perimeter of the tent, and a large cream bow with a calla lily tied into the center decorated every chair for the guests.
Ginny, meanwhile was trying her best to stay out of her Mum's way. She ate a hasty breakfast with Hermione and Ron, and then retreated to the bathroom for a nice, long soak. She lay there in the hot water and put her head back, thinking about tonight. She wondered if Harry would like the tattoo and she looked down to see it. She ran her fingers over it and was glad that it seemed to have healed nicely. It was perfect and she smiled thinking about his reaction.
She returned to her bedroom 30 minutes later and ran a brush through her long, red hair, trying to untangle it before it dried. Her Mum knocked 5 minutes later and handed her a package.
"Kreacher is downstairs, he came to help for the day, and he brought this for you from Harry."
"Oh, I didn't know he was coming to help today, that was a great idea. Thanks, Mum." Ginny took the small box and unwrapped it carefully. Inside was a small piece of parchment that read:
Gin:
This is your second present. I don't think you'll have any trouble guessing what this one is! I love you, and I will see you very soon.
Harry
She opened the small black box and her hand flew to her mouth.
"Oh, my God," she said. Her Mum, too, was overwhelmed by the gift. Inside the box was a pair of sparkling, flawless diamond studs, about ¾ carat each. "I can't believe him."
"They're incredible, Gin," her Mum said softly, helping her to place them in her ears. "Perfect." Mrs. Weasley wiped the tears from her eyes, and looked at her beautiful daughter. "You are a very lucky woman, Gin. Harry loves you so much."
"I know it, trust me," her daughter answered. "I don't know what I did right in my life to deserve him, but I'm never letting him go."
Her Mum smiled. "I wish you all the happiness in the world, love, I truly do." Her Mum took her into her arms, and Ginny nodded. "They'll be beautiful with your dress. Now, get ready because Fleur is downstairs and she's coming up to do your hair and makeup."
"Okay," Ginny said, getting up to put some clothes on. "Mum?"
"Yes?" Her Mum said as she turned around.
"I love you, and thank you so much for everything. I know that I can be a pain sometimes, but I really appreciate everything you and Dad have done for me – loving me, protecting me and…letting me go."
Her Mum smiled and nodded. "That's our job, and we wouldn't have traded it for anything." Her Mum smiled at Ginny, turned and left the room, leaving Ginny smiling and stroking her belly. She exhaled,
"I know what you mean."
Fleur entered a minute later, and all thoughts were gone from Ginny's mind as her sister-in-law talked non-stop about the wedding, her dress, the decorations and flowers, anything and everything. Ginny smiled and got caught up in Fleur's excitement, too, wishing for 2:00 to come swiftly. She couldn't wait to see Harry.
Xxx
Ron flooed to Harry's at noon and found him asleep on the couch with the TV turned on to a comedy show. Ron laughed and kicked Harry's leg.
"Wake up, you git," he shouted. "You know, you're getting married today, you should try to be a little nervous."
Harry laughed as he sat up on the couch. "What is there to be nervous about? It's Ginny."
Ron raised his eyebrows. "Seriously? No second thoughts? No cold feet?"
"Nope, not one," Harry responded, getting up. "How about a snack?"
"Yeah," Ron responded, "It's been hours since breakfast."
They headed towards the kitchen to see what Kreacher had left for them. They found cold fried chicken and some biscuits, which they munched happily.
"How's Ginny – is she nervous?" Harry asked.
"Dunno, didn't really see much of her today. She stayed upstairs mostly. The backyard looks great, though!"
Harry smiled, "I'm sure it does. I can imagine your Mum flying around the house yelling at everyone," Harry said with a smile. "I can't wait to get over there."
And at 1:30PM, Harry was there. He flooed to the Burrow with Ron, and Mrs. Weasley met him at the fireplace and brought him into a hug. "Oh, Harry, you look wonderful!"
"Thanks, and you look beautiful. Ginny was right, that dress is perfect for you," Harry said.
Mrs. Weasley turned the color of her hair and waived away his compliment, but Harry could tell she was pleased.
"Everything is so beautiful, Mrs. Weasley, thank you for all of your hard work," he said. "I can't believe this day is finally here. How is Ginny doing?"
"She's really good, very calm, she looks beautiful. Hermione is upstairs with her."
It took all of Harry's willpower not to run up the stairs and see her. He walked to the bottom of the stairs and looked up, hoping to catch a glimpse of her, but no such luck. Instead he turned and made his way through the kitchen and into the backyard. Most of the guests had already assembled, and they were milling around waiting for the ceremony to begin. Harry made his way to Professor McGonagall.
"Professor? Or should I say Headmistress?" Harry asked smiling at his favorite teacher, pulling her out of earshot of the other guests and into a brief hug.
"Mr. Potter!" she replied, returning his hug. "I think that you have earned the right to finally call me Minerva, so please do."
He smiled, nodded and lowered his voice. "I wanted to take a minute to thank you for everything you've done for me and Ginny, especially this past year. I appreciate you looking after her this spring when she needed someone."
"It's quite alright. The two of you have always been close to my heart. It pained me to see Miss Weasley's struggles this year, but I was proud of how she rebounded and ended the year with such high marks. I am extraordinarily proud of both of you."
"Thank you," he said, grinning. "And, thank you for letting her come home to me in March without asking her any questions. Without that trip, I don't think we would be standing here right now." He gave her a knowing look and she nodded solemnly, understanding just what he meant.
"I'm glad that I was there to help. If any two people deserve to be happy, it's you two, Harry."
Harry pulled her into his arms again. "Thank you." She smiled and returned to the other guests.
Harry stood alone for a minute then, taking time to truly appreciate his surroundings. He shook his head in disbelief as his eyes rested on the rows of white chairs with ribbons and flowers everywhere, the tent and their wedding arch were beautiful, and it smelled wonderful. Lilies were everywhere he looked, and he was touched that Ginny had remembered to include them.
The dais where he and Ginny would be married was framed by an arch that was covered in hundreds of fragrant flowers, and the wedding cake stood in the corner on its own table, classic and elegant, square-shaped and topped by the same topper that had been on Ginny's parent's cake. He couldn't stop smiling.
He waved to Hagrid then and was about to go and say hello when Ron peeked out from the kitchen door.
"Harry," Ron whispered to him, signaling him inside. "It's time." For the first time today, Harry felt nervous as they made their way back to the kitchen.
Ginny was resplendent. Hermione had spent the last half-hour buttoning Ginny's gown up the back and straightening her train. The gown was a perfect fit.
"Ginny, you look beautiful and the earrings are perfect," Hermione said, slightly awed.
"Thank you," Ginny responded, tearing. "Hermione, is this real? I feel like I'm having an out-of-body thing here." Ginny laughed.
"Very real, yes..." Hermione grinned and then looked out Ginny's window into the backyard. "It looks like a full house, Gin. Are you ready?"
"Absolutely," she replied, hesitating. "Can I just take a minute alone?"
"Sure," Hermione replied, hugging her quickly. "I'll send your Dad up to help you down the stairs, shall I?"
"Yes, thanks, Hermione…for everything." Hermione smiled at her best friend and left the room, closing the door after her.
Ginny stared at her reflection in the full-length mirror, unable to believe that she was about to marry Harry. She smiled at the thought and placed Aunt Muriel's tiara on her head, holding the veil securely in place and complimenting her new earrings perfectly.
"One more thing," she said aloud, and made her way over to her dresser. She picked up the small ring box and braced herself as she opened it. Inside was the beautiful ruby and diamond ring that Harry had given to her. She took it from its bed and placed it on the middle finger of her right hand.
"You're right here with me pea." She brought the ring to her lips once and slipped her engagement ring onto the ring finger of the same hand. She looked back to her bedside table and stared at the silver rattle for a second.
A gentle knock caused Ginny to turn her thoughts back to the present. "Come on in, Dad."
He entered and stopped two feet into her room.
"Ginny, honey…you're stunning." He came to her and took her in his arms.
"Thanks, Dad. How are you holding up?" she asked.
"Fine, fine. Your Mum - I'm not so sure." He paused and smiled, looking his daughter in her deep brown eyes, taking her hands in his. "Ginny, you have no idea how difficult today is for me. You are my little girl, my pride and joy and I have no idea how I'm going to hand you off to someone else today, even if it is Harry Potter. You were always the one that could make me laugh and your smiles lit up my life. It's going to be so strange to come home at night and not find you here. I know, I'm just being selfish because I wanted you here forever, and I am truly happy for you, honey. Harry is a fine man, and the only one that I can ever imagine being good enough for you. I hope that you find everything that you want in your marriage, but I'm going to miss you."
Ginny threw her arms around his neck, hugging her Dad hard. "You have no idea how much I'm going to miss you, too. I love you so much – you were the first man in my life. But, I finally found someone that's almost as loving as my Daddy, and that hasn't been easy! You showed me what a good man is supposed to be, and I love you for it. I'll always be your little girl, Dad, no matter what."
He wiped his tears and recovered enough to laugh a little with Ginny. "What do you say we go downstairs and get you married off?"
"Yeah," she said serenely, nodding. "I'm ready."
xxx
Downstairs, the guests had all taken their seats and Harry's favorite piece of classical music began playing softly as he and Ron processed up their aisle to take their places on the dais, Kingsley already in place. Once he had stepped up on the platform, Harry turned to look at the guests. He shook his head in amazement, honored that these people that he loved were there to support Ginny and himself.
Mrs. Weasley and Charlie followed him and Ron, and she took her seat in the front row, beaming at Harry. She turned then, as did Harry, to the back of the tent. The music was made a bit louder to announce that Hermione had started her descent down the aisle. Harry turned to look at Ron, whose wide grin took up his whole face, and laughed softly at his friend.
Hermione looked beautiful, and glided down the aisle towards the front. Her gown floated around her like a cloud, and the color was perfect for her. The deep bronze of the dress set off the glow from her summer tan perfectly, and her hair was smooth and sleek. It had been straightened for the occasion, with a deep part on her left side, her hair swept across her forehead and secured with a sparkling pin. She reached the platform, and Harry took her hand to help her with the step, and she hugged him tightly before taking her place and turning.
The music segued smoothly into the Wedding March, and the guests rose from their seats and turned towards the back of the tent.
Ginny stood there for a moment with her father looking ethereal, and not a bit nervous. Harry, on the other hand, had never been more nervous in his life. Not at the thought of marrying Ginny, but of thinking that this magnificent creature was somehow his. His cheeks ached from smiling.
He shook his head once again, the tears beginning in earnest, and Ron placed a hand on Harry's shoulder. Harry was so overcome that his happiness couldn't be contained and the tears trickled down his cheeks. He refused to duck his head or wipe his tears – that would mean that he would miss a moment of Ginny's walk to him, and he didn't want to miss a second of it.
Ginny walked through the tent, her dress' train following her regally and her eyes met Harry's. She saw him and felt calm, at peace, knowing that she was right where she was supposed to be. She smiled at the fact that she could see his tears from here, knowing that he was crying tears of joy, and they were all for her.
She swept down the aisle with her father, her spray of calla lilies lying across her left arm, her right linked through her Dad's. The rings on her right hand sparkled in the daylight, and she rubbed them with her pinky. She looked from side to side at the guests gathered there and it warmed her heart that she was surrounded by people that she loved, and they were here to celebrate her love for Harry.
When she finally reached the front, Harry stepped down from the dais and finally wiped his tears. Mr. Weasley extended his hand to Harry and he took it, bringing him into a hug.
"Thank you, Mr. Weasley," was all he could manage to say.
Mr. Weasley clapped Harry on the back. "I love you, son. Welcome to the family…officially." The two men grinned at each other.
Mr. Weasley removed Ginny's arm from his, hugged and kissed her and – in a gesture as old as time - placed her hand in Harry's. The electricity that shot through them both at that first initial touch made them smile. Harry took her right hand in his and placed his left on the small of her back, helping her onto the platform.
"Thank you," she whispered. She handed her flowers to Hermione and turned back to Harry.
"You're so incredibly beautiful, Gin, your dress…" Harry replied, leaving his thought unfinished. He held her right hand and noticed the ruby ring on her middle finger. He ran his thumb along the stones gently, making Ginny choke up once again. She smiled and nodded to him as Harry looked up and met her eyes.
Kingsley cleared his throat and began in his deep baritone,
"Friends and family, we're gathered together today for a unique and very special celebration. It's not everyday that we're blessed enough to witness true love, but we are among those so blessed. Harry and Ginny share this very kind of love, deep and true – they are two halves of the same soul. I have no doubt that their bond of love will last forever, and I am honored that I will be able to bear witness to one of the great love stories of our lifetime as it grows and flourishes."
Harry and Ginny looked at each other and smiled, still grasping hands. Harry squeezed Ginny's lightly and winked at her.
Kingsley continued, "Here we go, are you both ready?" he joked and Harry and Ginny both smiled at him.
"Yes, Sir," Harry said to his new boss, chuckling.
Kingsley smiled and continued, "Harry James Potter, do you take Ginevra Molly Weasley to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, in sickness and in health, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, forsaking all others until death do you part?"
Harry squeezed Ginny's hand and they were both trembling. "I do," he said in a strong voice as tears trickled from his eyes. Ginny's smile lit up her face as she looked at Harry, and she reached up and wiped the tears from his face. He stood there with Ginny in a state of complete awe. "I love you so much," he whispered.
"And do you Ginevra Molly Weasley," Kingsley said, "take Harry James Potter to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, in sickness and in health, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, forsaking all others until death do you part?"
"I do," Ginny replied and Harry rubbed his thumb along her hand and smiled, his eyes dancing. She was crying.
"Do you have rings to exchange?" Kingsley asked.
"We do," they said, and Ron laid the two platinum and diamond rings in Kingsley's hand. He held up his wand and spun it quickly over the rings in his hand. They were bathed in a golden light briefly as Kingsley murmured an indiscernible incantation over them. He gave Ginny's ring to Harry and Harry's to Ginny and continued,
"Harry, please place Ginny's ring on her finger."
Harry took Ginny's left hand gently and placed his Mum's ring on Ginny's hand, then took the engagement ring from her right hand and placed it over her wedding ring. They were a perfect match. He took her left hand and brought it to his lips, kissing her rings. He whispered to Ginny so only she could hear, "I give you this ring as a symbol of my eternal love and devotion." Ginny's tears began again.
"Ginny, please place Harry's ring on his finger."
Ginny took Harry's trembling hand and squeezed it gently. She slid his ring on easily, then grasped his hand in both of hers and looked up into his beautiful, shimmering green eyes. She, too, whispered tenderly, "I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine." Harry's answering smile was brilliant and Ginny smiled, too.
Kingsley smiled at them and continued, "By the power vested in me by the Ministry of Magic, I now pronounce that you are bonded for life," Harry and Ginny beamed at each other, and Ginny laughed out loud. "Harry, please kiss your beautiful bride."
Harry took a deep breath, reached up with both hands to cradle Ginny's face and leaned in. Ginny met him halfway, and the newlyweds kissed. Ginny threw her arms around her husband's neck and Harry wrapped his arms around his wife's waist and they kissed again and again.
"Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you for the first time…Mr. and Mrs. Harry James Potter…" Kingsley said and the couple turned towards their guests, their smiles lighting up their faces, their joy palpable.
The applause was enormous. The guests stood up and shared in the couple's happiness. Hermione handed Ginny back her flowers, and Harry and his bride walked up the aisle to the back of the tent hand in hand, smiling at their guests. Once they reached the back, Harry took Ginny in his arms, kissed her and dipped her low, making Ginny laugh.
Hermione and Ron interrupted them then, and hugged each of them. Then, the couple was swarmed with well-wishers. They moved among their guests accepting their congratulations, hugs and kisses. Ginny felt so elated, she thought she would never come down from this high. Harry caught her eye occasionally and winked at her, not believing that they now belonged to each other.
The chairs from the ceremony were magically moved and the dining tables were settled in place and instantly set beautifully, the chairs returning to their places around the tables. The guests began to mingle once again as the hors d'oeuvres were passed around, and the beverages flowed freely. Angelina began the music and the dance floor was crowded in a moment's time. Harry came back to Ginny's side as soon as he could and snaked his arm around her waist, handing her a glass of champagne.
"Harry," Ginny said simply, as a contented sigh.
"We did it," he said and kissed her neck. He clinked his glass with hers and raised it to his lips.
"Yes, we did," she smiled at him and took a sip. "To us, love."
"To us." They leaned in for another deep kiss.
"Don't you just love my dress?!" Luna asked, interrupting the couple. "Listen!" Luna moved around them, twirling and laughing with her arms stretched above her head, as her dress "swished" with her every step.
Harry grinned wide. "It's really beautiful, Luna. You look stunning."
"Yes," she agreed, "but listen!" she repeated and twirled again. "Isn't the sound lovely?"
Harry looked at Ginny, who was trying desperately not to burst out laughing. He finally managed to say, "It sounds beautiful, just like…the wind…or something?" he finished lamely, and Ginny grabbed his arm, suppressing a giggle.
"Yes," Luna said peacefully, happy that he seemed to understand "The wind…" and she walked away, gazing up at the ceiling of the tent, twirling and laughing every few steps.
Ginny ducked her head low and giggled uncontrollably. "I told you!" she said to Harry. "Isn't she fantastic?! She is so other-worldly – she's just magical – no pun intended."
"Luna is definitely something special." Harry agreed, nodding and laughing, his eyes following Luna's trail through the tent until she found Neville and took his arm.
Just then, the music softened and the couple heard Angelina's voice ring out,
"Good afternoon, everyone and welcome. Will Mr. and Mrs. Potter make their way to the center of the dance floor, please?" Harry put down their glasses, took Ginny's hand and led her onto the dance floor and stood in the middle, looking at Angelina.
"It's a tradition that the newly married couple has their first dance as husband and wife, but when do Harry and Ginny ever do anything that's conventional?" The guests laughed appreciatively and Harry and Ginny smiled, a blush creeping onto Ginny's cheeks.
"Instead of having one first dance, this special couple will be having two. Harry has chosen a special song for Ginny and Ginny has chosen one for Harry. Neither of them knew what the other one chose until this moment. Instead of dancing alone, Harry and Ginny invite you to share in their first dances, so please join them on the dance floor."
Harry and Ginny looked around as couple after couple joined them on the large dance floor. They were surrounded by loving couples: Ginny's parents, Bill and Fleur, Percy and Audrey, Neville and Luna, Ron and Hermione. Hagrid took Professor McGonagall's hand, and they stood on the edge of the floor. When the music began, there were thirty couples on the floor, sharing in the first dance.
George joined Angelina on her platform, she took his hand and smiled and continued softly, "This is Ginny's song for Harry." The first strains of the song began, and everyone began to sway.
"So, are you going to tell me what it is?" Harry asked.
"Nope," she replied, "You'll just have to listen." Harry pulled her close and began to move slowly around the dance floor.
There's nothing I could say to you,
Nothing I could ever do to make you see
What you mean to me.
All the pain, all the tears I cried,
Still you never said goodbye and now I know
How far you'd go.
"Gin, it's beautiful," Harry said.
"I thought it was perfect for us, that line always makes me think of pea," she replied. He nodded.
"You are the most incredible person I've ever met, and I love you so much."
Ginny laid her head on his shoulder and said, "Me, too, Harry."
I know I let you down, But it's not like that now.
This time I'll never let you go.
I will be all that you want, and gather myself together
Cause you keep me from falling apart.
All my life I'll be with you forever,
To get you through the day and make everything okay.
I thought that I had everything,
I didn't know what life could bring
But, now I see, honestly, you're the one thing I got right,
The only one I let inside.
Now I can breathe, 'cause you're here with me.
"Gin," Harry said, stroking her beautiful red hair that was hanging down her back in long, loose curls.
"I'll never let you down again, Harry," Ginny said, looking into his eyes.
"You never have, Gin," he replied seriously. "Please, don't ever think you have, you never could."
And if I let you down, I'll turn it all around
Cause I would never let you go.
Cause without you I can't breathe,
I'm not gonna ever, ever let you leave.
You're all I've got you're all I want, yeah.
And without you I don't know what I'd do,
I can never, ever live a day without you.
Here with me, do you see?
You're all I need.
The last strains of the song ended and everyone applauded. Harry buried his face in Ginny's hair and whispered, "Thank you."
Ginny pulled back and nodded. "It said what I always wanted to say – exactly how I feel. Now we hear yours!" She said as they laughed.
On cue, Angelina continued, "Please continue dancing because here is Harry's song for Ginny." She turned back into George's arms and they, too, began to dance again.
Took my hand, touched my heart
Held me close, you were always there.
By my side, night and day,
Through it all, baby come what may.
Swept away on a wave of emotion
Oh, we're caught in the eye of the storm.
And, whenever you smile I can hardly believe that you're mine,
Believe that you're mine.
Ginny pulled Harry closer and continued to sway. Mrs. and Mrs. Weasley passed them at that moment, and ran their hands over their backs. The newlyweds kept dancing, smiling all the while.
This love is unbreakable, it's unmistakable.
And each time I look in your eyes, I know why.
This love is untouchable, a feeling my heart just can't deny.
Each time I look in your eyes, oh baby, I know why.
This love is unbreakable.
Share the laughter, share the tears.
We both know we'll go on from here.
'Cause together, we are strong.
In my arms that's where you belong.
I've been touched by the hands of an angel,
I've been blessed by the power of love.
And, whenever you smile, I can hardly believe that you're mine.
Ron and Hermione circled them just then and Hermione winked at Harry as Ron leaned in and gave his sister a kiss. "Congratulations, Gin," Ron whispered to her and Ginny smiled at him, "thanks." He and Hermione twirled away, and Ginny returned her eyes to her husband's.
This love is unbreakable, through fire and flame.
When all this is over, our love still remains.
This love is unbreakable, it's unmistakable.
Each time I look in your eyes, I know why.
This love is untouchable, a feeling my heart just can't deny.
Each time you whisper my name, oh baby, I know why.
'Cause each time I look in your eyes, oh baby, I know why.
This love is unbreakable.
The song ended but Ginny didn't let Harry go. She kept him in her arms for a minute, happiness coursing through her. Harry picked her up easily and twirled her around in the air, making her laugh out loud. He put her back on the ground and kissed her soundly, the guests bursting into applause. Harry finally released Ginny, blushing but smiling.
The guests returned to their seats after a few more songs, and Angelina said, "Everyone, please direct your attention to the best man who will say a few words."
Ron, who was seated next to Harry, rose from his chair, holding his champagne flute in his hand. He cleared his throat and turned bright red as all eyes fell upon him.
"Umm…" he flushed and grimaced and looked down at the table. "When Harry first told me about his feelings for my sister, to say that I was not thrilled would be an understatement." The guests laughed appreciatively. "Not because he's a bad guy," Ron tried to correct himself, unsuccessfully, and he scowled at himself, "but because I thought that no one would ever be good enough for Ginny. Thankfully, I was wrong."
Ron peered down at Harry and Ginny who were looking at him with moist eyes. "Harry is my best mate and the most selfless and generous person that I know. I'm so honored to be standing here today, supporting the marriage of my sister to my best friend. If you want to know what love and devotion is, look no further then right here," he placed his hand on Harry's shoulder and looked into Ginny's eyes. "I couldn't ask for anybody better for my little sister then Harry. But, I'll tell you what, mate, you're gonna have your hands full keeping this one in line," he pointed his thumb at Ginny, and Harry laughed out loud, as did all of the other guests.
"Shut it, Ron!" Ginny said good-naturedly and Harry smiled at her.
Ron laughed and continued, "Everyone please join me in congratulating my best friend and my little sister, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Potter." Ron raised his glass and the guests followed suit as they drank to Harry and Ginny. Harry pulled Ron into a tight hug and murmured "thanks" into his shoulder, then Ron embraced Ginny and she punched him in the arm. He laughed at her and sat back down.
Once the cheers had died down, Angelina said, "Now we will hear from the maid of honor, Hermione Granger."
Hermione smiled and stood. Taking a deep breath, she began, "Two of my very best friends got married today and I couldn't be more thrilled for them. I don't know what I would have done if I hadn't met Harry on the Hogwarts express our first day of school," she said, "although I might not have as many scars and scrapes as I do now," she looked at Harry and laughed and he half-smiled back, his eyes going a little dull at the mention of her scars.
Seeing his reaction, she hastened to add, "I wouldn't trade them for the world, Harry, because they mean that you came into my life and enriched it immeasurably. And Ginny, thankfully you followed Ron to Hogwarts the next year and you became my best friend. We've been through lots of ups and downs in our lives, especially this past year, and I feel so blessed that we can rely on each other for love and support. As wonderful as the two of you are separately, you're that much more incredible together. To be around the two of you and to be included in your happiness is a heady thing, and you share this gift freely with everyone who loves you." Hermione turned to the guests assembled and said,
"To Harry and Ginny, may your years together bring you nothing but happiness and joy." She raised her glass as did everyone else, and they drank to the newlyweds. Ginny stood and embraced Hermione for a long while - the friends simply held each other.
The day continued with laughter and a few tears (mostly from Mrs. Weasley, but they were tears of joy). The highlight of the night came when George set off a spectacular fireworks show just after dusk.
Kreacher proved to be indispensible throughout the afternoon. He would appear briefly refilling trays or drinks, picking up trash and empty plates and glasses and then disappear again. By the time dinner was finished and the guests began dancing again, everything in the Weasley's kitchen had been cleaned and put away, and every surface was tidy and sparkling. Mrs. Weasley was eternally grateful for his help, it allowed her to actually enjoy the wedding and not have to worry about her guests. Kreacher had been a godsend for her.
Most of the crowd began to disperse around midnight, with just the family remaining until just after 1AM, reliving the day. The light never left Ginny's eyes, everything had been perfect. It took Harry and Ginny nearly fifteen minutes to wish everyone goodnight. They were passed from person to person, given hugs and kisses by everyone.
"Have a wonderful honeymoon!" Gin's Mum said as they approached the fireplace. George had run upstairs to get the final bag that Ginny had packed that day so she could take it with her.
"We will! We'll see you when we get back, and thank you all so much for everything," Harry said, and they were gone.