Three Weddings and a Funeral
On the morning of December 17 Harry was very rudely wakened "UP!! NOW!!" Susan shouted.
"Awgimmebrek, Suz" he grumbled. She grabbed his hand and sent a jolt of magic up his arm "YEOW!" he yelped. His fiancée was in a bad temper "What's got your knickers in a twist?" he snapped
"A half hour of trying to wake you up" she replied "I was up late too, and for a much better reason"
He got out of bed, saying "Get off it. It's tradition," for which he received a dirty look. "Look, yeah we got drunk last night" he said "But it was all in fun. Besides, I don't remember hearing any details about Luna's party"
"That's different" she fired back "First, it was two nights ago, and---"
"And you were pretty plastered" he interrupted, losing his patience. "Tell you what, we can settle the whole thing. You show me everything from Luna's party and I'll do the same" and he dropped his mental shield.
Susan looked at him in shock, then averted her eyes. She deliberately didn't try look into his mind "I'm sorry, Harry" she said "I'm so embarrassed. No, I don't need to see. I was being stupid"
"So, no more bachelor party arguments?" he asked, a little doubtful. He was relieved when she shook her head and smiled "Thank you, because I can think of at least three more we'll be going to." He went to the loo, then came back "Ok, when are you leaving?"
"In about an hour." She replied "As soon as I get Meri ready. How about you?"
Harry laughed "Women, you take all day." She gave him a dirty look, so he changed the subject "I've got a Chudley's practice for a couple of hours---"
"You'd better not be late" she interrupted
"Not possible" he replied, cheekily "Leto and Neville are both going with me. Can't start without the groom" she just rolled her eyes "Kidding" he added "I'll just pop in on Meri, grab some toast and go"
"You're impossible" she grumbled. In response, Harry grabbed her around the waist, spun her around and attacked her neck "Put me down!" she shouted, giggling "Alright, alright! I give! But if you're late…"
"Yes, dear" he replied. He gave her a parting kiss and left.
Three hours later and just over an hour before the ceremony Susan was with Neville's grandmother, Hermione, Molly, and Meri putting the final touches on Luna's gown. "I still think this dress is silly" Luna said.
"That was the dress your mother wore" Augusta said primly "And the veil has been passed through the Longbottom line for generations."
"What's wrong with it?" Hermione asked.
"There are too many layers" Luna complained "It takes too long to get off"
Hermione giggled "That's called foreplay. We could charm it to be invisible" Augusta and Molly turned shocked looks on her "Just to Neville, of course" she amended.
"We can't do that!" Susan exclaimed.
"Why not, Suz?" Luna asked, teasing her friend "Jealous?"
"Of course not. I'm quite happy with Harry" Susan replied, then she saw Luna's smirk and added "As a healer, I would like to point out that it might cause Neville's head to explode. He'd never make it through the ceremony."
The older women held their silence. "Possibly, a random vanishing charm" Hermione suggested "Just a flash, whenever Neville happens to be looking somewhere"
"Your boyfriend has been a good influence on you, Hermione" Luna commented.
"I'm worried about the boys" Susan said "So while you figure that out, I'll go check to see if they---"
She was interrupted by a knock. She opened the door to Harry in full dress robes "Did I hear someone call my name?" he asked.
"Daddy!!" Meri yelled, and charged. She wrapped herself around his legs "Can I go with you? Huh? Can I!?"
"Sure" Harry replied, picking her up "What's the matter?"
She looked at Susan for a moment, then rested her head on his shoulder "I'm bored" she whispered in his ear.
"Okay" Harry said, laughing "I'll take you to meet some of the other kids. Just a minute"
"More kissing?" she asked
"Absolutely!" Harry replied. Meri rolled her eyes as Harry and Susan kissed "See, I told you. Plenty of time" he whispered to Susan. Then, looking at Luna he said "Wow, that dress looks amazing. Neville won't be able to think during the ceremony"
"I'm glad you like it, Harry" Luna replied "Hermione called it foreplay. What do you think?"
"Ah…err…" Harry stammered, gaping at Luna.
"Why yes Harry, what do you think?" Susan asked, barely containing herself.
"I think I'll just be going. I think I heard Neville calling." Harry replied, and slipped out the door.
Susan and Hermione fell over laughing. "He didn't answer my question" Luna commented. Which only made them laugh harder. By the time they recovered and finished getting ready the ceremony was ready to start.
"Calm down, mate" Harry said, standing on the alter, next to a panicky Neville. They watched a smiling Meri scatter rose petals as she walked down the aisle "See, everything's fine" Harry said. Hermione came down next and he heard Luna's brother gulp nervously "Hey, Leto, only Neville's allowed to panic" he whispered.
"I-I h-have t-t-to dance with her?" Leto stuttered.
Neville giggled, forgetting his own nervousness "Looks like Fred has competition"
Harry was about to comment, but lost the power of speech as Susan entered, and he didn't hear a word that was said as she approached.
"That's some dress" Neville said, embracing her "You aren't trying to tempt me, are you?"
She kissed Neville and laughed "What? And have both of them after you" she said "Besides, this outfit is for Harry. You won't notice me once Luna starts" Then she went to stand by Hermione. She winked at Harry and was rewarded with a wave of lust. Not to be outdone, she took the sensations that evoked and tossed them back at Harry.
"Witch" he mouthed at her. As the wedding march started, Harry turned to watch Luna "She looks gorgeous, mate" he said
For a moment, Neville looked at Luna's father. Then at Luna, at first he smiled at her. Suddenly, for an instant, she looked completely nude. "Bloody hell" he whispered. Then it was gone. He looked over at Harry and asked "Did you see that?"
"It's a beautiful dress" Harry replied, not seeing anything unusual.
Neville looked at him, doubtfully, then back at Luna. This time for, two full seconds, he could see her right breast "There it is again!" he gritted out. Luna abruptly stopped and spun in place, treating Neville to a view of her backside.
"What was that about?" Mr. Lovegood whispered to his daughter. He had nearly fallen over.
"Nothing daddy dear" she replied serenely "Just modeling mum's dress"
They reached the alter and Luna's father lifted her veil and kissed her cheek. Neville took her hand and smiled down at her "You look absolutely beautiful" he said.
"Thank you, darling" she replied "Does it have anything to do with my see through dress?" Neville stuttered a moment, but she continued "Don't worry only you can see it" Throughout the ceremony, the dress would continually fade to invisibility in various parts, driving Neville to distraction.
The ceremony completed and Neville kissed his new wife "I love you Luna Longbottom" he said happily
"I thought you were going to be Neville Lovegood" Luna replied.
Neville was spared from responding by Mr. Weasley announcing "For the first time, I give you Neville and Luna Longbottom. Congratulations to the happy couple."
"Now you can call me Mrs. Longbottom" Luna whispered in Neville's ear as she wrapped her arms around his neck
"I quite like the sound of that" Susan gushed, putting an arm around each.
"Welcome to the family, Neville" Leto said
Harry smiled happily and clapped Neville on the back and Hermione hugged Luna. After several rounds of hugs from various Lovegoods and Longbottoms, he had been moved from the center of attention. He didn't mind though, he had never been one for public displays. That thought led to a memory. He saw Susan, Neville and Luna embracing again. He felt a little sadness and a bit of guilt.
"You know, she loves you Harry" Hermione said. He nodded, relaxing as she stroked his neck "You're allowed to have memories of Ginny" she added, sympathetically.
He squeezed her waist "You know me too well" he complained, jokingly
"Don't avoid it" she said "What else is bothering you?"
He nodded toward the trio on the alter "Who do they remind you of?" he asked.
"Us?" she only half-asked.
Harry nodded "I can think of so many times when you, me and Ron would just hug like that. Some good, some bad" he said, reminiscing. "Mione, can I ask you something?"
"Of course, Harry" she replied "Anything"
"Its pretty personal" he said, hesitantly.
She took his arm and led him outside "I want to help" she said "So---"
"Here goes" Harry said "You and Fred … I was wondering … How do you deal with it?" Hermione gave him a curious look "You don't have to answer" he added in a rush.
"Its fine, Harry" she replied, then paused, gathering her thoughts "Losing Ron was hard" she continued "But we had a long talk about it"
Harry chuckled "A serious Fred…Hmm" Hermione gave him a dirty look "Sorry" he offered, still laughing
"Anyway, if I can continue" she said, cutting into his laughter "In a way Fred and I have it easier than you. After Ron … well … died…Somehow that's different. I'm pretty sure that someday, maybe soon, Ginny will come home."
He sighed "What then?" he asked.
"I dunno" she replied
"Helluva time for that" he grumbled.
She laughed softly, said "Sorry" then she leaned against him and put an arm around his shoulders. They were still like that a few minutes later.
"Oi! Unhand my girl, Potter" Fred said, jokingly. Susan unlinked her arm and poked him in the side. "Ooof! Violent one, she is. Come on, let's get to the reception"
As they walked back, Susan whispered "Are you alright, Harry?"
"Let's just have fun tonight" he replied, giving her a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
They went to the reception hall and the party started. Neville and Luna were introduced and had their first dance as a married couple. Susan and Harry joined in the next song. The third song brought the entire wedding party to the floor.
As it ended, Neville took Susan's hand. He nudged Harry and commented "I don't think we'll be able to get Leto to part with Hermione"
"Hehe" Harry giggled, as he began dancing with Luna "It'll be just as bad when he dances with Suzie" He nodded over at Colin Creevey, who was taking pictures.
"I know that look." Luna said "You're up to something."
"Who me?" Harry asked, looking offended. He couldn't hold it though "Go dance with your dad for the next song"
"But I'm supposed to dance with Leto for the next song" Luna argued.
As the song ended, Harry said "Don't blame me. It wasn't my idea." Harry kissed her cheek and led her to her father. "May I have this dance, Mrs. Creevey?" he said to Padma.
"Well, you seem to dance better than the last time" she replied, in a scornful tone. Harry laughed and held out his hand. She took it and said "My pleasure, then, Mr. Potter"
They danced very slowly together, mostly focused on Luna's brother. Who looked a bit lost on the dance floor, when he suddenly found himself embraced by both Susan and Hermione. Four minutes later, as the music ended, they each kissed him. Colin had been told he would suffer severely if he missed a shot of Leto's face at that moment. After that, everyone from the wedding party found a partner from the crowd and the dancing became a free for all.
Eventually, Susan and Harry found each other "Poor kid" he said, laughing "I thought torture was illegal"
"I have no idea what you mean" Susan replied, in her bossiest Healer's tone. Harry just laughed. "Oh, all right" she continued "We just got tired of him blushing all the time" She pulled him close, suddenly serious and asked "What's bothering you?"
Harry sighed into her shoulder "When you were congratulating Neville and Luna after the wedding, I got to thinking about me, Ron and 'Mione" he said. Susan cuddled even closer and he felt another wave of guilt.
"There's nothing wrong with that, Harry" she said.
"Its not that" he replied "I just wonder how we'll deal with Ginny when she decides to come home."
"Oh" Susan replied, finally understanding "And I assume that's what you and Hermione were talking about" to which he nodded "What did she say?"
He laughed, ironically "Miss Know-it-all had a blowout. But, the one thing I know is that I love you"
"That's good enough for me, Harry" she replied "Believe me, I feel about the same as you. The day she comes home will be …strange … happy … uncomfortable." They danced together for several songs, pulling apart only when Hermione approached.
"Are you two okay?" she asked.
"Yeah" Susan replied "Can we go freshen up?"
"Sure" Hermione said "I'll catch up in a minute." Then she turned to Harry "You have a dance request" she said, leading him to a table.
"Wow!" he said, surprised "Tammy Creighton! How the hell are you?" sitting with her was her aunt, Mafalda Hopkirk who looked annoyed at the profanity, but kept her silence.
"Good to see you, Minister" Tammy said in a formal tone. Harry gave her a look that clearly said what he thought of the title. She laughed "Alright, Harry" she said more casually.
"Well, I'll be off, then" Hermione said, heading for the restroom.
Harry offered a hand and asked "May I have this dance?"
Tammy accepted with a smile "How are you?" she asked. "Don't you miss the job?"
"No way" Harry replied "I'm completely happy being a reserve Seeker."
"If you say so" Tammy replied, doubtfully. "I wanted to ask you, what's happening with Draco?"
"He's not seeing anyone right now, that I know of, if that's what you mean" he answered, then "Can I ask what happened with you two? He doesn't talk about it."
She sighed and leaned against him "It was all a misunderstanding." She said "I was talking with a friend. Draco saw a completely innocent hug and then just vanished. When he came back he totally ignored me"
"I'm sorry, Tammy" he said, rubbing her back "I'll help if I can"
"Thanks, Harry" she replied "I came, actually, hoping he was here. But I guess not"
Harry shook his head in response "You picked the wrong event, I'm afraid" he said "Draco used to bully Neville at Hogwarts. He wasn't invited"
While Harry was dancing with his former secretary, Susan and Hermione were talking in the restroom.
"Luna looks so beautiful in her dress" Hermione said.
Fixing her hair, Susan replied "It was her mother's. I can't wait for my wedding"
"Have you finally set a date?" Hermione asked
Susan sighed "He still wants Halloween. I know he wants a good memory instead of always remembering it as the day his parents died, but I want to get married right after I graduate. Besides, I'd rather only good memories of our day"
"Plus you get to celebrate all the sooner" Hermione said, slyly
Susan turned red and said "I absolutely refuse to blush"
"Too late" Hermione giggled "Besides, I thought you two celebrated pretty thoroughly after the dinner last week. You need to remember your Silencing Charms"
Susan's blush deepened "Ah, well, sorry 'Mione" she stammered "I'm still a little surprised he hasn't tried to get me back. Listen, 'Mione, we should get rid of those tapes"
"Already done, Suz" Hermione replied "Harry was going to show more that night, but---" she broke off when she noticed Susan's expression change "What is it?" Susan turned away angrily, but Hermione pulled her back "Susan! Stop!" she said forcefully.
"What?" Susan demanded, choking back a sob.
Hermione felt the embarrassment her friend was feeling and realized what she had done "No, Suz, let me finish" she pleaded "Harry knew you had filmed the prank. He was just going to ham it up a bit. Susan, you know Harry would never be deliberately mean to anyone. Especially you"
"Yeah" Susan admitted, her anger fading slightly "Then why didn't he?"
"It was right after we sat down to dinner" Hermione explained "He pointed out how the Parseltongue scared Leto. And you had given him this great big smile"
"I remember" Susan said.
"Had a pretty good night, too, I believe" Hermione commented. Susan could only reply with a blush. "Right after that, Harry destroyed the copy of the tape that I had"
"And he didn't tell me" Susan said.
"He wouldn't" Hermione replied.
Susan nodded "OK, 'Mione, let go" she said, pulling on her arm "Let's go back" Hermione felt doubtful, but complied. Harry and Tammy were still talking when they returned "Can I borrow my fiancée?" she asked.
"Hello, Susan" Tammy replied "Of course, excuse me. Harry I hope we can talk later."
Harry smiled at her as she left, "So, what's up, Suzie?" he asked.
"You are a wonderful man, Harry Potter" she said and kissed him.
Two minutes later Harry asked, breathlessly "What brought that on?"
"Hey! Harry, why is the best man having more fun than the groom?" Neville shouted, jokingly.
Susan laughed and countered "Tell me, Neville, do you like your wife's dress?"
"Wh-wh-what do you know about th-that" he stammered.
"I'll never tell" Susan replied
Neville grumbled in response, then called for his wife "Hey, Luna! Wanna start the honeymoon?"
"I thought you'd never ask!" she yelled back from where she was talking with her brother. Luna ran over and grabbed him in a kiss.
"Congratulations, and take care of my little girl" her father said
"Thank you, sir" Neville replied.
After Neville and Luna left, Susan quickly grabbed Harry and whispered in his ear "I think Molly can watch Meri tonight."
"You need to tell me what I did" Harry replied, confused.
Susan wiggled playfully in his arms and asked "Why?"
"I like this side of you" he replied.
A week later, they were at the Weasley's celebrating Christmas "Happy Christmas, everyone!" Susan said when she arrived.
"Good morning, Susan" Molly said "I'm sorry you had to work"
Susan shrugged and sat down in Harry's lap "Its okay, now I'm off for a couple of days" she said, then giving him a nervous grin "And I think we'll need it, Harry"
"Well, lets start with presents, accio" Harry said "Here you go, luv" and he handed Susan a good-sized package.
Tearing the wrapping, she found a top quality Healer's kit tastefully embroidered with her name on one side and the Hufflepuff crest on the other "Its beautiful, Harry!" she exclaimed
"Open it" he said.
She looked at him curiously, then flipped the latch. Inside was a full set of brand new Healer's tools "They're incredible." She whispered, awestruck.
"Very nice, Harry" Arthur complimented.
Susan got up "Let's take a walk, Harry" she asked offering a hand. "I have a surprise for you"
"Can I come? Can I come?" Meri asked excitedly.
Hermione had caught a tightly controlled wave of nervousness from Susan "Come here and see what Uncle Fred and I got you" she said, drawing the girl's attention.
"Is everything alright, Suzie?" Harry asked when they got outside. Susan nodded, rather shyly "Come on, tell me" he said, concerned
"Well, I have an unusual present for you" she said "And I'm not sure how you'll react"
"Suzie, you know me so well. I'm sure I'll love it" he replied confidently
"OK" she said, then gripping his hand tightly "Harry, I'm pregnant" Twice, he gulped and ran a hand through his hair. "Say something" she said.
"That's incredible, Suzie!" he exclaimed "You're sure?" She nodded happily, relieved at his response. "When? How?" he asked.
Susan giggled "Well, you see Harry" she teased "As boys and girls get older, their bodies start to…"
"Very funny" he interrupted, laughing "Its wonderful. Now, lets go tell Meri she's going to have a …little brother? Sister?"
Susan shrugged "Sorry, its too early" she said "We should know in a couple of months and I'm due in early to mid August."
"You know, if we get married right after you graduate we'll have most of the summer, then you can get ready for the baby" Harry said, thoughtfully
Susan suppressed an 'I told you so' and said "I think that's a wonderful idea"
"Really?" he asked. To which Susan nodded. He grabbed her, spun her around and kissed her. Then he enthusiastically picked her up and carried her back to the house "Spying on us 'Mione?" he asked.
"I was just concerned" Hermione replied "Suzie seemed nervous about something"
Harry grabbed her hand and led her to the living room, still carrying Susan. "Well everyone, guess what she got me" he announced. When no one answered, he continued "The truth is I'm not sure, its either a boy or a girl"
Amid the celebrating, Meri poked Susan in the leg "You're having a baby, mummy?" she asked.
"That's right, sweetie" Susan replied
"Oh" Meri said.
Harry put Susan down and knelt beside her "That's good news, Meri" he said "What's wrong?"
"Nothing, daddy" she replied
"We both love you" Susan said.
Harry picked her up "And you'll have an important job to do, Meri" he told her "You're going to be the big sister. Our family getting bigger is a wonderful thing."
"I had seven children" Molly said "and each one only brought more happiness. Your parents will love you all the more"
Meri smiled "So when can I see him?" she asked happily.
"Well, first, the baby might be a girl" Harry said "And we all have to wait a while."
Susan took her "And first, your Dad and I are getting married" she said
"You mean a party, like last time?" Meri asked excitedly. Susan and Harry both nodded "Wicked!" yelled Meri, then she thought about it "Ain't mummies and daddies supposed to be married?"
Fred snickered "They've been living in sin" he said. Hermione elbowed him in the stomach and his mother slapped him upside the head
"They're not the only ones Frederick Weasley" Hermione said "Congratulations, you two" she hugged Susan and then Harry, then turned back to Fred and said "Now, come on, lets leave them to talk"
About two weeks later, Neville and Luna returned from their honeymoon. Susan greeted him with a big hug, which he returned warmly. "Good to see you" she said. Then she went to Luna.
"You look like you just went three minutes with my fiancée" Harry said, taking in Neville's tired appearance. He slapped Neville on the back, nearly knocking him over.
Recovering his balance, Neville laughed "Don't tell Leto, but its all Luna's fault"
"I didn't hear you complaining, dear" Luna commented.
The newlyweds had gone to Canada for their honeymoon, touring Montreal, Quebec and Niagara Falls. Harry was captivated by their description of the Falls, remembering that this year was the Quidditch World Cup to be held there. After finishing their tale, Luna asked "So, what's new around here?"
"Not much" Susan replied, airily "I worked"
Harry put in, casually "The Cannons won a game against the Harpies. I caught the Snitch"
"We had Christmas, of course" Susan added.
"Annnd" Luna drawled out, eyeing Susan.
Harry shrugged, studying a Wizarding picture of Luna at the Falls. "We set a date" he said "Its June 15th."
"Huh?" both Neville and Luna said, surprised. They knew about Harry's wish for a Halloween wedding. They looked at Susan for confirmation.
Susan smiled widely "Oh and I'm pregnant" she said, her tone of voice about the same as if she were discussing the weather.
"Boy, go away for a couple of weeks and the world changes" Neville commented, then "But, seriously, congratulations you two. That's great. So, need a best man?"
Harry looked away "Thanks Neville" he said "Actually, I already asked Fred"
"Oh, I see" Neville replied, clearly disappointed
"Suzie told me not to ask you" Harry added, causing Neville to look at her, clearly hurt.
Susan gave Harry a slap on the arm "Stop it!" she said sharply. "Neville, you know I don't have anyone left in my family, right" to which Neville nodded. "Would you walk me down the aisle, please?" she asked.
"Are you sure that's what you want?" he asked. And when she nodded Neville replied formally. "It would be an honor"
"Sorry about needling you, mate" Harry apologized, "couldn't help it"
Neville just shrugged it off. The only problem during the planning came with the Harry including Draco Malfoy in the wedding party. "You've got to be kidding, Harry" he argued "Its Malfoy, remember. The git. He called Hermione a Mudblood. He also landed her in Azkaban."
"But he was on the right side when it counted" Harry countered "Plus, he's very close to Meri. Neville, he can't change the past, but Draco isn't the bully that he was when we were at Hogwarts"
"I still don't have to like it" Neville said stubbornly "And don't pair Luna up with him"
Sensing Harry's temper building, Susan stepped in "Neville, she's my Maid of Honor. That pairs her up with Fred" she said "Besides, Tammy Creighton is going to be his partner." Neville grudgingly accepted it and the wedding plans went forward.
Finally, the day came "Its just not fair" Neville complained "I was a nervous wreck before the ceremony. How can you be so calm?"
"Simple, Longbottom" Draco replied with a sneer "He's in charge of his woman"
Neville returned the sneer "Sod off Malfoy!" he snapped
"Cool it, Neville" Harry said "You too, Draco. At least pretend to be friendly today. Well, I'm ready, come on Fred, Draco."
Walking to the alter, Draco told Harry "Thanks, Potter, its been a great few months. This time, I'm glad you interfered. Just don't make it a habit"
"You're welcome, Draco" Harry replied "All I ask is---"
"I know, I know Harry" Draco interrupted "Clear talking with Longbottom or Granger with my minder. Is it OK if I go to the loo on my own?"
Fred laughed "She might enjoy that too"
"Stuff yourself, Weasley" Draco grumbled.
Harry stood with Fred, George and Draco on the alter as the ceremony started "She's beautiful, Harry" George said.
"Thanks George" he replied "I'm so proud of her"
"It's the Malfoy in her" Draco commented "And watch it, I'll have my eye on you"
"Poor kid" Fred commented "She'll never have a love life"
Harry grimaced "Don't say things like that. That's my daughter you're talking about"
"Can you imagine her first date?" Fred laughed "He'll have to face the man that killed Voldemort and two members of the Wizengamot"
As Meri reached the alter, Tammy started down the aisle. Harry knelt beside her "You look so pretty" he praised.
"Oh Daddy" Meri blushed "Mum is a million times prettier"
Harry kissed her cheek and hugged her "You were perfect" he said "Go stand by Tammy like at rehearsal."
"Yes Daddy" she said, turning. Then she looked at Draco "She said something about you and everyone laughed" she said.
"Wh-wh-what was that?" Draco stuttered, not sure how to react.
"She said you're enerik" Meri replied. She could tell she got the word wrong, and thought about it "No, that wasn't it." She said "Oh, she said en-ner-get-ic"
They stopped laughing when the bridal march started. Much taller than Susan, Neville made an impressive figure in his dress robes. But, Harry barely noticed him. He focused on Susan 'Nervous?' he sent to her. 'Bite me, Harry' she thought back to him. 'Soon luv, soon' he replied playfully 'We do need to show up at the reception' Behind the veil, Harry could feel her blush 'I'm all fat' she complained.
"You're beautiful" Harry said softly as she reached the alter.
"We have gathered here today…" Arthur Weasley began the ceremony. "Can anyone show just cause as to why these two should not be joined?" he announced "Let him speak now" There was silence, then whispering as the pause went on "Arthur" Harry whispered harshly. It would be years before they discussed it, Arthur resumed the ceremony, concluding with the introduction "Witches and Wizards, I would like to introduce for the first time, Harry and Susan Potter."
At the reception, Neville gave a short speech dingdingding he tapped his glass "Before the couple rushes off, I'd like to thank them. Suz, it was a great honor to walk you down the aisle. One I would trade to have you have your Dad back. So, taking the role, let me say to Harry take care of my little girl. . .or else"
"Yes, sir, Mr. Longbottom, sir" Harry replied with a laugh and an exaggerated bow.
With tears in her eyes, Susan embraced him "That was beautiful, Neville, thanks"
"Shall we go, Mrs. Potter?" Harry said.
Susan laughed "A bit anxious, are you Mr. Potter?"
"I wanna make love to my beautiful wife" Harry whispered, pressing his lips into her bare shoulder.
Susan levitated herself and touched her wand to her neck "Everyone, thank you for coming" she said "Please, feel free to enjoy the evening." The crowd raised their glasses in a congratulatory toast.
"Meri!" Harry called, who came running. He sat down and pulled her into his lap. "Its official now, hun" he said.
"And you and Mum are leaving, right?" Meri asked.
"We're going to America" Susan reminded her "And while we're away, you're staying with Draco"
"That's right, he wants to make points with his girlfriend" Harry added "A very Slytherin trick"
"Why thanks Potter" Draco said, causing Meri to giggle.
"Don't forget" Susan said "If you want to visit your Gramma Weasley, or Aunt Hermione, just let Draco know."
"I know" Meri replied, a little sadly "But I'll still miss you"
"We'll floo you every day" Harry promised "And we'll be home before you know it"
About a year later, Fred and Hermione's wedding day was fast approaching when a tragedy struck. They were just finishing dinner when Hermione's grandfather collapsed. "GRANDFATHER!!" she screamed as he went down clutching his chest.
"Get out of the way, 'Mione!" Harry ordered, in his rarely used command voice. She jumped away without thinking and Harry apparated with him. They heard nothing for fifteen long minutes, then the floo activated. "I brought your grandfather to St. Mungo's" Harry said, as his head appeared.
"How is he, Harry?" Hermione asked
"I don't know" he replied "Suzie came out just long enough to say he had a stroke and they were working on him."
"I'll be right there" she said. A minute later, she came through with her mother. "Thanks for getting him here so fast, Harry" she said. "Can you try contacting Suzie?"
Harry reached out through his link with his wife, but got no response. "She's concentrating too hard. She's not answering" he replied.
"Ok, Harry, we'll wait" Hermione replied.
"Fred stayed with Meri, right?" he asked. Hermione nodded. "OK, I'll floo Draco. As soon as he gets there, Fred can join us."
"Thanks Harry" she said.
By the time Fred was able to get there, Susan was waiting "Go on in Fred" she said "It's the third room" She stopped Harry with a gesture. "I'm so sorry" she sobbed "There was nothing we could do. I gave him some of my energy"
"Suzie, do you know how dangerous that was?" he asked, hugging her fiercely.
She returned the hug and slumped against him "I didn't do much, Harry. He would've died almost immediately, if I hadn't. They'll be able to say a proper goodbye."
"I love you so much, Suzie" he said "Please don't do something like this again"
"I'm fine---" she said, then she fainted. Susan was waking up in an examination room when Hermione came in.
"Granddad just died" she said sadly. She returned Harry's hug and sat beside Susan "And I want to thank you, Suzie"
She sat up and said "I didn't do anything"
"Suz, I felt your magic" she said "If you hadn't we would never have seen him. We can't tell my mother, so for both of us, thank you very much."
"And she's never going to do something like that again" Harry said, protectively "Right Suzie?"
Susan nodded tiredly "Yes dear, I promise" And for the first time, Harry relaxed somewhat.
Two days later they attended the funeral. After the burial Hermione approached Harry "I talked to my Mum, and she agrees. Since Grandfather is gone, you're the only one to walk me down the aisle"
"I'd be proud to Hermione" Harry replied.
The wedding was slightly subdued from the original plan. But it was still a happy affair. "Well, we're ready to go" Fred finally said.
"Just a minute" Harry said "We have a gift for you."
"You've already done so much for me, Harry" Hermione said.
Susan brought an envelope from her robes, "Potter Manor is fully restored" she said "So, we'll be moving in while you're away."
"This is the deed to Grimmauld Place" Harry said "Its yours"
"That's, its just too much" Hermione said, stunned.
"You know, 'Mione, we've been in business with Harry for a long time" George said "And he usually gets his way. I think you should just say thank you"
"Thank you very much" Fred said, he shook Harry's hand and hugged Susan. Hermione still looked reluctant, but tempted.
"Come on 'Mione, please take it" Susan said, "Its not like we need it"
"Hermione, don't you think three homes is too many?" Harry asked "I think Sirius and Remus would have loved for you to have it."
"That's not fair, Harry" she grumbled.
"That means we got her" Harry fake whispered.
"We've got Meri and Ami already' Susan put in "Harry wants them to grow up where he was born. And you and Fred will want to start a family"
"All right" Hermione finally said "You're both amazing. Thank you so much" She threw her arms around Harry.
"They grow up so fast" Harry quipped, earning a shove. "Seems like only yesterday…" he started, but Hermione playfully attacked him. "Alright, go enjoy your honeymoon."