A/N: No excuses really. I just don't even know what to tell you so I won't insult your intelligence by trying. This chapter is for all of those readers that took the time to write reviews encouraging me to write, asking when I would post again and telling me they missed the story. You all rock more than I could ever say. Thanks for sticking with this even if I'm being an awful writer and not posting regularly. However long it takes, this story will be finished. I don't expect reviews, but I hope you still enjoy it!
Cheers!
One Step at a Time
Chapter 21: A Special Day
The next two weeks went by in a blur of activity, planning and hair pulling. Hermione's mum arrived the very next day, as well as Apolline. Between them and a handful of house elves and professional help, their planning was moving along nicely. Hermione couldn't take any time off from work because she wanted to spend the weekend of her wedding with her bride. She had already made reservations in a quiet hotel in Paris and was looking forward to being alone with Fleur for a couple of days.
On the evenings, when she arrived, Fleur filled her in on the progress over dinner and after she would help with whatever was needed. She was exhausted but went to bed with a smile on her face every night.
A couple of days before the wedding, she had a rare moment to herself and she decided it was time to have a little heart to heart with Ginny. She hadn't mentioned to her that she had seen Arthur, but it was time she did.
She found Ginny in the kitchen, going over the final menu with Marie and a couple of the house elves. She listened in for a few minutes, before catching Ginny's eye and smiling at her. With a tilt of her head, she motioned to the door and walked away. A moment later the redhead met her in the dining room.
"Hey, 'Mione, what's up?"
"I need to talk to you about something, dear. Can we go out in the balcony?"
Ginny frowned at her. "Is everything okay?"
"Mm, I think so. I'm hoping you will, too."
Walking in that direction, she waited for Ginny to step out before closing the door behind them. Ginny raised an eyebrow but leaned against the railing, waiting for Hermione to speak.
Taking a deep breath, Hermione decided not to ramble and get right to the point. They had been friends for too long to pussyfoot around the issue.
"I talked to Arthur before coming back to Paris." Ginny's surprise was clear, but Hermione lifted a hand indicating she should just listen for now. "It was a very interesting conversation Harry and I had with him. We told him about Fleur and I, my plans to marry her and about the baby. He took everything well and is supportive. He wants to be a part of the baby's life and we're happy to have his support."
Ginny just watched her, eyes round in surprise. "I can't believe you talked to him."
Hermione just nodded. "He sent you a message, too."
"He did? He wants me to visit?"
"Well, yeah, he wants you and Mel to visit."
"Hmm?"
"Do I have to spell it out for you? He knows."
Ginny gasped and her knees gave out on her. Sliding down to the floor, she stared at Hermione, mouth open.
"And he's more than okay with it. He's known all along and doesn't care who you love. He's been waiting for a while for his little girl to go to him and share her good fortune with him, is all. And I have to agree with him, Gin. I think it's time you had that talk with your dad."
Sitting down next to her, she put her arm around her shoulder and gave it a squeeze. She let Ginny deal with the news for a few moments in silence and just held her. She wasn't sure how much time passed before the redhead spoke.
"I can't believe it," she said softly. "All this time I've been afraid to tell them and he knew all along. Does mum know?"
"He didn't mention it. I think at this point he just wants you to confide in him and introduce Mel to him as your girlfriend so he can welcome her into your family."
Resting her head on Hermione's shoulder, Ginny sighed. "All this time, I could have told him and he would have been accepting. It just boggles the mind."
Hermione squeezed her shoulder again. "Do you want to invite him to the wedding? Maybe that way he can see Fleur and talk to her and you can spend time with him and Melanie without the interference of others."
"I don't know, Hermione. It is your special day so maybe we should ask Fleur and Mel first."
"Ask us what?" Fleur asked from the doorway.
Hermione and Ginny looked up from their position on the floor and scrambled to their feet, guilty looks on their faces.
"Um," Ginny edged while looking at her friend for help.
Hermione walked over to Fleur and took her hand, bringing her to one of the chairs and helping her sit down.
"Is it that bad?" she asked, worry coloring her tone.
"Well, not really," Hermione said as she sat facing her. Melanie had also walked closer to Ginny and wrapped her arm around her shoulder. "When I was in London, Harry and I met Arthur and had a nice chat with him."
Looking once at Ginny and seeing her slight nod, Hermione told Fleur and Mel about their conversation. Both looked surprised, but didn't interrupt as Hermione talked. When she was done, she squeezed Fleur's hands and smiled at her.
"What do you think?"
"I wouldn't mind Arthur being a part of our baby's life, mon amour. 'E is a good man and always welcomed me into their family. If 'e wants to be a part of 'er life, I will not get in the way."
"So how would you feel about inviting him to the wedding and letting him see you before you give birth?" she asked tentatively.
Fleur looked into her eyes, her own smiling. "I would like that. If Ginny doesn't mind, that is."
"Since there isn't much time, we need to get in touch with Harry and have him tell daddy," Ginny said with a smile.
Grinning, Hermione took out her phone and dialed him. When he answered and greetings were out of the way, she told him what was happening and what she needed him to do. He agreed and told her he'd get in contact with her as soon as he knew something.
Ginny and Melanie left a bit later to give Fleur and Hermione time to talk. Hermione waved at them and looked back at Fleur.
"Thank you," she said simply. "It means a lot to me that you're willing to do this."
"Well, the way I see it, 'e 'as a right to see 'is grandchild. Just because William turned out to be an arse doesn't mean I should keep 'er from meeting the Weasley's. I know Arthur will be a wonderful grandparent and I know Ginny will be relieved to finally be 'erself around 'er dad. I think it's a win-win situation."
"So you're not mad at me because I told him?"
"Mon amour, I trust you. If you thought it best to go to 'im and tell 'im, then I 'ave nothing to be mad about. After what 'appened and 'ow much we both suffered, I don't want a repeat fight over something so silly. We're going to be married in a couple of days and that is all that matters to me - to become your wife," she said, her smile so bright it was blinding.
Hermione felt herself melting as she watched her. Leaning closer, she kissed Fleur, hand moving protectively over her belly. She broke the kiss with a smile when she felt the kick to her hand.
"Okay, okay, I'll kiss you too, little one," she said, voice soft as she bend down and kissed Fleur's stomach lovingly. Resting her cheek against it, she smiled and closed her eyes. "I love you, baby girl," she whispered as her hand rubbed soothing circles over the spot where their baby had kicked. "In two days, I'm going to marry your mummy and then we're going to wait for your arrival. We just cannot wait, petal."
Fleur, meanwhile, smiled down at her fiancé and ran her fingers tenderly over her hair. It never ceased to amaze her how much their baby liked the sound of Hermione's voice. It didn't matter how active she was, the moment Hermione spoke to her, she calmed down. They had even tried with Ginny and Mel, but the baby only quieted down when Hermione spoke. Something Fleur was grateful for because there had been times in the middle of the night when that little trick had come in handy and Fleur had been able to rest thanks to it.
"She loves you," she whispered.
"Mm, and I adore you and her," Hermione whispered back before lifting her head and looking back at Fleur. "I can't wait to marry you," she said against her lips before kissing her so sweetly Fleur's toes curled.
0-0
The next day, everyone had gathered at the Delacour Manor where the wedding would take place. They were sitting out in the terrace going over last minute details when Harry arrived by Portkey with Luna, Xavier and Arthur. Hermione's smile was radiant when she saw them and she immediately walked over to them. Harry grabbed her by the waist and twirled her around a few times to the delight of Xavier, who laughed merrily at the pair. Setting her down, he hugged her tightly before letting her go so she could greet the rest.
Ginny watched them, heart beating wildly. She didn't know if to go down or wait for them to come to the terrace. Mel was standing behind her, her hand rubbing Ginny's lower back soothingly.
Fleur watched everyone, a smile on her face. There wouldn't be a lot of people at their wedding, but unlike the first, this one meant the world to Fleur. The people that would be with them on their special day were the ones that loved and supported them the most. She wouldn't have it any other way.
"Go, child," Juliette encouraged when she noticed Ginny's hesitation. "Go greet your daddy."
Fleur had told everyone what was going on and she was glad to see her family had taken the news well and were even looking forward to Arthur's visit. Before Ginny moved, there was another commotion and George Weasley and Angelina Johnson landed close to the group gathered on the yard.
"Sorry we're late, mates, but the party can start now!" he hollered in his usual fashion and everyone around couldn't help but laugh.
Angelina laughed along but hit his arm. Mel nodded in appreciation as she laced her fingers through Ginny's and pulled her along, glad to feel the redhead's fingers tightening against her own instead of pulling away.
"I'm glad to see a Weasley getting beat up for once. I'll have to take pointers from her!" she kidded hoping the tension would leave her girlfriends body.
Ginny chuckled and nudged her with her shoulder playfully. "You wish. You know you're whipped."
"Woman, show some respect. Your daddy is here!"
Just then they all turned to look at them, Arthur's smile being the brightest and happiest.
"Ginny! Come here and give your old man a hug," he invited, opening his arms to her.
Letting go of Melanie, she ran into his arms and hugged him tightly, tears overflowing her eyes. "Oh, daddy, I'm so happy you're here."
"I wouldn't miss this for the world." Stepping back, her brushed her tears away and kissed her forehead. "Those have better be happy tears, poppet."
"They are, daddy." Looking behind her, she extended her hand towards Melanie, and beckoned her closer. Linking their fingers together again, she pulled her closer until she was tightly pressed against her side. "Daddy, I know you know Mel already, but I wanted to officially introduce her to you as my girlfriend," she told him, a grin on her face.
Arthur's grin matched hers. "Lovely to see you again, Mel," he said and surprised them all by pulling her and Ginny into a hug.
"Oi! What am I? Chopped liver?" George bellowed playfully, coming towards them and throwing his arms around the three of them.
Laughing at his playful antics, more tears fell down Ginny's eyes. She couldn't remember the last time she had seen her brother so upbeat and happy. Untangling herself from her dad and Mel, she hugged him tightly.
"I've missed you, Georgy," she told him, holding him tight.
"Missed you more, little one," he whispered, voice raspy as he held her and a few tears fell down his cheeks.
Hermione walked back up to the terrace and stood behind Fleur's chair and rubbed her shoulders with her hands. "This is so much better than I expected."
"It's wonderful," Fleur agreed. "I'm glad George and Angelina could come over as well. It's going to be a 'appy day for us tomorrow, darling."
Bending down to kiss the top of Fleur's head, Hermione had to agree. "It's going to be spectacular for sure."
"Can I go say 'ello?"
"Are you up to it?" she asked worriedly. "We can wait until they come here."
"Darling, I'm pregnant, not crippled. Just because I'm due in a couple of weeks doesn't mean I can't walk a few steps to receive my guests."
"Alright," Hermione relented and helped her up.
Walking down the steps, they went towards the group and they all turned and started walking towards them, meeting them halfway. Arthur's grin grew even wider when he saw Fleur.
"Hello, my dear," he greeted as he took both of her hands, kissing the backs of them in turn. "You look absolutely lovely."
Blushing at his charm, Fleur smiled. "Thank you, Arthur. I'm glad you could make it."
"I'm happy to be here for your special day. Thank you for having us."
Giving him a brief hug, she took his hand and placed it over her stomach. Looking down, she smiled.
"Angel, this is your granddaddy," she whispered.
Arthur gasped in surprise and moved to close to Fleur, wonder written all over his face. "She moved!"
Fleur chuckled. "She's saying 'ello."
"I want to say hi!" George said, moving forward and kissing Fleur's cheek. "You're looking radiant, love."
"Thank you, George." Taking his hand, she placed it next to Arthur's. "This is your uncle George, angel," she whispered again and there was another kick in return.
"That's wicked," George whispered. "Are you sure 'Mione isn't really the mum? This is going to be one very smart kid!"
Everyone laughed as Hermione wrapped her arm around Fleur's waist and leaned her cheek on her shoulder. "She is my little girl," she informed him proudly. "Only she's going to be beautiful like her mum."
"A beautiful bookwork, just like you!" George said playfully. "It's damn good to see you, 'Mione."
"It's wonderful to see you as well, dear. I'm so happy you're here with us."
"I hope you don't mind that we invited Charlie as well," Arthur told them. "When I told him what was going on, he didn't want to miss it, either. He'll arrive later tonight."
Fleur smiled as she leaned more fully against Hermione. She got tired so easily these days. "The more the merrier," she said with a soft smile. "I can't believe you're all being so supportive of me and us."
"It's what family does, Fleur," Arthur said sagely. "We're happy to be here and as soon as you go into labor, we want to know so we can come back and be here for that as well."
"I don't mean to pry," Hermione edged. "But what did you tell Molly and Ron to be out of the house for a night?"
Arthur actually blushed. "George came up with a brilliant plan. They think we're in Scotland checking some things out for his store."
They couldn't help but laugh. "Come on inside so you can say hello to everyone. There's a small feast waiting for all of us. The house elves and the cook have outdone themselves to receive you," Hermione informed them as her practiced eye noticed the tiredness Fleur was trying so valiantly to hide.
The rest of the evening and night were spent talking in the library and catching up with one another. The atmosphere was relaxed and happy. When Charlie arrived, he was all smiles and couldn't stop looking at Fleur or asking questions about the baby. Arthur spent a lot of time catching up with Ginny and Mel, to the delight of both of them. George was his usual self, funny and playful and Hermione was glad to see him like that again. There was still a sadness that lingered in his eyes, but he was moving forward with the help of his girlfriend and his family.
Xavier didn't want to leave Fleur's side, nestling in her arms or in Hermione's, his little head or hands always finding purchase on Fleur's stomach. Hermione had never seen anything like it before and Juliette kept watching with a glint in her eyes, as if, once again, she knew something none of them did.
Nearing ten that night, Hermione excused Fleur and herself and announced Fleur needed her sleep. When Harry tried to grab Xavier, he pushed his hands away and clung to Fleur, whimpering tiredly. Everyone seemed surprised by this, especially when Luna tried and got the same results.
Juliette got up and walked over to him, kneeling on the floor in front of them. Running her fingers through his fine hair, she kissed his little cheek and whispered a few things to him. He just looked at her for a bit, before raising his little chubby arms and letting her hold him. There was complete silence and she cradled him close and started singing a soft lullaby in French to him as she rocked him and walked around the room.
Not long after, he was asleep in her arms and she walked over to Luna. "Zere, 'e was just tired."
"Thank you, Juliette."
"My pleasure." Kissing the top of his head, she handed him over. "'E truly is a special child."
After that, everyone went on to their rooms for the night.
0-0
Cuddling in bed after their shower, Fleur and Hermione recounted the day for a few minutes. Fleur was on her side with Hermione facing her and rubbing her back soothingly.
"What do you think grand-mère told Xavier, mon amour?"
"Your guess is as good as mine, love. I have no idea, but it worked. I've never seen him like that."
"Something is going on. Did you see 'ow she kept looking over at us?"
"The same way she used to look at you and I," Hermione suddenly said. "Like she knew before we did that we were destined to be together."
Fleur's eyes widened. "Mon Dieu! Do you think Xavier feels a connection to our little girl?"
Hermione's eyes widened as well. "Can that even happen?"
"I 'ave no idea but I'm too sleepy to try and figure it out now."
Kissing her lips sweetly, Hermione nodded. "We have a big day tomorrow. We should sleep."
"I've never looked forward to anything more. I can't wait to marry you, mon trésor."
Nodding, Hermione cuddled against her with a smile on her face. "It's going to be amazing," she said. "I love you."
"Je t'aime."
0-0
The next day arrived full of sunshine and puffy clouds, perfect for an outside wedding. The men helped with the final preparations outside in the garden. They set up the few chairs they'd need, helped with the flower surrounding the pillars of the white gazebo and with anything else Apolline and Doris needed.
In the kitchen, a feast was being put together. Even Marie had come with them to help out. Gabrielle had whisked Fleur away as soon as breakfast was over to help her get ready. Ginny was with Hermione while Mel hung out with the men outside, proclaiming she wasn't girly enough to help them out.
By the time one o'clock came around, everything was in place and their guest sat down. Apolline and Doris were sitting together, handkerchiefs in hand already. Juliette, holding Xavier, sat next to them and Luna next to her. At the front, Hermione, dressed in a simple white gown stood next to Jon, talking quietly to him.
A small strings quartet sat to the side of the gazebo playing a Debussy piece softly.
A path covered in white rose petals had been left between the chairs. It ran from the doors of the library to the gazebo. A moment later, the doors of the library opened and the music changed. As the soft sounds filled the afternoon, Ginny, dressed in an ivory gown, came walking out, followed a moment later by Gabrielle.
Arriving at the front, they stood on either side of the minister they had hired for the occasion. Ginny gave Hermione a reassuring hand squeeze before the music changed once again to the wedding march. As their guest stood up, Hermione turned her gaze to the doors and gasped when Fleur stepped out, armed linked through her dad's.
She was a vision of beauty in her cream colored silk gown and her smile was radiant and happy. Hermione couldn't take her eyes off of her, heart beating so fast she was afraid it would burst through her chest out of pure happiness. Tears pricked at her eyes and she tried valiantly to blink them away so she wouldn't miss a second of Fleur as she approached, ever graceful, down the path.
As Gustave helped her up the steps, Jon kissed Hermione's cheek and stepped back down, to go sit by his wife. Gustave took Hermione's hand, kissed it and then placed Fleur's on top of it. Covering both of their hands between his, he looked at one, then the other.
"It's been a really long journey to zis moment. Sometimes ze rocks along the way made you stumble, but 'ere we are, proving to everyone your relationship is meant to be." Squeezing their hands, he kissed Hermione's and then Fleur's cheeks. "Love each other. Zat is all zat matters."
Bowing to both, he stepped back and went to sit by his wife, who clutched at his arm as soon as he sat down and wiped at her tears. "Zey look so beautiful together," she whispered to him.
"Everything is as it should be finally," he whispered back as he patted her hand.
As the minister cleared his throat, everyone turned their attentions to him. Fleur and Hermione turned from gazing lovingly at each other to face him, standing side by side, their arms brushing.
He spoke a few words about the meaning of love and the purity of the union he was about to perform, asking them both if they had any doubts. Once assured that they both wanted this more than anything, he smiled and went on with the ceremony. Hermione and Fleur repeated his words, vowing to love and cherish each other, in sickness and in health, in good and bad times, until death parted them.
Several sniffles were heard from their family and friends as Gabrielle took Fleur's bouquet of white orchids so they could exchange gold bands intricately engraved with Celtic runes. Only Fleur and Hermione knew the meaning of them and had refused to share them with their families. It was their little secret.
Hermione's hand trembled as she slipped the ring on Fleur's finger, reciting the words the minister was saying. A couple of tears escaped her eyes when the ring was in place. Fleur's hand was just as shaky as she repeated the process.
With the rings in place, the minister said a few more words and pronounced them married. Smiling, he winked at them.
"Hermione, you may now kiss your bride."
Turning back towards Fleur, she placed one hand on Fleur's belly, rubbing soothingly while she cupped her cheek with the other. Moving closer, she smiled tenderly at her, eyes full of tears again.
"I love you so, so much," she whispered before placing her lips against Fleur's for a soft kiss.
Fleur covered the hand on her belly with her own as the other tangled in Hermione's hair. She didn't deepen the kiss, but kept her wife close for a few seconds before moving back an inch.
"Je t'aime, mon trésor."
Clapping from their family and friends erupted all around them as the string quartet started playing again. Turning towards them, the minister put his hands on their shoulders and smiled.
"May I present to you Madams Delacour-Granger. May their lives be filled with love and happiness from here on out."
0-0
A/N: Next chapter will bring you the birth of their baby and you'll finally find out her name! The initials are A. M. if that helps. Hope you liked this one. I tried my best with it because you guys truly deserved a chapter. Adele's album 21, which is incredibly romantic, helped me finally finish it.
Thanks for reading it!