Author's Note: Hi strangers. I can't thank everyone enough for their patience as I wrapped up the end of my semester. Finals are done, and I'm very pleased with my grades. I must admit that I was having a hard time writing this chapter. A wedding day is quite an undertaking. But I promised myself that I would get it done today. And I think I finally am happy with it. It's a lot. Think of it like ch 4: The Pub. A series of scenes rather than continuous events.
We get to see a lot of old friends in this chapter. Which I'm happy about. It feels like forever since I've written these characters (well at this age).
Also this chapter is dedicated to Oli West. Who ever so sweetly got my arse in gear to write. :)
...
The wedding ceremony was perfect. Perfect to all those who attended. The bride beautiful, the groom dashing. All the pretty girls lined up in a row, looking like a picture hung in a tea room. The gold and maroon added a warm glow to the large tent that housed the joyful occasion. But as perfect as all did appear, almost everyone seemed to spot at least one thing amiss.
Molly noticed that a few of the floating candles had gone out. Hermione realized that she had forgotten her handkerchief in Ginny's old room. Ginny noticed this too and lent Hermione's hers. Ron noticed that he hated to be in front of all of these people. Bill noticed that one of the tent flaps needed to be tightened. Luna noticed there were probably some pesky nargles behind that. Eddy noticed that a beautiful french girl who seemed to go by the name of Gabrielle was seated too far from him.
But it was Neville and Neville alone who noticed the way the Best Man was transfixed on the Maid of Honor as she walked down the aisle. And it was Neville alone who noticed the way the Best Man and Maid of Honor caught eyes during the vows. And it is Neville alone who knows the true reason Ginny Weasley had to wipe her eyes during the ceremony, was because of how the Best Man looked at her. (Although she protests this notion to this day.) And it was Neville alone who smiled, and found he didn't much mind.
...
All our plates magically vanish, as Harry begins his best man speech. We'd taken our pictures and all eaten now. Harry and I too public to really talk. Which I didn't mind. I take the opportunity to really look at him. Tall, lean and confident. What ease he emits speaking in front of the hundred guests. They all watch him with awe. Charming the crowd, as he always does.
As he wraps up his story about finding the miniature Victor Krum doll arm on the floor after the Yule Ball, everyone bursts out in laughter. I tune back in.
"Now these two have been with me through the hardest of times. I can honestly say, I would probably be dead without them. I know these two will love and protect each other for the rest of their long and happy lives. Because this, this is what we fought so hard for; what some of us died for; to live out each day with those we love most without fear or regret. To continue living. So please raise your glasses to toast to Ron and Hermione. Cheers." Harry finished, raising a glass. The rest of the guests following suit. I smile thinking of his words and raise my own taking a drink.
"Now, I believe the Maid of Honor has a few words to say," comes Lee's voice over the crowd. I perk up, and smile over to Hermione, who is sitting to my right at the long bridal party table. I see Ron shake Harry's hands in thanks for his kind words.
Standing up, I use my wand to project my voice a bit louder. "Alright, I guess it is my turn." I start waving a nervous hand to the crowd of guests. "Hello and welcome. To any of those who do not know, I'm Ginny Weasley. Ron's and all the redheaded groomsmen's younger sister." I tell the guests who chuckle. "I want to start out by saying that I am so happy to be standing here today. To those of us who went to school with Ron and Hermione, we all wondered if this day would ever come," a series of whoops and cheers rang out in agreement from the Hogwart's alumni tables, making me smile. "I love my dear brother very much, I love them all. All very different, which you can see by their choice in wives," I joke, and another series of chuckles erupt through the crowd. "I've learned different things from each. Bill, to be exactly who you are. Charlie, to be tough and adventurous. George to laugh away your troubles. Fred," I have to stop for a moment, as I feel myself choke up. After a long breath I continue, "To lay down your life for the things you believe in. And Ron, to stick by those you love even when it's not easy. But as much as I love my brothers, I'm not standing here for them. I stood today for Hermione. Hermione has been something to me that I have needed desperately. A sister. She has sat with me as I've toiled over stupid boys, and comforted me during some of the darkest days of our lives. She has been counted as my sister much longer than these few short hours since the ceremony. Hermione has taught me to never give up on what you want. She has taught me the importance of education and knowledge. How to study, which I have used keenly in my career as a quidditch player," More laughter rings through the crowd. "And she has taught us all that worth does not concern itself with the type of blood running through your veins. I know that she and Ron will make each other so happy, if they don't kill each other. So, if everyone would raise their glasses once more, I would like to propose another toast to Ron and Hermione. A light to us all. Cheers."
"Here, Here's" and "Cheers!" ring through the crowd as all the glasses tink against each other and the low rumble of conversation builds back up. I smile and wipe a tear from my cheek, as I look out amongst all of our family and friends.
"Oh, Ginny that was perfect," Hermione tells rising from her seat next to me, while she wipes the tears from her face. She pulls me into a big hug and I squeeze her tight. So genuinely happy for my family. Hermione was officially a Weasley.
"I meant every word of it," I tell her as we pull away from each other. And I can't help but giggle out our shared tears. We could be such girls at times.
"Oh, Ginny. I want you to be this happy." She tells me, with a huge smile on her face. At this notion my gaze wanders over her shoulder to watch Harry and Ron, chatting and joking a few seats down the table. I remember during the ceremony when I snuck a look over at Harry, to find him already watching me. It was hard breathe as we stood listening to the exchange of the vows. The expression on his face, letting me know exactly what he wanted. And I found it brought me great comfort. Wanting exactly what he did. Merlin, I wanted it.
"Well you and Ron are lucky to have found each other." I tell her with a wink, pulling my gaze away from the man down the table.
"You and Harry too. We all have to find our way back at some time or another," she answers me with a knowing smile, and I wonder if I have been as good of an actress as I thought I had.
I open my mouth to ask her what she means when Lee's voice pulls her away from me, "Now after those lovely toasts, it is time for the Bride and Groom's first dance. Please join me in welcoming Mr. and Mrs. Weasley to the dance floor!"
The crowd starts cheering and applauding and I can only give Hermione another smile, before Ron comes and takes her hand, and they head to the middle of the room.
I can't stop myself from looking down the table to Harry, who is now talking with Charlie. I let my gaze linger, watching at how perfectly Harry fits in to my family. Harry must have just said something clever, because Charlie is laughing, and I feel myself smiling.
Harry's gaze falls to mine, and he sends me a crooked grin. Charlie seems to notice Harry's diverted attention and turns to follow. I panic to see that another brother is catching onto what is happening, and I wave animatedly to cover. Charlie quirks his head in confusion but waves back. Stupid Ginny! Luckily Harry quickly picks back up their conversation and they turn away.
I blush nervously, and drop down into my seat. Quickly engaging Luna in conversation.
...
"Alright everyone, now that the lovely couple have finished their first dance, the wedding party and family of the bride and groom are invited out to the dance floor," Lee tells the crowd, through a magically projected voice. Luna and I just smile at each other, promising we'll pick up our conversation later and rise to join my brother and my new sister-in-law out on the dance floor.
"Ginny, get your butt out here!" Hermione calls to me, as I slowly shuffle my way out there. Hoping if I don't make it, no one will notice my absence. Well it hadn't worked.
Hermione sends me a wink, gives me a big hug. "If I have to dance in front of everyone, so do you!" She whispers with fake consternation, and grabs my hand pulling me out to the middle of the floor. Ron and Harry are already there chatting, as we approach them. I feel my stomach drop a little. I probably should have had something other than those glasses of champagne.
Needing a moment more to collect myself I give Ron a big hug, "Those dance lessons were worth every penny, Ron." I tell him, the music starting to play through the tent. A slow Muggle love song begins to play as the partners pair up.
"Yeah, you'd be surprised how much easier it is to dance when your partner isn't Professor McGonagall." Ron tells us, causing the four of us to share a laugh. With a few more comments about the Yule ball, Ron takes Hermione into his arms, and they begin to dance.
Well I couldn't avoid it any longer. I turn to Harry. He has a smug smirk playing at his lips. We stand a few feet away from each other, and I try to fight the smile playing at the corners at my mouth.
"Come on Gin," He says finally, taking a step toward me.
"I don't know Potter. I've taken a keen liking to my toes, and I prefer to keep them uninjured." I joke, as he rolls his eyes. His smile growing.
"Get over here," He orders me playfully. With an eyeroll back to Hermione, who is laughing at our petty argument, I step into his arms. Harry is smiling down at me, and it is almost impossible to stay wary. He is Harry afterall.
"You look beautiful." He tells me with an easy smile. "Have I told you that yet?"
I tip up my chin against his charm and reply, "Maybe once."
"Well that won't do." He tsks, his signature smirk on his tempting lips.
I suddenly realize with what ease Harry is swaying and spinning us in time with the music. With a skeptical smile, I ask, "When did you learn to dance?"
"Oh, one picks up a number of bad habits, when one travels," Harry tells me with a wink, unaffected by our sudden change in topic. I think back to our shared cigarette in front of Grimmauld Place. He certainly liked to surprise me.
With an exacerbated shake of my head and another eye roll, I admit, "Well, I like this one."
"Good." Harry affirms, a satisfied grin on his face. He twirls me around then pulls me back to his arms, and I chuckle at his new confidence on the dance floor.
"Who taught you?" I ask as we sway back and forth. A hilarious mental picture of Harry flamenco dancing in some piazza in Spain enters my head.
"You won't like the answer." Harry replies, looking down at me.
My short lived smile drops from my face as completely different images begin to form in my head. I respond with a quick, "I see."
"Gin-" Harry breathes out with a shake of his head, his arm tightening around me. And we're back to where we left things before the wedding.
"No, you don't need to hold me in place. I'm not going to leave. I can act like an adult. Besides you're probably safest here. I can't hex your bits off in front of all these guests." I admit, looking around the crowded tent.
"My bits?" Harry laughs, surprised. "I thought you liked those." He adds with another smug grin.
"I'm sure all men think that." I counter, patting his shoulder, unamused.
"Sure. Sure. Ginny," Harry, responds flatly.
We continue to dance tensely, albeit effortlessly. My mind races through all my desires and reservations, as what I want holds me in his arms. Rallying my last ounce of courage, I dive, "Look, I'm sorry about earlier, before the wedding." I tell him nervously, glancing up at his perfect face through my mascaraed eyelashes. His green eyes flash in surprise from my admission.
"No, I'm sorry Gin." He tells me shaking his head.
"I panicked this morning. I'm just...I'm just not used to you being here the next day." I whisper, this intimate conversation surprisingly more easy in front of a hundred guests.
"Well, get used to it Gin. I'm not going anywhere." Harry whispers back seriously, as he rests his cheek against my temple. I feel my throat start to constrict, and tears begin to sting my eyes as we sway slowly on the dance floor.
When I feel like I can go on without crying I continue in hushed tones, "I didn't realize what we did last night would affect me so much." I hear Harry's sharp intake of air. "Please don't feel guilty. I asked you to, I practically begged you to- You weren't too rough with me, really. You didn't hurt me anymore than is necessary to participate in that particular activity," I drop off, as my voice starts to shake.
Harry pulls back enough to look me in the eye. "Are you sure?" He asks, and now I see his eyes glassy and pained. I nod again and look away as he draws me back into his arms.
"It makes me feel really helpless Harry. Giving myself to you. Because last time I did, you took it and left." My voice breaks on the last sentence. I close my eyes tightly, willing my tears to leave.
"You're killing me, Gin," Harry grits out shaking his head slowly, and I feel a tear dampen my hair where his cheek lay.
"I feel like I'm dying a little too. This morning in the shower, after you left...I've never felt so half. I just wanted you to...I just want you to-"
"Ginny, you need to stop talking. If you finish that sentence I'm going to do something that will make it clear to everyone what we're trying to hide." Harry admits through clenched teeth. So I stop, and rest my head completely against his hard chest. My eyes closed, his hand holding mine against his heart, and we sway back and forth to the slow, sad, sweet love song hanging through the air.
...
But then the music picks up, and a snappy tune by the Weird Sisters, starts pulsing through the tent. I pull my head away from Harry's chest, and we watch each other as Lee's voice rings out, "Alright, everyone on their feet!"
The dance floor starts to fill with happy wedding guests, ready to dance.
"Potter!" cries a familiar friend who had reached our spot. We both turn, shocked to see Alex, Edie and Gabe.
"What are you three doing here?!" Harry exclaims, a huge smile erupting on his face. I immediately hug Edie, who is gushing over my bridesmaids dress.
"We couldn't miss this!" Gabe exclaims, sweeping over the party. As the music starts to really beat, we all start dancing, and catching up. Our melancholy mood completely vanished with the arrival of our traveling friends.
"Hey there Tiger, that was quite a speech!" Comes another familiar voice, and I can see Harry stiffen. Eddy's arm snakes around my waist, and I turn immediately.
"Thanks!" I smile, my eyes darting from Eddy to Harry. The men look at each other, and I can feel my pulse start to race. Harry gives a quick nod to my blonde friend, who returns the gesture. If I spoke boy, I would say that it was a peace treaty of sorts.
"Let's go find Della." I tell Eddy, loudly. Wanting to keep these two apart. Eddy smiles and agrees. I wave to Alex, Gabe and Edie, and promise that I will find them again. I give a last look to Harry who is watching me tensely. "I'll just...see you later." I tell him quietly, unsure what else to say.
I pull Eddy away, and through the dancing crowd. I smile and hug old friends and family as Eddy uses his height to scan the floor for Della.
"Do you see her?" I ask, while we dance. Our eyes scouring the room after making it across the floor.
"No." he concedes. "But I need to ask you a favor. And I think you can't refuse me." Eddy tells me with a charming smile.
"Anything Ed." I agree, with a grin.
"Do you know her?" He asks me, spinning me in his arms, then pointing out Gabrielle, Fleur's sister.
"You mean Gabrielle? The French brunette, that is so pretty it's kind of hard to look at her?" I ask, shaking my head with a smile.
"Oui." He jokes, spinning me back around to face him. I look up at Eddy, and I can see him blush.
"Eddy Westwick blushing?! Who knew this day would come. That's Fleur's younger sister by the way. You want me to introduce you don't you?" I ask with a laugh. He just nods sheepishly. "Well come on then. We better get a move on before every other bloke here asks her to dance." I tell him, taking his hand and leading him deeper into the dancing crowd. "Oh, and I should mention she's like 1/23rd Veela or something like that. So just be prepared to act like a blithering fool." I add over my shoulder.
Once we get close to her, I let go of Eddy's hand and back into Gabrielle. "Oh, I'm so sorry!" I exclaim, with a wink to Eddy.
The brunette beauty, turns around confusedly, and I just smile up at the willowy girl. "Oh Geenny! Eet ees alright! You look tres belle!" Gabrielle purrs out, and we hug.
"I'm so happy you and your family came in from France to celebrate with us!" I tell her honestly. Gabrielle was quite a bit of fun. We'd spent a lot of time together a few years ago when the entire family went to France for two weeks.
"Merci! I can never turn down a chanze to see ze Weazleys." She agrees, and we smile affectionately at each other.
"Oh how rude of me! Gab, let me introduce you to my quidditch mate, Eddy Westwick." I tell Gabrielle, grabbing Eddy's arm and hauling him next to my beautiful cousin-ish. Eddy stumbles forward, but still manages to look composed.
"Eddy Westwick? From ze Londun Larkins?" Gabrielle asks, her eyes lighting in recognition.
"Uh, yes. Seeker." Eddy mumbles out, shaking her hand.
"I sot zat was you." Gabrielle says, causing Eddy to blush again. This was quite entertaining to watch.
"You noticed me?" Eddy spluttered, a smile plastered on his handsome face.
"Oui, forgeeve me. I only started following Queeditch, after Geeny started playing. But I've seen a few matchees. You're tres bon," Gabrielle admits sweetly. Eddy's smile grows bigger, if that is even possible, and I know my work here is done.
I discretely walk away, and surprise, neither of them notice.
"Hey Red!" I hear from behind me, and I immediately turn and throw my arms around Della. "Woah girl, I've only been gone for a week!" She tells me with a laugh, hugging me back.
"Much too long! Did you get my letter?" I ask, as I let go of her.
"Of course I did. And I've read it like seven times! You and Potter finally together!" She drops down to a whisper on the last sentence, knowing that we were waiting til after the wedding to tell everyone. I just smile, avoiding answering the complicated question. "So have you two shagged yet?" she asks me frankly, taking my arm and spinning me around in time with the music.
I feel myself go scarlet. My face giving us away. "Merlin's beard! I was only teasing. Well it's about time anyway. You two were so wound up for each other." Della whispers excitedly, as we dance on.
"It's kind of complicated." I defend, as I bop along.
"Well, isn't it always with you two," She teases again. And I just roll my eyes. But of course she is right.
"Just tell me first. When was it and how was it?" Della asks me seriously. This causes me to laugh. Della always had the oddest priorities.
"Oh, Merlin. It was last night, and well, I'll just say he gets better with age." I blush, remembering just how Harry made me feel in the small hours of the morning.
"Ah!" Della squeals, and I almost cover her mouth. She calms down, and adds, " I'll say it again, you two are so frustratingly perfect for each other!" I gesture for Della to quiet down, but she waves me off. "He loves you, you know." She adds, a bit more seriously. Probably in response to the somber look on my face.
"Maybe if he wasn't so damn frustrating," I smile back, as we dance on.
"Giiiinnnnyyy!" a sweet voice calls to me. Looking around I see Teddy bounding up to me through the crowd of dancers.
"Get over here wolfman!" I call back, kneeling down with my arms open. He comes crashing into me, and I hug him tightly.
"Oi, Ted. My favorite metamorphagus!" Della adds, ruffling up his turquoise hair. I stand holding the little boy in my arms. When I suddenly realize, "Dell, Alex is here! The whole lot of 'em came back for the wedding." I tell her excitedly.
"Really? I knew I wore this dress for a reason." Della jokes, and I can tell she's already itching to go find him. I laugh and shoo her off. With a promise to come find me again, she takes off to find her man, and I stay with one of my favorite.
...
I stand at the edge of the dance floor sipping my firewhiskey, watching her. Her long red hair bouncing in time with the music as she swings Teddy around. My godson loving every minute of it. This I could handle. If Teddy would be her only dance partner tonight.
I did my best to keep myself in check when I saw her dancing with Eddy. I had to keep reminding myself that this was Ron and Hermione's wedding, and hexing their guests would probably be frowned upon. I was relieved when I noticed Eddy's gaze continually wandering over to Gabrielle Delacour.
"Like what you see there, Harry?" came a voice from my right. I startle, until I realize it's Neville.
"Good to see you Neville," I smile genuinely, shaking my old friend's hand. He comes to stand next to me, and we both look out at the dance floor.
"Ginny Weasley again, then?" He asks me, a tone of surety in his voice.
I laugh, and shake my head before answering, "Isn't it always? Godric, am I that obvious?"
"Only to the keen observer." He jokes, taking a sip of his own drink.
We stand there quietly for a moment, before he adds, "So you two haven't managed to work it out yet?"
I shoot him a pointed look, before replying with, "Well, we almost did for a few days. But then I was a complete arse, and messed it all up again." I admit, tossing back the rest of my firewhiskey. Letting the alcohol burn slowly down my throat.
"Well, just go fix it." Neville tells me as if it is as easy as those words.
"Right. It's not that simple," I tell him, doing my best to not get frustrated at my good intentioned friend.
"Harry, you defeated Voldemort at age seventeen. What can't you do?" He tells me in all seriousness. I turn towards Neville and he just shrugs. As if there was true logic in his words.
"Voldemort is nothing, compared to Ginny Weasley when she's angry." I counter, with a small chuckle.
"Ha! Fair point." Neville laughs. "I guess the best thing for you to do is just keep standing here with me then."
I am once more forced to turn and look at my old friend. When did Neville become so wise? He raises his eyebrows in challenge. I look back out at Ginny as she smiles and dips a giggling Teddy, then back to Neville. He was right. Standing here brooding was going to get me nowhere. I give him a quick nod, and hand him my empty firewhiskey glass.
"Go get her Potter." He tells me quietly. A huge smile breaks across his face, before I turn and head out onto the dance floor.
...
"Spin me!" Teddy squeals, as I pull him up into my arms on the crowded dance floor and spin us around.
"Alright wolfman, but now you have to dance with me, like a proper gentleman," I bargain, and he nods in agreement. His small finger, twirling a long strand of my red hair. I take his small hand, and hold it out, in waltz position. Teddy smiles, and his little blue brows furrow in concentration.
"You're so good at dancing!" I tell him as I sway us back and forth to the music.
Teddy smiles, and laughs replying, "I know."
"Now Teddy, when you're finally dancing with the person who makes you the most happy, you can tell them it was your Aunt Ginny who taught you how." I tell him matter-of-factly. He had no idea the favor I was doing for him.
"Okay," He agrees, even though I'm not 100% sure he understood what I told him. Glancing over his little shoulder I see Harry making his way toward us.
"Teddy, Harry is coming over. Let's surprise him, shall we?" I ask the turquoised haired boy, who nods excitedly. "Remember who I taught you how to howl like a wolf?" I ask, and I can tell the three year old and I are on the same page. "Alright, ready Teddy?" I ask, turning him around in my arms. He nods again. "One," I whisper.
"Two." He whispers to me.
"Three!" We both shout, and I toss Teddy high into the air to a startled Harry. Teddy howls loudly as he soars towards his godfather.
Without fail, Harry catches his godson with ease, and tosses him one more time into the air, catching the boy again. Teddy just squeals and laughs. Loving being in his godfather's arms.
"Nice catch," I comment, as Harry situates Teddy and his hip and walks the few feet to me.
"Thanks." Harry replies to me, before turning to his godson, "You and your Aunt Ginny are crazy people. Did you know that?" Harry asks shaking his head. Teddy just nods proudly. Harry throws a mischievous grin over to me before asking Teddy, "Do you want to show Ginny our trick?"
"Yeth!" Teddy agrees enthusiastically, as I stand there nervously apprehensively.
"And what trick is this? It better not be dangerous Potter." I warn, my hands moving to my hips.
"Oh, it's no more dangerous than you tossing him blindly into the air," Harry teases, as Teddy climbs around him. Teddy placing his small feet into Harry's right hand.
"Hey, I would have caught him, if you couldn't," I argue, my eyes widening, as Teddy starts to stand up on only Harry's hand.
"I'll always catch him," Harry tells me seriously, as he concentrates on extending his arm as Teddy balances on the end.
"I know." I agree. Harry and I meet each other's gaze an electric tension sparking through the air. But it doesn't last for long, because Harry needed to concentrate on his godson, and I am holding my breath as Teddy balances freely at the end of Harry's outstretched arm.
"Ah! Teddy you're making me nervous!" I cringe, taking a step closer to the three year old. Teddy has his little arms outstretched, concentrating hard.
"You ready Ted?" Asks Harry to his godson. Teddy nods, and smiles at me, before leaping off of Harry's hand and howling once again through the air, but towards me this time.
"Agh!" I cry, reaching out my arms to catch the little boy. He falls heavily into my arms, his small hands clutching me tightly. Harry rushes to make sure that I've got him. He grabs Teddy and hoists him up in my arms.
"You boys are such trouble!" I scold, as my heart rate starts to slow. But I can't stay mad for long, because Teddy and Harry are looking at me with identical lopsided grins. I shake my head in amused frustration.
"Mind if I get a picture of you three?" asks the wedding photographer, who comes out of nowhere.
I blink up to Harry, who pulls me to him and answers, "Of course."
I want to protest, but Teddy and Harry flash me their most charming smiles, "Oh fine!" I give, pointing to where Teddy should look and smile. We stand there on the crowded dance floor. Teddy snugly in my arms, Harry's arm wrapped around my waist.
"Smile everyone!" The photographer prompts. We all smile, and I can feel my eyes glimmer with tears. This is what I want. Harry squeezes my closer to him, as the camera flashes.
"Beautiful family sir," The photographer tells us nicely, before moving on to document more of the night. We both stiffen at the man's words. Harry keeps a hold on my arm, as Teddy leans his head down on my shoulder.
"Come talk to me." Harry pleads, his voice low and husky. I look up into his piercing green eyes, and there is no denying him. I nod, as I rock Teddy back and forth. "Yeah? Good. Meet me out in the garden, by the bench. Ten minutes?" He asks me, looking around the room.
"Okay, let me just hand this little guy off." I agree, looking around for my Mum.
"Ten minutes?" He asks me again, his hand running through his dark hair.
"Ten minutes," I affirm, and before I let myself care if anyone is watching, I push up on my tip toes and kiss Harry's cheek.
We go opposite directions after that. Once Teddy is sitting contently on Mum's lap, I slip out of the back of the tent and into the night.
...
I sat there on the cold garden bench, waiting. She would come. She said she would. I take off my glasses, and scrub a hand over my face. After last night, we couldn't just walk away from this. She wouldn't just walk away... My hand scrapes across the stubble of my chin. The night is cold, but I can barely feel the chill. My blood pulsing through my body. The music from the reception wafting out into the night on the gentle breeze.
"Harry?" I feel my entire body relax. She came. Rising immediately I turn to see Ginny. Her body cast in shadow against the lights of the bright tent.
"Hey, come here." I tell her, picking up my cloak from the bench. I move over to her, finally seeing her face. She looks nervous. I probably look the same. I busy myself with wrapping my cloak around her shoulders.
"It's really cold," she tells me, her teeth already chattering. I hadn't really thought about that. Grabbing my wand I usher her over behind a tree, making sure we are out of view from the tent. I cast a few warming charms, and rub her arms till I feel the charms take effect.
"Are you warming up?" I ask, looking down into her endless brown eyes. Her lips are just inches from mine. I feel my testosterone kick up, realizing that this is the first time we've been alone in hours. Godric, I want to kiss her. She nods, and I forget that it's probably in answer to my question. Her her eyes flick down to my mouth, and I swallow thickly. I need her. "I've been wanting to do this ever since I saw you in that dress," I breathe out, dipping my head and taking her mouth. My hands that were warming her arms, grip her. Pulling her closer.
Her lips are soft, and she tastes like champagne. A hum of satisfaction escapes my lips. I just want her to be mine. I sweep my tongue across her lips and she gasps, opening her mouth. I feel her pull back away from me ever so slightly. I fight the distance by stepping closer to her, and she is backed up against the tree. My tongue coaxing and lavishing her's. Suddenly I feel her hands move to my chest. My lips slide and angle her closer. Her hands now cupping my face, holding me against her. That's what I wanted. I want to know that she felt this carnal need too. I push myself harder against her, my need growing. This causes her to break away from me.
Shit, I shouldn't have kissed her. Shame settles in my stomach as I rest my forehead against her shoulder. Praying she would not push me away.
"Harry," Ginny gasps out breathily. And I certainly should not like the way my name sounded from her lips. "I came out here to talk to you," she reprimands, but her tone thankfully is not too harsh.
"I know. I'm sorry. You just feel so far away. I won't do that again." I promise, pushing off of her. Leaving one arm over her shoulder, bracing myself against the tree.
"It's just that last night was a lot." She explains breathily, running a hand over her mouth.
"I know." I agree, shutting my eyes to concentrate on settling down.
"I need you to tell me about Kat," she tells me firmly.
My eyes fly open at this request. "Ginny?" I ask warily, running a hand through my hair. Why was she asking me to do this?
"That's the only way. Explain it all." She tells me earnestly. I look down at her. Ginny's brown eyes are brave and determined. Well, if this is what it will take...
"Right. Okay. Kat was someone I met at a very hard time, when I thought that it didn't matter what I did. We met about eight months ago. Do you remember any important life event of yours that occurred about eight months ago?" I ask her, wondering if she can put the pieces together.
With a quick nod, Ginny answers, "Eddy and I started..."
"Yeah," I affirm, not needing her to finish that dreadful sentence. "Well when I saw you hand in hand with him on the front of the Daily Prophet, it was... Well, I don't know if I can describe it. You were moving on, after what we had shared." Ginny opens her mouth to protest, but I continue, "I know that seems unfair, but it's how I felt." I pause again, the pain of that memory making it hard to breathe.
After a few deep breaths I go on, "But the hardest thing...the hardest thing was seeing how happy you were. I hadn't seen you smile like that in a long time. And yes, I kept up with you. Magazines, newspapers, the teli, what have you. I know the difference Gin, because I know you. It just didn't seem fair to expect you to wait for me, when I was in no state to be with you. But that doesn't mean that it didn't hurt like hell. I knew deep down you moving on was for the best. You deserved someone far better than I. So I tried to also. I thought if I could distract myself, I wouldn't come back here and do exactly what I'm doing now. I could let you go." I look down at Ginny, who is slowly processing this information.
Ginny just needed to understand. I continue, "Kat was a nice girl I met in a pub. She made me laugh, and taught me how to dance. But in the end, I couldn't lie to myself. After a few weeks of seeing her I knew that I would never get over you, which I proved by calling her Ginny once." I admit, but she doesn't seem shocked by this. Kat must have informed her. "But Ginny, she's just a girl from my past." I finish, praying that she believed me.
I stand there waiting for her reaction. Every muscle in my body tense. Ginny looks down at the ground for a while, and I hate that I can't see her face. Can't see how she's feeling. When she finally looks up, tears are brimming her eyes.
"I'm just a girl from your past too, Harry." she tells me, avoiding my eyes.
And I can't stand still to those false words. I grab her again, one hand on her arm, the other cupping her cheek, making her look at me. "Godric, you really can't tell? Everyone else can. You are not just some girl. You're Ginny Weasley. You haunt my dreams. You fucking pulse through my veins. It's your face I see when I stand toe to toe with death." I tell her desperately. She had to understand how much she meant to me.
"Merlin, Harry," she breathes out shakily, breaking our intense gaze. She seems a bit lightheaded, and I feel her go a bit slack. I wrap my arm around her, supporting her slight frame. "Why does this have to be so complicated?" Ginny asks, shaking her head.
Suddenly there is an upsurge of sound from the reception. I look over to see that people are pouring out of the tent. Ron and Hermione leading the crowd. Damn, they were leaving. Ginny and I definitely needed to be there to see them off. Everyone would notice the absence of the Best Man and the Maid of Honor. Namely the Bride and Groom.
"It's doesn't." I tell her hastily, knowing we only have a few moments to spare. "Damn it Ginny, I'm not going to sleep another night without you in my bed. Just be with me. I love you. And...do you love me?" I ask her, a bit panicked. She'd never said if she did. I search her face, and I see the war happening behind her eyes. The crowd of people grow louder.
"Don't be daft, of course I love you! I'll always love you, you sod!" She almost yells, shoving me hard in chest. She's crying now, with her arms crossed angrily across her chest, but I don't care at all. I am fucking floating ten feet off the ground.
"Thank Merlin." I exhale, my head collapsing into my hands. I rake them down my face and look at her once more. Ginny is just shaking her head at me, as I grin wildly back at her. "You love me." I repeat incredulously.
"Yeah, so?" she argues, looking off into the night, annoyed. That's my girl. Fighting till the end. She wipes her cheeks with the back of her hand.
"You're going to marry me." I tell her, taking a step closer.
"Yeah, so?" Ginny repeats feigning annoyance once again, but I can see she's fighting a smile. I kiss her forehead, and she pushes me off of her. I stand there inches from her, happier than I'd ever been.
"Alright, well we need to go see Ron and Hermione off. So I'm going to head over there now. Come when you're ready. But you're coming home with me tonight." I tell her seriously, and I know I'm driving her crazy. But there was not a chance I was going to let her out of my sight for longer than ten minutes tonight. I back away, smiling at her all the while. And finally she smiles back.
...
Author's Note: Well... As always tell me what you think. :) Also, this isn't the last chapter. In case anyone was wondering.
Shameless plug: I'm writing another story called Slow Spinning Redemption. Feel free to read if you feel so inclined. I've set it in the same universe as this one, but some readers don't like that. So pretend its not if you'd rather. (The characterization of Ginny and Harry will just be very similar).
Challenge!: So, I love stories with this similar theme (Harry gone for a while, comes back for Ginny, typically for Ron and Hermione's wedding, but not necessary). I personally feel like there are too few out there. So I challenge you all to write one yourself. That's why I wrote this one. I wanted to try my hand at telling things my way, and it's gone pretty well. If you take my challenge. I promise to comment on every chapter you write. With praise, thoughts and critique. Just PM me and tell me the name. You can tell me anything about it if you like. :)
- Happy Christmas, Ellie Higginbottom