Here is the first of a 2 chapter update tonight. Hope you enjoy!
Chapter 21
"Ginny, I swear the sand was white and felt like baby powder, and the water was so blue it was unreal!"
Ginny looked across her kitchen table at her friend and was very glad to see how healthy she looked. She had a gorgeous tan and the sparkle was back in her eyes
"It sounds amazing. So while you were there did you settle on an actual wedding date?"
"April 20th"
"Really," Ginny asked "Any special reason why that day?"
"It was my parents wedding anniversary. I thought since they can't be there, it was the perfect way to honor their memory" Hermione smiled
"Awesome. I had a thought while you were gone, and sent an owl just to see if it was possible. How would you feel about getting married at Hogwarts?"
"Ginny, I don't know why I didn't think of that. It would be perfect. And we could get married inside and still be under the stars in the great hall. Can you imagine how beautiful that would be?" Hermione asked in awe
"I can. It just so happens that the week of the 20th is easter break for the students. I asked McGonagall if she thought it would be okay and she said "For Hermione? I'll make it okay." We just have to go to the school and see her to set everything up, but I think it will be great." Ginny beamed at her
"I'll talk to Draco tonight and make sure he's okay with it. I think it'll be perfect. I wanted magical, and I don't think you can get more magical than that"
Later that week Hermione, Ginny, And Draco were walking through Hogsmeade on their way for their meeting with McGonagall. It was a beautiful evening and they enjoyed the scenic walk through town. They were smiling when McGonagall met them at the gates. "Hello professor" Hermione smiled at her former head of house. "Hermione, call me Minerva. I'm not your professor any longer." She pulled her into a hug. "Draco Malfoy" She said to him sharply. Draco looked at her warily then relaxed when she smiled "Congratulations. It does my heart well to see you so happy. You have done well for yourself. I know your mother would be proud"
"Thank you Minerva, that means a lot to me." Draco replied around the lump in his throat. "Thank you for letting us have the wedding here. This castle was such a huge part of our lives, and I didn't have the best history here. Hopefully this will give me a chance to make that right. Would it be alright if I take a look around while you talk to the girls?"
"Of course, take your time. I'm sure we'll be able to find you when we get done."
"Thank you Minerva" Draco gave her a hug then disappeared behind a tapestry to who knows where.
"Now ladies, let's go to my office and discuss what we'll be doing"
Ginny and Hermione were seated in the Headmistresses office telling her about all their plans. Hermione had decided to get married in the Great hall. When she pictured it in her mind she was reminded slightly of the Yule Ball in her 4th year.
"For the reception I imagine having tables that seat maybe 10 people around the room with white tablecloths. We'll put shimmering silver and gold scarves on them. The plates will be the opposite of the scarves. Silver on Gold or Gold on silver. We'll serve dinner of course. Should I hire caterers or do you think the house elves would prefer to do it. I'll pay them of course"
"I bet the house elves would have a fit if you brought in caterers. Just let us know in an owl sometime over the next couple of weeks what you'd like to serve and we'll make it happen." Minerva conjured a piece of parchment and quill "Have you given any thought to the ceremony?"
"Other than the bridal party, no. Arthur is walking me down the aisle. Ginny is my maid of honor, and Fleur and Luna are my bridesmaids. I'm having Jamie as ring bearer and Victorie as my flower girl. For Draco he chose Harry as his Best Man, and Blaise and Ron as Groomsmen"
"What about flowers, and your vows?"
"Flowers, I know I want Lilies, but I haven't really decided all that yet. Draco and I decided to write our own vows then do the bonding ceremony."
"Good. I'm planning to use the two closest classrooms to the great hall for you both to have to get ready in. I can transfigure them however you need." Minerva smiled at her "As your wedding gift from all of us here, we will plan your ceremony. It can be a surprise to you, and I promise it will be beautiful. If you have anything you know you want, just let me know and I'll have it incorporated."
"Minerva!" Hermione was shocked. "That is so generous of you. I know it will be amazing and I trust you completely."
"Good. Well if there isn't anything else, why don't you go find that dashing fiancé of yours. I'm sure you have better things to do than hang out here. Stop by anytime you like." Minerva said hugging her favorite student. "I'm glad you're so happy"
"Thank you"
Hermione walked around the castle looking for Draco. She had checked the grounds and the quidditch pitch, but just couldn't figure out where else he'd be. She stopped in the entrance hall and heard a couple of students talking "I have an essay to write for astronomy tonight…"
Hermione knew immediately where he was.