this chapter has been edited
Chapter 25—Wedding Plans and the Reading of Will's
Harry and Ron began a game of chess, the twins and Neville decided to play exploding snap, Lupin began to read a book, and all of the girls, Aunt Petunia included, decided to work on wedding plans for the two upcoming weddings. The boys offered to help, but Ginny had replied that they were just piling ideas, that it would bore them, and that if they really wanted to help, she and Hermione would include them on the final decision.
Soon they had decided on many things for Ginny and Harry. They were getting married first and they had started making decisions on: invitation possibilities, chairs, set-up of the back yard and Ginny's favorite, the cake. The girls were going to go out in a few days to find bridesmaid's dresses and work on the final plans for Ginny's wedding and go wedding dress shopping for Hermione. Ginny and Harry's wedding was in the middle of June, giving them only two months to prepare. Hermione and Ron were getting married four weeks after Harry and Ginny. This gave Ginny and Harry two weeks to go on a honeymoon, one week to be settled, and one week for Ginny to help Hermione with the last minute wedding plans.
After beginning the discussion of weddings, Hermione and Mrs. Granger were surprised to hear that the ministry would be paying for both weddings, since Harry and Hermione were marrying the children of the Minister. Molly explained that there were certain things that were required to happen, if one was marrying the child of the Minister. Some of the things were expensive, causing the ministry to feel like they should financially back the affair. Hermione learned that Arthur would be required to invite almost the entire ministry as well as prominent business people in the wizarding world and foreign ministers. She did not mind as long as those she loved were there and she would be able to see them. Her one vow was not to spend her whole reception talking with people she did not know. She planned to have fun with her friends and family.
Ginny had narrowed the list down for invitations. She really only liked one invitation so she decided that Harry could help by picking the type of script used. The invitation had cream parchment with silver writing and two interlocking rings on the top of the page. On the front Ginny had decided on a design that used both of the family crests embossed. Finally, Ginny decided on the wording that she liked best. She picked lilies to be the main flower at the wedding, knowing that Harry would be truly touched by the reference to his mother. Ginny's bouquet would be large and have cascading mini calla lilies that were a beautiful combination of peach and cream. They had blends of pale yellow, cream, and dusty antique pink and were quite romantic. The bridesmaids would have cascading bouquets as well and would comprise of ivory calla lilies. Each man would wear a single ivory calla lily on his robes. The girls also picked out a style of cake, though Ginny and Harry had yet to pick the flavors that they wanted. For bridesmaid's dresses, Ginny knew she wanted them to wear a light peach color, she just needed to go out shopping for a style. As the Minister of Magic, Arthur was required to invite a great deal of people to the wedding so as the guest list grew so did things like the size of the cake and the menu.
By the time Ginny had finished going over plans for her wedding they realized that they had not spent much time on Hermione's wedding. Since Ron did not already own the robes that he would be wearing, as Harry did, Hermione had a much larger color scheme to pick from. Hermione's favorite flower since she had been a little girl was the rose. To her, roses were a wonderful symbol of love. Like Ginny, Hermione was drawn to carrying flowers with a vibrant color. Both girls agreed that it was somewhat silly to where white and carry white flowers. Many brides did it and the idea of something of color was very appealing to the two witches. Therefore, Hermione picked to carry a large cascading bouquet of orange, red, and yellow roses. They reminded Hermione of fire and the three colors looked so beautiful together.
Hermione was not sure what to have her bridesmaids carry for flowers so she put that off for now. Hermione also picked an invitation however instead of silver writing on the cream parchment; she decided to go with red writing. Hermione also left her choice of script up to her husband to be. For bridesmaid's dresses, Hermione decided on cream-colored dresses, since Ginny's hair did not make it easy on her. Like Ginny, Hermione needed to go out and pick a style for the dresses as well as get her own dress. After finishing the wedding plans for the day, Neville had to go to Gringott's and Luna decided to join him. Since some of the others would be needed there as well, everyone just decided to sit around and chat for the time being.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Minerva McGonagall had just finished attending the will for Filius Flitwick. He had been a single man and did not have much, however, what he did have, had been left to Hogwarts with the intention of expanding and updating the charms books that were in the library. Entering the office at Gringott's for Pomona Sprout's will, Minerva saw that Neville Longbottom was the only other person present. Truly, Hogwarts staff tended to be single and mostly alone. Minerva had made a vow to try to change that now that she would be hiring many people. The staff should have spouses and families, maybe Hogwarts could be expanded, and the families could live there. She did not know the solution, but the professors who died had no one except the other professors and students. Personally, Minerva thought that it was rather depressing for them all to be so alone. As Minerva sat, the Goblin present verified who she and Neville were and then began.
"I, Pomona Sprout, do hereby leave my last will and testament to the magical world. I have decided to leave all of my books and plants to Mr. Neville Longbottom. Neville, your aptitude in Herbology is outstanding and I surely hope that Herbology remains your life's work. Please enjoy my collection of books and interesting plants. I know that they will be in good care with you. I do not have a great dealt of rare plants, but some are still quite interesting.
To Minerva McGonagall, or the current headmaster/mistress if Hogwarts school, I leave my remaining possessions, and money, in hopes that the Herbology classes and plants may be expanded upon and grow with the school as they are meant to. I also recommend Neville Longbottom as a suitable replacement Herbology Professor. Though the decision does not reside in me, I must say that I have every confidence in him, his knowledge, and his teaching ability. Mr. Longbottom is the best student I have had in a while and even scored higher then Miss Granger in my class. This is my last will and testament to the magical world."
Neville looked at Professor McGonagall and all he could think about was Professor Sprout's words of encouragement in possibly becoming the next Herbology professor. Neville did not really think that he had what it took, but vowed that he would do his best if McGonagall ever offered him a job.
"Neville, I would like to meet with you, Luna, and the others to discuss you all taking your N.E.W.T.S. sooner rather then later. Tomorrow is Friday and the huge get-together at the Ministry. Could you and Luna possibly make it to Hogwarts on Monday around 11:30 for a discussion?"
"Of course Professor McGonagall. Out of curiosity, why do you want to rush it all?" Neville questioned.
"Neville, just as Professor Sprout said, you have been our most gifted Herbology student in quite some time. The sooner you pass your N.E.W.T.S., the sooner I can offer you a teaching position. The same goes for some of the other students as well in their best subjects. However, I do ask that, for now, you keep the teaching possibilities to yourself. They will all know about it soon enough."
"Of course Professor, and thank you." With that, Neville exited the office with a large trunk of books from Professor Sprout.
"Oh and Mr. Longbottom, your plants are at Hogwarts. They may remain there if you wish for them to do so. Please do not forget about our meeting." Neville nodded at Professor McGonagall as he and Luna disapparated to Godric's Hollow. Harry had invited them to live with him. Neville and Luna were very excited about being in a house full of friends.
Minerva waited in the lobby of Gringott's until she saw Harry and Hermione walk in. They were attending Severus' will and Minerva had yet to figure out for what Hermione was needed. She and Severus had never been close, and then again, Harry and Severus had never been close either.
"Professor," Hermione called as they reached her. "Professor, do you know why I am here?"
"I am afraid not, Miss Granger, but come along, we will find out soon enough," Minerva replied, leading the two others into the room for the reading.
"Mr. Potter," spoke Harpond, as they entered, "it is fine to see you again."
"Thank you Harpond, I am glad to see that you are doing well."
"Well if we could all take a seat we will be reading the will of Severus Tobias Snape, and the will is being read to Minerva McGonagall, Harry James Potter, and Hermione Jane Granger. Is that correct?" After three nods, Harpond opened the will and began to read.
"I, Severus Tobias Snape, do hereby leave my last will and testament to the magical world. To Miss Hermione Granger, I leave my most prized possessions." Hermione raised an eyebrow and looked at Harry who looked at her the same way.
"I leave to Miss Granger all of my personal potions equipment, books, and ingredients as well as notes and research done by myself and Lily Evans Potter." At this, Harry sat straight up in his chair.
"Lily and I spent a great deal of time trying to find a cure for lycanthropy. I wanted the fame and prestige in developing a cure as well as the opportunity to work with such a brilliant witch. Lily worked on it out of love as you already know who she was trying to help. Upon her death, I continued to work and research and I am fairly sure that I am close to the cure. Miss Granger, your dedication to your own research is exemplary and I feel that you are the best person to continue the cause. All of the research has been clearly explained and referenced. I wish you luck, and want you to know that the name of the potion is Lily's Eyes."
Harry, Hermione, and Minerva all had slightly dumbstruck looks on their faces as Harpond handed Hermione twenty shrunken trunks with her new belongings in them. "To Harry Potter and Minerva McGonagall I have decided to leave the rest of my possessions. I do not have much, however you both had a great deal of faith in me, for which I thank you. I recommend that you sell my home at Spinners End and pocket the money from the sale, you both already have homes, and it is not that nice anyway."
"Before my death, Minerva asked me to share the story of my childhood with you, Harry. I did not do so, feeling that this would be a more appropriate time to do so. All I ask is that you keep my secrets. Harry, when I saw the reaction of your uncle, upon arriving at your home I was stunned. My impression of the Golden Boy went right out the window. I always believed that you were coddled by your family and friends as many famous people are. When I found out the true horrors of your past, I was so upset with myself for not recognizing it, and for possibly making it worse over the years. My story is unfortunately similar to yours except that it was my own parents who were horrible to me, instead of relatives. I have many scars on my skin, but many more on my heart and only a few of the visible scars actually came from being a death eater."
"I am telling you this because I am worried that you Harry, will grow up to be snarky and sadistic the way that I am. You have people who love you, just as I did, though I didn't know it. Please do not let this war harden you. You deserve a good life just like the rest of us. This is my last will and testament to the magical world."
Harry and Minerva agreed that selling Spinners End was the best course of action. They were going to need to go through Severus' possessions; however, it sounded like most of his possessions went to Hermione. Minerva spoke to them both about coming to see her on Monday and bringing Ron and Ginny as well. Harry offered to have Minerva over to go through Snape's remaining possessions with her. Minerva and Hermione hung around until Tonks and Lupin showed up for Narcissa and Draco's will. After hearing this will, Harry would get to go home, and the other two would be staying for Moody's will.
"Harry, I am sure you are wondering why you are here," Tonks said with a smile.
"Absolutely, however I am wondering why you are here as well. At least you are family to Narcissa."
"Oh, Harry; Sirius and I were cut off from the Blacks a long time ago, though it does seem to be the only logical thing also." The trio entered an office and noticed that there was one other person present for the will.
"If everyone is here I will get started. This is the reading of the Will for Narcissa Black Malfoy and Draco Malfoy. Present for the reading of this Will and Testament should be Harry James Potter, Nymphadora Tonks Lupin, the head of the Auror office and the Director of Saint Mungo's. Are you sir the director of the Auror office?" the goblin inquired looking at Remus.
"No, I am Mrs. Lupin's Husband. She is the director of the Auror office."
"And you sir are the Director of Saint Mungo's?" the goblin questioned looking at the other man.
"Yes, I am Gregory Chesterfield."
"Okay, then we will begin…we, Narcissa Black Malfoy and Draco Lucius Abraxas Malfoy do hereby leave our last will and testament. We have made this will while in hiding, and know that as soon as we leave hiding, we will die. In preparation for our impending death, we have made some changes to the Malfoy family fortune. Lucius Malfoy may still be alive, however he now owns nothing. When Lucius was sent to Azkaban, we began transferring our gold into private accounts that only we could access. The Malfoy family vault currently has one knut left in it." Harry and Tonks looked at each other and Harry raised an eyebrow. He might be able to take great pleasure in telling Lucius that he had one knut to his name.
"To Nymphadora Tonks we leave the contents of out vault number 7526. This vault contains all of our money, jewels, and heirlooms. Dora, you may do as you wish with it, and we would not be surprised if you just sold the stuff and was left with money. We are sure you have no use for Malfoy heirlooms and may not even want Black family heirlooms however; there is a box you may like that has a couple pictures of your mum." The word shock did not begin to describe the faces of Tonks, Remus and Harry as they looked at each other in disbelief. The goblin handed Tonks a piece of paper with the actual amount of gold written down and her eyes went as large as dinner plates.
"To Harry Potter, we leave a letter. It is not much, however we knew that you did not need any wealth and the letter contains a formal apology from us to you. Thank you, for working hard to defeat the evil in this world and thank you, for getting Lucius behind bars. Home was much more comfortable once he was gone." Well, now Harry knew why he was here. As the goblin handed Harry his letter he smiled. Harry felt that it was a great way to do things. They had been right; he did not need the money, whereas Remus and Tonks did. A letter of apology from Draco Malfoy was really the best things Harry could have gotten out of the whole deal. It meant more to Harry then the gold did anyway.
"To the Head of the Auror office, whoever that is, we leave the contents of vault number 3245. The contents of the vault, is all of the dark and dangerous things that Lucius Malfoy had hidden in Malfoy manor. Many of the objects should be destroyed and caution should be taken when trying to do so. The home was raided several times but Lucius is a master at deception and disguise. Thank you for removing these items from evils hands.
To the Director of Saint Mungo's we leave the largest thing we have, our home. The known wards have all been disabled by a qualified curse breaker; however, you may feel more comfortable having an additional person check just to be sure. We are sure that Dora would kindly use some of her inheritance to pay for a service if needed. We have heard that Bill Weasley is a very good curse breaker, though he is not who we used. We feel that our home can be a very valuable satellite building for Saint Mungo's. There are many people who live in the long-term wards at Saint Mungo's and we felt that you might be able to use the house to fit long-term residents. Again, it is your discretion as to how you use the home and grounds. You may sell it if you wish, however it is a very large building and could house many people. If you choose to keep it and use it, we are asking that you name the facility after Albus Dumbledore who always could see the good in people and always gave people a second chance. This is our last will and testament to the magical world." Tonks was handed the keys to the two vaults and the director of Saint Mungo's was given the paperwork regarding the home and property that the hospital now owned. Harry hugged his friends goodbye as they made their way to here Moody's will and he apparated home.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
It was almost dinnertime by the time everyone going back to Godric's Hollow had arrived and had shared what happened during the wills, which with they were involved. Fred and George decided to eat in their room at Godric's Hollow and not socialize. Apparently hearing Lee's will was very hard on them. Lee had been their best friend, employee, and flat-mate. He being gone was really putting them down in the dumps. Ginny told Harry that even though Lee did not have much, he had left all of his possessions and money to the twins. Lee had said that he wanted them to use his money to go towards opening a store in Hogsmeade.
Harry had not returned to Hogsmeade yet, however he had heard from Professor McGonagall that the town was in bad shape. Their protection spells had helped minimize damage, but they did not stop it from happening. Many buildings had scorch marks on them and a couple homes had been burned to the ground. Harry was just thankful that they had removed all of the people who lived there before the attack occurred. No one wants to replace homes and possessions, but they can be replaced, lives cannot.
The Dursleys were going home, for which Harry was thankful. They were not in any true danger anymore and this way Dudley could get back to school and Vernon could go back to work. When Vernon was not paying attention, Harry and Petunia were able to slip away for a small goodbye.
"Now dear, I told Ginny to keep owling me with wedding plans and updates of how you are doing. She said that you could tell Hedwig only to come into the house when Vernon is not there. I agreed, he isn't going to like it if he finds out that we are conversing, but I don't care what he says," Petunia added when Harry began to look sorry. "Now, it is time for us to go. It was wonderful staying with you. I am just sorry that the circumstances were not better; however, I am quite proud of you for doing what you did. Your mum and dad would be so proud of you. Please thank Dobby and Winky for me. I know bringing us our meals all the time is not easy. Vernon would not let Dudley leave the room very much, even after Dudley became curious as to your way of life. Also, thank them for helping Dudley finally trim down his weight. They did something magical to his food, because he looks like he lost about a hundred pounds while we were staying here. He looks so much more distinguished now." Harry realized that Aunt Petunia was right, Dudley had last a lot of weight, and while distinguished still wasn't a word that Harry would have used to describe him, he did have to admit that he looked a bit better.
"I will tell them. Maybe I can find out what they did to the food and pass it on to you. If you need anything at all just call Fawkes. He will flame right to you." Harry gave Petunia a quick hug as Vernon and Dudley walked down the stairs.
"Alright boy, your silly war is over, now TAKE ME HOME!"
"Yes Uncle Vernon," Harry said through clenched teeth. Ron gave Hermione a quick kiss since she was taking her parents home and disapparated with Vernon, Ginny followed with Aunt Petunia and Harry went last with Dudley. They had decided that it was best to apparate to Kings Cross, and have the Dursleys catch a cab home. This way the neighborhood would see them arriving home from their extended holiday. After seeing them safely in a cab, the three went home for a relaxing evening before a crazy day tomorrow.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
please review!