Chapter 28
"Say Nothing at All"
It was two o'clock on Monday, the 10th of September 1999 and 12 Grimmauld Place was buzzing with activity. People were rushing around putting final touches on everything for a wedding that began in an hour. To make it worst guest were already arriving. Neville was supposed to be an usher for the wedding but somehow managed to get stuck letting in the guest, making sure they signed the guest book, and tending to the gifts as well. Ginny was in the master bedroom getting ready with the assistance of her Maid of honor Luna and her bridesmaid Demelza Robins. Mrs. Weasley was rushing around making sure all the food was ready to go while Mr. Weasley, Charlie, and George set up the backyard. Harry was in one of the guest rooms with Ron, Hermione, and Hagrid all three of them were using Monsieur Slick Hair Potion to try and get Harry's hair to stay down, around the tenth bottle it started to cooperate and had a nice sophisticated shine.
"I think that's as good as it's going to get," said Hermione stepping back and observing Harry's hair. She had on a royal blue dress it had a v-neck and showed just enough cleavage. It was form fitting and showed all of her curves and ended just above the knee. Her hair was straight and then curled and there was no frizz in sight. More than once Harry and to hit Ron to stop him from staring at her inappropriately
"It's perfect," said Harry examining himself in the mirror. All the men in the wedding party were wearing Black dress robes with royal blue ties and white rose boutonnière's that included Harry, Ron, Mr. Weasley, Bill, Neville, and Teddy. Hermione being one of Harry's best people was also wearing a rose boutonnière as opposed to carrying a bouquet.
"I can't believe you're getting married," Hagrid dropped a tear and pulled out his spotted handkerchief, from the pocket of his fur suit "if only your parents were here to see this day."
"There, there," Ron patted him comfortingly on the back, "Harry if you want to turn back now's the time to do it before the guests arrive. I know Ginny's my sister but that won't make her any less of a ball and chain."
Hermione threw an empty bottle of hair potion at him, as there was a knock on the door "Thanks Ron but I'm ready and I have absolutely no doubts in my mind about marrying Ginny," he said while going over to open the door.
It was Neville, "I just wanted to let you know that most of the guests are here including the… Dursley's," he said not knowing what Harry's reaction would be.
"Thank you Neville, I'll be right down," He nodded and closed the door behind him.
"I can't believe those disgrace for muggles decided to show their faces," Said Hagrid standing and fixing his fur suit and preparing to go down stairs and join the other guest.
"It's fine Hagrid since I invited them."
"Really? Well if it's what you want Harry," he said shaking his head at the thought of the Dursley's and leaving the room.
"How did those muggles find this place," asked Ron.
"I pre-invited them in," replied Harry putting on his jacket.
"This is it," Said Hermione happily, she hugged Harry. "Harry I'm sure you will be a great husband to Ginny. Your one of the greatest people I know and she's lucky to have you." She beamed as she pinned on his boutonnière.
"I think I'm the luckily one."
"Damn right," Ron said punching him in the arm, "remember what I said, hurt my sister and I'll hex you."
"I would never do anything to hurt Ginny especially since you, George, Charlie, Bill, and surprisingly Percy have all threatened me," he adjusted his collar and swallowed hard at being beat up by all the Weasley men.
"Harry you don't have to worry about that, if anything you should be scared of what Ginny would do to you," Hermione laughed.
Harry looked frighten, Ginny was not the type of witch to mess with, "let's go downstairs before I change my mind."
They laughed as they went down stairs, people were standing in the hall talking and some people were sitting in the living room. Teddy was chasing around Victoire who could only crawl. Dean, Dennis Creevey, and Dudley were having a heated discussion about football. Seamus was trying to convince Hannah to get the Daily Prophet to let him plan their next event. Xenophilius and Aunt Muriel were arguing over something as usual. McGonagall and Andromeda were chatting in the corner with Petunia trying to make her feel comfortable but McGonagall's witch's hat wasn't helping.
The doors that connected the living room and the drawing room were open and all the furniture in the drawing room was gone and would later be used for dancing. Kreacher was wearing a bow tie and walking around with a floating tray of champagne. Harry went off and began to greet guest, first to Angelina and Katie who were chatting nearby, the doorbell rang and Neville answered the door.
It was Draco and Goyle, Hermione was coming up the hall and Draco was getting ready to sign the Guest book but stopped at the sight of Hermione. He thought she looked stunning and had no idea how he was going to get through this day. He snapped back to reality when Goyle nudged him with the gift he was holding…
"Sorry," he quickly scribbled his name and began to walk towards Hermione. "Hello Granger," she smiled, "you look ravishing" he whispered in her ear and kept walking towards the champagne.
Hermione tried hard not to blush but she could feel her cheeks turning redder by the second, "who made you blush?" Asked Padma sneaking up behind Hermione and making her jump
"You scared me and I'm not blushing"
Padma laughed, "Whatever you say, redhead at twelve o'clock," she warned as she walked away.
Hermione turned around, "Ron, just the guy I was looking for," Ron smiled, "we need to tell the guest to go out into the backyard and can you let Neville know to do the same."
She rushed off politely telling people to proceed to the backyard leaving Ron wishing she wanted to speak with him for a different reason but he reluctantly went off to do the same.
Harry noticed Hermione, Ron, and Neville asking guest to start heading to the backyard he looked at his watch to see what time it was, 2:45 and in fifteen minutes Ginny would reveal herself. He was so excited, she would finally be all his and he missed seeing her. He hadn't seen her since breakfast… well brunch after the two spent all morning in bed. They were disturbed when Mrs. Weasley began banging on the front door forcing them from their peace. He had already spoken to all the guest except for the Dursley's who were standing in the corner of the living room.
"Where's Uncle Vernon," asked Harry walking over to them.
"He's a little tied up," chuckled Dudley.
"What?" Harry raised an eyebrow.
"I know were still not on the best of terms but I thought that coming here today to support you would be great way to start a better relationship but," Petunia sighed, "Vernon thought otherwise and I may have had to tie him to a chair to escape from the house."
"Really? That's brilliant!" Harry laughed
"It was absolutely hilarious, you should have been there, Mum basically body slammed him into the chair," laughed Dudley.
"Harry?" Harry turned around Hermione had stuck her head in the room. "It's time" she smiled and left.
"Oh my," Petunia pulled a handkerchief out of her purse as tears began to fill her eyes, "I really do wish Lily was here to see this."
Harry lowered his head, "me too…" he led the way out into the backyard and personally showed the Dursley's to their seats and went to join Ron and Hermione at the altar. He was almost there when Mr. Weasley stepped in front of him.
"Harry I'm sure my son's have already filled you in on the plan," asked Mr. Weasley eyeing Harry seriously.
Harry looked at him questioningly, "you mean hurt Ginny and you'll kill me?"
"That's the one! Glad you know it and now I'm off to get the bride," he patted Harry on the back forcefully and started back into the house.
Harry proceeded to stand next to Hermione and Ron. The backyard was small but was perfect for their quaint wedding of only thirty-two guests. The fence that surrounded the backyard was covered in ivy; in the corner there was a small fountain. The stone pathway that leads off from the patio was lined with white roses and on each side were rows of brown wooden chairs filled with guest. Next to the back door on the patio sat two men with violins that would provide the music for the walk down the aisle. All the guest were seated and Hagrid and Mrs. Weasley had already began crying
The chatting among the guest stopped and the violist began to play, Harry looked up just as Bill appeared in the doorway. He was carrying his daughter Victoire who was the flower girl. She was wearing a puffy royal blue dress and seemed over eager to help her father throw flowers on the ground. Next Teddy appeared in the doorway holding the pillow, which would hold the wedding rings, of course they weren't really there, no one in their right mind would give them to a one year old, but Andromeda had them. She was following close behind as Teddy wobbled down the aisle in his black dress robes and royal blue tie. Next Demelza appeared in the doorway, wearing the same bridesmaid dress as Hermione carrying a single white rose, she walked down the aisle smiling looking like a model down the runway with her long lean body, and her short black bobbed hair was blowing lightly in the wind. As Luna stepped into the doorway and proceeded outside Harry's heart quickened, she was the maid of honor, which meant Ginny would be coming next and he couldn't wait. Maybe it was just that the sooner she came out and they got married people would stop staring at him or that the sooner they got married, the sooner the reception, and the sooner the honeymoon…
Harry was brought out of his thoughts when Ron whispered, "When did Lovegood get a chest?"
Harry tried hard to hold in his laughed but it wasn't quite working so he tried to cover with a cough but all ceased when the music changed and everyone stood. Ginny appeared in the doorway with Mr. Weasley. Harry wasn't breathing and he didn't even know his mouth was hanging open until Hermione reached over and closed it. She looks perfect… not even, she is more than perfection and she agreed to marry me, she's in love with me! Ginny's wedding dress was ivory, it was strapless, and short then flared out at the bottom and ended a few inches below her knees. She was wearing gold shoes and her hair was in a ponytail and her bangs swept to the side, she got bangs. Her look reminded Harry of something he's seen on an old fifties television show. She was carrying a bouquet of about thirty white roses tied with a blue bow. When she reached Harry at the altar he had to try hard to concentrate on what was being said…
As Kingsley began to preside over the wedding Ron zoned out, he was trying hard not to look over at Hermione, why did Ginny have to pick that dress… I don't know when she even had the time to pick her own. Hermione looks so good. One look can't hurt… just for a second. He quickly glanced to his side but looked longer then he had intended. Hermione wasn't paying attention to the ceremony either. She was smiling just like she had been the whole time but she was looking at someone among the guest. Ron looked to see who her eyes were connected with it. He felt fury building inside of him he did everything in his power not to whip his wand out at that very moment. She's looking at Malfoy! Their lips aren't moving but if I didn't know any better I would think they were talking to each other. I know that Hermione is quite gifted but she is not skilled in occlumency. Draco smirked at her and lowered his head and shook it, Hermione turned her attention back to the proceedings. Ron tried to make it seem like he wasn't watching her but he turned back to late and was sure Hermione caught him staring. It's not like they like each other or anything, it's just they have been spending a lot of time together. Which is completely odd, I really should speak to her about that but there couldn't be anything going on Hermione would never date Malfoy no matter how civil they are…
"I now pronounce you husband and wife," Kingsley beamed.
Harry leaned in and kissed Ginny, he stopped when he realized everyone was laughing. When he pulled away, Ginny looked up at him and started laughing too, "what is it?" He asked concerned.
She pointed up towards his hair and he instinctively ran his hand through it, his eyes widen when he realized it wasn't slicked down any more, when he kissed Ginny it jumped right back into its normal state. He felt his cheeks burning red.
"Aw," Ginny placed her hands on his cheeks and kissed him, "don't be in embarrassed it's just the way I like it."
He smiled and pulled her in to another kiss, she wrapped her arms around his neck and he picked her up and spun her around as applause and cheers filled their ears.
"Hermione, can I ask you something," The reception was underway back inside the house and Ron and Hermione were dancing.
"Anything"
"Is there something going on with you and Malfoy," he stated bluntly
Anything but that she thought, Hermione hoped Ron didn't catch the shocked look she had on her way to staring at him like he was crazy, "no, why would you think that?"
"I don't know I saw you staring at him during the wedding," he was looking at me, "and you two have been spending a lot of time together… which should really stop because he's probably brainwashing you or something."
She stopped dancing and pulled away from him, "thank you for your concern Ronald but I can take care of myself," she said as she left the room.
Draco was standing by the door and Ron made a mental note of how his eyes followed her from the room.
Maybe it's time to tell him, thought Hermione as she went into the dining room. They weren't having a sit down dinner, the dining room table was set as buffet and you could just eat when you felt like it. She picked up a plate and was deciding what she wanted when she felt someone put their hand on her lower back. She was getting ready to say something to Draco about behaving in public but given that she just stormed away from Ron who was of the ever persistent. And she knew him like the back of her hand and she was most certain it was Ron behind her.
"Hermione are you sure there's nothing going on," Hermione rolled her eyes and turned to face Ron.
"Yes," said sternly
"Then explain why his eyes were following you when you left the room,' he retorted.
"Yes there is something going on, you bothering me! I told you there is nothing between me and Draco now just leave it alone," she stomped her foot heatedly and accidentally dropped her plate, without thinking she moved her hand so it was over the broken glass and said, "repairo" the plate magically put itself back together and flew up to her hand.
Ron's eyes widen, "where did you learn to do wandless magic?"
"Um… nowhere," Hermione put the plate down on the table, "it seems were out of peas, I'll go check if there's anymore," she quickly left the dining room before Ron could protest. She was not getting ready to explain that Draco taught her possibly leading into an explanation about the endless nights she's spent in his bedroom or on the roof revealing how deep their relationship truly is.
There is something going on here but maybe it's more than just a relationship. Mused Ron
Harry was happy that his wedding was going so well, he was most excited that Seth kept his word and no one crashed the wedding. It was great! What more could he ask for, he only had to dance with Ginny once, no Skeeter, and he was married to the most beautiful woman in the world.
Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves and even though this was an afternoon wedding people seemed to still get tipsy on the free champagne, which probably explains why Aunt Petunia is dancing with Xenophilius Lovegood. Dudley was dancing with Lavender and Parvati at the same time. And earlier Professor McGonagall congratulated Harry and Ginny then dragged Dennis Creevey out by the ear. She said after she allowed him to miss his afternoon lessons for the day how dare he go and repay her by downing a fire whiskey. It was awfully funny as she pulled him to the door. He was clinging for dear life to his piece of cake and managed to congratulate Harry through the pain of McGonagall's grip. Currently Harry was watching Ginny dancing with her bridesmaids from his position on the couch next to Draco.
"Not much of a dancer either," Harry asked Draco.
"I can dance but I prefer to observe," he said taking a sip of his drink.
Harry nodded his head in understanding, "I'm just glad everyone wants to dance with the bride so I won't have to."
"Oh by the way, congratulations on getting hitched…" before Harry could respond Padma came over and dragged Draco to the dance floor.
"I know I'm irresistible but I told you before I'm not interested and I would think now that you're engaged…"
Padma hit him in the back, "Shut up you prick, what I'm going to say is about you and Hermione"
Draco rolled his eyes, "I told you I am not in love with Hermione."
"I beg to differ and I know you two are together," Draco quickly grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her out into the hall, "so much for hiding your feelings."
"How do you know?" he asked getting frustrated
"Hermione told me," she watched as relief flooded over him, "no Draco no else knows," she responded to his reaction, "but Ron's getting suspicious, Hermione just told me he's been hounding her about something going on between you two."
"When did this start?"
"Today, he noticed you two staring and the way you've been watching her."
"She said she didn't want to tell him but if it was up to me I would waltz in there right now and tell everyone," he said running a hand through his hair.
Padma smiled, "She's just trying to spare Ron's feelings, sweet yes, but careless at the same time. Yet the only reason you don't care is because you like to see him suffer."
Draco got a twinkle in his eye at the sound of Ron in pain. Padma hit him in the arm "you know I wish people would stop hitting me."
"Now why would I do that when I like to see you suffer," she smirked, "anyway you might want to hold back on the looks."
As soon as Padma pulled Draco away Ron plopped down in his seat.
"I think there is something going on with Malfoy and Hermione," he said quickly
"You're just being paranoid," Harry said dismissing Ron's accusation.
"Didn't you notice the way they were staring at each other during the wedding ceremony," he insisted.
"No, sorry Ron I was kind of distracted because I was getting married," he said as if it was obvious
"Have you noticed the way he watches her when she leaves a room he's probably looking at her right now."
"No he's dancing with Padma," he pointed to them on the dancing floor and watched as he pulled her from the room.
"Do you think he's messing with her too? I know she's engaged but maybe he's brainwashing them, I just saw Hermione do wandless magic perhaps she knows she being controlled and secretly training for battle!" Ron finished
"She can do wandless magic" Asked Harry sounding impressed, "What'd she do?"
"Harry that's beside the point, what are we going to do," he shook his head he was so worried.
"We're not going to do a thing," Ron opened his mouth to protest but Harry kept talking, "you've asked her she said nothing is going on, so all we can do is trust her. I'm sure if it was really important she would tell us and I know they've been spending a lot of time together and I wish it would stop but she can take care of herself."
"But Harry its Malfoy!"
"Your one to talk you're his flatmate and yes its Malfoy, she would never date him or let him control her without a fight," he finished as someone placed their hands on his shoulders.
"Ron you're hogging my husband," Ginny said walking around the couch and sitting on Harry's lap.
"Ginny do you really think you should be sitting on him like that in public," Ron said looking around hoping no one is seeing his sister behave this way.
"He's my husband I'll sit on him anyway I please," she smirked and raised her eyebrows up and down.
"I think I'm going to be sick," Ron scrunched up his nose and left the two alone.
"What do you say we end this party so we can start the honeymoon," Harry whispered into her ear.
She smiled and kissed Harry gently on the lips before hoping off his lap, "Kreacher just informed me we're out of drinks!" She shouted, the music abruptly stopped and everyone just stared at her.
"You're joking right," said Lee with his mouth hanging open.
"I'm afraid not," she smiled sweetly.
"After party at the Leaky Cauldron," shouted George, "last one there buys first round!"
Ginny watched as everyone started to race towards the door and laughed when George tried to push pass Hagrid. When mostly everyone had disappeared the few people who didn't go to the Leaky Cauldron congratulated Harry and Ginny one last time before they left. Harry said goodbye to Teddy and Andromeda while Ginny ushered Xenophilius and Aunt Muriel out.
"Thank you for marrying us," Ginny said to Kingsley before he went out the door.
"Thanks for asking me and best of luck you two."
"Congratulations and take care of my sister," Percy said to Harry.
"Gin you look beautiful as always," Percy hugged her, "let me know if he hurts you," he whispered into her ear, he waved and left.
"It was a lovely wedding," said Fleur kissing Harry on the cheek, she was holding a sleeping Victoire, "it seems I will be returning home alone, seeing as my husband was one of the first to rush out the door with Charlie," she adjusted Victoire, "au revoir"
"Are you sure you don't want us to stay and help clean up," Mrs. Weasley asked for the millionth time.
"No mum we've got it," she hugged her parents and ushered them out the door.
"It really means a lot to me that you guys came," Harry told Petunia and Dudley.
"Thank you for inviting us and we really would like you to keep in touch," said Petunia.
"I just might do that," Harry said as Ginny came and stood by his side.
"It was nice meeting you Ginevra," Petunia said shaking her hand
"Please call me Ginny and it was nice meeting you as well."
"Congratulations," she looked as if she was going to hug Harry but wasn't sure so Harry just hugged her, "we should probably go untie Vernon."
"I don't think so or at least until after I go out on my date with Lavender, he won't quite like the idea of her being a witch," Dudley said proudly.
They all laughed as they said their final goodbyes and watched as the Dursley's got into their Volvo and drove away. Ginny closed the front door and let out a small scream when she felt herself being lifted into the air, Harry had picked her up and put her over his shoulder and was rushing upstairs, she laughed the whole way.
"Say Nothing At All" Alison Krauss
