A/N: Thanks to Elle and HPlover4Ever for their reviews! My fellow readers, I know that some of you are dying to read the story on Harry and Ginny's wedding. I will definitely be writing about it. Not only will I write about their wedding but I will also write about Harry and Ginny's honeymoon, and Ron and Hermione's wedding. Not sure yet whether to include Ron and Hemione's honeymoon though. I am definitely considering the one-year wedding anniversary for Harry and Ginny as well. Any ideas are welcome! Please remember to read and review! Now for chapter 36...
Disclaimer: Once more, I don't own Harry Potter or it's characters. They are entirely JKR's.
Chapter 36: Social Events and Galas
When Harry and Ginny were done with their breakfast, they headed into the sitting room with a view to the flower gardens. Ginny had already sat on the coffee table and she took out her parchment with the list of guests and started to go over it as Harry called for Bernie.
"Bernie!" called Harry as he sat down on the couch behind Ginny. He was looking at the guest list over her shoulders and put his arms around her from behind.
"Master Harry called?" said Bernie after he reapparated with a popping sound.
"Bernie, do you know if Ron and Hermione are up yet?"
"Yes Master Harry. Mr. Ron and Ms. Hermione are already up. Would you like me to go get them for you?"
"Yes please and don't forget to knock Bernie before you go in" said Harry remembering what had happened earlier to him and Ginny.
"Very well then" Bernie bowed and disappeared with a popping sound.
"At least they won't be getting that nasty little suprise like we did this morning" said Ginny as she grinned at Harry before gently taking his head and leaning down his lips on her. They stood there for a while because they never noticed when Ron and Hermione walked into the sitting room. By the time that Ron and Hermione had walked into the sitting room, Ginny was straddling Harry's lap. They were kissing passionately and Harry was already fondling Ginny's breasts.
"Oy, you two! You will remember to keep something for the honeymoon!" and Harry and Ginny both jumped by surprise and Ginny quickly got off Harry's lap and sat on the couch next to him.
"I would say the same about you Ron" said Hermione as she grinned up at him.
"Mione please! We are in front of our friend and my sister here" said Ron in defense.
"Looks like the champagne worked wonders for you too huh Hermione?" and Ginny arched her eye brows as she gave her friend a look which was referring to the red corset. She made a mental note to ask Hermione later about it.
Ron and Hermione came around and sat on the couch across from Harry and Ginny.
"Ron, this morning I got a letter from Professor McGogall asking us to go back to Hogwarts as aurors for the Tri-Wizard Tournament." said Harry looking at his friend.
"Back to Hogwarts you say?" said Ron scratching his chin, "And did Millburgh and Moore approve the mission on the field? I assume we would be going back with Grayson if that's the case." Ron then looked at Ginny, "What about Ginny? What if she has a game?" and then Ron looked back at Harry.
"I was hoping to get your point of view on the matter Ron. I will go ahead and send an owl to Millburgh and Moore about your questions on the matter regarding Ginny and we can wait in the mean time and see what they want to do." said Harry and Ron nodded in agreement.
"My next game is in October against Pride of Potree. The first Saturday to be exact." said Ginny.
"Thanks Ginny. That definitely is helpful information. I'll be back in a few moments" Harry kissed Ginny on her lips and then went out of the sitting room to send the owl.
Ron got up and kissed Hermione. "I'll go send the owl with him to see what else we can tell and ask Millburgh and Moore"
"Alright love. Don't give Harry a hard time" Hermione called after him and he smiled back at her before he walked out of the sitting room.
Ginny then got up and sat next to Hermione, to where Ron had been sitting a moment ago.
"So Hermione, tell me all about it. What happened?" asked Ginny with a grin.
Hermione leaned in closer so nobody could hear her, "Oh my gosh Ginny! Ron couldn't keep his hands off of me the entire night. He loved the corset. Do you think we can get some for our honeymoons?"
"That is just what I was thinking. Poor Harry couldn't keep a hand off either and he even felt bad when I had to take it off" said Ginny.
"I suppose we can go shopping sometime to find some really nice white corsets for our honeymoon. I guess when that time comes up, we won't be leaving the bed at all" said Hermione and they started to laugh.
Meanwhile at the library (in Black Manor)
Harry had taken a piece of parchment out and by then saw Ron come into the library.
"Ron, glad you're here, this way you can help me write the owl." said Harry and he showed a chair to Ron. Ron took a seat.
Harry started to write as Ron looked on:
Andy and Geoff,
Ron and I were wondering what would happen with Ginny if Ron and I are at Hogwarts with the other aurors to protect the other students. Ginny told me that her next game is on the first Saturday of this coming October. Will the Tri-Wizard and the game have a conflict? If it does, who will be with Ginny and/or at the Tri-Wizard Tournament. Your response will help us answer the letter that I just recieved from Professor McGonagall to see whether we will be present as aurors at the Tri-Wizard Tournament.
Harry put the quill apart and looked up at his friend, "So, Ron, what do you think?"
"I think that looks good to me mate. Let's go ahead and send it to them and wait for their response. That way we can respond as soon as possible to Professor McGonagall." responded Ron.
"Alright, here goes" said Ron and he tied his parchment letter to Warwick's leg and sent it off to the auror department.
They waited and a few moments and then came a patronus from Millburgh,
Harry, Ginny is the primary responsibility for you and Ron. We will find other aurors if necessary for that day. Enjoy your weekend!
"Great now all we need is to send a patronus to Professor McGonagall on the exact date of the Tri-Wizard Tourmanament then" said Ron.
Ron sent a patronus to Professor McGonagall:
Good Morning Professor McGonagall, Harry and I cannot assure you if we will be there if we don't have an exact date for the Tri-Wizard Tournament. When will the Tournament take place?
A few moments later Harry and Ron got a patronus from Professor McGongall:
Harry, Ron, the first part of Tri-Wizard will be on the second Saturday of October. Will that be a good date for the two of you?
Harry and Ron looked at each other and smiled.
Harry sent a parchment telling Professor McGonagall that he and Ron were going to be at the Tri-Wizard Tournament and then he wrote a parchment telling Millburgh that he and Ron were going to the Tri-Wizard Tournament as aurors.
Meanwhile back in the sitting room (at Black Manor)
"To think that Harry and I took a month for our Honeymoon" said Ginny.
"Oh my gosh! An entire month! You are going to suck him bone-dry Ginny!" said Hermione and they both laughed again.
Just then Harry and Ron walked back into the sitting room.
"Now what are you girls laughing about?" asked Harry as he patted the couch next to him and Ron sat down where Ginny was sitting.
"We were talking about how long we were going to be away for our honeymoon. I told her we would be away for a whole month" said Ginny to Harry and then she looked at Hermione and they giggled.
"Blimey you sure are a quick one Ginny. Already talking about your honeymoon. I hope you can handle her Harry. She was a handful since she was a baby" said Ron and then he whistled at the memory.
"After last night, I'm sure he can handle me" said Ginny in defense and she winked at him. Hermione noticed and she giggled.
"Let's get started with the guest list. Let's see who we are inviting" said Hermione.
"Oh Hermione, before I forget, since you and Ron are getting married here at Black Manor, we were wondering if you wanted to get married in one of the flower gardens. Later we can go walk around them and you can take a look at them" asked Ginny.
"I never thought about that. That sounds lovely Ginny." and Hermione then turned to Ron and put her hands in a prayer pose, pleading "Ron, it sounds beautiful. Can we please take a look later?"
Ron smiled down at Hermione. He couldn't resist her, "Alright Mione, we'll take a look at the flower gardens later."
"Thank you love. I love you!" said Hermoine and she took into a passionate kiss.
"Oy, you two will also remember to keep something for your honeymoon as well" said Harry jokingly and Ron and Hermione pulled away giggling.
"Harry and I already checked our lists. Hermione's parents, our family, Seamus, Lavender, Neville, Hannah, members of the quidditch team including Oliver Wood, members of the Gryffindor House, other people from Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff. Let's see and some professors from Hogwarts, members of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, and naturally Minister Kingsley. How about you Hermione?" asked Ginny at last.
"Mine looks just about the same since we did a lot of things together and knew a lot of people together." answered Hermione looking down at her parchment before looking back up at Ginny.
Ginny then took another piece of parchment out, "Harry and I decided on vanilla and chocolate swirl with strawberries. Harry loves chocolate and I like vanilla so we are doing that."
"I like plain vanilla and Ron likes strawberries. We also thought about combining them. We can do vanilla with strawberry in the center. What do you think Ron?" said Hermione.
"Whatever you like my love" said Ron and he kissed her on her lips.
Harry and Ginny smiled and waited until Ron and Hermione finished kissing each other before talking about flowers.
"Harry and I had thought about using the flower tunnel as a little chapel at Potter Cottage and we were going to use lillies in honor of Harry's mum" said Ginny and she squeezed Harry's hand gently and she looked up at him. He smiled back down at her. "We are also using a variety of wildflowers. Lately Harry has been rather fond of wildflowers" said Ginny and she winked at Harry this time and he put his arms around her and kissed her passionately.
"Ron, we never really thought of what flowers we want to use. Did you like any colors in particular love? We can use flowers for that." said Hermione looking back at Ron.
"I have always liked red, like my hair" and he smirked before talking again, "I suppose we can use red flowers?" asked Ron.
"How do you feel about using red roses and white carnations." said Hermione as she quickly wrote the idea down on a piece of parchment..
"Nice color combination Hermione. So I suppose you want your bridesmaids to wear red?" asked Ginny.
"Yes, I suppose I will. It would make a good combination as well with my white dress." said Hermione.
"Speaking of flowers, why don't we go eat some lunch and look at the gardens here at Black Manor and you can take a look and find a spot for the ceremony" said Ginny.
"That sounds like a good idea to me. Lunch sounds perfect, considering that all this wedding talk has made me rather hungry" said Ron.
"Oh Ron" and Hermione sighed before giving him a kiss.
After the foursome ate lunch, they went for a walk around the flower gardens and Ron and Hermione quickly found their spot for the ceremony. It happen to be in the rose garden. There were red, white, and pink roses.
"Oh that spot is so beautiful and not to mention the aroma" said Hermione dreamily.
"I'm sure it's going to be beautiful Hermione." said Ginny.
The Tri-Wizard Tournament and Ginny's second quidditch match went on without any attacks. Durmstrang and Beauxbatons schools were back at Hogwarts to compete. The Harpies beat the
Pride of Portree 400-380. It was close but they had won.
It was now December and the second obstacle in the Tri-Wizard Tournament had been just fine. In November the Holyhead Harpies had also defeated the Quiberon Quafflepunchers. Harry and Ginny had been invited to yet another Yule Ball at Hogwarts, then another at the Ministry of Magic and for George's candidacy to the Wizard Businessman's Award gala night. Their social schedule was full and not to mention Christmas at the Weasleys.
Harry and Ron were in the sitting room at the burrow. They were talking happily about going back to Hogwarts for another Yule Ball. Suddenly, Hermione and Ginny were at the entry way of the sitting room.
"Ginny the velvet cape I bought you looks lovely!" said Harry and he gave her a spin around so he could see her in her cape.
"Thanks Harry. It's ever so beautiful. Here is your black cape and gold and red scarf." and Ginny gave them to Harry. Harry put them on and Ginny had tears running down her cheeks.
"Oh Gin, love, why are you crying" said Harry as he went to Ginny and took her in his arms.
"You look exactly like you did when you were at Hogwarts. There is no better time than to sport your black cape and scarf" and Ginny's voice shook at the last word before a few more tears spilled down her cheeks.
"Awww, Gin" said Harry, he wiped her tears gently with his thumbs and took her into his arms
Ron and Hermione were just wearing black robes over their evening attire. Molly walked in from the kitchen to look at the foursome.
"Look at you lot! Now don't you all look smart! Don't they all look smart Arthur?" said Molly as she turned around to Arthur.
"Now everyone together for a photo" he said and Molly put them together for a photo.
Arthur wound up taking several and then the foursome stepped out into the falling snow and apparated to Hogwarts.
The foursome apparated. It was very cold but they stood there still and silent as they looked up at the very familiar castle on the rocky cliff. They were speechless at the sight of their old school in the snow. They had seen it only months before when it was Summertime and now they had come in the winter.
"Blimey, look at that sight Mione!" said Ron looking down at Hermione and squeezed her hand before looking back at the castle.
"Merlin's beard! I never thought I would ever get to see Hogwarts again" said Harry as he put his arm around Ginny. Another tear slid down her cheek. "Oh Gin, why are you crying again love?" as he looked down tenderly at his fiancé.
"Harry, do you realize that it has been a year ago today that you proposed to me?" she said and the tears were now rolling down her eyes. At the realization, Tears also started to spill onto Harry's cheeks and he leaned down to tenderly kiss Ginny.
Just then, the foursome heard a very familiar voice. It was Professor McGonagall.
"Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, Ms. Granger, Ms. Weasley, good evening" and Harry and Ginny pulled away as they wiped their tears clean. "Why the tears Mr. Potter, Ms. Weasley?" aske McGonagall when she saw Harry and Ginny.
"Good evening professor" said Harry, "It's just that we thought we would never see Hogwarts again and its exactly a year ago today that I proposed to Ginny" said Harry and he finally smiled at Ginny before looking back at Professor McGonagall.
"Oh, I see" and she gave them a gentle smile, "I'm so happy that you and other Hogwarts students were able to accept the invitation. Please, won't you follow me to the Great Hall" and they all followed her without hesitation.
"Only one difference, no hat sorting this time. Thank Merlin for that" said Ron and they all laughed.
They finally walked through the main entrance and there elves took their robes. The foursome continued on to the Great Hall. Currenty and former students were already dancing and talking.
"Harry! Ron! Hermione! Ginny!" Said Neville as he came up to the foursome. He gave Harry and Ron a hug and a good pat on the back and gave the girls a hug too.
"Neville! Hannah! Feels great to be back at Hogwarts doesn't it?" said Hermione as she looked around at the Great Hall before looking back at her friends.
"Do you know if Draco Malfoy is coming?" asked Neville.
"No. He's not. He never really liked Hogwarts. He always dreaded coming back. I think Hogwarts is the last thing he wants to hear" said Harry.
Suddenly the six of them saw Luna walk into the Great Hall and she was wrapped in the arms of a new bloke. No one knew who he was but they looked very much in love.
"Luna!" said Hermione and Ginny. They pulled away from their fiancés to go give Luna a hug.
"Luna! Who's the bloke?" asked Ginny as she winked her eye at Luna.
"His name is Rolf. He is so nice. I met him while I was in Switzerland studying magical creatures." and she presented him to the group, "Everyone, I want you to meet Rolf"
"Hello Rolf, nice to meet you mate" said Ron and he extended a hand out to Rolf to shake his hand.
Suddenly Seamus walked in with Lavender Brown and the whole group turned around, including Luna.
"Seamus, how are you?" asked Luna matter of factly.
"I'm good. Glad to see you got yourself a new bloke there. Good to see that you are happy." said Seamus.
"Same here" said Luna calmly.
"Let's dance" said Hermione making an effort to change the topic.
"Great idea! Let's dance Mione" said Ron and all 5 couples went to waltz around the Great Hall.
The five couples waltzed around with the music. They laughed, hugged, and kissed.
"Mione, you must be happy to be back at Hogwarts. I imagine that you want to go look at that library" said Ron smiling down at Hermione.
"The library... yes, I wouldn't mind taking a look and the old library. Remember those long hours studying for our NEWTs?" asked Hermione looking up at Ron with a smile and Ron nodded back with a smile as well.
"I enjoyed so much reading and looking over those books. I wish I had more time to read every single book in that library" said Hermione wistfully and then she put her head on his shoulder.
"I even remember when you found that book on polyjuice potion." said Ron with a smile and he kissed Hermione's head.
"I bet if we go back into that library, we'll find that book." said Hermione and she grinned at him.
"We will first need to get permission from Professor McGonagall. After all, we're not students anymore" said Ron.
"You can go back and visit the library if you like" said Professor McGonagall with a smile.
Ron and Hermione turned around. "Could we really professor?" Hermione's face lit up.
"Of course. If anybody asks, just tell them I gave you my permission" said McGonagall.
"Oh thank you professor." responded Hermione.
Ron and Hermione left the Great Hall and walked down the once familiar corridors and found the library. They walked inside and like it was the first time again, they looked in awe.
The window beyond showed the big falling snowflakes outside. Ron stepped over to the window to look outside while Hermione looked for the book that had the polyjuice potion.
"Here it is!" called out Hermione and she excitedly started to flip through the pages.
Ron walked on over and saw the all too familiar polyjuice image that they had seen several years ago at Hogwarts with Harry.
Ron put his arms around Hermione, "Mione, you are not just beautiful but also very intelligent witch. I love you my Mione" and he leaned down and started to kiss Hermione.
Meanwhile, back in the Great Hall
"Ginny, I love you" said Harry looking down at Ginny.
"And I love you Harry" and she put her head on his shoulder as they slowly danced away on the floor.
Harry leaned down into Ginny's ear and whispered, "Gin, come with me" he said.
"Where on earth are you taking me Harry?" asked Ginny all confused.
"You'll see" said Harry winking an eye at her.
Harry took Ginny out of the Great Hall and the party. He guided her through the long corridors. He then took her through the moving staircases. Ginny nearly lost her balance and she fell into Harry's arms. She stood there looking up at him and then he kissed her deeply. The were lost in time. They were on the same staircase for a couple of minutes the staircase swung them back and forth. They finally pulled away and Ginny noticed that Harry led them to the Room of Requirement once more.
"Oh Harry, what are we doing here? We're not supposed to be here" said Ginny and she was surprised when she was led into the Room of Requirement by Harry. Inside was the very same room in which he had proposed to Ginny a year ago.
"This was my little suprise. I had made arrangements with McGonagall to 'walk around' Hogwarts together." and he took Harry into his arms.
"Oh Harry, you didn't!" said Ginny looking around the room. She then noticed that there was a bottle of champagne in ice and two champagne glasses.
Harry opened the bottle of champagned and poured some champagne for Ginny and then for himself.
"Gin, if I could, I would ask you to marry me again" said Harry smiling down at Ginny.
"And I would say yes all over again" she responded.
They drank their champagne and they went over to the bed. There Harry turned Ginny around and slowly began to zip down Ginny's red velvet dress. The dress soon revealed her soft and creamy skin. He took his hands and let them move all over her back. Ever since Ginny had asked him to zip up her dress, he had become more fond for the beauty of her back he thought. His hands moved up and down very gently and softly. Ginny brushed her silky red hair to one side and began to gently moan at the feel of Harry's hands.
Harry finally leaned over and started to kiss Ginny's neck as his hands continued to stroke her back. The smell of wildflowers once more made his head spin with desire. His hands found the sleeves of her red velvet dress and it fell to the ground. This time, Ginny had a red bra and red knickers on. How he had wished that she had a corset on again. That one time when they were at Black Manor, had been another very exotic time in his life. He was surprised not only at Ginny's beauty but at her creativity within their relationship. Ginny stepped out of her black velvet heels and turned around to look up at Harry. Everytime they looked at each other, the felt those butterflies every single time.
"Ginny, have I told you how much I love you?" said Harry, playing with a few strands of her hair.
"Countless times and I love to hear it" and she smiled up at him before kissing him tenderly on the lips.
Not a moment too soon, Ginny slowly began to undress Harry. She took off his robes, his shirt, his pants, shoes and socks until he had nothing on but his blue boxers. He stood there looking down at her. The love in his eyes for her was a deep one. Harry was amazing to her. He didn't need to use words, many times he would just look deeply into her eyes and knew that he was telling her how much he loved her.
The two of them lay down on the bed and Ginny reached up to kiss Harry. She kissed him passionately with all her might and she wound up on top of him. There she kissed his chest like it was a new world never discovered before. She hungered for him desperately in her kisses. She wanted to make it up to him for being such a wonderful fiancé.
Ginny straddled Harry and she began to circle her hips on his shaft through his boxers. His shaft gradually began to grow and Harry took her bum in his hands and squeezed it as waves of pleasure ran through him.
"Mmmm, Harry." said Ginny as she closed her eyes.
"Gin, you are always so exquisite and beautiful when you are on top of me" said Harry as he started to moan. Orgasms were beginning to get the better of him.
Harry reached up and started to squeeze Ginny's breasts through her bra and then he sat up to kiss her. As he did this, he found the clasp of her bra and took off her bra. He then took off her knickers. Ginny continued to circle her hips and she brought her lips down on Harry's to kiss him in a fiery fashion. Ginny then moved down to take off Harry's boxers.
"Mmm, Gin, you are... so beautiful... oh yeah..." said Harry and suddenly Ginny lifted her hips and brought them down on Harry's shaft. She started to move up and down. The ride was endless as the waves of her hair and breasts bounced before Harry. Harry took hold of her breasts and squeezed them even tighter, causing Ginny to moan louder. Gin started to pick up speed and was riding Harry's shaft as fast and as hard as she could.
"Oh... Big Harry... feels good...mmm oh yeah" said Ginny as her voice wavered with her bouncing.
"Go for it... do it love... ride Big Harry... like a broom..." said Harry and Ginny gave Harry a devilish grin and started to ride him even harder.
"Oh Gin... is this how... you ride a... broom when... you... play quidditch... ohhh Merlin!" grunted Harry as he brought his hands up and down Ginny's sides.
"Oh Harry... I can ride you... harder... if... you like" and Ginny started to slap down even harder on him, this time allowing his shaft to go deeper within her.
"Gin! I'm going... to... explode!... Big... Harry... can't hold... on much longer..." said Harry grunting even louder.
"Let... Big Harry... gooooo" moaned Ginny as a big orgasm hit her.
"GINNNNNN!" Finally screamed Harry.
"HARRYYYYY!" screamed Ginny in unison with him as they rode their orgasm and Ginny brought her head down on Harry's chest.
Harry caressed her back with his hands. Ginny sighed with pleasure at the feel of Harry's hands. He then took a strand of red hair and moved it aside before he spoke again to Ginny.
"Happy Aniversary my Sleeping Beauty" he said.
"Happy Anniversary my Prince Charming" she answered.
"Did you like my little surprise love?"
"I enjoyed it immensely Harry. I really did. The only bad thing is we have to leave soon." said Ginny and Harry felt another tear pour down her cheek and onto his chest.
Harry tilted her head up towards him, "Gin, what's wrong love?" wishing he could take the tears away.
"I remember how we spent a lot of hours here in this room. Especially when we were finished with out NEWTs." said Ginny and then she looked up at Harry.
"I know Gin. It's wonderful memories that we will always carry with us forever" he said smiling at her.
Harry and Ginny got out of the four poster bed with much hestation and helped each other dress. When Ginny was done retouching her hair with her wand and putting on her shoes, she called out to Harry, "Harry?"
"Yes love?" said Harry turning away from the window to look back at her.
"I know I have said this before" she said with a grin, "but, will you please zip me up?"
Those words were all to familiar and Harry smiled as he walked over to take the zipper of Ginny's red velvet dress. Before he zipped her up, he stroked her back one last time, causing her to moan again. He kissed her pulse one last time and then zipped her dress up again.
"Shall we go love? Our friends are perhaps asking where we are." commented Harry.
"Let's go" she responded.
Harry took her under his arm and the two of them walked out of the Room of Requirement. They now walked around the castle corridors and found themselves getting their capes and headed outside to the quidditch pitch. The went inside and stood in the middle of the quidditch pitch. Harry looked down at Ginny tenderly and kissed her.
"Harry?" she asked.
He looked deeply into her eyes again, "Yes love?"
"It's the first time ever that I get kissed in the middle of the Hogwarts Quidditch pitch." and she smiled.
"There's always a first for everything love" said Harry and he leaned down to kiss her passionately.
When they were done, they made their way back to the castle where they left their capes again and went inside the Great Hall to dance the night away.
"Blimey!" said Ron in agitation, "We're going to be late Harry! How long does it take for girls to put on a dress, shoes and come down?"
"Don't worry Ron, we still have another 30 minutes before we have to apparate at the Ministry Ball." responded Harry.
Arthur and Molly walked down the stairs in the evening attire, ready to go.
"Mum, where are Hermione and Ginny?" asked Ron now nervously.
"Don't put your knickers in a twist Ron, it takes us girls a bit longer to get dressed you know" said Molly.
At that moment, Hermione and Ginny walked down the stairs. Hermione was wearing a dark royal blue A-style evening gown and Ginny was wearing a strap-less pale blue princess style dress. Harry and Ron were drooling again until Molly came by in front of them and gently closed their mouths. Arthur couldn't help but giggle at the thought.
"Good everyone is ready, let's go. Percy and Bill will meet us there." said Arthur. The six of them walked out of the heavy falling snow and apparated outside the Ministry of Magic and then went inside.
Inside, the Ministry Ball was taking place inside the Atrium. People were talking and laughing.
"Arthur! How are you doing? Molly, how are you dear?" said Amelia Bones.
"We are doing good thank you Amelia" said Arthur with a smile.
"Well, if it isn't the famous Harry Potter who broke several under the age use of magic" said Mafalda Hopkirk.
Harry couldn't help himself but grin sheepishly and Ginny gently squeezed his hand.
"Well, hello there Mafalda, how have you been?" asked Molly.
"I'm doing well. Still seeing some misuse of magic here and there but nothing out of the ordinary" she said smiling.
"I think the Ministry did a lovely job with the Gala this year" said Amelia.
"Oh they sure did" said Mafalda as she looked around.
"Percy!" said Molly as she saw Percy and Audrey walk up to them.
"Hi mum, Mrs. Bones, Ms. Hopkirk, Harry, Ron, Hermoine, Ginny" said Percy formally.
"We were just talking here with Molly of what a wonderful job the Ministry did arranging the Gala this year." said Amelia.
"Yes, this did a very good job indeed" responded Percy.
"So what are you planning for the holidays Arthur?" asked Mafalda.
"Oh, the usual, the family will be spending Christmas together and Charlie and Portia will be coming in from Romania.
"Oh that is just lovely! Imagine that! The whole family for the holidays" said Mafalda.
"And how is your quidditch career coming along Ginny dear?" asked Amelia.
"Very well thank you. We are winning the matches so far and if we continue with success, we might make it to the World Quidditch Cup" answered Ginny.
"My, my, we have come a long way, haven't we" said Amelia and then she turned to Arthur and Molly, "the two of you must be extremely proud of your daughter."
"Oh, we are" said Arthur with pride and Molly smiled her biggest smile.
Millburgh and Moore came up to the already large group with their wives to greet them.
"Ginny, I want you to meet our supervisors, Mr. Andrew Millburgh and his wife and this is Mr. Geoffrey Moore and his wife" said Harry to Ginny.
The three couples shared pleasantries and Harry then said, "May I present my fiancé Ginevra Weasley"
"Oh my gosh! The Ginevra Weasley of the Holyhead Harpies?" asked Mrs. Moore.
Ginny nodded her head in agreement.
"Oh Geoff, this is unbelieveable, I'm actually meeting Ginevra Weasley of the Holyhead Harpies! May I say that you are a very talented chaser and that the Holyhead Harpies are very fortunate to have such an incredible player on their team" she said with a big smile.
"Yes, thank you madam" responded Ginny.
"Ah! the Weasleys, Hermione, Harry, Mafalda, Amelia, Millburgh, Moore" said Kingsley.
"Minister, what an honor. We were here talking about the talents of young Ms. Weasley with the Holyhead Harpies." said Amelia.
"Ah yes, one of the new famous quidditch players of our time. It looks like all those games at Hogwarts prepared her very well and now look at her. A dashing, incredible, and indispensable player for their team" said Kingsley.
"Why, thank you Minister, that is most kind of you" replied Ginny with a sheepish smile.
The evening went on with the large group talking about quidditch, the Ministry, the departments, the recent attacks that had taken place. When it was late and they all went back to their homes.
"Are you nervous George?" asked Ginny as she helped him with his tie. After several attempts, he had failed because his fingers were shaking.
"A little" said George smiling down at Ginny.
"Here take a little bit of this calming draught and you will do just fine George" said Ginny and she gave him a kiss on his cheek and took the vial from him after he drank it.
"Well, are you ready George?" asked Angelina as she came back in from the kitchen. She was helping Molly set up the meal for the occassion for when they returned.
"Yes, as I will ever by Ange" said George.
"Everybody ready?" asked Arthur as he walked down the stairs.
"Yes" they all said in unison and they disappeared to go back again to the Ministry of Magic.
Everyone was sitting and quietly talking in the Atrium. They were all waiting for the ceremony on the most successful wizard businessman of the year to begin.
"Arthur, I'm so happy that George is well off. Can you imagine that he was nominated for this award? Who would of thought that the joke shop would bring him so much success" said Molly smiling up at Arthur.
"I know Molly. To tell you the truth, I was worried that George would never add up to anything. Especially when he left Hogwarts without doing his NEWTs" said Arthur.
"Well, I am happy that the joke shop is doing well. Ange and I are very proud of ourselves at that" added George and his parents smiled back at him, "I can even put enough money for the whole family to go back on a family trip to Egypt!"
"Egypt? You've been to Egypt?" asked Angelina.
"Yeah, the first time we went dad had won a contest from the Ministry." said George.
"It was so much fun! We even visited the pyramids, didn't we Ginny?" added Ron and then he towards Ginny and she nodded her head up and down.
"When were you planning this trip George? Remember that Ginny and I will be gone from mid-June to mid-July on our Honeymoon. Then in mid-August, Ron and Hermione are getting married and going away for a whole week on their honeymoon." said Harry.
"I suppose we can plan it after Harry and Ginny come back and before Ron and Hermione get married." said George.
"Hang on, Harry, that means we will have to shorten our honeymoon to three weeks so we can come back in time for the trip to Egypt because we both only have permission to leave our jobs for one month." commented Ginny.
"You're right Gin, so we will have to be sure to tell the hotel in the Maldives to make a reservation for three weeks" added Harry.
At that moment Kingsley Shacklebolt, the Minister of Magic spoke cleared his throat and the whole place went silent.
"Good afternoon and welcome to the Ceremony of Most Successful Wizard Businessman of the Year. We are honored that you could join us today for this joyous occassion as we name our candidates and name our winner. For many centuries, despite the wars and attacks that our community has endured, we have had to be ingenious and to come up with things to allow us to live our daily lives. To mention a few things, the broom, our wands, and even the exciting sport of quidditch. Speaking of which, anybody know who Puddlemere United will be playing this coming season?" and at this everybody in the atrium laughed. They even laughed harder when a voice called out, "The Chudley Cannons!" Kingsley then turned in the direction and said, "Thank you!" Kingsley then stood silent for a moment and then spoke up again "Now for the moment that all of you have anxiously been waiting for." at this Ginny gently squeezed George's arm and gave him a comforting smile.
Kingsley continued, "We have had several nominees and from them we chose our candidates. The award given goes to someone who has shown character, ingenuity, and of course has been showing much diligence and progress in their business. But, before we announce them, here to entertain you is Brian Bauerston! Please give him a round of applause!" Everyone applauded and Brian Bauerston sang away. After he sang a few of his songs, the Weird Sisters came up to do a couple of their numbers. When they were done, Kingsley came back up and spoke, "Thank you to the Weird Sisters! Another round of applause for Mr. Bauerston and the Weird Sisters!" Everyone applauded and then Kingsley spoke again, "Well, now to name our candidates here are Mr. Andrew Millburgh and Mr. Geoffrey Moore!" everyone applauded and they waited for silence. When the applauding died down, Moore spoke, "We feel honored to name the candidates for the award of Most Successful Wizard Businessman of the Year." Millburgh then spoke, "and they are Mr. Ollivander, the fine maker of our wands, Mr. Scribbulus, salesman of fine quills and other writing items, Mr. Twilfitt and Mr. Tattings of Twilfitt and Tatting's, makers of fine robes. Madam Rosmerta, provider of fine food, Madam Malkin of Madam Malkin's Robes for all occasions, Mr. and Mrs. Flume of Honeydukes Sweetshop and last but not least, Mr. George Weasley for Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes."
Moore spoke up again, "We would like to take this moment to thank our most honorable Wizangamot judges for helping us find a final and unanimous decision." Moore opened the seal envelope that had the wax seal of the Wizengamot before speaking up again, "and this year's winner of the Most Successful Wizard Businessman Award goes to..." There was silence and everyone in the audience gasped and held their breaths.
Ginny swore that she felt George's grip on her hand squeeze a little tighter, "George, it's going to be alright. No matter what, we are all proud of you" she whispered to him and he gave her a nervous smile.
"The award goes to none other than Mr. George Weasley of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes!" said Moore with a big smile on his face.
George got up and went up to the stage, took the glass statue of a wizard with a wand. His name had been magically engraved by one of the Wizengamot judges before he came up onto the stage.
George took his award and smiled towards the audience, "Thank you, thank you all very much. A very special thank you to the Wizengamot judges and most importantly to my family who were there during the hard times. Especially when we lost my brother Fred died during the Second War at Hogwarts" and his voice wavered. The weasleys had to wipe a couple of tears and George swallowed good and hard, and spoke after a brief silence and after wiping a tear of his own. "If Fred were hear, I'm sure he would of also been thankful to all of those who made this possible. I not only take this award for myself but also on behalf of my brother Fred Weasley. I also give my most special love to my wife Angelina for being patient with me and for putting up with all up with all the jokes along the way" and everyone laughed and George made his way back down to his seat between Angelina and Ginny.
"And you were worried the whole time George" said Ginny with a smile and a chuckle at George who smiled back at her and gave her a quick side hug.
"This brings our ceremony to a conclusion. I would like to thank you on behalf of the Ministry for Magic and myself for coming this afternoon. We wish the best of success in the coming year of the business world to our award winner Mr. George Weasley and to our candidates mentioned here tonight. Thank you again for coming and we wish you all a pleasant evening." and with that Kingsly stepped back.
Outside the burrow, everyone was hugging and kissing George on his success. Others were also giving him a big hug or a good pat on the back. The Weasleys went inside the burrow quickly because it had started to snow and they sat at the table. Molly, Fleur, Portia, Audrey, Angelina, Hermoine, and Ginny all went into the kitchen and helped bring out the food and drinks.
Charlie then stood up with Portia. They smiled at each other and then at the family and Charlie finally spoke up, "Dad, mum, everyone, we have something to tell you. Some good news that we found out not long ago."
"Yes, what is it Charlie?" asked Molly with a smile.
"Charlie and I are expecting a baby" said Portia.
"Oh Merlin! What wonderful news" said Molly and the whole family came around to hug them, kiss them, and to congratulate them on their news.
"Exactly how long ago did you find out?" asked Fleur who now had a big stomach and was rubbing it.
Everyone finally sat down and Portia spoke, "I found out before we left Romania. We are planning on waiting until the baby is big enough and then we plan on moving back to England so he or she can go to Hogwarts."
"Oh that would just be lovely! The whole family here in England" said Molly as she wiped a tear, "To think Arthur dear, we are going to have two grandbabies real soon!" and Arthur smiled at Molly and put an arm around her.
"Well, as soon as we settle down, Audrey and I are also about having a baby some time soon right dear?" and Audrey nodded back at her husband before she looked back at the family.
"Things are turning out so nicely despite those attacks going about. Then we have Ron and Hermione's wedding and Harry and Ginny's weddings." said Molly, "Speaking of which, you girls have everything in order so we can start placing the orders and send the invitations out?" she said turning towards Hermione and Ginny.
"Yes mum, Hermione and I are all done. We are ready to place the orders." smiled Ginny.
"We couldn't have done it all without Angelina." and then Hermione turned to Angelina, "thank you so much. I don't know where Ginny and I would of been without your help"
"No trouble at all girls. I was happy to be of help" and Angelina smiled back.
Just when everything was fine, Harry and Ron got an urgent and silent patronus from Moore,
Harry, Ron, come immediatetly to the Ministry. There is an urgent situation that we need to take care of. There is a plot of an attack in York towards a wizarding village there.
"Did you hear that Ron?" asked Harry looking at Ron and he nodded.
"What is it Harry?" asked Ginny as she saw Harry get up from the table and Ron did as well.
"There is an urgent matter that Ron and I need to attend to at the Ministry. I will come back as soon as possible" he leaned down and kissed Ginny's head and quickly went upstairs to put on his auror robes. Minutes later, he and Ron grabbed their auror capes and put them on.
"Ron" said Hermione and she ran to Ron, "Please be careful" and she kissed him.
Ginny ran to Harry and whispered in his ear, "Please Harry, you told me that you would always try to come back home safely. Please do, and I prefer to feel you get in bed late than never" and a tear slid down her cheek. Harry wiped it away and kissed her back.
"Oy mate, we have to go" said Ron and He and Harry disappeared through the floo network as Hermione and Ginny held each other tightly.
Molly saw Hermione and Ginny and she came up to them, "Don't worry girls, if they were able to fight the Dark Lord, they will be able to fight anything."