Chapter Thirty Six – Marriage
It was early morning the following day when Harry was awoken by an odd noise at the window to his and Hermione's bedroom. They had got home late, emotionally wrought and exhausted by the day's events. They had just enough wherewithal's to remove their clothing and collapse into bed and a deep, dreamless sleep. As Harry tried to identify the noise he became aware that it was coming from a regal looking owl scratching on the window glass. With a sigh Harry clambered out of bed, totally unconcerned by his nakedness – after all the owl wasn't at all bothered. Opening the window the owl took the opportunity to hop inside and perch on the dresser that was near the window. It extended its leg and allowed Harry to remove the attached parchment. This owl was the first to attempt to deliver any post to the cottage since Harry had relaxed some of the protection charms on the property. Both Harry and Hermione felt that the complete hiding of the cottage was now not required and agreed to relax the wards slightly. Even so it was still one of the safest places on the planet, just a little more contactable. They had also agreed that they would travel to Potter Manor to see what state it was in and bring it 'back to life' as Hermione put it.
"Thank you." Harry muttered to the owl whilst summoning a piece of bacon from the fridge to his hand. The owl hooted its thanks and with a slight bob of its head jumped back to the window ledge and without a backward glance flew off into the forest that surrounded the cottage. Harry watched it fly off with something akin to envy on his face as he thought how nice it would be just to take flight and leave the world's problems behind. With a slight smile he realised that it was just a flight of fancy and looked down at the letter in his hand. It was addressed to 'Prince Pendragon' and was sealed with a wax seal bearing the mark of the Ministry embossed in it.
Harry quickly broke the seal and opened the letter to read its contents. It was from Kingsley asking both him and Hermione to meet with him later that morning. It appeared that the Aurors had found something that they needed his help with. There was an acknowledgment section at the bottom of the parchment that Harry tapped with his wand signifying his receipt and acceptance of the invitation.
"Making friends love?" Hermione's voice came from the bed.
Grinning Harry turned and smiled at the vision before him; Hermione was still laid in the bed her hair all mussed up, but she had the most loving expression that Harry had ever seen on her face as she looked at him.
"Yeah, he woke me up with his scratching; you look awesome by the way." He told her, his pleasure at seeing his naked wife becoming apparent to her eyes.
"What did it want?" she asked him with a grin.
"Kingsley wants to see us later this morning; apparently he needs our help with a couple of things."
"Did he say what?"
"Nah, apparently they have found something that he thinks we need to see, but didn't say what."
"Did he say when?" she asked, her look turning sultry.
"Yeah, eleven at the Ministry."
"Well that gives us plenty of time...come here husband." She growled
Harry didn't resist...many time.
I.Y. I.Y. I.Y.
With a silent displacement of air, two people arrived in the foyer of the Ministry building, startling a few passing witches one of whom screamed in surprise. When she saw who it was that startled her she bowed and scurried away. Harry grimaced when he saw the witch's reaction and shook his head.
"Love, we need to get used to that reaction, it's going to happen a lot." Hermione told him as she noticed the grimace.
Harry sighed and nodded his head. "I know, but I don't need to like it." He replied.
Hermione nodded and hand in hand they walked the short distance to the lifts. They waited for a few seconds before entering a vacant lift and pressed the correct button for the administrative section. With a sudden lurch the lift set off, stopping at the next floor for a few other people who stared openly at the royal couple. Soon however they were able to escape as the lift arrived at the correct floor. Exiting the lift they made their way to the Ministers office. Sat at the desk was the Ministers personal assistant who looked up and smiled at the pair.
"My Lieges, he said to go straight in. Would either of you like tea, coffee?" she asked.
"No thank you just some cold water please." Harry replied after silently conferring with Hermione.
She nodded and indicated the door behind her. Harry and Hermione walked toward it and Harry knocked gently on it. They heard a deep voice asking them to enter and soon they were both being greeted by the interim Minister as well as Arthur Weasley.
"Harry, Hermione come in, have a seat." Kingsley boomed in his deep voice.
"Minister..." Harry began
"Ahha, not yet Harry." Kingsley corrected with a grin.
"...sorry! Acting Minister, you asked to see us?" Harry completed.
Kingsley's grin faded and he took on a more serious face.
"Yes, and neither thing is pleasant. First thing is there has been a lot of reports in the muggle news about attacks on entire families. Particularly nasty attacks where the victims are basically butchered and mutilated. Men, woman children and even babies are all attacked. Normally this would not come under our jurisdiction but when one of the families were Squibs I sent someone to check it out. There was a strong magical signature in the vicinity, a Dark signature."
"Let me guess - it's the creature isn't it? The one that was Ron?" Harry asked with dread.
"Yes, I'm afraid it is, and in the last attack he left a nasty message for you both." He replied handing them a dark red folder. Opening it they found it contained victim reports that made them both feel sick as well as a muggle photo of the interior wall of the house. Daubed on it in blood and entrails was a short message.
'I'm coming Harry!' was all it said.
Harry grimaced once more and his fist clenched in anger.
"Harry, we knew this was coming. We will deal with him." Hermione told him.
Harry got his temper under control and looked back at Kingsley and Arthur.
"Sorry Minister, we will deal with the creature as soon as we can. What was the other thing you wanted to talk to us about?" he asked trying to change the subject.
Harry, this a strange one. We found something and it's the damnedest thing. We have being clearing up after the fall of Voldemort and going through the Death Eaters houses. We spent a lot of time going through Malfoy manor as that was his headquarters and we found...someone. Someone that we felt you needed to know about."
"Who?" Hermione asked.
"You need to see it My Lady, we can take you there now if you want." He replied mysteriously.
Both teens curiosity was now peaked and they agreed to accompany the two politicians. They followed the two to the next room where Viktor and Gawain were waiting. Both men nodded to Harry, but Viktor politely kissed both of Hermione's cheeks in greeting. Hermione smiled warmly at her friend but before they had time to chat the portkey that Gawain was holding began to glow signifying its imminent activation. Everyone grabbed hold of the long piece of velvet cord that the new Head Auror held and within seconds they were all whisked away to...
...the main entrance hall in what was once a grand building. Now however it looked like a herd of elephants had been through it. Kingsley explained as they walked that when the Death Eaters were in residence, they seemed to have trashed the place when Lucius died, and then afterwards the Aurors had to dismantle the entire house to search for Dark items. It was when they were searching that they discovered the person.
"I must warn you, it's rather...grisly." he finished his explanation as they arrived at what looked like it was once a concealed door.
"You ready?" he asked. Both teens nodded and he opened the door to reveal what was once Voldemort's 'throne' room. Harry entered first and was followed by Hermione. They both gasped at what they saw. Hung on the wall was a near skeleton of a young man. What was most shocking was that the head was intact and they both nearly vomited when they recognised the head of their school nemesis, Draco Malfoy. His face was pale and his eyes closed, but the remains of his long blonde hair was still visible even if it was stained black with dried blood and worse. As Hermione looked closer she saw a fibrous network surrounding the skeleton and with a gasp she realised that they were nerves.
"What the hell?" Harry asked.
"It gets worse Harry." Kingsley replied. Harry was about to reply when Hermione screamed. Harry whipped around, his hand outstretched and glowing with a barely repressed spell when he too saw what had made Hermione scream. Draco's eyes were open looking widely around, his mouth opening and closing silently. His expression was one of extreme agony and suffering.
Hermione turned to the side and lost her breakfast and Harry very nearly followed her.
"How? Why?" he finally managed.
"We don't know, except to say it's very Dark magic. We tried to put him out of his misery but even the killing curse does nothing. He is aware and the nerves that surround his skeleton seem to be firing pain signals constantly to his brain. We wondered if you could help?" he finished.
Harry slowly walked over to the sad looking figure and looked Draco in the eye.
"Draco?" he asked.
Draco focused on Harry, his eyes leaking tears as he gazed at the man he had hated at school and now needed to end his torment.
'Potter!' he mouthed silently, his lack of lungs making it impossible for him to speak out loud. 'Did you win?' he mouthed – 'Is he dead?'
Harry nodded, "Yes Draco, he's dead. Him and all his Death Eaters are no more."
Draco looked at him for a while, his face looking almost happy at the news.
'Mother?' he asked.
"Alive and well, I gave her back her maiden name, her sister Andromeda forgave her."
'Thank you...help me? Please! Kill me...' he mouthed.
Harry nodded and closed his eyes for a second. Hermione came up to him and took his hand. Harry looked once more at the pitiful figure in front of him.
"Off course Draco. For what it's worth, I forgive you." He said quietly. Draco looked at him for a long while and finally mouthed.
'I'm sorry, both of you.'
Harry raised his hands and felt the power build up in him as Hermione placed her hands on his back.
"Goodbye Draco." He said and with a slight gasp the power shot out of his hands and struck the figure. Like with Thicknesse, the figure glowed and then silently turned to the constitute atoms that made it up and Draco Malfoy, last of the Malfoy's finally got his peace.
I.Y. I.Y. I.Y.
It was the morning that Harry had been looking forward to and dreading in equal measure. Tuesday morning broke with clear skies and despite the time of year, it was quite warm. He woke to find an unfamiliar sight around him. At Hermione's insistence they had spent the night apart as was the tradition. Hermione, Luna, Ginny, Susan and Hannah as well as a much subdued Lavender had spent the night together; Parvati was spending time with her parents and grandparents who had just arrived from India, and Fleur and Tonks joined them for a brief while before returning home. Although he wasn't certain, he had heard talk of a muggle male strip club, as well as copious amounts of alcohol. Apparently both Molly and Emma were keen to come along, as he poked his head around the door to check on her, there was much giggling to be heard and he fled when a pair of lacy knickers were thrown his way, his face flaming.
By comparison Harry had spent the evening with Neville, Dean and the twins; who were much quieter than normal and Arthur. They went to the Leaky Cauldron and spent the evening talking about the recent events as well as having the odd drink, well maybe more than the odd drink. Despite his fame and fortune Harry did not feel the urge to splash out on a lavish party or a wild evening, although he did have a vague memory of some singing. He spent the night at Neville's temporary home, one of the Longbottom's holiday homes in the Lake District and this was the unfamiliar room he found himself in currently. He slowly stood and looked around the room. On a small table was a small box that contained two rings made from pure Mithrill and interwoven with gold. He had found them in his vaults a few days ago and as soon as he touched them he felt their power flow though him. Next to the small velvet wrapped box was a small piece of parchment that explained about the rings; apparently they had originally been forged eons ago by an unknown and ancient creature. He had made many rings, and most were as corrupted as he was, but a few were pure. Most had been lost to time but the two that Harry owned were the most pure of all, having once belonged to the ancient race of elves of old. They were supposed to contain the knowledge and wisdom of the once proud race and the last to wear them were Merlin and his wife.
Harry looked at the dress robes that Dobby had left out for him with a thrill of anticipation. They were of finest silk and had the Pendragon seal on them. Atop the pile was the golden crown he was expected to wear, along with the newly remade Sword of Pendragon; a present from Ragnok and forged by himself. Whist not as strong as the Sword of Gryffindor nor as magical as Excalibur, it still had power; a power that Ragnok assured him would grow as time passed. With a grimace Harry waved his hand and dressed himself in his normal clothes, the robes could wait for a while.
He was aware that he had drunk a lot the night before but just willed the poisons away from his system. Upon arriving downstairs he soon found that the others were not able to perform this trick, judging from the groans that both Arthur and Neville were making. With a slight laugh that earned him glares from both, he conjured hangover potions for them both and with Dobby's help started making breakfast. It was a recovering Neville that realised that his breakfast had just been made and served by the most powerful wizard in the world as well as one who was entitled to wear the crown of Pendragon that really sobered him up.
"Er Morning Harry, how you feeling?" Neville asked with a grimace as the potion slowly removed his headache. Judging from the snores, Arthur had fallen back to sleep.
"Fine thanks Nev, You?"
"Fine now, did we really sing last night...in public?" he asked.
"Er yeah, think so. The Twins took us to something the muggles call a Karaoke bar I think. Who would have known that Dean could sing so well? Nearly broke my heart when he sang 'Danny Boy' for Seamus."
"You do know that they were a couple don't ya?" Neville asked.
Harry looked surprised and Neville nodded. "But what about all the girls and stuff?" Harry asked.
"A cover, whilst the Wizarding world seems to accept two witches getting together, it's a lot less tolerate of two wizards, but they had been together for a few years now. Personally I thought they made a nice couple, and they were very happy together. Dean's hurting Harry, he's hurting bad."
"Aw shit, this war just keeps on hurting people. Do you think he will be okay?"
"In time, I know that they had both discussed the possibility of either of them dying. They made each other promise not to spend the rest of their lives alone, but you know..."
"Yeah, talks easy."
The conversation stopped as Dean and the twins made their way into the kitchen and silently got their breakfast. Harry silently handed each of them a hangover potion, his hand stopping briefly on Dean's shoulder as he passed the grieving young man his potion. Dean looked at Harry in surprise before nodding at the unspoken communication that passed between the two friends. Unbidden a few tears sprung up at the corners of Deans eyes and Harry smiled and nodded in sympathy.
"Well eat up; we have to be at Hogwarts in an hour." Harry said with a sick look on his face. "And someone wake Arthur up please, he needs to get to the cottage to escort 'Mione."
I.Y. I.Y.I.Y.
A similar scene was playing out at Potter Cottage, except this one was more frantic as the dressing of four bridesmaids, one bride and the mother of the bride seemed to take a lot longer. Add into that a few steaming hangovers and the mystery of how Hermione had woken up hugging a traffic cone had made the morning an interesting one at that. Young Charlotte was over the moon to be a bridesmaid, but due to her connection with the castle she had only just arrived and was on a tight schedule as she did not like being away from the castle for too long. Consequently she was the first to be dressed by Madam Malkin who had made all the dresses except for the Brides which had come from the vaults at Gringotts. The adult Bridesmaids were all in a rich sapphire blue whilst Charlotte was in Ivory with a sapphire band across her middle. There was much giggling and semi-naked girls running around the house as they all dressed. Emma suddenly realised that Hermione was not present and she went in search of her immortal daughter. She soon found the elegantly dressed witch sat in front of a mirror in her room deep in thought. Emma stood by the door as she looked at her daughter; she was dressed in a pale ivory gown, of the shoulder with a tight bodice with gold detailing on the front and a thin shapely gown to her feet. Hermione's hair was elegantly styled in a knot on her head with wisps running down her cream neck. Upon her head was not the golden circlet that was a sign of her position in the magical world; as important and ancient as the circlet was, it was rather plain and instead she wore the newly recovered and re-polished Diadem of Ravenclaw, the Sapphire the same colour as the bridesmaid's dresses. Around her neck was a beautiful and large necklace with a teardrop Sapphire in the centre; a gift from Ragnok. All in all the overall effect was staggeringly beautiful and Emma wished deeply that Dan was here to see his beautiful daughter. Hermione was looking into the mirror with largely unseeing eyes.
"Penny for them love?" Emma asked gently.
Hermione jumped slightly and turned to see her mother with tears in her eyes as she looked at her.
With a sigh Hermione moved along the small bench she was sat on and her mother moved to sit next to her. Hermione rested her head on her mother's shoulder and smiled slightly.
"Just thinking, a lot has changed in such a small amount of time. We lost Ron, and that still hurts, we beat Voldemort but at a terrible price; I'm more powerful than ever and quite frankly that scares the be-jeebers out of me, and then there's the whole immortality thing as well as being practically royalty. It's just a lot to take in, you know?"
"Well there is also Harry..."
"Yeah, there's Harry." Hermione said with an odd twist to her voice.
"Don't tell me you are having second thoughts Hermione Granger?" Emma asked.
"Merlin no! Harry is absolutely everything to me and more, it's just am I good enough for him, will he get bored of me after a few hundred years or so?"
Emma just laughed. "Hermione, to say you are one of, if not the most intelligent witch ever, you are being very thick. That boy is totally and utterly besotted with you, he worships the ground that you walk on. He could no more get bored with you that I could fly to the moon."
"Really?" Hermione asked in a small voice.
"Really, you daft twit, everyone can see it."
Hermione hugged her mother and was quiet for a while before quietly speaking.
"I miss Dad." she sniffed.
"Oh Sweetie, I do too, but you know he's still with us don't you? Ever since you told me about meeting the creator or whatever he was I have felt your father close to me, like he's watching over us. It's been very comforting to feel his presence again. I even think this little one knows his father's with us." She said placing a hand over her swollen belly. There was a knock on the door and Luna poked her head around.
"Arthur's here 'Mione, its time." she told the pair.
Hermione wiped her eyes and waved her hand over her face to re-apply her slight makeup and stood; her face now resolute.
"Okay, let's get this show on the road!" she said with a smile.
I.Y. I.Y. I.Y.
Harry had arrived at Hogwarts and with Neville by his side; he entered the Great Hall stopping dead as he entered the room, his mouth agape. The room was like nothing he had ever seen before. The tables were gone and the chairs were arranged in a similar fashion to the sombre event a few days ago, but that was where the similarity ended. The room was aglow with light from the enchanted ceiling and at every pillar there were baskets of the most beautiful flowers arranged in artful bouquets. Red and gold ribbons bedecked the back of each chair and in the centre of the 'aisle' was a dark red carpet, its pile thick and lush. Sat at the chairs was the entire school body along with friends and family as well as numerous past students. Dudley was sat with Lisa, looking smart in a dark suit that showed how much weight the young man had lost. Sat on the other side was Hermione's few remaining relatives, her Aunt Katherine and her husband David along with her cousin Rebecca. Katherine was her father's sister and had only found out about her nieces legacy yesterday...
Flashback- yesterday afternoon
Emma Granger knocked gently on the door to her daughter's bedroom and waited for a reply.
"Come in Mum" Hermione yelled.
Opening the door she entered the room to see both Hermione and Harry sat on a sofa reading newspapers; both looking sober after coming back from Malfoy manor. "How did you know it was me?" Emma asked.
Hermione laughed and just mock whispered "Magic mum."
Emma rolled her eyes, she should have thought of that reply.
"What can we do for you Mum?" Hermione asked.
Emma sighed and bit the bottom of her lip in a way that suddenly made Harry realise where his beloved got the habit from.
"It's the wedding and your father's sister... She doesn't know about Dan or about you and magic, but..."
"You want her to come, and you want us to tell her about Dad, magic and everything don't you?"
"Love, we have no other relatives, my mum and dad are both gone and I have no siblings, your dads parents are both gone; your aunt Kathy is all you have left. You loved visiting when you were younger and you got on well with your cousin. We owe it to her...to Dad to tell her." Emma told her.
"I know mum, but it will be hard." Hermione sighed.
"Love, if she is the only family you have then we need to tell her, family is important. We can go now if you want. Where does she live?" Harry said.
Hermione smiled at him and took his hand. "She lives up in North Lincolnshire, just south of Hull, but we cannot apparate there, they don't know about magic yet."
"Great, we can take the car; I've been dying to give it a whirl again." Harry grinned, happy to get away from his dark thoughts.
I.Y. I.Y. I.Y.
An hour later found the three of them sat in the beautiful old Aston on the M1 heading north. Harry had added a notice-me-not charm to the car as well as a speed one. They were currently doing over two-hundred miles an hour and both teens were loving the journey. Emma however was whimpering and had her hands over her eyes, her fingers splayed as she watched Harry weave through the traffic with an expert Seekers eye. She had spent the first ten minutes of the journey screaming but had now lost the ability to scream. Hermione occasionally would turn around to try to reassure her mother, but nothing seemed to work. By now Harry had got to junction 32 and turned off onto the M18 towards Hull. He was whistling a happy tune as he drove along the much quieter road and finally Emma began to relax. They slowed right down to normal speeds as they drove over the impressive Humber Bridge, and soon were pulling up to a nice looking cottage in one of the small villages. Harry killed the engine of the sports car now sat on a pebble drive and turned around to Emma.
"Well, we are here, how do you want to do this?" he asked her.
"Err..." but Emma never got chance to reply as the front door opened and slim, good looking woman in her thirties strode out followed by a teenager that was almost Hermione's double apart from this teen had jet black hair. The woman had Hermione's eyes and figure but she also had the black hair.
"Emma is that you?" the woman asked as she walked to the car. "And Hermione as well? Well this is a surprise." Emma by now had exited the car and embraced the younger woman. As she held her Kathy asked the one question Emma hoped she wouldn't.
"Emma, where's Dan?" Kathy asked and was surprised when Emma started to sob.
"Emma, what is it, my idiot older brother didn't leave you did he?" This caused Emma to sob even more than before. Hermione was now in Harry's arms crying whilst the teenager that stood next to her mother and aunt looked around in confusion.
Emma finally found her voice; "Kathy, I hate to have to tell you this but Dan..." she broke off.
Katherine Abbot (no relation!) finally began to realise that this was serious. She felt her heart plummet as she held her sobbing sister-in-law.
"No! Please God, not Dan..." she began as her own tears began to fall. "...How? When?" she finally managed to ask.
"C-C-Can we go inside, we have a lot to tell you." Emma stuttered. Kathy finally nodded and led them indoors. The teenager hung back and looked at her cousin with glassy, tear filled eyes.
"Hermione, I'm so sorry for your loss, Uncle Dan was a wonderful person." she finally said.
"Thanks Becky, we better go." Hermione managed but seeing the quizzical look that Rebecca was casting towards Harry she smiled sadly.
"Rebecca, this is Harry Potter, my...Husband." she said. Harry smiled and held out his hand for the stunned and saddened teenager.
"H-H-H-Husband...wow, just wow...sorry, good to meet you Harry." Rebecca said.
"You too Rebecca, I just wish it was under better circumstances." Harry said, shaking her hand before gently kissing her fingers. They heard a yell from the house and finally followed the two elder women into the house.
Soon they were all sat in the lounge; Emma sat opposite Kathy with the three teens on the sofa. Kathy had phoned her husband at work and he was on his way home. Emma was explaining about the two of them been in Australia and how they had both been attacked at work, how Dan had been killed and how Emma had ran over the perpetrator. Despite everything, Emma still tried to keep the truth about Hermione out of it, but Kathy was soon onto it.
"You're not telling me something Emma, It's bad enough that I learn the reason why I have been unable to contact my big brother for nearly a year is that he has been gallivanting around Australia and then got himself killed and also that I cannot attend my only brothers funeral but please don't lie to me."
Emma sighed and looked at Hermione for help. Hermione took a deep breath and took over the conversation.
"Auntie Kathy, Mum is not deliberately lying to you. You see the reason why Mum and Dad were in Australia was to do with me and Harry."
"And that's another thing, just who the hell are you?" Kathy asked looking at Harry.
"Aunt Kathy, as I have told you, this is Harry Potter, he is my husband and the reason why all of this happened is because Harry is a wizard and I am a witch; and we have just got out off a magical war in which Harry killed the most evil wizard who ever lived." Hermione said a little hotly.
There was a long moment of silence before Kathy gave a sarcastic laugh. "Come now Emma, is that the best you can come up with, some cock and bull story and from your daughter no less..." she broke off because Hermione stood and blurred to become a large lioness in the middle of the room. She stood and shook her coat, snarling as she did her long vicious looking fangs in full view. She walked around the room before blurring once more and turning back into the beautiful young woman she normally was.
There was a crash as the coffee mug that Kathy had been holding fell from her nerveless fingers and smashed on the floor.
"Whaaaa?" she said stupidly, her mouth opening and closing soundlessly; Rebecca was for some reason holding onto Harry's arm. As soon as Hermione re-appeared, Rebecca realised that she was holding Harry arm and let go with a loud 'eep!'
"Aunt Kathy... AUNT KATHY!"Hermione said, snapping her fingers in front of her aunt's face. "It's still me; I just have a special power that most humans don't." Hermione began and soon she told the pair most of the real story, about Voldemort and Hogwarts; about magic and Harry; about the Wizarding world and her place in it as a Princess and Harry's connection to King Arthur. The only thing she missed out was the truth about their immortality. She even created a Pensieve for the pair to watch Dan's simple but powerful funeral. After an hour or two during which Kathy's husband David came home and the explanations as well as the demonstrations of magic took place once more; everyone was exhausted but it had been agreed that they would come tomorrow for the formal wedding. Harry created a portkey for them and with instructions on its use the trio left by apperation, the DB5 shrunk and in Harry's pocket.
End Flashback
Harry walked to the front, nodding at friends as he did, Neville by his side. Near the front were sat the Weasley clan with the exception of Ginny and Arthur. Molly stood and embraced the boy she thought somewhat as her extra son.
"Harry, you look very handsome. Hermione is a very lucky young lady. Are you ready?" she asked as she embraced him.
"Yes Molly, I think I am." He replied as he gently kissed her cheek. Wiping away an errant tear Molly nodded back to him and Harry turned to take the hands of Bill, Charlie, Fred and George as well as to kiss the cheek of Fleur. Sat next to Fleur was a beautiful young woman whose silvery blonde hair matched the elder Veela's exactly. As Harry looked he realised that she was familiar to him.
"Gabrielle? Is that you?" he asked. Gabrielle smiled and a faint blush rose on her cheeks.
"Oui, 'Arry. I am 'appy you remember moi. It is good to see you, you look very 'ansome mon ami."
"Off course I remember you Gabrielle, how could I forget. You look lovely as well." he replied, gently kissing both of her cheeks as he spoke. Even Harry couldn't fail to see the radiant blush that encompassed the young Veela's face as he kissed her.
"Gabrielle?" he asked.
The blonde Veela looked at her feet in embarrassment before looking back at him.
"It is nothing 'Arry but a young girls crush. Do not worry about it, I am not looking to break up you and 'Ermione, but know if you ever wanted a second wife..." she said.
Harry grinned at her. "Not likely I'm afraid but if change my mind I'll let you know." he said with a grin. Gabrielle grinned back, knowing that he was trying to let her down gently. She really did love the young wizard and had made the offer seriously. She also knew that Harry realised this but was trying to allow her to keep some dignity. With a final smile Harry walked on the greet Kingsley and Gawain Robards along with Viktor.
"Kingsley, is everything ready for the elections tomorrow?" he asked.
"Yes my Liege, everything is prepared. We have polling booths in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley as well as on in the Ministry building. Polling will open at nine and extend until eight tomorrow night. All polling stations will have an Auror guard and will be open to every Witch, Wizard and even Squibs over the age of seventeen. Every house hold has received voting slips as well as full instructions on how to vote." The interim Minister reported.
"And the polls? who do they list as favourite?" Harry asked.
Kingsley managed to blush and shuffled his feet. "Well it seems that the public seem to favour myself by a large majority sir. If they are to be believed then I will be your next minister by the end of tomorrows vote. We have planned a result ceremony in the Ministry foyer and it will be broadcast on the radio."
"Not my Minister Kingsley, but their Minister. After all this my wife and I intend to fade from public view and enjoy our lives together." Harry admonished.
"Off course my liege...Harry." he said, but could be quite clearly heard saying under his breath "And I believe that when is see it!" Harry raised a single eyebrow and his lips curled to a slight smile at this, Gawain was less subtle and gave a loud guffaw of laughter and even Viktor smirked to himself. Before Harry could respond he 'heard' Cassie tell him that it was time. He nodded to the three men and quickly he and Neville moved to the front of the hall to stand in front of the magical embodiment of the school. Cassie was once more in her older form and was dressed in a beautiful ethereal white dress, her dark black hair cascading down her back and her beautiful face calm. She smiled and embraced Harry in a warm hug when he got to the front.
"Ready Father?" she asked.
"Yes Cassie, yes I am." Harry replied.
"Good because she is here."Cassie said as she once more took her place. Harry moved to the spot identified for him with Neville by his side. Cassie nodded to an unseen person and after a few seconds twenty or so wizards in full dress robes stood with long fluted trumpets in their hands and the hall was full of the sound of a full fanfare that announced the beginnings of the proceedings. At this sign everyone stood and as soon as the fanfare died away the rear doors off the hall opened magically. Surprisingly the first person to enter was Arthur Weasley who walked briskly to the front and took his place next to his wife. He smiled and nodded at Harry who was looking puzzled. Surely he didn't expect Hermione to walk the isle on her own did he? Then an invisible band began to play the wedding march and in walked first Charlotte dressed in her Ivory and blue dress. She smiled a wide smile and slowly walked down the aisle. She was followed by Lavender and Ginny, both looking beautiful and then following alone was the young immortal Vampiress, her blue gown matching the necklace she wore and complementing the purple of her wide and happy eyes. There was evidence of a few tears in her eyes as she carried a beautiful bouquet of flowers. As she walked and smiled it was clear to see that her fangs were unashamedly in full view. The four bridesmaids took their places at the front of the hall and there was a pause before the music rose a notch and Hermione appeared on the ghostly arm of...Daniel Granger.
Harry heard Emma gasp as she saw her husband dressed in full morning suit and on the arm of their beautiful daughter. He was clearly transparent but had some colour in him as the pair walked slowly down the aisle to the music. Hermione looked radiant and happy if a little shocked. She had closed down most of the connection she shared with Harry hours earlier but now allowed him to see the events that led to the 'powers that be' granting the soul of Dan Granger this one opportunity to walk his daughter down the aisle on her wedding day. Arthur had readily agreed and had kissed the young woman on the cheek before leaving her with her father to speak for a few moments. There had been the usual recriminations and tears before Dan convinced her that what had happened had to happen and that he was safe and happy in the afterlife. So it was a happy Hermione and a proud Dan that walked down the aisle towards the young immortal wizard that held the heart of this powerful immortal witch upon his arm. Reaching the front Daniel Granger was allowed some substance for a few minutes and he handed over the hand of his daughter to Harry.
"Look after her Harry for me, she means the world to me." he said in a quiet voice that seemed to fill the room.
"I will sir, I will with everything I am." Harry replied. Dan nodded and gently kissed his Hermione with cool ghostly lips. Hermione smiled at him and mouthed to him. 'I love you Dad' Dan nodded and then turned with a 'sigh' to face his wife.
"Emma, my darling Emma...I miss you love. I'm sorry for leaving you, but it was my time. If I hadn't of died then you and our future would have." he said with his hand gently touching Emma's swollen belly.
"D-D-Dan, oh my Daniel...it hurts so much." she began, behind them they both could hear Kathy crying into her husband's chest.
"I know love, but I am always with you and will be watching you until you join me. Live your life my Emma - live it well and be happy. Raise our son, our little Daniel and know that I will be waiting for you. Until then my love." he said as he raised his hand to her cheek and slowly faded away.
Emma raised her hand to her cheek where he had caressed her and with her other hand wiped away the tears. Not knowing who to thank she raised her head and spoke to the sky.
"Thank you for giving me that opportunity." she whispered. There was a deep bell like noise and Harry, Hermione and Emma heard a voice say, 'Your Welcome." Only Harry and Hermione recognised it as Bob's voice.
With a sad but content smile Emma nodded at Cassie and she moved back to stand with Molly and Arthur. Cassie smiled and indicated that Harry and Hermione were to come and stand in front of her.
"My friends, we are all gathered her to witness the union of two souls bound by love. The two stood in front of me have many titles and names but today they are simply Harry and Hermione. In the end that is all that matters and I am blessed and honoured to bear witness to the official joining of these two individuals. Many things will be written about these two but I want you to all remember in the years to come, this day; this day when they stood before you and declared their love for each other. Magical marriage is a wondrous thing and these two people have a bond that has never been seen before and may never be seen again. They share a life essence, they are more than soul mates, they are eternal, they are forever." Cassie paused, even though she had openly declared their immortality to most it just seemed that she was just talking figuratively.
"Harry, Hermione if you would like to say your vows to each other." she continued.
Harry looked into the eyes of the woman he was destined to spend eternity with and smiled. "Hermione, when we met all those years ago, you were a slightly bossy bookworm with no friends. However the moment I saw you, I saw something that captivated my heart and my soul. Over the years and our many adventures I grew to love the vivacious, clever and powerful witch you had become and despite the events surrounding it, the day you told me of your love for me was the happiest day of my life. You are my everything, without you I am nothing. I promise that I will love you till the end of days and I will be by your side throughout all that this life will throw at us, the good, the happy, the sad and the bad times. Hermione I love you with everything that I am." As he finished he reached over to brush the silent tears that were flowing down Hermione's cheeks and she reached up to cup his hand and hold it there. Behind them nearly every Witch and quite a few Wizards were snuffling into handkerchiefs and Molly and Emma were bawling their eyes out.
Hermione looked up and spoke to Harry, her words strong and proud.
"Harry years ago you saved a sad lonely bookworms life from a troll that surely would have killed me. In that simple but brave act, my fate was sealed. My heart was forever yours but I did not think myself good enough for you so I remained silent. However I followed you at every turn and would have gladly died for you. I loved you from afar, certain that we could not be together but that one day you changed my life forever; you opened your heart to me and made me the happiest woman who ever lived. You complete me, you make me what I am, and there are no words that can describe the depths of my love for you. I promise to love you unconditionally and to be with you forever, in this world and whatever others we may encounter." Even though it was not the right time, Harry couldn't help himself; he reached across and gently but firmly kissed Hermione on the lips. When they broke apart everyone was smiling at the pair. Cassie looked over at Neville.
"Do you have the rings?" She asked the young Lord in waiting.
Neville handed over the two Mithrill and gold rings to Cassie and stood back.
"The giving of rings has been used to signify the marriage of two souls for many centuries. The ring, the eternal circle signifies that the couples love is never ending. Harry and Hermione take your partners ring and declare your love."
The two immortals took each a ring and held them just in front of their ring fingers. Together, looking into each other's eyes they spoke the words they had earlier memorised.
"With this ring I take you as my partner in all things, now and forever." With that they pushed the rings home and kissed. Normally at this point the couple's hands would glow signifying the completion of the marriage bond but in this case their entire body's began to glow an intense and deep golden glow that extended from the couple in all directions. As they kissed the light became so bright that most watching had to turn away. Suddenly the light erupted from the pair and like a rocket it shot to the ceiling and beyond, bursting out of the roof of the school and illuminating the heavens. When the light finally faded the congregation were presented with the view of Harry and Hermione holding each other looking at them with big beaming smiles on their faces. Cassie was stood behind them and somewhat needlessly spoke.
"My friends, I present to you Prince and Princess Pendragon, Lord and Lady Potter, Harry and Hermione."
The crowd began to clap and soon the applause was thunderous as the people welcomed the new couple to the Wizarding world.
The rest of the day passed in a blur for the couple, everyone wanted to congratulate the happy couple and shake their hands or kiss their cheeks. The magnificent banquet that the Hogwarts elves had laid on was a noisy and rambunctious affair and it was a happy but exhausted couple that finally fled to the Cottage and their room for their wedding night. Like every newlywed couple they slept little and loved a lot. Finally they fell asleep happy that tomorrow would bring lasting change to their world and then they could go on a long deserved honeymoon to their private island in the Maldives that they had just discovered that they owned. Little did they know events would conspire against them.