A/N- Alrighty guys, hope I did the first half of the wedding justice...and we haven't even truly started the wedding! I'm supposing that there will be more dialogue than description, but don't hold me to anything right now (: so let's strap in and get 'er done!
Disclaimer: Aww Lordy I wish I owned the Harry Potter universe but unfortunately I don't have that much talent or imagination.
Chapter 53
January 13, 1999
"It's time, 'Mione".
Hermione looked down the aisle as Harry started to pull her forward. So many unfamiliar faces were the sea of people who came to watch her marry the love of her life. For the life of her, she couldn't imagine what would bring these people in the dead of winter to her wedding if the didn't have a personal connection to either her or Fred. Hermione saw multiple people she did recognize and for them, she was grateful.
As she reached the last aisle, she heard the clicking of cameras taking she and Harry's picture, instantly bringing back the nostalgia of the lost Gryffindor Colin Creevy. The tear that it brought to her eye threatened to spill over to her cheek but she was just able to blink it away. In that single moment, she promised herself to think of nobody gone, nobody there to not celebrate with her. She knew that all her friends would want her to have a good time and live her life to her fullest. For her lost friends, and for herself, she put a bright smile upon her face and proudly marched up to meet Fred, no longer nervous.
The second that Fred was able to recognize any distinguishing feature of his bride-to-be, his mouth dropped and Hermione found herself hoping that somebody caught it on film. She could see appreciation is his eyes and she had to admit that she returned it. The robes she had chosen for him indeed made him look "dashing".
By the time she was three rows away from where Fred stood with George, Bill, and Charlie, she recognized all the faces that were standing in her honor. Christine and Angelina gave her wide smiles and Molly was already dabbing at her eyes and could be heard muttering to herself "my little Freddy's marrying his Hermione". Hermione even saw Ron shoot her a thumbs up sign when he thought his mum wasn't looking. Neville was sitting in the family section next to Ron and grinning just as wide as the rest of them.
As Hermione and Harry finally made it to Fred's place at the front of the crowd, all the guests took their seats. Harry moved Hermione's veil from her face and gave her a soft smile. Leaning forward, he whispered in her ear.
"No matter what happens 'Mione, with Ginny, with Fred, the Weasleys, we'll always have each other. Brother and sister, until the end. Promise me." A single tear slid down her cheek as she nodded her head. He gave her a kiss on the cheek and put her hand in Freds before taking his seat next to Molly in the front row.
When Hermione turned her attention to Fred, she saw the blind adoration in his eyes. And lust. She had to laugh to herself. If only most of these people had seen what she had worn to breakfast...the Ministry official had started to speak.
"We're gathered here today to witness the marriage of two special souls. Not special for what they've done in this world, what they'll become, or even that they have magical blood. Special because they were two lost souls floating in the open sea of life and they found each other when there was no guarantee of the next day. I hope we can all be so lucky. At this time, our couple would like to exchange their own vows. Miss Granger? " Hermione nodded at him and took Fred's hands.
"I know looking back over everything I've had to do and overcome in the last year this will sound silly, but I used to be so jealous of you. You we're always so free to laugh around others, have fun, play pranks get into trouble...everybody loved you. I had two friends, Harry and Ron, who I'm still not sure I'd be friends with to this day if they hadn't locked me in the girls loo with that troll on accident. In fact, I was in the loo crying because I had no friends. I thought myself a complete idiot for hoping you'd ask me to the Yule Ball my fourth year. Instead, you asked Angelina in front of me to show Ron how it was done with that Weasley charm you possess. I said yes to Viktor that evening. Later you told me you liked me then too but didn't ask me and I could only come to one conclusion. It wasn't our time. I've grown up with you, know quite a fair bit about you because we started out as friends. We have something to build a relationship on, not just two kids who fancied each other in school. I'm glad for that. However, I'm also glad I don't have to wait any longer to marry you either. I love you, Freddie."
Molly was in tears. For a moment, Hermione thought she was going to rush up to the front and give her a hug right then but Arthur restrained her. Harry and Ron had the decency to look sheepish under the stony gaze of Professor McGonagall and Ginny. Hagrid could be heard clear in the back blowing his nose. The official turned to Fred and nodded at him, indicating it was his turn. Fred's charm turned on like a lightswitch.
"The first time I ever saw this tiny little witch, I knew she was going to be in Gryffindor. She marched into George and I's compartment, bold as ever, not even scared we were third years and she was a firstie, asking us if we had seen a toad named Trevor. Nobody but a Gryffindor would do that. Boy, was I right. She was so damned smart! kids my age would get ticked at her for correcting them on their homework. We gave her a hard time, me and Georgie, we had to. She was Ronnie's friend. But when she was petrified our fourth year, I was never more scared for her. I remember studying amortentia in potions class and having no idea what mine meant at the time. I smelled peaches, lilac, and old parchment. It wasn't until after you, Harry, Ron went on the run and I took some laundry of Ginny's up to her room that I smelled that smell again. Peaches for your shampoo, lilac is your body wash, and old parchment because everybody who knows Hermione Granger knows she can't ever put a book down. Even potions class knew we were meant for each other. I promise you that nobody will ever love you more than I do right now. I love you Mia."
Hermione felt another tear run down her cheek as she smiled at him. He reached out to brush it off with the pad of his thumb but she reached up and caught his hand and held it to her face. The camera clicks were going off like mad. The Ministry official cleared his throat and began the proceedings.
"Do you, Hermione Jean Granger, take this man before you, to have and to hold, for richer for poorer, through sickness or through health, as long as your days may last?" Hermione nodded.
"I do."
"Do you, Frederick Gideon Weasley, take this woman before you, to have and to hold, for richer for poorer, through sickness or through health, as long as your days may last?" Fred looked somber as he nodded.
"With all my heart, I do."
The Ministry official smiled. "You may now kiss your bride."
Hermione didn't care if Merlin himself was watching. She had been waiting for this day for since Harry's birthday when Fred had first told her he loved her. She thrust her bouquet into Ginny's hands, much to her surprise, and moved towards Fred. Fred, however, had other plans. He bent to kiss her but lifted her at the waist, swinging her legs out in a circle around him. When George finally made them break the kiss, the official finally called out.
"I'd like you all to meet Mr. and Mrs. Fred Weasley."
Ginny handed her the bouquet back and she and Fred traveled back down the aisle together followed closely by George and Ginny, Bill and Fleur, and Luna and Charlie. George was the first to sweep her off her feet and into a bear hug, his way of welcoming her to the family. He let her go with a promise of embarrassment for Fred in his speech to come, making her giggle. Charlie was next, literally sweeping her off her feet. He smiled and spun her around as well and told her he had plans in regards for his speech as well. Bill was more subdued and simply wrapped an arm around her waist and pressed a kiss to cheek, telling her how beautiful she was. This did spark a question for Hermione though. She turned to Ginny.
"How many speeches are there going to be? Ginny scrunched up her face.
"A lot. It's Fred. He's humiliated all of them for years. They figure it's time for some payback. It should all be great fun for you, especially since all the Weasley men are wrapped around your finger."
Hermione just groaned to herself and let Molly herd them out into the orchard so they could have their photos taken. Hermione had to concede after an hours worth of posing for their wedding photos, they had better be amazing. She had only really wanted one of she and Fred together where he held her bridal style and one with all the bridesmaids. She let Molly and Ginny have the say in the rest and she would order a copy of whatever they got. Fred did request one of just he and George, which Hermione thought was highly appropriate. These would be wonderful photos to grace their new home with. The photographer, a snotty Frenchman, promised to have them finished within a week or so so the family was bidden to go eat dinner. Fred leaned down to speak in Hermione's ear.
"You look bloody gorgeous, love. I'm the luckiest man in Britiain, getting to marry you." Hermione gave him a soft lingering kiss.
"Mm I disagree, Freddie. I'm the lucky one here, not you. You could have your choice of witches if you wanted to surrender your wand. I could get Ron. Yay me." Fred pushed her up against a tree, softly so as not to hurt her or get her dress dirty.
"Start watching, Mia. All the men out there staring? It's because they want you. You're sexy as hell and now you're all mine." Hermione could feel him pressing his erection into her pelvic bone, so as to prove a point. He leaned in for a simple kiss but she deepened it by opening her mouth and allowing him access. She circled her arms around his neck and threaded her fingers through his hair. Before the situation got too out of control, George interrupted the moment and told them the meal was waiting to be served on them being seated.
Exasperated, Fred led Hermione to their seats under the tent where the chairs and tables had been set up. As food was appearing on the tables, Arthur yelled out to the crowd.
"We didn't get the idea to do this for our other kids until now but this is video recorder. Somehow you point it at someone and they talk into it and it will save your picture and voice. We did a little filming (or shall I say fleur) at their hen and stag nights, getting ready for the wedding, then out among yourselves, people who had a message for the couple that won't be giving speeches. We thought this would be fun to watch while we eat, liven us up a bit for the speeches." Everyone cheered the idea on, which seemed like a fine idea to Hermione. Fred looked a little worried, however.
As Arthur fiddled with the tape, she leaned over and asked him.
"What's wrong, Freddie? Do you not want to watch the video now?" He gave her a smile.
"No, love, it's fine. I'm just nervous about what some of my guy friends might put on there thinking it was going to be watched by just us. Guess we'll find out, won't we?" Hermione patted his leg in reassurance.
The video started playing and it started out in the Leaky Cauldron with all the girls and boys taking shots of liquor. Soon enough, however, the girls party departed and the camera picked back up to some random songs that Lavender, Penny, and Luna could be seen dancing to. The video showed them to be quite the favorites at the bar until a certain song came on and Hermione drug all of them out on the dance floor. Laughing to herself, Hermione found it hard not to get up and dance now. Glancing over at Percy, she could almost feel the burn coming off his face from embarrassment. Charlie, on the other hand, looked extremely proud that his wife was dancing with his two sisters and having a damn good time doing it. Fleur must have still been carrying the camera while on when the Astoria situation arose because you couldn't quite tell who it was or tell what they said. The video just showed tiny Hermione tackling her and landing a couple good hits before it was switched off or shoved in a purse.
As the guests are eating, the laughter is catching so when the video shows Fred walking out of Percy and Ron's bathroom in just his underwear waving at the camera, people aren't able to eat from laughter. It's quite apparent Harry is running the camera now, since he's in trying to create havoc with the boys. Fred and George were having a bet on who would go to the wedding named for the cheapest price. Harry finally spoke up behind the camera.
"Hey, didn't Hermione tell you after the Incredible Shrinking Shoes and Percy's reception that if either one of you pranked her wedding, nobody would find your body?" George scoffed.
"I'm not scared of that tiny little girl. I will not be denied my fun." Fred thought for a second and came to the verdict
"You're on your own, mate. You may not be scared of her, but when you talked back to her in the hospital you were sure backing down from her, and she didn't even have her wand on her." George shook his head.
"Never thought I'd see the day when I'd hafta call my own twin a pussy. What about you, Harry, you in?" Harry started laughing.
"Fuck no. Do I look crazy or stupid to you? I've been scared of her since first year. I'm not sure who I'm more scared of, her or Ginny. I'd count Ron out too. He's just as scared as I am. If you're so brave, do it yourself. We all need a good laugh ." George walked off, muttering curses under his breath.
Hermione squinted her eyes and looked at George, who was sharing the same table.
"You and I will be discussing this later." George just smiled.
"Now Hermione, we all know you can't be mad at the one-eared man."
After shooting him a dirty look, she went back to the video while picking at her food and drinking her wine. Neville came on first, rambling about how much Hermione had always helped him in school, she was the best girl for noticing someone when they were invisible, and for being that person for him, he wished her true happiness. Luna followed, saying even though they were quite close-minded, they always treated her well and for being her friends she could never repay them. Hagrid approached and it was apparent he hugged Harry because the camera jostled. Hagrid just couldn't believe that his three favorite students ever were getting married within the year and that he hoped when they started having babies, he'd get to teach them too. Professor McGonagall praised Hermione for her brilliance, praised Fred for his also, if he had just applied himself. She ended her video greet with a "Hope to Merlin I'm retired when all these Weasleys and Potters make it back to Hogwarts. If not I won't have a hair left on my head." That earned sloshed champagne and wine on the tablecloths.
It was more down to school friends now, so people there for Fred. Lee, Dean, and Seamus made jokes about sex at work and not mixing foreplay with potions but wished them congratulations all the same. Angelina wished them other happiness and luck in all their endeavors. Alicia Spinnet reminisced about their quidditch days some, but wished them well and a happy life together. Demelza Robbins, who had played under Harry on the quidditch team, didn't say anything to Hermione but wished Fred a happy life and marriage. Parvati Patil wished them luck and the offer that if either of them ever needed to talk to someone about their problems, she would be free. Harry jumped up to turn it off, but Hermione stopped him when she heard a voice still talking from behind him.
It was Katie Bell, in the bright turquoise dress that she was wearing at this very moment. Harry made to turn it off again and Hermione let him, figuring it was probably for the best since he had taped it. She cast a glance with a shy smile towards Fred and he pulled her in for a kiss. After he broke the kiss, he whispered in her ear.
"I swear, Mia, I have no idea what's on that tape. I haven't even talked to her. You have no worries." She gave him a small smile as the caterers cleared the tables. However, she couldn't help but notice Katie watching them from her seat for the first sign of unrest.
The speeches were supposed to begin with Arthur but Kingsley had requested to go first since he had business come up at the Ministry. He approached the open area with his glass of wine and cast the sonorous spell on himself.
"Fred, Hermione, I couldn't ask to be watching two better people get married. I've known you both for years now and it would be hard to find two more selfless people than you two. If I could, they'd be in this room and probably related to you. It's hard to picture you being old enough to get married Hermione...I recall you yelling at everyone for treating Kreacher so badly, yelling at the twins there for sneaking petrified doxies from the curtains in the drawing room. I remember the Christmas we had at Headquarters that year...best one in a long time. And Fred! I will never forget the yelling you got when you flew out of Hogwarts on those brooms and had to come tell you Mum you started a joke shop with George. I swear even I vowed to destroy every single pair of those extendable ears you made...aww you young kids make me feel old. I couldn't be happier for you though, so I'm going to wish you the best marriage and life you two can possibly come up with. To Fred and Hermione! "
He raised his glass and when everyone had followed suit they all drank. Kingsley approached their table and gave Hermione a hug and a kiss on the cheek and then shook Fred's hand before he left the party and they heard a faint crack of apparition. Arthur took his place to make his speech. The flashes from the camera were flashing just as much now as they were through the Minister's speech.
"I'm speaking for Molly and I when I say we can't even begin to express how happy we are for you two. In a world gone crazy after a war, it seems you two are truly happy. Hermione, even though I've considered you my daughter since you were thirteen years old, probably sooner if I'd been around more, I'd like to officially welcome you to the family. I know you already consider them all your siblings, but by marrying Fred you've gained us all. I hope you can live with that. Fred, I can't even begin to tell you how lucky you are. You couldn't have found a better girl out there for you. She's beautiful, brilliant, and most important, she can put up with you. Hold her close, cherish her. You never know when your last day will be guaranteed."
Everyone drank to his speech and Bill took his spot. His look was all business.
"Well, Hermione, one thing you should know by now is that we Weasleys stick together so I'm letting it be known that if you hurt my brother in any way, I will lock you in a Gringotts vault. IF you're lucky, it might be the same one as Potter. But I wouldn't hold your breath." Fred was starting to stand up and George was getting ready to restrain him. Hermione was just trying to figure out where she had gone wrong with Bill. When Fred broke free from George's grasp, Bill held his hands up in a surrender motion and started laughing.
"Freddie, chill! It's a joke! I'm kidding! Like I would ever do that to Hermione...you, maybe, but never her! Truly, I just want the best of everything for you little brother. You're already started with the best girl. Be true to yourselves and each other." Bill went over to their seats and gave Hermione a kiss on the cheek and apologized for scaring her. He clapped Fred on the shoulder with a gale of laughter. Christine took his spot.
"I can't really say that I know either of you as well as the rest of the family. Maybe that's what gives me such a good outlook. You two are absolutely perfect together. Hermione I'm already closer to you and Ginny than I am my own sister. I've seen the typical purebred marriage, and I really hope for you and Fred, you never let it come to that. I going to just wish you both lots of life, love, and happiness." Everyone drank to her speech as well, although there were a few raised eyebrows about the purebred marriages. Charlie took over. Hermione could tell he was trying to think of what to say as he tapped his wand on his pant legs.
"Hermione, I remember the first time I ever met you. It was the summer before your fourth year and we were going to the Quidditch World Cup. You were maybe an inch or so shorter than you are now. The Death Eaters attacked and you got separated from Fred, George, and Ginny in the dark. So you're bumbling through the dark woods with tweedle-dumb and tweedle-dumber and you hear someone shoot the Dark Mark up in the sky. Everyone shoots spells and stunners at you and when it hits a house elf, instead of being scared to death, you take on the Head of Magical Law Enforcement for how he treats his house elf. When someone says your name, that's what I think of first. How absolutely selfless you are. You're an amazing girl. Fred, you're my brother and I'd die for you. I want you to be happy and trust me, happiness lies down her path. But she's also my little sister now, so remember what happens when you mess with family...I love both you two."
Charlie raised his glass and everyone looked at each other trying to decide with their eyes who was going to go next. Finally, Ginny stood and took her spot next.
"Fred, you are honestly the last of all my brothers I ever thought I'd see married. Not because girls don't want you. You're very attractive, well of course you are, you're my brother, you have a great sense of humor, great family, amazing job, the list goes on. It's just that no girl has ever caught your eye. You just never seemed interested. You'd flirt, have your fun, then move on. Never anybody serious. All my other brothers had serious girls at one point of another. So imagine my surprise when your perfect match was my best friend, who's been hanging around with you and your family for years. You can't imagine how much joy it gives me to see you happy when you're with her. Hermione, I'm so happy I get to officially be your sister. I've always looked at you that way, but now there's no way to get out of it. You married my brother and I married yours. Now, like you said at my wedding, get busy and have me some nieces and nephews, dammit!"
The crowd burst into laughter as they tipped back their wine glasses yet again. Ron went ahead and took his spot next knowing the end was drawing near.
"Fred, I can honestly say that aside from turning my teddy bear into a giant spider when I was three and traumatizing me for life, you been a damn good brother. I couldn't think of a better guy to take care of my best friend. I've just recently, as of this morning, halfway earned that title back. All I can say is good luck with her. She's both independent and stubborn as hell. Maybe you can get further with her than tweedle-dumb and tweedle-dumber did, because we failed miserably. On the flip side though, when she would do that, she figured out Harry could hear the voices in the walls during second year because the Slytherin Monster was a basilisk and things of the like. 'Mione, you're one of my best friends and above everything I just really want you to be happy. I can see it shining in your eyes so I know this is whats right for you. You will make a great wife and mother, you're a selfless person like Charlie said. I think that's a key ingredient when having children. I just sincerely wish the two of you health and happiness."
As Ron was leaving, Harry was taking his spot, leaving George for last since they're twins.
"'Mione, you're my sister. You have been since the troll in first year. You've always had my back since we met, without fail. Through all of it. You got us through to the Sorcerer's Stone, you figured out the basilisk, took time away from your studies to help me train for that ridiculous Triwizard Tournament. Hell, it was even your idea to start up Dumbledore's Army! I honestly think the Wizarding world might owe you more than me. My point though, is that you've always been there for me and you deserve the absolute best. Obviously since that can't be me, it should be somebody that makes you happy. I'm making the promise right now, with everyone as my witness, if the day ever comes when you're not happy, come to me and we'll figure it out. But knowing Fred it won't ever come to that. Fred, I know you love her. I saw the look on your face when you burst into Nott Mansion to save her. I think it goes without saying how much you love her. Just promise me you'll take care of her. Your family and your wife are the only family I have left. Cherish her."
Hermione stood and embraced Harry, knowing how hard it must have been to say some of those things. He held her for a few seconds more while shaking Fred's hand behind her. When Hermione finally released him, Harry gave a small wave to the crowd as George took his spot with a goofy smile.
"I think I'll address my beautiful new sister first this lovely evening. It's high time I thank her, again, for the best gift anyone has ever given me." George paused for effect and he could tell that Hermione was confused. Fred, however, wasn't. "Hermione, I will always owe you for saving my brother's life at the Final Battle. You used that heart of pure gold to throw yourself into the path of a wall to shove him out of the way enough, it didn't kill him. It did, however, gravely injure you. Two months ago, on the family quidditch field, you demonstrated that heart of gold again. I hit a bludger and it went astray, hitting the ground and then into your shoulder, breaking it. Wand arm. The bludger then careened to Ron at the keepers post and knocks him off his broom. Through your own pain, you cast a cushioning charm before he hit the ground and then healed him before we even knew it hit you. Then the whole situation with the Nott Mansion...you and Ginny turning yourselves over for aurors lives. My point, Hermione, is you are the most pure hearted person I've ever met and if there is anything my brother deserves, it's the best. And that is you Hermione. Not that I think you will, but don't break his heart. Fred, you've got an angel on your hands. No matter what you do, don't let her go." Fred stood and hugged his brother tightly for a moment and Hermione there might have been a couple tears shed. George kissed the top of her head as Fred stood up.
"My fine guests, first I would like to thank you for celebrating this wondrous day with Hermione, my family, and I. I can't even begin to express how happy I am to marry the woman of my dreams, but for it to finally be over! I didn't even plan it and I'm stressed. My mother, my sister, two of my sister in laws along with my bride have been instrumental to making this masterpiece before you take place. I suppose I should give my brothers credit with the hands on and setting up business. Bill and Hermione especially on atmospheric charms. If you've enjoyed the cooking, it's hats off to my mother, they're all her recipes. I want to tell everyone about my wife. This girl has already got heart, they've explained that to you. This is also the bravest woman I know. Who else takes on the Lestranges, that's right, both of them, or who knows how many Death Eaters at Nott Mansion for her brother and best friend? I wish I was made of half the stuff this girl is. She spoke in her vows of liking me in her fourth year. The truth was that I was so in love with her I couldn't dare ask her for fear of rejection. I asked Angie to help push Georgie on because he always had the crush on her. The whole time they were gone on the run, fear ate at my stomach but I never said anything. The first glimpse I caught of her in the Room of Requirement right before the final battle felt like coming home. Then she was gone again and the fear was back. The next time I saw her, literally, she was flying through the air and her shoulder hit my midsection. Nobody could get to us right away, we were right in the middle of some pretty heavy wandwork. She couldn't move because her back was broken so we were just trying to cover each other. It was in that moment, I knew she really was an angel and she deserves the absolute best. I'm far from the best, but Im making the vow right now to do my best each and every day from now til forever to be what she deserves. So if we can all raise our glasses to a toast to Hermione Jean Weasley, my most beautiful bride, and all those not here to enjoy this day with us."
When Fred finished speaking, Hermione knew holding back the tears were useless. She simply tried to prevent damage to her makeup. When he sat down, he cupped her cheek and kissed her deeply as the rest of the guests adjourned to the dance. Fleur saw the damage being done to her make up so she and Ginny drug Hermione off to a bathroom to repair the damage.
Fred grabbed hold of Harry's arm as he was walking towards the dance with Ron and Lavender.
"Harry, what did Katie say on that tape? I know Hermione won't forget but I'm hoping she's forgetting momentarily and I can take care of it. I don't want a repeat of George's wedding." Harry heaved a deep sigh before answering.
"She said she understands you have to marry Hermione because she's good for business, being part of the Golden Trio and all, but when you're tired of her being all bookish and boring in the sack to send her an owl and she'll show you the ride of your life again." Fred was floored.
"She really said ride of my life?" Harry nodded.
Fred was angry. He was seeing red, he was so angry. He grabbed hold of Harry and Ron since they were the two closest family members he could see.
"You two are coming with me. To bear witness in case that bitch lies again. I don't care either if you're her brother and don't wanna hear this shit or if you want wanna fuck her and don't get to. You're going to listen, you aren't going to say a word, and you're going to do it because this bitch is going to rip Hermione to shreds. Hermione has no self esteem and no idea how to deal with catty bitches. She's too honest. So you two are coming with me unless we see someone else we're related to along the way."
Fred spotted Katie across the way, talking to Lee Jordan, looking extremely good in her skin tight turquoise dress. He strode purposefully towards her, like a bullet out of a gun. Harry and Ron were following behind at a slightly slower speed, both reluctant to hear what Fred had to say about their friend. When noticing his rapid approach, a lascivious smile spread across her face. He grabbed rough hold of her forearm and drug her off to a secluded corner. Katie jerked her arm back when he turned back to face her.
"What the fuck is your problem, Freddie? Can't even stand to fuck her on your wedding night?"Fred had never felt the urge to hit a woman before but none of them had insulted his wife like that. He turned towards Ron.
"Go get Charlie. Now." For once, Ron obeyed without a word. Harry inched forward so as to grab Fred if he needed to. Fred turned back to Katie.
"Why would you say these things about Hermione? I thought you liked her?" Katie grinned mirthlessly. Charlie and Ron came running up. Ron spun on his heels and muttered to Harry but knew that Fred could hear him.
"I'm going to slow the girls down. They don't need any part of this." Katie continued.
"I can't stand the pretty little perfect Gryffindor Princess. She makes me sick. Just the way everyone talks about her is enough to make a normal person puke. War heroine, Golden Trio, turns herself over to Death Eaters for aurors lives, jumps in front of a wall to save your life. I'm sure she's a virgin too, or she was until you got ahold her, you and that talented tongue. Like I said. She's prim, proper, and perfect and she makes me sick."Charlie cut in.
"Am I here to assume that you're speaking of Hermione? My little sister?" He received a nod from Katie and then looked back towards Fred. "I'm the muscle. Why am I here?" Fred shot him a look and Harry was miming it.
"You're here for me. So I don't fucking kill her." Fred turned his attention back to Katie. "When were you ever under the impression you were ride of my life? I recall both times I was with you being wasted out of my mind. I might have slept with you twice, but I slept with the other girls a lot more than that. I don't know what your end game is, Katie, but I don't want you. I don't love you. There will never be an 'us'. I will not be owling you to set up dates to meet and fuck. The bond doesn't work like that, even if I believed in that kind of thing. My parents actually taught me respect. So quit harassing me and leave Hermione out of it. Be happy with Oliver. I'm done here."
Fred turned and left, leaving Harry and Charlie to follow in his wake.
Hermione, Ginny, Fleur, and Christine were on their way from the house to the dance floor after checking their make up when they were startled by a figure in the darkness. It was Katie Bell walking towards the apparition point. Instantly, Hermione remembered that she needed to find out what her message was.
When Katie realized who she met in the darkness, she veered in their direction. She seemed to realize that Hermione wanted answers. However, Hermione didn't want any drama on her wedding night and she didn't want to fight with Fred. As Katie sidled up to their party, she put on a smile.
"Miss Hermione Granger, or shall I say Weasley now, you need to go put your husband in check. He's already trying to set up dates on when to meet me for favors like back in school. I have to admit, he was quite talented with his tongue but I don't go for married men, even if they are rich. They always end up too attached and then there's the problem with the wife...so I think the easiest solution to all our problems would be for you to either start giving it up or get better at it because whatever you're doing isn't working. Just some girly advice, one to another."
Katie started to turn around and head towards the apparition point again but Christine put her hand out and tentatively touched her arm. As Katie started to turn back towards her, Christine balled up her hand into a fist and fueled it forward into Katie's cheekbone. Hermione heard a crack and she was fairly certain it was a knuckle or two on Christine's hand. One of Christine's rings had cut Katie's cheek open and is was starting to dribble blood. Christine, however, was empowered.
"Nobody talks to or about my sister like that! The apparition point is that way." Christine indicated with her bloody knuckles. "Feel free to leave, whore!"
When Katie had made it halfway to the apparition point, Ginny let out a loud laugh. Before any of them knew what was happening they started walking towards the dance floor again, almost in tears again from laughter. Ginny couldn't keep her comments in any longer.
"My, oh my, Christine, we have done gone and ruined your perfect upbringing. Whatever will your mum and dad say about it?"Christine giggled loudly as they traipsed across the floor to where the red-headed group was accumulating.
"They'd probably disown me for 'muggle dueling'." Hermione couldn't help but laugh at the thought of it being called that. She turned to Christine and pulled her into her arms.
"Thanks for sticking up for me. And for breaking some knuckles on my account. We better go find Bill or Molly. I'd heal you myself but my wand is not easily accessible, if you know what I mean." Christine looked confused for a moment.
"That's why my hand still hurts?" All the girls were laughing as they walked into the sea of red heads.
Fred was instantly at Hermione's side, arm around her waist or trailing along the topside of her dress. Hermione couldn't believe their luck but Bill seemed to be the only Weasley missing and they didn't want to have Molly do it unless it was mandatory. Hermione had finally decided to just do it herself if they would block the view of the public while she retrieved her wand, when Bill and Charlie walked up together. Rushing toward them as a group, Fred had no choice to follow. Christine was still too shy around the scarred Weasley to ask his help but Ginny had no problems.
"Bill, can you heal up Christine's hand without Mum knowing? Hermione was going to but her wand is 'inaccessible'."
The three red-headed males formed into a large circle with Bill and Christine side by side. While Bill cleaned the blood off and healed the bones, Charlie questioned her relentlessly.
"What in the bloody hell happened to your hand? How'd you break three knuckles?" Christine just kind of shrugged now, thinking she would meet Charlie's ire. Hermione took a step forward with her finger pointed at him. She rapped him on the chest with said finger three times as she spoke.
"Don't you start in on her, Charles Weasley! I'll have you know we met up with that bitch Katie Bell and she was highly unpleasant with the things she said to me. Your wife called her back as she was about to go and hit her once, that's how hard she hit her. Her ring cut her too. So really, it's my fault her hands broke. I was still in shock that someone I thought I knew could say those things to me so I was a little slow reacting. So don't you yell at her!" Charlie had his hands up in surrender and was backing away from her finger as if she were to start rapping on him again. When Fred calmly pulled her back to him by the hand, Charlie tried to speak.
"Im not mad, I promise. I'm sorry if I sounded that way. I'm proud of her, finally sticking up for something. I just don't like seeing broken bones on my wife. I'm supposed to be her muscle." Hermione begrudgingly nodded. Charlie decided to push his luck. " I see why they say you're scary when you're mad." Hermione's head snapped back to his face and she lunged for him, barely missing his robes. She called out after him.
"The nights still young. I'll get you when you're drunk and not even paying attention. Watch for my wand. I do believe I owe George as well."
Laughing at the banter between his wife and siblings, Fred pulled her arm towards him which effortlessly became a waltz. The music came on and as he always does, he led her across the floor perfectly. Hermione wondered how it was that he and George were so graceful on the dance floor but all the other Weasley men looked like they could spin a circle and be happy. She knew it wasn't their height, they were all within inches of each , she couldn't recall ever seeing Percy dance so she supposed she couldn't judge. All of a sudden a giggle escaped her lips. Fred looked at her like he was caught with food on his face. She was quick to reassure him.
"It's not you, Freddie. I was just wondering about how you and George got so good at dancing and the rest of your brothers are so abysmal but then I thought of how horrible of a dancer I am but you were still able to make me look amazing. It reminded me of when I was little, my dad would have me stand on his feet and he'd dance all the complicated dances I couldn't do. Which at that time was all of them. You making me look good just made me remember, that's all." He kissed her nose.
"It's a good memory then. That's alright. George and I are amazing dancers because one year, I do believe it was our second year, we ponied up the cash and took lessons. During the summer in Ottery St. Catchpole. Nobody ever knew but us. We knew how to get the ladies, even then." Hermione couldn't help but laugh at the thought of them in lessons.
"Now tell me what Katie said, Fred. She told me she talked to you along with a bunch of other rubbish but that part I believed." Fred sighed as he twirled her into a second song.
"I made Harry come with me, I wanted a witness. I didn't want her twisting my words. Ron was there too but I made him go get Charlie. Mia, I swear, I've never wanted to hit a woman until tonight. I wanted Charlie there in case I just couldn't hold back, that's how scared I was. Harry told me on the tape she said she understood I married you for our business, you being part of the Golden Trio and all but when you became too boring for me in bed to send her an owl. When I went to go talk to her, with Harry listening, I had to drag her away from Lee. First thing, she assumes I came and got her to screw because I couldn't stand to be with you on our wedding night. That's when I sent Ron for Charlie. I could feel Harry getting pissed behind me, but he was edging up to pull me back if necessary. I asked her why she was saying and doing this, that I thought she liked you. She said you were too perfect. I don't understand how she did it. It's like she took every good thing about you and made it seem wrong. Being a war heroine, turning yourself to the Death Eaters, saving my life at the battle, even being a virgin, which she assumed you weren't anymore due to my oral talents. I told her the two times I had sex with her were far from the ride of my life, that she would never get that chance again. I told her I didn't want her, didn't love her, and there would never be an 'us'. Harry and Charlie heard the whole thing. After I told her to leave us alone, I walked off. What did she say to you?" Hermione felt her breath hitch.
"She told me that I needed to get you in check because you were already trying to set up dates with her. Hot little trysts like when you were back at school. She also made references to how wonderful your oral talents were. As girl advice, I needed to start giving it up or get better at it because you weren't satisfied. That's when Christin hit her. I knew the first part was a lie because the bond magic isn't supposed to even allow that. I know you say you're happy completely but I just still have that little wiggle of doubt, you know?" He pulled her head to his chest and sighed.
"I do, love. I do, indeed." She picked her head up off his chest with a small smile.
"I guess I never realized that you had sex with each of those girls more than once. How many times were you with each, or is that too personal? If you don't want to say, you don't have to. We're well and married, I'm not going anywhere. I love you too much to go even if we weren't married already." Fred started lauging at her rambling.
"Of course I'll tell you. Like I've ever been able to deny you anything. But you're right. It changes nothing in how I feel for you or anything that impacts our life from here on out. I was only with Katie twice, both time drunk, during our seventh year. I was with Parvati four or five times during our seventh year. Demelza, I slept with probably ten or twelve times during my sixth year. The real reason I slept with her was because her hair reminded me of yours. She was also the best lay by far of all of them. I lost my virginity to Alicia Spinnet in my fifth year, although she never knew it. Beings as she wasn't a virgin I wasn't going to let on that I was. We were together eight to ten times throughout the year. I came close to getting that serious with a couple girls while me and Georgie had the shop, but their was too much going on with the war. " Hermione nodded, somewhat surprised at his revelation. But they were right, it meant nothing now. It did, however, bring another question to mind.
"How was I, you know, when we finally... made love?" He stopped mid-dance with her and cupped both her cheeks in his palms.
"Is that what this has been about? You didn't think you were good enough in bed?" She scrunched her face up before deciding what to answer.
"It wasn't at first, it was just morbid curiousity. But listening to how you talk about them, it makes me wonder how I measured up at first and how I measure up now. And no lying, Frederick. It's so easy for you not having to worry about anyone else. You're my first, last, and only. It's more complicated for me, plus I'm a girl and we have feelings and that makes it worse. I know, Ron's schooled me in all the lines why Hermione should not be given the truth. I'm saying you should answer because when Katie started talking her rubbish my very first instinct is that it was all lies. Which is it was, aside from the fact that she did talk to you and you are orally talented. I believed you without even having your side. Now that's loyalty for Hermione Granger." Fred shook his finger at her.
"Ah ah ah, Hermione Weasley. I'm very proud of that. Fine I will tell you and then this conversation will be dropped forever. Deal?" She gave a big nod and had the look about her that if she had a piece of parchment and a quill she would take notes. Fred looked at her calmly. "Mia, you automatically take the cake on the blow jobs. You gave me my very first that day in the backroom at the shop. Regular girls think theyre disgusting. Your blow jobs are out of this world and have been from the start. When we first started having sex, you were amazing, but inexperienced. That's why I took charge and did everything, to show you how. Now, you are the best lover I've ever had. You're so responsive. A single touch in the right spot can make you want me. I've never seen it before. The right look from you makes me hard and aching for you. Trust me when I say, you are the best sex I've ever had." Hermione reached up behind his neck, grasping his hair, and pulled his face down to hers. Their mouths met in a searing kiss that made them both lose track of time. They only stopped when George tapped her on the shoulder.
"I believe I'm entitled to a dance with my sister. Go find someone else to dance with Fred. I do believe there's a line after me as well, so make sure you busy yourself for while." George cut in as neatly as ever. Hermione eyed him warily as he waltzed her around the couples on the floor.
"You realize I'm going to get you for what you said on that video, right?" George let out a loud laugh.
"I seriously doubt that, Hermione. " She gave him a coy smile.
"We'll see who wins in the end."
When the music ended, Ron took George's place and the Bill. Both made Hermione laugh about the Katie situation, Ron calling her a barmy stalker, and Bill likening her to a gold digger, but instead of being after Fred's money, she was after his tongue.
By the time she was handed off to Arthur, her stomach muscles hurt. He apologized for the drama that erupted during the video, which she blew off as nothing now that she talked to Fred and they were on the same page. She actually felt sorry for Katie. Why she couldn't be happy with Oliver, she didn't know. He was a very obsessed young man when it came to quidditch, but very dedicated. He definitely didn't deserve what Katie was doing to him behind his back.
Charlie had to have his spin next, in which he stumbled quite a bit (Hermione assumed due to fire whiskey) but was in good cheer and seemed to have forgotten Hermione's promise to get him for his comment about her being scary. Harry took her for his one promised dance after Charlie, both of them laughing and plotting on how best to get Charlie and George. They had decided that a jelly legs jinx was best for both. Easy enough to cure on your own if you're sober enough to remember the countercurse.
Through the night, Hermione danced with more people than she could remember. Their faces were a blur. She recalled Neville, Lee, Seamus, Dean, Michael Corner, Ernie McMillan, and Terry Boot off the top of her head. When she would have the time, she would search the crowd for Fred and find him dancing with the random female, usually family, but sometimes friends. There were glimpses of him dancing with Fleur and Ginny, Christine and Angie, Parvati and Lavender, Molly, Alicia, and Demelza. Hermione was pleased to find that she wasn't jealous at all when she caught sight of him dancing with his ex-lovers at all.
When Hermione was sure that her back could absolutely take no more dancing, she went off to find a seat and some firewhiskey to take the edge off her pain. Fred instantly appeared by her side, wrapping his arm protectively around her waist.
"So, Mia, have you figured out how to get revenge on my brothers yet?" She chuckled low in her chest.
"I think I've decided the jelly legs jinx for both of them. Especially if I can get them both at the same time so they can't tell the other what I'm planning." Fred whispered in her ear in a conspiratorial manner.
"You just wait here. I'll bring them to you. Get 'em both at the same time, but for the love of Godric, please don't hit me." Hermione couldn't help but full on laugh and make her abdominal muscles hurt all over again. Fred disappeared through the crowd. Hermione took a seat at the table and very carefully removed her wand from her high inner thigh under the table. It was perfect timing to be honest.
Fred arrived back at the table with Bill, George Charlie, Ron, and Harry with a twinkle in his eye that nobody else seemed to notice. They were all standing around the table, pulling off their drinks and laughing loudly. Hermione took a long pull off the glass of firewhiskey in front of her, calmy stood and pointed her wand at George and cast a non-verbal 'locomotor wibbly'. In less than half a second, she had done the same thing to Charlie and they were both on the floor, their firewhiskey spilled down their fronts. Everyone that was in a close range, started laughing at the sight before them.
As they were fumbling for their wands, Hermione couldn't help but laugh even harder as their cursing grew louder. She crouched down just out of their reach and had to rub it in their faces .
"George, this is what you get for thinking you could prank my wedding. Charlie, this is for your smart arse comment about me being scary. I am not scary. I am merely honest."
Both men handed at each other at the same second, as if corroborating a plan in just a seconds time. They simultaneously waved their wands towards their legs, muttering the countercurse, jumped back up to their feet, and rushed Hermione. Before she could stand and catch her balance in her flowing dress, George had hold of her arms so she couldn't escape while Charlie got behind her and grabbed her hips, effectively lifting her up above his head and sitting her on one of his shoulders whilst keeping one hand on her hip to balance her.
Hermione no longer thought the situation funny. In fact, she was terrified. She clutched her arms around Charlie's head, she was sure she was going to fall. When Charlie began to spin circles (probably remembering how it worked on her at Harry and Ginny's wedding), Hermione caved. Silent tears began sliding down her cheeks.
"I'm sorry, Charlie, I won't ever curse you again. Please put me down. Please!" However, Charlie was laughing too hard to notice that Hermione was completely sincere in her apology due to her fear of heights. Charlie just spun her faster, laughing his booming laugh.
At her next cry to be let down, Fred realized she was crying and terrified. He whipped out his own wand and cast an impedimenta spell, slowing Charlie down long enough for Fred to move forward and pull Hermione off his shoulder and pull her away from the crowd. Everyone was stunned at first, not sure what was going on. Harry made the connection when he saw Fred wipe at Hermione's cheeks. All the others were just figuring out that she was crying. Charlie seemed to question it the loudest.
"What in the bloody hell is Fred's problem? We were just having a good time with 'Mione...we weren't hurting her." Harry leaned towards Charlie to try to keep the conversation quiet but to no avail.
"Charlie, you're probably lucky you had 'Mione on your shoulder or he would have cursed you. We're you listening to what she was saying?" Charlie shook his head.
"I didn't realize she was talking. I didn't hear anything. What was she saying?" Harry was looking sheepish.
"Hermione was begging you to put her down, said she would never curse you two again. Fred cursed you because she was crying." Charlie looked confused.
"Why in the name of Merlin was she crying? And don't tell me this crap that it isn't your place." Harry still looked hesitant. Ron became impatient and broke in.
"Hermione is scared to death of heights. That's why she never flies or plays quidditch with us. She's always the score keeper." Charlie looked stricken, as did George.
Charlie started out in Fred and Hermione's direction, George only a step or two behind. When they were just a few steps away, Fred glanced up from embracing his wife and shot them both dirty looks. Charlie held up his hands as if surrendering. Fred bent down and murmured in her ear and she turned her head to face her two new brothers. Charlie thought to himself how talented Fleur was with makeup because it was only a tiny bit smudged.
"Hermione, love, Georgie and I are sorry for putting you on my shoulder. We didn't know you were scared of heights and we didn't hear you asking to be put down. Are you alright?" Hermione nodded into Fred's chest, her eyes sparkling as if they were still wet. "Can you forgive us?" This earned them a smile. Hermione pulled herself from Fred's arms and gave Charlie a hug first, then George.
"Of course I forgive you. It was my own fault. I shouldn't have jinxed you." Charlie laughed.
"Oh, Hermione, I already told you that us Weasleys can take anything you can dish out. We're made of tough stuff." Hermione openly bristled.
"Are you insinuating I'm not because you made me cry?" Charlie laughed at her and gave her a kiss on the top of her head.
"Never. With all you've been through, you're the toughest of us all. Now you better go back to Fred because I think it's time for you two to leave." Hermione gave him a smile and nodded.
A large party grew around Fred and Hermione at the entrance to the dance floor. Final hugs and kisses were given to the many friends and family that had gathered to celebrate with them. George showed up with their bags that had been packed for the last three days for their two week honeymoon to New York City in America. With him, he brought an old hairbrush that had been set up to be an international port key, leaving in just a few minutes. The happy couple blew their kisses to the crowd behind them and then wrapped their arms around each others waists as the port key whisked them away to begin their married life together.
Ok, guys, this chapter itself was almost 11,000 words and the last chapter was 4,000 so I hope I did their wedding justice! Even though I'm American, I have never been to New York City and I really have no urge to. I live in the middle of nowhere, in farm country, so big cities just aren't my scene. Therefore, I'm only going to do one honeymoon chapter. I hope y'all don't mind...also, my computer broke down on me, so I'm now writing on my phone (you guys can't say I'm not dedicated, lol!), so if it takes me just a hair longer to update, that's why. Hopefully, it won't affect my updating schedule too much though. Since this chapter is sooo long let's go for eight reviews...tell me your thoughts guys! As always, thanks for being rockstar readers!
