A/N: All right folks! I gladly present to you the final chapter of Years, the longest chapter by far.
It's a month overdue but I think, subconsciously (maybe?), I was delaying its release because I felt bittersweet about ending it. With that said, I'm thrilled by all the support and compliments this story received; I'm super thankful to everyone who kept up with it. The positive response helped me take more pride in it and it was tremendously satisfying to write.
Years From Now
Chapter 27
May 15, 2009
Jean Granger, dressed in a pale, purple dress, rushed into the "hers" tent five minutes after one thirty, simply itching to see her daughter. Her husband, niece, brother, and mother-in-law were currently being tended to by Ginny and would then be seated, although Robert would be pulled out in order to walk Hermione down the aisle when it was time. There may not have been extra time for her family to see and speak to her in person before the ceremony but Jean, as mother of the bride, was granted a short period to be with her child before everything got underway.
A stunning French woman stood at the tent's entrance once Jean entered and greeted her before pointing to where the bride and her station were. Hermione was seated and surrounded by her remaining bridesmaids and a man Mrs. Granger did not know. Hannah and Luna looked remarkably pretty in their wheat colored dresses, subtle make up and spiraling, elegant ponytails, and they were speaking to the bride while tending to menial tasks for her. Meanwhile, the man that stood at Hermione's back was styling her brown hair into large, smooth, swooping waves that gathered at the back of her neck and tumbled around her shoulders. The witch herself had an expression on her face that conveyed disquiet but it quickly dissolved when she saw her mother and heard her call her name.
"Mum!," Hermione exclaimed, sounding relieved. She turned to look back at the stylist, "Tristan, is it all right to have a moment?" He nodded with a smile and took two steps back, allowing the Muggleborn to jump out of her chair and greet Jean with an enormous hug.
The blonde bridesmaids smiled at the display and both of the Granger women had tears spring in their eyes. Jean noticed that Hermione's face was done, which meant the person to do her makeup must have already left, but she had yet to put on her wedding gown.
"I just saw you at breakfast and that feels like it was a year ago." Jean reported, using a finger to keep her daughter's tears at bay.
"I know. I feel like a different person!" came the reply.
"Oh, look at you, sweetheart!"
"I haven't even gotten into my dress yet." Hermione said with a watery chuckle, shaking her head.
"It doesn't matter. You look absolutely glamorous!" insisted Jean. She gently touched a strand of her child's hair.
"Was it all right getting here? Did Granny do all right?"
"Yes, it was just fine, and so is Clare. Ginny was wonderful."
The witch nodded and made to pose another question but Mrs. Granger beat her to it.
"But how are you, Hermione? How are you feeling?" she wondered, studying the younger woman's face. Hermione exhaled and released a telling sigh.
"I… truthfully? I feel like I'm going to burst," she attested, "I'm so full of emotion. I can't sort out all my feelings. I couldn't eat lunch because of it, something Gabrielle and Hannah scolded me for. And don't take it the wrong way, Mum: I-I want this. I do. I want to marry him more than anything, and I don't think anything bad will happen, but I, I-"
"Are normal. You are normal. You are a woman staring down her wedding and it is completely normal to feel as much as you do right now," Jean explained, smiling warmly, "It's okay. You'll be okay. I guarantee you Harry is probably going spare, too! Just focus on him, on the both of you."
The bride stared for a few seconds before replicating her mother's smile and nodding, more tears threatening her eyes. She was grateful to see Jean before the ceremony, thankful she had come for this interlude. It was very needed and she did not recognize how much until this instant.
Margot then walked over to the group and held up the pair of shoes Hermione would be wearing.
"Zey are polished," she announced. Jean gazed at them in appreciation but also took them as a sign.
"I'll let you get finished, then, lovely," she announced, peering into her daughter's face, "You lot keep taking good care of her, yes?"
"Of course, Mrs. Granger." Luna promised.
"They have been." Hermione added.
"Everyone sends their love and can't wait to see you come down the aisle! Your father will be with you soon enough." Jean stated, bestowing another hug.
"Thanks so much, Mum. I needed to see you."
"And I, you."
Mrs. Granger heard Tristan say he would be done with Hermione's hair in five minutes as she walked away, bypassing Ginny who was coming in and stopping to give the red head a peek on the cheek.
"Gabrielle said she'll be here in five minutes and that's when your dress is going on, Hermione." Ginny enthusiastically announced.
Jean took one last look at her daughter before she left completely. Satisfied to see that the younger woman now wore a blossoming grin as the group reformed around her, she exited the tent.
The enchanted yet hidden instruments played a beautiful melody as Harry stood on the dais and gazed directly ahead of him. He released an exhale before an involuntarily, miniature smile appeared on his face and he glanced to his left at Ron. His best friend flashed an encouraging grin in return.
He, along with everyone else present in the gardens, was waiting for Hermione to appear and come gliding toward him any minute now.
George and Hannah had walked down the path to the dais at precisely 2PM, marking the start of the cavalcade and the ceremony. They'd been followed by Neville and Luna then Ron and Ginny, with the latter pair fitted with accessories that made the siblings stand out from the rest of the wedding party. (Ron's sage tie matched Ginny's corsage of sage leaves and white flowers, signifying their status as best man and maid of honor). When Harry made his solitary walk down the path, also sporting a sage tie along with a lilac sprig in his breast pocket, the guests' murmurs of appreciation rose a degree as they took stock of how striking he looked.
The dark haired wizard had not acknowledged any of the spectators until he reached the dais and took his place (and a deep breath in), but he now took the time to peer at the crowd and make observations. Naturally, his fellow Hogwarts peers and alumni were present: a large portion of the DA members and everyone on his Quidditch team(s). His smile widened when he spotted Oliver Wood and his wife and it softened when he saw Lavender Brown seated on Parvati's left. Lavender had moved to America one year after the Battle of Hogwarts and her attack, wanting to escape the bubble of her extreme trauma and longing for a fresh start. She had undergone physical and mental Healing the first two years that had a vast, positive effect on her psyche, and she now had a husband and toddler, and no desire to return to the UK.
Some of Hogwarts' former professors were present as guests as well, including Hagrid, McGonagall, and a pleased looking Slughorn. The Ministry was represented by a couple people from each level, and from level two there was Lottie, Kaz, Mark, and a few other Aurors whom were friends. Harry noticed that Noah was missing but knew the other man would present for the reception, as the department could not be bereft of too many of its employees, even if it was for Harry Potter's wedding. (Similarly, like Noah, Kingsley would miss the ceremony but attend the reception).
The Weasleys were numerous, no doubt, and every member was present except Liam and Reagan, who were under the care of Luna's great aunt. A thoroughly pregnant Angelina (whose due date was in three days) was perched between Fleur and Audrey, and Ginny's beau Wyatt sat next to Charlie, both of whom glanced at Krum and the attractive woman at his side. Harry observed that his cousin and cousin-in-law were grouped with Hermione's family and he felt a swoop of happiness, giving a quick nod to Dudley. And when his gaze landed on Andromeda and his godson, a godson wearing his natural sandy hair and facial features, he made sure to catch Teddy's eye and wink at him. This caused the boy to light up with a jubilant grin and wave back, which made that happy swoop of a moment ago return twofold.
Harry felt antsy, of course, but he had a larger sense of repose. He was ready. He was more than ready for Hermione, and it only magnified the longer he stood waiting. In the tent, however, he had mostly felt wired and it translated into marked silence. Once 1PM came, the wizard's words dried up and he slipped into a stupor; it was a profound contrast to the lively atmosphere of the tent and the other men noticed the groom had gone mute after about 15 minutes. Ron had been unable to help his best friend as he had the duty of retrieving Patricia and Dudley at that time, so, with a pointed look, he left it to the others to intervene. Bill was actually the one to step up and pull Harry from his oppressive thoughts and he did so by having a candid conversation with him about what could have been going through the younger wizard's head. His assumptions and empathy were based on his own experience as a groom on the threshold, and he was successful in pulling Harry from his trance, successful in helping him shake off old, intrusive thoughts that his love only resulted in loss.
Harry was grateful to Bill for the intercession and, by the time Ron returned, he was back to himself and had taken a shot of whiskey.
"Are you ready, Mr. Potter?" a voice asked, breaking through his musings.
Harry turned his head to the right and peered at Flitwick. His old professor was dressed in resplendent robes and standing on a platform that raised him to the level of everyone else on the dais. His wand rested lightly against his thigh and he radiated power, reminding Harry that the older man's magical fortitude was one of the reasons he and Hermione had asked him to be their bonder.
The pair smiled at one another.
"Very," the groom stated.
Flitwick beamed at him before nodding and looking forward. Harry followed suit and the music changed not three seconds later. There was something in the beginning notes of the song that spoke of significance, that spoke of splendor, and Harry's breath caught as he realized what it meant. The guests recognized the shift that the music brought, as well, and everyone pivoted in their seats to get a clear view of the procession path.
In the next instance, Hermione and her father had appeared. Robert was perched on his daughter's right side with her arm looped through his, and during the collective moment where no one seemed to breathe and all eyes were on them, they merely stood motionless; when they took their first step, everything fell into place.
People could have been whispering in astonishment and gazing at the bride adoringly, but Harry would not have known. People could have been gasping with tears in their eyes and hands over their hearts, but Hermione would not have known. They were staring at each other and each other alone, and all other stimuli had been blocked from their senses.
Harry was mesmerized. The woman strolling toward him was surely Hermione, the person he had known since childhood, the person he thought of first in most any situation, but she, she….
She was encased in a fitted mermaid gown that had nude, sheer fabric on the majority of her back and collarbone that gave the illusion of bare skin, and a modest dip highlighted her cleavage. Lace flowers decorated the top of this fabric and served as shoulder straps, while an elaborate strip of the same flowers ran down her spine. The dress cinched mid-thigh before the rest of the skirt flowed out dramatically, and the gown's train, which was attached, was even more dramatic. It was sheer and white, started at the base of the flowers on her spine, and ended in the same embroidered, lace flowers. Her hair flowed and looped and waved, and at the center was a barrette made of white flowers, sage leaves and lilac, holding it all together. Pearl earrings were nestled in her ears and her sapphire engagement ring stayed true on her hand.
She was smiling only for him and she was literally breathtaking.
Harry tried to reorient himself the closer Hermione approached. He heaved in a necessary dose of air and closed his gaping mouth, blinking away whatever it was that was making his mind so foggy. With slightly trembling hands and eyes that were suddenly a little wet, he smiled at her. He smiled at her until it was dominating his face, smiled until he lost control of it, and, feeling delirious joy, he laughed when he saw that she wore the same blinding smile.
Hermione and her father then halted, and, a bit belatedly since she got caught up watching Harry, she turned to face him. Robert muttered something to her before kissing her forehead and disentangling their arms. He felt his only child squeeze his hand one last time before he claimed his seat at the front of the crowd and she walked the remaining steps to the dais. Harry reached out for the brunette's right hand before she could complete the trek and assisted guiding her to her designated spot. They continued to beam at one another, in disbelief at how magnificent the other looked, how they were actually here, and how they were finally getting married. Conversely, Harry rapidly thought of something meaningful to say to Hermione before Flitwick spoke and the ceremony began. He had to verbalize something to capture how indescribable he felt in this moment.
"Hermione, I…" he started before he had decided on any fitting words. His eyes darted every which way over her face.
"I know, love," she quietly answered, her own brown orbs glistening and joyful. It was not what he had imagined but it was perfect regardless, and when they looked to Flitwick he gave them a nod full of understanding.
"Beloved family and friends- welcome," the Charms master commenced, peering at the couple before looking out at the guests, "Welcome on this extraordinary day of connection, a day where two souls commit themselves in love and magic to create a most sacred union."
The ceremony itself was a blur to Harry. Flitwick spoke and they followed his lead, but the single thing he was perpetually aware of was staring at Hermione's glowing face most of the time. After Ron and Ginny handed the pair their rings to put on each other's hands, they gave their personal vows to one another. Harry's were profound and left hardly a dry eye in the crowd or wedding party, and Hermione had the contrasting experience of weeping while feeling elation as she listened to him. He declared that life, death and love had been staples for him since birth, and Hermione represented all three in some form. He shared that he cherished and valued life because of her and could not envision it without her presence. In explaining death, Harry relayed that, when his time on Earth finally ended, he would greet Death without fear or regret because he had lived a life that included Hermione, and he would speak to It about nothing but her. The dark haired wizard choked up when he arrived at the last staple- love- and simply said that she had shown him unflagging love for so long. To him, she was love.
Harry would have typically warred (and won) at being this emotionally exposed in front of witnesses, especially a number this high, but this was no typical situation. He was proclaiming his feelings for Hermione and they needed to be heard by all, and it had felt like it was just the two of them in the gardens since he first saw her in her dress so it made no difference anyway. His vows were for her.
The zenith of the ceremony came toward its end and when Hermione and Harry were handed their wands by their best man and maid of honor. Following Flitwick's directives, they held each other's left hand while using their right to touch the tips of their wands and recited the bonding oath in unison. Their Muggle relatives were most fascinated when the pair was enveloped in a dazzling, golden light upon completing the oath, the magical manifestation of their promise and connection. It pulsed and created a vivid aura; it was one of brightest Flitwick had ever seen. When it faded, Harry and Hermione appeared breathless yet invigorated as they stared raptly at one another.
"And so it is," Flitwick remarked, a wide grin unfurling on his lips, "Your vows have been stated, your intent made clear and your magic has taken, and it is with immense pleasure that I officially declare you bonded for life!"
At this, all of their guests jumped up, cheering, clapping and shouting in merriment, and the Grangers and Dursleys were quick to follow when they understood they were now formally married. Hermione, meanwhile, swiftly erased the small distance between her and her husband and threw her arms around his neck, pulling him down into an engrossing kiss he was all too willing to reciprocate. There was laughter at their gusto and, when they pulled away from each other before the kiss carried them away, they joined in the laughter, bliss plastered all over their countenances.
"It is with great esteem that I present to you Harry Potter and Hermione Granger-Potter!" Flitwick announced. There was a fresh wave of triumphant noise from their loved ones as Harry and Hermione faced the guests with contagious grins. They rapidly yet sincerely thanked Flitwick for his participation before they departed from the dais hand in hand in order to get to the "theirs" tent. The newlyweds would have loved more time to speak to their former professor but he was returning to Hogwarts posthaste; he was Deputy Headmaster and, since McGonagall was staying for the remainder of the day, the school and its students needed a leader. (As such, Hermione resolved to write a letter of gratitude to Flitwick and send him a gift once they returned from their honeymoon).
Hermione and Harry said nothing as they made the trek to the shared tent amidst the commotion but their joyous expressions remained. They had 15 minutes to themselves before they had to meet the bridesmaids, groomsmen and photographer for pictures, and he wanted to make sure he took advantage of every second. He eagerly pulled the brunette inside the structure after him and listened to her giggle before he whirled around to face her, gathering her in his arms.
"We're married." Harry attested as one hand began caressing her spine.
"We're married," confirmed Hermione, nodding. Her cheeks were flushed and he was hit again by how stunning she looked.
"We're bonded."
"We're bonded."
"You're my wife now," the wizard commented, sounding a tad incredulous. His other hand was now tracing her jaw.
"And you're my husband," she countered. Her eyes widened a fraction and she instinctively pushed into him more. Harry inhaled.
"Say that again."
"You're my husband."
He groaned faintly and pressed his nose to her cheek, continuing to stroke her back while his other hand was used to rub circle circles on her throat. Hermione's eyes closed and her heart, pounding from the activity of the ceremony, began to thrum in a different way.
"You don't know the effect you had on me when I first saw you," he alerted, lips brushing against her skin, "It was unbelievable. I'll never forget it."
"I think I have an inkling," she responded with a swallow, thinking of her own reaction to seeing Harry waiting for her at the dais in his robes. Thinking he did not compare to how magnificent she'd appeared, he shook his head and revealed:
"You are impossibly gorgeous. I look at you and I want to ravish and love you until you fall apart."
He wrapped an arm firmly around her back as Hermione's pupils expanded. Harry used his thumb to pull down her bottom lip and hungrily attached his mouth to hers, fingers tightening their hold on her side as his tongue dove straight in. He gripped the back of her neck and the witch whimpered, eyes closed and suddenly very hot. The kiss brimmed with sensuality and intimacy, and would have been much too provoking to seal their bond in front of others, but it was appropriate and delicious while they were alone in their tent just after having committed themselves. The kiss also showed just how much Harry wished he could ravish her.
He removed his lips from Hermione's with heavy breaths and placed them on her throat instead while she gasped in air, her head falling back.
"I wish I could touch more places on you," he mentioned between licks and wet kisses. Her gown, while mind blowing, only allowed for direct skin-to-skin contact on her arms.
"So do I," she gasped. She was squirming against him, "But there's not enough time."
"We could make time. Everyone can wait longer and we could make time so I can have my wife and see how beautiful she looks when she's cumming in a wedding dress."
The brunette moaned at the proposition but cut it short by biting her lip. His words jolted her and the movement of his lips and hands were only making the notion more tempting. Goodness, what she would not have given to see it through... to couple with her husband for the first time as a married woman in what would surely be an impassioned tryst. However, they had such limited time alone for the next couple hours and giving in right now would not be long enough to satisfy her.
Hermione could not think of how to respond, distracted by how Harry was handling her body, but he soon detached his mouth from her (with some difficulty) so he could speak once more.
"Godric. Hermione, I… that was the happiest moment of my life," the Auror offered. He was gazing at her now, his green eyes brilliant and burning into hers. She thought of his vows, how he called her the personification of love and how she had silently sobbed. Her love for him could eclipse the sun and his vows conveyed that his for her was just as powerful.
Hermione nodded as fresh tears appeared.
"I am forever grateful to fate that I was chosen to have you," she declared before bringing his face back down to initiate another emotional kiss.
Tristan and Hermione's makeup artist ambled into the tent minutes later on Gabrielle's orders to assess the bride's and groom's appearances. The duo checked to see if anything was amiss before the newlyweds went before the photographer and they did spot a few odds and ends on their persons indicative of physical activity. They fixed them up with knowing smirks then shooed Harry and Hermione out of the tent at 2:45PM to meet with the rest of the wedding party. It was almost half an hour of posing for pictures, something that Harry tired of after ten minutes but came to enjoy once they could take frivolous shots, before their scheduled interview at 3:15M.
The Potters were only granting two media outlets access to the wedding and had enacted unforgiving wards to keep out paparazzi. They were sitting down with Xeno Lovegood for The Quibbler and Susan Bones, who worked for and would represent the Prophet, to give a simultaneous interview that would serve as official information for the press at large. Allowing the Quibbler one of the coveted spots had carried no debate since the magazine had been an ally since Harry was a teenager, but the Prophet had required negotiation. When Hermione and Harry had spoken to the newspaper's editor, they asserted the only way the publication could have the other spot was if they chose the reporter to attend. Salivating at the chance to cover such a monumental wedding, the editor hurriedly agreed and the couple chose Susan Bones, who had already been an invited guest. She was a friend and they knew she would not breach their trust, overstep her boundaries, or fabricate things.
The interview turned out to be fun because it was with people with whom they felt comfortable and knew, and because of Xeno's unconventional questions. Xeno brought his own camera to take a few pictures throughout the day while Susan was permitted to pick a handful from their photographer once the night was over. When asked about their honeymoon at the end of the interview, Harry and Hermione shared that they were going to a tropical island for eight days but gave no indication of which one.
Speaking to the "press" had not been as long as Gabrielle planned so the couple had an extra ten minutes of time, leaving it roughly 25 minutes before the reception started at 4PM. The two were hopeful they could spend most of those minutes in the "theirs" tent, perhaps continuing what they had started right after the ceremony, but they only got ten before Gabrielle found them and kept them occupied by her side. Before long, it was time for the reception to start and Harry and Hermione prepared to join their guests in the largest tent in the gardens. This structure was a giant, airy canopy with a transparent roof and elegant, fabric walls that pulled back into drapes. Wooden flooring was inside the tent and floating lights were all throughout, which would be illuminated once the sun set.
The bride and groom led the way for the cavalcade to the reception with Hermione on Harry's left, her arm looped through his. It was the reverse order of the procession for the bonding ceremony but the enchanted instruments were playing all the same as they walked in. They saw that all of their guests were standing at their designated tables and watching them with delighted expressions, for the majority had not seen the couple since the ceremony. They smiled cheerfully at their kin as they strolled to their own table and the wedding party trailed behind them. Once everyone was in place, Harry and Hermione raised their wands and everyone else followed suit.
"May love and magic be true," the couple said in synchrony. The crowd repeated the mantra and the pair sat down, at which point all others did the same.
Happy conversation immediately rang out in the tent and Hermione beamed at Harry before pecking him on the lips. Ginny was supposed to give a toast soon which would initiate dinner, something Hermione knew would awe her family since the food would merely appear on the plate based on what people ordered. (Accordingly, she had informed them ahead of time how it would work). In fact, her parents, grandmother, uncle and cousin were seated with Dudley and Patricia at one of the tables closest to the wedding party, with a table full of Weasleys on either side of them. The tables were octagonal in shape and each had an identical centerpiece: a gold plated doe and stag with the wedding's flowers settled in between the animals. In discussing the centerpieces with Gabrielle originally, the planner had suggested making them a stag and otter to represent the couple but Hermione stated that she preferred a stag and doe to represent James and Lily so they could be included and remembered on their son's special day. The idea had moved both Harry and Gabrielle and, looking at them now on all the tabletops, the pieces turned out beautifully.
Pear flavored champagne appeared in the flutes five minutes later (or sparkling pumpkin juice for the children or those not drinking) and Ginny knew it was her signal to give her speech and ring in dinner. She stood up with her glass and flashed a smile at Wyatt, who was at Weasley table number two, then started talking.
"At long last, we've reached the day that is Hermione and Harry's wedding," the red head commenced, drawing all eyes to her, "For everyone here, everyone they know and care about, this day means so much. This day is fate. This day is practically 18 years in the making! Eighteen. Eighteen years ago, a very bossy little witch threw open the door to a train compartment and came across my dear brother and someone called Harry Potter. She was looking for a toad that belonged to one of the groomsmen and she was no nonsense even at 11. Harry was unable to avoid the ferocity that is Hermione Granger after that encounter and everyone is better for it. The wizarding world as a whole is better for it. And while they are both independent, determined people who are extremely capable of succeeding on their own, you can't imagine one without the other. You can't imagine them separate because they shouldn't be; they make the world so much brighter together. I am so proud and fortunate to be one of the people in their inner circle, to be one of their best friends. To know them is to love them, and I love them with all of my heart," Ginny smiled at the couple and lifted her glass, "To the Potters."
Her last words were repeated by the crowd and everyone took a sip. Both Harry and Hermione were peering affectionately at the maid of honor but Hermione also had water in her eyes.
The first course of the meal appeared on plates one minute later and dinner was officially underway. The instruments continued playing music as chatter and the sound of silverware picked up, and the groom realized that although he and Hermione were in front of everyone now, they had this time to converse just amongst themselves.
"How do you feel?" he wondered, his eyes twinkling.
"Like I could produce a dozen Patroni," she shared.
No one approached the newlyweds as they ate and they were glad to be able to enjoy the food in peace. On the other hand, all of the members of their wedding party rose and gave a speech and toast at some point during the meal, but this was a welcomed distraction. Once Harry finished his second course, the beef entree, he glanced at the brunette as he used his cloth napkin to run over his mouth. He surreptitiously removed a slim package from his robes and consumed the rest of his second glass of champagne in one go while he waited for Hermione to finish her chicken dish.
"Well that was delicious," she noted, wiping her mouth as well. The Auror turned to her.
"Mmm. Would you like something else that's good?" he questioned. She made a face and studied him.
"Is that an innuendo?"
"Not this time."
"Well there's a surprise," Hermione uttered, grinning, "I would've liked that, actually."
"There'll be plenty of time for that later," Harry assured, smiling wickedly. He put a hand on her knee, "But for now, take this." He handed her the parcel and her brow furrowed.
"What is this?"
"A wedding gift."
"From?" she prompted as she went to open it.
"Let's say… Bastet," he said. Hermione paused and stared at him, and he grinned under the scrutiny.
"Our kitten. Right."
She exhaled and pulled out what was inside. It was a photograph of a house- of a pavilion, specifically- and it looked so quaint. Her head cocked in momentary confusion before her spouse reported:
"I bought it. For you."
Her head snapped back and her eyes grew round at the admission.
"Harry!" she gasped.
"It's outside of Paris- about 20 minutes." Harry expounded.
"It's in France?!"
"I asked Gabrielle to connect me to an estate agent in February and I searched the weekend you were in New York."
The witch peered at the photo again, a hand on her chest.
"You bought me a French pavilion?!" she pondered.
"For holidays. Or when you need to get away," he mentioned with an easy smile, but Hermione looked somewhat upset when she gazed at him.
"But I didn't get you anything! I-I didn't even think to get you something! I should have. I should have realized that it's proper to have something for your!-"
"Hermione, it's okay! Don't worry about that. That doesn't matter to me, love; I don't care. I wanted to do this for you."
Harry was holding both of her hands in his and sounded imploring. She watched him with some uncertainty but when he repeated that it was okay and kissed the back of one hand, she relented with a nod and a shy smile. She appraised the picture once more, her smile growing.
"This is reminiscent of Christmas when you gave me Bastet." Hermione pointed out.
"So do you like the house or the cat more?" he posed, smirking. She "tsked" him and pulled at his hands, earning a chuckle.
"A pavilion in France! It's beautiful. We have three houses now… oh! You over the top nit." The Muggleborn grabbed his robes and planted a firm kiss on his lips, and Harry grinned into it.
"I resent that."
"My turn!" someone suddenly exclaimed in a sing-song voice.
The pair broke away and looked to see Ron standing up with flute in hand. He seemed smug to have all attention diverted to him and cleared his throat theatrically in preparation. Hermione rolled her eyes and smirked while Harry snorted and grinned. Ron was the lone member of the wedding party who had yet to speak.
"Best man here. Best man and best friend!," he shared in his jocular tone, "Harry will tell you I've been saying that since I appointed myself best man-"
"He has. And he did," the groom chipped in, causing earnest laughter from others.
"That's only because I was clearly the best for the job, and don't even bother denying it! You know, Harry telling me that he planned to ask Hermione to marry him is one of those vivid memories that will be with me for the rest of my life. I spit out all of the butterbeer I'd been drinking and tried not to choke, then I laughed from how happy I felt. I felt happy, genuinely happy, because it was… was my two closest friends. The idea of them getting married," Ron took a second to stop and reflect, and it was noticeable that his demeanor was changing, "They really are both my best friends. I know how rare it is to be able to say that about the bride and groom and mean it, but it's true. They were the first people I met as a clueless kid on my way to Hogwarts, a place that completely changed my life, and we've been inseparable since we, stupidly, took down a troll. I... I can't see myself without either of them. We've been through so much together, more than anyone can imagine and… for quite some time there, at different points in our lives… it wasn't good. It wasn't good at all. But we survived, together, a-and we always came out of it, and I can't express how much their friendship means to me… how much I need it. How much I always will. Having them in my life has helped me to become a better human being and, for that, f-for their loyalty and forgiveness when I know I didn't deserve it, I won't ever be able to repay them. They are both selfless beyond measure, and if anyone in this world deserves endless happiness, it's Hermione and Harry. I know their bond is unbreakable and that magic will bless them in it, and I only hope they know just how much I… I love them."
Ron quickly swept away a couple tears that had fallen and gruffly exhaled, thrusting his glass in the air.
"To Harry and Hermione," he finished. The repetition from the guests was a bit delayed since everyone was staring at Ron with veneration or tears, but when it came it was followed by clapping. His touching speech left Hermione crying and her husband with water in his eyes, although the dark haired wizard ducked and used his napkin to rid of them. Harry hoped that was the last time moisture would breach his ducts for the night because he had not been compromised so much in one day in years, and he was not prepared for more, nor did he want it.
Dancing arrived after dinner. The tables were moved and the newlyweds took to the middle of the floor for their first dance. Their kin watched in contentment as they waltzed to the instruments' song and the onlookers that were married fondly recalled their first dances at their weddings. It felt like it was just the two of them once more as they held each other and swayed, and, like the ceremony, neither could stop smiling. They peered at one another with such adoration…. Hermione had never felt more beautiful, more desirable- more alluring- at any point in her life, and she was so gratified that it was all for Harry.
They did not say much as they twirled around yet they did meet for a heartfelt kiss or two. Once the song ended and they parted, Jean and Robert walked onto the floor for the next set. Mr. Granger took his daughter's hand while Mrs. Granger took Harry's, and the two pairs danced anew to a second melody. Harry was never close enough to hear the conversation Hermione was having with her father but he saw her tears, saw Robert's doting expression, and saw the hug they exchanged. Jean, meanwhile, told her son-in-law how ecstatic they were to have him be a part of their family and how they could not have envisioned a better life partner for their child.
"I never see her as fulfilled as when she's with you. You love her like no other," Jean gushed, patting his cheek tenderly.
The rest of the crowd was invited to dance after the quartet. The instruments were replaced by a live band and Harry retrieved more champagne for him and Hermione as the musicians set up. They had yet to truly mingle with their guests and it would be another 20 minutes before that happened; Gabrielle had scheduled some time for them to recuperate in their tent following the parent dance before returning to the reception and fully immersing themselves. The couple actually appreciated the break and made to leave for a bit of respite when they were intercepted by Dudley and his wife.
"Congratulations!" Patty squealed, a massive grin on her face. She hugged Hermione then Harry and Dudley embraced them as well, though his were much shorter.
"Cheers, you two," he greeted, smiling.
"It's great to see you, Not So Big Dee." Harry commented.
"It's been amazing. And seeing so much magic!..." Patty said in wonderment.
"Thank you." Hermione uttered with a smile.
"Listen, I just wanted to give you something and now seems like a good time. It may get too busy when you come back." Dudley disclosed, holding out a white box to his cousin.
There had been two receptacles to deposit gifts once guests arrived at the gardens, gifts that had been shrunken and transported to the Grove, and there was even a receptacle in this tent for people who had been unable to attend the ceremony, so Harry was a bit surprised as he accepted the box.
"I-I know there was a place to leave gifts but I, I wanted to give this to you in person," Dudley explained further, "It seemed… right."
"Well, thanks, Dudley," the Auror replied.
"It's not from me and Patty, though. We did drop ours with the others earlier. That's from… from my mum."
Hermione inhaled, feeling her heart stop for a moment, while Harry gawked at his cousin. The Dursley man gave a sheepish shrug, and when no words came from the other man's mouth, he gave an awkward wave and led Patty back into the crowd toward Hermione's family.
"Let's go, Harry. Come on," Hermione directed in a soft voice. She took the box from his grasp and grabbed his hand, walking them out of the tent in favor of the smaller one.
"My aunt? It's from my aunt?" he posed as they entered. He slumped down onto a loveseat, his befuddled countenance still in place. The witch could only imagine how shocked he must be to receive something from Petunia. She had shown him no affection or favor since taking him in as a baby and so a gift from her made no sense.
Hermione sat down beside him with the parcel and rubbed his shoulder.
"Do you think it's a bomb?" Harry wryly asked. She gave a sad laugh.
"No, I think that'd be more likely to come from your uncle," she mused. He huffed.
"You're absolutely right."
"Do you want to open it?" Hermione inquired after a bout of silence. She understood if he did not or if he even wanted to discard it, and she kind of resented the older woman for taking him out of his previous headspace.
Harry stared at it and kept still while she patiently waited for his decision. When he moved, he gripped his wand and jabbed the box with a frown, only for the four sides to fall apart and reveal a worn blanket that had a note atop it. He picked up the paper and they both read what was written.
This is the blanket you were wrapped in when I found you on the doorstep. I should have given it to you years ago as I have no real need for it. I believe it will find a better home with you and your new wife.
Hermione wrapped herself around Harry and kissed his temple as his hope to be done grappling with tears for the day was utterly dashed. He cried without noise and it did not last long but it shook him. That Petunia had kept his blanket although she'd made it clear she thought him to be a burden for 16 years… it raised so many questions. Conversely, he was not currently willing to think about those questions or his complicated aunt. While the gesture stirred something strong within him, something that was not inherently bad, Harry wanted to focus on the indisputable joy that Hermione and their wedding day brought him. Nothing more.
"What do you wish to do with it?" Hermione wondered when he had composed himself. She held one of his hands and used her other to run delicately over the blanket.
"Keep it," the Auror attested, looking at it one last time.
"We'll rebox it and make sure it gets to Reading, then."
He nodded and leaned forward to kiss her lips, squeezing her fingers.
The emotional interlude was left in the "theirs" tent and the newlyweds returned to the reception keen on mingling with their family and friends, which now included Kingsley and Noah. The next few hours seemed to be loaded with nothing but dancing, talking and drinking, although Hermione stopped consuming liquor halfway through her third glass of champagne, citing that her stomach was merely turned off and could take no more. (Ron quipped that he would step in and drink for the both of them). Naturally, everyone wanted their time with the couple and the number of attendees was small enough that they could give it generously. Harry and Hermione danced more than they had at any point in their lives, so much so that the groom insisted his feet were going to fall off. The brunette, laughing, told him it was only for one night so he needed to deal with it.
They danced with each member of the wedding party of the opposing gender and the crying Hermione had done after Ron's speech returned when she had her first dance with him. They spoke of his toast and reminisced and she wept, and she reminded him that her love for him was as faithful as his. Two other memorable dances she had were with Seamus, who moved wildly and was yelled at by Harry to mind his hands, and Viktor, who swore she looked as pretty as magic itself. Similarly, some of Harry's memorable dances were with Molly, McGonagall, and Gabrielle, whom he thanked profusely for coordinating such a perfect day. Together, the pair also spent time consoling a sobbing Hagrid who was jubilant over their marriage and his chance to witness it.
Two other notable interactions were when Teddy danced with Hermione and Andromeda danced with Harry. Teddy had volunteered to babysit earlier in the month and he promised the Muggleborn, as he puffed his chest out and gazed up at her, that he would take excellent care of Bastet and Hermes while she and his godfather were on vacation. He casually called her God-Mum, as well, and Hermione cried for what must have been the 300th time that day.
"My precious Chameleon," she said, kissing his cheek.
Andromeda had a surprising message for Harry while they waltzed and relayed that she had well wishes for his union on behalf of Narcissa, who was also apparently speaking for Draco. It was yet another jolting surprise and he listened to the witch explain that she had kept in contact with her sister all throughout winter and spring thus far. She noted that Teddy was scheduled to meet Narcissa in June if things went well and her grandson confirmed he was ready, and she divulged she had already met her blonde sister twice since reconnecting at the end of last year. Andromeda seemed excited in a fragile sense and for that Harry could only be hopeful for her.
The newlyweds were also able to meet Dean's date, a cousin of Lee Jordan whom he reported was now his girlfriend, and they avidly caught up with Lavender, who was gleeful for the pair and remarked how terrific it was to see all of her old friends. Hermione fawned over Angelina and her ready to pop belly with a handful of other women and Noah informed Harry how bitter Garrick appeared when Noah left the Ministry for the reception.
"You know I had to rub it in his face," the senior Auror smirked.
"This is why you're my mate," the dark haired wizard grinned, clapping him on the back.
Overall, the reception was an outpouring of all possible good feelings. Harry and Hermione reveled in it as did their guests, yet they eventually reached a point when they wanted to retire and revel strictly in one another's presence. That time came not long after nine o'clock and found the bride nuzzled into the groom's side; they, along with numerous others, were watching their best man engaging in a ridiculously entertaining dance off against all of the children.
"Harry." Hermione murmured.
"Hmm?" he uttered.
"As much as I've loved today, I think I'd like to leave now."
Harry tore his eyes away from Ron and looked down at her.
"Yeah?" he asked.
"Yeah. I'm ready to be with just you. I'm feeling rather selfish," she answered, her mouth molding into a suggestive smile. A mischievous grin made its way onto his face at her words.
"I'll tell Gabrielle. Ron's a bit tied up right now but Neville and Ginny can cover for us, and I'm sure they'll understand our need to be… selfish."
"Something I've been waiting for since Filius declared us bonded for life."
"You don't know the half of it." Harry growled into her ear.
May 20, 2009
Harry was insatiable.
Hermione was well aware that her partner had a high sex drive, one that had been present the entirety of his adult life, but he was positively ravenous during their honeymoon.
He wanted her non-stop. His hands were on her body as much as she allowed (which was more often than not) and it seemed that anything was liable to make him aroused. Consequently, she was sure the lingerie she brought for the trip added greatly to his frenzy. Hermione had packed the four pieces she bought in Spain during the bachelorette party in addition to the Christmas set she'd teased him with, and Harry loved all of them, especially when he was tearing them off her body.
If it had been solely up to him, they may have rarely left their suite. His desire reared when they were out sightseeing and engaging in activities, and it would overpower him enough at times that he would drag her away from what they were doing in order to go back to the resort so he could have his way with her. One time they had not even made it to the sanctuary of their room; Harry impatiently called out privacy spells as he removed Hermione's bottoms and then took her against the back wall of a brightly colored building.
Many times the witch went along with his cravings and other times she claimed, or argued or begged, that they needed to finish what they were taking part in because, although she loved sex with him and although it was their honeymoon, there were other things she wanted to do while on the island. Logically, Harry understood and even agreed, but it was difficult to fully appreciate a beautiful paradise when he was more interested in his beautiful wife. It was also obvious to others that they were newlyweds based on their subtle, amorous displays, but whenever they got behind the closed double doors of their suite, Harry was anything but subtle.
There was a living room, bathroom, kitchen and bedroom with a balcony, and the wizard was making it his mission to have sex in every conceivable spot witin the space. It was a Muggle hotel but Silencing Charms had been needed from the onset when Harry's commitment to sex became clear. It was like he could not get enough, and during one instance he'd remarked that she was desperate- "a desperate slag" but only for him. He had then urged her to confirm it.
"Is that what you are? Huh?," he questioned, breathing raggedly in her ear, "A good slag for your husband?"
"Yes!" Hermione shrilly replied, clinging to him for life and on the very brink of orgasm. The reminder that Harry was now her spouse sent her into overdrive. She knew the intensity of the act was making them both desperate in their behavior and words but it made it that much better, that much more intoxicating.
Five more thrusts from her husband and Hermione was crushed by her orgasm, her walls ardently and mercilessly convulsing around the wizard's shaft as her eyes rolled back. She clutched him like they were glued together as she gave a guttural moan and he cursed brilliantly.
"You're so bloody GOOD," Harry groaned deeply at the sensation of her core squeezing him and pumped harder, "Gods!"
He'd not lasted another minute before falling victim to his own climax, pressing his forehead against hers and jerking into her as breathless gasps wound up his throat.
The brunette blushed whenever she recalled that particular coupling. She recognized his unabating sexual appetite was partially just him and partially a lingering effect of their magical bond from the previous week. Hermione herself felt drawn to Harry even more now, connected to him on a higher level than any she had ever felt before, so she understood his fierce desire for intimacy. But the point was his libido was raging and it was throwing her for a loop! At the rate he was going, she knew that if she had not been taking birth control she would have almost certainly returned to Britain pregnant.
Of course... it may have already been too late for that, and the birth control potion may have been rendered irrelevant a while ago.
Hermione chewed the inside of her cheek and peered down at the vial of liquid in her hand. It was 8:52AM and she was sitting on the edge of the massive bathtub dressed in a short, pastel pink slip. It was the most tame piece of her lingerie and she had slipped it on when waking up half an hour ago, necessary since she had gone to sleep naked the night prior, something that had been Harry's doing. He remained asleep but her leftover anxiety from the previous day had driven her out of the bed and into the bathroom. The witch had stashed two items in one of the room's many storage places yesterday afternoon after retrieving them during the time Harry was taking a nap. She had gotten one at the resort's on-site store and the other from the largest herbal emporium in the island's humble, magical community.
The liquid Hermione was clutching came from the wizarding shop but it was no longer its original color. It had turned turquoise about three minutes ago and that is when her heart had stopped.
There was no denying it now. She could have been skeptical yesterday when she'd taken the test from the resort immediately after buying it, but the liquid in her hand gave the same result. And it was assumed to be more reliable since she'd had to give two drops of blood; for the Muggle test, it had only required urine. What was more, differences in her behavior within the past month had taken on new meaning in light of the results and they seemed to be glaringly obvious now.
The differences had started with her period in April, odd in that it was merely two days of bleeding when she normally had five. Hermione had also yet to have May's period and was 10 days late, which, up to a couple days ago, she thought was because of stress related to work and the wedding. Then, there was the fact that she had been notably moody and nauseous a few times in May, something she'd attributed to stress as well, and the prior week- the week of the wedding- she'd vomited a few times. Again: stress in her mind. But, five days ago during the wedding, she had also noticed that her gown was a tad more snug in the midsection and around her breasts, yet it had not been enough to truly worry over. The brunette told herself it was normal for dresses to be a little looser or tighter once the wedding day finally rolled around!
Of course, since starting their honeymoon, Hermione had been overly tired… something that could have been the result of Harry wearing out her body with sex. Additionally, she vomited fifteen minutes after waking up this morning without having eaten breakfast, and she had not gone to bed last night feeling sick. In fact, the nausea this morning was her catalyst for testing the liquid, and the liquid had just informed her that the nausea was most definitely not a consequence of stress.
None of it was.
Hermione crushed the vial in her palm and hunched her shoulders, feeling lightheaded. She had had the chance to review possibilities in her mind since yesterday and they came rushing back to her now, except those possibilities had seemingly transformed into definites.
Eight weeks- eight! Oh, God…. The weekend we were going to Milan. I was so rushed that morning! I-I woke up late, Harry was waiting, I forgot half of what I needed before we had to leave!… and that means I didn't have it for a week before I took the next dose. Oh, God.
Hermione sucked in as much breath as she could and heard footsteps a moment later. She clutched the vial tighter while her heart started to jump in her chest. She froze. She kept her head down and listened to his movement, staring at her painted toenails that had been done two days ago. It reminded her that they were supposed to go spelunking in a boat at 11AM but the idea suddenly made her want to giggle hysterically for some reason.
Hermione did not immediately look up when Harry stopped directly in front of her. There was a long pause as she stamped out the urge to laugh over their cave excursion before she took a tremulous breath in. She brought her eyes up and they came level to his navel. She stared at this spot until she was strong enough for her gaze to climb higher, and when it did she took in the Auror's bare chest, tousled hair, and smirk. His snitch tattoo was fluttering around his torso in a happy manner so she surmised he must have scratched his back and activated it. (With the sheer amount of touching between them during the past few days, his tattoo had been roaming uninhibited quite frequently).
"Good morning, Mrs. Potter." Harry greeted in a hoarse voice. He stroked her left cheek and her breath caught again. Hermione closed her eyes and leaned into the contact as her heart continued to hammer away.
He moved his hand down to caress her neck. When he felt her pulse and noticed that it was elevated, he cocked his head.
"Are you all right?" he questioned. The witch made a strange noise and started to squirm, thinking of the turquoise liquid in her hand. Warning bells went off in Harry's head as he tried not to frown at her reaction. He did not want to make assumptions but she had yet to speak and he knew something was off.
"Hermione," he said, lifting her chin in a gentle command to meet his gaze. Her eyes flew open and they were wide as they stared into his, wide and unbridled. Hermione licked her lips and thought of their bonding ceremony before she finally gave a response.
"I'm pregnant."
A/N: Very often, I get specific scenes in my head for stories and build plots that hinge on those scenes. This is how I always wanted this particular fic to end: with a mini Potter on the way.
Of course, I can't really end their story here without it seeming like a cop-out, and I have mentioned before (somewhere, somehow) that this series is going to have three installments, so I can now announce that there will be a sequel to this! I know I won't start posting until sometime in autumn but keep me on your radar if you want to read the third and final part of Harry's and Hermione's life together… with any other tiny humans they may create :)