Chapter 26: FAMILY

Just like what Ginny wanted, there's no unnecessary fanfare in her wedding, yet it was beautiful in its simplicity. Unlike Bill's wedding, Ginny chose to hold it in the afternoon while the sun was still up. The weather was forecasted to be perfect for the whole week that she decided to forgo the tent and utilised the canopy of trees at the orchard. A very good insight because the light that seeping through the leaves and its shadow dancing on the grass made a natural fascinating decoration on its own.

The sequence was also rather straightforward. While Ginny was preparing herself at the Burrow, Harry and the boys were greeting the incoming guest. At the scheduled time, he left to fetch his mother-in-law-to-be as Ron ensuring that everything for the ceremony was ready and in place. It officially started when he appeared with Molly on his elbow, escorted her to her chair before taking his place beside Ron on the dais. Then right on cue, Hermione entered holding Victoire on her right and Teddy on her left hand. And at last, the bride arrived, walked down the aisle by her father.

She was stunning. Her ivory satin floor-length dress hugged her figure nicely. It had capped sleeves and cowl neck front, enticing without flaunting her décolletage inappropriately, instead it gave a vibe of classic elegance. She wore no veil or tiara, her half updo was adorned with lily of the valley. Her appearance was completed by white lily bouquet, a nod for Harry's mother.

The sun had started to make her descent by that point. When the couple finished declaring their vows and proceeded for their first kiss as husband and wife, the sky was changing colour, bathing them in sparkling golden light dust. No matter what the superstition Ginny had eluded about ending the ceremony close to sunset was, one thing Hermione found for certain was that it created a beautiful image, almost magical even.

Later for the reception, the guests were then directed to the back garden where a tent had already been erected. Other than Mr Weasley short speech, there's not much formality, if any. Ginny wanted to keep it casual, she didn't want to be displayed so guests would laugh or clap politely when someone recounted random anecdotes about her or Harry. And if that's what the bride want, then she'd get it.

Putting aside their common friends and close acquaintances, the wedding congregation was dominated by the bride's. Just by their hair colour, Hermione could point at least 15 guests who were most likely related to Weasley. Added to that were her relatives from Prewett side of the family, couple of her father's close friends, and her teammates. On the other hand, only 7 invites were pure Harry's – almost no relation to Ginny whatsoever – and amongst them were Petunia and Dudley Dursley.

He actually had invited his uncle, but he declined. This showed how much progress he had with his aunt and cousin, especially after the 'tongue incident' years ago. He seemed to be a bit wary to touch any food and beverage that's been served though, despite it's so obvious that he wanted it from the way he kept glancing at it, licking his lips once in awhile.

"I would recommend the pie," Hermione pointed to the buffet table. "Mrs Weasley makes the best pie I've ever tried, especially her Shepherd's pie."

To convince him, she placed one piece onto her plate and took a bite in front of him. After nothing happened in the next two minutes, he followed her lead while she rejoined his mother. This early, George wouldn't dare to spike anything – yet. Although more precautions might have needed to be taken to the refreshment table later on the night.

"So, Miss Granger, you're saying your parents are dentists?" Mrs Dursley queried her.

Harry had specifically asked her to entertain his aunt and cousin since he couldn't engage them all the time while interacting with strangers – magical on top of it – certainly would be too much for them, but her Muggle background would certainly help them to ease up with her.

"They retired few months ago, Mrs Dursley. As we speak, they're actually on a year long trip around the world. Want to enjoy life now that I no longer live with them, they said," she said mildly. Well, although her answer was more for the sake of pleasant conversation, none of what she'd said was untrue.

Dudley returned to their table with Neville who, by the look of it, was helping him carrying plates full of various sweets and glass with magic. Then she remembered that Harry had moved Neville to the same table as his aunt at the last minute, although he hadn't taken his seat from the beginning and instead she saw him talking with Harry until just moment ago.

"Neville, I see you've met Dudley," she addressed him.

"Yes, Harry introduced us."

Remembering her manner, she turned to Mrs Dursley and said, "Mrs Dursley, this is Neville Longbottom, he shared a room with Harry for six years at Hogwarts and now he's apprenticing Herbology there."

Other than Neville, the guests from Hogwarts were Hagrid and Professor Slughorn. Even though its' Saturday, considering that it's still school term it was understood that they couldn't invite most of Hogwarts' staff. Neville and Hagrid were invited for obvious reason but the third invitation was actually sent to McGonagall, both as the couple's former head of House and as Headmistress, hence she basically represented the whole staff. However, it was so close to OWL and NEWT that she politely replied of not being able to attend. She had a lot to do from making sure her students preparedness to arranging all necessary stuff with Ministry Division for Magical Education.

Well, Hermione already warned Harry that any appointment with McGonagall would need to be arranged at least 3 months in advance, more if it's for non-work purpose. So instead, the Potion Professor came in her stand. It's very likely that it's his idea, it wouldn't be above him to pester her as well. After all this was the union between the famous Harry Potter and rising Quidditch star Ginny Weasley. This would be a story he could gloat on every occasion possible for the next decades.

"Nice to meet you, Mr Longbottom," she gave him a cordial nod. "Herbology, I presume it has something to do with herb?"

"Yes, Mrs Dursley. It's mostly about how to care medicinal plants and learn about their properties. So more than practising magic, I spend my time mostly digging soil and watering plants," he explained good-naturedly.

Her eyebrow twitched. "Can you just magic it or something?"

"Sometimes it's better to do it by hand," he smiled. "I'm sure you can understand it, Harry told me about your affinity for gardening and your prized garden."

"I don't think Harry ever has shown any interest in gardening." Her tone remained stiff, but her barely contained pleased smirk belied her attempt for haughtiness.

"If I may, what kind of plants you grow, Mrs Dursley? My grandmother's always so proud on her magnolia, it's been there since as far as I can remember."

"Magnolia surely can require more care sometimes, pruning and everything. I'm more into non woody stem flowering plants, less messy."

Now Hermione understood the reason behind Harry's decision. Neville certainly would have more materials to talk with his aunt than her. Being an Auror had also improved Neville's confidence and composure, he wouldn't have any problem dealing with Harry's Muggle aunt.

She suspected that he even had masterfully orchestrated this by sending her first to lay foundation then followed by Neville after his aunt was more relaxed. It wouldn't be very surprising for him to go to this great length for them. Just because both refused to travel by magical means, Harry had arranged a Squip to be their chauffeur to drive them back and forth from London to Devon and paid two rooms in a nearby Muggle inn for them to stay for two nights.

Seeing that her presence no longer needed (Dudley was too busy with his cakes), Hermione bade her leave. A quick look around the guests, she spotted Hannah who came as Neville's date in the middle of conversation with Amy and her parents.

Amy's parents were special exception amongst the invites. They're invited not because of their association with the couple or their family but simply because they're Amy's parents. A short talk with Hannah had confirmed their suspicion that the only way Amy could attend a wedding at the Burrow was with her father, thus her invitation had been extended to include her parents.

Her eyes caught Louisa heading to the refreshment table while Mrs Weasley was patrolling nearby, likely checking the foods. Inspired by Harry's machination, Hermione methodically moved towards the former.

"Enjoying the party?" she greeted her.

"It's a lovely ceremony, Ginny has a good taste," the French witch replied, pouring punch into her glass. "I like her dress."

Hermione reached for a glass of pumpkin juice, not for an act but because she's really thirsty. "Did you meet Ron?"

"Not yet, look like he's busy," she replied nonchalantly.

She realised it wasn't her place to prod but hearing her answer, she couldn't help not to be concerned. "Is everything alright?"

"Yes. Why? Was something amiss?" she shot the question back at her, eyebrows arched in bemusement.

"No, just ..." She stole a glance to the dance floor, spotting Luna dancing with a dark-haired man. "you know, I kind of expect him to ask you for a dance or something," she blurted the first lie she could think of.

"I don't like dancing, he knows it," said Louisa lightly. She gave her an intrigued look, likely figured out her train of thought, and chuckled, "I can function without him, you know. I'm here as Ginny's guest anyway, not to meet him. By the way, Gabriele and I plan for a night stroll at Muggle London, want to join?"

"Tonight?" she clarified, which was answered with a slight tip of her head. "Sorry, I'm booked until tomorrow. Maid of honour, remember?"

And just as she calculated it, Mrs Weasley apprehended them not a moment too soon. Her plan might work after all.

"Hermione, dear, I haven't seen you eat anything. Why don't you lead your friend to the buffet, take something, then sit down and eat?"

She knew she'd get this order from the Weasley matriarch anytime this night, but this was her opening.

"I will, Mrs Weasley," she offered her best genial smile. Just as her eyes caught Louisa discreetly trying to leave, she added, "Louisa, have you met Mrs Weasley?"

Few days ago, Ron had cornered her to basically trade Louisa with Draco. Unaware of her 'development' with Draco, Ron had made a promise that he would deal with him all through the party and in exchange, he asked her to look after Louisa and maybe find a chance to introduce her to his mother, but not as his girlfriend of course. It seemed like he was ready to reveal his relationship, just in gradual manner and not to suddenly spring his girlfriend to his mother's face. With how Mrs Weasley was still very jittery on Angelina and George's unmarried status, she could say that he made a wise move.

"Ah, I remember your name. Ron mentioned once that you're seeking for a flat in London. Did you find one?"

"Yes, Mrs Weasley. Ron's been very helpful to me."

"He's a good boy," Mrs Weasley nodded approvingly. "Do you settle in well? To live in a foreign country can be hard sometimes, especially alone. Hermione, why don't you take her to our Sunday brunch? You'll be welcomed here anytime, dear."

"Thank you, Mrs Weasley," she said politely. Hermione could see that Mrs Weasley's typical intrusive queries had made the blonde uncomfortable. "I'm sorry, Mrs Weasley, but I'm here to get a drink for Fleur and she's been waiting."

"She is? Where's Bill?! He should take a good care for his wife."

"It's okay, I don't mind. Bill's taking Dominique outside," she hurriedly assured her. Mrs Weasley didn't move from where she stood though, blocking the way, so she threw a furtive glance towards Hermione for help.

Fortunately, before any of them need to make more direct approach, Mrs Weasley finally took notice. "Oh, of course. Go-go-go, don't let Fleur wait too long."

Louisa didn't waste any time to go back to her table where Fleur and her parents (who were invited as guests but also on their extended trip to visit their new granddaughter) were seated, leaving Hermione with the mother of the bride. In her case, Mrs Weasley only let her go after she had sat her down with a plate full of food before her – she considered herself lucky that Mrs Weasley didn't spoon-feed her.

Everything went uneventful from there. At some point, she saw Draco finally sitting alone on his table. Unlike Ginny who was able to invite all her teammates and coaches, being an Auror made Harry's choice of invites from his colleague pool were limited. Aside from Draco, he only invited Robards, Martin, McDougal, and Osbert (Kingsley was Order member before becoming his boss, so he didn't fall into this category). For that, it was easier to just seat them together which only made it harder for her to find an opportunity to return his cloak since he only left his chair once to grab a drink.

Her plan was simple; approached him when he's alone (aka not in hearing distance of whoever nearby), handed him his cloak (already wrapped so nobody would know what's inside), said thank you (and "oh by the way, you left it on the bench" – vaguely enough if anyone overheard but he would understand which bench she'd meant), and left (she already prepared 5 different excuses if anyone asked).

Alas, she bumped into Amy on her way and polite society dictated that she had to at least exchange few words with her. By the time Amy finished telling her that she got the job as junior assistant in the Department of International Magical Cooperation and introduced her to her parents, Draco was in the middle of conversation with Martin. In that situation, it would be more expected of her to talk to Martin than Draco, so she retreated to her table, waiting for another opening.

Now that she knew where he lived, there's an option to just go for a short walk to his flat, but that would be her very last choice. She might be a Gryffindor, but she's not willing to take risk that huge. The fact that Draco hadn't mentioned anything that day might as well be a one-off or he'd only being considerate of her recovery state – she had been badly injured after all. Who could predict what he'd do in normal situation now that she's well?

Slytherin was notorious to exploit people's weakness for their own gain or mere amusement. And while she's sure he wouldn't use it to blackmail her or some other evil stuff, who's to say that Draco would be willing to be deprived from a satisfaction of harassing her until she couldn't lift her face at him. Lavender hadn't called her prude for no reason. No, her best bet was to confront him in public. She had Harry and majority would take her side, Draco must be aware to not mess with her in public, the risk of backlash would be too high for him.

Several courteous conversations later, she finally managed to sit alone, nursing a glass of champagne. Her eyes wandered around, searching for a distinct mop of pale hair amongst the diminishing guests. She was seriously contemplating to just wait outside and cornered him when he's leaving, she only need less than five minutes – maybe just shoved the package into his hand, not even let Draco to form any response.

A soft tap on her shoulder startled her and she whirled around. Standing before her was the best man, half bowing, and his left hand on his back like an old school gentleman.

"May I have this dance, Miss Granger?" he said in a resolute tone, gallantly extending his hand. "I believe we haven't fulfilled our duty for a dance between maid of honour and best man."

An amused chuckle escaped her. Well, considered her charmed.

"You may, sir." She placed her hand on his and let him lead her to the dance floor.

It brought back memory from 5 years ago, a similar setting in the same place, of her dancing with Ron in a wedding at the Burrow. She still remembered how happy she had been when Ron finally asked her for a dance despite the eminent threat looming in the air. The same feeling was also filling her chest right now, except this time their steps was conspicuously lighter. No more Voldemort, they could fully enjoy the moment with no worry of the world ending tomorrow.

"I saw you introduced Louisa to Mum," he noted casually. "How's it going?"

And one more significant difference, he was in relationship with other girl this time.

"Well, your mum said she'll be welcomed to join Sunday brunch anytime."

"Great, it went well then. I know I can count on you, Hermione," he beamed widely, twirling her as the music required.

"Do you really intend to avoid her throughout the night?" she chided him tepidly, half accusing.

"Give me some credit," he huffed. "I just talked to her not five minutes ago. She doesn't like dancing, so it's not like I can ask her either. And now that Gabriele is in England, she will prefer to spend time with her more than with me. In fact, as we speaking, they're leaving for a Saturday night stroll at London."

"And you're okay with it?"

"Of course, why not? Frankly, it's refreshing to be with someone who doesn't keep ordering me what I should or shouldn't do. No offence," he hastened to add, watching her reaction warily.

For a moment she was tempted to scare him off a bit but in the end decided against it, this was a happy occasion. "None taken," she assured him. "I'm glad it works for you."

"Yes. She's really amazing." His face brightened considerably by his goofy grin and sparkling eyes.

"So, how's your date with Malfoy?" There's a second gap between her two last words as she had to make sure to mention his surname. It felt strange since in her thought he'd always been Draco now.

He pulled a face. "Do you have to ask?" he groaned, but she shot him a coy smirk. "It's weird, you know, trying to find topic that has no potential of ending with hex. Worse, because his replies were either a grunt or a single syllable word."

Hermione laughed. She could clearly picture how it went, a grumpy Draco was surely difficult to handle. Kudos for Ron for managing to do it unscathed.

"Glad to make you laugh, Hermione, but it's definitely not funny. At least he didn't stay long so I managed to keep my promise to Harry."

"He left?" She didn't even think to hide her surprise.

"Robards pulled him aside and they left not long after, most likely Auror stuff. Make me think that I've made a good decision by leaving the force. Blimey, you can't even enjoy party fully," he muttered sympathetically.

And there gone her chance. Should she perhaps consider stalking Draco at the Ministry?

Too busy with her thought on the blond wizard, she didn't realise when mirth suddenly appeared in Ron's eyes.

"Arrington is still here, by the way, and he's been eyeing you the whole night."

She stole a glance over his shoulder and grimaced when found out that he's telling the truth. "Please save me if he shows any indication of asking me to dance. This shoes has been killing me, I don't know why I let Ginny convince me to wear these."

"You sure? He's a good bloke. And smart."

"Don't!" she warned him sternly. "I have enough of your sister playing matchmaker, don't provoke me to hex you."

Not that she had anything bad against Martin, but she's really in dire need to rid these shoes from her feet. Although it was barely could be considered as high heels, it was not as comfortable as her usual ballet flats. And after more than twelve hours in it had made her feet start to scream. Dancing was the last thing she wanted to do.

"As you wish. I've learnt my lesson not to disobey your order, Hermione."

.***.

It surely was not something that could be called as conventional wedding night – or even just wedding night – since the bride left with her maid of honour while the groom with the best man and they went to two different places. Harry was too drunk to go home alone after series of Firewhisky with Hagrid in the name of celebrating the start of his new life. Suffice to say, no consummation had occurred the night of the wedding.

The thing was, between her Quidditch and the whole preparation for the wedding, Ginny had barely had enough time to pack and move her stuff to Grimmauld Place. Thus she decided that her marriage life would only officially start after she moved out.

Then come the downside of living in Muggle neighbourhood. For appearance sake they couldn't just shrink and pocket her belonging. At least few boxes and furniture had to be carried to the moving van downstairs for the benefit of their neighbours. Ginny had considered leaving most of her belonging but Hermione rejected the idea, she preferred to have more space in the flat now that Ginny moving out. Grimmauld Place was bigger, surely it could accommodate it better than the flat.

There's also the problem with Fidelius Charm. Harry was adamant to reveal his home just for the sake of one day moving and since it would be weird to ask help from Kingsley or Mr Weasley, it would only be the four of them. It's mainly the boys who did the manual labour though – again for appearance sake, two girls lifting what seemed to be a big box (under Feather-light Charm) would surely raised one or two eyebrows. Everything was way easier once they arrived at Grimmauld Place, it's all wand-work there.

It's unclear how or why it started, but in no time they suddenly found Ginny and Ron engage in a heated siblings bickering. Didn't want to be in their warpath and being dragged into unnecessary row, Hermione exchanged a cautious nod with Harry and they both stealthy retreated to kitchen. There might not be much muscle work to be done, but calmness of a cup of tea would be a welcome respite.

"Harry, can I borrow your Marauders map?" she broke the silence. This far, the Weasley siblings' loud argument could barely be heard. At his puzzled look, she explained, "Come to think of it, it must have used more than Homonculous Charm, after all it's able to distinguish and identify person even through animagi, Polyjuice, and the Hallow's magic. Maybe if I can crack it, I can finally have a breakthrough in my magical signature research."

He offered her an apologetic smile. "Sorry, Hermione, but I gave it to McGonagall two years ago."

"What? Why?"

"It turned out the map is property of Hogwarts."

"But didn't your father and his gang create it?" she prodded further.

"No. It looked like one of them found it somewhere and modified the 'key' incantation the way we knew." Readjusting his glasses, he elaborated, "So, I kind of had this idea to develop similar map but for Ministry Building for security purpose, you know, something like surveillance camera. I went to Hogwarts to see if McGonagall could help and when I showed it to her in her office, one former Headmaster portrait recognised it.

"The map was actually created by the four Founders themselves, mainly by Godric Gryffindor and Helga Hufflepuff, to monitor their students. They said in the beginning Hogwarts has not been occupied by ghosts and living paintings as many as now to act as chaperones. Well, even back then they understood that putting together a bunch of teenagers in a huge castle far away from their parents without proper supervision is disaster bound to happen. And knowing that, it just felt wrong for me to keep it."

"But did you figure it out? The mechanism of the map I mean."

"No. All I've been told is that it's made the same time as the castle construction so in a way it's actually part of the castle itself. Just like the way Rowena Ravenclaw created Room of Requirement, we might never crack its secret."

"That's just too bad," she whined, disappointment was thick in her voice. "You know, the more I'm researching on this, the more I realise that within wizarding society, there's a lot of ancient knowledge that didn't survive the passage of time. And nobody seems to be interested to dig it."

Harry only chuckled at what would be the beginning of her discontent tirade. "I think you need to make up your mind, Hermione. Last time it was psychiatry, now it sounds like you want to bring anthropology into wizarding world. Pick one, you can't cover everything," he teased light-heartedly

"Not funny, Harry," she scoffed. "You have to admit that Muggle is clearly superior in term of having broader academic disciplines. It's no wonder Pure-bloods are so close-minded, there's something wrong with wizarding education."

"Well, just think that Hogwarts is a vocational school for magic and both of us are lucky enough to be exposed to broader 'education' in Muggle world if it can make you sleep better. Muggle life is now a mandatory lesson in Auror and Law Enforcement training, you know," he tried to assuage her.

"I'm thinking that it would be great if we have someone from the Department to be placed in Scotland Yard so we can utilise their finger print identification and their other technology. It certainly will be easier and less complicated than bringing it into DMLE."

"Wow. It's a great idea, Harry! Have you brought it up to Robards or maybe Kingsley?"

He grinned shyly, rubbing the back of his neck. "We are actually looking for a suitable candidate now," he admitted. "Interested to apply?"

"Scotland Yard? No, thank you."

"Well, if you change your mind ...," he trailed off. She shook her head vehemently. "Anyway, so you finally stop with the Gate or whatever it is?"

She rolled her eyes. "How many times I have to tell you, my interest on the Gate is related to my magical signature project. I know it will lead me to something if I can find it. Think about it, it supposes to be a pure magic that coming from the land."

"What's coming from what land?" Ginny interjected, emerging from the doorway.

"We're discussing how come you suddenly have so many cousins coming from Ireland when they're clearly not around during Bill's wedding," she answered without missing a beat.

She must have sounded convincing enough that Ginny didn't see through her lie and press further, instead she leisurely took the stool next to Harry.

"Short answer: Voldemort. Longer answer: because Harry didn't invite as many guest as Fleur."

"How come you've never told me that you have many Irish relatives?"

"Our family have roots in Ireland. The first few generations of Weasleys were originally Irish," Ron supplied, joining them, and started to rummage through the cabinet.

"From what I can remember from Dad's story, the first generation of Weasley moved to England around the 15th century. Our ancestor's land is there and used to be owned by the main branch of the family. He married a Muggle but his line ended because his son – who happened to have same name as him – had no issue. The property was later inherited by his wife's nephew, Colly or something – a Muggle who later took Wesley surname – when no other Wesley could afford to inherit because of tax or something."

Hermione gasped. "You mean Colley? Richard Colley? And that Wesley, was his name Garret Wesley?"

He shrugged, moving to the table with a cup on his hand. "I don't know about this Colley guy but you're right, it's Garret Wesley. You know him? Was he famous?"

"My word. Ron, are you seriously telling me that you're related to Arthur Wellesley!"

"Thank you for the information, Hermione, but I know that my father is Arthur Weasley."

"Wellesley, not Weasley," she asserted in a similar manner, reminiscing to their past Levi-O-sa affair. "Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington!"

He threw her a blank look. "Who?"

"He was Muggle Prime Minister during William IV's reign."

"So what?" he retorted grumpily.

"Well, technically he's not a Weasley by blood, as you said, he's a Colley."

"Not important to know then," he declared brusquely. "Let's talk about me instead. Considering I don't charge my service today, it's only natural that I'll be fed. So, where's the food?" Lifting the empty pot, he added, "Nobody even think to serve me drink?"

A/N:

I know in canon the Marauder's Map was created by James Potter and co, but I just can't fathom the fact that if he/they could manage to create something like that as student, why on earth as grown up he didn't make similar map for Godric's Hollow? You know, I mean to monitor who's around so they could have advance warning or something (it would be very useful during the war!). Or Sirius or Remus told Kingsley or someone in the Order so they could make one for the Department of Mystery so they could just monitor the map and went there when it's needed instead of having someone physically guarding the Prophecy?

Garret Wesley is a real person, but his relation to the Weasley is made up of course. The real Garret Wesley married Elizabeth Colley and had son who was also named Garret Wesley. Garret Wesley (the son) was married with no issue and on his death, he left his property to his cousin Richard Colley (son of Henry Colley, Elizabeth Colley's brother) on condition that he took the surname Wesley. Richard Colley (or later known as Richard Colley Wesley), 1st Baron Morrington was an Irish peer and a grandfather of Arthur Wellesley. Arthur Wellesley (who later became 1st Duke of Wellington) was UK Prime Minister from 17 November 1834 to 9 December 1834 and from 22 January 1828 to 16 November 1830.

Remember in ch 24 when Ginny mentioned about Pig in Puff which Harry said to sound similar to Beef Wellington? Some said that the 1st Duke was quite indifferent to food but he loved it when his cook made a dish of beef cooked in pastry, which later has been named in his honour. On a side note, this theory is still disputed by many.

More to come on Weasley Family's tale.