A/N: I did want to apologize to Harriet for not being honest about showing Harry OOC in this story, but I was trying not to give away the reason. I am glad that it was obvious enough for her to mention.

I should also apologize to those of you who thought I had finished with the story, but the truth is I can never leave well enough alone, although I am getting close to the end.







Chapter 19: The Ties That Bind

It was beautiful, a perfect mid-September day. The Hogwarts grounds had been prepared for the return of two recent graduates to celebrate their wedding. A Platform stood beneath the White Tree planted on the hillock overlooking the lake. With the aid and skill of the elves, it had grown in the past fifteen months as though it had been planted a lifetime ago.

A flower lined path had been made, and guests of every description filled either side. Dignitaries, foreign and domestic, had seats near the front, except for the Centaurs who stood to one side near the platform.

Bren, as leader of the council, led the delegation of the Centaurs. Dwarin led the delegation of Dwarves. Pergrine Boffin, Field Marshall of the Mark, led the delegation of Hobbits. Jellico Brandybuck shared this honor, on behalf of the Shire. Peregrine Took, Thane of the Mark, had a special seat in the front row. The Lady Elvellon had asked his wife to be her Maid of Honor.

Hobbits came in droves and formed a large group behind everyone. Many had come uninvited, asking only for a place to watch. They even brought their own food, so as not to interfere with the invited guests. Hundreds had come to watch Their Lady, on this special day. In gratitude for their coming, every effort was made to accommodate them. When someone objected, Hermione told him to be grateful the entire Mark had not come.

Dwarves as well, came uninvited, and joined with the hobbits. It was a rare chance to show respect to The Lady, who had risked her life to save the son and heir of their Lord. They asked only to watch, but were also told to stay for the celebration.

The elves were there in abundance, as well. All were invited, and many who came made it a point to help in the preparations. The lost children of the elves appeared as special guests of the Bride and Groom, and where intermixed with the adults who were scattered through the crowds.

As this took place on school grounds, the students were in attendance as well, sitting in orderly rows on raised stands set to one side. Among them was a first year Hufflepuff by the name of Kyle Stillwell, who stared in awe at the sights before him. Two students were not in the ranks. Ginny Weasley would be in the Wedding Procession as a Bridesmaid, escorted by Galdor, who was one of the ushers. Dennis Oakley (nee Creevey) had the privilege of escorting a young hobbit by the name of Fedelia Brandybuck. Frodo Baggins would escort his mother-in-law, Elinor Took.

Other Ushers and Bridesmaids followed, representing every intelligent race. Several were men and woman of important countries. The exception was the race of goblins, who declined any role in the wedding party. Grilchek, the Chairman of Gringotts felt it inappropriate, but gave the wedding rings, made of mithril silver, and delicately carved by elvin hands.

Ron Weasley stood on the platform, trying not to be nervous. His mother was already crying, and the wedding had not even started. Mrs. Granger was crying as well, so he let it pass. He smiled at his brothers, including David (The Slytherin Weasley), and then looked over at his best man. He wondered how Harry could remain so calm at a time like this. Behind him, Albus Dumbledore, who would preside over the ceremony, gave the signal, and music began to play. The thousands of guest became silent.

The elf child Henuin, once called Winky, led the procession, tossing rose petals on the path before her as she walked. Behind her, holding two rings on a velvet cushion, was Coriander Took, the same hobbit who ran with the message to The Took that day nearly two years before. The Bridesmaids and Ushers followed, and then came Faramir Took, in his role as the Protector of the Lady, his sword polished and hanging at his side. Lastly came the bride, escorted by the proudest man in the world, her father.

At the edge of the platform, Mr. Granger handed his daughter to Ron, and took his seat. Ron escorted her before Albus Dumbledore, and then everything became a dream. He never remembered anything that had been said that day. All he could think of was that he was standing next to the woman he loved, and that she loved him. He said the words and put on the ring, but only remembered lifting the veil and kissing his wife.

Hermione remembered everything. She could recite every word Albus spoke about honor and love, but she remembered the vows most of all. He had done the unusual, and asked her first, grinning at her embarrassment as he gave every title. "Do you, Dame Hermione Granger, Lady Elvellon, Warder of the Mark, Knight of the British Empire, Warrior of the Halls of Stone . . . and true friend, take this man to be your husband?"

Hermione answered, "I Do."

Then Albus turned to the groom and said, "Do you, Ronald Weasley, Ringbearer, take this woman to be your wife."

In the pause before Ron answered, Hermione heard the entire crowd hold its breath. That one word, Ringbearer, said more to everyone present, then all of her titles. Then Ron said, "I Do," and everyone cheered.

Hermione could only see Dumbledore mouth the final words of the ceremony, as she and Ron exchanged rings. Long after he kissed her, Hermione could still only here the roar, as three thousand and more voices shouted as loud as they could.

*

The wedding celebration lasted into the night, even though the bride and groom left as early as they could. No one could blame them. Eventually, the end came as the last few revelers could not keep awake. In the early dawn, a very tired Harry Potter sat next to an exhausted Frodo Baggins. They each had before them a pint of beer.

"I don't need any Hair of the Dog," Harry said, "I learned my lesson from the last time."

"All the better," said Frodo, "but I did want to drink a parting glass. I do not know when we shall have the chance to meet again. I will be a father before long, and I will not be able to travel much."

They toasted each other, and the bride and the groom. They would meet again on another wedding day.