Chapter 11
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. They are the property of JK Rowling.
A/N: These updates are going to become longer periods of time in between since I have beta readers and in a week or two I will be starting a second job since I don't want to waste my summer away. I do plan on finishing this story though and I don't think the updates would be anymore than a few days apart.
Ron Weasley sat alone in his dressing room. Today was the big day, as he would finally be getting married. Several months ago he had proposed to Jennifer in front of millions of people. She had accepted his proposal and made him the happiest man on earth. Never before had he been so nervous. Sweat ran down from his forehead as he searched to find a cloth to wipe it off. His hands were moist and knuckles red from constantly clutching his fingers into a fist. This was the final step before it became official. He was very nervous that he would forget his lines, or do something stupid. He then began to have second thoughts on whether he was making a mistake that he would live to regret. Deciding that he needed to clear his head and he took a walk outside. Mr. Weasley saw his son leaving his dressing room and went to pat him on the back and give some reassuring words. As the two men walked around the rose garden a strange snow white owl flew overhead. Ron was the first to notice and thought it was Hedwig delivering a last minute gift from a friend or family member not able to attend. He then realized that everyone was attending with the exception of Harry.
"Dad, is that Hedwig up there?" asked Ron as he gave his father a questioning look. Mr. Weasley raised a hand over his eyes to shield his eyes from the sun's rays as he tried to make out the flying figure.
"I'm not sure son, but it seems to be heading right for us," said Mr. Weasley as he returned his son's a questioning look. Just as Mr. Weasley had said the owl came straight towards them and landed on the floor right by their feet. This was strange as owls usually landed on tree branches or a perch or some sort. Ron could see that this owl was not Hedwig but did look quite similar with its snow white feathers. It did not carry a letter or package of any sort, however, did not seem aggressive or dangerous.
Suddenly the owl began to change in shape and began to grow much larger than it was a moment ago. Ron and Mr. Weasley were startled by the sudden change but soon realized that it was an animagius in the shape of his or her creature. The owl slowly took the form of a human and lost the snow white feathers. In place of it were black dress robes over a slightly muscular young man. As the face took shape, green eyes formed along with dark black hair and a lightning bolt scar on the forehead. This was the first time the scar had been seen in public in many years. Ron then suddenly realized who had been an owl animagius at the end of their 7th year.
"You son of a bitch!" Yelled Ron as he punched Harry in the left eye. Harry stumbled back and clutched his eye with his hand but did not attack back. He had a feeling that this was coming knowing Ron's temper. It was probably best that they got this over with right away before anything else. This eye would be swollen later but he could get rid of that with a spell.
"Ronald!" Yelled Mr. Weasley.
"Hey Ron," said Harry humorously, who was still clutching his left eye with his hands. Ron only looked at Harry before pulling him into a hug.
"Sorry about that mate, but you had it coming," said Ron.
"Yeah I know."
"I guess I don't need to start yelling at you about what you were thinking."
"I should hope not," said Harry smiling at his best friend. "You sure have changed in the last few years Ron."
"So have you mate, where did you find time to keep in shape? You seem to be in better shape now than when we played Quidditch together." Harry could not help but chuckle at this comment.
"Let's just say I did not stay in shape by choice," said Harry. This was true because the Academy was very physically demanding and pushed one past their limits. "It's good to see you Mr. Weasley," said Harry as he turned to Mr. Weasley who had been waiting patiently. He offered his hand out to Mr. Weasley who shook it.
"It's been a very long time Harry. I'm sure you will tell us where you have been when the time is right," said Mr. Weasley as he smiled understandingly. Mr. Weasley was like the father figure in his life other than Sirius so he knew that Mr. Weasley would understand.
"Thank you for coming to my wedding," said Ron. "I was hoping you would be the best man but I did not think you were going to show up."
"Well when Dumbledore told me that you weren't going to have a best man if I didn't show up I knew that I couldn't let that happen. So who is the lucky lady anyways? I don't believe I recognize her name. I think it was Jennifer or something.."
"Jennifer Crodo," replied Ron proudly. "She is the woman of my dreams Harry. I never met a woman quite as wonderful as she is."
"I'm sure she is Ron. So when do I get to meet the bride?"
"At the alter. I'm not allowed to see her because you know what they say, 'see your lover twenty four hours before the bliss and separate before the final kiss.' I don't really believe in the luck stuff but Jennifer doesn't want me to jinx it." Harry chuckled to himself quietly. "I've never been so nervous before. I didn't even get this nervous before the Quidditch Cup game." This took Harry by surprise. He had no idea that Ron was playing professional Quidditch. He had been gone for so many years that he had been out of touch with everyone.
"You play Pro-Quidditch?" Ron gave him a questioning look as if he were acting stupid but quickly realized that Harry really did not know.
"Yeah, I have been playing for the Cannons. That's where I met Jennifer. She plays for Bulgaria. The very first time I met her was before our first game a few years back. She was doing some practice runs several hours before everyone else and I being a rookie that year came to check out the stadium."
"Ron! There you are!" yelled Hermione as she attempted to run towards them in high heels. "You need to get ready for-" but her sentence was cut short when she saw Harry.
"Hello Hermione," said Harry giving her the best smile he could.
"Oh Harry!" Hermione hugged her best friend tightly. He had grown a lot since she last saw him. Harry hugged her back and patted her on the back. She then suddenly let go and slapped him. "What were you thinking going off on your own? Do you know how worried we have been all these years! Ron and I spent two years trying to find you with out any luck!" All this exploded from this little woman who was a head shorter than Harry.
"Hermione, I think we already covered that when he arrived," said Ron as he tried to drag her back.
"I'm sorry," said Hermione. "I'm just so happy to see you and that your ok."
"Well I think it's time for the ceremony," interrupted Mr. Weasley who had been standing there in silence the whole time. They all suddenly remembered why they were here and made their way back. Upon entering everyone gasped with shock at seeing Harry there. Several pointed at his scar and whispered amongst themselves. Harry suddenly remembered what it was like to be the famous Harry Potter. He searched among the crowd for any familiar faces and gave his godfather, Sirius a hug before assuring him that he would explain everything later. One face caught his eye in particular; beautiful woman with raven black hair stared back at him with her beautiful brown eyes. He kept her gaze the whole time as he took his position next to his best friend. Next to her he could see Cho's father. He along with his wife sat among the crowd as the ceremony began.
A/N: I have been to very few weddings so if this isn't how the ceremony goes then I'm sorry. Also I'm no good at writing vows so sue me.
The music started as the bride was escorted down the walkway by her father. She separated from her father at the end and took her place next to Ron. Dumbledore resided over this wedding and gave Harry a quick nod of acknowledgement. There was that same twinkle in his eye that Harry had seen so many times before.
"Family and friends, we are gathered here today to witness the joining of Ronald Weasley and Jennifer Crodo. Ronald will you please read your vows." Ron turned towards Jennifer and cleared his throat. He knew it by heart as he had read it over and over many times.
"Jennifer, from the first moment I met you; you set off a spark in my soul. That spark turned into a small fire and each day it became stronger and stronger until eventually I could not live without its warmth. Today I want to make that permanent and never have to worry that I have to live my life without it. I will love you until god decides for me to take my last breath." Ron looked up into her eyes and felt as if a huge load was just taken off his shoulders. He was also happy that he didn't forget his lines. All those words came straight from the heart when he wrote it.
"Jennifer, will you please read your vows," said Dumbledore. Jennifer also memorized her vows many times with Hermione. As she got ready to say them, she became very nervous but once she got going it became much easier.
"Ron my love, no man has ever swept me off my broom like you have. The very first time I met you on the pitch, you charmed me with your handsome smile. From that moment on you stole my heart away. I promise to be by your side, and love you until the day I die." She looked up to meet his gaze and smile.
"Do you Ronald Weasley take this witch to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
"I do," replied Ron.
"Do you Jennifer Crodo take this wizard to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
"I do," replied Jennifer.
"Please put the wedding ring on your lovers finger." Ron placed a gold ring with a huge diamond onto Jennifer's finger as she put a ring on his. "If there are any who do not think these two should be wed, let them speak now or forever hold their peace." There was a moment of silence. "Then I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride Mr. Weasley." The crowd applauded as Ron gave his bride a deep kiss.
While everyone else was applauding and paying attention to the crowd Harry could only fake a smile and look at the woman with the raven black hair.
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*At the Reception*
Harry watched as Ron and Jennifer greeted all of their guests and Harry was shown to his seat. He shared a table with the bride and groom as well as the maid of honor. Making his way across the dance floor he was approached by the woman with raven black hair and beautiful brown eyes.
"Hello Harry," said the woman.
"Hello Cho, it has been a long time," replied Harry. They looked at each other in the eyes for the first time in a very long time.
"Yes it has Harry, and you haven't changed one bit."
"I guess I should take that as a compliment." Harry chuckled to himself. "Would you care to dance?"
"I would love to," replied Cho as she allowed Harry to lead her to the dance floor. She melted into his arms just like old times as they slowly danced together. Once the song ended she was reluctant to let go but did.
"I'm sorry Cho, I need to go," said Harry quickly as he left her alone in the middle of the dance floor.
A/N: Ah don't hate me yet. Cho and Harry were that close.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. They are the property of JK Rowling.
A/N: These updates are going to become longer periods of time in between since I have beta readers and in a week or two I will be starting a second job since I don't want to waste my summer away. I do plan on finishing this story though and I don't think the updates would be anymore than a few days apart.
Ron Weasley sat alone in his dressing room. Today was the big day, as he would finally be getting married. Several months ago he had proposed to Jennifer in front of millions of people. She had accepted his proposal and made him the happiest man on earth. Never before had he been so nervous. Sweat ran down from his forehead as he searched to find a cloth to wipe it off. His hands were moist and knuckles red from constantly clutching his fingers into a fist. This was the final step before it became official. He was very nervous that he would forget his lines, or do something stupid. He then began to have second thoughts on whether he was making a mistake that he would live to regret. Deciding that he needed to clear his head and he took a walk outside. Mr. Weasley saw his son leaving his dressing room and went to pat him on the back and give some reassuring words. As the two men walked around the rose garden a strange snow white owl flew overhead. Ron was the first to notice and thought it was Hedwig delivering a last minute gift from a friend or family member not able to attend. He then realized that everyone was attending with the exception of Harry.
"Dad, is that Hedwig up there?" asked Ron as he gave his father a questioning look. Mr. Weasley raised a hand over his eyes to shield his eyes from the sun's rays as he tried to make out the flying figure.
"I'm not sure son, but it seems to be heading right for us," said Mr. Weasley as he returned his son's a questioning look. Just as Mr. Weasley had said the owl came straight towards them and landed on the floor right by their feet. This was strange as owls usually landed on tree branches or a perch or some sort. Ron could see that this owl was not Hedwig but did look quite similar with its snow white feathers. It did not carry a letter or package of any sort, however, did not seem aggressive or dangerous.
Suddenly the owl began to change in shape and began to grow much larger than it was a moment ago. Ron and Mr. Weasley were startled by the sudden change but soon realized that it was an animagius in the shape of his or her creature. The owl slowly took the form of a human and lost the snow white feathers. In place of it were black dress robes over a slightly muscular young man. As the face took shape, green eyes formed along with dark black hair and a lightning bolt scar on the forehead. This was the first time the scar had been seen in public in many years. Ron then suddenly realized who had been an owl animagius at the end of their 7th year.
"You son of a bitch!" Yelled Ron as he punched Harry in the left eye. Harry stumbled back and clutched his eye with his hand but did not attack back. He had a feeling that this was coming knowing Ron's temper. It was probably best that they got this over with right away before anything else. This eye would be swollen later but he could get rid of that with a spell.
"Ronald!" Yelled Mr. Weasley.
"Hey Ron," said Harry humorously, who was still clutching his left eye with his hands. Ron only looked at Harry before pulling him into a hug.
"Sorry about that mate, but you had it coming," said Ron.
"Yeah I know."
"I guess I don't need to start yelling at you about what you were thinking."
"I should hope not," said Harry smiling at his best friend. "You sure have changed in the last few years Ron."
"So have you mate, where did you find time to keep in shape? You seem to be in better shape now than when we played Quidditch together." Harry could not help but chuckle at this comment.
"Let's just say I did not stay in shape by choice," said Harry. This was true because the Academy was very physically demanding and pushed one past their limits. "It's good to see you Mr. Weasley," said Harry as he turned to Mr. Weasley who had been waiting patiently. He offered his hand out to Mr. Weasley who shook it.
"It's been a very long time Harry. I'm sure you will tell us where you have been when the time is right," said Mr. Weasley as he smiled understandingly. Mr. Weasley was like the father figure in his life other than Sirius so he knew that Mr. Weasley would understand.
"Thank you for coming to my wedding," said Ron. "I was hoping you would be the best man but I did not think you were going to show up."
"Well when Dumbledore told me that you weren't going to have a best man if I didn't show up I knew that I couldn't let that happen. So who is the lucky lady anyways? I don't believe I recognize her name. I think it was Jennifer or something.."
"Jennifer Crodo," replied Ron proudly. "She is the woman of my dreams Harry. I never met a woman quite as wonderful as she is."
"I'm sure she is Ron. So when do I get to meet the bride?"
"At the alter. I'm not allowed to see her because you know what they say, 'see your lover twenty four hours before the bliss and separate before the final kiss.' I don't really believe in the luck stuff but Jennifer doesn't want me to jinx it." Harry chuckled to himself quietly. "I've never been so nervous before. I didn't even get this nervous before the Quidditch Cup game." This took Harry by surprise. He had no idea that Ron was playing professional Quidditch. He had been gone for so many years that he had been out of touch with everyone.
"You play Pro-Quidditch?" Ron gave him a questioning look as if he were acting stupid but quickly realized that Harry really did not know.
"Yeah, I have been playing for the Cannons. That's where I met Jennifer. She plays for Bulgaria. The very first time I met her was before our first game a few years back. She was doing some practice runs several hours before everyone else and I being a rookie that year came to check out the stadium."
"Ron! There you are!" yelled Hermione as she attempted to run towards them in high heels. "You need to get ready for-" but her sentence was cut short when she saw Harry.
"Hello Hermione," said Harry giving her the best smile he could.
"Oh Harry!" Hermione hugged her best friend tightly. He had grown a lot since she last saw him. Harry hugged her back and patted her on the back. She then suddenly let go and slapped him. "What were you thinking going off on your own? Do you know how worried we have been all these years! Ron and I spent two years trying to find you with out any luck!" All this exploded from this little woman who was a head shorter than Harry.
"Hermione, I think we already covered that when he arrived," said Ron as he tried to drag her back.
"I'm sorry," said Hermione. "I'm just so happy to see you and that your ok."
"Well I think it's time for the ceremony," interrupted Mr. Weasley who had been standing there in silence the whole time. They all suddenly remembered why they were here and made their way back. Upon entering everyone gasped with shock at seeing Harry there. Several pointed at his scar and whispered amongst themselves. Harry suddenly remembered what it was like to be the famous Harry Potter. He searched among the crowd for any familiar faces and gave his godfather, Sirius a hug before assuring him that he would explain everything later. One face caught his eye in particular; beautiful woman with raven black hair stared back at him with her beautiful brown eyes. He kept her gaze the whole time as he took his position next to his best friend. Next to her he could see Cho's father. He along with his wife sat among the crowd as the ceremony began.
A/N: I have been to very few weddings so if this isn't how the ceremony goes then I'm sorry. Also I'm no good at writing vows so sue me.
The music started as the bride was escorted down the walkway by her father. She separated from her father at the end and took her place next to Ron. Dumbledore resided over this wedding and gave Harry a quick nod of acknowledgement. There was that same twinkle in his eye that Harry had seen so many times before.
"Family and friends, we are gathered here today to witness the joining of Ronald Weasley and Jennifer Crodo. Ronald will you please read your vows." Ron turned towards Jennifer and cleared his throat. He knew it by heart as he had read it over and over many times.
"Jennifer, from the first moment I met you; you set off a spark in my soul. That spark turned into a small fire and each day it became stronger and stronger until eventually I could not live without its warmth. Today I want to make that permanent and never have to worry that I have to live my life without it. I will love you until god decides for me to take my last breath." Ron looked up into her eyes and felt as if a huge load was just taken off his shoulders. He was also happy that he didn't forget his lines. All those words came straight from the heart when he wrote it.
"Jennifer, will you please read your vows," said Dumbledore. Jennifer also memorized her vows many times with Hermione. As she got ready to say them, she became very nervous but once she got going it became much easier.
"Ron my love, no man has ever swept me off my broom like you have. The very first time I met you on the pitch, you charmed me with your handsome smile. From that moment on you stole my heart away. I promise to be by your side, and love you until the day I die." She looked up to meet his gaze and smile.
"Do you Ronald Weasley take this witch to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
"I do," replied Ron.
"Do you Jennifer Crodo take this wizard to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
"I do," replied Jennifer.
"Please put the wedding ring on your lovers finger." Ron placed a gold ring with a huge diamond onto Jennifer's finger as she put a ring on his. "If there are any who do not think these two should be wed, let them speak now or forever hold their peace." There was a moment of silence. "Then I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride Mr. Weasley." The crowd applauded as Ron gave his bride a deep kiss.
While everyone else was applauding and paying attention to the crowd Harry could only fake a smile and look at the woman with the raven black hair.
************************************************************************
*At the Reception*
Harry watched as Ron and Jennifer greeted all of their guests and Harry was shown to his seat. He shared a table with the bride and groom as well as the maid of honor. Making his way across the dance floor he was approached by the woman with raven black hair and beautiful brown eyes.
"Hello Harry," said the woman.
"Hello Cho, it has been a long time," replied Harry. They looked at each other in the eyes for the first time in a very long time.
"Yes it has Harry, and you haven't changed one bit."
"I guess I should take that as a compliment." Harry chuckled to himself. "Would you care to dance?"
"I would love to," replied Cho as she allowed Harry to lead her to the dance floor. She melted into his arms just like old times as they slowly danced together. Once the song ended she was reluctant to let go but did.
"I'm sorry Cho, I need to go," said Harry quickly as he left her alone in the middle of the dance floor.
A/N: Ah don't hate me yet. Cho and Harry were that close.