******Outtake from my novel******
He walked back seven paces, the whip uncurling as he prepared to punish the prisoner. He looked down and rustled the whip slightly. It was a few inches short of the marine's feet and Cole stepped back once more. The popper at the tip was leather and had two different length free ends. They were also extremely small and if he wielded it right, the poppers could break bone.
He looked behind him to make sure the path was clear as Colonel Spartan spoke. "Punishment has been sentenced, and so it shall be received. Begin."
Cole's arm traveled back as if he were casting a lure back home in the lake behind his home in Alaska. The poppers cracked as they came down onto Devo's back. Slicing into the skin and cracking again as one of the ends rippled against one of his vertebrae.
Devo struggled and fought not to scream as the pain blossomed on his back. He wasn't sure if it was two cracks or one, but he screamed out in his mind, begging Buddha to stop the whip as it came down for the second time.
By the time the sixth lashing came, blood sprayed as the whip flicked back. The mouthpiece had fallen from between Devo's teeth as he hung limply, not even trying to take the weight off the ropes at his wrists.
When the thirteenth lash came down, the breaking of bones was heard along with the anguished scream of, the now, Private Devo. The whip had come down on his scapula, breaking off the lower tip.
Colonel Spartan's voice was hard as he spoke. "Punishment received Private Devo."
Three of the corpsman rushed forward along with Captain Xang who released the private and lowered him to the deck as they started working on him.
Cole coiled the whip and then dropped it on the floor. His voice rang out, "Dismissed."
Marines filed out of the cargo bay quickly as they avoided looking at Devo.
******End Outtake**************
Ron woke up and looked out the window. Snow? What the hell? Oh… the wedding preparations. Ron smiled over the suggestion he had made. They had actually thought it was a good idea. Harry wasn't even allowed to make suggestions. Ron was about to slip out of bed when he realized Hermione was still in bed with him.
"Hermione. Wake up before someone finds out you're here." He shook her shoulder until she awoke.
She smiled at him sleepily until she realized it was morning. She gasped and leaped out of bed. Ron slipped on his pajama top and looked out the door to see if anyone was around. No one was there and Hermione slipped out after kissing Ron.
Hermione slipped down to her room and grimaced at the thought she had fallen asleep. If Mrs. Weasley had caught them, they'd be dead.
She slipped into her room and grabbed her shower supplies. She headed out and caught a grin and sly wink from Ron as he came down the stairs. He kissed her at the door to the bathroom and headed down to get some coffee. When he was in the kitchen, Charlie and Bill grinned at him evilly. He wondered what that was about until Charlie asked him, "Have a Good night?"
Ron's eyes widened as he stammered, "Yeah, sle-slept fine."
Bill winked at him, "I'm sure you were sleeping."
Charlie asked, "Will you two be announcing anything anytime soon?"
Ron shook his head and escaped from the room. He hoped they were just fishing for info and hadn't seen anything.
Ron was waiting outside the bathroom when Hermione finished. She started to kiss him when he whispered in her ear, "Watch out for Charlie and Bill. They were asking how I slept last night and then insinuated I wasn't sleeping."
Hermione paled and she nodded. She headed back to her room to change as Ron went into shower. No one would believe they had just fallen asleep talking. Well maybe they would if Lily were here. But she wasn't.
Harry, Molly, and Arthur were standing in the middle of the garden working on the spells. Enchanted snow fell on the garden and stayed an inch think on the ground no matter how hard it was stepped on. Red, green and gold fairies flitted all over the garden and giggled or sang softly. A bubbling brook whispered softly of love as it passed through the grounds. Chairs were set for 20 people, 10 on each side of a scarlet and gold petal littered path.
Harry cast runes over the area so only those invited could enter or see. He had to cast a rune that would allow muggles to be able to view the magic at the wedding since royalty would be attending. Each chair had a comfort charm cast on it and matched Harry's eyes. He didn't exactly like that but he had no say in the decorations. He just was told to make them happen.
He clapped his hands and banners fluttered down in the air. Three Gryffindor banners and one Hogwarts banner were at the cardinal points. Behind the podium, the crest of the Monarch and flag of Britain floated, gently waving. On the stand 'Nemo saltat sobrius' was written in gold.
Harry had tried to talk people out of buying them gifts but had been forced to acquiesce by the Queen herself. You can't say not to the Queen, he thought.
He looked around and Molly nodded her approval. Harry gestured to the fairies and they surrounded him. He had to tell them what not to do during the ceremony.
Wood nymphs were sitting in the garden giggling and preparing to sing during the ceremony. Harry looked at his watch. Still six hours to go before the guests arrived. The gift table was stacked high already. Most were from Fred and George and Harry knew already not to touch them. Later he'd check the magical signatures and banish the dangerous ones to the twins' room to be activated when their door opened. Hagrid, Minerva and Samantha had sent gifts when they were told about the wedding. All had been told they would be invited to the second wedding after school. Others of the royal family and ministry officials sent gifts also. Harry grimaced at the thought of writing all the thank you cards.
Harry grinned at the memory of this morning though. Albus had sent a very large package to Harry. When he opened it, he saw himself, and only himself, in the mirror of Erised. Harry smiled at what Ginny had seen. Just herself. When he told her what was so special about that they almost hadn't waited until tonight.
Harry wasn't allowed in his cottage since Ginny was getting ready. He shook his head. He had tons of power but even he couldn't apparate past his own wards.
Harry was standing near the Burrow waiting for Ron to come out. They were supposed to play chess for a bit. Ron came out a few moments later with Charlie and Bill pursuing him making lewd comments. Harry grinned widely at what they were saying. Obviously Hermione hadn't slept in her room that night. Ron looked pleadingly at Harry. Harry traced a quick rune and Bill and Charlie shrunk down and became the kings of the chess set Ron was holding.
"We can play with you or I can turn you back. Gonna leave Ron alone?" both shook their head rapidly. Harry turned them back and they walked away cracking jokes about Ron finally becoming a man. Harry cocked an eye and asked what was up. Ron wouldn't talk about it.
The two played for a little over an hour and Harry glanced at his watch. He looked around and the wood nymphs were singing while the fairies were flitting around in different shapes while giggling at Crookshanks trying to rub his ribbon off.
It was almost five so Ron and Harry went in to get a snack. Dobby had been loaned to the Weasley's to help prepare for the wedding and he was delighted to fix up something for the boys. Dobby and Tulsey were wearing gowns they had sewn. Harry grinned at Dobby's choice in colors. Scarlet and gold robes with snitches flitting all over. Tulsey looked very nice in creamy red robes.
Harry and Ron carried all the snacks up to Ron's room to kill some time since it was only a little after five now. Harry asked what Bill and Charlie were teasing him about again.
"Uhh, you gotta promise not to tell Hermione I told you. I asked her to marry me last night. We're going to tell my mum and dad at Christmas. She fell asleep in here while we were talking about it."
Harry grinned. "Suuuurrrre. You know I gotta beat you up now."
Ron grinned and mock cringed.
"Hey, how come you never told me I was on those cards? It seemed like something perfect to tell me when we first met."
"I just didn't think about it. I have a few extras if you want them. Since Hermione gave me Agrippa I have a complete set now."
Harry nodded and Ron rooted around in his box of cards while Harry looked at the mirror. "Think I should get rid of the silver?"
Ron turned and looked. "Naw, it makes you look kinda cool."
Harry shook his head. "Whatever."
He turned back to the mirror that wouldn't shut up about how distinguished he looked. "If you don't stop trying to stroke my ego I'm going to shatter you." The mirror shut up as Ron began laughing.
Ron and Harry headed down the stairs as a helicopter approached the Burrow. Harry waved his hand and his jeans and shirt turned into black robes with his family crest, prefect pin and order shield on it. The sword of Godric Gryffindor flew into his hand from the cottage and he slipped it into his sash. He tied it into place and approached the Queen and escort. Their entourage stayed behind at the helicopter.
Harry made his way to the Queen followed by Ron. As he approached he clapped his hands and a scarlet runner appeared on the ground in front of the Queen.
"Your Majesty, we're honored with your presence," Harry said as he fell to one knee. Ron bowed also a few feet behind Harry.
The Queen bid him rise and motioned one of the entourage forward. He presented Harry with a gift and Harry accepted it then handed it to Ron to take to the gift table. The Queen's escort followed Ron and Harry took the Queen on a tour of the grounds. Even though she was one of a few muggles who knew of Wizarding society, she didn't know of all that was possible. He showed her around and she laughed at Crookshanks chasing after the garden gnomes.
"We were informed that Wizarding minors weren't allowed to perform magic until they came of age. How do you get away with it?" she asked of him.
"I am a staff member of Hogwarts and have passed half of the final tests we usually take in our seventh year. In addition, being Harry Potter and the future son in law of the Minister is somewhat helpful. I also have a bad habit of breaking rules." The Queen laughed heartily at this.
"Yes, Sir Albus told us of your adventures. Your resourcefulness in the face of adversity is remarkable. It's a shame we cannot visit the Castle."
Harry nodded and showed her around the Burrow. She was fascinated with the house elves. Dobby and Tulsey were on their best behavior when Harry told them he was at orders from Her Majesty.
"Normally you would not be able to see the majority of magic or magical creatures. I've placed wards around the property so that your majesty and escorts can see." She nodded and they stepped outside where all of the family, excepting Ginny, was waiting.
They all stepped past the Queen as Harry and Arthur introduced her to the individual members. Hermione's parents and Molly were the most nervous. He fought the grin that was creeping upon him. So far, Ron hadn't made any faux pas' but the day wasn't over yet. Hermione was standing next to him making sure he didn't say anything dumb.
When they had passed the queen commented on the appearance of the home of the Minister of Magic.
"Although the Weasley family is quite old, their standing was brought down during an earlier battle with a dark lord when goblins revolted and they lost their monetary reserves. They haven't been as well off since approximately 1730. Arthur only accepted the position of minister when I shamed him into it. Molly and Arthur refuse to move from the Burrow and I'm glad. This home is the first that felt like a home to me. My muggle family wasn't exactly a happy home." the bitterness in his voice was very evident and the Queen knew of what happened to him. He was surprised when she patted him on the arm.
"You have a family and will soon have your own family. And as a knight of the Realm you're part of our… my family." He was startled at what she said then nodded his head.
"Thank you your Majesty." He looked at his watch and realized it was already nearly eight. "I'm sorry; I need to change into my dress robes."
She nodded and he left her with her escort who was speaking with the Grangers. Harry was preparing when Hedwig flew into his room. She had a note for him from Ginny. He opened it and a picture slid out. He read the letter from Ginny telling him how much she loved him then picked up the picture. His eyes bugged out. He recognized the picture as being from a muggle Polaroid camera. Only it wasn't Ginny in her Wedding Gown or some other clothes. It was very sheer white bra and knickers set. He could see her pale nipples and her pubic hair through them. He grinned and slipped it into his robe. He hoped she was wearing that tonight. Then he wondered who took the picture. Probably Hermione. She had a Polaroid camera, he remembered.
He finished putting on the robes and pinned on his school and family crest, prefect pin and order shield. He slipped the sword into his sash and slipped down to the garden. He looked at his watch. Eight forty. Twenty more minutes until the beginning of the rest of their lives. He smiled at the thought and spoke with Albus. He was going to officiate so Arthur could give away his daughter.
Fawkes swept down and trilled. *My brother, you marry today, I will drop feathers for your children's wands whenever they are ready to come to Hogwarts.*
Harry smiled and stroked him. Harry noticed the Queen staring in awe at Fawkes. He strode over and introduced Fawkes to the Queen.
"Your Majesty, may I present my brother Fawkes? He is a phoenix."
Fawkes trilled and dipped his head to the Queen.
"Fawkes says he is honored to make your acquaintance. He was present for your coronation and wedding."
"Can all wizards understand birds?"
"No your majesty, due to a small incident and my first encounter with Tom Riddle, also known as Lord Voldemort, I can speak with serpents. When I was injured and Fawkes healed me, our blood mixed allowing me to understand him. Also thanks to that one of my animagi forms is a phoenix."
Harry popped out of existence and a black phoenix flew around for a moment before Harry reappeared.
He walked away while Fawkes sat on the chairs back next to the Queen being stroked by her.
He turned when the Nymphs began singing. Ginny's gown glowed with a soft white light as she approached. Her father walked her down the path. Harry saw her smile through her veil. He heard Hermione hiss at Ron to close his mouth but didn't even realize she had spoken.
"Do you accept this union between your daughter and this Lordling?" Albus asked of Arthur and Molly.
"We do," they both intoned.
Ginny stepped up between Hermione and Harry. She took his hand and they turned to Albus.
The sky darkened above the ceremony and the stars came out quicker than normal. The fairies and the enchanted snow were the only lighting.
"Harry, do you cherish Virginia Marie Weasley with all your heart? Do you promise to love her always?"
"I do. I will love her always and beyond the grave."
"Ginny, do you cherish Harold James Potter with all your heart? Do you promise to love him always?"
"I do. I will love him always and forever."
Ron and Hermione held up the rings. Both floated into the air and hovered, the smaller one rotating to the left inside of the larger one rotating to the right.
"Always these two are bound. Their hearts will be nourished from each other's love. Their souls will harvest the love. Their touch will sow the fields. These two are placed in my charge ten months of the year. I happily cast off my obligations of protecting her to Harry."
Ginny squeezed Harry's hand and he squeezed back.
"He has done so already. Once nearly cost him his life in the Chamber of Secrets. This alone shows how willing Harry is to protect someone. At the time, he didn't know Ginny other than as his best friends little sister. Harry has proved time and time again what he is willing to fight for and has always shown he will fight for what is right. His love is pure and he will always protect the ones he cares for and even those he does not."
The smaller ring floated down to Harry. He took it in his left hand and changed his grip on Ginny's hand. He lifted it up as he turned to her.
"With this ring, I thee wed. I bind mine own soul to thine."
As he placed the ring on her finger, gold light was almost blinding from her unicorn blood ring. He could see the tears streaming down her face. He knew she was happy but he still didn't like to see them.
The larger ring floated down to Ginny. She let go of his hand to take his left hand and place the ring.
"With this ring, I thee wed. I bind mine own soul to thine."
He could feel a tear form on his cheek.
"With the placement of your rings and the binding complete thou art wed."
Harry lifted the veil and Ginny stepped up to him. They kissed feeling and hearing only their hearts. The two didn't hear the cheers from the Weasley's and the others.
Dumbledore clapped his hands as everyone stood and the chairs disappeared. The tables were laden with food and drink. The fairy's floated above them all providing the majority of the light as the nymphs and the brook began the music.
Harry pulled back and looked at Ginny. The tears were still streaming down her face. "Love, don't cry."
"I'm just so happy. I can't help it."
The Queen stepped up. "Congratulations Sir Harold and Lady Virginia, your wedding was the most beautiful we have ever seen. Ours seems to pale before it."
Harry bowed and Ginny curtsied.
"We were delighted you could attend, your majesty," Ginny said.
She smiled and said to Ginny, "We hope you like our gift. It's not something you will have much use for but we thought it would look good on you."
Neither had seen the gift yet but Ginny replied, "I'm sure it will be as lovely as you, your majesty."
Harry turned around remembering and clapped his hands. Over half the gifts disappeared.
"What happened, Harry?"
"I, uhh, disposed of the gifts from the twins."
Harry turned to the Queen and explained, "Your majesty, Ginny's brothers, Fred and George, are unrelenting practical jokers. The majority of the gifts were from them and were, umm, somewhat, unwanted."
She laughed and replied, "Understandable. One of our younger siblings was quite the prankster and replaced our fan with one that had a very coarse image on it."
She exchanged pleasantries and stepped away. Ginny saw her brothers heading their way.
"We're so happy for you sis. Come here for a group hug," one of the twins said evilly.
Her eyes widened and she turned to Harry, her eyes pleading for help.
Harry took his wand out of his sleeve and traced a rune pushing it towards the six. They couldn't get closer than five feet.
Molly and Hermione dragged Ginny off to talk and Harry was speaking with Albus and some of the other people who were part of the Queen's entourage. They both kept glancing at each other as the night wore on.
Harry and Ginny made the rounds being congratulated. The party went on until one AM. The Queen and her entourage had left two hours ago and the twins had gone up to their room to get something. They came down with extremely hairy bodies, overly large ears, lips that drooped to their knees, black eyes, green and silver hair, foot long fingers and six-inch long nails, their robes were covered with graffiti, their toes protruded from their shoes, their pants had abnormally large bulges and they were both sporting quite large breasts. Both were sitting in a huff glaring at the married couple.
Ginny had changed a bit ago and was wearing a beautiful white knee length dress with spaghetti straps and a somewhat dramatic slit up her thigh. Harry was admiring her in it and had whispered he couldn't wait to get it off of her at least once every fifteen minutes whenever they were near each other. Sirius and Remus had been alternating teasing Harry about the wedding night and teasing the twins.
Harry and Ginny finally made it away from the others and into their cottage. Candles floated everywhere illuminating the room. A bottle of champagne sat on the coffee table with two flutes and rose petals were scattered everywhere. Next to the champagne was a tray of chocolate dipped strawberries.
Harry pulled Ginny to him. "That picture was pure torture. Are you wearing those knickers?"
She grinned and held up something white, "Not anymore."
His hands grasped her buttocks and kneaded them as they kissed. His hand strayed up her back and found the zipper on her dress. He unzipped it and slipped his hands up to her shoulders. His fingers found the straps as she began to unbutton his robes. His sword hit the ground as the robe fell away and she began undoing his shirt. His hands slipped back down to her thighs and hitched up the dress to her waist. He kneaded her bottom again as she pulled his shirt off of him. His arms were pulled back and he was trapped while she kissed his chest down to his waist. She let go of the shirt and started to unbutton his pants.
Harry dropped the shirt on the floor and wound his fingers through her hair as she pulled his boxers down and grasped him. Harry clapped his hands and his boots were gone. Her lips wrapped around him and he gasped. He pulled her back up so he could kiss her and stepped out of his pants and boxers. He was fully nude and she still had the dress on. He kissed her and slipped the straps down over her shoulders. They walked to the bedroom never breaking the kiss.
Ginny pushed Harry away so the dress could fall down and stepped out of it. She pulled Harry onto her as she fell backwards onto the bed. He kissed her and his hand crept down between her legs. Something was different. He started kissing his way down her body until he was looking at her center. She giggled at his indrawn breath.
"Do you like it? I shaved before I got dressed."
He nodded and kissed her there. She was so wet he could feel her juices flowing against his lips as she pulled his head into her.
"Harry, make love to me now."
He kissed his way back up to her breasts. His left hand massaged her right breast as his mouth covered the other breast. His teeth nipped slightly and then he started suckling. She gasped at the sensation and ran her fingers through his hair.
"Harry… make… Ooohh." His hand had found its way back down to her mound and two fingers were sliding in and out.
He kissed his way back up to her lips and positioned himself.
Ginny could feel his desire pulsing with his heartbeat at her entrance. He looked down into her eyes and she wrapped her legs around him pulling him into her. She gasped from the sensation. It was even more fantastic than his fingers.
"Th-that didn't hurt?" he asked.
She shook her head and smiled with glassy eyes from pleasure. "I didn't even use the spell."
He began to slide in and out and she gasped again at the sensation. "I-it feels so… good." She murmured into his shoulder. She kissed and nibbled his neck as he slid into her repeatedly.
Ginny felt something build up inside of her. It felt like the moment before casting a spell. She started to cum and they heard an explosion. Neither cared to check as they continued to make love.
Harry felt himself tense and began thrusting faster.
Ginny felt him explode inside of her and she came again. He slowed down and kissed her slowly as he lay on top of her.
"Ginny that was… amazing. I love you," He whispered into her ear as he rolled off of her and slipped his hand back down between her legs.
She sighed with pleasure. "I love you too. We have to do that as much as possible."
He grinned and she reached down and started stroking him. He hardened almost immediately and she rolled on top of him.
Harry sat up with Ginny facing him in his lap. She slid down onto him and began rocking her hips slowly back and forth. He pulled her tightly to him and began kissing her neck and shoulders.
The two sat there until Harry came again. Ginny smiled and slowed the rocking of her hips. "I like that sensation."
"Me too. Better with you than by myself."
She wrapped her arms around him then realized his back was slick. She thought it was from sweat and kept running her fingers up and down his back. When he winced slightly she asked him what was wrong.
"Well, your nails are somewhat sharp."
She didn't understand what he meant until he pulled her arm away and she saw the blood on her fingers.
"Oh Merlin. Harry, are you okay?"
He nodded and grinned. "Think of it as you marking your territory."
She giggled at that and slipped off the unicorn ring. "Will it heal you?"
He nodded and she slipped it onto his pinky.
She pulled away from him. "Want to try that champagne now?"
He grinned evilly as he nodded and she went to get it. She shrieked and he laughed.
"It's broken Harry."
"I know. I felt you break it while we were making love."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"I wanted to hear your expression. Come back here. I'm not done with you."
She came back in wearing his shirt. He grinned. She hadn't done up any of the buttons and it looked awfully cute on her.
She jumped onto the bed. The two of them didn't get any sleep that night or that morning. When Harry had to leave to go back to the school neither had slept at all. They had made love off and on over a ten-hour period.