In the early evening Harry, Ron, Fred, George, Angelina, Katie, Hermione and Ginny were setting the tables out side for dinner. Mrs Weasley was in the kitchen, Mr Weasley hadn't returned from the ministry yet and Percy had stopped at home to pick up Penelope and baby Katharine. Harry and Ginny had been more inseparable than usual through out the day and Ginny had kept the engagement ring hidden. They were going to announce their impending marriage that evening at dinner.
Mrs Weasley rushed out of the kitchen levitating an array of dishes behind her, and set each one down with a thump on the table. Mr Weasley appeared in the kitchen looking tried but happy and came out into the garden to help. Before long everything was ready and the tables were groaning with the weight of all the food. When Percy, Penelope and Katharine then arrived her uncles Fred and George carried Katharine away, almost instantly. Percy muttered something about 'bad influence' but Penelope just laughed and joined everyone else in the garden.
Once everyone was seated round the table and were about to start when Harry cleared his throat in a nervous way and stood up, pulling Ginny with him. Everyone looked at them and Harry blushed. Ginny grinned at her family, feeling happier than ever before. Harry said in a quiet voice,
"we've got an announcement to make."
Ginny squeezed his hand in a reassuring way. In a slightly louder voice he said.
"We're getting married."
There was a collective gasp of surprise and Mrs Weasley began to cry happily. Harry and Ginny sat down again and Ron stared at Harry in surprise.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
He asked looking a little annoyed. Ginny laughed at his expression and said,
"Because Harry only asked me today."
She blushed as Harry kissed her, in front of her whole family. There were wolf whistles from Fred and George.
"I think this calls for champagne!"
Mr Weasley said and summoned two bottles into the garden. Glasses were poured for everyone and joyful chatter began but George cleared his throat, and stood up.
"I'd like to purpose a toast. To Harry and Ginny,"
George said in a serious voice. Everyone cheered in approval and drank to their health.
After the meal had finished, Ginny and Harry were walking around the garden. Ron and Hermione stood over by a large tree and as Harry and Ginny approached them, Ginny called Hermione over to her and Harry jogged across to Ron.
"Congratulations,"
Ron said and pulled Harry into a hug. When they broke apart, Harry asked in a timid voice:
"Will you be by best man?"
Ron looked very pleased and said in a rush,
"I'd be delighted."
Meanwhile Hermione and Ginny stood close, in quiet conversation.
"You're my best female friend Hermione and I'd like you to be my maid of honour."
Hermione squeezed Ginny's hand and kissed her on the cheek.
"Of course I will."
The two women grinned at each other.