It's You
Chapter 6: The Long-Awaited Nuptials
(A/N: Before I start, I have to say thank you. This is my first story, so all of the reviews I received were all very encouraging, and helped me to finish this much more quickly. It means alot to me that everyone has enjoyed this. Unfortunately, I am not able to thank everyone individually, but believe me when I say that each and every review all of you left was special to me. Anyway, this is the last chapter. I'm hoping that this will tie it all together and give this nice piece of fluff an extra fluffy ending. I may write an epilogue, but I don't think it'll be necessary. Thanks again to everyone who reviewed, it definitely makes me want to write more in the future. Enjoy! It's definately a whopper of a chapter!)
Hermione was nervous. Usually, she prided herself on being calm and cool, but today was one of those days where all of that went straight out the window. She was sitting in the makeshift Bridal Chambers in the room just off the Great Hall looking into the mirror on her dressing table, thinking about just how far she had come. Three years ago, she was alone. Every thought was about how Harry was doing, and worrying about whether he would ever come back. Now, every thought was still about Harry, just about how happy she was to have him back and be able to see him every day. She couldn't even begin to explain how happy she was to have everyone she cared about there to share the very special day with her. Looking around the room, she saw her mother on a sofa in the corner, nursing a cup of tea and trying to look like she wasn't sad to be giving up her baby today. In another corner, Ginny was fussing with Hermione's veil, trying to smooth it out, and Luna was behind her, putting the finishing touches on Hermione's hair. Hermione's hair had been left mostly down, tamed with Sleekeasy's into smooth ringlets that cascaded down her back. Only the top portion was up, braided into an intricate design, interwoven with white flowers. Her dress had been altered beautifully so it hung down just enough so it brushed the floor, but didn't drag. Her veil, which would be added shortly, was long enough to trail behind her, but only slightly.
Unable to decide who should be the maid of honor, Hermione had decided to have Ginny and Luna act in that position. They both wore pale pink silk gowns, fitted in the bodice, but flowing in the skirts. They each had their hair done similar to Hermione's only with pink flowers instead. They also carried bouquets of lilies and pink roses. Hermione also had a bouquet of pink roses and lilies, only hers was quite a bit larger. Overall, Hermione was very pleased that everything seemed to come together nicely. It was a perfect day for a wedding.
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Nervous did not describe the way Harry was feeling accurately at all. He found himself pacing in his room, trying to calm himself. Ron opened the door, stuck his head in, and when he saw what Harry was doing, gave him some good advice.
Sit your arse down, Potter.
Harry stopped abruptly, nodded his head slightly, and, taking his friend's advice, sat down on one of the sofas in the room.
What are you so worried about now that is causing you to wear a hole in the floor? Ron asked, crossing the room to take a seat opposite Harry.
It's nothing really, Harry said, rather unconvincingly. I'm just worried as usual.
I know you're worried, but about what?
I'm afraid that she'll begin to walk down the aisle, change her mind halfway, turn on a sickle, and march right back out. Harry studied his hands while he divulged his fears to Ron. He knew they were extremely unreasonable fears, but they were still there.
You know, Harry, I suppose everyone has the same fears on their wedding day, but as the Best Man, I'm sure it's my job to talk you out of them. Ron smiled reassuringly, and leaned forward to place a comforting hand on Harry's shoulder.
Hermione loves you, mate. What you two have is the real deal. Most couples would love to have the kind of relationship you have. You will marry Hermione today, you'll have a long and happy marriage, and in a few years you'll have little green-eyed kids with bushy brown hair running around. It'll be wonderful, I promise.
At first, Harry was worried. Was someone impersonating Ron under Polyjuice? After the initial shock of Ron's wise speech wore off, he realized that is suddenly insightful friend was right. He was worried about nothing, right?
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
Arthur Weasley poked his head in, Harry, Ron, it's time.
They nodded to let Mr. Weasley know they acknowledged him, and began to stand up. Ron looked at Harry appraisingly before brushing imaginary dust off the shoulders of his suit.
It'll be great, you'll see, Ron assured Harry as he pushed him toward the door.
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Meanwhile, in the Bridal Chambers, Mrs. Weasley had just poked her head in to let Hermione know it was time.
She immediately looked to her mother, Mum, where is Dad? She asked as she began to stand up and smooth her dress down.
I'm here, Mr. Granger answered her, rushing in looking very out of breath. I just wanted to visit the loo before we started. He gave a small smile and approached his little girl.
It seems like just yesterday you were running around the house naked, singing at the top of your lungs. Now, here you are, getting married. Oh, how the time flies. Mr. Granger smiled at his daughter as her bridesmaids and her mother ran around her, making sure her veil was secured, she had her flowers, and her hair was in place.
Are you ready? He asked her, holding out his arm for her to take.
Yes, Daddy, I am. I've been ready for a long time, Hermione gave him a large grin, and walked with him to the door.
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Harry walked with Ron to his place at the altar, and smiled at Professor Dumbledore who had already been there, ready to conduct the ceremony. Dumbledore looked at Harry questioningly, asking if he was ready. Harry nodded that he was, and Dumbledore looked to the small string ensemble to begin to play. The doors opened in the back, and the procession began. First, Hermione's mother entered, being led by Fred Weasley, one of the ushers. Mrs. Weasley then followed, led by Mr. Weasley, and sat in her place as a substitute for Harry's mother. As soon as Luna and Ginny were in their places, the music changed, and it was Hermione's turn. Harry looked to the back of the Hall, and saw quite possibly the most beautiful thing he had ever laid eyes on.
Led by her father, Hermione glided up the aisle, like she was floating. Her smile was so radiant, lighting up her whole face. Harry could feel the excitement running through him. It was almost unreal. Was this actually happening? Was he finally marrying the one person he knew he couldn't live without. He definitely was, and he knew that his was, without a doubt, the happiest he had ever been in his life.
Right when the doors opened, Hermione's eyes automatically sought out Harry. When she found him, which didn't take long, she smiled quite possibly the biggest smile she ever had. The aisle seemed yards and yards longer than it was just earlier that day, and she began to think she'd never make it up to meet up with Harry.
When she finally reached the front of the room, her father placed her hand into Harry's and gave them both a smile.
Who gives this woman to this man in holy matrimony? asked Dumbledore, eyes twinkling.
Her mother and I do, Mr. Granger answered, turning and taking his seat next to Mrs. Granger.
Harry and Hermione turned to face each other, hands still entwined.
Harry, Hermione, distinguished guests, and loved ones. We are gathered here today to celebrate life, love, and happiness. The type of happiness that these two young people most certainly deserve more than anyone I have ever known. They both have such a love for not only each other, but everyone that is an example to anyone that has ever or will ever meet them. If ever I met two people so completely perfect for one another, it would have to be Harry and Hermione. That being said, do you have the rings? He looked to Ron, who fished the ring out of his breast pocket and handed it to Dumbledore. Ginny also handed Dumbledore the ring that had been in her possession and stepped back into place. Taking both rings into his left hand, he raised his wand and touched it to the rings, mumbling an incantation over them. The rings glowed a faint silvery gold for a short time and then went back to their original state.
Marriage is a big step, and not to be taken lightly. Hermione, look into Harry's eyes. See the love and devotion that he has for you. See what a gift this love is to you. Do you accept this love, and agree to nourish it with all of your being, taking the good with the bad, and agree to always be there for Harry, taking him as your husband for all eternity?
I do, Hermione answered. Dumbledore held out the bigger of the two rings, and Hermione took it. Harry held out his left hand and allowed Hermione to slip the ring onto his finger.
Harry. Look into Hermione's eyes. See the love and devotion that she has for you. See what a gift her love is to you. Do you accept her love, and agree to nourish it with all of your being, taking the good with the bad, and agree to always be there for Hermione, taking her as your wife for all eternity?
I do, Harry answered, taking the ring from Dumbledore and sliding it onto Hermione's left ring finger.
May these rings that you have exchanged today be an everlasting reminder of the love you have pledged to one another this day, and may you have a long and happy life together. With the power invested in my as Chief Warlock, I pronounce you husband and wife. Harry, you may kiss your bride. Dumbledore smiled and the young couple as the space between them lessened and they shared an intimate yet appropriate kiss. When they parted, he addressed the guests.
May I have the honor of being the first to present- Mr. and Mrs. Harry James Potter.
When these words were said, every guest present rose from their seat and applauded the young couple as they made their way back down the aisle and out the Great Hall main doors. As soon as they were outside the Hall, Harry drew Hermione into an embrace and kissed her soundly.
he told her, looking into her deep brown eyes. It's official. I am now the happiest man on Earth.
Only if I can be the happiest woman, she answered back, pulling him back in for another kiss, not even noticing that guests were filing out of the hall and wanting to greet the newly married couple.
