Chapter 20 Mr and Mrs Weasley

Time seemed to have flashed forward as Harry found himself donning his dress robes in preparation for Hermione and Ron's wedding. The ceremony would once again be in the small Church on the Weasley property. If Harry had thought Neville was nervous about his wedding, it was nothing compared to Ron's state of mind. Harry found his red haired friend pacing up and down in the church.

"What? Calm down before you burst a blood vessel," Harry laughed as he looked at Ron's red face.

"Hi, thank god you're here, I was being to think you weren't coming."

"Ron, I'm early," Harry said patiently, "I just dropped of Emily and her family at the Burrow. Your mother is not even dressed yet."

"What? Mum is supposed to be here soon," Ron resumed his nervous pacing.

"She'll be ready," Harry grabbed his arm and forced him into an empty chair. "What are you so nervous about? You've wanted to do this for years, relax and enjoy it."

"What if she doesn't show? What if I say something stupid? Why did we not just run away and get married in secret. Did you know that the press are here?"

"She will, you won't, because your mother would have hexed you into next year, and big deal they follow you everywhere anyway," Harry answered the list of nervous questions. "Now, you've got your robes on the right way round – your family are arriving now – the twins have promised to behave, and I've got the rings. So relax – it will be over soon."

"Just you wait until it's your turn, I bet you're just as nervous," Ron replied.

"Probably and then it will be your turn to talk some sense into me," Harry smiled at his oldest friend. "Do you believe it; we are finally grown up Ron."

Ron grinned, "Speak for yourself mate – I grew up years ago."

"Ha, you know what I mean," Harry smiled. "Married with children – who would have thought we would make it this far."

"Scary, isn't it," Ron acknowledged, "Bet old Snape will retire soon – the next generation of Weasley's and marauders at school – he won't know what's hit him."

"Remus told me he's seeing someone," Harry said.

"Ewh, are you trying to ruin my day – the thought of that greasy git reproducing is repugnant."

"He's not so bad," Harry replied, "And maybe if he's getting some - he might mellow a bit."

"Okay, I'm officially grossed out now," Ron replied.

"Yeah but your calmer though aren't you," Harry laughed as he stood up and they went outside to greet the guests.

The sun was shining and the church quickly filled with familiar face. Dumbledore arrived with Minerva and they stood chatting with the Weasley's. Emily looked perfectly comfortable amidst them all and Harry stole a quick kiss. Sarah was running around playing with other children and looking every bit the magical child – dressed in bright red robes.

Time came for them to take their places and Harry led Ron up to the front of the church to wait for Hermione to arrive. The music filled the air and a horse drawn carriage pulled up and Hermione's father stepped out to help his daughter down.

Hermione was dressed in a Cinderella type wedding dress with a puffed skirt and long sleeves. It had an elaborately embroidered bodice that sat just off the shoulder. Her hair was twisted and pleated into a pile on top of her head and her face glowed with happiness as her eyes met Ron's across the church.

Ron stood like a statue as she approached and barely acknowledged her father as he handed over his daughter's hand. Harry thought his face would crack if he grinned any more. Here were his two oldest and dearest friends making the vows they should probably have made years ago. Promising to love and cherish each other for ever more. Harry caught Mrs Wealsey out of the corner of his eye and noted that as usual she had proud tears rolling down her face.

Emily was seated just a bit behind Mrs Weasley and she was watching the ceremony intently. When Dumbledore wrapped the ribbon around Ron and Hermione's hands and they spoke their vows, Emily was straining to see what would happen next. Harry smiled as the ribbon melted into their hands and the magical bond was sealed. Emily looked up at him then and smiled, as though she- like him- was thinking about their future ceremony.

The reception was wonderful, after many photographs and speeches, the musicians arrived and the dancing began. Emily and Harry danced together and suddenly Harry realised that he didn't hate dancing quite as much as he had always assumed.

"Are you ready for all this?" Harry whispered in her ear as they danced.

"I think so," Emily replied, "Will the ceremony be the same?"

"Mostly, though every couple write their own vows."

"And the ribbon, will that happen?"

"It is a symbol of the bonding," Harry explained. "If you look closely at their hands you'll see a faint tattoo echoed on both of them. It's not painful."

"It all seems so old fashioned, I think it's romantic, really," Emily smiled up at him as the song ended and they walked back to their table.

"I do too actually, but don't tell anyone it might ruin my macho image," Harry whispered back.

Emily laughed softly and sat in the seat Harry pulled out for her. Emily's parents were sitting chatting with Dumbledore and Minerva. Fred said, "It's getting late, I think we should take Sarah home before she falls asleep." Sure enough Harry noticed Sarah curled in her grandmother's lap, looking up at them with glazed eyes.

"No Papa, I want to stay here," she yawned.

"I think that your papa's right munchkin, you look a bit sleepy," Harry smiled at her.

"But none of the other kids are going home yet," she pouted.

"They will be soon, but you'll see them again soon."

"You promise?"

"Yes, I promise and don't forget they will all be at our wedding in a few weeks."

"Then I get to stay with you forever don't I."

"You sure do," Harry smiled.

"So are you and Auntie Emily going to be my real Mum and Dad now?"

Harry looked askance at Emily, unsure of how to reply. Thankfully Emily seemed prepared as she answered, "Yes sweetie, Harry and I will be your adopted Mum and Dad, but that doesn't mean you can't still love your Mummy and Daddy in heaven."

"Good, 'cause Jacob said you were his God-father first so you love him, but if you're my Daddy, that means you love me more," Sarah explained in her childish logic.

"Of course I love you," Harry laughed, then added for Emily's benefit, "Jacob is one of Bill and Fleurs' two, he's a bit outspoken."

Dumbledore laughed at this description and Minerva shook her head, adding, "You know I might think about retiring soon after all. In just another five years the influx of Weasleys and Potter's will begin again in earnest."

"We weren't that bad," Harry replied. "Anyway, Bill was always a good student – he was head boy after all. It was the younger Weasley's that caused all the trouble."

"And now they are added by the Jokes produced by the greatest trouble makers since the Dumbledore twins," Minerva said.

"I didn't realise you and Aberforth were twins," Harry said.

"And red-heads," Laughed Albus.

"Now you know why he went so easy on Fred and George."

"Yes, that would explain it."

"Are you as old as Santa Claus?" Emily enquired sleepily, looking at Dumbledore's beard.

"God Gracious no," Smiled the old man, "I'm sure he's much older than me."

"Oh, 'cause Jacob said you were him, but I said you couldn't be 'cause your too busy being in charge of the Magical people. Does Santa work for you?"

All the adults laughed at this, but Dumbledore replied, "Santa works with his elves, not for the Ministry of Magic. After all he brings presents to the muggle children as well." He smiled kindly at Sarah and then leaned forward and conjured her a little patchwork elf, wearing bright clothes. Sarah took it and with a reminder from Emily said "thank you." Then she snuggled further down in her Grandmothers lap and started to fall asleep.