A/N I am reposting this chapter to remove the song lyrics from the wedding due to policy.
As Arthur Weasley walked into the banquet room, he couldn't help but smile. The room was beautiful, and his daughter's wedding would be too. He strode through the tables of guests, pausing to say hello to a few friends and key members of society, trying not to smirk when they asked why Harry wasn't present yet. He escorted his wife to the head table, and then walked up onto the stage where a podium and other high ranking Ministry officials were waiting for him. Arthur walked over to the podium and took a minute to admire the happy crowd. They were all so blissfully ignorant of everything that Harry and Ginny had been through, and everything that they had planned.
Putting on his best poker face, Arthur began to address the crowd. "Welcome friends, family, esteemed members of society. I'm so pleased that you could all find time in your busy schedules to join us tonight. I can guarantee you won't regret your decision. Tonight we've gathered to celebrate life: past, present and future. We're here to honor those who gave their lives for our war effort. To celebrate those who survived the war, even when we thought they didn't. To hope for a peaceful world for our children and grandchildren to grow up in." Arthur paused as the audience jumped to its feet and burst into a round of applause.
When the crowd had settled back down Arthur began to speak again. "I know many of you are wondering why Harry isn't here yet. If you haven't figured it out yet, there's much more to tonight than meets the eye. I want to start by telling you all a little about what happened to Harry four years ago. He was a young boy with the weight of the world on his shoulders. He had learned that there was a prophecy that claimed he was the only one who could defeat Voldemort, and that if he wasn't successful he could die trying. Yet in the midst of all that, Harry fell in love. I couldn't have been happier for him, especially since the young woman in question was my daughter. Unfortunately, they were betrayed by someone they considered to be a friend, much like Harry's parents had been. Despite the betrayal, Harry managed to do what some thought was impossible; he defeated Voldemort. But he didn't do it with powerful spells derived from hatred; he did it with love. When he thought all was lost, he turned his thoughts to Ginny, and how much he loved her. It was that love that destroyed Voldemort." The audience was silent, gaping at Arthur in admiration. "Unfortunately, Harry and Ginny did not get their happy ending that night. The one who betrayed them tried to have Harry killed, but he did not succeed. Harry was tossed into the ocean on the verge of death, with no memories of his past. He was saved by vacationing muggles, and they nursed him back to health. He had a long road ahead of him, but he fought his way through. It took four years, but he made his way back to his friends, his family, and the woman he loved. After going through more internal turmoil than most of us will ever have to know, Harry stumbled across his old life and got his memories back." Arthur stopped to look at his wife. She was wiping tears from her cheeks but was glowing with happiness.
"You see, Colin Creevey did not succeed in taking away Harry and Ginny's happy ending; he only delayed it four years. I'm happy to report, that Harry and Ginny fell in love all over again, even before Harry had regained his memories. Tonight is not about celebrating Harry's return to the wizarding world, or Harry's defeat of Voldemort. Tonight is about celebrating Harry and Ginny's love, for tonight is their wedding night." Arthur could no longer hold back his grin. He quickly located his sons and couldn't help but laugh at their expressions. Every last one of them (other than Ron) looked completely dumbfounded. Hermione looked like someone had just told her that every copy of Hogwarts, a History had disappeared. "I see we were able to keep our little surprise a secret. In just a few moments I will be temporarily stepping down from my position as Minister of Magic and will take up my job as father of the bride. If you could bear with us while we make our final preparations, I'll be sending the groom out shortly so we can get the ceremony started. After the ceremony we'll have dinner, a little dancing, and then toasts and/or speeches." Arthur stepped away from the podium and went down the stairs. He took Molly by the arm and pulled her away from the table. He began to lead her through the crowd towards the front entrance of the room, being stopped numerous times on the way by well wishers. When they reached the hallway, they were pounced on by their sons who had somehow followed them.
"You didn't tell us!" Bill exclaimed.
"Didn't you trust us?" Charlie asked.
"You'll have to ask your sister and Harry. Keeping everything a secret was their idea," Arthur replied calmly.
"Think of all the pranks we could have pulled," Fred said wistfully.
"All that time we were helping Ginny decorate this place, we could have been setting things up," George added.
"I think we may have just found one reason why they wanted to keep it a secret," Bill said, laughing.
"Then, you're not mad?" Harry asked as he walked over, followed by Dumbledore.
"Oh Harry, you look stunning!" Molly gushed as she pulled him into a hug.
"We're not mad," Charlie added.
"A bit proud though. Being able to pull one over on George, Hermione, and myself at the same time is no small feat," Fred said.
"Hermione, are you okay?" Harry asked, seeing how upset she looked.
"Ron knew and you didn't tell me?" she asked, her voice shaking.
"Well, you always know everything before everyone else. We just wanted to have a little fun with you," Harry explained, but Hermione only seemed to look more upset. "Now, Hermione, you can't start crying. If you start crying then you'll look terrible and you'll want to fix yourself before coming back into the banquet hall with Ginny. I'm sorry, but I'm just not willing to wait another minute before making that woman my wife."
"Wait, come back in with Ginny?" Hermione asked.
"Well, I've not been to many weddings, but isn't the matron of honor supposed to walk in about the same time as the bride?" Harry asked with an innocent grin. "Just because we didn't tell you doesn't mean we don't want you to be a part of our wedding."
"Oh, Harry!" Hermione exclaimed as she grabbed him in a hug. "Where's Ginny? I want to go see her!"
"You and Arthur can come with me and the rest of you lot need to go back inside," Molly said firmly. She grabbed Arthur by the arm and forcefully led him away. Hermione smiled at Harry one last time before chasing after her in-laws.
"Well, you heard Mum. You all need to head back to your seats so we can get this show on the road," Ron said, ushering his brothers back into the banquet hall. He closed the doors so it was just he, Harry, and Dumbledore standing alone in the hall. "Well, mate, the moment is finally here."
"Yeah, it is," Harry replied with a grin.
"You've overcome so much to get here, Harry," Dumbledore added. "You deserve all the happiness in the world."
"I don't know if I do, but I know that Ginny does," Harry said.
"I'm glad to here you say that; it saves me from making the whole 'if you hurt her I'll kill you' speech," Ron teased.
"That would be an extreme waste of breath," Harry said.
"You know Harry, your parents would be very proud of you. You've grown into such a wonderful person, despite everything you've had to endure," Dumbledore said.
"No, I don't think so," Harry answered.
"What do you mean?" Ron asked.
"Well, I'm the person I am today because of everything I've been through, not despite it," Harry said simply. "Now I say we go into that room right now, because if I have to wait another minute my heart is going to explode!"
Ginny sat alone with her thoughts in her parent's hotel suite. She couldn't believe that in a few minutes her wedding would begin. She couldn't believe that merely hours before she had been held prisoner in her own flat. But Harry had saved her; he always did. She stood up from her seat and walked over to the full length mirror. She could admit to herself that she looked absolutely gorgeous without feeling vain. The white dress robes she had picked out had been expensive, but she loved their delicate beading and the cut fit her like a glove. She loved the way the robes moved with her; she felt like she was floating. Her mother had spent a long time working with her hair; first curling it, then piling some of it up on her head, and finally adding some beautiful lilies within the curls. "This is what my wedding day should be like," Ginny thought with a smile. "No psychotic ex boyfriends, no deranged stalkers, no evil dark lords trying to kill us."
"You look beautiful," Molly said, appearing in the doorway.
"I know," Ginny answered with a giggle.
"Ginny Weasley, I'm going to kill you! Keeping this from me!" Hermione exclaimed as she pushed her way past Molly.
"I'm sorry! I had to do it, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to try and get something past you!" Ginny explained as she hugged her friend.
"You do look beautiful. I'm jealous, I don't think I looked nearly as good on my wedding day!"
Ginny blushed. "Thank you."
"Ah hem," Arthur said gently. "Are you ready, sweetheart? If you keep Harry waiting much longer I think he's going to steal you away to elope."
Ginny looked at her father and smiled. "I'm ready, Daddy." Molly looked as if she were going to burst into tears at any given moment. "Mum, you can't start crying now, because then I'll start and I'll never make it to Harry!"
Molly sniffed and wiped her eyes. "I'm sorry, I'm just so happy."
"Shall we?" Arthur asked, extending his arm to Ginny. Ginny nodded and took her father's arm. They followed Hermione and Molly out of the room and into the hall. They reached the entrance to the banquet hall and Ginny watched Molly enter, followed a few moments later by Hermione. The doors swung completely open and Ginny saw the banquet room in all of its glory for the first time. She gasped at its beauty. "I love you," Arthur whispered to her as he began to walk into the room. Ginny wasn't aware of telling her feet to move, but she knew she was walking gracefully into the room. She was trying to smile and nod at all of the familiar faces when it happened; she saw Harry. She felt her heart skip a beat as their eyes met. She knew at precisely that moment that she would never be the same again. She could see his love for her radiating off of him, and knew she looked the same way. She never broke his eye contact the rest of her walk. When she reached the stage where the ceremony would take place her father stopped her. He gave her a small kiss on each cheek and went to join the rest of her family. She walked up the stairs by herself, noticing for the first time that Dumbledore, Ron, and Hermione were all on the stage with Harry. She walked over to Harry and he took her hand in his.
"You look beautiful. I love you," Harry whispered.
"I love you, too," Ginny responded. She knew she would never get tired of hearing those words leave his lips.
"I would like to welcome everyone again to this joyous occasion," Dumbledore began. "Today we are here to join Harry James and Ginevra Molly in marriage. In our world, marriage is so much more than living together and the changing of a name; it is the joining to two lives, two hearts, and two souls. Finding love in the best of circumstances is hard, but finding true love in the conditions these two grew up in is nothing short of miraculous. But here they are. Even after four years of separation, their love still radiates from their bodies." Ginny blushed at the thought that Dumbledore was reading her mind. "I have been blessed to know them for many years, and I can say that I've never seen either one of them as happy as they are when they are together."
Dumbledore reached out and took Harry and Ginny's clasped hands between his own. He quietly said a spell that Ginny didn't recognize, and she saw a faint glow appear around Harry. She looked down and noticed that the glow was illuminating from her body as well. She looked at Dumbledore questioningly when she heard him let out a slight chuckle.
"The first step in joining two wizards is a spell that brings their love for one another from their heart to their skin in the form of a light. It has been said that the brighter the light, the stronger and more unconditional the love. I, for one, can honestly say I've never seen the light of love shine so brightly. The next step in the process is for Harry and Ginny to pledge their love to one another. Harry, if you would like to go first."
Harry took a deep breath to calm his nerves. "I wish I could say that I've loved you for as long as you've loved me, but I can't. You've always been very smart and I've always been a bit daft, but I caught on eventually. And when I finally did, I never looked back. You entranced me with your humor, your spirit, your spark, and your love for life. You gave me a reason to live when I couldn't find one. You opened up another side of me I didn't even know I had. Even when I didn't know my own name, I knew I was missing a very important piece of my life. You, Ginny Weasley, were that piece. I love you with all my heart, and I pledge my life to you. I am eternally yours."
Ginny looked at Harry and tried not to go weak in the knees. "Harry, when I was growing up I fantasized about meeting the boy who lived. I thought so highly of you, everyone was worried that when I finally met you, you wouldn't live up to my expectations. Oh, but how they were wrong; you far surpassed any expectations I could have had for you. You saved my life when I was eleven, and I knew then that there was no turning back for me. My girlhood crush slowly evaporated and in its place came the foundations for real love. When I discovered that you loved me back, I thought I would die from happiness. You give me strength, you give me courage; you inspire me to be a better person. You willingly tried to give your life to save my own. I love you with all of my heart, not for the things you've done, but for the person you are. I pledge my life to you. I am eternally yours."
"May I have your wands and the rings?" Dumbledore asked, small tears glistening in his eyes. Harry and Ginny handed Dumbledore their wands, while Ron surrendered the rings. Harry was surprised when Dumbledore slipped his ring on the end of Ginny's wand, and hers on his. He watched in amazement as the rings changed shape to match that of their respective wands, and then slid to the end of the wand, leaving a sparkling residue behind. Dumbledore handed Ginny and Harry the rings, and gave Ron and Hermione their wands. "Now if you would each slide the ring on the other's finger and repeat after me: Eternamente."
"Eternamente," Harry and Ginny said softly in unison. The light that had been hugging their bodies seemed to explode and fill the room.
"It is my distinct honor to present for the first time Mr. and Mrs. Harry James Potter," Dumbledore said proudly and the room erupted with applause. "Harry, this is more of a muggle tradition, but you may now kiss your bride."
Harry didn't need to be told twice. He wrapped his arms around Ginny's waist and pulled her close to him. "I love you," he whispered before capturing her lips in a kiss. Ginny put her arms around Harry's neck. For a few moments they stood together, frozen in time, the world around them forgotten. Even though they had kissed a thousand times before, Harry felt like he saw fireworks. He knew that their lives would never be perfect, but that was what he had right then in that single moment of time: perfection.
Harry was brought back into reality by a hand on his shoulder. He turned around and grinned sheepishly at Ron. "Sorry, mate. I guess I just got caught up in the moment."
"I guess that's your right, now," Ron answered happily.
Ginny looked at Harry and ran her hand along his cheek. "I love you. Shall we go greet our guests?"
"Or, we could go straight to our honeymoon suite," Harry suggested hopefully.
Hermione laughed. "Not an option! You have to spend an excruciating amount of time talking to your guests, listening to speeches, and dancing with anyone who asks."
"Well as long as Mrs. Potter here is by my side I'll do anything," Harry answered. He extended his arm and Ginny took it gleefully. He led her down the stairs and to the head table where her parents rose to greet them.
"Oh Harry, Ginny! Congratulations! It was so beautiful!" Molly gushed as she wrapped each one of them in a hug.
"Take care of my little girl, Harry," Arthur said, shaking Harry's hand.
Ginny rolled her eyes. "I can take care of myself, Dad."
Harry wrapped an arm protectively around Ginny's waist. "I'll promise to be by her side no matter what comes her way."
"Good answer," Ginny said, turning around to kiss him again.
"So, what happens now?" Hermione asked.
"Now Harry and Ginny get to sit down and we'll all eat," Arthur replied.
"Good, I'm famished," Ron said, causing everyone to laugh. "Well, I am!" he insisted, but joined in their laughter.
When everyone was finished eating and the plates were cleared, Ron left his place at the head table and headed for the stage. Harry and Ginny, who had been so caught up in a whispered conversation to notice Ron leaving, were startled when they heard his voice echo through the room.
"Um, hi everyone," Ron began awkwardly. "I've never been too good at this public speaking thing, but seeing as how this is my best mate and little sister's wedding, I'm somewhat obligated to make a toast." The audience chuckled appreciatively. "Since I was one of the few people let in on this little secret, it's only appropriate that I start out the toasts. I'm sure those of you who had speeches prepared will need a few minutes to readjust. Those of you waiting to congratulate the bride and groom, I promise we won't take too long!"
Ron turned his attention directly to Harry and Ginny. "Harry, Ginny, other than Hermione, you two are the best friends I've ever had. Ginny, you are my sister, and the only person in the family I could ever boss around, although I couldn't even do that after you reached the age of four. And Harry, well you've been my best mate since our first day on the Hogwarts Express; we've practically been through it all together. But in the end, it was Ginny who was there for you. It was Ginny who could bring you out of whatever funk you were in. It was hard at first to see my little sister doing the one thing for you that I couldn't, but I realized that as long as you were happy it didn't matter who made you that way. You two were good for each other, and it wasn't because you kept saving each other's lives. You gave each other a reason to want to live; you made each other's lives worthwhile. You've both been through more in one lifetime than most people would face in three, but you've made it here today and no one deserves to be happy more than you two do. I love you both. To Harry and Ginny!"
"To Harry and Ginny!" everyone chorused.
Ron stepped down from the stage as Hermione walked up. "I'd like to start by saying congratulations to Harry and Ginny, not only for their wedding but for pulling the wool over my eyes. Harry and Ginny are two of my best friends. Ginny, you were my only real girl friend, at least until I had sisters-in-law. You have no idea how nice it was to have someone to be girly with. I've always loved spending time with Harry and Ron, but it was wonderful to add a girl to the mix. I love you, you are truly my sister." Hermione paused and turned her attention to Harry. Now, Harry, you've always been a bit like a brother to me. This is one of the many reasons why the reports of us dating were so ludicrous. Harry was always the type of person you would give your right arm for, but he would never ask you to. Ironically enough, it was him who always ended up saving us. Harry always had a bit of a guilt complex, but Ginny was good for him. Ginny was always able to slap some sense into him. They were good for each other; I don't know of anyone else who could put up with their stubborn streaks. All teasing aside, you both mean the world to me and I'm so happy for you. I love you guys! To Harry and Ginny!"
"To Harry and Ginny!" everyone chorused again. Oddly enough, the next person to speak was a Ministry official who knew neither Harry nor Ginny, followed by a long time friend of Arthur's, whom Ginny could barely remember inviting, much less meeting. It seemed that everyone wanted to get in their ten minutes of fame to congratulate the newly weds. Sensing that things could very quickly get out of control, Bill took the stage next.
"Before I begin my toast to the new couple, I'd like to make an announcement. This will be the last toast, at least for awhile. I know the newlyweds are anxious to take their first dance as husband and wife, and the bride has quite a few nieces who need to be sent to bed. If you have something you'd like to say to Harry and Ginny, just find me or one of my brother's and we'll start a list. I can't make any promises, but we'll try our hardest."
"Now, to the couple. I never really got the chance to know Harry as well as my other brothers. I was already in Egypt when he first became a part of our family, and I have to admit I haven't been as cordial as I could have been since he's been back. But Ginny is my baby sister, and I've always felt a bit responsible for her."
"When Ginny was little, I made it my job to tell her bedtime stories. Her favorite were always about a Princess named Ginny who needed be rescued by a handsome prince. It broke my heart when my little princess actually needed rescuing. I remember when I first saw Ginny after her first year at Hogwarts. I pulled her into the tightest hug I could without crushing her and she started crying. I remember telling her, 'your prince rescued you, you're lucky. Most little girls never get to meet their prince,' and she giggled through her tears. I was happy just to hear her laughing again, but I knew it wasn't me that made her happy. It was Harry, it would always be Harry. Through the years, it's been hard on our family to see the dangerous situations Ginny's been put in, but one thing never changed; Harry has always saved her. When I first found out that they were dating, I knew that was it for Ginny. I knew she loved him with all of her heart, and no man would ever be able to take his place. He was truly her prince. So here's to Harry, because I owe him my sister's life. "
"To Harry!" everyone exclaimed.
"Now, I think it's time to let Harry and Ginny have their first dance as husband and wife," Bill announced.
Harry stood up and led Ginny, who was still blushing from Bill's story, onto the dance floor. The band began to play a song that Ginny and Harry didn't recognize. Regardless, Harry wrapped Ginny in his arms and began to lead her gracefully around the dance floor. As they danced they listened to the words of the song. The song spoke of remembering the one you love forever.
"A bit ironic, considering the circumstances," Harry whispered into Ginny's ear as they continued dancing. "But I know I'll never forget you again."
"You better not," Ginny whispered back. "I'm thinking about having a permanent locator charm put on you so I never lose you again."
"Only if I get to put one on you too."
"You've got yourself a deal, Potter," Ginny replied.
"You know that you're Potter now too," Harry said with a grin.
"I know. Feels a bit strange, though. I mean, what do you do when you finally have everything you ever wanted? Are our lives going to be boring now?"
"Love, with our tempers and ability to find trouble, your family, and hopefully one day our family, I can think it's fairly safe to say our lives will never be boring."
"Can you imagine the trouble our kids will get into at Hogwarts? Especially if they're there at the same time as their cousins! That Rose is going to be quite a ring leader," Ginny said, smiling.
"You thinking about kids anytime soon, Mrs. Potter?"
"I don't know," Ginny said mischievously. "Although, we may be a little out of practice regardless of when we want to start."
"Well, if there is one thing I've learned from Quidditch, it's that practice makes perfect." Harry paused and looked at his wife. "How much longer do you think they're going to give us before they start cutting in and wanting to talk?"
"Considering that Charlie and Venus are walking over towards us right now I'd say about three seconds."
"Oh."
Charlie politely tapped Harry on the shoulder. "May I steal my sister for a dance?"
"Only if I can steal your wife," Harry replied sweetly. He took Venus's hand and began to dance with her.
"Congratulations," Venus said as the music switched to a waltz.
"Thanks."
"I had to forcefully remove Rose from the room. She was not happy that she didn't get to talk to Aunt Ginny or Uncle Harry. She insisted that she wasn't tired. Harriet, on the other hand, passed out long before Bill got up to speak."
"I'm glad they were here," Harry said honestly.
"Can I tell you something, even though it may seem a little odd?" Venus asked.
"Of course."
"Well, Charlie and I just found out that we're going to have a boy. We haven't told anyone yet," Venus said happily.
"Congratulations, but why is that odd?" Harry asked.
"It's not. What's odd is the fact that no one in the Weasley family has had a boy before now. I mean, you know that Ginny is the first female Weasley in several generations, and females were very rare in my family too. We were all so surprised when no one could seem to give Arthur and Molly a male grandchild. It's like now that you're back and Ginny's happy, things are they way we always expected them to be. I'm sorry, it's hard to put into words."
"You know, for some reason that doesn't sound too odd to me," Harry said with a smile. The song ended and Harry politely thanked Venus for the dance. He noticed across the room that Ginny was doing the same thing with Charlie. He tried to make his way over to her, but was asked to dance by Angelina.
After every dance, Harry tried to make his way back to Ginny, but he found the task to be harder than anything he had to face during the Triwizard Tournament. He danced with Alicia, Hermione, Fleur, Molly (twice), Lavender Brown Finnigan, Padma Patil, Luna Lovegood, Susan Bones, Amelia Bones, Tonks, and some nameless Ministry official. Harry's feet were exhausted, and he felt like collapsing in the middle of the dance floor. He finally decided that he couldn't be the nice guy anymore, and he had to start saying no. He politely excused himself from his current dance partner and went back to his table. He had long ago lost track of Ginny, but he now saw her dancing with her father next to her mother dancing with Dumbledore. She looked perfectly content, but utterly exhausted. Harry knew that they didn't get out of there soon they would spend their entire wedding night sleeping. Harry decided that he would just lay his head down on the table while he waited for the song to end. He didn't want to interrupt Ginny's dance with her father.
"Harry," a soft voice cooed in his ear.
"Hmmprf." Harry replied as he tried to get comfortable on the hard table.
"Fine. If you'd rather spend your wedding night here..."
Harry shot up from the table and Ginny laughed at him. "Too much bloody dancing."
"I thought you liked dancing now," Ginny said.
"I like dancing with my wife. More than one dance."
"Well you have an entire lifetime to dance with me, love."
Harry looked around the room and groaned. "It doesn't look like the party is going to end anytime soon."
"That doesn't mean we have to stay," Ginny said seductively.
"Seriously? We can leave before everyone else?" Harry asked anxiously.
"Yep, it's actually expected."
"Well then let's go right now!"
Ginny laughed again. "It's not quite that simple, we have to say our goodbyes."
"Excuse me, everyone. If I could have your attention," Remus called from the stage. The music stopped and the conversation quieted. "I'm starting to get the impression that our bride and groom are getting anxious to leave. Before they go I'd like to say a few final words."
"You two know better than anyone else how unfair life can be. You've had to deal with more than your fair share of heartache. It says a lot about your character that you've been able to overcome that. The most important thing in life is that we learn from our trials and tribulations. They say those who do not learn from the past are doomed to repeat it. You two have obviously learned from your past. I wish to give you a few final pieces of wisdom as you begin your life together. One, life is short. Harry, your parents were robbed of their lives far too soon. It was fortunate that they lived everyday to the fullest, so they could pass on with no regrets, other than leaving you behind of course. Two, never be afraid to take chances. Sirius Black and James Potter wouldn't have been anything if they didn't take chances. They weren't afraid of a little trouble, and they never would have wanted to live their lives too scared to take a risk. Three, use each other for support. If you don't have your friends and family to support you and help you get through the hard times, and trust me, there will be hard times, you'll never survive. I thank Merlin everyday for blessing me with such wonderful friends. And finally, four, never go to bed angry. I've gotten to witness both of your tempers first hand, and neither one is very pretty. If you learn to find peace with each other before you go to bed every night, you'll be much happier when you wake up in the morning. I got that piece of advice from your mum, Harry. She was a smart witch. So, here is one final toast: To Harry, who has always been like a son to me, and to Ginny, who was a good friend when I needed one the most.
"To Harry and Ginny!"
"Now, if you'll all try to form a walkway from the head table to the door, I think Harry and Ginny are ready to leave," Remus said with a smile.
Harry and Ginny waited a few moments for their friends and family to get in place before starting to walk towards the door. They hadn't taken more than a few steps when they heard pops behind them. They quickly turned around to see several red balls coming at them from above. They instinctively ducked, but instead of being pelted by balls they found themselves covered in red rose petals. They looked up to see Fred and George standing on the stage wearing big grins.
"I knew they'd been too quiet tonight," Ginny muttered to Harry.
"I kind of like them!" Harry said. They had turned their attention back in the direction of the door when they noticed something; all of the wedding guests were holding different colored balls. "Okay, I know I said I like them, but RUN!" Harry and Ginny took off towards the door, being covered in rose petals the whole way.
When they were back in the hall Ginny slammed the doors shut behind them and collapsed against the door laughing. "That's the kind of prank I can deal with!"
"You look beautiful. Remind me to thank Fred and George later."
"So, now what?" Ginny asked innocently.
"I seem to remember promising you a night of chess. I have a special floo set up just for our room." Harry grinned slyly and then picked Ginny up in his arms. She giggled as he carried her down the hall towards a fireplace. Still holding her, Harry stepped into the grate and grabbed a fistful of floo powder. "Honeymoon Suite!" Harry stepped out of the grate and looked around.
"Harry, it's beautiful!" Ginny gushed. She walked from the sitting room into the bedroom. "Oh I think Fred and George got in here too! There are rose petals on the bed!"
"Actually, I did that, Mrs. Potter. As well as all of the candles," Harry said proudly.
Ginny gazed at him. "You are too good for words."
"If I am, you made me that way." Harry walked over and picked Ginny up again, this time laying her down on the bed. He gently lowered himself on top of her. "I love you, and I'm going to love you for the rest of my life."
"I'm going to hold you to that," Ginny whispered right before Harry captured her lips in a passionate kiss. She ran her hands along Harry's back and pulled his body closer to her own. She rolled him over so she was on top of him. She sat up, straddling his lap and began to undo all of the tiny clasps on her robes. Harry watched her in awe as more and more of her skin was exposed. Ginny stood up so she could completely rid herself of her robes. Harry couldn't help but laugh as she walked over to the closet in her lingerie to hang up her dress robes. Ginny rolled her eyes at him. "They were very expensive, and I didn't want anything to happen to them. I loved the way I looked in them, and I want to keep them forever," she explained.
"Well, I think I like the way you look better in what you're wearing now," Harry replied with a smirk.
"And I think I like the way you look when you're wearing nothing at all best." Ginny walked back over to the bed and sat down beside him. She began to undo the clasps on his robes, and he sat up so she could pull them off his shoulders. Ginny began to rain kisses across his chest as her hands continued to work on his robes.
"Ginny," Harry murmured. He brought ran his hands through one of the loose ends of her hair, but got tangled in the pins and ended up pulling her hair.
"Ow!" Ginny cried.
"Sorry! But I love to run my hands through your hair; I didn't expect it to be this hard," Harry said apologetically. Ginny grinned at him and pulled the flowers out of her hair, followed by a few pins and her hair fell cascading down her back. "Sure, it's easy when you do it."
"I've had a lot of practice," Ginny reminded him. Harry kissed her again and slid his arms around her back. When he pulled away Ginny felt her bra slide off of her shoulders. "Well, you obviously don't need a lot of practice with that." In response Harry captured one of her breasts in his mouth. Ginny let out a moan of pleasure as he moved to her other breast. Harry rolled her over again and removed the rest of his robes, kicking them to the floor.
"Well, you obviously don't care as much about your wedding robes as I do," Ginny mused as she lifted her hips so Harry could pull off her knickers.
"You know what I do care about?" Harry asked as he crawled back on top of her. Ginny shook her head no. "Making love to you for the rest of my life." Ginny smiled as Harry gave her a gentle kiss. "Now there is far too much talking in our bed. If being married means the passion is gone..." Ginny cut Harry off with a kiss that assured him that there was no lack of passion in their marriage.
"I love you," Ginny whispered as she felt Harry slide into her body.
"I love you, too."