Weddings with Weasleys
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot.
Part Five- The Countdown Begins
The other couples were getting along swimmingly. Ron and Katie, having taught together for the past three years at Hogwarts, knew each other quite well and enjoyed each other's company. Much to Ron's pleasure, Katie wasn't interested in all the girly things that went along with a wedding and was perfectly happy to talk about Quidditch for the rest of their lives.
Harry had finally admitted to Luna that he'd harbored feelings for her since leaving Hogwarts, but he hadn't wanted to upset their working relationship in the Department of Mysteries. They weren't in love, but Ginny insisted it was only a matter of time.
Fred and Angelina were probably the happiest couple, having already planned to get married. They merely finalized their plans, and Angelina moved into Fred's flat, much to George's chagrin.
Percy and Tonks were actually getting along quite well. Other than her clumsiness, Percy found he liked her company and was more than happy to discover her knowledge of a vast range of subjects. So, as Percy put it, "At least we'll never grow bored of talking to each other." In turn, Tonks brought out a lighter side to Percy, though he tried his best to not reveal it.
Charlie and Cassie seemed almost a match made in heaven. He was intrigued with her foreknowledge of events, but he never pestered her about it. Both were strongly independent of their respective careers and admired the work each other did. She'd already moved to Romania and was staying with some friends there until they found a new home.
Remus and Ginny were, other than Fred and Angelina, the only couple that was quite obviously in love and happy about their marriage. Molly often looked at them suspiciously, but she never voiced any concerns out loud. Remus and Ginny were often found snogging in various closets, corners and sheds at the Burrow. The other Weasley siblings and their respective fiancées had a pool going as to when Ginny would get pregnant. Hermione and George figured they'd win since Ginny had told Hermione that she was no longer making the Contraceptive Potion now that she and Remus were under the same roof.
Hermione and George had developed some type of companionship quickly. Hermione realized that George was actually pretty sensitive and caring when he wasn't lumped in with Fred, causing mischief. She also learned that he was quite intelligent, when she found him at the Ministry library one afternoon looking up the legalities of a certain spell to use on a product. She'd still insisted that he not buy her an engagement ring, and instead they'd found a lovely matching set of wedding bands.
One week before the weddings, Ginny went shopping for her wedding dress and insisted on dragging Hermione with her. Ginny claimed she couldn't handle her mother by herself. Hermione reluctantly agreed, especially after Bill gave her the rest of the day off, and the three women headed up to Hogsmeade to start their search.
As Ginny immediately began searching through racks of robes and dresses, Molly and Hermione sat and waited.
"I don't know why she's so excited about this wedding," Molly said to Hermione in a whisper. "You'd think she really wanted to marry the man."
"Hmmm," Hermione responded. Lying to Molly Weasley was the last thing she wanted to do.
"I know this is the biggest day in a young woman's life, but for heaven's sake, it's just Remus," Molly continued. "I don't even know how he got included in the lottery, being a werewolf and all. Plus, he's so much older than Ginny." She sighed and shook her head. "But at least I know he'll take care of my baby, even if she can never really love him." She pulled a handkerchief from her bag and dabbed at her eyes.
"I suppose the others have found dresses?" Hermione asked, changing the subject.
"Oh, yes," Molly replied with a wistful smile. "Fleur took Cassie shopping last week. Katie and Luna are both wearing their mother's gowns, and you know Tonks got hers last week. Angelina's had hers for ages."
"I'm sure they're lovely," Hermione mused.
"You've already bought your dress as well, then dear?" Molly asked Hermione
"Well, I didn't buy a new dress," Hermione admitted. "I have a nice set of dress robes I can wear."
"What?" Ginny yelped. "You haven't bought your wedding gown? But you have to!"
"It's okay, Ginny," Hermione said. "I'd rather not. We're not having a big, fancy thing anyway."
"But Hermione," Ginny whined, "that doesn't matter. You should look like a bride on your wedding day, in a big, white fluffy gown. Will you at least try on a few with me?"
When Hermione agreed, albeit rather hesitantly, Molly smiled to herself and watched the two young women play dress-up in the wedding dresses.
Finally Ginny had found her dress, a flowing, white princess gown, with short sleeves and lots of tulle. It even came with a tiara and veil.
Hermione had tried on two dresses, and while she liked how they looked, she couldn't bring herself to get all excited about marrying George. However, when she came out of the dressing room in the third gown, Molly and Ginny gasped. Ginny's face broke into a broad grin, and Molly started crying again.
"Hermione," Ginny breathed, "you look so beautiful. I swear, if you don't buy this dress, I'll buy it for you."
Hermione bit her lip and turned to look in the mirror. It was true. The dress was gorgeous, and Hermione looked perfect in it. It was a halter-style gown, with some intricate beading on the bodice, and the skirt flowed out at the waist to a long train.
"It doesn't have a veil," she said sadly, more to herself than anyone else.
"If you wanted, you could wear mine," Molly said, sniffling. "I was going to give it to Ginny, but since she's found one..."
"I'd be honored," Hermione said smiling. "Thank you."
Several tissues for Molly later, the three women left the shop, gowns in hand and returned to the Burrow.
That evening, as had become routine, George Apparated to Hermione's flat after closing the shop. He'd rationalized that they'd better get to know each other better, including each other's habits and pet peeves. And what better way to do that than to spend a lot of time together. This particular evening, Hermione attempted to cook.
Brilliant witch that she was, Hermione was completely clueless in the kitchen. Living alone had reinforced this fact, since she never really had to cook for anyone but herself. But for some reason, she wanted to impress George, so she attempted a simple pasta dish with a cake for dessert. However, it was not going according to plan.
When George arrived in the flat, his nose was immediately inundated with a pugent odor, smelling of burned cheese, and there were wisps of smoke coming from the kitchen. Worriedly, he hurried into the room and gasped in shock at the sight that met his eyes.
Smoke was coming from the oven; sauce was spattering out of a pot onto the stove and counters; and in the middle of the mess stood Hermione, covered in flour, hair a mess, and looking ready to hex anything that moved.
Before he could stop himself, George began to chuckle, and at her annoyed expression, that chuckle grew to a hearty laugh. Soon, tears were streaming down his face, and his stomach was cramping from laughing so hard. Hermione stood there, hand on hip, waiting for him to finish.
"Honey, I'm home?" he suggested through laughs.
"It's not funny," Hermione said sulkily. "I graduated at the top of my class and got as many N.E.W.T.S. as Percy. Why can't I just cook a damn dinner?"
Before George could respond, the top to the saucepot flew off and hit Hermione on the arm. She howled in pain as the lid clattered to the floor. George ran to her side, waving his wand at the stove, distinguishing the flames from under the pans.
"Are you all right?" he asked worriedly. He gently pulled her hand from her arm and hissed at the red burn forming on her skin. "Come on and sit down," he said gently, leading her to a chair at the table. He sat across from her and held her hand while he examined the wound.
Hermione was still crying, and he pulled her closer and wrapped his arms around her, murmuring in her ear. He stroked her back until she calmed down and kissed her forehead.
He pointed his wand at the burn, poised to utter a Healing spell, when Hermione pulled her arm away from him. "Are you sure you know what you're doing?" she asked tentatively.
"Hermione," he said, his eyes twinkling, "do you know how many burns and wounds I've healed off Fred and me over the years?" His face turned solemn. "Besides, I would never hurt you."
He cast the spell, and Hermione watched as the wound healed itself until it was almost invisible.
"See, there won't even be a scar," he said proudly, brushing his hand over the wound.
"Thanks," she replied softly. "I'm sorry about dinner. I was trying to do something nice for you."
"S'okay," he said with a shrug. "I'll fix it. I like cooking. Excellent stress reliever."
He stood and walked over to a cupboard and extracted a wine glass and a bottle of white wine. He chilled it instantly with his wand and filled the glass. Setting it down in front of her, he said, "Here, you relax, and I'll see what I can salvage from dinner." Hermione watched as he rolled up his sleeves and cautiously peered into the pots.
Half an hour later, they were sitting down to a lovely dinner, which George said he'd barely had to rescue. She ate sheepishly and blushed when George winked at her. She really was beginning to enjoy his company.
After dinner, he helped her pack up some things in boxes, and they took them over to the new house, which George, Fred and Remus had fixed up in the last week. Hermione was quite pleased with the way it had turned out.
George and Hermione each had their own room, though they didn't tell anyone else. George wanted her to be comfortable in her own home, and he felt it would be presumptuous to assume they would share a bed straight away. He carried the boxes of her clothes into "her" room, and she put her books away on the shelves in the living room.
Once it began to get dark, the returned to the flat. "Do you want me to stay a while, or are you too tired?" George asked.
"Well, I was going to take a bath, but if you want to keep me company, that's fine," she replied.
"Keep you company?" he sputtered. "Are you serious?"
"I meant after I get into the bath, you git," she admonished lightly. "Just give me a minute."
She disappeared into the loo and started the tap, pouring some bath bubbles in as the water filled the tub. Several moments later, she called to George, "Okay, you can come in now."
George slowly walked to the loo, as a man walking to a hanging. His breath hitched as he opened the door and saw her buried under millions of bubbles. Her head, with her hair messily atop it, was the only thing visible. He sat awkwardly on the toilet lid and tried to cross his legs, but it proved to be too uncomfortable.
They spoke about the upcoming weddings, about who seemed the most excited, nervous or frightened. They decided, other than the couples actually in love, Charlie was the most excited. Working with dragons did not leave time for a social life, so Charlie was thrilled that all the hard work of dating had been conveniently taken out of his hands.
Percy was quite nervous. Other than Penelope Clearwater, he'd never had a girlfriend. Penny had broken his heart when she'd taken up with Oliver Wood, though Percy had forgiven her over the years, and he'd actually been best man at hers and Oliver's wedding. But now that he'd been matched with Tonks...well, it had lightened him up, if that was possible. Tonks seemed thrilled as well. She'd actually had a crush on Charlie at one point, but he had not returned her feelings. She loved the Weasleys and thought they were a wonderful family. So she was glad to be marrying into the clan.
Without a doubt, Ron was the most nervous. He liked Katie fine, but he wasn't ready for marriage. Every time their wedding came up, he paled and couldn't form a coherent sentence. Hermione giggled at George's imitation of his youngest brother. Ron had hoped to remain a bachelor for a while, and he was not happy about marriage being forced upon him.
"It's getting late," George said in a slightly disappointed tone an hour later. "I'd better go."
"I need to get out before I turn into a prune," Hermione said. "Could you...?"
"Oh, yes," George said getting up, "of course." He went back into the living room and waited until she came out wrapped up in a fluffy robe. He kissed her cheek and said, "Sleep well."
As he Apparated away, George knew he'd have to take a shower when he got home...a cold shower.
Before Hermione had even realized it, the week of weddings had arrived. With each passing day, Hermione grew more nervous. The other couples, including Ron and Katie, had become somewhat affectionate with each other. Even Percy and Tonks were caught by Harry one afternoon kissing on the sofa at the Burrow. Yet, George and Hermione never went beyond small pecks on the cheek and brief handholding. It wasn't that Hermione wasn't attracted to George. He was very handsome, and she often found herself fantasizing about him. But she was unsure if she could be a proper wife in that department for a while.
On Sunday afternoon, George Apparated to Hermione's flat to escort her to Charlie's wedding. He and Cassie had decided to have it in the small chapel at the Ministry headquarters. Most of Hermione's things were already moved to the new house or boxed up, waiting to be moved. George managed to not trip over anything as he walked to Hermione's bedroom door, where he knocked softly.
"Are you ready?" he called.
"Yes, I am," she replied opening the door. "This week is going to be awful, having to find something different to wear to each wedding. You men have it so lucky, just having to wear dress robes."
George snickered. "You won't be saying that after I pay to have this get-up cleaned every day." He stopped laughing when he saw Hermione standing in front of her mirror, struggling to fasten a necklace. "Here, let me," he said.
He took the necklace from her, ignoring the shocks that went through his system when their fingers brushed, and fastened the clasp behind her neck. He fixed her hair from where he'd moved it and looked up into the mirror to find Hermione staring back at him.
She smiled weakly at him and said, "You know, we don't make a bad-looking couple."
George blushed and smiled. "Well, one of us looks good anyway. You're really quite lovely, but I've got this tomato hair and these awful freckles."
Hermione turned and reached up to touch his hair. "I like your freckles," she said softly. "I always have. And I like your hair longer, like you have it now, instead of when it was shorter."
"Thanks," George whispered in response. He cleared his throat. "We'd better go. We don't want to be late."
Since the Ministry office was a few blocks away, they decided to walk and enjoy the summer air. They walked in silence for a while before Hermione spoke. "Are you getting nervous?" she asked.
"About the wedding?" George asked. "No, not really. I like being the center of attention." He winked at her. But she stopped in her tracks and glared at him.
"Can you please be serious for once in your life?" she asked irritably.
George paused in his steps and turned back to her. "Excuse me, Hermione, but I was making a joke, and you know it. You can't expect everyone to be serious all the time. Get over yourself!" He turned to keep walking, but Hermione stayed planted where she was.
"George Arthur Weasley, how dare you!" she shrieked. "I know you were joking. I was trying to have a serious discussion with you, but apparently you just can't handle it."
George turned back to face her again and closed the space between them. "How was I supposed to know you wanted to have a serious discussion? All you asked was if I was nervous, and no, I'm not. If that wasn't what you wanted to ask, you should have spoken more clearly. I'm not a bloody mind-reader, you know."
"I'm not going to argue with you in the middle of the street," Hermione said calmly before brushing past him and continuing to the Ministry office.
"Hermione, wait," George said with a sigh. He caught up with her and saw that her face was set in a stony expression. "I didn't mean to upset you. But no, I'm not nervous about the wedding. As for the rest, I'm scared out of my wits. Does that satisfy you now?" he asked, grabbing her elbow.
Hermione burst into tears and blubbered, "George, I'm scared too. I'm afraid of being married and knowing that we have to have children. I'm afraid of having...relations with you!"
George had to stifle a laugh, seeing how upset she was. So instead, he pulled her close to him and wrapped his arms around her. "Am I that repulsive?" he asked, trying to lighten the mood. "Hermione, don't cry. It's okay. Don't be scared." She sobbed a bit more, and George tried again. "Look, obviously we need to talk about all that, but I don't think the Ministry office right before my brother's wedding is the place or time. Okay?"
Hermione pulled back from him and nodded weakly. "You're right. I'm sorry for getting so upset."
"There's nothing to be sorry for," George said with a shrug.
They made it to the chapel just in time for the wedding to start. It was a lovely wedding, as simple and small as it was. Molly cried through the vows and when Charlie and Cassie awkwardly kissed at the end. During the kiss, Hermione stole a glance at George and noticed that he was looking at her as well. She blushed and wondered what it would be like to kiss him.