Chapter Four

Telling

A/N: I like writing this fic. I know, I know… it's kind of fluffy so far – which is a nice break from all that angst.

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Harry's heart was pounding as he approached the gargoyle. He stumbled back when it sprung to life.

"Password?" it grumbled.

Harry and Hermione looked at each other and shrugged.

"Wait a moment," said Harry. He turned away and stepped out of sight. He took a piece of folded parchment out of his pocket – The Marauder's Map. He unfolded it and touched it with the tip of his wand. "I solemnly swear I am up to no good." The map appeared and revealed the password: Fizzing Whizbees. He disabled the map and put it back into his pocket.

"Fizzing Whizbees," he said, and the gargoyle jumped aside so they could enter.

Up the moving stairs they went, in silence. Harry's heart sank. Hermione had barely even looked at him the whole way. The approached the great door, and Harry reached out for the knocker – but the door swung open.

Dumbledore stood there, a twinkle in his eye and a smile touching the corner of his mouth. "Ah, yes," he said, "the Potters."

Harry and Hermione exchanged surprised glances.

"So you… know?" asked Hermione. Her cheeks burned pink and she folded her arms. Harry's hands went cold, so he shoved them into his pockets.

"This happens more often than you might think," said Dumbledore. "Of course, it is not the business of the school to decide who can and cannot marry. We'll need to call your parents, Hermione. And Harry, I'll have to send notification to the ­–"

"It won't make a difference," said Harry. "The Dursleys – they don't care what I do with my life. What can they do about it, anyway?"

"I suppose you're correct, Mr. Potter," said Dumbledore. "In your case, perhaps it would be better tonottell your guardians."

Hermione frowned. "What about my parents? My father will murder –"

"Your parents are nice, Hermione," said Harry. "They'll be more understanding than –"

"No! They'll want to kill both of us. Especially you, Harry." She shook her head. "My dad's a bit overprotective. When he found out I went to the Yule Ball, he just snapped –"

Dumbledore held up a hand to silence them. "There will be no snapping – no fighting – no murdering of students." He beckoned for Harry and Hermione to sit in the chairs before his desk. "You came for my help, so sit. We have a secret wedding to plan."

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Harry stepped through the portrait hole and walked into the Gryffindor common room. He spotted a mass of mahogany curls peering over a wall of books.

"Hermione, there you are," said Harry. Hermione looked up and greeted him with a polite smile. "I wanted to show you something."

He knelt beside her chair and took a quick glance around to make sure nobody was in earshot. Then he pulled out a small, blue velvet box and placed it on Hermione's book. She opened it and inhaled sharply.

"Rings?" she whispered. "What – did you – for us?" Harry shrugged.

"If we're gonna do this, we might as well do it right." Hermione took the rings from the box and held them in her open palm. Both had markings along the inside of the band – runes, Hermione realized. She read one, which translated roughly to: I bring luck, wealth, and power.

"Wow, Harry."

"Dumbledore said we need rings for the ceremony," said Harry. "So I got some. They're the same. They're supposed to be good luck or something… Not really meant for weddings, but I'm not that rich."

"Thanks." She smiled. Harry stood up and ran a hand through his hair.

"Well, er, lunch ends soon and I haven't eaten," he said, stumbling over his words. He clasped his hands behind his back. "Wanna come?"

Hermione shook her head. "I need to finish reading this before History of Magic." Harry nodded and turned away to leave.

"Wait, Harry."

He spun back around.

"I was just wondering," Hermione said quietly, looking past Harry toward the portrait hole, "are we going to… you know… tell Ron?" She looked at Harry, who looked away.

"I don't know. Not yet."

Hermione closed her book. "Don't you need a best man?"

"No… yes."

"Then ask him. He'll understand."

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"WHAT THE BLOODY HELL -- YOU EXPECT ME TO BELIEVE ---"

Harry tried frantically to hush his friend. "Well, we didn't think it would happen so soon –"

Ron grabbed his arm and pulled him out of the Great Hall and into a corner of the Entrance Hall. His fingers dug into Harry's forearm.

"Is she pregnant, Harry?" he said, his voice a strained whisper.

"What – no!" said Harry. Ron glared at him. "I'm telling the truth." Ron shoved his arm away, his ears glowing red.

"When's the ceremony?"

"Midnight tonight. In the Room of Requirement."

Ron stared pointedly at him. He brandished his finger at Harry. "Don't you dare hurt her."

Harry sighed. "It's only a formal arrangement. Once the contract is fulfilled, we can get a divorce and be done –"

"If you want to."

Harry shot him a questioning glance.

"Married couples at Hogwarts have a good deal," said Ron. "My parents married in their seventh year, and they got a dorm all their own. Or you can live in a cottage on the grounds – they just conjure one up for – "

"I don't think this is going to be a permanent thing, Ron."

Ron grinned and did a little jig. "Our little Pottyhead's getting married!" Harry was sure his ears were redder than Ron's by now.

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A/N: Review, please. I accept flames.