For Better or For Worse
Harry sat on a chair in the hospital wing, watching over Hermione, while Severus worked on restoring her, he was determined to put things right, for every time he had done some good, for every time he saved a life, he was going to double his efforts, this time it was more personal then ever. He saw Malfoy's face smirking at him as he escaped using a portkey, he saw the students being forced into a tight corner by Malfoy's death eaters like sheep then taken away, then he remembered Hermione's transformation to the statue that lay before him.
He got up and went to fetch Ron from his room, then they went to Dumbledore's office, where Lupin, Tonks and Shacklebolt were sat, drinking tea. They all gave Harry and Ron a wave they looked to them as if they were generals in an army.
"Okay here's what's going to happen, we run a check of all of the portkeys entering and leaving Hogwarts since yesterday, see where they come up. Then we go there with some Aurors to get the students out, that's our priority, so long as you four get them out and deal with Malfoy's minions, I'll deal with Malfoy, Professor Sprout and Madam Pomfrey will be here to help them, while Severus will brew me the antidote for the statue curse. Do I have any Questions?" said Harry with an air of authority in his voice matched only by Dumbledore.
The four of them shook their heads, Harry looked to Dumbledore, he gave an approving nod.
Immediately the five of them rode the Floo network to the ministry of magic's transportation department, to the offices of it's head for the private talk, all except Harry who went to his office to round up his best twenty Aurors. After hours of referencing and checking they had found two unauthorised portkeys leaving to the same destination within the space of ten seconds of each other. The minister for the department gave them authorisation to use a portkey and off the small army went to save the students, with a ready authorised portkey for the students, which Dumbledore had set up a barrier to let only approved portkeys through. They landed in what seemed to be an abandoned muggle warehouse which was decorated with a symbol which he supposed was Malfoy's mark, it was an emerald dagger with crimson blood on it, Harry put on his invisibility cloak and went looking for Malfoy while Ron made a distraction and they Aurors and the Death Eaters began to fight, there were sparks of light everywhere, Harry crept over to the cage.
"Okay kids here's what's going to Happen, I'm gonna turn this cage into a portkey, because there's nothing else big enough for 70 students to touch, so grab the bars and here we go. 'Portos'."
The cage disappeared from the ware house, then Harry went looking for Malfoy, looking at every detail, then he realised he would go for something grand, like the office, an enclosed space in which he could secure himself, but there was no office in sight. Then it hit him, there was no office in sight, didn't mean there wasn't an office, Harry raised his wand above him, then shouted 'Revealium', al of a sudden the air began to shake and an office phased into view, in side of it was Malfoy. Harry snuck over to it, under his cloak and unlocked using Sirius' knife. He crept in and placed him under an anti-apparition jinx, then a full body bind, before, using a portkey to return him to the Ministry Auror department.
"Told you I'd catch up with you Malfoy, and Snape's got a cure for Hermione ready and administered, she's recovering in the hospital wing, and the students safely back at Hogwarts, where they belong, your Death Eaters in Azkaban, where you will soon be, with the Aurors of Azkaban. Your day really sucks, Blondie." remarked Harry with a tone of smugness in his voice.
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The Next Week
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Harry stood in front of his mirror in his best dress robes, then to Ron, who was in his, they looked at each other with a look only 10 years of trail and friendship could bring. Today Harry was walking down the aisle with Hermione, in front of the students and staff none-the-less. Harry couldn't wait to see Hermione at the altar, he could only dream of her beauty.
"Hey Ron, you remember when we all first met on the train. I was sat on my own, you came in from lack of seating and Hermione was helping Neville look for Trevor. She stayed because you had your wand out. I really forgot to thank you for that actually. So thanks Ron, for helping me meet the girl of my dreams. The next turning point was with the mountain troll, when you insulted her so we went to save her, things were never the same after that." reminisced Harry
"Well here's another one of those turning points, and to think you didn't even have a bachelor's party. Fred and George would have given any company a run for their money. Well at least I'm your best man." replied Ron looking over his speech
They both looked at their watches, they were going to be late, and they dashed out of the door, down to the great hall where they came in through the grand doors. Ron took his seat in the first row, next to Lavender, who was Hermione's Maid of Honor. Harry stood in front of Dumbledore who conducting the service. Just then an organ began to play and the grand doors opened behind everyone they all looked round to see Hermione in a gown made from a glowing white material, she looked like she was missing from heaven, and next to her was her father Brian Granger, who had tears of happiness in his eyes. Hermione stood next to Harry, and smiled through her veil, and then Dumbledore cleared his throat.
"Dearly beloved we are gather here today to witness the matrimonial bonding of Harry Potter and Hermione Granger. If there is anyone here who has any objection to these two fine young being married, speak now or forever hold your peace." said Dumbledore
"The couple will now say their vows." stated Dumbledore
"Hermione Jane Granger, I promise to love and cherish you, to hold you and be by your side no matter what, as I have done in the past and will continue to do so forever." said Harry
"Harry James Potter, where ever you go I'll go with you, no matter what trials lay ahead, we'll face them together, my love for you is boundless, we'll always be together side by side." replied Hermione
"Harry James Potter do you take this fine young woman to be your wife, to love and to hold, though sickness and heath, for better or for worse?" asked Dumbledore
"I do." Harry Replied
"Hermione Jane Granger, do you take this outstanding young man to be your husband, to love and cherish, in sickness and health for better or for worse?" asked Dumbledore again
"I do." she replied
"I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride." said Dumbledore
Harry Lifted the veil from Hermione's face and embraced her in a loving kiss which lasted for at least two minutes.