The Big Day
I'm very sorry that it has taken so long for me to update. I have been working on the fanfic challenge for at Because I've been working on that I've decided to make the last chapter of this fic a two-parter so I don't have to make you wait to long for it. So, here is the first part, I hope you enjoy it!
A/N: This chapter is for all of the HARRY/GINNY fans!
Thin beams of sunlight streamed in through the shutters just as they did every morning, exaggerating the orange hues in Ron's room. The young red-head yawned deeply and stretched; looking over to his left he saw Hermione who had passed out cold last night. He smiled at her, thinking about how great it would be to wake up like this every morning (minus the hangover). Then another thought crossed his mind. The girls had found out where the boys had gone last night…or rather, intended to go. When Hermione woke up she'd be sure to scream, throw things, and beat him in an unpleasant way. Just as he thought of the horrors that await him—Hermione stirred beside him. For fear of his life, Ron snapped his eyes shut and pretended to be asleep. He heard Hermione release a soft moan and felt her breath on his neck. Soon, Hermione's arm was draped over Ron's chest and her bushy head was nuzzled in the crook of his neck. Ron desperately tried to keep his breathing steady so he appeared to be asleep; Hermione was trying to trick him. Then, without warning, Hermione's hand slid down his chest…his stomach and continued to travel lower. Ron was instantly turned on and could no longer pretend to be asleep. He shifted and pulled her hand away.
"Good morning," Hermione whispered huskily and smiled at him. This was definitely a trick, Ron thought.
"Hi," he responded nervously. "Are you all right?" He asked, testing the waters.
"I'm great," Said Hermione, her smile remaining.
"You seem to be in a good mood," Ron stated, but immediately wished he hadn't. He had just fallen in to the trap.
"I am—because you went to a drag strip club!" Hermione accused playfully.
Ron suddenly pulled away from her, looking scandalized.
"How did you know that?" Shouted Ron. How was it possible that she knew they ended up at a gay club! They hadn't even known—it wasn't possible!
Hermione turned on her side and smiled at him. She didn't appear angry at all, only amused.
"Ron," She said. "I could never let you in on the inner workings of my mind…I'd lose all power over you!" Hermione had always been the brains of the group and her knowledge was and always will be her greatest source of power.
"Not all," Ron responded and shifted a quick gaze south. Hermione smiled mischievously. When it came to Ron, she had two sources of power.
"At least I don't have a hangover," Ron stated, attempting to turn away from the gay strip club topic.
"I don't either!" Hermione countered with an offended tone.
"Oh come on!" Ron said with exasperation. "You passed out down stairs!"
"I did not!"
"Then how did you get upstairs and into bed?" Ron asked challengingly.
"I walked!" She answered confidently.
Ron offered her a lopsided smile. "I would have paid to see that."
Hermione frowned at him but gave up on the argument. Truth was she only remembered about 25 percent of last night.
There was a moments silence before Hermione suggested—"We should get up."
"I already am," Ron stated playfully which earned a wide smile from Hermione as she rolled back over and curled back up next to Ron.
"I'm serious," She said. "We should get out of bed."
"Why?" Ron asked, pulling her closer.
"So we can get ready…for the wedding," Hermione answered tiredly; sleep threatening to take over.
"Oh yeah," he said.
"Yeah," Hermione repeated softly and looked up at him. Ron looked thoughtful…Hermione couldn't quite make out what was going through his mind. "Are you nervous?" She asked.
Ron thought for a long moment before answering her. "Excited," he said as a matter of fact.
Hermione smiled, clearly pleased by his response and cuddled closer into his side. "I suppose we could lie here a little while longer."
Harry sat peacefully at the long wooden table. It was eight in the morning and no one seemed to be awake yet. Not that Harry expected any of the girls to be awake after the night they had had. So Harry just sipped on his hot tea and read the daily prophet. Within minutes, Harry heard the distinct sound of someone trekking down the old stairs. He looked up from his paper and saw Ginny, clad in a pink bath robe, shuffling towards him. Her red hair was tangled and straggly. She squint her eyes as she entered the light filled kitchen.
"Hey," She uttered groggily.
"How are you?" Harry asked, trying desperately to restrain his laughter. Ginny noticed his tone and offered him a very dirty look.
Harry changed tact immediately. "I-er- I made you some tea."
Harry got up from his chair and bustled over to the counter where he poured Ginny a small cup of steaming tea.
"Thanks," She said while taking a seat and gratefully accepting the tea. Harry sat down beside her.
Ginny sipped on the hot liquid slowly, letting it awaken her senses. There was a moment's silence before Ginny spoke.
"Go ahead…make fun of me."
Harry tried to appear innocent as Ginny gazed at him. "Why would I do that?"
Ginny offered him yet another nasty glare. He knew Ginny was waiting for him to start making sarcastic drunk jokes. Harry knew better though: It wasn't wise to piss Ginny off.
"Hey," Harry stated defensively. "I think you handled it well! You've got the Weasley alcohol blood!"
Ginny smiled weakly and sipped on her tea before Harry spoke again. "You know, your mom has still got a lot of life left in her!"
"Don't say that," Ginny demanded grimly. She didn't want to think about her mother in party animal mode.
"You might even have a little brother are sister now," Harry joked.
"That's not funny!" Ginny responded furiously as she punched him in the side nearly knocking him out of his chair.
Harry laughed and was tempted to shove her back, but resisted when he noticed that Ginny really hadn't thought his comment was funny. So Harry sat there once again besides Ginny sipping on his tea.
"I can't believe they're getting married," He stated randomly in attempts at engaging in a conversation. It was a valid statement though; he did find it quite unbelievable. Ginny didn't seem to feel the same because she offered Harry an incredulous look.
"You can't tell me you haven't seen this coming since we were like fourteen!" She stated.
"Gin," said Harry seriously, "Marriage was the last thing on my mind in those days."
"Still is, isn't it?" She asked before taking another sip of her tea.
"Meaning?"
"Meaning that the great Harry Potter probably isn't thinking about settling down anytime soon—If I were you I'd get as far away from the UK as possible and change my name!"
"No. I've accepted who I am…and, I've thought about marriage before."
"Please," Ginny stated disbelievingly. "I'm actually surprised that you didn't just run out the door when I said the 'M' word!"
Harry frowned at her accusation. "What are you talking about?" Harry asked in hopes that she'd clarify.
"Hmm…let's see," said Ginny mockingly. "There was Cho which was a disaster—sixth year you dated Parvati for about a month until she said "I love you" and then you broke up with her. Then, there was Bridget who you were with for a solid three months until she started telling you the names of the children she wanted to have. And—oh—there was that girl you dated at Christmas time who gave you a nice gift—too nice though, so you broke up with her before she got too 'attached'. You have a commitment problem, Harry. I'm telling you, I was very reluctant to go out with you."
Harry rolled his eyes at her, trying not to look offended. "So," he said. "I have a bad track record—it doesn't mean I haven't thought about marriage though."
"Yeah right," Ginny laughed. "Go ahead; break up with me—sorry for bringing up the topic."
Good job Ginny, she thought to herself. Harry was sure to do it now that she gave him permission. She needed to learn to shut her mouth.
Harry offered her a mischievous smile. "Actually," he said. "I brought up the topic."
She was saved! He wasn't going to break it off with her! Was he? Great, now she was getting frantic.
"That's right! You did!" She said more loudly then necessary which made Harry smile even wider. Ginny was having trouble interpreting his body language.
"You're not like those other girls, they were crazy," Harry said in attempts at easing Ginny's nerves. It worked, but only a little.
"Others might argue you on that one," Ginny joked.
"Anyway," Harry said, continuing on the topic. "I'm not afraid of commitment or getting married."
Ginny could have left it at that, but for some stupid reason she had to argue. Maybe it was the Weasley blood or maybe just stupidity, but she had to be right.
"Come on, Harry," She sighed. "If I were to start talking about getting married you'd drop me like a bad habit!"
Harry's expression suddenly turned pensive and Ginny once again regretted her speech. He really was going to break up with her now.
"How would you feel if I broke up with you?" Harry finally asked with a mildly teasing tone, which still managed to frighten Ginny. Was he playing with her?
Ginny tried to appear casual—to look as if it wouldn't be the end of the world if Harry were to leave her.
"I'd be upset…" Ginny confessed quietly. "How would YOU feel is the better question…I have six brothers that would thrash you."
Now you're threatening him, Ginny. Brilliant. At least Harry was laughing.
"I've been thinking about marriage a lot lately," Harry stated as his laughter subsided. This comment ended up causing Ginny to feel even more uncomfortable. He's been thinking about marriage? With who? When?
"So what?" Said Ginny. "You want to marry me?" Damn! She did it again! Why couldn't she learn to just bite her tongue?
There was silence and then Harry's next gesture shocked her. He simply shrugged his shoulders and smiled at her. Ginny was sure that her eyes widened and her jaw dropped for a second, but she composed her self immediately.
"Yeah, right," She said.
"What if I were to ask you?" Harry inquired with the same playful tone. Ginny couldn't help it but to laugh. Why was he being so cruel? If Harry sincerely ever wanted to marry her….The thought had been a beautiful dream since she was a very little girl, but if she ever told him that he'd probably get scared and run away.
"I'd say 'good joke', Harry."
"What?" Said Harry. "You've never thought about marriage?"
"Since I was four," Ginny admitted quickly. It was time to deviate from the topic. "You know…Ron and I used to dress up when we were little and pretend we were getting married…Mum has pictures, but Ron found them a few years back and burned them—"
"You're changing the subject," Harry stated abruptly with a serious expression.
"What subject?" Ginny asked frantically. Why was he doing this to her?
"You're nervous."
"I am not!"
"Have you ever thought about marrying me?" Harry asked, his playful tone returning.
Ginny no longer felt like being playful. This was torture! She had no idea where Harry was going with this conversation.
"I—I…Harry," Said Ginny softly. "I've been in love with you since I was a little girl…does that answer you're question?"
It was out in the open now. Ginny had never said those words to Harry before. If she hadn't frightened him earlier then she certainly had now—she wanted him to stop talking about this before he broke her heart. He was silent—shocked by Ginny's confession. This reaction angered her and her mouth was spewing out words again.
"Come on!" Ginny spat. "Like you didn't know that!" Everyone else had known about Ginny's infatuation with Harry since she was ten. "There's the door, Harry," Ginny said feverishly and pointed at the front door.
Harry was still silent and did not move. In fact, he looked at her unblinkingly and said, "I'm not going anywhere."
Ginny felt her mouth open and close a few times before she was able to speak. "Harry, I think you are just being really sentimental because your friends are getting married---you're talking crazy—"
"Marry me," Harry said suddenly, taking her hand swiftly in his. "I love you."
The words sounded surreal to Ginny--This couldn't be happening—she felt the sudden urge to pinch herself.
"What?" She finally asked in a high-pitched voice.
"Marry me." Harry repeated boldly and truthfully.
"Are you serious?" She said with the same tone of disbelief.
"Yes!"
"But I'm still in school! I can't!—"
"I'll wait!" Harry said. There was a moment's silence before Ginny and Harry's lips both broke into wide smiles. "So that's a yes then?"
Ginny nodded and leaned forward to kiss her new fiancé. She still felt like she was dreaming. Never in her wildest dreams had she thought that Harry would ever ask her to marry him for real. She thought Harry would be a loner his whole life—some celebrity that was destined to be alone. She thought that she was just another girl.
"I can't wait to tell Mum," Ginny said blissfully with a huge smile plastered on her face. Harry however was no longer smiling.
"No!" He said. "You can't tell her!"
"Why?" Asked Ginny. Was this just a joke?
"Because," he said, suddenly looking nervous. "I don't want everyone to know—I don't want to make it a big deal."
"Are you embarrassed?" Ginny asked. Or was she right after all? Harry was afraid of relationships. This must be very hard for him to do.
"No," he said. "Just don't tell anyone, not yet."
"Don't tell anyone what?"
Harry froze immediately and attempted to pry himself from Ginny's grip. Ron, followed by Hermione had just entered the kitchen and now they both stood before Harry and Ginny with inquiring looks.
He didn't know what to say for a long moment. The only thing that was going through his mind was that Ron would kill him. Ron couldn't know so Harry answered "Nothing". Unfortunately, Ginny answered the same time, saying "Harry proposed."
Hermione and Ron reacted at the same time. Hermione shouted, "Oh Merlin!" gleefully and Ron yelled, "What?" rather angrily.
Harry saw Ginny stand up from her chair as Hermione ran over to her, embracing her in a large hug, and offering her congratulations. Harry on the other hand…his gaze never left Ron's.
While the girl's celebrated, Harry watched as Ron slowly walked around the table with a hardened expression. Harry didn't know what was going to happen and he swallowed hard, shifting nervously beside Ginny and Hermione. Ron was only a few feet away form him now and Harry had a strong urge to grab Ginny and stand behind her for protection.
The room grew very quiet as Ron and Harry stood facing one another. Harry knew Ron was about to kill him—he should just tell him it was all a big joke—but he loved Ginny and he'd be damned if Ron's overprotective nature was going to keep him from her.
Harry stood up tall and drew in a brave breath.
"Go ahead and punch me, Ron," Harry challenged. "I love Ginny and if you don't like it….then—then—"
Harry started to stumble on his words when he saw Ron's fist rising. He really was going to punch him! Harry closed his eyes, waiting for Ron's fist to meet with his face. It never happened though…Instead of falling to the floor with a bloody nose like Harry expected he was now on the receiving end of a massive hug.
When Ron finally released Harry he was smiling widely.
"Congratulations mate," Said Ron and Harry breathed a long sigh of relief.
"We have to tell everyone!" Hermione chimed in.
"No," Said Ginny calmly. "We wouldn't want to steal you're thunder. This is your and Ron's day."
Hermione smiled and silently thanked her young friend. This was her day…the big day. This thought filled her with happiness and fear. What a strong emotion love was if it could invoke such opposite feelings.
"Morning Weasley's and future Weasley's!" Fred called as he and George trumped down the stairs. They didn't know about Harry and Ginny's engagement, but everyone assumed it would happen soon anyway. Hermione and Harry were both soon to be part of the Weasley family. Who would have thought that this would ever happen?
"Morning!" Everyone called back in rather happy tones.
Hermione had a sudden thought—an image of destruction rushed through her head.
"Fred, George," said Hermione gaining their attention. "Can I talk to you?"
Fred and George nodded happily, saying things like, "of course your majesty" and "Anything my Queen"
Hermione led them into the empty living room, stopped, turned to them and smiled sweetly.
"I just wanted to say something very simple to you," She said calmly.
"What's that?" Asked George.
Hermione's smile suddenly turned from sweet to malicious as she stepped closer to the towering twins.
"If you do anything," said Hermione. "Anything at all to mess up my wedding…I'll castrate you!"
Hermione spoke the last words with a cold, harsh tone and a rush of shivers coursed over Fred and George's skin.
Hermione held her firm gaze on the twins for a while before smiling sweetly once more.
"Do we understand each other?"
The twins were silent, frozen in fright, but somehow they managed to nod in agreement.
"Good," she said before prancing off up the stairs.
Nearly five minutes went by before Fred and George where able to even move. They turned and looked at each other slowly.
"You think she's serious?" Fred asked.
"Yeah, I think she is," Responded George grimly.
"Maybe we should scratch the Canary Cream idea."
"And the Wildfire Whiz-Bangs."
A/N: the second half of this chapter will be the wedding, and hopefully I will post it soon after this one. I hope you liked it!