The Big Day (part 2)
Hi everyone! This is the last chapter of 'Lovely Troubles' I hope you enjoyed as you did the others. I warn you now that this chapter contains a lot of fluff, so I hope you like it!
"Make sure everyone gets seated properly," Ginny called to her twin brothers. "Remember what Hermione said!"
Ginny Weasley stood in the grassy field next to the Burrow, just ahead of the garden which was now decorated with an array of flowers (mostly lilies), ribbons and bows. It was currently Ginny's job to greet the guests that were now beginning to arrive. She was grateful for the moderate breeze that was now wafting through the countryside since the summer day was steadily becoming warmer.
"Hello, thank you for coming," she said as she took hold of the long, floaty, pink material of her Maid of Honor gown to keep it from flying up in any embarrassing directions.
"Good to see you!" "How are you?" She said over and over again. It seemed as if Hermione had invited the entire wizarding community.
"Ahhh...well, well, well…isn't it the youngest of the Weasley's…" chirped an enthusiastic voice.
Ginny looked in the voices direction and heaved a great sigh.
"Hello, Rita," said Ginny politely.
"So, my Dear," Rita said, pulling out her parchment and quill. "How are you and Harry? Does the future look bright for you two?"
Ginny had the sudden urge to blurt out the news of their engagement, but her brain caught up with her mouth just in time.
"No," she replied. Rita's eyebrow rose high and she inquired further.
"No," she repeated. "Did he break your heart, did he leave you?"
i Good old Rita /i , thought Ginny, always trying to nose her way into other people's affairs…Then suddenly, Ginny had a brilliant idea!
"No he didn't," Ginny said. "It turns out that Harry is actually gay."
Rita's other eyebrow joined the first and they both disappeared into her graying hairline. "What!" She spat.
"Yeah," said Ginny casually. "He came home really late last night and it turns out that he had gone to a gay strip club. He's been gay the whole time!"
Ginny tried to look upset as Rita's quill zoomed over the page scribbling something down about a tragic split up between she and Harry that involved Ginny finding Harry in bed with a man which resulted in objects being thrown and neighbors alerting the Law Enforcement Department. Sounded like a good story to Ginny. Harry would probably be mad for about a second and then he'd laugh. At least it would keep the other women from pursuing him while she was away at school if they thought he was gay.
"Good Merlin!" Rita breathed excitedly. "Come Bozo! Let's find Harry!"
And with that, Rita and her scraggly photographer took off past Ginny and into the garden. She smiled proudly to herself and continued to greet the incoming wedding goers.
"Ginny, dear," Said Mrs. Weasley who had just stepped up beside her daughter with a curious expression. "Was that Rita Skeeter I just saw?"
"Yes," Ginny replied.
"Does Hermione know she's here?"
"She invited her, Mum."
"Oh," Mrs. Weasley sighed confusedly. "Well, I better go find your father and tell him to hide is projects—we don't want Rita snooping around."
With a quiet huff Mrs. Weasley was gone from the garden and looking for her husband. She headed indoors; he was probably getting ready, trying to look his best to impress Hermione's muggle relatives. She walked briskly past the kitchen where Tonks and Mrs. Granger were hard at work setting the table up with a grand cake as the center piece, then up the stairs where she past a bedroom where she heard the soft, uncontrolled rhythm of someone sobbing.
Mrs. Weasley stopped her journey and back tracked to inspect the sound. It was coming from inside Ginny's bedroom and Mrs. Weasley moved closer, carefully cracking the door open. Across the room she spotted the petite form of a young girl in a white gown; her back to the door and crying.
"Hermione?" Mrs. Weasley called cautiously and Hermione whipped around in her direction; startled and quickly wiping the tears from her eyes with the back of her hand.
"Are you all right, dear?" Mrs. Weasley asked and stepped closer.
Hermione tried to smile, but this only resulted in another uncontrolled sob.
"I-I-stubbed my toe," Hermione lied.
Mrs. Weasley wore a sympathetic expression, but she wasn't stupid.
"More like cold feet, I think," she said sagely before stepping up beside Hermione, taking her hands and sitting down beside her on Ginny's bed.
"Want to tell me what's really wrong," she suggested as Hermione sniffled.
"When you-" she started with a chocked voice. "When you married Arthur…were you scared?"
"Of course I was. Marriage is a very challenging union to step into."
"I'm just frightened. I mean, I'm only 18—just out of school—I have so many things that I want to do with my job—I want to travel—I know Ron wants to have kids, but I don't---not yet at least, and living with him!—on my own, I've never done that before, I've never even really had a boyfriend before and now I'm going to have a husband. It's all happening so soon!" Hermione explained this all very frantically and in one big breath.
"Hermione, I'm almost certain that Ron does not want children just quite yet either, and he loves to travel, you can go together, and if I'm not mistaken—he'll be getting a very good job of his own soon….I wouldn't worry about the living conditions either—you've only lived with him at Hogwarts for the past seven years. The only difference will be that you are sharing a bed, which you are already doing under my roof I might add."
Hermione blushed, but felt slightly less frightened. "Your right," she said quietly.
"I don't understand why you're so worried, though. Didn't you think of this before you got married the first time?"
Hermione was sure that her face had gone instantly pale and she quickly averted her eyes. It was time to come out with the truth.
"I wasn't really thinking very much at all when that happened," Hermione stated embarrassedly.
"What to you mean?" She asked. Her brows furrowed.
"Ron and I—we—well, we were sort of—kind of—intoxicated at the time…we didn't really know what we were doing—we don't even remember it actually."
Hermione fell silent and held her breath, awaiting Mrs. Weasley's reply or whatever she had coming. The silence dragged on, though for what seemed like hours until Mrs. Weasley suddenly sprang up from her seat on the bed.
"You silly, silly, girl!" She snapped. "I can't believe—I thought better of you—of both of you—could have been hurt—or worse—drinking like that!"
"Don't be mad, Mrs. Weasley, please; I know it was dumb of us!"
"So what? Are you getting married because you love each other or because you didn't want anyone to find out the truth?" Her eyes suddenly grew wide. "Are you pregnant?"
"No, I'm not pregnant!" Hermione snapped back with a scandalized expression.
"Then why are you staying married?"
"Because I love him! It just took a drunken wedding to make me realize it!"
"Are you sure?" Mrs. Weasley asked a bit more calmly.
"Yes."
"Then stop crying."
Hermione didn't reply and within a short moment Mrs. Weasley stepped up to her and offered her a large hug.
"It makes me very happy to see the two of you together…Good luck," she said sweetly and departed from the room...Hermione supposed that Mrs. Weasley's message was 'love conquers all' and she suddenly felt comforted.
Ron sat on an old dusty chair up in the attic of the Burrow, bouncing a large rubber ball against the door. The resident ghoul had suddenly disappeared one day last year and Ron had no complaints or worries to its whereabouts. The day seemed to be going by excruciatingly slow as if it was trying to see how nervous he could get; dragging it out until he ran away in fear. He had never in his wildest dreams thought about marriage or at least not this soon. Ron had no idea what to expect from it and that scared him to death. So, he distracted himself by sitting on the chair in his dress robes, throwing a ball against the old wood door—over and over. All of a sudden—the door swung open just as Ron tossed the ball and it collided with a loud smack on a tall mans forehead.
"MR. GARANGER!" Ron gasped in fear, springing from his chair. "I'M SO SORRY!"
Mr. Granger's face was scrunched up; his head bowed as he rubbed it gently. Ron approached him nervously as if to help, but Mr. Granger stuck out his hand and halted him with a manner that suggested if Ron came near him he'd be in even more pain.
"I'm fine," He moaned. "An accident is all." Then he slowly brought his hand away and fought a pained expression.
"I heard the banging and came to see what it was," Mr. Granger explained, trying to keep the ache out of his tone.
"I'm really sorry," Ron apologized once more. He was fearful for his life. Mr. Granger looked like a nice enough bloke, but honestly, Ron really didn't know him very well at all. All he knew was that he was Hermione's dad and a muggle dentist.
"Why were you doing that anyway?" Mr. Granger asked.
"I—er—I was just board—waiting," Ron explained nervously and the older man furrowed his graying, sophisticated brows and him.
"You're not having second thoughts about your relationship with my daughter, are you?" He asked firmly. Ron was sure that he swallowed so hard that it could be heard downstairs.
"No. No, of course not! I'm just nervous is all."
"You're already married what are you so nervous about?"
Ron opened his mouth to answer, but was cut off.
"Don't you break her heart, or I'll rip yours out," he said smoothly yet threateningly. Ron wanted to cry.
"So," said Mr. Granger. "Why the doubt the second time around?"
"Well, I don't even remember the first time—" Ron broke off immediately once he had realized what he had said. Why did he just say that?
"What?" Hermione's father asked sharply.
"Nothing—I nothing!"
"What do you mean 'you don't remember'?"
This was it. The end. If he told the truth, Mr. Granger would kill him and if he refused to tell…Mr. Granger would kill him. It looked as if it were a lose lose situation and Ron decided that if he was going to die he might as well do it as an honest man.
"On the trip," Ron chocked. "We sort of—kind of—well, got pissed and somehow ended up getting hitched—but it was the greatest accident I've ever made!" Ron added when he saw the murderous look forming on Mr. Granger's face.
He was quiet a moment. Ron thought he looked a bit like a rocket ready to burst off into space. Luckily, however, it appeared that Mr. Granger was trying to calm himself. He breathed deeply and slowly.
"So," he said and Ron held his breath. "You got my daughter drunk—"
"She got me drunk is more like!"
"You got my daughter drunk and then married her i accidentally /i and now…."
Ron thought this might be a question, but wasn't sure. He was too scared to think right now.
"And now?" Mr. Granger repeated. It was a question after all.
"And now!" Ron squeaked. "Were married. I mean—I love her! I'm just scared out of my wits--weren't you?"
Mr. Granger was silent again, but this time he appeared pensive.
"I was," he replied calmly. "It will get less frightening though, I promise…make my little girl happy, all right?"
Mr. Granger then stepped close to Ron who felt he should back away, but didn't because he was to frighten to move. The older man clapped Ron firmly on the shoulder, smiled and left the attic.
Ron let out a deep breath of relief. He wasn't sure, but he thought he had just received Mr. Granger's blessing.
The time was now 4:20 and the wedding would officially begin in 10 minutes. Hermione stood outside behind a large tree and looked on into the garden at all of the people who were waiting to witness the ceremony. Her fists were clenched around clumps of her off—the--shoulder, white, lacy gown and she tapped her foot nervously.
"Bloody hell, there's a lot of people here!" Said an astonished voice from behind Hermione which caused her to whip around in surprise.
"Ron!"
"I don't know half of these people!"
"That's because my family is here too, Ron."
"Muggles? Isn't that kind of breaking the law?"
"No, I made sure there will be no magic. The ceremony is very different from the muggles so my Mum just told everyone we're pagans."
"We're what?"
"It's not important…you look nice," Hermione commented when she finally took the time to take in Ron's handsome appearance.
"Thanks," he said, blushing. "You look really beautiful."
Suddenly, the sound of melodious violins drifted in their direction and they knew that it was time to begin.
"You ready?" Ron asked and held out his hand. Hermione smiled mildly, nodded and took his hand firmly in hers.
The garden seemed to have transformed over the past week into a beautiful outdoors chapel. It looked as if every seat had been filled and now each occupant was staring at Hermione and Ron as they slowly and gracefully paced down the long isle of grass. Hermione felt nervous, but her heart fluttered and she smiled widely.
As they approached closer to Hermione's lattice archway she could see Dumbledore standing behind and altar wearing long white robes and looking very proud. To his left was Ginny and Mr. Granger and to his right were Harry and Mrs. Weasley.
Finally, they were standing right in front of the altar and the music faded out. Dumbledore smiled and winked at them before addressing the crowed.
"We have come together here in celebration of the joining together of Ms. Hermione Granger and Mr. Ronald Weasley," He said loudly and smoothly and Hermione felt her heart pound. "There are many things to say about marriage; much wisdom concerning the joining together of two souls. With each union, more knowledge is gained and more wisdom gathered. Though we are unable to give all this knowledge to these two, who stand before us, we can hope to leave with them the knowledge of love and its strengths and the anticipation of the wisdom comes with time. The law of life is love unto all beings. Without love, life is nothing, without love, death has no redemption. If we learn no more in life, let it be this."
He paused for a moment. Hermione felt Ron's hand tighten around hers.
"Others would ask, at this time, 'who gives the bride in marriage', but, as a woman is not property to be bought and sold, given and taken, I ask simply if she comes of her own will and if she has her family's blessing."
"Is it true that you come of your own free will and accord?" Dumbledore asked politely, addressing Hermione.
"Yes, it is true," Hermione replied and suddenly felt more confident.
"With whom do you come and whose blessings accompany you?"
Hermione felt her father step closer to her.
"She comes with me, her father, and is accompanied by all of her family's blessings."
Hermione smiled and then Ginny stepped up beside her.
"She comes also with me, her sister," said Ginny who snuck a small smile at Hermione. "And has my blessing."
Dumbledore nodded with a kind twinkle in his eye. Hermione thought he looked so old and worn on the outside, but his eyes held so much life and love that he could go on living forever.
He next turned to Ron.
"I have not the right to bind thee to Bride, only you have this right. If it be your wish, say so at this time."
"It is my whish," replied Ron.
"With whom do you come and whose blessings accompany you?"
Mrs. Weasley, smiling brightly and proudly stepped up beside Ron.
"He comes with me, his mother, and is accompanied by all of his family's blessings."
Next, Harry stepped up. Hermione caught his eye and felt a rush of love. What a feeling to be surrounded by people you care for so much. He smiled at her as if saying I'm happy for you and everything will be alright.
"He comes also with me, his brother, and has my blessing," said Harry.
"Please join hands with your betrothed and listen to that which I am about to say," instructed Dumbledore. Hermione's other hand was soon taken in Ron's and they faced each other. Hermione instantly knew that this was the happiest day of her life as the butterflies swam merrily in her stomach and Ron smiled back at her.
"Like a stone should your love be firm, like a star should your love be constant. Let the powers of the mind and of the intellect guide you in your marriage, let the strength of your wills bind you together, let the power of love and desire make you happy, and the strength of your dedication make you inseparable. Be close, but not too close. Possess one another, yet be understanding. Have patience with one another…" he said with emphasis before continuing. "For storms will come, but they will pass quickly."
"May you drink your fill from the cup of love," said Dumbledore as he held out a large golden goblet to them. Ron took it first and sipped the water out of the goblet then handed it to Hermione who did the same before handing it back to Dumbledore.
"Now hold up your hands to me."
Hermione and Ron offered up their interlocked hands to the old wizard who held up a beautiful white and gold ribbon. He presented it to the wedding guests and then wrapped it gently and elegantly around Hermione and Ron's joined hands.
"You are now bound together. Let this represent the unity you share and the devotion and loyalty you show to each other. And now," said Dumbledore.
He moved out from around the altar, stepped down with an ancient looking broom in his hand, and set it gently on the ground in front of the couple.
"I ask you to jump over this broom together. Let this represent the trials you will face, but will overcome."
Hermione looked down at the broom nervously and had the sudden vision of her tripping and making a fool of herself in front of everyone. Ron nudged her softly, knowing she was scared. They stepped up close together, their hands still tied, and carefully and quickly leaped over the broom. Hermione felt relief as she landed on the other side.
Dumbledore then approached them and offered them both a light kiss on the cheek.
"I now pronounce you Husband and Wife!" He said and the guests in attendance erupted into applause. Hermione barley had time to kiss Ron before she was surrounded by her family and friends all moving to hug and congratulate her.
The day went on in celebration (and to Ron's delight, a lot of food). Fred and George were on excellent behavior and Rita Skeeter managed to not be incredibly annoying. The time went by very quickly and it was soon ten at night and it was now just Hermione, Ron, Harry and Ginny who sat in the living room of the burrow flippantly discussing nonsense. All of a sudden, however, Hermione noticed Harry and Ginny exchange furtive glances. Ginny soon spoke up.
"We want to give you your wedding gift now," said Ginny mischievously.
"Okay," said Hermione obligingly.
Harry then got up off the sofa and stood next to Ginny in front of the newlywed couple. He reached into his pocket, trying to suppress a smile and pulled out single silver key.
"What's this," said Ron, taking the key from Harry. Hermione glanced at it and felt a wave of recognition.
"That's the key to our flat I put the galleons down on!" Hermione said with shock. "When did it arrive?"
"Three days ago," Ginny replied with a smirk.
"Why didn't you tell me? I wasn't expecting it for another week!"
"We wanted to surprise you," said Harry.
"How do you mean?" asked Ron suspiciously.
"Go and see for yourselves," Ginny giggled.
"And have a good night," Harry added with a wink and he and Ginny exited the living room.
"What are they on about?" asked Ron with irritation.
"I think I know what Ginny's been up to all week," stated Hermione knowingly.
"She's been up to something?" Ron asked confusedly.
i What a dope /i , thought Hermione as she smiled lovingly at Ron, but did not respond to him.
"Let's go take a look at this surprise," she suggested.
Ron obeyed and he and Hermione apparated to their soon to be apartment.
They soon appeared around a dark corner and stepped out onto the street together, looking along a row of flats made of red bricks.
"Its number 7," Hermione said. "There it is."
She pointed to their left and the couple approached the large door which adorned an even larger brass knocker.
"Shall we?" she said and slowly unlocked the door to their very own flat for the first time.
It was dark inside and smelled of wildflowers. Hermione's hand wandered along the wall, searching for the light switch and she thought that Ron was going to have a great time living with electricity. She found it eventually and gave it a flick. Bright light filled the small building and Hermione's whole body filled with joy. She had expected a bare apartment, but instead she saw a homely sitting room which contained a light blue couch with a matching chair at its side, a small glass coffee table, and a tall antique lamp that stood between the couch and a very large book self. To the left was a tiny, but warm looking kitchen that was already supplied with utensils and food.
"I don't believe it!" Hermione gasped gleefully.
"Are you sure this is ours?" Ron asked as he double checked the number seven on the door.
Hermione didn't say anything as she stepped into the new living space with wide happy eyes. "This is wonderful!" She kept repeating.
Ron followed her in and they turned a corner, reaching a door. Hermione opened it excitedly and squealed joyfully at the site. Ron was rather excited as well.
In the bedroom was a king sized bed with a beautiful blue and violet quilt covering it, and on top of the quilt were red rose petals sprinkled neatly across it. There was a small dresser to the side which had a red candle burning on it and across from the bed was a window which also supported a large red candle.
Hermione was about to utter her disbelief once more when she was suddenly swept off her feet.
She laughed happily and held on tightly to Ron as he carried her across the room and onto the bed. They sat there and smiled at each other.
"I love you," whispered Ron.
"I love you too," said Hermione before her lips were captured in a sweet and passionate kiss.
Everything had gone perfectly, and the night wasn't over yet.
OMG! That was so cheesy, wasn't it? I hope it ended well for you. I pulled most of the wedding stuff from random websites on handfasting ceremonies and kind of made up my own stuff. I hope you enjoyed this entire story, thank you for all of your wonderful comments!
AND JUST BECAUSE I FEEL LIKE IT!
The next morning Harry sat at the kitchen table sipping on a cup of tea and eating his toast. An owl had just arrived with the Daily prophet and Harry opened it up with the intentions of reading Rita Skeeters review of the wedding. That is not what he saw, however. What Harry saw caused him to drop his glass to the floor. It was a picture of him with a headline reading:
b SORRY LADIES: Harry Potter swings the other way. /b
"GINNY!" Harry yelled very loudly, his voice echoing menacingly through the burrow.
Loud footsteps could be heard pounding down the stairs just before the small red-head turned the corner into the kitchen. Ginny took one look at Harry and the Daily Prophet and then burst into fits of laughter.
"I'm guessing this is your doing?" He asked, trying to sound furious. Ginny knew he was bluffing.
"You got to admit," she laughed. "That's good!"
"Yeah, it's going to be a riot with the quidditch team!" Harry snapped, but suddenly couldn't help but to laugh as well.
"You're horrible, Ginny," Harry stated playful before hitting her in the shoulder with the paper. "I owe you one."
b Review! /b