Just Old Friends
Chapter 41: The reception
The tables were all set up for the meal and Harry took his place at the head table next to Ginny. He looked around at everyone, seeing that Snape, Flitwick, McGonagall, Dumbledore, Remus and Tonks were sharing one table and the drinking had already started. Baby Sirius was bouncing happily on Dumbledore's knee pulling at the old mans beard.
Just over from them was the Weasley table which sat Penelope and Percy with Robin in the middle. Then there was Bill and Charlie and between them sat Molly, happily looking around. Although she had no memory of the family, Harry knew that she would be glad that she had come to the wedding and that it meant a lot to both Ron and Hermione.
Harry heard cheering and he turned in time to see the newly wed couple enter the hall. The pair were smiling and Ron had his arms wrapped around Hermione lovingly. They quickly took their places at the top table and Harry smilingly leaned in and kissed Hermione's cheek.
"You look gorgeous, Mrs. Weasley."
She laughed, looking around.
"Oh, I'm Mrs. Weasley, aren't I?"
He nodded as the meal appeared in front of them and they happily began eating. Harry could see the women carefully trying not to tip anything on themselves. The meal was delightful and Harry enjoyed winding up Ginny and Hermione who were sat on each side of him. Every few minutes he would yell Weasley and laugh when both women looked at him.
By the time the meal was over and speeches were about to be made, he was red in the face from laughing. Ron stood up first and cleared his throat happily.
"Thanks for coming everyone, but you can all go home now it's over. Why are you laughing? It's the truth come on get going, but leave the presents. Okay so since you're all determined to stay I just want to say thank you for coming and enjoying in our special day, there are others who should be here but we can make up for them. I only have one thing left to say, doesn't my wife look gorgeous today."
There was a loud cheer from the men in the room and Harry laughed harder as Snape thumped the table in response. Hermione was rather red now as well but she did manage to stand up.
"I just want to say thank you to everyone you've all helped to make this day more special. An extra thank you for sticking to the no magic rule during the ceremony, that meant more to me than words can express. So please everybody, enjoy the rest of the night and get drunk!"
Now Harry saw the large groups clapping happily and Wood leaning his chair back, managed to knock his glass with Snape in a drunkenly happy way. He stood up as Hermione pinched his arm and looked around.
"Well I don't know what to say I'm not all that good with speeches but I must say it's about time they tied the knot they've always acted like the married couple they were destined to become."
A here here sounded from the Weasley table and Harry nodded at them for their help.
"One really good thing will come from this marriage though; Ron's bedroom won't be orange for long."
Laugher sounded and Harry was sure Ron made a grunting noise but he ignored that.
"I must say that I'm thrilled for my two best friends and I wish them all the best for the future and I'm expecting little redheaded reckless kids with brains to be running around the place soon. So will you all join me in a toast; to Ron and Hermione."
Around him the clinking of glasses sounded and he smiled as he sat down. Once the noise died down a clicking sound rang loud and Neville's voice spoke up.
"I hope you don't mind but I'm too lazy to stand up, not that I could anyway, but I would like to wish Ron and Hermione the best of luck. We all knew they belonged together when we saw them arguing all those times in the common room over who was right and which one was wrong. I'm just glad that they've finally done it. So raise your glasses please to Ron and Hermione."
Again everyone did and Harry saw Ginny stand up quickly.
"I'm sorry I know that I'm not meant to make a speech, but I feel that something has been left out. I want to welcome Hermione to the family, finally and it's about time too, boys you better watch out! That's another woman we're catching up on you now!"
Ginny then leaned over Harry and hugged Hermione. At that moment the stage seemed to light up and a man called Doug McPartlin took to the stage with his band 'The Boys' they were pretty new but making a name for themselves.
They were doing something no other wizarding band had ever done they were taking muggle songs and introducing them to the wizarding listeners. This had appealed to Hermione no end as it was another way to get her muggle background involved in the wedding and as song as she heard them they were hired.
"Okay everybody we're going to play a song called 'This I Swear' so can the bride and groom please come up for their first dance."
Harry saw Ron grin as he led Hermione to the floor and McPartlin began to sing. Without realising it Harry took Ginny's hand in his as the music rang loud through the hall. McPartlin sang the song, holding each note carefully. As his words sounded, Ron led Hermione around the floor while everyone watched.
The song ended and another started which Harry knew to be called 'This I Promise You'. Ron and Hermione were next to Harry and Ginny now, dancing and laughing away happily.
As Harry led Ginny around the floor to the first few lines he steered her so that they were extremely close to the newlyweds. Ron winked at Harry and as one the pair spun the two women out of their hands and Harry quickly grabbed hold of Hermione drawing her into him. They danced slowly laughing as the song continued.
Hermione was grinning and Harry could see just how happy she really was. He hugged her gently before swinging her out a little.
"You do look amazing, Hermione."
"You look very handsome yourself, Harry."
"I'm glad you're happy."
"I am, but nothing is going to change at all Harry with us. It'll still be the three of us against the world."
"Thanks. I'll start looking for a place to live when you're away, then when you're back I'll move out."
"No your not, you'll stay with us until you and Ginny move in together, or get married; whichever comes first."
He laughed as she spun in his arms again.
The song ended and they clapped as Ron went to take Hermione again but was intercepted by Charlie who claimed the next dance. Harry really enjoyed the day but found it rather embarrassing when he had to dance with Mrs. Weasley, who spent the whole time flirting with him.
Unexpectedly the most fun came when McPartlin started singing the YMCA song, and Harry found himself among the four Weasley boys, Remus, Hagrid, Dumbledore, Wood and Snape dancing away. Even Neville had joined in doing the arm movements happily.
The night though was drawing to an end and McPartlin announced the last song as midnight showed itself to them all.
"Okay so everybody grab your partners for the last dance of the night, this song is 'Saved the Best for Last', and here's hoping you all have."
Harry held Ginny close as the words sounded around them.
Harry sang along with the words much to Ginny's amusement. He had learned the chorus from a young age when it was the theme to the bisto advert, and since it was on TV he couldn't escape it while living with the Durselys it was funny what you remembered.
The song ended and the evening drew to a close. Around them people were disappearing off home. Harry caught Hermione and Ron sneaking away to go to Jamaica on their honeymoon. Before long there were only himself and Ginny left.
"You know I really love you, Ginny."
She grinned and hugged him close.
"I've always loved you, Harry."
Then she bid him goodnight going back to her flat and he picked up the two bags filled with the wedding presents. Then with a pop he landed in the living room where he dropped the parcels and found himself looking once more at the photos on the wall.
One in particular caught his eye, he saw Hermione aged seventeen sitting with her arm around Ginny, her other hand holding Ron. Neville too had his arm around Ginny and his other was looped with Luna, Harry himself was on the end his arm around Luna.
Those times were great and they'd never be forgotten but something inside told Harry that there were more great times to come, and he just couldn't wait.
First of all if you want to see the dresses that Hermione, April and Ginny wore in the last chapter if you go to my author page you'll find links to show you the dresses. Okay on another note this is the last chapter, in fact there is only the epilogue left which I shall be posting tomorrow. News about the squeal will be in the epilogue so if you read that you'll find out about when I plan to post the squeal.
Snortingbullfrogs yeah Ron was sweet with the rings really sweet. Thanks for the nice words and it is sad that it's nearly over but there will be a squeal and I've got a few other stories you could try if you wanted.
Jessie yep you should be a celeb Jess you'd have a great time, and now its only two days until the book, and JKR's live reading I think I might stay up just to watch that 8D
Karen I made you cry oh I'm sorry but I hope that you'll still be reading it on the boards, that way we can still talk since you're story is nearly over.
Chica91 yep I've got this chapter up and it'll be over before HBP although I think I'd rather the book than this story, so can't wait.
Annie yeah I like the fact that it's Remus because he is important and I think its sweet that he gets to play a part in the wedding, I think Hagrid or Dumbledore would have been too much really.
Anyway the epilogue will be tomorrow. So please review
Kris