A Midsummer's Daydream
By ASortofWing

Disclaimer: No, I don't own Harry Potter or anything related to him, either. Humph. Nor do I own any lyrics presented in this chapter.
Beginning Note: Thanks to firefly4u, Corvi, and KyleGranger, for their sweet words about chapter 7. Thank you Ninmadom for your comments on almost every chapter! (the name Jess is also very awesome. :smiles: It's mine, too!) Thanks, Zippy-the-eel for the comment on chapter 6.. Corvi, I promise to read any J/L fics you have for me after I finish this story, okay:grin: Did I forget anyone? If I did, sorry. :nervous laugh: Okay, On with the show:

The story thus far: Harry Potter and his friends have just finished their 6th year in Hogwarts. With the ending of this year, new ways of life has made its way to the wizarding community. With the loss of Albus Dumbledore, the esteemed headmaster of Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry and the ever present threat from Lord Voldemort people are now considering how important being with the one you love is now instead of worrying about their safety in the future. Harry is staying at his best friend Ron Weasley's house with his family for the special occasion of Ron's brother's wedding. After being in the same house as his former girlfriend Ginny, Harry is reminded how much he will miss her. Harry then decides to make his final two weeks at the Burrow lasting ones with Ginny. But does Ginny still love him too? Will their relationship ever be the same?
After days of nail-biting situations, longing looks, and awkwardness Harry has finally confessed to Ginny how much he still loves her. He is pleasantly surprised to find that Ginny feels the same way. In even more surprising news, Ron and Hermione have also found their way with each other. Ron and Harry helped decorate Bill and Fleur's beautiful white wedding and now ready to live it up… for maybe the last time. Better make it good, boys!

Chapter Seven, Part Two: The After Party

The bride and groom went down the path hand in hand and into the house followed by the bridesmaids and bridegrooms. With much clattering and chatting, everyone eventually followed them inside as well leaving Harry to look at his hard work... now gone and stepped on.

He shrugged. At least he wouldn't be picking it all up.

He was last to enter the house, and found it had undergone a very big change during the wedding. Apparently, the house elves were not just setting up food after all. From what Harry could see, the whole first floor of the Burrow was cleaned, and whitened. He stood and looked at it for a while and was vaguely reminded of a trip to the dentist.

Stepping in, he saw a large long table against the kitchen wall where Bill and Fleur sat side by side in the center. It was covered with a white, sparking table cloth and held silver plates and silverware with matching goblets for each seat. Live ivy hung in the front, and wrapped around the sides; white roses garnishing places here and there.

Opposite of the long time were smaller round tables with the same decoration along the tables rim. There were only 4 plates on these tables- they all circling a dim light in the center which was also decorated with the matching flora. The floor of the burrow was bare wood – all the furniture and other house keepings gone to another place for the evening.

Harry stood there transfixed on the sight and sighed serenely. He realized that this would be the last get together he would have before leaving for Godric's Hollow. Why tonight? Why did this all have to come and leave? Before he had time to muse over his fleeting memories, he saw a hand waving frantically from near the center of the first row of tables. He focused his eyes and realized it was Hermione, trying to get his attention.

Harry ducked and shimmied though the tables to meet his friends, not wanting to block anyone else's view of Bill and Fleur. As he reached his table and took his place, Hermione sighed with relief and poked his arm.
"I've been trying to flag you down for almost 3 minutes!" She said, looking exasperated. "Where were you dreaming off to?"
"Oh," Said Harry, pulling his seat in "I was just admiring the place.."
"You looked pretty funny just standing there, Mate," Said Ron with a small chuckle. "Just standing there.. I swear George was going to fling something at you if you hadn't moved in the next minute."

George, who was sitting at the table right next to him leaned his chair back a little, almost to Hermione.
"And I would've. Good thing you're not as slow as you lead on sometimes." He said with a smirk.

Harry snickered and shook his head. Slow, eh…? We'll see who's slow..
As he was swearing revenge, he just happened to glance at Ginny who was still in her bridesmaids get up. In the dim light, only the tops of her cheeks and the tip of her nose were really illuminated. Her skin looked darker than usual and her hair almost looked brown. He smiled to himself and moved his hand closest to her onto her knee.

Ginny sat up a bit and glanced over at him with a small grin. She moved her hand to lay atop of his gently, he turning his hand over to hold it tenderly. She pretended to wink at him, which he returned and resumed his gaze to the long table where Bill was standing to speak.

Clink Clink Clink Clink!

"Excuse me, Everyone!" He said, putting his goblet down. Every head turned to face his way and the chatting dyed down. Mrs. Weasley shushed her husband and Charlie (they were sitting next to Bill) while Fleur's mother, little sister, and the big-toothed brunette focused their attention to him as well. Bill waited until everyone was settled before adorning a wide grin and began.

"Thank you. Well," He started, glancing down at those also at his table, "This day has finally come. I know it took a lot of planning and sacrifice to reach this day, And.. Well, I've very grateful." He said, pausing to regain his thoughts. "I'm very appreciative of all the great things that have come the way of me and my family."

Bill moved to his right towards his mother and kneeled in front of her, his audience following him with every eye. He smiled at her while she put her hands on her chest, her eyes glistening.

"Mum," He said softly, reaching for one of her hands, to which she gave him and he squeezed gently, "I especially want to thank you for what you and Dad have given me. I could have never asked for a better set of parents. You have shown me love even in the toughest of times.. " Bill's hand left his mothers to touch his face where he was attacked by a werewolf only weeks ago.
"Even when not many people cared to love me. So, thank you, Mum, and Dad for raising me with the strongest power of all; Love."

With his silence came applause from the audience. Bill hugged his mother, shook his father's hand and went back towards his seat to continue his speech. Mrs. Weasley wiped her eyes and quietly blew her nose while times were loud and recomposed herself to better listen to her son's words. Once reaching his seat, Bill stood and smiled down at Fleur, who smiled back at him, beautifully.

"Fleur.. " He began, blushing a bit. "I never imagined I would end up with you. I dreamed about it, sure.." He said, the crowd and Fleur chuckling, "But no amount of dreaming can bring me the happiness you do when you're with me. Thank you for looking past my appearance and choosing me. The 'Me' who will always love you. "

Again, a silence followed by more clapping. Harry noticed Ginny wipe a small tear from the corner of his eye while Hermione had her napkin all balled up in her hand, already damp. Bill leaned down and kissed Fleur, who too was teary eyed. But, to Harry's surprise Bill stood once again to continue. What else had he planned on saying?

"Lastly," Said Bill to his crowd, all of them still watching him warmheartedly, "I would like to thank you, Harry."
Harry's heart jumped at the sound of his name, some of the crowd turned their heads to get a glimpse at him.
"For I owe half of my family's life to you, Harry. I just want you to know that I appreciate the road you're about to take and I hope you know you're always welcome in my home."

"Hear Hear!" Called a voice.
"Well Done!" Called another.

Soon, the whole floor was clapping for him, including Bill and his table. Mr. Weasley whistled. Harry bowed his head a little and mouthed, 'Thank you' many times before the crowed died down again and Bill concluded his speech.

"Now." He said, glancing down at his empty plate. "I realize I am forgetting one person who I should truly mention." Harry knew at that instant he was talking about Dumbledore.
"But..," continued Bill with a knowledgeable voice, "I know he would rather be kept in memory – and not so much spoken of aloud. So, I ask you to please, eat, drink, laugh in his name. Its what he would have wanted, after all."

Bill raised his goblet and took a sip, the rest of the crowd, Harry included, copying him. Subsequently, in a most familiar fashion, each silver plate was filled magically with foods. Mashed Potatoes, beef, vegetables, gravy – all was there on each table. The wave of chatter rose up again as everyone began to eat. Hermione unballed her damp napkin and laid it delicately on her lap, Ron turning his head in her direction.

"R'you alright?" He asked, stuffing some potatoes into his mouth.
"Y-yes, I'm fine, thank you." She said, composing herself, picking up her fork.

Throughout dinner, Ginny ate quietly and kept to herself. Harry was dying to complement her more on her dress and her beauty… but sat there eating just as quietly. He hoped nothing was wrong.

Just as desert was coming out, Harry noticed Fred and George's heads coming together. He tapped the table a bit and the others looked up from their plates with confused looks.
"Hey, it looks like Fred and George are up to something.. " He said, beckoning the two who were sitting behind Hermione, still chatting amongst themselves.

The three others looked and Hermione gasped, whipping her head back around.
"Oh, they better not try and pull something off, Mrs. Weasley'll have their heads!" She said, ominously.
"Yeah, really.." Said Ron, still watching the two.
"Hey, look, there they go." Said Ginny, pointing at them

Sure enough, Fred and George leaned their chairs back to their neighboring table where Mr. Stunby sat with his wife – a pudgy freckle-faced lady with a large (and clearly) fake red wig. The two shook hands with him and were in a chat when Fred said,

"Oh, Mr. Stunby.. I- I could be mistaken but it seems you might have some chocolate on your cheek."
"Just here, sir." Chimed George, pointing to the spot where the speck of chocolate would be on his own cheek.

Mr. Stunby paused for a second and then burst out in laughter, nodding at the boys,
"Oh! Good one, boys, I haven't heard that one yet!" He chuckled patting their shoulders. Mrs. Stunby gave the boys a somewhat challenging look before turning her back to them and continuing with her desert.

Ron was covering his mouth to stifle his laughter back at their table while Harry had nearly choked on a piece of apple crumb cake. Hermione thought the whole thing was childish – but still amusing. Ginny had giggled a little and threw a piece of flower stem at the two as they sat back down.

Dinner had completed – leaving a floor of stuffed witched and wizards ready to work off their dinner, smooze, and chat about the new couple and the beautiful wedding. Bill rose once again which caused a silence to fall on the quests.
"I've heard from a reliable source.." He began, glancing at his mother and father who gave him innocent looks in return, "That the yard we just came from is now set for dancing and drinks."

Jeers and whistles erupted from before Bill, his hands raising to call for more quiet, a small grin on his face.
"Now, if anyone is interested.." More howls of approval. "Lets go now."

A sea of guests stood and clamored to get out to the lawn, Bill and his wife along with their parents waiting behind. Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Harry decided it was best to wait behind, as well. They stood and made their way over to Bill and the others, Harry shaking his hand when reaching him.
"Thanks, Bill." He said, smiling a little.
"No, Harry, thank you. What you did to decorate earlier was brilliant, Fleur loved it." He said, glimpsing over at Fleur who had excused her mother and sister and came to join them.
"Yes, 'Arry. Zat was zea most beautiful wedding… 'Zhank you, so much." She said, hugging him gently.

Harry nodded and said it was nothing, then joined Ginny who was hugging her mother.
"Oh, Ginny darling you were so beautiful," said Mrs. Weasley, admiring her daughter.
When Ginny noticed Harry she said 'see ya later' to her mother and followed Ron and Hermione out to the back yard.

Hermione had reached for Ron's hand as they were walking, which Ron clasped and held as they went out the door. Harry glanced down at Ginny's hand and mimicked them, Ginny smiling up at him fondly.

Outside had become as dim as inside, it reaching 7:00 that evening. Harry didn't realize how long the wedding and dinner took.. Time sure did fly. The yard was lit from above, candles were floating above the whole area, while fireflies were buzzing every place else. The bushes had a light from behind them which illuminated the Burrow as well. There were still a few tables outside for people to sit, and a large white Bar at the far side of the yard.

Near the wall of the burrow was a stage that had 3 microphones laying on it. Harry wondered if the Weird Sisters were going to make an appearance. Harry, Ginny, Ron and Hermione made their way over to the bar and got themselves Butterbeer, Ron licking his chops at the cold bottle. They took a table near the back and watched the party progress.

Bill and Fleur came out, and everyone clapped. Fleur curtseyed, while Bill bowed and faced the stage. Right on queue, three loud CRACK's were heard, and three older men stood on the stage. One of the guitarists bent down and grabbed his mic, while the other two set themselves up, casting sonorous spells so that they were heard throughout the yard.

The guitarist tapped his mic before speaking.
CHS CHS
"Is.. This thing on? Oh, oh okay. Um, Hi everyone!" He rang, everyone clapping a bit to let him know they were able to hear him loud and clear. His voice was mature, but the man himself looked only in his 30s.
"Well, we all know why we've come today. The vows have been said, the food's been 'et! So, I suppose the only thing we can do now is celebrate!" He rang, strumming his guitar once, while everyone cheered.

"Now," He continued, singling out Fleur and Bill. "Let's see these two dance their first dance as man and wife."
Bill obliged and took Fleur by the hand, twirled her and dipped her. Their song began to play and Harry watched the two dance the night away in each other's arms.

5 Butterbeer's later, Ron, Hermione, Harry and Ginny were all feeling almost good enough to take the dance floor by storm. Ron glanced over at Hermione who was leaning on his shoulder, hiccupping once and awhile. Ginny was doing the same to Harry, her hand in his. As he rubbed the top of her hand with his thumb, he couldn't help but hear the band switch tunes.

"This song is going to be out last for the night. I Hope you all are having a brilliant time, Here's to you, Bill and Fleur!" He said as the slow song started. Most of the couples had gotten up, including Ron and Hermione. Harry looked at Ginny, and nudged her. She sat up and smiled drunkly at him.
"Dance with me..?" He said, hopefully.
"Sure I will." She replied, standing with him.

Harry and Ginny took a vacant spot next to Hermione and Ron who were deeply into themselves – their snogging being watched by two other couples. Harry put his hands on Ginny's hips while she put hers on his shoulders, one hand playing with the hair on the back of his head idly. They danced together slowly, Harry's forehead leaning on Ginny's who was smiling at him passively.

So denied, so I lied
Are you the now or never kind?
In a day and a day love
I'm going to be gone for good again

Harry grinned and moved his chin forward, kissing Ginny. She sighed blissfully and kissed him back, her hand going flat on the back of his head. They continued to circle each other, lips together, breathing into one another.

Are you willing to be had? Are you cool with just tonight?

Harry's mouth opened as his tongue slipped curiously into Ginny's where her tongue met his. Harry squeezed her hips gently as they danced, and snogged in the light of the flies – no one could touch them at this moment.

Here's a toast to all those who hear me all to well...
Here's to the night we felt alive.
Here's to the tears you knew you'd cry.
Here's to goodbye, tomorrow's going to come too soon.

As they broke away moments later, and leaned on each others foreheads in content, the lyric's leaked into Harry's head. His time here with Ginny, like the song, was coming slowly to an end. He wished he had more time, that he could postpone his destiny..

Put your name on the line
Along with place and time
Want to stay, not to go, I want to ditch the logical.

As the chorus came around again, Harry wondered if Ginny would be there for him if he returned. When he returned. Could she wait for him? Was there a way to make sure she would?

All my time is froze in motion
Can't I stay an hour or two or more
Don't let me let you go

"Ginny.."

Don't let me let you go…

Harry led Ginny into the Burrow and up to his room in the attic. She followed flaccidly; the butterbeer rendering her motor skill's practically useless. Going up stairs became the task of the century – how could she have ever gone up these in the first place? Harry sat her on his cot, shut the door behind him, and turned on his side lamp.

"Harry, what's this all about.. " She asked, putting her hands in her lap.
Harry looked at her as he kneeled to become face level. She was genuinely beautiful at this moment. Her hair had lost most of its curl, her face was shining from the light of his side lamp... This was the real Ginny.. Harry wanted to know and remember Ginny like this for the rest of his life. This was his moment.

"Ginny, I want to ask you something…" He said, trying to stay on balance. He was no Mr. Incredible – The Butterbeer was working it's magic on his legs, too.
"Yeah, Go ahead, I'm listening." She said, leaning a little to her right, looking straight at him.

Harry took a deep breath and took Ginny's hand in his.
"Ginny, I want you to be here for me when I get back from beating Voldemort." He said, trying to maintain seriousness so Ginny would know what he meant.
"Oh course I will be," She interrupted, squeezing his hand. "I luff you, Harry."
"No, really.." Said Harry, getting closer to Ginny. Her expression changed as she really looked into him. Though him. "I want you to be here when I come home.. And be with me. I.. I don't have a ring, or anything, but If I did, this is the time where it would come out.."

Harry searched his mind while Ginny was silent. He patted her knee and went to a pair of his old jeans and pulled out a locket – the fake Horcrux. Harry pulled the note out from R.A.B and scratched one of his own, replacing it in the locket. He took it over to where Ginny was sitting and put it around her neck.

"Harry.. I.." She tried, but Harry shushed her.
"Ginny, Keep this with you. Think of me when you see it, Okay?" He said, smiling at her. "But, don't open it until I leave, okay?"

Ginny nodded and leaned forward to hug him. Harry hugged her back and squeezed tightly. He never wanted the night to end. He never wanted their time together to end. He inhaled the smell of her hair, and distantly heard the music below come to an end..

Here's to the night we felt alive
Here's to the tears you knew you'd cry
Here's to goodbye, tomorrow's going to come to soon..

Authors Note: Good Gravy, another chapter. This chapter was really sweet. :smile: I tried to keep it as close to how a real wedding would go on.. I dunno. I like it. Hope you do too. Sorry the A/N's are getting shorter, but I have to go. Read and Review, more story to come! Coming up: Harry's birthday and the conclusion! OH BOY!
Toodles!