Chapter Four: A Wedding to Forget
Wedding guests began to arrive at the Burrow a little before seven. Hermione had done a splendid job on the gardens, creating a large and beautiful scene for the wedding, full of roses of yellow, pink, white and red. When Harry had first seen what his friend had done, he thought immediately of the rose gardens outside the Yule Ball in their fourth year. He told Hermione this and she blushed and admitted that was where she had gotten the idea.
Harry and Ron were entrusted the job of ushering guest to their seats, taking any gifts to the gift table, and making sure everyone was comfortable enough. Fred and George were initially slated to perform said task, but the decision was made to have Ron and Harry do it. Much safer that way. Harry had been a bit uneasy at first about conversing with the extended Weasley family, but after Ron's Aunt M-Something told him he looked like Harry Potter, he got over it. Hermione had done a decent job of covering up his scar with his hair, even using hair spray, which made Ron gag and cough, swearing about Muggle poisons. Harry was wearing a new set of dress robes, black, with fine gold stitched details along the edges, and with his scar mostly hidden, he decided he didn't look much like himself.
Ron was wearing black dress robes as well, the same pair Fred and George had bought for him two years prior, and between Hermione and Mrs. Weasley, they had been able to fit them to his every growing limbs. Ron's were a modest black, lined with scarlet and had scarlet satin accenting the edges.
The chairs lining up to the alter were soon filled with family members and guests, and Harry realized that the Delacours were the French equivalent of the Weasleys. There was a equal amount of silvery blond hair as there was red, splitting the two families into equal sides of the sitting area, the aisle in the middle. Harry and Ron took their seats on either side of Hermione, who Harry had to escort to her seat because Ron had been to awe struck to move. Hermione, in Harry's opinion, looked absolutely beautiful, and it was one of the rare moments that Harry fully realized that Hermione was indeed a girl. Having rarely seen Hermione in anything other than her school robes, or the occasional Muggle attire, it was always a treat to see her get excited about dressing up. Her hair was done up in a fountain of curls falling down her back, with tiny gold specks in her hair. Harry suspected it was some sort of glitter. Her dress robes were sleeveless, and strapless, and was black with large gold flowers embroidered across the fabric. It clung to Hermione in places Harry hadn't exactly been aware that Hermione had possessed, and wasn't sure he needed to know about them. The fabric stopped gracefully at her ankles, ending with some ruffley fabric Harry didn't know the exact name of, though it was a bit absurd to think of Hermione in ruffles.
A soft music was playing as everyone settled down in their seats, and a warm breeze went through the wedding guests. It was a warm evening in early August, and Harry was grateful for a moment of nothing to worry or think about.
That moment ended as soon as Ginny Weasley stepped out of the house and onto the soft fabric runner leading from the doorway to the alter. The moment she appeared, Harry's breath caught in his throat and for a moment he thought his heart stopped. He had never seen Ginny look more beautiful, and stunning, than she did now. If the thought that Hermione had been a transformation from what he normally saw her as, it was nothing compared to Ginny. And if Harry had thought that Hermione had parts that he didn't need to know about, it was more important now that Harry not know about parts that Ginny had possessed. In fact he was having a hard time thinking about anything else. Ginny looked gorgeous in her bridesmaid dress of pale yellow, a color Ginny had described as "butter," though she had said it with disgust. At first glimpse, Harry had thought her gown was strapless as well, but as she came farther down the aisle, he could see tiny straps holing the glorious garment up. It fit Ginny's frame perfectly, and the bottom was gathered up on each side with a bow, revealing a layer of poofy, scratchy looking fabric beneath.
Harry had never seen Ginny look so unlike herself and look exactly like he remembered her looking all at the same time. He was confused, he was bewildered, he was entranced. He was hooked.
Ginny smiled and winked at him as she passed, and he did nothing, realizing moments later that he had been staring at her in shock, his mouth slightly ajar. He quickly stood was everyone else got to their feet. A song Harry recognized and associated with weddings started from the quartet in corner and Fleur appeared at the doorway.
Fleur looked fantastic, but, Harry figured that was how she always looked. She had a strapless bridal gown, with large intricate embroidery of pinks, blues and yellows across the front of the gown, and along the bottom edges. She had a very long train, and Harry was sure that part of her dress was going to be in the aisle while she stood at the alter. But Ginny and Gabrielle (who Harry hadn't even noticed was present until now) came to the rescue and moved the bride's train to hang delicately along side Fleur's feet.
Sine this was Harry's first wedding, Muggle or Wizarding, ever, he didn't really know what to expect. Whoever was leading the ceremony (the Minister maybe? Harry wasn't sure, as the wizard didn't look very religious) talked on and on about love and dedication and commitment and other powerful magic, and Harry felt his attention start to drift off of what the old wizard was saying and onto Ginny. The bride and groom cast a spell with their wands when they said their vows, the golden sparks from their wands encircling them before settling on their skin. The old wizard did something with his wand and three small white doves appeared out of thin air and flew away. Everyone clapped at that, and Harry was a bit late in applauding because he had been Ginny watching. Hermione had to nudge him and shoot him an urgent look. He smiled apologetically and clapped his hands together with everyone else. It was about this time when Fleur and Bill kissed each other, and as they made their way down the aisle, everyone raised their wands and soft golden sparks rained down upon the newlyweds.
"Harry, did you pay attention at all?" Hermione asked as the wedding party made its way down the aisle behind Fleur and Bill.
"Yes, of course I did," Hermione," Harry said.
"To the wedding?" she asked.
"I-" But Harry stopped talking, because again Ginny was passing by them, her arms linked over the arm of a tall blond haired boy who must have stood on the groom's side, as he was wearing similar robes to Bills.
The long dormant beast roared to life in Harry's chest and his eyes narrowed in dislike.
"That's Donovan Delacour," Hermione said, seeing what had changed Harry's demeanor. "Its Fleur's younger brother. He's in between Fleur and Gabrielle. He's in his last year at Beauxbatons this year."
"Did he stand up with Bill?" Harry asked as they waited for their turn to leave their seats.
"Its wizarding tradition," Ron piped in. "The bride has her own sister and her groom's sister stand for her, and the groom has his own brother and his bride's brother stand for him."
"So what if someone doesn't have any siblings?" Harry asked. "Like Hermione and I, for instance."
"You find someone you feel sisterly and brotherly towards," Ron replied. "It can be a friend or something, I suppose."
"How do you know about wizarding weddings?" Hermione asked, careful not to trip as they followed the progression of people towards the tables on the other end of the garden.
"Uh, Hermione, I was raised as a wizard," Ron replied, chuckling. "Do you know stuff about Muggle weddings?"
"Well, of course, but-"
"Well, then, there you go."
Harry snickered at their banter and Hermione looked like she was trying to find something to say to that, but instead she linked her arm around Ron's and they walked towards their table.
They sat down and before long Ron was pulled away to the receiving line. Mrs. Weasley wanted all of Bill's brothers present.
"Well, except for Percy," Hermione said as Ron walked away.
"What?" Harry asked, tearing his eyes away from Ginny and looked back at Hermione.
"Percy didn't come," Hermione replied.
"You're kidding!"
"Nope."
"That git."
"Mrs. Weasley was quite upset about it earlier," Hermione continued. "She said that you are I were more family that he was."
This seemed to warm Harry's heart and a thought occurred to him.
"Hermione, you know how Ron said that a person's sister was supposed to stand with his bride?"
"Yeah."
"Well," Harry began. "Since you are one of my best friends, and I do think of you like a sister, I wanted you to know that whoever I marry, I'd want you to stand for my sister."
"Oh Harry, do you mean it?" Hermione asked, her eyes filling with tears.
"Of course I do," Harry replied. "I wouldn't have said it if I didn't."
Hermione didn't reply, but threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly.
"Hermione, I didn't mean to upset you," Harry said, patting her back.
"Oh, Harry, you didn't," she replied and pulled away from him, her eyes glistening. "You are just so sweet sometimes. I'd be my honor to stand as your sister. As long as you stand as my brother when I get married."
"I will if I'm there," Harry replied.
"Harry, don't talk like that," Hermione said, her mood changing instantly. "You are going to win this thing and you are going to survive and you are going to live."
Harry knew it wasn't the right place or time to have that argument so he admitted defeat momentarily and just nodded.
"Well, isn't this precious," a voice came and Harry looked past Hermione's shoulder to see Mafalda, the Weasley's cousin.
"So nice to see you two cozying up to one another," Mafalda said, wearing a strait black dress gown, her hair pulled back behind a head band.
"Evening Mafalda," Hermione said. "How's you summer going?"
"Probably better than yours," she replied in a bored voice. "What's got you all upset, didn't get that Head Girl badge like you've dreamed of?"
"It was none of your business what has me upset, and I assure you I have nothing to worry about regarding the position of Head Girl."
"A little full of yourself, aren't we, Granger?" Mafalda asked. "I heard that they made Pansy Parkinson Head Girl this year. Too bad for you, I suppose."
"Well," Harry said, speaking up, "as the Head Boy, I can assure you that ridiculous rumor it just that, ridiculous and a rumor. Is there something that you need Mafalda? Or did you just want to bring your Slytherin cheer our way?"
Mafalda sneered in a way that Harry was certain had to be a trademark Slytherin thing. "The end is coming, Potter, and if you're not careful, you'll drown in the tidal wave."
"Actually, I'll probably be creating said tidal wave, Mafalda," Harry replied coolly. "And if you want to pass around something, pass around this: Tell your Slytherin chums to stay out of my way this year. I have too much going on that I really don't have time to deal with their petty problems. And with Snape gone, no one will be able to dominate your house point loss. This year is going to be different, weather the Slytherins like it or not."
"Enjoying yourself, Mafalda?" Ginny asked from the other side of the table. Harry had been so occupied by Mafalda that he hadn't seen her approach.
"Having a fine time, cousin dear," Mafalda replied before stalking off towards her table.
"Goodness why did she have to come?" Ginny asked. "Mum says she's family, but if she didn't have red hair, I'd question her parentage."
Ginny set her bouquet down on the table and took off her shoes, handing them to Hermione. "Can you re-apply that cushioning charm? My wand is in the house."
"You should always have your wand with you, Ginny," Harry said.
She rolled her eyes as Hermione charmed her satin shoes. "Please, Harry. This wedding is more warded, safeguarded and secure than the Ministry and Hogwarts combined. Nothing is getting through these wards, and not even the guests know where they are. They were all given a portkey that brought them to the outskirts of the wards, where their identity was verified and confirmed, before they were given a slight memory modification so that they would forget being searched. Then they were given a slip of paper from the Burrow's secret keeper, and when they leave, their memory will be modified again, removing the whereabouts of the Burrow. And stay clear of all beverages for the night, just stick with water. The twins spiked all the punch and champagne with something they call Memory Flicker."
"Memory Flicker?" Harry asked.
"Its one of their defense products," Hermione said. "It allows the drinker to be fully aware of what is going one around them, and then when they wake the next morning, they are aware of what happened, just not details. For instance, they will know that they went to Fleur and Bill's wedding, but who else was there, and what they ate and what time of day it was will be fuzzy."
"Sounds a bit dangerous," Harry replied.
"That's why its one of their defense products," Hermione continued. "Think, if it got into the wrong hands. Someone could slip it into someone's drink and then the drinker wouldn't remember what happened the night before."
"Sounds like the date rape drug that Muggles have," Harry said, remembering something he had seen in one of Uncle Vernon's newspapers.
"That's where they got the idea," Hermione replied. "Except this allows you to be fully aware. It doesn't knock you out."
"See, Harry, we are all perfectly safe," Ginny said, putting her shoes back on. "Oh, so much better, thank you, Hermione. I don't know what Fleur was thinking when she picked out these shoes. Or this dress."
"I think you look nice, Ginny," Hermione said.
"Yeah, well," Ginny sighed. "I only have to wear it for dinner, and then dancing and then the cake, and the moment Bill and Fleur Apparate out of here, it's coming off."
Unfortunately the only part Harry caught of Ginny's rant was the part about her dress coming off, and it was unfortunately the wrong part for him to hear. Images flew into his head, and he felt his face heat up.
"You okay, Harry?" Ginny asked.
Harry nodded and quickly drank the entire glass of water sitting before him.
"Well, I'd better get back to the line," Ginny said, still eyeing Harry with concern.
"Have fun," Hermione said.
"Oh yes," Ginny replied sarcastically.
Harry stared at the tablecloth for the next few moments, willing himself not to watch Ginny walk away.
"You can look up now, Harry," Hermione said. "She's not even in sight anymore."
"She's driving me nuts, Hermione," Harry said immediately.
"Well, you are the one that broke up with her," Hermione replied.
"I know, I know," Harry said, and absent mindedly ran his hand through his hair, causing it to stick up on end again. Hermione frowned at his hair. "Oh, sorry, Hermione."
"I can fix it," she said. "Are you starting to rethink your decision to break it off with her?"
"Regret would be more like it," Harry replied. "I was okay when I was at the Dursley's. I mean, I thought about her, but she wasn't here, and she wasn't wearing that dress."
"You know she hates that dress," Hermione said, moving pieces of his hair.
"She looks unbelievable in that dress," Harry replied. "I don't care if she likes it or not."
"You should tell her," Hermione said.
"That I don't think I should have broken up with her? Not likely. At least not yet."
"I actually meant you should tell her that she looks nice in her dress," Hermione said. "But the other thing would be a good idea also. Done."
Harry felt his hair, and it felt like it was lying flat again.
"Thanks, Hermione," Harry said. "What do you think I should do?"
"Have a decent talk with her," Hermione replied. "She's being strong for you, because she thinks that's what you need. She's not going to argue with you about you wanting to put her out of harms way. She respects you enough to stand by your wishes. But that doesn't mean she doesn't like it, or agree with it. She was very excited when she realized you were coming back to Hogwarts this year."
"Was she?" Harry asked. "I don't know how much I'll be at Hogwarts though. I have the staff's permission to come and go as I please, and bring anyone sixth year or above with me."
"Speaking of that topic," Hermione said. "Any more thought or ideas as to when we're going to Godric's Hollow?"
Harry glanced around at the people nearby and cast Muffliato to guarantee them some privacy.
"Ron and I talked about it today, and were planning on filling you in later tonight, or tomorrow. But I'd like to leave within the next couple days. I bought a journal in Diagon Alley, and there are some things I need to jot down in there, some things I've learned since the end of term. At some point we need to get everything down, and we need to get hold of Dumbledore's pensive. We need to narrow down what we're looking for."
"So that we're not looking for just anything," Hermione said. "That will save us time in the long run."
"Well, our long run might be a short run," Harry said. "We don't know how long I can put off confronting Tom. I need to be ready to fight him, and I need to feel more confident about myself and the whole thing. But I also don't want to put it off too long because the longer he's alive, the more people die."
"And on top pf all this, you're going to have to prepare for your N.E.W.T.'s," Hermione said.
Harry chuckled. "Yeah, then there is that, not to mention jut normal school work. I'm going to need your help this year, Hermione."
Hermione smiled. "And I'd be happy to give it, as long as it is duly earned."
"Does trying to find a way to defeat an evil dark wizard count?"
"Yes, unless you've spend every other free moment on Quidditch," Hermione replied. "I know you're Captain again this year, on top of being Head Boy, and that means you're going to have to learn to prioritize your time."
"I was thinking about starting up the DA again," Harry said. "Death Eaters have been in the school before, they will get in again. And I'm supposed to have lessons with different teachers, teaching me stuff I'll need to survive."
"And now you've added the DA and extra lessons on top of all that," Hermione said. "Do you have time to do all this?"
"I've got to," Harry said. "I can't focus on just destroying Tom, because then I've lost my reason to live and survive. And I can't not focus on him at all, because then I can't defeat him. I think winning this war is going to be determined by the equilibrium of my schedule this year. The delicate balance of my life is going to determine whether I can defeat him for good."