I'll Always Remember You
By Duck Goddess
Disclaimer: I don't own anything mentioned here except the plot.
basketball15 – I was too busy to update this weekend. LOL, yeah, finally! Yes, there's an epilogue (there's usually an epilogue) and yes, there are only two chapters left. Thanks!
Outsider08 – Thanks! I personally thought it was a tad bit rushed but I'm glad you found that it was cute.
Joy1 – LOL, I'm sorry you had a sucky afternoon. I'm glad this made up for it. Nah, this chapter's Ron and Hermione's wedding so there's not a lot of kissing…sorry.
Rozie – Thanks! Nah, you didn't rush me…I was planning to update that day.
Starfiregirl5671 – LOL, well, they're already together so it's not much of a cliffhanger, is it?
Sunshne5 – Thanks! You're welcome. Nah, I had to have Harry and Ginny together…LOL, I agree.
Baby-Atemu – Thanks! Can't breathe! Yeah, well, that was just to make things more interesting…
BowlingStar – That's alright. I'm sorry you lost the game on Monday and how you can't go to the next one.
Zarroc – LOL, yay! Yes, although I thought that the new rider was his half-brother or something while reading the 1st book. I didn't know that he was his actual brother! I'm hoping the new rider can escape Galbatorix though…sigh I miss Brom…
Caitlyn – Thanks! Happy Birthday (I'll do another one before the chapter starts)! Funny how our birthdays are so close…
mmoore1545 – Thanks! I'm glad you found it funny.
BoOkWoRm0f2005 – Yeah. Only this chapter and next chapter left though…sigh
KRB91 – LOL, yay, finally! The last chapters are actually Ron and Hermione's wedding. Hope you enjoy it!
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stressygirl – Thanks! Well, I'm only 13…I don't write well. Read the stories on my 'favourites' and you'll see what I mean.
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Happy 13th Birthday, Caitlyn! And Happy Birthday, Minerva McGonagall (even though Minnie's was on the 4th of Oct)! Also, THIS FIC HAS 200 REVIEWS! THANKS GUYS!
Chapter Seventeen – The Disastrous Wedding
10:00 am, 1st September, 2000. The Grangers' House.
"Oh God, I don't think I can do this!" Hermione wailed, soaking Luna's shirt. "I'm only 20 years old! I'm spending the rest of my life with him! And what if the man I'm marrying isn't Ron at all? He's just a sick Death Eater trying to kill us all!"
"Herm, the war is OVER. There are NO sick Death Eaters trying to kill us," Ginny soothed, patting the bride-to-be's back. "And, erm, you love Ron! You shouldn't be crying. You're marrying the love of your life and you should be very happy about it!"
"I need to go to the loo," said Hermione quickly. She quickly ran to the toilet and Ginny and Luna heard retching noises. She came out, looking slightly ill.
"Go get Mrs. Granger," Ginny muttered to Luna. She nodded and went downstairs. Moments later, Hermione's mother rushed into the room.
"Oh, Mum!" Hermione cried at the sight of her mother, flinging her arms around her.
"Oh, Hermione, everything's going to be alright. Ron's lovely," Mrs. Granger said gently, stroking her daughter's hair. Ginny snorted at that comment. Ron was FAR from lovely. "Even your father thinks so! Now, you should stop crying because Lavender and Parvati are arriving soon to do your makeup."
Hermione nodded and quickly wiped her tears away. Ginny and Luna sighed with relief. Neither of them were good at comforting people.
"I'm sorry, Ginny, Luna. I must have sounded like an idiot," Hermione said, still wiping her tears away.
"You don't need to be sorry, Herm," Luna said, "I've seen millions of people cry before their wedding."
"Yes, I cried," Mrs. Granger agreed, "Your father and I were extremely nervous. Our wedding was disastrous. The best man forgot the rings!"
"What if our wedding's like that?" Hermione cried hysterically, "And half of the guests are Muggles! We'd have to get obliviators and we'd get into SO much trouble with the Ministry! Oh, I'm going to MURDER the twins if they turn someone into a canary! I've warned them about the guests being Muggles but I don't know if they listened!"
"Don't worry, dear. Harry's not that stupid," Mrs. Granger said, remembering the skinny, Auror trainee she met. He seemed very intelligent.
Ginny frowned at the mention of her boyfriend's name. Lately, he was being very secretive and mysterious. He was constantly chatting quietly with Ron and Hermione. When she asked them about it, they would just smirk and give her knowing looks. Ginny knew that Harry's best friends knew something that she didn't.
Is Harry cheating on me?
No, Ron would pound his brains out. And then put his brains back in and do it again. And again.
Then what the hell is he doing? As far as I know, there's no Voldemort-wannabe on the loose…
I don't know. Just focus on the wedding. You're the maid-of-honour, remember?
"Oh, I will pound Harry's brains out if that happens," Hermione muttered. Ginny stared at her. Was Hermione able to read minds? No wonder. She had been acting very strange lately and it had nothing to do with Harry's secret.
"Don't worry, Hermione," Luna said, rolling her eyes, "I'm sure Harry will bring the rings. And nothing bad will happen, I promise."
Hermione had no time to reply as Lavender and Parvati had arrived with boxes full of makeup and hair stuff. Ginny, Hermione and Luna paled instantly.
"Okay, let's get to work," Lavender ordered, "We'll do Hermione first. Now, sit down in front of the mirror and tell me what you want."
"I didn't actually want makeup. But my mum insisted on it," Hermione said, staring at the boxes warily.
"Whatever," Parvati said, rolling her eyes, "Lavender will be doing the makeup and I'll be doing your hair." She tugged at Hermione's bushy, brown hair and tutted.
Ginny and Luna had amused looks on their faces as Lavender and Parvati got to work. Mrs. Granger smiled blissfully.
"She'll look beautiful," Hermione's mother said to them.
"Yeah," Ginny agreed, "Ron will faint."
There was constant muttering from Lavender and Parvati like 'what have you been doing to yourself?' and 'god, look at that hair!' Hermione tried not to look offended but it wasn't working.
"You are paying us for this, right?" Parvati asked.
"Um, you'll get to be at the wedding of your old classmates?" Hermione said weakly. Lavender and Parvati gasped in horror.
"You mean, we're not getting money for this?" Lavender asked, her jaw hanging, "I should make you look like a hag!"
"Twenty galleons each," she quickly replied. The duo looked at each other and nodded in approval.
"You'll be the prettiest bride in history," Lavender announced, applying eye shadow.
Soon, Lavender and Parvati stopped. They spun Hermione around to face Ginny, Luna and Mrs. Granger. They gasped.
"Oh my God, Hermione," Mrs. Granger breathed.
"What is with your lip?" Luna asked tactlessly.
Lavender and Parvati frowned and bent down to inspect it. They too, gasped.
"What? What is it?" Hermione asked worriedly.
"It's swollen!" Parvati wailed.
"Oh no!" Hermione rushed to the mirror and started crying.
"Hermione, it's alright. I'll contact Mum to see if she knows a spell to fix it," Ginny said, instantly taking charge. She Disapparated and arrived in the kitchen at The Burrow in a second. It was surprisingly quiet and she frowned. I thought it would be chaotic.
"Mum!" Ginny called, running up the stairs. She found her mother in Ron's room, pacing worriedly.
"Ginny!" Mrs. Weasley cried, "Ron still hasn't arrived! Neither has Harry! And what are you doing in a t-shirt and shorts? The wedding is in two hours!"
"Mum, calm down! You know I don't take long! And, um, I think Hermione's had an allergic reaction to the makeup Lavender and Parvati applied. Do you know a spell to fix it?"
"Of course!" Mrs. Weasley said incredulously, "Every woman does!"
"Er, I don't," Ginny reminded her.
"Well, you're too much like your brothers," Mrs. Weasley said disapprovingly, "I mean, going into Auror training…"
"Mum, this isn't the time. Just hold onto me and I'll Apparate there."
They arrived in Hermione's room and Hermione lifted her head from the bed. Mrs. Weasley gasped. Her lip resembled a sausage. She quickly took out her wand and muttered a spell. Her lip was back to normal.
"Oh, thank you, Mrs. Weasley!" Hermione cried, touching her lip. She was looking much better now, pretty even. Her makeup wasn't overdone and it gave off a very natural look. Her frizzy curls were softened and they looked glossy and sleek. They were piled on top of her head and Lavender and Parvati sighed happily.
"You look so beautiful, dear! You're positively glowing! And call me Molly now! After all, you're like the daughter I never had," Mrs. Weasley said fondly, hugging her. There was a pause and Ginny's head quickly snapped around.
"Excuse me?" Ginny said angrily. Her head looked like it was on fire now.
"I'll just get back to The Burrow and wait for Ron, Harry and the rest," Mrs. Weasley said quickly and Disapparated.
"I can't believe that!" Ginny yelled furiously, "The daughter I never had! Tsk! Just because I like Qudditch and I'm in Auror training!"
"This isn't the time for family issues, Gin," Luna said serenely, "And did she just say 'wait for Ron, Harry and the rest'?"
"Oh yeah, they haven't arrived yet," Ginny said absentmindedly, still angry from Mrs. Weasley's insult.
"We've only got two hours until the wedding!" Hermione cried, "Oh Merlin, I thought HARRY could knock some sense into Ron and his brothers!"
"Whatever. It's your turn, Ginny," Lavender said, forcing her into the chair. Minutes passed and Ginny was declared 'gorgeous'. Her scarlet waves were in a half-ponytail and her hair rested on her shoulders.
Luna soon endured Lavender's and Parvati's work. Her dirty blonde hair was pulled into a half-ponytail too.
"I'm so proud," Lavender said, smiling, "You three actually look GOOD!" The trio couldn't snap back because a distraction arrived in the form of Mrs. Weasley.
"Ron, Harry, Bill and the rest still haven't arrived," Mrs. Weasley said worriedly.
"We only have an hour and a half till the wedding starts!" Hermione said hysterically, still in a nightdress.
"Do you know where the bachelor party was?" Mrs. Granger asked her fellow 'mother'.
"No," Mrs. Weasley said apologetically, "None of them told us where it was in case we went there to check on them."
"I'm sure they'll show up," Luna said confidently, "Besides, men have it easy. They don't have to do hair or makeup or anything. They just put on dress robes. Or in this case, suits."
"Oh God, what on earth would they be doing right now?" Hermione cried, leaning on Ginny for support in case she fainted. Ginny remained silent. She knew exactly what her brothers and boyfriend would be doing after a bachelor party but she didn't want her stressed friend to find out.
Harry opened his eyes wearily. Where the hell am I? he thought. His head was pounding and everything seemed so…loud. Oh God, I didn't get drunk with Gin again, did I? He sat up and looked around. The Weasleys were lying all over the place and empty bottles were littered on the floor.
He suddenly remembered exactly what happened. They shooed the strippers away after they found out that they were men and got drunk. Harry looked beside him. Ron was snoring blissfully, unaware of his surroundings. He checked his watch. It was 10:45. I think I'll just go back to sleep. Wait…10:45…12:00…holy shit, the wedding!
Harry jumped and quickly shook Ron.
"Come on, you git, wake up!" he cried desperately.
"No, Mum, fifteen more minutes," Ron muttered, rolling over.
"RON! THE WEDDING IS IN AN HOUR AND FIFTEEN MINUTES! IT TAKES AN HOUR TO GET TO LONDON FROM YOUR HOUSE!" Harry yelled in his best friend's ear.
Ron quickly sat up, his eyes wide.
"Mum's going to kill us," was the first sentence out of his mouth. They quickly woke up the rest of the Weasleys, Dean Thomas, Seamus Finnigan, Ernie Macmillan and some other blokes from Hogwarts.
"I can't believe the strippers were men," Charlie complained.
"Whatever, we have to get to The Burrow!" Bill said. Harry and the Weasleys said goodbye to the rest and Apparated. Molly Weasley stared at them, looking livid.
"WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? I HAVE BEEN WORRIED SICK! HERMIONE IS HAVING KITTENS!" she shouted, red in the face.
"Really?" Ron asked, remembering the time Hermione turned into a cat.
"NO, YOU IDIOT! AND HARRY, I THOUGHT YOU WOULD HAVE SOME SENSE TO NOT GET DRUNK AND COME BACK HUNG OVER! I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN YOU! NO, I AM FURIOUS!"
"No shit, Sherlock," Fred and George muttered in unison.
"You know what? I'll deal with you lot after the wedding. You have to get ready. We're leaving in ten minutes," Mrs. Weasley growled, turning on her heel and stalking off. Harry and the rest of them ran up to Ron's room and quickly got dressed, combed their hair (well, Harry tried to) and ran outside.
"Come on, boys, get in!" Mr. Weasley ordered, "Molly told me what happened. How was the party – I mean, I'm very disappointed in you as well!" They piled into the car and Mr. Weasley drove off, heading to London.
An hour later, Harry and the Weasleys arrived in front of the church (Hermione's family were Catholic). Mr. Weasley smiled excitedly at the sight of all the Muggles heading inside.
They quickly walked in, ignoring all the stares they received for being so late. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Charlie, Fred and George sat down while Ron hesitated.
"Oh God, I can't do this. I'm getting married!" Ron muttered. Harry patted him on the arm while Bill smirked.
"It's not that bad," he said, "But I guess I've got a part-Veela so that's alright."
"I can do this, I can do this, I can do this," Ron chanted. Suddenly, the music started and he paled.
"Don't worry, mate," Harry whispered. Ron quickly nodded and walked to the front.
He saw Bill link arms with Luna and smiled. Then, Ginny appeared. She looked stunning as she smiled serenely at him.
"Hey, Gin," he said hoarsely.
"Hi. Mum told me about what happened. Let's do this."
They linked arms and Harry had to stop himself from grabbing her and snogging her senseless. He felt her warmth radiate from her and grinned. He felt Ron give him a look that said: 'that's my sister you're holding so back off even if you're the Boy-Who-Lived and her boyfriend'. They stopped at the front as she stood across him. Ginny winked at him and Harry felt his heart beat faster.
Then, everyone stood up as Hermione walked down. She linked arms with Mr. Granger and she only had eyes for Ron. Harry saw Ginny snigger as Ron's jaw dropped. He had to stop himself from sniggering as well.
Hermione was walking gracefully when suddenly – "Oof!" Hermione cried as she fell flat on her face. Everyone gasped in horror. Harry saw Mrs. Granger put her head in her hands while tiny Professor Flitwick, who was receiving many curious stares from Hermione's relatives, chuckled.
Mr. Granger helped her up and he saw that her face was bright red. She practically ran the rest of the way and was still scarlet when she faced Ron in front of the priest. Poor Hermione, Harry thought sympathetically.
"We are gathered here today to witness the union of Ronald Bilius Weasley and Hermione Jane Granger," he droned. Harry quickly tuned out as he stared at Ginny. She smiled at him and he smiled back. God, how should I do this? he asked as he stared at Ron and Hermione. They made it look so easy, just standing there, grinning at each other.
"Ron, I've loved you ever since I met you," Hermione said, her eyes shining with tears. Harry felt tears well in his eyes as well. "You're the only one who can make me laugh when I'm angry and you're the only one who can stop me studying during exams. You're the bravest man I know and the most loyal. I love you."
Harry saw that Ginny had tears streaming down her cheeks now.
"Hermione, ever since I saw you on the train on this day nine years ago, I knew you were special," Ron said, smiling softly at Hermione, "You're the one who stops me from doing stupid things, you're the one who can actually get me to study and you're the one who keeps me alive. You're the most intelligent person I know and you're the only one I like to argue with. I love you with all my heart."
There was a sob and Harry saw that it was from Luna.
"The rings, please," the priest said. Harry put his hand in his pocket. There was nothing there. He checked the other pocket. There was nothing there. Oh shit, Harry thought, panicking. He looked up at Ron and Hermione. They were looking at him expectantly.
"The rings, please," the priest repeated impatiently.
"Er, I must have left them," Harry said quietly, feeling the heat rise in his cheeks. Hermione looked furious. He gulped.
"We'll get them," Ginny offered.
"It takes an hour to drive back to The Burrow," Harry said as they ran outside.
"I know. We're Apparating," Ginny snapped as she Disapparated. Harry sighed and he followed. They arrived in Ron's room and he spotted them on the dresser.
"Come on, let's go!" Ginny said quickly, Disapparating.
"Why do I never get to snog her?" Harry muttered as he Disapparated. They ran back inside. Harry heard whispers like 'how did they get back so quickly?'
"I left them in the car," he replied.
Harry gave the rings to them. Hermione still looked angry and was glaring at him repeatedly.
"You may kiss the bride," the priest said, smiling. Everyone waited as Ron just stood there, gaping.
"Ron, kiss me!" Hermione hissed, looking quickly at her Muggle relatives. He snapped out of it and kissed her. Hermione's relatives were staring Ron like he was from another planet.
The Weasleys, Ron's friends and Hermione's parents cheered. They smiled at them as they left the church and got into the car. They drove off towards the hotel.
"They're going to fight in the car," Ginny muttered beside Harry. He smiled at her. He knew she was right as he put a device in the car. He held out a speaker-like thing and they could hear every word they were saying.
"You're wonderful," Ginny said. She kissed him and they listened to what the newlywed couple was saying.
"Ron, you're such an idiot! Why didn't you kiss me?"
"I was shocked! I can't believe we're married!"
"Don't change the subject, Ronald Weasley! Now my relatives think that I married a moron!"
"Geez, just because you tripped while walking down the aisle it doesn't mean you can take it out on me!"
"DO NOT REMIND ME OF THAT! And I can't believe you forgot the rings! Wait…what is that thing sticking out?"
"Oh Merlin…it's a recording device used by Aurors. Harry must have planted it."
Ginny and Harry couldn't hear another word after that. She sighed.
"Come on. We still have to go to the reception," she said as they got into another car.
A/N: Review, please! The idea of Ron and Hermione's wedding day is inspired by After the End by Arabella and Zsenya. Next chapter: Ginny finds out exactly why Harry was acting so mysterious.