The next morning dawned bright and sunny. Excitement buzzed through the house like a hundred bees. Harry's head swam in and out of sleep as cheery voices floated to him, until he was finally fully awakened by something being thrown over his head. He jerked up quickly, looking around and pulling a large piece of fabric from his face.

"Wake up, Harry!" said Hermione's cheery voice. "You too, Ron!"

"Wha'?" said Ron's sleep-coated voice. "Why?"

"The wedding!" Hermione said, as Harry noticed that the piece of fabric was actually his dress-robes. He rubbed eyes with the heels of his hands and pulled on his glasses. Hermione was wearing a very floral, white outfit that looked pretty much like a long-sleeved medieval gown. She was hurriedly twirling her hair around her wand as she looked at them, leaving the tendrils to drip over her shoulder in the curls she created.

Ron, who was staring at her as though he'd never seen a girl properly, made no move to get out of bed. Harry, on the other hand, merely grinned and stood up. Looking around, he pulled on his glasses.

"When are we leaving?" he asked, finally breaking the silence. Hermione leapt on the opportunity.

"As soon as the car gets here," she said, moving towards Ron's dresser and starting to pull out his dress-robes for him. Harry gave pause, looking around.

"The car? Why? We can just Appa-" Harry began.

"You don't have a license," Hermione interrupted reprovingly.

"I Apparated when I was with Dumbled…" Harry broke off. Ron looked over, out of his trance. Clearing her throat, Hermione threw Ron's sleek black robes at him.

"Mrs. Weasley thinks it's best if we just play things safe. If you were to get caught, things could be drastic," she said with a sniff, not meeting any of their eyes.

"Drastic?" Ron said, finally throwing the covers off his bed and running his fingers through his hair. "This is the "Chosen One" we're talking about. He could murder somebody and no one would care."

"That's not funny, Ron," Hermione said over Harry's laughter as he left to change into his robes. His smile remained on his face, even as he passed the narrow hallways, which were strangely quiet. If Harry hadn't known better, he might have thought that Hermione had made a mistake, and that the wedding wasn't really today. Reaching the bathroom, he noticed that the door was closed, and was about to knock when an ominous sound met his ears.

Sniffling. Somebody was crying. Wishing he had one of Fred and George's Extendable Ears, he laid the side of his head to the door, guilt squirming in his chest.

"Idiot!" he heard an enraged voice hiss. "Stubborn, callous….heartless!" with each word, the voice grew louder, and Harry still couldn't place it.

"Harry?" said a new voice that nearly made him leap out of his skin. He turned and saw Ginny standing there, looking extraordinarily pretty in her lavender robes, with her hair braided down her back. He heard instant shuffling behind the bathroom door, and knew whoever was in there was coming out.

"Shit," Harry whispered.

"Harr-" Ginny began again, frowning, but Harry clamped a hand over her mouth and pulled her around the corner just as the door opened. For a few seconds, silence and stillness reigned complete, the whole time Harry was aware of Ginny's sweet, flowery scent. Then, in time with his sigh of relief, footsteps broke out down the hallway, walking in the opposite direction. He took the chance and stuck his head out the doorway in time to see Tonks's mousy-brown hair whip out of sight.

His mind worked at full-speed. Why was Tonks crying? And who was she calling all those names? Could she perhaps be talking about Lupin? Had he really refused to go to the wedding? Or had he just refused to go with her? He gave a long sigh, and couldn't help but feel sorry for her. Lupin really did need to come to his senses. Sure, he was trying to protect her, but the fact was that they were both obviously in love, and there was very little to do about it. It was inevitable.

"Harry!" Ron's voice cracked around the corner. Harry leapt out of his skin for the second time that day, and remembered too that he still had Ginny pinned to the wall. He let go of her with such force that she nearly toppled over. "What…why…?" Ron spluttered, and Harry quickly realized what it must have looked like from Ron's point of view.

Ginny realized what he thought too, and began laughing. Harry couldn't help but grin. Ron frowned even more severely.

"What the bloody hell!" he raged. Harry shook his head.

"Come on, I've got to tell you what I just saw," he said dismissively, walking away with a last quick grin at Ginny. She stood there smiling for a few seconds, watching her brother spluttering crazily after Harry. The smile soon faded, however, for even she knew that, once they were in school, surrounded by so many potential spies, the two of them would have no choice but to pretend that things had ended between them.

Nearly an hour later, a large white van pulled up a narrow, gravel drive. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny were all settled comfortably, looking around rather nervously. The only one of them that had ever been to a wedding had been Hermione, and she was rather prone to spouting bits of pieces of her experiences to a group that really couldn't have cared less. Only Ron made an effort to pretend to listen, perhaps feeling obligated. Finally, however, after a particularly long and drawn out description of the, "…wonderful dancing-it was so romantic-" he gave a loud, meaningful yawn.

"Am I boring you?" Hermione asked, snippily. Ron turned to her slowly.

"More than you'll ever know," he said. She glared at him, and then turned with a huff toward the window.

"Alright everyone, we're here!" Mr. Weasley said from the passenger seat, opening the van door with some difficulty. And though he had a perfectly convincing smile on his face when he thanked the driver, Harry was sure he heard him mutter, "Damn Ministry. Next time we're Apparating. Legal or not!"

"Here here," Harry, Ron and Ginny muttered under their breaths. They all looked at Hermione who blushed.

"You don't have your licenses!" she said indignantly.

"This way, dears," Mrs. Weasley said, getting out of the car as well and ushering them along.

Harry took his time to look around now as Hermione and Ron began to argue about Apparating. Their van was slowly pulling out of a rather quaint driveway. They were now heading towards some very cozy looking white gates, with large purple flowers climbing up the bars towards the bright, sunny sky. Harry could hardly have suggested a better day to have a wedding. It wasn't too hot, or too cold, and the blue sky was dabbed here and there with soft white clouds, as though placed there by a talented artist.

Before they reached the gates, they creaked slightly, and Harry stopped with Hermione, Ron, Ginny and Mrs. and Mr. Weasley. Nobody moved, and Harry looked around uncertainly. The only other person that seemed to be concerned with the fact that nobody was opening the gates was Hermione.

"Er…shouldn't we go in?" she asked tentatively.

"Of course we'll go in!" Mrs. Weasley said with a smile. Harry started to move forward, but when nobody else followed his movements, he froze.

"What…?" he began, but then a voice broke out from out of nowhere.

"Good afternoon!" it said. The voice was of an elderly man, yet Harry looked everywhere.

"Hello, there," said Mr. Weasley. Ginny nudged Harry, who was still looking nonplussed, and saw where she was pointing. He nearly leapt backwards in shock. Things normally didn't shock him, having gotten used to most things wizard. But in the middle of the gates, where a lock might have been, appeared a face.

"Names?" the gate asked.

"You've got to be kidding me," Harry whispered.

"Oh my…" Hermione gasped, her eyes wide with amusement.

"This is Arthur Weasley, Molly Weasley, Ginny Weasley, Ron Weasley, Harry Potter, and Hermione Granger," Mr. Weasley said promptly. There was a soft metallic click, and then the gates swung wide.

"Have a pleasant day!" said the gate as they all passed, smiling wearily at them.

"I suppose next we're to meet the Cheshire Cat?" Harry said jokingly. Hermione began to laugh, but the Weasleys simply looked around at each other, unsure. "It's a book…" he said. "Alice in Wonderland…. Oh never mind," he muttered. But as he walked forward, all of his frustration left him at once, and was replaced by awe. In front of him stood a most beautiful scene. A small cottage, like one out of a fairytale, was sitting delicately in a dainty clearing, surrounded by flowers and lush trees. Over to the far right, was a large lake, beside the lake was an altar so magnificent, he was surprised it wasn't the first thing he noticed. Fairies and strange floating puffs of what seemed like colored smoke wafted about. Little rainbows were drawing themselves over the lake continuously, and the trees seemed to be alive with giggling, as if they were enjoying the event as well.

Set beside the cottage, which he noticed people were milling in and out of, was a large stage, where some of the most enchanting music was being performed. Harps, flutes, drums, all mixed to make one soft melody, to which words were added to by a gorgeous young woman. In fact, gorgeous was a huge understatement. She was the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen. He had to talk to her, impress her. Before he knew it, he was walk/running towards her.

"Harry!" said an annoyed voice, and his arm was grabbed by a firm hand. He turned to see a furious Ginny. He realized what he'd been doing, and winced. He was heartened, however, to see that he wasn't alone. Ron was looking at the girl while Hermione ranted in his non-comprehending face.

"Uh…sorry. I was just…the uh…cottage…it's so nice…" he said uncomfortably. Ginny smirked.

"A little too nice," she said with her lips pursed. Harry gave a sheepish grin, but it was quickly knocked from him, as was the air from his lungs, as a small girl ran to him and threw her arms around his waist. He looked down in horror, at a small blonde head.

"'Arry!" the girl said, and she looked up at him, her delicate face graced with a smile. He recognized her as Fleur's sister.

"Gabrielle!" Harry said warmly, prying the girl off of him.

"Oh, I've meesed you so much!" she glowed.

"Hello," Ginny said pointedly. Gabrielle looked up at her for a second, then back to Harry.

"'I've seen you een zee papers," she said, ignoring Ginny's huff of indignation. Harry sent her an apologetic look, but she rolled her eyes. "Eez it true? You are, zee Chosen One?"

"Uh…. I don't know about being a Chosen One," Harry hedged uncertainly. "Are you excited for your sister?" he said, more to distract her than actually caring.

"Oh yes. She 'as made a wonderful choice! Though 'e isn't very 'andsome. Not like you…."

"Er…right," Harry said, very aware of Ginny's mutinous glare on the side of his head. "Well, it was good seeing you again," he said. She smiled and nodded. Giving him another hug, she floated off to stand with her mother.

"I see she takes after her sister," Ginny said wryly. "Come on, there are refreshments in the cottage," she said forcefully, and took his arm, leading him away rather more angrily than was necessary. He allowed it, however, being too busy looking around him. To his surprise, he knew most of the people there. Kingsley Shacklebolt, Arabella Figg, Charlie Weasley, Mad-Eye Moody and the rest of the Order were littered among the Veela that Harry guessed were Fleur's family. Also Hagrid and Madame Maxine were taking up a rather large amount of space as they attempted to waltz to the lovely music that, now that Harry was closer, he saw was played by Wood Nymphs.

Upon entering the cottage, he realized that it must have been magicked to be much larger on the inside than it looked on the outside, for now its size resembled that of the Great Hall in Hogwarts. It was almost as crowded inside as it was out. House-Elves tottered around, offering punch and tiny sandwiches on silver platters.

"Can't wait to see the look on Hermione's face when she sees that," Harry muttered to Ginny, who grinned.

"Hey look!" she whispered suddenly, pointing to a corner of the room, where two people looked as if they weren't having the least bit of fun. Lupin and Tonks were sitting together, not talking, but occasionally throwing sorrowful looks at one another. "I think we know why Tonks was crying earlier."

"Yeah…" Harry whispered. "Come on," he said then as he saw Lupin notice his staring.

"I wonder-" Ginny began to speak, but a large bang resounded outside, and screams could be heard. Hary's heart thundered to a crash. No…today was supposed to be a happy day. Nothing should ruin it. He saw Ginny's eyes widening to as she realized that certainly, an attack was being made on them. Harry grabbed her hand in haste, and made his way outside with Ginny right on his heels.

Pushing through the throng of people, he finally was able to get outside in time to see a huge firework zooming around in the air. It began painting a scene on the blue canvas the sky presented. The picture featured Bill and Fleur holding hands and smiling at one another, and was done in a very cartoon-like style. Next, went up a second firework that quickly wrote the words, "Happy Wedding Day!" in bright pink. Finally, a third firework zoomed into the air, and exploded with such force, Harry felt the heels of his shoes quake. Red and silver confetti shot through the air, sprinkling like rain on top of them all, who were now applauding at the wild display.

Harry was laughing too, as two figures suddenly Apparated in front of the crowd, identical to the last detail, and both sporting huge, sloppy grins.

"Those two are the limit," Ginny said through a laugh, even as she clapped along with everyone else.

"Fast Font Fireworks!" the two said to the crowd. "Only five galleons each! A bargain!" But before they could do anymore advertising, Mrs. Weasley stormed over, berating them, and shaking her finger at them. They brushed it off, however, and hugged her quickly before leaving her standing with her finger still in the air while they took orders from various customers.

Harry shook his head, still getting over the fright. "That scared me half to death," he said with a laugh.

"You should have seen your face!" said Ron's voice from behind him. Harry turned to see him and Hermione.

"He had every reason to-" Hermione said, though she was also grinning.

"Running out of that house like a madman!" Ron howled, grasping his knees.

"Well, I'm glad you think it's so funny," Harry said dryly, ignoring him. But then Hermione became tense.

"Look!" she whispered. She was looking up at the stage, where Harry noticed the Veela girl had stopped singing, and had given the microphone up to an extremely tall, blonde man. He was thin nosed, fair-complexioned, and had a very familiar air about him.

"That must be Fleur's dad," Ron whispered. And Harry noticed the resemblances soon, realizing that Ron was quite right.

"Excuse me," he said, and Harry wasn't surprised to hear that he had a very light, airy voice. "May I have your attention? Up here, please."

The noise in the crown lessened, and soon all faces were turned towards him.

"Thank you," he said silkily. "Now, first of all I'd like to welcome old friends, and new friends alike. This bond between two people could not have been more unexpected, nor could it have been more perfect. So if I could please just ask you all to progress to an area that has been set up behind the house, here. Seats have been assigned to you, and we have quite a few House-Elves that would be most happy to help you find your seat." Hermione gave a hearty sniff of disgust at this point. "Thank you."

"Come on," Ginny said, and they began to move along with the huge, bustling crowd. Pushing and shoving, they finally managed to sit in their seats without too much hassle. There was without a doubt a great amount of excitement, and a fair amount of curiosity too. It hadn't gone unnoticed that nobody had seen hide or hair of the bride or groom. The chairs they sat in faced the flower-covered altar, perched on the edge of the glistening sapphire lake.

Fifteen minutes passed slowly, and then a portly wizard came forward and stood at the altar. Harry could only guess he would be the man marrying them. Then he jumped in his seat, along with quite a few other people, as loud music played from the stage. Harry, who had been expecting the usual wedding song, got quite a shock. It was a song he'd never heard before. Then again, he thought, he'd never been to a wizard's wedding before either.

He began looking around for any sign of the bride and groom, but none was to be found, until a few gasps and some pointing brought his attention to a small but glistening boat in the lake. It glided softly to them, cutting through the water as if it were a beautiful fabric. Harry craned his neck, and saw that inside the boat was Bill and Fleur. They were dressed magnificently, and Fleur was absolutely breath-taking. Well, Harry thought, not as breath-taking as Ginny….

"Oh wow," he heard Hermione whisper softly. The sight before them was so relaxing, and very sweet. When the boat reached the land, Fleur and Bill got out, holding hands and smiling. Together they walked up to the beginning of the aisle. Harry, who wasn't quite sure what they were going to do, watched with baited breath. After a while, as he swallowed, he became aware that he was actually quite chilly.

The bride and groom began to walk down the aisle together, smiling still more brilliantly, Bill's scarred face as handsome as ever in Fleur's eyes. Harry wrapped his arms around himself as goosebumps raised the hairs on the back of his neck. Squinting his eyes, he tried to see the wedding procedures through a newfound fog.

All seemed to grow very quiet, and Harry looked around to see that it had gotten very dark. He let out a breath of air that shimmered in front of him. He looked at Ginny, who was shivering next to him, looking up in the sky with terror written all over her face. Not a single soul moved. It was as if the entire world had turned to silent ice. Shivering uncontrollably, he slowly looked upwards. His gaze landed on what he had known was coming, yet didn't want to believe it.

Floating above them, coating the air and sky with a curtain of melancholy, was Harry's worst nightmare, in the shape of hundreds of Dementors. Their faceless forms floated above, and all happiness was sucked from within him. As he stared up into the whispy shapes, his heart did a thundering race as he heard Ginny drop out of her chair next to him.

"No…" Harry whispered faintly as a high-pitched screaming filled his ears. "NO!"