Warning: This chapter contains some content not suitable for people under sixteen.
The Midnight Hour
CHAPTER TWENTY: Grieve and Dance
"I can't imagine anything more wonderful than spending my life with you." He smiled back at her and hugged her tightly. "For now though," she begun looking at her watch on the bedside table "I am afraid that it is getting late, we should get back to Hogwarts." Severus nodded before kissing her again, stroking her hair lovingly.
Ginny trudged into the Gryffindor common room, her robes and socks thoroughly soaked thanks to the unrelenting snow she met on the way back from Hogsmeade. When she entered the room she looked around and saw Hazel and Colin making out in a corner, Ginny grinned and walked over to them, plonking herself on the floor in front of them.
"How are you?" She asked, they broke apart and Hazel shot a glare in her direction. Ginny's mind was still racing from her afternoon with Severus. She didn't think that he had considered what would happen after she left Hogwarts, but she knew that she did. Although she couldn't see exactly where their relationship would lead them she did hope that Severus intended to stay with her for a long while, and what he said to her confirmed her hopes. He wanted her just as badly as she wanted him.
"Good thankyou." Hazel replied scathingly. "Where did you get off to this afternoon?" she asked, Ginny grinned.
"Oh, just doing some Christmas shopping." She lied, Hazel rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to her boyfriend.
"So, what did you two end up doing?" Ginny asked, Hazel pulled away from Colin again and glared at Ginny.
"We ended up finding a room in the back of the Three Broomsticks and shagging the lights out of each other!" Hazel growled sarcastically, Ginny smiled happily.
"Sounds fascinating, please, go on." Hazel picked up the pillow from the chair beside her and aimed it at Ginny's head. Ginny laughed and stood up heading for her dormitory,
"Good to see you are feeling better." Colin called after her before Hazel pulled him into a kiss.
When Ginny reached her bed she found Seraphina there waiting for her with a letter from Ron and Hermione. She sighed and broke the seal on the envelope.
Dear Ginny,
This is just a short letter to inform you about the wedding plans that your brother and I have made. As I mentioned earlier there will be two ceremonies, one at a church not too far from my house for my muggle family and friends, and a second ceremony back at Headquarters for everybody else (including my parents). I don't know if you aware of this yet, but the majority of my family are not aware of the fact that I am a witch, frankly they wouldn't believe it. So, it is important to note, that I will not want any magic at the church ceremony. If anybody asks, Ron and I met at St. Liam's Boarding School for the Academically Gifted.
Ginny laughed… Ron? Academically gifted. She shook her head in amusement and continued reading.
In regards to what you will wear, Harry and I thought that green would best suit you both, so I have got a few dresses for you to choose from. They are all gorgeous and I am sure you will agree.
There isn't going to be a formal style reception, instead your mother has offered to cook a meal for the guests at the magical ceremony. If you wish, you can make a speech before we eat, but that is entirely up to you. Ron also wants me to tell you that he thinks you should consider going out with Harry, personally I think that this is none of our business, but Ron said he would hex me if I didn't write it.
Apart from the wedding, things are going relatively well here given the circumstances. I am sure Harry has told you that we are making progress, but I assure you that all will not be resolved for a while yet. In the mean time I urge you to stay safe and take care of yourself.
Love,
Ron and Hermione
P.S. Please find enclosed some photos of the possible dresses I have chosen from. If you wish you can choose one of them and write back to me with your choice!
Ginny scoffed at Hermione's idea of a short letter, but was nonetheless excited when she looked at the photos of the dressed that Hermione had chosen for her. The colours ranged from a pale baby green to a deep, almost black, emerald. She looked at them quickly before stowing the photo's in her trunk, deciding that she would have a nice hot bath.
The next evening Ginny sat in the potions classroom and waited for Severus to arrive. He was running fifteen minutes late for their remedial potions lesson and Ginny had grown bored of waiting. She took the photos of the dressed out of her pocket and observed them more closely, there were five in total. She looked at one and stuck her tongue out in disgust, her mother must have insisted that Hermione suggest it. It was an ugly diarrhoea green dress, which had long baggy sleeves gathered at the wrist, it also had a high collar edged with a terrible light green lace. She sighed and tossed the photo on the desk, she would rather go naked than wear that. She laid the rest of the photos on the desk and compared them side by side. She decided against two of them and put them aside, they seemed to plain and she didn't think that the colours would suit her well.
"That one." Severus said tapping the middle photo from behind her, she jumped at the sound of voice and turned to face him. "For Ron and Hermione's wedding no doubt." He drawled, she nodded and kissed him on the cheek. "I am sorry I am late but Professor McGonagall wanted to have a word with me."
"You like that one?" Ginny asked, Severus nodded.
"Although I don't know if my judgement is trustworthy. I am hardly the guru on fashion." Ginny looked at the dress again and smiled, it was the nicest out of the three.
"How did you know what it was for?" She asked.
"I received an invitation by owl this morning." He explained. She grinned.
"Are you going to come?" She asked, he shook his head.
"No, I don't particularly care for weddings." He told her, she did her best to look flabbergasted.
"Severus! Don't be silly. You should come, if not for them, come for me." He laughed.
"We will not spend any time together anyway." He said evenly.
"That doesn't matter, I want you to be there." She insisted, Severus rolled his eyes and looked at her. Judging by the scowl on her face she wasn't going to give in
"Fine." He hissed. She grinned.
"So, how was your day then my love?" she asked, he told her about the annoying first years and how they insisted on throwing boomslang at each other.
An hour later, after much talking and kissing, Severus said goodbye to Ginny and retired to his room. While he was away he spent most of his time in the company of death eaters, and as much as he hated it, he learned of their plans. Of course he had already told Dumbledore all he could remember but he couldn't quell the nagging sensation in the pit of his stomach. He knew that it wouldn't be too long before Voldemort and Harry fought to end the war. He also knew that there would be death and destruction before then. Severus' mind drifted to thoughts of the previous day's encounter with Ginny. For the entire time that he was away she was all he could think about, her voice the only one he could hear. He knew that he loved her more than anyone else he had ever known, but he wished that he could show her how much she meant to him. He was even going to a damned wedding for her. Severus had always hated weddings of every kind – magical and non-magical. Some of his most prominent childhood memories stemmed from the weddings of relatives, and the drunken raves his father was seduced into after attending them and drinking far too much alcohol. Severus also guessed that the best man, and Ginny's partner for the evening would be Harry Potter, which presented him with another reason for not going to the wedding. He did not wish to see Ginny on the arm of the son of one of his most disliked rival's.
The next morning Ginny sat in her History of Magic class rushing to finish and essay before the bell rung. It was a boring essay which Binns had said was to be finished for homework if not completed in class time and Ginny had a quidditch practise training session scheduled, not to mention her plan to talk to Severus using the two-way mirror. She lost her train of thought at the sound of a beak tapping on glass and looked up to the window to see a large brown owl bearing a letter waiting impatiently at the window. Mirial, a Ravenclaw jumped up to open the window and the owl flew in, hooted, dropped a letter in front of the head girl and swooped back out of the room. Iome, the head girl and best friend of Mirial opened the letter eyeing it questioningly, the entire gaze of the class upon her. After reading for a few seconds she let out a loud cry of distress and ran out of the room in tears, her friend following closely behind. The students looked at each other in confusion and a Ravenclaw boy picked the letter up off the floor, his face paled as he read it.
"There has been another attack." He announced, "On Barcelona in Spain." A wild chatter spread across the room, it was well known that Iome had relatives in this area. Ginny closed her eyes and put her head in her hands. This wasn't good.
At dinner that evening Ginny's suspicions about what happened to Iome's family were confirmed. Her aunty and grandfather had been murdered by death eaters and the poor girl had been pulled out of school to attend the funeral. Ginny's friend Felicity had been especially disturbed by the news and was taken to Dumbledore's office in hopes that he could calm her down.
Ginny looked across at the teachers table and caught Severus' eye, he frowned at her before turning back to Professor McGonagall and continuing his conversation. Ginny looked at Hazel who sat at the table eating her mashed potato soberly.
"I hate it." Hazel spat, Ginny managed a weak smile.
"So do I Hazel, so do I." She muttered.
That evening at quidditch practise Ginny managed to teach her team mates more moves that would come in handy for the match that they would have against Ravenclaw before the Christmas holidays. She was extremely happy with the way the team was working, and clearly, they were too. Ginny realised that it was easier for her to teach chasers moves than it had been for Harry because he was a seeker. She intended to teach her fellow chasers one more move, saving one for the match against Slytherin and one for the final, should they get in. Judging by their win against Hufflepuff and Slytherin's loss to Ravenclaw their chances were looking good, but Ginny hardly thought it wise to become complacent.
She put Harry's firebolt under her bed and went for a shower before sitting down on her four-poster and pulling the curtains around her and taking out her two-way mirror. She took out her wand and said a silencing spell before calling for Severus. After a few minutes he appeared, and it looked as though he himself had just come out of the shower.
"How are you mu love?" He asked, she shrugged.
"I'm alright." She replied. She thought for a moment. "Do you know if there are going to be any more attacks?" She asked, Severus looked down.
"Nothing is set in stone my love." He drawled, she laughed a cold laugh. A sad laugh. He couldn't tell her about the plans of the death eaters. "It is for your own safety." He told her "The last thing I want is someone finding out you know more than you should. It would be putting you in unnecessary danger." She rolled her eyes.
"Okay then." She growled, searching her mind for a topic to inspire a more joyful conversation.
The next morning when Ginny arrived in the Great Hall for some breakfast she was confronted by the frenzied discussion of students. She sat down at the Gryffindor table and saw a copy of the Daily Prophet on the table. She picked it up and then threw it back down in disgust. Quebec in Canada had been attacked. Ginny looked around in annoyance and stood up, walking out of the hall without any breakfast. She was hardly in the mood.
Later that day Ginny sat in potions class, thinking up the best possible way to get a detention. Her thoughts were interrupted by a Slytherin boy by the name of Peter. She glared up at him.
"What do you want O'Malley?" She spat, he grinned slyly.
"See that cauldron over there?" He asked, pointing to the one that Kyrrin was stirring, a malevolent smile on her face.
"I am not blind O'Malley. Get to the point." He laughed.
"Kyrrin was wondering whether you wanted it. Or rather, she wondered if you would be interested in drinking it's contents." Ginny rolled her eyes.
"And why didn't Kyrrin come over here and ask for herself?" She growled, he patted her on the hand.
"She doesn't think that her mother would appreciate her talking to a blood traitor." Peter whispered. Ginny got out of her seat and walked over to Kyrrin's cauldron, Hazel close behind her.
"What are you brewing?" She asked feigning interest, Kyrrin smiled up at her.
"Why don't you take a taste of it and see." Ginny laughed. She observed the ugly brown liquid.
"Do you really think that I don't know what a-" Ginny was cut off mid sentence by a hand clasping over her mouth and two more holding her arms behind her back. She struggled hard to try and get away but the people holding her were too strong. She could hear Hazel screaming from behind her. She struggled harder as she saw Kyrrin scoop up a ladle full of potion and force her mouth open. She heard Severus walking over, yelling at his Slytherin student. He arrived to late to stop it, the liquid poured into Ginny's mouth faster than she could swallow and she fell to the floor, her body convulsing rapidly.
"YOU STUPID GIRL!" Severus yelled, taking his wand out and pulling it at Kyrrin, who stopped laughing. "WHAT TYPE OF POTION IS THAT?" He yelled. Kyrrin swallowed and stepped back. He peered into the cauldron before bending down and looking at Ginny. She was now starting to convulse more fiercely and he placed a hand on her wrist, feeling for her pulse. The potion as called Neovari. It was a vile potion that made the drinker convulse and go into an unconscious state where they would be forced to relive their worst moments in life. Severus ran to the front of the room and searched through his cabinet for an antidote, he picked up a small orange bottle, it would stop the effect of a badly made Neovari potion well enough. He rushed back to Ginny and slid his hand under her head carefully, waiting for a moment between convulsions to pour the liquid down her throat. For a few horrible seconds Ginny fell limp in his arms, eyes closed. When her eyes fluttered open he saw the rage behind them. He stood back, placing a hand on her arm, but she jumped up and rounded on Kyrrin, pulling her wand out of her robes.
"Professor…" Kyrrin whispered weekly, Severus looked between the two girls.
"Miss Weasley," Severus begun but Ginny interrupted him.
"Do you think that was funny Kyrrin?" Ginny hissed, Kyrrin looked at Severus desperately.
"Ginevra." Severus hissed, he placed a hand on her wand arm and she slapped it away.
"DO YOU THINK THAT WAS FUNNY YOU STUPID FOOL?" Ginny yelled, Kyrrin pulled out her own wand, trembling in fear. Before Severus could stop her Ginny continued to yell. "WHY DON'T YOU GO AND FUCK YOURSELF YOU INBRED WHORE?" Ginny yelled, Kyrrin gasped and her face went red, but before Ginny could curse her Severus had snatched her wand off her.
"DETENTION!" He yelled. "Both of you." Ginny turned to him and glared "And one hundred points of Slytherin." Kyrrin glared at him too.
"But Professor…" She begun.
"SILENCE!" He yelled.
That evening Ginny's anger with Kyrrin had all but subsided and when she had arrived at the dungeon for detention she was in the right frame of mind to tell her off. She walked into the classroom and looked around. The room was empty except for Severus. He got out of his seat and ran over to her, he pulled her close to him.
"Are you okay?" He asked, stroking her hair. She melted into his embrace and forgot that she was angry. "That is one of the most vile potions." He whispered, she nodded "Don't worry, what you experienced wasn't real." He reassured her, she bit her lip. Even though she had placed her memory of the chamber of secrets into the pensieve it still came back to haunt her when she swallowed that potion. The visions of the dead chickens, stunned cats and Voldemort flooded back into her mind, seeming more real than ever before.
"Where is she?" Ginny asked, he kissed her softly before pulling away from her.
"She is serving detention with Professor Dumbledore. Let me assure you that she has not gotten off lightly." Ginny nodded. She should have known better than to pour that love potion of Kyrrin, she should have known that she would get her revenge. "And it would serve you well to put the memory of today's lesson into your pensieve." Ginny looked up at him and kissed him.
"Make love to me." She whispered, he took her hand and led her to his room.
An hour and a half later Ginny walked back into the potions classroom to collect her bag with Severus. She saw a note on his desk and picked it up.
Severus,
I came by to tell you that Kyrrin will not be suspended, but we have put her on probation, as todays events were a clear violation of school rules. I assumed that you went to the potions store with Miss Weasley to retrieve some ingredients, but I did not have time to wait for you, nor the energy to look for you.
Albus
Ginny bit her lip as she handed the note to Severus, he swore under his breath. Ginny had a feeling that Dumbledore had begun to suspect their relationship. After a brief goodbye she went back to her common room, worried about the prospect of the headmaster finding out about her relationship with the potions master.
The sun shone brightly on the snow-covered quidditch pitch but there was a chill in the air despite the best conditions. It was the day of the Gryffindor versus Ravenclaw match and also the last weekend before the Christmas Holidays. The Gryffindor's trudged onto the pitch confidently, the conditions were perfect and their latest training sessions had been successful. Ginny walked over to the Ravenclaw captain Mirial and shook her hand. Ginny had talked to the girl on many occasions and knew that she was extremely bright, and using Ravenclaw's win against Slytherin, she knew she was in for a tough game.
Severus sat in the stands with his cloak pulled tightly around him. He watched as the quaffle was thrown into the air and Ravenclaw took possession. Luna Lovegood commenced her commentary.
"Timmonds in possession, passed to Riley, to Timmonds. Oh, intercepted by Weasley, passes to- sorry, fakes a pass and catches it. Wow, that is almost as bad as having Weasley back on the team, I mean Ron. Weasley flies into the scoring area, throws the ball to Robins who is in midfield. Quaffle intercepted by Riley."
Ginny swore loudly, they had not managed to pull the move off. At some time she would have to change the postitions to make them closer, which would hopefully allow them to pull off the trick.
Ravenclaw scored and Ginny called a time out. Her team mates crowded around her. She told them of their change of tactics. She had been wrong about how she thought Ravenclaw would play.
"Do you think such a radical change is wise?" Aneas asked, Ginny nodded.
"Yes. Do the complete opposite of what we did in training. I want to confuse them."
Severus watched as the game started up after Ginny's time out. Five minutes into play he realised that they had entirely reversed their strategy, amazing the entire crowd. It was rare for a team to change their plans so much and Severus didn't remember Ginny telling him about such a plan. He smiled at her genius as the confounded Ravenclaw team failed to save four goals within fifteen minutes.
Ginny hooted as the Ravenclaw keeper missed the quaffle. She wheeled around to high five her teammates. Her plan to change tactics worked really well, if she knew her well enough, Ginny could be sure that Mirial had planned and trained only one style of playing for this match. Before she could comprehend what had happened Mena zoomed around the pitch, snitch clutched tightly in her hand. Ginny clapped and cheered, doing a glory lap with her fellow players.
"That has to be one of the most revolutionary strategies ever seen at Hogwarts!" Luna was yelling "After this match what will the Gryffindors do next? I feel sorry for Slytherin, they have no chance of knowing what to expect- Weasley is unpredictable!"
That evening the partying in the Gryffindor common room raged through the night. It wasn't until a sullen looking Professor McGonagall walked into the common room the students begun to quieten down. She called for silence and Ginny knew that she had more on her agenda than stopping her partying.
"While I regret to interrupt your much-deserved celebration," she called loudly in her most serious voice "I have been charged with the responsibility of conveying some incredibly shocking news to you." Ginny looked to Hazel at her left and bit her lip. "Tonight there was a double attack." All remnants of the partying that continued during her invasion came to an abrupt halt, students looking at each other completely distraught. Professor McGonagall cleared her throat before continuing, "So far the death toll has reached one hundred and ninety eight, but more casualties are pouring in." Ginny had to close her eyes, dizziness threatening to overwhelm her. "The attacks occurred in Hamburg, Germany." She hesitated "and in Dublin, Ireland" A great number of students begun to scream, and some sobbed. Professor McGonagall continued "there are some Professors waiting in the Great Hall for those with families in the effected areas. I urge you to go there if you have any questions." Before she could finish students began to run out of the common room. She waited a few moments before addressing the remainder of the students. "I know it will be hard, but I urge you to get some rest. When you wake up in the morning I ask you to do what you can to comfort your friends." She sniffed before turning and walking out of the room. Ginny turned to Hazel who looked shocked.
"Let's get some sleep." Ginny whispered weakly, taking her friend by the arm and walking her to their dormitory.
The next morning Ginny was woken by a house elf. When the little creature had woken up all of the girls in her dorm it cleared it's throat.
"Professor Dubledore wants all students to go to the Great Hall immetieately." It squeaked before running out of the room. Ginny stood up and tugged on her dressing gown. She waited for her friends to do the same before heading down to the Great Hall.
Hundreds of students sat at their House tables, most with red eyes, some still crying hysterically. Ginny looked around, her heart aching to see so many people upset. When the last group of Hufflepuffs took their place at their House table Dumbledore stood up, looking weary, but as powerful as ever.
"I have no doubt that you have all heard of the events of last night." He begun, addressing the student body in a melancholy tone. "It has been brought to my attention that the majority of students have been personally touched by the most recent attacks. Therefore, those students who need to will be allowed to leave school this afternoon. The Hogwarts Express will leave at four o'clock sharp. If you need to go home, you can gain permission of your head of house. Also, classes for today are cancelled." He looked around the room. "Before I stand down I must tell you all one thing." Ginny observed him with anticipation "Lord Voldemort has indeed returned, and as much as I regret to say it, he and his army pose a very real threat. In dark times such as these you should look to your close friends for comfort, and you must also look into your hearts to find courage. This war will touch many more of us before it is over, and I can assure you it will be brutal. But once more I encourage all of you to have faith, salvation comes to those who have stay true." Dumbledore looked around once more before taking his seat at the teacher's table. With a wave of his hand breakfast appeared on the tables and the students begun to chatter to each other.
Ginny felt Hazel grab her hand nervously and she looked at her friend. Hazel's eyes were wide and her skin was pale.
"Will this ever end?" She whispered, Ginny frowned at her sadly before turning her attention to a discolouration on the table.
Ginny sat on the lounge in Severus' sitting room, staring at him, expression vacant. More than half of the students had left that day and Ginny could feel the emptiness of the school in her own heart.
"Did you know?" She asked. He nodded and she glared at him. "You knew and you didn't do anything to help?" He stood up, anger surging through him.
"What could I do? I warned the Order Ginny, I told them about the attacks, but I nor them knew how powerful the Death Eaters would be. It came as a shock to all of us, but I can tell you that innocent people weren't the only ones on the death toll. Over fourty of the people who died were death eaters Ginny." She looked at him distraught. She wanted to ask whether her parents had been there but she knew better than that. If they were there it would only make her panic more. She all of her might to control herself, stop herself from asking the question that threatened to spill out of her mouth.
On Saturday morning the students that had remained at Hogwarts made their way down to Hogsmeade station to go home for the Christmas. The weather was an appropriate reflection of their gloomy disposition and once on the train Ginny and Hazel shared a carriage with only two other students from the year. The rest of the seventh year Gryffindors, including Colin, had returned home earlier that week. There was an uncomfortable silence for most of the trip. After the lady selling sweets came by Hazel threw Ginny a Pumpkin pastie.
"Ron and Hermione are getting married these holidays aren't they?" She asked softly, Ginny nodded. She forgotten about the wedding in the midst of the attacks and a smile crept on to her face. Happy that there was still some beauty in the world.
The rest of the train ride home was spent on a stretched conversation about the wedding and quidditch tactics for the game against Slytherin. Ginny stepped off the Hogwarts Express relieved to see her mother waiting for her with open arms. She ran over and hugged her mother tightly.
"Is everyone okay?" Ginny whispered, Molly shook her head,
"We lost two Ginny, but no one you know." Ginny nodded, happy to feel the warmth of her mother.
Back at Grimmauld Place there was a bitter-sweet mood in the air. While people were dealing with the loss of loved ones, there was also an excitement buzzing through the air about the wedding the next weekend. Dinner was served early that evening and Ginny found much pleasure in eating a meal her mother had prepared. After dinner Ginny, Harry, Ron, Hermione and Mrs. Weasley all went to the lounge room for a discussion. Ginny sat on the lounge beside her mother. After a while Hermione spoke.
"Molly, are you sure that we should not postpone it?" She asked timidly, Molly shook her head viciously.
"Don't be silly Hermione dear, everyone needs some reason to celebrate. A lot of people are looking forward to the wedding." Molly said encouragingly, Hermione nodded doubtfully and clutched Ron's hand. Ginny looked at her brother, his fiancée and Harry. They all looked much older than they had the last time she saw them, more tired, exhausted even. She had no doubt that their own fight against Voldemort had been strenuous, and that it was far from over. Their eyes twinkled with a tragic wisdom that often came to those who had fought in a war.
"Gin, at the church wedding one of Hermione's cousin is going to be a bridesmaid as well, is that alright?" Ron asked, Ginny nodded.
"Of course." She said confidently.
"There will be a rehearsal for both ceremonies on Wednesday" Hermione told her "And before we go to bed I want you and Harry to try your outfits on in case any alterations need to be made." Ginny smiled and Hermione continued.
An hour later the conversation ended and Ginny followed Hermione back to her room. Ginny's mother had insisted that Hermione and Ron have different rooms until the wedding had taken place, the notion made Ginny laugh. She highly doubted that having separate rooms would prevent them from making love, she herself had caught Hermione leaving Ron's room on occasion. Harry must have followed Ron, because when Hermione opened her cupboard there was only Ginny's dress in it.
"Where is your dress?" Ginny asked Hermione, looking forward to seeing it.
"It will be with madam Malkin until Wednesday, she just needs to put some finishing touches on it." Ginny couldn't help but feel slightly disappointed. "Here is your dress." Hermione pulled the elegant green gown out of her cupboard and held it up for Ginny to see. "Personally, I was hoping you would choose this one. Your mother wanted you to wear the sewage green dress robes." Ginny and Hermione looked at each other before bursting into s fit of giggles. When Hermione regained her composure she handed Ginny the dress and told her that once it was on she was to come to the drawing room. Hermione shut the door behind her and Ginny pulled her jeans off and unbuttoned her shirt. She laid the dress on her bed before unzipping it. Once it was on, she did her best to zip it up, though she couldn't reach the rest of the way. She looked in the mirror. The dress was a dark bottle green and the silky material just touched the floor. It was fitted from the waist down like a fish tail skirt and had a long split up the left side. The top part of the dress clung to Ginny's womanly curves perfectly in an elegant yet stylish manner. She took the elastic out of her hair and shook her head around, allowing some strands to fall on her face. She smiled. There was a knock at the door.
"Come in." She called, the door opened and Harry, dressed in a black suit with a green silk shirt that matched her dress, walked in. He looked at her and smiled.
"You look amazing." He said, slightly breathy. Ginny smiled her thanks.
"So do you." She looked around the room awkwardly, aware of his eyes drifting over her body. "Let's go." She said, she walked out of the room and headed towards the stairs without waiting for him. He reached out and put a hand on her shoulder, she turned to face him.
"Your zipper…" He said, she blushed.
"Would you?" She asked.
"My pleasure." He replied, his fingers brushed on her bare back as he pushed her hair away, she shivered as he zipped her dress the rest of the way, his hands lingered on her back.
"Thanks." She said before walking off again. He grabbed her arm this time and pulled her closer to him.
"Ginny." He whispered, she looked away. He would have none of it. He cupped her face and held it so that her eyes were in line with his. "I love you." She looked away from him again, her heart ached to hurt him. "Ginny please…" She shook her head defiantly,
"I am sorry Harry, I can't love you." She whispered, he pulled his hand away from her quickly.
"After the war?" He asked hopefully.
"No, Harry. I am afraid it will never be." She said as sympathetically as possible. He looked at her, eyes twinkling with pain.
"Is there someone else?" He asked, this wasn't the first time. She couldn't possibly tell him that she was with Severus. She bit her lip before speaking.
"No." She lied "I just cant." He opened his mouth and shut it again a number of times before heading downstairs, she followed him swiftly.
When Ginny walked into the drawing room her mother gasped and brought her hands to her mouth.
"Ginny, you look beautiful!" She said, tears coming to her eyes, Ginny laughed.
"Mum, don't be silly." Ginny said, her mother wiped the tears away and gave a brave smile.
"It is just that you look so grown up!" She whispered. Hermione stepped between the two women and observed Ginny carefully, walking around her once before nodding with approval.
"Just as you said Molly, no tailoring needed." Hermione tugged on the dress in places and when she was satisfied she walked over to Harry. She did the same thing to him and his suit seemed fine as well.
"You will just need to bring the cuffs of the jacket up a bit dear." Molly said walking over to Harry and folding the cuff of his jacket in. She took a step back and smiled.
"Harry, you look very handsome." She said, Harry smiled his gratitude.
"Stand together." Hermione said with a wave of her hand. Harry looked at Ginny timidly. "Oh, grow up!" She hissed before pushing Harry over to Ginny. She grinned even more now. "You look like the perfect couple!" Hermione said chirpily. She looked at Ron for his opinion and he shrugged, she rolled her eyes.
"Harry dear, put your arm around Ginny." Molly suggested, Ginny glared at her mother and she felt Harry's arm slowly drape around her waist, he left it there for a few moments before pulling it back like a wounded animal.
"What do you think Ronald?" Hermione asked forcefully.
"Yeah, pretty good." He grunted, Ginny knew he couldn't have cared less.
"You are free to go!" Hermione said, Ginny walked over to her and motioned for her to unzip the dress a little. Before she reached the door Ron cleared his throat, Ginny turned around to see what he wanted. Molly elbowed him.
"You look alright Gin." He said with a smile.
"Thanks Ron, so do you." Ginny joked, Ron went red and she raced back to her room.
The next four days passed rather uneventfully. Ginny had been holed up in Grimmauld place like she had been during her previous holidays, and the tension grew thicker every time she saw Harry. Members of the order were coming by at all hours of the day, and Ginny got used to hearing footsteps in the middle of the night. She had only managed to talk to Severus using the mirror briefly on two occasions, and he had graced the headquarters with his presence once. All she had received from him was a polite nod.
Ginny sat in what Hermione called a taxi and was on her way to the church to practise Hermione and Ron's first ceremony. Ginny had only been into a church once before, as her parents were not religious. Apparently Hermione's family had insisted that she be married in a church and she felt obliged to do so. Ron was humming in the seat in front of her, Ginny guessed that it was meant to be a Weird Sisters song.
"A butcher could do a better job than you!" Ginny commented, making Hermione and Harry laugh, Ron flush in embarrassment.
When they arrived at the church Hermione's two cousins were already waiting. The female was slightly taller than Ginny with sleek brown hair and pale skin and the male had darker hair cut short and was a tiny bit shorter than Harry. Ginny realised that because of their complexions the clothes they had chosen would match perfectly. Hermione walked over to her cousins and hugged them each in turn, a big smile on her face.
"You have met Ron before," She said with a dismissive wave, they nodded at him. "This is his sister, and my friend, Ginny, and this is Harry Potter." Hermione said, Harry shook the guy's hand and nodded at the girl. He looked relieved to find that they had no idea who he was and Ginny didn't blame them. "Guys, these are my cousins Jonathan and Cleonie."
"So, how are you all?" Cleonie asked, she had a soft and very feminine voice, there were some murmurs. After some polite chatter Molly and Arthur arrived escorted by Hermione's parents and they entered the church.
From what Ginny gathered, the church ceremony was traditional (that is, if television is to be believed). They went over parts with the priest numerous times and Ginny soon realised that her parents weren't religious for a reason, all of the sitting and then standing and then kneeling couldn't be too good on one's immune system. After Hermione was satisfied her parents invited everyone back to their house for lunch.
The Granger's had a nice two-storey house in a quiet suburb on the outskirts of London. Lunch included salad, ham and eggs and everyone seemed to be getting along well.
"So Ginny, you go to St. Liam's I take it?" Cleonie said, a questioning tone to her voice, Ginny nodded in a non-committal way. "Sounds like a wonderful school." Ginny shrugged, She knew that Cleonie was two years older than Hermione. "Do you have a boyfriend?" She asked.
"Yes." Ginny replied, there was the sound of metal hitting porcelain and she turned to see Harry staring at her. "Sorry, what was that Cleonie? You caught me off guard." Cleonie smiled and asked the question again.
"No, I don't. Sorry about that." Ginny said with a laugh, Harry eyed her suspiciously before focusing on his food.
"So, are you happy your brother is marrying Hermione?" She asked, Ginny smiled and nodded.
"I have always wanted a sister." She told her, Cleonie looked around.
"My mum went mental when she found out." She whispered, Ginny cocked an eyebrow "She reckons that eighteen is too young to be married. I guess you can't argue with true love though." Ginny nodded. If only the poor muggle knew about the war, perhaps she would be getting married as well.
Back at Grimmauld Place Harry, Hermione, Ron and Ginny practised the magical ceremony. In Ginny's opinion it was much nicer than the muggle one, and quiet different. The one thing that led her to prefer the magical ceremony was that there wasn't the constant need to stand, and then sit before kneeling only to sit again.
For the ceremony at the headquarters Dumbledore had charmed the formal dining room in the back part of the house to twice it's original size, and conjured rows of antique looking carved wooden chairs. Hermione's parents had never been into a magical house before, so there were some things that they didn't understand. Arthur Weasley, however, had a good deal going with the Grangers. When they would ask about an item or spell he would explain it to them, and then ask them about how a muggle concept worked. The cycle continued, and made Ginny laugh at his fascination with muggles.
After the practise for the wedding was over, Hermione's parents joined other members of the order for dinner. Molly had cooked a delicious creamy chicken and pasta dish, with ice cream and chocolate syrup for desert.
"Are you going to say a speech?" Fred asked Ginny, with a mouth full of icecream.
"Maybe." Ginny shrugged, concentrating on enjoying her desert.
"Yes or no?" George said pushing his bowl aside, he was finished.
"I said I don't know." Ginny growled. Fred and George looked at each other and tutted loudly.
"You are very disorganised Ginny, perhaps this would help." George said shoving a red container under her nose. She backed away from it.
"Go away." She groaned, George waggled the box more persistently, Ginny pushed his hand away "I thought that you were now paying someone to test your products!" She said, Fred shrugged.
"Yeah, we are, but it is more fun when it is someone we love." He said with a broad grin, Ginny shook her head told him to get stuffed. Two minutes later Ginny heard a loud explosion and looked over at Ron to see him covered in a brown muck that looked very similar to faeces.
Ginny sat in her room the next afternoon reading over the charms essay she had just completed. She put her quill back in her trunk and left the essay on the desk to dry. When she turned around she looked at the floor just in front of her shut bedroom door. There was a small parchment envelope there sealed with green wax. Ginny walked over to it and picked it up, she broke the seal and pulled out the letter smaller piece of parchment from inside it. In green ink there was writing scrawled on the parchment, it looked as though it was from Severus.
Te vigilans oculis, animo te noctre requiro,
victa iacent solo cum mea membra toro.
vidi ego me tecum falsa sub imagine somni.
somnia tu vinces, si mihi vera venis.
Ginny looked over it again and screwed her face up in confusion. She had no idea what it was that it was meant to say, she wasn't sure if it was a code, or a spell, it could even be in another language. She ran over to the door and pulled it open, peering into the corridor, to see who left the note. She shut the door after deciding that she probably noticed it long after it was delivered and sat on her bed, paper still clutched in her hand. She reached over to her draw and took her wand out, she tapped the parchment. "Revealio." Slowly, the letters and words begun to transform into something she could read;
By day mine eyes, by night my soul desires thee,
Weary, I lie alone.
Once in a dream it seemed thou wert beside me;
O far beyond all dreams, if thou wouldst come!
Ginny smiled and tucked the parchment into her charms text book before putting it in her trunk. With a dreamy sigh she headed down to the kitchen for lunch.
When Ginny reached the kitchen there was only one seat left at the table, the others were occupied by Harry, Ron, Bill, Tonks, Remus, her father and Severus. She smiled at the potions master and he face remained blank and his eyes twinkled. Ginny took the only vacant seat which was between Severus and Tonks. After a few moments her mother placed a plate with an assortment of sandwiches on the table.
Ginny remained at the table as it slowly emptied, and before too long she and Severus were left in the kitchen with Molly.
"So, Severus, are you sure you are able to do that shift next Monday?" Molly asked
"Yes, I'm sure." He replied.
"Because if you can't I am sure Ron wouldn't mind…" She trailed off.
"The boy is getting married on Saturday, I think it is only fair that he has some time off." Molly smiled.
"Would you like something to drink?" she asked him, turning to the refrigerator.
"No thankyou Molly, I have to go now." Severus drawled politely, Ginny felt his hand clasp hers under the table and give it a squeeze before he stood and glided out of the door. Molly walked over and took the seat that Severus had vacated.
"Ginny dear, are you sure you know everything you need to know for Saturday?" Ginny rolled her eyes.
"Yes mum, we have only been over it a hundred and three times." Molly shot Ginny a reproachful. The older woman looked around the room before speaking again.
"Are you sure there isn't anyone you wish to invite to the wedding?" Molly asked, Ginny shook her head "No one special that you would like to have there?" Ginny smiled at her mother.
"Everyone that is special to me will be there mum." She said happily. The kitchen door opened and Harry walked into the room. Molly cleared her throat and walked out of the room. Ginny stood up suddenly and headed towards the door.
"Ginny, I was hoping that we could talk." Harry said, Ginny stopped and took a deep breath.
"What did you want to talk about Harry?" She asked.
"Stuff." He replied. She sighed before heading back towards the table and sitting down. Harry cleared his throat before speaking. "So, are you going to make a speech at the wedding?" He asked, she shrugged.
"I am not sure. I wouldn't know what to say. Are you?" He nodded. An awkward silence filled the room which Ginny decided to break.
"So, is that all?" She asked, Harry looked up at her nervously and shook his head.
"I know I have asked you many times to go out with me Ginny, but I want to ask again." She looked away from him.
"Harry, I have already told you. I can't." she whispered. Harry sat back in his seat.
"Ginny, please, don't just say you can't. Give me a reason." He said, Ginny didn't speak "Because, last year things were looking good for us, that is, up until I asked you out. What happened Ginny?" She rested her head on her hand took a deep breath.
"I have already told you, things have changed. I cant go out with you Harry." He looked frustrated.
"But why? Don't you like me? Are you worried? Is there someone else?" he growled, she turned to face him and smiled.
"It's not that I don't like you Harry, in fact, I have come to love you as a brother." She explained softly.
"Are you worried then? Because if you are I have to tell you that there is nothing stronger than love. Just because Voldemort has risen again it doesn't mean we should deprive ourselves from intimate relationships out of fear of losing our loved ones!" Ginny shook her head.
She looked at him, saddened by his desperation. She knew that if nothing had happened between herself and Severus they wouldn't be having this conversation, she would probably guess that they would be set to marry after she left school. She didn't regret it though, because now she was with Severus she knew that she had found the right person for her, he made her feel complete. Ginny could hear Harry's heart beat as he asked the last question for a second time.
"Is there someone else?" She looked away and blinked back tears.
"Would it help you if I told you there was?" Ginny whispered, Harry bit his lip before he spoke.
"Perhaps." He said, she didn't know what to do. If she told him there was he might want to know who it was, if she said that there wasn't anyone else he would feel even worse for not having her affection. Time crawled by as she thought over all of her options. She took a deep breath before looking at him; she opened her mouth to speak.
"Yes, Harry, I am with someone." She said softly, he looked as though she had cursed him. His face paled and his eyes dulled. Ginny knew what would come next.
"Who is it?" He asked bitterly, she shook her head.
"I can't tell you Harry, I think it is better that you don't know." Harry laughed sadly.
"If there is someone else Ginny, I promise that I will love you more than they could ever hope to love you." She reached across the table and clasped his hand.
"The person I am with couldn't love me anymore than they possibly could. He cherishes me beyond his own breath. Please Harry, I know there is someone for you. I also know that is not me." She stood up and walked out of the kitchen before he could say anything else to her.
Saturday morning came quickly, and Ginny found herself being prodded awake by a frantic Hermione.
"Wake up Ginny!" She yelled, poking her even harder "We are running late." Ginny sat up groggily and looked at the clock on her bedside table. One minute. They were running one minute late. She got out of bed, not wanting to irritate the bride to be and gathered some items before heading towards the shower.
Downstairs was a beehive of activity, people in formal clothes were running about the house making last minute preparations and alterations. Before she reached the bottom of the stairs Hermione had taken hold of her hand and begun pulling her to the front door. When they were outside Ginny noticed Hermione's parents waiting in a car at the end of the street. She remembered Hermione mentioning that they were getting ready at he mother's house.
Ginny stood outside of the muggle church with Hermione and her two cousins, waiting for Ron and Harry. Ginny had heard that it was traditional for the bride to be late at muggle weddings, and apparently, that is one tradition that Hermione disagreed with. So, as a twist on muggle traditions, Hermione was made to wait for the groom. Hermione looked magnificent. Her dress consisted of two parts. The top was a pure white corset made out of the finest brocade, with off the shoulder cap sleeves. The skirt full and made out of plain white material with an overlay of brocade that split in the middle at the front. Her hair was twisted elaborately on the back of her head with curly tendrils falling on her face and neck. Settled comfortably on her hair was a gold and diamond hair clip from which a dainty lace veil fell. A shiny black car unlike Ginny had ever seen before pulled up outside of the church and Ron and Harry came out. Ron's face glowing the most magnificent shade of red.
"I do." Ron said. The priest gave the word and Ron and Hermione leant towards each other, everyone held their breath for the kiss. It was such a simple notion, one persons lips pressing against another's, and yet it was beautiful. Ginny imagined her and Severus in Ron and Hermione's position. A wave of happiness filled her, perhaps it would be them one day
Two hours later Ron, Hermione, Harry and Ginny walked through the door of number 13 Grimmauld place for the second ceremony of the day. Hermione had become less frantic, and easier to be around. And she and Ron were too smitten with each other to worry about her anymore. Harry and Ginny had only said a word or two to each other since the exchange in the kitchen, and naturally there was an awkward tension between them. When the bridal party (minus Hermione's two cousins) entered the hallway of the headquarters an the magical worlds' version of the wedding march begun, it was an traditional Celtic song that was issued out of the wand of the wizard who was performing the marriage, in this case Dumbledore. When Ginny and Harry neared the door Hermione stopped them.
"You have to hold hands." She whispered urgently, with a grimace she clutched Harry's hand. She didn't want to anger Hermione or break magical tradition. They walked into the magically enhanced room and all the guests were standing in front of their chairs in the middle of the room. The bridal party walked around them once before coming to a halt in front of Dumbledore.
Ginny looked around the room, her entire family except Percy had made it, although Bill to did not look too happy. He had a smile on his face but you could see the pain in his eyes, he was meant to be getting married, but Fleur had betrayed him. Ginny smiled at him and he returned it weakly. Ginny's eyes scanned the room again and her heart skipped a beat when they settled on Severus, he shot her a wide grin from the corner of the room and she winked at him.
Severus observed Ginny, she looked amazing. Her dress clung to her body perfectly, her flaming red hair was pinned up beautifully, tendrils hanging loosely over her porcelain skin. He watched as the ceremony begun, wishing that it was he and Ginny instead of Hermione and Ron. He doubted that it would ever come to that.
Albus Dumbledore begun to speak, telling the bride, groom, and those assembled about the tradition of marriage. The speech he gave was not the traditional one, Ginny could tell that Hermione had tweaked it a bit so that it wasn't to old fashioned. It was tradition for an experienced wizard (rarely a witch) to perform the ceremony, and Dumbledore was the perfect choice, they became the person who bound the marriage with their wand, creating a spell and promise to last until death. The effect of a magical marriage spell was similar to that of an unbreakable vow, but, it could be dissolved by a counter spell. The modern marriage spell had been changed so that only two willing parties could marry, which tried to put an end to all unwanted marriages forced upon two people by neurotic pure-blood families. Dumbledore took out his wand and Hermione and Ron stood side facing each other, hands clasped tightly. Dumbledore signalled for Harry and Ginny to take out their wands and they did.
"Amor Uxor" Dumbledore hissed, a stream of bright, glittering gold issues out of his wand. A split second later the same stream in lesser power came out of Ginny's and Harry's wands. The three streams merged and then wrapped around Ron and Hermione's clasped hands, binding them together tightly. There was a flash of light and the streams dispersed into the air and disappeared. Ron and Hermione raised their clasped hands into the air and the room erupted in applause. Ginny slipped her wand into the elastic she had wrapped around her leg and joined in on the applause.
That evening there was a delicious feast served, cooked by Molly Weasley. After the five course meal, that left everybody feeling bloated and full, there was dancing and drinking. Ginny went over and sat by Ron, Hermione and Harry, and looked around. Some of the adults were beginning to look slightly tipsy, Fred and George were already drunk, singing and dancing loudly with mugs of fire whisky spilling everywhere.
"Hermione," Ron begun "Look at Snape. Told you he wouldn't have any fun." Ginny looked over at her brother.
"Ron, this is hardly the time. He was out teacher at Hogwarts, and he has done a lot for the order, he deserves to be here." Hermione hissed, Ginny bit her lip.
"Look at the poor sod though," Harry added "Nobody is dancing with him." Ginny could feel anger rising in her throat.
"Actually, a few people have asked him to dance, he just refused." Hermione snapped, Ron and Harry snorted doubtfully.
"Who would ask him to dance?" Ron laughed, Ginny glared at got out of her seat.
"I will." Ginny told him flatly, before crossing the room. She could hear Ron telling her not to bother but she ignored him. If she did it right, it wouldn't look suspicious at all. She had wanted to ask him to dance all night, but had not been able to for obvious reasons, but after that conversation he felt that it was a perfect opportunity to ask him. She reached Severus and looked around, forcing a blush.
"Just act reluctant." She whispered, he looked at her inquisitively and grimaced. "Will you dance with me?" She asked, offering her hand to him. After a few seconds of fake deliberation he took her hand and she led him onto the dance floor. He placed on hand on her waist and she placed one on his shoulder. They joined their free hand and begun to dance. From across the room she saw her mother giving her smile, and Ron and Hermione looking rather astonished. Ginny looked into his eyes and saw them twinkling.
"You look amazing." He wishpered, drinking her in, she smiled.
"You do too." She replied. For once, she noticed that he was not wearing completely black dress robes. Instead, these robes were black with a deep green trim that looked as though they were made in India or China. She grinned. "I'd like to see what you have hidden under those robes." She whispered, he glared at her.
"Watch what you say Ginevra, someone may hear you." He told her, she laughed.
"I will just tell them that I was patronizing a lonely old potions master." She told him, he rolled his eyes. They maintained their awkward dancing stance, but there was nothing more that Ginny wanted than to stand closer to him and rest her head on his chest.
When the song was over Ginny pulled away from Severus reluctantly and walked back over to Ron, Hermione and Harry. When she sat down they all looked at her in amazement.
"I can't believe you did that!" Ron said in awe, Ginny shrugged, "How did you get him to dance with you?" he asked.
"I told him that if he didn't I would spread nasty rumours about him and the giant squid." Ginny said with a cheeky grin. Hermione furrowed her eyebrows.
"So, you would dance with him but you wouldn't dance with me?" Harry growled, Hermione and Ron froze, Ginny bit her tongue.
"Well, you didn't ask me did you?" She snapped, his eyes widened in anger.
"Neither did he!" He said, voice a little louder.
"That is not the same. If you want me to dance with you, ask. Don't you dare get angry at me because you were to busy wallowing in self pity to ask me." She stood up and walked over to Fred and George, perhaps they would be better company.
"Ginny!" Fred cried, his glass of fire whisky spilling in her direction, she forced a smile.
"How did you do it?" George asked flamboyantly. Ginny cocked an eyebrow.
"Do what?" Ginny asked.
"Do what?" George stammered.
"Do what?" Fred repeated, Ginny rolled her eyes.
"How did I manage to do what?" She asked, Fred and George looked at each other in confusion.
"Do what?" They chorused "You are the one asking the question!" They howled in laughter and Ginny's foot begun to tap impatiently, she had a feeling that a scowl didn't match her outfit. After a few minutes Fred and George calmed down and Fred beckoned for her to come closer.
"You know what, sis?" He asked, she shrugged, not wanting to be drawn into one of his infuriating word games again "If he wasn't so old, you and Snapey boy would look pretty good together." He told her, Ginny froze…
A/N: Hello again! I am so sorry that this chapter took so long to post, but it was a pain in the butt to write, and my internet connection expired, so I couldn't post it. There you have it, Ron and Hermione's wedding is over! Wow…. Now that chapter 20 is finished there is not much more to go. Everything has been planned out for the next few chapters, and I am looking forward to writing them, so they should be too long in the making! I hope you all enjoyed and would like to wish you a very merry Christmas, or whatever festivity you celebrate at this time, in case I do not post before then!
Ooooh! I also have news! I have a forum! A lovely stinky FORUM! Yay! If you want to visit it you can go to (www.)(fanfiction.)(net/f/587543)!
Mistress of Eternity: Thanks for the review dearie! I am sorry if there wasn't as much G/S chemistry in this chapter, but there were a few things that I needed to get out of the way in regards to the story! I laughed when you pointed out the typo, I should really go over my chapters with a fine tooth comb, or get a beta reader…. Eh. That safe and well!
Rosco36908: Thanks for your feedback! I hope that this didn't take too long!
honeyduck: Thanks a heap! I hope you enjoyed. Oh, and I like your name. Tis cute!
Angelic Bladez: 18 seemed longer than 19? Crap. I have done something wrong! Well, this is another long chapter, and the rest of them will be too. I hope you enjoyed it. Severus is pretty spanky isn't he? I have a newfound love for his character. All the answers to your questions will be found in the next few chapters, so just hold tight!
I Love Nerds 919: Thanks very much! I hope you liked this chapter.
Angelique Collins: Thanks! At first people didn't really like Hazel, and I guess I can't blame them. I always wanted her to be a good friend to Ginny, and thankfully that has come out in the last few chapters! Take care!
maddudewalking: As I said to Angelic Bladez, the answers to your questions will be found in the next few chapters, I don't want to spoil it for you. Thankyou very much for you review, and I hope you liked this chapter!
chinadoll2411: Thankyou very much! You have no idea how nice it is to have positive feedback! I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
SomEtHiNg – L1k3 – LAuGhTeR : Thanks! I cant answer any questions! Covers eyes so don't ask okay? The movie was pretty good, I was very happy with it (as a movie, not an adaptation of the book!)
krista:Hello! Thankyou soooooooo much! If I write a book you will be one of the first to know (I wish I could write a book, that would be so spankin' awesome!). I hope that you like this chapter, and the next few, they shouldn't disappoint!