Chapter 12: Secrets, Surprises, & Surmises

Voldemort loved my mom! Voldemort was jealous of my dad! Aunt Petunia was magical! And Voldemort was…suave! Harry's mind swirled with the memory he just experienced the night before. It was nearly seven a.m. and he had slept no more than two hours since his encounter with Lupin in the bathroom. Ron's senseless mumblings throughout the night were no help either. Having given up all hope of further sleep, Harry changed and went downstairs to find that he was the only one awake yet. To pass time and relieve stress, Harry amused himself by taking the opportunity to do some magic without having to worry about being harassed by the ministry for underage wizardry. He went out back and started throwing hexes at the few gnomes that survived Hagrid's treacle fudge.

Aah, the joys of not being an underage wizard anymore... Aggravating the gnomes greatly pleased Harry, and he felt as happy as he did on his birthday. That's what you deserve, you little buggers! The gnome in front of Harry sprouted fully grown bull horns, causing it to topple over. After minutes of this foul play, Harry heard someone laugh from behind. He spun around to see Ginny smiling at him.

"Ah, gnome torture, always a delight," Ginny joked. He smiled back at her.

"Mum says it's time for breakfast. Come on in." Harry followed Ginny into the kitchen, to find all the Weasleys and Hermione already eating. Harry took a seat next to Ron, and helped himself to some scrambled eggs and toast. After breakfast, Harry beckoned Ron and Hermione upstairs.

"So? What do you guys think?"

"Wow, that was some memory, mate," Ron said. "How could your aunt love You-Know-Who? That's just…bizarre."

"You're telling me," Harry replied.

"Wait, that memory didn't mess you up, did it?" Ron asked. "You're not going to go get all moody on us again, are you Harry? Because I don't want to relive fifth year any time soon."

"Bugger off."

Hermione broke her silence.

"Harry, that was a very important memory. I mean, it clearly shows why Voldemort is after you! Your mother broke his heart! With this information, we can figure out how to destroy him for good! We now know what his true weakness is!"

"I suppose so. We know he had a soft spot for my mum." Harry shuddered. "But what are we going to do about that?"

"That's just the question," Hermione replied. As the trio silently contemplated the matter, Bill walked into the room.

"There you guys are! Come on, it's time for the wedding rehearsal!"

Ron groaned. "Aw, not again, Bill! It's so boring!"

"The wedding is in three days, Ron. We have to get this right! We can't go making a fool of ourselves in front of Fleur's relatives. She has some cousins who are full veela, and you know how you get around those kind. Besides, I think today's rehearsal may be interesting."

A dreamy look crossed Ron's face; Hermione scowled.

"Veela, you say?" Ron ran outside and took his position, and Hermione followed.

"Hey Bill, have you chose a best man yet, by the way?" Harry asked. Bill smirked.

"Yep, and that's what's going to make today's rehearsal interesting." Harry gave him a quizzical look. "I know everyone's going to think I'm mad, but I chose Percy."

"What? Percy? Why?"

"I figured if I gave him a role as important as best man, he would be sure to come to the wedding. You know how he likes to feel all important and dignified. It's not that I want to flatter him, but it would be a way to get him here, back with his family. And mum would be ecstatic. She nearly died of joy when Perce came home for Christmas last year, and he was only home for five minutes. Imagine how overjoyed she'll be if he shows up for this."

"If he shows up?"

"Well, there's been no time for a reply. I sent him a letter yesterday, telling him about today's rehearsal. We'll just have to see if he shows up."

"Wow…have you told anyone yet?"

No, just you. I didn't want to get mum's spirits up in case he doesn't show. You won't tell anyone, will you?"

"No, I promise."

And with that, the two lads went outside to begin the rehearsal.

As it was, Percy did not show up for the rehearsal. Bill had since told Charlie about his choice, and asked if he would be the best man in case Percy did not show for the ceremony. Life was hectic leading up to the day of the wedding: Harry occupied himself by listening to the music from the box Ginny gave him, and worrying about Voldemort and the kilt he had to wear in front of five hundred guests. Every time Hermione would talk about how excited she was to see Viktor again, Ron would frown, just as Hermione did every time Ron mentioned how excited he was to be sharing a house with three French veela. Mr. Weasley was as busy at work as usual, and Mrs. Weasley hurried around the house cleaning every nook and cranny as well as performing expansion spells in order to accommodate all of Fleur's relatives. Mrs. Weasley had also given Ron and Harry the task of spraying gnomicide around the yard to rid it of any remaining pesky little fellows before the wedding. Harry particularly enjoyed doing this.

Finally, on the morning of the day of the ceremony, Mrs. Weasley had the whole clan stand in front of the Burrow to welcome their guests. Harry was reminded of greeting the Beauxbatons carriage and Durmstang ship in fourth year. As they stood there waiting, a dull hum filled the air, and steadily grew stronger. Suddenly, Hermione squealed.

"Viktor!"

Ron looked angry. "Viktor? Where?"

"There!" Hermione exclaimed, pointing forward. Harry squinted and saw a small form coming towards them, and realized that it was a car, and the hum he heard was the engine. Hermione continued: "He said he would be arriving the muggle way, so as to not distract the neighboring town!"

However, to Harry it seemed like Viktor was quite sure to cause a distraction: he was driving a bright pink, brand-new Hummer, whose engine roared louder than that of the Hogwarts Express. The only cars in the surrounding town were old beat-up sedans, so Viktor's ride was sure to cause some stares. As the massive vehicle pulled up and stopped in front of the Burrow, Hermione ran to greet Viktor. As she hugged him, Harry noticed that Ron's hands were balled up into fists.

"Her-mee-own! It is good to see you!"

"It's great to see you too, Viktor! You remember Harry and Ron, of course." Harry shook Viktor's hand, and Ron merely nodded in acknowledgement.

Minutes later, they were all met with a somewhat familiar site: ten huge, deep red carriages came flying through the air, all with the name "Delacour" elegantly written in French script on the sides. Before they could comprehend what was happening, swarms of unfamiliar people came bustling out of the carriages, conversing in rapid French with each other as the Weasleys looked on dumbfounded. Suddenly, Fleur came running out of the house, her hair in curlers.

"Maman! Papa! Gabrielle! Oh, comment allez-vous?" She embraced her family. Then, she ran over to a group of glowing girls and grabbed one of their wrists.

"Cécile! Je veux que tu rencontres le frère de Beel ! Il est ton âge, mais il est un peu stupide. Il m'aimait pour longtemps, mais heureusement il a abandonné cette folie ! Viens avec moi!" She pulled the beautiful girl with her towards Ron.

"Ronald, theez eez my couzin Cécile. She eez a veela and very beautiful az you can zee. But not az preety az me!" With that, Fleur gave her family one last hug and ran inside to finish getting ready. This time, Hermione looked ready to punch someone out.