I do not own the Harry Potter Characters, this fanfic is for fun, these characters are the rightful property of JK Rowlings.
Chapter 26: Mrs. Ronald Billius Weasley
Ron and Hermione's wedding preparations were quick. Within three days of their decision to get married, the main chapel was ready for them. The Nasserites, quite excited to be engaging in something to get their minds off of recent tragedies, had all pitched in support to the couple. Female Nasserites, using a combination of skill and magic, managed to obtain a wedding dress for Hermione, while the male Nasserites found extremely nice-looking, yet older-style dress robes for Ron and Harry.
For everyone involved with the planning of the wedding, the joyous occasion served as an escape from the war, for everyone but Ron and Hermione that is. Ron and Hermione appeared much as they did at the Battle of the Department of Mysteries two years earlier; nervous, difficult to talk to, shaky, frustrated. They pretty much had to avoid each other for the three days separating their decision to get married and their actual wedding.
Their wedding day came, Ron and Hermione separated themselves from each other as the final preparations began. The Chapel was ready, the Nasserite musician was practicing her organ skills as hundreds of Nasserites filed into the chapel. Reverend Ewls had gotten into his white and gold vestments and had prepared his notes for the ceremony. He awaited the arrival of Ron at the platform between the altar and the rows of pews in which sat the Nasserites. The female Nasserite who had helped Hermione give birth held, in her arms, the crying Harry Ronald Granger as she sat in the front row of pews.
As Harry Ronald interrupted the peaceful chapel with screams, Ronald Weasley was a nervous wreck as he and Harry changed into their dress robes in a bathroom near the chapel. Ron was shaking so badly, he was having difficulty putting on his robes. Harry noticed this and tried to present to his best friend the presence of calm.
"Ron just relax, you'll do fine."
"Relax!" Ron said sounding frustrated. "How the hell do you expect me to relax?"
"I know, it's only the most important day of your life," Harry responded, Ron definitely did not feel any better after this was said. "Look mate, you told me yourself, you've been waiting for this since the first day saw her on the train right?"
"Yeah, but now its all so real," said Ron with a mixed voice of contemplation and terror. "I'm going to be married!" His voice then turned slightly sad. "But I don't know how long it will last, with the war and all. I know I'm supposed to trust in God's will Harry, but I must admit that I am afraid, afraid that in a few days I'll lose her again."
"Death is a part of life Ron," said Harry. "We're all going to die, if you two don't face death during the war, then you will some other time, you probably won't die at the same time so one of you will leave the other."
"If I lose Hermione again, I don't know if I can carry on Harry."
"You both may yet survive this war," said Harry optimistically. "It's possible, sometimes all we have is hope right?"
Ron smiled and nodded. The two finished putting on their dress robes and then looked themselves in the mirror. Smiles grazed their lips as they looked quite dashing. A tear suddenly came to Ron's face as he addressed Harry without his usual nervousness, instead his voice was resolved and solemn.
"Harry, I wanted to say that you have been my best mate for the past seven years," Ron began. "And I am so grateful for all that you have done for me, for sticking up for me, letting me be a part of your adventures, you're my brother, you could be the only brother I have left, and thank you for doing this."
After Ron had said this, a tear came to his eye.
"Ron, I'm the one who should be thanking you," said Harry. "…both you and Hermione. You've always been there for me, you've always supported me morally, and." Harry began to sob. "You're the only brother and sister I've ever had, and I thank you for the privilege of serving as best man."
Ron smiled as similar tears came to his eyes. The two embraced solemnly.
"Come on, let's get you married," said Harry.
The two broke apart, left the bathroom, and headed for the sanctuary. Harry Ronald still cried and screamed at the top of his lungs, which did not help his surrogate father's already disposition as he, Harry, and Reverend Ewls stood in the sanctuary awaiting Hermione's entrance. They stood in formation, Reverend Ewls stood directly in front of the altar, Ron stood just in front of him and to the left, Harry stood behind Ron.
"Ron do you have a ring?"
At this question, Ron began to breath heavily, his nervousness increased ten-fold.
"Oh bloody hell, I, I didn't think about that," panicked Ron. "I thought we'd get married back in England so we'd be able to take care of that then!"
"Ron, Ron, Calm down," Ewls took from his pocket a small golden ring and handed it to Ron. "Take this one, Amanda's fingers were as small as Hermione's when we got married."
"Reverend," Ron protested taking the ring. "This is Amanda's?"
Reverend Ewls' face began to screw up though he fought it, trying to appear unemotional. He was definitely fighting back tears.
"We both outgrew our wedding-rings, I was supposed to get them re-sized a year ago but, things happen right?"
Ron noticed Ewls' tears, he shook his head.
"Reverend, I can't take this."
"Oh yes you can," said Ewls, more resolved. "My marriage has just ended, yours is just beginning," Ewls' attempts to fight back his tears failed as a tear rolled off his cheek. "And to me this wedding represents something new, coming out of something old, like a newborn baby coming out of labor pains. That's how I know that you two will both survive this war. Those rings belong in the hands of two people who are starting their lives together afresh. And…" Ewls paused, his tears giving way to a smile. "I've already given Hermione my wedding ring to give to you."
Ron nodded in gratitude and handed the ring to Harry who put it in his pocket. The main entrance to the chapel at the other end of the aisle cracked, making a sound which caught Reverend Ewls', Ron's, and Harry's attention. A young Nasserite female in a blue dressed leaned through the door's crack and gave Ewls a thumbs up. Ewls cleared his eyes of tears and nodded.
"Well gentlemen, time to get this show on the road," said Ewls. "Good luck Ron."
Reverend Ewls gave the organist a nod, she then began to play Pachelbel's Canon in D. The same young Nasserite woman leaned through the crack in the door, emerged fully, and began to walk slowly toward the front of the Altar. Ron's hands were shaking, he could not calm himself, his status as nervous wreck returned to him. Immediately after the young female Nasserite arrived at the platform in front of the altar, standing directly across from Harry, the door to the chapel opened widely revealing to Ron his bride.
As if a switch was flipped in his mind, Ron was suddenly no longer nervous, shocked was a better description. He had never seen Hermione, or anyone for that matter, look so beautiful. Hermione walked forward slowly without escort, wearing a huge beaming smile, carrying a bouquet of flowers, wearing an eloquent white dress. The Nasserite women had done an amazing job at getting her usually uncontrollable hair to be submissive. The sight of her walking forward to the altar reminded Ron of how beautiful she looked at the Yule Ball their fourth year for Victor Krum. Ron was quite pleased to think, however, that she had surpassed that evening by leaps and bounds.
As she drew closer, Ron saw the tears forming in her eyes through which she beamed at him. He smiled back at her, tears of his own forming in his eyes. Just before arriving at the platform, as was custom, she stopped. Ron went down from the platform and took her right hand in his left. The couple's tears could be seen by all as they beamed at each other, looking each other directly in the eyes. As they stared at each other, the organist finished Canon in D, and Reverend Ewls began.
"Dearly beloved we are gathered here today in the sight of God and the angels, and in the presence of these witnesses, to celebrate one of life's greatest moments, to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love in the joining of Ronald Billius Weasley, and Hermione Jane Granger in the blessed union of holy matrimony. Marriage is created and Instituted by God, signifying unto us the mystical union, which also exists between Christ and his Church; so too may this marriage be adorned by true and abiding love. Before we proceed, should there be anyone who has cause as to why these two should not wed, let them speak now or forever hold their peace." Ewls paused for a few seconds, after which he motioned for Ron and Hermione to take their place in front of him. They did so with obvious joy in their eyes, the tears flowed freely for each of them, as they stood across from each other, just in front of Reverend Ewls, they joined hands.
"Ronald Billius Weasley, Hermione Jane Granger," Ewls continued. "Life is given to each of us as individuals, and yet we must learn to live it together. Love is given to us by our families and friends. We learn to love by being loved. Learning to love and living together is one of life's greatest challenges and it is the goal of a married life. But a husband and wife should not confuse love with worldly measures, for even if worldly success is found, only love will maintain this union. Mankind did not create love; love is created by God. The measure of true love is a love both freely given and freely accepted, just as God's love of us is unconditional and free. Today truly is a glorious day the Lord has made—as today both of you are blessed with God's greatest gift of all—the gift of abiding love and devotion between a man and a woman. All present here today—and those here in spirit—wish both of you all the joy, happiness and success and the world has to offer. As you travel through life together, I caution you to remember that the true measure of success, the true avenue to joy and peace, is to be found within the love you hold in your hearts. I would ask that you hold the key to your heart very tightly. Within the Scriptures, nothing is of more importance that love. We are told the crystalline and beautiful truth: 'God is Love.' We are assured that 'Love conquers all.' It is love, which brings you here today, the union of two hearts and two spirits. As your lives continue to interweave as one pattern, remember that it was love that brought you here today, it is love that will make this a glorious union, and it is love which will cause this union to endure. So Ronald Billius Weasley, do you take Hermione Jane Granger to be your wife Do you vow to love her, to honor her, to cherish and protect her, and forsaking all others to keep yourself only for her, until death shall separate you?"
Ron and Hermione, throughout the course of Reverend Ewls' speaking, never kept their attention off of one another. They were almost not paying any attention which caused Ron to nearly miss his queue, after only a second, however, he realized what was going on.
"I do."
Hermione smiled as a tear rolled down her cheek.
"Hermione Jane Granger," Ewls continued. "Do you take Ronald Billius Weasley to be your husband, do you vow to love him, to honor him, to cherish and protect him, and forsaking all others, to keep yourself only for him, until death shall separate you?"
Through her tears and smiles, Hermione, without hesitation, answered…
"I do."
"A reading from the first Epistle of Brother Paul to the Corinthians, the thirteenth Chapter," Ewls continued. "'Though I speak with the tongues of men and angels—but do not have love, I am only sounding brass or tinkling cymbals. Though I have the gift of prophecy and understanding all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith so that I could remove mountains—but do not have love, I am nothing. Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned but do not have love, it profits me nothing. Love endures and is kind. Love is not envious or jealous. Love wants not itself, is not puffed up, does not behave itself unseemly, seeks not its own, it is not easily provoked, and thinks no evil. Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness - but in truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love never fails. Where there are prophecies, they shall fail, where there be tongues, they shall cease, where there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when that which is perfect is come, that which is part shall be done away with. When I was a child I spoke as a child, thought as a child, reasoned as a child. When I became a man, I put away my childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abides faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.' The couple will now exchange vows."
Ron's gaze became powerful, resolved, rivaling that of Reverend Ewls. Yet, he continued to smile, and tears continued to fall from his eyes as he spoke.
"I, Ronald Billius Weasley, take thee Hermione Jane Granger to be my wife, To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse, and I vow my love to thee forevermore."
Hermione's smile was overwhelming, she could not help but sob as she spoke.
"I, Hermione Jane Granger, take thee Ronald Billius Weasley to be my Husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse, and I vow my love to thee forevermore."
As Reverend Ewls continued, his eyes became watery, he even had to use his thumb in front of everyone to clear a tear falling from his eyes.
"Do you have the rings?
Harry handed the Ring that Ewls provided, to Ron. The Young Nasserite woman handed a ring to Hermione. Reverend Ewls extended his hand to Ron, who then placed the ring in his hand. Ewls held the ring up before the congregation. As he spoke he was definitely waging a losing battle against his tears.
"The ring, forming a perfect circle is an outward sign of inner grace. Just as a circle represents infinity, everlasting, perfection, so shall these rings be forever a symbol of Hermione and Ron's perfect, everlasting love for each-other." He then handed the ring back to Ron. "Ron, take Hermione's left hand, and when you're ready place the ring upon her finger saying, 'with this ring, I thee wed.'"
Ron took Hermione's left hand and held the ring to the finger on which already rested her engagement ring. Ron hesitated for a second before continuing.
"Hermione Jane Granger, with this ring, I thee wed," he said sliding the ring upon her finger
"Hermione, take Ron's left hand," Ewls instructed as she did so. "And when you are ready place the ring upon his finger saying, 'with this ring, I thee wed.'"
"Ron Billius Weasley," she said through her sobs and smile. "With this ring, I thee wed."
Reverend Ewls' gaze turned to the female healer who had helped deliver Harry Ronald, and now held Harry Ronald in her arms.
"Kathryn Harrington, if you would bring the child forward Please."
The female healer brought Harry Ronald, who was surprisingly quiet to the altar in front of Reverend Ewls, between Ron and Hermione. Hermione beamed at the sight of her son, as did Ron.
"Ron in addition to taking upon yourself the obligations and vows which you have made to Hermione, are you also willing to vow your love and fidelity as a father to this child? to be there for him, to love him, to care for him, and raise him as your son?"
"I do," said Ron without hesitation.
"Then let the record show as per the wishes of the child's mother that, if Ron has no objections, the name of the child be changed from Harry Ronald Granger, to Harry Ronald Granger Weasley. Does the groom have objection?"
Ron smiled and shook his head.
"Of course not,"
"Ron, Hermione," Ewls continued. "As the two of you come into this marriage uniting as husband and wife, and as you this day affirm your faith and love for one another, I would ask that you always remember to cherish each other as special and unique individuals, that you respect the thoughts, ideas and suggestions of one another. Be able to forgive, do not hold grudges, and live each day that you may share it together—as from this day forward you shall be each other's home, comfort and refuge, your marriage strengthened by your love and respect. Let us pray: Oh Lord, Almighty God, our hearts are filled with great joy at the beginning of this blessed union, as these two come before you pledging their hearts and lives to one another. Grant that they may be ever true and loving, living together is such a way as to never bring shame or heartbreak into their marriage. Temper their hearts with kindness and understanding, rid them of all pretense of jealousy. Help them to remember to be to each other as sweetheart, helpmate, friend and guide, so that together they may meet the cares and problems of life bravely. And with the passage of time may the home they create today, truly be a place of love and harmony, where your spirit is ever present. Bless this union we pray, and walk beside Ron and Hermione throughout all their lives together. We ask these things in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ who taught us to pray…"
The entire congregation joined in prayer…
"Our father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven, and give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors, and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the Power and the Glory forever, maranatha Amen."
Reverend Ewls took a sigh, this was clearly the moment both he and the couple had been waiting for.
"Ron, Hermione, in so much as the two of you have agreed to live together in Matrimony, have promised your love for each other by the saying of these vows, the giving of these rings and the joining of your hands, I now declare you to be husband and wife. And now May Yahweh bless you and keep you. May he make his face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you. May he lift up his countenance unto you, and give you peace, Amen." Ewls turned to Ron with an immense smile. "Ron you may kiss your bride."
Ron and Hermione, through their tears and smiles, brought their lips to each other, sharing a kiss which lasted several joyous seconds, during which, Reverend Ewls excitedly addressed the congregation.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Billius Weasley!"
The Nasserite audience erupted in standing ovation as the couple completed their kiss and then turned and faced the congregation with beaming smiles. A Nasserite went into the aisle and took a magical photograph of them as they held hands. In midst of the applause, the couple heard Reverend Ewls' voice muttering to them.
"As soon as you've finished your dance, come with me, the order has prepared a surprise for you."
The congregation was then led into the great hall of the temple and formed a large circle around Ron and Hermione. As this occurred, emanating from somewhere inside the temple, the opening vocals to the muggle love song "All My Life" began. Hermione and Ron then assumed a dancing position and joyfully, romantically danced together in front of the supportive Nasserite audience.