I am terribly sorry for such a long wait. I started softball, so I haven't been home really. I'll try to be more consistent with updates. Thanks for the patience.
Chapter 8: I'm Gonna Give You My Love
There was a sudden archway in the hallway, showing a huge but stunning garden. All different types of plants and animals from both the muggle and Wizarding worlds were laid out neatly. Harry sat them down on a nearby bench. The young lovers just sat, listening to the birds chirping as if there were no worries in the world.
She brought his hand up to her lips, pressing lightly in a sign of adoration.
"I had always planned on marrying you, " he whispered softly, his eyes looking around the paradise.
"I had always planned on marrying you too," she replied. "I knew there would be a certain time, both romantically and spiritually. Apparently, time is rubbish. I'm all for it. Especially if it will perhaps enable the Wizarding world a stable future."
Harry looked at her, his eyes sparkling intensely. She looked back with an equal stare. He brought his hand to her face and brushed away a curl. Her eyes fluttered shut at the contact.
"You would do that for me?" He murmured. She nodded, her eyes still closed. "You do realize we've been dating for less than two days."
"True, but I've been in love with you for five years. Shouldn't that be enough?"
"It's more than enough," he said lovingly. "I just don't want to rush you into anything."
"I am more than happy about it, Harry. Now none of the little whores at school will be gazing at you the wrong way." He laughed and embraced her tightly.
"I love you," he sighed.
"And I love you," she replied. She watched, as he got up and knelt on one knee. His dark messy hair blew with the breeze as his hand slipped into his pocket. From there came a red box with a golden bow on top. He opened it and stared deeply once more into her chocolate eyes.
"On such short notice I ask you what I've planned to ask you in the future. You have been there for me through the darkest and most terrible of times. You have been there for me through the best of times. You were my best friend for many years, and I am so thankful for that. You have sacrificed so much for me, when it should have been I sacrificing for you. And now, as the love of my life, who I've loved for so long, I ask you this. Will you, Hermione Jane Granger, give me, Harry James Potter, the honor of marriage?"
Hermione's eyes swelled as streams of tears ran down her cheeks. She nodded yes and flung herself on top of him. Her lips crashed onto his, as he wrapped his arms around her waste. They both knew she would say yes. The fact that the word flew past her lips added to the effect. He kissed her all over her face and pulled her up.
"Let's see what I've got for you," he teased. He pulled out the most beautiful ring she ever saw. It was a fourteen carat gold band with the biggest diamond she ever saw on a finger. Inside the band there was an inscription.
"Forever Our Love Will Last, Harry and Hermione," she recited. "Thank you so much."
"Anything for you. Let's go tell the others. We have a wedding to plan."
They walked hand in hand back to the others. Before opened the doors, Hermione reached up and pulled his lips back onto hers.
"And that was for…"
"Everything," she answered simply.
They opened the doors and the royal family rose. Harry nodded and the whole family busted into joy. Lily and James came over and hugged Hermione, welcoming her into the family. Godric shook Harry's hand merrily, and Annette hugged him.
"When are we going to get married?" Harry asked.
"Tonight," Godric replied. Lily grabbed Hermione and headed out one of the doors.
"We've got to get everything ready! It's bad to see the bride, Harry! Come on ladies!" All of the females followed Lily and Hermione out.
"Its time to get ready," Godric told Harry. That was the last thing she heard before she was led out of the room.
Hermione was dragged all throughout the halls of the beautiful castle until finally she had apparently reached her destination. Two women opened a pair of large oak wooden doors to reveal a huge room. Across from the door was an enormous mirror from floor to ceiling. Two house elves waited excitedly to help her as well. Before she could complain about the elves, the house elves started to undress her.
"What the-" she began.
"Not now dear," Lily chided lightly. "There's no time for modesty. Although with your physique you should be flaunting it." Hermione grinned nervously.
"What am I supposed to wear?"
"Well," Annette started, "the clothing style is similar to that of muggles. Where do you want to get married?"
"Where do you suggest?" Hermione replied.
"James and I were married here in the gardens. If I know my son correctly, he'll be sneezing like James." Hermione nodded while giggling. "How about the beach?"
"That's perfect!" she said. The women smiled and with a snap of the house elves fingers, she felt herself clothed in a light cloth. She looked into the mirror and gasped.
It was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. The clean white cloth wrapped around her as a graceful dress. It shimmered with pure magic that sent a warm feeling across her body. The light scar from Dolohov was partially visible, but at this point; she did not care. She knew Harry would love her anyway. Annette came up behind her and waved her hand over Hermione's head. Her curls went up beautiful in a delicate twist, while a wreath of flowers appeared and nestled into her hair.
"A queen to be must always look the part," she said. All of the women laughed and nodded. Hermione smiled and thanked them quietly.
"Are you nervous?" One of the women asked. Hermione shook her head.
"Harry and I have been through worse. This is more than positive. A lot of what we've been through has been depressing."
"That's true," Annette said sadly. "On a happier note, the festivities will begin in a half hour. As traditions go, we are to leave you with the last royal female. We'll see you in a bit." The women left Lily and Hermione alone to talk amongst themselves.
"So I lied. I'm deathly nervous," Hermione said while pacing. Lily laughed softly. Hermione glanced at her fiancé's mother. She looked no older then thirty. Her red long hair still had the same color as Harry described to her. Her emerald eyes sparkled mysteriously as Harry's did. She was truly one of the most beautiful women she had ever seen. Hermione looked away and stared at herself in the mirror. "I wonder how Harry's coping."
"Probably worse than you. James always said he was afraid I wouldn't show. I don't understand that concept since I would have nowhere else to go. It'd be rather silly, don't you think?"
"Absolutely. And if you weren't positive about your love for him, you wouldn't have said yes to his proposal. Men," she huffed. Lily laughed along with her, before embracing her.
"We will definitely be getting along my dear. I'm so glad my son has found someone like you." Hermione smiled gratefully.
"Thank you for accepting me so well." Lily nodded.
A loud bell chimed throughout the castle. Lily signaled to Hermione it was time. They walked silently back through the palace and outside. Hermione barely saw the figures of her soon to be family. Lily stopped besides Hermione and kissed both of her cheeks.
"I stop here to join the others. It is for you to take the walk alone. According to the ritual, you are to have no persuasion. Without contact, you are left to yourself. Have fun." Without another word, she disappeared silently. Hermione took a deep breath and began walking to where Harry apparently waited.
On her long walk to the shoreline, Hermione hummed to herself quietly and took her surroundings in. The setting was perfect. The weather was perfect. It all was actually perfect for once. She had no idea what the ceremony would entail. All she could do was hope she did everything correctly. As she neared, Harry's aura became stronger and stronger.
Finally, she knew she had made it. She looked up into the eyes of her handsome amour. He smiled encouragingly and took her hands within his. He bent down and kissed her cheek.
"You look so beautiful, so ravishing," he whispered silently. She blushed noticeably and sighed before he pulled away. They looked to Godric who stood patiently and proudly. To the side there was an altar with a vast basin, along with two daggers. Hermione turned her attention back to the ceremony.
"We are gathered here today to join the souls of Harry James Potter and Hermione Jane Granger. Before we begin, are there any protests?" All of the men and women of the royal house smiled encouragingly. "Then we shall begin. Please, tighten your hands," he said to Hermione and Harry. They followed their directions. "You all know what to do. Grab hands." The family members joined hands as well. "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we ask for your blessings to join the hands of these two soul mates, who have the purest souls of them all. We ask you heavenly Father, to bless these two souls with all of the goodness you have to offer."
A blinding light erupted horizontally through the sky. It turned and shined down on the couple. Hermione felt warmth envelop her. Love burst through her heart, soul, and body. It ran throughout her veins and into Harry's joined hands. The double intensity of love they felt for each other and from one another erupted around them in a blazing fire. She and Harry stared into one another's eyes as the fire eventually died out. A cool feeling fell upon them next, as the fire dimmed slowly. Their energies relaxed and eventually the fire dimmed out. The light continued to shine on them and in the sky.
"In the name of God, forever you are blessed," Godric announced.
"Amen," the crowd answered.
"In the name of the elements, Merlin we ask for your attendance on this summer's eve."
A figure besides Godric appeared, and soon Merlin appeared in all his glory. His eyes sparkled joyfully as he approached the couple. He smiled and patted both of their heads before turning to the sea.
"In the name of the elements, oh heavenly water, I ask you to rise and wash over these soul mates. I ask you to bless them with all of your qualities and gifts. In the name of the elements, oh heavenly water, bless these souls!"
"AMEN!" The crowd erupted. Merlin raised his hands and two streams of ocean water ascended from the sea. They passed over the couple before emptying into the basin. Merlin mumbled incoherent words, as the water turned gently.
"In the name of the elements, oh heavenly wind, I ask you to descend and engulf these soul mates. I ask you to bless them with all of your qualities and gifts. In the name of the elements, oh heavenly wind, bless these souls!"
"AMEN!" The crowd erupted once more. Merlin moved his hands in a swirling motion before bringing a calm breeze. It twisted around Hermione and Harry, filling their lungs. It went into the basin as Merlin continued to silently chant. The clear water turned blue.
"In the name of the elements, oh heavenly fire, I ask you to form and graze over these soul mates. I ask you to bless them with all of your qualities and gifts. In the name of the elements, oh heavenly fire, bless these souls!"
"AMEN!" The crowd cheered. Merlin raised his hands and a bolt of fire descended from the sky. It engulfed them before emptying into the basin like the other elements. Merlin watched intently as the concoction began to steam lightly. He smiled in satisfaction.
"In the name of the elements, oh heavenly earth, I ask you to rise and spread over these soul mates. I ask you to bless them with all of your qualities and gifts. In the name of the elements, oh heavenly earth, bless these souls!"
"AMEN!" The crowd shouted delightfully. Merlin raised his hands and the sand ascended from the ground. It passed over the couple before emptying into the basin accordingly. Merlin moved his hands in a heart pattern and the elements mixed together.
"It is time for the blood bonding. Please follow me." Hermione and Harry followed him over to the basin where the two daggers lied. "Hermione, you will grab the dagger with the red ribbon and drag it lightly across his wand hand. Harry, you will grab the dagger with the gold ribbon and drag it lightly across hers. After doing, so dip your hands into the basin. Then connect your hands at the wounds."
Hermione looked into Harry's eyes before dragging the red dagger across his wand hand. He squinted for a second but that was all. She held her hand out for him to cut as well. The pain was quick, but well worth it. He mouthed "sorry." Together, they dipped their hands into the surprisingly cool mix. Hermione felt a wild tingle set through her body. She and Harry joined hands and a blinding light erupted from the contact. She heard everyone cheer and cry happily. All she saw was his shining emerald eyes.
"In the name of the elements, I pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Harry brought her body close before descending his lips upon hers. The feelings of love and power erupted between them, causing her to almost lose balance. He held her tightly as he practically devoured her. They embraced with tears. Merlin waved his finger in a loop and a tie formed around their wrists.
"I'm sure you know what that is for," he said, smirking at Harry. They both nodded, while blushing.
"While we're here, we'll initiate you into the royal family. Merlin, will you do the honors?" Godric asked. Merlin nodded contently.
"Of course. If you could both kneel please?" Harry and Hermione knelt at the alter, while Merlin towered over them. "Ready?"
"Yes," they answered.
"Harry James Potter, do you swear to stay forever a good soul, no matter what the circumstances?"
"I do."
"Do you swear to be a rightful and just king without corruption?"
"I do."
"Do you swear to protect the people under your power?"
"I do."
"Do you swear to follow all the rules of the House of Potter and the House of Gryffindor?"
"I do."
"With the power endowed to me, I pronounce you King Harry James Potter. I pronounce you King of all magical worlds." Hermione watched, as her husband was crowned king. A giant crown adorned his head. Merlin turned to her, as her stomach flipped.
"Hermione Jane Potter, do you swear to stay forever a good soul, no matter what the circumstances?"
"I do."
"Do you swear to be a rightful and just queen without corruption?"
"I do."
"Do you swear to protect the people under your power?"
"I do."
"Do you swear to follow all the rules of the House of Potter and the House of Gryffindor?"
"I do."
"With the power endowed to me, I pronounce you Queen Hermione Jane Potter. I pronounce you Queen of the all the magical worlds." Hermione felt a large tiara replace her wreath. She looked to Harry, who had tears of joy flowing down his cheeks. She began to cry as well. Merlin smiled and helped them up before embracing them. "This is just the beginning."
Lily and James embraced them next followed by every other person present. Hermione could feel the power within her, as well as Harry's.
"Just because we're dead doesn't mean there isn't a party! Reception in the Great Room! Are you guys coming?" Sirius cried merrily.
"In a bit," Harry said, while holding Hermione's hand. He nodded and with a wiggle of his brows he disappeared with the rest of the family.
The new Potters were left to themselves. They sat silently with tied wrists, on the sand. Hermione rested her head against his broad shoulder.
"It's a shame I have to wait until after the party," he said absentmindedly. She turned her head and looked into his eyes.
"Wait for what?"
"Wait to make passionate love to you of course," he said smiling. She slapped his arm lightly and pulled her tiara off before lying down. "You're stuck with me now." She laughed softly, as if it were a terrible thing.
"Poor me," she teased. He chuckled and jumped on top of her. The string around their wrists pulled gently. He huffed.
"Poor me," he mimicked. She laughed as he nuzzled her neck with kisses. He hit a sensitive spot, causing her to moan into his ear. "Lucky me," he groaned.
"We can't now Harry. The others…"
"I'm the King now," he said with fake haughtiness. "I rather have a party with you by ourselves anyway. What say you?"
She looked around nervously. "I don't know what I'm doing," she confided. He smiled and kissed her nose.
"I don't either. That's why we'll guesstimate. Instinct." She nodded and relaxed.
"So Mrs. Potter, what do you make of this?" He asked vaguely, as he let go of her free wrist.
"This day could not have been more perfect," she sighed as he began to kiss her neck again. His raven hair tickled her collarbone as he began to go lower and lower. She ran her hand through his hair, causing him to sigh against her skin.
"So, in my estimation, I've come to the conclusion that this cloth is not going to help us. So, we get rid of it." He snapped his fingers and she was left naked before his eyes. Her eyes darted to his, which were on fire with passion. "Don't ask how I did that."
"Fair enough," she gasped as the wind tickled her skin.
"You are the most beautiful woman I have and will ever lay eyes on. Everything about you makes me…ugh," he groaned. She ran her hands over his muscular torso.
"Milord, I'm yours. Take me please," she whispered into his ear. He visible shook, before crashing his lips to hers. Their tongues met and danced, caressing the others passionately. She felt the hardness between his legs pressed against her thigh. Their emotions were doubled by the others. His free hand moved from behind her head down over her shoulders and over her breasts. He massaged one, causing her to arch into him. He alternated between the two as she sighed into his ear.
"How am I doing?" He breathed deeply.
"Perfect."
He moved his hand from her breasts down her stomach, and before she knew what hit her, he touched her core. She gasped loudly, causing him to smirk.
"How about now?" He rasped. He stuck two fingers inside of her. She kissed him hard in order to stop herself from groaning loudly. Their tied hands were grasped tightly together as he pumped gently in and out of her.
"Harry," she sighed beautifully. He slowed his attention. He positioned himself above her and cradled her head.
"I'll try my best," he said before plunging himself inside of her. A pain shot through her body, but before she could feel it all, it disappeared. She saw his eyes closed tightly and realized he had taken the hit. He murmured a contraceptive charm quietly.
"Thank you my love," she cooed lovingly. He nodded and loosened up. A wave of pleasure hit her as he gently thrusted inside of her. The tie around their wrists disappeared, and soon she was able to embrace him fully. She held onto his shoulders as he pushed himself into her faster and faster.
"Mia," he grunted tightly.
"Harry!" she squealed as an orgasm hit her intensely. He continued pumping until finally he exploded inside of her. His damp hair was matted to his forehead, and his arms were shaking from holding his weight. She pulled his body onto her as he regained his breath. Hermione adorned his face with kisses.
"I love you so much," she said softly, while gazing into his eyes. He grinned and kissed her softly.
"I love you too Mrs. Potter. Thank you for everything."
They embraced before separating and lying side by side.
"Care for a swim?" She asked happily. He nodded and they ran into the sea. The cool water calmed them both as the lazy waves passed along.
"We have a lot of work ahead of us," she said sighing.
"True. For now, we'll relax happily. You're all I want now anyway."
She smiled contently and kissed his cheek. "You're all I want forever." He wrapped his arms around her.
"Let's float on shall we?"
"Let's."