All these ruddy marvelous characters belong to the splendiferous J.K. Rowling (except Greg, but I s'pose you can't really say he's ruddy marvelous)

P.S. Never Fear, there are no HBP spoilers in here! (But I must say it's pretty irresponsible of you to be reading fanfics if you haven't finished the 6th book) I just want to say that I wrote this chapter before HBP came out. However, because of certain occurrences in said book I have been having extreme doubts as to whether I wanted to continue with this story. Since I had already written this chapter I thought I might as well put it up but you have been forewarned. ;0)

Eternal Flame

'Let's get this party started, shall we?' George grinned from the front of the borrowed ministry car. His twin brother, Fred was seated next to him and was wearing an equally wicked expression on his own face.

'Yeah we should get there earlier and see if we can catch Harry trying to sneak away.'

Hermione shook her head at Fred and he winked at her before turning to face the front once more. She could feel the beginnings of a migraine pounding at her temple. The glorious day of Ginny's wedding had not dawned well. Hermione, who greatly appreciated a sleep-in or at the very least the lee-way to wake up by herself, had been jolted awake by the sounds of Ginny retching in the bathroom. With the concern of an old friend, Hermione jumped out of bed, threw on her robe and padded into the bathroom to investigate.

'You alright Ginny?' Hermione asked as she leaned against the door frame of the open bathroom door. Ginny had her head leaning over the toilet bowl and let out another spectacular heave, causing Hermione's stomach to turn. After a moment of silence, Ginny sat back against the bath tub and placed a hand on her stomach. Pushing off the door jamb, Hermione handed Ginny a roll of toilet paper and sat beside her, stroking her hair.

'What's wrong?' Hermione whispered.

Ginny looked away, avoiding Hermione's worried gaze.

'Um… nothing. I probably just ate something that didn't agree with me.' Ginny let her words drift, as if what she truly wanted to say was stuck in her throat. Hermione didn't want to push Ginny, so she let the matter rest. An awkward silence fell between then as she rubbed Ginny's back with comforting strokes.

Hermione was just about to suggest they get off the cold floor of the bathroom and try to get some more sleep, when Ginny turned to her. Her eyes were filled with tears and before Hermione could even say a word, Ginny burst out into a full blown wail. Hermione bit her lip and put her arm around Ginny's shoulders.

'Oh Ginny, don't. I know you're nervous about today, but it's going to be fine. In fact, it's going to be better than fine—.'

'It's not that and you know it's not, Hermione,' Ginny wailed, 'I'm getting married to Harry. Harry Potter! I mean, why me? He could have any girl in the wizarding world. Why me?'

'Oh come on Ginny. You and I have both known him for long enough to know that Harry isn't really that great a catch. I mean the boy is completely obsessed with quidditch, has a worrying preoccupation with catching bad guys and couldn't cook a decent meal if the Quidditch World Cup depended on him. Let's face it, he's not exactly Witch Weekly's bachelor of the year. And I'm starting to seriously doubt your intelligence for thinking so.' Hermione paused to smile down at Ginny, 'Your brother, Percy on the other hand… He's quite the swinging bachelor now isn't he?'

Ginny let out a guffaw but the tears still shone in her eyes.

'But seriously, besides all his other faults, Harry seems to genuinely love you. And as one of his best friends, I feel obliged to tell you that if you try to back out now, I may have to pull out all your hair.'

The tears were now free-flowing down Ginny's cheeks, so Hermione pulled her in closer for a hug.

'I'm just so scared, Hermione.' Ginny's voice quavered, 'What if he's just marrying me because… because of—.' Her voice cracked as she dropped her head and placed a hand over her stomach. As Hermione placed her hand on Ginny's still flat stomach as well, Ginny knew that her friend understood precisely what she was talking about.

'What this? If anything, this would give Harry the excuse he needed to get you shackled, cooking for him and popping out little midgets with glasses even sooner.' Hermione reassured her, 'Ginny, Harry loves you and you know he's not marrying you just because you're pregnant…' She gave Ginny a reassuring squeeze, 'He's marrying you because he's afraid your mum will find out…'

Hermione was jolted back to the present by Fred's disgruntled yelp. Mrs Weasley also seated in the back of the car on Ginny's other side, was currently half-leaned over Fred's seat frantically trying to straighten out his dress robes.

'Mum, get off! You're choking me. Ginny! Tell mum to get off me. I don't know why you're making such a fuss.' Fred exclaimed.

Mrs Weasley gave Fred a sharp tug on the ear before settling back into her seat.

'My baby is getting married today. I think I'm entitled to a bit of fuss. Besides with the two of you monkeying around all the time, I'd half given up hope on having anymore grandchildren.'

Hermione felt Ginny stiffen at her side. Her slightly green complexion clashed horribly with her vivid red hair and her hands trembled with nerves. Hermione reached down to clasp Ginny's hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. Startled, Ginny looked up at Hermione before giving a wobbly smile.

'This is it.' George exclaimed, pulling the car to a halt. He and Fred quickly jumped out of the car and came around the back to open the doors for the ladies.

'Hope you're ready to kiss the boy and make him cry, Ginny.' George grinned as he opened the door for his mum.

This comment earned him a pinch on the leg and a well-known make-sure-you-behave glare from Mrs Weasley, before he was shoved, unceremoniously, to the side. Hermione exited through the other door (graciously opened for her by Fred) and went around the car to join Mrs Weasley, who was helping Ginny out of the car. Hermione would have leaned down to offer Ginny her own hand but she feared that her dress robe may not withstand the pressure. Hermione shook her head: the tight strawberry parfait colored dress was the least of her troubles. Greg was coming to Ginny and Harry's wedding reception, and Greg was extremely likely to take note of a number of slightly strange occurrences. Greg was also likely to ask Hermione a number of questions regarding said strange occurrences; questions Hermione didn't think she was ready to answer.

Taking a deep breath, Hermione looked around her and couldn't help the smile tugging at her lips. The Burrow had not changed from the time she had first paid a visit. The five chimneys still stood crookedly on the red roof, and the fat chickens were still pecking their way around the front yard. Hermione turned to Ginny and saw the tears well up in her eyes at the sight of her childhood home. This was definitely the perfect place to have Ginny and Harry's wedding.

The door was opened by a broadly grinning Mr Weasley, dressed in his best robes. He ushered them all in with a quick peck on his wife's cheek and hugs for everyone.

'They're all waiting for you out back.' Mr Weasley said, giving Ginny another tight hug.

Hermione was just about to follow Fred and George out into the backyard, where the ceremony was to be held, when she felt a buzzing in the pocket of her dress robe. She gave Ginny a quick tap on the shoulder.

'Sorry Ginny,' Hermione took out her phone, 'It's Greg. I better get this. Besides, the wait will do Harry good.'

Ginny simply nodded vaguely, her nerves getting the better of her. Hermione flipped open the phone and made her way out the front door again.

'Hey Greg,' she had no doubt that it was Greg, since he was the one who had given the mobile to her: "just-in-case." The phone crackled, most likely because of magical interference, so Hermione took a step further into the front yard.

'Greg. Are you there?'

'Hey Hermione, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry…' Greg's voice came through the phone.

'Er… bad news?' Hermione could hardly stop the sense of relief ballooning within her, 'Don't tell me you can't make it to the reception.'

'I'm sorry. It's just my team are so close to a breakthrough right now. We really need all hands on deck.'

'That's fine. Really. I know how important your work is to you right now, so do what you have to do.'

'Hermione, don't be like that. You know I would—.'

'No, really, I'm serious; I'm fine about you not coming. I promise.'

'Seriously?... Well thanks, hon. You are the most understanding fiancée in the Universe and I know I don't deserve you. Tell Harry and Ginny that I owe them a round for the no-show. Right, gotta get back to work. I love you, Hermione.'

'Right, I've got to go too. They're about to start without me. Bye.' Hermione quickly closed the phone and slipped it back into her pocket before racing back into the house.

'Hey Ginny, I'm afraid Greg isn't going to make it later.' Hermione said, panting slightly, 'He said—.'

Hermione stopped as she looked out the window. Her gaze cut across to the furthest corner of the Weasley's back yard. Underneath the large apple tree, away from all the other guests, the lone figure of Draco Malfoy stood.

A pit the size of the Grand Canyon appeared in Hermione's stomach. She had known he would return; had in fact been anticipating his reappearance into society ever since she got his note. However, she definitely had not pictured him here: at this time and place, and it shook her.

'Hermione are you alright? You look like you've seen a ghost.' Ginny queried, feeling worried. She stepped towards Hermione and followed the line of her gaze.

Hermione felt spurred to action and took a step towards the back door.

'No way… There is absolutely no way I am letting him ruin this. No way.' Hermione cried.

'Hermione, wait…I'm sorry. Harry didn't want me to say anything,' Ginny whispered, turning away to avoid eye contact.

Hermione tore her gaze from Draco to stare at Ginny incredulously.

'You mean Harry actually knows Draco is here. That he actually doesn't mind the fact that Draco Malfoy, his boyhood nemesis, is at his wedding? Oh I'm sorry I didn't realize hell had frozen over.'

'Hermione, please,' Ginny pleaded with her friend, the bouquet in her hand trembling.

'I'm sorry. Right I'm just in some alternate universe in which Harry and Draco are happy friends and his reappearance out of no-where is normal. Okay I can do this. Okay, let's go.' Hermione babbled, trying to calm herself.

'Don't Hermione. I just—.'

'Please Ginny, I just… I just can't talk about this… about him right now. Let's just get you married, okay? I'll deal with my own problems.' Hermione pleaded shakily.

With her brow furrowed with worry, Ginny reached over to clasp Hermione's hand.

'Let's do it.'

As the girls walked to the back door, Mrs Weasley's head popped into the kitchen.

'Are you ready, girls?' Everyone's waiting.' Mrs Weasley beamed.

Hermione fixed on her smile and pretended to drag Ginny out the door. This was Ginny's day and there was no way she was going to ruin it for her. There was no way she was letting him ruin it, either.

'Let's get this party started.' Hermione cheered.

As they made their way out to the beautifully decorated backyard, all the guests turned to face them, before standing up out of their seats. Hermione gave Ginny a final hug, before handing her over to her father.

'This is it, Ginny: your special moment.'

'You look beautiful sweetie.' Mr Weasley told his daughter proudly.

Hermione turned around once more to face the aisle created by the rows of chairs that were currently filled with wedding guests. At the very end of the aisle, Professor Dumbledore stood looking very regal in dress robes of silver and white (decorated with gold shooting stars). He was obviously trying to tell Harry a joke of some sort, but Harry was too dazed to notice. Harry was looking rather pale and slightly shell-shocked, as he stared down at the carpet runner that had been laid down as a makeshift aisle. Standing besides him, Ron gave Harry a tap on the shoulder before nodding in Ginny's direction. Harry turned his gaze towards them. A stupid grin appeared on his face and he lifted his hand to give a wave. Hermione rolled her eyes with a smile as she turned back to see an equally stupid grin on Ginny's face as she waved back at her husband-to-be. This was what it was all about. Not unwelcome guests or Hermione's burning need for answers, but Harry and Ginny; and the celebration of their love. She could deal with Draco and his perfectly timed reappearance later, Hermione thought determinedly, but right now…

The music began, causing Hermione's head to bob up. She caught Ron's eye and he gave her a mischievous wink. Winking back, Hermione began the procession forward. Determinedly looking forward and trying to push a certain blond wedding crasher out of her mind, she caught Dumbledore's gaze. For a second, Hermione believed she saw a note of concern in his eyes, but shook the thought aside when she got to Harry's side. She flashed Harry a smile but really shouldn't have bothered, since he had eyes only for Ginny. When Mr Weasley draped Ginny's hand over Harry's, Hermione shuffled over to Ginny's side and took the bride's bouquet.

Harry gave a nervous twitch as he gently held Ginny's hand.

'Hi.' He whispered.

'Hi.' Ginny laughed.

And without further a due, the entire bridal party turned to face Dumbledore. His brilliant eyes shone with happiness as he reached out to grasp both Harry and Ginny's free hands.

'All of us gathered here today…know that this has been a long time coming,' Dumbledore began.

'Here, here!' The twins, seated in the front row, cheered.

With a laugh, Dumbledore continued, 'Now despite my many years as Headmaster of Hogwarts, and my years of experience within the Wizengamot, while I am qualified to perform this ceremony I must confess that it has been many decades since anyone has asked me to do so. Hence, I wish to forewarn you of any blunders I may make and ask you all to forgive an old man's dithering.'

Beside Hermione, Harry and Ginny seemed to visibly relax and their audience gave Dumbledore an encouraging round of applause. With a quick clearing of the throat, Dumbledore gave a wave of his hand to indicate that the guests should be seated, and then began:

'Love is the most sacred bond between two people. The attraction and feeling is unlike any other and one can never truly understand its depth or its power until one has been deeply in love. It is not simply the feeling of wanting to be with someone, and because of this ignoring their countless faults. There is no changing your mind; there is no till death do you part. Love can and will last beyond this lifetime, affecting not only your own lives but the lives of those around you…'

Hermione turned to see tears shimmering in Harry's eyes, and instinctively knew he was thinking of his late parents. Her heart clenched at the thought but she forced herself to turn back to Dumbledore.

'…And before me, I see the beginnings of such a lifelong union. Here before me stand Harry Potter and Ginevra Weasley, expressing their commitment to a lifelong love.' Dumbledore placed Ginny's hand in Harry's, so that the two were now facing one another, both hands clasped tightly within each others.

'As you enter into this marriage, speak your vows of love so that you may never feel fear of inability to express your feelings.'

As if unable to stop himself, Harry pulled Ginny's hand up to him and placed a kiss on the back of her hand, before looking at her with a smile.

'I, Harry Potter,'

'I, Ginevra Weasley,'

'Take you to be my wife,'

'Take you to be my husband,'

'My partner in life…er…and death,'

Ginny laughed with their audience before continuing, 'and my one true love.'

'All that I am, I give to you.'

'All that I have, I share with you.'

'I will cherish our union,'

'And love you more each day.'

'I will trust and respect you,'

'Laugh with you and cry with you,'

'Love you through good times and bad,'

'Regardless of the obstacles we may face together.'

As one the bride and groom declared, 'I give you my hand, my heart, and my love from this day forward.'

The Weasley backyard fairly shook with applause. The twins were stomping the ground with their feet; Bill and Charlie let out whoops of joy and Mrs Weasley had her head buried in the front of Mr Weasley's robes, undoubtedly crying tears of joy.

Dumbledore raised his hands into the air to gain their attention.

'If I could please have both the best man and the maid-of-honor light the flames please.'

With a bit of difficulty, Hermione pulled her wand out of her pocket and conjured a blue tongue of fire over Ginny's head. Ron imitated this gesture over Harry's head, though his flame was a violent shade of orange.

'You might want to watch he doesn't burn you, Harry.' Fred…or George called out merrily. This was followed by a sound thump and groan.

Hermione saw that Ron's ears had turned a slight pink shade as they all turned once again to face Dumbledore.

Dumbledore held his hand high, in front of the individual flames hovering over the bride and groom.

'The light of the souls of these two individuals, have brought them life. Within this life they have found love, and it is this love that unites them here today.'

With these words, he brought his hands together, causing the blue and orange flames to meld into a larger silver blaze.

'Through the strength of your one light, you commit yourselves to a new future, one which love has created before our eyes. May we ever respect the sanctity of this gift. What love has joined, man shall not divide.' Dumbledore paused with a joyous look upon his face, 'With that said, you may now kiss your bride.'

The stupid grin reappeared on Harry's face as he leaned down to rest his forehead on his new wife's. With a great sigh of relief, he pulled Ginny into his arms and gave her a gentle kiss…Nothing else mattered but Harry and Ginny.