The Chosen One, also known as Harry James Potter, is set to marry the female member of Golden Trio this weekend. Sources say that Ms. Hermione Granger was seen in Madam Balinda's Beautiful Boutique, earlier this week, trying on wedding dresses. The average, bushy haired young woman was with two of her friends when there was an incident that caught the attention of several of the other shop guests. Witnesses say that Ms. Granger suddenly collapsed while trying on dresses, appearing to be in severe pain. Within a few moments Harry Potter himself appeared in the shop, and quickly gathered Ms. Granger in his arms. At this point witnesses say the young woman was limp and unconscious. Mr. Potter quickly apparated away. Ms. Grangers two friends however, Ms. Luna Lovegood, and Ms. Ginny Weasley, stayed to complete the purchase of a dress that Ms. Granger had decided on and requested it be ready for pick up on Friday, just two days away. When the two friends were asked about the upcoming wedding they were tight lipped and rudely expressed that it was none of our business. What reason does The Chosen One have for hiding from the world? Why keep his marriage a secret? Madam Balinda admitted to being surprised by the whole thing and was most concerned to see Ms. Granger fall to the floor convulsing. She also said it was odd that the moment Harry touched her the young woman became limp. Due to client confidentiality, Madam Balinda refused to comment further on the date or location of the upcoming wedding, but wishes the couple a happy future. When asked about the rush to have the dress ready, the shop owner simply said it was unusual but that she would gladly do anything to help Mr. Potter.
All of this raises many questions which readers are dying to know. Why did Ms. Granger collapse? Is she ill? Did Harry's touch really end her episode? Is the bond between them more sinister in nature than we first believed? Is Harry forcing his friend to marry him? Where did Ms. Granger get the money for her dress? Is she digging for gold from her friend and fiance'? Where is the wedding to be held? Many of these questions are unknown at this time. We feel sure the wedding is taking place this Saturday or Sunday at an undisclosed location. The wedding seems rushed and secretive, calling into questions Potters true motives for this union and if Ms. Granger is a willing participant.
Harry threw the paper across the room fuming. He paced angrily across the study. How dare that awful woman take advantage of Hermione's attack like this. His heart had clenched when he had quickly apparated to the dress shop to find his love collapsed on the floor. He was grateful she was not in a wedding dress at the time as it would have delayed their departure. The wedding was a day away. Hermione's condition was worrisome. She was currently sleeping and Harry wondered if he could somehow hide today's latest Daily Prophet from her, knowing all the time it wouldn't work. Ron suddenly appeared before him.
Ron took in Harry's harsh breathing and agitated body language and said, "So, you've seen it I gather?"
"I've seen it! Damn Skeeter woman!" Harry shot back.
"It was bound to get out anyway. The wedding that is," Ron said,
Harry sighed, "I know, but now they are twisting everything and putting Hermione in the middle of it all as if she is some kind of helpless prisoner of mine! Or worse, a gold digger! It's disgusting!"
"Well, you could tell the truth to everyone and then they wouldn't need to speculate," Ron offered.
"It's none of their business! Hermione doesn't want the whole wizarding world knowing about her condition, and how she…" Harry simply let the sentence fall away as he sat heavily on the couch.
Ron was silent for a moment as he understood Harry's view point. "At least they don't know about this place. They don't even know the exact date."
Harry shook his head. "That is some comfort. At least we don't need to worry about unexpected visitors."
Ron sat next to him. "How is she?"
"Sleeping. She has been very worn out lately," Harry confessed.
"You know, I've been thinking, maybe you should give an announcement," Ron ventured. He saw Harry raise a skeptical eyebrow and quickly continued. "After the wedding perhaps you should just send out an announcement giving vague details about the wedding and clarify some of the misinformation going around. That way people feel satisfied that you acknowledged them and shared something with them. It would also put to rest any of this nonsense about you forcing Hermione into marriage. Maybe it would get the press off your back a bit." Ron watched Harry digest his words.
"You may have a point. I can just see the press lining up outside the Auror office to try to get me to talk." Harry concluded, "I'll do it. After the wedding I will write to the Prophet insisting they print my statement. I doubt they would deny me. I'll have to consult with Hermione though about what exactly to say."
"She will undoubtedly write the whole thing herself anyway," Ron grinned.
Harry smiled back at him. "I'm grateful for Ginny and Luna's discretion in the face of that mob of reporters I left them to deal with."
"They are loyal friends. And you've seen Ginny when she's mad. I don't think most reporters dared to ask much," Ron said with slight chuckle. Harry couldn't deny that. "So, you've got one day before you tie the knot and become an old married man. You sure about this?"
Harry smiled, "I've never been more sure. I love her, Ron."
"I know. Everything ready then?" Ron asked.
Harry shrugged, "I have no idea to be honest. I have my suit but past that the girls have taken charge of everything else. I assume it will be perfect if Hermione has any hand in it."
"True enough. Thanks for letting me bring Allison," Ron said. Harry gave him a nod and Ron asked, "Ready for tonight then?"
"What exactly are we going to be up to?" Harry asked. Ron and Hermione had convinced him to have a boys night out before the wedding but Harry had refused to do it the night before the wedding so tonight was the big night.
"A little of this and a little of that. Nothing inappropriate. I'd like to keep my head and I fully believe your future wife has spies everywhere," Ron said seriously.
Harry good and truly laughed at that. "I suppose one night away won't hurt. I know Hermione is looking forward to spending time with the girls, doing…whatever it is that girls do."
Ron knew it was hard for Harry to leave Hermione when she was so weak from her attacks. Ginny and Luna had agreed to stay with Hermione while Harry was gone and have a laid back girls night at home. "It will be fine. She deserves this as much as you do. You both have been a bit on edge what with one thing and another. You only get married once. Hopefully, anyway," Ron got a scoff from Harry and continued, "You better enjoy all it has to offer. A bachelor party is part of that mate."
"Yeah, alright," Harry conceded.
"Besides after you two are married I may never see you again. You'll be properly whipped."
Harry laughed at the disgusted look his friends face. "Come now, it won't be like that. I suspect it won't be too much different than it is now."
"Huh, alright. Whatever you say," Ron said with a shrug and a smile.
Just then Biddy entered the room. "Excuse me Master Harry but Miss is awake and asking for you."
Harry rose and started toward the door. "Feel free to stay Ron. She may want to come down in a bit to see you."
"Thanks, but I don't think I fancy her giving me one over about tonight's activities. Tell her I said hello, but I'll be off. Meet you tonight at the Burrow?"
"I'll be there," Harry said as he headed up the stairs. He quickly made his way to Hermione's room and opened the door to find her sitting at her desk. Her cheeks were flushed and her hair was a bit wild. She looked up as he entered and her eyes were flashing menacingly. He found he quiet enjoyed seeing her so full of color and life. Before she spoke he said, "You saw it?"
"Biddy gave me the paper when I woke. I am not sure she knew what was in it or she might have cut the article out," Hermione fumed as she tossed the paper in the trash bin angrily.
Harry gave her a small smirk and made his way over to her. He walked behind her chair and put his hands on her shoulders, rubbing them gently. "You are adorable when you're mad."
"Harry! This is serious! This is ridiculous! Now the whole wizarding world is going to wonder about this marriage and about my health and…we…I didn't want…Argh! I just had to have an attack in the middle of the store! We were almost done too! It's a mess!" She sighed heavily, letting her fist fall hard on the desk top in order to vent her frustration.
Harry continued to rub her shoulders and was pleased to see that she began to relax under his touch. "Hey, it's alright. At least I didn't see you in the dress, right?"
Hermione heard the smile in his voice and let her mouth twitch up just a bit. "I suppose there is that. Although I can hardly wait for you to see me in it."
"I am sure it is gorgeous on you. Though, I may enjoy seeing you out of it even more," Harry whispered in her ear before pressing a kiss to her cheek. He felt her smile and saw the color in her cheese rise once more. He continued, "Let them talk. They can't touch us here so we don't have to worry about the day being ruined by anyone. Ron had an idea that I think has some merit."
"Oh?" Hermione asked.
"He says that after the wedding we should make a statement and set the record straight. It would cut down the false information and rumors and maybe get the press to back off a bit."
"Hmm, it could work. It's better than having that nasty woman print trash that isn't even close to fact!" Hermione fumed again.
Harry smiled, "My thoughts exactly."
"What did you want to tell them? I mean how much of…my condition should we reveal?" Hermione asked tentatively.
"That is entirely up to you my dear. We can think on it for a few days. No need to decide right now," Harry offered. He moved her hair off her neck and kissed it gently. She gave a soft moan in response that set his blood pumping. He spun her chair around and taking her by the arms helped her stand up. His lips met hers with soft intensity. After a time he asked, "How are you feeling?"
"Well enough. Are you excited about tonight?"
Harry was aware of her quick change in subject but accepted it willingly. He grinned widely and kissing her on the forehead replied, "Indeed I am. Though I am not so eager to leave you."
"I'll have my necklace on. Besides, I need some time with the girls. I suspect after we are married my time will be quite occupied by you," Hermione said as she blushed prettily.
"I can definitely think of some things that will keep us busy," Harry said as he ran his arms around her waist. Harry watched her bite her lip and avoid his gaze as her cheeks flared to life. He took her chin and gently raised it so he could capture her lips once more. "I do believe the honeymoon is going to be wonderful, my love."
Hermione's blush deepened and then she said in some surprise, "Honeymoon?"
Harry shrugged, "I know we haven't really discussed it and that you assumed we wouldn't really have one since we don't know what your health will be like, but I figured whether you have an attack here or somewhere else it's the same. So, I may have taken the liberty of planning a little getaway for us."
Hermione was surprised but thrilled. She beamed at him and threw her arms around his neck. "Oh, Harry! That is wonderful!" She kissed him again and said, "Thank you! Where are we going?"
"Nope. I'm not telling. You just have to find out later."
Hermione tilted her head and glared at him but she could tell he wasn't going to budge. Her lips turned into a pout and she rolled her eyes and said, "Oh, fine then. Have your secret."
Harry smiled at her attempt to intimidate him. "You are irresistible when you're riled up. I never appreciated it before. This is the most animated I have seen you in days. I love it."
Hermione smiled broadly at him. "I do tend to get a bit… riled up, as you say, on occasion. And of course I am extremely anxious and excited to be getting married to a rather handsome fellow in just over a days' time. It's going to my head."
"Ah, and this handsome fellow…he's what you want, is he?" Harry teased as he spun her into his arms and began swaying with her.
"Absolutely. He is kind and selfless, sometimes stupidly so." Hermione giggled at Harry's affronted look and continued, "He is gentle, a good kisser, and the bravest man I know. But don't tell him that because we wouldn't want his head to get any bigger."
Harry laughed at that and drew her in closer kissing her on the neck as he continued to dance with her. "I love you, Hermione."
"I love you too, Harry."
He smiled at the image in his head of them dancing at the wedding. His future felt sure. He would be with her. He would be her husband. Harry felt her hand tremble in his and felt her body sag slightly against him. He steadied her and held her tighter. It was a reminder that his future was anything but sure. There was no guarantee the marriage would solve anything. How long would he really have her? He swallowed and pushed the fear down as he held her close and breathed in the sweet scent of her hair.
I apologize for the delay. I am currently being stricken with pretty bad morning sickness and will be for the next couple of months. So, things may be a bit slower than usual. I also apologize that it is rather short. I figured a little was better than non at all. Please continue to comment!
