John and Evie were thrilled to open the manor for entertaining. Thanks to flawless, expert Charm work, no one in the neighborhood would know a lavish magical celebration was occurring in the Granger back garden.
The tennis court net was removed, and a tiled floor put in place for dancing. On a lark some months prior, Evie wondered what swans would look like in the pool. John made some inquiries, and he would never forget the look on Hermione's face when she saw them gliding around the pool. The muggle caterers thought it a bit odd to deliver the food and leave but followed instructions. The Weird Sisters, unfortunately booked for the entire summer, recommended a group for the reception; Magicke, who were putting on a superb performance. After the cake cutting, toasts, and speeches, the newlyweds took to the floor for their first dance as husband and wife. He drew her close and held her hand close to his heart. He lowered his face to talk softly to her.
"You make me very happy pretty one, I am lucky man."
A single tear ran down her cheek.
"I hope that is happy tear," he said and wiped the tear with a fingertip.
She nodded. "Yes, that's an incredibly happy tear, I wish everyone could feel as happy as I feel right now, right here. Thanks for loving me."
"You vish to thank me? Pretty one-" he said but was stopped by her insistent kiss. The chorus of the song rang in their ears as they danced.
But I need to be next to you, I need to share every breath with you I need to know I can see your smile each morning, Look into your eyes each night for the rest of my life
Here with you, near with you Right here with you is where I belong I'll lose my mind if I can't see you…
"I've never seen her so happy and beautiful," Harry said, watching the newlyweds dance as if no one else were present.
"Look at the Grangers," Ginny said, where John and Evie were having their own dance in the gazebo. "How long do you suppose they'll stay?"
"They have a three o'clock port key," Harry said.
They were going to Florida after Viktor raved about the state when he played in the American Quidditch tournament. Hermione, who adored warm weather and beautiful beaches, readily agreed.
"I believe the next dance is mine," John said and shouldered his way through the crowd.
Viktor bowed and placed her hand in her father's.
"Daddy, this is such a perfect day, thank you," she said and kissed his cheek.
"Pumpkin, you've made it perfect by just being here. You're a beautiful bride," he said and gave her playful twirl.
When the song ended, the band took a short break. The guests took the opportunity to socialize, eat, and refill their drinks. The newlyweds also used the opportunity to open a few of the wedding gifts.
"Open mine later, like in your hotel room later," Ginny whispered when she reached for one.
"I see," Hermione said and set it aside.
Viktor had already opened a new tea service and bed linens. She opened a "his and hers" bathroom towel set and reached for another gift when Marko tapped her on the shoulder.
"Might you honor me with a dance?" her new father-in-law asked.
By the time Viktor claimed her for the last dance, she was sure she had danced with every wizard in attendance. The most touching was Ron, who said she was "simply stunning" and thanked her for introducing her to Cindy, who was with him at the wedding. Cindy waved at Ron dancing on the floor and winked at Hermione.
"Everyone, take your sweetheart into your arms for the last dance of the afternoon, then we'll send the newlyweds on their way," the singer announced.
Victor laid his chin on her head and inhaled the scent of her soft hair. "A week of just us, no one else. I can barely wait."
…We can entrust each other,
with you in my life,
they'll never be another.
We'll be all right, just you and I.
We made it, you and I.
When it neared three o'clock, the newlyweds rejoined the party in their traveling clothes and gathered the crowd for the bouquet and garter toss. It wasn't done in the magical world, but when she explained the muggle custom, dozens of single witches and wizards eagerly gathered to get their chance to participate. Before the reception, Hermione charmed the bouquet to fly to Ginny's hands, and Viktor charmed the garter to fly to Harry. To whistles, hoots and catcalls, he slowly slid the garter down Hermione's leg and tossed it. Ginny caught the bouquet like she had won a quidditch match. Someone tossed a broom in the path toward the port key and they hopped over it as handfuls of fragrant pixie dust were thrown. The couple made their way toward the butterbeer bottle port key, gave a quick wave to everyone, and disappeared.
#
Upon arrival at the MCUSA Florida District building, Hermione's head ached sharply, and she felt as if the food from the reception might take a reverse course. International port keys were the worst way to travel. She knew this well; she had to take 4 connecting keys to Australia to retrieve her parents, almost passing out when she arrived in Sydney.
"Come and sit, breathe deep," Viktor said and led her to a chair.
He didn't feel well himself, but his new bride looked much worse. He rubbed small circles on her back and passed her a cup of water from a nearby table.
"Just give me a minute," she said and took a sip.
They were startled by the sudden appearance and foreign sounding (to them) voice that cheerfully greeted them.
"It happens all the time when folks come from so far away, need a stomach potion?" he asked with a slight drawl.
"It would help, thank you," Hermione said.
"Come with me, we'll get you settled and on your way, just a few things you need to know while you're in America," he said and held out his hand. "Charlie McCloud, International Liaison, Florida District, MCUSA."
"Viktor and Hermione Krum," Victor said and returned the handshake.
"Nice to meet you, a few of us have been waitin' on your arrival, to see you in person, autographs and such…that is if you don't mind," he said and led them into an office. "Yes sir, a genuine war heroine and big time quidditch star, honeymoonin' right here of all places. It's kinda excitin'."
A woman in medical scrubs adorned with a red cross on the chest approached the two. "By the look on your faces, I take it that you need something for your stomach. Cherry, Strawberry or Grape?" she asked and held out three small bottles.
Gratefully, Hermione chose the strawberry. Charlie spoke to them for a few minutes about wizardry in America, gave them an information packet, and asked if they would like transportation to where they were staying. He saw the look on Hermione's face.
"Don't worry, we'll take you by car. Where are you staying?" McCloud asked and Victor gave him the name of their resort in Key West.
"Key West? That's not far, hour drive at the most. Nice spot for a honeymoon though," he said.
Viktor chatted with the driver as they made their way to their lodgings. It was warm and humid, the likes of which she had never felt before, but the coastal scenery was beautiful. Tucked under his arm, she sighed in contentment.
"That is what I like to hear," he said and gave her a quick squeeze.
She was exhausted, hot, and still nauseous- but happy. She was getting annoyed at her hair blowing in her face, so she rummaged in her handbag for something to hold her hair back. Convertibles. She saw Viktor looking intently at something in the bay, lean forward, and nod approvingly.
"Parasailing, no magic involved. Just a boat, parachute, and you," the driver said.
"I must try it," he said then glanced at Hermione.
She barked out a laugh. "Not just no, but hell no. I'll take pictures, applaud your bravery and cheer you on, but count me out."
They arrived at a resort that was a series of private cabanas along a beach. Tennis courts, outdoor dining, and lounging areas were interspersed among the cottages. The driver gave them a business card with instructions.
"Just call this number when you're ready to go back to England," he said. "At least give us two days to arrange a port key, alright? Enjoy the honeymoon!"
#
After checking into the resort and listening to the manager's enthusiastic recommendations of the resort's amenities and local attractions, all Hermione wanted was a nap. She snorted softly.
"Is something wrong?" he asked, opened the cabana door, and swept her into his arms.
"Here we are, finally, and all I want to do is take a nap," she said and nuzzled his chest.
He kissed her, stepped through the door with her still in his arms, and deposited her on the bed.
"Understandable," he said. "We've had long day and the journey was unpleasant. Come, we take soothing bath and some sleep before a nice dinner."
#
In the swirling waters of the large jacuzzi, she sat between his legs, her back to him while he washed her hair and body.
"You still have pixie dust in your hair," he said and nuzzled the spot below her ears that always made her shudder. "You were a vision today, pretty one, a stunning vision with pixie dust in your hair. I will remember it always."
"Oh yeah?" she asked with a giggle and turned her face to his. "You have some on your goatee, and a little on your left eyebrow."
They both were startled by the telephone ringing. He continued nuzzling her neck.
"They'll call back," she murmured, and his hands moved lower to fondle her body. She groaned and arched her back. Yes, she was tired, but this felt so good. I'll get plenty of sleep later.
"Spread legs some," he murmured.
She complied and felt him lift her, then his hardness slid in and filled her, causing them to sigh in mutual satisfaction.
After, he urged her to get some sleep while he waved his wand to take care of the water that had sloshed from the jacuzzi. He went to the bed to find her already asleep. He slid in beside her, gently drawing her close. In sleep, she murmured something and nuzzled his chest. Soon he fell asleep, more content than he had ever felt in his life.
#
Hours later, Hermione woke. She summoned a robe, went to the window, and opened the drapes. She gasped at the view. She had never seen anything so lovely, not even that night last year at Cardiff. The twilight over the beach was stunning. The white sparkling sand, palm tree fronds gently fluttering from a gentle breeze, and the lazy current that flopped against the beach-she had never seen anything like this. Her stomach chose to growl and she heard soft chuckling from the bed. She turned and saw Viktor resting on his elbows, smiling at her.
"Fantastic view, isn't it?" she asked.
"I would have to agree, and the water looks nice too."
After a delicious "surf-and-turf" dinner, they went for a walk along the moonlit beach. They greeted other couples out for strolls until she stumbled and said, "Ow!" She lifted her foot to find that the bottom of her foot was cut on a seashell, prompting her to slide into the sandals she was carrying.
Back in their room, he cast a healing charm on the cut after cleaning the sand from it, then tickled and kissed her toes.
"All better, but I have question for you. I know we talked about babies, but when?"
#
Back in England, John and Evie were home when they heard the sound of apparition from the backyard.
"Anyone home?" they heard from the back door.
John poked his head from the dining room door to the kitchen. "Come on in, Harry."
"I have a shift starting soon, so I wanted to give you this," Harry said and gave John a rolled scroll. "Aurors get the task of delivering Wizengamot summons. As if we aren't busy enough."
John opened it and read. "It's for Hermione, to answer for those property damage charges."
Evie chuckled. "They day after they return from honeymoon of course."
"Tell us honestly, will she be facing any jail time?" John asked.
"Not likely. I know the gist of the case; the pub owner mainly wants an apology and reimbursement for the damages. She already said she'll do that and then some."
"Would you like to stay for supper?" Evie asked.
"As much as I would enjoy that, I have two more summons to deliver," he said.