Tuesday, June 13, 1999
11a.m.
Hermione's eyes followed the pearlescent white dragon as it flew in circles over the reserve. She was sitting on the balcony, basking in the warm sunlight. A slight breeze kicked up and Hermione closed her eyes, leaning her head back against the seat. She listened as it blew through the trees and allowed the sound to relax her anxious thoughts.
She thought back to the day that Charlie saved her and shuddered at the memory of suffocating in the water. Sometimes the memory came back to her and although it was scary, it also reminded her of how much she wanted to live. This sentiment was especially appropriate today as it was exactly a year later.
Suddenly, she was ripped from her thoughts by a screech.
"HERMIONE JEAN GRANGER!"
Hermione rolled her eyes at the voice. She stood and turned around to find Ginny standing in the doorway with her hands on her hips. Ginny was already in her short teal blue bridesmaid dress, her hair in an updo.
"We still have an hour, Gin and my makeup is already done. I refuse to wear anymore."
"Ugh. Fine, but if you want me to be able to do something with your hair we have to get started now." Ginny practically whined.
"Fine. Let's go." Hermione sighed, motioning for Ginny to lead her into the cabin.
"You know, you'd think you'd be more excited. It's your wedding after all."
"Yes, but Charlie doesn't care what my hair looks like. Besides, the only reason we're even having a wedding is because you and Molly would have had a fit if we eloped like we planned."
Today was a special day. Not only had it been a year to the day that Charlie saved her, but today was also the day she was going to become Charlie's wife.
"Well, I care. You're not walking down that aisle until I deem you perfect." Ginny said.
Hermione thought it better not to argue and followed Ginny up the stairs into her and Charlie's room. She took a seat in front of her vanity as Ginny stood behind her and began styling her hair.
It took a lot of convincing on Hermione's part, but she finally got everyone to agree for the wedding to take place on the beach by the cottage. The same beach where Charlie had saved her. They would even be standing in the water. The decision had led to quite a few arguments with Charlie as he didn't want to associate her suicide attempt with their wedding. It led to a huge fight with raised voices, slammed doors, and ended with Hermione spending the night at the cottage. Charlie found her the next day, sitting in the sand, much the same way she had been before he had to pull her from the water.
"Hi." Hermione said without turning. She sensed Charlie walking up behind her. Because of their bond, she could feel when he was close.
"Hi, love." He replied, sitting in the sand next to her.
"It's important to me, Charlie." She told him, staring out at the water.
"I don't understand why, 'Mione. That day was horrific for me and I never want to think about it ever again, especially not while I marry you."
"That was the best day of my life though." Hermione explained as she turned towards him. "It was the day you saved me. You pulled me from the darkest waters I've ever had to wade through, figuratively and literally. I overcame it because of you and I want to remember that forever." Her eyes watered as she looked into his. He contemplated what she said before leaning forward and kissing her lightly.
"I never thought of it that way, but you're right. That day changed everything for me too and we should be celebrating that. I want to celebrate every day that I wake up next to you, no matter where it is. I love you, Hermione." He said, gently caressing her cheek. She stared at him for a moment before she attacked his lips.
Hermione smiled as she remembered how that kiss had led to them making love on the beach that day. They were covered in sand for days afterwards even with multiple showers.
"What are you smiling at?" Ginny asked, pulling her from her reverie.
"Just a good memory." Hermione replied.
"Sure." Ginny scoffed. "Alright, I'm finished." She announced.
Hermione turned her head and looked at herself in the mirror. Her hair cascaded down her back. It was wavier now, but still reminiscent of her natural hair. Two pieces of hair by her ears had been pulled into a braid and twisted together at the back of her head.
"It's perfect, Gin. Thank you." Hermione praised with a grin.
"Time for the dress!' Ginny announced excitedly, pulling Hermione by her hand into the closet. Ginny helped Hermione slide into her dress. It was a white chiffon flutter sleeved wrap dress that fell to her knees.
It wasn't the grand wedding dress that most women wore for their wedding, but Hermione loved it. It was practical. It wouldn't drag in the sand, it wasn't too heavy, and it made her feel beautiful. Hermione looked down at the dress and brushed invisible dust off the skirt.
"You look wonderful, sweetheart." A voice sounded from behind her. She looked up catching her mothers eye in the mirror and grinned.
"Thank you, mum." She said, turning around. "Is dad here yet?"
"I believe Arthur has him a bit distracted. They were talking about some type of vehicle when I left them." Jean Granger told her as she came to stand in front of Hermione. She reached up and pushed a tendril of hair back into place.
Hermione looked around, making sure no one was paying attention before she spoke quietly to her mother.
"This is okay, right?" She asked with a worried look on her face. "I mean, I just got you guys back and I'm leaving you again."
Jean chuckled before pulling Hermione in for a hug. "Sweetheart, you could never leave us. And we would never leave you. We'll always have each other in our hearts. You and Charlie deserve this." She let go of Hermione and placed a hand on her shoulder. "It's time for you to start your life. Besides, it's not like you'll never see us again. Arthur helped set up the floo to the cottage and we'll see you every Sunday at Molly's for dinner."
"You're right, mum. As always." Hermione said, sitting down on the edge of the bed. She twisted the dragon ring that still rested on her left thumb. A moment later, it twisted again in response and she smiled.
Jean sat down beside her and handed her a black velvet box. Hermione looked at her mother, questioning before she snapped it open. Inside was a silver hair pin encrusted with sapphires and pearls.
"I wore this in my hair on my wedding day." Jean explained as she took it out of the box. "I want you to wear it today. I know you're a witch, but I thought you could still participate in this tradition." She slid the pin into Hermione's hair just above the braid. "There. Now you've got your something old, borrowed, and blue."
Hermione teared up as she flung her arms around her mother.
"Thank you so much, mum." She pulled away before continuing. "I suppose I can do without my something new." She laughed.
"Nope." Her father said as he walked into the room holding a similar box. "From your groom." He told her as he passed it to her. She opened it and gasped. It was a dainty silver necklace that held a blue teardrop shaped charm. Richard reached forward and took the necklace out of the box. Hermione stood and turned around, lifting her hair, so her father could fasten it around her neck. After he fastened it, he handed her a note.
My beautiful witch,
I know how you hate surprises, but when your parents told me about muggle wedding traditions at dinner on Sunday, I couldn't help but surprise you with this necklace. Please allow me to present you with your something new. The teardrop in the center contains a drop of water from the ocean in which we're about to stand as we become one. See you soon.
All my love,
Charlie.
"Merlin, I'm never going to stop crying today!" Hermione exclaimed, as she wiped her eyes gently.
"You'd better!" Ginny demanded as she ran into the room holding a white candle and her bouquet of white lilies, a symbol of Hermione's devotion to Charlie. "We've got to head to the cottage now."
The group of four headed downstairs and flooed over to the cottage Hermione once occupied. It was beautifully decorated with white tulle and floating lanterns everywhere. Hermione and Charlie both preferred a small ceremony so there was enough room for the reception to be held in the cottage.
Ginny led the way to the large sunroom where the tables for the reception were set up. There was a sweetheart table to the left at the top of the room and a dance floor directly in front of it. Next to the dance floor were four round tables for the guests and behind those were the food and drink tables. Everything was decorated in white and it was stunning. They passed through the sunroom and stopped in front of the French doors leading to the beach.
"Last chance to ditch him, 'Mione." Ginny said with a smirk.
"Nice try." Hermione replied. Ginny laughed and handed Hermione the white candle.
When the music started, Ginny opened the French doors, holding up the bouquet and followed the path down to the ocean barefoot, just as Hermione would. Jean weaved her arm through Hermione's right, and Richard took the left. Hermione held the white candle with both hands in front of her as she heard the swell of music indicating that she could finally walk down the aisle.
She began forward and took in the sight of all of her loved ones standing there waiting for her. There were no arches, flowers or any other kind of fan fare. Hermione was there for one reason only and she didn't need anything fancy to do it.
Hermione had told everyone to dress comfortably and not worry about dressing up. Everyone except for Fred and George ignored her request.
Hermione looked through the group on the left, noticing the twins and nearly bruised a rib trying not to laugh. They were wearing identical blue striped flannel pajamas and carrying teddy bears. Hermione was glad they had listened to her and made a note to thank them later. Katie and Angelina were next to them, snickering at how ridiculous their spouses were.
On the right was Molly and Arthur, sitting with Andromeda and Teddy, who had changed his hair color to match Ginny's dress. Victorie was next to him being held by Fleur.
As she got closer, Hermione saw Lavender whispering in Ron's ear. He smiled and nodded, looking at Hermione. He held two big thumbs up and grinned. When Hermione saw Harry, he simply winked at her with a smile that Hermione returned. It felt like hours but only 30 seconds later she was staring at Charlie.
He grinned as he watched her walk towards him.
Kingsley stood ankle deep in the water, Charlie next to him with Bill as his best man. Both were wearing simple button down white shirts with navy blue trousers. They had forgone the traditional wizarding robes as they were standing in the water. Ginny was to the left of Kingsley and gave Hermione a teary eyed smile as she walked closer.
Finally, she made it to Charlie. Her parents both kissed her cheeks and went to stand with Arthur and Molly. Charlie pulled out his wand and gently tapped the top of the candle Hermione was holding. A flame jumped to life on it and Hermione tossed it into the air. As she did, it transfigured into a swarm of white butterflies that circled around them before disappearing. Charlie lit the candle as a symbol of brightening up Hermione's life with his love while she released the butterflies as a sign that she was ready to begin her new life with him.
Charlie took her hands into his, and Kingsley finally spoke.
"Today, we are here to celebrate the union of Hermione Jean Granger and Charles Septimus Weasley. These two souls share a unique and faithful bond that will forever unite them." He paused and conjured a deep blue ribbon from the tip of his wand. The ribbon swirled around Hermione and Charlie's joined hands before Kingsley spoke again. "Do you, Hermione Jean, take Charles Septimus to be your husband; to love and honor him; to cherish and support him; to respect and care for him, no matter the circumstance?"
"I do." Hermione said softly, staring into Charlie's eyes as the ribbon began to glow.
"Do you, Charles Septimus, take Hermione Jean to be your wife; to love and honor her; to cherish and support her; to respect and care for her, no matter the circumstance?"
"I do." Charlie replied, restraining himself from leaning forward and kissing her.
"So it shall be." Kingsley announced as the ribbon glowed a bright golden color. Hermione gasped at the feeling that spread through their hands. It was as if their magic was encircling them. The wind grew strong and the water began to swish around at their feet. Kinglesy's eyes went wide as he had never seen such a strong bond before. When the breeze finally slowed and the water halted, Kingsley spoke again. "I declare you bonded for life." The ribbon stopped glowing and unwound leaving both of them holding an end of it.
There were several loud pops and cheers as Charlie leaned forward and captured Hermione's lips with his own. As Charlie's tongue began brushing against her lips, they could hear the twins whistling and Bill's laugh. Finally, after a few throat clearings and coughs, they broke apart laughing and turned towards the crowd. They both watched as the ribbon broke into two halves. One half of the ribbon settled around Hermione's left ring finger before transfiguring into a solid gold ring. The other half went to Charlie's left hand and did the same thing. Charlie took Hermione's hand with a smile and led her back up to the cottage, the guests following.
After a round of hugs and congratulations, they finally sat down to eat and Hermione couldn't help but watch her family. The time went by fast and suddenly, it was time to dance. She and Charlies danced a traditional wizarding wedding dance that Molly had insisted on. When they finished, they were both whisked away for other obligations. Hermione danced with her father before dancing with all of the Weasley men and Harry while Charlie danced with the women of the family. It was another hour before they met again and Charlie gently pulled her around the dance floor, his eyes never leaving hers.
Finally, the party came to a close and everyone gathered around the couple as they stood at the floo. With another round of hugs and congratulations, Hermione and Charlie were sent through the floo to a private villa in Greece.
After they exited the floo, Charlie immediately pinned her against the closest wall and attacked her lips.
"I've been waiting all day for you, baby." He said gruffly as he picked her up so she could wrap her legs around him. He kept her pinned as he ravaged her lips and neck. Soon, she was panting with need and he turned around, spying the bedroom. His rough hands gripped her cheeks as she sucked softly on his neck. He set her down once he got inside the room and kissed her, walking them backwards towards the bed. When her knees hit, he gently laid her back and continued kissing her. His hand ran up her hip and he found the ribbon that was holding her dress closed. He pulled back and looked at her as if he were about to open a present. With one firm tug on the string, it unraveled and he slowly unwrapped her dress.
She laid in front of him in a black thong with a matching bra that had holes where her nipples were. He groaned and closed his eyes, tilting his head back.
"You'll be the death of me, witch." He muttered. When he finally looked back down at her, her eyes were dark with want.
She gently grabbed his shirt and pulled him down so she could whisper in his ear.
"Fuck me, husband." She demanded softly, nipping on his ear.
"If anyone is demanding anything here, wife, it'll be me. Now, kneel on the floor." He told her in his commanding voice. Hermione felt herself clench at the tone of his voice. She loved it when he took control in the bedroom. It was the only time she felt like she could let herself go.
"Yes, sir." She whispered, climbing off the bed. As she did, Charlie smacked her ass.
"What was that?" He asked.
"Yes, sir." She said, louder this time as she knelt on the floor.
"Good girl." He praised her as he vanished his clothes with a wave of his wand before tossing it aside. He stepped up to Hermione, her mouth level with his dick. "Suck." He demanded, releasing her hair from the braid and clip and tossing it aside.
Hermione opened her mouth and began sucking on him with hunger. This was her favorite 'punishment.' She could suck him for hours. He gently wound his hand through the top of her hair, and pulled. Hermione moaned and moved closer to him.
He felt himself getting close so he stopped her by grabbing her nipples and pulling her into a standing position. She whimpered as he pulled her up and she squeezed her thighs together. He vanished her clothes and shoved her back towards the bed.
"Lie down on your back." He commanded.
"Yes, sir." She answered as she obeyed him.
"Spread your legs for me."
"Yes, sir."
"Touch yourself, but don't cum."
"Yes, sir."
He watched her gently rub her clit as he stroked himself. She closed her eyes and her legs trembled as she tried to hold it off. He saw the cream start leaking from her pussy and he leaned forward, clearing it with his tongue and pushing her hand away.
As soon as he cleared it away, he rolled her over and pulled her ass to the edge of the bed, her feet dropping to the floor.
"Now, what was it you wanted me to do, wife?" He asked, paused at her entrance.
"Fuck me. Please, Charlie. Please." She begged, rubbing herself against him.
"As you wish." He told her as he pushed himself inside her. He fucked her hard, watching her tits bounce in the reflection of the large mirror in the room. She looked over at the mirror and caught his eye. When she did, he smirked at her and she felt her walls clamp down on him. He swore as she came around him and released his own orgasm. He grunted as he led them through it before pulling out of her.
They showered together, gently cleaning each other off before the collapsed back on the bed, worn out from the excitement of the day. Hermione rolled onto her right side, facing him.
She propped herself up on her elbow and placed a hand on his chest. He placed his hand on top of hers and grinned at her.
"I changed my mind about something, Charlie."
"What's that, love?" He asked.
"If I could be anywhere in the world, I'd want to be right here with you."
His eyes softened and his grin widened. "Does that mean I'm still your favorite Weasley?"
"Well," She began, taking his hand in hers. "I'm afraid you've been replaced." She answered, placing his hand on her stomach, and looking at him with tears in her eyes.