Chapter 47

With all the commotion dying down, Hermione decides that it is time for her to leave. George follows her out. "I have to help with the set up and all, so I have to be here. I'll see you on Saturday. I love you, my girl." He hugs her and watches her pop away.

Once back inside, he notices that Bill was finally telling their mother about Harry not coming. As predicted, Molly hits the roof over this. "And what pray tell is his excuse this time? Your sister is finally done with that Thomas fellow, it is the perfect time to attempt a match between them."

Ginny tries to bail her brother out. "Mum, I may be single again, but that doesn't mean that Harry is. He and Susan Bones have been together almost as long as George and Hermione. He finally asked Sue to marry him after the funeral. They are coming to the wedding together.

I imagine he wants to spend some time with her before Sue leaves for healer training this summer. She has been in training for the last few summers to lower the amount of it that she will have to do once they graduate."

What the youngest Weasley left unsaid was that Sue was doing so to help with the war effort. Also not mentioned was any reference to George and Hermione's engagement. It was a sore subject still around Molly.

As he looked over his plate that night, George wished it was the Chinese like he knew that Sirius was springing for that night. The few times he had been over and they ordered out, Hermione and Harry shared their meals as it was always too much for them to eat, knowing that the third person would be able to clean it up for them. His favorite was the pork fried rice and the boneless spare ribs.

When Hermione get back to the Black Manor, Harry tells her of them finding a locket in a curio cabinet in the study. "Kreacher says that it was "Master Regulus'" I figure it's the one we are looking for. I am almost sick to my stomach when it's near. Sirius and I are bringing it to the goblins to destroy tonight."

Hermione strikes it from their master list.

The next few days, Hermione and George dodge his mother, while helping to clean the house and yard up for the wedding. Between that and double checking Hermione's provisions, they stole away for some time for them as they didn't know how long it would be between the wedding and seeing each other again.

George helped with putting the marquee up and then went to get dressed as he was in the wedding. Bill had asked Charlie to be best man, but asked his next three brothers to be groomsmen. With only Gabby and Ginny on the other side, he didn't have to worry about having to dance with a bridesmaid.

As the guests arrive, Hermione made herself scarce. Mrs. Weasley had enough stress today. She didn't need her adding to it. Unfortunately, that meant that she ran into George's great-aunt Muriel. Apparently, she agreed with Molly's thoughts. "There is no way you'll be able to carry a Weasley child to term with those narrow hips and skinny ankles." Hermione just brushed it off, as George and Fred had repeatedly told her that they disliked Muriel intensely. Plus what did her ankles have to do with anything? Maybe she was appalled that her ankles were showing. Merlin knows that this world was backwards enough that it would still be an issue with the older set.

George had also told her that he knew for a fact that Bill hadn't wanted to invite half of the guests, but was guilted into it by both mothers.

After the ceremony and pictures were done, George untied his tie and sat down at the table with Hermione. "I told my uppity new sister in law that I am done with the formalities. She was trying to introduce Fred and I to her cousins. I ducked out as soon as was polite. Fred may need some help though, Angie. He doesn't want to be over there anymore than I did, but they are Veela and are gnashing their teeth at fresh meat." Angie rushes off to save her boyfriend.

"That would be just as bad as him dating Angie in Molly's eyes, maybe more so." Hermione drawls, sipping her wine. Her fiance agrees and gathers her close as they watch the bride and groom have their first dance.

For the rest of the night, George stays by Hermione as much as possible. When Harry comes to sit, it is obvious to the older man his motive. "Getting ready huh? Harry I completely support you and Hermione, but please man, keep her safe as much as possible. I'll keep an eye on Sue for you. We are behind you guys. Just please come home safe. I can't lose either of you two."

As he finishes he hugs Harry and kisses Hermione. When they are pulling away, a patronus runs into the middle of the marquee. Kingsley's deep baritone is heard. "The Ministry has fallen. They have killed the Minister."