Chapter 13-The Bonding

The final two weeks leading up to the Bonding were a flurry of activity. A guest list had finally been settled on. Immediate family and a few close friends would attend. Grimmauld Place was not a small house, but it had its limits. The final total of guests was set at 72. Another critical detail was deciding on an officiant. The Ministry had a list of available persons, but Luna and Ginny both wanted someone they knew. It was Ginny who found the answer.

One day, as Ginny was getting off the elevator at the Ministry, she saw Professor McGonagall. It was then that she remembered that Hogwarts professors were multi-licensed for teaching, examinations and ceremonies. She stepped to a side of the hallway and allowed Professor McGonagall to finish her conversation with a short wizard. The professor saw Ginny waiting and proceeded over to her when she finished.

"Hello Ginny, did you want to speak to me?"

Ginny looked around for a place a bit less public.

"Hello Professor McGonagall, I need to talk to you about something personal."

Seeing Ginny's hesitation, the professor made a suggestion.

"Let's go down the hall to Clara Perkins' office. I just saw her leave and I am sure she won't mind if we borrow it."

Relieved, Ginny nodded and followed her. When the office door closed, Ginny immediately began.

"Professor, I would assume that you have probably heard the news that Harry, Luna and I are having a bonding ceremony later this month?"

Professor McGonagall regarded her former student with a small smile.

"Yes, I saw the Prophet's story and it seems that time is indeed of an essence."

Ginny blushed and realized that the professor's keen eye had just realized her condition.

"Yes, actually Luna and I are both expecting so we have moved up the date. We have most of the details done, but we still need someone to officiate. I know you are very busy, but we would really like to have someone special for our ceremony and I was wondering if you would perform the duties?"

Professor McGonagall's eyes widened. She still didn't know what to think about this unique partnership of three of her former students, but she was touched that Ginny would ask her to officiate.

"Ginny I am touched and I will agree to perform the ceremony, although I will have to do a bit of homework since a bonding hasn't been performed in nearly a hundred years, which is even before my time. I wonder though, I haven't seen you, Harry or Luna in quite a while. I'd like to pay a visit and talk to you all first."

Ginny beamed.

"Of course professor, are you available for dinner tomorrow evening?"

The professor agreed and then surprised Ginny with her next request.

"By the way Ginny, I think you can now call me Minerva."

Ginny gave a small chuckle.

"That may be a bit difficult, but I'll try."

With that said, they left the office and continued on their ways. When Ginny returned home that night, she gave Luna and Harry her good news and they were both thrilled at the idea, but also agreed that calling Professor McGonagall Minerva was a bit strange.

The next evening Minerva arrived early for dinner and was surprised by the many changes that had been made to Grimmauld Place. The dusty rooms and essences of dark magic were long gone and it now resembled a happy, family home. Ginny and Luna gave a her a full tour, excitedly pointing out all the details. When they reached the top floor, Minerva was a bit taken aback by the enlarged master bedroom with its over-sized bed that could accommodate three people easily. Thankfully, Ginny and Luna didn't see the brief look of shock that passed through her eyes. If both of them were pregnant, then she should have realized the unique arrangements that would be in place, but seeing the bedroom made it a reality.

After the tour, they enjoyed a wonderful dinner served by a house elf that Minerva would not have believed was Kreacher if she had not been told. It seemed that kindness, respect and a loving household could even effect an elf. After dinner, they proceeded to the living room and Harry produced a bottle of Minerva's favorite sherry. She smirked at the fact that he remembered and was making a point of catering to her. The evening lasted much longer than she planned, as they talked well into the evening. It was quite obvious to Minerva as she watched her three former students move around their house and interact with each other that they were already bonded as a family. Before she left, Minerva confirmed the time of the ceremony and her delight in being the officiant. Then she surprised them each with a hug before she left.

The final days before the bonding passed quickly and it was soon upon them. Harry woke up and realized what day it was and his heart lifted. Gently, he reached over and kissed Ginny awake, then he turned and kissed Luna awake as well. He would have liked to do more, but they had much to do before the ceremony at noon. They had all just barely arrived downstairs when Mrs. Weasley arrived in the floo. She began bustling around, worrying over small details. Shortly though, Magical Events Party Planners arrived and began to convert the large dining room into the ceremony room. A reception of finger foods would follow, being served as guests mingled throughout the first floor. Seeing that the preparations were in order, Mrs. Weasley took Ginny and Luna and ushered them upstairs to get ready. This was the day she had waited for, the day when she would help her daughter prepare for her wedding. It may not be called that, but it was just the same to her. Since Luna's mother was gone, Mrs. Weasley took her in hand as well.

At 11:30 the guests began arriving and Harry waited in the foyer, greeting each new arrival. Ginny and Luna took longer to get ready and would not arrive downstairs until shortly before they were due to begin. As Harry greeted his guests, he was pleased as each new arrival happily congratulated him. He had been a bit concerned how some may react, but these were his best and closest friends and family and if anyone had any concerns or questions, it was not apparent. As the last guests filed in, Harry finally saw Mr. Lovegood arrive. Briefly bypassing the others, he shook Mr. Lovegood's hand.

"Thank you for being here for us, I know Luna will be thrilled."

Mr. Lovegood managed a small smile and then followed the others to the ceremony room. Once the last guest had arrived, Harry went to take his place next to Minerva at the front of the room and wait for his brides. As the clock struck noon, Luna and Ginny entered the room and suddenly everyone else disappeared from Harry's vision. They were radiant. Luna wore a light lavender dress and Ginny wore soft green. They entered hand in hand, walked to the front and smiled at Harry. He stepped between them, taking Ginny's hand in his right and Luna's in his left. He grinned foolishly at each of them and then they looked to Minerva as she began the ceremony.

Minerva raised her wand and incanted over the three of them, weaving a spell of magical binding. Then she began.

"Today we come together in a spirit of joy to unite these three in a bonding for life. Every oath spoken here will weave a magical bond. Is there anyone who sees just cause why these three should not be bonded?"

The room remained silent and Minerva smiled as she continued.

"Harry James Potter, do you agree to bond yourself to Luna Lovegood for the rest of both your natural lives? Will you love, provide and protect her to the best of your abilities?"

"Yes."

"And, Harry James Potter, do you agree to bond yourself to Ginevra Molly Weasley for the rest of both your natural lives? Will you love, provide and protect her to the best of your abilities?"

"Yes."

"Ginevra Molly Weasley do you agree to bond yourself to Harry James Potter for the rest of both your natural lives? Will you love, provide and protect him to the best of your abilities?"

"Yes!"

"And, Ginevra Molly Weasley, do you agree to bond yourself to Luna Lovegood for the rest of both your natural lives? Will you love, provide and protect her to the best of your abilities?"

"Yes."

"Luna Lovegood, do you agree to bond yourself to Harry James Potter for the rest of both your natural lives? Will you love, provide and protect him to the best of your abilities?"

"Oh yes!"

"And, Luna Lovegood, do you agree to bond yourself to Ginevra Molly Weasley for the rest of both your natural lives? Will you love, provide and protect her to the best of your abilities?"

"YES."

Minerva was now smiling more than Harry would have thought possible for her.

"With these oaths spoken and affirmed, it is my pleasure to now finalize your bonding for life."

As she finished the last words, Minerva waved her wand and closed the incantation that she had started at the beginning of the ceremony.

"Now, I will continue a more recent tradition and ask that you seal your bonds with a kiss."

Harry grinned and turned first to Luna and kissed her deeply, then he turned to Ginny and kissed her just as deeply. Then he stepped back and Luna and Ginny began kissing as Harry wrapped his arms around them both.

When Luna and Ginny separated, Harry took them each by the hand, looked up at Minerva and whispered 'thank you'. As Minerva dabbed tears at the corners of her eyes, Harry turned with his wives in hand and spoke to his assembled guests.

"Thank you all for attending and supporting our union. Now, let the party begin!"

With that, Harry, Ginny and Luna ran out of the room as their guests applauded behind them.