Chapter 3
"Emma!" Hermione shouted after I slammed the door in the minister's face. I ignored her as I made my way to the kitchen to help Mrs. Weasley, needing a distraction. "Emma, please stop!" I paused in the kitchen doorway before pivoting on my heel. Harry and Ron were still by the sofa, not wanting to interfere.
"What Hermione?" I asked. Hermione squared her shoulders, readying for a battle that is me.
"Rufus Scrimgeour maybe a rude and unsympathetic, but he is still our minister! With how unstable things are, do you really want someone like him as another enemy?" She asked, hands on her hips and her cheeks flushed.
"Just because he is the great and powerful minister doesn't mean I will put up with his arrogance, disrespect to my late godfather, and kiss his arse like he is the bloody queen of England!" I shouted in response. Hermione looked like she wanted to say more but instead of doing so, she huffed before turning and rushing up the stairs. A door slammed above them and I sighed, feeling a bit guilty for snapping.
"I might as well go up too. Maybe I can distract her with my new toy." Ron sighed as he trudged up the stairs. Unlikely but he would be a distraction nonetheless. I really didn't like the idea of apologizing at the moment…maybe I should let her cool off a bit.
Before Harry could escape, I turned towards him. "Am I wrong?"
"Can I plead the fifth?" He asked with a chuckle. I groaned and he walked towards me. "Would you prefer a lie or the truth?" I groaned again. "No, you weren't wrong to state your opinion but Hermione also had a valid point. You really don't want to be on the wrong side of the minister right now, trust me."
"I know." I sighed. "But what he said seriously cheesed me off." Harry chuckled and kissed my forehead.
"I could tell and if it helps, I wanted to hex him as much as you did." He pulled me close for a hug and I took a chance to inhale the scent that is Harry James Potter. "Just give her some space…she'll forgive you." I nodded against his chest.
"I'm going to go help Mrs. Weasley for a bit; maybe I'll get a treat out of the deal." I stated before giving him a quick peck and turning away to head towards the kitchen.
And so for the next 12 hours, Molly Weasley proved to be an excellent distraction. Since Bill and Fleur decided to move up their wedding, which was two days from now mind you, there was a lot to do...and surprisingly, she requested for me to do without magic. While she did the cooking, I assisted in cleaning up the house even though the ceremony itself was to be held outdoors.
Hermione and Ron eventually came out to join me since the tent needed to be set up and the tables/chairs needed moved inside to be ready for the next day. I don't think she's ever hugged me so hard but at least we agreed that we were both at fault. Once that task was done, we had a break for an early dinner and then went about doing the napkins and party favors.
It was just after midnight when we all were exhausted from the day's activities and thankfully, I had no nightmares…but Harry did. And the scary thing was that it was the dream I had about myself a couple nights ago. I held him as he broke down and confessed my dream.
"Emma, I don't know how long I can keep this up," he whispered.
"Just a little while longer…it'll be over soon." I replied, unsure of myself. Harry snorted in response.
"Over and what will be left then?" He asked bitterly.
"Light. Freedom. Hope." I paused, looking down at him. "My love for you will remain, always." He looked up at me then with a small smile. Harry then moved in to kiss me softly. He pulled away for a moment then leaned in to kiss me harder. I pulled him on top of me as the kiss intensified but it made the friction between us worse.
Harry tore away from my lips and moved down my neck. My pulse was racing and heart pounded as each second ticked by. We were both breathing heavily and I was tempted to shed some clothing.
"Harry…" I breathed. He looked into my eyes, gaze intense. "I don't know how much longer I can take this." I said and he nodded in understanding.
"Me either," Hunger was in his eyes then and I was ready to cave but I knew the timing wasn't right, like it has been lately.
"But I don't want to do this amongst so many people…I want to at least have a room to ourselves." I grumbled, gesturing to Ron and Hermione, who were both snoring away on the other bed. Harry nodded in agreement and reshuffled his body so he was lying beside me once more.
"Soon?" Harry asked. I nodded with a small smile. "Soon…" he repeated more to himself. I giggled and snuggled into him, falling asleep quickly.
The next day was the wedding and it consisted of seating too many guests in the marquee. It took a few hours to get situated and once each guest was accounted for, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley made their entrance along with the Delacours and took their seats in the very front row. Bill and Charlie then came down the aisle dressed in their best dress robes. Charlie was grinning at the Nervous Nelly that is Bill Weasley. It was interesting seeing someone like Bill who faced a werewolf in such a jittery state.
When Fleur came down the aisle, the Veela blood in her was beyond evident since she seemed to glow in her wedding dress; even her eyes were a bit more vibrant and they were locked with Bill's. I was in awe by how simple yet elegant her dress was. The beautiful white dress had both black and white feathers laced through the skirt and her silvery hair flowing elegantly down her back. Ginny and Gabrielle, the bridesmaids, followed her in their golden dresses.
The ceremony itself was glorious. Bill and Fleur decided to write their own vows which made it even more meaningful romantic. Mrs. Weasely was balling the whole time as was Hermione who had one hand locked with mine and the other in Ron's. It seemed so surreal that something this normal could still happen in the middle of this war.
Getting married seemed like a dream with everything happening. I glanced over at Harry who was engrossed in the ceremony. Maybe we could have a wedding too once all of this was over. Actually, I would be happy to just have Harry. But is there a chance he would want to marry me?
Once the ceremony had ended and the two had kissed romantically, everyone stood and cheered. The chairs vanished and a golden pool spread to form a dance floor under the tent. The chairs then grouped themselves around the white tables that had now appeared off to the side. Music played around them from no place in particular and everybody mingled in the open area.
I moved off the dance floor, not really in the mood for dancing. Instead, I did a bit of people watching. Ron and Hermione were in close proximity just shuffling to the music slowly. Ginny, who was done taking her share of pictures, was locked at the hip with Dean. Luna turned, eyes closed, waving her arms around reminding me of a hippie trying 'feel the music'. I smiled this, happy that she was still being herself.
After about ten minutes, I spotted Harry at a table with an older looking man. The old man seemed to be going on about something and Harry was listening intently. I weaved in and out of the crowd of bodies towards where he was seated. Harry looked up in surprise at my presence.
"Think I can trouble you for a dance Mister?" I asked with a wink. Harry's smile widened and he excused himself before getting up and taking my hand. He pulled me gently onto the dance floor and held me close, swaying to the soft music.
"Have I told you how beautiful you look right now?" Harry asked suddenly, making me blush.
"I'm not sure, a few times maybe," I giggled while trying to hide in the crook of his neck.
"Hey," he shrugged me away, making me look at him. "What did I tell you about hiding?" He asked. His face was serious, but I couldn't help but giggle instead. His expression broke making him smile again. "I love your blush and I love your giggle even more. I'm gonna miss that," he added softly.
It took me a moment to process the last part of what he said and I pulled away quickly. "What do you mean by that Harry?" I demanded. Harry didn't look me in the eyes then and proceeded to bite his lip. "Harry, you better speak up now and quick," I growled.
"I don't think this is the right-" Harry began but stopped once he looked at me, even taking a step away.
"You brought it up," I growled again and crossed my arms. I could feel my arms tingling and knew that I could spark at any moment if I didn't keep control. Harry let his arms flop at his sides and sighed in defeat.
"You knew this was coming love. I have a job to do, you know this."
"Yeah, I knew! But I wasn't going to let you go alone! What the Hell Harry?!" I exclaimed, my voice growing higher in pitch. A few guests looked our way at my raised voice and I glared in return.
"Can we please not get into this right now?!" Harry hissed back. "C'mon, can't we just backtrack and forget I said anything?! Please? I only have so much time with you!" Harry pleaded, stepping forward but I took two steps back.
"Did you give Ron and Hermione this fucking speech too? Hmmm? Are you saying good-bye to them as well?" I asked. He looked away again. Figures, he would take them but not me. Bloody Hell! Where did this go wrong? Things were so pleasant just a moment ago! "Of course not, why would you? You've been with them longer, it makes perfect fucking sense!" I turned on my heel to walk away.
"Emma, wait!" Harry yelled, grabbing my arm. My eyes glowed for a moment and I managed to shove him away without lifting a finger. For the first time, Harry looked afraid of me, afraid of my power.
"Don't. Touch. Me." I said angrily. "Why wouldn't you have me go with you?" I demanded again, feeling hurt. "We made a pact together remember? Or does that mean nothing?" My voice was breaking and I was afraid that tears would be coming next.
Harry just stared, unsure of what to do. He looked defeated and a few times, he opened then closed his mouth resembling a fish. I wanted him to hold me but at the same time, I wanted to smack him a few times. After all we talked about, after all we discussed…he was still as stubborn as ever and even worse, fearful that something would happen to me.
If anything, he should be more concerned about taking Hermione and Ron along. Hermione may be brilliant and Ron may have some wits about him, and I mean no offense when I think these thoughts but they have nothing on me. They have nothing on what I can do. But they've been together for so many years…that is something they did have.
Since Harry made no move to come forward or speak, I took the initiative before caving entirely. With an annoyed huff, I turned again and stormed into the opposite direction away from Harry. This time, he didn't follow. When was he going to learn that he has no valid argument in this? He needs me! We need each other…we need to stick together, now more than ever.
As I stomped away, I didn't notice the company trailing behind me. It took me sitting in chair and them kneeling on either side of me for me to truly notice. They stared at me for a moment then hugged me suddenly, confusing me entirely. I relented and sagged against them, letting out a huge breath.
"Trouble in paradise dearie?" Fred asked first.
"How can you tell?"
"Well…" they said in unison. "We couldn't help but overhear quite a bit." George stated.
"Not that we eavesdropping!" Fred exclaimed.
"Not at all!" George piped in.
"Never," I giggled, feeling my mood lift slightly. Fred and George always managed to cheer me up when I was with them.
"Want us to hex him for you?" They both asked.
"He may be the Chosen One-"
"-but he's easy to beat up!" The twins smiled and I did the same. I didn't get the chance to answer then. Something was strange in the air all of sudden. The hairs on the back of my neck were standing in attention and I felt a chill run up my spine.
"Something is not right," I whispered.
Suddenly, everything grew dark, and I looked up to see that the lanterns had all blown out for some odd reason. Then, a loud whoosing sound of some sort pierced the air. From the side, a wild cat patronus landed in the center of the marquee. Everybody jumped back at its appearance. The patronus looked around the room at all of us before a voice issued from it.
"The Ministry has fallen. The Minister of Magic is dead," the voice said which I now recognized to be Kingsley's. "They are coming. THEY ARE COMING!"