No Time For Epilogues
Chapter 34- This Great Love
With joy in their hearts, Ian and Lady Elizabeth Granger
cordially invite you to attend the marriage of their daughter
Lady Hermione Jean Granger
to
Ronald Bilius Weasley
son of Arthur and Molly Weasley
on Monday, June the 30th, 1999 at Noon
Hermione returned from her morning run as her mother entered the kitchen to make coffee.
"You jogged this morning?"
Hermione shrugged. "Why not? Main event's not for hours. I'm nervous, and jogging helps me sort things out."
"What's this? The unflappable Hermione Granger needs to sort things out?" Elizabeth teased.
Hermione snorted. "I'm hardly unflappable, mum. As I was jogging, I realized that I have no idea what I'm doing. I've been his friend for so long, then his fiancée...I have no idea how to be a wife."
Elizabeth gave her a quick hug. "None of us do, pumpkin, but you have a lifetime to learn. There're no set rules, or books you can read to tell you how, but this much I know. I've found over the years that marriage is a lot like a recipe. You and Ron already have most of the ingredients, it'll just take time to get them just right."
At the Burrow, Ron was leaning against the doorway, sipping a cup of coffee, watching the rising sunlight slowly blanket the Weasley land. A familiar hand clapped him on the shoulder.
"So, ickle Ronnikins is getting married today, time to join the big boys. How does it feel? Bill asked.
Ron sighed. "I'm marrying the girl of my dreams, that's how I feel. I don't know what I've done to deserve her, but I'm going to spend the rest of my life keeping her happy and making sure she knows that I love her," Ron said.
"Well little brother, it sounds like you've got the hard part figured out. As for the rest...you'll figure it out as you go along."
Wow, I don't think ever looked this good in my life! Ron thought as he looked at himself one more time in the full length mirror. Ivory shoes with matching trousers, crisp white button-down shirt, ivory satin vest with decorative silver stitching and a silver, satin tie. His best man, Harry, wore the same except for a white tie and the groomsmen, Bill, George and Neville, white ties as well. They all wore small Gryffindor tie tacks.
"Come on mate, time to get you married," Harry said and clapped him on the shoulder.
They entered the Great Hall from the side door and took their places on a raised platform. Arthur was waiting for them and the music started.
"That's our cue," Ginny said when the music was heard and the women took their places in the corridor outside the Great Hall. Minerva, Luna and Laura, the bride's attendants, in gowns similar in color and fabric to Hermione's, clutched their small bouquets and gave Hermione a last encouraging smile before the ushers, Dean and Seamus, opened the Great Doors. Ginny, maid of honor, gave her a quick hug before strolling through the doors. Dean and Seamus closed them again, giving Hermione a quick wink.
"Ready pumpkin?" Elizabeth asked and squeezed her hand.
Hermione nodded. "Let's do this."
In honor of their daughter, Elizabeth and Ian agreed to wear the traditional wedding robes of the parents of the bride and both would escort her to the groom. Ian, in honor of his ancestors, insisted on wearing a tartan shoulder sash. The wedding march was heard and Dean and Seamus opened the doors and bowed when Hermione came through.
The world stood still for Ron when he saw Hermione. He was awestruck at the sight of her. She had never looked so beautiful, so happy, so perfect. A murmur of appreciation at the sight of her was heard throughout the guests when they stood for the procession. A sniffle was heard from Ginny, Harry softly cleared his throat. Hermione was glad that she was clutching her parent's arms as she walked down the aisle. The way Ron looked, so handsome, so proud, the loving look in his eyes- all made her weak in the knees. She felt her Dad give her arm a quick, gentle squeeze in encouragement. Linked arm in arm with her proud parents, she strolled to the altar and gave Ron a quick wink before Arthur started.
"Who gives this woman in marriage?"
"Her mother and I do," Ian stated. He took a step forward with Hermione and placed her hands in Ron's.
"Take care of our treasure," he said, his voice wavering.
"I love you Daddy," she said softly. The scene between daughter and father caused Ron to fall more in love with her, if that was possible. At that moment, he could see their kids in her eyes. He could clearly see a pretty, sweet little girl as pretty and sweet as her mother.
"Blessed be all who attend this joyous celebration, and blessed be the two to be united today in the bonds of love. If there be any here who can who can show just cause why this couple should not be joined in the bonds of marriage, let them speak now or forever hold their peace."
No one spoke and he continued.
"Bride, is it true that you come before this gathering and to your groom of your own free will?"
Her eyes locked with Ron's. "It is true."
"Groom, is it true that you come before this gathering and to your bride of your own free will?"
A gentle smile graced his face, his eyes still locked with hers. "It is true."
"Groom, I have not the right to bind you to your bride, only you have that right. If that is your wish, place your ring in her in her hand."
Ron took a ring from Harry and placed it in Hermione's slightly trembling hand.
"Groom, make your vow to your bride," Arthurspoke proudly. Another Weasley man was taking a bride.
Ron took a deep breath and spoke. "I, Ronald Bilius Weasley, take you, Hermione Jean Granger, to my hand and my heart, to be my wife, my partner, my mate in this life and the life beyond. I vow to love you wholly and without restraint, in sickness and health, in poverty and wealth, in joy and sadness. All that I am and all that I will be I give to you, so mote it be."
"Bride, I have not the right to bind you to your groom, only you have that right. If that is your wish, place your ring in his hand."
Hermione took a ring from Ginny and placed it in Ron's hand.
"Bride, make your vow to your groom," Arthur instructed softly. The young woman they had grown to love was going to be another daughter.
Hermione took a deep breathand spoke. "I, Hermione Jean Granger, take you, Ronald Bilius Weasley, to my hand and my heart, to be my husband, my partner, my mate in this life and the life beyond. I vow to love you wholly and without restraint, in sickness and health, in poverty and wealth, in joy and sadness. All that I am and all that I will be I give to you, so mote it be."
Soft sobbing was heard from Molly and Elizabeth. Ginny had to wipe her eyes with a handkerchief and Arthur had to clear his throat before continuing.
"The rings are a symbol of love, without beginning, without end. Ron, if it is your wish to bind Hermione to you, place the ring on her finger."
"It is most definitely my wish," he said softly and slipped the ring on her finger.
"Hermione, if it your wish to bind Ron to you, place the ring on his finger."
"It is absolutely my wish," she said and a sweet, loving smile graced her face when she slipped the ring on his finger.
"Honored guests, you have witnessed the vows made by Ron and Hermione, and the exchange of the symbols of their union. Ron and Hermione, in the binding of yourselves, you have created a new life, so step forth and rejoice in your new life and love. I pronounce you husband and wife. Son, by all means kiss your bride."
Ron took her face in his hands and gave her a gentle but passionate kiss. "We did it," he whispered and kissed her again.
The crowd rose to their feet with applause and cheers.
"Hermione, welcome to the family!" Arthur exclaimed and embraced them both.
Only because she was so fond of Hermione did Minerva consult the Hogwarts Charters, the past five Headmasters and the Board of School Governors to do a bit of remodeling for the wedding.
"You're the Headmistress, you may do as you wish within reason, as long as it doesn't take away from the overall structural integrity of the castle," was the reply. So when Hermione and Ronald asked her to have the wedding and reception at the Great Hall, she decided that change was called for. She made a rough sketch of her idea and submitted it to the best architectural and construction wizards at the Ministry. They almost came to blows at who would do the project; so eager were they to be associated with such a marvelous idea at what was considered one of the most interesting and beautiful sites in Great Britain.
The result was a beautiful veranda that ran almost the entire length of the south side of the Great Hall, since that side opened on The Black Lake. Three sets of large French doors were installed to open the Great Hall to the gallery, which Minerva realized could be used by students and staff during the school year, weather permitting. The grand opening of the veranda would be the wedding reception.
At the Head Table, Harry and Ginny made their speeches and toasts. The cake was cut and the band, The Daynes, readied themselves for the newlywed's first dance. Ron and Hermione really took a chance on a unknown group for their wedding, so they needed to play their best. To add to it, the band still could not get over the fact that The Weird Sisters declined the opportunity to perform at an event like this, what the papers had been labeling "A Marriage of Heroes." They already knew that The Weird Sisters had even declined to perform at the pending Potter-Weasley wedding, so if they made a good impression today, wouldn't it be a real coup to play at that wedding, already being called "The Wedding of the Year."
"The floor awaits the arrival of Ron and Hermione for their first dance as husband and wife," the lead singer smoothly announced.
Ron stood, took his wife's hand, kissed it and they walked hand in hand to the center of the dance floor. They only had eyes for each other as the music started.
"I feel it in my fingers, I feel it it my toes
love is all around me, and so the feeling grows
it's written on the wind, it's everywhere I go
Oh yes it is
So if you really love me, come on and let it show
You know I love you, I always will
my mind's made up by the way that I feel
There's no beginning, there'll be no end
'cause on my love you can depend"
Ron drew her closer, taking in her flushed face and shining eyes. "I can't get over how stunning you look today, it takes my breath away," he said softly.
"All for you, love," she said and laid her head on his chest.
"I see your face before me, as I lay on my bed
I kinda get to thinking, of all the things you said
You gave your promise to me, and I gave mine to you
I need someone beside me, in everything I do"
The passion in the kiss they shared seemed almost too intimate to watch. They were known as one of the most unlikely couples in England, but the love the couple radiated was palpable to the guests present. Molly nudged Arthur and looked in his direction. Harry was so overcome with the moment he had to remove his glasses and wipe his eyes with a napkin. Ginny scooted closer and rubbed his back.
"All right?" she asked.
Harry nodded. "This happiness...they deserve it so much."
Ginny patted his hands. "We all do love, we all do, but I do admit, they're a pretty special couple."
"You know I love you, I always will
my mind's made up by the way that I feel
There's no beginning, there'll be no end
'cause on my love you can depend
Oh it's written in the wind, oh everywhere I go
So if you really love me, love me, love me
Come on and let it show
Come on and let it show"
Caught up in the emotion of the moment, his new bride in his arms, Ron couldn't help himself. He hugged her tight, lifted her feet from the floor and spun around. He wished everyone could feel as good as he did at that moment. As far as Hermione was concerned, they could leave the reception now, guests be damned. She wanted her new husband all to herself for a while. Was there some different kind of magic in the vows? she wondered. She wanted him, needed him more than she ever had. I wonder what people would think if we slipped off to the broom cupboard for a bit?
A new song started and couples entered the floor.
"I would offer you a warm embrace, to make you feel my love"
She felt his fingers lift her chin and saw a grin on his face. "What are you thinking about? With that look and that blush, I have to know."
"I could hold you for a million years to make you feel my love"
"I wonder what people would think if we slipped off to a broom cupboard for a bit," she said quietly.
"Just a little longer, love," he said with a chuckle. "Let's go out on the new veranda and enjoy the view."
He gave her a flute of champagne, grape juice for himself, and they went outside to the veranda.
"This is nice," he said, looking around. They were the only two out there yet, everyone else was in the hall.
"Minerva said she was doing something special for today, but I had no idea it would be something like this," she said.
"Go to the ends of the Earth for you, make you happy, make your dreams come true
to make you feel my love"
"That's true, you know," he said and kissed her again.
Harry poked his head through the door with a grin. "Hey you two, plenty of time for that later, people want to see some gifts opened!"
They received the usual assortment of wedding gifts, appreciative of each and every one. Really, the true gift was the day itself. Her parents gave her a large envelope. She opened it, looked at the sheaf of papers and almost dropped them in shock.
"You're giving us the house?" she whispered in disbelief.
"What?" Ron exclaimed and took the papers from her and read the deed. Sure enough, Ronald Weasley and Hermione Weasley were listed as joint owners of Four Oaks Manor in Surrey.
"My goodness," Arthur said.
"How wonderful!" Molly said.
What about Mum and Daddy? Hermione thought.
"We know what you're thinking, but don't think on it a minute more. We found a nice townhouse community for empty-nest professionals," Ian said.
"Since the day you were born, we planned on giving it to you and your husband on your wedding day," Elizabeth said.
"I-I don't know what to say," Hermione said.
"Thank you," Ron said and extended his hand to Ian, who instead drew him into a hug.
"You're welcome, son. Welcome to the family."
Two hours later, a very tipsy Hermione, Laura and Elizabeth were leading a line dance on the dock.
"Let me ask you somethin'
What time of the day do you like to make love?!"
"Anytime!" someone called out.
"Screw The Weird Sisters, this group is great," Ron said. "They had their work cut out for them when we made the song list though."
"I agree. I'll ask them to play at our wedding," Harry said.
"What in the world are they doing out there?" Ginny asked.
"Have you ever made love just before breakfast
Have you ever made love just before the late, late show
Well, let me ask you this
Have you ever made love on a couch?"
Elizabeth gave a little cheer and raised her champagne flute in Ian's direction.
"A line dance. It's popular in America, but it looks as if Hermione is trying to start a trend here," he said and laughed when Hermione did a kick and sent her shoe flying into the lake. Everyone laughed, but she didn't miss a beat and continued dancing.
"I'll get it," Ron said. He dodged swinging, champagne laden-arms and summoned Hermione's shoe from the general area where it had landed. He joined her on the floor, wet shoe in hand and followed along as best he could.
"I stroke it to the east, I stroke it to the west
I stroke it to the woman that I love the best, huh!"
"Sounds good to me," he whispered huskily in her ear, wrapped his arms around her from behind and drew her hips closer to his.
They had a five p.m. Port Key routed to London, then to Paris, Rome, a stop in Malta and finally ending in Egypt. When it was nearing four p.m., the singer announced the last song.
"Look into my eyes, you will see
What you mean to me-
Search your heart, search your soul
And when you find me there
You'll search no more
Don't tell me it's not worth trying for
You can't tell me it's not worth dying for
You know it's true, everything I do
I do it for you
Look into my heart, you will find
There's nothing left to hide
Take me as I am, take my life
I would give it all, I would sacrifice
Don't tell me it's not worth trying for
I can't help it, there's nothing I want more
You know it's true, everything I do
I do it for you
There's no love, like your love
And no other, could give more love
There's no where, unless you're there
All the time, all they way, yeah
Don't tell me it's not worth trying for
I can't help it, there's nothing I want more
I would fight for you, I'd lie for you
Walk the wire for you, I'd die for yourselves
You know it's true, everything I do
I do it for you"
At 4:45, the single women scrambled for the tossed bouquet, the blokes for the garter and a last congratulatory champagne toast was given. At five p.m. they took hold of a bludger and left to start their new life together.
Song credits!!
Love Is All Around- as performed by Wet Wet Wet
To Make You Feel My Love- as performed by Garth Brooks
Strokin'- Clarence Carter (best line dance song ever!)
Everything I Do, I Do It for You- Bryan Adams