Chapter 7b – The Wedding

Harry thought about staying in Ron's room rather then going to breakfast. Ginny's comments stung Harry on a couple of levels. Stopping Voldemort was the most important thing in Harry's life. So many people had been lost during his campaign of terror. Harry had to stop him. Harry realized that he loved Ginny more then anyone he had ever met. Maybe it was selfish but being with Ginny would only be a distraction in the coming battles.

Resolving the issue for himself, Harry finished cleaning up and changed. Harry placed the sword in the corner next to his trunk and broom. Then he went down stairs for breakfast.

Harry walked into the kitchen. Only Mrs. Weasley and Ron were in the kitchen. Harry gave them a smile and said, "I am sorry to do this Mrs. Weasley, but I may have to eat everything in your kitchen this morning."

Mrs. Weasley smiled, "Harry, you can have as much as you would like."

Harry then tucked into his breakfast with an unfeigned hunger. His morning run and sword exercises had given him an appetite. Mrs. Weasley's food was delicious. It probably came from all of her practice with her six kids. "Where is everyone?"

"Hermione and Ginny are in the garden helping Mr. Weasley get things setup for the wedding. Also your friend Mike is with them. We have so much to get done. Tonks and Remus left on Order business," Mrs. Weasley answered

Ron's eyebrow's inched up in surprise at Harry's nonchalance. He and Hermione had run into the house when they heard Ginny start yelling. They found Mrs. Weasley standing at the bottom of the stairs with Mr. Weasley holding her from going up the stairs. Everyone else seemed to have gathered near the stairs in case it turned any uglier. When Ginny stopped yelling, they waited for a response from Harry. When Ginny appeared soundlessly down the stairs, everyone was shocked. Why hadn't Harry responded?

Ron had started to go upstairs when they heard Harry enter the bathroom. Hermione grabbed his arm and shook her head in silence when he glanced back at her. Mrs. Weasley sent everyone else outside to get ready for the wedding. Remus and Tonks had begged off, claiming they had to relieve Moody.

Ron had waited in silence while Mrs. Weasley had prepared breakfast for Harry. When Harry came down, Ron expected him to be upset or angry, not calm and relaxed.

"Ron, why don't you go help the others. Then you need to get your robes for the wedding ready."

"Okay, Mum. Harry, come join us when you are finished." Ron clapped his best friend on the shoulder as he passed to go into the garden.

Harry smiled after Ron and continued to eat. Mrs. Weasley set two teacups and a pot onto the table and sat down with Harry. She poured for herself and Harry. She picked up her cup and considered Harry over the brim.

A silence descended on the room. Harry ate in silence while Mrs. Weasley sipped her tea. After Harry had eaten his fill, he picked up his teacup and took a sip. "Mrs. Weasley, I did not mean to hurt or upset Ginny. Please believe me when I say that it was the last thing I wanted to happen."

A moment of silence and then Mrs. Weasley sighed, "Harry, I know that. Arthur knows that. Even Ginny knows that. We understand why you felt the need to protect her."

Another moment of silence followed before she spoke again. "I think your parents would be so proud of the mature and responsible young man you have become. I think they would be upset at how fast you have had to grow up, but proud about how you have handled it. I know that Arthur and I are very proud."

"Thank you, Mrs. Weasley. That means a lot." Harry ate in silence for a couple of minutes. "Ginny was right about part of what she said. Being in a relationship with her would make her a bigger target, but also a distraction for me. I have to complete what I started with Professor Dumbledore. Ron and Hermione insist on joining me and I won't stop them. I can reduce the amount of danger Ginny is in. If we are together, I will spend time worrying about her, instead of focusing on defeating Voldemort."

"Thank you Harry. With Bill, Charlie and the twins, as well as Arthur and I in the Order, I feel like I have to protect my daughter while I can. I cannot bare the thought of her in greater danger." Two great tears tracked down a side of Molly Weasley's cheek.

"I will do everything in my power to protect Ginny, Mrs. Weasley."

Mrs. Weasley reached across the table and placed her hand on top of Harry's hand. "I know Harry. Just remember that no matter what happens, you will always be a member of this family." She straightened up and said, "Since you are part of this family and are done your breakfast, you can go out and help the others finish setting up for the wedding!"

Harry laughed and made his way out to the garden.

Mrs. Weasley watched him go and smiled sadly to herself. Harry had grown so much from the shy, nervous little boy looking for Platform 9 3/4. Ginny was her youngest child and only daughter. As the youngest child with six older brothers, Ginny had learned to be very determined in getting exactly what she wanted. Although she truly agreed with Harry, it would be interesting to watch how long and hard Harry would be able to run.

The wedding plans were a compromise between Mrs. Weasley and the future Mrs. Weasley. Fleur insisted the wedding be held in her family's church in France. Mrs. Weasley wanted the small church in the local village where she and Arthur were married. Fleur won on the church but allowed Mrs. Weasley to host the reception at the Burrow. This kept the peace making Bill the happiest of the three of them. Portkeys were set up between the two locations. For security reasons, Harry would use a particular portkey to a small room in the church so he would not be seen entering the building.

The wedding party had descended on the Burrow like an avalanche of robes, silk, gowns and ribbon. First Fleur and her wedding attendants arrived and made for the rooms set aside for them. Then Bill and Ron's other brothers arrived with their dress robes in their hands. They used a tent outside to get changed. When Harry looked into the tent, it had grown to allow all of the comforts of home.

Trying to stay out of the way, Harry wandered the area set up for the reception after the wedding. Professor McGonagall had lent the Hogwarts house elves to prepare the food. Harry was surprised that Dobby was not among them. When he asked one of the other elves, the elf took a shocked and disgusted tone and said he was on vacation. Harry walked away from the disgusted elf laughing. Hermione would be happy that at least one house elf was not always working.

Harry joined Mike in the tent to change into their clothes for the wedding. The Weasleys invited Mike the previous day to attend the reception at the Burrow after the wedding. Mike would not be attending the wedding itself since it would be in Fleur's hometown in France. Harry had Apparated to Mike's flat to pick up his Muggle suit and his "jump bag". Harry changed and walked to where Fred, George, and Mike sat talking in quiet voices.

"Has anyone seen Ron? It is almost time to go to the church," Harry asked as he approached.

"Nah, the bugger left fifteen minutes ago," George answered. "Harry, we may hire this Yank. He just gave us all kinds of ideas."

"Hey, I just mentioned some ideas that we used in different Bond movies. I heard these guys were your resident 'Q'," Mike replied looking up at Harry.

Harry shuddered at the thought of the terrible twins getting together with Mike's mix of hardheaded practicality and dark humor. "No cars! I remember the last time a Weasley modified a car!"

Both the twins and Mike laughed at Harry's comment, although for different reasons. Indicating he had to find Ron, Harry walked away from the scariest threesome he could imagine.

Walking out of the tent, Harry started to walk around to the side of the Burrow. Harry was perplexed. Where could Ron have gone? Not into the Burrow, the women claimed the house as their own to get ready.

Harry walked to the next corner of the house that opened onto a small field with a large tree in the middle. Sitting on a swing from its branches were Ron and Hermione. Something made Harry pause as he watched his two oldest friends gently swing. Normally those two could not get into the same room without bickering. It was their favorite entertainment. They had stopped meaning it years ago. Everyone else knew that except them. Had Ron finally gotten the courage up to tell Hermione how he felt?

Harry's question was answered a moment later as he watched Ron lean over and places his arm around Hermione. Then they started snogging. This was obviously not the first time they had been together. Harry wondered when Ron finally worked up the courage to say something.

Harry stepped back from sight and started calling to Ron. Harry waited ten seconds before stepping out around the corner. Hermione was nowhere in sight. "Come on, Ron. We have to get going," Harry called.

Ron walked over and looked at Harry, "What is the big grin for, mate?"

"No reason. What were you doing out in the field?" Harry asked with a little smile on his face.

Ron blushed and stammered, "Nothing, just getting some air. Come on, we will be late!"

Ron ran towards the front of the house with Harry running behind him wearing a huge grin.

Harry was sitting in the church with Remus and Tonks when Ginny walked in. She looked gorgeous! Her long red hair matched the green silk of her dress perfectly. Harry felt his heart leap just looking at her. Harry wanted to run over, apologize to her and beg her to take him back. However, he reminded himself it was for both of their sakes that they stay apart. Harry resolutely turned his head to talk to Remus about anything!

Ginny walked back into the waiting room with Fleur and the other bridesmaids. Most of them were Fleur's Beauxbatons friends. The exception was Fleur's younger sister Gabrielle. Seeing Ginny was upset, Gabrielle asked her, "Why so upset Ginny? This should be a happy time."

Although Ginny had problems before with Fleur, she really liked Gabrielle. "Oh, I am just being silly."

Gabrielle glanced out towards the sanctuary. "Ah, boy problems I think, no?"

"Yes, boy problems," sighed Ginny. "I walked out to see who was here and Harry would not even look at me! I miss him so much. I understand why he thinks he had to do this but it hurts too much."

Gabrielle smiled, "I owe Harry some favors for saving me from the mer-people during the Tournament. I will soon be your sister-in-law. So, I can help two of my friends at the same time. Just leave it all up to me!" Giggling, the two girls hugged. Then they finished preparing for the wedding.

Unaware of the plotting going on behind the scenes, Harry watched the guest entering for the wedding. Remus and Tonks were sitting in the row ahead of Harry. Professors McGonagall, Flitwick, and Sprout came in followed by Hagrid and Madam Hooch. Hagrid waved wildly over their heads to Harry. Professor McGonagall nodded gravely to Harry. Harry caught her expression and knew she would be seeking him out before the evening was over.

A large number of other people that Harry did not know entered the church, but Harry surprised by many faces he did not see. When he asked Remus about the absences, he was told many of the Order and the Aurors were on guard duty to around the church and the Burrow to prevent any mischief.

The wedding music started as Bill and his brothers walked to the front of the church. Percy had declined his invitation and he was the only Weasley missing from the ceremony. Harry realized as he watched that he had never attended a wedding before, magical or Muggle.

Harry looked around at all of the different people until he saw Ginny walking in to the sanctuary. To Harry the rest of the church no longer existed. Ginny was the only thing Harry could have seen at that moment. Voldemort could have walked in and sat beside Harry with absolutely no comment.

Ginny felt Harry's attention all through the service. It was very hard to stay focused on the ceremony. It took all of her willpower to stop from turning and smiling at him. Apparently, Gabrielle was also aware of Harry's concentration. Ginny felt a little nudge on her leg and could hear Gabrielle's muffled giggles.

The wedding proceeded with no major problems throughout the ceremony. Fred and George had received stern orders from Bill that any pranks would be met with his vengeance.

The ceremony ended with the new Mr. and Mrs. Weasley turning to face the congregation. Both looked incredibly happy. Even Molly Weasley looked truly content for the first time since Bill and Fleur had started dating. Fleur's insistence on marrying Bill in spite of the facial injuries at the hands of Fenrir Greyback removed the last of Molly's resistance to the marriage, but now she looked like she not only accepted the match but also wholly supported it.

The wedding party moved down the aisle with Ron escorting Ginny. Ron glanced over at his best mate and caught his expression. Harry may have broken up with Ginny to protect her but anyone looking at him would know where Harry's heart was. Ron felt a bit guilty over not telling Harry about his relationship with Hermione and resolved to tell him after the wedding.

The party started at the Burrow before the wedding party even arrived. It reminded Harry a little of his experience at the Quidditch World Cup. Wizards and witches were everywhere for the big party. Harry realized that having any excuse to laugh and have a good time were important to the wizarding community right now.

"Did you have a good time at the wedding?" Mike asked.

"It was nice. I had never been at a wedding before. The Dursleys would send me to Mrs. Figg's house whenever they went somewhere." Harry replied. Noticing some new arrivals, Harry took Mike's elbow. "I have some friends that I want to introduce you to."

"Hi Harry!" called Neville. Neville walked up to Harry while holding Luna's hand. "How are you Harry? Was the wedding good?" Harry had never seen Neville look happier or more self-assured.

Assuring Neville the wedding was fine, Harry introduced his friends to Mike, "Mike is my Uncle Vernon's cousin but is nothing like him. He really helped me get through the last couple of months."

Luna looked vacantly at Mike, "Why does all the energy stop around you? Even the Quingmots don't hover around you. Could my father do a story on you?"

Mike looked at Harry, who looked just as perplexed as he felt. "Maybe we can talk about that later. What is a Quingmot?"

Luna's vacant expression disappeared as if it had never been. "I had a dream about Harry. You were in it. There was danger nearby. I could feel it." Then the look returned and she patted Neville's arm. "Can we get some butterbeer, dear? I am thirsty."

When they had moved off, Harry looked at Mike and said, "Luna is a sweet girl and very intelligent. No one is ever really sure what to make of Luna's comments. She is odd even in the magical community, but sometimes her comments make sense in retrospect."

"Hmm. Reminds me of some of my ex-girlfriends," Mike grinned. "I am going to go grab a beer before the wedding party arrives. You look like you could use a drink also. How was Ginny at the wedding?" The last was delivered with an evil looking grin on Mike's face.

Before Harry could come up with an answer, Professor McGonagall interrupted, "May I have a word with you Mr. Potter?"

"Hello Professor. May I introduce Mike Dursley?"

"Yes, I heard about Mr. Dursley from Molly earlier. It is nice to meet you Mr. Dursley. I am glad to know that not everyone in that family is like the three representatives we are most familiar with."

Mike let out a laugh, "That may be the nicest thing anyone has ever said about me. It is nice to meet you also Professor. Harry has told me a lot about your school. Harry, I think the professor would like to talk to you privately. I'll just go and get those drinks." With a smile and a nod, Mike moved away leaving them alone.

"A most perceptive man. Maybe there is some hope for that family yet. Mr. Potter, I do need to talk to you."

"Professor, I know what you want to say, but I can't come back to Hogwarts. I need to stop Voldemort."

"Harry please listen to me. I agree you need to stop Voldemort. Albus left me several pieces of information that I did not have before. I understand now what is at stake. But I wanted to make you an offer, if you would be willing to listen."

"Okay professor. Shall we sit down?"

Taking seats at an empty table, Professor McGonagall looked at Harry, "Let me first say that Albus had complete confidence in you and your friends. I would like you to return to the school on September 1st for several reasons. Many in the Wizarding world are watching what happens at Hogwarts. They almost decided not to reopen the school. If you do not attend, many other parents may decide not to send their children for the year. You are a symbol to many who do not even know you. I know you don't want this but it is true."

The professor looked at Harry and he nodded grudgingly. This was a fact he had learned to accept long ago. "I understand that but I don't think that should change my decision."

"I haven't finished yet. Hogwarts represents the best collection of information in the magical world. In addition, your skills are formidable for your age, but you still need training. I can arrange this for you."

"I appreciate that professor, but if I go to school I would not be able to move around outside the school."

"You will have permission to leave Hogwarts whenever you need to. I will only ask that you inform me before you leave and tell me where you are going."

Harry was stunned by the professor's offer. Harry looked up at Professor McGonagall, "I appreciate all of that professor. I am going to need to think about it and I will let you know."

Professor McGonagall smiled, "Thank you Harry. I have a note here for you from Professor Dumbledore. I found it addressed to you." She handed Harry a small scroll, stood up, smiled again and walked away.

With his hands shaking slightly, Harry opened the scroll.

Harry-

I hoped to tell you all of this myself on your seventeenth birthday. You must go to Gringotts before you do anything else. Several items of inheritance will be waiting there for you.

Dark days lay before you Harry. I have faith in you and your friends. I am very proud of you. I often looked at my students as my children. You are my truest son. I know your parents would have been as proud of you as I am.

Albus Dumbledore

Harry felt his eyes tearing up. How did the professor know he would not be here for his birthday? What additional information did he have?

A shadow crossed over Harry. Wiping his eyes, Harry looked up to find a smiling Gabrielle.

"Harry! It is so good to see you again. Are you okay?"

"I am fine. Just some painful memories."

"Great, come dance with me." She grabbed Harry's hand and pulled him towards the area set aside for dancing. As she did, Harry realized the rest of the wedding party had arrived while he was talking to Professor McGonagall.

Dancing with Gabrielle, Harry realized she was much like her sister but much less formal. Harry felt his spirits rising as he relaxed during the dancing.

Just as Harry started to feel relaxed, Gabrielle said, "There is my cousin Pierre! I have not seen him yet. Would you mind switching partners with me for the next dance?" She smiled up at Harry with a ingenious smile. Harry laughed and said okay.

"Great! Let's switch!" Gabrielle called out, "Pierre, you are mine now!"

As the two couple passed, Gabrielle let go of Harry and Pierre let go of his partner. Harry moved to Pierre's partner. As Gabrielle and Pierre moved off, Harry suddenly realized he was holding Ginny!

Harry tensed and waited for Ginny to say something.

"Can't you stand touching me now, Harry?" came a quiet, sad voice.

Harry felt shock at her words. "Ginny, you know that is not true! I just don't want you to be in danger. I have to deal with Voldemort. I don't want you in more danger."

Whatever comment Ginny would have made to that was lost as the ground beneath their feet erupted in an explosion. Landing against a table with Ginny on top of him, Harry looked up to see the Dark Mark appear in the air over the Burrow.

The Death Eaters were attacking.

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