A/N: Ok, so I've noticed that there have been a ton of hits to this story, but only a few reviews. All that I ask is if you read the story, please leave me some sort of feedback about it. Please... :) I also apologize for the length of this chapter, but it'll give you something to read for a while.
I'll be updating this as soon as I finish the next chapter, so keep checking back or sign-up for an alert. And a big thanks to everyone who reviewed the last chapter and to LiTTleMiSSmOOny, thanks for pointing out that thing about the reviews… I didn't even realize that. Also, I have a new fic up… go to my profile to check it out if you wish.
Disclaimer: All the characters, places, objects, etc. from books 1-6 (and maybe some stuff before them) belong solely to J.K. Rowling.
The rest of the stuff in this story is out of my own mind and any resemblance to anything in book 7 when it comes out is purely coincidental.
Summery: With what lies ahead of Harry, he gathers as much help as he can to aide in his quest to defeat Voldemort. Will Harry succeed? Will love come into his life?
Chapter 14
"AHHH!"
Ron and Harry we're both awaken suddenly to a room full of screaming rockets and exploding fireworks. Looking across the room, the two noticed Fred and George broadly smiling in the doorway.
"Good morning dear brother, and Harry as well," acknowledged George.
"What the bloody hell are you two gits thinking!" Ron shouted at his brothers.
"Oh, did we forget to mention. Our celebration packs of fireworks," began Fred.
"Also work well to bring people out of deep sleep," finished George.
"What on earth was that racket?" Hermione asked as she entered the room, fully dressed up in her bride's maid outfit.
"Hermione! What are you doing!" exclaimed Ron, covering himself up with his sheets.
"Oh honestly Ronald. Your mum wants everyone dressed and downstairs before the Delacours arrive." Hermione then turned and left the room. Ron glared over towards the twins.
"What time is it anyway?" Harry inquired.
"Five in the morning," Fred answered.
"There's a five in the morning?" Ron yawned.
"Yes Ron, there is," said Lupin who now walked into the room with a couple tuxes draped over his arm. "Hello Harry," he greeted Harry.
"Morning," replied Harry as he started to slowly get out of bed.
"Here," Lupin continued, tossing a tux on the end of each of the beds, "Molly wants everyone dressed and ready for pictures before the Delacours get here. I would suggest not dawdling. And before I forget," he turned to Fred and George, and slapped them both upside the head. "Next time I find Canary Cream has been put on my scone, I'll do worse than that."
"Your scone?" questioned Fred, rubbing his head where he'd been smacked.
"We thought that was Charlie's," explained George, also rubbing his head.
"Well you guessed wrong," Lupin told them. "Now hurry up you two and meet us downstairs," he said, turning back to Harry and Ron. He then left the room followed by Fred and George, who were glaring holes into the back of his head.
Ron sighed as he got out of bed, "I don't know who's more nervous about today, Bill or me."
"Or me," Harry added, "Hermione seemed to be a little nervous too. Think Ginny's feeling the same way?"
"Mate, I know she'll be nervous. Especially if she's seeing mum's reaction at all to getting things ready for today."
"Yeah, you're right. Only problem is, that idea is making me more nervous about what we're going to say later."
Ron had his pants on and was now buttoning up his shirt. "You do have to admit though. Hermione did look beautiful in that dress."
"She really did," agreed Harry who was now arguing with his cummerbund, "Ginny will probably look great too."
"Probably? Harry, considering your relationship with my sister, I'd hope you'd be a little more sure of things."
Harry smiled at Ron, "Hey, when I see her, I'll be sure of it."
"Are you two ready yet?" Mrs. Weasley shouted up the stairs.
"We're coming!" Ron bellowed back as he finished tying his shoes. Harry put on his jacket as they left the room and made their way downstairs.
"About time," Mrs. Weasley asserted, "honestly Harry, doesn't your hair ever lay flat?"
"Never has, and I doubt if it ever will," Harry replied. Mrs. Weasley gave a brief smirk before turning around to talk with a man whom Harry assumed to be the minister who would be performing the ceremony.
"Well, nice to see you two finally decided to join the rest of us," came Ginny's voice from behind them. Harry's jaw dropped when he turned and saw the angelic figure that stood before him. "Anyone tell you it's rude to stare Harry?"
"You're gorgeous," he stammered.
"Thank you Harry," Ginny replied as she hugged him.
He held on to her and looked her in the eyes. "I never thought you could get any more beautiful, but I can see I was wrong about that."
Ginny smiled and kissed him. "Thank you again. But I need to get going, I'm supposed to be checking on the guests as they get here."
"They're already arriving?" questioned Ron.
"Just a few. Namely Tonks, Lupin, and Moody. I'll see you two in a while." She kissed Harry goodbye and went off to do as her mother had instructed.
"Do you two have to do that in front of me?" Ron asked Harry as he gave him a look of slight disgust.
"Look a different direction next time," Harry answered back smugly.
"Ugh," groaned Mr. Weasley as he walked by, "I don't know who's going to drive me nuts first, your mother or Bill. Honestly, they're both overly paranoid about the most insignificant things."
"Oh really Arthur, you need to learn to relax and enjoy the day. Let Bill and Molly stress each other out," spoke a man that Harry had never seen before, yet knew by his red hair who he was likely related to.
"That's easy for you to say," Mr. Weasley replied.
The man smirked and turned to Ron and Harry. "Ah dear Ronald, how nice it is to see you again."
"Same here Uncle Ignatius," Ron responded.
"And who might you be young man?"
"Oh, this is Harry. Harry Potter," introduced Ron.
"Really?" Ignatius said awestruck, "So this is the famous Harry Potter. It's a pleasure to meet you my boy." He then stuck out his hand and shook Harry's.
"Likewise," Harry affirmed. Ignatius turned back to Mr. Weasley and they walked off, chatting away.
"Uncle Ignatius Weasley," stated Ron, "the relative behind Percy's middle name. Not as much of a git as Percy, but he does get rather stuck up every now and then."
"Still more friendly than my uncle mate."
"True."
"Hey, how are you two doing?" inquired Hermione as she made her way over to Harry and Ron.
"Not too bad Hermione," Ron responded, "as long as we don't run into mum or Bill."
"That's an understatement," added Ginny as she joined in the conversation, "Charlie wanted a reason to get away from both of them, so he took my greeting duties."
"Well it is nice to see you again," Harry smiled.
"And nice to see you too," interjected Fred.
"Ah, love is in the air today," George added.
"And what is it that you two want?" Ron questioned.
"Easy now little brother," replied George.
"We come with good intentions," assured Fred.
"And what pray tell would those intentions be?" Hermione inquired.
"We'd rather continue this discussion in private," insisted George, "and we're sure you lot will too."
Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione all looked at each other. Ginny sighed, "Alright, we can use my room." The six of them made their way up to Ginny's room, being careful to avoid running into either Bill or Mrs. Weasley. Once they had successfully entered the bedroom, Fred closed the door tightly behind them.
"Well, what is it you wanted to tell us?" Harry asked.
"First off, we'd like to say congratulations to the four of you," George answered.
They all looked puzzled at each other and back at the twins. "Congratulations for what?" asked Ron.
"Congrats on the posts at Hogwarts and…" Fred paused and looked at George. Then they looked at the other four, and simply raised their ring fingers and pointed to them.
Ginny and Hermione caught on immediately. "How in the world did you find out?" Ginny hissed quietly.
George reached into his pocket and pulled out a familiar looking, flesh-colored string. "Extendable ears, never leave home without them," he explained.
"So you know what's going on between the four of us?" Harry asked.
"That we do, dear future in-law," Fred grinned, "but don't worry. We haven't told anyone."
"We'd actually like to aide you in informing dear old mum and dad," George informed them, "even though we know Hermione may object." Hermione glared at George after this statement.
"Relax and hear us out first," added Fred upon seeing the look on Hermione's face. He pulled out a small bag of yellow powder that, to Harry, resembled a muggle sweet known as pixy sticks. "This is a take on our Fainting Fancies. It's odorless and tasteless."
"And is colorless when it dissolves instantly in any liquid. It has the effects of the Elixir to Induce Euphoria and the Draught of Living Death."
"Basically, you'll fall into a deep trance for a little bit while still registering your surroundings."
"So if you slip this into mum's elderflower wine, she'll be relaxed and still listen to what you have to say."
"Just be aware, that once the effects ware off, mum will have her usual temper. That is, unless you manage to convince her otherwise." Fred then handed the bag over to Harry.
"There aren't any side-effects, are there?" Ginny asked.
"Only thing we've come up with is a little bit of sleeplessness," George admitted.
"Other than that, it's perfectly safe," added Fred.
"Alright," conceded Hermione, "I'm not going to argue. This seems to be a good idea, even though I'm not approving the doping of someone."
"We'll use it if we need it," Harry reassured her. He then stowed the bag in his pocket.
"We should probably get back down before mum starts having kittens over us not being around," Ginny suggested. The six of them then made their way out of the room and back downstairs.
"Just remember to keep quiet about what you know," Harry whispered to Fred and George as they reached the bottom of the stairs. The twins nodded in acknowledgement.
"Ah, there you are," exclaimed Lupin, "Molly's been wondering where you lot went off to. Come on, they're starting to take the photos."
Lupin ushered the group outside to where the wedding photographs were being taken. Bill, Fleur, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, and Mr. and Mrs. Delacour were getting their pictures taken as they got there.
"Where have you guys been?" Charlie inquired when he saw them approach, "I've been stuck dealing with Bill and mum by myself."
Fred and George sniggered as Ginny replied to him, "Sorry about that, but you did want to take over for me checking people in. We just had a little chat with each other."
"Nice of you to finally return," said a familiar looking girl who playfully slugged George in the shoulder.
"Ow, oh hey Verity. Harry, Hermione, I believe you remember Verity from our shop," George introduced them, "she's here with me for the wedding."
"Nice to meet you again," Verity replied.
"Likewise," said Hermione as she shook hands with her. Harry followed suit.
"Where's Angelina?" Ginny asked.
"Angelina?" Harry questioned, "Angelina Johnson?"
"One in the same," Fred responded, "I should probably clue you in a little Harry. Last spring, about a week or so after Ron's little visit to the hospital wing, George and I decided to pay a little visit to Ludo Bagman. We had a 'gift' for him since he'd still been avoiding us since the World Cup. Needless to say, when we got to the Department of Magical Games and Sports, Bagman was out, but his new assistant was in… Angelina."
George butted in, "We spent some time reminiscing about our time at Hogwarts, and by the end of the day, the two of them were inseparable."
"Look who's talking," Fred retorted, "you and Verity have been attached at the hip ever since we hired her. No offence Verity."
"None taken," Verity replied with a smile on her face.
"Am I sensing a little angst between the dynamic duo," Hermione joked. Fred and George both glowered at Hermione.
"Well that's one way to stop their bickering," came Angelina's voice. "How are you lot doing these days?"
"We're doing well Angelina," Harry replied.
"Congrats on taking over as quidditch captain Harry. I knew you'd do well."
"Thanks. How is it working at the Ministry?"
"Well, it has its up and downs. The main thing right now is helping the Japanese Department of Magical Sports make sure this year's World Cup goes a little more smoothly than the last one."
"Who's in the finals this time?" asked Ginny.
"Peru and Egypt. I thought for sure that Bulgaria would make it again, but without Krum, they don't seem to have their heads in the game at all."
Hermione had a shocked look on her face. "What happened to Viktor?" she inquired. Ron looked over to Hermione, but knew better then to say what was on his mind.
"Cheap shot from one of Mexico's beaters in the quarter-finals. He's been in St. Mungo's for the past week. But not to worry, he's recovering very quickly."
"Want to go and see him before we go back to Hogwarts?" Ron asked Hermione sincerely.
Hermione turned to Ron with a startled look on her face. But a smile quickly spread across her face. "Thank you Ron. I'd love to," she beamed as she embraced and kissed Ron.
"Alright you lot," called the photographer, "let's some shots of the whole group. Arthur, Molly, Marie, and Adrien down front. Bill and Fleur, stand behind your parents if you would. Charlie on Bill's right, Gabrielle on Fleur's left. Now let's see who's with who here?" He stood still, pondering the arrangement of everyone else while stroking his graying beard. "Hmm… Fred and George next to Charlie. Angelina and Verity beside Gabrielle. Ron and Harry, please take the seats in front of them, next to Molly. Yes, yes… looking good, looking good. Ginny and Hermione, over here next to Marie please." The photographer then stood back to judge the appearance of the set-up he had just arranged. "Wonderful. Alright, now big smiles everyone. On the count of three. One. Two. Three."
After the photographer had finished with all of the shots, Mrs. Weasley went over the procedure for the ceremony with everyone. "Now you will be going down in pairs," she began, "Charlie and Gabrielle first. Then Fred and Angelina, George and Verity, Ron and Hermione, and finally Harry and Ginny. And afterwards, you'll depart in the same fashion."
"Come on Molly. We're supposed to be down front. The wedding will be starting soon," Mr. Weasley urgently told his wife.
As Mr. Weasley ushered Mrs. Weasley away, the minister approached the group. "Everyone about ready? Charlie, Gabrielle, you both have the rings for the bride and groom?" he asked.
"Oui minister," Gabrielle replied.
"Yes Father Adams," responded Charlie, showing that he did indeed have his brother's ring.
"Excellent, now William and I will be down front in a moment and when you hear the music begin, start the processional down the aisle. I'll see you all in a few minutes," the minister acknowledged as he and Bill left for the front of the outdoor chapel. Moments later, the music signaling the start of the processional began and the five pairs made their way down the aisle, hand-in-hand. Once they reached the front of where the minister was now standing with Bill.
"I don't think I've ever seen the poor guy so bloody nervous," Ron whispered to Harry.
Harry's attention, however, was focused not on Bill; but on the beauty of Ginny as she stood across from him. It was then, that he knew he would make it through telling her parents about their engagement later.
The music then changed to a traditional wedding march as Fleur and her father made their way to the front of the ceremony. A wide smile stretched across Bill's face as Fleur walked away from her father and towards him. Fleur had a smile of her own as they held onto each other's hands. Then, the minister began, "Dearly beloved. We are gathered here today…"
Over the course of a couple hours the wedding continued on, accented by both Mrs. Weasley and Mrs. Delacour weeping joyously. Harry was glad that there wasn't much to being a groomsman, namely because he hadn't really taken his eyes off of Ginny who had been doing pretty much the same thing.
The minister continued onto the vows, "Do you, William Arthur Weasley, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife; to have and to hold, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?"
Bill responded, "I do." Simultaneously, while looking across to Ginny, Harry mouthed the words 'I do'.
The minister now turned to Fleur and asked, "Fleur Marie Delacour, do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband; to have and to hold, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?"
Fleur answered, "I do." And, like Harry, Ginny looked across to Harry and mouthed 'I do'.
"Then, by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife." The minister concluded as Bill and Fleur kissed, "Ladies and gentlemen, I am proud to present to you, Mr. and Mrs. William Arthur Weasley." Everyone in attendance got to their feet and gave the newlyweds a standing ovation. The couple, broadly smiling, proceeded back down the aisle followed by the rest of the wedding party.
The reception area had been set-up just behind where the ceremony was. A long, flowing tapestry was draped over an archway set behind the head table that overlooked several other round tables that were arranged throughout the Weasley's yard and garden.
Before they had reached their seats at the table; Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione were approached by Professor McGonagall. "May I speak with you four for a moment?" she inquired.
"Sure professor," acknowledged Harry. The five of them then stepped off to the side while the rest of the attendees made their way to the reception.
"I've had a conversation with the governors and the Wizarding Examinations Authority, and we have set for you to take your N.E.W.T.s on Wednesday, the twenty-seventh of August. So I suggest that you work hard on studying for your exams, especially you Miss Weasley, since you did just finish your O.W.L.s a couple months ago."
"Yes professor," the four teens all agreed.
"And there is one other thing," McGonagall continued, "tomorrow afternoon, there will be a meeting of the Order of the Phoenix. And Dumbledore would like to speak to you Mr. Potter, before the meeting. Preferably tomorrow morning."
Harry looked back at her with a puzzled expression. "Why does he want to talk with me?" he asked.
"I honestly do not know. He only asked me to tell you that he wished to speak with you."
"Alright, I'll be there in the morning."
"I'll have Hagrid meet you at the gate." McGonagall then smiled at Harry and walked off to find a place at the reception.
"What could Dumbledore possibly want?" Ron questioned.
"I don't know," Harry admitted, "it might have something to do with the Order. Why else would he want to talk to me before the meeting."
"Good point," Ginny agreed.
"Well we have something else we need to be worrying about right now," stated Hermione.
"Right, our little announcement to mum and dad," said Ron.
"You lot coming or what?" questioned Charlie as he walked by.
"We're coming. Don't get your wand twisted," Ginny replied. The four of them then made their way with Charlie to the head table and took their seats.
After everyone had begun immersing themselves in conversation and indulging in the wonderful banquet, Charlie stood up and clinked a spoon against his glass of elderflower wine. "Alright, alright. This is the part of the festivities where I, as the best man, get to make a little speech about my dear brother, the groom," Charlie announced to the crowd.
"And embarrass him!" Fred and George shouted out in unison. Everyone laughed at the outburst.
"Now don't go giving away the ending you two," Charlie replied, "Now in the twenty-five years we have been brothers, there have been good times and bad. And I happen to know some of the more… interesting of the lot." Charlie smirked over towards Bill as he said this. Bill glared back at his brother, awaiting his stories, "…our youth, our time at Hogwarts, and our times at home during holidays. Oh the stories that I could tell. But, I won't. There are just too many to choose from. Which is why I present to the two of you this book, chronicling all of dear Williams antics over the years. As told by myself." There was a devilish grin across Charlie's face as he handed the book over to Bill and Fleur.
"But all of that is for later," Charlie continued, "Right now, Fleur… your beauty is mesmerizing, to some more than others," he glanced down the table at Ron who started to go red. "And with the untold care and love you have shown for Bill since he suffered his injuries, makes me proud to welcome you into the Weasley family. I know that you'll be able to keep the big oaf in line…"
Ron turned to Harry. "Mate, let's make a deal that neither of us will be as long-winded as Charlie is being," he proposed.
"Deal," Harry agreed, "but don't expect me not to say anything."
"Likewise."
Charlie, meanwhile, finished up his speech, "…and now a toast to the newlyweds. Bill and Fleur, may your love be everlasting and your lives full of enjoyment. Cheers." The crowd all raised their glasses in unison and repeated "Cheers" in honor of the couple.
The festivities continued on for a couple hours. McGonagall had made her way around to the various members of the Order to inform them of the meeting the following day. Meanwhile, Ron and Ginny had managed to introduce Harry and Hermione to the various members of the Weasley family who were there. Over some time, the attendees began to disperse and head home. It was at this time that Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione decided that they should talk with Mr. and Mrs. Weasley.
"Mum. Dad." Ginny said as she approached her parents, "can we talk to you for a bit… in private?"
"What is it dear?" Mrs. Weasley inquired looking over the four teens in front of her.
"It's something that we consider to be of great importance, but want to tell the two of you first," Ron replied a little timidly.
Mr. and Mrs. Weasley looked at each other for a moment before Mr. Weasley responded, "Alright, we'll head into the kitchen. That's as private as we're going to get at the moment." Everyone nodded in agreement and proceeded inside to the kitchen where they all took seats around the table.
"Now what is it you wish to tell us?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
"Actually mum, we would like this to remain private for the time being. So would you mind if all the doors were sealed?" Ginny implored of her parents.
Mr. Weasley sighed heavily with an annoyed look upon his face. "Colloportus," he said, pointing his wand at the various doors.
"And Harry," Hermione added, "if you would."
Harry nodded and said, "Muffliato," as Mr. and Mrs. Weasley looked puzzled at him. Harry looked over to Ron, Hermione, and Ginny.
Ginny sighed, "First off, please let us fully explain everything before you jump to any conclusions."
"We will Ginny," acknowledged Mr. Weasley, "now what is it you want to tell us?"
Ginny then looked to Ron, who continued on, "Well, as I'm sure you've noticed, Hermione and I have been good friends for several years now and, as of recent, a lot closer." His parents nodded their affirmation of this. Ron went on, "Um, well… the thing is…"
"The thing is, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley," Hermione took over, "is that…" She had a worried look on her face as she tried to muster up the courage to say what she was going to say. Ron then took a hold of her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.
"Mum and dad," began Ron with a little more confidence, "Hermione and I are engaged." The silence was deafening following Ron's announcement. Both Mr. and Mrs. Weasley had shocked looks on their faces as they stood stock still.
Mr. Weasley was first to break the silence. "Wow," he remarked, "this is… quite a surprise. And the two of you really want to get married?" Ron and Hermione both nodded.
Mrs. Weasley took a deep breath and sighed, "Alright… I'm not going to jump to any rash conclusions. Not yet at least. So, when in particular would you two plan on getting married?"
Ron's eyes widened with fear at the response he knew he'd get from his mother. He gulped heavily and told her, "Before we go back to Hogwarts, this year."
Harry was glad he had placed the Muffliato charm on the Weasley's kitchen, because as soon as those words had left Ron's mouth, Mrs. Weasley shot up out of her chair and shouted, "What do you mean 'before you go back to Hogwarts'?" Harry's hand had moved over the left breast pocket of his jacket to make sure that Fred and George's little gift was nearby. If this was the reaction to Ron and Hermione, she'd surely rip off Harry's head at the mere mention of him and Ginny.
"Um, mum," Ginny stuttered as she grabbed Harry's hand, "That's not all." The hard, cold stare from Mrs. Weasley would have frozen the hottest summer day. Ginny's grip on Harry's hand tightened.
"What's not all?" Mrs. Weasley muttered through her gritted teeth.
"Well… you see… Harry and I… are… also engaged."
A loud thud echoed throughout the kitchen as Mrs. Weasley hit the floor after fainting. Mr. Weasley knelt down beside his wife. "Molly, are you alright?" he asked her. When he got no response, he pointed his wand at her chest and said, "enervate." Mrs. Weasley began to stir.
"Are you ok mum," Ginny timidly asked as her mother slowly rose from the floor. To be safe, Harry got up from the table and got Mrs. Weasley a couple glasses of water. One of which, he added the contents of the bag from Fred and George.
When Mrs. Weasley had made it back into her chair, her mood returned and the shouting resumed. "What in the name of Merlin would give you such an idea?" she bellowed at them.
"Mum, we…" Ron started, but was cut off by his mother.
"Getting married at your age, honestly! And before the end of the month no less!"
"Molly have a glass of water before you shout yourself hoarse," Mr. Weasley offered, indicating to the glasses Harry had just poured. Without a moment's hesitation, Harry nudged the doped glass towards Mrs. Weasley. The furry coursing through her body was so intense that she was having difficulty controlling her shaking hands as she reached for the glass that had been offered to her. She then took a drink from the glass and set it back down on the table. Suddenly, Mrs. Weasley was silent and her head began to bob slightly as an infant would while trying not to doze off. A look of utter calmness spread across her face as she slightly slouched back in her chair, her eyes glasses over.
"She's alright," Ginny reassured her father when she saw the look of concern on his face.
"What happened to her?" he inquired.
"We, um, doped the water," Ron admitted, "nothing toxic or illegal mind you. It's one of Fred and George's creations."
"She's in a slight state of euphoria, but can still hear what we say," added Hermione.
"Mum, I know you might not trust us too much after this," Ginny went on, "but please blame us and not Fred and George. They did give us the sedative, but we're the ones who decided to use it."
"To get to our point," Ron began, "we realize that we're young and may seem to be rushing things. But Hermione and I are truly in love with each other. And I know that Harry and Ginny love each other just as much."
"Mrs. Weasley, in the six years that I have known you. I have more than realized just how much family means to you," stated Harry, "You've treated me like a son and Hermione like a daughter. And the time has come were we would like to be closer as a family to all of you."
"And with what we have laying ahead of us," Hermione added, "we want to affirm our love before anything might happen to any of us."
Mr. Weasley looked at the four young adults before him. He sighed deeply and addressed them, "Well, I don't know what your mother may say when she comes to, so I'll just speak on my own behalf right now. Hermione, I have seen how much you and Ron care for one another since you first met in your first year at Hogwarts. You two have been there for each other, and I doubt if you will ever not be there for each other. And Harry… what can I say. You've done a lot for this family. You have saved Ron's life, Ginny's life, and my own. I know that you'll be there for Ginny when she needs you. The four of you have my blessing."
"Thanks dad," Ginny sniffled with a tear in her eye at her father's honesty and compassion.
"Now would anyone care to inform me how long this sedative is supposed to last?"
"Actually, we don't really know," Hermione admitted sheepishly, "Fred and George just told us it would last for a little bit. No specific time frame." As Hermione finished, Mrs. Weasley began to stir and rubbed her eyes.
"You know," she sighed as she slowly raised her head, "I do have to admit that I'm not too pleased with this. Mainly the getting married within a month part. But I also realize that you three are adults now. And Ginny, with everything that I've seen from you over the years, it's clear to me that you're more mature than I'd care to admit." She took a deep breath and continued while trying her best to hold back her tears. "Harry and Hermione, I've spent the past six years considering you two to be a part of this family. And it would be an honor to officially welcome you into it."
Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione all gasped at what they just heard. "Do you mean, you'll allow us to get married?" Ginny asked as tears of joy welled in her eyes.
"Yes dear," Mrs. Weasley replied with a smile.
Harry looked across the table at Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. "Thank you," Harry told them and paused before saying something he never thought he'd ever have a chance to say, "thank you… mum."
It was this proclamation from Harry that caused Mrs. Weasley to loose it. Tears streamed from her eyes as she got up, went over to Harry, and pulled him into one of her constricting hugs. She released him and blotted her eyes. "Take care of each other. All of you," she sniffled as Mr. Weasley came over next to her and put his arm around his wife.
"We will mum," Ron assured her, "we never have, and never will let anything happen to each other."
"Well if you lot are prepared," Mr. Weasley broke in, "I think there are some people we should inform." He then walked towards the door and removed the seal. Harry also lifted the Muffliato charm from the room. "Fred, George, Bill, Charlie," Mr. Weasley bellowed out the door, "could you all come in here. You too Fleur, you're a part of the family now too."
The five Weasleys proceeded into the kitchen. Fred and George both flinched as they entered, wary that their mother might be prepared to throw something at their heads. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley stood as everyone else took a seat at the table.
"Alright," Mrs. Weasley started out, drying the last tear on her face, "your father and I would like to tell you something that Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione have just told us. It seems that there will be two new Weasleys in the near future."
Bill, Charlie, and Fleur looked at one another, not knowing what to expect. Fred and George, knowing what was going to be said, merely acted puzzled.
"What are you talking about?" Charlie inquired.
"What new Weasleys?" added Bill.
"Yes mum, do tell," chimed in George.
"Don't keep us in suspense," begged Fred.
Mr. Weasley looked over at Fred and George. "From what we understand, you two already know. So enough with the sarcasm," he told the twins.
Bill, Fleur, and Charlie looked at everyone else in the kitchen, now even more puzzled then before. "What is it that everyone else knows about, but us three?" implored Bill.
"Well dear," Mrs. Weasley began, "you see, Ron and Hermione along with Harry and Ginny, are engaged to be married."
"Wow, I didn't see that coming," said a shocked Charlie.
"But how did you two know?" Fleur questioned Fred and George.
"We have our ways," Fred replied.
"But there is also a part of this that we're all going to need to help with," Mrs. Weasley continued, "both weddings will happen before the end of the month."
"What!" shouted George.
"Are you lot daft?" Fred wailed.
"You're kidding, right?" Charlie asked.
Mr. Weasley shook his head. We're not kidding. It is their wish, and your mother and I are fully supporting their choice. And we hope that you will too," he informed them.
"It wouldn't be big," Hermione chimed in, "just family and a few friends. Nothing more."
"It's not as if we're asking you lot to get married," explained Ginny, "or in your case re-married," she said to Bill and Fleur.
"I may be a little bit out of line as the most current new family member. But if it is zair vish to be ved, zen I suggest zat ve do support them," Fleur proposed, "after all Bill, it vos a vile before many people supported us. Vhy not have your youngest seeblings start off knowing zat zair family approves of zair unions."
Bill thought to himself for a moment. "You're right. Ron, Hermione, and Harry and Ginny, I hope that you lot will have a great start to your lives together as Fleur and I have."
"Thanks Bill," Ron responded to his eldest brother.
Fred and George briefly looked at each other before responding to the situation. "If mum can approve of all this…" started Fred.
"Especially after how we got our start with the joke shop…" added George.
"Then I guess we have no complaints about all this."
"Congratulations you lot."
Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione all smiled at the support their family was showing them. Ginny then looked over to Charlie. "Charlie," she inquired, "are you alright with this?"
Charlie sighed deeply, "It's just weird having all my siblings getting hitched, seemingly out of the blue." He smiled at his sister. "But yes, I'm ok with it. If there's one thing that I always want to be sure of it's that my family, no matter how big it gets, is always happy."
"That's a wonderful thought dear," Mrs. Weasley told him.
"Harry, Ron, just promise me that you won't get as worried as this git was today," Charlie joked about Bill, who slugged him in the shoulder. Everyone else sniggered about this.
"Alright, alright," Mrs. Weasley said, "we'll clean-up everything tomorrow. I want you all to get some sleep before the meeting tomorrow. And Harry, Minerva told us that you'd be leaving early to talk with Dumbledore, so I'll have some breakfast for you when you get up."
"Thanks Mrs. Weasley," Harry replied.
"Please, call me Molly or mum now."
"Ok, mum." Mrs. Weasley smiled back to him.
"We're going to go show Angelina and Verity out," explained George.
"We'll see you lot tomorrow," finished Fred.
Everyone bade good-night to each other as they headed off to bed. As they reached the third landing, Harry and Ron wished Ginny and Hermione good-night. Ginny pulled Harry off to a side. "Well, I guess the hard point is now behind us," she whispered before kissing him.
"That it is," he responded, "at least for now. I'm still wondering why Dumbledore wants to see me."
"Don't worry about it. This is Dumbledore we're talking about. I'll see you tomorrow love." Ginny planted one more kiss on Harry's lips before departing with Hermione into her room.
"Come on mate," Ron called, "it would really help if we're awake enough to pay attention tomorrow."
"Right," agreed Harry. And the two of them ascended the stairs and headed to Ron's room to catch some sleep.
Please let me know what you think and leave me a little review, I crave reviews and read all of them. Again thanks for the reviews i have received. And I will update this a soon as I finish the next chapter.