After Hogwarts
Chapter 7
After reading the latest letter from Lizzy, about how big Annie was getting and about the interest the PE teacher had taken in Lizzy, Hermione realized that she needed to get busy and get invitations out. But first she needed Harry to tell her who was his Best Man so she could choose her Bride's Maid of Honor, she wanted to use Susan Bones but only if Harry chose Neville. That night after Harry had read Lizzy's letter Hermione asked about the Best Man. Harry said he had asked Neville to take that position and he had agreed just that day. With that small detail out of the way it was time to get down to important things, the color scheme.
Hermione told Harry that she was going to use Periwinkle for her robes, but would wear a traditional white dress for the muggle ceremony. What was Harry wearing? Harry said he had thought to wear Gryffindor colored robes with the Potter crest and a white Tux, with a gold vest and red cumber-bun, for the muggle ceremony. Hermione was surprised that a man had such good taste in fashion. Harry smiled then admitted he had gotten the idea from Daphne for his robes and he liked the look of the Tux when he saw it in a movie one time. Harry said quickly he had asked several of the women they knew for advice on what to wear as he had no idea what would look best.
"Mione, I just had a thought. How about we have Dobby wear a dress uniform and be the ring bearer, while Daisy wears a dress and is the one who throws the flowers. If Rick and Remus don't object Dobby can carry all three ring sets, each set on a separate pillow and each pillow in the Bride and Groom's colors. What do you think?" Harry asked. Hermione hadn't even thought about that part of the ceremony, but she liked it, except each bride would have a different elf and flowers. "Twinkie would be great for Rick and Lucy, but I can't think of any elf for Remus and Tonks" Hermione replied. "Oh I need to talk with Tonks and Lucy, we need to get together and see what each is wearing so we don't clash. If I can set it up, can you flash Tonks and I to the States so we can meet with Lucy?" Hermione asked. Harry said he could do that but they might have to transfigure one of them to reduce the weight he carried.
Hermione became busy selecting the invitations, Harry wisely said he would accept anything within reason and to just show him the three finalist to chose from. When asked about who Harry wanted to invite, he had only a few people – Petunia and Dudley (no need to invite Vernon), all the members of the Peaks crew, the whole Weasley family, Grimstead, and Alana to both ceremonies; well it might not be a good idea to invite the Weasleys to the muggle ceremony given the wizards way of dressing. Hermione's list for the magical ceremony was short also, but her list for the muggle ceremony included most of her relations. So, they would need two sets of invitations, one magical and the other muggle.
It was the middle of October before Hermione could get the meeting set up between the three brides. Harry was able to flash Tonks and Hermione from Hogwarts to New York City where they were met by Lucy and the three girls went shopping while Harry just looked around the city. By the end of the day Harry was about 99% sure he should have just flashed out to see Alana and Rick. Twice someone tried to pick his pocket, he stumbled into two robberies, and was almost arrested when an undercover cop tried to sell him drugs and he knocked the man out (it turned out he looked too much like a wanted person they were looking for). When the girls heard what had happened they laughed, after making sure he was okay.
While Lizzy was enjoying her Thanksgiving visit with her family it was just another day to the Hogwarts students. Harry met with Tom and asked him to try again to call an elemental, but this time focus his thoughts on just that task. A small form appeared and very nervously approached Tom. "Tom this is a friend of Windford and he would like to be your friend and companion. Windford told me about him last time you tried the rods, but I though it best if we waited until you and I were alone before telling you. It is up to you and this elemental to agree on what he is to be called. He can only stay for a very short while this time, so why don't you and he talk while I work on some of these papers that need grading." Harry explained.
Over the next couple of weeks Harry and Tom met each night after supper so Tom could call his new friend, Abe, first using the rod but finally progressing to where Tom could call Abe without a rod. Harry told Tom that he needed to make the time to call Abe every day until it was almost second nature to do so. This served two purposes, it gained Tom the ability to call Abe easily and quickly, and it gave Abe a chance to gain strength in their world. "But you need to keep Abe a secret until he is strong enough to stay longer and you are skilled enough to call him easily" Harry explained.
On the weekends Harry and Hermione both worked with the three kids on wand-less magic, wands, and getting them used to using any elemental powers they developed. Thanks to his association with Abe, Tom was showing remarkable progress in his ability to control Air. Sally's control of Water was improving and Sarah was getting better with her control of Air. Tom was also working on a second project, a real wand for himself. Harry had found a piece of wood that responded strongly to Tom and Tom was carving it into a wand with his own personalization. Next Harry would help him determine the core(s) for the wand, but Tom was to do all the work himself.
It was the last Defense class before Christmas break for the First Years and Harry had a surprise for them. "Okay, put your books, paper, quills, pens, and wands away, you won't need any of that stuff for this class. Today we are going to do something I had planned to do much earlier in the year but it slipped my mind. We are going to the practice chamber today and we are going to do something very unusual, we are going to see if any of you have any type of elemental abilities. Once in the practice area I want you to divide into four groups and form lines behind the table there, do not touch anything on the table until I tell you to do so" Harry told them.
When they got into the practice area they found four lines on the floor, on the table were four pieces of wood that were polished but didn't look anything like a wand. "Now form your lines, one behind each rod on the table. First four step up, the rest of you stay back behind the lines. When your turn is over you will go to the rear of the line on your right. The ones on the far right go to the rear of the first line. We will do this so each of you have a chance to try each of the rods on the table. First four pick up the rods and keep them pointed downrange, give them a wave and see if anything happens, but don't move until I say you can" Harry explained as he watched each student try each wand.
When he saw Tom step up he told Tom to stand to one side as he had already done this exercise, the same with Sarah and Sally. None of the students had called anything that resembled an elemental but a few had shown a strong reaction to a certain element, a few got either no reaction at all or it was so weak as to be discounted. Once everyone had tested and been assigned an area, including Sally and Sarah, Harry had Tom show them what they had been trying to do – call an elemental. There were many explanations "WOW", "OH MY GOD", or "BLOODY HELL" heard when Abe appeared beside Tom.
"Now you see why I had Tom get out of line, I didn't want any of you getting distracted by his friend. I found out about Tom's friend a few weeks ago and have been working with him ever since to teach him how to act with an elemental. Now, I want Tom to introduce his friend and to tell you all about his elemental, including what an elemental is and where they come from." Harry said, and Tom blushed.
"First I want to say 'Thanks for putting me on the spot Professor'", Harry just nodded, "Okay, everyone this is Abe. He is an Air elemental. The first time he answered my call was a few weeks ago like Prof. Potter said. When he appeared the first time he was much smaller and not nearly as well formed as he is now. While the prof. has taught me some, most of what I have learned has come from Abe. An elemental is a force of nature and there are four major ones, Air, Earth, Fire, and Water. Each type lives in a different world and can only visit our world if asked or if summoned. As the prof. told me if you try and summon an elemental you best be prepared to fight it because they don't like being summoned here by force, much like you wouldn't like it if someone came and took you away from home. If you are lucky enough to be able to call an elemental it is because that elemental heard your call and decided to answer it. The rods you used today are only for the first few contacts as they are specific to each group or type of elementals. Once you form a friendship with one and gain experience you can call your friend without using the rods, just like I did a few minutes ago with Abe. The more you call your new friend the stronger it becomes in our world, after a certain point it grows as you grow. I can talk to Abe and he can reply, but only in my head. After a while he will learn enough human speech so he can understand anyone but he only answers to his friend. That is about all I can think of to tell you, but if you have questions – and I know you do because I did – just ask in a calm manner and maybe if I can't answer them then the prof. will help me out" Tom explained.
As expected there were many question but Harry let Tom field most of them, and only had to help out a few times. "Okay, now to show you why I had Sally and Sarah step out of line. Each of these two girls has what is considered a major connection to an element, which means she can exercise more control over a specific type of element. Sally is connected to Water and Sarah is connected to Air. I am going to put them on the spot too and ask each of them to demonstrate what I mean. First Sally" Harry said as he conjured up some water for her to work with. Sally did several things with the water. Next Harry called Sarah and she showed the class what she could do with Air based spells and effects. "Now since I know Abe is getting tired I won't ask Tom to show his mastery of Air. But I will tell you I want at least two pages after break on elementals. Now you are released to enjoy your holidays." Harry ended the session by saying.
Harry repeated the same exercise with his 2nd and 3rd year classes, there were a few who had a strong connection but none called an elemental. In a way Harry was glad there were no new elementals called as he didn't want to let any of the students take the rods home over the holidays, and that was the only way they would be able to call a new elemental. Harry had said he might have another seminar that dealt with elementals and he would, after break and he had time to gather support from a few of the others, like Luna and Neville so he would have each elemental represented. Now all he had to worry about was December 28th and 29th, the 28th was his muggle wedding and the 29th was his magical wedding (along with Rick and Lucy's and Remus and Tonks weddings).
The rest of the term went well, the students went home on the 15th of December and would return on the 6th of January. That would give Hermione and himself almost a week to "honeymoon". Harry hadn't told Hermione what he had planned for their honeymoon yet, just that she would see something new and have fun (he hoped).
Harry took a steadying breath. Today was a big day. Today he was marrying Hermione. He smiled, he should be more nervous he thinks but he knew it was what was meant to be he and Hermione had been a team for almost as long as harry could remember. One last look into the mirror and he smiled. A white tux was the uniform of the day heck Harry didn't even mind the periwinkle accents. Harry left the dressing-room and entered the main church. It was the church Hermione and her family attended, The minister baptized Hermione when she was an infant. Harry smiled it must be nice to have roots like that it made Harry wish he had something like that.
The guests were starting to arrive and Harry greeted the few that were on his side, today was for Hermione while the handfasting was for them.
Harry waited at the alter where they had practiced the night before the church was full since Hermione's parents being active in their community there were many people they had invited. Suddenly the music started and the doors opened the girls from Hermione's side were escorted by the guys from Harry's side. Lizzy came down first by herself her dress the same as Hermione's just proportioned for her and done in periwinkle Harry had the quick thought that she would be a beautiful bride when she was a little no a lot older. Then Hermione entered on her father's arm. She was the most beautiful person he had ever seen. Even though he was sure every groom thought that he knew that Hermione was actually the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.
Once Hermione made it to the alter it all became a blur. He knew he said the right thing at the right time because he didn't hear a gasp or any giggles and couldn't remember and glares from Hermione. Before he knew it the minister was telling him to kiss his bride. He did so gladly. Then they danced down the aisle Harry and Hermione hand in hand with Lizzy holding Hermione's train.
Hermione and Harry couldn't stop grinning and the photographer actually had to tell them to dial down their grins or the pictures may seem false in the future.
Harry and Hermione stood before the Headmistress' office door and looked at each other.
"Did we do something wrong, Harry" asked Hermione her brain quickly going through the last few weeks to see if she could find an infraction of the rules that would get them in trouble.
"I don't think so Luv." said Harry "But I haven't felt like this since we were first or second years. Why would we be summoned to the headmistress' office? I hope nothing is wrong."
Hermione took a deep breath and stepped forward."We'll only make ourselves ill worrying down here, It's best to get it done with now. Come on let;s get this over with. Catnip." with the uttering of the password the gargoyles jumped aside and the two stepped forward to take their places on the moving staircase.
"Have you noticed how the gargoyles are looking rather cat like now?" asked Harry turning to watch the door close behind them.
"Well it is Headmistress McGonagall's office now. It makes sense for the school to adjust to their likes and dislikes, I think." said Hermione sounding more and more nervous as they road closer to the office door.
At their knock McGonagall called "Come in" she was sitting in front of the fire in one of the three comfortable chairs set there with a tray of tea and biscuits looking like she was about to have tea. "Come in you two" she said kindly " you look like a couple of first years up here for the first time."
"well to be honest," began Hermione "we rather feel like it. What did we do to be summoned to you office? Are we in trouble?" she inquired taking the seat farthest from the headmistress.
"Trouble? Oh no not at all. I'm afraid my office assistant, Blott, is a tad bit over zealous when I send him on errands around the castle. In general he's a good elf and a great organizer I have no idea what I would do without him just a little over eager sometimes. I do need to talk to you two though. As the person to over see your magical bonding it is my duty to talk to you about what it means and how it will effect you. Now do you have your cords yet?"
Harry and Hermione looked at teach other and then back at Minerva "Cords?" they said together.
"Yes in a magical bonding each person in the couple has a cord that they have prepared. The two cords will magically intertwine and then wrap around the couple's hands and writs it's part of the bonding. Now we don't have much time so I will send Blott off to the appropriate store to have an appointment set up."
With that a soft pop was heard and a small house elf with slight cat like qualities to his appearance appeared in the office. "Mistress Headmistress has an errand for Blott, ma'am?"
Minerva scribbled off a quick note and said,"Yes I do Blott, would you please take this note to Abel and wait for a response please. Oh and tell him the sooner the better please."
Blott nodded took the note and pooped quietly out of the office.
"Now you two let me explain the magical bonding."
Minerva spent the better part of an hour explaining and answering questions. She told them how with a magical bonding the couple's life force magic and love all intertwine just like the cords do at the ceremony. It did not mean that one couldn't live without the other or that they even had a close telepathic bond but they had willingly intertwined their lives and that breaking this bond was almost impossible that is why there were so few divorces or even dissolving of marriages in the magical world. Once all their questions had been answered Blott returned
"Abel says now would be a fine time Mistress he has no other appointments this day. He has opened his flew to your office so all Mistress Hermione and Master Harry have to do is walk through the flew and they will be there." Blott bowed and popped out of the room.
"Well no better time then now I would say."said Minerva standing and indicating the flew "Off you go now. Both together it will be fine."
Minerva ushered the two into the flew and watched as the green flames engulfed them. She smiled at the confused look on their faces, it was very unusual to see a look like that from wither one of them let alone both at the same time.
Harry and Hermione found themselves in small store if Hermione didn't know better she would have swore she was in a muggle sewing notions store. Rows ans rows of cording and other such items needed for trimmings on items of clothing or curtains were in every imaginable crevices and corner of the place. The only other store Harry had ever seen so cramped and crowded had been Ollivander's Wand Shop.
"Ah, Mr Potter and Ms Granger." said a familiar voice from behind the back wall. I have been expecting you. I made the prediction of your joining way back when I sold you your first wands. A very good match with many strong magical children will come of this union."
Mr Ollivander stepped from behind the wall to smile eerily at the two giving both of them a very odd feeling down their backs much like when they were children and someone would say that something had just walked over their grave.
"Now if I may I will need to measure you and run a few tests." Before either could speak two tape measures appeared at their knees and started to take measurements while Ollivander spoke a few mumbled words as a silvery mist came from his wand engulfing the two in the mist. Harry glance over at Hermione shrugged his shoulders allowing the magical examination with a sigh.
"Fine,fine" said Ollivander looking intently at things in the mist that neither Harry or Hermione could see. "Ah yes, of course." was his next comment. "Yes that should work fine and look well together also."
Ollivander walked away as the tape measures continued with their task. He returned with a half dozen spools of cording. "Now which of these do you seem attracted to." he said looking first at Hermione. Assuming it was much like finding her elemental Hermione closed her eyes and waited to see which attracted her attention. A yellowish teal green slightly metallic cord was the one that spoke to her the clearest and she indicated that to Mr Ollivander who smiled. "Now you Mr Potter. So any of these speak to you?" Harry closed his eyes and waited. Nothing reached out to him that was in front of him but Harry found himself moving of his own accord toward a small nitch in the back corner of the store. He reached his hand out and a spool of almost clear silver cording fell into his hands, "I think it's suppose to be this one,Sir" said Harry looking down at the cording.
"Very well Mr Potter, always the tricky one it seems. Well these two cords will look very nice together. Now I will need a lock of your hair please at least 6 inches long and no less then 14 strands of hair."
Harry reached up to mess his short hair. "I'm afraid I can't do that,Sir." he said.
"What? Yes, oh yes. Here let me help." Ollivander waved his wand again and directly behind harry and Hermione's left ears at the hair line they felt a tingle and then an itching sensation. Looking down Harry saw a small section of hair start to fall down towards his shoulder. The same was happening to Hermione. When the hair was long enough Ollivander waved his wand again and the hair stopped growing and disengaged itself from them. Ollivander caught them and with a final wave of his wand tied them off so that no hair would be lost. "Now if you will excuse me I will add the hair to the cords. 6 strands of your own hair into your partner's cord with the rest of the hair going into your own cords. Much like the cores of a wand. This will only take a few moments. Please feel free to look around." with that the older gentleman left the room to finish his project. Less then ten minutes later he returned with the cords and handed them to Harry and Hermione. "Now let's give them a test run shall we? Please face each other hold left hands and drape your cords over the backs of your wrists." Harry and Hermione did as they were instructed and the cords wiggled a little before rolling to meet at their clasped hands. The ends came together and the the two cords started to twist slowly at first but more quickly as the length of the cords intertwined. When the two cords finally finished a small breeze was felt about the shop just as the cords did a graceful figure eight between their wrists. "Very good!" exclaimed Ollivander clapping happily like a small child. "That was one of the best intertwining I have seen in quite some time. Now let's get these two apart finish our transaction and you two can be off." With a flick of his wrist the two cords pulled apart and landed on the counter. Mr Ollivander bagged their purchases. "That will be 7 galleons each please." he said looking expectantly from Harry to Hermione.
"If you have a Gringotts note I will sign for both of them." said Harry reaching for the quill on the desk. Ollivander presented the paper and in just a moment the two were stepping out of the flew and into the headmistress' office.
"Welcome back you two" greeted the headmistress. "Now if you don't mind I will keep your cords here with Remus' and Dora's. Now off with you so you don't miss lunch." Minerva gave them a grandmotherly smile as she shooed them towards her office door.
Sooner then they thought possible Harry found himself in his room dressing for his wedding. He was wearing well tailored maroon with gold accent dress robes. The fine silk material draped on him just like the little elf tailor had said it would. Harry took one last swipe at his hair shrugged and turned from the mirror. He was startled to come face to face with Rick and Remus both smiling at him.
"Your hair is fine Harry." said Rick smiling fondly at his charge. Rick had watched as Harry grew and matured and he suddenly knew how Harry's father would have felt if he was here that day. Remus turned to look at his friend. "Yeah James and Lily would be very proud with how he has turned out. Thank you from them." To keep from tearing up Harry said "Hey I'm right here guys." they all laughed and headed toward the great hall which had been transformed into a beautiful cathedral style facility. A waist high white marble table was in the middle of the room decorated in holly, oak and seasonal flowers a gold challis and a white handled knife also on the alter. The cords of the brides and grooms hung magically in loops above the table. A gold cord encircled the alter in a perfect 18foot round circle. There the two ends of the cord met was directly in line with the mail walk way from the door of the great hall. Harry looked in and saw all of their guest standing just inside the circle four of the guests were holding candles upon closer inspection Harry saw that two were Hermione's parents while the other two were his Aunt Petunia and his cousin Dudley. They stood across from each other like compass points.
McGonagall stepped forward and indicated for harry to proceed down the walk way as he came to the circle she stopped him reached down opened the circle of cording and bowed him in. Next came Hermione with Lizzy who was going to stand next to her. Hermione's robes were breath taking they were periwinkle in color her hair was up but with small ringlets falling down her neck in perfect curls. Harry had to restrain himself from reaching out to touch them a small tiara of sparkling diamonds set in silver was perfectly worked into her hair she just radiated happiness and seemed to almost glow. McGonagall again stopped the procession at the gate of the circle she opened the circle to allow the girls in and then closed the circle with a nod not touching it this time. Harry and Hermione proceeded to the alter then McGonagall picked up the white handled dagger held it over her head turned behind her where Hermione's father stood and said.
"Watchtower of the North we invite you to our hand-fasting ceremony"
With a tap of the dagger the candle Mr Granger was holding came to life and then standing next to Mr Granger was Rocky smiling at them next McGonagall proceeded around the circle with her dagger extended until she cam to Harry's Aunt Petunia.
"Watchtower of the East we invite you to our hand-fasting ceremony"
With a tap of the dagger the candle ignited and Windy and Windford stood on either side of Aunt Petunia.
McGonagall proceeded around the circle stopping at Mrs Granger who stood at the South corner of the circle where Firebeard appeared after the candle was lit and on to the west corner where Dudley was holding the last candle where Ariel, Luna's water elemental, appeared.
McGonagall proceeded to the alter and put down the dagger.
"Welcome all to the hand-fasting of Harry James Potter and Hermione Granger. This will be the joining of two very intelligent and strong young people who I have had the honor of watching grow and mature into wonderful young adults." as she spoke Minerva raised her hands and Harry and Hermione's
floated up in front of them their colors sparkling in the candle light. The ends came together and started to twirl as they combined Minerva continued,
"These two cords represent Hermione and Harry their magic, their life forces and their love for each other. As the cords combine so does their lives and love to represent one as in marriage they are no longer individuals but a team a very special team since they have actually been a team for most of their lives already."
As she spoke the cords finished combining and wrapped itself loosely in a figure eight around their wrists and down to their hands. A glow started from the cord slowly engulfing them into a bright light then it slowly vanished. Harry and Hermione stood with huge grins on their faces, They felt different but the same. Stronger and solid in their lives and magic. McGonagall lifted the goblet above her head
"This Goblet represents nourishment to the body and soul" she handed the goblet to Harry "Harry repeat after me then hand the goblet to Hermione. I , Harry James Potter"
Harry repeated "I, Harry James Potter"
"vow to cherish, protect and nourish you Hermione to the best of my ability"
"vow to cherish protect and nourish you Hermione to the best of my ability"
"Please take this goblet as a token of my vow."
"Please take this goblet as a token of my vow"
Hermione took the goblet and carefully took a sip'
"I Hermione "
"I Hermione" Hermione repeated after Minerva
"vow to cherish, protect and nourish you Harry James to the best of my ability"
"vow to cherish, protect and nourish you Harry James to the best of my ability"
"Please take this goblet as a token of my vow."
"Please take this goblet as a token of my vow."
Harry took the goblet offered to him by Hermione and drank from it. Again the couple glowed. McGonagall then said "I now am very happy to present Mr and Mrs Harry and Hermione Potter." McGonagall raised her hands over her head and said,"Thank you watchtowers of the North, South, East and West. We thank you for your presence here at this hand-fasting Go if you must please stay if you wish." McGonagall clapped her hands over her head and with a wave of magic all of the candles went out at the same time. Turning away from the alter the circle also opened of it's own accord Harry and Hermione proceeded out of the circle followed by their guests.
The guests Harry and Hermione all circled back to the ceremony, every guest was asked by Headmistress McGonagall
"How do you enter this circle?"
Each guest answering "with love and trust."
Sirius stepped up to the west watchtower with Harry placing himself at the east, Tonks parents Andi and Ted Being north and south.
Harry was amazed at how beautiful Tonks and Remus' handfasting was. The ceremony was so different from a participant's point of view.
Remus' cord was a silvery gray much like the full moon while Tonk's cord was a bright hot pink. When the two joined they evened each other out and made a beautiful cord much like Remus and Tonks evened each other out and made a beautiful couple. Remus was the happiest he'd ever been in his life and Tonks just radiated with happiness and love.
The next to marry was Rick and Lucy Harry and Petunia were North and South for Lucy while two of Rick's close friends from his work.
Rick's cord was a metallic black while Lucy's was a deep purple.
When the ceremony was completed a glow arose from Lucy and rick and then encompassed Harry. Minerva smiled and spoke to the guest.
"As many of you know many years ago Lucy, Rick and Harry became a family when Harry was taken in by these two wonderful people. The powers that have visited us today for this handfasting have also joined Rick, Lucy and Harry as an official family.
I now present to you. Mr and Mrs Richard Greene, Mr and Mrs Remus Lupin and Mr and Mrs Harry Potter. May the energies and love of these ceremonies bless them and keep them for many years to come.
With in moments the Great Hall re-arranged itself into the gathering for the reception.
A small band played music the party proceeded into the night.
A/N: Wedding scenes were written by Mae Silverpaws, since we all know that men don't have much of a romance gene :).
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