A/N: Alright, here's chapter 8! An acknowledgment to begin: The animagus idea I have here in my story is inspired by the story Vox Corporis by MissAnnThropic. The "token" idea is completely not mine, and totally borrowed. I have put my own twist on it, but the original idea comes from that wonderful story. If you haven't read it, go do it, but only after you finish my chapter! :) Also, please realize this is NOT Hermione's entire journal. That would be almost 200,000 words on its own. This is more of a highlight reel. And now, on with da show!
Chapter 8: Hermione's Journal
February 23rd, 1999
This is my first entry into my new journal. My loving fiancée keeps teasing me that this is more of a diary than a journal. But because Harry and I have decided to keep a record of our travels, the term "journal" fits better. We'll both be writing journals, though we both admit I'll be the one with the more detailed logs. However, Harry may have a different perspective on something, so I'll have to be bugging him to write things down in his journal.
I guess I'll begin with what happened this past week. I am happy to say that I'm a big sister now, and I'm very excited about it. Helena is just a bundle of joy that has really added to my life. Spending time with her has been wonderful, except for the time she spit up on my new blouse, THAT was annoying, but worth it all the same. And it was nothing a little magic couldn't fix.
My parents are back home, and Harry and I are staying with them until the end of this week. That's when we leave for Australia to finish our training with the Aboriginals, then we move on to America. I'm really looking forward to this trip! When we get to the States, we will be living with the Cherokee's in Oklahoma. They are the largest surviving tribe in America. We will be learning all kinds of natural and animal magic. The highlight of our trip will be learning to be animagi. They have a different way of becoming an animagus than we do here in Europe. What that is I'm not sure, but Harry and I are very eager to try it. Harry more so because it's something to connect him with his Dad, Sirius and Remus.
Getting back to the here and now, this past Saturday we went to Hogsmeade to visit all our friends who are back at Hogwarts. We all met at Three Broomsticks and had a fantastic time...
The party was in full swing. The food was good, the drinks were better, and the company was the best. At no time before had this particular group of friends acted this way. They were able to relax, have fun, and enjoy each other's company without the threat of evil hanging over them.
The bond between the members of this particular group outshone all others. They had fought Umbridge, evil Slytherins, and Death Eaters together. Nearly one-third of the original DA attended the little get-together. Harry Potter and his fiancée Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley and his girlfriend Head Girl Padma Patil, Neville Longbottom, Hannah Abbott, Susan Bones, Luna Lovegood and Ginny Weasley were all crammed into a private room at Three Broomsticks, enjoying their time together.
"Hermione! Can we see it again? Pleeeeeease?" begged one Hannah Abbott.
Hermione huffed, and lifted her left hand once more, showing off her beautiful engagement ring from Harry. The ring was the most gorgeous thing Hermione, and the other girls for that matter, had ever seen. A .72 carat round diamond was the centerpiece, set in platinum on a platinum band. There were six .31 caret round diamonds, three on each side of the centerpiece. It was a true work of art. The girls oohed and awed once more, as Hermione pretended to be annoyed. But in reality, she was beaming on the inside at all the attention she was receiving.
The one girl not completely happy to see the large rock was one Ginny Weasley. She had agreed to come because her brother Ron begged her to. After deciding to go, she had hoped that this would be her chance to discuss things with Harry, this time hopefully with out a confrontation. She dragged Harry to the corner just to find out if she had any chance with the Boy-Who-Lived.
"So, you love her, huh?" Ginny asked casually.
Harry let out a deep breath as he gazed over at his fiancée. "I love her more than life itself Gin. I'd do anything in my power to make her happy." Harry had his hands in his pockets, and a goofy smile plastered on his face.
Ginny crossed her arms, and stared at her ex-boyfriend, a sad expression on her face. "Harry... what happened between us? I thought we had something, you know? I was living my wonderful dream. Did you not feel the same way?"
Harry looked over at Ginny and saw the sadness in her eyes. It wasn't a look he was accustom to seeing from her. Gone was the fire, the passion; in their place was shyness and pain. A part of him felt bad for her, but he knew in his heart that no other person could make him feel as happy as Hermione.
"Gin, that year was the worst year I ever had at Hogwarts. Hermione and I were at odds most of the year. It nearly broke me, being apart from her. After Cedric and Sirius, I was losing Hermione. And then you came along, and I thought that you could replace her, or at least fill in the hole that was tearing in my heart. I knew you had a crush on me, and I was lonely.
"I shouldn't have taken advantage of your crush on me, but I did. And yes, it felt good for a while. But really, it pales in comparison to what I have now. I'm sorry for that Ginny. I got your hopes up, especially at the Burrow, on my birthday. I hope in time you can forgive me for doing that to you. I do care for you, but not in the way you want me to, and I sincerely hope you can find what I've found with Hermione."
Harry reached out and gave her a light hug, and walked back to Hermione. Ginny hung her head in defeat. Her last hope, her last chance at achieving her life-long dream, was gone. Harry would never be hers. The fantasy she had had since she was six was shattered once and for all. She knew Harry deserved all the happiness in the world, and had hoped that it would be her that gave it to him. But as she watched him hug his fiancée and kiss her cheek, she saw once more his face light up. She took a deep, calming breath, and let go of the Boy-Who-Lived, now determined to find someone who could make her as happy as Harry did Hermione.
Finally, Ginny walked over to Hermione, and gave her a huge hug. She whispered in her ear, "You look so happy and so radiant Hermione, I can only hope to find a man who makes me feel the way Harry does with you. And I hope you still consider me to be your Maid-of-Honor."
As they separated, Hermione smiled widely at Ginny, and nodded her head. "Of course, you are my sister in all but blood, right? And besides, Helena won't be old enough when we get married. She has to settle for Flower Girl."
Ginny smiled, and the two young women walked back to the group. Hermione walked into the waiting arms of Harry, and Ginny stood next to them. Harry and Neville were talking as Hermione's eyes found something interesting, and interrupted their conversation.
"So Neville, how long?"
"How long what Hermione?" Neville asked.
Hermione made a point to stare down at Neville's hand, which was intertwined with one of Hannah Abbott's. Neville followed her gaze, and when he realized what she was looking at, he smiled.
"Two months. Almost three. I asked her to the Winter Ball in early December. We've been together since."
"I'm glad to hear it Nev. You deserve to be happy," Harry interjected.
"I hope we can be as happy as you two are," Hannah said as she gave Neville a quick peck on the cheek. "Though we have some catching up to do, since we haven't been denying our love for seven years," Hannah continued, smirking at the engaged couple.
The party continued into the evening until everyone still attending Hogwarts had to go back to the castle. Harry and Hermione apparated to the Granger's, where they were staying until their return to Australia. The rest of the night was spent packing and preparing to go back, along with a little time set aside to spend with little Helena.
...It was nice to see everybody. Seeing Ron and Padma holding hands and being together like they are is definitely a contrast to what I remember from the Yule Ball. I'm happy for the both of them, but I'm still trying to get that image of Padma sitting at the Ball glaring at Ron out of my head, though I'm sure she still uses that look on him from time to time.
I'm really happy for Neville and Hannah. It's the first time I've seen him with a girlfriend, and Hannah's a really nice girl, so they seem well matched. Ginny seems to have finally given up on Harry. I'm glad that she's come around, and I hope she can find herself a great guy.
May 2nd, 1999
Oh my goodness! We just had our "final exam" with the Aboriginals! I can't believe what this last week has been like. Learning this stuff has been really difficult, but this past week has tied it all together. I know I've complained for the past two months about all this stuff not making sense in the big picture, but now, I get it. It's hard to explain, so I'll make an analogy that might make sense.
Imagine teaching a full grown adult to walk. How would you explain it? If you know how to walk, it seems SO simple. But what actually goes into walking? Think about it. Heel-to-toe, bend the knee, balance, timing how to move your legs so you don't fall, etc. Now imagine learning each individual part completely separate from the act of walking. That's what we've been doing. Learning the individual steps to the earth and water magic. And this last week, we started walking, relatively speaking. It's so incredible!
Harry caught onto the earth magic quicker and I got the water faster. Wow, look at us, mud! Ha! Anyway, Harry has started applying the earth magic to dueling! It's been incredible to watch him develop these new skills.
For example, the normal application of a particular spell, "Tectamus", is used for moving mounds of earth from one place to another, or smoothing out a plot of land. Harry has used it to produce an earthen wall to block spells. He makes his wall about a millimeter thick using the original spell, changes it to about ten centimeters thick (using a version of the Engorgio charm), and then transfigures it into solid granite (a simple transfig; dirt-granite). It's a perfect wall to block the Advada Kadavara! And it takes him just under two seconds to erect the wall. It's taken him almost the entire two months since we've been back here to get it perfected and to do it so fast.
Why is this important? Once perfected, any normal witch or wizard will be able to block the AK. At least, if they're not inside a building. Before, only the best of the best, like Dumbledore, could conjure a slab of granite capable of blocking the killing curse. Conjuration is something only the best can perform. Simple transfiguration like what Harry has been working on will do wonders for the average witch or wizard!
Me on the other hand, well, I can water every plant in the house. I can make water flow uphill. Maybe I should do like Harry does and try experimenting. We'll see.
About our "final exam", all we did was go through all of the spells we've learned in our time here and then used them as they were intended to be used. To be honest, I was more stressed out about our O.W.L.'s than I was here. I think it has a lot to with the fact that we're learning all these new things because we want to, not because we have to to pass some test.
I've really noticed a difference in Harry since we've begun to do our own research and studying. He's always been interested in learning the spells in a practical sense, but never liked doing the homework. I think that's why he did so well in DADA, because a lot of it was focused on the application rather than the theory. Now, since we don't have a book to read or foot after foot of parchment to write, he's flourishing. I'm so proud of him!
July 5th, 1999
I'm sitting here watching the sun come up today, and it's spectacular! We were treated yesterday to an American holiday called Independence Day. It celebrates the day that the American Colonies declared themselves free from the British government. We got to participate in a barbecue with hamburgers and hot dogs. Then last night, we saw a wonderful fireworks show. I must say, not a bad way to celebrate a holiday.
Our Animagus training is coming slowly. I know we've only been at this for almost a month and a half, but still. It feels like were crawling along with it. Technically, yes, we're WAY ahead of where most people are. But it doesn't feel like it.
Perhaps now that I have a better grasp on the differences on becoming an Animagus, I can explain it a little better. Every witch or wizard has an animal form. It's just of matter of finding it and being able to complete the necessary steps to achieve it. Now, there are, apparently, two different ways of achieving this goal. They're both very similar, only differing in the beginning.
1 - The "Normal" way. This is the technique that most registered Animagi use. This is also the technique that the Marauders used back when they were learning (when Harry learned this, he wanted to forgo what we were going to do, but the elders and I convinced him to try it the "other" way).
This process begins with meditation. The purpose is to look within yourself and "call" out to your inner animal. Most of the time, a person's prominent personality traits come through in the form. The Marauders are a perfect example of this. Each form represented each individual person in the group. James became a stag: Proud, protective, and a little vain. Sirius became a large dog: Loved attention, strong, loyal. Peter became a rat: Enough said.
2 – The "Other" way. This is the process the Native American's have used generation after generation. They say that their technique is quicker to learn, better connected to the animal world, and allows for a faster, smoother transformation.
This process also begins with meditation. But here's the major difference. Instead of looking inward, the person reaches outward to the world around them. The person meditates and "feels" out toward the natural world. When said person achieves a "connection", they must claim that connection, called a "token". It can be anything; a leaf, a feather, grass, bark, another person's hair, nearly anything. When the person achieves enough tokens, usually 10-15, it is time to move on to the next stage.
From here, both processes take similar paths. The next step is to make a potion. But each process involves a different, yet similar, potion. The "Normal" process involves the Animagus potion. This potion automatically transforms the drinker into their animagus form, if one has already found their inner animal. The potion can be lethal if ingested by someone who has not found his or her inner animal. The drinker then stays in the animagus form for five minutes. The final step in this process is to slowly practice transforming into your animagus form.
The "Other" process involves a potion that is called the Animal Spirit potion. We won't be allowed to witness the creation of the potion, but we were told in order to make it, our tokens will be required. Because we're required to put in our own tokens, the potion isn't lethal to us. Then specific runes are drawn on our bodies, and then at midnight on a full moon, we drink our potion. We stay in our form for five to ten minutes, and then we get turned back. From there, it's the same process: practice, practice, practice!
December 26th, 1999
Happy Christmas! Well, a day late, but still. We just got back to America to continue our animagus training. Who would have thought that I would have a bird for my animagus form? I HATE flying. At least I used to. I still don't like flying on a broom. Harry tried to take me up on Ron's new broom over the holiday. I'll probably always hate it.
I should note that when I say Ron's new broom, I should say Ron designed and crafted it himself. He's apprenticing with a broom maker. He had a try-out over the summer with the Cannons, his favorite team, but he's didn't make it. So instead he's decided to try and make brooms. He's definitely got a passion for them, so I think he'll succeed. He says he wants to make something better than the Firebolt, but he also wants to make quality brooms for those that can't afford them normally. A noble idea indeed!
It was wonderful to spend Christmas with both Harry and Helena! Mum and Dad certainly enjoyed having Harry over for holidays. Dad and Harry went out to the course the ONE day it was actually sunny. Gits. Prats. MEN!! Ugh. Did they think that, I don't know, perhaps Mum and I wanted to do something outside with the two of them? Nope, just a simple: "Hey Harry, it's sunny..." "I'll get the clubs..." Boys!
Helena had a blast for her first Christmas. Harry laughed at me for giving her the complete works of Shakespeare, but I thought since she's MY sister, I'd know what she'd like a little bit more than my dear fiancée. And guess what he got her? Does he get her dolls? No. Does he get her a coloring book, building blocks, or anything else a "normal" child gets? No. What does he get her? An updated version of Quidditch through the Ages, and the latest Hogwarts: A History. Somehow, I think he got them as a joke, and I'm the only one that doesn't quite get it. Mum and Dad snickered when the presents were opened. I think they're wonderful gifts for her. Even if she's a muggle, it'll help her understand the magical world.
It's been almost a week and a half since we did the animagus ritual. I'm starting to notice the "side effects" of being an animagus. It's amazing the bleed through of the abilities.
I look back on our first transformation with a sense of awe. Harry's reaction when he saw my form was unforgettable. I still get emotional when I think about it...
The bright, full moon shone down on everyone. A large bonfire was lit, providing a nice source of warmth on the chilly night. A group of 12 encircled the bonfire, all there in support of the young couple standing in the center. Tonight was their night to perform a sacred ritual no one outside the tribe had taken part in since the late 19th century.
Harry swallowed the nasty, thick, gray potion in one gulp. It took all of his resolve to not allow the potion to come back up. He stood in the middle of circle, his elders and fellow tribesmen surrounding him. Hermione was next to him, holding her own bottle, with her own potion ready for her when the time came.
With a shutter, Harry began his transformation. His body started shrinking and started to sprout feathers. His mouth and nose formed a beak. His arms turned to wings, his feet and toes into razor-sharp talons. When he finished, he was small; his body length was perhaps 40-42cm. He started turning his head, trying to look at himself. Stretching out his arms/wings, he inwardly smiled, seeing his bluish-black wing color. His wingspan looked to be about 90cm. His eyes shined with their characteristic emerald green. He turned his head to look at his fiancée, and cocked his head to the side, trying to say to her, 'Hey! What am I? What do I look like?'
Hermione looked at the bird before her. Her mouth was agape, her hands trying to cover up her surprise. "Harry, you're beautiful! My goodness, you're a Peregrine Falcon! You're gorgeous!"
Harry smiled, at least as much as a bird can smile. He flapped he's wings, time and time again, finally achieving lift. He got five feet off the ground before gliding back down to the ground. He repeated this routine for the next few minutes, trying to get used to the feeling of broom-less flight.
Finally, towards the end of his allotted time, he decided to give flying a try. He flapped his wings, gave a small hop, and took off. He flapped his wings harder and harder, gaining altitude with each stroke. The feeling he got from flying was unlike any other. He had only flown on a broom a handful of times in the past few years. Now, he could do it anytime he wanted. He was a falcon! 'This is AMAZING! I can see and hear so much better, and flying like this is even better than on a broom!'
He circled overhead a few more times, then decided to have one more bit of fun. Remembering how good it felt to dive on a broom, he decided to do it as a falcon. From high above the spectators, he began. Faster and faster he fell, reaching 150 km/h in mid-dive. He pulled up and landed in the middle of the circle. The elders surrounded him, and reverted him back to human form.
Hermione rushed over and threw her arms around him. "Harry, you're so beautiful! That dive was amazing! Do you know what you are? You're a Peregrine Falcon! They're the fastest bird of prey in the world!"
"Wow," was all Harry could eek out. After a couple minutes of recovery, he spoke again. "It's your turn now, isn't it?"
Hermione nodded and stood in the center of the circle. She too swallowed the disgusting potion in one go. And like Harry, she gave a big shutter as the taste washed over her taste buds. She too began to shrink. She too began to sprout feathers all over her body. She was turning into a bird as well! But she was not a falcon like Harry. No, instead, she resembled a bird close to Harry's heart. His surprise at her form was ten times greater than her reaction to him. She had expected him to be some sort of bird, but for her form to be one as well?
"No way! Merlin's beard! Hermione! You look like... like..." Harry sobbed. Tears were streaking down his face. He fell to his knees, kneeling in front of his fiancée. He couldn't believe his eyes. He was, for all intent and purposes, looking at a ghost.
Worry and concern filled the eyes of the bird in front of him. Hermione didn't know what was wrong. Was she deformed? Did the transformation not complete? Was she ugly? She had no idea what was wrong... until he spoke again.
"You... Hedwig... no way... you look like Hedwig, Hermione..." he choked out from behind the tears. He continued to stare in disbelief at the snowy owl before him. It had been over two years since he lost his closest companion. The night he escaped from Privet Drive, he lost her, killed by a Killing Curse meant for him. He never had time to morn her loss. Too many things happened too quickly for that to happen. After the war, he seemed to forget about his owl. But now, here she was once more, but one major difference. Instead of Hedwig's pale-yellow eyes, were Hermione's chocolate orbs.
As he wept, Hermione hopped over to him. She flapped her wings repeatedly, and was able to get off the ground. As she did, her first landing spot was on Harry's right shoulder, which was the typical landing spot of his former owl. She rubber her head against his cheek, and nipped his ear lovingly. Harry leaned his head into her, and stroked her feathers affectionately. He sniffled several times, trying to get his emotions under control.
"Hermione, why don't you try flying around a little bit? It really is fun once you get used to it."
The snowy owl on his shoulder cocked her head, and raised an imperceptible eyebrow at him, as if to say, 'Are you nuts?' He chuckled at her response. It was the exact type of reaction he expected out of his "I-Hate-Flying" fiancée. He softly stroked her beak, which she seemed to enjoy.
"Hermione, you're an owl. You have to fly. You'll look silly as an owl walking on the ground all the time. Come on, you got up to my shoulder didn't you?" At his words of encouragement, she fluffed out her feathers and stuck out her chest in defiance. "How about I just toss you in the air then, and if you fall like a rock to the ground, that's your fault. How does that sound?"
She clapped her beak in annoyance at him. Reluctantly, she gave in. She turned around, and leaped off his shoulder. Beating her wings as fast as she could, she slowly gained altitude. Higher and higher she flew until she felt uncomfortable, which turned out to be about five meters off the ground. She circled a few times before coming back down and landed back on Harry's shoulder.
He smiled at her, and stroked her feathers. "You look beautiful Hermione. But if I call you Hedwig by mistake a few times, don't take it personally, ok?" She hooted, acknowledging his words. Finally, she hopped off his shoulder and glided back to solid ground, where the elders transformed her back.
Harry raced over and embraced her. "You're gorgeous Hermione."
"Thanks Harry. I guess I'm going to have to get used to flying now, aren't I?"
"Understatement of the year, sweetheart."
I'll never forget the look in Harry's eyes when he saw me. It was a sad, but yet loving look. It was at that moment I realized he had never mourned Hedwig's death. She was such a special owl. I don't know what to make of the fact that I apparently look EXACTLY like her. I did token off Harry, as he did me. So perhaps my magic knew how deeply he cared for her, and it also knows how much he loves me, and sort of combined the two. I'll never really know. But believe it or not, I'm absolutely ecstatic to be an owl, and I hope to honor Hedwig's memory.
That was the week before holiday. We didn't practice our transformation over the break. We also decided not to tell anyone about our animagus forms. We want to be able to actually turn into our forms when we tell them. It will be funny to see Ron's reaction to my owl. I definitely look forward to flying along side Harry and Ron for once.
June 2nd, 2000
Wow. Just... wow. I never thought I'd feel any different. But I do. A little sore after last night, but that was to be expected. Waking up this morning as Hermione Potter when just yesterday I was Hermione Granger is a world of difference. I awoke this morning in the arms of my husband. Not boyfriend, not fiancée, but husband. Wow. I'm married!! I'm a wife, and I have a husband who loves me! It's almost overwhelming. It was such a beautiful ceremony. Mum did such a fantastic job setting up everything. Harry was so handsome! And my dress... well...
Harry stood at the alter, dressed to the nines. His tux was custom made for him, and was magically enhanced to always fit. Between Ron, Neville and himself, they had decided that he would forgo a tie. Though Hermione knew it was mostly because the boys hated wearing ties. She tried talking them into wearing them, but having the groom, best man, and both groomsmen all in agreement, she finally gave in and let them go tie-less.
Ron was a step down from Harry, in his spot as Best Man. The groomsmen were Neville Longbottom and George Weasley, who were a step below Ron. Across the isle stood the Maid of Honor, Ginny Weasley, along with bridesmaids Luna Lovegood and Padma Patil.
The front row of the groom's side consisted of: Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Bill and his wife Fleur, along with their newborn daughter Victoire, Andromeda Tonks and two-year-old Teddy Lupin.
The front row of the bride's side consisted of: Walter (after he walked his daughter down the aisle) and Rose Granger, along with one-year-old Helena, Hermione's maternal grandmother Jean Anderson, and Headmistress Minerva McGonagall.
The ceremony was being held at a church close to the Granger residence, much to Mrs. Weasley's dismay. Harry and Hermione had both agreed to a strict Muggle wedding. The reception was going to be held at the Granger's house, while a small wizarding ceremony was to be held once the newlyweds came back from their honeymoon.
The church organ blared out the beginning notes to the very familiar tune. Hermione, the beautiful bride, walked towards the man of her dreams, with her proud papa, Walter Granger, on her arm. Her dress was simple, yet elegant. No long train, no fancy head dressing, no veil. It was a rather plain, strapless dress, exposing her toned and tanned shoulders. It was snug at the top, but flowed out as it reached the ground. Her brown hair could be described as anything but bushy. Her style resembled waves of a brown ocean crashing down to her mid-back, with one extremely long, curled strand falling down along her left cheek. A small tiara, a family heirloom from her mother's side, adorned her head.
The brides face glowed; not because of the small amount of make-up, but because of the feelings building up inside her. She had been dreaming of this moment for years. At first, it was some generic boy, some faceless groom. Then her dream changed. Her husband-to-be became someone that she knew all too well; that of her best friend, Harry Potter. But as she grew older, it seemed the handsome, emerald-eyed boy would never look at her that way. So the man awaiting her at the end of the isle became that of her other best friend, Ron Weasley.
But all that changed one fateful night, a night she'd never forget. Harry Potter, the boy every girl wanted, wanted her. The man who first waited for her in her dreams, was now waiting for her in reality. And she couldn't be any happier.
As Hermione reached the alter, she turned to face the man she loved. The two of them wanted to honor James and Lily Potter in some way during the ceremony. Holding a bouquet of white lilies, a tribute to Harry's mother, was the bride, as her husband-to-be wore a pair a stag cufflinks in honor of his father.
The minister talked about friendship, love, and commitment. But the bride and groom hardly heard a word. They were far too busy staring into each other's eyes, a pair of matching, goofy grins plastered on their faces. The only thing that broke them out of their happy little world was a sharp elbow to Harry's ribs.
Harry jerked his head away from Hermione's lovely face and glared at his Best Man, who happened to be the owner of said elbow.
"This is where you say, 'I do', unless I'm mistaken," Ron said quietly, trying to say it with as little movement of his mouth as possible. However, all those standing with the bride and groom heard him, and snickered at the pair. Both of them had the decency to blush at their inattention to the proceedings.
A large grin crept across Harry's face as he turned his attention back to his now blushing bride. A warm feeling came over his body as the words formed in his mind. His mouth opened, and the words he'd been longing to say for almost a year came forth.
"Hermione Jean Granger, with all my heart, I say... I do..."
Hermione had her eyes locked onto Harry's, and a well of tears formed. The minister continued his part.
"And do you, Hermione Jean Granger... take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband... to have and to hold, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, 'till death do you part?"
If it was possible, her smile grew as her answer was on the tip of her tongue. "Harry James Potter, with all my heart, I say... I do..."
Without waiting for the minister to say so, Harry wrapped his arms around his bride. She responded by snaking her arms around his neck and pulling him in tight. Vaguely hearing the words 'kiss' and 'bride', their lips met for the first time as Mr. and Mrs. Potter.
... I still don't know which kiss sticks out in my mind more, that kiss or our first kiss. Both are significant, but I don't think any kiss will ever be as important as our first. It represents the beginning of 'us'.
I look back on everything that's happened since that kiss, and it still amazes me. As I sit here writing this, I can't imagine being this happy if that kiss never happened. Could I have been happy with Ron? I'm sure we could have made it work, but is that really happiness? Could I have loved him as deeply as I do Harry? No, and that's the harsh reality of it. I think even if I married Ron, I'd always choose Harry, even after 20 years of marriage to Ron and a dozen children.
And if I may be so bold, I think the same thing would have happened if Harry and Ginny had married. Could a marriage have worked between the two of them? Sure. But I think Harry and I work better together than Harry and Ginny. Though I must say I'm rather biased! He IS my husband after all. I hate to say this, but Ginny is too much of a 'fan girl' as Harry puts it. Sure, she knows Harry, but she still likes to think of him as a hero. I'll never understand why that girl still thinks of him that way after all this time.
Moving on, Harry and I have seriously discussed children recently. We both really want them, especially after little Helena came along. We're in agreement that we don't want a clan of Potter's. As much as we love the Weasley's, we both can't imagine running a household like that! I think we're going to end up having three or so, depending on a multitude of factors. As much as Harry wants a son, I think he wants a daughter the most. Don't ask me why though. If I were to guess however, I would say it's all Helena's fault. That boy fell in love the second he held her.
The sun is beginning to shine through the window of our hotel room, and Harry's starting to stir. I think I'll perform my wifely duties and wake him up properly!
July 9th, 2000
Harry and I have just gotten back to my parents house after Ron and Padma's wedding. I'm exhausted! I don't think I was this tired after my own! It was a beautiful event, that's for sure. And I do mean an event! From the pre-wedding party, to the procession, to the actual wedding, and the reception, it was certainly a busy day for everyone.
I don't think anyone was surprised that Parvati was the Maid of Honor, but I was stunned when I was asked to be a bridesmaid. I mean yes, Padma could have asked simply because she was a bridesmaid at my wedding, but it was still a surprise.
Of course Harry was the Best Man. He really got into it. Even with all the good-natured teasing Ron and George gave him during our wedding, I swear he gave it back to Ron just as much. But it was at the reception where Harry really turned it on...
Underneath a large canopy, table after table was filled with family members and guests of the bride and groom. The Weasley's and Patil's were both large families, and today made it rather obvious. Over 200 people showed up to the wedding. Padma was the first Patil of her generation to marry, and most of her family came. Ron was the youngest male Weasley, so most of his family showed up too.
With Mr. Weasley a high-ranking official in the Ministry now, most of his co-workers, including the Minister of Magic himself, Kingsley Shacklebolt, attended the event as well. This was without question the largest wedding in decades within the wizarding world. The largest would have been the wedding between Harry Potter and Hermione Granger, but because of their decision to go with their muggle-style wedding, the Weasley/Patil matrimony became the "it" wedding.
It was a bright, sunny, Sunday evening. The reception was well underway. Dinner had been served, and several speeches followed, including Padma's father, her sister Parvati, and Mr. Weasley. The time then came for the Best Man to stand and deliver a toast.
Harry Potter, seated to the immediate right of the groom, arose from his chair, holding in his right hand his glass of champagne, and loudly cleared his throat. The crowd immediately quieted down and gave him their full attention.
"Um... I suppose this is the part of the reception where I tell embarrassing stories about my best friend. Merlin knows he did it to me. Everyone knows that I'm a nice guy and normally wouldn't stoop to that level. But... today is a special day, and that means I'll have to make an exception. So... Ron..." Harry said, smiling down at the groom, his brother in all but blood. He clapped him on the back and continued. "Which story should I start with?"
Ron, trying to be a good sport, weakly smiled back, and shrugged his shoulders. He knew Harry could roast him on an open fire, but he was sincerely hoping that the Boy-Who-Lived would take it easy on him.
"How about the time you spit up slugs?" Harry said, laughing at the disgusted look on Ron's face. The crowd seemed intrigued, but Harry had other ideas. "No? How about the time Fred and George turned your hair purple before that trip to Hogsmeade in fifth year? Or the time that McLaggen decided to give you keeper lessons, and you had the greatest look on your face because you were so disgusted by what he was telling you? Hmmmm..."
Harry started to rub his chin, seeming to be deep in thought. Ron's eyes started to go wide as he watched Harry pull a folded piece of parchment out of his pocket. The red head knew this wasn't going to be good. And it wasn't.
"No... I think I'll read this. Being Harry Potter has its advantages I'm finding out. Especially when it comes to finding embarrassing information pertaining this fine young man seated to my left. I hold in my hand a very important piece of parchment. Why is it important you ask? It contains some special lyrics to a song that was invented while we were at Hogwarts. But I believe I need to give most of you the background story for this to really hit home."
Ron, and every person that had attended Hogwarts with the Golden Trio, knew of the particular song that Harry was referring to. "Weasley is Our King" was quite famous during their 5th and 6th years. Harry launched into a grandiose explanation about the song; about how it started off as a Slytherin joke, and about how it got turned into a fight song for the Gryffindor's, more specifically Ron. Harry finished with his long-winded, historical and hysterical account of the now infamous song, and moved on to explain to everyone just why this was important.
"You see... I got this from a girl who shall remain nameless. Procuring this beautiful little piece of evidence was rather difficult, but she owed me one. And in all honesty, she wanted to get Ronnie-kins here just as much as I did. So, without further adieu..." Harry cleared his throat, and began.
"Weasley is my King,
Weasley is my King,
He always makes my heart sing,
Weasley is my King.
I want him day after day,
He's the best looking guy in the D.A.,
Slytherin he will most certainly slay,
Weasley is always ready to play.
Ronnie is easy on the eye,
I want a piece of his pie,
He makes my tongue doth tie,
Weasley is my guy,
Weasley keeps the quaffle out,
He's the best beyond a reasonable doubt,
From the tops of towers I shall shout,
Weasley is what its all about
Weasley is my King,
Weasley is my King,
He always makes my heart sing,
Weasley is my King."
Several people were snickering and chuckling throughout Harry's reading. The person most notable was his wife, Hermione. Ron's cheek's were flushed, and was thoroughly embarrassed. He was wishing he hadn't teased Harry so much at his reception, because this was easily ten times worse. Whoever wrote the new lyrics was as good as dead in his mind. Padma was chuckling as well, but was also a little curious as to who wrote the creepy lyrics.
After the reaction had died down, Harry spoke again. "Now friends, I'm not here to destroy the poor grooms confidence, nor make dear Padma jealous. I simply needed to pay him back after what he did to me. And I believe I have most certainly accomplished my goal if I do say so myself."
Harry folded the parchment back up and put it back in his pocket. He raised the glass that was still in his hand, and everyone else followed suit. Harry then began the real toast.
"Ron, you're my best friend, my brother in all but blood. You, your brothers, your sister, your Mum, your Dad, you all have treated me as family, and accepted both Hermione and myself into it. For that, I cannot thank you enough. Now, I stand here, looking to my left, welcoming into the family another non-redhead. Padma, I hope you know what you're getting yourself into. Because I certainly didn't. But I couldn't be any happier to call them my family, and so I say to you, Padma Patil-Weasley, welcome to the family!"
... I still don't know for sure just who wrote those lyrics. I can't believe how many people thought it was me! Even at the height of my little crush on Ron, I could NEVER have written something that hideous. I have my own ideas of who wrote it. I think it was either Luna or Lavender. Which one I don't know. I'd put my money on Lavender though. She had been chasing after Ron for a while before they were dating. Plus she seems to be the type to write something that sappy.
Well, in a few days, we're off to Tibet and more training. Supposedly, the monks there have several meditation techniques that can build and strengthen a person's magical core. That should take us approximately a year to complete. Then our next trip will be to Japan, for "ninja" training, as Harry calls it. I don't think that will take too long, considering what we've learned already. Perhaps four to six months is all. Finally, curse breaking in Egypt. That should be fun.
My eyes are drooping, and my dear husband is beckoning me to come to bed, so I guess I should finish this up. We have a lot planned for the next few years. Sometimes it seems overwhelming. Looking back, it would have been nice to learn some of this stuff during the war, but as they say, hindsight is 20/20. But I'm happy how things turned out for the most part. I have a loving husband, my parents are very much alive, and I have a group of wonderful friends. The future looks really bright.
A/N: Ok. 2 more chapters. Wow. Thanks for reading and enjoying Vanilla!