I'm so sorry for the absence, lovelies. I have no excuse besides my ridiculous schedule.
The last few chapters all kind of hop over Valentine's Day, Easter, and the final day of school. It will also focus a little more on some relationships outside of our main couple :)
I wanted to remind you all that my Draco Malfoy is very OOC. This is my little warning for those who don't like OOC Draco so you're prepared. My hope is that it doesn't turn you completely off my story.
Now, on with the show!
Dislcaimer: I own nothing of the Harry Potter Wizarding World.
"This is the hardest decision I've ever had to make!"
Ginny almost threw her quill across the room. At her small outburst, Harry looked over in concern. "Sweetheart?"
"I don't know who should be my maid of honor," Ginny groaned dramatically. "Sarai and I have become completely inseparable, Hermione is easily the most like an actual sister, Gabrielle has been my best friend for ages, and Luna is so special to me. What am I to do?"
"First, let's start by taking a deep breath," Harry said calmly. He put his hands on her shoulders as she did just that. "Good, good. Now, let's think about this calmly."
"Right," Ginny said. "You see, Gabrielle and I have always sworn to be each other's maid of honor. She's been my dearest friend in my schooling, but the other girls...they're like a part of me, Harry."
"They won't be offended," Harry said. "Something tells me they'll understand. They've all already got jobs. Sarai will be my fill in for a family dance, Luna is in charge of the budget, Hermione is in charge of the honeymoon, and Gabrielle is in charge of the parties to be thrown and helping with your dress. What sounds most maid of honor-like?"
Ginny thought it through and nodded firmly. "Gabrielle. Gabrielle should be my maid of honor. I dreamed of it when we were younger and I couldn't imagine her not being by my side."
"There you have it," Harry leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "Are you calm now, my adorably ridiculous fiancée?"
"More than I was."
Harry and Ginny sat in the office-like flat above Fred and George's joke shop in Hogsmeade. (Since they'd bought out Zonko's, the two branches of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes were amazingly successful.) On the past few weekends, they'd kindly let Harry and Ginny, and whoever else they brought, use the flat for wedding planning. They had just finished a guest list to send out "Save the dates."
"Good," Harry said. "Now, the girls will be here in about ten minutes. You'll meet your mum in London, and then you'll find the dress of your dreams."
Ginny smiled. "Right. You're right."
"Of course I am," Harry grinned. "Now come here and kiss your fiancé."
Ginny easily complied, giggling as Harry tugged her forward. They kissed sweetly, Harry only pulling away to pepper kisses across her face and neck. She laughed, that warmth that she always associated with Harry filling her heart.
After making a statement before the ministry that Lucius Malfoy ordered Fenir Greyback to torture her, and that Narcissa and Draco were the only reasons she and Harry escaped, Ginny was able to move on. She and Harry had spent the past few weeks getting even closer. Their small time in the Malfoy Manor, despite them being separated, had bonded them enough to feel a difference in the relationship. Harry had professed his choice of loving her, acknowledging that it would be an everyday choice for the rest of their lives. Ginny agreed that it would be a choice and the two were able to grow in that. They were committed, truly, and it made it easier to believe in the hasty marriage.
For Merlin's sake, it was Valentine's Day and I'm going to pick out a wedding dress.
Someone burst into the room, disrupting their moment. Harry stopped kissing her, but didn't remove his strong arms from around her waist.
"If you would kindly cease the sucking of faces, your friends are downstairs," Fred spoke dramatically, both of his eyebrows raised. "I believe it is time for a Miss. Weasley to go find a dress."
"Of course," Harry grinned. He looked back at Ginny with mischievous eyes. "I'll see you tonight?"
"I'll see you then," Ginny said. She pecked his lips and slid past her brother, going down the stairs to meet her friends. She found Sarai and Hermione near the love potion display with their heads lowered, muttering quickly to each other. Before Ginny was close enough to hear, it seemed that the duo was concocting an evil plan with purple smoke from the large cauldron they stood next to bubbling over. As she approached, however, she heard a much more serious tone.
"But you've talked to your aunt and uncle about this before," Hermione looked very trouble.
"It just doesn't make sense," Sarai snapped. "This man, Jonathan Wilcox or whatever, looks just like me! My uncle said my father's name was Jonathan Wilcox, but didn't mention anything about him being a wizard or going to Hogwarts!"
"Is everything alright?" Ginny asked hesitantly. Sarai and Hermione jumped apart.
"Of course," Sarai smiled thinly. "Let's go find that dress, love."
Ginny sensed something was wrong, but didn't press it the issue. She knew by now that when Sarai was ready to tell what she needed, she would. For the moment, she wasn't ready and Ginny had to respect that. Instead of speaking further, the small group silently went to grab Luna from the owl post shop. As they exited the joke shop, the girls crossed paths with Draco. Hermione and Ginny greeted him warmly.
"What brings you here on this awful holiday?" Draco drawled to the girls, before muttering under his breath, "I hate this bloody weather."
"We're just leaving the shop," Ginny answered. "You?"
"Meeting Potter and Weasley for some ridiculous reason I haven't been able to understand for the past month."
"Got any plans for the weekend, Draco?" Ginny asked cordially, ignoring the comment. She knew that he was secretly fond of Harry's company.
"Not much I suppose," Draco mused. "Though that's what happens when you dump all your friends for a bunch of Gryffindors."
"Hermione and Luna are in Ravenclaw," Ginny pointed out.
Draco raised an eyebrow. "Well that makes all the difference."
"Don't be mean," Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Me? Never." Draco looked quite smart in his casual clothes, which weren't generally very casual, but still made him very good looking. Ginny wished Sarai would forgive him and let herself have feelings for the handsome blonde.
"Why don't you join all of us later tonight?" Hermione suggested. "We've all done our personal romantic meetings this morning, and we're all getting together in the Room of Requirement."
"It's nothing special," Ginny added. "But you'd be perfectly welcome."
Sarai snorted.
Draco eyed her, shifting as if he was hiding his discomfort. "My god, Potter was right."
"About?" Ginny asked.
"Invitations. To everything."
"What?"
"Nevermind," Draco gave her what she thought might have been a smile. "Do I have much of a choice in attendance?"
"'Course not," Ginny beamed.
Hermione held up a hand. "But don't come wearing a suit—it's very relaxed."
"Funny, Granger," Draco replied drolly. "I'll see you lot tonight, then."
After they said goodbye, the three girls started to walk away. Draco, however, caught Sarai by the waist and forced her to look at him. "Are you having a bad day? You haven't been this rude to me in weeks."
"I don't need your concern," Sarai hissed. "Bugger off."
"What's the matter with you?"
"What's not the matter with you?"
"No need to be mean, White, I've owned up to my mistakes."
"Good. Now, let go of my waist."
"You know that you're going to be madly and irrevocably in love with me by the time Potter's wedding rolls around, don't you? You can't resist me for long."
"Sod. Off."
Draco winked at her before nodding politely to the other girls and disappearing inside the joke shop. As they walked away, Hermione and Ginny eyed Sarai. The Slytherin girl had her arms crossed and a sour look in her eye. Ginny stopped them in the middle of the street. "Was Draco right? Is this an off day?"
Sarai opened her mouth, then shut it. "Let's just go, I'm begging you."
Tempted to continue, Ginny swallowed her curiosity. They stepped into the supply shop and collected Luna, then walked to alley of the shop so that they could apparate. When they landed in Wizarding London, Ginny felt a rush of excitement—she was actually shopping for a wedding dress.
"Come on," Sarai said. "The shop is two streets down. It's where my cousin got her wedding dress; god awful thing, that was."
The other girls laughed and followed their friend, who had drastically switched her attitude. Hermione glanced at Ginny. "I'm trusting that your French fashions won't lead you to a dreadfully poofy dress that they favor in the states?"
"The simpler, the better," Ginny promised. "I'm not really a fashion expert, that's Gabrielle."
"Is she meeting us there?" Sarai asked. She and Gabrielle had worked rather well as friends, something Ginny was extremely grateful for. Apparently, the few days spent before they went back to school helped them form a small connection; mostly over some famous wizard. If Ginny was correct, it was one of the Weird Sisters.
"Yes," Ginny responded. "She went to get mum. Fred and George will also be joining us when someone comes in to relieve them at the shop."
"Fred and George?" Sarai frowned.
"They are going to offer a males point of view," Luna hopped slightly in her walk. "I suggested it. George is very fashionable, you know."
"He is," Hermione chuckled at Luna. They were all always chuckling at Luna; she had her airy way that made them feel light and giggly sometimes—even Hermione.
They met the others at the bridal shop, where Gabrielle had set up a personal visit. They were given their own little suite, with champagne and a large bowl of little chocolates. Ginny watched her mother's eyes widen at the sight of their lavish surroundings, including the plush couches, large mirrors, and platform for Ginny to stand on.
"Hello," a woman in a lovely blue dress approached them. She wore tall heels and had dirty blonde hair piled in curls upon her head. Her brown eyes were warm and she wore a sparkling smile. "My name is Amelia, I'll be your dress consultant. Now, I believe I've owled with Miss. Delacour?"
"Yes ma'am," Gabrielle stepped forward.
"And this is your maid of honor?"
"Yes she is," Ginny said firmly. A wave of relief wash over her when the other girls didn't even flinch.
"And who else do we have here?"
"My mother Molly, my brothers Fred and George, and my bridesmaids: Hermione, Luna, and Sarai." Ginny pointed to each as she spoke.
"It's lovely to meet you all," Amelia said. "Now, do you want a thorough experience or a limited one? Brides choose this depending on their time limits."
"We have all afternoon," Ginny answered. "But I don't know how much money it is—
"Oh, we'll have the full experience," Fred stepped in. He threw Amelia a wink. "Very thorough, if you will."
The girl blushed. "Of course. Well, how that works is each of the present party gets to pick a dress they'd like for the bride to try on, while the bride and I discuss the wedding and what she prefers. Jameson, the guard that I was informed was requested by Mr. Potter will show you to the dresses."
Jameson did just that, leading the family away. Amelia and Ginny sat down, Amelia preparing her quill and parchment. "Now darling, when is the wedding?"
"Mid-June," Ginny answered. "On a country estate, about forty minutes from London."
"And what is the estate like?"
"The house, Norton Amerstone, is done in what I believe is called the Tudor and Elizabethan style? There's a lot of land, many gardens, a pond, and a large stream through a fairly good portion of the property. There are horse stables as well, not that we have any of those included in the wedding." Ginny blushed as she got off topic. "Anyhow, the wedding will be held by the pond, and the reception on the back patios."
"The flowers?"
"Erm, white lilies and delphinium," Ginny answered. "The main color is lavender, but blue and white are accents."
"And what style would you prefer?"
"Something floor length, but not too much like a ball gown. Nothing entirely too form fitting...simple, but not too bland. I would prefer a creamy white, versus a starch white because I'm already so pale."
"Of course," Amelia said. "Do you already have a veil, or do we need to look for one as well?"
"I've actually brought a piece of my mother's veil," Ginny pulled the veil from her bag. The hair band was made of many small pearls, with a single, magically colored lavender rose. "It's the only part left of the veil."
"We can attach lace or tulle," Amelia assured her. "Now, I believe I have somewhat of an idea of what to look for. Shall we begin?"
And so they did. After picking out about five dresses, Ginny and Amelia returned to the dressing room. There they found all of Ginny's company waiting, having already hung up their dresses. Ginny took a deep breath and prepared herself, ready to try on all of her loved one's choices.
Luna picked an all lace ball gown, with a large silk rose pinned at the waist. Aside from the obnoxious rose, the dress was actually quite pretty, even if not for Ginny. Sarai found a lovely silk dress with thin straps and a sweetheart neckline that lightly hugged her hips. Hermione picked something similar to Sarai's, but with a straight neckline, thicker straps, and a diamond like belt at the waist. Her mother picked a tradition strapless ball gown (predictably). Fred and George, of course, picked a joke dress that had a see through bodice and accents of red lace that made Molly cover her eyes. Gabrielle picked a more "fashionable" dress that wasn't too snug or too poofed, but that had just a bit too many sparkles for Ginny.
After trying on all five dresses she picked for herself, Ginny was beginning to feel hopeless. Amelia assured her it sometimes took many trips for brides to get the right dress.
Ginny sat in her silk robe, drinking her second glass of champagne rather quickly.
"The first one you picked was rather lovely," Molly offered, squeezing her daughter's hand. Ginny smiled. "Anyway, we can always come back."
"Merlin knows how much money Harry told Hermione to spend on this already," Ginny whispered. "I don't want to do it again, and we've only four months until the wedding, I've got to have the dress soon."
"Ginny, take a deep breath," Gabrielle told her quietly. "And give me and the girls just a few more minutes, we'll find one."
"Alright," Ginny nodded. She had a stirring moment in her stomach, but set it aside and excused herself to go to the loo. Inside, she splashed water on her make-up free face, taking slow deep breaths. Once she patted her face dry, she rejoined her mother to have some more conversation about wedding plans, enjoying Fred's little comments about the silliness of women and their weddings.
"Why all this fuddy-duddy nonsense? Just throw on a sundress, say a few vows, and the deal is done."
"Because," Amelia said dryly. "Women want a day of pomp and circumstance dedicated to only them."
"So it's not about the man at all?" Fred raised an eyebrow.
"Now whatever gave you that idea?" Amelia pretended to look shocked before she suddenly smiled. "Miss. Weasley, what did you say your fiancé liked on you?"
"Lace," Ginny replied. "And pearls. And...v-necks. But not too deep, or he thinks it's trashy."
"Smart one, that Harry," George added.
"I'll be right back," Amelia grinned.
She hurried off to find the bridesmaids, who were having a fit trying to decide what dress to bring back. Amelia led them to the back of the warehouse, where she showed them a few dresses of similar style that had been placed aside to be shipped out.
One off-white dress in particular stood out to the girls. It had straps about an inch wide that led into a small v-neck, with the entire bodice being lace. The lace faded as it went down, until at about the thigh area it stopped completely. The dress was simply layers of tulle, giving it a bit of lift. The four girls all heartily agreed that it was perfect.
Amelia found some matching tulle and pinned it to the piece of the veil given to her by Ginny, and the group made their way back.
When Ginny put on the dress, she left her little room and stepped out to show the others. They all gasped. Molly covered her mouth in surprise and Fred leaned forward with wide eyes. "Look there, Mummy. Our little Ginny isn't so little."
"You look beautiful," Gabrielle beamed.
"Like a fairy," Luna blinked in awe.
"Ginny..." Sarai smiled softly.
"For once I have no words," Hermione shook her head. "Really Ginny, it's perfect."
Ginny looked in the three way mirror. The unsettled feeling she'd had all afternoon welled up once more as she took in her reflection. The dress was perfect, Ginny knew. She saw herself as a bride, especially fitted with the veil on her head. Paired with Lily Potter's engagement ring on her own hand, the reality of everything smacked Ginny in her gut.
"I need to get it off," Ginny cut off everyone's approvals.
"What?" George frowned.
"I can't breathe," Ginny stepped off the platform and took off her heels. "Now, I need to get it off now."
"Ginny, what's happening?" Hermione stood up. "Don't you like it?"
"That's not...I just...I feel faint," Ginny walked back to the dressing room, trying to keep her head from spinning. Her heart race was picking up and she very much so needed to get the damn dress off.
George's arm stopped her from going back into the room. "Everybody clear out."
"What?" Sarai blanched. "No, we—
"Sarai, go, please," Fred asked. The girl complied, tugging the others out of the room. Ginny kept trying to concentrate on her breathing.
"Gin," George whispered. He placed his fingers under her chin to lift her face up. His trusting blue eyes looked down at her. "What's going on, little sister?"
"I'm getting married," she whispered brokenly. "I've only turned seventeen. I know I can't really control these events, but...what if I'm throwing my life away?"
"Just because you live with Harry doesn't mean you can't be the same as you are now," Fred replied, grabbing her hand. "You've got so much ahead of you! A career to build, a person to discover within yourself...you just get to do it alongside someone who loves you."
"But—
"Just because Fred is my best friend and I live with him, doesn't mean I can't find out who I am just because he's there next to me," George said in example. "Anyways, you should trust us, we're your big brothers. We know everything."
Ginny chuckled. "I just used to think I had so many things to do with my life. I'll never live on my own, I'll never struggle to pay rent, I'll never have another silly relationship. I had a youth ahead of me, but I'm doing what I've always done and doing what mom has planned for me."
George pursed his lips, obviously choosing his next words carefully. He was quieter than Fred, always choosing to follow the lead rather than jump in front of his twin. While Fred could be serious, George was generally the one that thought in a more focused manner. It helped Ginny. She looked at her brothers again and felt her chest untighten.
"Think of Harry," he half smiled. "Think of the opportunities you'll have, the places you'll see. Think of the way you felt when Harry proposed." he paused as Ginny let the memories flash through her mind, recalling the look on Harry's face that Christmas Eve. "There it is, I see it in your eyes."
"I do love him," Ginny whispered. "So much it almost hurts."
"That's the best kind of love, sweets," Fred winked.
"If you think of what you gain, you don't think of what you lose," George added. "Just hold onto that, alright? Love is a powerful thing, you'd be surprised at what it can do for you."
"When did you get so smart?" Ginny sniffled.
"When you needed me to," George tapped her nose. Fred and he embraced Ginny lovingly, each kissing her head. She wiggled out of their arms with a light giggle.
"I love you two."
Ginny stood in front of the large mirrors again as Fred and George let everyone back in. The whole group, including her mother, looked at her nervously as if she were to explode again.
"This is the dress I'll get married in," Ginny said lightly. "This is it."
)-(
When Ginny and the girls returned that night, they met their friends in the Room of Requirement. Harry waited with a single rose and a nervous smile. His hair was messy and his glasses slightly askew, but Ginny didn't think anyone was any better than he. She rushed forward and threw her arms around him in a dramatic kiss.
"What was that for?" Harry murmured when they broke apart.
"For being everything I could ever hope to gain," Ginny whispered. Harry beamed, hugging her close in the special way that only he could.
I just love cheesy endings, okay?