Disclaimer: I own nothing of Harry Potter
Other Disclaimer: Malfoy is majorly OOC
Ginny woke up on the last day of school slightly nervous. She felt a strange sense of sadness at leaving Hogwarts, even though she'd only been there a year. It felt like a part of her.
"Why do you look so pensive?" Lavender teased as they finished packing.
"Just thinking about how much I love it here," Ginny sighed. "I sometimes wonder what my life would be like if I had spent all my school time here."
"You wouldn't be with us," Pavarti pointed out. "That'd be sad."
"You probably wouldn't be such a lady," Hermione guessed. "Etiquette classes aren't exactly something required here."
"I wonder if I would be training to be a diplomat," Ginny said. "Who knows? Maybe I would have gone on to be a quidditch player or something."
Pavarti laughed at the idea. "What would the Department of International Magical Cooperation do without you in its future?"
"Shush," Ginny threw a sock at her. She ducked, making the sock hit Lavender, who retaliated with a cardboard nail file.
And so began the war.
After about twenty minutes of the three girls throwing random things at each other around the room, they decided it was quite counterproductive. It took a bit waving of wands to put everything to order, but they were soon ready to go to breakfast.
Duchess followed at Ginny's heels down to the common room. Something about having the cat near her made her smile widely. She would've never gotten to keep an animal in her dorm at Beauxbatons, and silly little fights were most certainly not tolerated.
More reasons why she loved Hogwarts.
Dumbledore's closing speech was meaningful and endearing. He spoke about the pride he felt in his students and teachers, and his extraordinary time spent running what he thought was the best school in all the world. He wanted those returning to have fun and stayed controlled over summer, and those not coming back to make Hogwarts proud of the accomplishments they make.
Ginny was rather moved by his serious speech, and saw that Harry (who admired Dumbledore and had a close relationship with him) was moved as well. He smiled and grabbed her hand. Kissing the ring on her finger, he breathed a sigh of contentment.
"This is it," he whispered. "We're in the real world now."
That's what Ginny thought about as she looked around the three story, brick Potter town house. It was smack in the middle of muggle London, and one of the properties Harry had inherited from his parents. She could tell from the general decor and colors that it was Lily's pick. The whole home had light wood flooring and pale colored walls that made it feel so airy and smooth. Even as she added personal touches, Ginny felt the familiar comfort of Lily Potter.
It was almost as if she knew Lily. She read all the letters addressed to "Harry's Future Bride" as well as the diaries left to her in the vault. Through the pictures and the words of Lily Potter herself, Ginny had formed an idea of who the woman was, and felt quite attached to her. She imagined that if she were there, they would get on splendidly.
"This was definitely Lily's kitchen," Sirius said lightly. He had come with her to move in her and Harry's things since Harry was at a tux fitting that Gabrielle was happily in charge of. "She loved this color blue, and the gold accents."
"It makes me think of Beauxbatons," Ginny mused. "I don't think I'll change anything in here. Or anywhere else for that matter. Once Harry and I add personal touches, I don't see any reason to change it."
"This is where they lived before Harry was born, you know," Sirius told her. "They lived here while dating and until they were married for a few months, then moved to Norton Amerstone when they discovered they were pregnant. It was James' childhood home, and he wanted Harry to grow up there, except...with lots of children."
"Lily says that in her letters," Ginny smiled. "She had a name picked out for another son...Charles Sirius Potter, after you and—
"James' father," Sirius finished with a sad smile. "Good man."
There was silence as Ginny began unpacking the wedding gifts. Sirius went back out to the car (he'd rented one from a muggle company) and continued bringing in all the presents, as well as her and Harry's personal things.
"Why did you never live in the Black Manor that you inherited?" Ginny asked while they stocked the bathroom.
"I don't have the fondest memories of that home," Sirius answered. "If Harry was going to be at any manor for the summer, it was going to be the Potter's."
"I see," Ginny nodded. "Why don't you just sell it and donate the money to charity?"
Sirius grinned. "Well, that would make Mother rather unhappy."
"All the more reason to do it," Ginny laughed. She left the room and walked to what would be the bedroom. It was done in the same colors as the kitchen, pale blue and gold. The bed was unbelievably large, and Ginny found her face getting warm at thoughts of her and Harry. They hadn't had many chances to often be together while back at school, and she found herself often thinking about how much she missed being able to feel so intimate and close to him.
Well, the opportunity was only a day away.
She moved on and put up a few pictures, added the gold bedspread and new pillows, and met Sirius in the foyer. Ginny and he hopped into the car and prepared for the drive to Norton Amerstone for the rehearsal wedding.
Sirius had bewitched the radio to transmit wizarding radio stations, so Ginny could enjoy music she knew. It wasn't a terribly long drive, and Ginny was actually able to relax; something she'd barely done in the last few weeks.
When they arrived at the gates of Norton, Sirius stuck his hand out the window of the car. The gate was like any other muggle mansion, with bricks and wrought iron that surrounded the entire grounds. At the entrance was a box, where you had to hold out your item of identification. For Sirius, it was a ring.
Ginny fingered her amulet. My identification as a Potter.
Once the car was parked in the garage, Ginny smoothed her white sundress and nervously slid from the car. Sirius noticed her tense stance and chuckled. "This is only the rehearsal, sweetheart. No need to be nervous."
"Some things can't be helped, I suppose," Ginny grabbed his arm and together they walked through the garage and towards the back gardens. They passed the patio, where tables were still being set up, lights strung, and table settings completed. Ginny was thankful for the magic that kept everything perfect.
"Ginny," Luna said pleasantly, appearing from behind flower arrangements. "Do you like it?"
"It's beautiful, Luna," Ginny said earnestly. "I'm so impressed you've got the fountains working and the gardens tended to...everything is so perfect. You're wonderful."
"I'm glad you enjoy it," Luna beamed. "Is it time for the rehearsal already?"
"It is."
"Ahh. I suppose I should come down with you," Luna sighed happily and linked her fingers in Ginny's. "You're going to have a fairytale wedding, Ginny. We've made sure of that."
"Thank you, Luna," Ginny smiled. "You know, you're one of the most wonderful people I know?"
Luna stopped. "If you don't mind me being serious for a moment...that means everything in the world to me."
The girls smiled and continued walking. The rest of the wedding party waited past the gardens and by the large bond. The sun was setting and the skies were clear, making the pond sparkle in a charming way. Ginny prayed that the scene would remain perfect for the wedding.
Her thoughts were disrupted when her fiancé shot forth and scooped her into his arms. Ginny squealed lightly and clutched his shoulders for support when he kissed her. Harry set her down, a goofy smile on his face. "Hello, sweetheart."
"Oh, you are too charming," Ginny laughed. "Gabrielle, does he look lovely in his tux?"
"The most handsome man you've ever seen," Gabrielle replied.
"I rather thought he looked like a lanky stag in a suit," Draco teased casually.
"Yeah, well, it's better than looking like a stuffed ferret," Harry retorted.
"Have we got jokes, Potter?"
"Boys," Molly warned. "We have a rehearsal to do."
"Deepest apologies," Draco held up a hand. "Forgive me, Potter? I don't think I could bear it if you didn't."
"Don't be such an arse," Harry shoved Draco.
Ron appeared between his two friends and lowered his voice for only Draco to hear. "Sarai will have to put you in your place."
"I'd look forward to it."
"Boys," Ginny hissed, reprimanding them all with her eyes.
"Sorry!" They all chorused.
"Now, everybody in their places, as instructed!" Gabrielle called. "Ginny, you can't rehearse because it's bad luck, so Fleur will take your place for now."
"Really, Gabby, that seems unnecessary."
"Ginvera, don't argue with me on this."
"Gabrielle, be kind," Fleur admonished. Gabrielle blushed, but remained head strong in setting up the wedding party.
After rehearsing the order of ceremony, the group headed inside for dinner. They sat in the formal dining room, all feasting on food prepared by the joint effort of Mrs. Weasley and Isabelle. It was a joyous affair, one that distracted Ginny from her nerves. She hadn't much time to dwell on things when she was distracted by conversation and delicious food.
As things settled down and conversation turned to light buzz between individuals, Arthur turned to Ginny and grasped her hand. "Can you wholly forgive me, my dear?"
"Of course, Daddy," Ginny said, squeezing his hand back. "I know you wanted what was best for me."
"You see, I didn't want you to end up with someone like me," Arthur explained. "You know that your mother was turned away, and I was concerned you might run off from us."
"I would never," Ginny smiled. "I may not know what the future holds, but I know a few things that have turned out wonderful because of this."
"Yes. You know that we love you tremendously, do you not? And I couldn't bear it if you never forgave me."
Ginny blinked. "You really don't have anything to worry about it, Daddy, I forgave you a long while ago."
"And that is one of the reasons I love you so much," Arthur answered. "You're so beautiful and brilliant, and so forgiving, Ginny. I couldn't be more proud of the person you've become, even though I know it's through no pride of mine to claim."
Ginny leaned her tired head on her father's shoulder, smiling when he adjusted so she could relax there. "I love you, Daddy. I always have and I always will, no matter what has happened or what will."
"That means loads, you can't understand how much," Arthur sniffled lightly. He looked around the lavish dining room and chuckled. "I can't believe tomorrow, you're getting married."
"No," Ginny glanced at Harry, catching his eye. He beamed at her and kissed her hand before resuming his conversation. "Nor can I."