Chapter Thirty- Three

Author's note: Thanks so much to all who've been reading this story! It's so very much appreciated. As always, not mine

Once Harry and Ginny's wedding ceremony was complete, it didn't take long for the benches to be cleared aside and the dance floor to fill up with excited revelers. As he so often did, the twin's close friend, Lee Jordan, eagerly took over on the sound system and was overseeing a continual stream of crowd pleasing hits. To the surprise of no one, Ginny had claimed the very centre of the surface, enthusiastically pulling her bridesmaids along with her. Ginny's impressively large dress was light enough to be conducive to dancing and as the feisty red head twisted and whirled around the dance floor, the waves of her dress encircled her, giving extra emphasis to each of her already energetic movements.

Hermione laughed as she joined in with the dancing to the upbeat song that Lee had selected. Normally, occupying the very centre of the crowded dance floor would have made her uncomfortable, but the enjoyment of dancing alongside Ginny and the other bridesmaids outweighed any trepidation that Hermione had over being a focal point of the party. Hermione's mood was light and joyful; the type of disposition where she found everything to be hilarious. Her smile only grew larger as she watched Ginny's effortless, energetic moves, Angelina's confident strutting, Lavender's purposeful and skillful pirouettes, and Luna's airily noncommittal yet beautiful movements. Hermione, for her part, danced and twirled along with the music, caring more about having fun and expending her significant amounts of energy than creating a particularly proficient dance.

"Might I cut in?"

Hermione ceased her motions at the sound of a deep, rich voice in her left ear. She spun quickly, the skirt of her vibrant blue dress rising slightly with the force of her sudden movement. Turning, she found herself staring into George's brilliant blue eyes.

"Of course," Hermione grinned, accepting his hand in hers with an eager willingness. As George swept her into an easygoing waltz-like dance, Hermione caught Ginny's ecstatic grin in the corner of her range of vision. Ginny, she knew, was still processing her relationship with George, but was still just as overjoyed by the prospect of her friend and her brother being together as she had when Hermione had first disclosed their involvement. It was odd for her friend, Hermione was certain, that her best friend was dating another one of her brothers, but she knew that Ginny only wanted good things for her relationship with George. In fact, it was rare that a conversation with her friend would occur without the young red-head chiding her over when she and George would be announcing their own engagement. Hermione ruefully considered the fact that now that Ginny's own wedding had occurred, she'd be eagerly looking forward to the next marital celebration and that she would fervently hope that it would be Hermione and George's.

"I'll have to convince her to pester Ron and Lavender instead of George and me," Hermione considered good-naturedly as George pushed her into yet another playful twirl and she noticed Ginny's other brother dancing with his girlfriend. Her friend's ribbing didn't bother her, she just wasn't quite sure that she and George needed any extra pressure in their relationship.

"Hermione…where are you, love?" George teasingly remarked, pulling Hermione a bit closer towards with the leverage of his hands on her hips.

"Oh, sorry…just thinking…about how lovely that ceremony was…so lovely," Hermione stammered, awaking from her deep contemplation.

"I'm just giving you a hard time," George smiled, leaning down to plant a gentle kiss on Hermione's forehead. "You seemed a little distant there,"

"Well…there's a lot to think about," Hermione offered with a grin. "Keep in mind that two of my best friends just got married. This is a rather remarkable day,"

"Yup, I suppose it is," George replied, coaxing Hermione into another spin, this time in the opposite direction. Hermione giggled as she twirled on her tip toes, liking the way her lively dress encircled her with her movement. "Not every day my little sister is married off," George added, completing Hermione's spin by dipping her low towards the ground. Hermione happily complied with his lead; George was such a talented dancer and she enjoyed being in his arms and responding to his graceful cues.

"Ginny Potter…" Hermione spoke speculatively as George pulled her up from the dip and secured her back on her feet. "Has a bit of an odd ring to it still….doesn't it."

"I guess we'll get used to it." George smiled. "Although it might take a while…getting used to my little sister being all married. I still remember when she was a tiny little thing. Just causing so much trouble," He added with a hearty and affectionate laugh.

"Causing trouble?" Hermione smiled. "That's awful rich coming from you," She said, casting George a flirty and pointed glance.

"Well…on a sliding scale. Compared to Percy…and Bill…and Ron, Ginny was a trouble maker."

"Oh really, and compared to you and Fred?" Hermione asked, wrapping her arms a bit tighter around George's neck.

"She wasn't much of a trouble maker compared to us…" George admitted sheepishly. "But she learned quickly…In fact, I taught her everything I knew,"

"I have no doubt,"

"I'm going to miss her you know," George said, sounding suddenly very nostalgic. "She's always been such a great little sister,"

"None of that will change, George," Hermione reminded him gently. "She's only gotten married. It's not as if she's moved to Canada or something. You'll still see her all the time, she's still your little sister,"

"I know," George sighed. "It just feels different…like she's growing up, heading off on her own…just like how Fred changed a bit after he got married, I'm worried that Ginny will change too," Even though George and Hermione continued partaking in the effortless, lively dance moves, it was apparent that George was deeply affected by the weight of his sister's marriage; his voice creaked with emotion even as he remained light on his feet.

"Ginny's always going to be Ginny," Hermione pointed out caringly. "Did you want to go sit down for a while though? Take a break from dancing?"

"Yah, that would be nice," George responded, a smile finally peeking out from the corner of his mouth. "Sorry, I didn't mean to get all sentimental on you there…it's just suddenly hit me I suppose…what it means for Ginny to be growing up like this…"

"No apologies necessary," Hermione grinned, taking George's hand in hers. "Your worries are quite natural I'm sure…" As she led George away from the centre of the dance surface and towards the benches that were now surrounding it, she didn't mention that many of his concerns mirrored her own. It was simply shocking to see two of her best friends – both of whom she'd known since childhood – embark on such an adult venture. Even though she had quickly comforted George about his worries that the marriage wouldn't change things, she realized that felt the same way; that she was frightened that her friendship with both Harry and Ginny would be henceforth altered as they participated in the allusive practices reserved solely for married couples.

In silence, George and Hermione easily found an empty bench, which they sat into contently. Hermione continued holding onto his hand and rested her head on his shoulder, enjoying his warm presence beside her. It was a relief for her that they were finally able to act like a couple in public gatherings. Their nearness did attract some curious stares from onlookers who were unaware of their relationship, but to the people who really mattered – the Weasleys and their closest friends – they could cuddle on the bench and steal occasional kisses without raising any eyebrows.

"What are you two doing here? What happened to the dancing?" Ginny excitedly approached George and Hermione, a large smile continuously playing across her face. "I thought you loved this song, George."

"Well, I do," George replied good-naturedly as Ginny collapsed into the bench next to Hermione, her wide and complicated skirt taking up most of the available room. "But Hermione and I needed a rest."

"A rest?" Ginny exclaimed incredulously. "You? You're the last person on the dance floor usually…what has happened to you?" She added in a teasing tone.

"Oh, you know, Gin…aging…I'm not as spry as I once was," George laughed self-deprecatingly.

"That's not true. That's hardly a believable excuse," Ginny insisted with a grin.

"Well…perhaps Hermione and I wanted to sit together for awhile," George said, leaning down to kiss Hermione's forehead.

"Oh, really? Do you want me to leave you two alone," Ginny asked with a pointed glance at the couple. "Give you a bit of alone time?"

"Not in the least Gin," Hermione chuckled. "Of course you can stay with us…we'd appreciate it."

"Lovely," Ginny smiled. "Truth is, I'm pretty knackered. My feet hurt and this dress weighs a ton…I could use a rest as well."

"Where's Harry?" Hermione asked with a content sigh as Ginny rested her head on her shoulder. "Is he on the dance floor still?" She questioned, certain, nevertheless, that Ginny would answer in the negative; Harry had never been particularly comfortable with dancing.

"Oh no, of course not," Ginny laughed fondly. "He's over there…being a polite groom and a gracious host," Ginny pointed to the opposite side of the back yard set up where Harry was talking with Headmistress McGonagall and Professor Slughorn. "He's much better at all this than I am,"

"He looks so happy," Hermione said speculatively, speaking to no one in particular. Harry was clearly engaged in the conversation, as he moved his hands animatedly. He wore a massive smile on his face and stood taller and prouder than Hermione have ever seen from him before. "I'm so pleased for both of you, Gin,"

"Me too," George contributed with an affectionate smile. "Just don't go and leave us," Although he spoke with confidence, Hermione could tell that he was still insecure about such an occurrence.

"Leave you two?" Ginny exclaimed, sitting up straightly to look at George. "Whatever do you mean? Why would we leave you two?"

"I don't know…to be a mature married lass?" George laughed.

"Mature?" Ginny scoffed. "Doubtful. There's no way I could leave you two…who else would plan your wedding?" She asked with an exaggerated wink.

"Oh Ginny," Hermione sighed.

"I'm just pointing out that I just planned this wedding…and it was quite lovely if I do say so myself…so I really do know what I'm doing. So if you need any help…or suggestions…or anything," Ginny responded with a playful flip of her still-in-ringlets red hair.

"I'm sure you will, Gin...I'll be sure to seek your expertise when the time has come," George replied cryptically.

"Excellent," Ginny grinned, leaning her head against Hermione's bare shoulder once again. Hermione couldn't help but smile contently as she and George and Ginny sat together peacefully, watching the eager revelers as the sun began to slink away in the distance.

-o-O-o-

"Thank you so much for coming," Ginny yawned, tightly wrapping her arms around Hermione's middle as the newly married couple said goodbyes to Hermione and George. Despite her earlier assertions that she was growing weary, Ginny had soon returned to the dance floor where she had resumed her energetic moves and excited spins. George had convinced Hermione to join the dancers and Hermione had happily obliged. By the time midnight had passed, however, Hermione was exhausted and knew she needed to call it a night. Most of Ginny and Harry's party guests had long since made their exits and only the wedding parties and some of their closest friends continued the celebration.

"How could I miss this," Hermione smiled sleepily. "After all, you did make me maid of honour,"

"And I fully expect that you'll do the same," Ginny kindly chided. "I'll be your made of honour right?"

"Oh Ginny," Hermione chuckled fondly. "I assure you that when I get married you'll be my maid of honour…just don't wait with bated breath."

"Whatever," Ginny grinned knowingly. "I'll look forward to it though…whenever it happens."

"I'm sure you will," Hermione gave her friend one last squeeze before letting her go. "That was a lovely evening."

"Thanks,"

"I'm really happy for you and Harry," Hermione spoke sincerely.

"And I'm really happy for you and George," Ginny replied. "That you're dating," She added hastily. "I'm really happy that you're dating. I'd hate it if you were dating someone who wasn't one of my brothers,"

"Good to know," Hermione laughed.

"Thanks for coming, Mione," Harry interjected, pulling Hermione into a hug as George secured Ginny in a tight embrace.

"I wouldn't have missed it for anything…Death eaters couldn't have kept me away," Hermione smiled fervently. "I'm so incredibly happy for you two," She knew she spoke in hyperbole, but even the greatest exaggeration would have difficulties capturing her true feelings of joy over the union.

"Thanks, Mione…I'm really happy for you too…you seem to be doing so well."

"Thanks Harry…I'm…I've been doing great lately…things are going really well."

"I can tell," Harry let go of Hermione and smiled at her. "You seem less stressed out lately…more yourself…if that makes sense."

"I think so,"

"Ginny can't stop talking about you and George. She just loves it. From the moment she suspected something was happening between you two, it became her favouite topic…other than the wedding of course…and Quidditch."

"Really?" Hermione laughed. "That sounds just like her,"

"Yup…That's Ginny for you," Harry stated proudly, smiling affectionately at his bride, who was still talking intently with her older brother. "She loves you both so much…it means so much to her to see you guys happy…and that you're happy together. She doesn't let it on, but I think she was worried about George for awhile…what with Fred being so busy with the twins…and him returning from Egypt with everything being so different…it means the world to her to see you too so happy,"

"That's brilliant," Hermione could only manage; tears were threatening at the corners of her eyes. She thought that she'd cried herself out during the ceremony, but apparently she hadn't, as she brushed away a stray tear before it could fall down her cheek or before Harry could notice. There was something about weddings – particularly those between loved ones – that simply managed to overwhelm the emotions. "I'm really glad…and relieved….that Ginny's alright with us…I would hate-hate to think what would happen if she was upset…I don't know…"

"Ginny would never be upset about something that makes you happy," Harry answered emphatically.

"That's true," Hermione speculated, shocked that she hadn't arrived at that same simple, obvious understanding on her own. It made so much sense when Harry stated it so succinctly.

"Are you ready to go, Mione?" George broke Hermione's contemplation when he wrapped his arm around her waist.

"I am," Hermione murmured. "Thanks again you two, and congratulations of course." As Harry and Ginny responded in unison with cheerful goodbyes, George secured his grasp around Hermione's waist. Hermione waved farewell to her newly married friends before she and George disappeared in an instance, pulled away from the Burrow's yard by an unseen force.

Author's Note: Thanks again so much for reading. And once again, sorry about the slow updates. Bit of a filler chapter, I know…I just like winding down the story slowly rather than just ending it. I suppose I'm not quite prepared for it to be over! I always, always love hearing from my readers and would greatly appreciate a quick comment, review, or note of encouragement. Thanks! – SJ