A/N: Okay, I promised you wouldn't have to wait another two months, and here is the next chapter.
craftygurl- Thanks…I think. I actually haven't been called a girl since ninth grade gym class. I am a male member of the species…a straight one at that! (not that there's anything wrong with that!) I've been through many years of depression (like 99% of all Americans), so I guess that helps. Anyway, I'm glad you like the story. The espionage will start next chapter, so keep reading and reviewing!!!
Thanks to all of you for reviewing. I normally don't do individual responses, but when a man gets called a girl…well he just has to handle his business. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy this chapter. Thanks again to my beta, The Keymaker. All of those really cool big words are his. Like I said, espionage starts in chapter 8. Enjoy.
Chapter 7 Nuptials
Harry was feeling great. He just put his goddaughter down for an afternoon nap. Standing there watching the little girl sleep brought a peace to him. Never before had he imagined having a family of his own. Today, however, he was taking the first step towards just that. Aberforth would be there that evening to perform the ceremony. His true friends would be there. 'My family,' Harry thought with a smile. He drew the shade over the window to keep the mid-afternoon sun from waking Lily. Walking back toward the landing, Harry turned to take one more glance at the girl before quietly slipping out of the room.
As Harry made his way down the stairs, he grinned widely at the sound of Ginny's voice drifting from the kitchen. Picking up the pace, he stopped just short of the stairs leading to the kitchen. His magical senses were going haywire. He could feel someone else's presence in the house. Closing his eyes, Harry found the signal and followed it to the foyer. When he opened his eyes, he was face to face with one of his former best friends…one Hermione Granger-Weasley. She hadn't seemed to notice him. She was standing with her eyes closed. Her lips were silently moving, chanting a mantra that only she could hear.
A boiling rage that Harry could barely control welled deep in the pit of his stomach. Staring at his childhood friend who'd abandoned him. Soon, Harry could control his rage no longer.
"What the hell are you doing here!!!???" he screamed, causing the woman to start in surprise and fear. Harry pinned Hermione to the wall with a furious gaze as the girl gaped back at him with fear in her eyes."Ha…Harry! I…I," she began.
"You what? Spit it out," Harry said in the most malevolent voice he could muster. His pain caused by her betrayal was now used as a weapon to break her. To Harry's pleasure, it seemed to be working. Hermione was in tears of agony. She couldn't even look at Harry's face. Leaning against the wall for support, she sunk down to her knees in shame.
"Harry," a soft voice called from behind him. He closed his eyes as Ginny gently placed her hand on his shoulder. Slowly, Harry turned around to see Ginny's face full of love and understanding. "Calm down, Harry," she smiled as she spoke.
Harry closed his eyes and breathed deeply for a few moments before opening them again.
"That's better," Ginny continued. "Now, I want both you and Hermione to join me in the drawing room."
Harry sniffed derisively at the mention of Hermione's name. He stalked his way up the stairs and across the landing into the drawing room. Finding the darkest corner of the room, Harry sank down to sit. As he did this, he magically lowered the lighting in the corner, giving off a sinister look.
Ginny and Hermione weren't far behind Harry. When they entered, Ginny gave Harry a stern look that was reminiscent of both Molly and Minerva. Harry quickly released the magic he held on the lights before standing and making his way over to the women. Ginny sat on the couch and Hermione quickly joined her. The petite redhead then motioned for Harry to take the seat across from them; he reluctantly complied.
The tension in the air was almost visible. If either Ginny or Hermione had looked close enough, they would have seen the pure magic flow like lightning in Harry's eyes.
Once everyone was seated, Ginny began to speak. "I invited Hermione here today, Harry."
Harry's face took on a look of betrayal.
"I went to her flat and talked to her…just her. She believes you, Harry, not Ron," Ginny continued in earnest.
"Great, it only took her four years and a strong Weasley to realize something she should have known four years ago," Harry muttered acerbically.
Ginny was beginning to get irritated. "Look, Harry. You can either make this easy, or you can make it hard. Hermione is here because she cares about you and your friendship; a friendship that she desperately wants to salvage. I also know that no matter what you say, you care about her friendship as well. If not, you wouldn't be as angry as you were when you first saw her tonight." She paused as she hoped all she said was sinking in.
Harry, who was looking properly chastised, slowly nodded his head once.
"Good," Ginny said. "Now, Hermione, I think you should explain to Harry what you told me earlier today."
Hermione, who looked terrified at the prospect of setting Harry off again, cleared her throat and explained to Harry what she told Ginny. She talked about how his eyes frightened her that day and how Ron told his story to the rest of the Weasleys. She then explained what Ginny made her think about and how she was a fool to think that he could ever be evil.
"I know that it will probably not help, but for what its worth, I'm truly sorry. Harry, I hope that one day you can forgive me," Hermione finished in tears.
Harry looked up from the ground into the face of his former best friend. "I don't know how long it will take for things between us will get back to the way they used to be. It may never be that way again. But you are my sister, Hermione. I've never thought of you as anything less than that. You're family, and family forgives."
As soon as Harry finished, Hermione launched off the couch and clung to Harry as if her life depended on it. Ginny waited a minute and then got up and hugged the other two. All three of them stayed like that for what seemed like an eternity.
"Look at me. I'm like Niagara Falls today," Hermione said as she pulled back.
"Yeah, I don't think the puffy red eye look suits you, Hermione," Harry said as his lips flicked to a quick grin before falling back to neutral. The two women laughed lightly at Harry's jest.
Hermione smoothed out her dress as she sat back on the couch. Ginny sat on Harry's knee facing Hermione.
"Well, Harry," Hermione began, "Ginny tells me that you two have a pretty big day today."
"Oh yeah, that reminds me," Harry turned his face up to Ginny's. "Aberforth will be here at six to perform the ceremony."
Ginny smiled at Harry. "Well, Mr. Potter, I've never been very materialistic, but I refuse to marry you without first getting an engagement ring."
Harry reached in to the pocket inside his cloak and removed a small black velvet box. "I had a feeling you would say that, so I hope this will suffice."
Ginny took the proffered box and opened it quickly. She gave a sudden gasp as she looked at the stunning engagement ring. "Harry it's…it's beautiful. You shouldn't have spent so much."
Harry smiled patiently. "Ginny, I have more money that either of us could spend in a lifetime. If I want to splurge on my fiancé, then I will. Get used to it. As soon as everything is over, I'm going to spend the rest of my life pampering you. I have something else for you."
"What?" Ginny asked with barely contained enthusiasm.
"Go check your in your room," Harry smiled back.
Ginny looked at Harry in mock suspicion before quickly exiting the drawing room and bounding up the stairs to her bedroom.
When she was gone, Harry looked back at Hermione. His gaze was understandably reserved. "Forgiven, Hermione, but never forgotten," he said coolly. Hermione looked into his eyes for a second before dropping her gaze back down to the floor and nodding.
"I understand," she muttered.
"I also suggest you go and talk with Remus and Tonks. They have also been hurt by the actions of you and your in-laws."
Hermione stood and made her way to the landing, but Harry called out her name to stop her as she walked through the doorway.
"Hermione…Thanks."
"For what?" she asked in genuine confusion.
"For believing in me," he replied.
"It took me long enough," Hermione huffed.
Harry chuckled. "You know what they say…better late than never."
He watched Hermione make her way slowly down the stairs and then down into the kitchen. He then turned his gaze up to the third floor and went to the room he shared with Ginny.
Knocking, Harry politely waited for Ginny to let him know it was okay to enter. Once given permission, he opened the door to the vision of his bride in her white dress robes. She smiled at him widely.
"Wow!" was all Harry could say.
"Why, Mr. Potter, I believe you have been left speechless."
Harry simply nodded. Slowly, he regained his composure and smiled back. "Well, Mrs. Potter, you are a vision of true beauty and would leave any man speechless."
Ginny blushed and her eyes welled with tears of happiness. "Call me that again," she commanded.
Harry feigned confusion. "Call you what again?"
"What you just called me," Ginny demanded with a short giggle.
"Mrs. Potter?"
"Yes, that."
"Why should I call you that, Mrs. Potter?"
"Because I like the way it sounds. Its just…perfect."
"Well, in that case," he began as he slowly made his way to her. Pulling her into a deep hug, he sighed. "I love you, Mrs. Potter."
"I love you too, Mr. Potter."
They remained like that for a few moments before they were interrupted by a knock. They turned to see Tonks watching them with a broad smirk.
"So, Harry, Ginny tells me that there is to be a celebration today. In fact, Remus said that Aberforth Dumbledore will be here in only a few hours to perform a certain ceremony."
Harry could tell Tonks was trying to take the mick; she was just so horrible at it.
"You haven't gotten any better at kidding with someone, have you Tonks?" he asked.
"Fine, don't humor me. Anyway, Ginny, you come with me, I'm going to decorate the den for the ceremony, and I want your input on how you want it to look."
"Okay, just let me change and I'll be right down."
Tonks turned to leave and walked straight into the wall, the doorway slightly to her left. She quickly shook it off, turned back and smiled sheepishly at the other occupants and left. Harry pulled Ginny into another hug. They parted slightly and claimed each other's lips. Their faces clung together in a mix of love, passion and fear. They were both terrified of parting. This day was to be the best yet of their young lives, but the next day would bring loneliness and uncertainty.
"I'd better change and help Tonks," Ginny said.
"Yeah. I'd better go make sure Remus hasn't murdered Hermione."
Ginny laughed softly at Harry's joke before kissing him again and shooing him out of the room.
Harry walked down the stairs into the den where Tonks had bright yellow banners with pink, red and white hearts flying around them. Harry just shook his head with a smile and continued down into the kitchen.
"Remus, you haven't hurt Hermione yet, have you," Harry said with a smile as he entered.
"No, Harry. She's just fine. In fact, it's good to be on speaking terms with her again," Remus responded from the table. Hermione was sitting across from the lycanthrope. Both were nursing steaming mugs of tea.
"Would you like some tea, Harry?" Hermione asked cheerfully.
"I'll get it, Hermione," he replied. "Oh, and I agree with Remus…its good to have you back, Hermione."
Harry poured a cup of tea and joined the other two at the table.
"Tonks is going crazy with the colors in the den…I hope Ginny can get her under control," Harry said.
"She's a female Weasley, Harry. She could get Voldemort to do ballet in a tutu," Remus joked, causing Hermione to grin and Harry to snort into his tea.
The trio sat and drank their tea in silence for a while. Hermione finally worked up the courage to ask Harry about his plans for the threat from the north.
"When do you think you'll leave to spy on the new dark lord, Harry?" she asked bluntly.
Harry gave a grin, but it disappeared as soon as she saw it. "How long have you been wanting to ask me that, Hermione?" he replied.
"Since I figured out it was you."
"Was it that obvious?" Remus asked.
"Only when other pieces of the puzzle were put in place. Like finding out that Harry has only recently returned to England and no one else has seen him since he left. Couple that with the info from the Order meeting and the quiet stranger in attendance to that meeting, and it only makes since that the spy is Harry."
Remus and Harry shared a quiet look before both nodding. "Too obvious," Harry said. "I shouldn't have been at that meeting. I should have waited upstairs or something."
Remus sighed. "What's done is done, Harry. We can't change anything now. We should just continue with the current plan."
Harry just nodded before turning his gaze back to Hermione. "Anyway, the answer to your question is this: I want to enjoy the rest of today. Tomorrow morning, I want to wake up next to my wife and relish in the few minutes of the morning that I won't have to think about anything else but her. Then, after breakfast, I'm going disguise myself and apparate to Hogsmeade for preliminary investigation. I'll find the location of their camp and infiltrate as a new recruit. From there, we will see."
Hermione just nodded and returned to her tea.
Harry and Remus brought Hermione up to speed on their suspicions of the new dark lord being an heir to Voldemort.
"It just doesn't make sense, yet it's crazy enough to actually happen," Hermione said. "Who would ever procreate with that foul thing?" she asked rhetorically, a look of complete disgust marring her face.
They continued to talk about serious matters involving the looming threat. It was after an hour of this not so idle chitchat that Harry found a question nagging at his brain.
"Hermione, can I ask you a question?"
"Of course," she replied.
"How long have you and Ron been married?"
"We were engaged the summer that you left, and were married that next January. Why?"
"Just curious. Was Ginny your made of honor?"
"Yes, she was."
"Even though you didn't agree with her, you asked her to be your made of honor?" he continued.
"Yes, Harry. She's Ron's sister, and really the only female friend I have."
"Who was Ron's best man?" Harry asked, his eyes locked on to Hermione's.
Hermione couldn't stand to look Harry in the eyes anymore. She studied her teacup strongly before muttering a barely audible answer. "Percy."
"Percy? I thought Ron hated Percy," Harry questioned.
"After…well, after everything that happened at the end of our seventh year, Ron reckoned Percy had been right the whole time…right about you."
Harry sighed lowly. "It's okay, Hermione. I don't blame you for being a weak-minded follower." Hermione winced at his not so hidden jab.
"I promise you, Harry, I'll find out what's behind everything with Ron. I doubt it's simple jealousy like what happened in fourth year. I know Ron can be a prat, but I just don't think he could be that jealous. Something else is causing his behavior, and I'm going to get to the bottom of it."
After another hour of talking, Aberforth Dumbledore arrived. He was dressed in silver robes decorated with white stars. His beard fell to about his waist. The sides of his mustache were braided and fell to his chest.
"Good evening," he said genially to Harry and Hermione after Remus lead the old wizard into the kitchen.
"Mr. Dumbledore. Its good to see you again," Harry said. Hermione's face scrunched in thought at Harry's 'again' comment, but she let it go.
"Please, Harry, call me Aberforth," replied the older man.
"Yes sir…Aberforth."
Aberforth and Hermione exchanged quick greetings before the old man clapped his hands together. "Well, I understand that there is to be a wedding here today. Tell me, where is the lovely bride?"
Harry motioned towards the den. "I believe she's in the den keeping Tonks from turning everything fuscia."
"Well, I remember how it was to be young, so let us not delay any longer," Aberforth said as his beard twitched with a grin.
The four made their way into the den, which was no longer bright yellow, or any other loud color for that matter.
'Thank Merlin,' Harry thought.
Instead, the room was decorated in maroon tones with pink hearts. Red and white roses adorned the mantle. There was a picture of Harry and Ginny together. It was taken during his seventh year, her sixth. They were sitting together on one of the sofas in the Gyffindor common room. Harry had been going over a particularly tough potions essay with Ginny.
'I always wondered why she asked me for help and not Hermione. I guess now I know,' Harry thought with a smile.
Ginny was sitting on one of the overstuffed chairs as Tonks transfigured the couch into a pew for the rest to witness.
"Ginny, it's time for us to get ready," Harry whispered in her ear, lingering enough to make Ginny shiver.
"Okay, love," she replied softly.
Harry and Ginny both stole up the stairs. Ginny ducked into her room after kissing Harry. Harry then went up to the room he used to share with Ron. He changed quickly and went back down to the den where everyone was waiting patiently for the bride and groom. Hermione stood and pulled Harry into a hug.
"You look incredibly handsome, Harry. Ginny is a very lucky woman," she said as she held him close.
"Thank you, Hermione," Harry said as he pulled away. "It means the world to me that you are here for this."
Tonks repeated Hermione's gesture. Remus pumped Harry's hand up and down and slapped him on the shoulder.
"James and Sirius would be incredibly proud of you right now. Lily would be too," he said.
"I am proub of him, Daddy," said the sleepy little girl who was sitting on the transfigured pew. Harry and Remus both chuckled.
"Harry, if you'll stand here," Aberforth beckoned. "Good, now, where is Ms. Ginevra?"
The moment could not have been more perfect as Ginny, once again dressed in her white dress robes, emerged from the stairs. There was a collective gasp from everyone in the den as she made her way slowly to Harry's side.
"Splendid," said the wizened wizard. "Let us now begin.
"We have come together here in celebration of the joining together of Ginevra Weasley and Harry Potter. There are many things to say about marriage. Much wisdom concerning the joining together of two souls has come our way through all paths of belief and from many cultures. With each union, more knowledge is gained and more wisdom gathered. Though we are unable to give all this knowledge to these two who stand before us, we can hope to leave with them the knowledge of love and its strengths and the anticipation of the wisdom that comes with time. The law of life is love unto all beings. Without love, life is nothing. Without love, death has no redemption. Love is anterior to life, posterior to death, initial of creation and the exponent of Earth. If we learn no more in life, let it be this.
"Marriage is a bond to be entered into only after considerable thought and reflection. As with any aspect of life, it has its cycles, its ups and its downs, its trials and its triumphs. With full understanding of this, Harry and Ginevra have come here today to be joined as one in marriage.
"Ginevra, is it true that you come of your own free will and accord?"
"Yes, it is true," replied the bride.
Aberforth smiled and continued the ceremony. "Please join hands with your betrothed and listen to that which I am about to say. Above you are the stars, below you are the stones, as time doth pass, remember this:
"Like a stone should your love be firm; like a star should your love be constant. Let the powers of the mind and of the intellect guide you in your marriage, let the strength of your wills bind you together, let the power of love and desire make you happy, and the strength of your dedication make you inseparable. Comfort one another, yet be understanding. Have patience with one another, for storms will come, but they will pass quickly. Be free in giving affection and warmth.
"Harry, I have not the right to bind thee to Ginevra, only you have this right. If it be your wish, say so at this time and place your ring in her hand."
"It is my wish," Harry said as he gave Ginny his wedding ring.
"Ginevra, if it be your wish for Harry to be bound to you, place the ring on his finger." Ginny slid the ring onto Harry's finger.
"Ginevra, I have not the right to bind thee to Harry, only you have this right. If it be your wish, say so at this time and place your ring in his hand."
"It is my wish," she placed her ring in Harry's hand.
"Harry, if it be your wish for Ginevra to be bound to you, place the ring on her finger." Harry gently placed the ring on Ginny's finger.
"Repeat after me, Harry.
"You cannot possess me for I belong to myself,
but while we both wish it, I give you that which is mine to give.
You cannot command me, for I am a free person,
but I shall serve you in those ways you require,
and the honeycomb will taste sweeter coming from my hand.
"I pledge to you that yours will be the name I cry aloud in the night and
the eyes into which I smile in the morning.
I pledge to you the first bite of my meat and the first drink from my cup.
I pledge to you my living and my dying, each equally in your care.
I shall be a shield for your back and you for mine.
I shall not slander you, nor you me.
I shall honor you above all others, and when we quarrel we shall do so in
private and tell no strangers our grievances.
"This is my wedding vow to you.
This is the marriage of equals."
Harry repeated the vows without taking his eyes off of Ginny's.
"Ginevra, repeat after me." Aberforth uttered the same vows, which Ginny repeated to Harry with a voice full of love.
Aberforth continued. "Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there will be no loneliness, for each of you will be companion to the other. Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before you. May beauty surround you both in the journey ahead and through all the years, May happiness be your companion and may your days together be good and long upon the earth.
"Treat yourselves and each other with respect, and remind yourselves often of what brought you together. Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your connection deserves. When frustration, difficulties and fear assail your relationship, as they threaten all relationships at one time or another, remember to focus on what is right between you, not only the part which seems wrong. In this way, you can ride out the storms when clouds hide the face of the sun in your lives - remembering that even if you lose sight of it for a moment, the sun is still there. And if each of you takes responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and delight."
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. Harry, I do believe you may now kiss your bride."
Harry smiled widely as he cupped Ginny's cheeks in his hands. He pulled her face towards him and passionately kissed is beautiful bride.
A/N2: The wedding ceremony is actually a mixture of three different religions/cultures. The first part up to right before the vows is pagan, the vows are Celtic, and the blessing is Apache. I think they all go together quite well. I wish I could say I wrote that, but I'm not that deep.