28.8.98 - Friday

Chapter 10 - Wedding

Friday morning arrived. Luna and Ginny came early to the Granger residence and started helping Hermione with her hairdo and her makeup, as Hermione refused to go to any hairdresser or makeup artist for the preparations. Harry found himself sitting with his soon-to-be father-in-law watching the morning shows on the TV.

"Have you found anything interesting in that book about the bond?" Mr. Granger asked.

"Quite a few things, yet I'm not sure what really applies to us. It seems like the bond needs a few months to stabilize and our bond is too new for us to be able to know anything for sure. You already know we can communicate with each other silently. I can now sense some of her feelings as well, but not always. There were also chapters about some enhancements to our magic, but they can only be realized once the bond stabilizes." Harry sounded apologetic.

"Don't worry about that. Couples need time to adjust to each other. It took me a few months before I could sleep the whole night with my wife in the same bed and it took her a bit longer."

"We sleep peacefully since the first time," noted Harry.

Mr. Ganger raised a brow. "Are you as compatible on other aspects as well?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well… sex. It also takes some time before both partners enjoy it equally. Some couples never actually achieve this goal."

Harry blushed. "I'm not sure Hermione would like me to talk about this…"

"I'm not asking for details, you know. I only try to understand what makes your relationship special."

"Oh…" Harry thought for a moment. "Well, I've always tried to make sure that she enjoyed sex just as much as I did. I know that she wants us to be together as often as I do, if not more so and she is actively encouraging me to explore…"

"I'm glad you both enjoy this aspect of being a couple. It's a blessing to be so compatible. Don't ever underestimate your luck..."

Mr. Granger thought for another moment before he talked again. "Are there any negative effect of the bond?"

Harry was quite reluctant to answer. "I'm not sure if it is considered negative, but… It looks like if one of the bond mates dies then the other dies soon as well…"

"Why is it?"

"It's not clear. We know that one can survive with even a very small fraction of one's soul, so losing half of your soul should not cause death. It is something else, maybe something not even magical that causes this. It is known that couples who are very close, even among muggles, experience similar phenomena. Once one dies, the other mate usually follows within a year, regardless of health issues."

They sat silently for a few minutes while the TV continued its programs as usual. None even looked at it, each deep in his own thoughts.

"Hi, guys. Aren't you getting ready?" They were surprised by the twins' arrival.

"Eh… There's still time. Isn't there?" Harry said as if awakened from slumber.

"You need to be ready in an hour and a half. You need to shower, shave and dress-up. Don't forget to tidy up your hair as well. You will need this time…"

Harry grumbled and stood up, ready to go to his room. Mr. Granger put his arm on Harry's shoulder in a comforting gesture as they both went to their respective rooms to get ready.

The twins took Harry in their car to church, where he was joined immediately by Ron and Neville in the groom's waiting room. They didn't have to wait too long. A few minutes later, Iris asked them to walk out and face the altar.

Hermione, in a magnificent white dress with some gold trimmings, looked more beautiful than ever when she walked to the altar, attracting all eyes to her beauty and elegance. Harry could hardly breathe when he looked at her. His heart was overflowing with emotions and he was also missing his parents, whom he would have loved to be there as well. He knew that both Aunt Petunia and his uncle John were present, yet they were no substitute for his parents. His eyes were suddenly moist with emotions. Hermione came closer. He took her hands in his, looked in her beautiful chocolate eyes and calmed down immediately. Still holding both hands, they turned to face the altar.

It was a simple muggle ceremony. They exchanged their vows and were warmly congratulated by the guests before walking hand-in-hand to the reception area for a very happy festive meal.

"Aren't there more guests than we have invited?" asked Hermione.

"There are," confirmed Harry, noticing Lavender, the Patil twins and some more of their class and house mates.

"We thought you deserved a few more guests to celebrate properly, so we invited your classmates, the Quidditch team and the DA members," explained Daphne who was sitting across the table.

Harry looked around. The Grangers were sitting next to Hermione, looking very happy. His uncle John Evans was sitting next to him, along with his wife, both looking very pleased. The Dursleys were sitting on the other side of the table. Aunt Petunia was looking at him with tears of joy in her eyes while Vernon was only looking at his plate, as if not wanting to see anybody. It took Harry a moment to recognize the young man sitting between them. Dudley had really trimmed up. He was still tall and wide but no longer fat. His build was quite athletic, actually. Dudley was not looking at him or at Hermione. He was looking at one of the guests, whom Harry couldn't identify at that moment.

They soon started mingling, trying to talk with each of the guests. Professor McGonagall, wearing a conservative suit, was beaming at her two favorite students. Hagrid was sitting on a solid low stool of generous size, failing to look inconspicuous. He was wearing a black suite with a white dress-shirt and a black tie, just as suggested in the twins' letter, but his size made it quite difficult for him to merge in. Professor Flitwick had no such problem. He merged quite nicely despite his diminutive size.

Dudley approached him. "Congratulations, Harry. I'm so proud of you! Both of you, actually. I've been hearing about your fights and your bravery all through our hiding. It made me proud knowing that I'm related to you."

Harry felt uncomfortable at the praise. "Thanks… I suppose. You look quite well, you know," he complimented his cousin.

"Well… it took me some time to realize that most people don't appreciate overweight or bullying. I may be somewhat slow, but I learned my lesson. I adjusted my eating habits and started exercising. It seems to have helped." He stopped and hesitated a moment before continuing. "Do you think that girl would even consider me if we get acquainted?" Harry followed his gaze to Suzan Bones.

"She's a very nice girl from an excellent family. I'm sure she'll be polite, at least," Harry assured him.

"Would you introduce me? Please…"

They approached the group of friends who were chatting. Harry made the introductions, noticing some curiosity towards his cousin as well as some appreciating glances from the girls. He couldn't stay much longer there, as Hermione was already dragging him to meet some of her relatives.

Two hours later, Harry could no longer remember who congratulated him, who hugged him and with whom he talked. He vaguely remembered being hugged by Mrs. Weasley – this was the kind of hug one could not easily forget! He also remembered being kissed by Fleur. She had used her full Veela allure at that moment, making all the other men dumbstruck with adoration and lust. Harry and Hermione only laughed at the scene, not being affected at all.

Most guests had already left when Harry noticed uncle Vernon rising from his seat for the first time. Vernon walked towards him, his face quite red. Harry could hardly suppress his urge to grab his wand while Hermione was already holding hers behind his back.

Vernon extended his hand towards Harry. "Well, boy, you are no longer a boy, really. You are a fine young man, Harry, and a Hero as well, if I heard correctly, along with your new wife. Congratulations to the both of you!"

He then lowered his voice, still holding Harry's hand. "I still think you are a freak, you know, but in a good way…"

He winked at Harry, turned around and went back to his seat, leaving the young couple dumb-struck. Petunia approached them before they could recover.

"Hermione, Harry – I wish you all the happiness in the world. You deserve it, after all that you have been through. Please come to visit us once you return from your honeymoon. It looks like Vernon has finally accepted you now, after you have removed the threat to his family."

"We shall come," promised Hermione, as Harry didn't seem to find his voice yet.

"Where will you spend your honeymoon?"

"In France, at the Mediterranean coast. Fleur's family has a summer-house there and they invited us to use it," Harry told his aunt, motioning towards the beautiful blond. She was surprised to see such an extraordinary beauty.

The Evans twins approached them. "We hope you liked everything," one said.

"It was magnificent! We couldn't have made it any better even if we tried," Harry answered appreciatively and Hermione nodded.

"We also have good news for you…"

"We've just received an owl before we came…"

"The ministry informed us that we were recognized as witches with full rights in the magical world…"

"And it's all due to you, Hermione."

Hermione was so excited to hear the news that she hugged both twins tightly. Harry joined the group hug somewhat reluctantly, considering the very revealing dresses the twins were wearing.

"When do you leave for your honeymoon?" Iris asked.

"We take a plane to Marseille tomorrow morning. Mme. Delacour will be waiting for us at the airport," Hermione responded.

"Then where do you stay tonight?"

"Mr. Granger made a reservation for us at a luxury hotel near the airport," Harry told them, "and he is also taking us there. Hermione has already packed our luggage and it is in the car."

"Good to know," said Iris. "Now I can go with George and Daphne can go with whoever she chooses without worrying."

"When do you intend to come back?" Daphne asked.

"We shall return two weeks from now, so that we have a few days to prepare for school."

"Fine then. Will you stay with the Grangers until school starts?"

"Yes. I need to get to know my in-laws much better, and my wife…" Harry smiled at Hermione saying these words, "…wants to spend some more time with her parents, after having missed them so much."

"OK, we shall be in touch when you return…"

"…and use your honeymoon well!" They both winked at the blushing couple before leaving.

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