Chapter 40: the wedding

Ginny sat at the scrubbed wooden table in the kitchen at the Burrow, clutching a steaming cup of hot chocolate in her hands. She just couldn't believe it was the night before the wedding and in just twelve short hours, she would become Mrs. Harry Potter. Growing up, it was always something she fantasized about. But it always was just that - a fantasy. She sat thinking back on the bedtime stories her mum used to tell her about the boy-who-lived. If anyone would have told her then that she would actually marry him someday, she would have laughed and told them that someone like Harry Potter would never fall in love with someone like her.

The image of a scrawny, bespeckled boy, standing by platform 9 3/4 floated through her mind. It was the first time the boy from her bedtime stories became real to her and she remembered crying to her mother when she wouldn't allow her to get a closer look. And then there was the summer before her first year at Hogwarts. Her brothers had shown up one morning after stealing their father's car with none other then Harry Potter. After all her years of fantasizing about him, here he sat, eating breakfast in her house. She remembered being so flustered around him that she couldn't even string together a coherent sentence when he was in the same room.

Thinking back on that year still made her cringe. After watching all her brothers go off to Hogwarts and then come home with amazing stories about the things they had learned, or in Fred and George's case, the mischief they caused, she had been so excited that it was finally her turn. But then she had found Riddle's diary among her school things, causing her entire world to turn upside down. Looking back, she honestly couldn't remember much of that first year. What she did remember, however, was Harry saving her from the chamber, reinforcing the hero-worship feelings she had for him.

After that first year, she prayed that Harry would notice her, but she soon found out that teenage boys could be quite thick. It was Hermione that finally convinced her that she should try being more like herself around Harry. Around her forth year she was able to finally remove Harry from the pedestal she had placed him on and found that she could actually have a conversation with him without blushing and tripping over her words. But she also knew that Harry only saw her as his best mate's little sister.

And then it happened. She could still remember the day as if it were yesterday. They had just won the house cup and all of Gryffindor was celebrating. She remembered the cheers when Harry walked through the portrait hole and into the common room, and then she had flung herself in his arms. Before she had time to react, Harry was kissing her, right there for everyone to see. That was the day that changed everything for her. Those few months spent with Harry were the happiest she could remember.

But then the war started and Harry, Ron and Hermione began their mission to defeat Voldemort. She remembered crying herself to sleep almost every night that year. She knew that Harry was out there somewhere, fighting for his life. They went months at a time without any word on their whereabouts, but she had know in her heart that he was alright. She didn't know how she knew it, but she felt that if something had happened to Harry, she would know. And then finally, one clear night in mid May, the coins they had used for the DA heated up in her pocket and she knew it was time. Walking into the room of requirement that night to see Harry standing there made her heart skip a beat. But then the battle began and Voldemort called for Harry to surrender. She knew in her heart that he would do it if it meant the rest of them would be safe and when Hagrid carried his limp form out of the forest, her world shattered all around her. In that moment, she remembered wanting to die herself. A world without Harry in it wasn't a world she wanted to live in. But miraculously, he was alive, and before any of them knew it, the battle was won.

Ginny's thoughts came full circle as her mind drifted through the events of the year following the war. She looked up from her hot chocolate when the door to the kitchen opened.

"Ginny, dear. What are you doing up?" asked Molly as she wrapped her dressing gown more securely around herself.

"Couldn't sleep."

Molly gave her a knowing look but said nothing as she moved about the kitchen preparing her own steaming mug of hot chocolate. Ginny looked up at her mother as she sat down at the table next to her.

"Why do you think Harry loves me?" she asked. "I mean, he could have anyone he wanted. Why me?"

"Because you're you," said Molly. "Do you realize that Harry never smiled as much as he does when he's around you?" She reached across the table and cupped Ginny's hand in both of hers. "Do you remember when you were little and I used to tell you those stories about Harry? You told me that you were going to marry him one day," she said, tears forming in her eyes.

"Mum, I was just a kid," said Ginny.

"I know. But I can't help but feel that the two of you were meant for each other," said Molly. "I always worried about you, Ginny. Growing up with six older brothers couldn't have been easy. But I know I don't have to worry anymore. I know that Harry will take care of you." Tears were now silently flowing down both women's cheeks.

"Oh, mum," chocked Ginny. She stood from the table and the two women embraced, crying into each others shoulders.

"Now get up stairs and into bed. We have to get you married tomorrow," sniffed Molly, dabbing at her face with the sleeve of her dressing gown. Ginny smiled and kissed her mother on the cheek.

"I love you, mum."

* * * * *

Harry knew he should be sleeping right now, but instead he was awake and pacing nervously around he and Ginny's flat. In true wedding tradition, they were spending the night before the wedding apart from each other. It wasn't the first time they were away from one another, but he just could not fall asleep. Up until this point, he had not felt one bit of nervousness about marrying Ginny. And if we were honest with himself, he wasn't nervous about marrying her now, he was mostly just scared he was going to muck something up during the ceremony.

Ron had come over earlier that evening after Ginny had left for the Burrow to check on him. He had sat examining him closely over his cup of tea and then asked a question that had completely shocked Harry. He asked him if he was sure about marrying Ginny.

"I've never been more sure about anything in my life," he had answered. And it was true. Looking back, his life had always been filled with uncertainty. There were times when he didn't even think he would live through the day much less get married. But here he was, about to marry the love of his life.

He allowed his mind to drift back to the moment he realized he had feelings for Ginny. It was his sixth year at Hogwarts. He couldn't say what it was that made him start noticing Ginny as more then just Ron's kid sister. He remembered Hermione telling him that she had told Ginny to try acting more like herself when she was around him. Maybe that was it, he thought. Or maybe it took seeing her in the arms of someone else for him to realize how he felt.

Looking back, he wished that he hadn't struggled with those feelings for so long that year. He had been so consumed in what Ron would think that he now felt as if he missed out on so many great moments he could have shared with Ginny. The few months that he did spend with her that year were the happiest of his life up until that point.

And then, like always, Voldemort ruined it all for him. He thought back to how he felt at Bill and Fluer's wedding. How he could see Ginny someday marrying a faceless stranger while his own future was unsure. The only thing he could see for himself in that moment was the task that Dumbledore had left for him. And even though she didn't cry when he broke things off with her, it still broke his heart when he remembered the hurt in her eyes. He had vowed to himself then, that given the chance, he would make sure to never do that to her again.

Harry flopped down on the sofa and removed his glasses, tossing them lightly on the side table and leaned his head back on the cushion. He wondered what Ginny was doing right now and if she was having any reservations about marrying him. He still couldn't believe that she had chosen him and sometimes felt as if he didn't deserve her.

He squinted down at his battered old watch and yawned. If he didn't try to get some sleep soon, he was going to fall asleep at the alter for sure. He grabbed his glasses and stood, stretching, from the sofa before shuffling down the hall of the empty flat and into the bedroom.

After what felt like only minutes, Harry was woken by the weak morning light filtering in from the bedroom window. He sat up groggily, rubbing his eyes, before he realized what day it was. It was April 25th. He was finally marrying Ginny.

He jumped out of bed and into the shower. The warm water helped to wake him and when he turned off the taps, he heard the sound of someone flooing into the flat. He wrapped a towel around his waist and peaked out the bathroom door only to come face to face with a very awake Ron who was holding Harry's tux in one hand (he and Ginny had decided to forgo traditional wizard dress robes) and a cup of coffee in the other.

"Ready, mate?" asked Ron, cheerfully.

"I have been for a long time."

* * * * *

Ginny awoke with a start and sat straight up in bed. I'm getting married today, she thought to herself as if it was a completely new development. Laughing at her silliness, she jumped out of bed and slid on her dressing gown before making her way downstairs. Molly and Hermione were already there, sipping on a cup of tea and talking excitedly.

"Morning," said Ginny brightly as she entered the kitchen and took her seat. Immediately, the two women bombarded her with questions, asking her how she was doing and if she needed anything.

"Are you hungry dear?" asked Molly. "You really should eat something."

"Just toast, mum. I don't think I could handle much more then that right now," said Ginny. For the first time, she was truly becoming nervous. Hermione slid a cup of tea across the table and Ginny cradled it in her hands, taking comfort from its warmth.

Meanwhile, Molly was rushing around the kitchen, muttering to herself as she prepared breakfast. "Mum, sit down. You're making my head spin," said Ginny.

"There's just so much to do!" exclaimed Molly.

"Mum, calm down. Everything will be fine,"said Ginny, surprisingly calm despite the butterflies that were dancing around in her stomach. She forced herself to choke down a few pieces of the toast Molly had levitated to the table before Hermione grabbed her arm and pulled her up to her room to start getting ready.

Hermione was busy curling her hair when Molly peaked her head around the bedroom door. "The boys just arrived," she said.

"Oh, no! He can't see her!" exclaimed Hermione.

"Don't worry. I sent them out in the back garden to make sure the caterer didn't need anything. That should keep them busy for a while," said Molly before her head disappeared from around the door. Hermione pulled the curtain back and peered out into the back garden. She could just make out Harry's dark head standing outside of the marquee.

"How's he look?" asked Ginny, standing up and creeping over to the window. Hermione hastily shut the curtains and shooed Ginny away from the window.

"You know you can't look," chastised Hermione, her hands on her hips and a smile on her face.

"Sorry, sorry," said Ginny, holding her hands up in mock surrender before sitting down once more so Hermione could finish her hair.

"And he looks good," said Hermione. "Maybe a bit nervous, but good."

Ginny smiled to herself and tried to relax. She still had a hard time believing she was getting married. It just didn't feel real yet, even after the months of planning. A knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts and Ron's head peaked around the door.

"You really shouldn't do that," said Ginny. "I could've been naked."

Ron, choosing to ignore her, took a few strides across the room and planted a kiss on Hermione's cheek. "I just wanted to say 'hi' before everything got out of hand. Mum's already fussing over everything down there," he said.

"Where'd you leave Harry?" asked Hermione, pinning Ginny's hair on top of her head.

"Around," said Ron.

"Around?" asked Ginny. "Ronald Weasley, you better not let George get a hold of him. You know he's liable to pull some prank on him."

"Relax," said Ron, noticing the blazing look in his sisters eye. "He's with dad and Bill."

Ginny continued to glare at her brother until he finally backed out of the room and closed the door behind him.

"Ok, Ginny. It's time to get dressed and get you married," said Hermione as she placed the final pin in her hair.

Ginny stood and took a deep breath. "Let's do this."

* * * * *

Harry wandered aimlessly around the back garden of the Burrow. When they arrived, Molly had quickly shooed them from the house under the pretense of needing to help the caterer. However, there was nothing for them to do. He now stood awkwardly at the entrance of the huge marquee that had been erected in the back garden. Ron had disappeared to Merlin only knew where and Bill had wandered off when Charlie arrived. He had seen George lurking around the side of the house but decided it was best to avoid him before the ceremony started. He remembered Ginny telling him something about a new product he was making at the shop and his need for testers. The sound of someone calling his name pulled him from his thoughts and he spun around to see Arthur standing in the doorway of his tool shed.

"Can I have a quick word, Harry?" he said.

Once at the tool shed, Arthur ushered him inside and closed the door behind him.

"Harry," he began. "I wish it was you're father here today and not me. And I hope you know I'm not trying to take his place. But I just wanted you to know that I'm proud of you, son."

Harry could only nod. There were no words that could express just how much it meant to him to hear these words from the only father figure he'd ever known.

"I couldn't be happier that we can officially call you family, even though you've always been like a son to me," continued Arthur. "Molly and I wanted to give you something," he added as he picked up a small wrapped package from his work bench and handed it to Harry.

"You didn't have to get me anything," said Harry, finding his voice again. He opened the package to reveal his very own hand on the Weasley family clock. His heart swelled and the tears that had been threatening now flowed unchecked down his cheeks. "I . . . I don't know what to say," he stammered.

"Just promise me you'll take care of my little girl," said Arthur, tears forming in his eyes.

"You have my word."

Arthur pulled him in a fierce hug and clapped him several times on the back. "Let's go get you married."

* * * * *

Ginny stood examining her reflection in the full length mirror in her bedroom. After helping her into her dress, Hermione had gone off to get ready and left her alone for a moment to gather her thoughts. She felt like she had been riding an emotional roller coaster all morning and took this time alone to take a few deep breaths to try to calm her nerves.

There was a soft knock on the door and Ginny spun around to see her mother standing tearfully in the doorway.

"Oh, Ginny. You look so beautiful," she said. Ginny smiled and turned back to face her reflection. The dress she had finally chosen was a beautiful satin A-line gown with an empire waist and a beaded lace overlay. It was strapless and hugged her curves in all the right places. In other words, it was perfect.

"Everything's ready and the guests are all seated. The only thing we're missing is the bride," said Molly. "Are you ready?"

Ginny took a deep breath and nodded as Molly handed her a bouquet of roses. She found her father a moment later, pacing nervously through the kitchen.

"You look beautiful," said Arthur.

Ginny blushed and looked down. "So I've been told," she said.

Arthur chuckled softly and held out his arm. "Let's not keep Harry waiting."

* * * * *

Harry stood at the end of the isle with Ron at his side. He looked out into the rows of guests who had all gathered to spend this special day with he and Ginny and was amazed at just how many of their old school friends had turned up. In the third row sat Neville with Luna at his side and directly behind them were Dean and Seamus. He briefly wondered if it felt strange for Dean to be here since he had once dated Ginny. His eyes continued to wander and he smiled when he caught sight of Teddy sitting on his grandmother's lap. The little boy had just started to walk and Andromeda had to keep a firm hold on him to keep him from running off.

Suddenly, the music changed and the lights dimmed. Harry looked up to see Hermione making her way down the isle in pale yellow, floor length gown and a brilliant smile on her face. He noticed that as she walked, it was like she only had eyes for Ron.

And then he saw her. All feelings of nervousness evaporated as Ginny rounded the corner with her father and literally stole his breath away. When her eyes locked with his, everyone else seemed to just disappear. .

* * * * *

Ginny gripped her father's arm firmly in an attempt to steady herself when Hermione disappeared around the corner to make her way down the isle. When her father led her forward and around that same corner, her eyes locked with Harry's and she immediately felt as if they were the only two in the room. She tried to keep the slow pace her father was setting as they made their way down the isle, but all she wanted to do was run forward into Harry's arms. Finally reaching the end of the isle, her father placed her hand in Harry's and kissed her lightly on the cheek.

"I love you," whispered Harry, tears in his eyes.

"I love you too," she whispered back.

Her head was still swirling as the ceremony got underway. She said the right things at the right time but her attention was only on Harry. Before she knew it, the rings were exchanged and they were pronounced man and wife. She flung her arms around his neck and his lips pressed against hers. She could hear the cheers from the guests, and even a few cat-calls (surely from one of her brothers) but Harry was the only one who mattered. When they finally broke apart, Harry reached for her hand, and together they took their first steps as husband and wife.

When all the guests stood, the rows of chairs disappeared, and in their place appeared tables draped in long white table cloths that surrounded a gleaming hardwood dance floor. Soft music floated in the air and the marquee was glowing with the soft glow of hundreds of fairy lights. Hand in hand, the newly weds made their way through their family and friends, shaking hands and receiving countless hugs and congratulations. Harry squeezed Ginny's hand and smiled down at her as they finally made it through the crowd and onto the dance floor. They swayed to the music, holding each other close. Their gaze never wavered from each others eyes.

"How long do you think we have to stay?" asked Ginny as she ran her fingers along the back of Harry's neck.

"I hope not too long. I can't wait to have you all to myself,"said Harry.

"I can't believe we're finally married," said Ginny.

"Well believe it, Mrs. Potter," said Harry. He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers and she melted into his embrace. When the music ended, they reluctantly broke apart but walked hand in hand to their table.

"Congratulations," came a voice to Harry's left once they had all eaten dinner. Harry spun around to find Dudley standing awkwardly with one hand extended and the other stuffed in his jacket pocket. Surprised, Harry stood and shook his hand. Even though they were quickly becoming friends, Harry never actually expected him to come to the wedding. He knew that being around that many witches and wizards made him feel more then a bit uncomfortable.

"Dudley, I'm so happy you could make it," said Ginny, giving him a quick hug and kiss on the cheek. "Where's April?"

"Oh, um . . . she had to work. Besides, she doesn't know anything about all this," said Dudley. Harry knew that he was referencing the fact that April had yet to learn about the wizarding world.

"Well, I'm glad you could make it," said Harry.

"Me too," said Dudley. "Oh. Mum wanted me to give you this." He pulled a thick white envelope from his pocket and handed it to Harry. "Don't worry, it's nothing bad," he added when he saw the apprehensive look in Harry's eye.

Harry glanced over at Ginny who just shrugged before he opened the envelope. Inside was a simple muggle card that said 'Congratulations' on the front. He opened it and saw that she had just simply signed the card. There were no heartfelt words written, but Harry couldn't help the flood of emotion that overtook him. Never in his seventeen years with the Dursley's had his aunt or uncle done anything that could be classified as nice for him. The simple fact that his aunt had thought about him on his wedding day simply stunned him.

"Wow," breathed Harry.

"It's not much, but I think she kind of feels sorry for how she treated you," said Dudley. He nervously rubbed the back of his neck and shifted his weight from one foot to the other.

"Tell her we said 'thank you'", said Ginny, saving Harry who was still staring at the card, speechless.

Dudley smiled and nodded before making his way back to his seat. A moment later, a very flustered looking Molly rushed forward and announced that it was time to cut the cake. Harry shoved the card into his jacket pocket and took Ginny by the hand, a mischievous smile on his face.

"Don't you dare, Mr. Potter," said Ginny, giggling.

"I have no idea what you're talking about, Mrs. Potter," said Harry, emphasizing her new name and winking at her.

However, when the cake was cut, Harry was the one who came out of it with the most cake and icing smeared across his face. Ginny had no mercy when she shoved a rather large piece of cake in Harry's face, smearing icing on his glasses. Harry tried to return the favor, but Ginny expertly dodged his hand like an oncoming bludger, and laughed as he attempted to wipe the cake from his face, only succeeding in making it worse.

The next several hours passed in a whirlwind of activity and both Harry and Ginny felt as if they were being pulled in a hundred different directions. Ginny danced with her father and all of her brothers while Harry danced with Molly and Andromeda. Ginny even saved a special dance for Teddy, making the toddler squeal with delight as she spun him around the dance floor. Harry watched from across the room and smiled to himself at the sight of the two of them.

"You look like you could use this," said Ron, handing him a butterbeer.

"Thanks, mate,"said Harry, taking a long pull from the bottle. "I didn't realize just how exhausting this could all be."

Ron grunted his agreement and took a pull from his own bottle. "It's worth it though, isn't it?" he asked.

"Yeah, it's worth it," said Harry, continuing to watch his wife from across the room. He briefly caught her eye and winked, causing her to laugh.

"How long are you two taking off?" asked Ron.

"Two weeks. Then Ginny's got to start training again," said Harry. He sat his empty bottle on the tray of passing waiter just as Ginny drifted over to where the two of them were standing. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her lips to him. Ron made a retching sound from where he stood which earned him punch in the arm by Ginny.

"You're next, big brother," she said playfully.

"I don't know. After all this I think we might elope," said Ron.

"You won't if you value your life. Mum'll kill you," said Ginny.

"Gin, are you ready to leave?" asked Harry. "We have a portkey to catch."

"Will you please tell me where we're going?" she pleaded. It was something that she had been doing every time anyone mentioned their honeymoon. Harry had planned the entire thing and had absolutely refused to tell her where he was taking her, saying that he wanted it to be a surprise.

He shook his head and grinned down at her. "Nope. I'm not saying a word," he said.

"Fine," she huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. The grin on her face betrayed her, however, and Harry could do nothing but laugh.

"Come on," he said, grabbing her hand and pulling her to his side. "Let's get out of here."

Together they waved farewell to their friends and family. Ginny smiled brilliantly up at Harry and nodded, signaling that she was ready. With one last fleeting look at their loved ones, Harry tightened his grip on Ginny's hand and turned on the spot.

* * * * *

A/N: I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Please let me know what you think!

P.S: I'm going to post a link on my profile to a picture of Ginny's dress. It's a simple gown but I really think it would suit her.