A week later
One by one, the Weasleys all arrived at the Burrow at the designated time they'd been told. The brothers, their wives and children all gathered in and around the kitchen, waiting for Molly and Arthur. The only sibling missing was Ginny.
"What do you think this is all about?" asked George, swiping a handful of biscuits from the tin and handing a couple to Ron.
Bill shrugged, looking at Charlie. "We don't know anything. You?" he turned and asked Percy.
Percy shook his head. "No idea, but I do wish Ginevra would hurry up. Mum and Dad probably won't say anything till she gets here," he said, looking at his watch.
"Well, Mum's clock says she's 'Home'," said Ron, pointing the family clock.
"Where IS home for Ginny these days. Here, Holyhead or Godric's Hollow?" asked Audrey, Percy's wife.
"Godric's Hollow," said Hermione, Angie and Fleur together. They looked at each and grinned.
"Do you gals know something?" asked George, suspiciously. "Is it anything to do with Harry, and what happened last week. Surely he's forgiven us!"
Angie shrugged. "From what Harry didn't say, I think you really hurt his feelings with the new wards and all. You guys really over react when it comes to your sister, you know that, don't you," she said, rhetorically.
Bill, Charlie and George looked sheepish., but Ron looked defensive.
"You didn't see him two weeks ago, Angie. He smashed a glass when we told him about Marcus. Wouldn't you be concerned?" he asked.
"Concerned, yes, and you did the right thing, trying to let Ginny know he was heading her way. But to go up there and re-ward her flat and the grounds? Did Ginny ask you to? Did she say she was worried about Harry? NO!" said Angie, banging her fist on the table, making Audrey jump.
"All right, all right. We already apologised to them both over and over," grumbled George. "And Gin got her revenge." All the brothers rubbed their noses in remembrance.
"Maybe he wants a hand with something at their house?" suggested Percy. The brothers all perked up at that.
"Has anyone even seen it?" asked Charlie, looking at Ron, who shook his head.
"Nah, he never asked. I know Harry, when he's a moody git, you need to back off, give him some space. Unless its Ginny. She tells him straight to his face," laughed Ron.
"Thanks for that, Ron. Nice that you know me so well," said Harry, dryly.
They all turned around to see Harry standing with Molly and Arthur, who was drinking from a glass. "But where iz Ginny?" asked Fleur, worriedly. "She iz okay, oui?"
"Actually Fleur, she's upstairs. I wonder if you and Angie would mind going and giving her a hand on a project she's working on?" asked Harry.
"Sure," said Angie, while Fleur nodded and followed her out of the kitchen and went upstairs.
"What sort of project? Can I help with anything?" asked Hermione, looking interested.
"Thanks, Hermione, but I just need you to sit back for now," said Harry. "Sit back and watch."
"What's going on, Harry?" asked Ron, suspiciously.
"Gin and I are getting married in...one hour," said Harry, checking his watch.
"You're WHAT?" cried Hermione, leaping to her feet. "Harry, it's impossible. Nothing's ready, no-one's dressed. You don't want us to witness you get married dressed like this, do you?" She looked down at her jeans and Ron's old Chudley Cannon's shirt.
Harry turned to the Weasley brothers. "Guys, up in your old rooms you'll find suits and shoes. Can you dress as quick as you can, the guests will be arriving soon," he said.
Hermione spluttered. "Guests? And where are the guests going to go? Where is the wedding to be held?" she asked, bewildered.
The Weasley brothers quickly left. No-one liked being on the end of a serve by Hermione.
"We have a marquee out back," said Harry, calmly. "Once Ron is done, and Percy," he said, looking at Audrey, "you two ladies can go and get ready. Your dresses are in the rooms, too. Of course, if you want to go and get ready while your other halves are as well, that's fine. Just don't get too...distracted. This wedding will start at eleven on the dot," he said firmly.
"You organised our dresses?" asked Hermione, while Audrey looked dubious.
Harry shrugged. "Ginny helped. We ordered a blue one for you, Hermione, because I remembered how pretty you looked the night of the Yule Ball. Audrey, I was looking at yours and Percy's engagement photos, and thought how much the green complimented you, so that was the colour we chose for you," he said.
"Thank you, Harry," said Audrey, blushing prettily.
Ron came thundering down the stairs and went over to Hermione. "Love, can you do my tie. Harry, I love these suits. Better than the dress robes we looked at last week for- gah, Hermione, bit...tight...love," he grimaced.
"We were just trying the robes on, Ron, we hadn't made a final choice," chastised Hermione, reluctantly loosening his tie.
Ron looked surprised. "We hadn't? Phew, cos I gotta say...Hermione, what's wrong?"
They all watched as Hermione stormed up the stairs.
Ron turned to the others. "What's got her wand in a knot? All I said was how much I love these suits!"
Harry chuckled. "Well, it's yours to keep. Would you head out to the garden please, I think our first guests are here."
Audrey patted Harry on the arm. "I think I'll go upstairs and see if Percy needs help, and I'll start getting ready too."
Soon it was just Harry, Molly and Arthur in the room. "Nervous, son?" asked Arthur to Harry, "cos, as the Muggles say, I'm shitting bricks." He sat at the recently vacated table.
"Arthur, that's...my word," gasped Molly, looking at her husband in surprise. She lay her hand on his shoulder as she looked at his empty glass. "Have you been at the elf made wine already?"
"It's not every day my daughter gets married, Mol. Lighten up," said Arthur, smacking her ample ass and making her jump. "Harry, I love this champagne!"
"Molly, maybe you should go and see how Ginny is. I'm sure she's needing her mother right now," said Harry, trying not to laugh.
"Fine, just don't let him drink any more. He still needs to walk our daughter down the aisle," sniffed Molly.
"I'll give him a Sober-me-Up potion," said Harry, taking Arthur's glass away.
Molly smiled and nodded, dabbing her eyes. "You're such a good boy, Harry. It's always been my dearest wish that you and Ginny find your way back together. We know you'll look after her."
Harry shook his head. "She looks after me, Molly."
"Well, you'll look after each other, it's what marriage is all about. Isn't that right, Arthur? Arthur? Merlin, is he-?" She shook Arthur, who had his head resting on the table.
"Please, Molly, go and see to my bride. I'll look after Arthur," said Harry, hearing more guests arrive outside. He waved his hand and a potion materialised in front of Arthur.
Molly left, passing Bill, Fleur and Charlie coming down the stairs. Fleur beamed. " Zis dress is trés magnifique. Zank you, 'arry," she beamed, kissing his cheek.
"Harry, these suits are really expensive," said Bill, checking his cufflinks.
"They're yours to keep," said Harry, dismissively. "Fleur, how's Ginny?"
"She iz a little bit nervous, but she looks like a very 'appy bride," smiled Fleur.
"Harry Potter!"cried Hermione, stomping back down the stairs. Audrey and Percy followed her.
"Yes, Hermione?" asked Harry calmly as she came face to face with him.
"This dress...it's bloody beautiful," said Hermione, who then burst into tears and hugged Harry. "I'm so happy for you and Ginny."
"So I can see," grinned Harry, hugging her back. "Hermione, you look lovely. Wait till Ron sees you!"
Ron's jaw dropped when he came back inside. "Hermione...wow. It's just like the Yule Ball all over again, only this time you're with me. Up yours, Krum, she's mine!" he yelled. Hermione looked pleased and she and Harry shared a smile of understanding. Ron held out his arm, and Hermione threaded hers through it. "Wait till you see outside," he whispered.
Hermione threw a suspicious look at Harry as she left the house, then it was her turn for her jaw to drop.
"Hi guys, what so you think?" asked Neville.
"Oh, it smells heavenly. I've always loved the smell of roses," said Hermione, inhaling. She looked around in wonder. "I don't think I've ever seen so many red roses at once," she said.
"When Harry told me to get all the red roses I could find, I thought he was nuts, but it looks amazing," said Neville, proud of the work he'd done.
"Hey guys, smile please!" SNAP
"Dennis? Dennis Creevy, is that you?" asked Neville.
Dennis lowered the camera. "Yep, it's me. It's great to see you all again."
"I didn't know you took photos, too, I thought it was just Colin's thing, said Ron.
Dennis shrugged, snapping a picture of a sleeping, drooling Aunt Muriel. "I used to help him with all his equipment, and I'd watch him a lot. When Harry asked if I'd do this, well, when he said it was for Ginny and him, I knew I couldn't say no."
"What do you charge? Me and 'Mione are looking for-ugh, what was that for?" asked Ron, rubbing his stomach. Hermione gave him a look and shook her head in exasperation.
"Oh, I'm not charging them, it's my gift to them. They've both been a big influence on mine and Colin's life, it's the least I can do. Hey, will you excuse me? I just saw the Harpies Apparate in." Dennis hurried off.
"Why couldn't Gin fly for the Cannons?" groaned Ron, not for the first time.
"Because, little brother, our sister has good taste. Think I'll go chat me up a Harpy. Gin said to look for one named Simone. Ta-ta," grinned Charlie.
A string quartet played in the background. Hermione recognised the Beatles song, 'All You Need Is Love', and the classic, 'Ave Maria'', but not many others. She was impressed that they were familiar with the Muggle songs.
Fleur and Bill joined Ron and Hermione, and they posed for a photo for Dennis.
"Mon dieu, 'ow many roses?" asked Fleur.
"You know, love, Rose would make a pretty name for a daughter," said Ron. Hermione looked at him in surprise, but leaned over to kiss him sweetly.
Red and pink roses were wrapped around the poles that held the marquee in place. Lights were intertwined with red roses across the ceiling and at the end of each row of seats was a gorgeous display or red and white roses.
"George, Angelina, how are you?" greeted Marcus and Oliver.
"Sick of seeing your pretty faces all over the paper," grinned George. Angie nudged him, while Oliver gushed over little Freddie.
"Yeah, sorry about that," said Marcus, looking anything but apologetic. "The response from the fans has been amazing. A few more Quidditch players have come out too, including one from Ginny's own team."
"Please tell me it's a Beater named Simone," grinned George. They stopped to smile and pose for a photo. Marcus winked at George before they moved on.
"Minister, what a lovely surprise," said Percy, greeting yet another guest.
"Hello Percy, Audrey. Lovely day for a wedding, isn't it. Merlin, those roses are amazing. Will you excuse me, I need to go and see Harry," said Kingsley.
"Damn, didn't even get a photo with him," said Percy, watching Kingsley head inside the house.
"Profanity, Mr Weasley?"
Percy spun around. "Professor Mcgonagall. Beg pardon, headmistress Mcgonagall. How are you, ma'am?" he asked.
Minerva smiled. "Very happy to be here. Is Harry around? I'd like to give him my best wishes."
"Ah, Minerva, good to see you again," said Kingsley, rejoining Percy and Audrey. He kissed the back of Minerva's hand. "You look lovely."
Dennis hurried over for a photo and when it was done Kingsley turned back to the others. "Minerva, I heard you ask for Harry. He should be out very soon."
"Lovely, thank you Kingsley. I'll let the other Hogwarts professors know."
Just then Harry stepped out of the house to an enormous greeting, just as Seamus Finnegan and Dean Thomas arrived. Behind them came Rolf Scamander, looking a little lost as he didn't know many people there.
Dennis took a few photos of Harry surrounded by people and a couple of him by himself. He then whispered to Harry he was going inside, and Harry nodded.
Harry wandered around, greeting everyone and accepting congratulations. He was happy that so many had been able to attend, due to the very short notice. Amra had spent all day yesterday delivering invitations. The Patil twins were out of the country, and Katie Bell was nine months pregnant and unable to Floo or Apparate.
"If I may have everyone's attention," said Kingsley, his big booming voice doing just that. "Would you please take your seats." Harry took his position at the front, next to Kingsley.
All the Harpy players sat on the bride's side, while Marcus and Oliver sat on the groom's. All the Hogwarts professors sat on the groom's side too, as did Dean and Seamus. Rolf sat on the bride's side, as did Neville, keeping him company.
Then came the Weasley brothers, escorting their wives down the aisle, Bill and Fleur, carrying a sleepy Victoire, followed by Charlie, who escorted Andromeda Tonks to the groom's side. He then left, and Percy escorted Audrey down the aisle, nodding left and right to everyone. George pranced down the aisle with Angie and little Freddie, and then Ron came down with Hermione.
"Our wedding next," he whispered to Hermione, who smiled and nodded. With Ginny's blessing, they sat in the second row of the groom's side, next to Andromeda and Minerva.
Charlie then walked Molly down the aisle to the front pew, next to Great Aunt Muriel. Before she sat, she went to Harry to kiss his cheek. She whispered something in his ear and he hugged her hard. The she went and sat.
Harry's front pew was left empty, by choice. A single red rose lay on each seat, for Lily, James, Sirius, Remus and Tonks. Likewise, a single chair with a rose was reserved for Fred, right next to George.
People started to turn around as Teddy Lupin started down the aisle, carrying the rings on a red and gold pillow, acknowledging the couples Gryffindor background.
"Harry, am I doing it right?" yelled Teddy, making everyone laugh. He was anxious to get down to the front and see his new buddy, Harry.
"You're doing it perfectly. What a clever boy," said Luna, coming down the aisle behind him. She took the little boy's hand and walked down with him.
Rolf looked on proudly as she went past. As was Luna's tradition, she wore yellow, proclaiming it be a happy colour. She had a bouquet of yellow roses and a yellow rose in her hair. She too, kissed Harry's cheek before standing to one side.
Teddy sat with Andromeda. Teddy knew he had to be patient, that when the Minister for Magic asked for the rings to bless, that was his big moment to help Harry marry Ginny. Harry winked at the boy who had come to mean so much to him in this last week of getting to know him.
Beside him, as best man, Hagrid nudged him. When Harry looked up at Hagrid, he saw the half giant had tears in his eyes as he gestured with his head. Harry looked down the aisle. It was time.
"Please be upstanding," said Kingsley.
Everybody stood as Ginny and a sobered up Arthur started their walk down the aisle. String instruments played a tune Hermione didn't recognise while pink and red rose petals fell from the ceiling.
Arthur beamed proudly, a red rose in his lapel. Ginny, carrying a bouquet of red roses, only had eyes for Harry. As she made her way to the front, she stopped to kiss her mother's cheek before removing two roses from her bouquet which she placed on the seats reserved for James and Lily. Harry stepped off the dais, shook Arthur's hand and took Ginny's arm and helped her onto the dais. She handed her bouquet to Luna, and Harry took both her hands in his. Everyone could see the love in their eyes.
"Before we start, Harry and Ginny ask that we please take a moment to remember the loved ones that should be here, but are not," said Kingsley, bowing his head. A minutes silence was held as each person present had someone to remember. It was a very solemn moment.
"Who gives this woman to this man?" asked Kingsley.
To Harry's amusement, all the Weasley men stood up. "We do," they said, together. Harry knew it was their way of apologising and giving their blessing. Ginny squeezed his hand, smiling at each of her brothers.
Before Harry knew it, they had gotten to the best part. "I now pronounce you-Husband and Wife. Harry, you may kiss your bride," grinned Kingsley.
"Ew, gross," said Teddy, while Andromeda shooshed him, looking apologetically at Harry and Ginny.
Everyone cheered as Harry dipped her and kissed her passionately. He righted her and they faced their friends. Hagrid congratulated Ginny while Luna congratulated Harry, then they began their walk down the aisle.
"Not so fast, Weasley."
Harry and Ginny looked up to see Gwenog Jones standing in the aisle. From under her dress robes, she pulled out a whistle and blew it.
The Harpy players sprang out of their chairs. They magicked up some brooms and held them aloft, for Harry and Ginny to walk under. Marcus and Oliver looked at each other, then they too, joined the Harpies.
George, Ron and Dean joined them, all having played with both Ginny and Harry.
Bill and Charlie did too.
The string quartet majestically played 'The Wedding March'.
Ginny giggled, grabbed Harry's hand and they walked under the brooms, Harry sometimes jumping when a Harpy's wayward hand ( he suspected Demelza!) patted his ass.
"That's all mine now, ladies," yelled Ginny. "Did you hear me, Mel, Hermione, Luna?"
Hermione blushed but Luna wasn't flustered. She just shrugged and sighed. "Lucky girl."
They came to the end of their broom arch. Gwenog stood there. "There better not be any Potter babies for awhile yet," she growled.
Behind them, Molly spluttered, waking Great Aunt Muriel up. "Is it time?" the old lady asked, looking around and wondering where she was.
"Thought I better give you this now," said Gwenog, gruffly. She handed Ginny a folded Harpy's jersey.
Confused, Ginny opened it. She saw her number seven on the front, then turned it around. "Look Harry, I'm Potter," she said, showing him.
Harry just laughed and scooped her up, carrying her the rest of the way down the aisle, to the cheers of their friends and family.
When Harry danced with Hermione later, he told her with a grin, "And that's how it's done."
"One question, Harry. What was the name of the song Ginny walked down the aisle to?" she asked.
Harry grinned. "The Flower Song'', by Delibes. It seemed appropriate."
Nobody could deny the wedding was perfect, and everything they would expect from Harry and Ginny.
Not even Hermione could say it wasn't the perfect wedding.