-Chapter 17: It All Went Wrong-

Ginny recovered quickly in the days that followed. She even felt good enough to fly around on her broom a bit.

Harry's birthday came and the Weasley's threw him a party. Minister of Magic Scrimgeour crashed the party to give Harry, Hermione, and Ron items that Dumbledore had willed them. After he left and the trio had a chance to compare the items and talk they decided that the reasoning for Dumbledore's leaving them the items would come when it was best. After the party the house was buzzing, Molly was making lists for things that needed to be done before Bill and Fleur's wedding the next day. Arthur finally convinced her around midnight that it was best she went to bed so she wouldn't be too tired the next day.

Hermione and Ginny were curled up in bed listening to the sounds of each other's breathing. It was too hot for pajamas so they decided to forgo clothes completely for the night. Ginny's fingers traced Hermione's bare stomach under the thin sheet.

"Hermione, I have this feeling that something is going to go wrong tomorrow," Ginny said, breaking the silence.

"Ginny, no, I told you no more of this. Please."

"No, 'Mione, it's not that kind of feeling. I'm not dwelling on anything. It's just a feeling."

"Well I hope your feeling is wrong. I want plenty of time with you before we leave and you go back to school. Just try to get some sleep okay baby?" Hermione kissed Ginny's forehead and the two settled down to sleep.

The next day was hectic. The men were all outside setting up chairs and tents while the women worked inside and prepared to receive guests. Molly sent Ginny and Hermione upstairs to get ready around 1:30. Neither had seen the others outfits for the wedding, they decided they wanted it to be a surprise. Hermione wasn't allowed at Ginny's bridesmaids fittings. All Ginny asked was that Hermione didn't wear any shade of red; she didn't want it to clash with her hair.

Ginny dressed and left her hair down cascading over her shoulders. Hermione meticulously applied her makeup just right and pulled her hair up into a twist. She stood outside Ginny's door, took a deep breath and knocked. Ginny jumped and excitedly told Hermione to come in.

Hermione was a vision of pure beauty. She was wearing a purple sleeveless dress that ended just above her knee with a little ruffle on the thin shoulder straps. The deep square neckline showed off the slightest bit of cleavage. The dress was tight around her chest; the skirt was loose and flowing and had small ruffles on it as well. She had on matching open toed heels and a chain with a purple and crystal pendant. On her left wrist was her silver charm bracelet Ginny had given her for Christmas.

Ginny was wearing her bridesmaids dress. It was a gold strapless dress that was long and flowing. There was a ribbon wrapping around the waist with a small bow on the front. Of course her necklace with the green pendant was proudly on display. She had fought for hours about having to wear matching gold high-heels. The dress was floor length and Ginny didn't understand why she couldn't just go barefoot or wear her trainers.

"You look so stunning. I wish I could have you right here and now," Ginny said seductively as she moved towards Hermione. "But I wouldn't dare mess up your hair and make up. Perhaps later tonight?" She looked hopeful.

"Maybe…" Hermione said with a wink and Ginny gave her a soft kiss on the lips. "How many people would it take to hold you down so I could put a little make-up on you?" Hermione asked, giving Ginny her best pouty look.

"Well you can hold me down anytime you want. How much make-up are we talking about? And how badly do you want to put it on me?"

"I'll only put on a little bit, I promise." Hermione assured her. Ginny sighed and reluctantly agreed. Hermione put on a little foundation and dabbed Ginny's cheeks with a little blush. She gave Ginny a quick kiss on the lips and then used some shiny lip gloss. She lightly applied some black eye shadow and a touch of eyeliner. "There, all done. You look fantastic! Not that you didn't before." Hermione turned Ginny around to face the mirror.

"If you say it looks good then I like it." Ginny smiled. The girls heard Molly call them from downstairs, guests were beginning to arrive and it Hermione's job along with Harry, Ron and the twins to greet them.

Hermione greeted Luna and her father, Xenophilius. She would have known he was Luna's father without anyone telling them. They had the same pale blue eyes and blonde hair and he spoke of strange animals and eccentric theories.

The ceremony was wonderful. Hermione's eyes lit up when she saw Ginny walking down the aisle so elegantly. Ginny locked her eyes with Hermione's the entire time she was walking. Hermione's eyes stayed fixated on the red haired beauty during the entire ceremony.

"…then I declare you bonded for life," the presiding Wizard said with a wave of his wand over the heads of Bill and Fleur.

The chairs disappeared and a dance floor appeared. The reception was beautiful. Everyone mingled, ate, and danced, there was a photographer snapping pictures left and right. Ginny and Hermione didn't care anymore about the whispers surrounding them. There was nothing they could do to stop them so they let go of it all for the night. They danced and held hands and even stole the occasional kiss.

No one wanted the night to end but it all went wrong when a bright blue flash of light appeared out of nowhere. It was the patronus of Kingsley Shacklebolt.

"The ministry has fallen to the Death Eaters. Scrimgeour is dead and Voldemort has declared one of his Death Eaters the new Minister for Magic. There are Death Eaters headed here as I speak. Harry you need to leave immediately. All of you must prepare for battle when they arrive. Good luck, Harry, be safe." And with that the patronus disappeared. The guests began panicking and disapparating. Hermione grabbed Ginny's hand and called for Ron and Harry to go to the Burrow with her. Once inside she ordered Ron and Harry to wait for her in the kitchen. Hermione lead Ginny up to her room. Hermione began digging through the closet and grabbed a small handbag; she shoved a few books down inside of it then reached almost her entire arm down in it as if she were feeling around for something. Ginny sat down on her desk chair and just stared blankly.

"Ginny, I need you to listen to me. Ron and I are leaving with Harry right now. You need to know that since the Ministry has fallen that means they will soon have control of Hogwarts. You must return to school and do your best to fit in. Stay close with Luna and Neville; I want the three of you to reunite Dumbledore's Army. The reunion must be air-tight, do you understand? One slip up and the consequences could be deadly."

Ginny couldn't speak; all she could do was nod her head.

Hermione knelt in front of her dazed lover. "I love you, Ginny. Do not forget that. No matter what happens, don't forget it." Hermione put her hand on Ginny's cheek and pulled her in for a kiss.

"I love you so much Hermione. Please tell me you are safe as soon as you can."

"I promise, the minute I can I will send word but I can't guarantee when that will be, it may be days, weeks, months, I just don't know. Nothing is certain right now." They both stood up and embraced. Ginny held on tight, never wanting to let go but she had to. When they pulled away Ginny grabbed the back of Hermione's neck and kissed her one last time. She watched Hermione walk out the bedroom door with her bag and heard her footsteps heading downstairs. Ginny went to her window and watched as Molly and Arthur met the three of them as they were leaving the Burrow. They all hugged and then with a loud crack the trio was gone. Ginny collapsed on her bed and cried.


This chapter is a tiny bit over the halfway point! Thanks for all of you who have stuck with it so far and who will continue to the end, I truly appreciate it!