I woke up shamefully early the next day, George was still fast asleep. I smiled at him and gave him a kiss on the nose giggling when he scrunched it up. He tightened his hold on my waist and snuggled his head into the back of my neck, letting out a contended sigh before relaxing again. I scooted out of bed slowly, wiggling out of George's tight grip. I got up and turned back to the bed, feeling extremely triumphant until I saw him reaching around the bed. I reached over and moved my pillow into his grip, he pulled it to his chest and snuggled it, clearly thinking it was me. A grin quirked my lip and I quickly scribbled down a message for him before setting it next to his wand. I then snuck out of his room and ran to Fleur's room.
Today was her wedding, I could hardly believe it. She was just getting up when I reached her, and she looked positively radiant. Gabrielle was complaining about waking up so early but I hardly listened at all. I ran up to Fleur and grabbed her in a crushing hug.
"Congratulations!" I exclaimed, my eyes already filling with tears. She squeezed me back, letting out an excited giggle.
"Can you believe it?" She asked, huge tears leaking out of her perfect eyes. "I am marryeeng my Beell today, I am marryeeng 'eem." She flipped her silvery hair behind her and turned towards the window, resting her hands on its sill.
"J'étais inquiet." (I was worried) She said quietly, looking out at the front yard as she spoke.
"About what?" I questioned, stepping forward and laying a comforting arm on her back.
"Je l'aime, plus que tout mais…" (I love him, more than anything, but…)
"But what?" I asked, moving so that I was beside her and could look in her face. She took in a deep breath and let it out slowly, looking oddly ashamed.
"l voulait partir après l'attaque." (He wanted to leave after the attack) She admitted sadly, tears leaking out of her eyes. I pulled her into a hug and held her tight.
"It's okay," I whispered soothingly. "You didn't let him, he's still here, he's waiting for you." She hiccupped softly before letting go of me and wiping her eyes.
"'E was so scared zat I would not want to marry 'eem zat 'e actually tried to break up wiz me. 'Ow seely ez zat?" she asked, trying to laugh it off. I shook my head in surprise.
"Wow," I said, smiling softly. "The Weasley men are apparently all alike."
"Que?" (what) She asked, looking confused.
"George tried to break up with me after he lost his ear. Nut actually thought I'd dump him over it."
"Zey are fools!" She exclaimed, flipping her hair in her endearing way. "Zey would not last five meenuts wiz out us." She said shaking her head passionately. "Az eef we could ever leave zem. As eef looks could stop our love." She sighed, looking slightly happier.
"It's almost annoying to think they think so little of us." I said absentmindedly. She laughed and nodded her head.
"Maybe we are to pretty?" she asked, smiling prettily. "Eef we were uglier zey would not zink they were so 'ideous."
"You maybe, I'm not that beautiful. I don't know why George thinks I'd be that shallow. I'm not drawn to his looks, not saying they aren't nice, it's his personality I love."
"'Ermione, you are beauteeful. Your 'air is a leetle poufy, but it suites you wonderfully."
"Thanks," I said, letting out a laugh. "How about we get ready for a wedding before the groom can get any more stupid ideas about his looks."
"Oui."
{}o{}o{}
We sat down to a quick breakfast before I whisked Fleur away and started the wedding preparations. I drew her a bath first, letting her get washed while I put on my own dress, I'd do my hair and makeup later, I wanted to take care of Fleur first. I had enlisted Angelina help, Mrs. Delacour was far too emotional to be of any real help, she kept bursting into tears.
Once Fleur came out of the bathroom, clean and sparkling, I took her into the bedroom and began to help her into her seemingly simple, yet incredibly complicated to put on dress. Angelina appeared once I had finally gotten Fleur into it and she started helping me with her hair. I never would have seen the two of them getting along as well as they were. Who would have put the athletic prank loving Angelina with the fashion loving Fleur? They didn't seem like they'd be friends at all, but they were getting along wonderfully. Then again, who would have seen me, the book loving prefect with either of them? We were great friends, regardless of what we were like.
We left Fleur's beautiful hair down, weaving baby's breath flowers into an intricate braid down the back. It had an incredible affect, the silveryness of her hair with the white of the flowers, it made them seem to almost glow.
Once we had her hair done we fixed her makeup. I let Angelina take the head of that while I worked on her nails. Once we had her completely finished we did each other's hair and makeup.
We finally had everyone ready, and I must say we all looked wonderful. Fleur was glowing, actually glowing with her happiness. The effect of her happiness was incredible and obvious, everyone near her seemed to intensify their own beauty.
I helped her to the tent where she would wait for the ceremony to begin and left her alone with her mother and sister. Angelina and I left the tent in search of our men and friends. We found them all grouped together near the entrance of the huge Marquette. They all, George, Fred, Harry, and Ron, were clutching seating assignments and looked miserable. Harry who was impersonating another Weasley cousin looked over when he saw us coming and managed a small smile.
"When I get married," Fred said, tugging at the collar of his robes, completely unaware Angelina and I were behind him, "I won't be bothering with any of this nonsense. You can all wear what you like, and I'll put a full Body Bird Curse on Mum until it's all over."
"You will, will you?" Angelina asked, winking at me as she put her hand on her hip. She was wearing a beautiful deep purple dress that went wonderfully with her dark skin. Her hair had been left loose and long, covering her bare shoulders softly in a chocolate colored halo. Fred's eyes grew wide and her turned around slowly. His mouth fell open when he saw her and he blinked twice before regaining the power of speech.
"Ang-Angelina." He said, stuttering, I'd never seen him stutter before, it was adorable. George noticing Fred's distraction turned around and saw me for the first time. He was wearing black dress robes and they made him look dashing. He was still wearing his bandages, but I didn't even notice, he was breath taking to me. His eyes grew wide when he saw me and his mouth also fell open. I smoothed my gold dress nervously, feeling self conscious. I trusted Angelina, I hope she did an alright job on my hair and makeup, I hadn't even checked it.
George took a step towards me, his eyes wide and awestruck as he gazed at me. He stopped walking when he was in front of me. He reached down and grabbed my hands, holding them out to my side so that he could see all of me.
"Merlin, Hermione, you look incredible!" A giggle left my lips despite myself, and I felt my cheeks heat up in a blush. He pulled me close to him, hugging me tightly as he stuck a hand in my hair, fingering my curls softly. He bent his head over me as I snuggled my cheek against his chest. "Mmm," he said, letting out a contented little sigh, "and you smell nice too." I laughed at that before leaning back and placing a quick kiss on his cheek.
"Blimey!" Ron exclaimed, looking at the people appearing at the entrance. "They're coming!" He sounded panicked, I almost laughed at the worried expression on his face. I gave George one last hug and let him help the guest to their seats while I went and mingled. I couldn't believe how many people had come, they were positively everywhere. I was talking to people constantly, trying not to laugh at some of the more eccentric guest. Finally, it was time for the ceremony to begin and I snuck to Fleur's tent, eagerly awaiting my cue.
I walked down the aisle nervously, I hated having people watch me, but I kept a determinedly happy expression on. I reached the end of the aisle and stood by the spot Fleur would be, joining the other Bridemaids. Bill was already there of course, and he was positively radiant. He was smiling so widely that I couldn't help but feel excited. I let my eyes drift across the crowd, finding George near the front next to Fred and Angelina. He smiled when I caught his eyes and winked, causing a giggle to escape my lips. The music started again, and I turned hastily towards the entrance, eager to see my friend.
She emerged from the tent a moment later, and she was truly breathtaking. The slight glow she'd had this morning had intensified, beautifying everything it fell on. Her smile was wide and genuine, making me teary just looking at her. She had so much love in her eyes that it actually made me gasp. How could anyone have ever doubted her love for Bill? How could I have ever doubted?
When she neared the altar and bid her father adieu I had to fight not to cry. She looked at Bill with such tenderness that it made me long to grab hold of George. That could be us someday, I thought as they stepped up to the preacher together. I could barely see the actual vows, I was crying so hard that my vision was almost completely gone. I did see the kiss though, and I was one of the first, and loudest to cheer.
Everyone stood up and the chairs disappeared, leaving a wide open dance floor for the newly married couple to dance on. I instantly moved and gave Bill and Fleur both a crushing hug, congratulating them earnestly. They hugged me back and thanked me, like they actually needed too, I still think it was I who needed to thank them. I stepped away from them after a moment and let the rest of the excited crowd get to them. I stepped onto the dance floor and began to search for George. I found him near the back, already holding a butterbeer for me. I accepted it happily and let him lead me to the table that Harry, Ginny, Ron, Fred, Angelina, and Luna were already sitting at.
Music started playing as we began to talk to each other excitedly. It was strange to think that this would be the last day we could do this, goof off with out having to worry about it costing us our life. This was the last time we'd be together like this, to celebrate an occasion. Starting tomorrow we'd be on the run, hunting Horcruxes. The thought actually made me shiver. Today though, today we could just be normal teenagers. I'd dance, give my speech, and wish Fleur and Bill the best.
"I love this song." Luna said suddenly, smiling dreamily as she stood. Ron instantly stood up beside her and offered her his hand, escorting her out onto the dance floor with a tender expression on his face. I felt awful, like I was intruding on something. I averted my eyes and found George staring at me.
"What?" I asked softly. He smiled his toothy grin that I loved so much and offered me his hand. I took it eagerly and stood from the table, following him out to the floor.
"I was worried I wouldn't get a chance to dance with you today, Love." He said, pulling me close as we gently swayed to the music. I chuckled at that, snuggling closer to him, thankful that it was a slow song.
"You know how much I enjoy dancing," I said, giggling when he spun me. "I would have dragged you away to get a chance to dance with you."
"I'd no doubt-" he started, but was interrupted by a rather large woman who looked upset. I recognized her almost instantly. It was the one and only Great Aunt Muriel. She looked me up and down, a distinct expression of distaste on her face before she spoke.
"So, George," she said, wrinkling her nose. "Is this the muggle born?" she asked. I started in surprise and George stiffened by my side. "She has bad posture and skinny ankles, not good for child bearing."
Oh my god.
A blush lit up my cheeks and I fought the urge to burry my face in George's robes. She turned back to George, oblivious to our discomfort and eyed him. "Your ears are lopsided, boy." She had to be joking; surely she wasn't that blind, or cruel. She turned around and walked away before either of us could respond. Apparently she was indeed that rude or calloused.
"The nerve." I said, watching her retreating back angrily. If she hadn't been related to him I might have hexed her for insulting George. George shook his head, looking lost between amusement and annoyance.
"Way with words, hasn't she?' George said, grinning at me. I laughed in spite of myself and grabbed his hand again, turning to dance with him. The song had just ended so we had to wait for the music to start again before we could dance. George tensed beneath my hands and I looked up at him worriedly, what had upset him now. He had an angry look in his eye and was giving someone a fierce glare. A moment later, right when I was opening my mouth to ask what was wrong, I felt a heavy hand on my shoulder.
"Hermy-own-ninny?" a deep voice questioned. My eyes grew wide and I froze, slowly turning to look into the surly face of Victor Krum. Really? Couldn't George and I just have a moment alone to enjoy a dance? Did we have to keep getting interrupted?
"May I have a dance?" Krum asked thickly, looking at me expectantly. George tightened his grip on my hand before letting go of it. I looked at him in surprise, and almost let out a gasp at the dejected look on his face. I turned back to Krum quickly and shook my head vehemently.
"No, I'm afraid not, I'm dancing with my boyfriend. I'm sorry but I'm only going to dance with him today." I said, trying not to sound too rude. Once I finished speaking I turned back to George and grabbed his hands, leading him away from Krum.
"You could have danced with him you know." George said softly, grinning slightly as he placed his hand on my hip. I smiled and looked up at him, not minding how low his hand was resting. I understood he was trying to show Krum that I was his and it didn't bother me. I wanted Krum to know I was with George.
"I could have, but I didn't want to. Now come on, we are going to finish at least one dance today." He laughed at that and spun me before pulling me even closer.
"Sounds good, Love." I snuggled into his warm chest, content to just sway in his arms.
I wasn't meant to get a dance though. The minute I leaned into him a bright large and silver something came falling through the canopy over the dance floor. A graceful and gleaming lynx formed. It's mouth opened and Kingsleys voice issued from it.
"The Ministry has fallen. Scrimgeour is dead. They are coming."
I scanned the dance floor, my eyes desperately searching for Harry. I was running forward, my feet moving almost on their own accord. I was still gripping George's hand tightly, pulling him with me as I ran through the crowd. I spotted Harry's disguised form and ran for him, calling Fred and Ron's name out as I ran. I reached him a moment later and grasped his shoulder, pulling him away from the table as spells started exploding around us. Shouts of 'Protego' sounded everywhere and the bright flash of defensive spells surrounded us.
"George!" Fred's voice called from our left, we spun around, seeing Fred and Angelina running towards us. George reached out and grabbed his twins hand.
"Where's Ron?" I asked, panicking as I searched the crowd, I couldn't see any sign of him.
"Harry!" His familiar voice called. Harry spun around in my hand and grabbed Ron's extended arm. I looked at George and took a deep breath. He grabbed hold of my arm and I grabbed my wand from my pocket. I had never apparated so many people before, but now was no time to panic. All I could do was hope that the bracelets we had connecting us would make it easier. I gripped George's hand tighter and squeezed my eyes shut, I twisted into the air, and then we disappeared.