So like I said at the end of last chapter…I don't fancy doing vows and such so this transitions right into the reception afterward. Sorry if you don't like it. It was my choice. Read and review though :)
After the couple said their vows and the infamous miniature Weasley fireworks went off inside the tent, everyone was asked to sit at their designated spot. Food would be served soon and there would be plenty of time later for pictures.
There was a long table at the head of the tent. Ginny and Harry sat at the middle, of course, while the bridesmaids and groomsmen sat in a line next to them.
Mrs. Weasley stood in the center of the congregation and asked everyone for their patience and quiet as she flicked her wand and the food started appearing on everyone's plates. The glasses were never empty, constantly being refilled by magically jinxed champagne. Once everyone was siting and comfortable, Hermione clanked her glass and stood at her seat. There was an immediate hush over the audience.
"Good evening everyone. Before we get too ahead of ourselves, I would like to say something about the bride and the groom," Hermione turned to look at the magical couple, "Ginny, not only are you one of my best friends but you are the sister I never had. I can talk to you about anything, including the lady things that I cannot talk to Harry or Ron about. You know that I love you deeply. Now Harry, sometimes you can really get on my nerves, but you are my best friend and I always know you will be there for me. When you're with Ginny I've never seen you happier and you two compliment each other so perfectly. Take care of each other, remember to always be happy, and never, never, stop loving each other." Hermione then raised her glass and turned towards the crowd, "So a toast! To the happily in love Ginny and Harry Potter."
The partygoers lifted their glasses high in the air as they mimicked Hermione. The brilliant witch sat back in her seat and was wrapped in a warm embrace by Ginny. The newly Mrs. Potter leaned into her best friend's ear and whispered, "That was so touching. Love you." Hermione smiled at her friend, happy to know that she did well.
There was another quick tap on a glass as Ron stood up to present his toast next. Fidgeting in his pocket, the wizard pulled out a piece of creased parchment and started to unfold it. His cheeks were red and his face was shiny from newly formed perspiration. It was obvious that Ron was not good with these sorts of things.
"Well, um, I'm not good at stuff like this but I'll give it a go, yea? Well Harry, you've been my best mate ever since I could remember so it's only right that you become my brother. But Ginny is my little sister, my only sister, so you better treat her right or I'll come after you," there was a light giggle in the tent. Ron took a deep breath, "And Gin, you know I love you but blimey, don't drive the bloke mad. Just be yourselves and you'll be fine. Uh, yea. Love each other and stuff…and if you guys could have gingers, that'd be cool. So, uh, to Harry and Ginny!"
Again the crowd repeated and again everyone took a swig from their glasses. Ron sat back down, scarlet in the face, as Harry turned to his best friend and laughed, "Good one mate." Ron just gave him a nervous smile and muttered, "thanks."
With the toasts out of the way, there was the humbling sounds of people eating and chatting. There was the hair prickling noise of knifes and forks scrapping on plates but that was quickly washed out by people laughing and enjoying themselves. Compliments flew in Mrs. Weasley's direction, as people were pleased with the meal. Mrs. Weasley simply blushed and smiled.
Up at the long table, the groomsmen and bridesmaids switched table positions to sit next to their preferred friend of the moment. Hermione got up to go sit next to Ron, taking George's spot, while the tall ginger came over and sat down next to Luna.
"Hello beauty."
Luna's cheeks immediately deepened about ten shades of red. She let out a nervous giggle, 'Yep, those are butterflies,' she thought to herself, 'those are my nervous feelings for George Weasley.'
George looked at Luna longer, concentrating on her eyes.
"You know something Luna? You look absolutely stunning tonight. I didn't get a chance to tell you in the Burrow because we were so rushed, but your eyes. They sparkle."
Another nervous giggle, "Thank you George. You look pretty handsome yourself."
This time, the ginger was the one who blushed.
"So, err, how are you liking the food?" It was obvious that he wanted to keep talking to her, anything to hold her attention.
"Oh it's delicious! Of course, I would expect nothing less from your mum."
"Yea, she's bloody brilliant in the kitchen." George shoved a forkful of potatoes into him mouth. "Mmmm…"
Luna looked over at the wizard and doubled over in laughter. He looked a like a little kid in a marshmallow eating competition. Luna took hold of her stomach, getting pains from laughing so hard. George forced a huge swallow and smiled at her. She smiled back, holding his glance for what seemed like forever. Luna shied away, feeling the intense need to lean over and kiss him. 'Bad Luna! This is not the place or time to make a move on George. Bad!'
o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o
The night was young and the music was roaring as the dinner wrapped up. Everyone was out of their seats and tables were moved away to create a dance floor. Now that the sun had set, there were floating paper lanterns hovering under the tent's roof. The candles gave a warm glow and created the perfect atmosphere.
Ginny, Luna, and Hermione were letting their hair down in the middle, dancing like no one was watching. The three witches were laughing and smiling at each other as they concocted strange movements with their limbs. The song ended and everyone applauded, Dean was being an excellent D.J.
The lights in the lanterns dimmed a bit and a slower ballad started engulfing the tent. The crowd had moved away from the dance floor, leaving Ginny and Harry to themselves. The young groom stepped towards his wife and held out his palm. Placing her hand in his, he draw her close and put his opposite hand on her hip. Ginny brought her hand over his shoulder as he started to lead her on the floor. The two moved in perfect harmony, smiling at each other the whole time. 'What a perfect couple. They were made for each other.' Luna couldn't help but beam at the sight before her.
About half way through the song, other couples were encouraged to join them. Ron walked over to Hermione and swept her away. Neville soon joined with Hannah, followed by Bill and Fleur and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. The floor was soon filled with slow moving couples, like time had slowed down. Luna felt a tap on her shoulder. She wheeled around to see none other than George Weasley, his hand out.
"May I have this dance?"
A smile, "You may."
Luna put her hand in his and followed his lead. Luna reached her arm up and draped it over his shoulder while he took his free hand and placed it on the small of her back. Looking directly down at the blonde witch, George noticed the dramatic height difference.
"Well this won't do."
The wizard gingerly lifted the witch off the ground and placed her onto the tops of his feet. "That's better." George held her tight, gently swaying the both of them from side to side.
"So," he began, "are you having a good time?"
"Oh yes! It feels so good to be surrounded by friends and family again."
George lightly spun them in a slow circle. He was looking into her eyes, not with great intensity though, just enough to make her feel special, right there in that moment.
"So Luna..."
"Yes?"
"Well, I've been wondering for quite some time, since our talk outside the Burrow about a month ago actually, why you, um, aren't involved with anybody. Like a guy. You're highly attractive, smart, kind…it just doesn't make much sense to me."
Butterflies, fluttering, twisting, pulsing.
"Well I could say the same about you Mr. Weasley."
George's face turned as red as the hair on top of his head, "I don't, uh, bend that way Luna. I like girls…definitely girls."
Luna looked up at him and let out a small chuckle, "No. No not like that! I mean, it just doesn't make sense to me either. When you go out somewhere, how do you not have a bunch of girls hanging off your arm all the time?"
George was obviously taken back by the compliment. Why had he not noticed Luna earlier? It was partly due to the fact that at Hogwarts he was so consumed in Quidditch or his jokes and pranks that he didn't have time to be attracted to anyone. Not to mention the fact that Luna was a couple years younger than him, god forbid if he dated a younger girl at Hogwarts. Fred would've given him Hell. Of course, Fred wasn't here now. George looked back down at the blonde beauty standing on his feet. 'Bloody hell,' he thought to himself, 'I…I think I like Luna Lovegood.'
George gently lifted her chin so she was looking into his eyes, "Well maybe it's because I never found the right girl."
Luna blushed ever so slightly and laid her head on his chest. She took a breath and took in his scent. He smelled so refreshing, like cinnamon and chopped wood. Luna knit her brows in confusion, 'What did he mean by that? Was he still looking for a girl? Her? Oh Merlin, I hope it's me so badly!'
Wait, had Luna Lovegood just admitted that she liked George Weasley?
Yes, yes she did and she was sure of it. She was sure that she wanted him to hold her and kiss her like tomorrow would never come. She was sure that she wanted to be known as his girlfriend. She was sure that she wanted to become more than friends with him. She was sure.
Leaning against his chest, Luna could hear George's heartbeat, slow and steady. She could've stayed in this moment forever. Unfortunately reality had other plans and the ballad soon drifted away, being replaced by another upbeat dance song. George lightly picked up Luna again and put her back on the floor.
"It was a pleasure dancing with you Mr. Weasley."
"The pleasure was all mine Ms. Lovegood."
The two held their eye contact for a split second but Luna was being pulled by Ginny to come dance with her and Lavender. She looked at the two girls, laughing and smiling, while Lavender took her and spun her under her arm. Luna silently promised herself to talk to the twin later, but for now she was going to let loose again and dance the night away with her girls.
o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o
About 2 hours or so later, after giving their regards to the newlyweds of course, the guests started apparating home with their bellies full of good food, their feet aching from dancing all night, and their heads spinning from the flowing champagne. Luna's dad came over and kissed her on the top of her head before twisting into nothingness.
A tipsy Hermione was being helped by an equally intoxicated Ron, as she was giggling and playing with his fiery hair. "What a night!" Ron looked down at his gorgeous girlfriend as she lifted her chin and caught his lips with hers. She held the kiss and then released, laughing again. Ron picked her up and cradled her in his arms as he carried her back to the Burrow, "Bloody Hell what a night!"
Harry put his arm around his bride, "What do you think they're going to be doing tonight?" He let out a playfully laugh. Ginny cringed at the thought, "I don't really want to know." Harry laughed again and placed a delicate kiss on Ginny's cheek.
Luna, regrettably, interrupted the lovely little montage, "What are you two going to be doing tonight? Don't you have a honeymoon planned?"
Ginny blushed and looked at the witch, "Of course. We're going to Romania for a week. Charlie has set us up with a nice little cottage by a lake in the back of the woods. It's his wedding present to us."
"Oh how lovely!"
"Gin, babe, we should actually get inside and pack now that all the guests have left," the emerald eyed wizard turned to Luna and winked, "well, all the guests that aren't family anyway."
Realizing how late it was, the bride gave Luna a tight squeeze, "Harry's right. Thank you for everything you have done for me. Not just for the wedding but in life in general." She pulled away from her friend, "I love you Luna."
Harry grabbed her hand and they started walking back to the Burrow when Ginny suddenly let go and ran back to Luna. She made sure no one was around to hear as she leaned in to whisper in Luna's ear, "Oh, and go easy on George, yeah?" She wriggled her eyebrows and smiled when she saw the obvious guilt on Luna's face. The ginger gave her another tight squeeze before joining her husband again.
Luna took off her flats, which had given her gigantic blisters, but she really didn't mind, and walked to the border of the tall grass where a paper lantern was floating. The glow that it gave was so tiny yet it emitted an immense amount of light. Luna thought about the amazing night she had just had. Watching her best friends get married, being with her dad again, dancing with George…
'George. That tall, lanky, ginger wizard. Why had I not noticed him before? Well, I guess he was older by a couple of years. I only really talked to him while training in the D.A. Plus there was Fred, and quite frankly, I could never tell the difference between the two twins. Damnit Luna! What is going on?'
Her head was spinning so much that she needed to sit down. Before she could do so, however, she felt a hand grip her shoulder.
"You okay there little lady?"
Luna spun around, which didn't help her dizziness, and saw him standing there. Him, the boy that she was crushing on, and she would admit it. George frowned as he saw her sway.
"You're not okay after all. Alright, come here."
George made a movement like he was about to pick her up but Luna refused. She was a big girl; she didn't feel like being carried. She just wanted to converse with him. She sat down in the grass and patted the ground next to her, hinted that he should sit down. The Weasley boy, sorry, man, obeyed and immediately slung his arm around Luna's waist, bringing her in closer. She relaxed her head on his shoulder. They sat there for a couple of minutes, listening to the sounds of night and listening to each other's heartbeats. George was the first one to break the silence.
"I know I told you this already tonight, but blimey Luna, you literally took my breath away tonight. You looked gorgeous in your own unique way. Like…like you're perfectly flawed. If that makes sense."
Luna felt her eyes water up at his words, "George Weasley, that is the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me, ever."
She looked up into his eyes, a tear running down her cheek. George took his thumb and whipped away the drop and then placed his hand under her chin. In one swift movement her lifted her face to meet his as their lips made contact.
Luna closed her eyes and felt her whole bodying tingling, like Weasley's mini fireworks were exploding inside her stomach. George's lips were so soft, and the kiss was gentle and passionate. Almost running out of air, both pulled away slowly. As George's lips lefts hers, Luna could feel the breath being taken from her. She slowly opened her eyes to the sight of George cracking the smallest smile. When he looked at her, it turned into a giant grin and she couldn't help but feel that same bliss. She, Luna Lovegood, had just kissed George Wesley, and she couldn't be any happier.
Aw yea! THE KISS! Hehehe REVIEW :)