It was only three weeks until N.E.W.T.s, and neither Harry nor Hermione appeared at breakfast. Slowly, the older Gryffindor students noticed their absence. Sometimes they had missed other meals, but never breakfast…never both of them! Ron conferred with the other seventh years, trying to decide what to do. Finally, Ginny took the obvious approach, going up to the head table to see Professor McGonagall.
"Excuse me, Professor," she said, interrupting her conversation with Professor Flitwick.
"What is it, Ms. Weasley?" McGonagall inquired, looking serious but not unfriendly.
"We all noticed that Harry and Hermione aren't here this morning, and they're not in the medical wing. Is everything all right?"
McGonagall smiled, perhaps too broadly. "Ginny, there is nothing to worry about. They are both fine. I'm sure they'll be around for lunch, and they can tell you what they've been doing." McGonagall almost grinned, thinking she probably knew exactly what they were doing.
It was almost lunchtime when Harry ventured out, wanting to ask questions about last night. He couldn't find anyone else available, and ended up at the door to Snape's office, knocking and then entering.
"How was it that I was able to apparate…I mean…you can't within Hogwarts." Snape smiled.
"I wondered if you would even try, given you knew you shouldn't be able to. Professor Dumbledore said it was vital to your defense strategy and he cast a charm that made it possible, but only within that room, something like the Room of Requirement." Well, that made sense, Harry thought. Then something else occurred to him.
"Professor, you will undoubtedly be told immediately, but since I'm here…." Snape looked interested. "Hermione and I are publicly announcing our engagement today. We are getting married the day after we graduate." Harry paused, about to utter words he never thought he would say. "We both would like you to be there."
Snape actually smiled, a real, genuine, smile! "I will try to attend. Thank you, Harry, and good luck to both of you." They shook hands once again, and Snape handed Harry several small vials.
"Never go anywhere without one of these. I have sent some to Hermione's parents also, and, of course, Hermione should also keep one. The effect seems to last about 1 day, but I would count on six hours, no more. There is more potion stored here, and Hermione has the final recipe and instructions." It sounded like Snape was leaving his final instructions, but Harry didn't ask.
Hermione finally decided she was hungry, and got up for lunch, carefully following the Head Boy's instructions from the night before. She walked into the Great Hall as if nothing had happened, and sat down between Harry and Neville. Saying hello to both of them, she put some food on her plate and started eating, grinning inside as she waited for someone to notice. She was playing a mental game, predicting who it would be…Ginny, Parvati, Lavender, or someone from another house? She was wrong, VERY wrong.
She finished eating with no result, other than resolving her hunger. The time had come for classes, and they all got up together, bumping into each other as always. Neville turned to avoid a Ravenclaw girl behind him and bumped Hermione, nearly knocking her to the floor. He immediately apologized.
"I'm sorry, Hermione. I didn't mean to hit you."
"It's okay, Neville. No harm done." He reached out to help her up and noticed the ring. Being Neville, he didn't recognize it for what it was. "Wow, that's really pretty…is it new?" That comment got Ginny's attention, who did properly identify its significance, and screamed, "Hermione!" That got the attention of everyone in the area, and the fun began.
Parvati and Lavender were still close enough to return, swimming upstream against the flow of students leaving for class, and Hannah and Susan made it, coming around the end of the Hufflepuff table. As a crowd gathered around her, Harry just stood aside, watching the fun develop. This was Hermione's moment, and he let her take center stage, turning to look up at Dumbledore. He found most of the head table smiling as they watched the scene below them. This wasn't the first time it had happened at Hogwarts, but Harry and Hermione were a little special, and they all enjoyed watching.
Eventually, Dumbledore approached the group, also deciding to have some fun. "Hmm, Hmm," he started, and everyone looked at him, first freezing then laughing at his imitation of Delores Umbridge. "I realize that your social lives are important, but there are classes you should be attending now, and Ms. Granger will still be here later." Everyone laughed some more and the crowd started to disperse. Now he looked straight at Hermione.
"I understand that you got into some trouble last night." Hermione started to look serious, and then started laughing, looking at Harry's barely-suppressed grin.
"Yes, Professor. The Head Boy seemed to feel that my recent actions constituted an attack on a fellow student."
"Hmm," Dumbledore said. "Would you like me to intervene on your behalf?"
"No, I think the problem is resolved now. I talked to him about it, and made some arrangements regarding my punishment. I think that he decided he was probably wrong." Harry snorted behind them, and Dumbledore turned, still smiling at both of them. "Well, if the problem is resolved, I see no reason to get involved." They all laughed, and Harry took her hand, leading her back to their common room, and some unfinished business.
It was the only topic of conversation at dinner that night, having spread throughout the school in record time. Many older students weren't really surprised, having seen them together for some time, but all the girls wanted to hear the details…how did he ask you…was it romantic…when did you decide. Many of them were still in the storybook-romance stage of life, and this was a storybook ending, or so they thought.
In short order, life returned to normal. The test weeks arrived, and the fifth years (O.W.L.S.) and the seventh years (N.E.W.T.s) started the daily grind of written exams followed by practicals. Harry and Hermione actually took a couple of exams, but only for appearances. As soon as the examiners arrived, they both met with Griselda Marchbanks, who advised them of their results…before the testing even began.
"I have spoken to Professor Dumbledore and the rest of your instructors. I have a complete report on your accomplishments his year. You will receive an Outstanding N.E.W.T. in all of the subjects which you studied, except Potions and Dark Arts." Harry looked stunned, and Hermione bewildered. Of anything they had done, these were the two they thought were their best. She continued, sensing their confusion.
"We have decided that Outstanding is an inadequate description for the work you have done and the results you have accomplished in these areas, so we're are going to come up with something more appropriate. We haven't decided what to call it yet, but you have exceeded our greatest dreams."
"We have had students develop a new potion before, but never anything remotely as significant as yours. The fact that it hadn't been done before by anyone suggests the depth of your work and study. For the time being, your work must remain secret…I'm sure you understand that. Your potion must not fall into the wrong hands." They both nodded, having reached the same conclusion weeks ago. "Congratulations to both of you." She smiled as they left the room, wishing the whole world could understand how special they were.
Finally, the testing was done, and it was time to say goodbye…graduation had come. There was a special feast, attended by seventh years and, in some cases, their dates from outside the class. There were speeches, and awards, and other recognition of their achievements. Both Harry and Hermione received special awards for service to the school, and their names were added to the plaque listing over a thousand Head Boys and Head Girls.
At the end, they just sat talking, thinking about their futures and remembering the past. None of them really wanted to leave…this had become their home for the last seven years, and moving on was daunting. Fortunately, there was another event planned that would bring most of them back together again immediately. With the exception of the Slytherians, they each had been given instructions and a personal Portkey, to be activated tomorrow around noon. Very few knew exactly where they were going, but they were all going together.
The next morning, Harry and Hermione walked together to the Headmaster's Office for the last time. Behind them came a parade of house elves, carrying their trunks and the cages for Hedwig and Crookshanks. They were leaving early, to get ready for their big day. Once in the office, there were more hugs and tears as Winky and Dobby and the other elves said good-bye. Dumbledore and McGonagall just watched, thinking they had seen many classes depart in the past, but there had never been one quite like this.
Finally, the door opened and Ginny arrived. She had a small bag since she was sending her trunk home with Ron. Harry and Hermione finally kissed, and separated, allowing the Portkey to take Ginny and Hermione to her parent's house for one last night. Harry shook hands with Dumbledore and hugged McGonagall before taking his Portkey and going home. It seemed like forever since Hagrid had come to fetch him, and now the second stage of his life was over.
There probably should have been a bachelor party, Ron thought as he went to bed that night. But Harry wasn't really into that sort of thing and told him not to bother. Ron went to sleep thinking about tomorrow and hoping that Mandy would catch the bouquet.
Ginny spent most of the night talking with Hermione…nothing special, just girl stuff. As she finally went to bed, she was thinking about…about Neville and maybe next year at this time.
Hermione just lay in bed, looking up. She was sleeping alone for the last time…and she felt terribly alone. She knew she was about to embark on the next stage of her life, but it seemed like that was where she belonged, not here. Her mother came in to say good night again, and they held each other, communicating without talking.
Harry just crashed. After seven years of excitement, he was tired! He made certain to set the alarm, lest he be late for his own wedding.
The morning came too early for everyone. Harry fixed a simple breakfast and then started another walk around the house, conjuring flowers everywhere and checking for anything left undone. Although his work had been spread over many days, with large breaks in between short visits, the house looked ready. The Enlarging Spell he had cast over the Drawing Room worked, and it now resembled nothing so much as a small country church. However, there were no religious symbols and the ceiling was bewitched to resemble a bright, sun-filled sky. The formal dining room was enlarged, and the tables for food were standing ready.
After completing his tour, he sat down. The day he had waited for was finally here. Still, he was certain that he had forgotten something. In the pocket of his robe, he fingered a small vial of potion. Even today, he would not be without concerns that Voldemort might try something. Please, he thought, let me have today without problems, Tom. Tomorrow. Make it sometime after tomorrow.
He tried to sit, but his body had to move. He kept walking, like Cedric waiting to face his dragon. He wasn't nervous, he just needed to occupy his mind. For amusement, he started apparating from room to room. Then he thought he shouldn't. What if he went upstairs and the girls arrived. He finally sat down with the most boring book he could find, trying to will the time to pass. It didn't work.
Eventually, there was a knock on the door that could only be Hermione's parents. Anyone else would have apparated or traveled by Portkey. They had been given specific instructions from Dumbledore, and the protective charm had been withdrawn for only that period of time. Harry opened the door, and Hermione's parents came in, her mother immediately giving Harry a hug and kiss. Her father shook Harry's hand, and then hugged him. As the door closed, Harry heard the charm activate. He felt the need to explain once again, although her parents already knew what he was saying.
"I'm sorry this can't be a more public affair. I know that many of your friends would like to be here."
"We understand, Harry," her father said. "When things are resolved, we can have a reception, and then you can meet all the muggles you like." He smiled, knowing that Harry had no problem with muggles. Harry knew of a few problems, but he wasn't inviting the Dursleys, now or later. Now there were sounds from upstairs, and Ginny came down the stairs, inviting Hermione's mother to join the bride's party. Mr. Granger walked around briefly, finally seeing the house that he had heard about.
When he walked into the Drawing Room, his eyes went wide. "How do you do this, Harry?" Harry smiled.
"It's called an Enlarging Spell. Every time I see one, it amazes me too. It seems to deny everything we know, but it works…magic is like that some times. The ceiling is simply a Mimic Charm."
"Can you do this anywhere, or only in certain locations?"
Harry smiled again. "It could be done anywhere, but then you'd have to explain why you did it where muggles could see it. However, if you ever need just a touch more room somewhere, I'm sure we could work things out." Her father smiled. He understood the wall that had to stand between muggles and the world of magic.
As they stood talking, others began to arrive and join them. Harry spent his time introducing each arrival and making small talk. Finally, Dumbledore arrived and took Harry aside to review the ceremony once again. Ron, as Harry's second, came up to confirm that he knew what to do, and Neville, who had helped with many of the arrangements, told Harry that the food was all ready to go. It was nearly time, and the room had filled. There was a center aisle between the chairs, although there was no bride's side and groom's side. As Harry watched, Hermione's mother came downstairs, her eyes already glistening. She smiled and shared a kiss with her husband, and he escorted her to their seats in the front row. When she was seated, he came back and left the room, going to wait at the bottom of the stairs.
Finally, Dumbledore stepped to the front and everyone quieted. As Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, he would officiate. Traditional muggle wedding music wasn't a part of traditional wizard weddings, but it was something both Harry and Hermione wanted. As Harry and Ron walked around to the front, the room was filled with sound, a full orchestra conjured without speakers. It seemed to come from everywhere, surrounding and enveloping them all as if they were on stage with the musicians.
Harry and Ron just grinned as they surveyed the audience, seeing faces from every aspect and time of their lives. Parvati, Padma, Lavender, Hannah, Susan…all the girls were there. Dean, Seamus, Ernie…the boys too. Hagrid, Remus, Alastor, McGonagall…every teacher but Snape, who was on another search for information.
As the music reached a crescendo, Ginny came down the aisle, as Hermione's maid of honor. She was beaming, wearing a royal blue velvet robe given to her by Fred and George. Her hair fell in soft curls to her shoulders, glowing bright red in contrast to her soft complexion and the robe. She was beautiful, and Harry sneaked a look at Neville, who was stunned. Harry smiled, and then glanced at Ron, who looked amazed - he had never seen his little sister look less like his little sister. When she arrived at the front, she stepped to the side, and the music rose again.
As one, the entire group rose and turned to watch as Hermione came down the aisle, holding her father's arm. She wore a white muggle wedding gown, cut to reveal the figure of a beautiful woman, her hair pulled back slightly, shining as it spread across her shoulders and touched her back. As she got closer to the front, Harry moved slightly. He had been standing to the side, hiding so she couldn't see him, playing a little game. But now she could, and her smile widened to a huge grin. Like Harry, she couldn't believe that this day had finally come. When she reached the front, the music ended, and she took her place beside Harry. Together, they turned to face Dumbledore, who was smiling broadly.
"We have gathered here today to celebrate the marriage of Harry and Hermione. Marriage represents one of the most serious decisions and commitments that exist. It is forever, in this life and the next, and should not be entered casually."
"Harry, are you prepared to enter this union, sharing the good and the bad, joining Hermione in this life and the next, supporting her at all times, and keeping only to her?"
Harry started to answer, but then turned to look at Hermione. He didn't want to just say the words, he wanted to mean them. She turned, and he looked directly into her eyes…looking deep into her very soul. "I am." Her eyes started to fill, understanding his commitment to her.
"Hermione, are you prepared to enter this union, sharing the good and the bad, joining Harry in this life and the next, supporting him at all times, and keeping only to him?"
She was saying the words she dreamed about for forever, and it showed in her face. "I am."
Dumbledore continued. "In the muggle world, it is traditional for a woman to be given away in marriage, in recognition that she is now leaving the protection of her parents to start a new home. Who gives this woman to be married to this man?"
"Her mother and I do," Hermione's father said, and then took his seat next to his wife. This was one wizard gathering where no one had any problems with muggles.
"Since before the days of Merlin and Agrippa, wizards and witches have chosen to share their thoughts with each other as they enter their new life together." Dumbledore turned to Harry, who was thanking everyone he could think of that he got to go first. He knew he would never remember what he wanted to say if he was thinking about what Hermione had said. He turned again to face Hermione, looking into her eyes and trying to ignore her grin, and the cleavage her gown was showing!
"Growing up unaware of the magical world, I found myself overwhelmed when my new life began…but you were always beside me. We have shared education, adventure, and life together. You always understood, even when I didn't. You always shared, even when there were consequences. You always trusted, even when there were dangers. You always repaired my glasses." Everyone laughed, and Harry grinned.
"You allowed me to be myself…accepting what I am, and what I am not. I could never dream of finding anyone so caring…so daring…so loving…so perfect. With every day, I will love you more. And when I pass on, it will be with the memories of a life that could not have been better. Never forget how much I love you."
Hermione's eyes were glazed, never believing she would find anyone so committed to her. She thought she knew, but suddenly realized she was only starting to know. She tried to compose herself and remember what she had planned to say, but it didn't work.
"I was born a muggle. Magic was something that existed in storybooks and carnival shows. When I was told I was a witch, a new world opened to me. I could not believe what could be done, what I could learn to do. When we met, you were already a legend within the magical world. I was excited, meeting the famous Harry Potter." Harry smiled, knowing how little his fame meant to her.
"As our friendship grew, I found that you were just like me, trying to learn everything and make up for the years when magic wasn't part of your life. I also found that behind the wall that protected you from your fame and detractors, there was an incredible man…a man who could share, a man who could hurt, a man who could love. I found a man who would do anything for his friends, and even more for those he hardly knew. I found a man carrying a burden so big, yet still finding time for little things and small gestures." Hermione had lost her way, now, forgetting what else she planned to say.
"If I were to go to the library," she said, grinning as most of the crowd laughed with her, "and search for the definition of a man to share my life and my love, every book would say the same thing…see Harry Potter. Well, I have seen Harry Potter, and I need look no further. I will love you forever, and I promise to never forget."
Maybe by design, maybe because it was Harry and Hermione, maybe because it was a wedding, it just happened. There wasn't a dry eye left in the house. Even Dumbledore was struggling to continue. Harry just stared, wanting desperately to embrace her right now, but knowing he was supposed to wait. Screw it, he thought. It's MY wedding! He stepped closer, placing his arms around her and kissing her full on the mouth. She wasn't protesting, and the whole crowd cheered. Then he stepped back, grinning. Everyone else was too. Dumbledore tried to restore order.
"That was supposed to come a little later, but we all know Mr. Potter has always shown a certain disregard for the rules." Every classmate and teacher roared and clapped. Hermione's parents just laughed and smiled. It was just fine with them.
Dumbledore returned to the scheduled program. "Ron, Ginny, may we have the wands please." Ron and Ginny each produced a short wand, giving them to Harry and Hermione. Dumbledore produced his own wand, and they turned to look at him.
"The joining of wands is the visible symbol of the joining of hearts." Harry raised his wand in the air, holding it in front of Dumbledore. Hermione raised hers, touching the end of Harry's. Dumbledore placed his at the same point. "Enjoinum Requeset!" There was a great flash of light, followed by a large bang, and the two wands were fused together.
Dumbledore lowered his wand, and took the joined wands in his hand. You are now man and wife." Then he turned to Harry. "You may kiss the bride…again!" Everyone cheered as Hermione didn't wait and stepped into his waiting embrace. Harry had decided he was going to enjoy this moment, and the kiss didn't stop, bringing even more cheers and noise from the crowd. Finally, they separated and started back down the aisle, both grinning from ear to ear. Neville was standing at the back, along with Colin and his camera, and he pointed them towards the dining room where the food was waiting. As Ginny and Ron came down the aisle behind them, both Mandy and Neville claimed their halves of the couple, and there were more kisses shared.
Slowly the group wound through the short receiving line and began to eat. Harry and Hermione came over to cut the cake. In deference to her parents, it was a traditional wedding cake, however, Fred and George had made a small change. The figures on top were miniatures of the real bride and groom, and they kept kissing and hugging all the time. It was all the twins were allowed to do, since Harry had threatened them with extinction if they brought anything else to the party.
Everyone was having fun as former students and their teachers got an opportunity to meet for the first time away from the formality of Hogwarts. There were plenty of confessions and stories shared as long-kept secrets were divulged. Lee confessed to the nifflers in Umbridge's office, Dean explained how the bottles of Ol' Johnson's Firewater got in, and Fred and George confessed to multitudes of plots and pranks. Dumbledore took it all in stride and even McGonagall looked like she might be having fun. Finally, Arthur Weasley proposed a toast, and everyone filled their glasses.
"To Harry and Hermione," he said, raising his glass. "To Harry and Hermione," they all repeated and glasses chinked throughout the room. Harry reached over and touched Hermione's glass, and they both drank, watching each other carefully. Harry nodded, and they moved towards the drawing room, with many other following. After a moment of quiet whispers, they both tossed their glasses into the roaring fire, bringing cheers from those who understood. That was another excuse for them to kiss, and of course, they did.
There were still a few scheduled events remaining, and Neville suggested they get started. There were three presents to be opened now, and everyone came back into the drawing room as Neville levitated the packages.
The first was a long cylinder…and it was heavy! Harry waited while Hermione read the card, announcing it was from Remus Lupin. Harry tore off the heavy paper and found a roll of heavy fabric. Ron and Neville moved some chairs, and Harry and Hermione unrolled it, finding a large expanse of blue tapestry, devoid of any detail. Hermione looked very puzzled. Harry moved it slightly and unrolled the last curl, revealing the lettering at the top. Both of them gasped as they read the inscriptions.
On one side were placed Lily Evans and James Potter, on the other side Hermione's parents were similarly embroidered. Golden threads traveled to the center, joining where Harry Potter and Hermione Granger were placed within a Heart. Across the top it said "The Honorable House of Potter." They both looked up with eyes glistening, and Hermione ran to hug Remus. Harry smiled as Ron and Neville took it to the wall, hanging it in a space which once held the family tree of his godfather.
When Hermione returned, Harry leaned over and whispered in her ear. "There's room for 19 children."
She just grinned. "You wish!"
Next, they unwrapped a package from the Weasleys, finding a polished wooden plaque. It was made of brilliant red bloodwood, in the shape of a heart and included their names and today's date. As they held it up, Ron walked over, bringing their wedding wand, attaching it to the mounting provided. It also went up on the wall, as Arthur and Molly smiled.
The final package was identified as coming from the Gryffindor House, and their classmates gathered closer as they opened it. Once the wrapping was gone, they both just stood there, stunned! It was also a plaque, and it was huge!
At the top was gilt lettering in an arch, "Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." The arch was placed around the Hogwarts crest, made of gold and silver. Immediately below that was a silver Gryffindor lion, with the house name in gilt below. Below that, on one side was Hermione's Head Girl badge with Harry's Head Boy badge on the other side.
Below each badge were listed their accomplishments, starting with Hermione's "Highest Ever Grade in First Year Charms" and Harry's "Youngest Seeker Ever." The list on each side was long, including all of their O.W.L.S. Harry's side included "Saved the Sourcerer's Stone, "Closed the Chamber of Secrets", and Tri-wizard Tournament Champion." Hermione's just kept repeating "Highest Grades" for every class and every year. Between each year, a single line was repeated: "House Cup won by Gryffindor."
At the bottom were listed their N.E.W.T.s, including "Outstanding Charms", "Outstanding Transfiguration", and then "Exceeds Outstanding Potions" and "Exceeds Outstanding Defense Against the Dark Arts." The last lines of text again bridged both columns.
Friends to All Leaders by Example Defenders of the Oppressed True Gryffindors
They were both in tears as all the other Gryffindor graduates came up, hugging them both and smiling.
Finally, Harry stepped up and started to speak. "In a muggle wedding there are a couple of traditions that we decided to include in ours. According to legend, the girl who catches the bridal bouquet will be the next to marry."
Hermione grinned as she picked up the bouquet and turned her back to the girls. Only she and Harry knew that it was charmed and already knew where to go. As she tossed it back over her head, all the girls reached out and yelled, but it headed directly to Mandy. She screamed, and Ron turned bright red as Harry looked at him and grinned. "Your turn, mate." If possible, Ron turned even redder as Mandy came over and kissed him.
Now it was Harry's turn, and Hermione came over to help. "According to information I received," he said, "there should be a garter somewhere here." He grinned, as did Hermione, as he knelt down, pushed the skirt of her gown aside and began running his hands up her leg. Hidden by the skirt, his hands passed the garter and continued on, tickling her as everyone laughed and she slapped at him playfully. "Ah ha, here it is," he said and retrieved it on the way back down, sliding it over her foot and standing up.
"Now, legend says the wizard who catches this will be the next to marry." Again, Harry and Hermione had pre-selected where it would end up. Harry drew back the elastic, appearing to aim directly at Fred, who drew back in fear. However, when he released it, the garter made a sharp left turn and ended up in Neville's hands. Everyone cheered and clapped as it was Ginny's turn to color. Neville just sputtered, not sure what this meant. Then Ginny ran over and kissed him, and it became clearer to him.
With the official program concluded, people gradually started to leave. Harry and Hermione's classmates came up to say good-bye, some with their parents. Parvati and Padma wished them both well, and each of them kissed Harry. Seamus walked over and kissed Hermione and then came to Harry.
"I'm sorry I ever doubted you, Harry."
"I understand, Seamus. It was a different time then." Harry just smiled and they shook hands and then hugged.
"Good luck," he said, wanting to say more, but feeling this wasn't the time or place.
Lavender hugged Hermione and whispered something about being jealous. Then she came over to Harry. She pulled him close and kissed his cheek. "For someone who doesn't know any special spells, you do very well." Harry just grinned.
"As I once said, some things just work themselves out."
"Right!" she grinned, and kissed him again. Hermione looked over, very curious. Harry mouthed "Later" and she smiled.
Finally, almost everyone was gone and Harry walked over to her parents. "Harry, we can't thank you enough for working out a way for us to be here." Harry thought this was pretty odd, considering that they couldn't bring any of their friends. "We have talked with Dumbledore and understand what we need to do while we're in France. Good luck with your challenge. We both love you deeply." Her mother hugged Harry, kissing his cheek and holding him close while her father smiled.
Hermione came over, and there was another round of hugs and kisses. They all walked to the front door, and said good-bye. When the door closed, Harry realized that they were finally alone. He walked back into the drawing room, just staring at the wall. They were married! Then something occurred to him.
"Hermione, come here! There's something we forgot." He sounded frantic, and she came rushing in.
"What?"
Harry took her hand and pulled her back to the front door. She thought it was something to do with her parents, but when he opened the door and pulled her outside, her parents were already gone…what was he doing. Then he slowly picked her up and carried her back through the door and into the house. "I knew that practice would come in handy some day." She just grinned, as wide as she could.
Back in the drawing room, they just looked at the walls, trying to absorb the things hanging there. Harry kept coming back to the wand. They were now joined forever…he just wanted forever to be a long time. Hermione sensed his thoughts and stood beside him, looking at the wand and trying to see into the future. For a long time they said nothing. Finally, Harry spoke.
"I want to make love to you. I want to give you everything. I want…" He stopped, looking for words that did not come. She turned and looked into his eyes, seeing the sparkle and determination that made him special. "Let's go upstairs."
When they arrived, Harry sat down on the bed, just staring at her standing in front of him. Slowly, he reached out and began lowering the zipper on her gown. Underneath was just Hermione…nothing else, and he stopped, seeing her beauty as if for the first time. She turned to face him, smiling. "Do you wish this was the first time?"
"No, it doesn't matter at all. To me, the first time is no longer significant…what matters is…what matters is…what matters is that I love you. What matters is that you love me. That's what matters. Nothing else!" He removed his robe and pulled her onto the bed, their arms and bodies entwining once again. "I love you, Mrs. Potter."
"Say that again, Harry. I like the sound of that."
