A/N: Harry Potter and his world belongs to J.K. Rowling, Warner Brothers and anyone that has received licensing rights. I am grateful she gives us the privilege of playing in her world.
-oOo-
Chapter 12
-oOo-
December 24, 1996
Redhill, England
Hermione was fussing over the red dress she was wearing. There was an annoying wrinkle in the skirt. As she tried to get rid of it in the hallway mirror, her mother came up to her. "I never thought I would see you stress over a boy so much," her mum said with a laugh on her voice.
"I am not nervous," Hermione huffed.
"You haven't made sure the sitting room is just right four times?"
"I've never had any friends over here before," she replied.
Her mum gave her an understanding smile. "Just relax. I am sure Dean will make a good impression on your dad."
She let out a long breath. "Dad isn't going to scare him off? I like him, mum."
"I know dear. I am interested in finally getting to know Harry. You've talked about him so much over the years," her mum said.
The smile in the mirror didn't hold the sadness she felt months ago. Dean had helped. Seeing Harry with Lavender, and how she made him feel, had helped more. "He's my best friend. What else do you want to know?"
Her mum gave her a knowing look. They had talked the other day about the laws, and she had finally confessed to everything that had happened. Her father had been less than pleased she had hidden so much, but where she was seventeen now, they couldn't withdraw her, and she knew Harry would help her with a loan if she needed for their last year.
Her mum had been able to wheedle out a confession about her feelings for Harry, but she now only saw him as her friend and brother... only very occasionally having a dream that was not so sisterly.
"What time are they to be here?" her dad asked, coming down the stairs in a gaudy Christmas jumper.
"Do you have to wear that?" Hermione questioned.
He looked at the jumper. "What is wrong with this?"
Her mum laughed. "Nothing, dear. Hermione just wants to make a good impression."
"I know, pet. I don't want them thinking we are too stuffy."
Hermione gave her dad a desperate look. "Please don't do any of those dentist jokes!"
He chuckled. "I find them quite witty."
"George, let's see how it goes," her mum said.
The doorbell rang and Hermione jumped. "They're here. Mum, did I remember to put the butterbeer in the ice?"
Her mum laughed. "Yes. Don't worry. Your dad and I will make sure everything is good. You just enjoy your night with your friends and boyfriend."
She felt her face loose some colour to see the look in her dad's eye.
"George, you are going to behave tonight."
"Of course, Anna."
Hermione moved to the door and opened it. Harry, Lavender, a woman that looked similar to Lavender and the muscular Charlie Weasley were on the step. She could see a green skirt sticking out of Lavenders black peacoat, with her hair up and light make-up. The girl was beautiful.
Her mum was in a brown leather coat, multiple piercings in her ears and a figure like her daughters. She had a smile on her face and her hand in the hand of the large Weasley man. There was a hint of tattoos on Charlie's neck and his hands were huge.
Harry was in a pair of slacks and a long parker. He moved into hug her. "Happy Christmas," he said joyfully.
She easily wrapped her arms around him and returned the greeting. Lavender hugged her as she came in and the greetings were well underway when the doorbell rung again. Hermione opened the door to see Dean. To look at his slightly nervous grin, and dark eyes that found hers almost immediately, her heart felt like it was beating against her chest.
"Happy Christmas. I hope we aren't late. Mum was a little slow in getting ready," he said.
"A lady is never slow. Is this Hermione?" a woman asked from behind him. Her dark hair was pulled back into a bun and she was wearing a blue tweed coat.
Hermione felt very nervous. "I am. Mrs. Thomas?"
"Erica, dear. Dean said you were quite stunning. I think he was playing you down a little bit," the woman said, moving in and hugging Hermione. Her cheeks felt warm, and Dean looked embarrassed.
"Are you going to keep the door open or invite them in," her dad said.
Hermione started. "I'm sorry. How rude of me," she said, inviting them in. Dean offered her mum a box of chocolates. Her eyes grew wide to see Mrs. Brown in a rock t-shirt. It was the opposite of her daughter, who was in a very flattering skirt, with white stockings and a green top that cut a little low on her chest.
Dean greeted them all before returning to her side. Her mum gave her a look and Hermione caught the hint. "If you all want, there are some refreshments in our sitting room."
They all moved in, and she hustled about to make sure everyone was comfortable before moving next to the chair Dean was in. "You should sit," he said to her.
"Does everyone have a drink?" Hermione asked, hoping her nerves weren't showing.
Dean shook his head. "I didn't come over just to have my girlfriend drive herself mental being a host. Everyone is fine, Hermione."
She squeaked as he took her hand and pulled her down onto the loveseat he was in. "I'm glad you came," she said with a smile.
His fingers slipped between hers. "I am too."
They were interrupted when Lavender came over. "You look really pretty tonight," Lavender complimented.
"I thought the same, just haven't been able to tell her yet," Dean complimented.
She gave him an eye. "I'm not that good looking."
"You are better than good," Dean said and she felt a little flush at the look he gave her.
Lavender giggled. "I'll leave you two to go find Hermione's bedroom in a few. I have something to talk to you about though."
"Lavender," Hermione chastised in a hushed voice. They hadn't gotten that far yet, but Hermione wouldn't deny that she liked Dean's hands on her.
Lavender just winked before looking more serious. "Can you give us just a few minutes?"
Dean shrugged and got up. Lavender sat. "Did you get the letter from Hedwig?"
"I did. Why didn't you all invite me the other day?" She felt slightly left out.
"It was a spur of the moment thing that Susan and Fleur organized. I tried to call your number, but had to leave a message," Lavender told her.
Hermione had heard the message on her machine. Her mother and her had gone out shopping for the day. "So, did you find a dress?"
Lavender gave a broad smile. "Yes. I have something to ask you though," she said.
"What is that?"
"Harry and I are going to get married on January fourth. I know Harry is going to talk to you about it tonight, but I was hoping you might be a bride's maid? Harry loves you and would like you up there and after Parvati, you were the only other one I could think of," Lavender explained.
Hermione's eyes widened. Harry had mentioned they were thinking of getting married early. "That is only nine days away."
"I know," Lavender said looking a little excited but sounding a little scared.
"Are you sure of this? Neither of you are seventeen until the summer. You have time if you want. How are you getting everything ready in that time?" she said.
Lavender looked a little nervous now. "Mum and Minister Bones are helping, and Mrs. Weasley offered to make the cake. I know we have a while, but I know we can't change our mind and I really love him, Hermione. Would you be a bridesmaid? Harry would really like it... I would too."
Hermione thought for a moment before looking to Harry. He was talking with her father and Dean. Dean looked a little nervous but was holding his own. "Harry loves you too."
"I am really starting to believe that," Lavender said with a tenor of disbelief.
"You are good for him. I would be honoured to stand up there with you. I assume Parvati is your maid-of-honour?" Hermione said, looking back to her dorm mate.
"Yes."
Hermione nodded. "What is up with Charlie? Did the matching pair them up?"
Lavender snorted, not looking as pleased. "Meet my new step-dad. I came home to find out they were already married after a night of drinking. They found a healer to validate they were compatible and then a bonder. They were married eleven days before I came home and didn't tell me."
Hermione blinked before screeching, "What?"
"I know!" Lavender exclaimed.
"What were they thinking?" Hermione asked, more surprised by what happened than actually reasoning out why.
"They weren't. Mum said there was a lot of fire whiskey before and after they were bonded. I don't want my wedding to be like that," Lavender replied.
Hermione just stared at the dirty blonde girl. The gears in her head running wild. After a moment, she asked, "That is why you want to rush this, isn't it?"
Lavender sighed. "I love Harry."
Hermione could tell. "What else is it?"
"I'm not sure if Harry has told you, but as part of our betrothal and the proliferation covenants, there is a jinx on all forms of contraceptives and a minor fertility blessing. I want to be with Harry. If I get pregnant, we will be considered married. I want my mum, our family and friends to see us get married, not for me to just come home and say we eloped," Lavender said, looking towards her mum.
Hermione was a little shocked. Neither Ron nor Harry had mentioned anything like that to her. "Oh, I see."
Lavender sighed. "I don't mean to sound so shallow..."
Hermione put her hand over Lavenders. "You don't sound shallow. I didn't know. If Harry is in full agreement, I will do anything I can for you two."
Lavender looked into her eyes for a few. "Will you go with Parvati and I to get you a bridesmaid dress on the twenty-eighth?"
"Of course," she promised. "Ron and Susan aren't planning on marrying early or anything, are they?"
"Not that I know. Susan really wants to get married in July. Hannah and Neville are looking at Easter. I see Dean looking at you. I'll let you go save him from your dad," Lavender smirked at her.
Dean looked very nervous when she looked to him. "Please excuse me," she said.
Approaching the boys, she could hear her father say, "... I was under the impression you really wanted to marry Lavender," her father put to Harry.
"I do, sir," Harry said looking a little piqued.
"But you just said the Ministry is requiring you to marry. And so soon? Are either of you even seventeen?" her father demanded. It was apparent she didn't get her forcefulness from her mother.
"Mr. Granger, we have to get married at some point in the next year. Lavender and I don't want to wait," Harry replied.
"Dad, I thought we agreed you wouldn't take this up tonight," she said significantly, upset with her father.
He looked at her, a very upset glint to his eyes. "And you, young lady. I suppose this whole thing tonight is so that we can meet the boy you are going to be forced to marry?"
"God, no, dad. Dean and I are just dating. I don't have to marry anyone I don't want," she said back, her own anger starting to come through.
Charlie and Rebecca walked up to them. "Is there an issue over here?" Rebecca enquired.
"Yes! I am just finding out now that the Ministry of Magic is forcing people into marriages that they don't want," her father said. "Why would your friend be forced to marry and not you?"
"Because you and mum have no magic. The Ministry is only requiring those that have had magic in their blood for the last three generations or more, and even then, they are being forced to do this because of men that are hundreds of years dead," she snapped back.
Most of the party was now aware of the yelling and had turned to them. "And how long before they require everyone to do this? I knew we should have taken you out of that school once you told us what was really going on," he retorted.
"And I told you you would have no say over me once I turned seventeen," she replied. This had been a discussion over the summer. It was why they had spent an extra week in France when her parents had threatened to pull her out of Hogwarts and move away. Especially after the battle at the Ministry. She hadn't told Harry or Ron this and thought it was settled.
"I am not sending in the check for the second half of this year. You are not going back," he told her.
Harry stepped up to one side of her, while Dean stepped up to the other side. She was too enraged to notice. "I am going back. I'll empty my bank account if I need too."
"You can't until you are eighteen," he retorted.
"I have a Gringotts' account that you and mum put some money into, if you remember. You have no say over that now that I am seventeen!"
Her mum moved in. "George, I think that is enough," her mum said, coming to his side. "We have guests."
"You know what, Hermione, I think Lav, and I will get going," Harry said next to her.
She turned to her best mate. "Stay," she begged.
Lavender had come up and took his hand. Her mum had dragged her dad away. Harry didn't look as pleased. "Did you tell your dad any of this?" Harry asked.
"Some. I didn't give them all the details, not after how he reacted over the summer," she said to him.
"Perhaps you should," Lavender said from his side.
Harry ran a hand over his neck. That was always a sign he was feeling stressed and not liking the situation. "This is supposed to be a fun night. If we are causing you issues, perhaps we should leave," Rebecca offered.
"I was rather enjoying our conversation with Anna," Mrs. Thomas said. "Charlie, you said you work with dragons? I have never seen one bud Dean has told me about them."
Hermione looked to Dean, who slipped a hand into hers. "I told you I wanted to spend Christmas Eve with you."
A sad smile came over her face. "I'm sorry about this."
"It's not really me that your father has been grilling. Since he found out Harry is 'The Harry Potter', he's been all over him for all the stuff you got up to," Dean told her.
She looked back to Harry. Harry had leaned down to have a whispered conversation with Lavender. Whatever she said had him visibly relax and give a small smile. When he met her eyes, she could see he was more at ease. Lavender really was a good match for him.
"Will you stay?" Hermione asked.
Harry let out a breath and let go of Lavender's hand. She rushed to hug him as he opened his arms. "You are my sister. I won't leave you," he whispered to her.
She smiled into his shoulder.
"You hurt her, and her father will be the least of your worries," Harry said over her shoulder.
"No worries there, mate," Dean said behind her.
When he let her go, Dean took her hand again. "My mum wants to get to know you better."
"I would like that," she said, letting herself be pulled away. It was a good half-hour or more before her parents came back into the room. Her father looked a little disgruntled but didn't pester anyone else for the evening.
When Dean and his mum went home about eleven, she had spent a good ten minutes saying goodbye to him. Walking back into the house, her mum was cleaning things up while her father sat on a couch nursing a glass of wine. When they saw her, her mother took a seat next to her father. She had that 'we need to talk' look on her face.
Hermione took the chair that was facing the couch tonight.
"When we had our talk over the summer, you promised not to hide anything again," her mother said. She had a hard time reading her mother's mood. She didn't sound upset, but she didn't look pleased either.
"I have not. I told you that the Minister was having to enact some old laws that would require people to marry and that I was not affected," she told them.
"You didn't give us all the details," her father said, not meeting her eyes.
"I was not unhonest," she defended herself.
"No, but the details I got from Rebecca, Charlie and Erica were a lot more than you gave us," her mum said, putting a hand on her father's arm.
"What would you have said if I told you everything? Dad was already threatening to not pay for school this year. You were upset because I never told you everything, and that the professors didn't either. I don't want to go back to living in the Muggle world. As much as it has been hard, things are really changing now and I really like my magic," she told them.
Her father frowned as he watched the swirling liquid in his glass. "Would you really have just left and gone off?"
He was thinking about this past summer. "Yes," she answered without thought. She would not abandon Harry or the others. She really did like the magical world, even more so now that many laws were changing, and she now had a real shot to make it in the Ministry or other professions.
He looked up. "You say that even though you can't be with Harry now?"
"George," her mother chastised.
"Harry is my brother. He and Ron have become family to me, as much as you and mum are. As I said before, if either of them needs me, I will be right beside them," she told him.
"I saw the way you were that first time you came from the Weasley's after we got back from France. You looked heartbroken and wouldn't tell us what happened. Hermione, did Harry not want to marry you?" her mother asked kindly.
Hermione felt a tear well in her eye. She had let him go. She really liked Dean. But there was still a part of her that would always love Harry as more than a brother. "I don't know. It doesn't matter though. The old covenants only allowed wizards to marry those that already had magic. I am the first in our family to have magic, so I wasn't eligible."
"Would you have?" her father asked in a low voice.
"Yes," she replied.
Her mother opened her arms and Hermione moved over to the couch. She wrapped her arms around her mum as she joined them. It was a much tighter fit than it had been when she was a little girl, but it still felt nice. "Do you really like Dean or is he just a rebound?" her mum questioned.
"I really like him, mum," she told her.
Her father nodded. "He seems like a nice boy. He said he wants to become a lawyer?"
"Solicitor. Yeah, he worked with his mum at a law firm last summer and he has been helping me go through everything to see if we could find a way out of this for Harry and everyone," she told them.
"Is Dean affected by this law?" her mother asked.
Hermione sat up, wiping the tears away from her cheeks. "We don't know. His birth father was a wizard. His mum knows that much, but she doesn't know who he really was."
Her father gave her a critical eye. "Why?"
"He used a fake name while he was trying to hide from the Death Eaters. He didn't want Dean or his mother to be found out. One day, his father just didn't come home," she told them. "His mum is sure the Death Eaters found him, but no one ever came looking for her and Dean, so they must not have found out."
The hard look on her father's face softened. "The man was protecting his family. I can respect that."
"What happens if they find out who his father is?" her mother asked.
"That depends on his father. If he can trace back more than three generations of magical blood, then he would be bound by the covenant," she told them.
"So that means he will be forced to marry someone by the magical Ministry?" her father asked.
Hermione shook her head. "If he does, he has until the following Christmas to find someone to be betrothed with, and then marry within one year of that Christmas. If he is already married before they identify him, his wife can be of any status, but they would still be required to have three children. If they already do, they have to have another," she told them.
"Do you plan to run off and marry him?" her father questioned.
"No," she said firmly before her mother could snap at her father. "I want to take my GCSE's once I graduate. Dean has been taking tutoring on the side and I have joined him. We both plan to go to college and then I want to get into the Ministry of Magic. Dean is going to become a solicitor and wants to live in both worlds, like I do. I have no idea if we will be together for that long."
"And you wouldn't try to protect him like Harry if he finds out who his father was?" her mother asked more gently.
"I don't know. We have been dating for the last two months. I really like him, but, I don't know," she said.
"He isn't Harry, is he?" her mother pressed.
She gave a sad smile. "He isn't Harry. I love Harry like he is my brother. I would do anything for him," she said.
"Just like he has done anything for you," her father said.
"Yes," she replied.
"Right," her mother said after a few moments. "Let's get this all cleaned up. Erica invited us over this week. It's a bit of a drive, but maybe you can go out and visit him using that Knight Bus thing?"
"I have my appointment at the Ministry the twenty-ninth to get my apparition license. I can go over after that. I've also been invited to one of my friends for New Year's Eve," Hermione told them.
"That is that thing like using a teleporter?" her father asked as they stood up.
"Yeah. Mum, I can get that," she said, taking her wand out and casting a silent hovering charm. All the glasses, plates and platters lifted up.
Her father chuckled. "I am never going to get used to that."
"Don't you break anything. That is my grandmother's good crystal platter," her mum said as Hermione started to move everything out of the sitting room.
-oOo-
December 25, 1996
Ottery St. Catchpole, England
Chaos.
That was the only way she could think to describe it.
The house didn't seem large enough to support the number of people here today. There were so many that a tent had been pitched outside with warming charms, two large tables and with a small, covered walkway to keep the icy rain off of everyone. Lavender had always known the Weasley clan was large but knowing and seeing were two separate things. There were four Weasley boys with their betroths, Charlie with her mother, Harry with her, Ginny, Luna Lovegood and her father, Fleur's family... the only time Lavender could ever remember having this much family around was going to one of the Patil's family reunions. They had two cousins in England, but dozens in India.
She was getting used to her mum and Charlie. Most everyone here accepted her, except Mrs. Weasley. Mrs. Weasley seemed to have a bit of an issue with her mother, Fleur and the young woman with Fred. Lavender didn't really know why and found it irksome. After a little bit, she came to the conclusion it was a hen-pecking thing.
On the other hand, Mrs. Weasley was ecstatic about Susan, Angelina and her.
While she watched the chaos, she smiled to see Harry enjoying himself. He really did regard these people as his family, and they treated him as such.
Lavender nursed a butterbeer as a beautiful woman made her way over. "Hello, Mrs. Delacour," she greeted the woman.
"Good afte'noon. Do you mind eef I sit?" the woman asked in a French accent.
"Please," Lavender offered.
When the woman sat, she put a wine glass down. "I wanted to thank all the girls personally for the other day."
Lavender shook her head. "I have to thank you, Mrs. Delacour. It was a fun day and Fleur is going to look spectacular at her wedding."
The woman smiled. "She is a radiant person. She does not always get along with many women, but she felt very included. The dress you picked out is very special as well."
She smiled. "I hope Harry likes it."
There was a small yell that they both looked towards. Bill was laughing as Fleur seemed to spout off at him in French. The other Weasley's around them were laughing, while the twins seemed to egg her on. Mrs. Delacour let out a musical laugh. "Eet is obvious why she likes him. The Weasley's accept her as well."
"The Weasleys are good people. They took in Harry when he had nowhere to really go and the twins were always very funny at school," Lavender replied.
"Yes, 'Arry is a special person as well. He saved our little Gabrielle when he did not need too," she said. Lavender looked towards the small blonde girl. She had been following Harry all day and was over with Ron, Harry and Ginny.
Lavender thought it cute how the girl had a crush on her Harry. She thought she might be jealous, but she could tell Harry wasn't interested in the little veela girl that way. He was acting more like a big brother to her. "He is very special," Lavender said, a slightly wistful quality to her voice.
The woman laughed. "Love ees very special."
Lavender smiled and nodded. Watching Harry, she was thinking that he might get a special Christmas present tonight.
"Eef you or 'Arry ever need us, or are in France, Alain and I will always welcome family."
"Thank you, Mrs. Delacour," Lavender said.
Some music started up and Harry split away from the boys. Coming over, he extended a hand. "Would you care for a dance?" Others were starting to dance to the Christmas music.
Lavender reached out for his hand. "If we must," she teased.
Harry shrugged. "I'm sure I can find another partner. Mrs. Delacour?"
She squeezed his hand tight. "You are dancing with me first."
Mrs. Delacour chuckled as he pulled her to the dance floor. It was a slow song to start, and she was happy to lean into him and put her head on his shoulder. Harry laughed at her. "I can really dance, if you want. I've been taught how to since the Yule Ball."
"I just want to be close to you right now," she told him.
Harry leaned his head against hers. She liked the contact. As they slowly turned, like many of the others, she didn't miss the jealous look on Ginny's face. Gabrielle looked disappointed, but then Charlie came over to pull her onto the dance floor and her face lit up. Mr. Delacour offered his hand to Ginny.
"Are you having fun?" Harry asked.
"Very much," she answered.
"I told Mrs. Weasley we would lover her to make our cake," Harry told her.
"That would be very nice. Are you ready to get married in about two weeks?"
He kissed the side of her head. "As long as you are. We can wait."
"Do you want to wait?"
"No," he replied.
She held him tight before stepping back. The music changed and became faster. "You said you know how to dance?"
He gave her a smirk. "Susan and Hannah wanted to make sure Ron, Neville and I could give you all a good time," he responded, lifting his arm and she twirled.
Giggling, her eyes took on some mirth. "I may have to thank them if you do well."
He pecked her and then picked up the pace. It turned out to be a very enjoyable evening of dancing, laughing and family.
-oOo-
December 27, 1996
Cokeworth, England
After having a talk with Lavender and Rebecca the other night, Harry realized that Lavender and him needed their own space. Luckily, they had a few choices without having to buy anything. Thus, they found themselves in the dingy old Midland town of Cokeworth.
An old factory dominated the skyline by the river. It was still in use, recently having been converted to make aircraft parts, but it didn't employ as many as it used to. The streets looked in ill-repair, as did many of the row houses they were walking by.
Lavender took his hand. "It's not much to look at, is it?"
"Many of these old towns aren't as prosperous as they used to be. If you don't want to live here, I can keep an apartment open in the building," Rebecca told them as they walked up to sixteen Oswald Road.
Harry looked up at the house his mother and Aunt Petunia had grown up in. It was three stories tall, narrow and hemmed in by other row houses. It reminded him some of Grimmauld Place, which wasn't a pleasant memory.
Lavender didn't look very impressed but put on a smile anyways.
Inside, Harry was a whirl of emotions. This was the first time he had been anywhere that his parents had once lived. He hadn't even been to Godric's Hollow yet, not really thinking about it until recently.
"Should we go in?" Lavender asked.
Harry hesitated; a swirl of emotions having started in him. "Uhm, yeah," he said.
Walking up to the door, he put the key into the door that the goblins had given him. When they opened the door, he was surprised to find the place clean. The entry way had a covered table, a stair and hallway that had two doorways and a door below the stairs. It reminded him of Privet Drive.
Lavender and Rebecca didn't say anything as he walked in. In the sitting room there was a couch and a few chairs covered in cloths. He saw a cabinet in the corner full of trinkets and an empty bookcase.
His mum must have put preservation and cleaning charms over everything because there was no dust and the air smelt clean.
Lavender came up to him and slipped her hand back into his as he stood in the center of the room. "It's clean," she commented.
Harry nodded.
In a way, he felt disappointed. There wasn't much here. No pictures. No books. No tellie or anything else that he thought should belong, only that one cabinet in the corner. Walking over to it, he saw it was full of glass and pewter figurines. Without any reference, he had no clue if they were his mothers or his grandparents.
"I like those. Oh, look at the swans," Lavender said.
Rebecca had walked through the kitchen and dining room. "There is a nice table and chairs in here. A cabinet of some nice china. The kitchen will need to be gutted and redone. It looks like it was last updated in the sixties."
Harry sniffed, trying to hide the emotions. "If we want to live here, we can find a contractor."
Lavender hugged him and he wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
Up the stairs, with Lavender still wrapped around his mid-section, they found three bedrooms. Two small ones at the front of the house with a dresser, desk and wardrobe. There were no beds. A bathroom with an old porcelain tub and a linen closet were between the front bedrooms and the master bedroom.
In the master bedroom they found a closet, two bureaus a nightstand and a large bed frame but no mattress.
"I wonder if my mum had plans to redo the house," Harry asked.
"I don't know, but I think it needs some new appliances and a lot of new furniture before you live here," Rebecca said.
"Can we go see the cottage now?" Lavender asked.
Harry had the impression she didn't like the place and Harry wasn't sure he did either.
A Knight Bus ride later, they found themselves just north of Port Isaac in Cornwall. The bus had dropped them off at the edge of a quiet lane surrounded by farmland and hedgerows. Looking around, Harry figured the old dirt drive before him was where they needed to go.
"This is a little remote," Lavender commented.
"I like the country," Harry told her.
"You wouldn't be bothered by neighbors. Harry, do you know how large this cottage is? Some of the old purebloods had different ideas on cottages and mansions," Rebecca told her.
"Like how you grew up, mum?" Lavender asked.
"It was nice not having to hide our magic, but it's easier to hide among the Muggles," Rebecca replied.
Harry just nodded as they walked around a curve in the hedgerow lane. Around the corner was a white gate. It didn't look anything fancy, just a white wooden pole with a support. But when it came to wizards, looks could be deceiving and he could feel the magic of the wards. All three of them stopped.
"I should go first and make sure the wards recognize me," Harry told them.
"Just be careful," Lavender said worriedly.
"Always, luv," he said with a cheeky grin. She just rolled her eyes at him.
Harry walked up to the gate and took the ring out of his pocket. It was the regent ring of the Blacks. He usually didn't wear it, but the goblins said he would need to present it. Putting it on his finger, he walked up to the gate and pressed the ring against the wood.
He had braced himself, just in case the wards refused him. When there was a crack, he whipped out his wand and found a quivering elf just on the other side of the gate. Harry blinked. "Who are you?"
The elf stood. Harry realized it was a female elf. She didn't look anywhere as old as most other house elves he had seen. Blonde hair was growing out her ears and her big blue eyes looked at him expectantly. "Itzy come to let the new Regent Black in. Itzy is the elf here."
Harry let out a breath. Looking at the elf, he realized he had forgot about Kreacher. He would have to deal with that later.
"It's good to meet you, Itzy. Are there any other house elves here?" Harry asked her.
"Just Itzy and Dibby, Master Black," the elf said.
"You can just call me Harry. This is Rebecca Weasley and Lavender Brown, who is my betrothed. Is it safe to come in?" Harry asked.
She looked between him, Lavender and her mother. "Mistress Lav can come in," she said, looking at Lavender. "Missus Weasley needs to be added to the wards."
Harry looked back to them. Rebecca made a shooing motion. "You two go. Have Itsy come get me once you can."
"You sure?" Harry asked.
Lavender, looking at the house elf, was becoming excited. "Mum will be fine. I want to see the house."
Harry shook his head and let Itsy take them to the cottage. They were popped just outside a modest home. The house was stone and looked like an old, converted farmhouse. It looked to have maybe a dozen rooms total with a strong shingle roof and well maintained.
They stood in a circle with a nice flower patch and to the right was a two-stall horse barn.
"Oh, I like this," Lavender said, looking around.
The smell of the ocean was all around them and Harry took in a deep breath. He was finding he really liked the ocean.
"There isn't anymore horses," Itsy said, her hand wringing an ear. "Old Jacque passed almost ten years back and their Regent Sirius couldn't be found to replace them."
"It's fine, Itsy," Harry told her.
"I want to go inside," Lavender said, pulling him along.
"What about your mum?" he asked.
"There is a book in the study you can add names too," Itsy said, following them as Lavender just about bounced towards the house.
Inside they found a place that was full of polished oaks and exotic woods. All the floors were made of paving stones and covered in carpets. There was a nice tearoom just off the main hall, with a sitting room behind it. A formal dining room with twelve places was at the end of the hall. Off the side hall was four bedrooms, a kitchen, a study and a bathroom.
Harry made his way to the study to find the book on an old captain's desk. Opening it, he found it was pretty simple. You add the name or cross it off to let people in or not. Harry added Rebecca, Charlie, Ron, Parvati and Hermione before looking through the book as Lavender explored the house. Harry didn't think anyone in here was still alive... well, he found Augusta Longbottom.
Just to be sure, Harry crossed out all the other names. He would add the rest of the Weasley's and their friends later. Lavender had just squealed, and he wanted to go see what she had found.
He walked down the hallway to the last door. inside was a large master bedroom with a huge four-posted bed, a full vanity, a couch before a fireplace and all the furniture that said at least two people had called this home at one time.
Lavender was on the bed with her mum.
He smiled as they talked about the house and Rebecca asked Lavender if she could move in.
Apparently, Lavender and him had found where they were going to call home.
-oOo-
January 4, 1997
London, England
Harry had no clue how all this was pulled off.
He stood at the bottom of a grand staircase in the center of a large atrium that spanned two floors. The stairs led to a first floor with two wings that went the length of the atrium. It had been decorated by the Bones' elves with flowers. Thirty seats were setup around an aisle with a red carpet. It was a small ceremony with the Bones, the Longbottoms, all the Weasleys and their significant others - including Rebecca and Charlie -, Hannah Abbot, the Delacours -who had portkeyed back from France-, the Grangers, Dean Thomas, the Patils, Hagrid, Professor Flitwick and Headmistress McGonagall. In short, it was just about everyone that he and Lavender considered family or their closest friends.
Next to him stood Ron and Neville. Minister Bones had offered to act as the bonder. Harry really wished she would accept something for all this.
They were standing at the front as everyone not helping Lavender, Parvati and Hermione were milling around.
"You ready for this, mate?" Ron asked.
"Doesn't matter if he is or not. Lavender would hunt him down if he ran," Neville teased.
Harry rubbed his sweaty hands on the trousers of his tux and tried to laugh. They had all decided to go with the muggle dress code. Molly hadn't been as pleased, but no one else made a fuss about it. "I don't want to know what she would do if she caught me."
"Probably drag you back here," Ron said with a cheeky grin.
"If he was that lucky. She might just leave his body where she finds him," Neville added.
"You are both berks," Harry groused, making them both laugh.
Mr. Weasley chuckled as he walked up to them. "I think the bride is just as nervous. I'll tell you the same thing I told Bill last weekend."
"And what is that?" Harry asked nervously, the thought that he was only sixteen and getting married running rampant through his head.
"Just take a deep breath. Tell your bride she is beautiful and relax," Mr. Weasley said.
"Easy for you to say," Harry tried to laugh and it sounded half strangled.
Mr. Weasley laughed at him. "I was a ball of nerves the day I saw Molly walking down the carpet at her Aunt Muriel's. I was only seventeen and Molly was eighteen. I almost passed out until my father gave me the same advice. Any time I feel the same way, I just tell my bride she is beautiful, give her a kiss and many times the issue just blows over."
Ron chuckled. "Is that how you calm mum down at times?"
"That and a good dram of Ogden's finest," Mr. Weasley answered Ron with a wink. They all laughed at that.
"I'm not ready for this," Harry told Arthur, feeling even more panicked.
Arthur took a look at him, and the recognition of the panic Harry must have been feeling had the man giving him a fatherly smile. "You still have another ten minutes or so. Let's go over here for a moment," the man said, leading Harry over to the side of the stairs.
Once out of sight, Harry started to pace in the little alcove.
"What's really bothering you?" queried Arthur.
Harry had never really had a father figure to ever look up to until this past summer when the Weasleys all but adopted him. Harry just let it out. "We are only sixteen. I need to be a father within the next eighteen months. We probably won't even be out of Hogwarts by then. Why are we being forced into this? Merlin, we are too young to have a baby. What if I act the way... the way..." he said in an almost panic.
Arthur stopped him, firmly planting his hands on Harry's shoulders. "Harry, look at me."
Harry looked up.
"You are not your relatives. You don't have to get married now. You can wait until the end of the year if you want," the man said in an even tone.
"I won't run," he said. Harry had never run away from a challenge.
"I am not saying you should. Do you love Lavender?"
"Yes. I wouldn't have asked her if I didn't," Harry said determinately.
"Does Lavender want to wait for this?"
"Neither of us do," Harry replied. "I just don't feel ready."
"Will you feel ready a year from now?"
Harry thought about that for a moment. "Maybe," he said, sounding very unsure.
Arthur nodded. "I know all this is fast and very stressful for you all. If you and Lavender want to wait, no one will think any less of each of you. Personally, I think you are all too young, but there isn't anything we can do about that. Not unless you want to leave the country?"
"Lavender and I have already signed the betrothal. I won't run away from her, and I won't run from this," Harry told him. He was being a stubborn Gryffindor, even as scared as he was.
Arthur nodded his head. "Then take a breath. Do you want to wait? Maybe until you are both seventeen over the summer? You know that is why Ron and Susan are waiting."
"Neville and Hannah are getting married over Easter. So are Fred and George," Harry told him.
"They are, but they are not you and Lavender. Ron is your best mate, but Lavender is going to become your bestest of mates. She will be your most intimate confidant and I am sure she will make you hers. Marriage is a very sacred thing, Harry. It is a lifelong commitment between two people to be with each other through the good and bad. One thing I have learned with Molly is that it is also a partnership. You are going through this together. You will both draw strength and solace from each other. I know you are young, but that doesn't mean that you still can't have a union that you both want, and you both enter into willingly," Arthur told him.
Harry just looked at the man.
"What I am trying to say is that you need to forget about the reason that drove you together. Instead, think about what you both gain in this. I am sure you will be an excellent father someday. You have eighteen months before she needs to be pregnant, meaning you can be out of Hogwarts before you become a father. You and Lavender will always be welcome and considered part of the family. If you ever need to talk, come to dinner or anything, I will always be available. Molly will be also," he assured Harry.
After a moment, the panic in him settled. He let out a breath. "I don't know how to ever thank you and Molly," he said.
"With family you never need to thank each other. We are here for each other." He stuck out a hand and Harry took it. Harry found himself being pulled into a one arm hug and he found himself returning it.
"Thank you," Harry said again.
Someone cleared their throat and they separated. Rebecca was standing there. "You want to go talk that same sense into your bride?"
Harry chuckled. "She was a little mental this morning."
Rebecca rolled her eyes. "Parvati has had to convince her three times not to run. Go talk to my daughter. If you two want to put this off, that is fine by me, but she loves you and needs you at the moment."
"I thought that was bad luck," Harry asked nervously.
"Old wives' tales," she said exasperated.
Harry chuckled and a moment later, he was knocking on a door down the end of the hall. When Parvati opened the door, she sighed. "Thank Merlin. She is behind the screen. No peeking," the Indian girl told him.
"I can't do this, Parv! Harry is going to hate me," he heard Lavender.
"I have this," Harry whispered to Parvati.
"I really can't do this," Lavender was still saying when the door closed. Harry walked up to the screen.
"Then let's put it off," Harry told her.
Lavender squeaked. "HARRY! You can't be in here."
"I'll go if you want," he said, turning away.
"No! Please don't. Tell me you are freaking out as much as I am," she demanded.
"I was," he replied, turning back. When he did, his eyes widened, and he couldn't keep a soundless 'wow' from coming to his lips.
She was in a simple, but elegant white dress with short sleeves that dipped a little low and hugged her hips. Her dirty blonde hair was pulled back and extra curly today. The style showed her long neck. Her expressive brown eyes looked half filled with tears, but a smile played at her lips. "You like it?" she asked before doing a small spin in it.
"Uhm, yeah," he said rather stupidly.
A small smirk came to her face. "You look rather handsome yourself."
He felt his cheeks warm a little and she giggled. It was a light moment until her face became more serious. "You really aren't nervous?"
"Terrified, actually," he told her.
Her face fell a little and he could see the nervousness. "Because you are marrying me?"
He gave her a soft smile and took the step or two it would take to take her hand. "I am terrified that I won't be a good husband or a good father. I feel too young and that I don't deserve you. I am not terrified I am marrying you. I am just scared I am not right for you. Or mature enough. I still want to play quidditch, not get married."
A smile returned to her face, and she reached up with her free hand to cup his cheek. "You don't think the same of me?"
"You are beautiful, and I would be extremely lucky you would even think about doing what we are about too," he told her.
She moved a little closer and pecked his lips. "Do you want to hold off the wedding? Mum was saying we don't need to rush into this."
"Arthur just told me the same thing," he replied.
Her eyes searched his for a moment. "Do you want to hold this off?"
Harry felt the urge to shrug but didn't. "We are in this together, Lav. If you don't feel like this is the right time, we should wait. We have until December before we have to get married."
"That is not what I asked," she pressed.
Harry let out a breath. "To tell you the truth, I won't feel any more ready in December than I am now. I know I like having you in my arms every night. The last few weeks have been really nice," he told her.
"I really like that too. What are you really afraid of?" she questioned.
He let out a sigh. "You have to get pregnant, and you know what the covenant does."
"Do you not want a child with me?"
Harry shook his head. "Lavender, all I want is a family. I want kids. I hope you want to have them with me. I just wasn't sure we are ready. I'm not sure I'm ready."
She moved in and pecked him again. "I know I'm not, but you will help me get my NEWTS if we get pregnant early?"
"You know I will. That is one of my biggest fears," he told her.
"If you are going to help, then I think we will be all set," she told him.
"Why don't you want to get married today?" he asked her this time. She moved in and hugged him. "This won't mess your dress up?"
"I don't care. I only want you. I want you so much it scares me. We aren't even seventeen and I want a family with you. I want to have your kids..." she said.
"But?"
Lavender sighed. "I don't feel ready for all of that."
"We can wait," he told her.
"I don't want to. That's the problem."
"Lav, I don't care if you want to get married today or the last minute before we have too. All I know is that I won't walk away from you," Harry said, holding her tight. She squeezed him hard before backing up.
"Are we Gryffindors or what?" she asked, trying to pat a tear away from her face.
He chuckled. "I'm ready to charge forward if you are."
She smiled. "Then get out of here. You aren't supposed to see your bride before the wedding."
"I'm not the one that went around the screen," he told her.
She playfully pushed him away. "Get out of here. Send Parvati, Hermione and my mum back in. I need some help getting ready again."
He chuckled and backed away. Before he touched the nob he said, "You look beautiful either way."
She smiled. "I do not, you prat."
"You do too."
"Get out before you make me cry again," she told him, retreating behind the screen.
When he opened the door, a very expectant Parvati, Hermione, Molly and Rebecca greeted him. "She said you need to get her ready," Harry told them and walked past.
"About bloody time," Parvati exclaimed, rushing in.
Harry chuckled, not feeling quite as nervous now.
When he walked back out to the stairs, Minister Bones gave him a look. "She'll be ready soon," Harry said to her unasked question.
She nodded and went back to talking with Susan. Ron was looking at his betrothed, his admiration for Susan clear in his eyes. "I am totally mental," Harry said as he stood next to Ron and Neville again.
"You said it, mate, not me," Ron replied.
Neville laughed. "You two will make sure I am not as mental over Easter?"
"We will be right next to you," Harry assured him.
"Are you ready?" Minister Bones queried as she shooed Susan away. Susan blew a kiss to Ron.
Harry swallowed. "Yes," he said, sounding far more confident than he was.
Everyone went to their seats and sat down. There was a moment or two of soft conversation, then music started in the background. Everyone stood up. Even though he had just seen her, Harry felt his breath catch when Lavender walked to the end of the aisle with Charlie escorting her.
She had been wearing a tiara, or a veil last time. Even then, she was breath taking.
"Breathe," Ron whispered to him.
Harry took in a breath, not realizing he had been holding it. He was scared. He was in love. He was a Gryffindor. Harry would find a way to be the best husband and father. It was a vow he made to himself as Lavender walked down the aisle.
Harry Potter would be the best he could be for Lavender Potter.
-oOo-
There is more to the wedding…