Harry took her hand in his.
"Come."
They walked down to the altar. Harry's mind was in overdrive. I just asked Hermione Granger to marry me. And she said yes.
"Welcome Mr. Potter, Miss Granger. I knew you would come one day." The minister, an elderly man, sounded only mildly surprised.
Harry and Hermione looked at each other, stunned.
"How… how…"
The old man chuckled, amused. "How do I know you? Well, for one, I am a wizard and there are few people here who wouldn't recognise you two. Godric's Hollow is a magical dwelling."
"Yeah…"
He continued, "I've met your parents, Mr. Potter, wonderful people. In fact, I myself officiated their wedding, nearly eighteen years ago, in this very church you are standing right now."
"Oh."
"I know you've been told this before many times Mr. Potter, but you look exactly like your father. Except for the eyes, you have your mother's eyes. We live in dark times indeed, to have such a terrible tragedy befall your beautiful family."
Harry nodded, overwhelmed. Hermione squeezed his hand.
"Minister, we… we were hoping…" She took in a breath. "We want to get married. Now, actually. If you could…"
"Nothing would give me greater pleasure, Miss Granger."
It felt surreal to him as he held hands with Hermione, facing her, looking into her eyes, his heart racing. I am going to marry Hermione. I am going to marry Hermione.
The minister pointed his wand at their joined hands and uttered a spell. The tip grew bright blue and the ceremony began.
"Are you prepared, as you follow the path of marriage, to love and honor each other for as long as you both shall live?"
"We are." Harry marked the determination in Hermione's voice. Yes, she's really doing this.
"Mr. Potter, please repeat after me."
"I, Harry James Potter, take you, Hermione Jane Granger, to be my wife. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life."
Hermione smiled shyly as he spoke his vows. He meant every word. There was nothing that wasn't true, nothing that he wasn't prepared or wanted to do. She's Hermione, after all. The only woman I could say this to and not feel awkward. He found himself listening intently to every word as Hermione spoke.
"I, Hermione Jane Granger, take you, Harry James Potter, to be my husband. I promise to be faithful to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love you and to honor you all the days of my life."
He knew, he could see it in her eyes and by the genuine smile on her face that she too meant every word. The minister uttered another spell, but Harry was too mesmerised by her, by this exquisite moment to notice. The war and its horrors seemed distant shadows. Right now, it was just the two of them.
A blue strand shot out of the minister's wand and formed into a platinum ring, floating in air just above their hands. Harry took it and slipped it on Hermione's finger. Another ring was similarly forged by magic, which Hermione put on his, and their promises were sealed.
"I now declare you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
This was it. For the first time ever, Harry put an arm around Hermione's waist and pressed a gentle, chaste kiss on her lips. When they pulled apart, Harry couldn't help noticing the tender way she looked at him.
They were married.
"Congratulations Mr. Potter, Mrs. Potter. I wish you a fulfilled married life."
"Thank you very much, minister." Hermione said.
"Please. It was my pleasure."
"Also… er… considering the circumstances…" She looked at Harry.
"We request that our marriage be kept secret until… until… the time is right." He didn't know what to say. Until when?
"I understand, Mr. Potter. I respect your wishes. May you be successful in your endeavours."
They nodded and turned, walking up the aisle hand in hand.
As they left the church, Hermione looked up at him, eyes shining.
"I can't believe I just got married. To my best friend."
He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close.
"I know."