Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter…Just a fantasy where Harry and Hermione should have been together
A/N: Sorry it's been nearly 2 years. This chapter has a time jump! It's wedding time! Here comes the bride. Also, this is the link to the Pinterest board that represents this fic if you guys are interested
( aharryhermione/after/ )
After
Chapter 11
Harry stood in the doorway, his face a mixture of shock and disbelief as he looked at Ginny, who was now bright red with embarrassment. Greyson, in his arms, seemed to sense the tension and let out a tiny whimper.
Hermione was the first to break the silence. "Harry, let's sit down and talk about this."
Ginny nodded in agreement, realizing that there was no way to avoid the conversation now. Harry carefully placed Greyson in his crib and joined the two women in the living room.
"Look, Harry," Ginny began, her voice shaky, "I know this might come as a surprise, but Draco and I have been seeing each other for a while now. It started after the war, and we've kept it a secret because we weren't sure how everyone would react."
Harry ran a hand through his hair, clearly trying to process the information. "Ginny, it's not that I'm against the idea of you dating whoever makes you happy, but Draco Malfoy? Really?"
Ginny sighed. "I know, it's unexpected. But he's changed, Harry. The war changed him, just like it changed us. He's not the same person he was in school. And I've seen a side of him that no one else has."
Hermione chimed in, trying to mediate the conversation. "Ginny's right, Harry. People can change, and they deserve a chance at redemption. We've seen it in ourselves and in others. Love can be a powerful force."
Harry looked at Hermione, his expression softening. "You're right, Hermione. I shouldn't judge without giving him a chance."
Ginny smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Harry. That means a lot to me."
Just then, Greyson let out a loud coo from his crib, capturing everyone's attention. Harry walked over to check on their son, picking him up and cradling him in his arms.
Hermione spoke up, breaking the momentary tension. "Well, it seems Greyson has cast his vote in favor of reconciliation."
They all shared a small laugh, and the atmosphere in the room lightened.
"Okay," Harry said, taking a deep breath, "I'll support your relationship with Draco, Ginny. Just promise me you'll be careful and keep us updated."
Ginny nodded, tears of relief welling up in her eyes. "Thank you, Harry. I promise."
With the air cleared, the three of them spent the evening talking about wedding plans, laughing about their past adventures, and sharing stories about Greyson's latest milestones.
As the night wore on, Harry couldn't help but think about how much had changed in the past year. He was going to marry the love of his life, became a father, and now, a good friend was dating someone unexpected. Life was full of surprises, and he was learning to embrace each one, no matter how unexpected they might be.
Little did he know that the journey ahead, filled with love, laughter, and challenges, would be just as exciting as the adventures of his youth. He was only 19 afterall.
Three months had passed since that evening of revelations and heartfelt conversations. Surprisingly the rest of the wizarding world had reacted very similarly to Harry when it came out about Ginny and Draco. The Weasleys, of course, reacted very poorly then grew to accept this fate. Ron was still in a muggle rehab facility and was expected out any day now. Harry grew nervous as the last conversation he shared with his best friend was not ideal. Hell, Ron still hadn't met Harry and Hermione's son.
Greyson was now a thriving six-month-old, full of curiosity and boundless energy. He had a mess of curly raven hair, stunning emerald green eyes just like his father and his mother before him. His features like his smile and cleft chin were inherited from his father, though according to Hermione and her parents he developed the Granger nose.
Harry and Hermione's lives had settled into a rhythm of baby giggles, sleepless nights, and endless diaper changes. But amidst the chaos of parenthood, they were growing stronger as a couple, and their love for each other and Greyson only deepened with each passing day.
The nursery had undergone a transformation, with Greyson's crib now adorned with mobiles and colorful toys that would dance above him as he lay in his crib, cooing and reaching for them. The walls were painted with whimsical creatures and enchanting landscapes, a project that Hermione had undertaken to create a magical haven for their son.
The wedding preparations were in full swing, with the date drawing closer by the minute. Hermione had meticulously planned every detail, from the flower arrangements to the seating chart. Harry, in his spare moments between Auror training and baby duties, had been working on a surprise of his own for the big day.
As the leaves began to turn, signaling the approach of December, the excitement in the Potter household was palpable. Ginny and Draco's relationship had blossomed, and they had become a regular part of the family gatherings, often bringing laughter and warmth to the home.
Greyson was growing by leaps and bounds, sitting up on his own and even attempting to crawl. His first tooth had made an appearance, much to Hermione's delight and Greyson's discomfort. The baby's room was filled with toys and books, and Harry and Hermione took turns reading to him every night, instilling in him a love for the magical world they cherished.
It was a cold winter morning when a quick knock on the door interrupted the joyful pre-wedding chaos. Harry was cooking breakfast while Hermione was sitting reading a book. Grey had yet to awake from his sleepless night.
"I'll get it, love." Harry said while throwing a towel on his shoulder, a habit he had become prone to ever since he began cooking.
To Harry's surprise standing on their doorstep was Ron Weasley, looking healthier than they had seen him in years. His hair was neater, and his eyes, though cautious, held a glimmer of hope.
"Ron?" Hermione whispered, her voice barely audible as she took in the sight of her old friend. She quickly got up from her position on the couch.
"Hey, Hermione," Ron replied, a nervous smile playing on his lips. "Mind if I come in?"
Harry and Hermione exchanged glances, then ushered him inside. The flat was filled with the scent of breakfast which Ron took in happily.
"Ron, what are you doing here?" Harry asked, his surprise evident.
"I've been...away," Ron admitted, avoiding eye contact. "I went to a muggle rehab center to get my life back on track. I've been clean for six months now."
Hermione's eyes welled up with tears as she embraced him tightly. "We're so proud of you, Ron." Life had truly been different without Ron around. She missed her mate.
Harry added, "You did the right thing, mate. We've missed you."
Just then a cry came from the nursery. Ron's gaze shifted to the door.
"Excuse me for a moment." Hermione said while retreating to the nursery.
"Are you okay, Ron?" Harry asked nervously.
"I will be." He returned.
Hermione soon returned holding her crazy haired baby boy. Ron's face lit up with a mixture of astonishment and adoration. "Is this...is this your son?"
Harry beamed with pride. "Yeah, this is Greyson."
Hermione gently passed Greyson over to Ron. "Greyson, meet uncle Ron." Ron's eyes filled with wonder as he reached out a finger to gently stroke the baby's cheek. Greyson, sensing the newcomer, let out a soft coo.
"Our world pretty much revolves around this little guy now." Hermione said, with a slight hint of exhaustion to her voice.
"He's beautiful," Ron said, his voice filled with awe. "Congratulations, both of you."
As Hermione and Harry shared their joy with Ron, the topic of Ginny and Draco's relationship came up naturally in the conversation. Ron's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Ginny and Draco?" he exclaimed. "I never saw that one coming."
Hermione chuckled softly. "We had a similar reaction. But people change, Ron. It's important to give them a chance." Ron now understood this, truly.
Ron nodded, his gaze still on Greyson. "I've got a lot to catch up on, don't I?"
Harry clapped him on the back with a warm smile. "We'll fill you in on everything, Ron. But for now, I can't have my wedding without my best mate."
Ron quickly turned his view from Grey to Harry and Hermione. "You're getting married?" He asked hopefully. Harry walked next to Hermione wrapping his arms around her. "In two days." Harry was beaming.
"Merlin." Was all Ron could get out. "So, what smells so good?" Ron asks cheekily. Hermione, while taking Greyson back into her arms, lets out a scoff and rolls her eyes. The baby happily laughs at his mothers reaction.
After Ron had spent some time catching up with Harry and Hermione, the three friends found themselves sitting in the living room, sipping on cups of tea. Greyson playing happily with toys babbling to himself.
"So, mate," Harry began cautiously, "how did your parents react when you came back from rehab?"
Ron's expression turned serious for a moment before he sighed. "They were worried sick, especially Mum. She cried when she saw me, but I promised her I was going to make things right."
Hermione placed a comforting hand on Ron's shoulder. "Your family loves you, Ron. They'll be there to support you every step of the way."
Ron nodded, appreciating the support from his friends. Then, a mischievous grin crossed his face as he turned to Harry and Hermione.
"Speaking of making things right," Ron said with a teasing glint in his eye, "when did you two decide to become all grown-up and responsible? Getting married and having a baby at 19 and 20? Blimey, you lot are quick!"
Harry chuckled, realizing that Ron was taking the opportunity to lighten the mood. "Well, it wasn't exactly planned," he admitted, reflecting on how they got there. "But Greyson has been the best surprise of our lives."
Hermione added with a playful smile, "We might be young, but we're doing our best to make this work. And we wouldn't change a thing."
Ron raised an eyebrow, a sly grin still on his face. "So, when's the next one coming?"
Harry and Hermione exchanged a look before bursting into laughter. "Let's focus on one miracle at a time, shall we?" Hermione replied, her laughter infectious.
Ron joined in the laughter, glad to see his friends happy and together. He felt a small stab of pain in his chest. Happy images of him and Lavender flooded his mind soon followed by the image of her lifeless body being levitated away after the war. Internally wincing he pushed these thoughts away. She would want him to move on, to be happy.
Hermione stood at the doorstep of her childhood home, a hint of nervousness tugging at her. It had been a while since she'd been back, and this time, it was to discuss the final wedding plans with her parents, Jean and Henry. She held Greyson in her arms, the six-month-old baby gurgling and cooing as he looked around with his bright green eyes, taking in the new surroundings.
Henry opened the door with a warm smile, welcoming his daughter and grandson. "Hermione, it's been too long," he said, giving her a hug. "Grey, my boy! You keep growing so fast. Look at you, little man!"
Greyson's response was an adorable giggle, and Jean, Hermione's mother, rushed forward to take the baby from her arms. She fussed over him, admiring his raven curls and those striking emerald eyes that were so reminiscent of his father's.
"Oh, Hermione, he's absolutely precious," Jean exclaimed, her grandmotherly instincts kicking in. "He looks just like Harry."
Hermione chuckled as she followed her parents into the living room. "Yes, he does take after his father in many ways, but I think he got my nose," she replied with a playful smile.
Once they were all settled, Jean couldn't help but gush over Greyson a bit more. "I can't believe you're a mother now, Hermione. It suits you. You look radiant."
"Thank you, Mum," Hermione said, her cheeks tinged with a hint of pink. She then turned her attention to the reason for their visit. "Actually, we're here to talk about the wedding plans."
Jean's expression turned thoughtful, and she exchanged a knowing look with Henry. "Hermione, dear, are you sure about all this? Marriage and motherhood? You've always been so career-focused."
Hermione sighed softly, understanding her mother's concern. It was a conversation she'd had with herself many times over the past year. "I know it may seem sudden, but it feels right, Mum. After everything we went through during and after the war, all I want now is to be with Harry and Greyson. And I do plan to pursue my career as well."
She continued, "I've been offered a position as a Healer at St. Mungo's by Healer Smith. It's something I've always wanted, and the opportunity is there whenever I'm ready to take it."
Henry nodded, his expression supportive. "We just want you to be happy, Hermione. If this is what you want, then we're behind you one hundred percent."
Tears welled up in Hermione's eyes as she felt the love and understanding from her parents. "Thank you, Mum, Dad. I appreciate your support more than you know."
Jean reached out and squeezed her hand. "We just want the best for you, dear. And if Harry and Greyson make you happy, that's all we could ever wish for."
As the conversation shifted back to wedding details, Greyson continued to charm his grandparents with his infectious giggles and smiles. Hermione couldn't help but feel grateful for her family's support and the love that surrounded them. In that moment, everything felt perfect, and she knew that, despite the challenges and uncertainties ahead, she was exactly where she wanted to be.
The day of Harry and Hermione's wedding had finally arrived, and the atmosphere in the Weasley household was bustling with excitement. Hermione was upstairs, getting ready with the help of her mother, Jean, Ginny, and Luna. Her wedding gown, a stunning, long lace creation, accentuated her figure beautifully. She wore her hair in loose waves, and her eyes sparkled with happiness.
As she stood before the mirror, Jean couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. "You look absolutely breathtaking, Hermione," she said, her voice filled with maternal pride.
Hermione smiled, her hands trembling with excitement. "Thank you, Mum. I can't believe this day is finally here."
Ginny, offered some sisterly advice. "Remember, Hermione, take a deep breath and enjoy every moment. It goes by so quickly."
Luna, ever the dreamer, added with a whimsical smile, "Love is a magical thing, and today, you're surrounded by it."
Downstairs, in another part of the house, Harry was surrounded by Ron, George, and the giant-hearted Hagrid, who was more emotional than usual. Harry looked dashing in his traditional wizarding world wedding suit, every bit the handsome groom.
Ron, adjusting Harry's tie, couldn't resist making a quip. "Harry, mate, are you sure about this? Once Hermione has you under her spell officially, there's no turning back."
Harry chuckled. "Ron, I've been under her spell since I met her. This is just making it official."
George chimed in with a grin, "And now we have to share our sister's cooking secrets with you, too. You're in for a treat."
Hagrid, holding back tears, simply ruffled Harry's hair affectionately. "Yer a good lad, Harry. Hermione's a lucky woman."
Molly and Arthur Weasley took care of Greyson, ensuring he was well-fed and content. The rest of the Weasleys were bustling about, making last-minute preparations and helping to set up the Black Lake for the ceremony.
As the guests began to arrive, there was a common question on everyone's lips: "Why do Harry and Hermione look so calm?"
The answer was simple: they knew each other inside and out, and they loved each other deeply. There were no pre-wedding jitters because they had already faced life's greatest challenges together and emerged stronger.
"It's Harry, Mum. We get one another." Hermione answered when her mother questioned her.
Finally, it was time for the ceremony to begin. Hermione descended the stairs, looking radiant, and was met with gasps of awe from those waiting below. Henry, her father, was waiting at the foot of the stairs, and he proudly took her arm to walk her down the aisle.
Outside in the Hogwarts grounds, a blanket of snow covered the landscape, creating a breathtaking winter wonderland. Guests were kept warm with charms and warming spells, ensuring that the cold wouldn't mar the occasion.
Hagrid stood at the makeshift altar just before the lake, a beaming smile on his face as he waited for Hermione to arrive. His eyes glistened with tears of joy as he looked over at Harry, he stood confidently waiting for his bride to approach. As the music started the guest stood up turning towards the entrance.
Harry's heart swelled with emotions he couldn't put into words. The enchanting snowflakes fell gently around him, creating a surreal and magical atmosphere. But none of it compared to the breathtaking vision that was about to approach him.
His eyes were fixed on the end of the aisle, where a radiant Hermione stood. Her long lace gown seemed to glow in the soft, diffused light of the snowy day. She walked gracefully, each step bringing her closer to him, and the closer she got, the faster his heart pounded.
"Merlin, she looks stunning." Ron whispered to Harry. He nodded happily, his emerald eyes never tearing away from Hermione's chocolat orbs.
Harry couldn't help but think about all they had been through together—the battles, the hardships, the moments of laughter and tears. Their journey had been filled with both darkness and light, but it had led them here, to this beautiful and profound moment.
As Hermione drew nearer, her eyes locked onto his, and in that instant, all the worries and doubts that had ever plagued him melted away. He saw in her gaze the same unwavering love and determination that had defined her since the day they had met on the Hogwarts Express.
And as she reached his side, taking his hand in hers, Harry's thoughts were clear and simple. He was the luckiest man in the world. With Hermione by his side, he knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, hand in hand, just as they had always done. And with that knowledge, he felt a profound sense of peace and contentment, knowing that their love would endure for all of eternity.
"You look beautiful, Hermione." He told her as her father left the two of them at the altar. All they could see were each other.
The ceremony was simple but filled with love. Hagrid, who had seen them through so much, officiated the wedding with heartfelt words. He teared up as he listened to their vows, and the guests couldn't help but shed a few tears as well.
"I promise to stand by you, to support you, and to love you unconditionally, no matter what challenges we face, Always." Harry said, his voice filled with sincerity.
Hermione's eyes shone with love as she spoke her vows. "I promise to be your partner in all things, to cherish every moment we share, and to love you for all of eternity. Always."
Their first dance was a beautiful moment, just the two of them, swaying to the same song they had danced to in the tent during their darkest days. Halfway through the dance, Greyson, who had been contentedly watching, became upset. Harry, with a smile, scooped him up and held him close, making the dance a family affair.
The reception was filled with laughter and joy. Professor McGonagall, who had always suspected that this day would come, gave a heartfelt speech. She told Harry that his parents, along with Remus and Sirius, would be so proud of the man he had become and the love he had found.
Ron, too, gave a touching speech, recounting fond memories of their adventures at Hogwarts and expressing his deep happiness for his best friends.
"Harry and Hermione, you two have been through it all," Ron said with a grin. "From battling trolls to facing down Voldemort himself, there's nothing you can't handle together. You're not just a couple; you're a team. And I have no doubt that your love will stand the test of time."
During the reception, Hermione danced with Teddy, her 2-year-old godson, and Andromeda, Teddy's grandmother, joined in the celebration. It was a reminder of the extended family they had created, bound not only by blood but by love and shared experiences.
Amid the joyful atmosphere, Luna Lovegood approached Ron Weasley with a serene smile on her face. She had always possessed a unique ability to bring comfort and solace to those around her, and today was no exception.
"Ron, would you care to dance?" Luna asked with a gentle grace that was uniquely her own.
Ron blinked in surprise, his cheeks turning a shade of crimson that rivaled his hair. Dancing had never been his strong suit, and he was often flustered when asked to take part in such activities. However, he couldn't find it in himself to refuse Luna's request, not on a day filled with so much love and celebration.
"Um, yeah, sure," he stammered, offering his hand to Luna.
As they swayed to the music, Draco Malfoy and Ginny Weasley observed from a distance, their own conversation turning to the redhead on the dance floor.
"Look at Ron," Ginny said, her eyes fixed on her brother. "He's been through so much, especially during the war. I just want him to be happy."
Draco nodded in agreement, his gaze also focused on Ron. "He deserves happiness, Ginny."
Ginny raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in her eye. "You know, Luna seems to make him smile quite a bit."
Draco furrowed his brow, considering the idea. "True, but I worry that he's still grieving over Lavender's loss."
Ginny sighed, acknowledging the truth in Draco's words. "You're right. We'll have to be careful and considerate about it. But if there's a chance for him to find happiness, we should explore it."
As the night wore on, it became evident to everyone that Harry and Hermione were not only partners in life but also in the dance of love and happiness. Everyone noticed the glances they shared. Harry never left her side.
And so, with laughter, love, and a future filled with promise, Harry and Hermione began their journey as husband and wife.
I'm back! Any suggestions would be great. The next chapter is the honeymoon.
