CHAPTER 23: BOUND BY LOVE AND DUTY
With just three days left until Harry and Tonks' impending nuptials, tension crackled in the air whenever they crossed paths. The usual ease they shared seemed clouded by nervous anticipation. Even the simplest spells proved more daunting for Harry, while Tonks found herself grappling with uncharacteristic memory lapses.
The weekend prior had been a whirlwind of preparations. Tonks, accompanied by Mrs. Weasley and Arabella Figg, ventured out to secure ceremonial robes. With time at a premium, they opted to repurpose those from Fleur and Bill's wedding, sparing only for the bride and groom's attire and the essential adornments for the festivity. In a quaint moment, Tonks selected the ceremony cord, enchanted on the spot by a gracious shop assistant who offered heartfelt congratulations.
Exiting the shop, they stumbled upon a children's robe emporium. Tonks couldn't help but be drawn to a tiny garment embellished with a delicate golden Snitch on its wings.
Mrs. Weasley, catching Tonks' wistful gaze, offered a reassuring smile. "There's ample time for such thoughts, my dear. You'll have all the time you need."
Tonks' expression wavered, a trace of sadness in her eyes. "Molly, do you truly not support our union?" she ventured, her tone tinged with vulnerability.
"Rubbish," Mrs. Weasley retorted firmly, her tone brooking no argument. "Admittedly, the circumstances leading to this union aren't conventional, but love knows no bounds. You're both young, especially Harry, but I have faith in your love. Challenges will come, but if your love is true, you'll weather them. In many ways, you remind me of Arthur and me."
Tonks, touched by Mrs. Weasley's words, gently looped her arm through hers. "Your support means the world to us. To Harry, you're family, and to me..." Her smile held warmth. "If I were marrying Bill, you'd be my family too."
"Trust me, dear, you're already family," Mrs. Weasley affirmed, drawing Tonks into a heartfelt embrace.
Meanwhile, Harry found himself immersed in catalogs of rings he had eagerly requested by owl. Each design seemed to have its merits and drawbacks, leaving him indecisive. However, nestled within one of the final catalogs, he stumbled upon a revelation—a chance to design a bespoke ring, a symbol uniquely theirs. With a clear vision in mind, he meticulously sketched his desired design on the order form, supplementing it with a detailed description before dispatching it for swift delivery. It would be the perfect symbol of their love. To avoid unwanted attention, he placed the order under Ron's name, shrewdly dodging the prying eyes of the media.
Their efforts to keep the impending wedding clandestine had unfolded without a hitch. The following day, a journalist materialized at Hogwarts, seeking an audience with the Headmistress. Lupin intercepted Harry mid-potions class, whisking him away to the Headmistress's office, much to the astonishment of Professor Slughorn, who had held Harry in high regard, assuming him to be extraordinary.
The interview unfolded as planned, with Harry carefully navigating through the scripted praises of the Minister and the Ministry. Feigning enthusiasm for their efforts was a challenge, yet it was a necessary part of their strategy. He resolved to address any discrepancies later if needed.
Throughout the interview, Albus Dumbledore's name surfaced only in reverent homage, underscoring his enduring legacy. As the session drew to a close, photographs were snapped, capturing the orchestrated facade of cooperation.
Harry found himself pleasantly surprised by the integrity of the wizard conducting the interview. Unlike the infamous Rita Skeeter, this journalist seemed to prioritize truth over sensationalism, a quality that Harry couldn't help but respect.
The next day, as Harry perused the pages of the Prophet, he discovered the fruits of their orchestrated effort. The headline proclaimed an "Exclusive Interview with Harry Potter," a headline that both intrigued and puzzled him.
As he delved into the article, Harry couldn't suppress a wry smile at the reporter's sly commentary. The Ministry's clumsy attempt to control the narrative was evident, their insistence on reviewing the interview notes before publication a feeble attempt at censorship. Despite their efforts, the reporter deftly maneuvered around their restrictions, weaving a narrative that hinted at the underlying machinations.
Reading between the lines, Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of vindication. Despite the Ministry's best efforts to manipulate public perception, the reporter's astute observations hinted at the truth beneath the surface. It was clear that Harry's supposed endorsement of the Minister's regime was a facade, a charade carefully crafted to serve a hidden agenda.
As he reached the end of the article, Harry couldn't help but ponder the reporter's closing plea for an open interview devoid of ulterior motives. Perhaps, in time, he would grant their request, but for now, the clandestine dance of politics demanded subtlety and discretion.
Harry couldn't contain his satisfaction as he perused the Prophet's pages, encountering the "open and sincere" interview he had granted. The accompanying photographs captured moments of supposed "great satisfaction," a clever juxtaposition to the underlying tension that had simmered beneath the surface.
To Harry's delight, the Ministry had upheld their end of the bargain, albeit with unintended consequences. The interview, intended to bolster support for the Minister and his government, had backfired spectacularly. Instead of presenting a united front, it had exposed the Ministry's clumsy attempts at manipulation, inviting scrutiny and criticism.
As Harry savored the irony of their misstep, he couldn't help but imagine the chaos unfolding within the Ministry's corridors. Surely, heads would roll as blame was apportioned for the debacle. Some hapless official, caught in the crossfire of bureaucratic ineptitude, would bear the brunt of the Minister's wrath for failing to exercise due diligence.
For Harry, it was a small victory in the ongoing battle against those who sought to control the narrative. The interview, while ostensibly a victory for the Ministry, had inadvertently provided a platform for dissent, a reminder that truth could not be so easily manipulated.
With a wry smile, Harry contemplated the ramifications of their actions. The game of politics was fraught with risks and pitfalls, but for now, he relished in the knowledge that their carefully laid plans had yielded unexpected results.
As congratulations poured in from friends and well-wishers, Harry couldn't shake the nagging feeling of exposure that lingered in the aftermath of the interview. While he had acquiesced to the Minister's demands, the price of compliance had been steep—it had laid bare the truth of their coerced agreement to the entire magical community. For Harry, it meant the weight of their blackmail hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow over what should have been a joyous occasion.
Gazing down at the intricately designed ring he had crafted, Harry shared a moment of reflection with Ron. "Bloody hell, the cost they slapped on this could fund the entire wedding!" Ron exclaimed, eyeing the figure beneath the elegant design.
"She's worth it, Ron, and I know she'll love it," Harry replied with conviction, admiring the moving design on the paper that showcased the ring's beauty from every angle. "I'm head over heels for her, mate."
"You're turning into a proper sap, Harry. I dread to think what'll happen after the wedding," Ron teased, though a hint of concern lingered in his tone.
Two days later, the eagerly awaited rings arrived, precisely as Harry had envisioned. He carefully stowed them away in his trunk, a tangible symbol of the impending milestone. Relief washed over him; with only a day remaining until the wedding, the arrival of the rings ensured there would be no last-minute crises. After all, what was a wedding without rings?
That night, neither Harry nor Tonks could find solace in sleep. Tomorrow morning would mark the beginning of their journey as husband and wife, a prospect that filled them both with a heady mix of excitement and trepidation.
Meanwhile, in the bustling corridors of Hogwarts, curious eyes scanned the departing students, eager to catch a glimpse of Harry and Tonks. Among them, Parkinson, Zabini, Nott, and their ilk prowled, seeking out Gryffindor students in an attempt to glean any tidbits of information about the impending wedding. If Harry and Tonks weren't among those leaving for Hogsmeade, then they would surely find answers elsewhere.
Zabini's aggressive approach toward a sixth-year student drew attention, his accusations met with a defensive retort. "You're the one who bumped into me," the student protested, bristling at the confrontation.
"Let it go, Zabini," Parkinson intervened, her tone dripping with disdain. "Clearly, he's just another coward like Potter and his cronies." She cast a derisive glance around. "Look at him, too scared to even venture beyond the castle walls. And they call themselves brave!"
The taunt struck a nerve, inciting the targeted student and his companions to retaliate. "Potter isn't afraid of those 'disgusting killers,'" one of them retorted, his voice laced with conviction. "He and his friends have faced them head-on and emerged victorious more times than I can count. What happened was simply a punishment, nothing more."
Parkinson scoffed dismissively. "How convenient of you to believe that," she countered, a sneer playing across her lips.
A seventh-year student, overhearing the exchange, interjected with insider knowledge. "Potter, Weasley, and Granger were caught up in some mischief during Professor Lupin's class," he divulged, his voice tinged with gossip. "Lupin saw fit to confine them to the castle grounds today as punishment."
"Why isn't the hapless Weasley among the departing students?" another inquired, curiosity piqued by the absence of one of Potter's closest allies.
"Professor Tonks handed her the punishment," came the response, accompanied by a note of admiration. "But I'd wager it's far better to stand tall as a Weasley than to bow down to a snake," Luna Lovegood chimed in, her ethereal presence a surprising addition to the conversation, standing staunchly beside Neville Longbottom, both poised to depart Hogwarts despite the verbal sparring unfolding around them.
Parkinson's disdainful gaze fell upon Luna Lovegood, her words dripping with contempt. "The eccentric Lovegood, always championing the peculiar," she remarked with a scoff.
"Then perhaps she should extend her defense to you, Parkinson. Even among snakes, you must be an anomaly," Neville Longbottom shot back, his tone brimming with righteous indignation.
"Don't test me, Longbottom; this doesn't concern you!" Parkinson snapped, her patience wearing thin.
"If you insult my girlfriend, it concerns me plenty!" Neville retorted, standing firm in defense of Luna.
Sensing the tension simmering, the Slytherins, realizing they were outnumbered, wisely chose to withdraw from the confrontation. Though their desire to provoke a fight simmered beneath the surface, the pressing need to reach Hogsmeade outweighed their pride. Keeping their distance, they bided their time, content in the knowledge that their mission had been accomplished—Potter and his allies would remain confined within the school's walls.
Meanwhile, on the opposite end of the castle, a markedly different scene unfolded. Harry and his companions, accompanied by Hagrid, the Headmistress, and Remus Lupin, congregated in the Headmistress's office in preparation for a momentous journey—their journey to a wedding. Nymphadora Tonks, the bride, awaited them, ready to embark on the next chapter of her life.
Their destination: the Burrow, where love and celebration awaited. To facilitate their travel, the Floo Network would be activated, connecting Hogwarts to the Burrow for this singular occasion. With hearts brimming with anticipation, they readied themselves for the magical journey that awaited, eager to witness the union of two souls bound by love.
As Harry and his companions entered the Headmistress's office, they were met with Hagrid's hearty greeting. "Still waitin' on that visit from yeh, Harry! Don't forget ol' Hagrid now!" he boomed, a hint of playful reproach in his voice. Harry's heart twinged with guilt, remembering their unfulfilled promise to visit him upon their return to Hogwarts.
"I'm sorry, Hagrid, it completely slipped my mind amidst all the chaos with special classes and wedding preparations. But I promise, as soon as things settle down, we'll make it a priority to come see you," Harry reassured him earnestly.
Hagrid waved away Harry's apology with a broad grin. "No worries, Harry, I understand yeh've been busy. But listen, I wanted to warn yeh about somethin'. There've been Aurors lurkin' 'round the Forbidden Forest, and it's best yeh be extra careful 'round the castle," he cautioned, his concern evident in his tone.
Harry nodded, grateful for the warning. "Thanks, Hagrid. Remus mentioned something about the Slytherins as well; it seems word travels fast," he replied, acknowledging Lupin's earlier briefing on the matter.
"Anyhow, I'll be holdin' yeh to that visit, Harry," Hagrid said with a grin, clapping a hand on Harry's shoulder before stepping aside to let them proceed.
With a final promise to visit Hagrid soon, Harry stepped into the fireplace, followed by his friends, one by one, disappearing into the emerald flames. In moments, they emerged in the cozy living room of the Weasley family home, greeted warmly by Mrs. Weasley.
As they materialized, Harry's heart skipped a beat, hoping fervently that Tonks hadn't chosen to travel via Floo Network, especially considering her delicate condition. Yet, his fears were quelled as Tonks emerged gracefully from the fireplace. Without hesitation, Harry caught her mid-air, ensuring she landed safely. In that moment, their eyes met, a silent understanding passing between them, before they shared a tender kiss, their love transcending the chaos of the moment.
"Kids!" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed as Harry and Tonks shared a tender moment.
"Mrs. Weasley, who cares? In a little while, we'll be married," Harry replied with a grin, his anticipation palpable.
Tonks chimed in, her playful spirit evident. "Besides, there's nothing she can do to him that she hasn't already. Ouch! Hermione!" she yelped as Mrs. Weasley playfully pinched her.
"But she'll still be your teacher, Harry," McGonagall interjected, appearing after Tonks through the fireplace.
Harry and Tonks exchanged a knowing glance before turning to McGonagall with matching smiles. "Professor, as I've said before, outside of Hogwarts, I'm not her student, and she's not my teacher," Harry asserted, his tone resolute.
Tonks nodded in agreement, planting another kiss on McGonagall's cheek. "Minerva, I'm sorry, but I have to side with my future husband on this one," she teased, causing McGonagall to chuckle.
As Harry and Tonks moved away, McGonagall muttered to herself, "They're just as reckless as James and Sirius. I fear that recklessness runs in those families."
Lupin, who had approached unnoticed, overheard McGonagall's comment and finished her sentence with a wry smile. "I wouldn't want to be at Hogwarts when their children start teaching," he remarked before continuing on his way.
McGonagall's expression shifted as she realized the implications, contemplating the chaos that the future might hold. "Merlin, a combination of James and Sirius... Hogwarts won't know what hit it!"
Once everyone had arrived at the Burrow, preparations for the wedding commenced. Tonks was whisked away to the Weasley's bedroom, where the girls, Mrs. Weasley, and Arabella Figg would assist her with dressing and makeup, despite the fact that her Metamorphmagus abilities rendered such efforts somewhat redundant.
Meanwhile, Harry joined Ron in his room, where Lupin and Mr. Weasley awaited. As he prepared himself for the momentous occasion, Mr. Weasley offered sage advice on being a good husband, pacing back and forth with a tone of solemnity. "You must be responsible and affectionate," he counseled, his words tinged with paternal wisdom.
As Ron stood alongside Harry, his voice carried a mix of humor and earnestness. "Mate, if you lay on any more sugar, you'll be sweeter than treacle tart." "And don't forget the respect, Harry," Ron continued, his tone now more serious. "She's not just any woman; she's your teacher. That's like the Mount Everest of respect right there!" Harry chuckled, nodding in agreement. "True that, Ron. But you know, Professor Snape might disagree." "And let's not forget to help her out," Ron added, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "Especially when it comes to kids... Wait, scratch that. Looks like you've already got the hang of it!" He winked, earning laughs from the gathered crowd.
Harry, now halfway into his wedding attire, turned to Ron with a smirk. "Oi, you're not supposed to spill all our secrets!" "Sorry, mate," Ron grinned, shrugging. "Couldn't resist."
The room filled with laughter as the Weasley twins burst in, pleading with Harry to reconsider. "You're making a grave mistake, Harry! This is the end of your freedom!" they joked, adding to the jovial atmosphere.
Lupin stepped forward, a solemn expression on his face as he placed the white cord on Harry's robe. "Remember, Harry, the ring will revert to its original form with a Finite Incantatem. Keep it between your fingers when the time comes."
"Thanks, Remus," Harry said sincerely, gratitude evident in his eyes. "You've been like family to me." "It's my honor, Harry," Lupin replied, his gaze holding a hint of sadness. "Feels like I'm doing this for James again."
Harry's surprise was evident as he processed Lupin's words. "Sirius... He would have probably tried to charm the ring to fly away or turn into a snitch or something," he mused, a bittersweet smile playing on his lips. "But James and Lily wouldn't let him spoil their big day, not for anything."
Every little reminder of his parents felt like a warm embrace, a reminder that they were still with him in spirit. And Sirius... Harry couldn't help but imagine the mischievous grin on his godfather's face, teasing him mercilessly about tying the knot, even if it were with a member of the Black family.
But Harry pushed those thoughts aside as he focused on the present moment. Ron and the others had changed into their wedding attire, signaling that it was time for the ceremony to begin. Harry took a steadying breath, feeling a mixture of excitement and nerves coursing through him.
As Mr. Weasley opened the door, Harry felt a surge of anticipation. The hallway of the Burrow stretched out before him, seeming longer than ever before. Each step felt like a journey in itself, a whirlwind of emotions swirling from head to toe.
Ron and Lupin flanked him, offering silent support and reassurance. But in his nervous haze, Harry scarcely noticed their presence, his mind consumed by thoughts of the woman waiting for him outside.
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