For the Ministry Christmas Party on the Ministry of Magic Discord.

H.M.S. Orange Crush
— Harry and Ginny —

When Ginny announces that Harry has (finally) proposed, the entire table erupts into activity. Predictably, Molly bursts into a flood of tears. Ron is half-way through rolling his eyes when Hermione elbows him in the side. Charlie throws his arm over his little sister's shoulder, giving her a tight squeeze. And Fleur, not seeing Ginny's lack of enthusiasm, immediately begins to ask about the wedding dress.

And it's Fleur's question that sets off the very beginning of wedding planning. It's also the one question that brings Molly back from her blubbering. Her cries immediately subside, replaced with frantic chatter. The flowers, the music, the food. Molly has already thought of every aspect of her darling daughter's wedding.

"And we still have the tent from Bill and Fleur's wedding," Molly says excitedly. "Of course, we can make some tweaks, dear. Make it more unique to you. But it shouldn't be too much work. When are you thinking? A spring wedding, perhaps?"

"Maybe autumn," Ginny muses. "The garden always looks beautiful in autumn."

No one notices when Harry blanches. And no one seems to notice that although the wedding planning continues, Harry doesn't pitch in except for the occasional nod and agreeable mumble. It's only after the table is cleared and the family disperses throughout the Burrow that Hermione finds Harry sitting alone in the living room, his head in his hands.

"Harry?" Hermione sits next to Harry on the couch, placing a friendly hand on his upper arm. "Are you all right?"

"I had an idea," he says, his eyes not meeting hers. "I'm not sure if Ginny will like it."

Hermione frowns. "Well, go on then."

"When we went to Godric's Hollow…"

Hermione flinches. Even though years have passed, she still can't control her reaction when people bring up the time they spent on the run. Especially when it coincides with the time they spent without Ron.

"The graveyard my parents are buried..." Harry hurriedly continues. "It was next to a church."

"St Jerome's," Hermione recalls. "I remember. It was beautiful."

"I thought it might be nice to get married there," Harry says, his voice trembling. "Cos then they'd kind of be there. I mean, I know they wouldn't be there, but—"

"Harry," Hermione interrupts gently. "That's a lovely idea. And it's a lovely church. Even then, I remember thinking that the stained glass was beautiful. Why on earth don't you think Ginny would like that idea?"

"Well, it's a bit traditional, isn't it? Getting married in a church? She's not really that kind of girl. And she seemed so excited about the garden..."

"Harry." Hermione voice, though kind, sounds exasperated. She gives Harry a comforting squeeze. "Ginny doesn't care about the garden. She cares about you."

At this, Harry can't find the words to respond. He knows that it's true. Hasn't Ginny always put him first? But somehow, saying the words out loud—asking her to once more sacrifice her wants for his—feels like an impossible task. And, if he's being honest with himself, this particular request has higher stakes. He's not sure if he'll be able to mask his disappointment if she says no.

"You need to talk to her," Hermione says firmly. "I think she'll surprise you. Besides, the autumn leaves look just as pretty in Godric's Hollow as they do here."

And as if on cue, Ginny appears in the doorway with a wide grin and a plate of biscuits. It's only when she notices Harry and Hermione, sitting close to each other and looking somber, that she falters.

After giving him a comforting smile, Hermione stands and excuses herself. Ginny, looking worried, gingerly takes the seat next to him.

"Harry?"

"Gin..." Harry takes deep breath. But as his eyes met hers, he feels a rush of bravery jolt through him. "I want to get married in Godric's Hollow."

And when he launches into his explanation, and Ginny's expression morphs from worry to sympathy to excitement, Harry's heart feels warm.