Hermione woke as the light filtered into her room from the rising sun, her room took up the whole end of the house and she had arranged it so ger bed would catch the rising sun in one window and then enjoy the setting sun on a small balcony on the western side of the house,
Stretching she reached out to discover she was wakening alone for the first time in a long time, Suprise slowly gave way to excited realisation, today was her wedding day, tonight she would be going to bed as Lady Hermione Jean Potter.
sinking back into her bed she smiled at the thought and relaxed until the silence was interrupted by a quiet pop,
"Mistress is awake" came the even voice of Kreacher, "Mistress should be rising soon, Dobby is having breakfast ready for Mistress soon, Mistress has much to do in not much time"
she sighed and started to sit up, "I'm up, thanks for the wakeup and if you could prod me if I seem to be getting off track that would be great",
Kreacher nodded, "I do mistress, you be ready when time comes to meet Master in church, Mistress why church it not seem right, you have magic!"
Hermione sighed as she swung her legs over the side of the bed and looked down at the old Elf now proudly wearing house Black uniform, "Kreacher my friend, this is not a slight against magic or the magical culture, I understand that's all you know and you have helped me to understand so much, but I come from a different culture and my family is still rooted in that culture, this is a way for Harry and I to marry and be able to involve my family many of who would not otherwise be able to come. what is it you always tell me about family?"
Kreacher nodded slowly "Nothing more important than family Mistress" he stated with conviction.
"Thats right, Nothing is more important and just because some of my family can't do magic does not mean they cease to be family dose it?"
"NO, Family always be family Mistress!"
"Besides Kreacher, there will also be a more traditional ceremony next week when Daph joins Harry and I, that will be almost exclusively magical"
Kreacher nodded, "Kreacher thanks Mistress for explaining, Mistress should get dressed and go to breakfast unless she wants to give her father a heart attack and eat with no clothes on"
Hermione laughed, there is no way either of my parents are ready for that tell Dobby I'll be down in 5 minute.
"Yes Mistress. I tell Dobby" Kreacher popped out.
Hermione smiled thinking about the changes in the old elf since she and Harry had managed to destroy the locket, the act of fulfilling Kreachers last request from Regalius had made the elf as loyal to them as Doby, all be it in a more traditional way, and in the recent years they has taught each other a lot about Magical culture and family values.
Hermione entered the kitchen just as Dobby was serving her breakfast,
"Dobby though this morning needed a good breakfast, so it be porridge and fresh fruit for the family today."
Sitting at the table in the breakfast nook Hermione smiled, "Thanks Dobby, you right I will need the energy today its going to be a long day.
Danielle walked into the kitchen and slid in beside her daughter, "Soooo, what do you have planned for the day daughter of mine?"
Hermione paused with a spoon of breakfast half way to her mouth, "Not much spend the next few hours gossiping with the girls and I vainly attempt to make myself look pretty, then I have an event starting at 2pm some lords wedding or something then a bit of an after party" Hermione grind a bit and nudged her mother nodding toward where Emmit had entered and was just about to take a sip from his morning coffee, "and with luck by midnight I'll be stretched out on a big bed naked as my Lord absolutely rails me!"
soon thereafter three things happened about the same time, the first came from beside her as her mother snorted and said, "Honey don't try and make me believe that tonight's potential railing will be a first for you!"
The second was her father trying to prove he was in fact a magical creature whose primary attack was to short hot coffee on people.
And finally, was Dobby who tried his best to sound offended by the coffee issue "Mr Grangee Sir, please to not be wasting the coffee!"
Hermione and Danielle burst out laughing as Emmit mopped his face with his Pyjama top,
"I thought today was your wedding, not pick on daddy day," emit grumped as he sat across the nook from his wife and daughter.
Danielle sniggered, "Honey its always pick on you day, us women folk have to keep you men in line and all that!"
Emmit groaned "can we please at least attempt to keep us men in line without referencing my soon to be married daughters sex life, I'm still trying to pretend that Hermione will be a virgin until she is at least 120 and that the noises I have heard coming out of her room are all being made by Daphne"
later that morning saw Hermione, Ginny, Luna and Sam sitting at a row of chairs having their hair and makeup done, their mothers and select other friends were sitting back chatting and laughing.
"And then Hermione spotted her father come into the kitchen and decided to remind him that she's getting married today by announcing her hopes for her wedding night, somewhat graphicly!"
Molly snickered, "I'm glad that's not only a magical tradition, I can still remember the look on my father's face when I told him I was hoping Arthur would bugger me senseless on my wedding night."
Ginny when bright red and sputtered for a moment, "Mother, you didn't. no don't answer that I have decided that I don't want to know."
Daphne looked over at Ginny, Hon I hate to tell you this but with how many siblings you have your mother would have a pretty good idea about the process and either way, don't knock it till you try it"
Hermione relaxed back into the chair the banter between the girls and their mothers was wonderful and she was savouring the quiet time, the calm before the storm of the day,
Across the other side of town where the men had gathered Emmit was also telling the story. "Why is it our daughters think they need to shock us with things we don't want to hear. I mean ok I know that Hermione is not going to her wedding as a Virgin and I understand that Magical society doesn't really care, frankly neither do I because I know Harry loves her and has since he was about 12 and that's what's important to me, I'll admit the whole thing with Daphne still confuses me but I understand that is also a cultural thing, but I really don't want to hear what she is hoping Harry will do to her tonight! "
The rooms occupants were all nodding, "I suppose I'm going to get my own version of this next week" Gerald lamented,
Arthur smiled, "my father told me it's a rite of passage, something about Merlin's punishment of being a man who has daughters!"
Harry pulled on his morning coat and fidgeted as Dudley helped him straighten it up, "so Dad do think Hermione deserves a spanking for that? "
Emmit went bright red, "God son not you too? "The rest of the room's occupants started to laugh.
Soon the preparations were done and the clock was steadily approaching 2pm Harry, Ron, Neville and Shamus were standing in the church nave not far from the entrance with Janice and Reverend Russel greeting the guests as they arrived, the seating in the church was about half full and some of Hermione's no magical relatives were attempting to be quietly curious about the roped off area on the south transept, Harry had heard one of Hermione's aunts mention that was odd and that was normally reserved for the grooms family,
Ron pulled harry into a brief hug, "Don't worry Harry, you have family here and those that couldn't be here will be watching from beyond."
Harry nodded as he noticed Janice stiffen a touch and quickly make her way out the main doors to and down the steps. soon after all noise in the church stopped and a small group of men in scarlet coats and black bearskins entered with swords drawn, the 6 men formed up two rows of three and crisply pivoted to face each other, stamped their feet and lowered their swords to rest lightly on the floor in front of them.
Harry straightened himself and quietly muttered to Ron and Neville "Heads up and look sharp boys the arrival of the Queens Guard means this just started!"
Ron sucked in a deep breath and Neville straightened a touch as the elderly couple entered the church and approached the Reverend stepped forward and gave a half bow, your Majesty honours us with her presence" Harry, Ron and Neville felt a the weight of magic and all sank to one knee before their sovereign heads bowed and swetting slightly, Prince Philips eyebrow rose a touch in surprise as the queen spoke,
"Rise my Lords, it gives us Joy to have been able to attend this auspicious occasion, We are sorry that we could not provide advance warning of our attendance as it was only this morning that we were mad aware that security concerns had been resolved"
Harry and his groomsmen rose, "Yor majesty, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you today," finally looking away from the Queen Harry addressed the three princes, well met my Lords, please be at peace in this hall and find welcome with my family,"
There was a slight gasp from one of the closer bystanders at Harrys comment and then someone whispered "apparently that's a very old formal greeting used by the grooms family.
Ron Shook himself as Harrys greeting lifted the oppressive magic from the area and he and Neville stepped back to escort the royal party to their seating. as the royal party reached their seating Prince Philip asked "What was the kneeling about, I thought that was taken care of?",
Ron shook his head slightly, "I'm not sure, but when magic tells you to do something you do it"
Neville gave a quiet snort, "I haven't felt magic like that since Harry... 'Performed his service to the crown' ... yes, I think that is how we are saying it polite company, it felt different, but it was powerful"
The queen smiled, "Do you think it will be every time occurrence Lord Longbottom"
Neville sucked in a deep breath as he pondered the question, "I am not sure Mam, I know I haven't felt it before like that. Even at the ceremony you held for us at the palace there was no additional encouragement on me to perform any given actions." he paused to think, "I have a feeling that it is a function of the day, Magic has a way of knowing what's going on, it's like it reads our hearts and minds and makes adjustment as it will"
the Queen nodded, "Well I guess it will keep all of us on our toes then."
"That it will Mam, that it will! "
The final guests had arrived and been seated, and though the surreptitious glances continued the murmur surrounding the royal presence had finally subsided. At 3pm on the dot the bells of the cathedral began to toll, a few guests looked up in wonder as the bells in the tower started to sing.
Harry who had felt the magic ripple out moments before the bells smiled and turned to Ron, "Did you feel it mate, just before the bells?"
Ron nodded as did Nevill, "Yeah mate, man that was strong, good omen yeah?"
Harry and Nevil both nodded,
The bells slowly finished their song and harry heard a soft gasp from the gathering, Harry couldn't help but to turn to look up the aisle, as he did his he saw Hermione for the first time in the day, standing with her father with Daphne, Ginny, Luna and Sam in a lose crescent behind her, Daphne was busy fussing with the train of her gown.
After a few moments Hermione raised her head and as Emmit nodded the organist started playing a tradition wedding march and the group started up the Aisle.
what seemed like an eternity later Hermione and Emit reached the alter came to a stop.
Reverend Russell stepped forward from where he was quietly contemplating the coming event, looking up he surveyed the congregation and then took a breath.
"In my career with the church there is one ceremony that never fails to make me nervous. and that ceremony is our reason for gathering today. Marriage is joyous and solemn, it is profound and often difficult, but without a doubt what scares me the most is the fear that I am about to muck it all up, and I have to admit, " pausing he glanced toward the royal party, "for some unknown reason those thoughts and fears are stronger today!"
An amused titter of a quiet laugh issued up from the congregation.
Taking another deep breath he continued and looked at Emmit,
"As the father of the bride do you trust Harry and Hermione
to come together as one in marriage?"
Emmit looked at his daughter and smiled,
"Danielle and I do"
Reverend Russell gestured to Harry,
"Come forth young man stand with your intended. "
Harry stepped forward to be with Hermione as her father lifted the veil from her face, gave her a kiss on the forehead and turned her to face Harry,
Harry was lost for the next few minutes he could hear the reverend speaking about love, commitment and honour, about the lifelong nature of marriage and the sanctity of the day, the detail however was lost in Hermione's smile.
He was snaped out of his little world when Hermione squeezed his hand and flicked her eyes to the reverend,
"The vows you are about to take are to be made in the presence of God,
who is judge of all and knows all the secrets of our hearts;
therefore if either of you knows a reason why you may not lawfully marry,
you must declare it now. "
Silence deafened the room for a moment before the Reverend continued.
"Harry , will you take Hermione to be your wife?
Will you love her, comfort her, honour and protect her;
and, forsaking all others,
be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?
Harry took a deep breath, "I will"
"Hermione, will you take Harry to be your husband?
Will you love him, comfort him, honour and protect him,
and, forsaking all others,
be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?"
Harry smiled as he her Hermione's reply "I will"
Will you, the families and friends of Harry and Hermione,
support and uphold them in their marriage
now and in the years to come?"
"We will" echoed out from the congregation as they sealed the start of the ancient ritual
The reverend Lay his hands on top of the blue silk sash that was bunding their hands. and after a moment continued.
"Harry and Hermione ,
I now invite you to join hands and make your vows
in the presence of God and his people."
Harry took in a deep breath,
"I, Harry James, take you, Hermione Jean,
to be my wife,
to have and to hold
from this day forward;
for better, for worse,
for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health,
to love and to cherish,
till death us do part;
according to God's holy law.
In the presence of My Gods I make this vow."
Harry had started to feel the magic in the room grow as he started his vows and by the end there was an oppressive weight hanging in the room, a quick glance to Ron and Neville told him he wasn't the only one to feel it and looking at Hermione he could see a slight golden shimmer about her.
Hermione smiled and nodded indicating she could feel it also as she started her vows,
"I, Hermione Jean, take you, Harry James,
to be my husband,
to have and to hold
from this day forward;
for better, for worse,
for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health,
to love and to cherish,
till death us do part;
according to God's holy law.
In the presence of My God I make this vow."
The weight of magic was now staggering, and Harry could see the golden nimbus reaching out to him, chancing a brief glance behind he saw Daphne her eyes wide in shock and a small bead of sweat on her forehead.
The moment was broken by Reverend Russel who asked quietly, "Is that pressure what I think it is?"
Harry nodded slightly, "I think it is Reverend, best we don't stop right now eh, Magic can have a mind of its own!"
The reverend shook his head slightly and stood prouder, taking the rings from the bible they were sitting on,
"Heavenly Father,
by your blessing let these rings be to Harry and Hermione
a symbol of unending love and faithfulness,
to remind them of the vow and covenant
which they have made this day
through Jesus Christ our Lord."
As tradition dictated the entire congregation echoed "Amen"
At about the same time as the congregation spoke the magic collapsed into the rings and the blue sash binding their hands started to sink into their skin, the Reverend in a remarkable show of adaptation simply scoped the rings up before they could fall and continued,
"In a slight alteration of tradition Harry and Hermione have opted to present the rings together at the same time signifying the unity of their union and bond"
Taking their hands, he placed a faintly glowing ring in each right hand,
Harry and Hermione both held out their left hand to the other and presented the ring to their opposites left hand ring finger as they started to slide the rings home they spoke together.
"I give you this ring as a sign of our marriage.
With my body I honour you,
all that I am I give to you,
and all that I have I share with you,
within the love of God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit."
As soon as the rings seated at the base of their fingers there was a small flash and they both felt a tingle in their hands.
Reverend Russell blinked as he saw the flash and took a breath before continuing,
"In the presence of God, and before this congregation,
Harry and Hermione have given their consent
and made their marriage vows to each other.
They have declared their marriage by the joining of hands
and by the giving and receiving of rings.
I therefore proclaim that they are husband and wife.
Those whom God has joined together let no one put asunder."
Again Harry zoned out from the rest of the service, close to overwhelmed by the feelings he was experiencing through his ring, all too soon reverend Russell bought things to a close.
"Please be upstanding and allow me to present Lord Harry and Lady Hermione Potter, Marquess and Marchioness or Cambridge"
The couple and all the bridal party turned to face the royal party and gave a deep bow or curtsey, then waiting for the queen to rise they escorted her from the church, reaching the main door the queen stopped and turned to the bridal party.
"We observed things today that we have not seen at other weddings, are we to assume that the golden flashes we saw and the mysterious blue ribbon were blessings bestowed from another source?"
Harry smiled and looked at Hermione before answering, "I think that would be a safe assumption to make Mam, there were a few occasions during the proceedings where the feeling settled on us so heavily that it was hard to concentrate"
The Queen then Turned to Daphne, "We also observed a thin golden cord reaching out to you Miss Greengrass or should that now be Lady Black?"
Daphne sucked in a breath, "I felt it Mam, however while I am unsure of its complete significance, I can say that the title of Lady Black is still one that is in my near future as I cant feel the family legacy in me yet, I think the cord you observed was more an acknowledgment that the bond is not yet complete." She hesitated for a moment, "do you know yet if you will be able to attend the Handfasting?"
The Queen smiled "We hope so and while the security concerns that we had for today are not an issue for that ceremony, there is still a possibility that some affairs of state may impede our attendance. Our best wishes to the three of you."
The queen turned and continued down the stairs to her waiting car, her departure signalled a flood of other attendees to finally approach.
The line was slowly sinking and finally reached the family when one of Hermione's aunts stepped up,
"look at you my dear, absolutely stunning. I knew you were marrying a Lord but having her Majesty attend your wedding must seem a bit much?"
Hermione laughed, "lovely to see you too Aunt Rita, we had advanced warning that at least one royal would be in attendance and for security reasons we were not really able to say anything but yes it was a bit of a shock to me when I walked in and saw the royal party. I think her Majesty has a bit of a soft spot for my Harry, I think it is to do with his family"
Aunt Rita turned to Harry, "and you young man it is a pleasure to finally meet you but I cant help but notice your side of the church was not well attended"
Harry smiled sadly, "unfortunately until today there were only two members of my family left, my Cousin on my mother's side is about 4 places behind you in the line ,the terrorists managed to do quite a number on the family in 81.
Aunt Rita paled, "Oh dear, I'm so sorry to have bought that up I knew of course that there was an attack on your family but I had no idea it was that bad, please forgive a silly old busybody"
Harry grinned, "You are family now, so there is nothing to forgive, we kept the extent and success of the attack quiet for obvious reasons. In fact, I think we were so successful with that that Her Majesty didn't even realise there were still Potters left till about 4 years ago."
With that resolved the line moved on until Dudley arrived, "Harry, Congratulations on your wedding Cousin," he looked at Hermione, "and I have to ask you, what made you settle for this lug?"
Carrol looked mortified beside him, "Dudley, really!"
Hermione laughed, "Don't worry Carrol, I understand what he's saying" then she looked at Dudley and smirked, "Harry can be pretty magical when you get right down to it and one of my first memories of him is an 11 year old boy dashing int a girls loo with a stick and a halfwit to rescue me from a wild beast"
Ron looked over, "Oi I was with harry too that... Hang on Halfwit… I resemble that remark!"
Dudley smiled, "Yeah I heard that story this morning, Welcome to the family!"
"Are you and Carrol coming to the Handfasting?" Harry asked
Dudley looked shocked, "Ummm, that's a pretty private thing, are you sure you want both us there"
Daphne smiled, "Yes you and Carrol are both on that invitation, but don't worry you won't have to be naked!"
Carrol started, "Naked, ok now I know you're having me on!"
Harry Laughed, "we will catch up tonight at the reception and provide an explanation"
The Rest of the family filtered through till it was only the Reverand left.
"So, what's this I hear about nudity at the handfasting?"
Daphne smirked, "A bit of a poke at poor Dudley, but tradition states that the couple being handfasted come to the circle unencumbered, less traditional families take that to mean emotional baggage and active magical effects, the more traditional include clothing in that, my family is very traditional"