CHAPTER 50: THE TIES THAT STRENGTHEN
As the small group gathered in McGonagall's office, the atmosphere shifted. The room was filled with a mix of laughter and tears, the warmth of family and friends creating a cocoon of support around the couple. Molly dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief, her heart swelling with pride and joy for her son and future daughter-in-law.
"Ron, you look like you're about to faint!" Fred teased, nudging his brother playfully.
"Shut it, Fred," Ron shot back, his face flushed. "You two are just as bad. I'll never forget the way you tripped over your own robes at your wedding!"
"Hey, we were nervous too!" George chimed in, trying to defend himself. "And at least we didn't faint on the altar!"
Katie stepped in, giving the twins a pointed look. "Enough! This isn't about you two. Ron, just focus on Hermione. You can't mess this up!"
With a deep breath, Hermione stepped forward, the simple gray robe her parents had insisted on wearing hanging loosely over her dress. Ron's gaze softened as he took in her beauty, his heart swelling with emotion.
"Do you think they're going to hold us up forever?" Hermione asked, a hint of playful annoyance in her voice.
"Probably just waiting for the moment to make it dramatic," Ron replied, trying to lighten the mood. "You know how these things go."
Just then, McGonagall cleared her throat, drawing everyone's attention. "If everyone could please take their seats, we're ready to begin."
The room quieted, and Ron felt the weight of the moment settle upon him. This was it—the culmination of their journey together. As they stood side by side, he could feel the warmth radiating from Hermione, grounding him in the chaos of his thoughts.
"Do you, Ronald Weasley, take Hermione Granger to be your lawfully wedded wife?" McGonagall began, her voice steady and clear.
"I do," Ron said, his heart racing but resolute.
"And do you, Hermione Granger, take Ronald Weasley to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
"I do," she replied, her voice filled with conviction.
As they exchanged their vows, the room seemed to pulse with energy. Each word held weight, and every promise felt sacred. When it came time for the rings, Ron fumbled slightly, the tension in the room thickening as they realized this was the moment that would seal their commitment.
But with a deep breath, he steadied himself, and as he slid the ring onto Hermione's finger, everything around them faded once again. It was just them, standing at the precipice of a new chapter, surrounded by those who loved and supported them.
"And now," McGonagall said, her eyes twinkling with warmth, "by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Ron leaned in, and as their lips met, a wave of warmth flooded over him. Cheers erupted around them, laughter and applause filling the air as their family and friends celebrated this beautiful moment.
Molly wiped away tears of joy, while the twins cheered loudly, and Ginny clapped her hands, her smile wide.
"Welcome to the family, Hermione!" George shouted, earning a playful elbow from Katie.
After the ceremony, the atmosphere in the Headmistress's office was electric. Laughter and cheers filled the air as family and friends congratulated Ron and Hermione, embracing them with heartfelt wishes. Hagrid, still blushing from being handed the ribbon, wiped a tear from his eye as he watched the couple bask in the joy of their new union.
As the Weasley family enveloped them, Ron felt an overwhelming sense of belonging. The camaraderie and love that surrounded them were tangible, binding them together in ways he had never fully appreciated before. It was a moment he would cherish forever.
When the laughter subsided, Molly's voice cut through the noise, firm and maternal. "Ginny Weasley!" she called, drawing everyone's attention. "Until several years from now, I want you to be a girl without a boyfriend, without any kind of relationship!"
Ginny's cheeks flushed crimson, and she stammered, "MOM!" Her embarrassment only fueled her brothers' laughter. Ron exchanged amused glances with Harry, knowing well that Ginny had always been the fierce and independent one of the bunch.
"I'm not going to another wedding for some time, and of course, no grandchildren! From this moment, you are a single girl with no right to commitment until further notice. Is that clear?" Molly continued, a hint of playful authority in her voice.
"But—" Ginny protested, but Molly was having none of it.
"Your brothers will make sure it stays that way," she declared, pointing to Ron and Harry, who looked at each other, a mix of amusement and mock seriousness on their faces.
Ron couldn't help but feel a swell of joy at being included in this moment. As far as he was concerned, he was now not just a brother but a partner in this new family dynamic.
"I think your wives will help you," Molly added, casting a stern look at Hermione and Tonks. "Let's hope we don't have to repeat this, right?" Both women nodded vigorously, their expressions grave but amused.
As the twins ambled over, their mischievous grins spread wide across their faces, Ron braced himself for the inevitable teasing.
"It seems our little Ron has finally decided to follow in our footsteps," Fred remarked, nudging Ron playfully.
"It's normal, George! He always follows us in everything," George chimed in, feigning a serious tone.
Ron rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress a grin. "The difference is that this time, I'm ahead of you both!" he declared confidently. The twins exchanged puzzled glances. "When you decide to have children, mine will already be born!" he said, glancing over at Hermione, who was surrounded by all the women of the family, chatting animatedly.
The twins' faces shifted from confusion to incredulity. "Wait, what?" Fred sputtered, eyes wide.
Ron couldn't help but burst into laughter, his brothers looking utterly flabbergasted. "So, for once, I'm ahead of you!" he said, feeling triumphant.
As the laughter echoed through the room, Ron felt a warmth in his heart, realizing that this was just the beginning of their lives together.
Once the celebrations had wound down, the newlyweds retreated to Grimmauld Place for the remainder of their vacation. The house was quieter, a stark contrast to the lively gatherings at Hogwarts, but it offered them the perfect refuge to enjoy each other's company.
The first night at Grimmauld, they settled into the cozy living room, a flickering fire casting a warm glow over the space. "I can't believe we're finally married," Hermione said, leaning her head against Ron's shoulder.
"Yeah, it feels a bit surreal," Ron replied, wrapping his arm around her. "But in a good way. It's nice being able to call you my wife."
Hermione smiled, her eyes sparkling with happiness. "It's going to be a bit of an adjustment, though. We've always been best friends, and now…" She trailed off, a mix of excitement and nervousness in her voice.
"Now, we're more than that," Ron finished for her, his heart racing. "We've got each other's backs. Always."
The days passed in a comfortable rhythm as they explored the house, shared secrets, and indulged in quiet moments that felt like a luxury. They spent hours reminiscing about their adventures at Hogwarts, laughing over inside jokes, and dreaming about their future.
One afternoon, they stumbled upon Harry's old Quidditch equipment in the attic. Ron's eyes lit up with mischief. "How about a little practice?" he suggested, pulling out a dusty broomstick.
Hermione raised an eyebrow. "In the house? Are you sure that's a good idea?"
"Come on! Just a little flying! We can go out to the garden. It'll be fun!" he urged, his excitement infectious.
With a reluctant laugh, Hermione relented, and they headed outside. Ron took to the air first, soaring through the crisp spring air, his laughter ringing out as he performed clumsy loops and dives. When he landed, he handed the broomstick to Hermione.
"Your turn!" he grinned.
She took a deep breath, her confidence wavering. "I haven't done this in ages, Ron. What if I fall?"
"You won't! Just keep your balance and have fun!" he encouraged, watching her with pride.
After a few tentative moments, Hermione found her rhythm, her laughter mingling with Ron's as she glided through the air. "This is amazing!" she exclaimed, her face alight with joy.
"I told you!" Ron shouted, pride swelling in his chest.
As they flew together, it felt like they were rediscovering the magic of their friendship while forging a new path as partners. With every laugh, every shared glance, and every whispered promise, they were reminded of their bond and the incredible adventure that lay ahead.
As evening settled over Grimmauld Place, the quiet comfort of the house wrapped around Harry, Hermione, and Ron like a warm blanket. It was a peaceful moment, especially after the whirlwind of the wedding festivities. The day after Ron and Hermione's nuptials, Harry felt a sense of anticipation mixed with trepidation; he was finally taking his Apparition exam.
The day was tinged with an unusual tension, as the Ministry had implemented heightened security measures in response to the increasing threats from Voldemort and his followers. However, the exam proceeded without incident, allowing Harry to focus solely on passing. He had prepared diligently, and as he successfully performed the intricate maneuvers required, a wave of relief washed over him. With his Apparition license securely in hand, he returned to the castle beaming with joy. Hermione beamed at him, her pride evident in her bright smile.
For the rest of their week together, the trio took the opportunity to relax and enjoy their time without the looming stress of the outside world. Yet, as always, their minds were never far from the dangers that still lurked in the shadows. With Voldemort's silence weighing heavily on them, they found comfort in the research they conducted in Dumbledore's archives, guided by the wise Headmistress.
The library was vast and filled with the remnants of Dumbledore's legacy, providing a treasure trove of information on both allies and enemies. As they sifted through the files, they were struck by the depth of the records. Each file told a story, some of triumph and others of tragedy. Harry's heart raced as he came across the folders of notable wizards: members of the Order, suspected Death Eaters, and the infamous Voldemort himself.
As he rifled through the folders, Harry finally found what he was looking for: Severus Snape's file. He could feel the weight of it in his hands as he squeezed it tightly, a mixture of emotions swirling within him. The memories of Snape—his complicated past and the turbulent history between them—flooded back. Tonks, ever perceptive, approached him gently and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Are you okay?" she asked, her voice soft with concern.
"Yeah," he replied, forcing a smile. "I'm just putting things in their place." With a heavy heart, he placed Snape's documents in the Death Eaters' section, acknowledging the man's complex allegiances and his ultimate fate.
Next, Harry picked up Voldemort's file, and a wave of disgust washed over him as he read about the Dark Lord's origins. The revelations about Tom Riddle's childhood struck a chord deep within Harry; he felt a strange kinship with the boy who would become Voldemort. Both had suffered in their early lives, but while Harry had been surrounded by love and friendship, Riddle had been consumed by darkness.
The documents detailed Riddle's upbringing, his time at Hogwarts, and how he had managed to navigate the intricacies of the wizarding world. Despite being a brilliant student, he was described as an outcast, moving through different social groups but never truly belonging to any of them. Harry's mind raced as he absorbed the information; he noted the mention of Dumbledore's words, praising Hermione's potential. Very good student, but Hermione Granger will surpass him easily!
With a chuckle, Harry thought about how Hermione would react upon seeing that note. It would undoubtedly bring her joy, and he was grateful to have a small piece of light to share amidst the darker revelations.
As he continued to delve into Voldemort's background, Harry discovered a pivotal piece of information: the address of the orphanage where Voldemort returned each summer. This new knowledge ignited a spark of determination within Harry. He resolved to learn more about his enemy, to understand the motivations and traumas that had forged the monster before him.
With each detail uncovered, Harry felt a growing urgency to prepare for the battles that lay ahead. He was determined to protect those he loved and to prevent anyone from falling into the same dark path as Voldemort. The more he learned, the more resolved he became to put an end to the threat that loomed over their world.
As the week progressed, the bond between Harry, Ron, and Hermione deepened. They shared laughter and stories, allowing moments of levity to punctuate the weight of their research. Yet, the understanding that they were standing on the precipice of a great conflict hung in the air, a silent promise to each other that they would face whatever came next together.
One evening, as they sat together in the warm glow of the firelight, Ron turned to them with a thoughtful expression. "You know," he began, "even with everything happening, I feel like we're stronger than ever. We've got each other's backs, right?"
"Always," Hermione replied, her voice steady.
Harry nodded, his resolve strengthening. "Whatever happens, we'll face it together. That's what family does."
Harry felt a wave of relief wash over him as he witnessed Ginny's spontaneous reaction. It was a moment of triumph, however small, in a world still overshadowed by fear. The power Voldemort wielded over their lives was undeniable, but Ginny's newfound courage was a hopeful sign that they were all starting to reclaim their lives, piece by piece.
"Alright, let's focus on the plan," Harry said, breaking the momentary silence that followed. "We need to gather everyone and figure out our strategy. If Voldemort's soul is indeed connected to that orphanage, we can't afford to take any chances."
Hermione nodded, her brow furrowed in thought. "I can help with the research, Harry. There might be some old records or clues we could look into. We should know everything about that place before we go."
"Good idea," Harry replied. "We'll make sure we're as prepared as possible. I'll send a message to the Order as soon as we have a solid plan."
Ron, who had been listening intently, added, "We should gather the rest of the gang. The more of us there are, the safer we'll be. And I'm not just saying that because I want to keep Hermione safe," he said, giving her a playful nudge. Hermione rolled her eyes but smiled.
"Right. We'll make it a group effort," Harry said, feeling the familiar sense of camaraderie wash over him. "But we need to be strategic about who we invite. We want everyone to feel included, but we also need to ensure everyone can handle the risks involved."
As the group discussed potential members to include in their expedition, Tonks remained quietly vigilant. Harry could see the concern etched on her face, and he felt a pang of guilt. He knew how much she wanted to be involved, yet he couldn't shake the protective instinct that surged through him whenever he thought of her and their unborn child.
"Nymphadora," he said gently, turning to face her. "I appreciate how much you want to help, but you have to promise me you'll stay safe. That means not putting yourself in harm's way, especially now."
"Harry, I understand your concern," she replied, her tone firm yet affectionate. "But I can still be useful. I can help organize things, gather information, anything that keeps me involved without putting me at risk. We all need to contribute to this fight."
"That's fair," he conceded, knowing that her stubbornness was part of what he loved about her. "We'll find a role for you that ensures you're safe, I promise."
Ginny, who had been quietly observing, chimed in, "And I can help too! I'm not pregnant, so I'm more capable of handling things. Plus, I've got some tricks up my sleeve."
Harry smiled at her determination. "Alright, then we'll include you in the planning stages. I know you're more than capable, Ginny."
As they continued to brainstorm, the atmosphere in the room shifted. Laughter and banter began to replace the tension, and for a moment, they felt like a normal group of friends, united in a common cause rather than a team preparing for a dangerous mission.
Harry was struck by how far they had all come since those early days at Hogwarts. Each of them had endured their own trials, yet here they were, a tightly-knit family ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. The prospect of venturing into the unknown, while daunting, was tempered by their strong bonds and unwavering support for one another.
Eventually, they settled on a plan to gather the rest of their friends for a meeting. Harry would send out messages via owl, letting everyone know that their presence was needed for an important discussion.
As they prepared to disperse, Hermione caught Harry's eye and smiled softly. "I know we're facing a lot, but I truly believe we can do this. Together."
"Together," he echoed, feeling a surge of optimism.
With the excitement of their upcoming mission bubbling in the air, Harry couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of purpose. As they all set about their tasks, he realized that the strength of their friendship and love would be the greatest weapon they had against the darkness that threatened to engulf them.
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