Author's note: Again, a long wait. I apologize. Real life has taken its toll and I've been really busy writing Last Dance with Heaven. This is the last chapter, but there will be an epilogue. This is the wedding you've all been waiting for and I hope it doesn't disappoint. Thank you again for the reviews and for the kind words of encouragement you've given me. I appreciate it more than you know and am proud to be a member of our ship!
Chapter 26
Forever & For Always
In your arms,
I can still feel the way you want me
when you hold me
I can still hear the words you whispered
when you told me
I can stay right here forever in your arms
And there ain't no way
I'm lettin' you go now
And there ain't no way
and there ain't no how
I'll never see that day....
'Cause I'm keeping you
forever and for always
We will be together all of our days
Wanna wake up every morning
to your sweet face
Always-----
(Shania Twain, Forever & For Always)
"You want to go with us?" Harry asked, still gob smacked that Ron was actually here, standing in the doorway.
Ron shrugged. "Well, you know, I was just….thinking….might be….you know…"
"You want to go on my stag night?" Harry asked, helping his friend out.
Ron absently began kicking the door with his foot. "I didn't have anything else to do. I was just eating dinner with Luna and she thought, well she thinks that I…that we…"
"It's okay," Harry said giving him a slight smile. "I'm…I'm really glad that you're here, Ron. I couldn't imagine doing this without you."
Ron finally met Harry's gaze. "I feel the same. Or I would, if it were me getting married, but it's not. It's you and Hermione."
"Are you okay with that?"
Ron didn't answer at first. Seamus, Dean and Neville exchanged looks.
"I'm getting there," Ron said truthfully.
"I don't know about you two," Seamus said walking in between them. "But this is Harry's last night as a bachelor. We want to send him out in style, right?"
"Right," Ron said grinning.
"I've already been warned not to get pissed the night before my wedding," Harry reminded them.
"Which is why you have me along," Dean said. "Remember all those great hangover potions of mine? I helped sober all of you up without the fuss and muss."
"Something tells me Hermione will be able to tell," Harry said.
"Are you scared of your wife-to-be?" Dean teased.
"Bloody terrified," Harry said. "You obviously have never seen her angry. It's not a pretty picture mate."
"He's right there Dean," Ron chimed in good-naturedly. "You don't want to be on the receiving end of one of Hermione's arguments."
Harry couldn't believe this was actually happening. Ron was actually here and making an effort. And seemed to be doing well enough now that he could joke about Hermione. Things weren't as they were before, but at least they were on their way back. It was a start.
***** ******** *********** ************* ***********
"I can't feel my face," Hermione said as Lavender slathered more mud masque on her face.
"You'll thank me for this tomorrow morning," Lavender said smugly. "This is going to make you look positively radiant, Hermione."
"Like she's going to need any help," Ginny said looking up from where she was painting Eva's nails. "She's going to get one sight of Harry in his dress robes and she'll be grinning so brightly we'll be able to see all her teeth."
Luna folded the latest edition of the Daily Prophet and set it aside. "I still can't believe they think that your wedding is going to be at Hogwarts!"
"You can thank Lavender for that," Hermione said with her teeth clenched. It was hard to move her lips with all that goop on her face.
"The queen of subterfuge," Eva said grinning at Lavender.
Lavender took a bow. "Thank you, thank you. I couldn't have done it without the---oh who am I kidding? I did it all by myself! Me? Little, beautiful, sweet me!"
Eva, Ginny and Luna laughed. Hermione would have done so too, but couldn't at the moment.
"When is that pizza going to get here?" Ginny asked. "I'm starving!"
"The delivery boy said he would be here in about half an hour," Luna said. "Relax, Gin. We just ordered two minutes ago."
"Right," Ginny said. "But I am a Weasley and we are known for our voracious appetites. Do you two still have any of those crisps left?" '
Lavender nodded. "In the kitchen, second cabinet on the right."
Ginny excused herself to go and grab the crisps. "Don't say anything important until I get back!"
"You know what this reminds me of?" Eva asked. "Do you remember ever having slumber parties when you were a kid? I remember when I was in junior high school; me and my best girl friends would stay at each other's houses and eat all the junk food in the world. We'd watch these scary movies that were so cheesy and we'd play games like Truth or Dare and Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board. And we'd give each other these horrible makeovers and talk about boys."
"You Americans aren't that different from us," Lavender said giggling. "We did all that at Beauxbatons, save for the scary movie part. Of course, Hermione always wanted to spend her spare time reading, but luckily she had me around to show her that there were more important things…"
Hermione tapped her best friend on the shoulder. Lavender looked at her. "What?"
Pointed at her face, Hermione let out something unintelligible.
"You can wash it off now," Lavender said handing her a towel.
Hermione rolled her eyes and took off for the loo.
"I imagine the boys aren't having a night like this," Luna said. She hoped that Ron and Harry were getting along and that everything was going okay.
"You don't think they're painting each other's nails? Giving each other facials?" Eva asked.
"Probably not," Luna said giggling.
****** ************** **************
"Neville volunteers to buy the next round," Dean called out.
"I never said that!" Neville said loudly. "I never said that!"
"Yes but you lost the game," Dean said slapping him on the back. They had been playing darts and drinking since they'd arrived at the Muggle pub. "That was the terms of the game. Loser buys the next round. You, my friend, have now lost three games in a row."
"I'm not playing anymore," Neville said grumpily. "I'm shite at it anyway."
Ron drained the rest of his glass. "You're not that bad."
"Thanks, mate," Neville said gratefully.
"So what if you nearly took that bloke's eye out," Ron said with a grin. "He was in the way."
"The nerve of him just sitting way over there at the bar and minding his own business," Harry joined in.
"I hate you both," Neville said glaring at them.
Dean laughed. "I still can't believe one of us is actually taking that big step. Marriage. I never thought I'd see the day."
Seamus hit Dean on the shoulder. So far, they'd all avoided any direct mention of Hermione. As a result, the evening had gone quite smoothly.
"It's okay," Ron reassured them. "I'm not going to fall to pieces. I know that Harry's marrying Hermione tomorrow. I wouldn't be here if I wasn't okay with it."
Harry grinned across the table at his friend. "Thanks, Ron."
"Well," Ron said with a shrug. "That and the free beer and food."
"Speaking of free food," Dean said waving a barmaid over. "Could you get me and my mates another round? They're on the surly looking bloke at the end there…"
Neville glared at him.
"Sure," the barmaid said with a grin. Her eyes fell on Ron and she gave him a flirtatious look. "Is there anything else I can get you?"
Ron smiled back at her. The old Ron would be racking his brain at the moment for some witty line to charm her and possibly get her number or take her home at the end of the night. But, things had changed in more ways than one.
"Nothing for me," Ron finally replied. "But my mate Seamus needs another drink…"
The barmaid turned her attention to Seamus. "Another beer?"
Seamus nodded.
"Coming right up," she said winking at him.
Dean stared at Ron in disbelief. "I never thought I'd see the day when you would miss a prime opportunity like that. Who are you and what have you done with Ron Weasley?"
"Aye," Seamus said. "Have we stumbled into some sort of parallel universe?"
"Yeah," Ron mumbled with a shrug. "Well…"
"Ickle Ronniekins is growing up," Dean continued to tease.
"Perhaps…" Ron said noncommittally.
"Happens to the best of us, Ron," Harry chimed in.
Neville grinned. "Ginny tells me that we have Luna Lovegood to thank for this turnaround."
Ron smiled at the mere mention of the blonde.
"He's turning red," Seamus cackled. "It must be lurve."
"I'm not turning red," Ron said defensively.
"You are definitely turning all sorts of red," Seamus said leaning in for a better look. "Call it what you want, Ron. But I'd say you have it bad for one Luna Lovegood."
Ron was silent for a few moments. There was no way to fool his oldest and best friends. He was in love with Luna. She was on his mind all the time and he wanted to be a better person for her. He certainly wanted her to be proud of him. If that wasn't love, he didn't know what was.
"Okay," he finally admitted, turning even redder. "Yes, I have it bad for Luna. Happy now?"
Seamus gave Neville a high five. "I love being right."
"Well, it happens so infrequently," Ron said dryly.
"All kidding aside," Harry said. "She has always fancied you. She used to watch you all the time in the Great Hall."
"She did?" Ron asked, knowing full well that she had, but wanting to hear it just the same.
"And she is pretty hot," Seamus admitted. "Even with that lion hat on her head, she was pretty in a quirky kind of way…"
"I might have had the slightest crush on her back then too," Neville said quietly.
Ron glared at him.
"Well, I don't have one now," Neville said quickly. "I'm with Ginny and I couldn't be happier."
Seamus groaned. "Before he starts telling us all about his great love story with Ginny, how about we play another round?"
"I'm all for that," Dean agreed and everyone turned their attention back to darts, save for Ron and Harry.
"You and Luna then?"
Ron nodded. "I hope so. She's still not sure. I'm doing everything I can to convince her that I'm not the same bloke I used to be. I want to be the kind of person she deserves."
Harry smiled. "It's amazing what a good woman can do for you, eh?"
"Aye," Ron said. "You've got yours already. Let's just hope that I can get mine."
~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next morning came with a fresh dusting of snow on the ground. Lavender was absolutely delighted when she peered out the window at the street below. It was still, quiet and peaceful and while it may be totally clichéd, Lavender thought, it did look exactly like a winter wonderland---which was perfect for Hermione's wedding day.
Hermione's wedding day!
Being careful not to wake any of the other bridesmaids who were asleep in the sitting room, Lavender crept out of her bedroom and tiptoed down the hall to Hermione's. She knocked gently on the door. There was no answer. Hermione was notorious for being a heavy sleeper so Lavender wasn't surprised.
"Hermione," Lavender whispered opening the door. "Hello?"
Still, no response.
"Wakey! Wakey!" Lavender said standing over her friend and shaking her.
"Hmmmmph?" came a muffled voice from underneath the covers.
Lavender laughed. "Wedding. Big day. Happiest day of your life, hands down. Handsome, tall bloke with glasses and dark hair and a groovy lightning bolt scar. Any of this ringing a bell, Miss Granger?"
Hermione slowly opened her eyes. "Lav?"
"Yes," Lavender said smiling at her as she sat down on the edge of the bed. "Your maid of honour, in the flesh."
"What time is it?" Hermione asked groggily.
"Just gone nine," Lavender replied.
"What?" Hermione shrieked pulling back the covers. She nearly launched herself out of the bed. "We've got so much to do! I can't believe I slept in for this long. We have to go over to my parents' house and I have to ---"
Lavender walked over to her and calmly put her hands on Hermione's shoulders. "Breathe, Hermione. Breathe. That's it. One…two…."
"Lavender---"
"I don't want to have to slap you," Lavender said with a stern look. "Come on. This is the happiest day of your life and you are not going to spend it running around like a mad woman. We have everything under control. All you have to do is take a shower and get ready to go over to your mum and dad's where we will help get you ready for the wedding."
"I know, but---"
"No buts," Lavender cut her off. "Okay, I didn't want to have to do this, but I think I should given the circumstances. I know you're a control freak and most of the time it's one of your most endearing qualities, but you have to just relax and go with the flow."
"You're not going to slap me, are you?" Hermione asked recoiling.
"No!" Lavender replied. "Not unless you give me a reason to. You, Miss Bossy Boots, are going to repeat after me."
"Lav-" Hermione started to protest, but with the look on her best friend's face, she knew she should probably just be quiet and humour her.
"Okay," Lavender said. "Repeat after me. 'I, Hermione Jane Granger…'"
Hermione exhaled. "I, Hermione Jane Granger…"
"Will be calm, cool and relaxed," Lavender continued.
"Will be calm, cool and relaxed."
"And will take comfort in the fact that today, I am marrying the man of my dreams…"
Hermione grinned. "And will take comfort in the fact that today, I am marrying the man of my dreams…"
"And that nothing will or could go wrong today," Lavender continued.
"And that nothing will or could go wrong today," Hermione repeated.
"Because I have the coolest, prettiest, and smartest roommate, best friend and maid-of-honour in the world," Lavender said with a grin.
"Because I have the coolest, prettiest, and smartest roommate, best friend and maid-of-honor," Hermione parroted.
"In the world," Lavender said folding her arms. "You forgot that part."
"Sorry," Hermione said with a laugh. "In the world."
"Good," Lavender said. "Are you ready to get married then?"
"Yes," Hermione said. "I'll just pop into the shower."
"Good idea," Lavender said making her way for the door. "Hey, Hermione?"
"Yes?"
"You're getting married!" Lavender sing-songed.
"I am!" Hermione said doing an impromptu dance in front of the bathroom door.
****** ************ *************
The groom and his groomsmen were killing time before the ceremony in a small anteroom behind the chapel. Sirius laughed as he watched his godson pace back and forth in front of him.
"You planning on wearing a path into the carpet?" Sirius joked. "Because you're well on your way…"
"Hmmm?" Harry asked, still pacing.
"Do you fellows mind leaving me alone with my godson?" Sirius asked looking at Dean, Seamus and Neville.
"Sure," Neville said ushering the other men out. "We'll just be outside."
"Okay," Sirius said once he was alone with Harry. "You want to tell me what's going on then?"
"Nothing," Harry replied absently. "I'm getting married in a few minutes."
Sirius nodded. "And your pacing like your about to face the Wizengamot. You're not having cold feet? Doubts?"
Harry shook his head. "Of course not, but it's just that---"
"What?"
Harry finally stopped pacing and looked at his godfather. "What kind of life is she getting herself into? Do you think she knows?"
"What on earth are you talking about?"
"Hermione," Harry said. "Me. Marriage to me."
"She must," Sirius said nonplussed. "She said yes, didn't she?"
"Yes, but-"
"But what?" Sirius asked.
"You saw the trouble we had to go through to make sure no one in the press found out about where we were getting married," Harry began to explain. "And if we have children, you know people like Rita Skeeter are going to be camped out in the hospital waiting room waiting to snap a picture of the Potter baby. Anything she does from here on out is going to be speculated about because of who I am. Not to mention the fact that Voldemort has some mad followers who still want to come after me for killing him. What if they tried to hurt her or worse?"
Sirius nodded as if he'd known this was what was troubling Harry all along.
"Sit down," he ordered. Reluctantly, Harry did so.
"Okay," Sirius said. "Harry, I'm sure I don't have to tell you what a smart, intelligent, clever witch you're marrying. I imagine she knows full well what she's getting herself into. And I'm sure she's had those same doubts, but you know what? She's still here. She's in a room down the hall getting ready to marry you. And you know why? Because at the end of the day, no matter who comes at the two of you or what trouble the two of you are going to face, she's going to have you and you're going to have her. And that's a damn good thing to count on, Harry."
Harry was silent for a few moments, letting his godfather's words sink in.
"You can do it," Sirius said, a twinkle to his eye. "You can admit I was right. Come on…"
Harry laughed. "You're right."
"I never get tired of hearing that," Sirius said clapping him on the back. "And I'm proud of you, Harry. And James and Lily would be too, if they were here."
"Thanks, Sirius."
"Now," Sirius said after giving him a hug. "Are you ready to get married then?"
"Not just yet," Harry said. "I need to have a quick word with my bride."
"You're not supposed to see her until after the wedding!" Sirius called out, but Harry was already out the door.
Harry had no intention of seeing Hermione, but there was something he wanted to do and he wanted to clear it with her. He knocked gently on the bride's dressing room door.
"Who is it?" Lavender's voice called out brightly.
"Harry," he answered leaning against the door.
"YOU CAN'T COME IN HERE!" Lavender yelled back in a stern voice.
"I don't want to come in there," Harry said with a chuckle. "I just want to have a word with Hermione. Could you at least let her stand by the door?"
It was quiet for a few moments and finally Harry heard Hermione's voice. "I'm here," she said softly.
A grin broke out on Harry's face at the sound of her voice. "So you showed up?" he asked teasingly
"Yes," Hermione said laughing.
"Good," he said softly. "I can't wait to see you in a few minutes."
"Me, too."
"There's something I want to ask you," he said with a hopeful tone to his voice.
***********
Ron sat in the chapel beside Ernie McMillan and Susan Bones. He hadn't seen Luna yet, but he'd owled her this morning to let her know that things had gone well at Harry's stag night and he and Harry had buried the hatchet, so to speak, and were trying to be friends again.
Neville tapped him on the shoulder.
"What's up, Nev?"
"Harry wants to see you," Neville replied. "Come on."
"Okay," Ron said wondering what Harry could possibly have to say to him now. He followed Neville out of the chapel and saw Harry waiting for him with Dean, Seamus and Sirius. "What's going on? You're getting married in ten minutes, Harry."
"I know," Harry said smiling. "But I can't do it."
Ron stared at him in disbelief. "What?"
"I can't do it unless you're standing up with me," Harry explained.
"You want me to ---" Ron said taken aback.
"Yes," Harry said. "There's a suit in that room. You'll need to change quickly, but you've got time."
"But, what about Hermione?"
"She's okay with it," Harry said. "Honestly, I asked her and she said that would be fine."
"Are…are you sure?"
"Positive," Harry said. "And I promise you I don't have any of those grotty dress robes like you wore in fourth year waiting for you in that room."
Ron was at a loss for words.
"Time's a wasting," Neville said.
"Okay," Ron finally said with a smile. "I'll do it."
"Good," Harry said grinning at him. "Get a move on then. I'm getting married in a few minutes."
**************
The wedding procession began as the organist played "Canon in D". The groom and his groomsmen took their place with the vicar at the altar. The guests turned in their seats to see the bridal party.
The first bridesmaid was Ginny. Like her fellow bridesmaids, she wore a Georgette spaghetti strap empire waist dress with a wrap. Ginny winked at Neville before taking her place at the altar.
Eva was next and she grinned at Harry and Sirius. She'd known Harry for quite some time, but she couldn't remember when she'd seen him this happy.
Luna beamed at Ron as she slowly made her way down the aisle. Her heart swelled as she saw Ron standing alongside Harry. She'd never been more proud of anyone in her life than she was at him at this moment. She made a silent vow to show him just how much at the reception.
Maid of honor Lavender was next and she shared a secret smile with Seamus before taking her place beside Luna.
"Hermione?" Robert asked, taking his daughter's hand. "Are you ready, sweetheart?"
Hermione nodded. "Yes, Daddy."
"He'd better take good care of you," Robert said choking up. "And if he doesn't, well I'll….I don't care if he is some powerful wizard, I'll take him to task for hurting my little girl."
Hermione felt tears welling up in her eyes and she tried to stave them off. "Daddy…"
The wedding march began to play and Robert squeezed her hand. "I believe they're playing your song."
Hermione beamed at her father as the chapel doors opened. The guests all stood and turned for their first glimpse of the bride. She wore a white, strapless gown with intricate beading along the bodice and train. Her hair was up with curly ringlets and tendrils and she wore a small pearl tiara.
Her eyes locked immediately on the man at the end of the aisle who seemed transfixed by her appearance. She was glad
her father was holding onto her because looking at Harry she wanted to swoon. He wore a black morning suit with an
emerald green waistcoat. She could also tell that he'd had a haircut since the last time she'd seen him. The
aisle seemed so long and Hermione had to resist the urge to speed up and sprint toward Harry.
Finally, they reached the altar and the vicar smiled warmly at Hermione and Robert. Lavender took Hermione's bouquet.
"Who gives this woman to be married?" the vicar asked.
"Her mother and I do," Robert replied. He gave his daughter a kiss on the cheek and then shook hands with Harry before taking his seat beside Karen.
"Hi," Harry whispered as he took Hermione's hands in his.
"Hi," she whispered back with a wide grin.
"Friends and family," the vicar began. "Today, we have come together to celebrate the marriage of Harry James Potter to Hermione Jane Granger."
Harry squeezed Hermione's hands and she felt tears welling up in her eyes again. This was it. They were actually getting married.
She tried to listen to the words the vicar was saying about love, marriage and relationships but she was finding it hard to concentrate. She wanted to remember every moment of this day and she made herself focus which was not an easy task with her husband-to-be looking at her with those green eyes.
"Harry James Potter," the vicar said. "Do you take Hermione Jane to be your wedded wife? Do you promise to love her, comfort her, honor and cherish her for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health; and forsake all other, be faithfully only to her so long as you both shall live?"
"I do," Harry replied without hesitation.
"Hermione Jane Granger," the vicar said turning his attention to her. "Do you take Harry James to be your wedded husband? Do you promise to love him, comfort him, honor and cherish him for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health; and forsake all other, be faithfully only to him so long as you both shall live?"
"I do," Hermione replied softly.
"What token of your pledge do you offer each other?" the vicar asked.
Harry turned to Sirius who handed him Hermione's wedding band. Harry took Hermione's left hand and slowly slid
the ring on her finger. "Hermione, with this ring I thee wed and with all that I am and all that I have, I honor
you."
Tears welled up in Hermione's eyes and her own hand was shaking as she turned to Lavender for Harry's wedding band.
Her voice broke as she repeated the same pledge and slipped the ring on Harry's finger.
The vicar smiled at the couple. "Harry and Hermione, by the giving of rings and the intent of vows you have expressed to each other in the company of these witnesses; therefore, by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife."
Hermione beamed at Harry.
"Harry," the vicar said. "You may kiss your bride…"
"Finally," Harry said putting his arms around his new wife and pulling her close, kissing her softly on the lips.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the vicar said. "I give you, Harry and Hermione Potter."
Everyone stood and started clapping and cheering. Hermione took Harry's hand and they walked up the aisle.
"You're stuck with me now," Harry whispered to her. He couldn't wait to give her a proper kiss.
"I think I'll muddle through," Hermione said happily. Once they were out of the chapel, he wasted no time in sweeping her up into his arms and spinning her around. "Harry! My train!"
He cut off her protests by kissing her soundly.
"You think you can shut me up by doing that?" she asked looping her arms around his neck.
"I wasn't trying to shut you up," he said impishly. "I wanted to snog you is all. I haven't seen you in 24 hours."
"Much too long," Hermione agreed giving him another kiss.
"I want to make you so happy, Hermione," Harry said softly.
"You have," Hermione said resting her forehead on his. "You have, Harry."
"Break it up," Seamus said clapping Harry on the back. "Wedding night is quite a ways off and you have to be respectful since you are in a chapel."
"Lovely," Dean said. "This from the man who once---"
Neville nudged him. "Perhaps this isn't really the place for that sort of story."
Eva and Sirius came over to offer their congratulations to the happy couple.
"Welcome to the family, Hermione," Sirius said giving her a hug. "You look beautiful, my dear."
"Thank you, Sirius," Hermione said tearing up again.
"And you," Eva said giving Harry a hug and peck on the cheek. "Look so handsome!"
"Thanks," Harry said with a laugh. "Bad hair and all."
"Part of your charm," Eva teased.
Lavender came over to inform them that the photographer needed the wedding party for pictures.
"We'll be right there," Hermione said. "I need to have a quick word with my husband."
"Your husband!" Lavender squealed. "Take your time."
The wedding party went back inside the chapel and Hermione smiled at Harry.
"So, you want to have me all to yourself, eh?" Harry asked.
"There's that, but there's something I need to tell you," she said biting her bottom lip.
Harry felt a sinking feeling in his stomach. She only did that when she was nervous. "What is it?" he asked.
"It's nothing bad," she assured him. "I just wanted to tell you…"
"You've changed your mind?" Harry interjected.
She shook her head. "No, of course not!"
"What is it then?" he asked. "You're scaring me."
Hermione took Harry's hands in hers. "Well, I just wanted to tell you that…well, I'm pregnant."
"Just tell me," Harry said. "Whatever it is…hang on….did you just say…"
Hermione nodded. "I'm pregnant. We're going to have a baby. You're going to be a daddy."
Author's note: Mwhahhahahhahha….evil cliffie, I know. But there will be an epilogue. And you will find out more about Ron and Luna and whether or not they actually did get together. I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter and I do apologize for the long, excruciating wait.