A/N: Ok, a little later than I wanted this to come out, but it's extra-long! So, at least there's that, right? Between the July 4th holiday and my best friend finally coming to town with the baby (she's precious by the way!!!!), I got a little behind. But, here it is. This chapter is divided into days. Wednesday-Sunday of the last week. Next chapter will be the day of the wedding up until the reception. The final chapter will be the reception and then this beast will finally be completed!!
***
Wednesday:
Well, here it is. The last week before the wedding. It's much more frantic than I expected, considering how smoothly things were going.
Currently, we're all sitting in the Great Hall, planning and preparing.
Harry, Dumbledore and the rest of the guys are sitting off to the side, planning the massive wards that will have to go up for this not only to keep insane fans and insane press out, but also to keep the Muggles fooled.
My bridesmaids, Molly and Mum are off on the other side, folding the programs and planning the seating chart. Luna is waving her wand as the programs float into the air, fold themselves and fall into the box next to her, while she discusses family and friends with Ginny, Mum and Molly and who sits where.
I haven't visited either camp yet. I'm my own decorating committee right now. Normally, it would be too soon to start, but I'm going to work on it a little bit each night and cloak it when I'm finished. To the students, it'll look like House flags. To the rest of us, it'll be beautiful red and gold streamers and flowers.
I get the feeling that this will last for a while.
"No, you can't sit those two together!" I hear Molly cry.
Makes me wonder just who she's talking about since hardly anyone's going to know each other at this little soiree.
"Well, I'm not about to try to undo those enchantments. Can you cloak something as big as the ceiling?" I hear Sirius say.
I never thought of the ceiling. The Muggles will certainly wonder about that. If they don't figure it out soon, I'll go help. I'm certain I've read something about that, but Albus will surely know what to do about it.
"Hermione!" Luna calls. "Does it matter that Julie's name is spelled wrong in this program?"
"WHAT?!" I reply.
"Yeah, it says J-u-l-i-a-n-n-e."
"Now I know I typed it right. Bloody computer. Bloody spell check! Ok, how many are left to fold?"
"None. All finished. I was just glancing through this one and saw that."
"Thank Merlin you did. Ok, well, I'll just get to fixing them," I sigh.
"Give me half. I'll help," Luna says.
"Give me some as well," Ginny adds. "I need to get away from the seating nuts!"
The "seating nuts" didn't even hear about the name misspelling, so the three of us get to work on changing all 100 programs. Stupid spell check.
Thursday:
Tonight is the only night that Dumbledore will have to spend with us besides Friday night, so we are going over everything tonight.
"So, Harry, where do you expect to change?" he asks.
"Um, I didn't really plan on where," Harry sheepishly replies.
"And Hermione?"
"Well, I had just figured on my office. It's pretty large and should accommodate me and a few others."
"Perfect," Dumbledore says as he jots something down. "Harry, will you be getting ready in your office?"
"That will work. We're far enough apart where I won't be where I'm not wanted."
"Harry! You're wanted, but if you come near me or my dress, Mum will not hesitate to kill you," I laugh.
Albus chuckles as well.
"I don't know what you two find so funny. Emily will kill me if I go near that dress!" Harry jokes.
"Yes, well. Then let us hope that you don't see it too early! Now, here's the part that I feel is unnecessary, but a tradition and a rule nonetheless. Now that you both have made the commitment to marry, can you both honestly tell me that you are ready for this step?" Albus asks.
"Of course we are!" Harry replies, almost indignantly.
"All right, why? Hermione, will you go first?"
"Sure. Well, I suppose the reason I know that I'm ready for this is because there's barely a moment of my life where I haven't been completely taken by Harry Potter. For the first 11 years of my life, something was missing, but I never knew what. And then Minerva came to my house and told me everything. A big part of my heart was filled, but not all of it. I decided to research everything I could about Hogwarts and magic in general. Most of the books I read mentioned a Harry Potter and how he saved the world as a tiny baby. I knew I wanted to meet him and hoped that he would return to the wizarding world for Hogwarts, because I was fairly certain that he would be in my year.
"Well, when I saw him on the train, I was thrown for a loop. He certainly didn't look like what I expected. He was small and scared looking - no offense, sweetie - but endearing. Then, imagine my luck when he and his friend rescued me from a troll! From then on, well, Harry Potter was never far from my heart. There may have been other crushes, but nothing like what I felt for Harry. And once we began to date, well, I was confident that I had found my soul mate. That feeling has only continued to grow through the years and I know now that I'm ready to take the next step with him."
"Very eloquently put, Hermione. Harry, would you care to go?"
"How can I top that?" he asked, blushing.
"The point is not to top it, but to only speak from your heart. Why do you want to marry Hermione Granger?"
"Well, that's easy. Because she's got the other half of my soul. She's had it for as long as I can remember. I wish I could say that I knew I loved her from the moment I saw her, but I can't. That's certainly not to say that I didn't love her, but I just didn't know it. Growing up in the Dursleys' home really held me back in the emotions department." Harry throws a quick glance to Albus and continues. "But as the years went on after we became friends in that bathroom, smiling over a knocked-out troll, my feelings began to grow so much that I didn't think I could hold them all inside. Every glance from her, every brush of the hand made me want to hold her and never let go. I knew I wanted to keep her safe and happy, but was it love? After some time, I came to realize that it almost had to be love. I wanted to keep Ron and Ginny safe and happy as well, but certainly not like this. Ever since then, I've wondered just what I did to deserve such love and delight in my life from this beautiful woman, but I knew that I would do whatever I had to do to keep her by my side, to keep her safe and happy."
Albus smiles at us. "Those were beautiful answers. And they were the correct answers. I'm pleased to tell you that I will be able to marry you."
"You weren't before?" Harry asks.
"No. Wizarding law states that the officiant must have this meeting with the bride and groom before performing the ceremony. Only if the couple gives answers that the officiant approves of, may they be married. Do not worry though, I have known you long enough to know that you would pass with flying colors."
Harry lets an audible sigh of relief out.
"Now, Harry, I believe we have all the wards and spells worked out?" Albus asks.
"I sure hope so," he replies.
"And the seating arrangements and such are taken care of?"
"I sure hope so," I repeat, giggling.
"Yes, I imagine that Molly Weasley has all of that taken care of. Now, the ceremony will take place at 1:30 sharp, so no lollygagging that day. Be at your office at whatever time you need to be. I will come to check on each of you before the ceremony. We'll set everything up at the Head table area, yes?"
"That would work best, yes," I reply.
"Wonderful. I have told the students that meals will take place in their Common Rooms that day, as the Great Hall would be occupied. Now, are you allowing students into the ceremony?"
"Well, I mean, we are taking over their school. It would be polite," Harry mentions.
"But they can't come to the reception, right?" I ask.
"Of course not. That is for your family and friends only," Albus says.
"Fine. But they have to stay to the back. I mean, it's not like we don't have the room. And I don't think many of the Slytherins will want to be there." I gasp. "Do you have a ward to keep those who want to cause trouble or harm out?"
"Hermione, of course we do. If any Slytherins, or members of any other house for that matter, try to mess with our day, they'll promptly be tossed out the door before getting 2 feet into the room," Harry explains.
"Oh. Ok," I mumble. Of course they had that set up. I'm just getting nervous.
"All right, well, I think that's enough for one day. Have a good night, both of you," Albus says, standing.
"Good night, Albus," we each say as we shake his hand and with that, we floo home.
Friday:
Today is such a wonderful day. Harry and I are off from work until the end of next week and we're just taking the day for ourselves. We slept until 10 this morning! I haven't done that in years! We made breakfast sandwiches from bagels, eggs and bacon and had lunch outside at a little café in Diagon Alley.
It was so romantic … as long as you don't count the groupies that practically mauled us to congratulate us.
And the one guy who threatened to throw food at me since I don't deserve Harry Potter.
Well, apparently, I do deserve Harry Potter since Mr. Potter took that opportunity to make my would-be-assailant's food fly into his face.
"Not so nice, is it?" Harry asked. "Now maybe you'll be a little friendlier to other people's fiancés."
I laughed as we paid the bill and left.
"Have a nice day," I giggled as we passed the rude man, scowling as he scraped the potatoes from his hair.
Now we're having a wonderful dinner in the most exclusive restaurant in Hogsmeade.
"Are you excited for tonight?" Harry asks.
"So excited!" I reply like a little girl.
I don't know what I'm more excited for: a wedding free day, or the fact that we're going out. Harry is taking me to see "Starlight Express" at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. I'm thrilled since I'm such an Andrew Lloyd Webber fan.
"Today has been perfect," he whispers.
"Yeah, we had slept late, had a fun breakfast, assaulted a man with his own food …"
"I didn't mean any of that."
"What did you mean?" I ask.
"I spent the entire day with the most beautiful witch anywhere."
I blush. "Really, who?"
"I think you know her. We all went to school together. She was that Gryffindor. The Head Girl in our year … remember her?"
"Vaguely."
"Well, she's an amazing woman and I'm going to marry her in about 67 hours, 30 minutes and eh, 25 seconds," he says, checking his watch.
"You're so strange, Harry," I laugh.
"Doesn't matter. If it makes you laugh, I'll be as strange as I can."
"What's brought on this fluffy, romantic streak of yours?"
"I just realized how lucky I am. We're actually going to be married on Monday, Mione. We'll finally be husband and wife. I've been dreaming of this day since … hmmm … around my 4th year."
"Fourth year, huh? I thought you were pining for Cho Chang then."
Harry cringes as though the memory is painful. "I thought I loved her then, sure. But there was always a different face in my dreams, my actual dreams. I could never see her though. I thought it was Cho then, but then you had to go and kiss me on the train platform. Made things different. I still couldn't see her for most of fifth year, but my mind was a bit occupied then … and not always by me. But then we went into the Department of Mysteries and everything changed. I could have lost so many important people - I could have lost you. It all came into focus. The night that I went back to Privet Drive, the woman in my dreams had a face … you. I realized then that it was always you. It was never Cho or any of those other girls who insisted they loved me. Always you."
All I can do is smile.
"I love you, Harry."
"I love you too, Mione. Now, we should get going before we miss the train." Harry laughs. "Get it? Train? 'Starlight Express?'"
"Yes, Harry, I get it. Get moving," I sigh.
He's lucky I love him.
Saturday:
Ok, now it's back to frantic-ville. Tomorrow is the grand rehearsal. As soon as dinner is over, we're taking over the Great Hall and practicing, practicing, practicing. For now, however, it's time for the great fitting event of 2000.
This morning, my bridesmaids, myself, Julienne, and the mums are all going for our final fittings. However, we're going to a place that Maggie (my consultant from the bridal shop) suggested. It's a magical establishment that can make alterations in minutes.
Since Julie's growing so fast and so is Luna, this is what we needed.
"Ah! The Granger-Potter party!" a very tall witch says as we walk through the door. "Let's see we'll need, 2 mothers dresses, a flower girl, 2 bridesmaids and a bridal gown today, right?"
"That's us," I reply.
"Ok, great. I'm Madeline. I'll be working on the bride and flower girl. Cecily will be taking care of the mums and bridesmaids. Well, Hermione, let's get you into the fitting area since you're dress would take the longest for alterations. You're family and friends can wait right here until Cecily is done."
"See you guys soon!" I cheerfully say as we walk away.
"So, are you excited?" she asks once she begins helping me into the dress.
"I am. But I'm so nervous too."
"That's understandable. It's a huge step. But you love him, right?"
"Of course!"
"Then the rest is a piece of cake." She zips up the back. "Wow. I don't think I have anything to do on this one."
"Really?" I ask.
"Nope. Turn around and look in the mirror. Anything you want changed?"
I turn and see my reflection. It's so surreal to see. I've had the dress on a few times before, but now we're mere days from the wedding … mere hours even.
"It's perfect," I whisper.
"Aye, it is. Now, we're going to have to take it off."
Madeline laughs as I pout
"Sorry, but you can wear it again at the wedding. Monday, right?"
"Yes."
"See, not that far away."
Once I'm out of the dress, Madeline leaves me to change back to my other clothes and to collect Julie. I'm just coming out of the room when they enter.
"Hey, Jules! Excited?" I ask.
"Oh yes!" she replies. "Will you stay, Aunt Ermy?"
"Of course, sweetie. Now hurry along and change!"
"Cecily has taken one of your bridesmaids back for her fitting," Madeline calls through the curtain as she helps Julie.
"Oh really? Luna?" I ask.
"The pregnant one?"
"That's her," I laugh.
"Yeah, she'll have the most work to do on hers. Shouldn't take long. I think considering how well you two ladies have done, I may have to take the mums. Look at how beautifully this fits her," Madeline says as she leads Julienne out.
"Jules! You look like a princess!"
"I know! I love my dress!" Julie tells me.
"I think we'll take a half an inch off the bottom so she doesn't trip and we're done. Julienne, can you stand up really straight for me?"
Julie nods and stands perfectly still.
"Great! Now don't move." Madeline waves her wand at the base of the gown. The hem falls out and the material folds up a little farther. And just like that, it's stitched up again. "Perfect. How does that feel, Julienne?"
"Pretty!"
"Sounds good. Now, let's go get you changed back and I'll get started on your grandmother, ok?"
"Ok!"
Madeline and Julie head back behind the curtain.
"I'll go get Molly," I say.
"Great, thanks!" Madeline calls back.
I head out to the waiting room and send Molly back.
I sit with Mum and Ginny for just a few seconds before Cecily comes back with Luna.
"Hermione! Great to meet you," she says, extending her hand. "I'm Cecily."
"It's very nice to meet you," I reply.
"Ginny, you're next," she says.
"Great!"
"How's it look?" I ask Luna.
"It's beautiful. I barely look pregnant!"
We laugh and chat and before I know it, all the ladies have gone back and been fitted.
"Well, looks like you're all set!" Madeline says as I pay Cecily.
"Thanks so much. This was a real time saver!" I reply.
"Congratulations!" Cecily calls as we gather our gowns and leave.
We all wave and breathe a sigh of relief. Now we can get a late lunch!
We head out into Diagon Alley and manage to get a table somewhat out of the way and quiet.
This is what I have been looking for: just a relaxing meal with my bridal party and the mums. Nothing crazy with planning or shopping, just us. It's so relaxing and really a bit longer than I wanted to stay, but I can't bring myself to care. I deserve this!
But all good things must come to an end, so we finish eating and Apparate back to our homes.
Next I get to go to the tux shop to supervise the guys.
Harry's in the kitchen getting a drink (and apparently snacking based on the extremely full mouth - and open box of cookies on the counter) when I enter. He holds up the pitcher ("want some?") and I nod ("yes, please").
He somehow manages to swallow the cookie without choking.
"So, how did it go?" he asks as he pours the pumpkin juice.
"Quite well. Luna will fit into her dress now."
"Good to hear," Harry laughs.
"Now, Sirius, Remus, Neville, Arthur, Ron, Joseph and my father will all be at the shop at 3, right?"
"Right, of course."
I think it's funny that Sirius, Remus and Arthur are all going to wear tuxes. But Harry wanted them all to feel like "Fathers of the groom." Typical Harry.
After lunch, we all Apparate to the Burrow to collect the "fathers," groomsmen and ring bearer. We take them to my father's and divide up into cars. My father drives Arthur, Sirius and Remus, while I get Mum's station wagon and Harry, Neville, Ron and Joseph.
My dad has probably never been so sorry to be a Muggle as right now. I'm sure Arthur is driving him crazy!
Once we arrive, the assistant, Grant, takes all the men into the back except Joseph. So, he waits with me.
"Are you excited, Joey?" I ask.
"Oh yeah, Aunt Ermy! Mummy says that Julie and I get to dress up and be big parts in the wedding!"
"Yes you do! You're going to get a tux just like Uncle Harry!"
Joseph beams. He's just as excited as his sister.
"Mione!" Harry calls.
"Come on, Joey. Let's go see what trouble they've gotten themselves into," I say as I pick him up and carry him into the back.
I cover my eyes with my free hand.
"Female entering! Is everyone decent?" I call.
"Yes, we're all set. But I wanted your opinion on something," Harry says.
I remove my hand from my eyes and my jaw drops. Merlin, he looks good in a tux.
"Close the mouth, Hermione. You're gonna catch flies," Ron whispers.
I instantly shut my mouth. "Um, what's the problem?" I ask, putting Joseph down.
Harry smirks. He missed none of this.
"Well, I wanted to see if you liked this ensemble."
He's lying. He just wanted to see my reaction … and he was pleased with the results.
"Well, I'm quite pleased with it. How's everyone else look?" I ask as nonchalantly as I can.
All the guys step out and they look fine as well.
"Mr. Weasley," Grant says. Ron and Arthur look up. "Um … Ron," he clarifies. "Those pants need to be longer."
"Figures," Ron sighs.
"It's no problem. Those are high hems for a reason. We can get that fixed in no time. Everyone else, though," he says as he examines the rest of the guys as if he was a Sergeant inspecting a morning line up of soldiers. "Looks fine."
The others let out a collective sigh of relief.
"Ron, stay in that. We'll take care of that right after little Mr. Weasley here," Grant says, gesturing to Joseph. "Ready, sir?"
"Yep!" Joey says, running to the man, eager to get started.
Harry and the rest file back into their dressing rooms as Ron pouts.
"It won't take long, Ron. Don't worry," I reassure. "By the way, you're wife will look beautiful."
"She always does," he sighs.
"Arthur, can you come help Joseph?" Grant calls.
"Just a minute!" Arthur calls as he opens the curtain. "Ron, be a dear and hang my tux up?"
"Sure, the tall freak has nothing better to do!" Ron replies as he goes into his father's cubicle and gets the tux together.
"Great!" Arthur says.
"All done!" Joseph calls as he comes out of his room a few minutes later.
"Wow! Who's that handsome man?" Harry says.
"Uncle Harry! It's me! Joseph!"
"Oh! I didn't recognize you!" Harry laughs.
"It's ok," Joseph replies, serious.
"You look great, Joey!" I tell him.
"And you'll match me perfectly," Harry says. "Gimme five!"
Joseph slaps hands with Harry, looking quite pleased with himself.
"It looks good on him," Grant says.
"All right, let's get you changed back," Arthur says, leading Joseph back.
Grant goes to help Ron fix his and since it's a minor fix, we're all set to go rather quickly.
We hug everyone good-bye and tell them that we will see them tomorrow. Then Harry and I head home for dinner and bed. It's been such a long day and it's really time to go home.
Sunday:
Well, here it is … the day before BIG DAY!
Harry rolls over and immediately covers his eyes.
"Do I look like Medusa or something?" I joke.
"Am I allowed to look?" he asks sheepishly.
"Of course, Harry! It's the day of the wedding you can't see me. How many times do I have to tell you that?"
"Not many more. You don't have a lot of time for it."
I glance at the clock. It's 10:00 am again.
"This time tomorrow, I'll be getting my hair done," I tell him.
"This time tomorrow, I'll probably still be in bed," he admits.
"See, this is why women kill their husbands. 10 a.m. and still in bed, must be bloody nice! And all you'll have to do is shower and dress tomorrow."
"I might shave too!"
"Oh, excuse me then. We're even!"
"What's wrong?"
"Harry, it's not that anything's wrong. It's just one of those things that irritates me. Tomorrow morning I have to get up to get my hair fixed, then I have to rush to my parents' house and get them to take them to Hogwarts where I'll have to sit still for God only knows how long while I trust Ginny to do my makeup. Then, I'll have to climb into my dress and pace a trench into my office floor, worrying about everything else."
"Oh," he replies.
"Yes, oh. So you can see why I'm so stressed."
"I suppose I do."
"Good. Now that we've wasted a good bit of the day, let's get up and get moving."
"Mione, sleeping is never a wasteful activity."
"Spoken like the best friend of Ron Weasley," I retort and climb out of bed.
Harry and I sit and have brunch, and then I'm meeting Mum, Molly, Ginny, Luna, Tonks and all the Weasley-to-be women to have a spa day. A day to relax me and my friends since tomorrow, we'll be basket cases.
They'll pretty much have to shut down when we get there since we've got so many bloody women. But, it's all part of being in/attending a wedding I guess.
Once brunch is over, I kiss Harry goodbye and head to the Burrow, where I'm meeting everyone.
We Apparate to the spa and enjoy the pampering.
(An hour later)
I had never had a massage before today, but now that I've had one, I feel as though I could float down the aisle. I haven't felt this relaxed since second grade.
I'm off to get my pedicure done now. I'm not even wearing open-toed shoes for the wedding! But there's another massage involved, so I'm all for it!
As I arrive, I see Molly in there as well.
"Hi, Molly!" I cheerfully say.
"You've had a massage," she replies.
"How do you know?"
"It's written all over you. You don't look like your wedding is tomorrow," she says with a smile.
"Well, bloody hell, I deserve it!"
"Too right! Now, come get your toes painted!"
I sit in the chair and we both laugh.
"You know, Hermione, I think of Harry as my own son," she says.
"I know. And you're really the only mother he's ever known."
"So I want you to know that there's no one else I would have chosen for him. I know my Ginny had a crush on him for a while, but let's face it, I don't think either of them could have handled the other one," she laughs.
"I think you're right on that one," I tell her.
"Ginny once confided in me that she was in love with the idea of Harry Potter, not the man. He was like a superstar, but she never got to know him before that, at least, not before the she dove into the deep end of the dating pool."
I smile at that, but let her continue.
"Now that she knows him, she just loves him like another brother. But you, dear, you love him in a way that he's never known. He's needed that so badly."
I blush.
"Sweetie, don't be embarrassed for loving with all of your heart. And my Harry may not be my Harry, but I know him well enough to know that he loves you with everything he has. He's had so much heartache, so much heartache. But now, he has you and that's all that really matters. You can't erase what has happened, but you can begin a wonderful new life for him."
"Thank you, Molly. I needed to hear all of that. I just want to give Harry all he has given me."
"And you do, Hermione, you do."
"You're all set, Mrs. Weasley," the attendant tells her.
"Thank you, dearie. That was wonderful." She kisses my cheek. "I'll see you later."
"Yep, bye Molly!"
I feel even better now!
Once my feet are made completely wonderful, it's off to get the fingernails done.
Here I find Fleur, Sarah, Penelope, Angelina, Alicia, Luna and Ginny, but the 5 oldest women are leaving. We wave at each other and I take a seat next to Ginny.
"There's the princess bride!" she announces.
"But that's not our Hermione. Where's the worry? Where's the panic?" Luna jokes.
I stick my tongue out at both of them as another nail technician comes over to me and begins.
"Ok, but seriously, there's something that we've been wanting to talk to you about," Ginny says.
"Um, what's that?" I reply.
"Well, we've never gotten the opportunity to tell you how happy we are for you," Luna says.
"Well, thank you."
"It's more than that, Hermione," Ginny says. "You're the sister I've never had. You were always there for me for girl chat. For eleven long years I had no one to talk to. Mum wasn't quite the one I wanted to go to, you know? I don't think I've ever thanked you for that."
"Aww, Gin. And you're my little sister! I never had siblings at all, so imagine being around your family for the first time!"
Ginny laughs. "And I want to apologize for having a crush on your husband."
"Why should you be sorry for that? Nearly every red-blooded, heterosexual witch in the world had a crush on Harry at some point in her lives. I don't hold you responsible. Besides, he's like your brother now, so I'm not worried."
Ginny scrunches up her face. "Yeah, I mean, I haven't really fancied him since my third year anyway. But when you put it that way, um, ew."
"Exactly. So, Luna, did you fancy my husband-to-be?"
"Oh no. I was too busy with my studies and with my searches for Lackadoodles. And of course, pining over the unrequited love of Ronald Weasley."
"You lie, Luna Weasley!" Ginny shouts, startling my manicurist. "You did so fancy him!"
"Well, ok. Fine. It was the eyes. I mean, they're as green as the feathers on a Golden Kenyon," Luna admits.
"Why is a Golden Kenyon if the feathers are green?" Ginny nonchalantly asks.
Luna looks like she's ready to start a rant about these "wonderful creatures," but then she merely shrugs. "You know, I don't know."
We all laugh and let the manicurists finish what they're doing.
After a brilliant day of indulging, it's time to head to Hogwarts. I'm getting very, very nervous at this point. The wedding day is creeping more and more forward. AAAHHH!!!
Once we arrive, most of the students are already seated and eating. That's fine with me, I don't want to interrupt.
There's a table next to the head table for our Bridal party, so we take our seats there. It's another fabulous dinner. Ron can't help but express his glee at another Hogwarts meal.
"Dis i' gade!" he muddles with his mouth full. After a deep swallow, he continues with, "I had forgotten how wonderfully those house-elves can cook!"
I shoot him a glare, but refrain from yelling. I have enough on my plate for now.
Finally, Dumbledore bids goodnight to the students and the Hall clears out. He waves his wand and the tables are gone, replaced by rows of comfy chairs.
"All right then. Now that we have practiced eating, and might I add that we are all very adept at it, let us practice the ceremony. Harry, you will wait up here with me and your groomsmen. Ladies, the mothers will be escorted down to the seats by our groomsmen. Ron, you will walk your mother, and Neville, you will escort Hermione's. Hermione, do you wish for your grandmother to be escorted?"
"Yes, if that's ok," I reply. I never even thought of that.
"Wonderful. Neville, you will first escort Mrs. Granger to the front of the hall, then return for … well, the other Mrs. Granger."
"Emily is fine," Mum tells him.
"Very well then, Emily. Please feel free to call me Albus."
"Albus, would it be possible to have my stepmother's mother escorted as well? I've taken to thinking of her like my own," I ask.
"Of course it is possible. And will be done. Ron, you will escort Mrs. Hoyle as well."
"Thank you," Mum whispers to me.
I nod and smile.
"Now, bridesmaids, you will take your places out in the hall and make your grand entrances when the doors open. Luna, you will begin and Ginny, once she is halfway down, you may go as well. Then the flower girl and ring bearer will take their turns. Hermione, once they have made it to the front of the Hall, then you and your father will walk down. Easy enough, yes?"
We all nod, knowing that anything that sounds that simple can end up being a disaster.
"Ok, places everyone," Albus calls.
Ginny, Luna, my father and I, all walk to the back. Mum, Molly, Neville and Ron follow us.
"Now, tomorrow the grandmothers will be here. For now, we'll just pretend, ok boys?" my father asks.
"All right," Ron replies as he pretends to escort Nana down the aisle. Neville follows suit.
Once they return, they also walk the Mums down the aisle, then take their places by Harry.
Luna begins to walk to the front and Ginny goes at the appropriate time.
I send Julienne and Joseph and laugh as they proudly march down to the front.
"Are you ready?" Daddy asks me.
"More than ever," I reply.
We slowly walk down the aisle and my father reluctantly gives my hand to Harry.
"Ok, now at this point I will say a few words about marriage, and about Harry and Hermione. Then, you will say your vows, exchange the rings, light the candle and be done! Sounds like fun?"
I laugh. Leave it to Dumbledore to make this lighthearted.
"Perfect. Ok, let's try it again," he calls.
After 2 more run-throughs, we're finally finished practicing. Julie is now asleep in Bill's arms and Joey doesn't look far behind.
"Very well. I believe we are finished here. Thank you for your time and patience. I will see you all here tomorrow," Dumbledore says. "Now, Minerva, would you please join me in my study for a few minutes. I need some help on … some things."
"Of course, Albus," Minerva replies. "Good night, everyone."
"Good night," we all say.
Harry turns and winks at me, knowing exactly where Albus and Minerva are going. I can't help but laugh.
Everyone begins to file out, but I quickly stop them.
"Bridesmaids, we're meeting at my parent's house at 9:30, ok?" I shout. They nod. "Groomsmen and fathers of the groom, you're meeting at the Burrow at … 11:30," I grumble. They nod as well. "11 bloody 30," I mutter. "Anyway, thanks so much everyone. We'll see you tomorrow!"
Now everyone practically runs for the door. I turn to face Harry.
"Are you ready?" I ask.
"More than ready," he replies, putting his arms around my waist.
I smile and put my arms around his neck. "Me too."
"So, now I'm not allowed to see you until the ceremony, right?"
"Yes, now," I say with a giggle.
"Well, then Miss Granger, get on your way!" he says, taking my arms off his shoulders. "I don't want to risk anything." He turns me around and smacks my behind.
"Harry James Potter!" I shout. He at least has the decency to look as though he's shocked that I yelled at him.
"Yes, love?"
"At least kiss me before I go."
"I can do that," he says, pulling me into a passionate kiss.
Before I know it, Ron is next to us, clearing his throat.
"Yes, Ron?" I ask, clearly irritated.
"Your parents and mine are watching, so maybe you should slow the sexcapades," he whispers.
I instantly blush and we break apart.
"Ok, well, then. Awkward," Harry says. He gives me a quick peck on the lips. "Good night, Mione. See you tomorrow. I love you!"
"I love you, too, Harry."
Ron quickly pulls him away before we can kiss again.
I walk towards my parents.
"Tomorrow, honey," Mum begins. "Less tongue."
I don't even know how many shades of red I just blushed. Yikes!
But it doesn't matter. Tomorrow, I will become Mrs. Hermione Potter. I'll be Harry's wife! It's what I've dreamed of for so long. I never knew life could be so perfect.
(A/N: "Starlight Express" has since closed, but it would have still been open during this story. It's my favorite musical of all time, and I wanted to include it since the Wednesday before my wedding, my husband took me to see it in Ohio.)