Unofficial Portkey Archive

Along with their parents,

Harry James Potter

&

Hermione Jane Granger

request the honour of your presence

at their marriage

on Monday, February 14, 2000

At 1:30 in the afternoon

Hogwarts School of

Witchcraft and Wizardry

This day I will marry my friend,

the one I laugh with,

live for, dream with,

love.

Oh my God … it's my wedding day. It's here! I'm so …Terrified!!

I glance at the clock. 7:30 a.m. An hour before I have to get up. Well, I might as well make use of my time.

I get out of bed and walk to the suitcase I brought to my parents' house. I packed the large book of memories from Minerva for just this occasion. I carry it back to the bed and begin to flip through it, again.

Page one is a picture of Harry and I standing by the knocked-out troll. Normally, this would be a horrifying picture, but to us, it's really a pleasant memory.

The next page is a shot of us in the Great Hall. Ron is sitting across from us and Harry and I are leaning in close, probably planning how to get past Fluffy.

As I continue to flip through the pages, I can't help but smile. There's Harry and I sleeping on each other in the Common Room (I get the feeling more people contributed to this than she let on), Harry helping me with my broom riding, me helping Harry with his studies at Grimmauld Place, Harry holding me with his right arm, and clutching the Snitch in his left hand, graduation day, Harry proposing … wait, Harry proposing? How did I miss that the first time I looked through here? Someone was spying on us, I guess. Ah, well. It's a great picture to have anyway. So many precious memories.

I glance at the clock again and it's 8:29. In a few seconds, it'll be time to get up.

Beep, beep, beep, beep.

There it is. The signal that it's time to start the day. I quickly turn it off and get dressed. I pick up the present I bought for my father and head to the kitchen. My parents are already there.

"Good morning," I say to each of them, heading for the cereal.

"Good morning," they reply.

"How are you, sweetie?" Dad asks.

"I'm ok," I say. I hand him the present. "Here, this is for you."

"I thought you were the one to get presents today," he laughs, but opens it anyway.

It's a frame I saw one day. It says "Daddy's Little Girl" on it and there's space for two photos. In the smaller one, I put a picture of me when I was about 5 or 6. I've got my mother's veil on and I'm holding some fake flowers.

"You're missing a picture," he says, trying to avoid crying.

"That's for the ones we take today," I whisper, barely avoiding it myself.

"It's beautiful, sweetheart. I love it." He pulls me into a tight hug and it's hard to let go. As much as I love Harry, there'll always be a soft spot for my father. I always used to think that the only man a girl can depend on is her daddy. And that's still mostly true. He was the first man in my heart.

"I love you, Daddy."

"And I love you, baby doll."

Baby doll. He only calls me that in situations like this.

"Ok, ok. Let's not get too emotional too early," Mum says. "Save those tears for the cameras!"

We all laugh and get through breakfast.

"Well, let's go get beautiful, Mum," I say, rising from the breakfast table.

"You both already are!" Dad says as we're walking out of the room.

"Bonus points!" Mum calls from the hall, laughing.

We collect everything we're going to need, shrink it and put it in a shoebox. We head to the living room where we find my father, channel surfing. Must be nice.

"Ok, Sirius will be here to pick you up at …?" I quiz him.

"11:30," he replies.

"And if he isn't here by 11:45?"

"Then I use the Floo powder to call Harry." (A/N: Can Muggles use Floo Powder? Well, today they can.)

"Very good. Ok, Daddy, see you at the school."

Mum and I kiss him goodbye and I Apparate us both to the salon.

"The bride is here!" the beautician announces.

Luna and Ginny yell their hellos, Molly comes rushing forward, apparently already done.

"Molly! You look great!" Mum tells her.

"Oh, thanks. Stephen and his assistant Clarissa both do wonderful work. As soon as Ginny's finish, Em, she'll work on you. Then, you dearie!" Molly says, pulling me into a hug. "Are you ready?"

"Yep. All set," I say with more confidence than even I expected.

Once Ginny's hair is finished, Mum sits down to get her's done.

"Gin! It looks fabulous!" I tell her, examining the twist with curls on the top. "Just what I was hoping for!"

She hugs me tightly. "Sis!" she says with a sob.

"Ginny, don't do this! I have to save the tears!" I joke.

She half-laughs/half-sobs. "You're right, you're right."

"Luna, it looks great!" I call to her.

"Thanks. I really like it."

"Ok, Luna, all done," Stephen says. "Mrs. Potter?" he calls.

It takes a second before Ginny says, "That's you, Hermione!"

"Oh yeah! Oops!"

I sit in the chair and for the first time ever, a hair stylist isn't complaining about my hair.

"Well, we've got lots to work with, great! Do you have the veil and the tiara?"

"They're in that box," Mum says.

"I'll get them!" Molly happily says as she rushes to the box of stuff. She resizes the veil and tiara and hands them to Stephen.

"These are so beautiful. Ok, let's get started!"

Now, I knew what to expect since we had done a trial run with all of this, but all this pulling on my hair was getting irritating.

Finally, it's in the twist and he's putting the comb of the veil between the mass of hair and my skull. Stephen poofs the veil out a bit, places the tiara on my head, bobby pins it in place and steps back.

"Ladies, I give you … the bride," he says as he spins me around.

Everyone gasps and at first I fear that it's in terror. What if they think it's awful?

Then Mum begins to cry. "You look beautiful!"

Then everyone begins to cry.

"Ok, no tears everyone! We've got makeup and dressing to get through. Let's go!"

I hop out of the chair and pay Stephen, thanking him for the wonderful jobs he and Clarissa did.

We then Apparate to the Burrow so we can Floo into the school. Once we've slid into my office, and straightened ourselves up, Ginny slams me into a chair.

"Ok. Let's get this party started," she says as she pulls out a case of makeup bigger than I've ever seen!

"Ginny, go easy. I rarely wear makeup. I don't want Harry thinking that I'm someone else!"

"Hermione," she says.

"Yes?" I reply.

"Shut up and let me work."

I close my mouth and let Ginny do what she has to do. She never really looks trashy and I know she'd never do that to me.

After what feels like forever, Ginny steps back. "Yep, perfect," she whispers.

She hands me a mirror and I see the finished product. She's right … it's perfect.

"Beautiful," Mum sighs.

"Hermione!" Molly sobs.

"Ok, ok. Ginny, can you take care of Luna and the Mums while I make a quick Floo call?"

"Who are you calling?" Ginny asks, instantly suspicious.

"Your brother, if you must know," I say, a bit more snappish than I had meant to.

"Which one?" Luna carefully asks.

"George," I sarcastically reply. "Look, I'm not using technicalities to call Harry. I'm actually going to call Ron and make sure everything's ok. Is that ok with the Inquisition?"

"No one expects the Weasley Inquisition!" a voice calls out.

I jump and give a little scream. I stick my head in the fire and begin using the Head Girl voice. "Ronald Bilius Weasley! Do not sneak up on a frantic bride-to-be!"

"Sorry, geez. Harry said you wanted to talk to me."

"Harry?! Is he reading my mind? Is he cheating?" I ask.

"He says, 'No, of course not. I know better.' Apparently you were projecting pretty hard down that freaky-deaky link you guys have going."

That "freaky-deaky link" has never been this strong before. Strange. Then it occurs to me. "Can he see me?"

"No, Remus, Sirius, my dad, your dad, and Neville are blocking him. So, why did you want me?"

"I just wanted to make sure everything is running smoothly."

"Smooth as cotton," Ron replies.

"Silk," I correct.

"Whatever. We're all here. The tuxes are all hanging neatly. We're ready to get dressed when the time arrives. I've got the rings, Joseph has his pillow. Incidentally, wait 'til you see him. He's a pro with all the practicing he's been doing."

"Sounds like everything just may be ok," I say.

"Well, it is. Hey, can you get Luna?"

"Nope, she's getting her makeup done. You'll have to wait like Harry," I tease.

"Fine. By the way, Neville says hello to Ginny. Whatever that's about."

I roll my eyes. Ron is so clueless. "I'll tell her. Ok, guys have fun getting ready! All 2 steps," I mutter.

"Bye!" Ron's head shouts before disappearing.

"Looks like everything is ok on their end," I tell the girls. "And, Gin? Neville says hello!"

"Oooooh!! Young love, how sweet," Luna kids. Since she started dating Ron, she's gotten a lot less dreamy and a lot more playful.

Ginny sticks her tongue out at her sister-in-law and goes back to helping her mother with her makeup. Once she's finished, it's almost time to get dressed.

As I head for my gown, the door opens. It's Fleur and she's got little Julienne (and she's wearing the cutest little crown of white flowers with gold and red ribbons flowing from the back.

"Aunt Ermy! We're gonna be princesses today!"

"Yes we are! Do you have your gown, Princess Julienne?"

"Mummy's got it!"

"Right here!" Fleur speaks up, holding up the dress. "Are we late?"

"Nope, right on time actually, we're about to get dressed ourselves," I tell her.

"Merci mon dieu! It was taking so long to get the twins ready. Now, Julienne, be a very good girl for your grandmere, yes?"

"Yes, Mummy!"

"Good girl. Molly, if there's any troubles, I'll be at the Burrow," Fleur says, kissing her daughter good-bye.

"All right, but I doubt there'll be any," Molly replies.

"Aurevoir, everyone! Je t'aime, Julienne."

"Je t'aime, Mummy!"

As Fleur leaves, I realize how smart Julie and Joey are. They're learning English and French as they grow up. Though, it's strange to hear the combination of languages sometimes.

"Ok, well, ladies, let's help the bride into her gown and get moving," Mum announces.

Molly takes the dress of the hook and hands it to Mum.

"Now, remember what Maggie said. Step into it," Mum says as she stands the puffy slip up and then situates the gown over it.

I take my shirt and jeans off and suddenly I'm glad I put my pantyhose on this morning and wore them under my jeans. Less time in my knickers in front of everyone.

I step into the dress and the slip at the same time and Molly zips up the slip.

Wow, between the slip that comes up past my ribcage and the strapless bra that goes down past my ribcage, it's a wonder I can breathe.

"Ok, let's zip up the gown!" Luna shouts.

Merlin, I forgot that wasn't zipped. Well, who needs oxygen anyway? I suck it in and the dress is zipped.

"Hermione, look," Mum whispers as Molly conjures a full-length mirror.

I gasp. I had seen myself in this before, but never like this. Not with the hair and makeup and nails done. Not with this glow on my face. Not when I've known that today is the day I marry my soulmate.

"Ok, now, let's leave her to take it all in while we get ready as well," Molly says.

The bridesmaids and Mums walk away, but Julie is still staring.

"Aunt Ermy!" she sighs.

"Yes, Jules?"

"You look so pretty!"

"Thank you, Julie. Want me to help you into your gown?"

"Yeah!"

"Ok! Molly, I'm going to help Princess Julie," I shout.

"All right, but don't mess up your gown!" she replies.

"Like we'd let that happen, eh, Jules?"

"Nope!"

I take her dress from the bag and help her undress what she had on. I slip the dress over her head, careful to not mess up her curls and her crown.

"Who did your hair?" I ask her.

"Mummy. And she made my crown too!"

"She did an awesome job. Ok, let's get your tights and shoes on."

I help her into those as well and we're all set.

"So, what do you guys think?" I yell over the din in the room.

Everyone stops and turns. There's a collective "awwwww."

"I think they approve," I tell Julie.

She smiles.

"Gramma, you pretty too!"

"Why thank you, sweetheart."

"We the prettiest girls here!" Julie says.

"Well, maybe Aunt Hermione takes the place of prettiest. But the rest of us look good as well," Ginny says, bending to be at her niece's level.

"Yeah. Aunt Ermy looks bootiful."

"Exactly," Ginny agrees. "Ok, well, it's 12:45. Half an hour until we need to get down there. Shall I call Colin in for pictures?"

"Good idea," I tell her.

"Ok." And with that, Ginny runs out.

She returns a few minutes later with Colin and he begins snapping away.

There's a few candid shots, one of me and Mum, of me and Molly, of me and the bridesmaids, me and Ginny, me and Luna, me and Ginny and Luna, me and Julie, all of us, Molly and Mum … well, you get the point. Colin looks like he's in Heaven taking all these pictures.

As he's packing away the camera, there's a knock at the door.

"Come in if you're not Harry Potter!" Ginny calls.

"Then I am safe," Albus says as he opens the door.

"Well, hello, Albus!" I say. "Are things looking ok?"

"Yes, very well. Some students have arrived and most of the other guests as well. The true Muggles don't seem to notice anything out of the ordinary."

"Good. Good. Very good. And Harry?" I ask.

"What of him?"

"Have you seen him yet?" I ask, biting back the impatience in my voice.

"No, I am going there next. I wanted to be able to choose an adjective to describe you before I went, as I'm sure his first question will be 'How does she look?'"

"And?"

"Exquisite."

I blush.

"Well, are you ladies almost ready to join us downstairs?" he asks.

"Yes, just a few more moments and we'll be down," I answer.

"Splendid. See you there!" he says before leaving.

"Ok, sweetie. Are you ready?" Mum asks.

"Absolutely. I didn't think I would be this calm. I'm completely ready," I say.

"I love you, Hermione."

"I love you too, Mummy. I love all of you guys!"

We have a big group hug and there's another knock at the door, but this time it's my father.

"Are you ready … to … go?" he stumbles. "Wow. You both look amazing. You all do," he adds.

"Thank you," we all say at once.

"Let's go," he says, offering his arm.

I take it and we all file out of my office. Carefully, we make our way down the stairs to the entrance hall. There's a table there with a box of flowers on it - our bouquets. Sitting on the railing of the stairs is Hedwig. She's got a big red bow tied around her neck and a letter on her leg.

"Why, Hedwig, you look beautiful!" I tell her. She hoots proudly in reply.

I take the letter from her and thank her. She flies into the Great Hall.

"Should I even ask who that's from?" Luna asks.

"Nope," I answer as I tear open the envelope.

Dearest Hermione Jane,

I sent this with Hedwig because I think she's the only one that will allow any communication between us today. I love that bird.

Anyway, I don't have much to say other than that I love you so much. I can't believe that we'll be married in a few short moments. I'm dying to take you out some night and proudly introduce you as "my wife." It's hard to think that it's only been a few hours since I saw you last, but already I'm missing you. Lucky for me, you're probably right outside the Hall since I told Hedwig to sit on the stairs.

Mione, you mean the world to me. More than the world. You know I'm not really great with letters (or words in general), but please know that I would do anything for you. Know that my love for you is as pure and as true as anything in this universe.

And know that I cannot wait for those doors to open so that I can see you.

Love yours forever and always,

Harry

I can't cry because Ginny will beat me, but I really want to right now.

"He's a great guy, isn't he?" Mum asks.

I can only nod.

Minerva walks up to us.

"Hermione, you look absolutely beautiful," she says happily.

"Thanks, Minerva."

"Well, we're almost ready to start. Albus wanted me to stand towards the back and help you guys. Your grandmothers are waiting by the Great Hall."

"Perfect. Where are Ron and Neville?" I ask.

"Well, probably still with Harry. I'll go and get them and then we'll start?"

"Sounds great."

She takes off to find the groomsmen.

As she enters the Great Hall, two students walk by.

"Madam Granger, you look wonderful!" Mia Anderson exclaims.

"Thank you, Miss Anderson."

"Yeah, really great. Sorry we can't talk, but we're running late for your wedding," her boyfriend Ian Miller says as she pulls him past.

"You're not late until after I get there!" I say as they enter.

Minerva's heading back now with Ron and Neville.

"Wow, Hermione! Um, wow!" Neville stammers.

"Thanks, Nev."

"Luna! You look amazing!" Ron tells his wife.

"And you're as handsome as ever," she replies.

"Well, are you ready to start?" Neville asks.

"I think so," I say.

We walk closer to the Great Hall and Ron and Neville each take the arms of a grandmother.

The doors open and they begin their march. I can hear the music from within. It's beautiful. I had no idea that Seamus could play the organ.

Ron returns and escorts his mother down the aisle. Mum kisses my cheek and then takes Neville's arm. Getting closer.

Luna gives me a quick kiss and heads down the aisle as well.

"Love you, sis," Ginny whispers as she makes her way in.

The doors close again and it's just Dad and I.

"I love you, baby doll."

"I love you too, Daddy."

Suddenly, the doors swing open and the music blares. This is it.

As we walk down the aisle, I see students and friends and family smiling at me. But my attention is only on them for a split second. As I look towards the front, I see him. Harry is standing there, positively beaming.

And Merlin, he still looks bloody sexy in that tux!

We finally reach the platform, after what felt like an eternity and Dumbledore speaks.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to witness the joining of this man and this woman in matrimony. I for one am extremely pleased to be here as I have watched these two grow for about 10 years now. Not only are they two of the most brilliant minds to come out of Hogwarts, but they also are two of the bravest and the most caring. There is nothing that pleases me more than to see these two wed. This is a day that has been in the making for such a long time. The world has been made a better place not only for their accomplishments against the dark side, but also because of their love. So, are you both ready to exchange vows of your commitment?"

"We are," Harry and I reply.

"Harry James Potter, will you have this woman to be your wedded wife? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her, so long as you both shall live?"

"I will," he says.

"Hermione Jane Granger, will you have this man to be your wedded husband? Will you uphold him and care for him, love, honor and keep him in sickness and health, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto him, as long as you both shall live?"

"I will," I say softly.

"Very well. Harry, repeat after me," Albus says. "I, Harry, take thee Hermione, to be my wedded wife; to have and to hold from this day forward, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love to cherish and to uphold till death do us part."

Harry repeats him and I get a bit nervous. I don't know if I can speak.

"Hermione, repeat after me."

"I, Hermione, take thee Harry, to be my wedded husband; to have and to hold from this day forward, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love to cherish and to uphold till death do us part."

I sound horrible as I speak. My voice wavers, it cracks, and I'm holding back the tears. From behind me, I hear Ginny and Luna laughing. Not as they're making fun of me, but they find me adorable.

"Very good, Hermione," Albus reassures. "Ron, do you have the rings?"

"Yes," Ron says as he hands the rings to Dumbledore.

"Excellent. The ring which you will place on the finger of your loved one was fashioned in a circle which does not end, signifying the quality of your marriage, a love that has a sense of eternity in it. This public symbol of your love and commitment to each other shall be a sign of joy. Harry, will you take this ring and place it on Hermione's hand and repeat these words after me? With this ring, I thee wed, and with it I give thee my love and devotion. I love you."

Harry says this to me and places the ring on my finger.

"Hermione," Dumbledore says. "Are you ready?"

I nod.

"Ok, repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed, and with it I give thee my love and devotion and I love you."

I say these words with the same cracking to my voice. *sigh*

Albus speaks up again. "Harry, Hermione, will you light your candle, please?"

We walk to the candle and each take a side candle. As we're lighting the candle, Albus continues, "Prior to our service, family members lit the side candles which represent the contributions of love and life itself which they have made in the shaping of their children's lives. From the uniqueness of these separate flames, Harry and Hermione will kindle a larger, brighter flame, which represent their union. The side candles remain burning to symbolize the continuing importance of family ties and the individual integrity within the marriage relationship."

The candle is lit and we return to our places in front.

Albus then asks Seamus to play another song and sing as well. While Seamus is distracting the Muggles, Albus asks for our wands. The Muggles will just see us looking at Seamus, but in reality, Dumbledore is waving our wands. Red sparks fly out of both. Finally, he puts the tips of our wands together and the sparks turn white.

"And just as your hearts, souls and lives have intertwined, your magic is joined as well."

As the song finishes, Albus thanks Seamus and then faces the congregation.

"Hermione and Harry, because you have exchanged vows and given rings as symbols of your commitment to marriage, it is my privilege to pronounce that from this day forward, you are now husband and wife. What God hath joined together, let no man put asunder."

The crowd begins to applaud.

"Harry, you may kiss your bride."

With a huge smile, Harry bends down and kisses me. My Mum's voice rings in my ear, "Tomorrow, honey, less tongue." A give a little giggle and Harry stops kissing me to give me a quizzical look.

"I'll tell you later, sweetie," I whisper.

We turn to face our friends and family.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it is my extreme pleasure to introduce to you the new Mr. and Mrs. Harry and Hermione Potter," Albus announces.

The crowd goes wild like it's a concert.

"I think they like us," Harry whispers as we begin to make our way back down the aisle.

"I think they do," I laugh.

We take our places at the back and prepare to greet everyone as they make their way out of the hall.

And the day is only half over.

***

Tons of Author Notes:

1) I had the thought of splitting this chapter into two parts (getting ready and the ceremony itself), but I figured that I kept you all waiting so long for the other chapters, that I would give longer chapters as apologies. All that's left is the reception now. I'm praying to get it done before HBP. Cross your fingers!!

2) Also, huge thanks to those who have reviewed this story. Especially if you've reviewed them all! It warms my heart that you would follow this story like that. My heartfelt gratitude to you all!!

3) My apologies if my French quotes were wrong. I got those from a website. I'm hoping they mean "Thank God" and "I love you."

4) The "invitation" at the beginning of the chapter was supposed to be in a pretty font and centered. Well, I almost got it centered, but the font didn't show up. Sorry about that. It looks pretty strange now.

And lastly, there's a movie quote and a TV quote and in this chapter (slightly modified). More gold stars to those who can find them.

Editted PS: Thanks to sparky40sw for the exact French quotes I needed. My apologies to whomever gave me "Je t'aime." I'm afraid I forget who said that now.