A/N: Ok, here it is, the last chapter of this story. I'd like to write a little sequel or something, but it won't be for a while. HBP will be out VERY shortly and I've promised my husband that after I read HBP, he reads it and I (probably) re-read it, I have to start the "Left Behind" series. So, I'll be busy for a while. But, eventually I hope to write Ron and Luna's big wedding and I'll give everyone a fluffy look further into Harry and Hermione's life after this wedding ordeal. ;)
Thank you so much to my wonderful reviewers!!! You've made writing this (my longest story to date) a real joy. Even when I was frustrated and suffering from real life, you guys encouraged me to write more. (Though, some of you were slightly impatient at times, sheesh!! Just kidding)
So, here are your quotes from the last chapter:
Hermione: I always used to think that the only man a girl can depend on is her daddy.
Now, the actual quote is:
Frenchy: Men are rats, listen to me, they're fleas on rats, worse than that, they're amoebas on fleas on rats. I mean, they're too low for even the dogs to bite. The only man a girl can depend on is her daddy.
(From "Grease")
And
Ron: No one expects the Weasley Inquisition!
It's actually:
Cardinal Ximinez: Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition! Our chief weapon is surprise!... Surprise and fear... fear and surprise... Our two weapons are fear and surprise... and ruthless efficiency! Our three weapons are fear, and surprise, and ruthless efficiency... and an almost fanatical devotion to the Pope... Our four... no... Amongst our weapons... Hmf... Amongst our weaponry... are such elements as fear, surpr... I'll come in again.
(From "Monty Python's Flying Circus." I left the rest of the quote as well because it's so funny!!)
Oh, I've hidden one more movie quote in this chapter. Here are 2 hints: late 80's, and sequel.
Ok, now that I've written this much without any story, on with the reception!
***
As we stand at the back of the Hall, we give our thanks to everyone that came. They'll file out into the entrance hall while Albus and Harry transform the place into a reception hall. It hasn't been that long since I've seen these people, but it's so wonderful to see them on my wedding day!
Aww, there's Aunt Betty and Aunt Jean, Nana and Aunt Debbie, Daddy's cousins, ALL the Weasleys and ALL our old Gryffindor friends and … here comes Miranda.
"Hello, Min - Hermione," she corrects herself. "You look beautiful."
"Thank you, you look very nice yourself," I reply, hugging her.
"And Harry, you look quite handsome," she says in her formal tone.
"Thanks," he says, faking his smile.
"It was a very lovely ceremony. I'm very glad that I could be here. I shall see you later, Hermione."
She kisses both my cheeks and leaves.
"Oh she shall, shall she?" Harry says bitterly.
"Harry, be good. She's gone now," I say as Minerva walks up to us.
"It was so beautiful!" she sobs.
"Thank you, Minerva," I say as she hugs me.
"Harry, when we left you on that doorstep … I never dreamed that things could have turned out so well for you. I'm so happy!" she says as she hugs Harry.
"Yes, well, I'm certainly glad they did," he says awkwardly.
"Yes, yes. Well, as soon as all the guests leave, I'm going to help Albus with the changing of the Hall."
"Thanks so much," I tell her as she leaves.
Finally, all the guests have passed. And now it's time for Colin to take more pictures. MORE pictures. Great.
Colin poses Harry and I this way and that. We stand up and sit down. Finally, he calls the other members of the bridal party over. Couple of big group shots and then me and the bridesmaids and Harry and the groomsmen. Then some family pictures. I think I'm going blind from all the flashes.
Finally, after a picture of Joey and Julie, we're done.
WHEW!!
No, wait … we're heading outside. Super.
While Albus and Minerva get the Hall ready, Harry and I are being dragged outside by Colin for … you guessed it … more pictures.
When we get out there though, there are of course, some reporters, but just two.
Harry's eyes are almost glowing in that eerie shade of green.
"All we want is one picture for the Daily Prophet," the one reporter calls out.
"And one for The Quibbler," the other says.
Well, that's ok, I guess. If we must. We pose for a handful of nice pictures.
"Would you mind if I asked you one question?" the Prophet reporter asks.
"Go ahead," Harry growls.
"How do you feel today, Mr. Potter?"
"How do I feel? I feel alive! I feel like nothing in my life could be more perfect. I love this woman and will do anything for her."
"And Mrs. Potter?"
"I don't think I've ever been happier. I love Harry with everything I have."
Harry kisses me and then asks the reporters to leave. The Quibbler will get an exclusive interview later. But for now … time for more pictures. Oh boy.
After some (admittedly) really nice pictures by the lake, we finally get to go back inside.
By now the guests are back inside and seated.
Minerva is in the entrance hall with the bridal party.
"Oh! You're back! Splendid! Mr. Finnegan is ready to announce you."
"Oh. Ok," I reply. I guess I forgot about our formal entrance.
She lines us all up and she opens the door to make a signal to Seamus.
"All right, let's go," she tells us.
From even out here, I can hear Seamus.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the bridal party has returned. And I am proud to introduce them. First up, stepmother of the bride, Emily Granger escorted by father of the bride, Robert Granger. Adoptive mother of the groom, Molly Weasley, escorted by adoptive father of the groom, Arthur Weasley. And your bridal party: Flower girl Julienne Weasley and ring bearer Joseph Weasley. Bridesmaid Luna Weasley, escorted by groomsmen Neville Longbottom. Maid of honor, Ginny Weasley, escorted by best man, Ronald Weasley. And here they are, the couple you've been waiting for … for years … the new Mr. and Mrs. Harry and Hermione Potter!"
There is thunderous applause. My goodness, people, it's just us.
We make our way to the head table and sit down. Feels kinda like a normal dinner except that Harry and I are seated about where Dumbledore would sit.
"And now, best man, Ron Weasley, would like to say a few words," Seamus announces.
Ron stands up and clears his throat.
"Excuse me everyone! I know you're all very hungry right now and believe me, so am I, (much laughter from the crowd) but I just wanted to say a few things about my best friends here.
"Harry, I have known you since our first trip on the train ride to school. You didn't mind my shabby appearance and I didn't mind yours. We were a pair made in Heaven. But then you bought me some treats and I knew it was the beginning of a beautiful friendship! Hermione, I also met you on the train that day, but I'm afraid we didn't hit it off so well. I've been thinking about it recently, and I don't think I have ever apologized for being such an insufferable prat to you. I'm very sorry for that. But as the year went on, and after we had an adventure together, we grew to be pretty inseparable. We were the dream team and the Hogwarts trio. And it was wonderful. I loved knowing that I had two amazing friends to always watch my back.
"And then it started to happen. After I got over an unfortunate crush on Hermione, I began to see why she'd never like me, because she was head over heels in love with Harry. So, I began to watch him. Turns out it was the same for him. But they were both "too afraid of ruining their friendship." Yeah, right. So, after a few months of getting tired of hearing "Boo-hoo, Harry doesn't love me" and "Woe is me, Hermione will never love me like I love her," I decided to act. I told Harry that if he didn't tell her about his feelings, then I would. Well, that snapped him to attention. He got an elaborate setup for her and finally asked her out. Frankly, it was about time! And ever since that day, it's still been the Hogwarts trio, but with a new element, love. So, I'm here today to say congratulations and wish you a lifetime of happiness, safety and for goodness sakes, peace. Oh, and to tell you 'you're welcome'."
Harry gives Ron a questioning look.
"Well, if it wasn't for my pushing, we wouldn't be here today!" Ron laughs. He raises his glass and shouts, "To Harry and Hermione!"
"Cheers!" everyone replies, clinks glasses and sips their champagne.
Then it starts. Someone begins to tap their glass with their spoon. And another and another.
I glance at Harry. "Looks like they want a show," I sigh.
"Then let's give them one," he replies, putting a hand on my cheek and kissing me pretty eagerly.
"Whooooo!!!" Ginny shrieks.
I instantly blush and take another drink.
"Ok, everyone, it's time for the bride and groom's first dance as a married couple," Seamus declares. "Harry, Hermione, would you grace us with your dance stylings?"
Harry leads me on to the dance floor and the music begins to play. It's an older song, by the Muggle group REO Speedwagon, but the lyrics fit us so well.
I can't fight this feeling any longer
And yet I'm still afraid to let it flow
What started out as friendship, has grown stronger
I only wish I had the strength to let it show
I tell myself that I can't hold out forever
I said there is no reason for my fear
Cause I feel so secure when we're together
You give my life direction
You make everything so clear
And even as I wander
I'm keeping you in sight
You're a candle in the window
On a cold, dark winter's night
And I'm getting closer than I ever thought I might
And I can't fight this feeling anymore
I've forgotten what I started fighting for
It's time to bring this ship into the shore
And throw away the oars, forever
Cause I can't fight this feeling anymore
I've forgotten what I started fighting for
And if I have to crawl upon the floor
Come crashing through your door
Baby, I can't fight this feeling anymore
My life has been such a whirlwind since I saw you
I've been running round in circles in my mind
And it always seems that I'm following you, girl
Cause you take me to the places that alone I'd never find
And even as I wander I'm keeping you in sight
You're a candle in the window on a cold, dark winter's night
And I'm getting closer than I ever thought I might
And I can't fight this feeling anymore
I've forgotten what I started fighting for
It's time to bring this ship into the shore
And throw away the oars, forever
Cause I can't fight this feeling anymore
I've forgotten what I started fighting for
And if I have to crawl upon the floor
Come crushing through your door
Baby, I can't fight this feeling anymore.
As the song finishes, Harry gives me a tender kiss.
"I love you," he whispers.
"I love you, too," I reply softly.
"And now, we'd like to ask the bridal party and family to join them as well. Ladies and gentlemen, parents of the bride Emily and Robert Granger. Adoptive parents of the groom Molly and Arthur Weasley. Special mention of grandmothers Ruth Granger and Natalie Hoyle. Another special mention of godfather of the groom, Sirius Black and quasi-godfather of the groom, Remus Lupin, escorting Nymphadora Lupin."
Remus and Tonks drag Sirius to the dance floor and they all dance together. I laugh to see them. Harry wanted to make sure Remus and Sirius were mentioned today.
"And the bridal party, flower girl Julienne Weasley and ring bearer Joseph Weasley. Bridesmaid Luna Weasley and groomsman Neville Longbottom. Maid of Honor Ginny Weasley and best man, Ronald Weasley. Now, we'd like to invite everyone else to join in this dance as well."
Many of the guests pour on to the dance floor with us.
As this song ends, Seamus speaks up again. "Could have everyone's attention please? This next dance is dedicated to Harry's parents, Lily and James Potter. They passed away when Harry was a baby and this was their wedding song."
The music begins to play and Harry holds me close. I knew we were planning this, but I think it's hitting him harder than he expected it to.
Wise men say only fools rush in
But I can't help falling in love with you
Shall I stay
Would it be a sin
If I can't help falling in love with you
Like a river flows surely to the sea
Darling so it goes
Some things are meant to be
Take my hand, take my whole life too
For I can't help falling in love with you
Like a river flows surely to the sea
Darling so it goes
Some things are meant to be
Take my hand, take my whole life too
For I can't help falling in love with you
For I can't help falling in love with you
"They're very proud of you," Sirius says as he walks up to Harry with Remus.
"More than you'll ever know," Remus agrees.
Harry nods.
"Ok, enough tears! Let's celebrate!" Seamus yells and plays the latest Weird Sisters' song.
Ron runs up to me and begins to twirl me. "I LOVE this song!"
"Ron! What are you doing?"
"Giving Harry a minute with Remus and Sirius. They're probably giving him manly, fatherly advice for tonight. You know, just to explain where Tab A goes, where to find Slot B and such. So, just leave them alone for a minute."
"You're so crude, Ron," I laugh. "How does Luna put up with you?"
"Merlin only knows," he says as he continues dancing like an idiot.
Ginny comes over and joins us and she's got Julie on her hip.
"Uncle Ron dance funny!" Julie says.
"Doesn't he?" Ginny asks. "Do you want to dance with Uncle Ron?"
"Yeah!"
Ginny passes Julie to Ron and he continues to dance strangely with her.
"So, Hermione, how do you think things are going?" Ginny asks.
"Perfect. I never expected today to go so well," I reply.
"And it's only gonna get better!" she says with a wink.
"Yes, Ginny. I know."
"Oh come on, sis! You've waited this long and the wait's almost over! You go girl!"
"Is that all you Weasleys think about? Sex?" I ask.
"Well, duh, have you seen how many kids our parents had?" Ginny says.
"EW! Lalalalalalala, I don't hear this conversation! Don't want to think about Mum and Dad and that conversation. Besides, impressionable ears here!" Ron says, nodding to Julie.
"Grow up, Ron," Ginny says. "It's not like you've never done it … or shall I ask your very pregnant wife some questions?"
"Ginevra Molly Weasley!"
"Uh-oh, full name. I'm in trouble now!" Ginny mocks.
Just then, a slow song comes on.
"Ooh!" Ginny shrieks and runs off. I think I know whom she's running to, but I'll leave that for now.
"Care to dance with your other best friend and an adorable little girl?" Ron asks.
"I'd be delighted," I reply.
As we're dancing, Sirius comes over. "Mind if I cut in?"
"I suppose," Ron says, pretending to be devastated. "Come on, Jules, let's go dance with Aunt Lulu."
"So, did you finish with my husband?" I ask.
"Yeah, he's all set," Sirius laughs.
"He's so grateful for you, you know. I'm so glad you could be here for him."
"I would have broken out of Azkaban just for this. Thank Merlin I did it sooner! And even got my name cleared!"
I laugh.
"You know, you look beautiful today, Mrs. Potter," he says as he spins us around.
"Thank you. Where did you learn to dance like this?"
"From the first lady I said 'You look beautiful today, Mrs. Potter' to," he answers.
"I didn't know Lily could dance."
"She was a wonderful dancer. Taught James everything he knew. And Moony and I. I can remember seeing them dancing with little Harry in their kitchen, his nursery, anywhere really. And they'd never notice us until they were finished. If the Marauders came over and caught them dancing, well, we'd better get a butterbeer and get comfy, because they weren't going to be entertaining guests until Harry fell asleep or they finished, whatever came first."
"They were such wonderful parents," I sigh.
"They really were. One whine from Harry and Lily was in there in a flash. But, I guess it's your job to deal with his whining now," Sirius laughs.
I smile. "Great."
"He's very lucky to have you."
"I'm the lucky one," I sigh as I catch Harry looking at us.
"Go get your Romeo, Juliet," he says as he twirls me in Harry's direction.
My new husband deftly catches me and sends me right into the same dance steps Sirius and I were doing.
"And who taught you this?" I ask, knowing the answer all ready.
"My mother … via Sirius," he replies. "Did you know she could dance? Both of my parents."
"Sirius just told me - or showed me may be the most appropriate way of putting it."
"I saw. You looked great."
"And so do you. But I'm trying to picture you and Sirius practicing this. When did you even have time to?"
"Well, I used some of my free periods to get some practice in, but I'm apparently a very quick study at this. Sirius said it must be in my genes since my mum was so talented and my dad picked it up really quickly as well. As for what we looked like, well, let's not go there."
"I'm impressed, I really am," I confess. "And it just makes me want you more," I whisper.
Harry gulps quite audibly.
"Something wrong, sweetheart?" I ask casually.
"Um … no. But this reception needs to end soon."
"No can do … looks like it's time to eat."
Suddenly, food has appeared on all the tables. Some sort of charm I didn't even know we were using is working, because the Muggles don't seem to notice the magically appearing food. Excellent.
"Come on!" Ron shouts as he flies past us. "Dinner!"
I shake my head. Some things will never change.
Dinner is, of course, wonderful, but I'm too nervous to eat. A) I'm just too excited and B) I don't want to get anything on my dress!
But, before I know it, dinner is over and Seamus is whispering to Harry.
"What was that about?" I ask.
"Time for the cake cutting," Harry says as he helps me stand and walk to our beautiful cake.
"Ok, everyone! Hermione and Harry are going to cut the cake now, so get down there with your cameras," Seamus tells the group.
I pick up the special knife we bought for today and Harry puts his hand over mine. We cut a small piece and each take a bit of it.
"Be good," I mumble to him as we feed each other the bites.
At the same time then, we each put a dab of icing on each other's noses.
Fair enough.
"I got a great shot of that!" Colin shouts.
"Thanks, Colin," Harry says as he wipes off the frosting.
Seamus plays a few more songs, fast ones and slow ones, and then announces the garter toss.
Ron is pulling a chair on to the middle of the dance floor.
Here we go.
But before I sit, I pull Harry down a bit to whisper in his ear and tell him the plan I've been forming for days. He seems to approve.
"Oh that's brilliant," he says. "We should definitely do that."
Seamus steps up to the mike "Ok, single gentlemen, get ready because it's almost time for the garter toss. Harry, I believe you know what to do."
I sit down on the chair, wink and stick out my leg.
"I have to find my way through all this fluff?" Harry asks.
"Good luck," I tell him.
Harry tentatively lifts a bit of my skirt and realizes that there's just too much skirt to do this politely.
"Fine, but you asked for this," he says as he sticks his head under my gown and begins his exploration.
This has become very embarrassing. I'm suddenly regretting pulling that thing up as high as I could get it.
Finally, Harry reappears and he's got the garter in his teeth, waggling his eyebrows.
"Prat," I mumble as he spins it on his finger.
"Ok, single guys, line up," Seamus calls.
I glance over and see Neville, Sirius, Dean, Katie Bell's boyfriend (she's cheering from the side), someone Dad went to school with, his cousin Carol's boyfriend, and I think the son of someone Mum works with.
Harry stands in front of them, turns his back, counts to three and … calmly turns around again, walks to Neville and puts it in his hand.
"Good work, Nev," he says and walks away.
"Hey!" Sirius protests.
"The girls that are eligible to catch the bouquet are too young for you, Padfoot," Harry says and then kisses me.
"All right then, single ladies. Will Hermione make it that easy on you?" Seamus announces. "Line up!"
I stand where I got my garter removed and turn around. Behind me is just Ginny, Carol, Katie Bell, and someone Mum works with.
Well, it should be obvious what's about to happen, but they go ahead and wait for me anyway.
"One!" I shout. "Two! Three!" And of course, I spin around and hand my bouquet to Ginny.
"Nice catch, Gin," I tell her and stand beside Harry.
"You planned this, didn't you?" she asks.
"Who? Us?" I say as innocently as I can.
"Yeah, right. Don't play naïve with me, Hermione Potter!" Ginny says, sounding pretty angry. But I know better. "Thanks so much!" she squeals and runs on to the floor where my chair has returned.
"Well, that certainly worked," Harry says as he watches Neville put the garter on Ginny's leg, obviously terrified under the watchful eye of all 6 of her brothers.
"All right, Neville!" Dean Thomas shouts.
"Poor Neville though," I giggle as Ginny hikes her skirt a bit higher to help.
"Well, if he's got a shot at lasting in our family, he'd better get used to it."
I nod, not really surprised that Harry referred to the Weasleys as "our family" instead of "their family." It's touching.
Seamus plays another slow song and Harry leads me to the dance floor. No fancy dancing now, just swaying in each other's arms.
As the song ends, Seamus announces that it's time for the father/daughter dance. My Daddy strolls up to me and the music begins.
You're the end of the rainbow, my pot of gold,
You're daddy's little girl to have and hold.
"You look so beautiful today," he tells me.
I give a nod as thanks. I don't want to start crying.
A precious gem is what you are,
You're mommy's bright and shining star.
You're the spirit of Christmas, my star on the tree,
You're the Easter bunny to mommy and me.
You're sugar you're spice, you're everything nice,
And you're daddy's little girl.
"Look, no tears anymore. It's not like your moving to China or something. Let's at least treasure this moment. Ok?"
"Ok, Daddy."
"We'll keep this light and do what we do best: laugh together. So tell me, what's up with Ron and his fifth plate of food?"
He's right. I need this laugh.
"Welcome to my world, Daddy. Welcome to my world."
You're the end of the rainbow, my pot of gold,
You're daddy's little girl to have and hold.
A precious gem is what you are,
You're mommy's bright and shining star.
We dance a little more and make some funny comments to each other.
"Song's almost over," I absently say.
"Yep. I want you to know that no matter where you go or what happens, you'll always be my little girl. Alright?"
"Alright," I reply.
You're the treasure I cherish so sparkling and bright,
You were touched by the holy and beautiful light.
Like angels that sing a heavenly thing,
And you're daddy's little girl.
"I love you so much, baby doll."
"And I love you, Daddy."
The music ends and Seamus tells that it's time for the bridal dance. All our friends and family line up just to take a few spins with me.
Soon enough, after dancing with ALL the Weasleys, other Gryffindor alum, Hogwarts faculty, my relatives and some people I don't know, I'm finally done dancing. And, frankly, a little bit dizzy.
Harry comes running over to me, scoops me up and carries me out of the door.
"Harry! What are you doing?" I screech.
"Getting us ready to leave. I've dealt with the announcement, the best man toast, the dinner, the cake cutting, the garter toss, the bouquet toss, the dancing and the bridal dancing! As far as I'm concerned, Mrs. Potter, it is time for us to be married."
"Goodness, Mr. Potter! Eager are we?"
"Yes," he says with an exasperated tone. "Let's go say our goodbyes and get out of here. Hagrid left right after he danced with you to get the carriage ready."
"Ok, ok."
We walk back in to find people getting ready to leave anyway.
I run to my parents and kiss them good-bye, say good-bye to my friends and my close co-workers and our bridal party. Harry tackles most of the Weasleys and it's finally time to leave.
Harry scoops me up again and carries me all the way outside.
There's a beautiful golden carriage with 4 dazzling white horses ready to pull us into Hogsmeade and our flat.
Once we're home, Harry carries me over the threshold, we grab our bags and Apparate to Florida, and our Disney honeymoon.
Now that we're here, it all suddenly feels real. I'm actually married! I'm actually on my honeymoon! I am actually about to make love! Eep.
Harry takes my hands. "Mione, calm down. We're just going to take this one step at a time."
"I know. I don't know why I'm so nervous," I admit.
"Because it's you," Harry says with a chuckle. "But it's ok. I love you so much and I only want to do what will make you happy."
"Well, then, make love to me," I whisper.
"Ooh! Something to make us both happy!" he laughs and carries me to the bed and turns off the lights.
Yeah, it may have been the wedding of the century, but we've got the love of a lifetime!
***
Author's last notes: Ok, so I know I'm probably leaving some of you hanging, but unfortunately, I'm no good at writing the smut. Use your imaginations!! That'll be much better than what I could write for you. ;)
There will be a sequel to this story eventually. I just can't promise when. I figure it'll probably be called "Love of a Lifetime" since I ended on that. It should give a flashback into the fun they had (during the daytime) on their honeymoon, and show us their lives a bit into the future (kids and such). So, be watching for that and for an eventual story about Ron and Luna's other wedding.
Are you all proud of me? I got this finished and posted before Half Blood Prince!! Just a few days to go!
And since there won't be any more chapters, here's the answer to the hidden quote.
Reporter: Mr. Five, Mr. Five, how do you feel?
Johnny Five: How do I feel? I feel... ALIVE!
Yeah, that's right, "Short Circuit 2!" I absolutely LOVED Johnny 5 when I was little. (Still do!) Be honest, who got it?
Also, I own none of the songs used here either. "I Can't Fight This Feeling" is REO Speedwagon's, "I Can't Help Falling in Love with You" is by Elvis Presley, and "Daddy's Little Girl" is by Al Martino. I don't know who owns them, but it's not me. Bummer.
Well, thanks again for traveling with the Hogwarts gang and I through this trip into Matrimony. Many, many things (the non-magical ones at least) were taken from my own experiences into getting married. It's rough, but so worth it in the end. And speaking of marriage, now my husband can see my face again, not just the back of my head as I write this!
Thanks to my reviewers, you guys rock!!!
Here's hoping for some Pumpkin Pie in HBP!!