Author's Note
Yes - the last chapter - finally! Just one thing - the song I use in this chapter is called "It Is You (I Have Loved)", words and music by Dana Glover, sung by Dana Glover. I originally heard it on the soundtrack from Shrek (yes, believe it or not!) and not only did I fall in love with it, it immediately reminded me of our beloved Harry and Hermione. (I have fudged just one or two of the words - nothing major - call it artistic license if you will…) So, if you know this song or have this song, think of it or play it while you read - if not, go find it (not that I'm suggesting anyone should download an illegal MP3 or anything…*cough*) because it's just perfect for a particular part of this chapter.
And once more my thanks to the lovely, wonderful, eagle-eyed Kirsti! *kisses and hugs dear!* Without her, you wouldn't be reading this now (that "Special Delivery" made all the difference KCQ!).
Cheers, everyone, and I truly hope you all enjoy the last chapter of…
FOUR WEDDINGS & A FUNERAL
By JanieB
Chapter 21
`I now pronounce you husband and wife!'
Harry and Hermione, as Best Man and Maid of Honour, led the cheering as Neville kissed his beautiful bride, after which the newlyweds both turned to thank Professor Dumbledore for presiding over their wedding ceremony.
`Always at the disposal of my former students,' he told them happily. `And now I think I need a little of that excellent firewhiskey to calm me down,' and so saying, he strode off in the direction of the bar that had been set up at the side of the room, manned by a smiling Hagrid.
Priscilla's Uncle Wayman, her mother's brother, had offered to host the wedding as he had a large, rambling country house south of London with a garden to match which was currently glistening with fresh snow in the afternoon sun.
Priscilla's mum had worked painstakingly to decorate the large, old dining hall and had been grateful for the help of not only Ginny and Hermione, but Molly Weasley as well, who had been delighted to lend a hand.
They'd managed to turn one end of the room into a beautiful arbour - rather reminiscent, Hermione thought, of Firenze's classroom at Hogwarts. Along one side of the long room were a series of tables groaning with food and drink (`Better to have too much than not enough,' Molly had told her) - along the other, chairs and couches for the guests' use. It was only a small wedding and aside from her mother and Uncle Wayman, with his wife, Tillie and their two children, she had no other family as her father had been an only child and his parents too, were dead.
The Weasley family, all of whom attended did, however, manage to swell the numbers so that it was indeed a very merry occasion. Even Neville's formidable grandmother was seen smiling indulgently in the direction of her grandson on more than one occasion; his Great Uncle Algie and Great Aunt Enid could be heard telling anyone who listened how marvellous he was.
As the sun set, throwing fantastic shadows and colours across the fields of snow, Neville and Priscilla departed, leaving their guests to happily mingle for another hour or two before departing themselves.
Late that night, Harry and Hermione were cuddled up in their bed, talking about the day and laughing at the numerous funny little things that had happened - their favourite being Fred and George's impromptu reprise of the "boggart class" - the year that Remus had taught DADA at Hogwarts and Neville had faced his boggart: Professor Snape; Fred played Neville, George was Snape. Of course, the twins had only heard the story second hand and embellished it beyond belief, but it had nevertheless been brilliantly funny and hilarious.
They then turned to happily discussing their own wedding plans, which they discussed with no one else as they wanted to surprise their families and friends. Harry had been adamant - no invitation would be issued to the Dursleys but Hermione persuaded him otherwise. `I'm sure your mum would want you to at least ask them,' she told them. `Besides, I think the chance of them accepting an invitation to a wizard wedding is less than zero so you don't have to worry about them actually turning up.'
The day of Neville and Priscilla's wedding was a memorable one for Ginny and Dean too, although not for any reason they would've liked. They had arrived home to find a small, frightened house-elf cowering in the corner of the living room to the left of the fireplace, noticing him because he'd squealed in terror when they'd appeared.
Ginny, too, had screamed on seeing him, the poor creature desperately trying to hide behind its hands.
`What the hell is this?!' cried Dean, striding towards the shivering elf.
`Dean, wait! It's Latro!' Ginny recognised the tormented house elf she'd come to know during her time as a prisoner at Malfoy Mansion.
On hearing his name, the house-elf peeked out from behind his fingers.
Kneeling down in front of him, Ginny spoke gently to the terrified creature.
`Latro, what are you doing here?'
`M-m-master t-t-told m-m-me - he ordered m-me t-t-to c-come t-to you, t-to d-d-do your b-bidding, always.'
`What?' said Ginny and Dean together, Ginny glanced up at Dean who was bent over her, his hands on his knees. She was horrified to hear what Latro said next as the petrified little creature did his best to stand up straight as he spoke.
`I - I'm Latro, your house-elf.'
********** ******************** ******************** **********
`What the hell was Malfoy thinking giving his house-elf to Ginny!' Hermione was infuriated. Despite all her best efforts over the years, house-elves had, for the most part, remained happily working for their owners. `Who does he think he is, passing around another being like a - a package!' she cried
`Calm down, please Hermione! It's not Ginny's fault and it's all been sorted out now!' Harry hated seeing her so upset.
Hermione took a deep breath; she and Harry were sitting at their kitchen table having lunch. Ginny had contacted both Hermione and Dumbledore first thing that morning, not knowing what to do with her unexpected acquisition. It had been quite obvious of course, and no doubt Ginny would've thought of it herself if she hadn't been so upset over the matter; Latro would go to Hogwarts - Dobby, said Dumbledore, would love nothing more than taking him "under his wing".
And so it was. Ginny, visibly shaken, ordered Latro to go with Professor Dumbledore and to reside at Hogwarts. The sad little house-elf haltingly told her that he would be happy to stay with her because he really liked her and had enjoyed looking after her at Malfoy Manor. She explained that he was needed at Hogwarts; she didn't have the heart to tell him that if she allowed him to stay with her, the sight of him would be a constant reminder of the horror of her time at Malfoy Manor. She wondered what on earth Malfoy had been thinking when he'd done this.
She cried after he left with Dumbledore and Dobby who had come to get him - he'd looked so dejected and had been crying pitifully as he stood between them before they'd been whisked away by Portkey. She was thankful that Harry and Hermione's wedding was mere weeks away and that, together with her work, helped to distract her.
Ginny, of course, was Hermione's Matron of Honour and Ron was Best Man; Luna and Priscilla, with Dean and Neville, made up the rest of the bridal party. The only people who knew any details of the wedding were Harry, Hermione and Hermione's parents - they wanted to surprise everyone else. Ginny's boss, Ida Wordsmith, had dropped constant hints about an "exclusive" but Ginny had said that perhaps after the wedding, she might consider doing an article. She insisted that because she was personally involved in the wedding it wouldn't be ethical for her to report on it. And in any case, Harry and Hermione were family and she would protect their privacy with everything she had.
The wizarding world was abuzz with rumours and speculation about the coming wedding - the wedding of the century as it was being called. The Boy-Who-Lived - who had become The Chosen One and finally, the victor in the long fight against the evil that had been Voldemort - was now a man and was fulfilling his dream of having a blissfully "normal" life with the woman he loved. The wizarding world wanted to celebrate with them and congratulate them. While Harry and Hermione could understand this, it was, nevertheless their day, to be shared with their family and friends. They had discussed this and after talking to Dumbledore, it had been agreed that in the July after they returned from their honeymoon, during the holidays, Hogwarts would act as host for a reception to which all wizards and witches were invited should they wish to come and see them. Dumbledore advised that using the Quidditch Pitch, which he would magically extend to accommodate the crowds, would be the most suitable. Each day, witches and wizards could fill the stands and be entertained by various celebrities of the wizarding world (all eager to be part of this, to do it for nothing, because it meant they would get to meet Harry first hand).
Harry and Hermione would then appear, flying around the crowd before landing in the centre where a raised stage would be set up, to talk to the crowd for a short while before departing again. They would stay at Hogwarts for the week.
Harry constantly assured Hermione he would fly slowly and told her she must know he would never let any harm come to her.
`I know,' said Hermione, `but I'll never enjoy flying. And all this fuss - it just seems so - so ridiculous! All this fuss and bother over you - over us!'
`To us, perhaps - but I suppose I feel that once we've done this, I'll be finished with all of that. I want to put it all behind me and just live happily ever after. With you…'
Harry had pulled her to him and kissed her; they were alone in Dumbledore's office having made the final arrangements for the "reception" in July.
`I hope we can - I'm not sure the wizarding world is going to be ready to just drop you after all this time Harry.'
Harry and Hermione, while they both quailed at the thought of that week-long celebration and knew it would be exhausting, preferred to do that so they could have the wedding day they wanted.
And so they did.
Valentine's Day dawned and it was a perfect winter's day. The sky was free of clouds and the sun sparkled on the snow, glinting off the frozen Black Lake at Hogwarts. For of course, Harry was getting married at "home": Hogwarts.
There were almost a hundred people gathered in the Great Hall. Those attending were all family and friends and friends of family and family of friends - from the Weasleys (yes, even the obnoxious Percy!), the Grangers, through to Neville's, Fleur's and Priscilla's families; Dean's family came, too, as did Luna's dad. From various departments at the Ministry there was Sunny who brought Gillian Wordsmith (she'd promised not to "leak" anything to her mother, Ida, the Editor-in-Chief of "Witch Weekly"), Lucky with Lila Caplo and old Mr Pince, his grandson Gaylord and his sister, Irma as well as all the Hogwarts' Professors. Yep, even Professor Snape. Tom from the Leaky Cauldron and Mr Madomo from the Dragon's Lair were also honoured to receive invitations.
Even Seamus came back from Ireland to attend, promising Harry he wouldn't dance with Hermione. `Like hell I'd let him anyway,' Harry told Hermione gruffly later and when Hermione chuckled knowingly and threw him a mischievous look, he couldn't resist pulling her to him and kissing her. `You're mine,' he told her, using his deepest, sexiest voice, knowing what it did to her before trailing teasing little kisses all around her mouth. Harry did know what he was doing and Hermione melted against him, murmuring, `Always,' as their lips met once more, all thoughts of any man other than Harry banished from her mind and heart.
The Great Hall had been transformed as never before. It was draped with the colours of Gryffindor against the ceiling as a backdrop, showing the crisp, blue sky outside. The teachers' table was still in place although barely recognisable draped in a shimmering gold cloth and, courtesy of Professor Sprout, sporting a positive thicket of white flowers along its length that resembled camellias, but which swayed slightly as though caught in a gentle zephyr, their perfume definitely of magical origin.
In front of the table and covering the stairs in the centre was a round, shimmering golden rug. It was just big enough to accommodate the bride and groom and Professor Dumbledore, who would naturally be presiding over the ceremony.
Harry stood at the bottom of the steps to the teachers' dais, on the edge of the golden rug, waiting nervously with Ron, Dean and Neville. Harry wore a black tuxedo with a deep green velvet robe that swept the floor. His three groomsmen wore tuxedos the same green as his robe, their robes being black.
Comfortable pews had been put in place while a special raised pew along the side wall held Hedwig, Crookshanks, Pig, Errol and Trevor as well as all the Hogwarts' house-elves which were there at Hermione's request; Dobby, of course, was their "leader" and looked inordinately proud of himself, wearing his best thirty pairs of socks for the occasion. Latro was huddled up beside Dobby who seemed to often make reassuring comments to his fellow elf.
Everyone had noticed and commented on Professor Dumbledore's magnificent phoenix, Fawkes, who stood majestically on his perch at the top of the stairs, just behind and to one side of the centre of the golden rug.
When Professor Dumbledore walked to the top of the steps, resplendent in his purple robes shining with silver stars and moons and turned to face them, the crowd fell silent immediately. They knew something was about to happen and a collective gasp rose in the air at the sound of the huge old doors swinging open behind them. All heads turned to watch as the beautiful sound of Fawkes' singing rang out, mesmerising everyone present.
Hermione's parents proceeded down the aisle, beaming happily at everyone. They'd readily fallen in with the wizarding tradition whereby a daughter wasn't "given away" although Harry and Hermione had foregone one tradition: the Aureus Lebes (or "golden bowl") - neither of them was comfortable accepting money when Harry had so much. Hermione had advised that if they wished, their guests could make a donation to St Mungo's.
When they came abreast of Harry, Mrs Granger gave her imminent son-in-law a hug and kiss and Mr Granger shook his hand, clapping him on the shoulder. Then they moved to stand in the front row so that they could watch their daughter as she walked "up the aisle".
As per Wizard tradition, there was no music during this time, Fawkes' magical tones fading into silence. Ginny appeared first, dressed in a pale golden dress that fell from beneath a bodice encrusted with tiny, shimmering, diamond-like jewels; the long sleeves were close fitting, the neckline low and rounded. Ginny's golden red hair was piled on top of her head in soft curls, more of the shimmering jewels scattered amongst them. She carried a heart shaped bouquet of the same flowers that graced the gold-draped table at the other end of the room. Ginny held her head high as she walked slowly down the aisle, her eyes seeking and find her husband's, the memory of their own wedding day still fresh in her mind.
As Ginny reached the front, Priscilla appeared next, her beautiful black hair in the same style as Ginny's, as was her dress and bouquet. She wore a bemused, but wondrous smile as she walked slowly down the aisle, keeping her eyes on her new husband who was gazing at her adoringly from the other end of the room.
Luna appeared in the doorway as Priscilla reached the front; her dressing matching that of the other two, her blonde hair also glinting with shimmering jewels and she carried a matching bouquet. As always, her expression was a little other-worldly, but her smile was genuinely happy as she too, gazed down the length of the room at her husband.
Then Fawkes seemed to redouble his efforts and the sweetness of his song became almost unbearable as Hermione appeared in the huge doorway. A hush fell over the Great Hall, which seemed to intensify the power of the silvery, melodious Song of the Phoenix as it filled the air.
`Hermione!' Harry's awed whisper went unheeded by those near him as they stared, enthralled.
She paused, standing there for a few seconds, her eyes locked onto Harry's, and then she began her journey down the aisle towards her whole future with slow, stately steps, her head held high, her face glowing with joy - her eyes not leaving those of the man she loved.
Harry wasn't sure if her gown was white or gold - it seemed to be white, but it shimmered with the suggestion of the palest, golden aura at the slightest movement. Hermione's dress, like her attendants', had long, fitted sleeves with a low rounded neckline although it differed in that it was fitted over her whole upper body to just below her waist, where it was gathered and flared softly, becoming fuller before brushing the floor, the hem encrusted with the same sparkling jewels that adorned her bridesmaids' bodices. There was no train and Hermione carried no flowers. Her hands were resting gracefully on the flared skirt of her gown. Her engagement ring - the same ring James had put on Lily's finger - seemed to glow against the fabric of her gown. Her hair was pulled up in the same style of massed curls as her bridesmaids, a cluster of tiny, shimmering stars reminiscent of a tiara anchoring what appeared to be a veil of white-gold mist that surrounded her head and dropped down her back to her waist.
As she drew closer, Harry held his hands out to her and she reached forward and took them. They could see only each other. Moving forward a little more so that their bodies were almost touching, Hermione whispered, `I love you.'
Harry brought his hand up to cup her face, his voice hoarse with emotion as he said, `Thank you. Thank you for the priceless gift of your love. You know I love you, don't you? With my whole being.'
`Thank you,' she whispered in return, tears glistening in her eyes as the last notes of Fawkes' song lingered gently, then faded.
They turned as one, her right hand tightly clasped in his left, to face Albus Dumbledore whose twinkling blue eyes had never held more joy than they did at this moment as he gazed down at them. Raising his hands, he drew all eyes to him, his voice ringing out in this Hall that had seen and held so much leading up to this moment.
`Beloved brethren, one and all...' he began, `we are gathered here, together, on this memorable day, to celebrate life and love and the joining of these two people…'
And only twenty minutes later, having pronounced them "husband and wife", Dumbledore led those present in a long, thunderous bout of applause, interspersed with Fred and George's piercing whistles and cheers from their fellow Gryffindors who were present. `Look!' said Fred to George, elbowing him. `Even old Severus looks as though the smell under his nose has improved!'
Colin Creevey had been speechless when asked to take the traditional wedding photograph and as the bridal party arrayed themselves across the teachers' dais in front of Madame Sprout's beautiful, magical blooms, he almost dropped his camera in his excitement. Hermione did ask him to take one other photo - with all their closest friends included and everyone was happy to oblige. Once that was taken care of, Professor Dumbledore asked everyone to move aside and he dismissed the pews, conjuring up round tables, reminiscent of the Yule Ball in their fourth year, although now clothed in gold, before asking everyone to be seated as the hedge of magical flowers moved itself to the floor in front of the bridal table. The house-elves had all Disapparated back to the kitchens with well-mannered, quiet "pops!" and celebrations began in earnest.
The feast that followed was the pride of the Hogwarts' house-elves. Hermione had only been happy to agree to them working at this time because she'd insisted on paying them. At the bridal table sat Harry, Hermione, their bridal party, Hermione's parents, Molly and Arthur Weasley and Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall.
Hermione had also wanted to do the traditional Muggle bridal waltz and Harry had happily agreed, as long as he could choose the music. So, shortly after everyone had finished eating (except for Hagrid and Ron who were checking out the left overs before they disappeared courtesy of those infernally efficient house-elves), the newlyweds moved to stand hand-in-hand facing their guests at the bottom of the steps while Minerva McGonagall, still seated behind the bridal table, tapped on her glass to gain everyone's attention. When she was sure she had it, she announced that Harry and Hermione would lead the dance and everyone was free to join in. Taking Hermione into his arms, Harry smiled down at her, another wave of happiness surging through him.
`This is not actually a waltz, my love, it's a slow dance which means even I will be able to look as though I know what I'm doing.'
Hermione returned his smile. `Do I know the music?'
`You may. It's a song I heard it once, not long after I came to London, and it was the words that caught my attention.'
And then the sound of a flute playing the first haunting notes of a beautiful melody drifted through the air.
`It sounds beautiful,' whispered Hermione, looking into the wonderful green eyes she loved.
Their gazes locked as Harry whispered in answer, `I thought of you when I first heard this - this is for you.'
As they swayed gracefully around the floor, no one left their seat to disturb this special moment and not a sound was heard besides the music and the poignant words that seemed to weave their own spell in this most magical of places.
There is something that I see
In the way you look at me
There's a smile, there's a truth in your eyes
What an unexpected way
On this unexpected day
Could it mean this is where I belong
It is you I have loved all along
There's no more mystery
It is finally clear to me
You're the home my heart searched for so long
And it is you I have loved all along
There were times I ran to hide
Afraid to show the other side
Alone in the night without you
But now I know just who you are
And I know you hold my heart
Finally this is where I belong
And it is you I have loved all along
There's no more mystery
It is finally clear to me
You're the home my heart searched for so long
And it is you I have loved all along
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Over and over
I'm filled with emotion
Your love, it rushes through my veins
And I am filled
With the sweetest devotion
As I, I look into your perfect face
There's no more mystery
It is finally clear to me
You're the home my heart searched for so long
And it is you I have loved
It is you I have loved
It is you I have loved all along…
As the last note faded, profound silence prevailed for a few moments; Hermione was surprised to find that her cheeks were wet with tears as she smiled up at her husband. Harry gently wiped them away with his thumbs before kissing her.
Then as the music started up again, this time a much more upbeat song, they found themselves surrounded as everyone got up to dance.
Leaning down to whisper in her ear, Harry asked Hermione when she wanted to leave.
`Never and now,' she replied, laughing.
Harry joined in her laughter. `I know just what you mean, Mrs Potter.'
`I'm not surprised, Mr Granger.'
`Just call me "Harry"!' At which they both laughed again.
`Harry, kiss me?'
And Harry did. A kiss which left them both quite breathless and when it finally ended, they continued their swaying dance, despite the faster music, their foreheads touching as they gazed at each other.
`I think now is looking more attractive than never,' said Harry, his voice roughened with desire.
`Far more,' replied Hermione, a thrill of anticipation shooting through her.
`We'd better start now - I think saying goodbye is going to take some time.'
Which it did. But finally they were standing, ready to leave. They'd made their speeches of thanks and now stood within the traditional heart outline, at the top of the steps, to await their Wedding Portkeys.
There was a slight difference - their "leaving" heart shape was made up of a mixture of house-elves and pets! A beaming Dobby, flanked by a tremulously smiling Latro, a brave Winky and a scowling Kreacher were standing with Hedwig and Crookshanks to make the heart shape. Then Pig flew in to join them, just too excited by the whole day to be left out. Hedwig looked askance at the little owl as it did its best to stay still, merely hopping from foot to foot; Hedwig was not impressed but tried to hide it beneath a dignified stance given the gravity of the situation. Harry and Hermione stood in the middle, their arms around each other, looking as though they couldn't wait to be alone. Which, of course, they couldn't.
Mr and Mrs Granger stepped up, hugging them both in turn, Hermione and her mum exchanging tearful but happy smiles, Mr Granger smiling and gruffly telling Harry that he'd better continue to look after his daughter or else! Then they handed their daughter the traditional Wedding Portkey, a symbol of love, a small golden heart.
Dumbledore, together with Molly and Arthur Weasley, stepped up together as Harry's pseudo-parents and handed him a golden heart also. A fitting symbol Dumbledore told them as his mother's love had kept him alive as a baby, the love of his friends had sustained him and his own capacity for love had helped him defeat his enemy and now the love of his wife, and his for her, would keep him until the day he died. A fitting symbol indeed. Harry dropped his head and they kissed as the Portkeys took effect.
Shortly afterwards, Ron, Luna, Ginny, Dean, Neville, Priscilla, Fred and George were all sitting around one of the tables with one last drink, happily reliving highlights of the day.
`Well, here at the end,' said Ron to them all as he stood up, holding his glass aloft, `a toast! Here's to my best friend Harry, The-Boy-Who-Lived who grew into The-Man-Who-Loves-And-Is-Loved-In-Return, and the beautiful, amazing Hermione, my other best friend. And oh yeah, Harry's wife.' He grinned and winked at them all.
`Hear, hear!'
FINIS
Author's Note
I can't believe it's over! Thanks to each and every one of you who has been on this "journey" with me from the first chapter of "Day by Day" to this last chapter of "Four Weddings & A Funeral". I hope you all have a very happy and safe Christmas - see you sometime in 2006!
Janie
xoxoxo
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