TWO: FROM THIS MOMENT FOR ETERNITY
'She almost died that day' His mind mused as he poured himself another drink, 'She's given me so much over the years. She gave me her virginity the night before that, she almost died for me, she's given me her heart, and her hand in marriage. She's given me children, and after twenty years I'd say she has given me her life. And what do I do? Throw it back in her face. God I'm a dickhead. She'd be in her right to send me divorce papers stating her cause as 'husband is complete prick'. Bloody Hell!'
He almost cried at the thought of divorce. He knew it wouldn't come to that but it still wasn't something he wanted to think about. Neither of them was willing to let it go that far though, they weren't about to throw away twenty years over a stupid accusation.
Harry barely noticed that the fireplace had flashed bright green. He looked up to see Ron dusting himself off.
"Hey mate" Ron called walking over and placing himself in the chair near Harrys.
"Hey" Harry replied glumly.
"Hermiones at the Burrow, just thought I'd come let you know. She's pretty upset mate, what'd ya' do?"
"I was a complete dick Ron. I accused her of cheating with that Rumsfield bloke she's been working with" Harry informed Ron as he conjured another glass for his friend and poured them both drinks.
Taking the glass his friend offered Ron said "Merlin mate. What the hell is wrong with you? You know she'd never bloody cheat on you. Bloody hell Harry. She's at the Burrow right now crying her eyes out in Mums arms. You cut her deep with that Harry."
"I didn't mean it Ron. I was just angry with her. She's missed dinner every bloody night this week"
"She's been busy mate. You knew she was a workaholic when you married her" Ron defended Hermione.
"I know, but I'm here all alone waiting every night waiting for her and she's off with another bloke"
"Working, Harry." Ron started to get angry, "She didn't say a bloody thing as you traveled all around the bloody world playing Quidditch, leaving her here alone. No company other than the kids, and then by herself when they went to school. Women were throwing themselves at you, all wanting the Man-Who-Saved-The-World, the Boy-Who-Lived and Worlds-Best-Seeker and Hermione didn't say one bloody word to you. Now you go and get pissed off because she's working too much with a bloke not half of what you are, and by the way I've bloody met him, and personally I think he's batting for the other team. I told you when I accepted your relationship that if you hurt her I'd kill you, and you've hurt her. I hope you know I'd be in my right to deck you right now."
"Don't worry mate, she already did"
"Good. Bloody hell, Harry. After everything."
"I KNOW DAMMIT RON" Harry stood up and started pacing the length of the sitting room, "I know I'm a bloody idiot mate. I made a mistake, I'm stupid. I just, Merlin, Ron, I get scared about losing her. I love her so much and I still feel like I'm just not good enough for her, you know?"
"Yeah, I know mate. And I think that if you truly love the girl more than anything, then you're not supposed to feel good enough for her."
Harry paused at the shelf beside the fireplace. He looked at the black and white picture of he and Hermione on their wedding day. The two in the picture would of waved at him if they weren't standing on either side of the photo glaring at each other. Any other day when he looked at the picture the two in it were usually snogging. But pictures often reflected the mood as it was now.
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Harry stood by the lake at Hogwarts flicking stones and watching as the squid tried to catch them. It was about to be
the happiest day of his life and he knew it. It'd been a year since their first night together. Dressed in his
finest black robes, he spoke softly to three people who had been dead for years.
"You really would love her Mum. I'm told she's alot like you. Smart and kind. Hey Sirius." He paused and took a deep breath. "I hope I'm good enough to her. I mean, right now, that's my biggest fear, I don't want to disappoint her. I can't wait till we have kids. I pray to Merlin that they're like her. I just hope that I'm a good dad and husband. Did you feel like this Dad? I'm all nerves right now. God, I love her."
He flicked the last rock in his hand. "I got to get up there. It's almost time. I love you guys. I hope I made you proud of me."
With that he made his way back to the castle. Molly Weasly had made sure that the Great Hall was perfect, with white, red, and gold flowers all over the place. The normal tables were gone and had been replaced with rows of seats. The Gryffindor flags hung from the ceiling. Professor McGonagall and the other teachers had upped the castles security as this was a huge media event, so not one uninvited guest could get near the place, unregistered animagi or not.
All of the guests were already there, all their friends, family and teachers. Harry made his way up the aisle to the risen part of the floor that normally held the teachers table. Professor McGonagall stood at the front speaking with Hermiones father, Roger, ready to fulfill part of her right as Headmistress and perform the ceremony. Ron was leaning over talking to some friend of Hermiones whoms name Harry couldn't remember, but he knew she was a Ravenclaw.
Ron straightened as Harry got near him and smiled. Harry continued on and stepped up the stairs to the platform, Ron behind him. McGonagall and Roger smiled at him.
"Ready son?" Roger asked.
"More than anything" Harry replied with a smile.
Roger grinned and clapped him on the back. "I'll go get the beautiful bride then" he said and made his way out of the Hall.
Harry looked over at McGonagall. She smiled and said in her burr, "I really wish Albus could be the one performing this ceremony. It would of made him quite happy."
"He told me something once, Professor," Harry said. "The ones that love us never really leave us. He's still with us. And since it can't be him, then I wouldn't have anyone but you, Professor. And I know that Hermione feels the same way."
"It's my honour Harry, and my great joy. I really am happy for the two of you and I must say, quite proud" McGonagall looked close to tears as she leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. "It's time boy"
As if her words were magic, which they were, music began in the Hall, the three on the stage moved into position, and all conversations halted.
Ginny appeared and began walking towards them. Harry leaned back to Ron and whispered, "Are you sure you've got the rings mate?"
"For the twelfth time they're right here mate" Ron laughed back as Ginny took her place.
The music changed slightly, and all of the guests in the hall stood. Hermione appeared on her fathers arm in the doorway and began her walk down the aisle. Harry forgot to breathe as he looked at her until Ron nudged him as a reminder. She was beautiful. Her dress wasn't over the top, nor was it simple. Full length, with a neck holster. Her hair was pinned up with a few curls left down, and she held a bouquet of red, white and gold.
Her father helped her up the stairs and kissed her, then made his way to his seat. Harry took her hand and they moved to stand in front of McGonagall.
She smiled at the two then began, "It is with great joy that I begin this ceremony today, to join two souls in one life. In our world, when two are married it is a bond that gets stronger with each day and can usually only be broken by death. Therefore I must ask if there is anyone here today who protests to this union."
McGonagall glared out into the crowd of guests, daring anyone to say anything. And both Harry and Hermione had to laugh when they saw Molly Weasly turned in her seat and shooting daggers across the crowd to anyone who might look like ruining this day.
Whether it was the two womens death glares or that everyone wanted the wedding to happen, nobody spoke, so McGonagall continued. "Good. A great and wise man who knew these two quite well, Albus Dumbledore, always told me this day would come. I was rather skeptical myself, honestly, I had my money on Weasley, but Albus insisted that they were soulmates. Something about sneaking into the hospital wing after being kicked out when the other was injured, or such. I now owe Albus five galleons"
The guests laughed. Hermione and Harry looked shocked at what McGonagall had said about Dumbledore knowing, he'd never let on to either of them.
"However, he was once again proved right and I was once again proved wrong by him, when Harry asked if I would perform the ceremony. And now I can see in their eyes, what Dumbledore saw a few years ago, before either of them saw it themselves. Now I am happier than ever to join their souls together. Hermione, I believe you're first, dear"
Hermione looked deep into Harrys eyes as the rest of the world faded away. It was just them. "Harry, there are so many things I want to say I can't put it all into words. You are my everything. You've made me the person I am, I was nothing before I met you, all I had were books and brains, and you have given me so much more, that no words can express what I feel for you. But I will spend the rest of my life showing you, if you'll have me"
Harry smiled and nodded at her. McGonagall let him know it was his turn, "Harry"
"Hermione, you are and have been for as long as I can remember, my centrepoint, my home. You stuck by me when anyone else, even this git," he leaned back and nudged Ron, "ran to the other side of the earth. You kept me strong and going when I should of been beaten. I promise that I'll take care of you and love you for the rest of our lives, for longer if I can. I'll do anything for you. I love you"
A tear slid down Hermiones face and Harry wiped it away and kissed her.
McGonagall reminded them there were other people in the room, "Mr. Potter, I'm not quite done"
They broke away laughing as she continued, "I think that's what Albus meant, rule breaking must be a sign of true love," Everyone in the hall laughed, "Mr. Weasly I sure hope you have the rings."
Ron smiled and pulled the rings out of his pocket. After inspecting which was which he gave one to Harry and one to Hermione.
"Miss Granger, repeat after me, with this ring I give you my life from this moment for eternity" McGonagall instructed.
Putting the ring on Harrys finger she repeated McGonagall.
"Mr. Potter, do the same"
He did and spoke the words, "With this ring I give you my life from this moment for eternity"
"Now Mr. Potter, take her left hand in your left so I can see the rings please." They did and McGonagall tapped Hermiones ring with her wand and then Harrys, "In unison say the incantation, Two souls, two minds, one life, one heart."
They did and one gold beam and one silver beam came from their rings to McGonagalls wand tip, once connected she moved her wand away leaving the beams not quite touching each other, and said, "Matramonis"
The golden beam intertwined with the silver and shot out of the rings into the air above them near the enchanted roof where it seemed to explode. Those on the platform were sprinkled in what looked like confetti.
"With the power I have been given as Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry I present for all here to witness Mr. and Mrs. Harry Potter. May you have many happy years together. Now you can kiss her Harry" McGonagall announced.
Harry was more than happy to do so as all in the Hall stood and cheered and offered their congratulations.
"Treat her well, Harry" McGonagall whispered as she hugged him.
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