Three
"Take them off, Ron, you look like an idiot." Ron and Harry were standing together on the lawn. Harry's cherry red dress robes were new and looked good. Ron's were lined with lavender, as he was in the bridal party, and he was wearing thick, black sunglasses.
"Can't mate," Ron said. "Seriously hung over you know."
"Ron, you're not hung over, you just think you are. Take them off."
"No can do mate. Besides, you're just jealous that I look so cool."
"Yeah right!" Harry said.
"Harry," Ron said looking around. "D'ya think we'll ever get married?"
"Gee Ron, I didn't know you liked me that much!" Harry replied with that grin he had.
Ron merely rolled his eyes (not that Harry could tell) and hit Harry on the arm. "No you git! I mean to girls!"
"Why Ron, do you have someone in mind?" Harry asked.
"No mate, but I reckon some of the girls here aren't going to be able to keep their hands off me. Seriously, Harry. I checked myself out in the mirror and I look GREAT!"
Harry shook his head, laughing and walked over to where Ginny was sitting.
The sun blazed brilliantly as the wedding celebrations were being enjoyed by all. The large marquee covered the thirty long tables, all of which had been covered in finest linen and were set out with dinner settings, fine china, glassware, candles and lavender roses. Large silk ribbons, also lavender in colour, graced the front and side of the tables, while the bridal table and trimmings were all set out in dazzling gold.
The tables were all empty, the guests standing beneath the marquee, enjoying beverages and hors d'oeuvres and chatted friendly. Fleur's dress, with diamond gemstones sewn into the fabric, swished about her with every step she took. Nobody present could disagree that she was the most beautiful bride any had seen for a long time. Her hair was lifted up, supported by Molly Weasley's Aunt's tiara which also sparkled.
All in the wedding party wore beaming smiles, as did most of the guests. Harry wondered how many would have sore cheeks after the event due to the excessive smiling. Light music coming from seven piece band wafted over the perfectly manicured lawn, which stood like a beacon to the very hard work performed by the male Weasleys in the past weeks. Everyone was happy, Harry thought. If there were any lingering doubts over Voldemort and the upcoming war, he couldn't see any indication of them. Except of course for his own, which never left him.
"I said," Ginny repeating herself, "that you look to be having a good time."
"I am!" Harry said, meaning it. "The ceremony was...," he stopped, pausing for words.
"Beautiful," Ginny finished, smiling from ear to ear.
"Yes, beautiful. I was just looking for a non-girl word."
Ginny laughed and moved in closer. "You're sweet, you know?" she said, ruffling his hair.
"Yep! Everyone tells me, sweetest Chosen One for a generation." He closed his eyes and silently cursed his choice of words. "Sorry, I didn't mean to spoil anything," he said.
"That's okay, Harry, you're allowed. I guess it's the sort of thing that is hard to put out of your mind."
"I'm trying, especially today. I told myself I'd think about nothing more than the wedding and let Bill and Fleur have their day. After all," he continued with a wink, "you only get married once, right?"
Ginny said nothing, looking deep into Harry's eyes, looking to see if there was a subconscious reason why he talked about marriage. There wasn't; just those clear, green eyes that she enjoyed staring into so much. She remembered her mother's words last night and wondered how she could find out what it was in Harry's heart. "So, do you think about getting married?" she asked playfully.
Harry laughed nervously. It was the second time he'd been asked in under a minute. Ginny wondered if he would do the usual boy thing and run a mile but instead he looked as if he was giving the question serious thought. "No," he said simply.
"Why not?"
"Other things to do," he said in a whisper. "Until he's gone, they're gone..." Harry lowered his eyes so he could avoid eye contact, as he often did when he was agitated.
"That's all right, Harry. I didn't mean to bring up bad memories."
Harry smiled at Ginny, and watched as she walked away. He was still watching her, thinking over the brief exchange when Emma and Dan Granger walked up to him.
"Hello, Harry," Dan said, offering a hand. Harry took it nervously and flashed a quick, anxious smile.
"Hi, Harry," Emma said with a wide smile of her own.
Harry looked about to see if he could find Hermione, secretly hoping she would rescue him if the conversation got awkward.
"Enjoy the wedding?" Dan asked.
"Yes," he replied. "I've never been to a wedding before, it's a lot of fun." Harry looked towards Fleur who was in Bill's arms; they were laughing loudly.
"I see you're not drinking, Harry. What do you call that, Firewhisky?" Dan observed.
"No, Mr. Granger. It's okay and everything, and I'm sure Mrs. Weasley wouldn't yell at me if I had just one, but I don't really feel like it."
Dan smiled and nodded his head as if understanding, and shot his wife a quick look.
"Well, I know my charming wife is thirsty, so I'll just leave you two together while I go and get something to drink. Champagne, dear?" he asked sweetly.
"Thank you, dear," she replied. Dan turned, walking to where the drinks were kept.
Harry and Emma stood together silently, Emma watching Harry's expression, looking for a sign of how he was.
"Did I say something wrong, Mrs. Granger?" Harry asked.
"No, Harry, why do you ask?"
"Well," he continued nervously, "it's just that Mr, Granger left suddenly after you and he looked at each other."
Emma laughed hard and smiled at Harry, and at his innocence. "No, dear," she said. "You haven't said anything wrong."
"Good!" Harry said relieved. "I was afraid I had. Besides I knew he didn't just go to get you a drink because there are waiters bringing drinks around."
Emma laughed again and gave Harry an affectionate, motherly look, and Harry smiled back.
After a brief pause Harry's smile quickly faded. "How is Hermione, Mrs. Granger?"
"Please, Harry, call me Emma. Hermione is fine. She's worried about you though." Emma smiled sweetly and Harry found it easy to return the smile.
"I know, Mrs. Granger. I'm really sorry about that. She's been through enough without having to worry about me."
"It's all right Harry, that's what friends do."
"She's not just a friend, she's my BEST friend." He stopped suddenly, not really sure of what the purpose of the conversation was, or indeed if there were one. "Are you sure she's fine, because," and now Harry's voice dropped to little more than a hushed whisper, "everybody keeps saying everything is all right, Mrs. Granger. But they're NOT!"
The two fell silent for a minute, and Harry realised that seeing as how Dan hadn't returned yet, Hermione's mother must have indicated she wanted to have this talk, alone. And THAT was probably the reason for the look they gave each other.
"How have you been sleeping, Harry?" she asked.
Harry merely shrugged his shoulders.
"I suppose you can't rely on sleeping draughts every day, can you?"
Harry laughed slightly and said, "Hermione told you?"
"Yes, we talk about most things. It helps her to sort things out in her mind."
"That makes sense. She's really helpful with me too. Just talking to her usually makes things make sense." They paused again for a moment before Harry spoke again. "You haven't asked about the nightmares."
"Do you want to talk about them?"
"I'm not sure. It would probably help though." He fell quiet again.
"Do you feel uncomfortable talking with me, Harry?" she asked, giving him a closer look.
"No way! Talking to you is like talking to Hermione. It's easy to see where she gets her listening skills from."
Emma laughed and rested an arm against his shoulder.
"But where does she get her bossiness from?" he asked, smiling.
"That would be her father. Don't let him fool you, Harry. He may pretend he's a big old bear, but he's really a teddy bear," she said laughing, and Harry laughed along.
***
Hermione looked left and right as if to make sure no one was watching, and snuck up beside Ginny, grabbing her at the waist and drawing her close.
"Hey, Hermione, I was looking for you," Ginny said.
"Shhhh, I need a favour," Hermione said.
"Is Prat-face bothering you?"
"No," Hermione said with a laugh. "I doubt he can see anything with those stupid sunglasses on." The two girls laughed.
"Luna doesn't seem to mind," Ginny said with a giggle.
"I noticed. I didn't know she was coming," Hermione said.
"Mum said we could all invite one... ONE other person."
"So Ron invited Luna?" Hermione asked, shocked.
"No, I did. Ron asked Neville." Hermione nodded, thinking that made sense.
"Wouldn't it be a riot if Luna and Neville got together?" Hermione asked.
"Yeah," Ginny replied mockingly. "What do you need?"
"I've come to ask if I can borrow your boyfriend for a few days," Hermione whispered.
"Sure thing, Hermione. If you'd just be good enough to point out who that lucky individual is, he's all yours for as long as you need him. Mind you return him in the same condition though," Ginny said.
"HARRY, you lame-brain!" Hermione whispered back. "I need to borrow Harry."
"Sure, go ahead. Only he isn't my boyfriend. As far as I know he is completely available, though Luna says there are half a dozen Ravenclaws that are fighting over each other to ask him out."
Hermione looked at Ginny, shocked. "But you... he... I thought..."
"So did I," Ginny whispered back. "I had a talk with Mum, she thinks there isn't anything really there between us. Thinks he'll just be a friend."
Hermione paused taking in this new information. "Are you okay?" she asked, concerned.
"Yeah, I guess. I mean look at him." The two girls looked in his direction. He was talking with Luna; Ron was just standing there, still wearing the silly sunglasses and with an equally silly expression on his face. "I don't know that he's ready for anyone."
"I'm sorry," Hermione said, meaning it.
"Don't be," Ginny said with a secret smile. "Anyway, I've got far too much IMPORTANT stuff to be concerned about."
"Such as?" Hermione asked.
"Such as who I'll be going to the Halloween Ball with."
Hermione's eyes opened wide in astonishment. "Ginny, there might not even BE a Halloween Ball."
"I know," Ginny said sadly. "But if there is, I'll have to decide between Seamus and Dean."
You've got TWO invitations, already?" Hermione asked incredulously.
"Yep. Dean owled me yesterday, and Seamus's invitation came this morning."
"So what are you going to do?" Hermione asked.
"Wait," Ginny replied. "Wait and see how many more invitations I get."
Both girls laughed together briefly before they fell silent again.
"What do you want him for anyway?" Ginny asked.
"Moral support. Mum and Dad are talking..." she started.
"What?" Ginny asked. "Come on! You can't tell me THAT much and leave me in the dark. You did that yesterday!" She looked at Hermione who'd suddenly turned sad. Instead of answering the question she merely shook her head. Ginny gave her a hug and smiled at her. "Wait here."
Ginny walked over to where Harry and Luna were talking; Ron was still standing around saying nothing. She grabbed Harry lightly around the hips.
"Hey, Ginny!" Harry said.
"Hi, Luna, need to borrow Harry, be right back. Ron, you look ridiculous." She turned the now laughing Harry around and led him to where Hermione was sitting.
"Well," Ginny told Hermione, "I've done my part," and she practically skipped off to go back and talk to Luna, whilst still keeping one eye on Harry and Hermione.
Harry smiled at Hermione, who he noticed was biting her lip... always a bad sign. "So," he began "I suppose you're wondering why I asked you here today."
Hermione laughed warmly at the joke, it had the required effect of forcing her to relax. "Harry," she began.
"Hmmm?"
He waited for a minute for her to continue, but it was clear she wouldn't.
"Yes!" he said simply.
"Yes what?"
"Whatever you want, or need, the answer is `yes.'"
"Who says I need anything?" she asked.
"Your face did. Come on, Hermione. Give!"
"I was wondering..." she still couldn't finish.
"The answer is still `yes,' Hermione. How hard can it be?"
"I was going to ask if you would mind staying at my place for a few days," she said finally.
"See, that wasn't so hard, was it? The answer is still `yes.'"
"Really?!" she asked. "I thought you wouldn't want to," she said.
"Look, Hermione. It's no surprise to anyone here that that I'm a bit... well, odd at the moment. But if you need me for something, just say so. If it's okay with your parents, it's okay with me."
She smiled slightly and dropped her eyes. "There is just one problem."
"Yes?"
"You wouldn't be allowed to do any magic," she said.
"Okay," he said. She looked up quickly and expected to see a shocked expression, but instead he was smiling.
"Are you sure?" she asked.
"Listen," he moved in closer and lowered his voice. "Magic hasn't exactly done me any favours of late, you know? If you say no magic then it's no magic."
She hugged him tightly amid numerous thank yous and Harry suddenly got nervous, wondering if anyone was looking.
"What did your parents say when you asked them?" he asked.
"I'm about to find out," she said and stood, walking over to where her parents sat.
Ginny, watching, ran alongside Hermione and walked hand-in-hand. "Moral support," she said.
Dan and Emma stopped their conversation as the two girls walked up. "Hello, Ginny," Emma said. "You look wonderful."
"Thank you ma'am," she said laughing and performed a slight curtsey.
"My, young lady, such wonderful manners. Your mother must be so proud of you," Emma said smiling.
"Yeah she is," Ginny said in her normal voice. "Pity about the brother though!"
"The one with the sunglasses?" Dan asked.
"That's the one. He looks like a right royal goose doesn't he?" she asked.
Emma and Dan laughed, and Emma looked at Dan.
"Did you want something, dear?" Emma asked.
"I wanted to ask you something," Hermione said, suddenly turning nervous.
"Certainly, sweetheart. But first we want to ask you something," Emma said. "What would you say about Harry joining us for a few days?"
Hermione made a strangled questioning noise indicating she'd been taken completely by surprise.
"Would that be okay with you, dear? Just a few days or a week or so to, you know, give him some breathing space and give him time to relax."
Hermione couldn't answer but merely nodded her head.
"Good," Emma said. "Do you think Harry will say yes?"
Hermione smiled again and nodded.
"You have to promise you won't say a word. We need to hear HIS answer Hermione, and not what YOU want him to do," Dan said. By this time Ginny was laughing loudly and winked at Hermione. Ginny ran over to where Harry was, still alone, and grabbed his hand.
"This way, Harry, you're needed again!" she said.
"It feels good to be needed," he replied. Ginny ran him over to Hermione's parents, and then grabbed Hermione's hand and ran her back to where she sat before. Harry watched the action without having a clue what was going on. He smiled at Hermione's parents, trying to think of something to say. "So, I suppose you're wondering why I asked you here today."
***
Harry walked back over to Ginny and Hermione a minute later, wearing a big smile.
"Hey, roomie!" he said to Hermione.
"You said yes?" she asked, excited.
"I told you I would. Why doesn't anybody listen to me?" he asked mockingly.
"And you had no problem with the no magic rule?" she asked.
"Nope! Whipped it out so fast I almost poked her eye out. Your Mum's got it now," he said.
Ginny, choosing THAT exact moment to take a breath, started choking and turned red. Hermione also started laughing and had started turning beetroot red.
When he realised what he'd said and what Ginny THOUGHT he'd meant, Harry also started turning red. "Not THAT!! I meant my wand!" he said.
Ginny started laughing even harder, and now all three had bright red faces and were holding each other. Luna, Neville and Ron, all talking together, all turned and looked at the three laughing so hard a few yards away, as did practically all of the other guests.
"Typical," Ron said confidently. "Some people just can't hold their Firewhisky!"
***
The best man stood and smiled at the light applause after he had been introduced. "Ladies and gentlemen, for those that don't know me, my name is Roger, and..."
"To Roger!" George and Fred said as one, raising their glasses in mock salute as Ron had done so many times the evening before. They looked over to Ron who appeared oblivious to the joke at his expense.
"To Roger!" Harry responded, raising his glass of pumpkin juice. A handful of other guests also returned the toast and Roger smiled nervously. Fred and George, laughing, gave each other high-fives, and each followed by giving Harry a high-five as well.
Roger, clearly not expecting this kind of response chuckled and tried to continue, "Easy everyone, I'm just the best man, not THE best man." At this impromptu joke everyone laughed, the mood was now friendly and light-hearted.
Hermione leaned sideways towards Harry so she could whisper in his ear. "What was that about?" she asked.
"Tell you later," Harry said, smiling.
Fred and George, both dressed identically in lime green robes (and to make matters worse they had swapped place cards so many times over the course of the evening that no one knew who was who) understood the question Hermione must have asked. Fred leant in her direction. "Just our way of making a joke at Prat-face's expense," he said.
Hermione shot Ron a quick look, and looked back to Fred. "I can't believe your mother hasn't stopped him from drinking before now. He's not going to be able to stand if he keeps it up," she said.
"It's just water," Harry told her grinning.
"But, I thought...!" she started.
"Illusion-water," George said. "He just thinks it's Firewhisky!"
Hermione paused, considering the response before asking, "Does anyone else know he's only drinking water?"
"By now," Fred started.
"Everyone does... EXCEPT him," George finished.
All of the guests at the table heard the entire conversation and were all laughing freely. A couple looked at Ron, shaking their heads and Tonk's laugh could be heard above everyone else. Even Remus who had remained very quiet all day, was laughing along.
By now the best man speech was underway and everyone was listening intently. Roger was telling the story of how he first met Bill and was explaining in great detail Bill's facial expression when he had introduced him to Fleur for the first time.
Hermione leant towards Harry as if to whisper into his ear again, and Harry moved closer to her.
"Hey, Harry. I thought I was supposed to be sitting at the table with my parents," she said. She shot a glance to the empty seat next to her parents, who were sitting with the Weasleys' mother.
"Are you complaining?" Harry asked.
"Not in the least," she replied, smiling at him.
"Then it's a good thing I moved your place card then, isn't it? Do you really think I like sitting next to empty seats?" Harry smiled at Hermione, who laughed and softly squeezed his hand which was resting on his thigh.
"I owe you," she said.
Before Harry could respond, he suddenly felt his scar burning as if a white-hot brand was being pressed to his forehead. He lost all vision; all he could see was a white mist in front of him before fuzzy sight was returned. He placed a hand to his forehead as he usually did when his scar hurt. And as the usual response, it did nothing at all. He let out what he hoped to be a soft, strangled, "Back in a minute" to Hermione before he stood up pushing his chair back. A few of the guests turned their heads as the unexpected motion, and he gave his best `I'm okay' smile before he set off for the back door of the Weasleys' home.
Hermione and her mother locked eyes on each other; Hermione gave the clear message that she was going to follow Harry to make sure he was all right. Emma, receiving this message, smiled weakly and nodded her agreement. Hermione rose and smiled before she took off after Harry. By the time she had left the marquee Harry was already at the door. With one hand still pressed against his forehead and the other on the door handle, he opened it and almost fell inside. Hermione was there only a few seconds later, and once inside found Harry sitting on the floor, eyes closed and grimacing in obvious pain. Harry now had both hands pressed against his scar.
"Harry?" she asked, quickly kneeling to his side.
"Hermione, I'm sorry. I tried to hold it back, but it hurts too much," Harry replied.
"It's okay, Harry. Just relax," she said hopefully. After a few minutes the worst part of the pain was slowly subsiding and he was able to open his eyes slightly, taking in Hermione's worried look. He gave her a reassuring smile which she returned; they'd both seen pain in his scar caused whenever Voldemort was sending evil thoughts.
"What if he's here?" he asked Hermione.
"He wouldn't dare," she replied. "There must be at least twenty Aurors here today. Mad-Eye has been continually looking everywhere, and Kingsley and Remus have hardly taken their eyes off you," she said.
"I know, I've been watching them," Harry replied. "I'm just so tired of all of this," he said.
"I know, Harry," Hermione said, her voice betraying the worry in her face. "You're still coming to my place with me though, aren't you?" she asked with a smile, hoping to get him to briefly forget the pain.
"Try and stop me," he said, grinning back.
Hermione helped him to his feet. She hugged him lightly, and Harry now felt the pain had almost completely gone.
"Thanks," he said nervously.
"You don't have to thank me, that's what I'm here for," she replied.
"I know," he said. "You always have been."
Hermione nodded in agreement, and made as if to brush the non-apparent dust from his cloak. "Nice dress robes by the way, Harry. You look great!"
Harry smiled back. "Thanks! So do you, if I haven't already said so. Hermione, you look beautiful!"
Hermione smiled widely, both from the praise and because she was reassured to see that he was feeling better.
"I didn't know you had such nice robes. How long have you had them?" she asked with a slightly raised eyebrow.
"Just this week," Harry replied, laughing. "Tonks took me shopping the day she saw me at the Ministry of Magic. She took one look at what I was wearing and must have felt sorry for me."
Hermione spent a few seconds running an admiring eye up and down Harry's outfit. Except for fact that he still looked tired, she had to admit that he looked great. Smiling, she took his hand and they started to make their way back to the reception. "Remind me to thank Tonks sometime, Harry," Hermione said.
Harry stopped dead where he was and looked Hermione directly in the eye. "What?" she asked.
Harry paused before answering. "Tonks said the same thing about you... about having to thank you sometime."
Hermione and Harry laughed together as they made their way back. When she didn't say anything to his last comment, he asked, "Secret girls stuff?
Hermione had no idea what Tonks had meant, but could only laugh back at Harry.
-->