Accidentally Married

ladylaughalot

Rating: PG13
Genres: Romance, Humor
Relationships: Harry & Hermione
Book: Harry & Hermione, Books 1 - 6
Published: 14/12/2006
Last Updated: 07/03/2009
Status: in_progress

In response to a challange and a special birthday treat. H/Hr accidentally get married.... read to find out more.

Chapters

1. Accidentally on purpose

2. Meet the Parents

3. Chapter 3

4. Wedding Woe

1. Accidentally on purpose

A/N ~ I know I've already got two in progress fics that I've haven't updated in far too long but it's Scout's birthday and she asked so nicely… Happy Birthday Scout

Accidentally Married

It had barely been a month since Harry had faced Voldemort for the final time and walked away the victor but already life was moving on. Tomorrow would be their graduation ceremony and final day at Hogwarts and Harry couldn't think about it without getting a lump in his throat. He knew that he was lucky to be graduating at all but he still couldn't help feeling a sense of loss, it was all ending and nothing would ever be the same again. Hermione had noticed his feelings and suggested a walk around the lake. It was getting late and the sun was setting but things were a lot safer now that Voldemort was gone, so he had agreed.

They walked out of the castle and headed towards the lake holding hands, the feel of Hermione's soft warm hand in his never failed to make him feel better. It still felt slightly surreal to him that they were dating, they'd been friends for so long, but when it had come time for him to face Voldemort he found he just couldn't do it without telling Hermione how much she meant to him first. To his utter amazement she had thrown her arms around him and admitted that she felt the same way. They kissed for the first time, there in the corridor outside the chamber where Tom Riddle was hiding, and Harry had felt that he could have died happy. Hermione had other ideas and wouldn't let him go until he promised not to give up no matter what. It was a promise that ended up saving his life.

Now as they walked side by side in the fading light looking up at the old castle they had spent so much time in together Harry couldn't help but feel extremely lucky and utterly sad at the same time.

`You know I'm really going to miss this place.' He said finally.

`I know Harry, home is where the heart is and Hogwarts has been your home.' Hermione replied squeezing his hand gently.

Harry stopped to look at her in the half light of the early evening, a gentle breeze played with her hair and the last rays of sunlight caressed her skin giving her a luminous glow.

Harry took both of her hands in his and faced her smiling slightly, `If that's true then my home isn't Hogwarts.'

Hermione frowned, `then where is it? The Burrow?' she asked confused.

Harry smiled a little more broadly then, `no, it's wherever you happen to be.'

Hermione's frown melted and she smiled at him, her eyes sparkling in the early twilight, `I feel the same way about you.'

`I mean it Hermione,' Harry said more earnestly now, `I know we haven't been together as a couple for very long, but I love you so much that I don't know what I'd do without you. You've saved my life so many times and you've always been there for me whenever I needed you for anything. Being with you is incredible and I'll do anything I can to make you happy for the rest of my life.'

Hermione was a little surprised by his declaration, but she could tell that he meant every word and she could sense that he needed to know that she felt the same way too. `I love you too Harry, I think I've loved you since I first met you. You were so sweet and kind, and every year I've watched you get kinder and braver and I've loved you a little more. I know that without you the last seven years would have been empty and meaningless and that the next seven would be the same. You've already made me happier than I ever thought I could be and I'll do anything I can to make you happy for the rest of my life.' She finished, stealing his words with a small smile.

Harry wrapped her in a fierce hug and kissed her deeply, Hermione returned his kisses with enthusiasm and neither of them noticed the soft white glow that briefly surrounded them. By the time they broke their kiss the glow had faded into the cool night air, but even if it was still there they may not have noticed. Harry spread his cloak on the ground and they lay back looking at the stars. Hermione rested her head on Harry's chest and he put his arm around her waist, they lay there for a few moments just enjoying the crisp night air and each other's company. Hermione rolled onto her stomach and leaned further across Harry's chest to stroke his hair. Harry smiled up at her, she leaned down and kissed him and he kissed her back.

Their kisses became more and more heated and when Hermione reached underneath Harry's shirt he couldn't take any more. He rolled her over onto her back and pushed himself between her legs. She opened willingly for him and began to grind into him. They had done a little more than kiss a few times but things had never gotten this far before and Harry didn't want to do anything that she would regret. With the greatest difficulty in the world he pulled away from her slightly. Hermione missed his heat immediately and opened her eyes to look directly into his, they were dark with desire but she also saw concern there.

`What's wrong?' she whispered hoarsely

`I love you Hermione and I don't want to do anything that you'll regret later, but if we keep this up I may not be able to stop.'

Hermione felt her heart swell with love for this man who cared about her so much, `We're not going to do anything I'll regret Harry, I love you and I know you'd never do anything to hurt me.'

Harry felt his throat constrict, `are you sure Hermione?'

`It's a beautiful night, our last at Hogwarts, and I'm with the man I love who loves me, what more could I ask for?'

`I…' Harry began, but Hermione cut him off, `Just kiss me Harry'

So he did, and they spent the night together under the stars.

***

The next morning when they woke up the sun was shining and the birds were chirping. Hermione woke up slowly amazed that they had actually fallen asleep under the stars the night before. She looked at her watch to check the time, the graduation ceremony started at ten and she had a lot to do before then.

`Oh Merlin! Harry get up! Quickly! Now!' she demanded as she searched, panicked, for her shoes.

`What's going on?' Harry asked, he felt groggy and his head hurt a bit from sleeping on the hard ground without a pillow.

`We're going to be late! That's what's going on!' she found her shoes and jammed them onto her feet.

`What time is it?' He asked sitting up and rubbing his head.

`It's 9:30, and I've got to go, I love you!' and she dashed off back up to the school.

Harry sat on the ground rubbing his head and smiling, she said she loves me, he thought a silly grin on his face despite the pain in his head. Then he remembered what else she'd said, `shit it's 9:30!' he exclaimed. He jumped up, pushed on his shoes, grabbed his cloak and dashed off back up to the castle.

When he finally got back to his dormitory Ron was already dressed and ready to head off to the great hall for the ceremony.

`You're cutting it a bit fine, aren't you?' He yelled at Harry as he dashed into the bathrooms.

`I forgot the time!' Harry called as he splashed water on his face and brushed the little bits of grass out of his hair. Ron looked around the doorway at him.

`I saw Hermione dash through the common room a few minutes ago. She had twigs and crap in her hair too… I suppose you forgot the time together did you.' He asked with a grin.

`Sod off.' Harry muttered pulling on a fresh set of robes and feeling his face burn.

Ron's grinned broadened, `I thought so, but don't worry I won't press for details… what was it like?'

`I thought you weren't going to press for details.' Harry said pulling on his tie and attempting to straighten it.

`I'm not, I'm just messing with your head.'

`Well stop it, I'm not in the mood.' Harry snapped turning away from the mirror and pulling his shoes back on.

`I bet you weren't saying that last night.' Ron quipped.

`You're just loving this, aren't you?' Harry snapped annoyed as he strode out of the dormitory and headed toward the great hall at top speed.

`You bet, this is the most fun I've had in ages.' Ron called after him as they jogged through the corridors.

`Well you can just bloody stop it, you wouldn't want Hermione to hear you.' Harry said panting as he stopped to push open the doors to the great hall.

Ron looked around nervously as they entered, `she's up on stage to give her valedictorian speech, she's not going to hear me.'

`Right well you can bloody stop it anyway or I'll start talking about what you haven't done with Luna.' Ron went silent a bright red blush creeping up his neck. Harry glanced over at him and gave him a smug smile.

`Piss off.' Ron hissed at him but both boys grinned.

It turned out that they had arrived just in time, just as they took their seats Professor McGonagall stepped up to the podium and the hall quietened. The diploma's were handed out with a Professor McGonagall saying a few words about each student before calling their name and handing out their diploma. By the time the speeches started Harry felt that he'd spent the best part of his life at the interminably long graduation ceremony. Finally Hermione approached the podium to give her valedictorians speech. Harry had helped her practice her speech and knew it so well he could have said it with her and he knew, as well as his own name, her final line which was to be `Finally I'd like to thank my good friend Harry Potter, without whom I would not be standing here today.' He was desperately looking forward to that final line, because it signalled the end of the ceremony and the beginning of some serious celebration.

She was getting towards the end of her speech now, he knew it, then finally he heard the beginnings of her final line.

`Finally,' she said and paused meeting his eyes across the crowd, `I'd like to thank my hus..' she stopped choking a little. `Sorry' she said and took a sip of water. She did another little cough this time as though to clear her throat, `I'd like to thank my hus..' she stopped and took a step back from the microphone to clear her throat more forcefully. Professor McGonagall walked over and laid a hand on Hermione's shoulder looking concerned. They spoke for a few seconds Hermione seemed to be explaining something and looked confused. Professor McGonagall looked confused for a moment too and then startled and spoke quickly to Hermione. Hermione looked horrified for a moment, looked down and then she simply crumpled to the floor in a dead faint.

Harry was up out of his chair and striding for the stage before she'd even hit the ground a million questions swirling through his mind. What was happening? Why had Hermione fainted like that? Why had she been choking? Then a question occurred to him that almost stopped him in his tracks. What had she nearly said instead of good friend? It was just as this question occurred to him that he noticed it, on the third finger of his left hand was a gold wedding band. He had just reached the stage when he saw it and he saw quite clearly a matching band on Hermione's finger. Suddenly he knew why she had feinted and looking into Professor McGonagall's eyes, he knew that he had a lot of explaining to do.

***

Yes I know another H/Hr get married under strange circumstances fic from me… what can I say, I love them. please leave a review.

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2. Meet the Parents

A/N ~ Although it is almost unheard of from me it is true that I am updating again already… shocking I know. I'm so glad you all enjoyed the first part of the story so much and I hope you enjoy part 2 just as much.

Disclaimer~ I do not own Harry Potter, I do not make any money from this.

Accidentally Married ~ Part 2

Meet the Parents

Harry sat quietly with his head in his hands beside Hermione's bed in the hospital wing. Madame Pomfrey had tried to make him leave but thankfully being Hermione's husband had some benefits. Harry groaned and massaged his head lightly, he still couldn't believe that he and Hermione had somehow accidentally gotten married. They were walking to the hospital wing, Hermione hovering in front of them when Professor McGonagall explained.

`It's an ancient ritual, and although it is occasionally done by accident I don't think it's ever happened between two people who are so young before.'

`I don't understand though, Hermione and I didn't do any ritual's last night… we just went for a walk around the lake.' Harry felt his face burn as he said it and from Professor McGonagall's shrewd look he knew that she didn't believe him.

`Well the ritual of which I speak will only work if true vows of love are exchanged and sealed with a kiss and then the union is consummated within twelve hours. Are you saying that nothing like that happened last night?'

Harry couldn't look at her, so he looked at his shoes instead his face burning.

`That's what I thought.' She replied stiffly.

At that moment Harry didn't know how to feel, he was still in shock from it all, but mostly he was glad that school was finished for the year and he wouldn't have to face all of the stares that this latest news would bring. Harry looked up at Hermione and wished that she would wake up, he understood that it had been a huge shock but she'd been out for nearly two hours now. It wasn't exactly a compliment for her to have that reaction to finding out she was married to him. He noticed then a flicker of movement in her hands and then her eyes fluttered open.

`Hermione, are you okay?' he asked reaching out and gently taking hold of her hand. Hermione pushed herself into a sitting position and looked at him, then looked at her left hand and his to confirm that the wedding bands were really there.

`What have we done Harry? My parents are going to kill me and maybe you as well.'

Harry dropped his gaze and looked at the floor, `I know, I keep imagining what everyone's going to say when they find out and I'll be honest I'm not looking forward to it. McGonagall said she wouldn't tell anyone so everyone will want to know what's going on when we get out of here.'

`Did she tell you anything else about how this happened at all?' Hermione asked next.

`She just said it's an ancient ritual that is occasionally stumbled onto by accident, but not very often and she said that it's never happened between two people so young before.' Harry replied looking up at her.

`Can it be… undone?' she asked hesitantly then added in a rush, `not that I want to, necessarily, I just want to know if it's an option, so we know what we're dealing with.'

Harry nodded, knowing exactly how she felt, `Its ok, I understand. I meant everything I said to you last night and nothing has changed, but we are a bit young to be married. I asked and she said that it could be undone if it was what we really wanted.'

Hermione took a deep breath, `I guess that's the question, isn't it? Is that what we really want?'

Harry nodded but kept silent, he honestly didn't know what to say. He couldn't help but feel that undoing it was somehow wrong, that it made a lie of what they'd said to each other. `What do you want?' he asked finally almost dreading her answer.

`I …. I don't know what I want.' Hermione answered looking miserable.

`I don't want to take it back.' Harry blurted suddenly, then feeling as though he had to explain he continued, his gaze firmly fixed on his shoes.

`I know that neither one of us realised that by saying and doing what we did last night that this would happen. I know that we wouldn't have married for a couple of years yet if things took their normal course. The thing is though,' he paused and took a deep breath, `everything we said last night, we meant. This couldn't have happened otherwise. So I guess, I just feel like… it would be, I don't know… wrong, to try and take it back. But… if you want to undo this, then, I will. I'm not going to hold you to it if you don't want to.'

`Harry, look at me please.' Hermione said her tone pleading. Harry looked up and their gazes locked.

`I feel the same way, I just didn't want to make you feel like you had to because of me. Your right, if we'd had our way we wouldn't have married for years, but, we still would have married. It's going to be difficult telling everyone, and there will be people who will be a bit upset, but we'll do it together.'

Harry smiled, his first since he'd seen the gold band on his finger, `You're right, we'll do it together.' Then he kissed her to seal the promise.

***

When they left Hogwarts the next morning the halls were empty, except for Professor McGonagall who advised that Mr Weasley was waiting to hear from them as soon as possible. They sent Ron an owl telling him that everything was fine and that they'd visit soon, but they decided that Hermione's parents should be the first to know. With that in mind they apparated from Hogsmead to a spot hidden from view in the Grangers front garden that had been designed as an apparition point. As they walked up the garden path to the front door Harry felt the knot of anxiety that had formed in his stomach tighten with each step. He barely knew Hermione's parents, he had said hello to them maybe twice and seen them less than a handful of times from a distance. He knew almost nothing about them and he was terrified.

Hermione knocked on the front door and Harry heard a woman's voice call out from within `George can you get that please?' Some footsteps were heard and a moment later Hermione's father opened the door. He looked at them for a second and then caught Hermione up in a bone crushing hug.

`Hermione!' then he released her, `we weren't expecting you, come in.' he turned towards the back of the house. `Julie! It's Hermione!' Hermione's father was leading her towards the living room and Harry dithered uncertain on the door step, but not for long. Turning back Mr Granger beckoned him in, `Come on in son,' he said then turning to Hermione he asked, `is this one Harry or Ron?'

Hermione blushed, `it's Harry Dad.' She replied sitting on the sofa, Harry sat next to her feeling even more nervous.

Then Mrs Granger bustled in removing her rubber gloves as she did, Hermione stood up and greeted her mother with a hug also. `Hi Mum.'

`Hello darling,' her mother said returning the hug, `What a pleasant surprise.' Then she released her daughter and turned to Harry, `and you must be..' she hesitated a moment, `Harry?' she said with a glance at her daughter. Hermione nodded.

`Well it's very nice to see you too Harry.'

`It's nice to see you too Mrs Granger,' Harry replied almost chocking with nerves.

`Can I get either of you a cup of tea, or something to eat?' Mrs Granger asked

`No we'll be fine thanks Mum.' Hermione replied looking just as nervous as Harry felt.

Harry knew that Hermione wanted to get her news out straight away but he could feel her nervousness. Mr and Mrs Granger appeared to be typical English parents, their home was just as clean as the Dursleys but still felt homey and welcoming. They had pleasant faces and Mrs Granger had the same curly brown hair as her daughter. In any other circumstances Harry thought he would have felt extremely comfortable here. There were an unusually large number of bookcases around but being Hermione's home he would have expected that. Hermione's father looked like he was probably an avid reader as well he wore wire rimmed glasses and had the look of a slightly old fashioned college professor.

`Well then' said Mrs Granger sitting down, `You've graduated from school now, haven't you? How did your speech go sweetie?'

`Oh it went fine I suppose.' Hermione said her nerves showing in her voice.

Mr Granger looked concerned and leant forward, `Is something wrong sweetie? You seem a bit out of sorts. Is there anything you want to tell us?' He glanced at Harry then a considering look in his eye, as though it suddenly occurred to him to wonder why he was there with their daughter.

`Well actually, there is. I know you're going to be disappointed but…'

Mrs Granger leaned forward then studying her daughters face, `What is it Hermione?'

`I may as well just say it, get it over with… Harry and I are married.'

The silence was deafening. Mr and Mrs Granger just sat with their jaws hanging open as they stared at their daughter. Finally Mrs Granger smiled, `Well that's exciting news, your getting married. Do you want a big wedding? I always thought that it would be nice if you were to get married in the same church as your father and I. What do you think of that?'

But Hermione shook her head cutting her mother off, `No Mum, we're not getting married, we are married.'

This time it was Mr Granger who recovered first, `Well I never thought I'd say it but I'm disappointed in you Hermione. What possible reason could you have had for getting married without telling us first? You've broken your mother's heart.' Then as though on queue Mrs Granger started to cry.

Hermione looked as though she was about to cry too, `I'm sorry, we didn't mean for it to happen.' Hermione pleaded with her parents.

`How does this happen by accident Hermione?' Her mother asked through her tears.

`It's an ancient ritual, we didn't know about it because apparently it's pretty rare for it to happen by accident and it's never happened before between two people so young.' Harry said speaking up for the first time.

`Really so you accidentally married my daughter and now you're sitting here in my house and you expect me to be happy about it!' Mr Granger roared venting all of his anger on Harry.

`No not at all. I love your daughter Mr Granger, but I never wanted things to happen like this! Neither of us did.'

Mr Granger seemed to calm down after that and even Mrs Granger sniffled back some of her tears. After a few minutes more of silence Mrs Granger spoke again, `So magically you are married but… with normal laws, maybe you aren't?' She asked hopefully.

`Technically I suppose, but, we are married mum.' Hermione replied.

`I know sweetie, I know… what I meant was that, if you wanted to, you could have a proper wedding?'

Hermione glanced at Harry, `I suppose,' she said hesitantly, `what do you think Harry?'

`If that's what you want to do, there's no reason why we can't.' Harry said.

`And who's going to pay for this?' Mr Granger asked looking directly at Harry.

Harry was a little taken aback by this, `Well, I will, I've got no problem with that. Hermione's already my wife so it'll be no problem getting her a key to my vault.'

`We can help though, can't we George? It might get awfully expensive.' Mrs Granger said to her husband.

`I can afford it, it's no problem.' Harry interjected.

`That's very sweet of you Harry, but the average wedding costs around twenty thousand pounds.' Mrs Granger said smiling at him.

`That's ok, really, it's no problem.' Harry reassured her.

Hermione smiled and hugged him, `Thankyou Harry, this is going to be so great!'

`You know I still have my wedding dress upstairs, would you like to try it on Hermione? If you don't want to wear it I understand but lets go have a look.'

Hermione glanced from Harry to her father, Harry nodded to reassure her even as he was swallowing nervously at the prospect of being alone with Mr Granger.

`Ok then,' Hermione said standing up, she kissed Harry on the cheek and then turned to her father, `be nice Dad.' Mr Granger didn't answer he just raised an eyebrow at his daughter. With a sigh Hermione left the room with her mother leaving Harry alone with her father.

`So, Harry, would you like a drink?' Mr Granger asked standing up and walking over to a small sideboard that held a bottle of brandy.

`Um, no thankyou sir.' Harry couldn't recall ever having felt more nervous than he did right now.

Mr Granger gave Harry an appraising look and then poured two glasses anyway handing one to Harry as he took his seat again.

`You don't need to be so nervous Harry, I just want to ask you a couple of questions. I know, mainly from what Hermione has told me, that you haven't had an easy life.'

`No sir.' Harry replied wondering where this was going.

`I want to know, how you intend to support my daughter. I gather from what you said about paying for the wedding that you're obviously not destitute but I want the best for Hermione. She had talked about attending Oxford and getting a degree in law and human rights, would you be able to support her through that?'

Harry swallowed, `I think so, I mean I've got a fair bit of money in my vault from inheritance and stuff.'

`I see, and what about work Harry, what do you intend on doing now that you've finished school?'

Harry took a sip of his drink the liquid sending a trail of fire down his throat but strangely making him feel a bit calmer at the same time.

`Well I've already had a few offers so I really just need to make up my mind which of them I want to take up.'

`That's good, I understand you're actually quite well known amongst wizards and such is that right?'

`Ah… that might be a bit of an understatement sir.' Harry replied trying to hide his amusement.

`Yes, what I really want to know is, do other wizards know about this news as yet?'

`No, we felt you and Mrs Granger should be the first to know.' Harry replied.

`Well that's thoughtful and I appreciate it.' Mr Granger took a sip of his drink and Harry waited for him to continue.

`I must say I feel a lot better about all of this now that we've had a chance to talk but I do have one more question for you, if I may?'

`Of course sir.'

`How will the other wizards react to all of this? Will Hermione be in any danger?'

`I don't know how everyone will react, though my guess is they'll all be pretty shocked by it. As for Hermione being in danger, I can't make any guarantees but I can say that I'll do everything in my power to keep her safe.'

Mr Granger sat back looking satisfied, `Thankyou Harry, I feel much better about all of this now. I know you don't need it, but you have my blessing.'

Harry took a deep breath relaxing properly for the first time since they'd arrived, `Thankyou Mr Granger that really means a lot to me.'

A/N ~ Please a review.

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3. Chapter 3

A/N ~ I'm sorry, I forgot all about this fic. I honestly thought that all of my fics were completed. I guess a combination of R/L, DH and an absolutely shockingly bad memory are to blame. But I am not one to leave things unfinished. I've decided that since this story is now officially AU... in addition to Harry and Hermione getting together at the end of everything as they should have, they also did finish their NEWTS and were Head Boy & Girl. *happy sigh* Ah the sweet freedom of AU! Harry and Ginny never got back together after 6th year and she is now happily dating Neville and Ron is with Luna (as mentioned in chapter 1) Also the Weasley's who died in my world were Percy and Fred, and I don't think that's correct in Cannon either but I've decided I don't care! Anyway, enough lengthy author notes, On with the Show!

Accidentally Married chpt 3 ~ The Breaking News

The stop at the Granger home had gone much better than anticipated to say the least but they still had one more stop to make before they could feel comfortable and start planning their wedding. Hermione had promised her mother that she'd come back later in the week once they'd set a date and had worked out a few details so that they could start planning in earnest. With that promise made they set out for the Burrow to make their announcement to the other group of most important people in their lives. They apparated into the front yard of the Burrow and walked toward the front door hesitatingly.

`Tell Ron first do you think?' Harry whispered

`Ok, might make this a bit easier.'

So they knocked on the front door and waited for the answer, thankfully it was Charlie who answered the door.

`Hey guys how's it going?' He asked opening the door and welcoming them inside.

`Good, we just came to visit Ron.'

`He's up in his room, head on up. Should I let mum know your staying for tea?'

`If it's no bother.' Harry said feeling uncertain

`Don't be silly mate your always welcome, you know that.'

`Thanks Charlie.'

Harry and Hermione quickly scurried up the stairs to Ron's room eager to avoid the rest of the family. As they hurried away they heard Charlie call to his mum,

`Harry and Hermione are here to see Ron, can they stay for tea?'

`Of course they can,' was Mrs Weasleys reply.

Ron having obviously heard this exchange threw open his bedroom door just as they reached it, for a second they all stared at each other in shock , before Ron reacted to the sudden appearance of his best friends outside his bedroom door.

`Hey Guys! I just heard Charlie say you were here, was gonna come down.'

`We wanted to talk to you alone for a second if we could.' Harry asked cautiously.

Ron caught his tone and looked at him curiously, `sure come in.'

They entered the room in silence and sat down on one of Ron's twin beds, Ron watched them curiously, closed the door and sat down on the bed across from them. They all sat in silence for a moment before Ron spoke again.

`So you gonna tell me what's going on or is this some kind of game where I have to guess?'

Harry laughed while Hermione shifted uncomfortably, `we won't make you guess, I bet you couldn't anyway but... anyway that's not the point. Basically we've accidently gotten ourselves into a bit of a situation that we are intending on following through with and...Oh bugger this is so hard.' Harry ran a hand through his messy hair and looked at Hermione for help.

Hermione stepped in, `Yes you see, it's kind of related to why I fainted during my speech. When I was in the infirmary Professor McGonagall told us... and we had no idea that it could happen but... well Harry and I ... um. Oh Merlin.' She turned to Harry, `I can't do this, this is even harder than telling my parents.'

`Let me help you out, Hermione's pregnant?' Ron asked guessing.

`NO!' Harry and Hermione all but shouted at once.

`She's not? But it's the only thing I can think of that fits, with the activities that I'm fairly certain you've been involved in, the fainting, finding out in the hospital wing, telling Hermione's parents... what else could it be?' He looked between them.

Harry looked at Hermione, `on the count of three?' she nodded, `1,2,3... We're married.' They both said together.

`WHAT?!' Ron bellowed jumping to his feet, `Why didn't you tell me? Why couldn't I be there? I would've thought, being your best friend since we were 11, would've entitled me to be your best man mate or at least to friggen be there! Why on earth would you get married now anyway? You've only been dating for not even a month? What the hell are you thinking?'

Harry jumped to his feet and grabbed Ron by his shoulders shaking him, `It was a freaking accident okay! We didn't mean for this to happen, if we had you definitely would have been there!'

This action did not calm Ron in the slightest, `By ACCIDENT?! How on earth do you get MARRIED by ACCIDENT? It's just not possible, if you didn't want anyone to know you should've just said instead of making up bullshit stories!'

Hermione stood up then, `Even if we didn't want anyone else to know, you know we would've at least told you Ron. It was an accident and if you'll just calm down for on Merlin-be-damned minute we'll explain it to you!'

Ron looked at her for a second his mouth flapping before finally he closed it and sat down on his bed again with a thump, a belligerent look on his face. `Fine, explain to me how you get married by accident.'

Harry and Hermione both sat back down, `right,' Harry began uncertainly, `So you know the night before the graduation ceremony Hermione went for a walk by the lake and fell asleep down there? We got back just in time for the ceremony and were both in a massive rush?'

Ron nodded.

`Right well, that night when we went for a walk we were talking about the future and stuff and I told Hermione that I really loved her and all the reasons why and stuff and told her that I couldn't imagine my life without her. She said the same sort of thing to me and we spent the night by the lake. We didn't realise what had happened at first cause we fell asleep right after and were in a massive rush the next morning. It wasn't until Hermione's speech when she tried to thank her “best friend” that it all came out because she physically couldn't call me her best friend, she kept starting to say husband. When McGonagall realised what was going on she told Hermione and that's why Hermione fainted.'

`I don't get it. I'm sure Luna and I have had that exact same sort of evening and we never ended up married.'

Harry put his head in his hands and started massaging his head, Hermione sensing his distress took over, `Well the way McGonagall explained it, effectively what we had said to each other must have unknowingly been the equivalent of wedding vows and then because we sealed the promise with a kiss and, ah...' she coughed, `consummated, the vows it was like a wedding ceremony.' She rushed on obviously feeling uncomfortable, `apparently it's an ancient ritual hand fasting that is very rarely stumbled onto by accident. She said that we were the youngest couple to ever have accidently gotten married.'

Ron looked at them both his gaze unimpressed, `You're serious aren't you?'

They both nodded.

`Bloody Hell,' then he laughed; a short bark of laughter, `trust you two!' and he erupted into a fit of laughter.

Harry and Hermione exchanged glances and reluctant smiles broke out over their faces, Ron's howls of laughter continued and finding the mirth infections they both began to laugh too.

`Can't do anything the normal way, can you mate!' Ron said amidst gasps of laughter.

`Not the extraordinary Harry Potter.'

`Piss off!' Harry said trying to contain his own laughter.

Their mirth continued unabated for a few minutes and when it finally died down they were all wiping tears from their eyes.

`So, married huh?' Ron said now that he'd calmed down.

`Yep,' Harry replied nodding and taking hold of Hermione's hand.

`Right and you've already been and seen Hermione's folks then? How'd they take it?'

Harry shrugged, `They were ok about it really, they were a bit disappointed about Hermione not getting a wedding at first, but then we figured out that we could still have a muggle wedding so they were fine with that. Even happier of course when I said I'd pay for it.'

Ron raised his eyebrows, `So you are going to have a wedding then are you?'

`Yep, I suppose after your reaction before, I don't need to ask if you'll be my best man?'

Ron just stuck out his hand which Harry shook, `It'd be an honour mate.'

After that there wasn't really anything more to do but go down stairs to tell the rest of the Weasley's. When they reached the kitchen they found George and Charlie setting the table for dinner while Mrs Weasley, with assistance of Ginny, prepared dinner and Mr Weasley sat at the table reading the paper.

`Hi Mr & Mrs Weasley, Ginny, George' Harry said as they entered the room.

`Hello dears, how are you?' Mrs Weasley asked coming forward and enveloping them both in a big hug, `Good to see you, why don't you have a seat, I'm just putting up dinner now.'

`Anything I can do to help Mrs Weasley?' Hermione asked

`No dear, it's all under control.'

Within moments they were all seated around the table covered with dishes Mrs Weasleys delicious cooking and heaped plates in front of them. The discussion around the table was general and Harry and Hermione, by unspoken consensus, decided to wait until after dinner was over to make their big announcement. Dinner stretched on as the Weasley boys helped themselves to second and third helpings. When at last it seemed everyone was finished and they were all lolling about just picking at the remainder of the food on their plates Harry and Hermione exchanged a significant glance and Harry cleared his throat.

`Um, I'd like to have everybody's attention please,'

Everyone stopped their idle chatter at turned to look at Harry, `I just have an announcement to make, um, on the night before the graduation ceremony Hermione and I accidently got married, and after discussing the situation together and with Hermione's parents, we've decided not only to stay married but to have a proper Muggle style wedding ceremony and reception.'

The table of people was silent with shock, except for Ron who was watching everyone's reactions with an amused look on his face.

The first to recover was Mr Weasley, Harry assumed he must know about the ritual and had guessed what happened.

`Congratulations both of you, Hermione you will make a beautiful bride, Harry you couldn't have chosen a better woman to be your wife.'

Harry and Hermione both smiled, `Thank you Mr Weasley.'

The congratulations of the rest of the Weasleys flowed in smoothly following that until everyone once more fell silent. The silence stretched for a few seconds to be finally broken by George.

`So how exactly does a person get married by accident then?'

Harry and Hermione both went bright red, `er, well,' Harry began haltingly before Hermione took over in her trademark bossy tone.

`Professor McGonagall said it's a very ancient spell that almost no-one stumbles onto by accident. Apparently we were just lucky all the conditions were met by coincidence and we were married.'

`Well I just think it's lovely dear,' Mrs Weasley said kindly, `have you thought about a date yet or how many bridesmaids you'll have?'

`No not yet Mrs Weasley, we've really just decided today that we'd have a wedding.'

`I see, now you said it was going to be a Muggle wedding? Are you going to marry in a church then?'

`Oh I really don't,' she glanced at Harry, `we haven't discussed any of it yet.'

`Ooh Hermione, can I be a bridesmaid?' Ginny asked

`No way! I'm not walking you down the isle, I'm the best man you know.' Ron protested.

`I didn't say maid of honour Ron.' Ginny snipped back, `I'm sure Hermione's already got someone picked out for that job. I just want to be a bridesmaid and help organise the hens night.'

`Oh I don't know about a Hens night,' said Harry looking worried

`I don't know how many people we'll have in the wedding party,' was Hermione's concern

`You'll let me be MC though won't you?' Asked George

Suddenly a loud piercing sound filled the air, Mr Weasley stood at the head of the table with a whistle in his mouth.

`Ok everyone, I think that'll do for now, you've all put in your requests, how about we just let Harry and Hermione have a chance to discuss what they want to do and they can let us know eh?'

Following his words Harry took advantage of the momentary lull in the conversation to stand up, he grabbed Hermione's hand and pulled her to stand.

`Well we better get better going it was lovely seeing you all again, we'll let you know about that stuff as soon as we've made some decisions. Goodnight.' And they practically ran from the house.

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4. Wedding Woe

A/N- Sorry for the delay... I will finish this story eventually.... please excuse any OOC stuff, in my defence women do tend to go a bit nuts when they are planning a wedding.

Accidentally Married - chapter 3

Usually Hermione woke to either the sound of the birds chirping as the sun rose or the stirring of her husband in the bed next to her, that is over the last week it had been one of those two things that had woken her. This morning was different, this morning she was pulled from her peaceful slumber by the piercing wail of her mobile phone. She'd only purchased the phone since finishing at Hogwarts and so at first she didn't realised what it was, at first she'd confused it with her alarm and spent a few seconds uselessly shaking her wand to try and get it to shut up. By the time she realised that it wasn't working she was awake enough to find the true source of the noise. Annoyed, she picked up the phone and answered the call. She'd only gotten the phone to keep in touch with her parents so she knew straight away it would be one of them calling (even if the early hour hadn't given it away).

`Hello', she grumbled, her head still firmly on her pillow.

`Hello darling, it's me, mum.' As if Hermione hadn't already guessed.

`Hi Mum,' she replied dutifully.

`What are you doing today sweetie? I thought if you weren't busy we could go dress shopping?'

`I guess we could do that, I didn't have anything else planned.'

`Excellent, how would you like to come for breakfast first and then we can go from there, there is so much to organise we really should get started. Have you and Harry thought about a date yet?'

`Yeah, I think so, but ... look I'm still half asleep, can we talk about this when I get there?'

`Of course dear, what time do you think you'll be here?'

`What time is it now?'

`It's nearly 8 o'clock.'

Hermione cracked one eye open and cast a spell on the wall to tell the time, seven thirty appeared in big cursive letters there.
`It's only seven thirty!' she was horrified, surely it was universally accepted as bad manners to call anyone at this hour of the morning.

`My clock says it's quarter to eight.'

`Whatever,' she was in no mood to argue, `I'll be there by nine thirty.' And she disconnected the call, unconcerned about hanging up on a mother who had been rude enough to call at this ungodly hour.

`Who was that?' Harry mumbled from where his face was buried in the crook of her neck.

`It was my mum.'

He groaned in response, `What did she want?'

`She wants to go dress shopping.'

His arm tightened around her stomach in protest at the idea of loosing her warmth, `Now?'

`No, I said I'd meet her at nine thirty.'

`Good, we can sleep for a bit longer then.'

Hermione rolled to face him, now fully awake, `I have to start getting ready in an hour Harry, are you sure you want to spend that last hour with me sleeping?'

He grinned, though his eyes remained closed, and then in the blink of an eye he had her pinned on her back his eyes open and boring down into hers.

`Actually, I think there is something I'd rather do with you.'

Hermione giggled and reached her arms up around his neck, pressing her body full length against his.

`Really Mr Potter and what might that be?'

His response was to kiss her thoroughly and when she'd forgotten her own name he pulled back briefly and said in his rough morning voice, `Why don't I just show you, Mrs Potter.'

*****

An hour later Hermione was in the shower and Harry was perched on the edge of the bath talking to her while she got ready.

`So have you got enough money to buy the dress or will you have to stop at Gringotts first?'

He'd gotten her the key to his vault just a few days before and wasn't sure if she'd used it yet or not.

`Oh, well I will need some money but I don't think I'll have time to stop at Gringotts...'

`I can go and get some money for you, how much do you think you'll need?'

`I'm not sure, do we have a budget for how much we want to spend on this all together?'

She was out of the shower now and drying herself off, Harry thought he'd never seen anything so beautiful and was happy to let her spend every Knut in his vault if she wanted to, he must have said as much out aloud because Hermione responded.

`Don't be silly Harry; we are still planning on renovating Godric's Hallow aren't we? You don't want to live in this Grimm old Place forever, do you?'

`No, I still want to renovate, but we can do most of that ourselves with Magic can't we? `

`I guess, I still wouldn't want to use all of your savings though. Did you find out how much you have?'

Harry nodded, `Yeah, didn't I mention it after I went and got your key?' Hermione shook her head so he continued, `Well the Goblins told me that, converted to pounds, I've got about 100 thousand in the Potter vault and about 10 thousand in my trust vault. That's the one I had access to when I was at Hogwarts. Then I've also got about 250 thousand that was in the Black vault. I combined them all into the main Potter vault now so it's roughly got about 360 thousand pounds in it at the moment.'

Hermione was agape, she knew he'd never been hard up for money, and that he'd had a good inheritance, but she'd never had any idea that it was that much.

`So how much did you want to spend on the wedding?' Harry was asking now, `I was thinking that if we tried to keep it under 100 thousand then we should still have enough left for renovations and a bit left to invest. What do you think?'

Hermione closed her eyes and took a deep breath, `I'm fairly confident I can work within 100 thousand pounds as a budget.'

Harry grinned at her, `Cool! I don't want you to miss out though so if you think you need more just say so.'

Hermione nodded feeling a little dizzy.

`Hey, if you give me your account details I can get it changed to pounds and then deposit it into your account if you like.'

Hermione nodded again still not trusting herself to speak.

Harry looked at her confused, he could sense that something wasn't quite right and yet she didn't seem unhappy with his proposals.

`You would tell me if that wasn't enough, wouldn't you?'

Hermione just nodded again.

`Okay, if you're sure.'

Hermione, not wanting to dwell on the financial aspect of things, changed the subject, `So aside from going to the bank, what are you going to do with your day?'

`I thought I'd go and see Ron, maybe look at some suits or something.'

***

It was nine thirty on the dot when she rang the doorbell to her parent's house but her mum must have been sitting by the door waiting for her because no sooner had the noise sounded in the house than the door was pulled open.

`Hi sweet-heart, where's Harry?' Her mother asked pulling her into a hug.

`He's gone to the bank, I didn't think he should come, we are going dress shopping aren't we?'

`Yes of course, I just thought he might spend the day with your father.'

`Oh, you didn't say, I'm sure he would have liked to... I could go and find him if you like and ask him.'

`No it's fine,' Mrs Granger responded her curls bouncing around energetically as she shook her head, `they can do that next time, we should hit the shops.'

Hermione's mind boggled as she thought of how many days of dress shopping might be ahead of her. She wasn't a very girly girl and shopping for clothes, let alone dresses, had never been high on her list of favourite things to do.

`Have you set a date yet, do you know how long we've got to plan?'

`Well we were hoping to get it all organised as soon as possible, since we're actually already married we didn't want a long engagement.'

Her mother looked slightly disappointed at this curtailment of her enjoyment, `Well, I suppose I can understand that. Perhaps we should stop by the church first and see when we can book it in first?'

`Oh, I wouldn't want to book a date without Harry there Mum. He's decided he wants to take up Quidditch professionally, he's signed up with the Wimbourne Wasps, and I wouldn't want it to conflict with his schedule.'

They were in the car by this time and driving towards town, but Mrs Granger still had the freedom to send her daughter an annoyed glance. `I think your wedding should be more important to him than some game sweetie.'

Now Hermione was annoyed, `I'm sure it is Mum, but I don't want to put him in a position where he has to choose if I can avoid it so I'd prefer to have him there when selecting the date for our wedding. It is our wedding, not just mine.'

Mrs Granger smiled now to placate her daughter, `Of course. Well, if Harry isn't busy tomorrow perhaps we could go and see the priest then?'

Hermione smiled, equally eager to keep the peace, `Sure Mum, I don't think we have anything planned for tomorrow.'

`Excellent, now have you had any thoughts about flowers?'

As they drove they discussed various aspects of the wedding and, to Hermione's consternation, found more points on which to disagree than they found to agree upon. While Hermione had thought of only having two bridesmaids (Luna & Ginny) she found that her mother expected her to have her three cousins, none of whom she'd even seen for years. They couldn't have all five because, Hermione reasoned, Harry probably wouldn't have anyone he'd want to partner that many girls. She also wasn't sure she really wanted her cousins in the bridal party, even to please her mother, she barely knew those girls after all. They also found that the church, a point on which they had thought they agreed, was a point of contention. Hermione always assumed that her parents had been married in the beautiful blue-stone church near her grand-parents house but it turned out they'd actually been married in the modern red-brick construction in the centre of town. Apparently it's dated 70's facade had been thought beautiful at the time, now Hermione shuddered at the thought of it appearing in her own wedding photo's. The flowers were also a source of debate; Hermione wanted something timeless, like white roses and her mother thought she should go for something less common like orchids, especially when she found out the budget that Harry had tentatively set.

When Hermione mentioned the sum they'd settled upon her mothers eyes lit up and she started talking about holding the event in Hawaii and flying everyone there for the occasion. Hermione had been very quick to put her foot down on that front stating that under no circumstances was that even a remote possibility. By the time they reached London, the two ladies were both fuming, neither was satisfied with the compromises they'd reached and each was thinking of enlisting the help of their respective husbands to get what they wanted.

The dresses they looked at all told a similar story in the disparity of their ideas. Hermione found that she favoured the simple dresses, she had no time for the hideous meringues that her mother consistently squealed over and her mother was horribly disappointed that her daughter was not more inclined to be a princess for a day. By the time they parted ways for the day the only thing that they agreed upon was that the wedding was going to be a disaster and, for all their disagreements, they each ended the day the same way, by complaining to their husbands.

`It was just awful Harry!' Hermione stormed her temper finally allowed free reign to express itself, `I always thought that my parents understood me. I knew that we were different and logically I should have realised that I've spent the vast majority of the last seven years away from them but even so.'

She shook her head exasperated, `it's like she has no idea who I am! Do you know what she said when I told her our budget?' Hermione demanded, rounding on him in fury.

Harry just shook his head mutely, desperate to avoid having any of that rage directed at him.

`She said we should forget about having the wedding in England at all and have it in Hawaii instead! Hawaii! Of all places, it's like she doesn't even know me at all!'

`I'm sure it'll work itself out, when she realises that this is your day...' but Hermione cut him off.

`That's right this is MY day, I mean OUR day. Not hers, why on earth would I want to get married in that hideous red brick thing, just because it's where she got married?'

Harry tried to be sympathetic but he really didn't understand, `Why not just have it there though, if that's what she wants, aren't we doing this for them anyway?'

But it was the wrong thing to say and he soon knew it. Hermione glared at him and without another word stormed out of the room. Harry shook his head and cursed himself for his own stupidity, but decided that in this case discretion was the better part of valour and allowed her to calm down before approaching the closed door of their bedroom, half an hour later, with a cup of tea to calm her further still.

He placed the cup of tea on the night stand by where she lay on the bed and then sat down next to her.

`I'm sorry,' he whispered quietly, stroking her hair back away from her face, `I didn't mean for you to think I wasn't on your side. I was only trying to help.'

`I know Harry and, in a way, you're right. We are doing this to make them happy, but since we are doing it I want it to be what I want too.'

`I know and you should have what you want.'

`I just thought this would be fun, you know, I thought my mum and I would have a blast arranging this together but so far it's been nothing but one big hassle.'

Harry didn't speak; he just continued to stroke her hair as she vented her frustration.

`I wish you'd been able to see the dresses she was picking out for me to try on Harry, they were just awful. I never realised she had such bad taste.'

`It'll all work out Hermione, you'll see. I bet once she's had a chance to cool down a bit and think about this it'll be better.'

She turned her tear stained face up to him in the dim light of their bedroom and asked in a whisper, `and if it's not?'

`If it's not, then I'll get all husbandly and refuse to have the wedding at all if it's going to make you miserable.'

Hermione smiled in spite of herself, `We can't do that. I'm just going to have to sort through this with my mum and come to an arrangement we can both be happy with.'

Harry smiled back at her, `Now that sounds more like the Hermione I know and love.'

She grinned then and asked innocently, `How would you feel about having five groomsmen?'

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