A/N: Well, you guys have been waiting for it, so here it is: the wedding! There's awkwardness, anger, fluff and danger. Hopefully it will be to your liking!
Love is a Battlefield
We are strong,
No one can tell us we're wrong.
Searching our hearts for so long,
Both of us know it.
Love is a battlefield.
Hermione was surprised to find a small box on her bed after she got out of the shower. The note on top of it read:
My Mione,
I thought you might like these.
Love, Harry
Hermione slowly opened the box to reveal a pair of jewel-encrusted hair combs. She turned them over carefully, amazed at how they perfectly matched the dress she was going to wear. She noted that they resembled orchids, her favorite flower. He is so sweet! I wonder how he knew they matched my dress.
Bill had told the guests to forgo robes, as it was the middle of August. As a result, Harry was wearing the outfit Hermione had picked out for him: an emerald green dress shirt with a pink (Harry was hesitant, but since Hermione wanted him to, he wore it) and emerald striped tie, khaki slacks and brown shoes. His hair, as usual, couldn't be tamed. Harry sat at the kitchen table, waiting. When Hermione entered, his jaw dropped. She was wearing a knee-length strapless pink flared sundress, cinched at the waist with an emerald green ribbon. Matching green peep-toe pumps were on her feet, and the hair combs allowed Harry to see all of her beautiful face.
"Hermione, if you keep dressing like that, I might need resuscitation."
"Good thing I know CPR," she laughed, kissing him. "Now, I know the green stones are emeralds, but what are the pink ones?"
"Pink sapphires," he answered. Anticipating her next question, he added, "I got Dobby to tell me what dress you were wearing."
"Harry? What are we going to do today?" she asked, brows furrowed. "I mean, are we going to let everyone know that we're a couple?"
"Would that be alright with you?" he asked.
"If it's okay with you," she said.
"Good," he grinned. "Now that I've got you, I want everyone to know that I'm the luckiest bloke in the world."
Hermione blushed. "Shall we go then, Luckiest Bloke In The World?"
"Let's." He took her arm and they apparated to the Burrow.
__________
The Burrow looked completely different than either of them had ever seen it. A large white tent had been erected in the back yard, under which chairs and an altar stood. A long red carpet ran from the front door to the altar. There were no signs of stray broomsticks, boots, or cauldrons. The garden was gnome-free. There were calla lilies everywhere, and twinkling lights were strung all around. Two large fountains sparkled in the sunlight.
Arthur rushed out to meet them. "Harry! Hermione! Good to see you! You both look great."
"Thanks Mr. Weasley," Hermione said, giving him a hug after Harry shook his hand.
"Come inside kids. Molly will want to see you."
Molly did want to see them. She enveloped them in a large hug the second they set foot in the house. "Congratulations you two! Head Boy and Girl! I knew you had it in you, of course! Ron's been made quidditch captain!"
Molly noticed that Hermione's fingers were still firmly laced with Harry's. "Do we have another couple in our midst?"
Both nodded, and Molly hugged them again. "I'm so happy for you dears! I'd hoped this would happen!"
"Really?" Hermione asked. "I was always under the impression that you wanted Ron and I to get together."
"Well, I did at first," Molly admitted. "But then I saw how you two interacted together. You and Ron fight entirely too much to be able to have a healthy relationship. You and Harry are much more compatible, and you're good for each other."
Harry grinned and squeezed Hermione's hand. "We think so too."
"I am a little worried about how Ron and Ginny will take this though," Molly said frowning. "Do try to break it to them gently."
As if on cue, Ron and Ginny ran down the stairs, bickering about something trivial. They stopped when they saw Harry and Hermione. Harry scratched the back of his head and said, "Ginny? Could I, er, have a word?"
"Of course Harry. Anything for you," she said, smiling broadly. Hermione had to fight not to roll her eyes.
Harry and Ginny went to the front porch. "Ginny, I have something to tell you-"
"Yes Harry?" she said, breathlessly.
"-and I don't think you're going to like it very much." The smile quickly left Ginny's face. He continued, "I figured it was better if you heard it from me. Ginny, Hermione and I, well, we're in a relationship now."
"I knew it!" Ginny yelled. "That's why you turned me down on your birthday."
"Hermione and I weren't together then. I told you I wasn't going to do it because I didn't have feelings for you. Ginny, you and I have been over for a few months now. I love Hermione, and I'm hoping we'll be together for a long time. I'm sorry Ginny, but that's how it's going to be." He turned and went inside.
Ginny's eyes narrowed. Over my dead body, Harry. Hermione Granger, this means war.
__________
"Ron, I need to tell you something," Hermione said, as Molly hastily exited the kitchen.
"Yeah?" he asked, hopeful. "What is it?"
"I don't really know how to ease into this, so I'll just tell you. Harry and I are together now."
Ron's face fell. "You and...Harry? But I thought you fancied me."
"So did I for awhile. I'm sorry if I led you on. I hoped that being with you would make me forget Harry, but kissing you only made me want him more. I'm so sorry Ron! I'm a horrible person."
Ron looked at her. "Am I really that bad of a kisser?"
"No Ron, that wasn't the problem at all. It just felt like I was kissing my brother."
"Oh."
"Please don't be mad at Harry, Ron. I've loved him for a very long time.
"You love him?" She nodded.
"And he makes you happy?"
"So much that it's almost scary," she said.
"Well, if he hurts you, I'll pummel him."
Hermione laughed. "I don't think we'll have to worry about that, but thank you." She kissed his cheek. "We're still friends Ron, and all three of us are going to need each other more than ever this year."
Harry walked in the door, sighing. Ron stuck his hand out. "Congratulations, mate. Take care of her. Any funny business and I'll be forced to hurt you."
"Fair enough," Harry said, shaking Ron's hand. Hermione hugged them both.
Ron looked at the clock. "You two should go sit down. The wedding's starting soon."
__________
Harry and Hermione were told to sit behind Arthur and Molly since they were practically family. Remus and Tonks were seated next to them.
Remus clapped a hand on Harry's shoulder. "Congratulations Harry. You've got yourself a good girl there."
"I sure do," Harry said, with a tender look at Hermione.
Hermione blushed. "Personally Remus, I think I got the better deal in this relationship."
Harry snorted. "Hardly."
Remus laughed. Tonks hushed them as the music started.
Bill had decided he wanted all of his brothers save Percy to be in the wedding, so Fleur recruited a couple of her cousins as bridesmaids. All the Weasley men were wearing black tuxedoes, and the bridesmaids were all dressed in shimmering floor-length halter dresses of the palest gold, their hair in curls piled atop their heads. Bill stood at the altar, Charlie at his side. Molly began crying as Fred (or was it George? No one was sure) escorted Fleur's cousin Belle down the aisle. His twin followed, Belle's sister Anne-Christine on his arm. Ron followed next, looking less than thrilled about escorting Ginny down the aisle. Ginny had a smile on her face, but her eyes blazed with anger. Ron and Ginny took their places, and Gabrielle Delacour made her way down the aisle as Maid of Honor. Charlie winked at the small part-Veela, who blushed. She took her place as the Bridal March played, everyone standing and turning. They all stood transfixed as Fleur appeared.
Her gown was simple, a white floor-length sheath that tied behind her neck. Her hair was loose and curled, Aunt Muriel's tiara perched on top of her head. She was absolutely stunning. She reached Bill and smiled at him. He took her hand and they turned to the officiating wizard.
"Witches and wizards, we are here today to celebrate the union of Fleur Marie Delacour and William Gideon Weasley. If anyone objects to this marriage, speak now or forever hold your peace." The only sound was Molly's crying.
"In addition to the traditional vows, the couple has elected to recite their own vows. Fleur will be going first."
"Bill," Fleur said, gazing into his eyes, "after you were attacked, people doubted my love for you. Zey were wrong. I love you, scars and all. The scars serve only as a reminder of how brave my husband ees, and I love each of them." Fleur gently kissed each scar on his face.
Bill's eyes were shiny. "Fleur," he said, "your love has made me a better man. You stood by me throughout everything, and you're willing to fight by my side. I couldn't ask for a braver, more loving wife. You made me the happiest man in the world when you agreed to marry me. I love you."
The official turned to Charlie. "May they have the rings, please?"
Charlie handed Fleur's ring to Bill and Bill's ring to Fleur.
Fleur had tears running down her face as the official turned to her. "Please repeat after me. I, Fleur Marie Delacour-"
"I, Fleur Marie Delacour-"
"Do pledge to you, William Gideon Weasley-"
"Do pledge to you, William Gideon Weasley-"
"My love and magic forever more."
"My love and magic forever more," Fleur whispered, sliding the ring onto Bill's finger.
"Bill, repeat after me. I, William Gideon Weasley-"
"I, William Gideon Weasley-"
"Do pledge to you, Fleur Marie Delacour-"
"Do pledge to you, Fleur Marie Delacour-"
"My love and magic forever more."
"My love and magic forever more," Bill said, placing the ring on Fleur's delicate finger.
The wizard waved his wand over their joined hands. "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride."
Bill took Fleur in his arms and gave her a passionate kiss while everyone clapped.
Harry turned to Hermione. "You know," he said, eyebrows wagging, "that gives me ideas."
Hermione laughed. "Later, Mr. Potter."
Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood appeared next to them.
Hermione hugged them both. "Hi guys! I heard you were coming!"
"Yes. It was a lovely wedding, wasn't it?" Luna asked dreamily.
The four talked about their summers. Neville and Luna were pleased to hear that the trio would be returning for their seventh year, and neither were surprised by Harry and Hermione's new Head Boy and Girl status. They were discussing who they thought the new teachers would be when Ron appeared.
"Hey guys," he said. "Glad that part's over."
As the band began to play, Luna said, "Ronald, would you like to dance?"
Ron looked flabbergasted for a moment, but then said, "okay," as Luna took his hand and led him to the dance floor.
"I'm going to go talk to Fred and George," Neville said. "I'll see you two later."
Harry and Hermione followed Ron and Luna to the dance floor. Bill was holding Fleur close, and Charlie was dancing with Gabrielle, who was standing on his feet.
Ginny took Dean Thomas's hand and led him to the shed. Tonks was sitting in Remus's lap, telling Arthur about VCRs. Molly was bustling about pouring coffee. Everything was peaceful.
__________
In the town of Little Hangleton, a hooded figure approached a dilapidated manor. The figure opened the door and stepped inside.
A man was in the shadows. "State your name and business."
"My name is none of your concern. I have information the Dark Lord may find useful."
The second figure stepped out of the shadows. Severus Snape was taken aback when he saw who the hooded figure was. "You?" he sneered. "Why would you want to help the Dark Lord?"
"By helping him, I help myself."
Snape approved of this answer. "More people should realize that. Tell me this information, and I will relay it to the Dark Lord."
The hooded figure looked at him. "Tell him that Potter and his Mudblood friend are now more than friends. They are currently at the home of the blood traitors."
"Well, well, well," Snape said approvingly, a small smile on his lips. "The Dark Lord will be most pleased."
"Good. I must go now." The hooded figure walked back out the door.
__________
An hour later, the toasts were being given out at the Burrow. Charlie and Gabrielle had given theirs when Molly stood up.
"I'll admit that when I first heard about Bill and Fleur's engagement, I wasn't exactly happy. In fact, I hoped they would break up. But Fleur, I was so impressed with how you handled Bill's accident that I realized that no other woman would be right for him but you. I am terribly sorry about my previous behavior, and I am sincerely glad to welcome you to the family." Fleur ran to her and wrapped her arms around her in a hug. Both women were laughing and crying.
Ron looked to Harry. "I just don't understand women sometimes."
"Me neither," Harry agreed. Hermione patted his knee.
Just then someone let out a scream.
Every head turned in the direction the scream had come from, and Hermione whispered, "Death Eaters."
Pandemonium ensued. Guests were running everywhere, apparating away if they could.
"Damn, there's got to be at least fifty of them," Harry muttered. He looked up and noticed Gabrielle's hair disappearing. He chased after it, and saw that she was being carried away by Fenrir Greyback. Harry hit him in the back with a stunner and ran to Gabrielle, who was sobbing. He scooped her up and carried her to Hermione.
"Quick Mione, take her to Grimmauld Place and stay there. I love you," he said giving her a quick kiss.
"I love you too," she said, and, not bothering to argue, took Gabrielle's hand and apparated away.
Greyback had recovered and was fighting with Remus.
Fleur was flinging hexes at Antonin Dolohov, who was firing them back at her. Bill had taken out one Death Eater and rushed to Charlie's aid when he saw that two of them had ganged up on his brother. Fred and George were throwing Fanged Frisbees at any Death Eater they could.
"Luna, come here," Harry whispered, as Luna ducked a curse.
"What is it Harry?"
"I need you to come with me for a moment, okay?"
"Okay," she said.
He took her hand and apparated.
__________
"Where are we?" Luna asked.
"Hogwarts. This is the Heads' common room. I need you to go find Hagrid or Professor McGonagall as quickly as possible and explain to them what's happening. They'll come help us. I need to get back now. Hurry Luna, this is of the utmost importance." Harry disapparated, and Luna shot out into the corridor, desperately seeking someone who could help.
__________
Harry appeared next to Ron.
"Where did you go mate?" Ron asked, firing a hex.
"I took Luna to Hogwarts to get help," he said, ducking as a blue light headed toward him.
"Good idea. What's the plan?"
"I have no idea," Harry said truthfully. "We just have to do what we can."
Harry noticed a few dead and injured Death Eaters on the ground, and a few of their own injured.
Bellatrix Lestrange called out to the Death Eaters. "What we came for is no longer here. As fun as it would be to stay, we need to report back."
There were several loud cracks as the Death Eaters disapparated.
"What was that all about?" Ron asked.
"I don't know," Harry said, "but at least they're gone now. I don't like it though. Something's going on."
They surveyed the damage. Fred was sitting next to his girlfriend Angelina Johnson, who had a large gash in her arm. Remus had suffered several scratches from Greyback, but had ultimately overpowered him, enabling him to kill the werewolf that turned him so long ago. A friend of Fleur's had a burn on her leg. Fleur had a cut on her cheek and a ruined wedding dress, and Charlie's abdomen was bleeding heavily.
Suddenly, Professor McGonagall, Hagrid, Madam Pomfrey and Luna appeared. Madam Pomfrey immediately ran to Charlie, was paling from blood loss.
"What happened Mr. Potter? Where did the Death Eaters go?" Professor McGonagall asked him.
"Bellatrix said that what they came for wasn't here anymore, and they went to report to Voldemort. It was rather sudden really. They're up to something though, and I don't like it one bit."
"Neither do I, Mr. Potter," she sighed. "Quick thinking though, sending Miss Lovegood to fetch us."
Hagrid clapped Harry and Ron on the back. "Yeh both are good brave boys."
"Thanks Hagrid," Ron said, his ears turning red.
"Gabrielle!" Fleur screamed. "I can't find Gabrielle!"
Harry rushed to her. "It's okay Fleur. Greyback had her, but I stunned him. I had Hermione take her to my house."
"Oh Harry, zat ees twice now zat you have saved her! I am so grateful!" she cried, kissing his cheeks.
"I'll go get her," Harry said, apparating away.
__________
Hermione had given Gabrielle some tea, and was comforting her when Harry appeared.
"Harry, you're okay!" She rushed into his arms, kissing his face.
"I'm fine. How's Gabrielle?"
"She's a little shaken, but that's understandable. Is everything okay? Is it over?"
"Yes, it's over. Apparently they came for something specific that wasn't there anymore and decided to leave. None of ours are dead, but Charlie was pretty badly wounded. Madam Pomfrey is fixing him up. Three Death Eaters died, and Remus killed Greyback as well."
"I was so worried," she said. "I wanted to be there fighting with you, but I knew Gabrielle needed me."
"I'm glad you were here," he said. "That way I knew you were safe." He kissed the silent tears that had rolled down her face before turning to Gabrielle.
"Gabrielle, Fleur would very much like to see you. The bad men are gone now, so it's safe to go back."
"Okay 'Arry," she said putting her small hand in his. Harry put his other arm around Hermione and the three went back to the Burrow.
__________
Fleur rushed to them as soon as they apparated. "Gabrielle! You are alright!" The sisters hugged.
"How's Charlie doing?" Harry asked Bill.
"Much better. Madam Pomfrey said he'll be just fine," Bill assured him.
"I CAN'T FIND GINNY!!!" Molly screamed.
Arthur put an arm around his wife. "Dean's gone too. I'm sure they just apparated to safety. They'll be back soon."
Ron had an arm around Luna, who looked as if she were about to fall asleep on his shoulder.
Harry looked at them in surprise.
Ron gave him a "tell you later" look.
Neville joined them. "Well, that's one way to make sure nobody forgets the wedding."
"Let's hope the next wedding is slightly less memorable," Harry said, pulling Hermione close to him.
"Harry, when are we going to Godric's Hollow?" Ron asked.
"I'd like to go within the next couple of days if it's alright with you two."
"I'm in," Hermione said, kissing him.
Ron looked at him. "Me too."
Neville and Luna didn't ask questions.
The five of them laid back in the grass, enjoying the peace they knew wouldn't last.