Harry woke up the morning of the wedding quite early. He yawned and let his head fall back onto his pillow. He knew he wouldn't be able to go back to sleep, yet he wanted to just lay there. It would be a big day ahead of him.
The thought of a shower appealed to him at that moment, so, not wasting time to do it later, he got up and stretched before he grabbed a pair of clean boxers and headed towards the shower.
The warm water relaxed his muscles as it cascaded down his body. He stood under the spray of the water and let it hit him. After he washed his hair and body, he got out of the shower and dried off. Once he had on his boxers, he went to the mirror and wiped away the steam.
The day before, he had asked Hermione about his beard and what he should do with it for the wedding. She told him that he should keep it light. So, that's what he did. He took his razor and shaving cream and began shaving.
Once he was done, he observed himself in the mirror. He was clean shaven except for the light beard around his mouth and chin. His body had a nice, even tan (despite England's reputation for its rainy, cold weather during all the seasons, it was actually hot and sunny for once) from the hours out in the sun playing quidditch and helping with the wedding details. The muscles in his upper and lower body were defined and he was slim, which gave him a lithe and agile look. His hair had been cut so it wasn't in his way and it kept him cooler in the heat of the summer. Today, his eyes were a nice, bright emerald green. For the first time all summer he could feel true happiness. He finished his observation and left the bathroom to go back to his bedroom.
After he had pulled on a pair of his cotton pajama pants, he grabbed a shirt and left the bedroom he shared with Ron and went downstairs. Not expecting anyone to be up yet, he left the shirt off as he walked down the stairs. He was wrong.
Elizabeth, Aaron and Hermione were sitting at the table with tea in front of them. Hermione glanced up at Harry as he entered the kitchen. She raised an eyebrow at him but eyed him approvingly. Harry smirked.
"Do you normally walk into the kitchen without a shirt?" she asked, her teasing apparent to him. Elizabeth and Aaron turned around and Elizabeth looked between her daughter and Harry, easily noticing the appreciative look her daughter was giving him.
"Yes, actually I do," Harry said, teasing her in return. "I thought you would be up so I decided to come down here just like this for you."
"Oh," was all she said, a slight smile beginning to take form on her lips. Harry laughed and held up the shirt that was in his hand.
"Actually I didn't expect anyone to be up yet so I didn't bother with a shirt, but I brought one just in case," Harry said. As he walked around the table and to Hermione, he put his shirt on. He took a seat next to her and leaned over to kiss her on the cheek.
"Morning," he said.
"Morning," she replied.
"I didn't know any of you got up this early," Harry said, talking to all three of them.
"I normally don't, but I couldn't sleep," Hermione said.
"We're just used to it because of work," Aaron replied.
"Have you had breakfast?" Harry asked. They shook their heads and he got up from his seat at the table.
"I'll cook then," Harry said walking over to the stove. Elizabeth looked at Hermione, surprised but she just shrugged as if to say you can't stop him.
Harry made eggs, toast and bacon for Hermione's parents and he made pancakes for Hermione and himself.
"Where'd you learn to cook?" Elizabeth asked as Harry set her plate in front of her and another in front of Aaron.
"The Dursleys; I've cooked since I was tall enough to reach the stove," Harry said, walking back to the counter to get Hermione's plate. Elizabeth looked at Hermione, who shook her head, motioning her mum to stop talking about it.
"Thanks," she said, running her hand in a gentle scratching motion across his abs as he set her plate in front of her.
"Yes, thank you Harry," Elizabeth and Aaron said.
"You're welcome," Harry said as he took his seat at the table, his breakfast in his hand.
"You put peanut butter and syrup on your pancakes too?" Elizabeth asked as she observed both teens. Harry had started putting peanut butter on his pancakes and then passed it to Hermione, who did the same. They put syrup on top of them and Hermione pushed her tea over to Harry, who took a sip. Elizabeth bit back a smile when she saw them share a drink.
"Yeah," Harry said taking a bite. "She's a bad influence," he said, motioning to Hermione with his left thumb. Hermione rolled her eyes.
"No worse than you," Hermione retorted. Harry grinned when he looked at her.
"Really now? At least I have my priorities straight," Harry said. Hermione raised an eyebrow.
"And what's that supposed to mean," she asked. Harry sighed.
"I'm going to bed before either of you two get us killed, or worse, expelled," Harry said. Hermione looked away from Harry, trying not to smile. "Seriously, wanting to be killed over getting expelled is a little excess."
"I was eleven," she said.
"So was I," Harry said.
"And naïve," she added.
"That I wasn't," Harry said, a grin on his face.
"Oh whatever," Hermione replied, looking at him. "You can hardly make it to class on time now; tell me you weren't naïve then."
"I just did, thank you. And anyway, in case you hadn't noticed, after McGonagall said for me to get a watch, what did I do? I got a watch and I haven't been that late ever since," Harry said.
"But you have been late," Hermione said, smiling at him. Harry sighed.
"Eat your pancakes," he said, putting peanut butter on her nose as he got up to put his plate in the sink.
"I still win round one," Hermione said, sighing.
"No, I did. I put peanut butter on your nose," Harry said.
"Yeah, and you're going to get it off," Hermione said. Harry rolled his eyes.
"Do you want me to feed you too?" he asked sarcastically. Hermione raised an eyebrow and reached up and got the peanut butter off of her nose. She then wiped it on his shirt. Harry sighed.
"And yes, it's only right if you feed me," Hermione said. Harry grinned slyly and reached over to take a hold of her fork.
"Open up, here comes the airplane," he said, making a swerving motion with her fork. Trying not to laugh, Hermione opened her mouth and Harry put the fork full of pancakes in.
"I can't believe you just did that," Hermione said after she had swallowed. Harry shrugged and put her fork back on her plate.
"Hey, I cook for you and I feed you. What more could you want from a guy?" Harry asked.
"He's right honey," Elizabeth said, smiling at her daughter.
"I know," Hermione said, finishing her breakfast. Harry took her plate for her and it joined his in the sink. "He spoils me sometimes."
"You deserve to be spoiled," Harry said, walking back to the kitchen table. Hermione leaned back and smiled at him.
"Don't tell her that too much Harry, she'll let it go to her head," Aaron said, looking at his daughter with a smile.
"Dad," Hermione said. The four of them shared a laugh and then footsteps were heard. Most of the Weasleys appeared before them. Morning greetings were exchanged and another round of breakfast for those who had just got up was begun.
Later that day, Harry found himself putting his tux on in the boys' designated dress room, or better know as Fred and George's old room. The girls were in Bill and Fleur's room getting ready.
"Bill, calm down," Charlie said. Bill was pacing the room and Harry wondered if he was going to wear the wood down.
"Yeah, come on mate, you've been at that for a good half hour," George added.
"It's just…I'm nervous. What if she realizes she doesn't want to marry me when we're up at the alter," Bill said, as he stopped.
"Bill, she's had six months to make up her mind and today is her wedding day," Harry said. "She's marrying you and nothing will change that." Bill nodded.
"Why don't you guys help him with his lines and I'll check on the girls," Harry said. He left the room and went down the hallway and knocked on the girls' door.
"Who is it?" Fleur said through the door.
"Casper," Harry replied. The door opened Fleur was smiling at him. He smiled back.
"Just checking on everything; Bill is going to wear the wood down in the room so I figured I could be out when that happens," Harry said. Fleur laughed.
"How's my escort?" Harry asked as Hermione came to the door. She rolled her eyes.
"I'm fine. Harry, we need to be down there in twenty minutes, don't forget that," Hermione said.
"Yes ma'am," Harry said cheekily. "I'm leaving now. See you in a few." Harry left for the boys' room again.
"Everything is fine mate," Harry said as he entered the room. "We have to hurry up and finish getting ready. We have twenty minutes." The boys rushed around and made sure they had their tuxes on right and Charlie made sure he had his best man speech with him. Bill left to go downstairs, as he had to be at the alter before the ushers and bridesmaids and of course, the bride.
Harry made his way downstairs with Charlie, Fred, George and Bill and saw the girls waiting for them. Elizabeth and Aaron were standing off to the side with Molly, Arthur, Remus and Tonks.
"You look gorgeous," Harry said to Hermione as he walked up to her side. She turned and looked up at him and smiled.
"And you look handsome," she said. Harry smiled at her.
"All right," said the wedding planner. "The wedding is about to begin. Get into order." Harry and Hermione stood side by side together in line with the other ushers and bridesmaids ahead of them. They would be the last to walk down the aisle before Fleur. The others who weren't in the wedding left the house in search of seats outside.
As the line of people dwindled, Harry offered Hermione his arm. She took it and they waited patiently as Ron and Ginny went before them. A few seconds later, the two of them entered the wedding area and walked down the aisle. At the beginning of the alter, Harry and Hermione separated and took their respective spots in the wedding. A couple of seconds later, Here Comes the Bride began to play. Fleur and her father began walking down the aisle. Bill smiled as he saw his almost wife coming toward him. At the end of the walkway, the two of them stopped and the minister began to speak.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sign of God and in the face of this company to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among all men; and therefore is not by any to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this holy estate these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just why they may not be joined, let them speak now or forever hold their peace," he said. A silence was issued before the minister began to talk once more.
"Marriage is the union of husband and wife in heart, body and mind. It is intended for their mutual joy and for the help and comfort give on another in prosperity and adversity. But more importantly, it is a means through which a stable and loving environment may be attained.
Through marriage, William and Fleur make a commitment together to face their disappointments, embrace their dreams, realize their hopes and accept each other's failures. William and Fleur will promise one another to aspire to these ideals throughout their lives together through mutual understanding, openness and sensitivity to each other.
We are here today before God because marriage is one of His most sacred wishes; to witness the joining in marriage of William and Fleur. This occasion marks the celebration of love and commitment with which this man and this woman begin their life together. And now, through me, He joins you together in one of the holiest bonds. Who gives this woman in marriage to this man?" the minister said and asked. Fleur's father spoke up.
"Her family and friends gathered here today do," he said. Her father hugged and kissed Fleur before taking his spot next to his wife in one of the chairs. Fleur continued the short walk from where she was standing to in front of the minister. Bill's hand found hers as they stood in front of the vicar together, facing each other.
"This is a beginning and a continuation of their growth as individuals. With mutual care, respect, responsibility and knowledge comes the affirmation of each one's own life happiness, growth and freedom. With respect for individual boundaries comes the freedom to love unconditionally. Within the emotional safety of a loving relationship, the knowledge self-offered one anther becomes the fertile soil for continued growth. With care and responsibility towards self and one another comes the potential for full and happy lives.
By gathering together all the wishes of happiness and our fondest hopes for William and Fleur from all present here, we assure them that our hearts are in tune with theirs. These moments are so meaningful to all of us, for "what greater thing is there for two human souls to feel that they are joined together to strengthen each other in all labor, to minister to each other in all sorrow and to share with each other in all gladness.
This relationship stands for love, loyalty, honesty and trust, but most of all for friendship. Before they knew love, they were friends and it was from this seed of friendship that is their destiny. Do not think that you can direct the course of love for love, if it finds you worthy, shall direct you.
Marriage is an act of faith and a personal commitment as well as a moral and physical union between two people. Marriage has been described as the best and most important relationship that can exist between them. It is amoral commitment that requires and deserves daily attention. Marriage should be a life long consecration of the ideal of loving kindness backed with the will to make it last," the minister finished his speech and looked at Bill and Fleur each.
"Do you, William Weasley take Fleur Delacour to be your wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon her your heart's deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her as long as you both shall live?" the minister asked Bill.
"I will," Bill said, looking at Fleur.
"Do you Fleur Delacour take William Weasley to be your husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon him your heart's deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto him as long as you both shall live?
"I will," Fleur said.
"What token of your love do you offer? Would you place the ring in my hand?" the vicar asked. Bill and Fleur handed their rings to the vicar.
"May these rings be blessed as they symbol of this affectionate unity. These two lives are now joined in one unbroken circle. Wherever they go, may they always return to one another. May these two find in each other the love for which all men and woman yearn. May they grow in understanding and in compassion. May the home which they establish together be such a place that many will find there a friend. May these rings on their fingers symbolize the touch of the spirit of love in their hearts." The vicar handed Fleur's ring to Bill.
"William, in placing this ring on Fleur's finger, repeat after me: Fleur, you are now consecrated to me as my wife from this day forward and I give you this ring as the pledge of my love and as they symbol of our unity and with this ring, I thee wed," said the minister. Bill repeated the words as he slipped the ring onto Fleur's left ring finger. The vicar turned to Fleur and handed Bill's ring to her.
"Fleur, in placing this ring on William's finger, repeat after me: William, you are now consecrated to me as my husband from this day forward and I give you this ring as the pledge of my love and as they symbol of our unity and with this ring, I thee wed." Fleur repeated the words and slipped the ring on Bill's finger.
"May you always share with each other the gifts of love, be one in heart and in mind and may you always create a home together that puts in your hearts love, generosity and kindness.
In as much as William and Fleur have consented together in marriage before this company of friends and family and have pledged their faith and declared their unity by giving and receiving a ring, are now joined. You have pronounced yourselves husband and wife, but remember to always be each other's best friend. What, therefore, God has joined together, let no man put asunder.
And so, by the power vested in my, I now pronounce you man and wife and may your days be good and long upon the earth. You may now kiss the bride," the vicar said. Bill smiled at Fleur as he pushed her veil back. Their lips met in a sweet and gentle kiss before they pulled apart, smiles on their faces. Everyone attending the wedding stood from their chairs and clapped as Bill and Fleur walked down the aisle together. Each bridesmaid and usher followed in their wake.
The reception was held in the back of the Burrow, off to the side of where the wedding was actually held. Bill and Fleur had their first dance as husband and wife before everyone else crowded around on the dance floor.
Harry took a seat at the table that held Elizabeth, Aaron, Remus, and Tonks as Hermione danced with Fred.
"How are you guys doing?" Harry asked.
"We're just fine," Remus replied. "How's it for you?" Harry shrugged.
"I dunno. It's fun so far," Harry replied.
"Are you going to dance with any of the ladies?" Aaron asked Harry, a grin on his face.
"Sure," Harry said. His eyes trailed to behind Remus' shoulder where Ginny was making a beeline for him. "Like now, sorry, have to go." Harry got up in a rush and left the table, Ginny hot on his heels. Hermione's dance with Fred had just ended and Harry rushed up to her.
"Do you want to dance?" he asked. Hermione raised an eyebrow at him but noticed two redheads coming towards them; one being Ron and the other Ginny.
"Yeah," she said. Harry took her hand and they walked to the dance floor.
"I thought you didn't like to dance," Hermione said. Harry looked down at her.
"It's not that I don't like it, it's just that I'm not very good," Harry replied, a small smile on his face.
"I'd say you're doing a good job now," Hermione said.
"Then the dance lessons paid off," Harry said.
"You took dance lessons?" Hermione asked.
"The week that I got the invitation to the wedding, I took up a couple classes so I wouldn't step on anyone's toes," Harry replied.
"So far so good," Hermione said, smiling.
"Good, because I really don't want to break one of your toes," Harry said. Hermione laughed.
"That wouldn't be good," she said.
"No, it wouldn't be," Harry said. He pulled her a little closer as a new song played.
"I'd say you took more than a few classes," Hermione said, resting her head on his shoulder. Harry chuckled.
"Maybe a few more," he admitted. "Do you want a drink?" Hermione lifted her head from his shoulder.
"Sure," she said. They walked off the dance floor and Hermione sat down with her parents as Harry got drinks.
"Hermione," said a voice from behind her. Hermione stopped talking and turned around to face Ron.
"Hi…Ron," Hermione said. Ron stood there and looked at her for a second and the color in his face slowly faded.
"Was there something you needed?" Hermione asked after about five minutes of silence.
"Erm…no, no, I just…" Ron stopped mid-sentence and turned around to leave. Hermione raised both of her eyebrows but turned back around. Her parents looked at her, smiles in place.
"How'd it go with Ron?" Harry asked, coming back. Hermione looked at him.
"He just stood there and looked at me for like five minutes," Hermione said. Harry slid her the drink he got her and took a sip of his own. It was oddly quiet between the two for a second before Hermione spun to look at him. At the sudden action most eyes at the table turned to them.
"Harry!" she said. Harry took another drink as he turned to look at her.
"Yes?" he asked.
"Don't `yes' me! You know what!" she said. Harry swallowed. Remus stifled a laugh and Elizabeth shook her head.
"Oh," he said. Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Oh, yeah; why?" she asked.
"It's a long story," he said weakly. Hermione narrowed her eyes.
"Oh please, do tell," she said.
"I went to get drinks and Ron came up to me and asked me if you would say yes if he asked you to dance and I shrugged," Harry said. Hermione sighed.
"You did more than shrug, what'd you say?" she asked. Harry was quiet for a moment.
"I said I didn't know," Harry said truthfully. At Hermione's look he continued. "Well, what was I supposed to say? Sorry mate, don't even bother, she doesn't like you like that."
"Yes!" Hermione said. Harry looked at her. "Okay, no," she said.
"Hermione," said the same voice. Hermione sighed and turned around.
"Hi Ron," she said again.
"Do you want to dance?" Ron asked, his voice slightly unsteady. Hermione was silent for a minute and Harry poked her in her side. She stomped on his foot in return. Harry winced and lurched slightly.
"Can I take a rain check?" Hermione finally replied. Ron swallowed and nodded.
"A rain check…right, yeah," he said. He smiled weakly and walked away. Hermione turned around and sat back against her chair.
"Ow! Mother f-," Harry began.
"Don't speak," Hermione said, holding up a hand. Harry stopped and looked at her.
"Ow! Merlin and I was worried about breaking your toe," he said. He stopped for a second. "A rain check? What the hell?"
"I was serious, don't speak," Hermione snapped. Harry faced forward and sighed, shaking his head.
"Well, I didn't want to say yes, and I didn't want to say no either," Hermione said, defending herself. Harry looked at her.
"Do you want to dance?" he asked her. Hermione blinked, an incredulous look on her face.
"Are you serious? No!" she said.
"See, how hard was that?" he replied. She sighed.
"You're a jerk sometimes," she said. Harry shrugged.
"My point was proven," Harry said.
"What, that you're a jerk?" Hermione replied.
"No, that was a given. My point was, it's not that hard to say no. Especially when your last resort was a damn rain check," Harry said. "Seriously, where do you get these things?"
"If I knew I'd tell you," she replied.
"So are you going to dance with him?" Harry asked after a while. Hermione sighed.
"I don't know. I said I'd take a rain check, but normally when a person says that it means no. I don't want to be mean, but I don't want to dance with him," Hermione said.
"Suck it up and give him one dance," Harry said. Hermione looked at him.
"Suck it up and go dance with Ginny," Hermione replied. Harry raised an eyebrow.
"That was cold on so many different levels," he said. Hermione sighed.
"You're right, I'm sorry," she said. She gave a small frustrated sigh. "Fine, I'll dance with him, once. If he makes a move, I'll tell him." She got up in search of Ron.
"Break a leg," Harry called after her. She turned and glared at him and in return he smiled.
"Do you mind telling us what's going on?" Elizabeth asked. Harry grinned.
"Well, Ron has sort of liked Hermione since about third year. And last year, he set out to make her jealous with some other girl which just resulted in annoying her because she doesn't like him that way. And don't tell her I told you this, but Ron told me earlier that he was going to try and ask her out tonight," Harry said.
"Oh," Aaron said, his face slightly red.
"And I have a feeling that I shouldn't have said that in front of you," Harry said, looking at Aaron.
"Mr. Potter," said a familiar, stern voice from behind him. Harry turned to look at his Transfiguration professor.
"Hi Professor," he said.
"Good evening," she said. "I need to speak with you and Miss. Granger."
"Er...she's dancing right now…maybe not," Harry said. His eyes glance over his professor's shoulders and saw Hermione heading towards the table, her cheeks slightly flushed and her eyes set ablaze in anger.
"Hermione, are you okay?" Harry asked as she sat down in her chair next to him.
"Fine," she said.
"Good evening Miss. Granger," McGonagall said.
"Hi Professor," Hermione replied.
"I just wanted to give these to you both before I leave tonight. It's much easier than mailing them three days from now," McGonagall said. She handed Harry and Hermione their school letters.
"Thank you," they said. She nodded.
"You're welcome. See you in the next few weeks," she said as she left the table. Harry set his letter on the table and turned to Hermione.
"Are you sure you're okay?" he asked.
"I'll tell you later," she said.
"Okay," Harry said. He took her hand in his. "Come on, you're going to calm down." She let him lead her to the dance floor and he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close.
"So what happened?" he asked.
"Ron tried to kiss me," she said. Surprise came over Harry's face as he stared down at her.
"Oh," he said. "Didn't think he moved that fast." Hermione narrowed her eyes.
"What do you mean you didn't think he'd move that fast?" she asked him. Harry sighed.
"I'm not supposed to be telling you this, or anyone really, but earlier Ron told me he was going to try and ask you out," Harry said.
"I'm sensing more to the story," Hermione said. Harry nodded.
"Yeah," he replied. "Ron asked my opinion on you and what he should do and stuff like that."
"Stuff? What'd you say?" she asked.
"Well, I told him that I thought you were a sweet person and that you'd make a good girlfriend to anyone but that he should really make sure he likes you enough to ask you out," Harry said truthfully.
"Oh," she said. She was quiet for a moment before she laughed. "You know, you're kind of hindering his plan. Not that I want him to go through with it."
"And how is that?" Harry asked.
"You keep dancing with me and I'm spending most of my time with you instead of him," Hermione said. Harry smiled a bit.
"Yeah, I guess you're right. But, after all, I am your escort and you're my best friend so why shouldn't I dance with you?" Harry said.
"You should," Hermione replied, a small smile on her face.
"And that's exactly what I'm doing," Harry said softly as he leaned down to kiss her forehead.
"I'm glad," she murmured as she let her head fall against his chest. Harry pulled her closer to him and rested his chin on the top of her head.
"Me too," he whispered back.
The wedding reception ended later that night. Everyone saw Bill and Fleur off to their honeymoon before they started to clean up.
"I'm going to head in" Hermione said to Harry. Harry turned from helping put the chairs up and he took his tux jacket off.
"Okay. Take this so you won't get cold on your way back. I'll meet you inside in a little while," Harry said. He wrapped his jacket around her shoulders and kissed her forehead.
"Thank you," she said. Harry nodded and resumed his help as Hermione left. He turned back a few minutes later and saw that she was talking to McGonagall as they headed toward the Burrow.
"Looking after the girlfriend Harry?" Fred called good-naturedly from a couple tables down. Harry laughed.
"Not the girlfriend, the best friend," Harry called back. He loosened his tie a bit more as he picked up one side of the table, Charlie on the other, and carried it to the front yard.
Cleaning up was soon done and Harry entered the front door of the Burrow. A lot of the adults were standing around the kitchen and Harry recognized most of them to be from the Order. He sighed as he made his way up the stairs and to his bedroom. He pulled off his slacks, shirt and tie and got dressed in his pajamas.
Going across the hall, he knocked on the girls' door. A few seconds later, it opened and Ginny stood in the doorway. She beamed at him and Harry coughed uncomfortably.
"Erm…is Hermione there?" he asked. Ginny's face fell and she went to say something.
"Yeah, I'm here," Hermione replied, standing behind Ginny. Harry looked over Ginny's shoulder and relaxed a little. She too was in her pajamas; her red and white checked cotton pajama pants hung off her hips and her grey Gryffindor t-shirt (which used to be Harry's back in fourth year) fit her loosely but nicely as it hugged her obliques. Her hair was thrown in a loose ponytail.
"Have you opened your letter yet?" he asked, holding up his which had been hanging at his side in his left hand.
"No, I was waiting for you," she said. She grabbed her letter from her dresser and slid past Ginny.
"Come on, let's go open them," Harry said. The two of them walked side by side down the hallway and down the stairs. Ginny's eyes narrowed as her eyes followed them.
Small intakes of breath and whispers were heard as Harry and Hermione entered the kitchen. The two ignored them as they went into the den off of the kitchen and shut the door behind them.
Out of habit, they passed each other their letters and ripped them open. Hermione lipped out the words as she read Harry's letter and Harry read quietly.
"You made Head Girl," Harry said as he finished the letter and fell back against the couch. Hermione looked up from Harry's letter, a smile on her face.
"And you made Head Boy," she said. Harry snorted in amusement.
"I'm sure I did," he said sarcastically. He took her badge out of the envelope and handed it to her.
"I'm being serious, you made Head Boy," she said, taking out a gold badge that had the letters HB on the front with a lion in the background. Harry looked at it.
"Wow," he said. The two of them were silent before wide grins came over their faces. Hermione let out a small scream and Harry laughed. It was as if a force compelled them together, but Hermione ended up with her face in Harry's chest and her hands at his side, her shoulders shaking with laughter. The door opened and Elizabeth and Molly stepped in the room.
"What in Merlin's beard his going on in here?" Molly asked, her hands on her hips in a motherly fashion. Harry and Hermione slowly separated and held up their badges.
"We made Head Boy and Girl," Harry said, still laughing slightly. The same shriek Molly had let out when Ron had been made prefect was brought back. Before Harry and Hermione knew it, they were being wrapped up in a pair of strong arms.
"Congratulations dears," Molly said happily. Pride and happiness was written on her face as she let them go.
"Thanks Mrs. Weasley," they said, smiles on their faces. Elizabeth Granger stepped across the room and wrapped Hermione in a large hug.
"Congratulations honey," she said to her daughter. Happiness flooded through her as she held her daughter. Knowing that her daughter's hard work had paid off and she got what she had wanted since she was eleven had brought tears to her eyes. "I'm proud of you," whispered in Hermione's ear.
"Thanks Mum," Hermione murmured back. Elizabeth let go of her daughter and stepped back slightly. She glanced at Harry who, although looked happy, had something missing in his eyes. She realized in a few quick seconds that he felt out of place, as if he had intruded on an important family moment. She took the few steps to him and pulled him into a hug. She could feel him stiffen for a second before gently hugging her back.
"And I'm proud of you too," she said to him.
"Thanks Mrs. Granger," Harry said to her. Elizabeth stepped back and looked at him.
"Just call me Elizabeth, dear. No need for formalities," she said. Harry smiled but didn't say anything.
"What in the name of Merlin is all the commotion in here?" Arthur Weasley's voice rang. Harry and Hermione's eyes looked toward the door. The rest of the Weasleys were standing there along with Aaron, Remus and Tonks.
"Harry and Hermione made Head Boy and Girl," Molly said before anyone else could speak. Harry walked over to Hermione and he could feel Ron's and Ginny's eyes on him.
"Not good," he whispered.
"No," she replied.
"Well I'll be," Arthur said. "Congratulations you two." Harry and Hermione smiled.
"Thanks Mr. Weasley," they said. The rest of the Weasleys offered their congratulations along with Remus and Tonks, except for Ron and Ginny. Aaron Granger hugged his daughter. Well wishes were exchanged a little longer before things returned back to normal. Ron and Ginny had left long before that, not saying anything to either of them.
"He's pissed," Harry said to Hermione once they were left alone again. Hermione nodded.
"So is Ginny," she said.
"What would she have to be angry about?" Harry asked.
"I'll be spending more time with you than she will. The Head's get their own common room and dorms," Hermione said.
"Well it wasn't like I was going to spend every waking moment with her anyway so she can get over it," Harry said bitterly.
"Well, we can deal with them later," Hermione said, relaxing on the couch. Harry nodded and took a seat next to her.
"I didn't know weddings could take so much out of you," Harry said, his eyes drooping as he leaned his head against the back of the couch.
"Yeah, they're exhausting," Hermione agreed. It was quiet between the two of them with only the fire crackling. Harry looked over at Hermione some time later and saw that she was asleep. He smiled and got up, careful not to wake her. He took a blanket from one of the chairs and put it around her. Kissing her on the forehead, he left the room.
Walking through the dark house wasn't very hard and Harry entered his room before lying down in his bed. Minutes later, he was asleep.
&---&---&---&---&
Chapter 4 done and lots of things to come. Thanks for all the support and reviews I've receive so far! WarriorPride23. 14 pages.
-->