A/N: Yes, it's really me, I'm finally back. I am so sorry that I left you guys waiting so long. I just finished University this week. I had my last exam in February and then had to hurry to get my final thesis ready before April 1st, because the new semester started in Germany then and I didn't want to pay tuition fees for another semester. When it comes to my education I'm as bad as Hermione. I'm very ambitious and want to graduate with good grades, so I tend to lose myself in my studies and don't have time for anything else when I learn. But now I'm done for good, I have nothing left to do but wait for the grade for my final thesis. In a few months I'll officially be a psychologist. For you, that means I've got lots of time to write and my updates will come much faster from now on.
Chapter 4
"Remus, could you help me with something?" Harry asked.
"Sure, just tell me what I can do." Lupin answered.
"I would like to give Hermione something as a wedding gift, but I can hardly go to Hogsmead with red eyes. I've thought about something, I'm just not sure if it will work. Magical items keep their powers even if they are transformed into another form, right?"
"Yes, they usually do." Lupin agreed. Now he was really curious to hear what Harry was going to give Hermione.
Harry barely recognized the school ground. Hundreds of torches formed an aisle that let from the castle towards the sea. There were two short rows of chairs for the small group of people who would attend the ceremony. At the end of the rows was a beautiful arch which was decorated with red roses. The sunset that gave the sea a warm gold hue made the romantic atmosphere even more perfect.
Harry fumbled nervously with the tie he had borrowed from Neville. What would Hermione think when she saw the romantic setting? Harry wasn't convinced at all that Lupin was right and Hermione saw him as more than a friend. If she had no romantic feelings for him, the setting would make her feel really uncomfortable. Harry wondered who had arranged everything like this. Only a few people knew about the wedding and Harry couldn't imagine one of them doing this.
Harry looked around to see the small group that had gathered to watch the wedding. There were Lupin and Tonks, smiling encouragingly at him.
Next to them was Hagrid, he looked proud and touched. Harry had tried to explain to him that this wasn't a real wedding, but Hagrid had kept on telling him how happy he was to see him getting married and what a lovely couple he and Hermione made. Maybe he had prepared the school ground.
Harry saw Professor McGonagall on Hagrid's other side. She looked serious and a little worried. Finally someone who hasn't forgotten that this isn't a traditional wedding. Harry thought.
On the other side of the rose arch was Luna, who looked dreamy as always. Harry was truly amazed that even the end of the war and the information that he had a part of Voldemort inside him couldn't change Luna's serene expression.
Neville stood next to Luna and gave Harry a sympathetic smile. He probably thinks I'm in love with Ginny and don't want this. He has no idea that I'm so nervous because there's nothing I want more. I just doubt that Hermione feels the same way.
What had most surprised Harry were the people standing next to Neville and Luna. Fred, George, Molly and Arthur Weasley had decided to come to the wedding, even though Ron and Ginny had strictly refused. Molly and Arthur supported Harry's decision not to rush into a marriage with their only daughter, although they would like to see him with Ginny one day. They shared Harry's and Hermione's opinion that it would be really awkward for Harry and Ginny to be soulbound if their relationship didn't last. Nobody had the same worries about him and Hermione. Everybody was sure that their friendship would last come what may and that comforted Harry. He was obviously not the only person who couldn't imagine a world in which Hermione wasn't at his side.
Harry's thoughts were interrupted by Professor Arkana who asked him to step with her under the rose arch, because Hermione should be there any minute. Harry waited nervously for a few more minutes, looking back to the castle every few seconds.
When he finally turned around to see Hermione in the distance he couldn't take his eyes away from her anymore. Time seemed to stand still when she slowly came closer. Harry gasped when Hermione was finally close enough that he could see her clearly. He had never seen his best friend look so beautiful, not even at the Yule Ball three years ago. She was wearing a white dress, but it wasn't a traditional wedding dress but a flowing middle-age gown. It was a simple gown that highlighted her natural beauty. Hermione was wearing her hair down and softly curled. She had kept the make-up minimal, as far as Harry could see she was only wearing a soft pink lipgloss that made her beautiful lips appear a little fuller. She was perfect.
Hermione's eyes met Harry's and she smiled shyly. Harry returned her smile and that seemed to calm her. None of the two broke eye contact when Hermione was by his side and Professor Arkana had to clear her throat to bring them back to reality. Hermione blushed and that made it even harder for Harry to turn around and look at the Professor. Hermione looked so cute when she blushed.
When Professor Arkana was sure she had the attention of the main persons, she started her speech. "We have gathered here today to attend to the joining of two souls which are already joined in many ways. I don't know Harry well and I didn't have much time to see him together with Hermione, but what I've seen is enough to say that I haven't seen many people who are as close as you two. Hermione, you've always stood by Harry's side, even if it meant risking your own life. Harry, you've always done whatever you could to protect Hermione without thinking about your own safety. You've been friends for seven years now and nobody who knows you doubts that the friendship and loyalty you two share will last. That's why I'm comfortable performing this far-reaching ritual for you two. I'm asking both of you, do you want to bind your hearts and souls to each other for all eternity?"
"Yes." Harry and Hermione answered simultaneously.
Harry was a little surprised that neither he nor Hermione had hesitated a second to answer the question positively. Harry had been so nervous all day, but now that he was standing here with Hermione by his side, he felt calm. He knew that she would be by his side for all eternity and that thought made him feel safe.
"Then it's time for your vows." Professor Arkana said. "Hermione, please take Harry's hands and repeat after me: I, Hermione Jean Granger, am taking you, Harry James Potter, for my husband. I swear to love and honour you in this life and the next. I promise to be loyal and faithful to you forever and beyond. I give you my heart, my soul and my life to be joined with yours, from this day on for all eternity."
Hermione took Harry's hands and met his eyes again. When she said her vow she sounded so sincere and convinced that Harry had difficulties holding back the tears. He didn't doubt that she meant every word she said. But which kind of love was she talking about? Did she only mean the love she had for her long time best friend or was there something more?
When Hermione had finished, Professor Arkana looked at Harry, who was still holding Hermione's hands without even realizing it. "Harry, please repeat after me: I, Harry James Potter, am taking you, Hermione Jean Granger, for my wife. I swear to love and honour you in this life and the next. I promise to be loyal and faithful to you forever and beyond. I give you my heart, my soul and my life to be joined with yours, from this day on for all eternity."
Harry meant every word he said and he tried to tell Hermione with his eyes that he was as sincere as she had been. When Harry was halfway through his vow tears were streaming down Hermione's face, but she smiled brightly at him and gently pressed his hands, telling him that she had understood his nonverbal communication.
When Harry and Hermione had exchanged their vows, Professor Arkana reached for a small silver poniard. She took Harry's right hand first and made a small cut in his palm. Harry was used to much worse pain, so he barely flinched. Afterwards, the professor took Hermione's hand and cut her palm, too. Hermione winced slightly, but didn't say anything. Professor Arkana then took their hands and pressed them together before she pointed her wand at their joined hands and murmured a spell. A band of something that looked like liquid gold formed at the end of the wand. The gold band split into two halves and Harry watched in awe when the two bands moved to their ring fingers to form two firm, gold wedding bands. "Harry Potter and Hermione Granger, I now pronounce you husband and wife." Professor Arkana said and smiled at the young couple.
After Professor Arkana's declaration, the guests stood up quickly, eager to get to Harry and Hermione. Hagrid was the first to approach his young friends. He pulled Harry into a firm hug that left him breathless. "Oh, Harry, I'm so happy for you. Look at you, all grown up and getting married. I'm so proud of you! Congrats, Hermione! It's so great to see you two getting married!" Harry felt very awkward standing there and accepting Hagrid's cheerful congratulations and it looked like Hermione felt as awkward as he did. Hagrid really did act as if this was a normal wedding. Harry wondered why his friend acted like that, but thought it was better not to ask.
The next person in the line was Tonks. She hugged Harry and Hermione tightly. "I wish you two all the best. Everything's going to be alright." She reassured them. After that she whispered something to Hermione that Harry didn't understand, but whatever Tonks had said made Hermione blush.
Harry didn't have time to dwell on wondering what Tonks had said to Hermione, because Lupin came up next to talk to him. "Congratulations. You made the right decision. You are very lucky to have each other." Lupin said, leaving it open if he meant they were lucky to have such a good friend or more. "Thanks, Remus." Harry answered. "I know how lucky I am." Harry smiled at Hermione when he made the last remark and she returned his smile happily. "I'm the lucky one."
Was all she said. Neville was the next one who shook Harry's hand. He seemed a little awkward, obviously not knowing what was the right thing to say in a situation like this. "All the best." He said simply when he shook his friends' hands.
Luna on the other hand didn't act awkward at all. She smiled brightly at her friends. "Congratulations you two! Have fun tonight." Harry had no idea what to say to that. He was positive that his face was even redder than Hermione's at the moment and that was saying something.
Harry was very grateful when the Weasleys saved him from having to find a reply to Luna's words. The matching grins on Fred's and George's face indicated that they had heard Luna, but fortunately they didn't say anything, probably just because their mother was standing next to them. "Harry, Hermione, I want you to know we will always be there for you. In my eyes you belong to the family, no matter what." Molly Weasley said. "Thank you." Harry said, truly grateful. "That means a lot to me."
When everyone else had left, Professor McGonagall approached Harry and Hermione. "Mr. Potter, Miss Granger, I want to give you my best wishes, too. I agree with Professor Lupin that you've made the right decision. I am optimistic that everything will work out, but we have to take a few precautions to be on the safe side. You two will spend the night in one of Hogwarts' guest quarters. I already instructed Dobby to prepare everything and bring a change of clothes for both of you to your room. Professor Lupin, Professor Arkana, Madame Pomfrey and I will spend the night in the adjourning room. I don't think there will be much You Know Who can do without access to a wand, but we want to be on the safe side. If you need anything just call loudly and we can be with you in a minute. If we don't hear anything unusual from your room during the night we will come in at 10 am to check on you."
Harry didn't know if he was relieved or appalled that three teachers were going to spend the night next to their room. On the one hand, Harry was happy that they could intervene if Voldemort managed to take him over and attacked Hermione. He would never be able to live with himself if Hermione got hurt. On the other hand, Harry was incredibly embarrassed that the teachers would be next door during his wedding night. What if they heard them? Or worse, if they heard them and interpreted whatever sounds they would make as alarm signs and came into their room while he and Hermione were .... busy. The thought of the wedding night was embarrassing enough without the possibility to be interrupted by the headmistress and his father's friend.
Harry looked at Hermione, trying to see what she thought about the sleeping arrangements. She looked as uncomfortable as he felt, but of course her rational side won over and she agreed with McGonagall that this was the best solution. "Thank you, Professor. You're right, we don't really know what to expect and we shouldn't be careless. We don't know how Harry's body will bear it when Voldemort's soul is separated from his body. Maybe he'll need medical help afterwards." Hermione reasoned.
Harry didn't know what to say to that. Hermione was worried for his health?! She was the one who was spending the night in a room with a guy who had a part of the most feared dark wizard in his body!
Professor McGonagall looked surprised, too. Harry assumed that she was more worried about Hermione's physical health, too. McGonagall obviously didn't want to remind Hermione of the dangers for herself though. "That's possible, as far as we know Mr. Potters situation is unique in the Wizarding history, so we don't know how this will affect him. You should not worry too much though. Professor Arkana and Madame Pomfrey are quite optimistic that everything will go fine. I already asked Dobby to show you your room for the night. He is waiting in the entrance hall and he seems very eager to help you. Have a good night, I will see you tomorrow."
"Thanks Professor." Harry and Hermione said in unison and made their way back to the castle where they were greeted by a very zealous Dobby.
"Master Harry and Mistress Hermione, Dobby is so happy for you. Are Master and Mistress hungry? Dobby has prepared Dinner for you. I hope Master and Mistress like the room Dobby has prepared for you."
Harry was about to explain that he wasn't really married to Hermione, but a look from Hermione stopped him. She obviously didn't want to disappoint Dobby after he tried so hard to please them. "Thanks, Dobby, that was very nice. I'm sure Hermione and I will love everything."
Dobby smiled brightly and led Harry and Hermione to a part of the castle where he had never been before. Harry couldn't believe that Hogwarts still held surprises for him, he had always assumed he knew each hallway and secret passage by now.
"I've never been here before." Harry told Hermione. "I didn't know Hogwarts even had guest quarters." Hermione rolled her eyes at Harry.
"Harry, of course Hogwarts has guest quarters. Don't tell me you still haven't read Hogwarts - a history!"
Harry chuckled. Of course Hermione knew about this. Was there anything she didn't know? "No, I haven't read Hogwarts - a history. I was a little busy with surviving."
"Okay, I agree that's a legitimate excuse. But really, you could have known Hogwarts had guest quarters anyways. Where did you think the Beaubateaux girls slept during the Triwizard Tournament?"
Harry shrugged. "I don't know. In their carriage maybe? I really haven't thought about that." Hermione rolled her eyes again and Harry smiled. Hermione reprimanding him for not reading enough or for a lack of reasoning usually annoyed him, but today the normal banter calmed him. It was good to know that some things never changed.
"We're there." Dobby announced and opened a massive oak door. Harry's eyes widened when he entered the room. It was a large and beautiful room. There was a fireplace with a comfortable looking couch and two armchairs in a soft cream colour. In front of a large window stood an oak table with two chairs and on the far end of the room was a massive king sized bed. Next to the bed was a door which probably led to the bathroom. The room was very nice, but that wasn't what made Harry speechless.
Dobby had outdone himself with the decoration of the room. The room was lit with what had to be at least hundred candles and vases with dozens of red roses decorated every available surface in the room. The table was set for two, complete with crystal wine classes and silver cutlery. I guess that answers the question who set the torches and the rose arch up.
"Do you like the decorations?" Dobby asked hopefully. "It's perfect, Dobby, thank you." Hermione answered, trying to hide her embarrassment.
Dobby beamed at Hermione. "Thank you, Mistress Hermione, I'm so glad you like it. Your dinner will be ready in a minute. If you need anything else, just call."
"Thank you, Dobby, I think we are good." Harry answered. Dobby smiled at Harry and Hermione before he quickly left them alone. Harry had no idea what to do next and it seemed as if Hermione felt the same way, because they stood in awkward silence for a moment.
"Maybe we should sit down." Hermione suggested finally. "Dobby said dinner would be ready soon."
Harry nodded and took a seed. "Yeah, that's a good idea. I'm actually pretty hungry." Harry had completely forgotten that he hadn't eaten since breakfast.
They didn't have to wait long. A few minutes after Dobby had left several trays of food magically appeared on the table. Dobby had really prepared a feast, but Harry was too nervous to fully appreciate the good food. Harry and Hermione ate in silence, because neither of them really knew what to say in a situation like this.
When they were done and their trays and plates had magically disappeared, Harry finally gathered all his Gryffindor courage and looked Hermione in the eyes. "Hermione, I can never thank you enough for doing this for me. I don't know what I would do without you." Before Hermione had a chance to respond, Harry pulled a small box from his pocket. "I know this isn't a real wedding, but I want to give you a wedding gift nevertheless. I want to give something to you to show you how much you mean to me and how thankful I am for everything you've done for me during all those years. I think I never really thanked you for everything you've been through because of me."
Hermione interrupted Harry. "Harry, you don't have to thank me. I've been there for you because I want to, because I couldn't wish for a better friend. You don't have to give me anything. Your friendship is more than enough."
Harry smiled at Hermione's words. "I know I don't have to give you anything, but I want to. I wanted to buy something nice for you, but I couldn't go to Hogsmead with Voldemort's eyes and I think it would have looked strange if I went into the shops with sunglasses on a cloudy day. So I came up with a different idea. Do you remember the Pensieve I bought last year?" Harry asked and Hermione nodded. Harry had bought a Pensieve in Hogsmead short before they went searching for the Horcruxes, hoping that it would help him clear his mind.
"Well, I remembered Professor McGonagall saying that magical items keep their powers even if they are transformed. That gave me the idea for your present. Remus helped a little with the details. I know it's just a small gesture, but I hope you like it." Harry said and handed the box over to Hermione. She opened it and pulled a shimmering glass ball on a silver chain out.
"It's my Pensieve." Harry explained. "I removed the memories I put there and filled it with memories of you and me, from our first meeting to the day you agreed to the soul binding ceremony. I want you to see it as a thank you gift for seven years of friendship and hopefully many more years to come. It works like a usual Pensieve. You can view all memories and even add your own ones."
Hermione looked up at Harry with tears in her eyes. "Thank you, Harry. That's the most beautiful gift I've ever received. I will treasure it forever."
Before Harry knew what was happening Hermione was half sitting on his lap, hugging him tightly. Harry reciprocated Hermione's hug awkwardly. He had always felt a little uneasy when Hermione hugged him, because he wasn't used to such demonstrations of affection. Today, Hermione's hug made Harry feel a lot more uncomfortable, because it felt much too good. Harry was very aware of Hermione's breasts pressing against his chest and her butt resting on his leg and he was starting to have thoughts about her that weren't platonic at all.
Hermione smiled coyly at Harry. "You know that you have to loosen up a little, don't you? It's our wedding night, Harry, this won't work if you tense up like that when I touch you."
Harry blushed, but nodded. "You're right, I know. I was just ... surprised."
Hermione smiled and surprised Harry again by giving him a quick peck on the lips. "Come on, I'll help you to relax." Hermione offered and gently took Harry's hand, leading him to the large bed.