H/Hr Wedding Ficlet.
Sunday, 23 November 2003 02:46![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
apollaThought I would post the HPDDDverse wedding ficlet here. No real reason. Enjoy.
Not Just An Ordinary Day
Ruairi House, Windermere. 5th August 1999.
"If I told you once, I must have told you a thousand times!" Molly Weasley cried in exasperation. "The roses are for the centrepieces, not the aisles."
Two Assistant Florists sighed and began carrying what seemed to be at least two hundred roses across the garden. Molly stood watching, sure that this whole thing was going to turn her hair totally grey.
"Molly?"
"What?" she shrieked, before realising that Sirius was standing there with a cup of tea for her. "Oh, thank you dear."
"Come and sit down, Molly," he said, leading her to one of the tables already set up.
"I've organised so many of these I really should go into business," she said as she took the weight off her already sore feet and mentally calculating how many weddings she had arranged or attended in the busy year since the war.
"It's going to be lovely. You'll do them proud."
"I hope so. Harry is... Oh Sirius, you know- I don't look at him and think 'Ron's friend'. I look at him and see Harry, one of the family."
"I know." Sirius hugged her. "And he feels the same way."
"I remember seeing him that first time at Kings Cross. He looked so lost, so alone. I was so glad when Ron wrote and said he was friends with him."
"Well, Harry has a family now. All of us. And now Hermione," Sirius told her. "What.... What do you suppose it would've been like if James and Lily, I mean, what do you suppose Harry would've been like"
"The same sweet boy that he is. Although he would've smiled more."
"Yes." Sirius was silent for a long time.
"Hermione makes him smile, Sirius." Molly told him. "No! No, no, no! The soup tureens are meant to go on the main table!"
And with that, Molly was off again.
***
Harry sat on his bed, idly stroking the soft purple velour blanket Hermione had bought when decorating the house. He was already in the fitted forest green robes tailored especially for today. His hair was uncharacteristically neat, or so he'd been told several times already that day. He felt quite serene, considering. Everyone had told him that he should feel terrified and nervous, but all he felt was a very real sense of calm. He remembered George's wedding almost a year ago. The groom had been so nervous that everything he tried to eat before the ceremony was immediately regurgitated. By the time he was married and his nerves were gone, George had been so hungry he started in on the wedding buffet before all the guests were sat down. Yet Harry felt just fine. Was that wrong?
***
At the Burrow, where Hermione as being primped and preened, the atmosphere was anything but calm. The Weasley women: Ginny, Penny, Angelina and Jade were joined by Lavender and Deanna and each of them was filling her role as a clucking hen to perfection. Hermione was the calm at the eye of the storm while Maura projected an air of supreme indifference as she sat weaving tiny plaits into Hermione's hair with surprising expertise.
"All right, mate?" she whispered to Hermione.
"Just fine, actually," Hermione replied, although her hands were shaking very slightly with anticipation.
"Yeah. All right then." Maura sounded unconvinced. From downstairs, the sound of a child crying reached them.
"Oh, Percy!" Penny sighed with undisguised frustration. "I'll be back in a minute."
"I'll check on Deirdre," added Ginny, who had become enamoured with Maura's little girl. For whatever reasons, the rest of the women made their excuses, leaving Hermione and Maura alone.
"Done!" Maura announced after finishing the last plait. Hermione smiled beautifully, shaking her head slightly to watch her hair sway. Her hair was sleek and shiny and the plaits woven here and there made it look both formal and at the same time a little wild and informal.
"It's lovely. Thank you."
"That's not all," the redhead said, moving around to face her friend. "I have something for you."
"I have something old, blue and new," said Hermione, holding up her great-grandmother's antique gold bracelet, a blue garter she'd yet to put on and the new earrings she'd received from Ron and Deanna that morning.
"Well then, this is your lucky day," said Maura with a smirk. She pulled a box out of her pocket and opened it. Inside was a simple gold cross on a chain that complemented Hermione's look quite perfectly.
"Maura-"
"George gave this to me as an engagement present. Of course, world-saving time restraints meant that we were only engaged a few hours, but still," Maura grinned. "He gave me this and I wore it when we were married. Didn't look as beautiful as you, but... if you'll have it, I'd like you to wear this."
"Oh, Maura! You're going to make me cry. If I ruin Ginny's hard work and make-up charms, she'll kill us both." She sniffed. "Thank you."
Hermione took the cross and fixed it around her neck.
"Are... Are wizards and witches religious?" Maura asked. "I always wondered."
"I don't know. Some are, I think. I was born a Catholic, just like you. Truth be told, looking back, I'm surprised my parents took my magic so well. Perhaps they haven't really..."
She stopped and fiddled with the cross nervously. "Are you sure, Maura?"
"Yes. You and Harry are two of the truest friends I ever had. Ron's the other one. OK, only friends I've ever had," Maura's eyes glinted with wicked humour. "Besides, I'm having it back."
"Thank you."
"You said that already. Now, I think you're ready."
"Do I look OK?" Hermione asked, looking at herself in the mirror nervously.
"Nah."
"Oh."
"Hermione, you look bloody beautiful. The Boy Wonder won't know what hit him."
***
When the bridal party Apparated into the living room of Ruairi House, they cleared the building of all men before allowing Hermione to Apparate in. Outside, the hot August sun glinted off sparkling crystal glasses, bright white china and shining silver cutlery all laid out with military precision on cotton and lace covered tables. Beyond the tables, in the depths of the garden, Harry waited. Nerves were beginning to get to him. He looked at the rows of chairs that were beginning to fill up as more and more guests arrived. Behind him, Ron was leaning on the lectern.
"Harry, it wasn't long ago that you had this turf laid. Don't wear it out already."
"Sod off."
"Charming. Nice to know the way you treat your pals, Potter." Harry turned to see Draco Malfoy standing there, gift in hand. He looked a little unsure, although Harry couldn't tell whether he was unsure of the reaction he should expect or if he was unsure why he'd turned up to see Potter and Granger get married.
"Hello Draco," Harry said, shaking the blond man's hand.
"Looking sharp, Potter."
"Well, I'd say the same for you, but black isn't really a summer colour."
"It's a Malfoy colour," Draco explained haughtily.
"Your Mum came in pink," Harry pointed to where Narcissa was seated with Sirius.
"Ah, she's not a Malfoy," Draco said breezily. "Lucky her."
Harry went to reply, but stopped when he saw Professor Dumbledore arrive.
"Under starters orders," mumbled Ron. Dumbledore swept down the aisle and shook Harry's hand.
"Ready, Harry?" he asked softly.
"Yes. Is Hermione?"
"Almost, Harry. Almost." Dumbledore chuckled quietly.
"Women always take ages to get ready," Ron cracked, moving to sit down. Dumbledore chuckled again and took up his position behind the lectern. Sirius now made his way over and took the seat beside Ron. Everyone was in place now as the girls came out from the house and took their seats. All they needed now was Hermione.
***
The music began and on instinct everyone stood up and turned to look towards the end of the aisle. First came Deirdre in a floaty lilac dress. Guided by the equally pretty-in-lilac Ginny, Deirdre scattered rose petals along the aisle earning 'ahhs' from everyone. Then came Maura in a lilac tailored suit, with Hermione's mother. Finally Hermione arrived at the end of the aisle on her father's arm.
Nobody present would forget how beautiful Hermione was that day. Her simple white dress of silk and Belgian lace skimmed her bare feet, while her hair flowed in loose waves around her shoulders, Maura's little plaits adding detail to it. Instead of a veil, Hermione wore a crown of white and lilac flowers. She looked rather like a forest nymph and to all in attendance, it seemed a lot more understandable why Apollo always chased them so fervently. Simple, beautiful, just like Hermione. No fussy ruffles or bows, no sequins or satin. The only jewellery she was wearing was Kitty MacLennon's bracelet, her new gold earrings and Maura's cross.
Harry, as Maura had predicted, was speechless and felt like he was about to fall down. Then Hermione smiled and caught his eye. How he managed not to faint, he never knew.
After the shortest and longest walk of her life, Hermione kissed her father on the cheek and let go of his arm. Then she turned to Harry.
"Beloved friends and family..." began Dumbledore.
***
Champagne corks popped and laughter rang out as the reception began. More people had been invited to the reception than to the wedding itself: old school friends such as Parvati Patil, Colin Creevey and Cho Chang began arriving clutching gifts and bearing good tidings. The meal began amongst such merriment and plates filled up on command. The Grangers were still unaccustomed to such things and watched with wide-eyed wonderment and confusion. Harry and Hermione didn't notice any of this, and when asked afterwards, neither could remember much about their food either.
After dessert, Ron stood up and called for quiet.
"Everyone! Best man trying to make a speech here! Just for your information, Fred's the one running bets on the collective length of the speeches."
The guests roared with laughter. Ron cleared his throat and waited for them to quiet down before he began.
"When I was eleven, I met a scrawny little midget on the train. Little did I know that he was a hero or that he'd end up my best mate. Not long after that, we met a bossy little know-it-all. Little did I know that she'd become responsible for my good marks." He paused for more laughter.
"I've shared laughs, tears, arguments and life threatening incidents with these two. And although I really tried to act surprised when I found them snogging, I wasn't surprised. You've never seen anyone as perfect as they are for each other. Blimey, they even make me sound soppy. Harry, Hermione... I'm not the best speaker in the world, so I'm just going to say that I love you both and there's nobody I want more to be happy than you."
Ron, blushing a little, sat down amidst applause. Harry then stood up and nervously cleared his throat.
"Thanks Ron. I don't, um, have anything much to say except... Thanks for coming, um... I'm not really very good at public speaking so, um... This is the happiest day of my life and I'm so glad you're all here to share it with me." Red-faced, Harry sat down. Pausing to kiss him on the cheek, Hermione now stood up.
"Apparently, it isn't customary for the bride to speak, but I've never really done things the customary way."
Hermione received yet more laughter from the guests.
"I don't actually have much to say-"
"Makes a change!" called Ron. She stuck her tongue out at him.
"I would like to tell you one thing. When I was eleven years old I entered a completely different world to the one I had previously known. I learned then of a young hero. Needless to say, I read everything I could find about him. Then I met him. Very quickly indeed, I discovered that the real Boy Who Lived was far greater than any legends that surrounded him. I couldn't tell you exactly when I fell in love with him, just that I did and I can't imagine a life without him."
Hermione sat back down amidst applause, cheering and whistling.
***
The party continued for hours, complete with music, dancing and merriment. Then it came time for the newlyweds to leave. They were Portkeying to London, from where they would set off on a tour of Europe (both magical and Muggle). They had changed into more suitable clothing and now waited to say goodbye to their friends.
"Throw the bouquet, Hermione!" called Sirius, nudging Narcissa, who replied with a swift elbow to the ribs. Hermione did as he asked. She turned around, closed her eyes and let the bouquet fly behind her. When she opened her eyes and turned back round, she saw Deanna Lynott holding it. She turned to look at Ron expecting him to look scared or embarrassed, but instead she watched as a determined looking Ron pulled a small box out of his pocket.
"I was going to give you this later, but Hermione's just spoiled it all," he said. Deanna's eyes widened as she found herself looking at a delicate diamond ring. Ron grinned at her. She nodded and cheers broke out.
"Two in one day, Molly. Not bad going," Arthur cracked to his wife, who dabbed away tears and smacked him playfully on the arm. There were more cheers as Harry and Hermione made their way to the Portkey- a specially charmed horseshoe. As they were about to grab a hold of it, Hermione stopped. She turned to Maura and unclipped the cross. She handed it back to her.
"Thank you, Maura."
"Just be happy, Hermione. It's all I ask," she said. Hermione's eyes widened in shock and horror.
"Harry, something's dreadfully wrong!"
"What?" Harry looked genuinely worried.
"Maura's about to cry," Hermione said with a wicked grin. Harry relaxed and laughed.
"Someone get a camera!"
"Sod off!" growled Maura. "And anyway, I'm not crying. Just got..."
"Something in your eye?" Harry asked. Maura glared but nodded just the same.
"You're both gits. Sod off," she said. Hermione and Harry both gave her a quick hug before going to take the Portkey.
"What about me? You didn't forget me, did you?" Ron was standing there, having extricated himself from his new fiancee.
"We couldn't forget you if we actively tried," Hermione said. She hugged him tightly before kissing his cheek. "Love you, Ron."
"Love you too, Hermione." Then he hugged Harry. Being too manly, there were no 'Love yous' exchanged. But the smile shared between the two said it all.
"We're definitely going now, right?" Harry asked. Hermione nodded and together they took hold of the horseshoe.
***
The old guard sat amongst the half-full champagne glasses, discarded napkins and plates, too tired to start cleaning up just yet.
"That was nice, wasn't it?" Narcissa sighed. Next to her, Sirius sniffed.
"Yeah. Just like James and Lil," he said in a satisfied rather than sad tone.
"Well, I thought the food was just lovely," added Arthur.
"I should think so, you ate three slices of cake," Molly retorted.
"Did my son just get engaged?" asked Arthur as if she hadn't spoken. Molly nodded.
"She's a nice girl. French mother, you know."
"Speaking of French, my son mentioned something about a girl called Fleur earlier," said Narcissa. Molly frowned.
"Fleur Delacour?" she asked. Narcissa nodded. "She was sniffing around my Bill during the Triwizard Tournament."
"That was years ago, Molly," Arthur said reasonably. "I'm sure she's a lovely girl."
"I hope so," said Narcissa.
"Harry knows her sister, doesn't he? Gabrielle or something," Sirius mused.
"Hmm. From the tournament," Arthur said.
"Do you suppose that they're all right?" Molly wondered out loud.
"Harry and Hermione?" Sirius asked with a smirk. "I'd say they're probably perfectly well."
Laughter rang out across the gardens of Ruairi House. Miles away in London, the Potters were fast asleep, exhausted from their busy day. Life could wait until tomorrow.
*
The End- For The Moment.
Not Just An Ordinary Day
Ruairi House, Windermere. 5th August 1999.
"If I told you once, I must have told you a thousand times!" Molly Weasley cried in exasperation. "The roses are for the centrepieces, not the aisles."
Two Assistant Florists sighed and began carrying what seemed to be at least two hundred roses across the garden. Molly stood watching, sure that this whole thing was going to turn her hair totally grey.
"Molly?"
"What?" she shrieked, before realising that Sirius was standing there with a cup of tea for her. "Oh, thank you dear."
"Come and sit down, Molly," he said, leading her to one of the tables already set up.
"I've organised so many of these I really should go into business," she said as she took the weight off her already sore feet and mentally calculating how many weddings she had arranged or attended in the busy year since the war.
"It's going to be lovely. You'll do them proud."
"I hope so. Harry is... Oh Sirius, you know- I don't look at him and think 'Ron's friend'. I look at him and see Harry, one of the family."
"I know." Sirius hugged her. "And he feels the same way."
"I remember seeing him that first time at Kings Cross. He looked so lost, so alone. I was so glad when Ron wrote and said he was friends with him."
"Well, Harry has a family now. All of us. And now Hermione," Sirius told her. "What.... What do you suppose it would've been like if James and Lily, I mean, what do you suppose Harry would've been like"
"The same sweet boy that he is. Although he would've smiled more."
"Yes." Sirius was silent for a long time.
"Hermione makes him smile, Sirius." Molly told him. "No! No, no, no! The soup tureens are meant to go on the main table!"
And with that, Molly was off again.
***
Harry sat on his bed, idly stroking the soft purple velour blanket Hermione had bought when decorating the house. He was already in the fitted forest green robes tailored especially for today. His hair was uncharacteristically neat, or so he'd been told several times already that day. He felt quite serene, considering. Everyone had told him that he should feel terrified and nervous, but all he felt was a very real sense of calm. He remembered George's wedding almost a year ago. The groom had been so nervous that everything he tried to eat before the ceremony was immediately regurgitated. By the time he was married and his nerves were gone, George had been so hungry he started in on the wedding buffet before all the guests were sat down. Yet Harry felt just fine. Was that wrong?
***
At the Burrow, where Hermione as being primped and preened, the atmosphere was anything but calm. The Weasley women: Ginny, Penny, Angelina and Jade were joined by Lavender and Deanna and each of them was filling her role as a clucking hen to perfection. Hermione was the calm at the eye of the storm while Maura projected an air of supreme indifference as she sat weaving tiny plaits into Hermione's hair with surprising expertise.
"All right, mate?" she whispered to Hermione.
"Just fine, actually," Hermione replied, although her hands were shaking very slightly with anticipation.
"Yeah. All right then." Maura sounded unconvinced. From downstairs, the sound of a child crying reached them.
"Oh, Percy!" Penny sighed with undisguised frustration. "I'll be back in a minute."
"I'll check on Deirdre," added Ginny, who had become enamoured with Maura's little girl. For whatever reasons, the rest of the women made their excuses, leaving Hermione and Maura alone.
"Done!" Maura announced after finishing the last plait. Hermione smiled beautifully, shaking her head slightly to watch her hair sway. Her hair was sleek and shiny and the plaits woven here and there made it look both formal and at the same time a little wild and informal.
"It's lovely. Thank you."
"That's not all," the redhead said, moving around to face her friend. "I have something for you."
"I have something old, blue and new," said Hermione, holding up her great-grandmother's antique gold bracelet, a blue garter she'd yet to put on and the new earrings she'd received from Ron and Deanna that morning.
"Well then, this is your lucky day," said Maura with a smirk. She pulled a box out of her pocket and opened it. Inside was a simple gold cross on a chain that complemented Hermione's look quite perfectly.
"Maura-"
"George gave this to me as an engagement present. Of course, world-saving time restraints meant that we were only engaged a few hours, but still," Maura grinned. "He gave me this and I wore it when we were married. Didn't look as beautiful as you, but... if you'll have it, I'd like you to wear this."
"Oh, Maura! You're going to make me cry. If I ruin Ginny's hard work and make-up charms, she'll kill us both." She sniffed. "Thank you."
Hermione took the cross and fixed it around her neck.
"Are... Are wizards and witches religious?" Maura asked. "I always wondered."
"I don't know. Some are, I think. I was born a Catholic, just like you. Truth be told, looking back, I'm surprised my parents took my magic so well. Perhaps they haven't really..."
She stopped and fiddled with the cross nervously. "Are you sure, Maura?"
"Yes. You and Harry are two of the truest friends I ever had. Ron's the other one. OK, only friends I've ever had," Maura's eyes glinted with wicked humour. "Besides, I'm having it back."
"Thank you."
"You said that already. Now, I think you're ready."
"Do I look OK?" Hermione asked, looking at herself in the mirror nervously.
"Nah."
"Oh."
"Hermione, you look bloody beautiful. The Boy Wonder won't know what hit him."
***
When the bridal party Apparated into the living room of Ruairi House, they cleared the building of all men before allowing Hermione to Apparate in. Outside, the hot August sun glinted off sparkling crystal glasses, bright white china and shining silver cutlery all laid out with military precision on cotton and lace covered tables. Beyond the tables, in the depths of the garden, Harry waited. Nerves were beginning to get to him. He looked at the rows of chairs that were beginning to fill up as more and more guests arrived. Behind him, Ron was leaning on the lectern.
"Harry, it wasn't long ago that you had this turf laid. Don't wear it out already."
"Sod off."
"Charming. Nice to know the way you treat your pals, Potter." Harry turned to see Draco Malfoy standing there, gift in hand. He looked a little unsure, although Harry couldn't tell whether he was unsure of the reaction he should expect or if he was unsure why he'd turned up to see Potter and Granger get married.
"Hello Draco," Harry said, shaking the blond man's hand.
"Looking sharp, Potter."
"Well, I'd say the same for you, but black isn't really a summer colour."
"It's a Malfoy colour," Draco explained haughtily.
"Your Mum came in pink," Harry pointed to where Narcissa was seated with Sirius.
"Ah, she's not a Malfoy," Draco said breezily. "Lucky her."
Harry went to reply, but stopped when he saw Professor Dumbledore arrive.
"Under starters orders," mumbled Ron. Dumbledore swept down the aisle and shook Harry's hand.
"Ready, Harry?" he asked softly.
"Yes. Is Hermione?"
"Almost, Harry. Almost." Dumbledore chuckled quietly.
"Women always take ages to get ready," Ron cracked, moving to sit down. Dumbledore chuckled again and took up his position behind the lectern. Sirius now made his way over and took the seat beside Ron. Everyone was in place now as the girls came out from the house and took their seats. All they needed now was Hermione.
***
The music began and on instinct everyone stood up and turned to look towards the end of the aisle. First came Deirdre in a floaty lilac dress. Guided by the equally pretty-in-lilac Ginny, Deirdre scattered rose petals along the aisle earning 'ahhs' from everyone. Then came Maura in a lilac tailored suit, with Hermione's mother. Finally Hermione arrived at the end of the aisle on her father's arm.
Nobody present would forget how beautiful Hermione was that day. Her simple white dress of silk and Belgian lace skimmed her bare feet, while her hair flowed in loose waves around her shoulders, Maura's little plaits adding detail to it. Instead of a veil, Hermione wore a crown of white and lilac flowers. She looked rather like a forest nymph and to all in attendance, it seemed a lot more understandable why Apollo always chased them so fervently. Simple, beautiful, just like Hermione. No fussy ruffles or bows, no sequins or satin. The only jewellery she was wearing was Kitty MacLennon's bracelet, her new gold earrings and Maura's cross.
Harry, as Maura had predicted, was speechless and felt like he was about to fall down. Then Hermione smiled and caught his eye. How he managed not to faint, he never knew.
After the shortest and longest walk of her life, Hermione kissed her father on the cheek and let go of his arm. Then she turned to Harry.
"Beloved friends and family..." began Dumbledore.
***
Champagne corks popped and laughter rang out as the reception began. More people had been invited to the reception than to the wedding itself: old school friends such as Parvati Patil, Colin Creevey and Cho Chang began arriving clutching gifts and bearing good tidings. The meal began amongst such merriment and plates filled up on command. The Grangers were still unaccustomed to such things and watched with wide-eyed wonderment and confusion. Harry and Hermione didn't notice any of this, and when asked afterwards, neither could remember much about their food either.
After dessert, Ron stood up and called for quiet.
"Everyone! Best man trying to make a speech here! Just for your information, Fred's the one running bets on the collective length of the speeches."
The guests roared with laughter. Ron cleared his throat and waited for them to quiet down before he began.
"When I was eleven, I met a scrawny little midget on the train. Little did I know that he was a hero or that he'd end up my best mate. Not long after that, we met a bossy little know-it-all. Little did I know that she'd become responsible for my good marks." He paused for more laughter.
"I've shared laughs, tears, arguments and life threatening incidents with these two. And although I really tried to act surprised when I found them snogging, I wasn't surprised. You've never seen anyone as perfect as they are for each other. Blimey, they even make me sound soppy. Harry, Hermione... I'm not the best speaker in the world, so I'm just going to say that I love you both and there's nobody I want more to be happy than you."
Ron, blushing a little, sat down amidst applause. Harry then stood up and nervously cleared his throat.
"Thanks Ron. I don't, um, have anything much to say except... Thanks for coming, um... I'm not really very good at public speaking so, um... This is the happiest day of my life and I'm so glad you're all here to share it with me." Red-faced, Harry sat down. Pausing to kiss him on the cheek, Hermione now stood up.
"Apparently, it isn't customary for the bride to speak, but I've never really done things the customary way."
Hermione received yet more laughter from the guests.
"I don't actually have much to say-"
"Makes a change!" called Ron. She stuck her tongue out at him.
"I would like to tell you one thing. When I was eleven years old I entered a completely different world to the one I had previously known. I learned then of a young hero. Needless to say, I read everything I could find about him. Then I met him. Very quickly indeed, I discovered that the real Boy Who Lived was far greater than any legends that surrounded him. I couldn't tell you exactly when I fell in love with him, just that I did and I can't imagine a life without him."
Hermione sat back down amidst applause, cheering and whistling.
***
The party continued for hours, complete with music, dancing and merriment. Then it came time for the newlyweds to leave. They were Portkeying to London, from where they would set off on a tour of Europe (both magical and Muggle). They had changed into more suitable clothing and now waited to say goodbye to their friends.
"Throw the bouquet, Hermione!" called Sirius, nudging Narcissa, who replied with a swift elbow to the ribs. Hermione did as he asked. She turned around, closed her eyes and let the bouquet fly behind her. When she opened her eyes and turned back round, she saw Deanna Lynott holding it. She turned to look at Ron expecting him to look scared or embarrassed, but instead she watched as a determined looking Ron pulled a small box out of his pocket.
"I was going to give you this later, but Hermione's just spoiled it all," he said. Deanna's eyes widened as she found herself looking at a delicate diamond ring. Ron grinned at her. She nodded and cheers broke out.
"Two in one day, Molly. Not bad going," Arthur cracked to his wife, who dabbed away tears and smacked him playfully on the arm. There were more cheers as Harry and Hermione made their way to the Portkey- a specially charmed horseshoe. As they were about to grab a hold of it, Hermione stopped. She turned to Maura and unclipped the cross. She handed it back to her.
"Thank you, Maura."
"Just be happy, Hermione. It's all I ask," she said. Hermione's eyes widened in shock and horror.
"Harry, something's dreadfully wrong!"
"What?" Harry looked genuinely worried.
"Maura's about to cry," Hermione said with a wicked grin. Harry relaxed and laughed.
"Someone get a camera!"
"Sod off!" growled Maura. "And anyway, I'm not crying. Just got..."
"Something in your eye?" Harry asked. Maura glared but nodded just the same.
"You're both gits. Sod off," she said. Hermione and Harry both gave her a quick hug before going to take the Portkey.
"What about me? You didn't forget me, did you?" Ron was standing there, having extricated himself from his new fiancee.
"We couldn't forget you if we actively tried," Hermione said. She hugged him tightly before kissing his cheek. "Love you, Ron."
"Love you too, Hermione." Then he hugged Harry. Being too manly, there were no 'Love yous' exchanged. But the smile shared between the two said it all.
"We're definitely going now, right?" Harry asked. Hermione nodded and together they took hold of the horseshoe.
***
The old guard sat amongst the half-full champagne glasses, discarded napkins and plates, too tired to start cleaning up just yet.
"That was nice, wasn't it?" Narcissa sighed. Next to her, Sirius sniffed.
"Yeah. Just like James and Lil," he said in a satisfied rather than sad tone.
"Well, I thought the food was just lovely," added Arthur.
"I should think so, you ate three slices of cake," Molly retorted.
"Did my son just get engaged?" asked Arthur as if she hadn't spoken. Molly nodded.
"She's a nice girl. French mother, you know."
"Speaking of French, my son mentioned something about a girl called Fleur earlier," said Narcissa. Molly frowned.
"Fleur Delacour?" she asked. Narcissa nodded. "She was sniffing around my Bill during the Triwizard Tournament."
"That was years ago, Molly," Arthur said reasonably. "I'm sure she's a lovely girl."
"I hope so," said Narcissa.
"Harry knows her sister, doesn't he? Gabrielle or something," Sirius mused.
"Hmm. From the tournament," Arthur said.
"Do you suppose that they're all right?" Molly wondered out loud.
"Harry and Hermione?" Sirius asked with a smirk. "I'd say they're probably perfectly well."
Laughter rang out across the gardens of Ruairi House. Miles away in London, the Potters were fast asleep, exhausted from their busy day. Life could wait until tomorrow.
*
The End- For The Moment.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2003-11-22 19:44 (UTC)Thanks!
*hugs*