Rating:
R
House:
Schnoogle
Characters:
Draco Malfoy Luna Lovegood Neville Longbottom
Genres:
Drama Romance
Era:
Multiple Eras
Spoilers:
Philosopher's Stone Chamber of Secrets Prizoner of Azkaban Goblet of Fire Order of the Phoenix
Stats:
Published: 04/20/2004
Updated: 05/23/2005
Words: 183,271
Chapters: 28
Hits: 51,099

HARRY POTTER AND THE PROPHECY TRUE

dan's girl62

Story Summary:
Year six is over, Harry has grown into a great wizard with powers even surpassing and surprising the Dark Lord and Dumbledore. He has found his soul mate and has discovered the fifth point of the star. But can he find the Green Flame Torch prophesized to be the link to Voldemort’s destruction? Can he save the wizarding world before the son of evil is born and will he be able to let go of the past and build a future, or will he use his powers to change all that he has become to regain all that he has lost? Rated R for future chapters.

Chapter 28

Chapter Summary:
How does a single student handle the fate of an entire world,
Posted:
05/23/2005
Hits:
2,113
Author's Note:
Sorry it's late...again! I've tried submitting and uploading this, but have had problems actually getting it there. Hope you will all forgive me.


Chapter Twenty-eight

"Will you hold still?" Harry asked, frustration echoing in his tone.

"Tell me again why I'm doing this?" Ron asked, edging a finger under his collar, as Harry tried to secure a bow in his friend's silk tie.

"Because you're in love," Harry said with a half grin. "It's what we guys do, in order to keep the girls we love happy."

"Then why aren't you getting married too?"

"I will be next year, unless I'm put in Azkaban for killing you, now hold still!"

I still can't believe I'm doing this," Ron grumbled, finally ceasing his fidgeting long enough for Harry to complete a perfect bow around neck.

"There," Harry said with a deep sigh. "Now, even Hermione won't have any objections."

"I just wish her dad didn't," Ron mumbled under his breath, but since there were only the two of them in the room, with the exception of Hedwig who was perched on the window seal, his words sounded loud and clear.

"Ron, you have to give the guy a chance," Harry said, sitting on the bed across from him as the red head sat discouragingly on the edge of the bed he had occupied the past year. "You're taking his only daughter away. I'm sure when the time comes, your dad isn't going to be much better with me."

"My dad loves you like a son. Besides, Ginny's a prat. He'll be glad to get rid of her."

"Watch it Ronald," a voice said from behind them, causing them both to turn and see the attractive young woman in question standing by the open bedroom door. Ron gasped, standing quickly, his face flushed and his eyes wide with fear.

"What's wrong?" he demanded when she walked in to stand next to Harry. "Oh, God, Hermione's changed her mind hasn't she? I knew this would happen. I knew she would think it was a mistake to marry me. After all, what have I got to offer her? Her parents are wealthy Muggles; she can have anything she wants with them. I'll bet that's it," he continued, now pacing in front of Harry and Ginny who stared on in amused silence. "Her dad talked her out of it. I just knew he'd try something like this. Well, if he thinks he can get her away from me that easily...well, I'll show him. I wonder if I can remember that spell to turn him into a tea cozy."

"I wouldn't do that if I were you, mate," Harry said, forcing the amusement from his tone. "You wouldn't want to get on the bad end of Hermione's wand."

"Besides, she hasn't backed out of anything," Ginny said, unable to hide her smile. "Even if she were to walk away from the wedding, which she isn't," she added quickly, seeing the fearful look in her brother's eyes, "she wouldn't walk away from her commencement ceremony. Hermione has been looking forward to this day for seven years. I don't think even the reappearance of Voldemort could keep her from the events of the day."

" So...she's still going to marry me?" Ron asked in a slow, quiet tone.

"Yes, she's going to marry you, you daft prat."

"Why don't we get downstairs now," Harry said with a smile. "I don't think I'm all that anxious to miss graduation either."

"Yeah, right," Ron said, not really paying much attention to what was being said. Harry chuckled as Ginny took one arm and he the other, guiding Ron down the stairs and through the portrait hole.

"I was wondering what was keeping you," Hermione said, hurrying up to them as they stepped down the grand staircase, looking around at the mass of seventh year students, waiting to be escorted into the Great hall, which had been transformed for the occasion. From the slightly ajar door, they could see the long tables, so familiar after seven years, were gone and in their place were rows of chairs, each facing forward to the front of the room, where the professors' table had been replaced with a podium and seats for Dumbledore and the guest of honors. Family members were sitting in the rear seats chatting happily with each other. Harry could catch an occasional word filtering through the open door.

"I always knew Harry Potter would be the one to get rid of him."

"Never doubted him for a moment."

"I never believed a thing the Daily Prophet was writing about him."

Harry frowned, as he listened. It wasn't that long ago, that he was being shunned, denied and whispered about like an insane criminal. Now he was a celebrated hero. He was tired of people looking at him in awe and wonder, but the idea that he would now be famous as the one to kill the greatest Dark Lord since Salazar Slytherin, seemed to bother him even more.

"Hey mate," Ron was saying looking at his best friend with a frown. "You still with us?" Harry glanced up, lowering the hand he had unconsciously raised to his now silent scar.

"Yeah, I'm fine," he assured them with a forced smile. He glanced to his friends and noticed the concerned expressions shining back at him, causing a real smile to creep across his lips.

"Honest, I'm fine. Just getting used to...things."

"Well, if it isn't the famous four," Snape said as he rounded the stairs that lead up from the dungeons, his hand holding tight to the small girl who smiled brightly, breaking away and running toward Harry. With a chuckle of amusement, Harry knelt down and wrapped his arms around Amanda, returning her hug.

"My daddy said you made him better," she said with a huge smile crossing her tiny mouth. Harry looked up at Snape in surprise.

"It wasn't just me," Harry said softly. "You know, this school is pretty special. When you make a wish, it often comes true."

"I know, daddy told me."

"Did your daddy also tell you, that Harry could fly on a broom, and he's fought dragons and saves girls from snakes?" Ron asked with a sneer toward Snape.

"Really?" she asked in complete awe.

"It's just been a great seven years," Harry said with a smile.

"Will you teach me?" Amanda asked, looking up to the three taller people standing around her. "I want to fly."

"I can teach you next year," Ginny said with a sad expression crossing her eyes. "Harry, Ron and Hermione are leaving today, but I'll be here one more year...alone."

"Not quite alone," a voice said from behind them, causing Harry to stand from where he had been perched on the floor.

"What's the matter Malfoy," Ron asked with a wicked grin. "Didn't pass your classes so you got held back?"

"There's not much chance in that, Weasley," Snape answered abruptly.

"The fact is, Dumbledore has asked me to return next year to teach the potions class," Malfoy answered with his trademark smirk.

"What?" Harry and Ron asked together, as Hermione and Ginny exchanged glances.

"Are you leaving Professor Snape?" Hermione asked curiously, hoping her voice didn't betray her true feelings.

"No Miss Granger, I am not," Snape said with an evil grin crossing his pale face. "I have been appointed as the Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor."

"Get outta here!" Ron exclaimed shortly. "You've got to be kidding?"

"I beg your pardon?" Snape asked with a frown drawing his already black eyes closer together.

"What Ron means, is congratulations," Hermione said quickly, holding onto Ron's cloak sleeve to stop him from speaking. "It's a great step up for you."

"Yes," Snape answered disbelieving.

"I think we should be getting inside," Harry said, fighting back the laugh when he saw Ron's expression. Snape brushed past the five, taking his daughter in hand and walking up to the Weasleys, where Mrs. Weasley took Amanda and sat her on her lap.

"I can't believe it," Ron said in a gasped whisper as McGonagall stepped out of the Great Hall, signaling for the graduates to gather closer. "I can't bloody believe it."

"At least you don't have to worry about it," Ginny said with a scowl. "I still have one year left."

"Don't worry, Weaslette," Malfoy said with a seductive smile. "I'll be here to help you through the rough times. After all, I am Severus' godson. I'm sure I could intervene on your behalf."

"She won't need your help," Harry said sharply. "Ginny's a brilliant student and she can pass any DADA exam that greasy git wants to throw at her."

"Come on, we have to line up," Hermione said with a sigh.

"I'll see you later," Ginny said, reaching up and kissing Harry's lips, who smiled softly down to her.

"Think you're ready for all the things fame has to offer, Potter?" Malfoy asked as they walked slowly toward McGonagall.

"You mean there's more then I've already had to contend with?"

"Yeah, only a lot. You still have a huge reward to collect, you know. It's enough to make you closely the wealthiest wizard in the world."

"What reward?" Ron asked with a frown.

"The reward put together by the wizarding communities, for Voldemort's demise. It was doubled sixteen years ago, when he vanished and doubled again two years ago when knowledge of his return became public."

"Bloody hell," Ron said with wide eyes.

"I don't want it," Harry said shortly, his jaw set and his eyes intent on staring straight ahead.

"But it's a great deal of money," Seamus said, overhearing the conversation.

"I don't care," Harry insisted. "I would rather forget this whole thing ever happened."

"Your parents were killed," Parvati Patil added, stepping up to Malfoy's side. "Surely you'll want restitution for that."

"Why would I want money for my parents deaths?" Harry snapped, a little louder than he would have preferred, causing a hush to fall among his fellow graduates. McGonagall looked up across the heads to the young man and frowned, as she too listened to what was being said.

"I just meant, the reward is owed to you," Parvati said embarrassed.

"The only reward I want is to have this whole thing put behind me. I want a normal life. There isn't a single day that goes by that I don't wish things were different. I hate people looking at me as if I had two heads, wanting to see this stupid scar," he said lifting his hair from his forehead. "I hate hearing the whispers and rumors. I didn't ask for any of this and there's nothing I wouldn't give to have a normal life."

"Nothing?" Malfoy asked, and then glanced through the door to the Great Hall toward a certain young red head sitting next to her brothers.

"There is a reason for all that life gives us," McGonagall said softly, causing the heads to turn toward her. "If there is one thing you should have learned over the past seven years, it is to trust in the future and learn from the past. That's a lesson that could never have been taught without personal sacrifice and dedication." The students remained silent for several moments as they considered these words.

With a soft clearing of his throat, Charlie Weasley broke the silence, smiling at them over the memories of the past year. He had stepped out of the Great Hall in time to hear Harry's outburst and the wise words of Gryffindor house leader.

"I think it's time we get this thing started," he said with a cheerful tone. "I believe the hall has been reserved for another event soon." Ron gasped, remembering the real reason he was feeling strangled in this horrible tie.

"Are you still planning on marrying Weasley, Granger?" Ernie Macmillan from Hufflepuff asked across the many heads.

"Absolutely. Why wouldn't I?" Hermione answered, reaching out and grasping Ron's sweaty hand.

"Well for one thing...he's Weasel," Millicent Bulstrode sneered from where the Slytherins were lining up.

"Knock it off," Malfoy snapped looking sternly at his fellow housemate. "Ron's a lucky guy and Hermione's very fortunate to have someone who loves her enough to sacrifice his own life for her. You should be so lucky, Bulstrode." Ron stared silently, eyes wide at the blonde disbelievingly. Malfoy turned back to the red head and raised a blonde eyebrow.

"Besides," he continued. "He's part of the united five, and like it or not, that makes him special."

"You're a part of that too, Draco," Harry said, placing a hand on his shoulder. Malfoy turned staring at Harry, then looked down, taking the hand of the one person he had spent so many years hating, and shaking it with a new friendship. The sound of a solitary pair of hands began to applaud from the top of the stairs, causing the group to look up at the silver haired old wizard, standing in his sky blue robes and cap. In moments the rest of the grand entrance was erupting in applause when Malfoy turned, reluctantly reaching his hand toward Ron, who took it with equal reluctance.

"I believe we have a day full of celebration ahead of us," Professor Dumbledore said a few moments later, as he stepped down to the center of the group, smiling proudly to Harry. "We mustn't keep our guests waiting any longer."

The four houses lined up, one behind the other, and proceeded through the open door of the Great Hall behind their Headmaster and McGonagall. Hufflepuff lead the way up the carpet decorated with the symbols of the houses, followed by Ravenclaw, Gryffindor and finally Slytherin. It took several moments before the students were seated at the front of the room, staring up at the teachers, guest speakers and Hermione, who had been elected the class's Valedictorian.

Harry glanced behind him smiling as he saw Ginny sitting among the rows of guests and students. For a brief moment, their minds connected and he saw the love and joy she held for him. Then with a double glance, he took particular note of the three guests sitting not far from the Weasleys. There, in their best dress was Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia, both looking rather disapproving at the sight of what was happening, glancing occasionally at the ceiling, resembling the bright sun and clear blue sky outside. Next to them was Dudley, much thinner than Harry had ever seen him, sitting proudly in his dress cloak and cap, he smiled to Harry and raised his thumb. Harry returned the smile, looking back to the front of the room.

So much had changed in his life; he could barely contemplate it all. Sitting next to him was his best friend, just as he had the past seven years, through happy times and sorrow, through tests, exams, Quidditch and Snape's potions. Since that first day fate had brought them together on the train that lead them to this fantastic school, to the struggles of death and pain. Through tears and laughter, the years had passed and their lives had bonded tightly. They had grown from friends to brothers, which was greater than any power he had developed to date.

Ron on the other hand, shifted often in his seat, feeling hot and sweaty, trying not to think about what he was leaving behind him, or what lay ahead. He was filled with a mixture of sorrow and anticipation. His tie felt as if it were tightening around his neck, strangling the air from his lungs, preventing him from swallowing, causing his throat to feel as if it were stuffed full of dry cotton. It wasn't until Hermione had stood to issue her speech that he settled down. He smiled up at her, as she looked down to him.

"We welcome you here today, students, faculty and honored guests," she began in a proud tone. "As this year's graduating class, we wish to extend a heartfelt thank you to our professors and instructors, for the wisdom and guidance you have given us. We thank you for preparing us for our futures and for the first steps we'll take outside these castle walls as fully trained witches and wizards. Muggle born, or pureblood, we have grown through the years from individual houses, through prejudices and fears, to become united as one school and one family. This past year has proven most challenging for all of us, but it has also brought us together to represent our school, our world and ourselves with the pride shared by all wizards worldwide. As we board the Hogwarts Express for the last time, we do so with a great sense of sadness, but with an enthusiasm to confront our futures in the ways taught and instilled in us by our great instructors. So for one last time, we bid this old school farewell, hoping that we have set a path for future generations to follow with pride and as much enthusiasm as we have shared these past seven, wonderful and glorious years." The guests and students applauded loudly, whistles and shouts accompanied Hermione as she finished, sitting back in the seat she had occupied a few minutes earlier. Professor Dumbledore stood a few moments later, waiting patiently as the room calmed down, then smiled happily at the faces that stared up at him.

"I have seen many students pass through these doors," he began, a soft emotion echoed through his voice. "I have watched good and bad come and go, I have had the privilege to teach some of the greatest witches and wizards of our time, while I have walked many to the gravesite during times of dark despair. But never have I had the honor to stand before a class as brave as this one. The trials and battles this particular graduating class has endured, has only stood as witness to the strength of our youth and the truth they hold dear for their futures. I have never been prouder of any graduating class than I am of this one. I welcome all of you back here as guests, visitors, perhaps instructors and parents of future generations." The students laughed and applauded their Headmaster, as his smile widened.

"Now then, enough of my blabbering," Dumbledore continued, watching as the teachers stood and formed a line at the front of the room, allowing Hermione to rejoin her classmates. "I believe it is time to present our graduates with their certificates. Professor McGonagall, if you would." McGonagall stepped forward, unrolling the parchment that contained the names of the graduating students.

"Abbott, Hannah," she said, and the students applauded the Hufflepuff girl as she stood and walked to the line of professors, shaking hands with each in turn, then stepping to Dumbledore who handed her a rolled parchment, smiling and shaking hands with her. One by one, the names were called, each receiving a loud round of applause. Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Gryffindor and Slytherin, each stepped forward, accepted their congratulatory handshakes and certificates and each one, wiping tears from their eyes or waving their parchments above their heads, rejoined their fellow students with pride. Hermione stepped forward as her name was called, accepting not just her certificate of completion, but also her award of excellence and her plaque celebrating her as this year's student with the highest marks. Dumbledore smiled as she blushed her way through the line, taking particular note of the loud applause and whistles a certain red head offered when McGonagall introduced the young woman as Hermione Granger Weasley.

It wasn't until Harry's name was announced, that the roar of applause heightened, shouts, whistles and cheers followed him along the line, through Snape's cold and reluctant handshake, to the hearty hug from Hagrid and the mystical "I predicted this would be a great day for you," from Trelawney, to where he stopped and accepted the parchment from Dumbledore. But rather than offering him the customary handshake, the old wizard smiled and reached forward, hugging the young man proudly. Harry had returned the hug, patting the old man on the back, fighting the tears back from his eyes.

"Your parents and Sirius would be very proud of you, Harry," Dumbledore told him in his ear. Harry smiled as he pushed away from the grandfather-like embrace.

"I know they are," he said, feeling the warmth of his parents' spirits by his side as he returned to his seat. He watched with pride as his fellow students continued to collect their certificates, applauding doubly loud, whistling and shouting as Ron blushed his way through the line and back to the seat between his two best friends.

"I believe the Minister of Magic would like to say a few words, before we depart and prepare for our special event of the afternoon," Dumbledore said, watching as Ron's face turned from a bright red to a pale white. Mr. Weasley stood, approached the front of the room and smiled proudly at his son.

"Professor Dumbledore has already expressed the pride we all share in this particular graduating class, but I have even more to be proud of, as my youngest son not only receives his certificate this day, but also takes himself a wonderful wife," he smiled, clearing his the emotion from his throat. "I am also proud to announce the appointment of three of these students to the post of Aurors. My son Ronald and his soon-to-be bride Hermione, and Harry Potter have been accepted into Auror training. They will join the ranks of many great witches and wizards who have devoted their lives to protecting and upholding the laws of our world." Again the room exploded into a loud round of applause at the announcement.

"Many have asked me about the reward placed on the head of Lord Voldemort," he continued, watching the expression that crossed Harry's face, as many of the students turned and watched, expecting a repeat of the argument that had ensued in the entrance hall. "It is the intention of the Ministry of Magic to present this reward to those responsible for the death of the darkest wizard ever to plague our world. Therefore, if you will all look beneath your seats for an envelope." The students all frowned, but did as ordered, reaching beneath their seats and pulling out the envelopes, secured with the seal of the Ministry of Magic. Mr. Weasley glanced to Ginny and Dudley as well, nodding to them to follow suit, which they did finding a similar envelope beneath their chairs.

"The reward has been divided equally among all those who fought to defeat Voldemort and defend our world. The younger grades have also been given envelopes, as well as those who joined the fight from our neighboring countries and ally races. I believe, even though it was divided rather widely, the amount will be surprising to all of you." Mr. Weasley looked directly at Harry who frowned. Students all around him were ripping their envelopes open and gasping at the amount of the Gringott's credit slips inside. Harry reluctantly did as the others, and smiled brightly when he saw the note inside his.

"Harry," it read. "I am very much aware of your feelings about this, therefore I have taken the liberty of donating your share of the reward money to the school, in the form of a scholarship for underprivileged students wishing to attend Hogwarts, but are otherwise unable to. Perhaps this will make up for the pain caused by Voldemort's actions and help educate future generations against the evils of perverted powers. I hope this will be met with the acceptance it was intended. Arthur Weasley." Harry folded the note and looked up at the apprehensive expression on the Minister's face. His smile grew brighter and he nodded his head. It was the perfect way to turn evil into good.

"I wish to bid each of you a very found and sorrowful farewell," Dumbledore said interrupting the excited chatter among the students. "Now, at the risk of being rude, I believe we have a wedding to start, before the Hogwarts Express leaves Hogsmeade. Therefore," he continued, waving his hand and watching as the house flags and emblems disappeared and in their place found fountains of spring water flowing magically from the corners, roses of every color imaginable covering the walls like a carpet and pillars of candles edging the walkway. Hermione stood and exited the room quickly, followed by Ginny, Mrs. Weasley and Penelope. Ron gulped loudly in his sudden explosion of nerves, unaware of the students around him who stood and joined their families leaving Harry to deal with his friend's sudden eruption of fears.

"Why am I doing this?" he asked again, as Harry chuckled, pulling him toward the front of the room, where Dumbledore stood next to Mr. Weasley, chatting happily before the time he would join the young couple as husband and wife.

"Love, remember? It does strange things to a guy," Harry said, glancing behind him as Neville stepped forward. Harry smiled at his former Gryffindor classmate, amazed at the change in him over the past year. He had turned from a fearful youth, to a tall, proud wizard, brave and confident in a way nobody had ever anticipated.

"Hey Ron," Neville said, reaching in the pocket of his cloak. "Try this." Ron stared at him blankly as he took the small vial from him.

"What is it?" Ron asked with a frown.

"It's some of the potion you guys gave me, you know, to deal with Snape. I still have quite a bit left. Maybe it will help you get through the day without passing out."

"But this is just flavored water," Ron said, before Harry could stop him. Neville looked at the two with a frown.

"No it's not," he said with confusion. "I know the effects of the potion. I've been able to deal with Snape because of it." He stopped and looked at the color creeping up Ron's face, then turned to Harry with a curious expression. "It's not water, is it?"

"I'm sorry Neville," Harry began. "At first it was a real potion, but after a while we substituted it with plain water. We had to. The side effects of the real potion were too dangerous for you to continue taking it."

"I think I'm going to be sick," Neville said, staggering slightly to lean against the pillar of flowers nearby.

"Neville, listen," Harry said, as he and Ron took hold of his arms and lead him to a vacant seat. "It wasn't the potion that made you brave. You had it in you all along; the bravery was a part of you. No magic could have given you that."

"But...Snape...I told him...I...I'm going to be sick."

"Neville, what's wrong with him?" Luna asked, sitting next to her boyfriend, a hand touching his forehead.

"He's just learned he wasn't quite as brave as he thought," Ron said.

"He looks very peaked," Luna said, reaching in her cloak and removing the latest edition of the Quibbler. "I thought I saw an article in here on the side effects of snilly bug venom. Maybe he got bit without it being seen."

"There's no such thing as snilly bugs," Ron snarled. "It's a stupid story parents tell their kids to keep them in bed at night. 'Stay tucked in or the snilly bugs will get you'. Please. Anyone who believes that stuff is daft."

"Really?" Luna asked with a bitter look. "My father happens to have found a colony of snilly bugs on his last trip to New Guineas. Are you calling my father a liar?"

"He would never call your father a liar, Luna," Harry interrupted, jabbing Ron in the ribs to shut him from commenting. "He's just nervous about getting married and Neville's just feeling the strain of graduation. I think all either of them needs is bit of love and peace. Neville will be fine after a few days of rest and Hermione can get Ron back under control soon enough." Luna looked at him, glancing back to Ron and then Neville, finally concluding that Harry was probably right.

"We're ready to begin," Charlie said, stepping up to his brother's side, looking at Neville with a frown. Harry shook his head softly in answer to the questioning frown, then smiled as Ron reached for the small vial still gripped in Neville's hand. He pulled the stopper and downed the entire contents.

"I know it's just water, but I'll take anything I can get," Ron said handing the empty container back to his wide eyed friend.

"Do I want to know?" Charlie asked as Ron returned to the front of the room. Harry chuckled softly, shaking his head.

"It's a long story. I'll tell you about it sometime." Charlie nodded with a frown, then walked back to where his family was sitting, joining his father as they sat beside a tearful Mrs. Weasley.

Professor Flitwick raised his wand, charming the instruments in the corner to begin playing as the doors to the Great Hall opened. Ginny was first to walk through, her long red hair adorned with a small wreath of flowers and blue ribbons, her long dress cloak of baby blue made her look like an angel and Harry couldn't stop staring at her. She was so beautiful and he felt a sudden surge of pride as their eyes met.

"It's not too late to make this a double wedding," Ron said, seeing the expression cross through Harry's eyes, but he couldn't speak. His heart seemed as though it were in his throat and he felt a warmth burn through his veins. Ron patted his best friend on the back, smiling boldly at the wide eyes that stared at him.

"I can't...can I?" Harry asked, glancing back to Ginny.

"Probably not," Ron admitted. "Mum and dad would kill us both, if they didn't get a chance to make a big deal over it." Harry drew a deep breath to steady his nerves as the music changed and Ron looked up to see Mr. Granger walking down the isle, Hermione on his arm. Her cloaks of white hugging her frame brilliantly, the wreath of flowers placed gently on top of her head encircled the hair pinned up in a bun. She was vision of loveliness and Ron could hard breathe as he watched her approach him. Harry felt a sudden stab of guilt. How could he have thought, even briefly, of taking this away from him? He knew that Ron and Hermione needed this day, their day to cherish without incident.

"Dearly beloved and honored guests," Dumbledore began in a loud, jubilant tone. "We are gathered together today to celebrate the joining of this rather nervous wizard to this beautiful young witch." Hermione blushed, still holding onto her father's arm as she and Ron stood in front of the Headmaster.

"Are you ready to give your daughter to this bloke?" Dumbledore asked with a smile and a twinkle in his eye that had rarely been seen these last sixteen years. Mr. Granger looked to Ron, smiling contently at the fearful, pale face that stared back at him.

"I am," Mr. Granger said shortly, kissing Hermione's cheek and reaching his hand out to Ron. Harry noted the slight green tinge growing up his friend's neck, slipping his hand beneath his elbow and raising his hand to shake the older Muggle's.

"Now, with that said," Dumbledore, continued with a soft clearing of his throat. "Mr. Weasley, will you take this witch to be your eternal wife? Will you care for her and guide her, support her and love her through good times and bad? Will you be her friend and her confidant, and share with her your soul from this moment on?" Ron nodded his head silently, then squeaked a loud, "I will," when Harry jabbed his ribs, causing the room to erupt in soft chuckles.

"Miss Granger, will you take this...extremely squeamish wizard to be your eternal husband?" Dumbledore asked, watching the fear continue to drift up Ron's neck, to his cheeks and ears.

"I think you'd better hurry Professor," Harry whispered with a smile. "I don't know how much more he can take."

Dumbledore issued his questions to Hermione, smiling as she assured him she had no question of being Ron's soul mate. The older wizard turned to Harry and smiled at the young man.

"I trust you have the ring?" he asked, and Harry pulled the silver and diamond band circling around the single diamond solitaire ring from his cloak and handed it to the Headmaster, watching the relief cross over his eyes.

"Mr. Weasley, take this ring and place it on your wife's finger," Dumbledore ordered gently, and Ron did as instructed, holding Hermione's hand with his sweaty, shaking one. "Repeat after me please. With the acceptance of this ring, I ask you to be my wife, to share your joys and tears with me and to accept my love and faithfulness from this day forward, until our souls have dissolved in time."

Ron gulped twice, then glanced to Dumbledore who nodded softly. In a quivering tone, he repeated the words, stumbling over them once and asking Hermione to share his faithfulness until his joys dissolved in tears. With a deep blush, he started again, slowly thinking over the vows he offered Hermione, getting it right the second time around. With a heavy sigh, he smiled to his new wife and waited as Dumbledore repeated the vows for Hermione to present to Ron. As usual, she needed no prompting to get her instructions right the first time. Ron felt the cold metal of his ring slide onto his finger, and glanced down, pride and love swelling up inside him.

"Now, if there are no objections to this union," Dumbledore continued. "I proudly present this couple to you as man and wife." The room was silent as Ron stood there staring blankly at Hermione, his transfixed state interrupted by Harry nudging his arm and whispering in his ear.

"This is the part where you kiss her, mate. Do you remember how, or should I ask Malfoy to show you?" Ron turned an angry glare to Harry, then looked back to Hermione, aware at last of what everyone was waiting for. Harry chuckled, applauding with the rest of the guests when Ron circled his bride in his arms, kissing her fully on the lips.

************************************************************************

An hour later, as the guests were enjoying the luncheon the house elves had prepared for the wedding, Harry found himself unable to stop thinking of how he wanted to spend the summer holiday. He had arranged with Mr. Weasley to take the time off before starting his training to be with Ginny. But the reason had been left vague. Now as the day drew to a close, he could hold back no longer. He felt himself bursting inside and knew he had to explain his need to leave as soon as possible.

He watched as Mr. Weasley held his wife in his arms until the music they were dancing to ended, then quietly stepped to their side. He cleared his throat, bringing their heads around to look at him. Mrs. Weasley gave him a hug, the fourth one that day and again told him how proud she was of him, her eyes brimming with tears. Harry smiled, then glanced to Mr. Weasley.

"I wanted to ask if you would mind terribly, if I took Ginny and left now?" he asked. Mr. Weasley looked at the young man with a frown.

"Why so soon?" he asked.

"You can't leave yet," Mrs. Weasley interrupted. "We were planning a celebration party for you and Ron and Hermione."

"I'm sorry Mrs. Weasley, but I have to go. It's very important that Ginny meets someone. I'll have her back before the end of the holiday, I promise."

"I suppose, if you feel it that important," Mr. Weasley agreed, the frown still pulling his brows together.

"Don't worry, we'll explain everything when we return, I promise."

"Then have a safe trip." Harry smiled, shaking the older man's hand and kissing Mrs. Weasley on the cheek. He turned to find Ginny who was standing near the table of desserts talking with Malfoy and was half way to her when Ron stopped him with a hand on his shoulder.

"I have to thank you mate," he said. "I don't know how I could have gotten through it all without you."

"Don't think anything of it," Harry answered with a friendly smile. "I'm sure you can pay me back next year, when Ginny and I get married."

"You still going to make an honorable woman out of my sister?" Ron teased. Harry looked to her and smiled softly.

"I have to," he said in a low tone. "She's going to be the mother of my child...I hope." Ron gasped, his mouth falling open and his eyes as wide as saucers.

"She's....you don't mean....mum and dad are going to flip!"

"It's not like that," Harry insisted. "She isn't pregnant, but I really have to go. Ginny and I have plans that must be kept. Look, keep what I said a secret until we return. I promise, we'll explain everything when we get back."

"But you said..." Ron began with a confused look.

"I know what I said, but you have to promise to keep quiet. I don't want your parents getting upset unnecessarily. And I promise, Ginny is not expecting a child. It's all complicated and I don't have time to go over it all right now. I'll see you in a few weeks, all right? And remember, not a word." Ron nodded dumfound.

"You are still going to be there when 'Mione and I have our Muggle wedding, aren't you?"

"I didn't miss the first one, did I?" Harry smiled and walked away, leaving Ron to watch him hurry to Ginny, slipping his arm around her waist and shaking Malfoy's hand again, before leading the red head out of the room.

"What's the matter?" Hermione asked, stepping to her new husband's side, seeing the shocked and confused expression on his freckled face.

"Harry just said something really weird," he told her. "He said Ginny was going to be the mother of his child."

"You mean she's..."

"No. He said she's not, but it didn't make sense. He promised to explain it all when they get back, but made me promise not to tell mum and dad. I don't know how I'm going to keep it from them. You know I can't keep secrets very well." Hermione smiled, wrapping her arms around his waist and hugging him snuggly.

"It won't be that difficult," she promised with a wicked grin. "I know a few ways to keep your mind off Harry and your sister." Ron blushed, but returned the hug, kissing her forehead.

"How long do we have to stay at this thing, before we can slip out and find a quiet wardrobe?" Hermione chuckled.

"There won't be any wardrobe. But we will be leaving soon. The train leaves Hogsmeade in less than an hour."

"Good. I'm really getting rather anxious to find out if sex after marriage is any different then before."

"I wouldn't ask that question again, if I were you," a voice said from behind them, causing Ron to jump nearly a foot in the air and spin around in fear. Hermione smiled at the expression on her husband's face.

"Daddy, lay off Ron, will you? He's going to have a stroke before we have a chance of making you a grandfather." Mr. Granger didn't speak; he simply raised an eyebrow and walked away again, allowing Ron to time to take a deep breath.

"I swear he's out for my blood," Ron complained in a hushed tone. "I'd be better off, staying here and taking a full year of nothing but Snape's classes."

"Don't be silly. Besides, if you're here and I'm back in London, who's going to help me keep our bed warm?" Ron blushed again, this time ignoring the eyes that watched them as he pulled her into his embrace and kissed her passionately.

"Keeping it warm will be a problem," he promised her with a seductive grin. "I don't think it will ever been that cool. I plan on setting you on fire, at least every night for the next, oh I'd say, eternity."

"Careful what you promise, Mr. Weasley," Hermione smiled back. "I'll just have to keep you to your word."

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"So where are we going?" Ginny asked, as they flew across the ocean.

"I want you to meet someone who is becoming quite important to me," Harry told her with a smile. Ginny frowned, reaching around his waist where she held him, trying to see his expression.

"Who?" she asked with deep suspicion. Harry thought for a few moments before he answered in a hushed whisper.

"Our daughter."


Author notes: Thank you for everyone who faithfully R/R throughout both stories. I am currently working on a post-Hogwarts fic, but it will not be coming anytime soon. I want to have it completed before I submit it, and I am working on trying to get one of my "real" stories published. All of you have given me the courage to try and I thank you. I have loved writing these past two fics and I cannot tell you how really great it has been hearing from all of you. Please R/R one last time.