Come What May

Come What May

Hermione had woken up to Ginny bouncing on her bed.

" Wha-a the he-ell," Hermione said through the bounces until Ginny had finally collapsed on her legs.

"Time to wake up miss bride-to-be. We got some maid of honour dresses to get." said Ginny as she rolled off the bed.

Hermione collapsed her head back onto the pillow .

" Just five more minutes please," she mumbled as she threw the covers over her head, but they were soon to be ripped off.

"Not a chance," said Ginny. She even went so far as to flip Hermione' s mattress. Fwoomp!

"Alright, okay, fine, swell- I'm up," said Hermione while she leaned back on her hands, and blew a strand of curly hair out of her face. "It's really happening isn't it?" she said as she looked up at Ginny.

"Ya huh," was her only reply as she walked out of her room to allow her to get dressed.

As she sat at her dresser brushing her hair, a green and white bracelet, dangling on her wrist caught her eye. She examined this bracelet like she did many times before... it was her favourite piece of jewellery. 'I'll never take it off ' was the promise that echoed through her head. Harry was the one that gave her the bracelet, just before he went to fight Voldemort for the last time. Hermione shut her eyes, trying to remember more clearly what he looked like just before he flew off. Harry and Hermione were always good friends. Not once did they kiss, nor were they ever a couple. But now more than ever she thought about him. Even when she was with her Fiancée.

Hermione walked downstairs to see her Fiancée and Ginny talking. But they're conversation came to a stop when they saw her walk down the stairs.

" Morning," he said to her as she began to sit on his lap but shoot up when Cal had reminded her that his silk pants would crease easily and so she shifted to the seat next to Ginny. Her fiancée was Caledon Fox. He worked in the department of military strategy for the Ministry. He lightly kissed her on the cheek. Caledon was tall dark and handsome, the perfect husband, a bit into himself mind you. But I guess that's what happens when every women on God's green earth says that you're gorgeous, now if he only cut back on the drinking a little....but , Hermione thought to herself, he's quite hilarious when he's slightly tanked.

" Why do you always wear long sleeves? It's gorgeous outside,'' said Hermione digging into a bowl of cereal that Ginny had kindly pushed in front of her.

" I'm a man of business, I always have to look professional," said Cal with a slight grin.

She took a spoon full of cereal and began to munch while she turned to Ginny.

" So where do we start Maid of honour?"

"Well I looked around a few places, and believe it or not our best shot is Madam Malkin's."

"It will be quite nostalgic having the same woman who fitted our robes for school , to also do our dresses."

"I know! I love her! She's fantastic," said Ginny who seemed to be quite ecstatic about this.

"What about you?" Hermione asked Cal

" Well I'm debating," Cal began " whether or not to wear an actual muggle Tuxedo. I mean Jerry says that some them are rather striking."

" I think you'll look fantastic, in whatever you choose," said Hermione as she tucked her hair behind her ear. " Any luck finding a best man?" said Hermione. Although she new Cal had many friends they were scattered all over the country and their employment could not spare them.

" Well we really should be off," said Ginny growing rather impatient before Cal could answer.

"Alright, Alright," said Hermione, getting up from her chair, and turning around to kiss Cal goodbye. When suddenly she heard a knock at the door. Her heart skipped a beat. Ginny walked over to open the door and gasped at was in front of her.

"RON!" Ginny squealed

Hermione had not seen Ron in five years. Not since Harry had disappeared. They both separated over the years when they called off the search for Harry. They never had an argument, it's just that Hermione became so occupied with Cal that Ron had slowly faded out of the picture. But she was not to blame, for Ron had simply packed his bags and left town for awhile and travelled to the many places they used to talk about. Ron figured he owed that much to Harry. He had developed a nice tan and his red hare was short and stuck up a little at the front no doubt with the use of a little gel, and filled out his jumper quite nicely. Hermione thought Ron was someone you would call 'attractive'. Still, seven years of memories came flooding back to her as the tall red haired man made his way across to her with his arms stretched out.

"Oh my God Ron," she squeaked as she gave him the biggest hug he had ever received. Ron could feel his chest getting wet from her tears.

"Hermione," piped up Cal, "I would like you to meet my best man."

Hermione stared up at Ron, as he flashed a grin down at her.

"Do you honestly think I would miss my best friends wedding?" Ron smirked.

" I would have kicked your ass if you did," sniffed Hermione.

" I walked into the ministry to visit my dad and I over heard Cal mentioning your name, the rest is history." said Ron. But it wasn't to long before they felt a second person latch onto them. Ginny was balling on Ron's back.

"You three better get moving or else you'll be wearing paper bags at the wedding! I for one will not show up if you do!" said Cal

*

As Ron , Ginny, and Hermione made there way down Diagon Alley , fallen leaves crunching beneath their feet, they reminisced about the school years they had spent spending loads of galleons at the various stores. But they all felt something was missing. Harry. The three of them looked particularly sombre when they passed the Quidditch supply shop. And in the display window a broom was mounted on a podium displaying the name Firebolt II LSE.

" I heard that Harry was going to be play seeker for England," said Ginny and all three of their hearts had sunk even lower.

Ron began to snicker.

"Do you guys remember the time that he broke his arm during that Quidditch match in second year, and Lockhart tried to heal him. I've never seen Harry look more terrified when Lockhart pulled out his wand!"

All three of them began to snicker to themselves, and slowly turned away. Hermione however didn't budge. She had a smirk planted on her face. Reminiscing the time she had charmed Harry's glasses to allow him to see through the rain during a third year Quidditch match, and when she set Professor Snape's robe on fire.... she shook her head slowly and giggled, the crazy things she did. But then she too had begun to slowly turn around and follow the other two towards Madam Malkin's.

A distinct chiming noise rang through the shop as they entered. And there she was, running out from behind her counter to great them.

"Hellloo dears, my have you grown, especially you Ron my how handsome you look ( Ron shoved his hands in his pockets and turned slightly pink) Ginny! Oh you look fabulous, I love what you've done to your hair." she stepped sideways to get a look at Hermione.

"Hermione, you've blossomed into a beautiful young woman. I remember how your hair was when you first walked into my shop eleven years ago. It was quite a wild mane," Hermione raised an eyebrow " but how you've tamed it. Your curls are absolutely fabulous!" said Madame Malkin speaking as though she had expertise in the hair category.

" Um ya, we are looking for some dresses and gowns, and possibly a robe for Ron," said Ginny

If Ginny knew her brother she knew that Ron had not been in a robe since graduation. Madam Malkin began whipping around the shop seeking out the perfect material while a measuring tape was charmed to take the measurements. Ron was the first to be sized for a new robe, they both thought it was better that he go first considering he was the easiest. He reappeared moments later dressed in a forest green robe with silver trimmings. Hermione had made the comment that the colour suited Ron very well, and so he bought it straight away. Ginny was next . Ron had stepped out briefly to grab a milkshake from Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Shop, and returned within minutes.

" Now what colour would best suit you. Hmmm. Your size... the shade of your eyes," Malkin mumbled to herself. Ginny thought that she sounded strangely like the Sorting Hat.

"AH!" she said "I have just the thing!" and she bounded off.

SLUUUUURP

Ginny shot around to look at Ron who was trying very hard to suck up that last few drops from his

milkshake . But slowly lowered his cup when he noticed that he was getting 'the look' from both her and Hermione. He grinned a little- he had missed that look that Hermione often gave him when he wasn't studying or bantering back and forth with her, in their Hogwarts years.

Seconds later Malkin emerged with a dark silver robe, which shimmered when it hit the light. Something that both reminded Ron and Hermione of the invisibility cloak. Ginny's mouth opened slightly.

"It's beautiful," Ginny said quietly.

"New material- just got it a few days ago."

Ginny had purchased her robe and copied Ron's idea of heading straight out to get a milkshake. Now it was Hermione's turn.

"Ah the blushing bride! Now the best part of being a bride is that you get to look more beautiful than any other girl there." said Malkin as she studied Hermione. Suddenly her eye's began to twinkle as she rushed to the back of the room and emerged seconds later carrying a white gown.

" Try this on," she said rushing Hermione to the dressing room.

Ron sat on the couch with one arm flung over the side just opposite of the dressing rooms whistling the theme of the Chuddley Cannon's through his teeth just then Hermione emerged and Ron's whistling stopped. Although he didn't think that was the only thing that stopped.

"..whhhoa," Ron said as he stood up.

Hermione wore a pure white wedding gown. Her hands ran along the embroidered stitching that contained a pearl every now and then. Her shoulders were bare and the long sleeves draped just below her wrist to form a pointed cuff.

"What do you think?" she said timidly

Ron was at a loss for words.

"That's exactly the type of comment you should get!" said Madam Malkin smirking at her customer.

Just then she heard a chiming at the door and Ginny walked in. Her jaw dropping.

"OH... MY... GO-" apparently Ginny couldn't finish her sentence.

" The Angels must be jealous," said Ron. At this Hermione bit her lip and went a little pink.

" Hermione I'm warning you know," said Ginny " if you don't buy this dress.."

Hermione smiled. So this is what it feels like to be royalty she thought to herself.

" There is only two dresses like this in existence," said Madam Malkin

" Why?" asked Ron

" Well for starters the dresses are charmed to give the bride that extra glow when she walks down the aisle, plus it comes with a calming spell to stop the bride from stuttering when she says her vows."

"Who owned the other one?" asked Ginny

At this Madam Malkin's smile lowered a bit

" Lily Potter," she said.

The three of them stared at each other, and Hermione turned back towards the mirror. She gave herself a once over and smiled. I was meant for this dress, she thought to herself. She turned towards Madam Malkin, looking quite determined.

"I'll Take it," she said firmly and once again Madam Malkin smiled quite broadly.

"May I ask dear what season will your marriage take place?"

" Well actually it's in a week," said Hermione

"OH," said Madame Malkin "they say it will snow in a few days" she stopped and went behind them towards one of her closets and pulled out a white satin cloak.

"Here," she handed Hermione the cloak and she was impressed to see how soft it was. The cloak was lined with silk.

"Oh I don't-"

"Nonsense!" snapped Malkin "consider it as a wedding gift from me."

Hermione looked like she was about to cry as she gave her a hug. They paid for their things and left the shop feeling a little more happier then when they came.

**

Ron, Hermione and Ginny dropped themselves down on Hermione's couch feeling slightly exhausted after spending an entire day in Diagon Alley. Not only had they purchased their robes and such but they also went on a bit of a spree. Ginny had bought herself new shoes to match her new dress robes, and a necklace and earrings to match. After which both her and Hermione had opted for facials while Ron went on a shopping spree of his own in the Quidditch supplies shop. He had bought himself the new version of the Chuddley Cannons game sweater as well as some new pads and a servicing kit for his broom stick.

" Check out this bad boy," said Ron as pulled out a box containing the special edition Snitch that commemorates Ireland winning the Quidditch cup for the 10^th time in a row.

However his joy came to a crashing halt when he saw the look on Hermione's face.

"Hermione?"

Hermione blinked hard and shook her head

" Sorry?"

"Are you all right?" inquired Ron

"Fine...why?"

"You looked a little lost?" piped up Ginny

" Oh no I'm fine, train of thought left without me again" she laughed. She quickly got up and carried her bags upstairs to her room.

" What did I do?" Ron said " does she not like Ireland?"

Hermione collapsed on her bed. And felt a slow tear down her face.

"God I miss you so much Harry," she began to shake as she tried to fight back the tears. " NO!" she whispered to herself as she got of f the bed and walked towards her window- the sun fading over the trees in the distance. She mindlessly fiddled with the bracelet around her wrist as she watched the birds fly around and the autumn leaves fall in slow-motion to the ground. Five years she began to think to herself, a part of her wished that Harry had not gone out to find Voldemort maybe he'd be her next to her. Maybe HE would be the one that she would be marrying in a week. She let out a heavy sigh as she closed her eyes and began to think about his hair that never seemed to co-operate, and the scar. That same bloody scar, that called him away. She opened her eyes again and wiped away the fresh tears that had fallen. She walked over to her bed, lay down, kicked off her shoes and shut her eyes.

"Hermione?" said a deep voice

She looked around the garden but couldn't see anybody. She could see her breath piercing the night air as the moon reflected off the freshly fallen snow.

"Hermione?" said the voice again this time, it sounded as if it where coming from right behind her. She turned around and there stood a tall man with unruly black hair, parted just enough on his forehead to reveal a lighting shaped scar. And a smile began to curl on his face as he was looking at her.

"Harry?"

He reached out his hand for her' s she took it without thinking twice as he pulled her towards him and rested his chin on top of her head. Hermione rested the side of her face against his chest. It was if all her problems had vanished. She felt....safe. She grabbed on to his crimson coloured robes as if she wanted to wrap herself in them., and looked up to meet his eyes. Their lips drawing ever closer . With the sound of " I love you" whispering from her lips, they kissed. Harry held her even tighter as they kissed slowly but gently. Hermione could feel explosions going off inside her chest as her hands slowly went up his neck and pressed him closer to her. She felt the wind rush past her cheeks. She felt alive. Slowly Harry released her, and whispered in her ear

" I love you Hermione... until my dying day."

She felt his breath on her neck which made her shiver. He slowly began to walk back into the shadows, until she could see him no more.

Hermione woke up and sat up looking at her clock - 8:56 pm. Her Heart was racing. And she felt a slight chilled breeze coming from her window, she exhaled as she watched the curtains shimmer.

"OY! HERMIONE"

"WHAT!?" she yelled back at Ron who was bellowing at her from down stairs

" You Commin' for supper or what?"

"Ya I'll be right down" She sat up and straightened out her hair. She looked down at her engagement ring and pushed it around with her thumb. Then she slipped on her shoes, and walked out of her room.

"Harry kissed you!?" Ginny yelled in an exited whisper

"SHH" said Hermione

They were discussing Hermione's dream over dinner while Ron was in the Bathroom.

" Well what do you think it means?"

"I don't know, do you think he's still alive?"

"I don't know about that Hermione." replied Ginny " but if he was wouldn't you think he'd be here right now? I know that there isn't any proof that he's dead, but you would think in 5 years they would find something... are in love with him?"

Hermione was about to answer when Ron reappeared, and began to dive into his food once again.

"You know Ron," said Hermione, trying desperately to change the subject "You never told us what you've been up to these past five years?"

" Well," he began as he tried to speak through a full mouth. Some things just never change Hermione thought with a grin.

" I've been working with Hogwarts for awhile now. I Help out Madame Hooch with the Quidditch games, you know, refereeing and stuff."

As they began to bomb Ron with questions concerning who still teaches and the welfare of the Professors, the conversations bounced back and forth as they reminisced about their years at Hogwarts. Hermione's thoughts drifted in between reality and her dream. I'm engaged to Cal, Hermione repeated to herself but she couldn't help think about what Harry said "I love you Hermione...until my dying day".

"Until my dying day" she said quietly.

When they returned to Hermione's home Ron and Ginny delved themselves into a game of wizards chess, Hermione cracked open a book on dream interpreting, while glancing every now and then to watch Ron swear under his breath every time Ginny took a piece. Ron was a little out of practice since he had not touched a chess board in three years. Ron's watched as Ginny's knight drop kicked Ron's bishop of the board when he finally noticed what Hermione was reading.

" What kind of dream did you have?" asked Ron as he retaliated on Ginny's knight with his castle.

"Oh uh, something about snow...." said Hermione trying hard not to give to much away with full out lying.

" snow...." said Ron expecting something else

" a-and a moon."

"a moon......" Ron was now getting the feeling that Hermione was hiding something. He knew this because she was beginning to stutter.

Hermione looked at Ginny for some help but all Ginny could say was,

" Check!" hoping that Ron would focus again on his game.

Her plan worked. Hermione had reassured Ron that it was just a silly dream but she was just bored and wanted to find out what it meant. She was a little afraid to tell him that she was falling in love with someone else. Someone who might not even be alive.

***

Cal walked into the Three Broomsticks brushing the light snowflakes off his cloak.

"Evenin' Cal- usual I presume?" asked Madame Rosmerta

" Yes please and make it a double," said Cal as he sat himself on the stool.

" Hard day?" asked the man next to him

" Paper stacked all the way up to the ceiling- incompetent military officers who can't do their jobs. It was hell on earth I loved every minute of it."

"Just be glad the war is over." said Rosmerta as she brought Cal his drink

" Ugh, I know- Although I'm still cleaning up that mess. I thought for sure I was going to have a nervous breakdown. We even had a new flight officer that had never ridden a broom before, I could've screamed. Hell, I don't even know what I'm going to be wearing at my own bloody wedding!"

"You're getting married? Congratulations!" said the man

" Yeah, peachy," said Cal

" Come now Cal, Hermione's a sweet girl, I've known her she since was a wee lass. Smart girl that one. Often surrounded by her two best mates. Quite a trio they were."

" Yeah, yeah and I've had to compete with those two ever since, so I bought one of them in to be my Best Man because all of my other friends have been scattered all over the country." Cal complained.

He went on like this for another hour complaining. From everything to why he has a hole in his socks, to thee grey hairs he found two days ago. Even though Cal was a few years older than Hermione he still had his smooth baby face. It was getting to the point that even Madam Rosmerta even avoided that end of the bar. And the man next to him was his only company but even then he was a few strands short of banging his head against the bar. However his conversation was interrupted when the man asked him if he loved her. There was a brief pause.

" Well....yeah, we've been going out now for 3 years I figure it was just something that I needed to do. I mean it only took her two years to finally get over the infamous Harry Potter- do you have any idea how sick I am of that name. I mean God, I've never met him and I already can't stand him- now what does that tell you? But I figured that Marriage wouldn't be so bad. All the planning has served as a good distraction."

The stranger remained silent as he watched Cal glaze from woman to woman at the bar , and finally his watch.

" Well I should go, she's going to want to know where I've been," Cal began to take on a whining tone " and how come I wasn't home sooner, blah, blah." Cal stood up and wavered a bit before finally gaining some balance. But before Cal turned to go he faced the man he was talking to.

" You know you should really get that scar on your forehead looked after," and Cal zigzagged his way out of the bar.

Cal returned home to see Hermione, Ron and Ginny play a very intense game of exploding snap.

"Evening children" said Cal with a smile and walked over to Hermione to give her a kiss on the cheek.

" Ugh- someone's been drinking," said Hermione as she waved her hand in front of her nose.

" Mmm love you too," said Cal as he rubbed her back "Oh Ron? Hey listen I need to talk to you about some best man stuff, if you two ladies would excuse us."

As Ron exited the room with Cal, Hermione got up and stretched.

" You know I think I'm going to go for a walk. It's gorgeous outside, and judging by Cal' s robes it's begun to snow."

"Good," said Ginny "this will give me a chance to sort out the rest of the wedding with out you constantly hovering over my shoulder. With only 4 days to go this is getting pretty tight....unless you want me to come with you ?"

"Thank you but no, I need to sort some stuff out."

Ginny didn't need to be told. Just by the look on Hermione's face she new exactly what she meant. Hermione grabbed her cloak and headed outside. It wasn't cold at all, but there was a definite chill in the air. She looked up at the moon through the flakes of snow that landed softly on her nose and on her hair. It was quite peaceful outside. She sat on a bench and grabbed a stick off the ground and began to draw in the snow. She wrote 'Hermione Fox' in her elegant hand writing. She stopped and stared at her writing . She then crossed out the name Fox and began to write P-O-T-T-E-R, and looked at it admiringly . Like that'll happen she thought to herself. Had she really been falling in love with Harry's memory. She could have easily dismissed it as a silly crush, but crushes never last this long. She remembered Ginny suggesting that she had fallen in love with the name, not the person. But how could she be so selfish? All her years that she had known him her actions never suggested something like that. She never acted like Cho Chang or Colin Creevy who found the chance to brag about having a friendship with THE Harry Potter, she usually laughed at people like that with Ron. They knew Harry for who he was, not who he is. What she did know was the pain of loosing him.

SNAP!

She looked up suddenly when she heard a twig snap in the distance, yet she saw no one. Hermione went to grab her wand when she suddenly saw a tall man with unruly black hair emerge from the shadows of the trees. The moon had caught a glint from his round black glasses, just as the wind had caught his hair to reveal a lightning bolt scar. He was draped in his crimson coloured robe (which he filled out rather well ). Hermione's Lip began to quiver. I'm dreaming again she thought to herself.

" Harry?" she said as though it was a whisper.

Harry began to quicken his pace towards her as she was running up to him. They threw there arms around each other in an embrace that rivalled most romantic stories. She looked up at him and felt his face with her hand, just to make sure he was real, but Harry quickly noticed the bracelet she was wearing.

" You never took it off," said Harry through one excited tear

" I always keep my promises," choked Hermione

Then finally after 12 years of waiting, they kissed. No one had ever kissed her like this. Not even Cal. Harry held her tight as she raised her hands slowly up his chest, past his shoulders and rested on the back of his neck. It felt as if light was exploding from their kiss that not even the moon could rival. They finally broke off and just held each other in silence. Hermione began to have a sinking feeling in her stomach...she had to tell him about Cal.

" Harry...I'm engaged."

".....I know, I wear glasses but I'm not completely blind, I saw the ring when I saw the bracelet. Plus I had a fortunate meeting with your husband -to-be at the Three Broomsticks....He's a fun guy, really."

Hermione pushed him away.

" You finally come back after all these years? Why did you wait?"

Harry tried to answer but she caught him off.

" Do you have any idea how hard it was for me? To wake up everyday knowing that I will never see your face again. That idea scared me. But I thought about you every day, even when I was with Cal." Harry Shut his eyes at this thought.

" You slept with him?"

Hermione felt quite embarrassed about this question but she knew that Harry deserved the truth.

" No," she said firmly " I told him to wait till our wedding night."

Harry let out a small sigh of relief. Then Hermione continued.

"It took me two years to finally get over you and Cal helped me through that." she lowered her head.

" Over me?" asked Harry " whe- when where you under me?"

"Harry Please let me finish....I can't love two people at once. God, I'm engaged to Cal! I don't even know why I kissed you back."

" Why did you then ?" Harry already knew the answer.

" Because I love you, I loved you more now than I do Cal," she said through the tears. " I got engaged to Cal because I thought you were never coming back. But this part of told me not to loose faith, that you would come home... to me, and here you are."

Harry walked over to the bench and sat down and put his head in his hands.

"I wanted too long," he whispered in between his fingers.

" But I also made a promise to myself," said Hermione " that when you came home, I would marry you."

Harry shot his head up and looked over at Hermione take off the ring. Harry's heart began to beat even faster as he got up and walked over to her .

"Besides," Hermione added " I'm getting sick of him being drunk all the time, and his cocky-ness was really starting to annoy me." she said as a faint smirk began to curl on her lips. She grabbed Harry's cloak and pulled him towards her, as they glared at each other lost in their eyes. There silence however was soon to be broken by the shuffling sound of footsteps behind them. It was Cal.

" 'ere what's going on? Who are you? What are you doing with my- wait a minute your that stranger from the pub?" said Cal as he teetered back and forth " Followed me home have you? Tried to get some eh? Tried to steal my fiancée?"

Cal's glare focused on Hermione's bare ring finger and looked back up at Hermione.

" Well aren't you the little tramp? Handing some out to everyone you come across? Won't even save a slice for me? Wouldn't be surprised if that Ron got a piece."

Harry saw Hermione walk over to Cal with a look in her eye he'd only seen once before.

SMACK! The sound of Hermione's hand making contact with Cal's face was enough to break the sound barrier. But Hermione wasn't quick enough to protect herself from Cal's hand retaliating. The force of the slap was so hard it had knocked Hermione to the ground. Harry had never seen her get hit before but it was enough to make his heart shatter. As Hermione struggled to get up Cal was making his move to hit her again. Cal raised his hand but he felt something restraining it. Harry spun him around and delivered the hardest punch he could muster and aimed it dead centre of Cal's face, sending him flying back and falling to the ground moaning and covering his nose. Seeing as how he knew that Cal would not be getting up for awhile he rushed to Hermione's side gently picking her up to her feet.

"You're okay." Harry whispered reassuringly into Hermione's ear. Hermione gathered up what was left of her dignity and walked over to Cal who was wiping the blood away from his nose which, by the way, was now broken.

" Harry never stole me Cal, you never had me to begin with," she said as she chucked the ring at him. And she turned on her heel and began to walk away with Harry. Cal began to stand up slightly wavering and reached for his wand filled with rage.

" No one makes a fool out of me," He raised his wand and pointed it at Harry's back. "CRUCIO!"

Harry arched his back at growled with agony as Hermione tried to keep him up but fell to the ground with him. She made a grab for her wand and bolted up, but Cal anticipated her.

"CRUCIO!"

Hermione screamed with pain as she fell on top of Harry.

"You know," Cal began as he spat blood and teeth out of his mouth "it would have been a really good wedding Hermione," He walked over to them both as Harry tried to reach for his wand. "But alas, you'll never see it."

He crouched over Hermione and wiped the hair out of her eyes. But something caught her eye. When Cal raised his arm, his sleeve got pulled up giving a slight hint of a mark that Hermione was all to familiar with. Cal noticed this and looked at her and smiled.

" Don't you worry, other women will take your place. You see my office and my position is just a little more important right now. Imagine if this got out?" he pointed to his arm "I'd be a disgrace something which I cannot afford not to mention...and the embarrassment of having an unfaithful wife.....so I know you'll understand," he stood up and looked over at Harry.

" By the way, my master sends his regards." Cal began to raise his wand as Harry finally grabbed a hold of his.

" Avada ked-"

"EXPELLARMOUS!" cried Harry as red, white, and blue sparks flew towards Cal sending him flying backwards 50 feet into the nearby bushes knocking him unconscious. Harry suddenly realized that he was not the only one that said it. He arched his neck around to see Ron and Ginny standing side by side with their wands raised. He's never seen them look both so angry and surprised.

" I've never seen anybody fly that far," said Ron as they rushed over to help Harry and Hermione up.

Harry looked at Ginny who opened her mouth but nothing came out

" I've missed you too Ginny," as he grabbed her by the shoulders and pulled her tightly towards him followed by Hermione who smiled and sandwiched them, while Harry made another grab for Ron by his robes and pulled him into the group hug. Harry wasn't sure who was crying the most out of Ron and Ginny, but he was pretty sure it was Ron.

****

The snow fell softly outside giving somewhat of a peaceful solitude. Inside however it was utter insanity as Ginny tried to apply her makeup for the second time.

" I'm just glad you gave me more time for this one, I like the idea of whole year to plan a wedding rather than two weeks," she said while trying hard not to smudge her mascara.

Hermione emerged wearing her wedding gown and trying to look for her shoes.

" Well we thought it better to wait, we had quite a bit of history to catch up on. Ginny can you- oh never mind," she said while watching Ginny reapply her eyeliner for the third time. Hermione picked up her wand, pointed it at her back and muttered a charm and the zipper on her dress began to slowly move up. Just then there was a knock at the door. Ginny swore loudly as her eyeliner got smudged.

"Ginny!" said Hermione and walked up to the door

" Who is it? she asked

"It's Ron," said the muffled voice

Hermione opened the door to see a very flushed Ron clinging on to the door frame.

" Carriage...will be here in an hour." said Ron panting in and out.

"Are you all right?" said Hermione.

" Why the bloody hell do you have so many stairs in this house!" said Ron as he made his way to the chair beside Ginny. He looked up at his sister who was trying to wipe off the makeup, looking slightly stressed.

" What the hell happened to you?" asked Ron. Ginny shot him a look that made him close his mouth and look somewhere else.

" How's Harry?" asked Hermione as she looked under her bed still trying to find her shoes.

" He's actually trying to come his hair."

This statement both made Ginny and Hermione stop and look at him.

"How many combs?" asked Ginny

"Last time I checked the count was three," said Ron as he put up his stocking feet on Hermione's bed. All three of them remembered last time Harry had attempted to comb his hair. It was their graduation day from Hogwarts and the count was six combs. Not from Harry's hair but from him throwing the combs out of the window in frustration.

" How come he's never tried to charm it or something, or use gel like Hermione did for the Yule ball in 4^th year?" asked Ginny and looked to Ron for an answer but he was busy sniffing underneath his arms figuring out which armpit an odour was emanating from.

" I guess it more or less became a trademark from him...like his scar almost," said Hermione while she wrinkled her nose at Ron who was now shoving his nose underneath the collar of his shirt.

"Ron why aren't you into your robes?" she continued.

"Why bother getting it all sweated up running from room to room, no thanks." he said as he stretched out his arms , careful not to get to comfortable in case one of them sent him on another errand.

Just then there was another knock at the door but before Hermione could ask who it was Mrs. Weasly poked her head in and beamed at the site of Hemione in her wedding dress.

" Oooohhhhhh," was all she could say as she gave Hermione a hug. But she wasn't alone. Fred and George trailed in along with Angelina Johnson and Katie bell. There were massive group hugs and comments flying around.

" What are you all doing here?" asked Hermione who was flushed with happiness. I mean I know that Fred and George are groomsman but-"

" We didn't think it would be fare for the guys to out number the girls...especially on your wedding day," interrupted Angelina.

" Besides it's free food," said Katie who trailed off laughing " but seriously though, when we heard that you two were getting married and where a little short on bridesmaids, we stepped up to the challenge."

"George and I wanted to do it, but mum suggested otherwise,"

"Yeah, which is a shame because silver does wonders for my figure," said George

Everyone laughed when finally Mrs. Weasly piped up.

" Alright all the boys out, time for the ladies to get ready."

Ron escorted them out the hall towards Harry's room when Mrs. Weasly shut the door and turned around to face Hermione.

" Now as Bridesmaids they are all obliged to help you out but I think in this case-,"

" Oh it's all right Mrs. Weasly I'm almost ready," said Hermione

"BUT I think in this case," Mrs. Weasly continued " I think it's the maid of honour that needs our help the most,"

They all turned to look at Ginny who looked like she was on the verge of tears as she was applying her lipstick for the fourth time.

" Angelina, Katie," said Mrs. Weasly as she jerked her head in Ginny's direction. The girls wasted no time in swamping Ginny with hair curlers and foundation.

" Diva.....you got to get it together," said Angelina as she began to work on Ginny's makeup while Katie tackled her hair with curlers.

" Now," said Mrs. Weasly to Hermione

" Let's see if we can't do something with that hair"

*****

Minutes had passed after Fred and George left Harry's room to get changed and Ron took a quick shower to wash the sweat off. Harry stood in front of his mirror watching his hands slightly shake as he fastened his dress robes. The light reflected off the snow on his windowsill and caught the shimmering blue silk. Unlike most robes, this one was two part. The liner was the blue silk, and the other was a thicker black velvet with silver fastenings. Harry reached for the second layer and held it up in with his hands. It felt so soft Harry thought to himself as he tossed it around his shoulders. He stopped and stared at himself. And sighed and shook his hands vigorously to try to make them stop shaking . It was at this that Ron walked in.

"All right Harry?" said Ron towelling off his hair.

"You know Ron," he began " I've played dozens of Quidditch games, faced an army of death eaters and even went one on one with Voldemort himself. But I have never been more nervous and scared as I am right now."

Ron grinned as he combed his hair.

" And all this before your 24," said Ron now reaching for his robes. Harry Spun around when he heard another knock on the door as a tall man with a long grey beard walked in. Wearing a dark red robe with gold runes along the trims.

" Professor Dumbledore!" said Ron and Harry as they rushed over to give him hugs.

" Do you honestly think that I would miss a happy occasion such as this?" said Dumbledore as he clapped his hands together.

" Does that mean that Professor Mc Gonagall is here to?'' asked Ron

" Indeed, she cried for 5 minutes when she got the invitation," replied Dumbledore. " As a matter of fact I was just talking to your wife-to-be a few minutes ago."

Harry's heart skipped a beat. His wife.

"Mind you I did not stay for long, Mrs. Weasly shoed me out after awhile. She looks absolutely radiant Harry." Dumbledore beamed.

" Mum's just practicing on her until it's Ginny's turn." said Ron as he stared at himself in the mirror trying persuade his hair with his hands. Dumbledore then pulled out his watch and looked at it.

" Well, I best be going if I want to get good seats" he said. But just before he turned away he straightened out Harry's silk robe, smiled and walked out a bit silently giggling to himself. Harry turned around to look at his own clock- 9:45am. He straightened out while Ron came over and helped his Harry's shaky hands fasten the remaining latches on his robe and brushed off his shoulders with his hands.

" You look fine sweetie," said Ron mocking his Mother's voice.

"Oh thanks dear," returned Harry as Ron grabbed his own cloak and fasten it. They walked out of his room and down the stairs. Harry stopped in the middle of the stairway and shot his head in the direction of the laughing coming from Hermione's room. Ron walked down another two steps and placed his hand on his shoulder and a small smile curled on his lips. They both nodded and walked outside to the carriage that awaited them with Fred And George standing outside the carriage testing out their new product. Harry heard a small bang and watched as a few red and gold sparks flew in every particular direction.

" It's a work in progress," said George as he stepped inside the carriage followed by Fred.

******

" Ohhh my gooodnessss," said Katie as she watched them get into the carriage from Hermione's bedroom window trying to fasten up the last bit of dangling hair. Angelina rushed over to see.

" Those boys are FINE," as she began to fan herself with her hand.

" Girls, those are my brothers you're talking about that's disgust- wow..." she said as her eyes feel upon Harry .

"Let me see!" said Hermione as she began to make her way across the room but she was stopped when both Katie and Ginny grabbed her arms and lead her back to her seat while Mrs. Weasly tried to do her finishing touches on her hair.

" It's bad luck," said Katie

" To see the groom before the wedding," finished Ginny

" Isn't it the other way around?' said Angelina with her stare still fixed on the handsome young gentlemen getting into the carriage, but turned around to see the glares from both Ginny and Katie. Angelina mouthed the word 'what?' and turned to stare at the carriage pulling away.

" Finished." said Mrs Weasly admiring her creation.

Hermione stood up and walked towards the mirror to stare at herself and her brides maids just to take it all in.

" Your hair is fabulous," said Angelina.

Hermione's hair had been put up and set into small ringlets fashioned with small light purple flowers strung like a band. Mrs Weasly walked over to her holding up the white satin cloak that Hermione had received a year ago from Madam Malkin and draped it on Hermione's shoulders, as she fastened it. All five of them sighed heavily in the silence. Until Mrs. Weasly heard the carriage pull up.

"It's time," she said as the four of them wore big smiles as they walked out of her room. Mrs. Weasly pulled out a small handkerchief from her hand bag , dabbed the bottom of her eyes and gave her nose a quick blow before heading downstairs herself. When Hermione stopped at the bottom of the stairs. And gave out a huge squeal of joy and ran up to her mother and father who seemed to be just arriving them selves.

" We thought we weren't going to make it in time," said Mrs. Granger

"It was getting to the point where your mother was threatening everyone who worked for those airlines within an inch of their life if they didn't find us a flight here in time."

" Thank you so much Mrs. Weasly for looking after her," said Mrs. Granger while Mrs. Weasly's only reply was another short blow of her nose.

" Um I hate to be the kill joy here but we have a wedding to get to!" said Ginny with a smile on her face as she shoed everyone into the carriage. With the crack of the whip they were off. Ginny leaned over to Hermione and asked her if she was nervous.

"No." came Hermione's reply but a smile began to form as she looked over at Ginny, and her two bridesmaids.

"YES!" they all said in unison.

***

Harry watched the snow fall lightly on to the awning that was covering the aisle. The awning was lined with white lilies, and fairies that glowed no doubt, Harry thought, were charmed by Professor Flitwick to stay still. Harry sighed heavily as he watched people fill the seats, and looked around for the second time to admire the beautiful garden Professor Dumbledore had provided for the wedding when suddenly he felt a hand on his shoulder he spun around to see his Sirius, his Godfather staring at him with a small smile on his face.

" I remember your father on his wedding day," he began "he was pacing the floor wildly before the ceremony even started. I thought for sure he was going to be sick. But when I saw the look on his face when he watched Lily come down the aisle it was almost as if a sudden.....calm filled him. He went on saying how this was the best day of his life...and of course the day you were born."

Harry felt a little comforted by this but not so much by what Sirius said next.

" So when can I expect the first new edition to the Potter family?" he said while rubbing his hands together

"SIRIUS!" in walked Remus Lupin " don't frighten the poor man, it's his wedding day!" he said as he shook Harry's hand.

"Well the seats are filling and the orchestra's finally here, everything's on schedule. Come on Sirius let's get some good seats."

As they began to walk out the door Remus flung his arm around Harry's shoulder and secretly handed him five galleons "Make sure his middle name is Remus," he said giving Harry a wink.

Harry gave a small chuckle and walked away to meet Ron, Fred And George, as the snowflakes fell lightly on Harry's shoulders.

" Harry why are you having your wedding time in the winter, I mean even though it's not that cold but still?" asked Fred.

" Everything just looks pure in the winter time," replied Harry with a certain calm (however forced it was), but all three of the groomsman knew that Harry had seen enough evil in his life that he deserved this much purity for once.

Both Harry and Hermione had agreed that having a wedding in the winter would be marvellous and setting the date so close to Christmas (December 23) would be an added dose of merriment. Plus, Harry thought to himself, they would receive twice as many presents.

Harry's eyes began to scan the crowd as he saw Professors Dumbledore and Mc Gonagall sitting together beaming with a grin from ear to ear, followed by nearly the entire Hogwarts staff, even Snape.

" He'll probably spike the punch" said Ron.

Harry laughed as his eyes feel upon Pavarti, Lavender, and Draco Malthoy? Harry's eyebrows furled with puzzlement. Why the heck was Draco here he thought to himself as Draco made his way over to him with his hand out.

" Congratulations Potter," Draco said coolly

" You know," said Harry " after today you're going to have to be more specific when you say Potter, Hermione and I won't know who'll you'll be ATTEMPTING to make fun of," he said while shaking Draco' s hand.

Draco stopped and stared at him and slowly a smile began to curl on his lips, with a chuckle he nodded and turned back towards his seat.

"What was that all about?" said Ron

" I think we just came to an understanding," said Harry as he turned on his heel and began to walk up to the front for the wedding to begin. A silent hush came over the crowd and the orchestra started as he saw Hagrid with a camera poised and ready to take hundreds of pictures. Harry was positive he had already snapped about 30.

Suddenly the assembly turned around to watch Fred decked out in his Navy blue robes and Angelina with her light silver robes walk down the aisle parting as soon as they got to the front, followed by George with his dark purple and Katie with her silver coloured robes, and then by Ron and Ginny who since she was the Maid of honour her robes were slightly darker silver than the other two. Harry couldn't help feel proud of them both. They've come such a long way from being children, now Ron was a grown man, and Ginny had blossomed into a beautiful woman. When Ron and Ginny parted and took their places the orchestra stopped and began to play a new song: Pachelbel Wedding Cannon. Harry watched as Hermione emerged with her Father. It was a few seconds before Harry finally realized he had stopped breathing. His heart skipping a beat every now and then as he watched Hermione walk up the aisle closer to him, snowflakes camouflaging themselves on her shoulder and landing softly on her hair. And then he felt it...a rush of calm spread all over his body. Hermione was absolutely beaming. Harry wasn't sure what it was but she looked more radiant than usual. Her Father kissed her on the forehead and released her to Harry. Finally she came face to face with him as they turned towards the Priest, with Hermione's arm linked with his and the Priest began to speak.

" Love," he began " is patient, it is always kind, it does not envy, it does not boast. It is not proud. It is not Rude, nor is it self seeking. It is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices in truth. It always protects, it always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

While the priest kept taking Harry and Hermione stared at each other and smiled. Harry mouthed the word 'scared?' to Hermione. But she just smiled and shook her head., but tried not to laugh out loud as Harry went cross eyed trying to focus on the single snowflake that landed on the tip of his nose. Harry let out a short blow from his mouth to send the snowflake off into the air.

" Now it is time for the rings and the exchange of vows." said the Priest.

Hermione turned to get the ring from Ginny while Harry tuned around to see Ron patting himself down and gave Harry a look of sheer terror. Ron's face went slightly pink as he searched every known pocket for the second time. Harry looked passed Ron to look at Fred and George who shrugged their shoulders and began to snicker. Even the Priest felt slightly amused by this. Harry's mouth started to go a little dry as he looked back at Hermione trying to look somewhat calm. The small murmurs in the crowd were suddenly silenced by Ron snapping his fingers loudly .

" Be right back everyone!" he shouted as he bolted towards the carriages silently swearing to himself ." I can't believe I did this." he said while he was sprinting towards the carriage door and swung it open to reveal a small red velvet box. He let out a huge sigh of relief as he cracked open the box to find Hermione' s ring. He snapped it shut gave the box a kiss and ran back towards the ceremony shutting the carriage door behind him.

"I've got it!" he yelled to Harry and Hermione as he ran down the aisle.

Everyone let out a laugh of relief accompanied by a small applause which even Draco himself joined in. Ron handed the ring to Harry who gave him an 'only you Ron' look and laughed. Fred and George simply patted him on the back thinking that this was classic.

As Hermione slid the ring on Harry's finger she recited her vow.

" From this moment, I Hermione Granger take you Harry Potter as my best friend, my soul mate for life. I do swear to always be there, I will give you everything and anything. For weakness and strength, for happiness and sorrow. Though storm clouds may gather and stars may collide, I will love you until the end of time. This is my solemn vow. From this moment on."

Harry slid the ring on Hermione's finger and recited his vow.

"From this moment I Harry Potter take you Hermione Granger as my best friend, my soul mate for life. I was a lost soul with out you, until you found me- the Seeker of my heart . Right beside you is where I'll stay for the good times and the bad, through sickness and health. Come what may I will love you until the end of time. This is my solemn vow, from this moment on."

Both Harry and Hermione heard sniffles from both of their parties as a loud foghorn sounded from the back no doubt, Hermione thought, coming from Hagrid blowing his nose.

" I always cry at weddin's," said Hagrid to the rather short man beside him who plugged his right ear with his finger and waged it up and down to try to clear it out as Hagrid snapped another 4 pictures.

As the Priest began to speak again Harry looked out of the corner of his eye at Ron whose face looked like he just sucked on a lemon, trying hard to fight the tears that were coming. Hermione also noticed that all three of her bridesmaids faces getting scrunched up. There were going to burst any second now. But even she couldn't avoid shedding a happy tear.

" I know pronounce you husband and wife." the priest said beaming at them both. " you may kiss the bride" said the priest matter of factly.

Harry and Hermione just stared at each other. They were finally married.

" Anytime kids," hollered Fred

Harry smiled and both of them leaned in to seal the deal, when there lips met a great sound of applause erupted from the assembly.

As Harry and Hermione turned to walk down the aisle, they saw Hagrid rush towards the carriages. Hermione turned to look over at Professor Mc Gonagall blowing her nose softly and laughing with tears strolling down her face. Harry watched Remus and Sirius whistling loudly with their fingers, and shouting, while Professor Dumbledore winked at them both as they strode down hand in hand. Hermione was sure that she saw a faint smile, if not the most genuine smile Hermione had seen from Snape. Harry received many pat's on the back from Seamus, Neville and Dean and even Draco offered his hand with a congratulatory smile. As both parties approached the walkway to the carriages Hagrid was standing there, with a mischievous smile on his face. They new this smile all to well as they began to slow down the pace cautiously. He let out a huge guffaw and stepped aside from this crate to release thirteen doves, one for each year that Harry and Hermione have known each other, the crowd watched in amazement as the doves soared away while Harry and Hermione gave Hagrid a huge thank you hug then she kissed Hagrid on the cheek. He turned very red. As they finally made their way to the carriages and climbed inside. Sirius caught up to them and slipped Harry ten galleons.

" Make sure his first name is Sirius!" he called out catching a glimpse of Hermione' s worried face. Harry laughed out loud at Sirius who refused to be out done by Remus. Fred and George leaned over and tapped the side of the carriage and huge sparks of red and gold sputtered out of the spokes of the wheels much to everyone's delight.

" Once a Gryffindor always a Gryffindor!" they said aloud together

With the crack of the whip they were off.

" Well Mrs. Potter, what do you suppose is in store for us now," said Harry with a sheepish grin.

" Well I really don't know Mr. Potter," said Hermione as she held Harry's hand " but bring it on just the same." she said as she leaned over and gave him a long kiss on the lips.

" Easy tiger," said Ron " there's kids here!" referring to his sister Ginny.

" How do you know that Ron?" said Ginny with a note of smugness in her voice "as far as I'm concerned I probably know a lot more than you!" she said, but couldn't help but laugh at the shocked expression that all three of her brother's were wearing. But she failed and they laughed till their hearts content. As the Carriage turned rode into afternoon sun, they laughed and teased about the days follies, and the events that lead up to the ceremony. For Harry and Hermione however it felt like another pleasant ride on the Hogwarts express.