You Left Me a Mixed Up Girl

Wedding Bell Blues

Saturday arrived sooner than Ginny had hoped. When Ginny had woken up after her night with Harry, Harry was gone. Ginny did not see him at all during the week and wondered where he was. She wanted to talk to him about that night, but Harry had decided to make himself invisible or so it seemed. Within a blink of an eye, Saturday had arrived and Ginny was sitting in her room at the Burrow. Hermione was helping her get ready for her wedding. Most of her family was in the backyard, setting up the place for the wedding. Hermione had fallen asleep on Ginny's bed. A knock on the door caused Ginny to get up and walk down the stairs.

Once again, Harry was standing there. "Hi Harry."

"Would you believe I was in the area?" Harry looked disheveled. He was wearing a Chudley Cannons shirt and it was obvious he hadn't shaved.

Ginny laughed and said, "Not really. The Burrow is miles away from Hogwarts and your home. What do you want?" Ginny was getting ready for her wedding that night. Her hair was pulled into an elaborate bun. She had already applied her make-up, but she was still wearing her grubby pajamas.

Harry sighed. "I needed to talk to you."

Ginny frowned. Harry was right, they did need to talk. However, Harry had spent the past week avoiding her. After spending the night with her, why had he done that? Ginny needed an answer from Harry. "I agree. Let's go up to the attic."

Harry followed Ginny up the winding stairs that led to the attic. Finally they reached the small room and Ginny opened the door. She looked around and found a nearby trunk for her and Harry to sit on. She sat down and gestured for Harry to sit next to her.

"What's on your mind?"

"The night we slept together. I realize now how selfish I was being by making my desires known. I took advantage of you that night. I'm sorry." Harry looked contrite, but Ginny hadn't wanted him to apologize for that aspect of the night.

"Thanks. I appreciate that. Your ring just brought back so many memories. I should have known better." Ginny looked down at the floor to her feet, which she wiggled uncomfortably.

"I can't believe you're getting married. Somehow I always thought . . ." Harry's voice trailed off.

"Thought what?" Ginny responded.

"Never mind. I just came here to apologize and to say thank you." Harry held Ginny's hands and looked into her eyes.

"Thank you for what?" asked Ginny, amazed.

"You taught me so much while we were together. You taught me how to love how to love you. You mean a lot to me."

"Harry, you mean so much to me. You taught me, well, everything." Ginny was right. She had been a virgin in every sense of the word when she and Harry began their relationship. Everything she had learned about love had come from him.

Harry looked pained. "If we meant that much to each other, why aren't we together?"

Tears sprang to Ginny's eyes. "Sometimes things just don't work out Harry."

Harry nodded and stood up. "I wanted to wish you happiness in your marriage to Colin."

Ginny stood up too. "Aren't you coming tonight?"

"Nah. I have some things I have to do. Besides, I don't think Colin would appreciate it if I was there." Harry stood by the door, ready to leave.

"Harry, wait!" Ginny ran to him. She took off her necklace that had the ring he had given her and placed it in his hands. "Hermione is right. I can't marry Colin while wearing this ring. It would be wrong."

Harry looked at the necklace in his hands and nodded mutely. He opened the door and walked quietly from the house. He knew he could not watch Ginny marry another man. Ginny sank to her knees and began to cry.

Hours later, Ginny stood in front of her full length mirror. She was wearing her wedding dress. It was a simple silk gown that had thin straps and skimmed her figure. It was classic. Her mother had made it for her for her wedding to Harry, but it had been stored in the attic until now. Now, standing in front of her mirror, Ginny wondered if it had been a good idea to wear this dress to her wedding to another man. Hermione came up beside her.

"You look beautiful, Gin." They stood side by side, looking at themselves in the mirror.

"So do you." Ginny smiled at Hermione in the mirror.

"I look like I swallowed a beach ball."

"You're having a baby! You have a glow!" Ginny protested Hermione's statement.

Hermione was silent for a few moments. "You know, Gin. Maybe you shouldn't . . ."

Ginny was quick to answer. "Shouldn't what, Hermione?"

Hermione had wanted to say, 'Maybe you shouldn't marry Colin.' Instead she said, "Maybe you shouldn't put too many pins in your veil. It could be hard to take off."

Ginny nodded and placed her veil on her head. "Goodbye, Virginia Weasley."

**** The ceremony was going to begin. For hours, Harry had been sitting by the creek near the Weasleys' home. He could hear the bride's march beginning to be played. Harry felt his heart begin to break. He could not let Ginny marry Colin. Harry pulled out his wand and transfigured his clothes into a suit. Then he Apparated to the wedding.

Ginny had begun to walk down the aisle when she saw Harry appear in one of the rows and take a seat. Her stomach gave a lurch. She thought she would be able to do this if Harry wasn't here. Now, with him watching, she felt like everyone knew she was living a lie. After what seemed like ages, Ginny reached the altar and the wizard started the ceremony. Ginny hardly listened to the words the man was saying until he reached the part about taking the man to be his wife. Suddenly, everyone was looking at her and Ginny had no clue why.

"I'm sorry, could you repeat that please?"

The wizard nodded and said, "Do you take this man?"

Ginny thought she was losing her mind. The wizard who was marrying her had suddenly turned into Harry. In fact everyone that she looked at was Harry. Ginny was silent while she regained her senses. Everyone started whispering when it took Ginny ages to answer the wizard. Harry took Ginny's faltering as a sign. He stood up and began walking down the aisle.

"Do you, Ginny?"

Ginny turned and looked at Harry. Harry continued. "Or will you take this man to be your husband?"

Ron stood up and got next to Harry. "Don't do this, mate. Not on her wedding day."

Harry shook Ron off. "I'm sorry, but I have to. Will you? Will you take me Virginia?"

Ginny turned more to face Harry. She began walking down the aisle towards him. "I will." She looked back at Colin and said, "I'm sorry."

Harry yelled for joy and grabbed Ginny by the hand. Colin, his family and his guests walked out of the wedding. The rest of the guests were whispering madly as Ginny and Harry rushed up to the altar.

The wizard, who was very confused, asked, "Is there anyone getting married today?"

"We are." Harry pulled out the silver ring she had given back to him and placed it on her ring finger. In a matter of seconds, the wizard performed the necessary rituals to marry Harry and Gin.

Mrs. Weasley ran to the altar and yelled, "What is the meaning of all this?"

Harry turned to her and smiled. "Uh, hi Mom."

Mrs. Weasley promptly fainted on the spot. Mr. Weasley smiled and congratulated Harry and Ginny. Ron hugged Ginny and slapped Harry on the back. The rest of the Weasley stood back and wished the newlyweds well.