Chapter Thirty Five – 'Saying Goodbye is the hardest'
Harry was pacing nervously in the small room that both he and Hermione were occupying. In the few hours since he had saved Parvati and they had both helped Lavender, they had also helped a number of other injured or hurt students. However despite their desire, not everyone could be helped; Fred Weasley was one that was beyond their skill. As Hermione had stated with Lavender, she could not create living tissue from nothing and as Fred had both legs missing, she had nothing to work with. They were however able to help with his scaring and 'ghost' pain much to his relief. The medics were happier as now they could proceed to help him with magical prosthetic legs that would move at the joints in a similar way to real legs and could be controlled by his brain when magically connected. Fred had great fun when one of the new legs was temporarily connected to his thoughts for testing. The leg was placed on the ground and Fred was able to move it by just thinking. He had great fun by making it kick George every time he turned away from him. Despite the bruises, George thought it was one of the funniest things he had seen for a long while.
However as much as Harry enjoyed spending time with the two red-heads, time was against them and thus the two immortals soon found themselves dressed in their best robes, golden circlets firmly in place and awaiting the arrival of Minerva and Kingsley in a small anteroom to the Great Hall.
"How much longer 'Mione?" Harry asked for the fifth time.
"Five minutes less than the last time you asked me Harry. For Merlin's sake sit down!" she grumped. Truth was she as just as nervous as Harry, despite the fact she didn't have to make a speech. She guessed she was picking up on Harry's nervousness through their bond and it was making her irritable, that and despite the fact she was immortal, mother nature had paid a call and her hormones were up the spout.
Harry sat with an irritated sigh and glared around the room for a few moments before he was back on his feet pacing the room again. Knowing that he sounded like a whiny child asking if they were nearly there yet, he couldn't help himself but to ask the question again.
"How much longer..." he began just as the door opened and the headmistress and the acting Minister quietly entered accompanied by Cassie.
"Thank Merlin!" Harry muttered before walking over to the trio.
"Kingsley!" he began, but stopped as Kingsley fell to one knee with his head bowed.
"What?" Harry stuttered.
"My Liege! I am at your command." Kingsley said in his deep voice. Harry looked confused until Cassie pointed to her head and wiggled her eyebrows.
"Crap! Kingsley, you know I don't take any notice of that rubbish. I have to wear the sodding thing as it's expected but come on, on your feet big guy." He said hauling the large man to his feet as he spoke. Kingsley grinned at him and began to laugh. Realising he had been pranked Harry also began to laugh.
"You had me worried there Shack." He told him as he motioned for the three to sit with them. However none of them took the offered seats.
"Harry, it's time." Professor McGonagall stated. Harry looked at her for a moment and then sighed and nodded his head. He turned to take Hermione's hand and followed the trio out of the room and into the Great Hall beyond. The room had been transformed; gone were the four long tables that normally graced the room and instead were two wide rows of chairs with a wide aisle in the centre of them. Black flags replaced the usual house colours and were flying at half mast on each pillar that ran the length of the room. The ceiling was showing the outside as usual, but today the sky was clear and a deep blue with just a few whispery clouds in the sky; a fitting day for the proceedings Harry thought. As he entered the hall he saw that it was nearly full, students and parents along with friends all stood as they saw the small party enter the hall. Many were crying silently; many were holding each other as they thought about their missing loved ones, but everyone stood with a proud dignity that befitted the solemn occasion. As Harry slowly walked the long walk to the raised stage at the end of the room he saw that perched on stands at the front of the audience were life size pictures of everyone lost in the battle; Hagrid's and Grawp's dwarfing the rest, but all were present. These were not moving images; that was considered to be too crass, but still images showing the person at their very best. Colin was stood holding his camera and smiling happily; Seamus was shown at home with a sneaky pint of Guinness in his hand; Charity Burbage was shown at her graduation day, a proud smile on her face as Albus Dumbledore shook her hand. As well as the pictures of those who died on that fateful day, there were also others – Xeno Lovegood in all his multicoloured finery, Augusta Longbottom with her fierce Vulture hat in place, but also a proud smile present, Percy Weasley smiling as he started his first day at the Ministry and finally Dan Granger stood with an apron on as he cooked on a barbeque at home in Australia. There were many images displayed...too many. Harry felt Hermione stiffen as she saw the image of her father and then as she spotted her mother stood in the front row of the room. Molly and Arthur along with Bill, Fleur Ginny and Neville arm in arm, and Luna were stood with her. Behind them were the rest of the cottage's residents, Dudley and Lisa along with Remus and Tonks; Baby Teddy is her arms. In the rows behind were many of Harry friends and fellow students; Lavender was stood with Parvati in her arms as she beautiful Indian witch cried for the loss of her twin. Fred and George along with Dean were close by along with Susan and Hannah. All of them smiled and nodded to Harry and Hermione as they slowly walked to the chairs placed on the stage. In the centre two larger chairs were sat and it was on these that Harry and Hermione finally sat. As they looked out they could see many people looking at them with slightly confused looks. Although some knew what the golden circlets signified many were still unaware of the pair's true status.
Once they sat, the rest of the room took their chairs, all except Kingsley who walked to the lectern that had been placed on the stage. He stood for a long moment looking out at the audience in front of him and then he glanced at the images of the fallen before he cleared his throat.
"Lords, Ladies, Wizards, Witches...my Friends... today we are together to remember - to remember those that fell in order for us to be free. As your interim Minister I have been asked to open the proceedings today and it is an honour to do so. As we all know last week there was a massive battle that took place in this centre of learning. In a school occupied by children and teachers a mad man brought the realities of war here. This creature did not care that children were here, he did not care that many would be in danger of been hurt or killed and he expected an easy victory. He and his followers were to be disappointed for the ordinary became the extra-ordinary; the frightened became the brave and the weak became the strong. The so called Lord Voldemort finally realised that ordinary witches and wizards when they work together are strong, they are resolute and they are brave. Lord Voldemort believed that only the pure of blood were worthy of magic, only those born to the old families were worthy to live. Curious behaviour for a one not of the pure. My friends, Voldemort was not a pureblood. His real name was Tom Marvolo Riddle and his father was a muggle!"
At this there was a surprised gasp from the gathered masses that soon turned to outrage. They had suffered so much, feared so much from a fraud.
"This is not the time for anger, not the time for recriminations or political speeches. This is a time to remember those brave witches, wizards and in one case a muggle who fought for what they believed in, they fought for what was right and fair. They paid with the ultimate price they could, their lives. We are here today to honour their sacrifice, to honour their bravery, but most of all to honour their lives."
He paused for a short while before continuing.
"Many fought that day, and many in the days leading up to the events here. Many were injured; some more than others." As this he nodded his head at Lavender and Fred who both nodded back. "We owe so much to those that fought in order to allow two very special people the time they needed to defeat Voldemort. Those two people are here today and I know they will hate me for saying this but they are both heroes in the truest sense of the word. They are also as it turns out both very important to the future of our world. Lord and Lady Hufflepuff-Griffindor-Ravenclaw -Slytherin-Emrys-Potter, or as I like to call them; Harry and Hermione are two of the bravest and powerful people I know and they both were instrumental in the downfall of Voldemort. Neither has spoken about the events of their battle with that monster and I guess that is their right. I also know neither of them are happy with you knowing this new information but they are also known by two new titles. It turns out that Harry is directly related to the Pendragon line and as Hermione is his wife they are also known as Prince and Princess Pendragon. Harry has forfeited the right to the magical throne as he says that the world does not need a single ruler but it needs an elected government, but we are still pleased to have them here today. I am honoured to ask Prince Pendragon to stand and to say a few words to us."
There was a stunned silence at Kingsley's words before a dignified applause greeted Harry as he stood the light glinting of the golden circlet on his head.
"Friends, despite Minister Shacklebolt's introduction, I prefer to be known as just Harry. A few days ago evil was brought to this school and death and destruction came with it. Tom Riddle thought he should rule the Wizarding world and he didn't care who got in his way. He thought that this school and its students would be an easy target and that the death and destruction of the school would allow him to kill me and rule the world. He was wrong! This school stood up for what was right and he paid the ultimate price for his arrogance. For this we paid a heavy price, twenty three of our finest lost that day and more in the run up to the fight, including my new father-in-law. As you sit here with the images of your loved ones surrounding you, it's easy to give in to the loss and despair. But if you do then your loved one will have died in vain. You need to live your life as full as you can, as honourable as you can in memory of their sacrifice. Voldemort and his Death Eaters are gone, but the reasons they existed are still all around us. Next week we are holding the first free elections in our world in a bid to create a world in which the bigotry and hatred that created Voldemort cannot survive. This is the reason why I fought; this is the reason why your loved ones fought- So we can have a fair and just world in which to live and to love. They died so we can have this opportunity and I for one will be forever grateful for their bravery and their sacrifice." Harry slowly sat and Hermione grasped his hand. Kingsley once more stood and walked to the podium.
"As interim Minister I have taken t the step to award all those fallen with the Order of Merlin – first class and the ceremony will take place here in a month's time. We will now read out the names of the fallen." He said in a sombre voice.
As he moved to one side, a number of the students made their way slowly to the front of the hall. Each carried their wand and one by one they mounted the raised platform at the front of the room. The first, a young looking wizards dressed in Hufflepuff robes walked to the podium and quietly but firmly said the name of his friend.
"Morgana Smith!"
As he spoke he waved his wand and a white candle appeared in front of the picture of Morgana and magically lit itself. He moved off and was replaced by the next student who repeated the procedure, this carried on for a while.
"Ernie Macmillan!"
"Romilda Vane!"
"Harmonia Davies."
"Charlie Parkinson!"
"Albert Jenkins!"
"Caradoc Pagan."
"Geoffrey Hooper."
Cho Chang walked forward, not strictly a student anymore, nevertheless she and a few of her friends had been staying at Hogwarts and had fought in the battle. Cho walked up with tears in her eyes as she mounted the step for the podium.
"Marietta Edgecombe!" she whispered and lit Marietta's candle, before moving off. The slow and sombre procession continued.
"Euan Abercrombie."
"James Pearson."
"Leonie Russell."
"Emily Jameson."
"Zoe Palmer."
"Michael Corner."
"Terry Boot."
"Francis Blackmoor."
Little Dennis Creevey walked up to the podium and said "Colin Creevey." After he waved his wand and created the lit candle, he walked over to the photo and placed silently Colin's beloved camera in front of the picture before moving back to his waiting tearful parents.
Dean Thomas now walked on and tearfully recited his best friend's name;
"Seamus Finnigan, have a pint on me buddy!"
He was followed by Professor McGonagall who said her friend and colleagues name with a quiet dignity.
"Professor Charity Burbage."
Lavender now helped onto the podium the very distraught Parvati Patil who desperately tried to recite her twins name but couldn't manage the words so Lavender said Padma's name before helping Parvati off the stage into the waiting arms of her parents.
Neville followed to say his grandmother's name and Ginny followed to say her brothers Percy's name before the pair left in each other's arms.
Luna walked on to repeat her father's name and then Hermione came to say "Daniel Granger", before leaving to join the others.
Finally Harry walked on and stood for a while looking at the now glowing photographs of the fallen.
"I light this candle for my first ever friend and his half brother. Rubeus Hagrid and Grawp."
Waving his hand he lit the candle, bowed his head to all the images of the fallen before joining Hermione.
Kingsley took his place and thanked all the students and professors for their contributions.
"Can we all stand for two minutes of silence whilst we remember those that gave us our freedom?"
Everyone stood and bowed their head whilst they remembered; the only sound was that of dignified crying and the gurgling of young baby Teddy. At the end of the two minutes a haunting piece of music was heard as the assembled parents and friends left the hall for the wake that was to be held on the courtyard outside.
I.Y. I.Y. I.Y.
By the end of the day Harry was humbled and exhausted mentally, exhausted due to the emotions that the day wrought and humbled by the fact that none of the parents, friends or siblings of the dead blamed him in anyway. In fact many of them thanked both him and Hermione for ridding the world of Voldemort and were proud that their dead could fight for the cause. They spoke to every one of the parents of the children and they all were very pleased to see both him and Hermione. Most were burying their loved ones in a number of private burials the following day and over half had invited both Harry and Hermione to attend. The two teens promised to attend as many as they could, they both felt it was the least they could do. Finally they managed to find some time away from the crowds and found themselves along with Luna, Ginny, Neville and Lavender in the Gryffindor common room. Parvati was spending the evening with her parents and her immediate family.
"So what are your plans for next year?" Lavender asked everyone once they made themselves comfortable.
Ginny smiled and clasped Neville's hand to hers, her promise ring glinting in the dim light. "Well I'll be back here for my NEWTS and Neville will be coming with me. The Headmistress offered the chance for anyone to repeat the year to anyone in any year who wanted to. Everyone will still move up a year but for the first time ever there will be eighth years at Hogwarts."
"Yeah, I want to be a teacher, you know Herbology when I'm older and Professor Sprout has offered to help me." Neville said. "Plus I get to be near my fiancée all year." He said with a shy smile.
"Longer than you may think Nev. Hogwarts will be evolving and one of the new features apart from better teachers and more subjects, including muggle ones such as maths, English and science; will be the opening of a post graduate collage on the grounds for those wanting to study further for a career, either in the magical world or even the muggle one." Hermione told them all with a happy smile. Despite all her power and knowledge she still loved the art of learning.
"Wow that's a great idea, what sort of subjects Hermione?" Neville asked.
Harry and Hermione both grinned at their friend. They had suggested the idea to Minerva a few days ago and she had thought it a great idea. Harry and Hermione would fund the construction as well as help with the hiring of teachers.
"Well it's still early days, but so far we are planning courses for Healers, law enforcement, potions, and off course Herbology. We are looking at courses on magical as well as muggle law and a few others as well."
"Count me in Hermione." Neville said excited to be given this opportunity.
"Will you be able to fill it?" Lavender asked. "I mean there's not that many of us that can take advantage of it?" she pressed.
"True, that's why we are accepting students from abroad as well. So far we have spoken to Madam Maxime as well as the new headmaster of Durmstrang. Neither of those countries have a post graduate school so they are both keen. America does have such schools but we are still hoping to attract some students from over the pond and Australia and New Zealand have expressed interest as well. Hermione knows a language charm that Rowena developed and this will be one of the first things taught so everyone can speak to each other." Harry told everyone.
"What about you Lavender?" Ginny asked the blonde.
Lavender smiled shyly. "I know everyone thinks I'm a blonde bimbo, but my grades are very good. Recent events have made me look at my life in stark detail and what with my impending ...how did Remus put it? 'Furry little problem' I have developed an interest in potions and medicine so I would like to be maybe a Healer, but one that tries to develops new cures for people...starting with werewolves."
"Good for you Lav, I know you would be brilliant at it." Hermione told her earning a dazzling smile from the blonde.
"Luna?" Ginny asked.
Luna looked up surprised and then she looked incredibly sad for a split second. Most of the people sat missed it except for Harry who was looking directly at the small vampire. Her violet eyes were pained for a second before she schooled her features into a false happy look.
"Oh I don't know. I'll see where the Wrackspurts take me." She said airily. Most smiled at her but Hermione looked at her with an odd look before she turned to catch Harry's gaze. Harry discreetly nodded at her, making her know he was aware something was wrong with the blonde.
#We'll ask her later love.# he thought to his wife. Hermione nodded back slightly before turning back to the group.
"And what about you two?" Lavender asked, knowing that what one did the other would also do.
"We are coming back for the final year, then who know? We shall have to see." Harry told her.
"Yes, the headmistress offered up the head boy and girl position, but we felt it only right to turn it down. I believe she will be asking another pair very shortly." Hermione added.
"You turned it down? Who are you and what have you done with Hermione Granger...sorry Potter." Neville joked.
Hermione smiled at her friend. "We both felt it unfair; we have enough titles and felt that others were more deserving of those positions. We will have plenty of other commitments so we won't be in school all the time and felt that the student population needed full time Heads, what with everything that has happened. We want to be just Harry and Hermione this next year for as much as possible. The only consent to our new positions is that we will be moving into private quarters." Hermione said with a smile.
"So who will be the two heads?" Ginny asked intrigued.
Harry laughed and shook his head. "Wouldn't want to spoil the surprise Gin." He told her causing Ginny to pout at him before she also burst out laughing. Harry thought that it was good to laugh, they had little to laugh about in the last few days and it felt good just be with his friends and chatting. Finally after a few hours of talk they broke up. Ginny, Lav and Neville were staying at Hogwarts whilst Harry and Hermione silently vanished from the room; taking Luna with them to return to the cottage. Once back they tried to find out what was bothering Luna but all she would say was that the work wasn't done yet and they still had things to do. Eventually tiredness overtook them and after leaving a pint of blood for Luna's supper they all went to bed aware that the following day was going to be hard on everyone.
Once they left for bed Luna sat alone in the kitchen with her supper. As she drank her tears fell from her face as she thought about what was –what HAD to come.
I.Y. I.Y. I.Y.
Hard wasn't the word Harry finally used for the Sunday. 'Bloody soul destroying' was closer to the description he finally came up with. 'Painful, sad, upsetting – downright fucking awful' were also adjectives he applied to the day.
It had started pleasantly enough with a love-making session with Hermione followed by a sensual shower with her. They had then descended to the kitchen for a light breakfast. Molly Weasley was there along with Emma. The two were inseparable these days and Hermione was glad that her mother wasn't spending all her time alone. Emma was showing now and was positively glowing with her pregnancy. Remus and Tonks were there, Tonks feeding baby Teddy his breakfast. Harry wasn't embarrassed at all regarding Tonks's exposure; he still thought it was one of the most beautiful sights he had seen. After a light breakfast and pleasant conversation they both dressed in dark clothing along with dark silk robes complete with Merlin's crest on the lapels. Fitting the golden circlets to their heads and grabbing Luna from her breakfast of blood on cornflakes they magically teleported to the main entrance of the school. The first funeral was scheduled for nine that morning and would be taking place in the garden of remembrance that had been set up by the house elves. This was a large walled area that would contain the multiple graves along with a large stone pillar with the names of the fallen engraved on it. Flowers and shrubs would grace the area along with seats and pathways allowing people to come and sit with their loved ones or just to sit in peace in the future.
The funeral of Terry Boot was a sad affair; the only child of Mary and Robert Boot he was a pureblood of minor standing. Harry and Hermione stood at the back of the small gathering whilst the druid performing the service said his words. The funeral did not take long, most of what needed to be said had been said the day before, and it wasn't long before the coffin was magically lowered into the prepared whole in the ground accompanied by the cries of his mother. Robert Boot tried to console his grieving wife as he magically created a grave stone proclaiming to the world that his son laid there. With a sad nod to Harry and Hermione the party slowly moved away leaving the immortal pair to await the next funeral.
By the time it got to lunch time and after twelve similar funerals, both teens were a emotional wreck. Instead of going to lunch they both found themselves walking towards the lake hand in hand.
"Mione, I'm not sure I can stand much more of this. Why is everyone so nice to us, we got their kids killed and all they do is thank us?" Harry asked in a broken voice.
Hermione couldn't answer, she just sobbed into his shoulder. However unbeknown to both of them Cassie had been keeping an eye on her 'parents' and took this moment to let them see her.
"You DID NOT get them killed, if it wasn't for you two many-many more would have died. I know today is tough but quite frankly today is not about you two! The families of the fallen all expressed pride in what their children did, they know that without their children's help and sacrifice more would have died and they are grateful for you two been present at their most needful time. Believe it or not you both bring some sense of honour to their deaths, so stop feeling guilty and get out there and make them feel that tiny little bit better." She admonished the pair.
Hermione's head shot up and she wiped her eyes. Harry looked guilty for second before he squared his shoulders.
"Cassie, your right we are been right idiots. Thank you for pointing that out to us." He told her.
"Harry, Hermione I'm sorry to sound so harsh; you know I love you both very much. You just needed a kick up the bum. Today's crap! Everyone agrees but the families need this in order to move on with their lives. No one blames either of you. Hell! No one blames anyone except that fuckwit Voldemort. Now come here both of you." She said as she embraced the pair, pinching Harry bum as she did.
Harry grinned at her and the pair left to walk back to the garden with a renewed sense of purpose. That lasted all of the next few funerals and then they got to the ones that the pair knew better. Seamus's was difficult but that was nothing compared to Padma's and Colin's. This time not only were the family grieving but Harry and Hermione were much closer to the pair and this time they were not just there as onlookers but as friends. As Harry watched little Colin's small coffin been lowered into the ground he could feel the shakes from Hermione as she sobbed. Padma's was little better, the service was held in a traditional magical Indian way but both Harry and Hermione were stood holding Parvati upright as she cried her eyes out. At the end both of Padma's parents approached the pair.
"Lord Potter..." Mr Patil began
"Call me Harry please."
"... thank you... Harry my wife and I want to thank you for saving Parvati. She has told us of her despair and how she wanted to end her life and what you did to help her. As a twin myself and having lost my brother in the last war I understand how she felt. However as a father I thank you for allowing us to still have one of our beloved daughters. My family is in your debt; if there is anything we can do for you just ask." He said, his wife nodding in agreement.
"Mr Patil, there is no debt. There can be no debts between friends and I consider the Patil family friends to the Potter family. Parvati will always be welcome in my family and I know she wanted to be a lawyer before all of this. As you know we are opening a post-graduate school here and Parvati will be welcome if she still wants to pursue her goals. I know Padma would have wanted her to." He said kindly.
Parvati was crying on her mother's shoulder but upon hearing this she flung herself at Harry and sobbed on his instead. Harry embraced the girl and gently stroked her hair. Finally she looked up at him and smiled a sad smile.
"I would like that Harry, thank you for the offer. I know Padma would be happy with that, you do know she had a thing for you don't you; she would be so jealous right now." She quipped, showing the world that she would survive this loss and that she could function now.
"She was so mad with me that I was supposed to go with you for the Yule ball back in fourth year; she pleaded with me to swap and we did...you never knew that did you?" she grinned despite the tears rolling down her face as she remembered the night in question.
"Sorry I was a right git then... please come to our wedding, all of you. I owe you a dance Parvati." He told her.
Parvati looked at her parents before accepting. She gently embraced Hermione and as she kissed her cheek she whispered in her ear.
"Love him well for me and Pad, he's very special."
"I will...forever" Hermione whispered back.
Then came the time that Harry was dreading to most; Hagrid's funeral. This time most of the school had turned up for the funeral of the much loved gentle giant. Madam Maxime was sat at the front been consoled by Professor McGonagall as the service started whilst Fang was sat by the coffin with a soulful look on his face. Harry struggled to get his emotions under control as he sat and listened to the druid talk about Hagrid's life. Harry found himself thinking back to the first time he had met the half giant and how he had saved the young Harry from his relatives. Harry realised that he really did owe Hagrid a huge debt of thanks and he wished he had taken the time to tell the man how much he meant to him.
"He knew Harry, he always knew." Hermione whispered to him, obviously using their bond to read his thoughts. Harry, not trusting himself to speak, just nodded back and grasped her hand even tighter. However when the coffin was finally lowered into the ground and Fang let out a long mournful howl, the tears that had threatened so much throughout the day finally broke their damm and Harry wept. Not the tears of the 'guilty Harry' or the tears of the 'worried Harry' but the tears of a grieving Harry and his thoughts for a friend lost. This time he could feel Hermione supporting him, despite her own tears and for a few moments he let himself go and ball his eyes out. Funnily enough it made him feel slightly better, that was until after the service when Madam Maxime sought him out.
"He loved you very much Harry, you meant a lot to him. He asked me if anything was to happen to him to give you this." She said handing him an envelope. Nodding Harry took it from her and tried to reply.
"H-H-H-He meant a lot to me...I'm so sorry for your los..." he broke of unable to speak. Madam Maxime nodded and embraced him, nearly suffocating him in the process before walking to speak to some others.
Harry slowly opened the letter and allowed Hermione to read it with him.
'My dearest Harry
If you are reading this then I have fallen, hopefully doing summit brave but knowing me it could just have been summit daft. The day we first met was a sad day for me, you was so small when Sirius handed you to me and I regret not stopping him from going after Pettigrew. Dumbledore was a great man but he shouldna have left you with them great idiots Dursleys and that is another of my regrets. Seeing you on your eleventh burfday made me even madder, to see you so small and downtrodden but I was honoured to be the one to take you away and put you on the road to your great destiny. With young Hermione by your side I know you are destined for good things, she will see ya straight – you listen to that girl, she's got a good head on her shoulders. I hope you kicked old Riddle's arse and you are with her now – Hiya Hermione!...'
"Hi Hagrid." Hermione whispered as they both read the rather rambling letter.
'...Now don't cry for old Hagrid, I's had a good life and my only other regrets are not having kids of my own. But I have had you two and I think of yous as my own. I haven't much things on the world and that's the way it should be but I want you both to have something of mine. Hermione there is a small glass vase in my hut that my da gave me, I want you to have it, look after it for me and always keep a flower in it. Harry I want you to have my father's ring, it's in my drawer by me bed. It was always too small for me – me Dad wasn't a big man but I wants you to have it.
Harry can I also ask you to make sure that Fang is cared for, he's as daft as brush and a bloody coward but he's a good dog. Olympe been looking after him but she needs to go back to school soon and I donna want him to be alone. He will pine for me but I's know you own Hogwarts. Can you let him live in my old hut and make sure he's loved by all you kids. Please look after Grawp for me, he's a bit of handful but he's a good lad. If I see your parents Harry I'll make sure to tell them how good a kid you are.
That's all I gotta say now, it's time for Grawp's tea but look after yourselves.
Love Hagrid'
"Oh Harry...Harry." Hermione wept. No one had been able to find any of Grawp's relatives and due to his immense size, his body had been cremated on a pyre. The ashes were to be interred in the ground next to his brothers.
Harry carefully folded up the letter and placed it in his robes before he led his grieving wife away, Fang following behind with his tail between his legs as he left his masters side for the last time.
Chapter Thirty Six – Marriage
It was early morning the following day when Harry was awoken by an odd noise at the window to his and Hermione's bedroom. They had got home late, emotionally wrought and exhausted by the day's events. They had just enough wherewithal's to remove their clothing and collapse into bed and a deep, dreamless sleep. As Harry tried to identify the noise he became aware that it was coming from a regal looking owl scratching on the window glass. With a sigh Harry clambered out of bed, totally unconcerned by his nakedness – after all the owl wasn't at all bothered. Opening the window the owl took the opportunity to hop inside and perch on the dresser that was near the window. It extended its leg and allowed Harry to remove the attached parchment. This owl was the first to attempt to deliver any post to the cottage since Harry had relaxed some of the protection charms on the property. Both Harry and Hermione felt that the complete hiding of the cottage was now not required and agreed to relax the wards slightly. Even so it was still one of the safest places on the planet, just a little more contactable. They had also agreed that they would travel to Potter Manor to see what state it was in and bring it 'back to life' as Hermione put it.
"Thank you." Harry muttered to the owl whilst summoning a piece of bacon from the fridge to his hand. The owl hooted its thanks and with a slight bob of its head jumped back to the window ledge and without a backward glance flew off into the forest that surrounded the cottage. Harry watched it fly off with something akin to envy on his face as he thought how nice it would be just to take flight and leave the world's problems behind. With a slight smile he realised that it was just a flight of fancy and looked down at the letter in his hand. It was addressed to 'Prince Pendragon' and was sealed with a wax seal bearing the mark of the Ministry embossed in it.
Harry quickly broke the seal and opened the letter to read its contents. It was from Kingsley asking both him and Hermione to meet with him later that morning. It appeared that the Aurors had found something that they needed his help with. There was an acknowledgment section at the bottom of the parchment that Harry tapped with his wand signifying his receipt and acceptance of the invitation.
"Making friends love?" Hermione's voice came from the bed.
Grinning Harry turned and smiled at the vision before him; Hermione was still laid in the bed her hair all mussed up, but she had the most loving expression that Harry had ever seen on her face as she looked at him.
"Yeah, he woke me up with his scratching; you look awesome by the way." He told her, his pleasure at seeing his naked wife becoming apparent to her eyes.
"What did it want?" she asked him with a grin.
"Kingsley wants to see us later this morning; apparently he needs our help with a couple of things."
"Did he say what?"
"Nah, apparently they have found something that he thinks we need to see, but didn't say what."
"Did he say when?" she asked, her look turning sultry.
"Yeah, eleven at the Ministry."
"Well that gives us plenty of time...come here husband." She growled
Harry didn't resist...many time.
I.Y. I.Y. I.Y.
With a silent displacement of air, two people arrived in the foyer of the Ministry building, startling a few passing witches one of whom screamed in surprise. When she saw who it was that startled her she bowed and scurried away. Harry grimaced when he saw the witch's reaction and shook his head.
"Love, we need to get used to that reaction, it's going to happen a lot." Hermione told him as she noticed the grimace.
Harry sighed and nodded his head. "I know, but I don't need to like it." He replied.
Hermione nodded and hand in hand they walked the short distance to the lifts. They waited for a few seconds before entering a vacant lift and pressed the correct button for the administrative section. With a sudden lurch the lift set off, stopping at the next floor for a few other people who stared openly at the royal couple. Soon however they were able to escape as the lift arrived at the correct floor. Exiting the lift they made their way to the Ministers office. Sat at the desk was the Ministers personal assistant who looked up and smiled at the pair.
"My Lieges, he said to go straight in. Would either of you like tea, coffee?" she asked.
"No thank you just some cold water please." Harry replied after silently conferring with Hermione.
She nodded and indicated the door behind her. Harry and Hermione walked toward it and Harry knocked gently on it. They heard a deep voice asking them to enter and soon they were both being greeted by the interim Minister as well as Arthur Weasley.
"Harry, Hermione come in, have a seat." Kingsley boomed in his deep voice.
"Minister..." Harry began
"Ahha, not yet Harry." Kingsley corrected with a grin.
"...sorry! Acting Minister, you asked to see us?" Harry completed.
Kingsley's grin faded and he took on a more serious face.
"Yes, and neither thing is pleasant. First thing is there has been a lot of reports in the muggle news about attacks on entire families. Particularly nasty attacks where the victims are basically butchered and mutilated. Men, woman children and even babies are all attacked. Normally this would not come under our jurisdiction but when one of the families were Squibs I sent someone to check it out. There was a strong magical signature in the vicinity, a Dark signature."
"Let me guess - it's the creature isn't it? The one that was Ron?" Harry asked with dread.
"Yes, I'm afraid it is, and in the last attack he left a nasty message for you both." He replied handing them a dark red folder. Opening it they found it contained victim reports that made them both feel sick as well as a muggle photo of the interior wall of the house. Daubed on it in blood and entrails was a short message.
'I'm coming Harry!' was all it said.
Harry grimaced once more and his fist clenched in anger.
"Harry, we knew this was coming. We will deal with him." Hermione told him.
Harry got his temper under control and looked back at Kingsley and Arthur.
"Sorry Minister, we will deal with the creature as soon as we can. What was the other thing you wanted to talk to us about?" he asked trying to change the subject.
Harry, this a strange one. We found something and it's the damnedest thing. We have being clearing up after the fall of Voldemort and going through the Death Eaters houses. We spent a lot of time going through Malfoy manor as that was his headquarters and we found...someone. Someone that we felt you needed to know about."
"Who?" Hermione asked.
"You need to see it My Lady, we can take you there now if you want." He replied mysteriously.
Both teens curiosity was now peaked and they agreed to accompany the two politicians. They followed the two to the next room where Viktor and Gawain were waiting. Both men nodded to Harry, but Viktor politely kissed both of Hermione's cheeks in greeting. Hermione smiled warmly at her friend but before they had time to chat the portkey that Gawain was holding began to glow signifying its imminent activation. Everyone grabbed hold of the long piece of velvet cord that the new Head Auror held and within seconds they were all whisked away to...
...the main entrance hall in what was once a grand building. Now however it looked like a herd of elephants had been through it. Kingsley explained as they walked that when the Death Eaters were in residence, they seemed to have trashed the place when Lucius died, and then afterwards the Aurors had to dismantle the entire house to search for Dark items. It was when they were searching that they discovered the person.
"I must warn you, it's rather...grisly." he finished his explanation as they arrived at what looked like it was once a concealed door.
"You ready?" he asked. Both teens nodded and he opened the door to reveal what was once Voldemort's 'throne' room. Harry entered first and was followed by Hermione. They both gasped at what they saw. Hung on the wall was a near skeleton of a young man. What was most shocking was that the head was intact and they both nearly vomited when they recognised the head of their school nemesis, Draco Malfoy. His face was pale and his eyes closed, but the remains of his long blonde hair was still visible even if it was stained black with dried blood and worse. As Hermione looked closer she saw a fibrous network surrounding the skeleton and with a gasp she realised that they were nerves.
"What the hell?" Harry asked.
"It gets worse Harry." Kingsley replied. Harry was about to reply when Hermione screamed. Harry whipped around, his hand outstretched and glowing with a barely repressed spell when he too saw what had made Hermione scream. Draco's eyes were open looking widely around, his mouth opening and closing silently. His expression was one of extreme agony and suffering.
Hermione turned to the side and lost her breakfast and Harry very nearly followed her.
"How? Why?" he finally managed.
"We don't know, except to say it's very Dark magic. We tried to put him out of his misery but even the killing curse does nothing. He is aware and the nerves that surround his skeleton seem to be firing pain signals constantly to his brain. We wondered if you could help?" he finished.
Harry slowly walked over to the sad looking figure and looked Draco in the eye.
"Draco?" he asked.
Draco focused on Harry, his eyes leaking tears as he gazed at the man he had hated at school and now needed to end his torment.
'Potter!' he mouthed silently, his lack of lungs making it impossible for him to speak out loud. 'Did you win?' he mouthed – 'Is he dead?'
Harry nodded, "Yes Draco, he's dead. Him and all his Death Eaters are no more."
Draco looked at him for a while, his face looking almost happy at the news.
'Mother?' he asked.
"Alive and well, I gave her back her maiden name, her sister Andromeda forgave her."
'Thank you...help me? Please! Kill me...' he mouthed.
Harry nodded and closed his eyes for a second. Hermione came up to him and took his hand. Harry looked once more at the pitiful figure in front of him.
"Off course Draco. For what it's worth, I forgive you." He said quietly. Draco looked at him for a long while and finally mouthed.
'I'm sorry, both of you.'
Harry raised his hands and felt the power build up in him as Hermione placed her hands on his back.
"Goodbye Draco." He said and with a slight gasp the power shot out of his hands and struck the figure. Like with Thicknesse, the figure glowed and then silently turned to the constitute atoms that made it up and Draco Malfoy, last of the Malfoy's finally got his peace.
I.Y. I.Y. I.Y.
It was the morning that Harry had been looking forward to and dreading in equal measure. Tuesday morning broke with clear skies and despite the time of year, it was quite warm. He woke to find an unfamiliar sight around him. At Hermione's insistence they had spent the night apart as was the tradition. Hermione, Luna, Ginny, Susan and Hannah as well as a much subdued Lavender had spent the night together; Parvati was spending time with her parents and grandparents who had just arrived from India, and Fleur and Tonks joined them for a brief while before returning home. Although he wasn't certain, he had heard talk of a muggle male strip club, as well as copious amounts of alcohol. Apparently both Molly and Emma were keen to come along, as he poked his head around the door to check on her, there was much giggling to be heard and he fled when a pair of lacy knickers were thrown his way, his face flaming.
By comparison Harry had spent the evening with Neville, Dean and the twins; who were much quieter than normal and Arthur. They went to the Leaky Cauldron and spent the evening talking about the recent events as well as having the odd drink, well maybe more than the odd drink. Despite his fame and fortune Harry did not feel the urge to splash out on a lavish party or a wild evening, although he did have a vague memory of some singing. He spent the night at Neville's temporary home, one of the Longbottom's holiday homes in the Lake District and this was the unfamiliar room he found himself in currently. He slowly stood and looked around the room. On a small table was a small box that contained two rings made from pure Mithrill and interwoven with gold. He had found them in his vaults a few days ago and as soon as he touched them he felt their power flow though him. Next to the small velvet wrapped box was a small piece of parchment that explained about the rings; apparently they had originally been forged eons ago by an unknown and ancient creature. He had made many rings, and most were as corrupted as he was, but a few were pure. Most had been lost to time but the two that Harry owned were the most pure of all, having once belonged to the ancient race of elves of old. They were supposed to contain the knowledge and wisdom of the once proud race and the last to wear them were Merlin and his wife.
Harry looked at the dress robes that Dobby had left out for him with a thrill of anticipation. They were of finest silk and had the Pendragon seal on them. Atop the pile was the golden crown he was expected to wear, along with the newly remade Sword of Pendragon; a present from Ragnok and forged by himself. Whist not as strong as the Sword of Gryffindor nor as magical as Excalibur, it still had power; a power that Ragnok assured him would grow as time passed. With a grimace Harry waved his hand and dressed himself in his normal clothes, the robes could wait for a while.
He was aware that he had drunk a lot the night before but just willed the poisons away from his system. Upon arriving downstairs he soon found that the others were not able to perform this trick, judging from the groans that both Arthur and Neville were making. With a slight laugh that earned him glares from both, he conjured hangover potions for them both and with Dobby's help started making breakfast. It was a recovering Neville that realised that his breakfast had just been made and served by the most powerful wizard in the world as well as one who was entitled to wear the crown of Pendragon that really sobered him up.
"Er Morning Harry, how you feeling?" Neville asked with a grimace as the potion slowly removed his headache. Judging from the snores, Arthur had fallen back to sleep.
"Fine thanks Nev, You?"
"Fine now, did we really sing last night...in public?" he asked.
"Er yeah, think so. The Twins took us to something the muggles call a Karaoke bar I think. Who would have known that Dean could sing so well? Nearly broke my heart when he sang 'Danny Boy' for Seamus."
"You do know that they were a couple don't ya?" Neville asked.
Harry looked surprised and Neville nodded. "But what about all the girls and stuff?" Harry asked.
"A cover, whilst the Wizarding world seems to accept two witches getting together, it's a lot less tolerate of two wizards, but they had been together for a few years now. Personally I thought they made a nice couple, and they were very happy together. Dean's hurting Harry, he's hurting bad."
"Aw shit, this war just keeps on hurting people. Do you think he will be okay?"
"In time, I know that they had both discussed the possibility of either of them dying. They made each other promise not to spend the rest of their lives alone, but you know..."
"Yeah, talks easy."
The conversation stopped as Dean and the twins made their way into the kitchen and silently got their breakfast. Harry silently handed each of them a hangover potion, his hand stopping briefly on Dean's shoulder as he passed the grieving young man his potion. Dean looked at Harry in surprise before nodding at the unspoken communication that passed between the two friends. Unbidden a few tears sprung up at the corners of Deans eyes and Harry smiled and nodded in sympathy.
"Well eat up; we have to be at Hogwarts in an hour." Harry said with a sick look on his face. "And someone wake Arthur up please, he needs to get to the cottage to escort 'Mione."
I.Y. I.Y.I.Y.
A similar scene was playing out at Potter Cottage, except this one was more frantic as the dressing of four bridesmaids, one bride and the mother of the bride seemed to take a lot longer. Add into that a few steaming hangovers and the mystery of how Hermione had woken up hugging a traffic cone had made the morning an interesting one at that. Young Charlotte was over the moon to be a bridesmaid, but due to her connection with the castle she had only just arrived and was on a tight schedule as she did not like being away from the castle for too long. Consequently she was the first to be dressed by Madam Malkin who had made all the dresses except for the Brides which had come from the vaults at Gringotts. The adult Bridesmaids were all in a rich sapphire blue whilst Charlotte was in Ivory with a sapphire band across her middle. There was much giggling and semi-naked girls running around the house as they all dressed. Emma suddenly realised that Hermione was not present and she went in search of her immortal daughter. She soon found the elegantly dressed witch sat in front of a mirror in her room deep in thought. Emma stood by the door as she looked at her daughter; she was dressed in a pale ivory gown, of the shoulder with a tight bodice with gold detailing on the front and a thin shapely gown to her feet. Hermione's hair was elegantly styled in a knot on her head with wisps running down her cream neck. Upon her head was not the golden circlet that was a sign of her position in the magical world; as important and ancient as the circlet was, it was rather plain and instead she wore the newly recovered and re-polished Diadem of Ravenclaw, the Sapphire the same colour as the bridesmaid's dresses. Around her neck was a beautiful and large necklace with a teardrop Sapphire in the centre; a gift from Ragnok. All in all the overall effect was staggeringly beautiful and Emma wished deeply that Dan was here to see his beautiful daughter. Hermione was looking into the mirror with largely unseeing eyes.
"Penny for them love?" Emma asked gently.
Hermione jumped slightly and turned to see her mother with tears in her eyes as she looked at her.
With a sigh Hermione moved along the small bench she was sat on and her mother moved to sit next to her. Hermione rested her head on her mother's shoulder and smiled slightly.
"Just thinking, a lot has changed in such a small amount of time. We lost Ron, and that still hurts, we beat Voldemort but at a terrible price; I'm more powerful than ever and quite frankly that scares the be-jeebers out of me, and then there's the whole immortality thing as well as being practically royalty. It's just a lot to take in, you know?"
"Well there is also Harry..."
"Yeah, there's Harry." Hermione said with an odd twist to her voice.
"Don't tell me you are having second thoughts Hermione Granger?" Emma asked.
"Merlin no! Harry is absolutely everything to me and more, it's just am I good enough for him, will he get bored of me after a few hundred years or so?"
Emma just laughed. "Hermione, to say you are one of, if not the most intelligent witch ever, you are being very thick. That boy is totally and utterly besotted with you, he worships the ground that you walk on. He could no more get bored with you that I could fly to the moon."
"Really?" Hermione asked in a small voice.
"Really, you daft twit, everyone can see it."
Hermione hugged her mother and was quiet for a while before quietly speaking.
"I miss Dad." she sniffed.
"Oh Sweetie, I do too, but you know he's still with us don't you? Ever since you told me about meeting the creator or whatever he was I have felt your father close to me, like he's watching over us. It's been very comforting to feel his presence again. I even think this little one knows his father's with us." She said placing a hand over her swollen belly. There was a knock on the door and Luna poked her head around.
"Arthur's here 'Mione, its time." she told the pair.
Hermione wiped her eyes and waved her hand over her face to re-apply her slight makeup and stood; her face now resolute.
"Okay, let's get this show on the road!" she said with a smile.
I.Y. I.Y. I.Y.
Harry had arrived at Hogwarts and with Neville by his side; he entered the Great Hall stopping dead as he entered the room, his mouth agape. The room was like nothing he had ever seen before. The tables were gone and the chairs were arranged in a similar fashion to the sombre event a few days ago, but that was where the similarity ended. The room was aglow with light from the enchanted ceiling and at every pillar there were baskets of the most beautiful flowers arranged in artful bouquets. Red and gold ribbons bedecked the back of each chair and in the centre of the 'aisle' was a dark red carpet, its pile thick and lush. Sat at the chairs was the entire school body along with friends and family as well as numerous past students. Dudley was sat with Lisa, looking smart in a dark suit that showed how much weight the young man had lost. Sat on the other side was Hermione's few remaining relatives, her Aunt Katherine and her husband David along with her cousin Rebecca. Katherine was her father's sister and had only found out about her nieces legacy yesterday...
Flashback- yesterday afternoon
Emma Granger knocked gently on the door to her daughter's bedroom and waited for a reply.
"Come in Mum" Hermione yelled.
Opening the door she entered the room to see both Hermione and Harry sat on a sofa reading newspapers; both looking sober after coming back from Malfoy manor. "How did you know it was me?" Emma asked.
Hermione laughed and just mock whispered "Magic mum."
Emma rolled her eyes, she should have thought of that reply.
"What can we do for you Mum?" Hermione asked.
Emma sighed and bit the bottom of her lip in a way that suddenly made Harry realise where his beloved got the habit from.
"It's the wedding and your father's sister... She doesn't know about Dan or about you and magic, but..."
"You want her to come, and you want us to tell her about Dad, magic and everything don't you?"
"Love, we have no other relatives, my mum and dad are both gone and I have no siblings, your dads parents are both gone; your aunt Kathy is all you have left. You loved visiting when you were younger and you got on well with your cousin. We owe it to her...to Dad to tell her." Emma told her.
"I know mum, but it will be hard." Hermione sighed.
"Love, if she is the only family you have then we need to tell her, family is important. We can go now if you want. Where does she live?" Harry said.
Hermione smiled at him and took his hand. "She lives up in North Lincolnshire, just south of Hull, but we cannot apparate there, they don't know about magic yet."
"Great, we can take the car; I've been dying to give it a whirl again." Harry grinned, happy to get away from his dark thoughts.
I.Y. I.Y. I.Y.
An hour later found the three of them sat in the beautiful old Aston on the M1 heading north. Harry had added a notice-me-not charm to the car as well as a speed one. They were currently doing over two-hundred miles an hour and both teens were loving the journey. Emma however was whimpering and had her hands over her eyes, her fingers splayed as she watched Harry weave through the traffic with an expert Seekers eye. She had spent the first ten minutes of the journey screaming but had now lost the ability to scream. Hermione occasionally would turn around to try to reassure her mother, but nothing seemed to work. By now Harry had got to junction 32 and turned off onto the M18 towards Hull. He was whistling a happy tune as he drove along the much quieter road and finally Emma began to relax. They slowed right down to normal speeds as they drove over the impressive Humber Bridge, and soon were pulling up to a nice looking cottage in one of the small villages. Harry killed the engine of the sports car now sat on a pebble drive and turned around to Emma.
"Well, we are here, how do you want to do this?" he asked her.
"Err..." but Emma never got chance to reply as the front door opened and slim, good looking woman in her thirties strode out followed by a teenager that was almost Hermione's double apart from this teen had jet black hair. The woman had Hermione's eyes and figure but she also had the black hair.
"Emma is that you?" the woman asked as she walked to the car. "And Hermione as well? Well this is a surprise." Emma by now had exited the car and embraced the younger woman. As she held her Kathy asked the one question Emma hoped she wouldn't.
"Emma, where's Dan?" Kathy asked and was surprised when Emma started to sob.
"Emma, what is it, my idiot older brother didn't leave you did he?" This caused Emma to sob even more than before. Hermione was now in Harry's arms crying whilst the teenager that stood next to her mother and aunt looked around in confusion.
Emma finally found her voice; "Kathy, I hate to have to tell you this but Dan..." she broke off.
Katherine Abbot (no relation!) finally began to realise that this was serious. She felt her heart plummet as she held her sobbing sister-in-law.
"No! Please God, not Dan..." she began as her own tears began to fall. "...How? When?" she finally managed to ask.
"C-C-Can we go inside, we have a lot to tell you." Emma stuttered. Kathy finally nodded and led them indoors. The teenager hung back and looked at her cousin with glassy, tear filled eyes.
"Hermione, I'm so sorry for your loss, Uncle Dan was a wonderful person." she finally said.
"Thanks Becky, we better go." Hermione managed but seeing the quizzical look that Rebecca was casting towards Harry she smiled sadly.
"Rebecca, this is Harry Potter, my...Husband." she said. Harry smiled and held out his hand for the stunned and saddened teenager.
"H-H-H-Husband...wow, just wow...sorry, good to meet you Harry." Rebecca said.
"You too Rebecca, I just wish it was under better circumstances." Harry said, shaking her hand before gently kissing her fingers. They heard a yell from the house and finally followed the two elder women into the house.
Soon they were all sat in the lounge; Emma sat opposite Kathy with the three teens on the sofa. Kathy had phoned her husband at work and he was on his way home. Emma was explaining about the two of them been in Australia and how they had both been attacked at work, how Dan had been killed and how Emma had ran over the perpetrator. Despite everything, Emma still tried to keep the truth about Hermione out of it, but Kathy was soon onto it.
"You're not telling me something Emma, It's bad enough that I learn the reason why I have been unable to contact my big brother for nearly a year is that he has been gallivanting around Australia and then got himself killed and also that I cannot attend my only brothers funeral but please don't lie to me."
Emma sighed and looked at Hermione for help. Hermione took a deep breath and took over the conversation.
"Auntie Kathy, Mum is not deliberately lying to you. You see the reason why Mum and Dad were in Australia was to do with me and Harry."
"And that's another thing, just who the hell are you?" Kathy asked looking at Harry.
"Aunt Kathy, as I have told you, this is Harry Potter, he is my husband and the reason why all of this happened is because Harry is a wizard and I am a witch; and we have just got out off a magical war in which Harry killed the most evil wizard who ever lived." Hermione said a little hotly.
There was a long moment of silence before Kathy gave a sarcastic laugh. "Come now Emma, is that the best you can come up with, some cock and bull story and from your daughter no less..." she broke off because Hermione stood and blurred to become a large lioness in the middle of the room. She stood and shook her coat, snarling as she did her long vicious looking fangs in full view. She walked around the room before blurring once more and turning back into the beautiful young woman she normally was.
There was a crash as the coffee mug that Kathy had been holding fell from her nerveless fingers and smashed on the floor.
"Whaaaa?" she said stupidly, her mouth opening and closing soundlessly; Rebecca was for some reason holding onto Harry's arm. As soon as Hermione re-appeared, Rebecca realised that she was holding Harry arm and let go with a loud 'eep!'
"Aunt Kathy... AUNT KATHY!"Hermione said, snapping her fingers in front of her aunt's face. "It's still me; I just have a special power that most humans don't." Hermione began and soon she told the pair most of the real story, about Voldemort and Hogwarts; about magic and Harry; about the Wizarding world and her place in it as a Princess and Harry's connection to King Arthur. The only thing she missed out was the truth about their immortality. She even created a Pensieve for the pair to watch Dan's simple but powerful funeral. After an hour or two during which Kathy's husband David came home and the explanations as well as the demonstrations of magic took place once more; everyone was exhausted but it had been agreed that they would come tomorrow for the formal wedding. Harry created a portkey for them and with instructions on its use the trio left by apperation, the DB5 shrunk and in Harry's pocket.
End Flashback
Harry walked to the front, nodding at friends as he did, Neville by his side. Near the front were sat the Weasley clan with the exception of Ginny and Arthur. Molly stood and embraced the boy she thought somewhat as her extra son.
"Harry, you look very handsome. Hermione is a very lucky young lady. Are you ready?" she asked as she embraced him.
"Yes Molly, I think I am." He replied as he gently kissed her cheek. Wiping away an errant tear Molly nodded back to him and Harry turned to take the hands of Bill, Charlie, Fred and George as well as to kiss the cheek of Fleur. Sat next to Fleur was a beautiful young woman whose silvery blonde hair matched the elder Veela's exactly. As Harry looked he realised that she was familiar to him.
"Gabrielle? Is that you?" he asked. Gabrielle smiled and a faint blush rose on her cheeks.
"Oui, 'Arry. I am 'appy you remember moi. It is good to see you, you look very 'ansome mon ami."
"Off course I remember you Gabrielle, how could I forget. You look lovely as well." he replied, gently kissing both of her cheeks as he spoke. Even Harry couldn't fail to see the radiant blush that encompassed the young Veela's face as he kissed her.
"Gabrielle?" he asked.
The blonde Veela looked at her feet in embarrassment before looking back at him.
"It is nothing 'Arry but a young girls crush. Do not worry about it, I am not looking to break up you and 'Ermione, but know if you ever wanted a second wife..." she said.
Harry grinned at her. "Not likely I'm afraid but if change my mind I'll let you know." he said with a grin. Gabrielle grinned back, knowing that he was trying to let her down gently. She really did love the young wizard and had made the offer seriously. She also knew that Harry realised this but was trying to allow her to keep some dignity. With a final smile Harry walked on the greet Kingsley and Gawain Robards along with Viktor.
"Kingsley, is everything ready for the elections tomorrow?" he asked.
"Yes my Liege, everything is prepared. We have polling booths in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley as well as on in the Ministry building. Polling will open at nine and extend until eight tomorrow night. All polling stations will have an Auror guard and will be open to every Witch, Wizard and even Squibs over the age of seventeen. Every house hold has received voting slips as well as full instructions on how to vote." The interim Minister reported.
"And the polls? who do they list as favourite?" Harry asked.
Kingsley managed to blush and shuffled his feet. "Well it seems that the public seem to favour myself by a large majority sir. If they are to be believed then I will be your next minister by the end of tomorrows vote. We have planned a result ceremony in the Ministry foyer and it will be broadcast on the radio."
"Not my Minister Kingsley, but their Minister. After all this my wife and I intend to fade from public view and enjoy our lives together." Harry admonished.
"Off course my liege...Harry." he said, but could be quite clearly heard saying under his breath "And I believe that when is see it!" Harry raised a single eyebrow and his lips curled to a slight smile at this, Gawain was less subtle and gave a loud guffaw of laughter and even Viktor smirked to himself. Before Harry could respond he 'heard' Cassie tell him that it was time. He nodded to the three men and quickly he and Neville moved to the front of the hall to stand in front of the magical embodiment of the school. Cassie was once more in her older form and was dressed in a beautiful ethereal white dress, her dark black hair cascading down her back and her beautiful face calm. She smiled and embraced Harry in a warm hug when he got to the front.
"Ready Father?" she asked.
"Yes Cassie, yes I am." Harry replied.
"Good because she is here."Cassie said as she once more took her place. Harry moved to the spot identified for him with Neville by his side. Cassie nodded to an unseen person and after a few seconds twenty or so wizards in full dress robes stood with long fluted trumpets in their hands and the hall was full of the sound of a full fanfare that announced the beginnings of the proceedings. At this sign everyone stood and as soon as the fanfare died away the rear doors off the hall opened magically. Surprisingly the first person to enter was Arthur Weasley who walked briskly to the front and took his place next to his wife. He smiled and nodded at Harry who was looking puzzled. Surely he didn't expect Hermione to walk the isle on her own did he? Then an invisible band began to play the wedding march and in walked first Charlotte dressed in her Ivory and blue dress. She smiled a wide smile and slowly walked down the aisle. She was followed by Lavender and Ginny, both looking beautiful and then following alone was the young immortal Vampiress, her blue gown matching the necklace she wore and complementing the purple of her wide and happy eyes. There was evidence of a few tears in her eyes as she carried a beautiful bouquet of flowers. As she walked and smiled it was clear to see that her fangs were unashamedly in full view. The four bridesmaids took their places at the front of the hall and there was a pause before the music rose a notch and Hermione appeared on the ghostly arm of...Daniel Granger.
Harry heard Emma gasp as she saw her husband dressed in full morning suit and on the arm of their beautiful daughter. He was clearly transparent but had some colour in him as the pair walked slowly down the aisle to the music. Hermione looked radiant and happy if a little shocked. She had closed down most of the connection she shared with Harry hours earlier but now allowed him to see the events that led to the 'powers that be' granting the soul of Dan Granger this one opportunity to walk his daughter down the aisle on her wedding day. Arthur had readily agreed and had kissed the young woman on the cheek before leaving her with her father to speak for a few moments. There had been the usual recriminations and tears before Dan convinced her that what had happened had to happen and that he was safe and happy in the afterlife. So it was a happy Hermione and a proud Dan that walked down the aisle towards the young immortal wizard that held the heart of this powerful immortal witch upon his arm. Reaching the front Daniel Granger was allowed some substance for a few minutes and he handed over the hand of his daughter to Harry.
"Look after her Harry for me, she means the world to me." he said in a quiet voice that seemed to fill the room.
"I will sir, I will with everything I am." Harry replied. Dan nodded and gently kissed his Hermione with cool ghostly lips. Hermione smiled at him and mouthed to him. 'I love you Dad' Dan nodded and then turned with a 'sigh' to face his wife.
"Emma, my darling Emma...I miss you love. I'm sorry for leaving you, but it was my time. If I hadn't of died then you and our future would have." he said with his hand gently touching Emma's swollen belly.
"D-D-Dan, oh my Daniel...it hurts so much." she began, behind them they both could hear Kathy crying into her husband's chest.
"I know love, but I am always with you and will be watching you until you join me. Live your life my Emma - live it well and be happy. Raise our son, our little Daniel and know that I will be waiting for you. Until then my love." he said as he raised his hand to her cheek and slowly faded away.
Emma raised her hand to her cheek where he had caressed her and with her other hand wiped away the tears. Not knowing who to thank she raised her head and spoke to the sky.
"Thank you for giving me that opportunity." she whispered. There was a deep bell like noise and Harry, Hermione and Emma heard a voice say, 'Your Welcome." Only Harry and Hermione recognised it as Bob's voice.
With a sad but content smile Emma nodded at Cassie and she moved back to stand with Molly and Arthur. Cassie smiled and indicated that Harry and Hermione were to come and stand in front of her.
"My friends, we are all gathered her to witness the union of two souls bound by love. The two stood in front of me have many titles and names but today they are simply Harry and Hermione. In the end that is all that matters and I am blessed and honoured to bear witness to the official joining of these two individuals. Many things will be written about these two but I want you to all remember in the years to come, this day; this day when they stood before you and declared their love for each other. Magical marriage is a wondrous thing and these two people have a bond that has never been seen before and may never be seen again. They share a life essence, they are more than soul mates, they are eternal, they are forever." Cassie paused, even though she had openly declared their immortality to most it just seemed that she was just talking figuratively.
"Harry, Hermione if you would like to say your vows to each other." she continued.
Harry looked into the eyes of the woman he was destined to spend eternity with and smiled. "Hermione, when we met all those years ago, you were a slightly bossy bookworm with no friends. However the moment I saw you, I saw something that captivated my heart and my soul. Over the years and our many adventures I grew to love the vivacious, clever and powerful witch you had become and despite the events surrounding it, the day you told me of your love for me was the happiest day of my life. You are my everything, without you I am nothing. I promise that I will love you till the end of days and I will be by your side throughout all that this life will throw at us, the good, the happy, the sad and the bad times. Hermione I love you with everything that I am." As he finished he reached over to brush the silent tears that were flowing down Hermione's cheeks and she reached up to cup his hand and hold it there. Behind them nearly every Witch and quite a few Wizards were snuffling into handkerchiefs and Molly and Emma were bawling their eyes out.
Hermione looked up and spoke to Harry, her words strong and proud.
"Harry years ago you saved a sad lonely bookworms life from a troll that surely would have killed me. In that simple but brave act, my fate was sealed. My heart was forever yours but I did not think myself good enough for you so I remained silent. However I followed you at every turn and would have gladly died for you. I loved you from afar, certain that we could not be together but that one day you changed my life forever; you opened your heart to me and made me the happiest woman who ever lived. You complete me, you make me what I am, and there are no words that can describe the depths of my love for you. I promise to love you unconditionally and to be with you forever, in this world and whatever others we may encounter." Even though it was not the right time, Harry couldn't help himself; he reached across and gently but firmly kissed Hermione on the lips. When they broke apart everyone was smiling at the pair. Cassie looked over at Neville.
"Do you have the rings?" She asked the young Lord in waiting.
Neville handed over the two Mithrill and gold rings to Cassie and stood back.
"The giving of rings has been used to signify the marriage of two souls for many centuries. The ring, the eternal circle signifies that the couples love is never ending. Harry and Hermione take your partners ring and declare your love."
The two immortals took each a ring and held them just in front of their ring fingers. Together, looking into each other's eyes they spoke the words they had earlier memorised.
"With this ring I take you as my partner in all things, now and forever." With that they pushed the rings home and kissed. Normally at this point the couple's hands would glow signifying the completion of the marriage bond but in this case their entire body's began to glow an intense and deep golden glow that extended from the couple in all directions. As they kissed the light became so bright that most watching had to turn away. Suddenly the light erupted from the pair and like a rocket it shot to the ceiling and beyond, bursting out of the roof of the school and illuminating the heavens. When the light finally faded the congregation were presented with the view of Harry and Hermione holding each other looking at them with big beaming smiles on their faces. Cassie was stood behind them and somewhat needlessly spoke.
"My friends, I present to you Prince and Princess Pendragon, Lord and Lady Potter, Harry and Hermione."
The crowd began to clap and soon the applause was thunderous as the people welcomed the new couple to the Wizarding world.
The rest of the day passed in a blur for the couple, everyone wanted to congratulate the happy couple and shake their hands or kiss their cheeks. The magnificent banquet that the Hogwarts elves had laid on was a noisy and rambunctious affair and it was a happy but exhausted couple that finally fled to the Cottage and their room for their wedding night. Like every newlywed couple they slept little and loved a lot. Finally they fell asleep happy that tomorrow would bring lasting change to their world and then they could go on a long deserved honeymoon to their private island in the Maldives that they had just discovered that they owned. Little did they know events would conspire against them.