Harry Potter and The Marriage Law

The Weddings Begin - Part 2

Chapter 8 - 

Hermione sighed happily as she sipped on a flute of champagne, she watched as all her friends and soon-to-be family mingled with each other, it had been a perfect day so far and she knew that it would stay that way. Seamus and Ginny got married without a hitch, the wedding having both elements of the Muggle and Wizard traditions, Ginny had looked absolutely stunning in her dress and Seamus looked handsome in his tux, everyone could see that they would be in love in no time, they were quite suited for each other. 

Charlie watched Hermione from across the dance floor, not trying to be creepy but he just wanted to admire his fiancé, she was definitely no longer the young, bushy haired witch he had first met during the Quidditch World Cup, but she had surely blossomed into a smart, young women. His heart fluttered at the thought of being the lucky man in her life. As the song changed he gracefully crossed the dance floor so he was now standing on front of Hermione, chuckling as she jumped back in surprise. He outstretched his hand to her and smiled, "Care for a dance?"

Hermione giggled, "Of course Mr Weasley" She placed her now empty glass down and slipped her hand into his, gasping as he pulled her quickly to his chest, her eyes now gazing at the slight tuft of chest hair that was noticeable through the opened top button of his shirt. 

"Have you been having a wonderful day Mione?" Charlie asked quietly

Hermione blinked, her heart thudding at the thought that he had caught her staring at his chest, but as she studied his gaze and the playful smile that graced his face she realised he hadn't noticed a thing. "I have been having a great day Charlie, I'm glad everything went well considering the last wedding we went too...." she trailed off, some memories of the war flooding back, she didn't meant to bring it up but she was sure that everyone here were having slight flashbacks to what happened at Fleur and Bill's wedding. "Sorry, I didn't meant to bring it up" she murmured quietly, not quite sure on how Charlie would react. 

Charlie sucked in a deep breath at the mere mention of the war, but not for himself, for Hermione, he didn't know the full story of what happened on their adventures but he knew well enough that Hermione had many battle wounds, with some he was sure had not healed. "It's okay Mione, it's apart of us, we are allowed to talk about it. What happened that day at Bill and Fleur's wedding was awful, but the happy memories outweigh the sad and angry. You have to try remember that. At least now we know for sure and for certain that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is dead and gone for good"  

She allowed her eyes to look back up at him, surprised but not all too surprised at his reaction, she smiled gently. "You always have a way with words Charlie, thank you" She rested her head on his chest as they continued to dance together unaware that Arthur and Molly were watching them from a nearby table. Molly smiled as she finally saw how happy and content her second eldest son looked, "I know it wasn't the way I wanted any of this to happen Arthur but I am glad that Hermione and Charlie were matched together. They both look so happy" 

Arthur nodded, watching the young couple with a loving smile on his face, "This is the happiest I've seen Charlie in a while, even when he was with his dragons he was never this happy. I'm sure Hermione will be able to give Charlie everything he wants in life, they both will" 

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The night drew to a close and it wasn't long before the marquee was tidied and put away for the next wedding. As everyone who wasn't staying at the Burrow began to file out of the garden and off home Hermione stood upon one of the taller of hills and gazed up at the stars, tears filling her eyes as she thought of all the countless Order members, students, parents and teachers that had been lost in Battle and weren't able to make it to any of the weddings. Some more than others stood out, her heart ached for them to be here but she knew their sacrifice was not in vain, thanks to them and their valiant efforts to save the Wizarding world, they succeeded and have allowed the generations yet to come to live in peace and harmony. Hermione slipped off her shoes and gently sat down upon the hill, enjoying the feeling of the grass in between her toes.