Chapter 19 - The Story is Retold
Harry kissed both girls goodnight before he left their bedroom. Like him, Hermione was probably too wired to sleep at the moment but Luna was exhausted. There was no way either Hermione or Harry wanted Luna to be alone so Hermione would stay, with Harry promising to visit and spend the night with her later. After a much needed bath and a good brushing of her teeth, just cuddling into Hermione while knowing Harry was nearby allowed a knackered Luna to fall into a peaceful sleep.
Heading for the terrace, Harry was already feeling better. They were home and his two girls were safely tucked up in bed. The wonderful view across the bay of Naples also helped, it was hard to maintain your anger when faced with such a twinkling light beauty.
Their villa was high enough up the volcano to afford them the privacy they craved, yet still less than fifteen minutes from Sorrento in Dan's Range Rover. With Dobby and Winky available to pop them into Naples, they really had the best of all worlds here. The time difference between Scotland and Italy had just moved them from late Monday to the early hours of Tuesday morning but it was refreshingly cool outside. With the terrace charmed to keep insects away, this was usually where the family spent most of their time together.
All were patiently waiting on Harry, Amelia had even been provided with a small table and writing materials.
Wanting to set a relaxed tone from the very beginning, Amelia told Harry exactly what she was doing. "I intend to note down only the main points of what happened earlier. I will then let you read it, and ask you to sign that it is a truthful rendition of the facts."
Agreeing with that, Harry began to fill the gaps in their knowledge of what had happened tonight. Knowing from Hermione that everyone pretty much knew the sequence of events in the lead-up to Luna's abduction, Harry then took them through what followed that catastrophe.
Amelia had been present when Hermione ejected Dumbledore from her mind, she had no problems imagining the same thing happening to Voldemort. What the head of the D.M.L.E. struggled to believe was Luna's courage at defying the dark Lord in his own lair.
When Harry got to the matter of Luna's escape, it took Emma sitting with her arm around him before he could bring himself to tell the story. "Killing someone with your wand is a hard thing to do, and so it should be. Grabbing someone by the throat with your jaws and, even although your mouth is filling with their blood, holding on until they're dead is at least a hundred times harder. Luna knew what needed to be done, and Moonlight carried it out. Nott was the same age as us but had already made his choice, that choice didn't leave us any other options but the ones we took. I was so proud of Luna, she showed amazing bravery tonight. She's also worried in case any of her family thinks differently of her now, that was why Hermione shared with her back in Hogwarts. Luna knows exactly what Hermione and I think about her after what happened tonight, we couldn't love her any more than we do."
It was Dan who chose to speak for all of them. "That could so easily have been Hermione who was snatched today, and I felt every bit as bad because it was Luna. Emma and I think of them both as our daughters, that won't change because of whatever Luna was forced to do to survive. We love both our girls, and our son, and are more thankful than we can say that all three are back home with us tonight. We may be a couple of months away from making those relationships official but that's how we already think of you and Luna." Emma holding Harry tighter confirmed she agreed with everything her husband just said.
As the newest member of the family, Claire decided to make her opinion known. "What Luna faced today was horrible, but the way she dealt with it was nothing short of magnificent. I know my husband already loves all three of you, I can't see that changing because of tonight."
"I don't know, love. I already thought I couldn't be any prouder of these three, then they go and prove me wrong. Remus and I taught you lot most of your moves yet both of us would have struggled to cope with what you were faced with."
Remus tried to lighten the mood. "Can you see Bulstrode opening that cell door because Sirius was standing there in his underwear?" Managing to raise a smile from Harry had Remus counting that attempt as a success. The smile was fleeting though as the retelling of their escape continued.
"I don't know if becoming a horcrux had a physical effect on that snake, or whether it was other things Voldemort had done to it. What I do know is that it was an absolute nightmare to kill. Smart, strong, lightning fast, and with a viciousness that was matched only by her master. That snake nearly was the death of us."
He then described how they met Bulstrode again, knocking her down before making their escape as a wounded Moonlight crashed through a window. Hearing that the dire wolf changed into Luna and cast fiendfyre caused Amelia to pause in her writing. Harry never noticed, he was now blinded by tears as the possible consequences of tonight began to overwhelm his emotions.
"Luna was giving everything she had left to get us outside those wards. That venom was closing down her body though, her legs wouldn't work - and I couldn't do a thing to help. Then Professor Snape turned up. Luna and I were trying to come to terms with never seeing Hermione again, never seeing you guys again..."
It took Harry a few moments to get himself back under control, he wasn't the only one who needed those moments. Emma clinging on to Harry reminded him so much of Hermione, and certainly helped him restrain the powerful feelings that threatened to run away with him.
"Madam Bones, if you must hand out awards for tonight - our vote goes in favour of Severus Snape. If getting us to Hogwarts and then providing the anti-venom that saved Luna's life wasn't enough, Hermione told us he deliberately stunned Luna and left the two most junior Death Eaters as our guards. Without him, we probably wouldn't have made it home - and you might still have been left with your Dark Lord problem."
When Harry put it like that, the idea of awarding Severus Snape an Order of Merlin suddenly didn't seem so preposterous. It would also give the ministry a way of recognising and celebrating a hero from this pile of shit Albus had dumped them in. The mere mention that it was a grateful Harry Potter who proposed Severus for this award should see it sail through the Wizengamot.
The shock of Dumbledore's manipulations and then Harry Potter leaving Britain could be somewhat negated by the news Voldemort was no more and then providing a hero to thank. The coming few weeks were going to be murder, and Amelia was delighted Susan would be in Italy to miss it all.
Reading through her notes, the only thing Amelia could see for anyone to object to was Luna's use of the darkish fiendfyre spell. Since this is what finished off the Dark Lord, not one voice would be raised against her. She passed her notes over for Harry to read as Sirius then made an offer Amelia had no intention of turning down.
"Amelia, why don't you get a few hours sleep here. Then you can portkey back to Britain with Claire and I in the morning. You know it's going to be total madness for the next few days at a minimum, this would allow you at least to be fresh tomorrow."
"Augusta was calling an emergency Wizengamot meeting for ten..."
"Fine. Breakfast at eight, then you gain an hour on the trip back. We can sit here, enjoy one of Winky's fabulous breakfasts while looking over the bay, and you can still be in your office before eight."
Harry signing Amelia's notes was the signal it was time for everyone to head off to bed, Dobby appeared and led Amelia to a prepared bedroom.
His head had barely touched the pillow when Harry was heading off to spend the night with Hermione. As bad as they'd had it, Harry and Luna knew the position Hermione found herself in would be considered the worse by any of the trio. They'd at least had each other while Hermione was left alone, not knowing if they would make it back to her. Harry and Luna would be doing their best to make it up to the girl they both loved, you wouldn't be able to insert a sheet of paper between the three of them for at least a few days. Maybe then, things would get a chance to return to normal.
-oOoOo-
The Hogwarts rumour mill was of course churning out scenario after scenario with the little information available, each one more ridiculous than the rumour that spawned it. With everything happening too late in the day to be in today's Prophet, it would be tomorrow before all hell broke lose. Ron was sitting trying to enjoy a hearty breakfast but his heart really wasn't in it. He also couldn't care less about the care of magical creatures exam facing him after this breakfast. Then that hated voice drawled from behind, putting an instant end to any appetite Ron may have had.
"Weasley, my godfather told me what happened yesterday."
Ron turned around, ready to face the blond prick.
"I understand you are going to visit them in their home when Hogwarts breaks up?"
This saw Ron give nothing more than a wary nod in answer.
"Could you please pass on a message for me? The future Lady Black performed a great service to House Malfoy when she took care of that snake. I hated that fucking reptile almost as much as I did the Dark Lord..."
Ron was used to seeing Draco wrestle with his temper but never like this. He clearly wasn't angry at Ron, and certainly not Harry, Hermione or Luna.
Regaining control, Draco was able to continue with what he'd come over here to say. "That the future Lady Black then rid us of the Dark Lord leaves me again personally in her debt. This action removed the final hurdle from me inheriting next year. If you could pass on my thanks, my heartfelt gratitude, I would be most grateful."
Again Ron could only offer a shocked nod.
"When I become the head of the Malfoy family, please also tell Lord Black I would look most favourably on any alliance between our houses."
It was left to Susan to offer Draco their assurance his message would be passed on, along with the sentiment behind it. A speechless Ron again nodded, not even the smirk from Malfoy at his mute condition was able to draw a comment out of the redhead.
He'd returned to staring at his breakfast for all of two minutes before Ron found his voice again. "I knew I shouldn't have had those fried mushrooms, there was certainly something dodgy about them. Either that, or I would have to admit I was going mental. Did that really just happen?"
"Yes, love, it did. It's the smart thing to do, Draco takes after his mother in that respect." Ron at least managed a 'huh', needing his girlfriend to explain that remark.
"If you look at this from an outside perspective, it makes perfect sense. Houses Potter and Black just ended the Dark Lord, then left Britain for good. Hermione then pulled a master stroke by inviting a Longbottom, Bones, Weasley and Patel to spend part of the summer with them..."
"We're their friends..."
"I know, Ron. Remember, an outside perspective. Looking at the situation from that angle, it looks as if Harry is putting together a power base of influential families. Malfoy wants to regain influence, the best way to do that is to align his family with Harry. I'm certain he's genuine in his rejection of the dark. We heard Professor Snape last night, Voldemort wanted Draco dead. The dark now holds nothing for Draco, moving his family to the light just might save the name Malfoy."
With his head down, Ron admitted what he'd already worked out. "Just like me going to Italy might just save the Weasley family. They're my best friends, and I hate these games."
"So does Harry, and that's not what he's doing here. Did your mother take Harry into the Burrow because he was Harry Potter, or because he was your friend?"
"My friend..."
"Exactly, and it's as his friend you're invited to Italy. If doing so helps the family who helped him, that's win-win. Hermione would have figured that out in seconds. We both know Ginny needs to pay for what she did..."
"Too true! Did you see the state of Luna? She's lucky your aunt took her away when she did. Ginny wouldn't have survived Hermione seeing the condition Luna was in, and that's only if Harry didn't do the job first. I've been awake most of the night, trying to think what I could have done to prevent it..."
Susan leaned her head against Ron's arm. "She was clever enough to pull it off, yet not smart enough to see what she was doing was so wrong."
"Ginny had a blind spot, one that was ruthlessly exploited. She would literally have done anything to get together with Harry. I feared she might try something stupid. I was thinking more along the lines of a potion to get his interest, never something like this. It was like the more I tried to tell her that she and Harry would never happen, the more determined she became."
A friendly hand settled on Ron's shoulder. "At least you tried to tell her. Fred and I just teased Ginny about it. No one's laughing now."
Fred sat beside them and agreed. "I hate to think the trouble Ginny would have been in if old Snape didn't have that anti-venom. Luna was in a really bad way before she got that. Harry saved Ginny's life, then a couple of years later gave our family his Tri-wizard winnings. That thousand galleons is one of the reasons we Weasleys have a roof over our heads. George and I have been going over this all night, we just can't make sense of it."
Neville and Parvatti were sitting across from Ron and Susan, they had been listening to the conversation so Neville put his opinion out there too. "Sometimes things only make sense to the people doing them, simply because they want them to. Was Dumbledore's behaviour any better? He certainly knew exactly what he was doing, I think Ginny really knew what she was doing too. Like Ron said earlier, she would have done anything to be with Harry."
Parvatti thought she would also add her tuppence worth, she and Neville had talked about this into the wee small hours as well. She actually doubted if any of them had slept last night. "We all assumed Ginny had a crush on Harry. That was no crush, it went beyond infatuation and deep into obsession. All Bulstrode had to do was claim she was helping Ginny get with Harry, Ginny would then do whatever she was asked or told."
All could see the truth in those words, Neville also thought Susan had been right earlier too. "While we know it's friendship that got us invited to Italy, Susan's right in that those invitations will certainly send out signals to anyone watching. With Harry now Lord Black, Sirius would have ensured his godson knew what he had learned growing up in a pureblood household. Because of their sharing thing..."
Ron finished the rest. "What Harry knows, Hermione and Luna would know too. Our family never bothered too much with things like that, but Hermione would know exactly how to use that information."
"Must be a great way to learn..."
That saw Ron jump all over his girlfriend's suggestion. "Hell no, not a chance!" With the other five now staring at him, Ron told them the downside.
"I asked Harry about sharing, and he even offered to do so with me - without the kissing I have to say. There is a price to pay though, a price I thought was way too high. This sharing is exactly that, sharing everything with the other person. Harry explained that thinking 'I don't want them to see that' brings the very memory you want to hide right to the front of your mind. I don't think I could cope with that, or knowing absolutely everything about someone else either. That's why those three are so close, and one can speak for all three of them."
It was Parvatti who summed up all their feelings on this matter quite nicely. "Padma's my identical twin, and I wouldn't want to share that much personal information with her."
As the four finally trudged off to their exam, their difference in spirit when compared to yesterday morning was startling. Then again, yesterday morning their friends were with them - and Ginny hadn't yet crossed over the line into criminality.
-oOoOo-
Augusta had just opened the emergency session of the Wizengamot when the Minister of Magic stood. Albus decided to get in first with his version of events, before anyone else could murky the water.
"Members of the Wizengamot, I ask for your indulgence as I make a Ministerial Statement."
With that claim, Dumbledore had the floor. The chamber's own traditions decreed the floor was also his until he decided to give it up. He was not going to leave anything out, rather just put the best slant on the facts he was about to present.
"It was almost exactly a year ago I took up this position as Minister of Magic. In our country's hour of need, I was persuaded to sit in this chair. I did so with the clear understanding that I would use this position to end the genocidal threat Voldemort and his Death Eaters posed to our community. I can now stand here and say that goal has been achieved, Voldemort met his end last night..."
Rumours of this had been spreading around the ministry like wildfire but they had all waited on the official word before even thinking of celebrating. Now they had that official word, the chamber went nuts.
Giving them a moment to get that out of their system, Albus called for order once more. "I don't need to remind anyone in here just how deadly or ruthless Voldemort could be, we've buried enough of our kith and kin to each know that. As a leader, sometimes you are placed in a situation where there are simply no easy options. This chamber elected me to make those difficult and horrible decisions, that is what I did."
Dumbledore was a superb orator, and had the entire chamber hanging off his every word. "While I have no intention of accepting any of the plaudits the real heroes of this piece deserve, I would certainly have accepted the not inconsiderable blame had this scheme backfired. Unfortunately, some innocents may have been harmed by what I deliberately let happen. Please bear in mind, I only let these events happen in the hope of ending the threat of Voldemort - I didn't arrange them."
Looking around the chamber, Albus made eye contact with as many of the members as he could. "We stood shoulder to shoulder in this very chamber and handed out justice to those who deserved it. All I would ask now is that, in our hour of victory, you show some compassion for those caught up in matters outwith their control. I say you because this is the last time I will speak to you as Minister of Magic. I did what was necessary to rid us of Voldemort, now I will retire so no taint may be associated with the honourable position that is the Minister of Magic. My friends, this is goodbye…" Bowing his head in respect to the chamber, Albus Dumbledore then left to utter silence. No one inside the chamber knew how to react to what they'd just witnessed, no one but Amelia Bones.
She now stood, ready to say her piece. "I would like to thank former Minister, Albus Dumbledore, for doing the honourable thing and resigning. Had he acted with that same honour yesterday, we would probably not be standing here today. It will be up to the British wizarding public to pass judgement on whether he was correct to make the decisions he did, his protection as a sitting Minister of Magic meant all we in this chamber could do was to take that position away from him."
Both the pubic and press galleries were full to capacity, having heard rumours about the reason behind today's emergency meeting. What they had already heard today was shocking enough, that there was to be even more had the press contingent sharpening their quills in anticipation. They wouldn't be disappointed.
"Ever since I first proudly pulled on a set of trainee auror robes, I understood and accepted the risks that came with that position. As my career progressed, I was forced to take decisions that sent me and my fellow aurors into danger. They, like me, knew the risks involved and accepted their orders - trusting that their training and the aurors who stood solidly by their side would see them safely home at the end of their shift. That is the tried and trusted method of doing these type of things, the way it's done all over the world. Albus Dumbledore had his own methods, methods I find abhorrent. He deliberately left unsuspecting and unsupported children to face Lord Voldemort in the Dark Lord's own hidden lair. There are two Hogwarts students now dead due to Dumbledore's very deliberate inactions."
The chamber descended into chaos, with people trying to shout their opinions over everyone else. There were those who blindly supported Dumbledore, just as there were those who wanted him dragged back into the chamber to answer for his crimes. All though wanted more information, information that Amelia clearly had.
At breakfast this morning, she had discussed with a now much calmer trio just what degree of their secret she could reveal. Without knowing that Harry could find Luna, Dumbledore's manipulations made no sense. They agreed on a format that Amelia was now going to pass on.
"Harry has a way of finding and being with both of his fiancées. This is what kept him sane while locked in Azkaban, and also offered him protection against the dementors. He had confided this secret to Albus Dumbledore and myself, Dumbledore then used that information against Harry. Dumbledore had Severus Snape pass some of that secret on to Lord Voldemort, we all know how obsessed he was with the boy-who-lived. The Dark Lord then set a trap, a trap that was sprung yesterday. The witch now known as Luna Potter, who will become Lady Black when she reaches age to marry Harry, was abducted by marked death eaters from Hogwarts yesterday."
Amelia could spin a story too, and again the entire chamber were enraptured by her gripping tale.
"Severus Snape, in his role as spy for the light side, had warned Dumbledore what was about to happen. Albus Dumbledore knew who was involved, what they intended to do and even when it was going to happen - yet he did nothing to stop this nor did he warn anyone. His plan was for Luna to be snatched, Harry to find her and then report back to Albus where Voldemort was hiding."
She was left shaking her head in disbelief at this folly while continuing the story. "Had Dumbledore mentioned this plan to Harry, it might have stood a chance of succeeding. He didn't, and we almost had a catastrophe on our hands. In all his careful planning, there was one thing Dumbledore had overlooked. Harry loves both those girls and would never leave one to face a fate like that alone. This was the fatal flaw in what Dumbledore considered a good plan, a plan that almost resulted in the deaths of Luna and Harry Potter."
Amelia then read out the statement of facts she had written last night to a chamber who clearly now shared her earlier disbelief at Dumbledore's folly. As she finished, the signed document was handed over to the clerk for filing.
On hearing what Luna had accomplished, their was an outcry for her to be awarded an Order of Merlin, placing the brave witch on the same footing as her future husband. Augusta Longbottom's sarcastic laughter at that proposal had the entire chamber turning to the Chief Witch for an explanation. She didn't disappoint.
"I was laughing not because I disagreed with that proposal, It was Luna's response to Amelia mentioning this possibility to the young witch last night I found amusing. She wanted any medal stuck up Albus Dumbledore's arse. I think it's fair to say the destination for Harry Potter's will now be the same."
The Chief Witch then explained the reasons behind the awards' proposed less than illustrious destinations. "When the trio refused to have anything to do with the now former minister, citing the only ministry contact they would talk to in future was Amelia Bones, Dumbledore then tried to bring all three up on charges of being unregistered animangi. Harry then announced that the Houses of Potter and Black would be leaving Britain, renouncing their British citizenship in favour of the Italian one they also held. After Dumbledore's behaviour, I for one don't blame them. As any head of House knows, their first priority is to protect the members of their house. That is simply what Harry is doing here. He can't trust the British Ministry of Magic so has removed his families from our influence."
Not wanting the Wizengamot to turn on Harry, Amelia fought his case. "Let's remember it was this ministry and Hogwarts who forced Harry to compete in a deadly tournament he didn't enter. It was former Minister Fudge who arrested Harry on suspicion of murders he didn't commit at the end of that tournament. Senior Undersecretary Umbridge then shipped Harry off to Azkaban, before later torturing him using the cruciatus and then leaving his cell door open so dementors could gain entry. Harry then had to fight a deadly battle in the middle of Diagon Alley, a battle where he saw the wizard who would have become his father-in-law murdered right in front of them. Discovering yesterday that another Minister of Magic almost cost Harry and his fiancee their lives was the final straw. Like the Chief Witch, I can understand and support Harry's decision. What other choice did he have, what other choice did we leave him?"
Into the still silence Amelia's declaration caused, Augusta dropped a pebble of knowledge that caused ripples throughout the chamber. "While Harry may have turned his back on our ministry, he is not turning away from Britain. This weekend, my grandson and his girlfriend will leave for Italy to holiday with their friends. Neville will also be one of Harry's groomsmen when he marries this September. Arthur Weasley's youngest son and his girlfriend, Susan Bones will be holidaying there too. Both will also be a groomsman and bridesmaid at the same wedding."
Arthur had offered his resignation to Amelia, he refused even to speak with Dumbledore. She had declined his offer, saying he would remain as Senior Undersecretary unless the Wizengamot or the new Minister of Magic wanted him out. With Augusta declaring they needed to elect a new Minister, and then nominating Amelia for the job, Arthur was reluctant to second the motion. Not because he thought Amelia wasn't the best candidate, more a case of not wanting to hurt her chances. Arthur needn't have worried. Amelia was quickly seconded and, with no other names nominated to stand against her, was soon being sworn in as the new Minister of Magic.
Her first action as Minister of Magic was to nominate Severus Snape for an Order of Merlin, First Class.
-oOoOo-
Back in Italy, there was a meeting taking place that was of much more importance to the trio. With Dan and Remus off for their morning hike, Hermione suggested they might be better sounding mum's opinion on what they were planning first. This was a suggestion Harry grabbed like a drowning man thrown a lifeline. His two ladies managed to contain their smirks, but barely.
Emma had her easel set up on the terrace, she was working on painting a mountain view today. She too managed to hold her smirk when approached by the trio.
"Mum, can we have a word with you?"
"Of course, dear. Can I keep painting or is this a talk I need to sit down for?"
"Eh, I think you'd better sit down."
"Ah, so you're here to tell me that after the wedding, you intend to live as if all three of you are now married?" Emma couldn't contain her smirk any longer, one glance at a trio of shocked faces set it off. She put down her paint pallet and led the three of them over to have a seat, Dobby already had drinks waiting there for them.
It was Harry who managed to get his brain in gear first. "How did you know?"
"It wasn't exactly hard to figure out. After all, you've been living with us for a year now. In all that time, I don't think I've ever seen you make a difference in the way you treat Hermione and Luna. You don't even realise you're doing it, each one of you looks out for the other two. The idea that you and Hermione would go off on honeymoon and leave Luna behind is so absurd, it's simply a non-starter. We also understood you wouldn't go sneaking behind our backs to achieve what you want. All of us knew this approach was coming, and we're all in favour of the changes you want to make. Having the wedding after Luna's birthday was another big clue. She's then over the age of consent but still a year away from being legally able to marry. How close am I?"
Luna moved over to sit on Emma's knee, both wrapped their arms around each other. She still had signs of bruising on her face but the tears in Luna's eyes were those of happiness.
"Thank you so much for understanding. It would have killed me to be apart from them…"
"Never going to happen." That Harry and Hermione practically shouted that in synchronised stereo gave Luna and Emma the giggles.
"We all knew we couldn't keep you apart anyway, you would just have shared..."
The shudder that went through Luna at that suggestion alerted Emma she'd said the wrong thing. "I didn't mean anything..."
Her genuine concern soon had Luna smiling again. It wasn't just their time spent sharing with Hermione that had both her and Harry looking to Emma as their mum too, she was just so good at it. She never made you feel uncomfortable and was always there if you needed to talk - talk about anything. It was time to talk about this. "When we decided that the three of us were going to form our relationship, there was one thing each of us was adamant about. When those relationships reached beyond us kissing and snuggling, it would be done so without anyone sharing at the time. It's lovely to snuggle into Hermione at night and know that Harry's there too. All three of us though are looking forward to spending our nights together."
Both her partners were nodding at this though it was Hermione who voiced her agreement. "Our relationships are very different because of sharing but that's one part none of us want to be any different. We'll certainly share our memories of it later, but never our minds during. It just feels so wrong to all of us."
Emma then got to hear Harry's views on the matter. "Our sharing is its own form of intimacy - you got a very small sample that night back in the cottage. Knowing my Hermione and Luna like that is so special, something so pure. It would almost feel like tainting a thing of great beauty to use our sharing for that. Once tainted, it could never be the same again. That's far too much to risk for nothing more that a quick thrill."
He found himself being kissed by Hermione. "Couldn't have said it better myself, love. What we have between the three of us is precious, and needs to last a lifetime. We can now start to make plans for that lifetime, but that's one thing none of us can see changing."
Her mother now smiled back at Hermione. "This is the main reason none of us are giving you grief over the arrangement you proposed earlier. You have handled this whole thing with a level of maturity that belies your years. The entire family is very proud of you, and will support you in this."
Luna kissed Emma on the cheek before returning and sprawling over Harry and Hermione who were sitting on the wicker two seater couch, all three of them now very happy.
"So what are these plans you're making?"
Hermione was now gushing with excitement and couldn't wait to tell her mum. "Oh nothing too far ahead. Knowing that all three of us will be married that day just makes our wedding even more special. We won't be going on a long or elaborate honeymoon, too much studying to do so can't take more than a week off. We all loved Venice, I think it was there the seed of staying in Italy was planted. Dad turned the Range Rover south and things just kept getting better and better - until we ended up here. So a week in Venice is now looking favourite for our honeymoon. We can go somewhere further afield and stay for longer when it's Luna's wedding."
Luna was snuggling into both of them, and every bit as excited. "We will have sat all our exams by then, perhaps we should go somewhere quiet and just think about what we want to do with the rest of our lives?"
"To be honest, I haven't thought much past keeping our family safe. With the threat of Voldemort now over it feels good to look to the future."
Emma brought up a practical matter none of them had yet thought about. "You have friends staying with us from Saturday. I think you better start making plans for that first."
This fairly lit a fire under Hermione as she started rattling off things they could do and see. It took Harry kissing her to get Hermione to stop.
"Most of that seemed fine, Hermione. Remember though, there has to be time in there where we can just all hang out and be friends. That's what I miss most about us not attending Hogwarts, just sitting around sometimes and talking about nothing in particular..."
Luna then had a suggestion that should please Harry and Hermione. "What if we planned something every second day? That would leave the others to hang out by the pool, go for walks, do anything we want." That did indeed find favour with everyone, including Emma.
"That will give Dan and I a better chance to get to know them too."
All Hermione had to do now was decide which of the dozen ideas she'd just had would be put off for a later visit.
-oOoOo-
Albus hefted his carpet bag, a bag charmed inside and out. Inside it was spelled to be bigger and lighter, outside the carpet material changed colour and pattern to match whatever robes its owner was wearing that day. With all his possessions packed, Albus was rather hesitant to leave the place he'd called home for the last year. This hesitancy was not caused by any deep love Albus had for his ministerial accommodation, rather more that he didn't know where to go now.
Chapter 20 - A Walk Down the Aisle
Voldemort - Deceased
Dumbledore - Defunct
Potter - Departed
Ron didn't require an Outstanding in his divination exam later today to predict the future furore those Prophet headlines would generate. There was an expectant silence hanging over the great hall as people crowded around those with an issue of today's newspaper. Apart from being very vague about Harry and Luna's sharing abilities, everything else was laid out in vivid detail. Luna's heroics, Dumbledore's deception, Voldemort and his remaining Death Eaters demise along with Ginny's betrayal were graphically described in gut wrenching accuracy.
He worried over his sister. Ron didn't see any way Ginny could ever walk back into Hogwarts after this, she probably couldn't walk down Diagon Alley either. It actually got worse for Ginny's case on the inside pages of the newspaper. The Prophet had run the same picture of the trio standing up to the dementors in Diagon Alley, though this time with a different headline. 'Heroes Betrayed' really summed the situation up nicely, and doomed those doing the betraying to a life of hell in Britain.
When Draco stood and started applauding in the direction of the staff table, Ron scanned down the page to see Professor Snape was being awarded an Order of Merlin, First Class. This proposal may have come from the new Minister of Magic, Madam Amelia Bones, but she made plain the nomination for the award came directly from Harry Potter. Thus practically guaranteeing it sailed through the Wizengamot vote with a positive result.
Ron then stood and began applauding the professor too, taking most of Gryffindor with him. Looking over to his also standing twin brothers, all three shared the same thoughts. Without Professor Snape, Harry and Luna would probably have perished. Any chance Ginny had of avoiding capital punishment would have perished with them. She would soon have had her wish to be with Harry granted, Ginny would have been dead too. None of the three brothers had any doubt Snape had also saved their sister's life that night.
With the entire great hall now on their feet, including the staff, Severus was left with no choice but to stand and take a bow. That this then saw the cheering increase almost had him blushing. He still intended to inform Minerva she would need a new defence professor for September, he would though now at least stay in Hogwarts until the end of the week. He would need to wait on the ministry contacting him anyway.
Alongside his qualifications, now having an Order of Merlin, First Class, to his name meant Severus Snape shouldn't have any trouble finding a new job anywhere. Things had certainly taken an upturn in his life.
-oOoOo-
Albus Dumbledore couldn't say the same, quite the opposite in fact. The stares he was being greeted with this morning were verging on hostile, that was until Tom spotted him. Their was no mistaking the proprietor of the Leaky Cauldron's emotions, he was serving up pure hostility - with more than a dash of anger on the side.
"Pack yer bag and sling yer hook. You're not welcome here."
"I paid for a room and breakfast…"
"You'll be getting your money back, I don't want it. I watched that brave lass lose her father in the Alley that day last year, she fought like a tiger at Harry and Hermione's side. What gave you the right to send her up against that dark bastard? It wasn't her job to deal with the likes o' that - it was yours! Get your stuff and get out, you're barred from my pub as long as I'm the landlord."
Looking around the pub, Albus couldn't miss the nods of agreement coming from the other customers. He also couldn't miss the large framed picture of Harry standing beside Tom that was above the bar. Considering some of Tom's clientele, Albus thought he might just have achieved another first. The first person to be barred from entering the Leaky Cauldron.
With a heavy heart, Albus headed back up to his rented room to pack. After living in Hogwarts for fifty six years, and expecting to return there after his stint as Minister of Magic ended, Albus didn't have a home he could call his own. He certainly had enough gold in his vaults to buy somewhere to live, but that would take time. Meanwhile he needed to find somewhere he could hang his hat tonight, and wasn't sure where to start.
-oOoOo-
Heavy hearts were the order of the day for the three Weasleys sitting in the small juvenile courtroom. Bill had rushed back to Britain, unable to believe a Weasley, far less his baby sister, could be involved in something like this. Even though the news came from his father, Bill still needed to hear the words from Ginny before he could accept this wasn't some colossal mistake.
With Luna and Harry managing to escape and then make relatively full recoveries, Amelia was able to have Ginny's case heard by the juvenile court. This offered some relief as, while they could still hand out severe punishments, the veil wasn't one of them. Any other result that night would have seen Ginny dragged in front of the full Wizengamot, and they wouldn't have been in a forgiving mood.
The three Wizengamot members who would sit on the panel entered and Arthur wasn't surprised he didn't know any of them well. Amelia played everything by the book. These three would listen and then make their judgement - and it would be a just one.
Ginny was led in, and Bill's heart was in his mouth at the sight of her in prison robes. She sat in front of them with her head down, a ministry representative by her side. The member of the panel sitting to the left of the three asked the first question.
"Miss Weasley, we have heard a lot about what happened on Monday. We're here today to hear about the part you played in it. Please tell us what happened, right from the very beginning. I feel I should point out your parents have given their permission for truth serum to be used here today, if we think it's necessary. Telling lies during this hearing would severely increase any punishment meted out here today."
Sitting there with her head down, Ginny's long red hair covering her face, she began to speak. This entire situation was designed to encourage this very thing, get the youngster somewhat comfortable and then start them talking.
"I have been in love with Harry Potter for years, I suppose a lot of girls around my age have. The difference here is those girls didn't walk down to breakfast one morning and find him sitting there. I didn't know it was possible to be excited, mortified and totally in love all at the same time. He stayed with us for four weeks, those were the best weeks of my life. I couldn't talk to him though, nor was there anyone else I could talk to about it - then I met Tom."
Arthur asked if he could explain to the panel about that episode, informing the three members exactly who Tom was and how the Dark Lord had possessed his daughter. Arthur led them through the entire affair, ending with him and Molly sitting in Dumbledore's office. They were waiting on news of their two youngest children, missing presumed lost. Arthur was unable to find the words to describe how they both felt when Harry Potter led Ron and Ginny into that same office.
Ginny once more took over. "Harry came for me. Not only that, he defeated an enormous basilisk and then destroyed Tom to save me - almost losing his own life as he did so. Surely that must mean he really loved me? Then he hugged Hermione - in front of the entire great hall too. I was devastated. We went to Egypt that summer so I didn't get to see Harry at all. Back at Hogwarts, he barely noticed me. Hermione was always there at his side."
As Ginny continued in the same vein, all could hear how a normal crush built into an unhealthy obsession - an obsession that ruled her life. Listening to Ginny describe how she was ready to go head to head with Hermione because the witch was taking her Harry away from Hogwarts - and of course Ginny - was unbelievable. All had seen the iconic picture of Hermione fighting dementors by Harry's side, yet this little girl was delusional enough to think she was going to win some duel against this extraordinary witch - with Harry's affections supposedly going to the victor.
Her grief when she thought Harry had been kissed by a dementor was certainly real enough, only matched by discovering he was alive - and then her Harry publicly rejecting one Ginevra Weasley. That grief quickly turned to anger when Harry left with Hermione - and Luna. How had that happened? She'd tried for years to get him to notice her, yet he left her behind again while Luna now walked at his side.
Ginny saying that she thought Xeno's murder was Luna's punishment for trying to steal her Harry had Molly sobbing, Arthur and Bill were staring at the girl as if she was a stranger. After not seeing Harry for a year, his arrival that day in Hogwarts had Ginny high as a kite. Hermione was there of course, but so was Luna. Hearing Harry was now Lord Black, and would need to marry a pureblood - it was like all her dreams just came true. She would get her prince, the love of her life, and be Lady Black to boot.
She immediately made her offer, only for Harry to publicly reject her again. He was going to marry Luna and Hermione. Two wives, and Ginny couldn't even be one of them. She didn't remember much after that, until Bulstrode appeared in the toilet.
Arthur and even Bill now had tears in their eyes. The way Ginny talked about the whole affair was like someone doing extra chores and odd jobs, while saving up their gold to by a new broom. Getting Luna out the picture was the chore, and Harry then became the Firebolt. That she was talking about someone being murdered didn't seem to register with Ginny. Either that, or she just didn't care. It was cold, callous and creepy to hear all this pouring out of such a young witch, one they seemingly only thought they knew.
As she finished her tale, the member sitting in the centre of the panel asked if the Weasley family would like to say anything on the matter. It was a shaken Arthur who nodded and stood to be heard.
"We of course knew our daughter had a crush on Harry Potter. Then again, what young witch in Britain didn't. It's now clear this went way beyond a crush, I can honestly say I didn't recognise the witch who spoke at the end there. Harry is an outstanding young wizard, and someone we consider family. We know Hermione very well too, she is someone else who has shared our home and hospitality. Her father actually offered my family use of their cottage after Death Eaters burned our home to the ground. The Grangers are considered good friends by the Weasleys."
At this point, Arthur found Molly's hand slipping into his. This gave him the strength to say what he needed to. "I stood and spoke at Mia Lovegood's funeral while Xeno cradled his daughter in his arms. That we returned there again last year to bury Xeno was one of the saddest things I've ever done. Xeno though would have died happy, knowing he left his beloved Luna with people who loved her as much as he did. What I'm trying to say is that all the people involved in this are very close to our hearts. I listened to my own daughter saying those things and still I struggle to comprehend how this could have happened. I have no excuses to offer because Ginny's actions and behaviour are inexcusable. All I have is a father's love for a little girl who became the apple of his eye from the moment she was born. If those rose-tinted spectacles blinded me to what was really happening then I can only offer my apologies."
As Arthur sat back down, Molly was clinging to him for dear life. Bill to had his hand on his father's shoulder, offering and receiving comfort from the contact. Ginny still sat with her head down, almost as if waiting on being told she was a bad girl and to go to her room.
This wasn't really a courtroom as such. With the aid of a few silencing charms, the three panel members sat where they were and deliberated over the notes each had written. It may only have taken twenty minutes for them to reach a decision but the three eldest Weasleys were unable to stand by the time the silencing charms came down.
"Miss Genevra Weasley, what we have heard here today is quite the harrowing tale. There is no one in this room who doesn't believe you guilty, your own family can't even disagree with that. It is the judgement of this panel that you be expelled from Hogwarts, your wand to be snapped and your magic bound. It will then be up to your family whether they claim you, or a complete memory wipe will be carried out. You will then appear in the muggle world as an unknown young girl, one suffering from amnesia..."
With a wail of despair, Molly's eyes rolled in her head at hearing that. Only Arthur's strong grip kept his wife from falling off her seat.
"We realise this might seem harsh, but the consequences of your actions saw people die. The fact you appear to have no remorse over the matter left us with little choice. Your possession by the Dark Lord when aged only eleven troubles us though, which is why we took so long to reach our decision. Before we condemn a young witch to such a severe punishment, we wanted to be sure we were right to do so. Prior to any punishment being carried out, Ginevra Weasley will be examined by the best mind healers St Mungo's has to offer. Their findings will determine whether this punishment is carried out, or they discover any new information that finds us back here again to reconsider."
Arthur gently lay Molly across his seat too as he stood and addressed the panel. "From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for that. We were told by someone we trusted that our daughter was fine, I really should have known better. Should the findings go against Ginny, I will of course still claim her as my daughter. Our home is quite remote, she could be happy there - and not cause any more trouble."
The panel members seemed pleased at that, they nodded and left. Ginny was then led out the room, not once did she lift her head to look at her family. Arthur and Bill then roused Molly to give her the news, there was now a glimmer of hope.
-oOoOo-
Any glimmer of hope Albus had died the instant his brother spoke.
"So, finally scraping the bottom of the barrel are we? Tom chucked you out on your ear and then Rosmerta wouldn't let you across her door. All these friends you cultivated finally got to see the real you, funny that they now all think the same as me. You've had nearly a century yet still haven't worked it out, have you? Let me explain something that I've known since I was still a student at Hogwarts, oh esteemed brother mine. Sacrificing a young girl who's yet to see her sixteenth birthday is never a price worth paying, not even for your blasted greater good. Ariana would be so disappointed in you, Albus."
This saw the great Albus Dumbledore slump into a chair in the Hog's Head Tavern and sit with his head in his hands. Abe was right, he'd had doors slammed in his face all day. Even Minerva barred him from staying with Hagrid while Hogwarts was in session. If he could get lodgings until Saturday, Albus would at least have somewhere to spend the summer. Abe though had floored him with his reference to their beloved sister. Had he really made the same mistake again? As the tears started to soak into his beard, a bottle of firewhisky and two glasses were plonked on the table. He looked up just as Abe sat to join him.
"What about your customers?"
"What customers? They all buggered off as soon as you walked in the door. Since they're gone, you can stay the night. You need to leave in the morning though, you brother are bad for my business."
"Thanks Abe, I'll pay my way."
"Too bloody true you will - and for this firewhisky as well. You nearly had the entire country paying for your mistakes.'
"I don't understand. We needed to get rid of Voldemort…"
"The Dark Lord was as good as dead. He had few followers, little gold and no political power - it was only a matter of time before he fell. You almost unleashed a far worse fate on the country."
Those blank looks left Abe shaking his head. "And you're supposed to be the smart Dumbledore brother. Being a pub landlord has its advantages, one of them is I get to hear things you might want kept quiet. I've been hearing stories about Harry Potter since the boy first set foot in that castle. Filtering out all the crap left me with one fact. Harry Potter is an extremely powerful wizard, maybe soon even overtaking you and that arsehole Tom Riddle. This is the wizard you could have turned against us."
"What are you talking about? Harry Potter will never turn dark…"
"…not while he has those girls of his at his side. You almost took one of those girls he loves away from him. Harry Potter turning against everything you purport to believe in, especially with the Granger girl at his side, he could have destroyed our world. I'm not talking about burning down houses and dark marks floating in the sky."
Albus let out a sigh of relief at that, his relief was short lived though.
"He has magical power in bucketloads, with the prestige and gold of the Potter and Black families to back it up. He's a real live hero who the public adore, and both he and his future Mrs Potter are smart enough to fool the entire ministry along with you - even when he was locked in Azkaban."
Not being able to refute any of that left Albus wondering just where Abe was going with this. He didn't have long to wait as his brother angrily pointed out something else that was apparently obvious to everyone but him.
"Look at the damage Malfoy and his money were able to do to our community, then multiply that effect by at least a hundred. Potter would have been able to take our magical society by the throat and shake it like a terrier with a rat until it screamed for mercy. He would then have remodelled our society to whatever he wanted it to be. His model would certainly have been a different version to what Riddle would have moulded, but I doubt if ether of us would have recognised our own country in a few years - providing you survived his wrath that is."
Sipping his fire whisky, Albus had to confess the lad had promised to come after him with everything he had if Luna didn't pull through.
"Exactly as I said. That lad lost his family while still a bairn, can't you see that would make him even more protective of the family he now has? Look what he did to Bellatrix Lestrange, and she was regarded as being the most powerful witch in the country. Voldemort also paid the price for kidnapping one of his girls. Wiped off the face of the planet, along with his remaining Death Eaters. This was the force that you almost unleashed on Britain. Personally, I'm glad he's settling with those girls in Italy. Now all the madness is over, that will let Bones get our country back on an even keel."
Pouring another drink for each of them, Abe then said what he needed to. "With Riddle dead and Potter now left Britain, it's time for you to go too, Albus. The country will survive without you, Amelia will make her own decisions. Buy a magical tent and get out to see the world. All the things you ever wanted to do or see, now is the time. If you find a place you really like, buy a little pub and settle down. It's not a bad life, and certainly never boring. You might even like passing on all that wisdom you've accumulated to people who actually want to hear it. Drunk customers are great listeners, especially when you're the one serving the drink." Abe gave a hearty laugh at his own wit, before reaching for the bottle again.
As the sun and the level of the firewhisky bottle sank lower, Albus began to think his younger brother was on to something. It had been demonstrated over and over again today that there was nothing left for him in Britain, perhaps a long road trip was exactly what he needed.
-oOoOo-
Their portkey dumped the four Hogwarts students on the same floor where Claire had first discovered magic was real. These four of course knew that fact and were entirely focused on greeting their waiting friends. While Dobby took their school trunks away, Hermione and Luna led the group through to the terrace where Winky had a light lunch prepared. That Ron wasn't looking all around him like the other three, and had deliberately held back to the end of the group, alerted Harry something was troubling his best mate.
"Harry, I've got news about Ginny…"
"Can you share it with the rest of the group, or is it private? You know I have no secrets from Hermione and Luna."
"It's not really private, I was unsure about mentioning it in front of Luna…"
"In this place, we find it's better if everything gets brought out into the open. I'm assuming you'll be telling Susan about it, what about Neville and Parvatti?"
Nodding, Ron made his mind up. "I think I'd rather just tell it the once, perhaps everyone together would be best…"
Harry put his hand supportively on Ron's shoulder and led him through to the terrace. After taking a seat, and a sip of whatever that delicious juice was, Ron decided to get this out of the way.
"My father met me before I got to Hogsmeade Station, he brought news of Ginny that he thought I should know. Ginny's been in St Mungo's for the last couple of days, the mind healers were looking to see if it was possible her being possessed by that bloody diary had left any damage. It seems they found something…"
Luna burst into tears at that, being quickly held by Hermione and Harry. Ron tried to apologise for upsetting her but Luna was having none of it.
"I've been wondering what I could possibly have done wrong for Ginny to do that to me. Hearing that she might be ill is a relief - does that make sense?"
She got a nod of understanding from Ron. "She's my sister yet I felt the same relief. The alternative was just too horrible to think of. We all know Voldemort was the only person who was more obsessive about Harry than Ginny, that seems to have caused the problem. Not only did this reinforce Ginny's belief she was right to be obsessive about Harry, Voldemort's morals on the matter transferred to Ginny too. Since Voldemort didn't have any morals about getting what he wanted from Harry, neither does Ginny. When it comes to Harry, she would literally do anything, and not see that it was wrong. Dad used some big word that I'd never heard before, and can't really remember. Something to do with her mind having problems, and Ginny being like two different people."
Hermione had a stab at guessing. "Schizophrenia?" Ron's nod had her continuing. "It's not really called that now, it's more often referred to as multiple personality disorder."
Since they had all seen that darker side of Ginny, it was hard to refute what Ron and Hermione were saying. Harry did have a question though.
"What happens with Ginny now?"
"Oh, she's still expelled from Hogwarts, and the ministry are keeping her wand in storage. Having her magic bound has been suspended, but only until the mind healers have reached their decision - then everything will be looked at again. She will have to attend St Mungo's on a weekly basis and has another review with the juvenile court scheduled in six months. The mind healers have told my mum and dad this is going to be a slow process."
Ron had his head down at the next bit, there was still some lingering guilt that he had failed his sister back when she was in first year. "Ginny had that diary for the best part of a year, and then went untreated for another three. The mind healers reckon that might be the sort of timescale we're looking at for Ginny to make a complete recovery. The juvenile court are going to give her all the time she needs, but continually keep an eye on her. Meanwhile, Ginny is confined to the Burrow. Mum's blocked her floo access and put a tether charm on her…"
That this started Luna giggling confused Harry and Hermione, they were searching to remember what that charm actually was before Luna told them.
"The tether charm is used by parents on toddlers, it's basically like a set of reins. If Ginny moves too far from whoever she's tethered to, she sets off an alarm. She'll be tied to Molly's apron strings for the foreseeable future, Ginny will absolutely hate that."
Emma had been alarmed when she heard Luna burst into tears. Making her way onto the terrace, she arrived just as Luna began to giggle. Seeing Hermione and Harry were once more right there for Luna left Emma in awe of the way their relationship worked.
After the experience Luna had earlier in the week, Emma and Dan had been prepared for disturbed sleeps, mood swings and worse as their blonde daughter struggled to cope with her actions. They were even ready to suggest some sort of therapy, similar to what Ginny now seemed to be receiving. Instead, they had to concede that the best therapy for Luna seemed to be having Harry and Hermione with her.
It would appear the old axiom that a trouble shared was a trouble halved applied doubly so in their case. That trouble wasn't just halved, it was shared equally between all three of them. Add that Luna knew for certain the other two didn't think any less of her and she was dealing with the situation much better than any of them had expected.
Having seen their relationship already cope with Xeno's death and the aftermath of their battle in the Alley last year, all the adults involved had agreed this was a solid foundation to build the type of marriage the trio wanted onto.
She'd already met the four friends from her trips to Hogwarts but this was Emma's chance to get to know them. Emma was invited to sit too as Hermione's excitement soon overspilled into discussing the plans they had made for their friends. That excitement soon reached Susan and Parvati, just mentioning going shopping for wedding clothes this afternoon made a big impression on all of them. None of the four had ever been shopping in a muggle area before, and were keenly looking forward to the experience.
All seven witches and wizards just had a pretty traumatic week. Shopping today, lazing around the pool tomorrow and then sightseeing in Venice on Monday was as good a way as any to ease them back into what passed for normality here.
-oOoOo-
Hermione was in her wedding dress, standing looking in a full length mirror. That the same mirror also showed the reflections of her mother, Luna and Susan took the bride back to the day she'd picked the garment they were all currently admiring.
-o-
Luna now had a better idea of how much of a shock it was for Susan and Parvati to be entering what to them felt like a different world. She ended up taking both witches by the arm as Emma and Hermione led them past a vast range of muggle stores filled with unbelievable wonders. Both mother and daughter guided their little group straight to the bridal shop they had previously chosen. Luna reminding the two Hogwarts students they were staying in Italy for the next two weeks, and that more shopping trips would certainly be on their itinerary, saw that information being celebrated with wide grins.
Hermione being the witch she was already knew what she was looking for, pleasing the shop assistant no end. Within an hour it was down to a choice between two dresses. The bride to be knew the one of the pair she really wanted to choose, Hermione just didn't know if she had the body or the confidence to pull it off.
This led to her being kissed by Luna, who had immediately sussed what the problem was. "I think you are absolutely stunning in that. I also have no doubt our future husband will think the exact same. You can ask him tonight, Since there's no way we'll be able to keep this to ourselves."
The dress was pure white silk, strapless and clung to her body without in any way being sexually evocative. The dress actually only started to splay out when it reached halfway down her thighs. It was gathered there in a large white gold and sparkling diamond clasp/broach. A belt of the same design and material was around Hermione's trim waist.
Her mother, Susan and Parvati all agreed Hermione looked stunning in her chosen dress, but it was Luna's opinion that really counted. With that decision made, the bridal party then shifted their focus onto choosing bridesmaid dresses.
With the style of Hermione's dress setting the tone, both Luna and Susan chose a dress that was of similar cut but a lot simpler design. The assistant suggested a pale peach colour would complement both bridesmaids, Susan and Luna trying on a couple of garments in that colour convinced the party she was right. When Luna and Susan liked different features on two different dresses, the assistant was quick to point out these could easily be combined to make bespoke garments. That was another easy decision and they all hoped the men were having the same luck. Since Hermione decided they would be wearing traditional black tuxedos, they shouldn't have any problems.
While Luna was helping Emma chose her outfit as mother of the bride, Hermione had a quiet word with Parvati. "We want you to pick a dress for our wedding too, and also one for Padma. She'll be getting an invite as well. We actually thought about adding Draco's name to the invites but feel that it might just be too soon to take that step. He will certainly be at Lord Black's wedding next September."
After a hug of thanks, Parvatti grabbed Susan to give her a hand as she hit the racks of dresses, Hermione moved over to where Luna was busy helping their mother with her choice.
For each of the seven friends, those two weeks became the best holiday of their lives. Not only did it strengthen the bonds of friendship between all of them, the two visiting couples grew closer to their significant other too. It wasn't just seeing Susan and Parvatti in their newly bought bikinis that had Ron and Neville's thoughts turning to snapping these witches up permanently, their relationships were deepening the more time they spent together outside of Hogwarts. The more of that time they spent together as a group, the Hogwarts four got to really see just how close their trio of friends were, and just how happy it made them.
While neither of the couples had any wish to add a third person to their blossoming relationships, each of the four could see these relationships working through the rest of school and beyond. The fact that each wanted these relationships to do so, and were prepared to work toward that end meant there was a fair chance they just might make that happen.
There had been tears shed amongst the group when it was time for four of them to head back to Britain, just as there had been tears last night when they returned. With all the guests from Britain staying for the weekend, the villa was bursting at the seams. Ron and Neville had fold out beds in Harry's room, leaving the one they used earlier in the summer available for the Weasley twins - Padma had just bunked with Parvatti and Susan. Molly and Arthur had tried to send their apologies before Ron contacted Bill. The eldest Weasley brother was back at the Burrow, babysitting Ginny to allow their parents to attend the wedding they were most certainly invited to.
With two Ministers of Magic and the British Chief Witch there as well, it had taken quite a bit of planning to keep their small family and friends wedding from turning into a media circus. Not releasing the date beforehand had certainly helped. Outside their seven friends at Hogwarts, all of whom swore themselves to secrecy, only Headmistress McGonagall had known the exact date. This was kept a secret until all their friends left Hogwarts after classes on Friday to take their portkey to Italy.
With Amelia, Arthur, Molly and Augusta here too, this further emphasised the families may be living in Italy but they had not forgotten their British friends. The families were also going to provide both Eugene and Amelia some wedding pictures that could be printed in the Italian and British magical press.
-o-
Looking again in the mirror, Hermione could see the tears forming in the corners of her mother's eyes. "Mum, you're not supposed to start crying until dad leads me down the aisle."
"I know, love, but you look so beautiful. I was just wishing those girls who had given you such a hard time at primary school could see you now. I wouldn't change this though for our church in Crawly - and we're never inviting any of them here."
"You're just not thinking this through, mum. I distinctly remember you getting the Crawley Observer every week, and looking at the pictures of the local weddings. I'm sure the paper would print ours too, if only to let their readers know that the Grangers are now dentists in Sorrento."
"Beautiful and smart, Harry never had a chance. Then again I'm biased, about both my girls."
"Thanks mum. Hermione really is beautiful though, and I've got to follow her next year."
This saw Hermione hug a Luna who she knew was joking. "The wizard who will be waiting on us at the end of that aisle thinks we're both beautiful, and Harry's is the only opinion that counts with us."
"Well, even though my opinion doesn't seem to count, I think both my girls are beautiful. You too darling, oh and Susan looks so pretty that Ron might find himself jumping in the pool again to cool off. See what I mean, the sight of you four stunningly beautiful women has me gibbering here like a tongue-tied teenager." Dan's ravings had all four of those women now laughing at him.
A kiss on his wife's cheek followed. "Seriously love, you need to go and take your seat. I'll be along shortly, after I get rid of these two…" Dan couldn't say anymore, while still trying to joke he was choking up himself with the intense emotions of the occasion.
Being careful of all their make-up and hair styles, Emma gave the three witches a kiss on the cheek before going to take her position in the front row. They all had flowers in their hair, both Hermione and Luna insisting there would be no tiaras worn today. Rowena Ravenclaw's possessed diadem had put them off that particular type of jewellery for life.
It was time, so Dan offered Hermione his arm. He then surprised all of them by offering Luna his other arm. "You are my daughter, and you're also going to meet your new husband too. My job is to take the both of you there,"
"But this is Hermione's day…"
Thinking her father's idea was wonderful, Hermione wasn't slow to add her approval. "A day that is made even better by knowing you're involved too. I'll be standing beside Harry with you right next to me, I can't think of anything more wonderful than that so my day is already perfect. It's tradition for a father to pass his daughter onto her chosen husband, that's what dad is doing here - with both of us. I know you'll be quietly whispering your marriage vows too, just as we both know Harry will certainly be answering them under his breath."
Luna's smile was now of the megawatt variety. She missed her parents but believed that both would be looking down on her today. Harry and Hermione hoped she was right, because that would mean James and Lily Potter would see their son marry both of them too. She looked to the man who had become a father to all three of them. "We can start our own tradition here today. We'll switch positions when I become Lady Black next year."
With that settled, a smiling Dan turned his attention to the other bridesmaid. "Are you okay with this, Susan?"
"I think it's a wonderful idea. It might also hide me from Molly Weasley for a little while longer, I don't think she'll approve of Ron's girlfriend wearing a dress like this."
This got an even wider smile out of Dan. "You might be surprised. I heard her telling Amelia last night you're the best thing that ever happened to Ron. After all that trouble Ginny caused, I doubt if Molly will be passing judgement on anyone else - certainly not anyone here today. Shall we get this show on the road? We wouldn't want to keep your gentlemen waiting."
As the secrecy of the event was paramount, George and Fred weren't able to ask dates to the wedding. They were sitting dressed in tuxedos Harry had arranged for them. Both thought they looked spiffing and their mother couldn't or wouldn't take her eyes of them. Then the music started and Dan led Hermione and Luna down the small aisle, with Susan behind them. The twins just glanced at one another and had the exact same thought.
"We don't have enough film for the camera with us."
"Wouldn't matter, Georgie. No one would believe those pictures anyway."
"Yeah, they'd think we pranked the pictures. You'll tell me if I start drooling though, won't you."
"Sorry, I can't take my eyes off three of the most beautiful women I've ever seen."
"I thought these Italians knew how to make a suit, but those dresses are something else…"
It was their father who passed on some words of wisdom. "It's not the dresses, rather the wonderful witches who are in them. Harry and our Ron are very lucky wizards."
Amelia was sitting in front of the Weasleys and agreed with what Arthur just said, she was also very happy the way Susan's relationship with the youngest Weasley son was progressing. Augusta was sitting beside Amelia, with Parvatti and Padma in front of them. She thought her grandson looked so handsome standing up there with his friends, Augusta was also delighted Parvatti thought so to. Like Amelia, she heartily approved of her ward's choice. Seeing the two beautiful witches being led down the aisle, she couldn't help but think that in a few years Neville would be standing there waiting on his bride.
Sirius sat with his wife and mother-in-law, proud as punch at the wizard his godson had become. If anyone deserved to be happy, then it was Harry James Potter. Just a glance in his godson's direction was all that was needed to tell the world that he was exceedingly happy about what was just about to take place here. All Sirius needed to make this day perfect was to find out more about the date Remus had brought to the wedding. With his wife, mother-in-law and Emma all warning him to be on his best behaviour though, Sirius was going to have to be subtle. That was fine by him, subtle was his middle name - or was it Orion?
The villa's terrace had been magically expanded out and over the swimming pool, with the guests seated in rows either side of the flowered arches that made the aisle Dan was currently leading Hermione and Luna down.
Mindful of the Italian Ministry official who was standing beside them to conduct today's ceremony, Ron watched his language as he stated the blindingly obvious. "Harry, mate, we are two - sorry three lucky wizards."
Neither Neville or Harry were going to disagree with that.
Harry really couldn't answer anyway. The sight of Dan leading both Hermione and Luna toward him had temporarily stolen all the breath from his body. It wasn't even the dresses, having already seen every detail when they shared.
He really couldn't put his finger on what had triggered these powerful emotions. The beautiful occasion being held in their home and bathed in Mediterranean sunshine, all those he considered family being here to support them, Dan's sensitivity and thoughtfulness toward Luna with the wonderful gesture he was making today. It could be a combination of all of those, or even it suddenly just hitting him how far he'd come since those dark days of being flung into Azkaban. They tended not to look backward, and certainly didn't play the what-if game. Their forms also helped a lot with that, Bolt's instincts were all about the now and looking to the future.
As Harry's future walked toward him, he could see through misty eyes the concern on Hermione and Luna's faces. Harry stepped forward and took both their hands from Dan, starting another tradition as he gently kissed Luna and then Hermione.
"Are you okay?" Hermione's concern died with Harry's kiss.
"I am now, and always will be as long as I have you two."
As Luna moved to take her position at Hermione's side, she spoke just loud enough for both of them to hear. "Then you're going to be fine for the rest of your life, we all are."
With that, it was time to do what they were here for - get married.
The End