“Inside, I built the walls
So high around my heart, I thought I'd never fall
One touch, you brought it down
The bricks of my defenses scattered on the ground
And I swore to me I wasn't gonna love again
The last time was the last time, I let someone in”
Lyrics to “You Had Me From Hello” by Kenny Chesney
Chapter Fourteen- Vows
Disclaimer: I own none of this. It all belongs to J.K. R. Thank you for letting my mind wander…
The days prior to the upcoming wedding rolled by quickly and before anybody knew it, the wedding was only three days away. Life in the Burrow was crazy. Everyone was fussing about this and worrying about that. Harry was so busy helping Ron that he barely got any chance to see Sarah during the day. Mrs. Weasley could be found in the house throughout the day muttering things to herself that sounded like “my little boy…” or “seems like just yesterday…” Hermione’s parents had come to stay at the Burrow and they were getting along very well with everyone. Everyone was pitching in to help get ready for the affair. Harry was doing his best to calm Ron’s nerves.
“How are you doing, Ron?” asked Harry.
“Um…well…I dunno,” he replied. Harry smiled.
“Relax, will you? Do you love Hermione?”
“Of course I do! I’ve never loved anyone more than her,” Ron said. Harry grinned again.
“Do you love her enough to spend the rest of your life with her?”
“Yes! You know that,” answered Ron.
“Then what’s the problem?”
“Yeah…you’re right! Thanks, Harry!” Ron exclaimed. Harry laughed.
“Anytime,” Harry assured.
Ron’s mood lightened up quite a bit after that. Harry hadn’t seen Hermione too much so he wouldn’t know what her mood was like, but he was sure that she was feeling some of the same feelings as Ron.
* * *
It was just an hour before the wedding was to be held and Sarah was with Hermione, helping her to get ready. Hermione’s dress was beautiful. It was long, white, and flowing with just the right amount of lace. She had straightened her hair with Sleekeazy's Hair Potion and it had a wonderful effect. Sarah was humming a little tune to herself as she straightened Hermione’s veil. However, she noticed that Hermione was having a tough time putting her eye make-up on because she was slightly shaking. Sarah walked around to face her.
“Hermione, are you alright? You seem a bit…edgy…” Sarah indicated. Hermione sighed heavily and looked at Sarah.
“I’m just a bit nervous, I guess. This is a really big step. I mean what if this is the wrong decision?” said Hermione. Sarah looked at her friend warmly and smiled slightly.
“It’s not the wrong decision; trust me,” assured Sarah.
“But how do you know that?” Hermione pushed the matter.
“It’s hard not to see that you and Ron are perfect for each other. You two complete each other. Although I haven’t known both of you for a very long time, it’s easy to see that without Ron, you’d be very unhappy and if Ron wasn’t with you, then he’d be sorely misguided. Hermione, you and Ron are the picture of the perfect couple, no matter how often you bicker with one another. Today is going to be the happiest day of your life! Don’t worry so much, just sit back and enjoy it!” Sarah reassured.
“You’re right. I’ve never been so sure of anything else in my whole life! Thank you so much!” Hermione exclaimed. Then she hugged Sarah and started laughing at herself for ever having doubts. The rest of the hour went by without any more problems.
* * *
Harry was standing next to Ron on the newly built altar in the Weasley’s backyard. The scene was beautiful. Rows of chairs were set up before the altar laced with exquisite white ribbon. Harry caught sight of many people in the crowd that he knew and many whom he didn’t know. Next to Harry, who was the Best Man, stood the other groomsmen Bill, Charlie, Fred, and George. Across from them stood Sarah, who was the Maid of Honor, and the other bridesmaids Fleur and Gabrielle Delacour. Harry couldn’t help but become speechless after first seeing Sarah.
She was dressed beautifully in her sky blue bridesmaid dress. Her usually straight brown hair that was often just pulled back hastily was tied back elegantly and slightly curled. The dress she wore hugged her every curve displaying her thin figure which was usually hidden underneath baggy clothing. The color, although blue, brought out the spot of brown in her deep green eyes. Harry stared at Sarah awestruck for a few moments and he was only more entranced when she smiled warmly at him. Then the music started playing and everyone stood up to face the entering bride. Hermione was walking down the aisle escorted by her father.
As Hermione reached the altar, Harry could see that she was also very pretty. Her father after hugging her released her hand to Ron’s and walked away from the altar. Everyone sat down and turned their attention to the minister performing the ceremony.
“Friends and loved ones, join with me in the celebration of the union between Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger as their lives’ paths now merge to become a singular road paved with love. You are aware of the reality of the vows you are about to speak to one another; of the responsibility that comes when a partnership is created. If there is any reason within your hearts that this ceremony should not continue at this time, I charge you to voice it now, for marriage is based in honesty and trust, and only with those things can you successfully create a partnership,” the minister began. There were no objections and so the ceremony proceeded.
“Ronald, will you have this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, to live together in marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, until death do you part?”
“I will,” answered Ron smiling. The minister turned to Hermione.
“Hermione, will you have this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to live together in marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him in sickness and in health, until death do you part?”
“I will,” Hermione replied.
“Please speak your vows,” said the minister. Ron spoke first.
“I, Ronald Weasley, do take you, Hermione Granger, as my wife. I vow to you, my love and partner, to be honest, understanding, compassionate, loving, and supportive, even as I ask these things of you. May this be granted to us as long as our love shall last.”
Harry could see Hermione’s eyes start to water as she started to speak her vows.
“I, Hermione Granger, do take you, Ronald Weasley, as my husband. I vow to you, my love and partner, to be honest, understanding, compassionate, loving, and supportive, even as I ask these things of you. May this be granted to us as long as our love shall last.”
Then the minister signaled for the rings and Harry gave them to Ron and Hermione.
“These rings are a token of your love for one another. May these rings always serve as a reminder of the truest of love you hold for each other,” explained the minister. Ron, still facing Hermione, held up the ring in his hand.
“This ring is a symbol of our love. As it encircles your finger, you will remember the vows that I have made to you today,” Ron announced. Then he took Hermione’s hand and placed the ring on her slender finger. Hermione then held up the ring that she was holding and said the same promise to Ron. She then placed the ring on his finger. The minister smiled.
“May the love which has brought us together on this day last throughout eternity. By the power of love, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride!” the minister finished. As Ron lifted Hermione’s veil to kiss her, everyone burst into applause and cheers. Harry was overwhelmed with joy for his two best friends. Then the wedding bells chimed and Hermione and Ron started to walk joyously down the aisle.
Harry escorted Sarah down the aisle behind the newlyweds. She took his arm and walked happily with him back toward the house. When they arrived inside, they congratulated Ron and Hermione. Harry embraced Hermione in a warm brotherly hug.
“Harry, you’ve always been there for us no matter how much you had on your own mind or how much we bickered. You’re such a great friend,” Hermione whispered to him.
“Well, I try. But I’ve learned only from the best,” Harry replied. She laughed at him and kissed him on the cheek. Then she moved on to hug her mother, Sarah, Mrs. Weasley, and whoever else happened to be in the kitchen at the time. Afterwards, they all headed to the front yard for pictures. Then Hermione asked Sarah and her mother to help her change into a smaller dress for the reception.
When Harry looked at the backyard next, he saw that it was completely changed. There were now several small decorated circular tables with chairs and a dance floor. Everyone was bustling around to find where they were supposed to be sitting. Harry decided to go outside and mingle. He said goodbye to Ron and headed for the door.
Soon he caught sight of Remus Lupin and Alastor Moody and so he glided over to greet them. Lupin and Moody stopped talking as soon as they saw Harry. Lupin grinned.
“Harry! It’s great to see you again!” Lupin exclaimed. Then he hugged Harry like a father would a son. To Harry, it was one of the greatest feelings in the world at that moment.
“Hi, Potter. Glad you’re back,” Moody said as he stretched his hand toward Harry. Harry shook it.
“It’s excellent see you again, too, Professors!” Harry replied.
“Harry, we’re not your teachers anymore; you don’t have to call us ‘professors’ anymore,” Lupin suggested.
“I know, but you will always be my teachers to me,” he responded. Lupin and Moody shrugged and smiled. Harry talked to them for a while longer, mostly just small talk, but they did have some questions for him about where he had gone. Then Harry excused himself to go and find his seat. When he started to leave, Lupin called out to him once more.
“And, Harry, next time you decide to leave for a year, drop by and say farewell! Will you?”
“I’ll do that!” Harry shouted back. Then he started off toward the head table which was rectangular instead of circular. Ron and Hermione weren’t there yet, but Sarah was there along with Mr. Weasley, Mrs. Weasley, and Mr. Granger. Harry took his seat next to Sarah immediately glad that he was finally able to see her. It wasn’t long, however, until Ron, Hermione, and Mrs. Granger appeared and they all sat down to eat an extraordinary feast. The food was delicious and the drinks were quenching. After dinner, Harry stood up to make his toast as he was the best man. The soft music that was playing in the background after dinner stopped. Everyone quieted down to listen intently to his speech.
“First of all, I would like to thank Ron and Hermione for including myself and all the other groomsmen in their wedding. It is an honor to take part in a ceremony so special. You both look incredible. Hermione, you’re beautiful as always and becoming more and more so every time I see you. I look at Ron and I see someone who doesn’t believe his own luck. He’s married one of the prettiest, smartest, and bravest women that I’ve ever known.
“A lot of you probably wouldn’t believe this, but when I first met Ron and Hermione on the Hogwarts Express eight years ago, I believed that they were going to be mortal enemies”always bickering about something. But somewhere down the line, we all became the best of friends. We must have been the biggest bunch of misfits to ever walk the halls of Hogwarts. Ron: the tall, freckle faced red head. Hermione: the smartest girl in our year. And of course me: the kid who wasn’t being thick, but just showing ‘moral fiber.’ However, there was a turning point somewhere and that’s when I knew that Ron and Hermione would end up together someday. And look at where they are today”the depiction of the perfect couple.
“Ron and Hermione were always my best friends and will remain to be. And so, I would like to offer them my best wishes for their happiness and future together. So here’s to true love and may you always share it together forever!” Harry finished as he raised his glass to Ron and Hermione as did everyone else. Everyone clapped as Harry took his seat after introducing the next speech giver, Sarah. She stood up and everyone waited patiently for what she had to say.
“To start off, I would like to introduce myself to the many people sitting in the audience who have no idea who I am. My name is Sarah and I came here with Harry. That’s a long story though so we won’t get into that right now. When I first met Hermione about a month and a half ago, I was not very impressed honestly. Now wait, before you jump at me, let me tell you why. It’s not everyday that you get to meet someone who hits your best friend, then cries, and then asks you to be her Maid of Honor,” Sarah said. Hermione chuckled and the rest of the crowd gave a soft laugh, too.
“But that’s when I learned that Hermione is no everyday girl that you pass on the street. She’s amazing in every way that a person can be so. Soon I learned that she overwhelms her friends and family with love and care. No one else can be compared to Hermione’s brilliance and charm. She is lucky to have found Ron who is also a great person. Their love is the strongest bond that they share and it will not and cannot be broken. So I would just like to praise Hermione and Ron for allowing us to witness and take part in such a special ceremony. I wish them much joy in the future and may they forever share their love. Here’s to Hermione and Ron!” Sarah concluded. Then she raised up her glass along with everyone else.
Finally everyone applauded and Sarah couldn’t have felt any more gratified. She walked over to Hermione and hugged her and then she hugged Ron, too. After she took her seat again, the lead singer of the band announced that Ron and Hermione would now share their first dance. As soon as the tables were cleared away from the dance floor, Ron and Hermione started to walk out to it. Once the music started, the couple began to dance.
Harry looked at his two best friends in awe. Although envious, he couldn’t have been any happier for them. He watched Ron and Hermione spin around carelessly and wondered if he would ever be out there doing the same. They were whispering to each other, smiling, and laughing. Nothing in the world seemed to matter to them. The thought made Harry grin. When the song ended, more people filed onto the dance floor and Harry looked around for Sarah. Finally, he spotted her talking to Mrs. Weasley and he walked over to her. He bowed and took her hand.
“May I have this dance, miss?”
“Why, yes, you may,” Sarah beamed and then curtsied. They both laughed as Harry led her toward the dance floor.
He took her waist and her right hand in his as she placed her left hand on his shoulder. Then they spun around and danced. Neither Harry nor Sarah were spectacular dancers, but Sarah was worse by far. She had a habit of tripping or stepping on his feet, but he didn’t mind”she wasn’t hurting him.
“Oh! I’m so sorry! I’ve never been very coordinated; I even tripped over bases in softball! I’m a horrible dancer,” Sarah frowned.
“You aren’t that bad… Did I tell you that you look absolutely beautiful tonight?” Harry changed the subject. Sarah’s eyes brightened.
“No, but thank you! You look very handsome, too,” she complimented. They continued to dance along to the songs that were being played. When a slow song came on, Sarah rested her head gently on Harry’s shoulder. After the song was over, they decided to take a break. Harry spotted Charlie sitting at one of the tables tapping his foot to the beat. They glided over to keep him company.
“Are you having fun?” Harry asked him.
“Just between us, not really. Dancing isn’t any fun when you’re by yourself,” Charlie said gloomily. Then Sarah stood up and pulled on his arm.
“Then c’mon. Let’s dance! You don’t mind, do you Harry?”
“Not at all; you two go ahead,” Harry replied. Charlie looked a little nervous.
“I dunno…I’m not really a big dancer,” Charlie admitted. But Sarah just pulled his arm harder.
“But Sarah’s a great dancer so she should help you a lot. Just have some fun!” Harry reassured him sarcastically. Sarah slapped him playfully and then led Charlie to the dance floor. Harry sat back, watching the two dancing and cringing every time she stepped on him or tripped over her own feet. He was lost in his own thoughts when he felt someone grab his hand and drag him to his feet.
“Come on, Harry! Dance with me for a minute!” It was Hermione and she was laughing for no reason at all.
“Alright, okay, I’m coming!” he answered. When they reached the dance floor, Hermione started to thank him for his speech and for being a great friend throughout the years. Harry thanked her back and he understood that she was probably the happiest woman alive at that moment. Harry couldn’t remember ever seeing her so carefree and cheerful. He caught sight of Sarah and Charlie laughing and then saw Ron and his mother dancing joyously. Everyone seemed to be happy and it was contagious. A couple of songs went by and he was still dancing with Hermione and having a great time. Then he saw Sarah approach.
“May I cut in?” she asked Hermione.
“Of course! I should go thank other people, anyway! Oh, and Harry, you should go and talk to Hagrid, he’s been trying to find you!” Hermione then hurried off in the other direction after she waved to them. Harry truthfully had not seen Hagrid, but yet he wasn’t really looking for him either. He resolved to go and find him after the next song. Sarah decided to go along with him because she was interested in meeting Hagrid after Harry had told her about him. He looked around for Hagrid and saw that he was standing near the house talking with Mr. Weasley. Harry and Sarah pushed their way through the crowd of people.
“Hey, Hagrid,” Harry said to him.
“Harry! I’ve been lookin’ for yeh all night! I heard you had come back. Great to see yeh!” Hagrid exclaimed and then he hugged Harry tightly. Hagrid embraced him so hard that the wind was knocked out of him. He couldn’t help but smile was he remembered this familiar feeling.
“I”I can’t breathe, Hagrid!” Harry grunted and Hagrid released him immediately.
“Sorry ‘bout that, Harry. I’m just glad to see yeh again. How have yeh been?” asked Hagrid.
“I’m fine, you?”
“Never better. Still teachin’ at Hogwarts, though it ain’t the same without Dumbledore and you, Ron, and Hermione. Yeh know?” said Hagrid.
“Yeah, I do. We all miss you, too, Hagrid. I’ll come visit during the school year. Okay?” suggested Harry.
“That’d be great!” Hagrid agreed. After he had mingled with Hagrid for a while longer, Harry and Sarah excused themselves and went to get some drinks. It wasn’t long when Harry spotted two familiar faces. Sitting at a table not too far from them, was Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood. Harry introduced them to Sarah and they all started talking. Harry asked Neville what he was doing now that he was out of school.
“Well, did you know that Professor Sprout retired? I’m now teaching Herbology! It’s great!” Neville said proudly.
“That’s wonderful, Neville. You were always good with plants,” Harry praised. Luna’s spirits were as high as ever and she was just as eccentric as Harry remembered. She asked Sarah whether she had spotted any strange creatures while she was living in Massachusetts. When Sarah looked to Harry for help, he returned an expression that meant “just go with it.” After a while, Sarah and Harry left Neville and Luna.
After another dance, Sarah asked Harry if they could go somewhere quieter to talk. They walked around the house and into the front yard where Harry knew there was a small bench for them to sit on. They sat down and Sarah let out a deep sigh. She was nervous and a bit confused. She still wasn’t completely sure of her feelings for Harry, but she felt happiest when she was with him. He made her feel wanted and appreciated. He recognized her for whom she was and understood her deepest thoughts even if she didn’t express them. Nothing in the world had ever made her happier than just being with him, but she didn’t want to mess that up. But, she would rather take the risk than going on without ever knowing what could have been.
“Harry…” she began, but hesitated. Sarah didn’t know it, but Harry was feeling the same things toward her as she was toward him. He, however, did not hesitate as he gently brushed away a lock of her hair that had fallen over her eyes. He grasped her chin softly with one hand and pulled her face gently toward his. He kissed her lips tenderly for a moment and then pulled away slightly to see her reaction. Her eyes were closed and a look of tranquility crossed her face. She opened her eyes abruptly as if to ask the question “why did you stop?” Then she pulled Harry back to her and continued to kiss him warmly. When they finally pulled apart, both of them were a bit surprised.
“That was…” Harry started to say.
“Amazing,” Sarah finished. Harry nodded.
“Maybe we should get back to the party?” Sarah suggested but not really wanting to go back; she was content where she was.
“Yeah, probably. One thing though. Let’s not tell anyone about us yet. Today is Ron and Hermione’s day,” Harry said.
“You’re right. And one last thing,” she added. Then she kissed Harry once more and together they walked back to the party hand-in-hand.
A/N: I'm so sorry! Life has been really busy! I've actually had this chapter written for a long time, but I just needed to get around to editing and submitting it. There was lots of fluff in this chapter so if you like that I hope you enjoyed it! Also, a little side note on the chapters to come: a good amount of action coming up so that's something to look foward to. I already have chapters 15, 16, and half of 17 written so hopefully the wait won't be quite as long.
Please leave me a review! What do you like? What do you not like? What do you think will happen next? I'd love to know everyone's thoughts! Thanks!
Finally, special thanks to my friend Sean for editing this for me. For previous chapters, thanks to SnufflesIsMyIdol and AurorGirl101 for being amazing betas!