Chapter Text
Hermione's stomach felt like it was filled with millions of little butterflies. This was it. The big day. It had finally arrived, after a month of fretful planning, and she felt like she was going to faint.
But, she was also 20 years old today, and that was a big milestone in itself. How had she even gotten to this point? With all the peril she'd endured in her life, it had seemed like she'd be dead before she even reached the age of 20. It gave her an excuse to thank her lucky stars.
Hermione turned on her side in the large bed, feeling lonely without Harry there beside her. The space where he usually occupied remained empty, as it was a tradition that the bride and groom didn't see each other on their wedding day. He was over at Ron's place, or his old place, anyways.
The door creaked open, and Hermione glanced over to see not her mother, but Ginny. The girl looked bashful, her fiery hair already pinned back in a plait.
"Hi, Ginny." Hermione said with a smile, sitting up. "Is something the matter?"
"No, your mum just sent me up to see whether you were ready or not." Ginny replied, then stepped in further, shutting the door behind her. "Hey . . . can we talk?"
Hermione nodded, sliding over a bit and patting the spot next to her on the bed. She knew Ginny had been particularly attached to Harry, but after the war, she also knew the pair of them had split on good terms, each having healing they needed to know. But, what she didn't know was if Ginny still wanted Harry back. Not that it mattered, of course, as Harry was marrying Hermione.
"I just wanted to say congratulations. I know we haven't had time to speak much since you've been preparing for the wedding." Ginny said as she sat down, her hands clasped in her lap. "Look, if anyone deserves to be with Harry, it's definitely you. I don't think I could really stand anyone else."
They both laughed at that, and Hermione drew Ginny into a large hug, patting her on the back.
"Thank you, Ginny." she said in a whisper. "That's really kind of you to say. Though, I did hear that you've got a date for the wedding. Care to spill?"
"Oh! I was going to keep it a secret, but . . ." Ginny looked bashful. "I'm bringing Luna as my date. I haven't exactly . . . come out to my parents yet? It's been a sort of secret thing, but yeah. I planned to make it public soon."
Hermione beamed at her, pulling back from the hug. "Oh, Ginny, that's absolutely wonderful! I'm so happy for you. You and Luna always seemed particularly close in school."
Ginny smiled as well, then got up from the bed. "We should probably go get ready. Your mum's going to throw a fit that I didn't bring you straight downstairs."
Hermione took a deep breath to steady herself. It was time to stop putting this off any longer. This was her wedding day, and she was going to enjoy it.
Harry felt absolutely terrified. This was his big day, and he felt like he was going to melt into a puddle of sweat right there on the floor. His pulse was racing thrice the normal speed it usually did, and he felt like he could hardly breathe.
"Hey. Mate. Earth to Harry."
Harry was suddenly aware of of Ron waving a hand in front of his face, blinking quickly and shaking himself out of his thoughts.
"There you are. I thought we'd lost you." Ron grinned, clapping a hand on his shoulder. "You've gotta wake up, mate, she's bound to be here any moment. Any final words as the final seconds of your bachelor state tick down?"
"Shut up, you prat." Harry chuckled, playfully punching Ron on the arm. "Look, I'm really excited about this, but I'm also nervous. This is one of the biggest and most important days of my life."
"Which is why you should be enjoying it, instead of freaking out." Ron said, then gestured around him. "Hermione picked a nice venue, and all your friends and family are here. What could be better than that?"
Harry supposed he was right. As he looked around, he was able to calm himself down. There were white lilies in planters everywhere, and almost every seat was filled with a family member or a friend. Though, there were two seats left empty on the groom's side. It had been Hermione's idea, to honor his parents in that way. She was so kind, and that reminded him how glad he was to be the one marrying her today.
"You're right, Ron. I feel better already." Harry said, sighing softly and smiling up at his best man. "Are you ever gonna get married?"
Ron shrugged, but at that moment, the music started to swell in the back of the venue. They had booked an outside place for their wedding, and had Amplifying Charms so that everything could heard all around. Harry's heart nearly slammed out of his chest as it began to speed up again, and he stood up straighter.
First, came the flower girl, which happened to be one of Hermione's younger cousins. She threw rose petals all over the place, which was an indication of what was to come. Sure enough, the bridesmaids made their way down the aisle next, dressed in gowns of rose red. Ginny and Luna looked stunning, and Harry could see the looks they were giving each other.
But, finally, 'Here Comes the Bride' began to play, and Harry straightened up. This was it. This was the big moment, and he was about to see his soon to be wife walk down the aisle towards him.
She looked breathtaking, on her father's arm. Her chocolate brown eyes shone with pure happiness as she met his own green ones with her gaze, a genuine smile stretching her rosebud lips. Her hair was pinned up in an elegant bun, though stubborn curls still managed to escape. Hermione wore a gown that seemed to flow on forever, her train dragging along behind her and picking up petals from the carpet. She carried a bouquet of red roses and lilies in her hands, which matched the flowers decorating the tiara of her veil, and the flowers currently pinned to Harry's lapel.
Hermione seemed to reach him in record time, and Harry gently took her small hands in his own larger ones. She had eyes only for him, and he her. He slightly tuned out the priest as he began to speak, taking in her beauty instead. She was stunning, and he couldn't believe she was all his.
Harry quickly tuned back in just in time to hear the priest ask for their vows. Harry reached into his pocket to take out a small piece of paper, unfolding it and clearing his throat.
"Hermione Granger, I love you. You are my best friend. Today I give myself to you in marriage. I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle. I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems hard, when our love is simple, and when it is an effort. I promise to cherish you, and to always hold you in highest regard. These things I give to you today, and all the days of our life." he said, then grinned. "I never thought that I would be the lucky one to be married to you, but yet, here we are. You've done so much for me, and I hope I'll be able to give all that back."
Hermione blushed deeply and looked like she was going to burst into tears, but took out her own folded vows.
"Harry Potter, I remember the day we met. I fixed your glasses for you, and you were in absolute awe. But I remember being so starstruck, and wondering why on earth you'd want to be friends with someone like me. We've been through good and bad times together, and even though it seems like you're always asking for trouble, I won't hesitate to risk my life in order to save you." she said, giving him a watery smile. "This may be one of the most important days in our lives, and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you."
The crowd cheered around them, but the priest gently shushed them before taking out his book with the traditional vows, turning to Harry first.
"Harry James Potter, do you take Hermione Jean Granger to be your lawfully wedded wife?" he asked. "Do you promise to love and cherish her, in sickness and in health, for richer for poorer, for better for worse, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her, for so long as you both shall live?"
"I do." Harry replied.
The priest turned to Hermione next.
"Hermione Jean Granger, do you take Harry James Potter to be your lawfully wedded husband?" he asked. "Do you promise to love and cherish him, in sickness and in health, for richer for poorer, for better for worse, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto him, for so long as you both shall live?"
"I do." Hermione softly said.
"Then, without further ado," the priest gestured to little Teddy, the ring-bearer, who toddled toward them with the wedding bands on a plush pillow. "You shall both put these rings onto each other's fingers to seal your vow."
Harry took Hermione's dainty hand in his, gently sliding her ring onto her ring finger. She then did the same to him, and they both beamed at each other.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride."
With that, Harry swept Hermione into his arms, planting his lips on hers in a loving kiss. Cheering and whistling came from the wedding guests, but Harry hardly heard them. He only had eyes for Hermione, and her eyes sparkled as they met gazes, then kissed again.
This was the happiest day of Harry Potter's life.
The after-party seemed to drag on for a long while, and Hermione felt so exhausted. But, she felt jubilant as well. She was now Harry Potter's wife. How many girls could really say that? Ron was in the middle of making a speech at the long table that they were sat at, and while Hermione was desperately trying to concentrate, she felt absolutely drained.
She inhaled sharply as someone's hand intertwined with her own under the table, but it was only Harry, and he gave her a warm smile. Just that gave her a little zap of energy, and she managed to smile back before taking a sip of wine.
Soon enough, the band they had hired struck up a tune, and Harry was leading her onto the floor for a dance. He looked thoroughly embarrassed, and that was when it suddenly struck her that he wasn't very good at dancing.
"Hey. It's okay." she said softly, putting a hand on his shoulder, and lifting the other to wind her arms around his neck. "We can just sway, alright? It's our wedding night, after all."
"Thank you." Harry replied, giving her a chaste kiss on the cheek before they began to sway back and forth to the gentle waltz.
Hermione rested her head on his chest with a content sigh, letting her eyes flutter shut for a second as she lost herself in the moment. She felt so content, here with Harry, and she wished this moment could go on forever.
But, the wedding reception ended soon enough, and they were suddenly walking through a shower of rice and confetti as they headed toward the car waiting for them. Hermione stopped to toss her bouquet up in the air, and Ginny caught it, blushing bright red as Luna took it in stride and kissed her on the cheek.
The car ride seemed very short, and they were back at Hermione's flat in no time. She made a mental note to start looking for houses soon, but she gave a surprised shriek as Harry swept her up off her feet, carrying her bridal style toward the front door.
"Harry! Put me down, for Merlin's sake!" she protested, smacking on his chest with her fists.
But Harry didn't indulge her request until they got to the bedroom, laying her down and immediately beginning to kiss her. Hermione felt wide awake all of the sudden, rolling over to allow him to unzip her wedding dress. She could feel him struggling with the corset for a few minutes, but he was soon shedding his tuxedo jacket on the floor, going back to kissing at her neck.
Hermione gave a breathy sigh, wrapping her arms around his neck and tilting her head back to allow him better access.
All clothing was quickly shed that night, and as Hermione was laying bare in the sheets awhile later, she rolled over and pressed a kiss to the nape of Harry's neck.
"I love you, Harry Potter."
At first, she thought he was asleep already, as worn out as she was. But her heart soared as she heard a reply a few moments later, gripping his hand.
"I love you too, Hermione Granger-Potter."