Chapter 27
“No, no, that won’t do! Do you see this? This right here! It should not be sticking up like this!” Hermione resisted the urge to cover her ears as Rhiannon Greengrass screamed (yet again) at Astoria’s hairstylist. Every couple of minutes, it seemed, since Hermione had arrived the woman was complaining about something. While Hermione, Pansy, and the other bridesmaid (Mione thought she’d heard Stori call her Orly or something to that effect) had been helping get Astoria fed, fixing her dress (the alterations had left it a bit too snug, but Pansy was able to fix it relatively quickly), getting pictures of the process, and getting themselves ready when the stylist arrived, Stori’s mother was doing everything in her power to stay the centre of attention.
“Do you know how many carbs are in a doughnut? All I had on my wedding day was some fresh fruit. Remember, my angel, once on the lips twice on the hips.”
“Are we sure that the seamstress made a mistake? I’m just saying, my angel, your face has been a little fuller lately. Have you been eating out again? You can tell me. Oh well, in any case, we’ll have to let the dress out a bit. This didn’t happen when we took your sister’s dress to Madame Dubois.”
“Those nails are far too long! Look at my darling Stori’s nails, Pansy. See how they’re all nicely trimmed? You’d do well to look as well, Ms Granger. Stori’s nails are all the same shape and length. Tell me, do you bite your nails? It’s a filthy habit, not one a lady should ever indulge in.”
“That makeup is far too dark! I don’t care if it matches the scheme, it clashes with her eyes. They are one of her nicer features, they should be highlighted. Find something that will do that instead of making them look sunken in.”
“Astoria, I know you’re getting married today but really, lip gloss? Don’t you think that’s a bit much? We don’t want everyone looking at your lips during the ceremony. People will think you’re a tart.”
The latest victim of the woman’s ranting seemed to be the woman doing Stori’s hair. She had done all the bridesmaid's hair (save for the maid of honour who wasn’t there yet) and she’d done a wonderful job. Even Hermione’s own hair was reasonably tame compared to what it normally was. And Astoria’s looked every bit as nice. The stylist had braided the hair around the back of her head and twisted it up into a bun at the back. She’d asked Astoria for her opinion before she added the little gold flower wreath and the veil, but before she could utter a single word her mother had decided that it wasn’t good enough because it was sticking up in the back (which it wasn’t). “Take it out and do it again. I’m not paying you if she walks down the aisle like this!” Hermione felt sorry for the stylist, the poor woman was just trying to do her job. And she was doing it well. Astoria seemed to be emotionally turned off while her mother was in the room, and honestly, Mione didn’t blame her. How anyone could be raised by that woman and turn out as sweet as Stori was beyond her. **knock, knock** Pansy sauntered over to the door to let in the visitor.
“Sorry, I’m late. I had an appointment before I came.” Hermione smiled and turned to the door to see Daphne Nott standing there.
“Daphne, I told you to reschedule that. You should have been on time for Astoria’s big day.”
“Sorry, Mother, but I wouldn’t have been able to come if I’d had to reschedule. They needed to make sure that it was safe for me to be up and about today.”
“Yes, yes. And how is my darling grandson doing today?” Mrs Greengrass asked as she walked over to caress her daughter’s obvious baby bump.
“Mother, Theo and I told you she’s a girl. Not a boy.” Daphne told her, obviously uncomfortable at the touching and agitated if her tone of voice was anything to go by.
“We’ll see, my cabbage. No, no! Do I need to contact your boss? This is absurd, her hair should not be this hard to style!” The older woman turned back to the stylist as her older daughter walked further into the room. She must have spoken to her sister about the hair and makeup because she’d come prepared, hair up, makeup done, and dress on. Hermione walked over to say hi with a smile on her face.
“Daph! It’s been ages, you look gorgeous.” Mione told her as they gently embraced.
“No one should be calling anyone besides Astoria gorgeous today.” Mrs Greengrass chastised.
“Ignore her,” Daphne whispered as she rolled her eyes. “How have you been? Theo said he got to surprise you at work, I wish I could have been there. This one has been keeping me confined to a bed, I swear to Merlin I’m going crazy sitting there all day.”
“I’ve been good, and look at you! Mrs Nott.” Hermione said with a smirk that could rival her soon-to-be-husbands. “I thought you were planning on dumping him after graduation?” She asked quietly.
“Oh, I was. But we took a short break for a couple of months when we left Hogwarts and I spent almost every minute of the separation missing him and moping around Pansy’s place with a bottle of tequila. Suffice to say, we made our way back together and have been happy ever since.”
“Well, I’m glad you took the time to figure out what you wanted. Not that I’d expect anything less, as long as I’ve known you you’ve been self-confident. And congratulations on the baby!”
“Thanks, Mione. It took a few months of trying but we got there. Now if she could stay put for a little while longer and stop making us worry, that would be fantastic.” Daphne said as she gently rubbed the swell of her stomach.
“It is a girl, right? I know that’s what Theo said but since your Mum-”
“Ugh, Mother has a stick up her arse about wanting a grandson. Ignore her, we’ve corrected her a million times since we found out but she seems to think she’s right. What’s new?” She grumbled under her breath, obviously not wanting Mrs Greengrass to hear. Mione resisted the urge to agree.
“She seems very...”
“Rude? Narcissistic? Controlling? Take your pick. She’s always been like that. It took me years to get out from under her thumb, but Stori doesn’t like to cause trouble so she’s kind of stuck. I try to intervene when I can but I can only do so much.” Daph told her with a sad shrug.
“I’m surprised you both turned out so well growing up with a mother like that.”
“Father was much more pleasant. If he hadn’t been a Deatheater, he would have almost been the perfect parent. Except when Mother was around, of course. Then he became a ‘yes, dear,’ pushover.” Mione shuffled her feet uncomfortably as her friend spoke. Mr Greengrass had been one of the casualties on the dark side at the Battle of Hogwarts, so it was weird to hear his daughter be so cavalier about his death.
“Ladies, it’s time!” Hermione looked over as Mrs Weasley came in to get them. “Oh, don’t you look beautiful!” She said with tears in her eyes as she looked over her adopted son's fiancé. Mione had to agree her friend was stunning. Her nails had been done in a peachy-orange colour with dark blue tips that matched her lipstick and smokey eye makeup almost exactly. Her hair (which had been undone and done again) was perfectly smooth on top and artfully braided. Each section was the same width and the little gold wreath sat snuggly around the inside of it. Her veil was plain with a small satin trim on the end, and her ring was a nice pop of blue added to the outfit. Her dress was gorgeous and fit her like a glove thanks to Pans’ expertise. It was a milk-white crepe and batiste gown in a trumpet fit. The top was a semi-sweetheart with one shoulder added. There were little sapphires (about 14 in total) dotted around the top half of her dress where the fabric bunched to one side at her hip. It was elegant in a modern way, and Hermione had almost considered getting the dress herself before Astoria had come out wearing it at the shop.
Mrs Greengrass left first while Molly watched to let the girls know when it was best to go. She gave them the signal and handed them their bouquets before rushing into the ceremony room. Hermione and Astoria’s french friend had a small bouquet of salmon roses, while Daphne and Pansy had midnight blue roses. Astoria’s bouquet was made up of both and settled nicely in front of the bride as they lined up. Hermione smiled when she saw the groomsmen in the hallway.
“Ok everyone, please lineup it's time to go. Ronald, you will go down with Daphne, Neville you and Pansy follow. Then George and Hermione, and lastly Bill and Aurélie.” That was the other girl’s name! Hermione smiled at George as they got into their spots in the processional.
“Who’s the french bloke?” The tall red-head whispered to her.
“I think that’s her uncle.” She told him as the music started. She smiled politely as they made their way down the aisle, slowly following the sound of Beethoven on violins that Mrs Greengrass had hired. Her smile widened as she took in Harry in his suit (a matching rose boutonniere to his bride's bouquet) as she and George separated to stand on their own sides. Teddy Lupin pulled on the collar of his own tux as he half-rushed down the aisle. He attempted to give Harry the ring box before a chuckling Bill pulled him back to stand with the rest of the groomsmen. A little brunette girl in a sparkly, midnight blue dress came down the aisle next, twirling and giggling as she scattered dark blue flower petals on the floor before she ran out. She rushed back and the crowd laughed quietly as she attempted to collect some that had already fallen to scatter on the last few metres of the aisle. When she’d finally come to a stop, her basket swinging softly at her side, the room turned to watch as the bride entered. Hermione watched Harry out of the corner of her eye, melting a little at the adorable look on his face when he saw Astoria walk into the room. She smiled to herself as the bride made her way down the aisle before coming to a stop in front of her groom, her uncle switching her hands from his arm to Harry’s as Daphne took the bridal bouquet.
"Harry James Potter and Astoria Greengrass - Today you enter as individuals, but you will leave here as husband and wife, blending your lives, expanding your family ties, and embarking upon the grandest adventure of human interaction...”
“Alright everyone, I think that will be our last group photo of the evening! Thank you all for your cooperation.” Hermione opened her jaw a few times to loosen it up, thankful she could finally stop smiling. The ceremony had gone swimmingly; Harry and Astoria said their vows, the Wizingamot officiant tied their magic together (all for show, she’d checked when she’d heard of the absurd ritual), and they’d both cast the Patronus charm instead of releasing doves at the conclusion of the ceremony (Harry’s stag and Astoria’s dolphin circling each other vertically as they floated down the aisle before disappearing). She’d been surprised when Astoria had informed her they intended to do it, as far as Mione knew Astoria still wasn’t able to produce a Patronus. But Stori told her she’d been practising with Harry during some of their dates and had been able to produce the charm a couple of times so she felt confident she’d be able to cast one during the wedding. It was risky, in Hermione’s opinion, to cast such a powerful charm in front of so many people during an important event when you hadn’t been consistently casting it perfectly, but she wasn’t going to say anything to her friend when she’d been so excited about it. She was glad she hadn’t said anything, it was a beautiful addition to their ceremony. The bride and groom kissed for a few seconds before pulling apart and walking back down the aisle together as the ceremony came to a close. The processional, Astoria’s mum, and the Weasleys all gathered around in the garden’s outside of the venue to take pictures and after an hour and a half, they were finally done.
“*emmhem*” Hermione let out as she squeezed Harry into a hug. “Congratulations, Harry!”
“Yeah mate, the ceremony went off without a hitch,” Ron added as he came over to them. Harry opened his arms wider and the three friends shared another hug.
“Harry, are you ready? We have to go to the side doors for our entrance.” Astoria called sweetly as she came to join them.
“You make a lovely bride, Astoria,” Ron told her, his cheeks going red before he walked away. Stori just smiled wider and chuckled.
“I’m ready,” Harry answered.
“We’ll see you in a few minutes, Mione. Thanks for walking with me today.” Stori remarked as she pulled Hermione in for her own hug.
“No problem, I’m glad you asked me to be a bridesmaid. Go make your entrance, I’ll go find a seat to change my shoes.” The bride and groom chuckled at the sour look on Hermione’s face before they walked off. Hermione made her way to her reserved spot and yanked off the heels that she’d been wearing all morning, robbing her feet with a quiet moan.
“That happy to see me, Granger?” Mione froze, immediately recognizing the voice of her husband to be coming from beside her.
“I’m just happy to get these blasted shoes off my feet. They’re more like torture devices.” She grumbled, blushing in embarrassment for having been caught moaning in front of him. She hid a smile as Mal- Draco started laughing.
“Now presenting, Mr and Mrs Harry J. Potter!” The Minister announced as Harry and Astoria made their way into the reception area. Hermione and Draco applauded with the rest of the room as the band started playing the first notes of Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen for the married couple’s first dance. Hermione watched entranced as her gangly best friend twirled Astoria around the dance floor. She must have been helping him dance in her free time because Mione did not remember Harry ever dancing this smoothly before. The couple was magnetic, watching each other with soft smiles and Hermione snuck a glance at her betrothed as the music came to a climax, surprised to see him watching her with a soft smile on his face.
“What? Do I have something on my face?” She asked him quietly as the dance came to an end. His smile turned into a smirk.
“No. You just look nice in the sunlight.” She blushed harder at his comment, unsure if she should take him seriously or not with the look he had on his face. She turned back to the centre of the room, clapping once more as the first dance came to an end.
“That was lovely,” Arthur Weasley called out as he stood up to direct eyes away from the bride and groom as they attempted to make their way to their seats. “I know I speak for both Molly and myself when I say we have always seen Harry as our son. From the time Ron first wrote home about his new roommate, the one who’d shared sweets with him on the train and who wasn’t expecting anything for Christmas, we knew he would be just as much our son as our biological children. We’ve watched this fine young man grow up. He’s been wonderful to have around, a fine seeker in our scrimmages, a polite help with the dishes after dinner even when Molly insists he doesn’t have to help, and a blessing all around. Some of you may just see him as the saviour of the wizarding world,” at this a lot of the crowd erupted into cheers before Mr Weasley managed to quiet them, “But to us, he’s so much more of that. We are so proud of the man you’ve become strong, brave, and more loyal than most men twice your age. We haven’t known Astoria very long, a few weeks actually. We worried that everyone’s unions would be messed up when this damn Marriage Law was implemented,” a grumbled agreement rang out once more. “But the woman sitting beside you today has already shown us just how passionate, thoughtful, and kindhearted she is. We are truly grateful that the two of you have been paired, and we look forward to seeing how the future shapes itself as you grow together. Welcome to the family, Astoria. And congratulations to the both of you.” Hermione found herself holding back a tear at Mr Weasley’s speech (noticing Harry choking up a bit himself) and discreetly ran her finger under her eye to fix any smudged makeup as the waiters brought out the food.
“What did you order?” M- Draco asked her as the plates were being handed out.
“I think I got the fish.” She told him as the servers arrived at their table.
“Mr Dursley and Mr Malfoy, the Tafelspitz with apple horseradish, chives sauce, and Viennese potatoes. Ms Baudet, Mr Gouin, and Ms Granger, the pan-fried red mullet on courgette tagliatelle, with scallops, and purple basil pesto. And Ms Glendon, the Miso-baked Aubergine with crispy tofu and Asian shoots. If you have any problems with tonight's meal please let me or one of the staff know, otherwise please enjoy.” Hermione eyed the man sitting next to her left. He was medium-build, a bit stocky and with loose skin under his chin that suggested he may have been heavier at one point. His brown hair was relatively short and starting to thin. When she’d sat down she’d barely looked at him but now she studied him closely.
“Dursley? As in Dudley Dursley?” She questioned him, unbelieving from what Harry had told her that his cousin would ever come to a magical wedding.
“Uh, uhm, y-yeah.” The man stuttered, eyes widening and looking around in fear. Yeah, that’s gotta be him, she thought smugly.
“I’m Hermione Granger, Harry’s best friend and surrogate sister.”
“Uh, uh, D-dudley. Ha-Harry’s cousin.”
“What’s with the muggle? Why’s he stuttering?” M- Draco asked over her shoulder between bites of his meal.
“It could be his fear of magic, or it could be he’s afraid of what I’ll do to him for his family keeping Harry locked in a cupboard under the stairs for ten years and his using him as a personal punching bag.”
“Dudley! You did what?” A freckled brunette asked from his other side.
“Uh, I, I, I-” Hermione chuckled quietly.
“It’s ok, I won’t do anything. Harry’s told me the two of you are slowly reconnecting. It’s nice to meet you.” She stuck out her hand for him to shake. He stared at it for a few minutes, perhaps waiting to see if it would turn into a snake or something, before accepting and shaking back. “And you are?” She asked his companion politely.
“I’m Ruth. I’m his girlfriend, although right now I’m second-guessing that decision. Did you really use your cousin as a target for your fists?”
“Ruthie, I told you my relationship with my cousin was strained but on the mend.”
“Yes, but I thought it was a mutual falling out! Not him distancing himself from abuse!”
“This is mildly entertaining,” Draco whispered as he leaned forward to observe the couple.
“Ruthie, I know what I did was wrong. I have no excuse for the way I behaved. But I’m trying to be better. I promise. I wouldn’t have come tonight if I was the same person I was back then.”
“Hmph.” She grumbled. “We’ll discuss this later.” She let him know as she eyed Hermione and Draco from the side of her eye, eavesdropping on her conversation.
“If it’s any constellation, I beat him up quite a bit too.” Draco piped up, addressing Dudley.
“You did not,” Hermione giggled. “If anything we beat you up.” Dudley gaped at the two of them as they turned to argue with one another.
“Did so. I set a snake on him, and I set his trousers on fire, not to mention all the times I’ve destroyed him in quidditch.”
“What’s quidditch?” Ruth whispered to a clueless Dudley, who shrugged in response.
“I seem to recall that it was Harry who won nearly every game. Not to mention the snake you set loose on him had no effect since he could speak parseltongue at the time-”
“At the time?” Draco interrupted his fiancé. “You mean he can’t speak it anymore?”
“No not since Volde-” She looked around and changed her wording so as not to cause panic at her friend’s wedding reception. “He-who-must-not-be-named killed him.”
“But he didn’t die. My mother lied for him, remember?” The blond questioned, confused.
“Well, he sort of died. Vol- He-who-must-not-be-named had to kill the Horcrux inside of Harry in order for us to stop him so he was legally dead for a couple of minutes. He just didn’t stay that way.”
“Did you understand any of that?” Ruth questioned her date as the other two continued their conversation.
“Uh-uh,” Dudley answered, face pale as he tried to tune out all of the gibberish the wizards next to him were saying. Hermione rolled her eyes, assuming the man was starting to wish he hadn’t come to the wedding.