Chapter Text
If Harry still had moments of doubt, of anxiety, over whether Hermione had truly gotten over her feelings for Mr Snape, he didn't have to suffer for long. It was only a few short days until Hermione returned from London and barely an hour into their conversation together when Harry was perfectly satisfied that Mr Snape was far from Hermione's heart and mind. Ronald Weasley was the only person that was now linked to her happiness.
“I hear I should offer you congratulations,” Harry said, once he and Hermione were alone together and, despite Harry's bright smile, Hermione shuffled uncomfortably.
“You must think me an absolute fool, or possibly even disingenuous, to have agreed to this engagement despite so recently insisting that I would never dream of such a thing.”
“I will admit that I was very surprised when I heard the news,” Harry said, “but at no point did I think you a fool or imagined that you were trying to deceive me. I, of all people, should know that sometimes we don't know our own hearts. Once I'd gotten over my initial surprise I felt nothing but joy for you over this match, except possibly a little curiosity as to how it came about.”
“I don't know if there is that much to say,” Hermione replied, a blush colouring her cheeks. “My parents had wanted to visit Diagon Alley, they are always so curious about the magical world although they don't always feel comfortable asking about it as they have gotten some strange looks when asking about it in the past. I sometimes get the feeling that some wizards find it annoying to explain things that they think are obvious, which is part of why I read so much. We were looking around and they were quite interested with the new shop, Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes and I had a certain curiosity as well. I was surprised when I saw Mr Weasley there although, looking back, I really shouldn't have been since it was his brother's shop. I was struck on seeing him again, he looked very well, and I must admit that I felt a fluttering of what I had felt before. I was surprised when my parents invited him to join us for lunch and, while he seemed a little hesitant to accept at first but, when I didn't object, he seemed happy to join us.
“Things were a little strange to begin with but conversation soon flowed and it had nothing to do with me. I was surprised when Mr Weasley seemed more than happy to answer all of my parents’ questions but, even more so, when he started asking some of his own. Most wizards I have met have no interest in the muggle world at all, considering themselves to be superior, in every way at times. Mr Weasley was different, genuinely curious, and it was a wonderful breath of fresh air. My parents had never enjoyed themselves in my world as much as with him and I couldn't help adding gratitude to what I was feeling which was why I added to my parents in urging him to join us at the play and I was genuinely happy when he accepted.
“Oh Mr Potter! He was such a gentleman all evening, attending to me with the most poised of manners, certainly greater than I ever saw Mr McLaggen or Mr Malfoy use. Perhaps Mr Snape is the only person whom I could imagine acting so well, although I certainly couldn't imagine him responding to my parents’ many, many questions quite so warmly. I definitely couldn't imagine him asking questions in return, nor being so astounded by how muggles put on a performance. He actually used the words ‘ingenious’ when I explained how the trap doors worked. Mr Potter, I can honestly say I have never felt more accepted as a Muggleborn witch.”
Harry felt a pang of guilt at that and silently vowed to try to be a little more inquisitive about the muggle world in the future.
“That is wonderful to hear,” Harry said, “and I can clearly see how you came to have feelings for Mr Weasley although, I admit, I'm still at a bit of a loss as to how you went from that to being engaged?”
Hermione's blush deepened at that. “It is no great mystery really. After the play my parents went to go and find a cab to take us home and, instead of leaving straight away, Mr Weasley said that he would stay with me inside as the night had become quite cold at that point. It was quite the crush in the foyer of the theatre though and I was becoming a little overwhelmed. Mr Weasley led me towards a corner and stood a little in front of me to ensure I had space, promising to look out for my parents: he is so tall after all and could see over the top of everyone else. As he was looking away, though, he decided to confess to me, saying that he still loved me, that he had never stopped loving me. He thought that I had given him a hint that his feelings may be returned but, if that wasn't the case, to tell him so straight away and I should never hear from him on the subject again.
“I was astounded, Mr Potter! I had no idea that he still felt that way about me, in fact I was sure that he must hate me after I turned him down before. It wasn't though, and the joy I felt at hearing his declaration caused such a swelling of warmth in my chest, such a joy throughout my entire being, that it made me realise that I had never stopped loving him either. It took me a moment to find my tongue but when I managed to get my feelings across he was ecstatic and embraced me there and then! I was shocked at his behaviour but, I must confess, I didn't mind it one bit. My parents were a little horrified when they saw us but, when Mr Weasley told them how he felt and asked for my hand in marriage there and then they forgave him, especially after I urged them to agree.”
“Well I can certainly see how your sudden engagement came about now,” Harry laughed. “I'm also not surprised to hear that your parents agreed so readily. Such a public display! I never would have guessed it from you, Hermione Granger!”
Harry said it in a joking tone but a look of such mortification came over Hermione's face that he felt he needed to mollify her.
“No, no! That wasn't meant to censure you, my friend. I am happy you feel strongly enough to do that and I certainly can't condemn you when I am guilty of much worse myself.”
Harry recounted to her how he and Mr Snape had gotten together, as well as some of how they had been spending their time since, and the pair of friends spent a thoroughly enjoyable day together, basking in each other's happiness and feeling that all was right with the world. It felt as if everything was made even better knowing that their friendship could continue and grow. One of the somewhat surprising things for Harry to learn during their discourse was that, outside of any possible magical heritage, Hermione's parents actually ran a very lucrative dental practice and, as their only child, would be entering her marriage with a sizable dowry. It may not be the magical prestige that Harry had previously imagined but it would certainly help Mr Weasley and his farm more than any distant ancestor might. It also offered a certain amount of security as well. The wizarding world might talk a lot about the importance of heritage and prestige but, at the end of the day, money mattered more than anything else. A Muggleborn with a good brain and independent fortune would always be classed higher than the Great-granddaughter of some pureblood squib.
Harry soon became officially acquainted with Ronald Weasley and the only blight in the meeting was Harry kicking himself for not meeting the man before. There was, unsurprisingly, a little awkwardness at first but as soon as Ronald Weasley had seen Harry's new broom, a Firebolt gifted to him by his godfather, Sirius, that disappeared. The pair talked of nothing but flying and quidditch for hours, much to Hermione's consternation. She didn't grumble out loud too much though; as annoying as it was to be a third wheel she couldn't complain that her fiance and best friend got on so well. It boded well, especially as Hermione was spending more and more time at the Burrow, as it meant that Harry would be willing to visit her there as well. It was something that had concerned her, especially with the busy harvest season coming up. Harry certainly didn't mind the excursion and it actually served to help make him even more secure in his happiness for his friend. Apparently Hermione had taken to the idea of becoming a farmers wife with her usual zeal and had been researching modern muggle farming techniques in an effort to try to help out as much as she could.
The end of the busy harvest brought with it the marriage of Hermione and Ron, as Ronald Weasley now insisted Harry call him. Harry sat among the congregation with the utmost satisfaction, knowing that he could not have envisioned a happier pair. Even the McLaggens, who were also in attendance, couldn't bring down the mood, although they did try. Mr Finch-Fletchly did try to question why the union seemed to be so speedy. Everyone just laughed though and pointed out that, since both families were in agreement, there was no reason to delay the union in any way. Harry also cheekily pointed out that at least they had known each other for over a year before marriage, and not merely a season like some. Mr Finch-Fletchly had coloured at the reminder of his own quick engagement and soon kept his mouth shut.
Pansy Parkinson had already moved back in with her parents in preparation for her own marriage. The fact that the Parkinsons were now connected with the Malfoys had done wonders for the family's reputation and they were no longer social pariahs in the wizarding world. They were planning on getting married in November and Mr Lucius Malfoy had apparently been getting his white peacocks preened in preparation.
Harry and Mr Snape, on the other hand, were planning on a Christmas wedding with the idea of preventing Neville and Theo from having to travel down twice. Magic may make the actual journey quick but people still had to pause their lives while they were away, especially when visiting someone like Mr Dumbledore who thought any visit of less than a fortnight wasn’t a visit at all. Mr Dumbledore had, at first, been very perturbed by the idea of the wedding but that effect had already lessened on his second time hearing the plans although he was far from happy with things. He accepted it as inevitable, not because he agreed with it himself but because he had realised that not a single person agreed with his opinion. Unfortunately that acceptance was not a happy one and Harry felt his determination wavering. Surely it wouldn't be less of an evil to wait for the old man to pass than to push forward and cause him such pain.
Mrs McGonagall and Miss Trelawny had been invited round the evening after Pansy Parkinson’s wedding to convey all the news of the day. Mr Snape was there as well and Harry had been quite determined to tell the man that the wedding was off when a strange look came over Miss Trelawny. She stood up suddenly, ignoring all calls to her as if she couldn't hear a word. Then she spoke in an eerie voice.
“ When the mixed blood royal joins the child who escaped fate, a ripple shall echo throughout the land.
The symbol of joy shall arrive before late, and evil shall be lost like dust in the sand. ”
Almost as soon as the words were out of her mouth the look vanished. Miss Trelawny blinked several times and then looked askance at everyone in the room, apparently completely unaware of what had just happened. Harry had never seen or even heard of something so peculiar happening but Dumbledore’s eyes were sparkling more than ever before.
“It is a prophecy,” he muttered, to no one in particular. “A true prophecy. Yes, it can be nothing else. Quite interesting, quite interesting indeed.”
Harry had no idea what it meant but something held his tongue when he walked Mr Snape to the door and, instead of calling the wedding off he merely kissed him goodnight. The next day Harry came down to breakfast to find a tired but surprisingly animated Mr Dumbledore. Apparently the man had been up all night trying to figure out the prophecy and had apparently struck on the idea that it was about Harry and Mr Snape. Mr Dumbledore was now actively encouraging Harry and Mr Snape’s union, apparently of the opinion that they would have a child that would somehow stop all dark wizards. Harry didn't really see it himself but he was loath to voice that opinion, instead revelling in the fact that there was now nothing to stop him marrying the man he loved.
The wedding was no great, special affair. Neither Mr Snape nor Harry, while principle people in Godric's Hollow, and owning a certainly level property, were cash rich, so the affair was quite sedate, utilising the grandeur of Spinner’s End as opposed to any extra decoration. Neither groom was particularly prone to ostentatious attire either so very simple robes were worn by all. No one minded one bit, except Mr Finch-Fletchly of course, who bemoaned the lack of white satin and lace and classed it an utterly shabby affair. Not that anyone of note paid him any heed, partly because they were bored of his ways and partly because he had now dropped in society, with Ron Weasley now being added to many of the village committees.
Their friends and all the people they cared about all wished them the very best. Miss Trelawny said that she had always thought Harry and Mr Snape were destined although this time she didn't have the strange look or voice so Dumbledore didn't pay quite as much attention this time. Harry wasn't paying attention either. He was too wrapped up in the pure happiness that filled every inch of his life.
The End.