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Raindrops harmlessly splashed against the window of her bedroom as Hermione watched the grey skies above through her pensive brown eyes. It was days like this that really had her thinking about things. How had things gotten so good in only a year’s time? Certainly so, the haunting, awful memories of that fateful May day two years ago still haunted her in her nightmares and in the space between a blink of an eye, but the warmth and comfort and serenity that her love had brought into her life was a balm for her troubled soul.
A day that had been marked with loss, and more destruction that she’d ever known in her life, was also the anniversary of finding something she’d lost– her best friend, and the love of her life.
Each morning since had been so surreal. Like if she pinched herself hard enough, she’d wake from this pleasant dream to remember how miserable her life was, but with every day that passed, she’d come to realize that no, this was very real. Every inch of Kate’s skin, every freckle, every soft lock of blonde hair– all as real as the sun, the moon, the stars. It was… heaven.
No matter how much Kate had changed, no matter how much she had changed, even the permanent reminders of the sacrifice they’d made weren’t so bad anymore. She knew that she wasn’t alone– she didn’t have to go through the terrors alone anymore. Kate holding her tightly, closely, feeling her warm breath on her neck and be able to gently feel her scars too always seemed to bring Hermione back from the forest and from the rubble.
Hermione had never felt so loved, and had never loved so utterly. It was written in the starlights, and in the lines of their palms, that they would be together until the end of time. However, the wise part of her knew that they couldn’t hide forever. Their life here was idealistic, that much was true, but she felt terrible guilt hiding the truth from everyone she knew. It ate at her like a terrible disease, and she knew that Kate carried just as much of that on her own as well.
She sighed and stood up, snapping the book she’d been plodding through shut with a snap before going to look for said wayward woman.
She found Kate in the greenhouse, curled up on one of the couches, an array of arithmantic formulas littered around her like a Greek goddess of knowledge. Her shining emerald eyes were glowing with a sense of exploration from behind her wireframe glasses. She looked up, noticing her presence, and flashed her a smile.
“How’re you doing, love?” Kate asked in her honeyed voice.
“Doing… okay,” Hermione said, gently sitting in the loveseat adjacent. There was a pop, and some tea and scones appeared between the two women. Kate sighed and rolled her eyes, before collecting some of her work and stacking it on the other cushion, away from her.
“I could use a break anyway,” she said with a grin, picking up her cup of tea and sipping it.
They sat in companionable silence for a few minutes, just enjoying the sound of rain pattering against the enchanted glass roof, and each other’s company.
“Darling,” Hermione said softly. “What would you say about getting married?”
Kate blinked in surprise before setting her cup down. “You want to get married?”
“I… think so,” Hermione said, furrowing her brows. “Honestly, we’ve been together for a year now… even longer if you consider just how much we’ve been attached at the hip since we were 11… and I… I do miss our friends. Sending one-way owl messages is… well, impersonal. I know they’re all worried about us, and… well…”
“I miss them too,” Kate murmured, taking her glasses off and polishing them with her shirt before putting them back on. “If you want, we can do that.”
“Are you sure? I know how much you value your privacy– that’s why this whole place was built, wasn’t it?” Hermione asked, gesturing to all that was around them.
“To a degree, yes,” Kate said with a smile. “But, I care about you and your happiness too. I… would like to see Teddy again. I’m his godmother, I should be there for him. So, let’s get married then. Invite our friends. Have a big to-do about it.”
“Oh, Katie,” Hermione murmured, moving over and sitting on Kate’s lap, planting a tremendous kiss on the taller woman’s lips. “I love you so much, d’ya know that?”
“I love you too, Hermione,” Kate said with a grin. “Every day I thank whatever Gods exist that I have you with me at last.”
“That’s funny, I could say the same thing,” Hermione murmured. “You put up with everything that’s wrong with me. You never question the days I sleep in…”
“Hermione,” Kate said gently. “You stood by me through trolls, basilisks, murderers, psychopaths and war. You spent your entire teenaged life looking after me to make sure I didn’t bite the big one. You have earned rest, my love. You don’t have to be anything you don’t want to be. All that I have, I’ll share with you.”
“Katie,” Hermione said tearfully, sniffling and nearly crushing her girlfriend in a hug. “Please never leave me.”
“I’ll never leave you,” Kate said softly. “You’re stuck with me for life, Hermione.”
“Good,” Hermione said, smiling through her accumulating tears. “When do you want to get married?”
Kate gave her a sly smile. “You know… I actually have an idea, if you’re willing to do some things on short notice?”
…
You are cordially invited to witness the handfasting and consecration of union of Ms. Hermione Melisande Granger and Ms. Kathryn Dorea Potter, to be held on the grounds of Potter Manor on the second day of May, 2000.
The ceremony will begin promptly at sunset.
It is requested that all attendees dress in Muggle attire.
Formal attire is not mandatory.
Should you wish to RSVP, please attach your reply and return to Kreacher, Potter family elf. He will deliver your response as necessary.
…
Just a few days later, on the evening of May 2nd, 2000, Kathryn Potter lifted a one-year-and-some-months old seal on Floo access to her home. Despite her femininity and confidence, she knew that… being a bride wasn’t quite her thing. Bridal gowns were beautiful, enviously so, but she had no interest in that, ultimately. Glancing at herself in the mirror, she tugged on the lapels of her suit. She had to admit, even with her… generous physique, she looked better in a suit than she ever could have hoped when she was a scrawny fourteen year old.
Buttoning her suit jacket, she entered the foyer of her home and awaited the first guests to arrive.
And arrive they did– of course, the first one through with an almost zeal was Minerva McGonagall. The matriarch of Hogwarts and Gryffindor had set eyes on the smirking blonde as soon as she’d come through the Floo, and had practically smothered Kate in a crushing hug.
“Oh, child, I was afraid I’d lost you,” Minerva said tightly, her voice strained and emotional.
“You didn’t lose me, Professor,” Kate said softly. “I just had to find myself.”
“I see that,” Minerva said softly, looking at Kate critically. “Your parents would have been thrilled to see you today, Kathryn.”
“Thank you,” she said softly, her voice thick with emotion. “You’re the first to arrive, it would seem. I’d tell you to go upstairs to see Hermione but I’m afraid if she saw you she might burst into tears. Kreacher’s set up some finger foods out in the courtyard, if you’d like to wait there, or you can linger around the foyer here for a few minutes while we wait.”
“I’ll grab something to eat before it gets too crowded,” Minerva said with a gracious smile. “I haven’t eaten all day, admittedly.”
“Professor,” Kate said with a tut.
Minerva gave her a soft smile before leaving the room entirely. Kate sighed and took a deep breath.
The floo flared green again, and out stepped Fleur Weasley, practically bursting out the seams of her burgundy maternal gown, and of course, by her side every step was her husband Bill, wearing an old band t-shirt and a pair of faded jeans. The heavily pregnant Veela lit up as soon as she laid eyes on Kate, and had crossed the room before Kate could even take one step towards her.
“Oh! It is so good to see you again!” Fleur said happily. “I was so surprised to get your invitation! And to find out you…! You look so gorgeous, Kathryn!”
“Thank you,” Kate said, blushing some. “I’m glad you think so.”
“I do! You are… ah, spectaculaire as a blonde,” Fleur said appraisingly. “Muggle or magic?”
“Well, during my transitionary period, I found out that I’m actually a bit of a Metamorphmagi– I can change my hair color. So, I’ve been having it be blonde. I tried being a redhead when I first started going out in public as a woman but… it was just too much like Mum.”
“C’est compréhensible,” Fleur murmured, giving the girl a grin, before grimacing. “Our daughter is a very active baby. Would you like to feel?”
“Oh! Please,” Kate said graciously, allowing Fleur to guide her hands to her swollen stomach. She felt the kicking feet of a baby nearly ready to come out. “Congratulations, when is your due date?” Kate asked.
“We are actually almost a week overdue,” Fleur said, giving Bill a dark look.
“Oh, Merlin, Fleur, darling, get off your feet. If you’ll just step through, you can head outside to the tables. I’ll make sure Kreacher takes care of you.”
“Thank you,” she said lightly.
As she moved past, she hugged Bill in turn.
“Let’s just say we congratulated each other and not worry about the silly formalities,” Bill muttered, grinning at Kate. “I’m glad to see you so put back together. Mum’s been worried about you, y’know.”
“I know. I’m worried about seeing her. I don’t want her to be angry with me,” Kate admitted.
“She won’t be angry with you. Are you joking? You and Hermione finally tying the knot, and you being your best you? She’ll be practically over the bloody moon. She just wants her eighth kid back.”
Kate snorted and punched Bill in the arm. “Go take care of your wife, Bill. I’ve got more hostessing to do until the ceremony.”
“Right away, Captain,” Bill said, saluting Kate, giving her a wink, and disappearing from the room.
“He must watch Star Trek,” Kate said, glaring at where Bill had disappeared through the door. “Cheeky bugger.”
“Bloody hell,” came a voice from the Floo, and Kate turned to see Ron Weasley and Luna Lovegood both standing just inside the foyer, the redhead giving Kate a shocked look.
“Ron!” she greeted. “Mate, it’s so good to see you.”
“It’s good to see you too, uh, Kathryn. Bloody hell, when I saw the name on the invitation… well, I wasn’t quite expecting you to be a whole different person!” Ron responded as they embraced.
“Ronald, be kind,” Luna said soothingly before giving Kate a hug of her own. “It’s good to see you again, Kathryn.”
“Please, both of you– Kate,” Kate said graciously to the short blonde. “I know, it’s a little bit of a shock after two years of being apart but…”
“Are you joking? Who cares! I’m just glad you’re happy. You look healthier than you’ve ever looked in the years I’ve known you,” Ron said, grinning. “We were all worried that you’d done something like… you know,”
“That was never on the table, I promise,” Kate said soothingly, shaking her head in disapproval. “It’s just taken a long time for Hermione and I to get to a place where we’re able to process things and bring people back into our lives. I promise we won’t leave again.”
“I’ll hold you to it, you git,” Ron said, grinning. “I’m starving. Where’s that elf of yours?”
Kate giggled. “Just head out, and you’ll be able to get to the courtyard where we’re holding the ceremony. There’s already plenty of food to go around. Bill, Fleur and Professor McGonagall are already waiting.”
“Bill’s here?” Ron grinned, following his wife through the door.
…
More guests arrived– Neville had shown up with Padma Patil and Pansy Parkinson on his arms, and Kate had been ever the gracious host– though Pansy couldn’t stop staring at Kate in a mixture of ‘shock and awe’. Neville had gifted Kate a large bottle of dragonblood whiskey and extracted a promise for the newly weds to at least make a visit to Longbottom Manor one of these days.
The guests after Neville and his dates had come through wide-eyed and staring at Potter Manor’s foyer in awe.
“Potter,” Draco Malfoy greeted evenly, once he’d recovered from the initial shock. “I was surprised to receive an invitation to your wedding.”
“When it came down to it,” Kate said evenly. “You and your mother helped save my life. As far as I’m concerned, whatever gap between us has long mended itself.”
“We thank you for your graciousness and your invitation, Lady Potter,” Narcissa said with a dazzingly friendly demeanor. “You’ve turned out to be quite the radiant young woman.”
“Thank you kindly,” Kate said evenly. “You look quite hale yourself, Mrs. Malfoy.”
“Life has been generous to me in the recent months– now that we’ve settled all the issues with the inheritances, and settled the legal matters, we’ve been able to put down roots in a new place and enjoy our lives,” she said brightly. “I’ve actually found myself enjoying gardening of all things.”
“Sometimes those simple pleasures are the most joyful,” Kate said with a nod. “I’ve been doing mostly meaningless arithmantic studies myself.”
“I was always quite interested in that subject– I actually got a NEWT in that, you know. We’ll have to meet up for lunch sometime and discuss it?”
“I’d be delighted,” Kate said with a smile. “If you’ll just step through, there’s plenty of food while you wait for the ceremony.”
…
The Floo flared green again, and out stepped the severe, greying visage of Andromeda Tonks, though the excited, doe-eyed child in her arms made Kate smile ear to ear.
“Welcome, you two,” Kate breathed happily. “I am so happy to see you both again.”
“Kathryn,” Andromeda said fondly. “I’m glad to see you again. Your letters made me think the worst sometimes, but I was so thrilled to see you and Hermione were tying the knot, and that you were opening up again.”
“I missed my darling godson,” Kate said happily, accepting Teddy from his grandmother’s arms and bouncing him up on her arms. “How are you, Teddy?”
“I good,” he said happily, giving her a toothy grin, his hair changing colours several times before settling on bubblegum pink, much like his late mother. “Are you my auntie now?”
“I suppose I am, little one,” Kate said gently. “I hope you’re okay with that?”
“I love you, Auntie Kate,” he said, clumsily hugging her around her neck.
“I love you too, pup,” she said gently, before handing him back off to Andromeda. “If you two are hungry, there’s food being served out in the garden. I’m mostly just greeting our guests until we’re ready to start.”
“Ooh, are you hungry, Teddy?” Andromeda cooed. “Let’s get you and grandma some snacks.”
“Yay! Snacks!”
…
“Oh dear, oh dear,” Molly Weasley practically cried as she nearly crushed Kate’s spine in a hug. “Look at you, dearie. You’re looking so radiant now. I’ve never seen you smile so wide in all the years I’ve known you.”
“I’m in a better place now, Mrs. Weasley,” Kate said gently. “I’ve never felt this happy and care-free in my life.”
“That’s good, and don’t you let that feeling go! You’re going to have a wife and a happy home to look forward to!” Mrs. Weasley said proudly. “And thank you for… thank you for choosing today for such a festivity of life moving forward. It’s been… difficult, ever since the Battle for many of us. We need to celebrate good things today.”
“That was part of the idea,” Kate said gently. “Create good memories where bad ones stand, and hopefully one day we’ll remember more good than bad.”
“Bless you, dear,” Mrs. Weasley said tearfully, pinching her cheeks.
…
Eventually, all their guests arrived, and just as the sun was beginning to set beyond the hills, Kate was standing at a rather plain altar in the gardens, her hands folded behind her. She grinned like a fool at a couple of people, before the air began to fill with the traditional bridal march.
Stepping out from the house came Hermione, her face eclipsed by a soft white veil, and her wearing a long, beautiful bridal gown that hugged her curves closely. She walked arm-in-arm with her father, with her mother pulling up the rear making sure the bridal train didn’t get trod upon or messed up. The long, orchestral performance as she made her way up the procession had Kate’s grin widening to the point where her cheeks were close to hurting. Eventually, Hermione stopped in front of her.
“Dearly beloved, we are here this fine evening to commemorate the union of Kathryn Dorea Potter and Hermione Melisande Granger,” The priest of Merlin they’d gotten spoke gently. “Before we get to the formal ceremony of union, the two brides have agreed to exchange a few words. Miss Potter?”
Kate gently took Hermione’s hands in hers and took in a deep breath. “Hermione Granger. I have tried again and again to put the feelings I have for you in writing, but nothing I write seems deep enough to express the depths of my love for you. You have been my compass and my rock for many years, and have shown me such commitment and unwavering love that there is no price I can ever repay. I love you, Hermione, now and forever more.”
“Oh, Kate,” Hermione said, her voice warbling with emotion. “Oh, Kathryn. I… wish that I was as talented with creative writing as you were. Through philosopher’s stones, through basilisks, through escaped prisoners, through tournaments, battles, wars and crises, you fought so hard for so little. For as long as I’ve known you, you have been such a resolute, unwavering person, and I can’t begin to express how proud of you I am. I love you so very much, and I want to grow old with you, so that for every day you struggled, you can spend a week more knowing love and peace.”
“Beautiful,” the priest said tearfully. “Ms. Potter, Ms. Granger. Please raise your wand in your wand hand, and grip your partner’s forearm with your other.”
The two assumed the position, and the priest looked at Kate. “Repeat after me, Miss Potter.”
“I, Kathryn Dorea Potter,” Kate began, listening to the priest. “take thee, Hermione Melisande Granger, to be my wife. In all manners of things, I will do my utmost to cherish, to love, to hold you in my heart. Let all that is yours be mine, and all that is mine be yours, and let Magic bless this union, and may it last forever and a day more.”
“I, Hermione Melisande Granger take thee, Kathryn Dorea Potter, to be my wife. In all manners of things, I will do my utmost to cherish, to love, to hold you in my heart. Let all that is yours be mine, and all that is mine be yours, and let Magic bless this union, and may it last forever and a day more.”
It was ultimately a meaningless gesture and not a real, bonding magical oath, but the intent was clear enough.
“By all the powers invested in me, I hereby proclaim you married. You may kiss your bride,” the priest said happily.
Kate lifted Hermione’s veil and wasted no time in dipping her down and kissing her deeply.
“Presenting to you,” the priest said to the crowd. “Mrs. and Mrs. Potter!”
Cheering erupted from the crowd as Kathryn and Hermione grinned at each other.
Of course, not everything goes as planned. Not long after the reception began, there was a flurry of excitement and Kathryn’s attention was drawn to Bill and Fleur Weasley.
It wasn’t long before Ron approached her and leaned in her ear.
“Fleur’s going into labour!” he said.
“Are you joking?” Kate asked, shocked.
“No, her water’s broke. They’re trying to figure out if they should take her to St. Mungo’s or not,” Ron said with a grimace.
“Via Floo or apparition? No, that would be a terrible idea. Get Andromeda and have her take Fleur upstairs to one of the unused bedrooms. Get Kreacher to help you. I’ll call the hospital in Belfast, they’ll have a midwife who can come– and probably contact Fleur’s midwife and get help immediately.”
“You’ve got it captain,” Ron said, bouncing off to find Andromeda. Kathryn immediately stood up and made her way down to where Fleur was starting to hyperventilate.
“Fleur, darling, it’s alright, take some deep breaths. We’re going to get this all sorted out,” Kate reasoned, trying to assuage the French woman’s concern.
“But - mon dieu! - this c’est your day, Kathryn,” she said. “I don’t want to ruin it!”
“You’re not ruining it, silly,” Kate said gently. “Are you joking? Having a baby being born today of all days? That’s amazing! I’ve had Ron go and find Andromeda. We’ll get your midwife at St. Mungo’s and one from the local hospital in Belfast here right away, so that we can deliver your baby safely here without having to use Floo or apparition and cause any issues.”
Andromeda practically stormed over and started taking Fleur’s vitals. “We’re going to take you upstairs, Fleur, just to get you somewhere comfortable so you can deliver your child.”
“Oui,” Fleur said with a nod. “Oh, I am so sorry, Kate…”
“Don’t apologize. Now go, I’ll make sure everyone’s up to speed.”
…
Just before midnight, on May 2nd, 2000, a baby was born in one of the unused bedrooms of Potter Manor. The infant girl had a small tuft of blonde hair on her head, and a set of pipes to rival her grandmother.
“Oh, she’s beautiful,” Kathryn cooed as she took in the sight of the baby. “Congratulations, you two. Did you decide on a name before hand, or are you going to give it a couple days to see what fits right?”
“Victoire Kathryn Weasley,” Fleur said faintly, grinning up at Kate, whose mouth had gone slack.
“Y- Kathryn?” she asked faintly.
“After her godmother, of course,” Bill said with a sage nod.
“Godmother?”
“If you’ll accept?” Bill asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Of- of course I will! Ooh!” Kate said, grinning ear to ear. “You two are too much. Did you hear that, little one? I’m your godmother!”
As she gently cradled her goddaughter in her arms, Kate reflected on how the future looked. She had a wife now, a loving wife who had stuck with her despite every bump and crack in the road. She had a godson who seemed to radiate sunshine even though he’d come from troubled times, and now a goddaughter– born on an auspicious day.
“I think the future is so very bright,” Kate mused as she handed her goddaughter over closer to her drowsy mother. “I’m looking forward to what’s next.”
“What’s next is you and I go to our room and spend some time together,” Hermione said, stepping through the door of the room. “Come on, Mrs. Potter.”
“Coming, Mrs. Potter,” Kate said, grinning ear to ear as she followed her wife out the door.
Looking forward to what was next indeed.