The Boy Who Lived

The Ceremony, of sorts, and some news

As the guests make their way into the main hall, Minerva stood in the doorway, watching Blaise following Ginevra Weasley around like a Seeker chasing the Snitch. She smiled to herself as Molly joined her. Molly had been outraged by her daughter's choice of attire but it seemed some more than others appreciated it. She thought of Harry telling her about the incident back in his sixth year on the Hogwarts Express when he'd tried to eavesdrop in on what he'd decided was a nefarious plot by Draco. He'd relayed with indignation that Blaise thought Ginevra was attractive. She wondered if that sentiment still remained for Blaise Zabini... It certainly looked like it...

'Carls has decorated beautifully,' Molly said contentedly. 'Do you think Luna was involved too?'

Minerva smiled. 'Undoubtedly,' she said as she looked up at the gallery lined with garlands of white-berried mistletoe and pine branches and small twinkling lights. Luna had conjured the peacock-blue butterflies that flitted prettily around each section without really moving away.

Molly flustered slightly, 'I hope she's being careful with our babies.'

'Cissa has taken to following her around and I caught Ossy watching her too. I don't think we need to worry.'

They had decided on the hall rather than Blaise's studio for several reasons. Partly because the Orangery was Blaise's studio and living quarters, but also the hall could seat more and the ancestors could oversee too. Harry decided he wanted his parents and Sirius, Remus, and Severus there in spirit. They'd also agreed to move the ceremony forward a day for those wanting to spend Christmas with their families, but many extended family and closer friends were staying on until Boxing Day.

She smiled too to see Ronald torn between standing beside Hermione and doing his usher duties. Hermione, of course, looked stunning, in a remarkable floor-length sheer gold dress over a pale-gold underdress. The gold material was decorated with gold beads and the same floral design on the ushers' waistcoats but in gold thread. She wore a matching sheer gold cloak with long sleeves and a train that swept out behind her. A remarkable dress for a remarkable woman, thought Minerva. But then she understood that Harry had insisted she looked like a star from the Muggle movies and they had joked long ago that Hermione should wear a train at his wedding.

Molly seemed to catch her gaze and said, 'the courtship is going well. Hermione is learning to trust Ronald again. It helps that he's stuck with his therapy this time. But he's so unsubtle,' Molly sighed, 'he's barely left her side since she's come downstairs. I'll have to say something in case she finds it smothering and she takes a step back.'

'Oh, I should think they'll be okay,' said Minerva. 'I would leave them be.'

'You think so?'

'Definitely.' Minerva knew from Ronald working at the school, and from Harry, that the dates were weekly since the beginning of term and she was fairly certain that Hermione had stayed over at Hogwarts on more than one occasion. She turned a blind eye and was considering a separate Quidditch-teacher's residence down near the pitch and broom shed. She was also fairly certain that Hermione and Ronald were sharing a room at the Hall. Harry had been suitably vague about it but she was sure she heard that Jean and Walter Granger were staying in the Lily Room.

She watched Harry as she waited for him. He was currently chatting to Kingsley and Hermione at the front of seating. That was, until Hermione caught eyes with Minerva and tugged on Harry's arm, turning him round to her. She straightened his collar, not that it needed it, and brushed away some invisible lint, gave him a peck on the cheek. Minerva could see her take a deep breath and say, 'ready?' He nodded once before she clearly shoo-ed him away and told him to go and wait in the hall. It took time, of course, he kept being waylaid by guests who wanted to greet him and congratulate him.