Harry wishes he could go back in time and tell his younger self--always so lost, desperately searching for a family and a place to belong--that the answer was there all along. Right there next to him. Post-Hogwarts HHr.
Illustrations by Hastyhand.
They marry young—too young, some might say. The early twenties are a time for exploring one's options and trying out new things. But Harry thinks that he has had enough 'excitement' for a lifetime; he wants stability, he wants peace, he wants waking up to Hermione's laughter, he wants all the Hermione Hugs and Kisses she has to give, he wants to be her family and for her to be his. He has known her for so long and gone through so much together. It feels like all their adventures and experiences from the time he first met her on the Hogwarts Express has been a long, winding road leading to this moment.
The wedding is small and private, hosted in a large garden during spring, with only their close family and friends invited. Hermione walks down the aisle, looking radiant in her flowing white dress, and Harry can't help but stare in awe, unable to believe that this is happening, this is really happening.
He reaches for her hand as they both face forward and say their vows, but something inside of him breaks when she squeezes back. She's real and this is real and—despite his best efforts, his eyes turn watery.
As if she knows, Hermione turns and beams at him; her eyes, too, are full of tears.
"...then I declare you bonded for life."
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Harry is brought back to another moment, so different yet so similar, where he had heard those same words and had been filled with the most peculiar feeling when he looked into Hermione's eyes. Looking back, it feels like they were inevitable, like they were always gravitating towards each other without even knowing it.
Bonded for life. It feels like the stray pieces of a puzzle have finally aligned and for once in his life, everything feels right.
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Even as they greet their guests, Harry's eyes keep travelling back to Hermione, not wanting to take his eyes off her for even a moment.
Ron thumps his shoulder, startling him out of his gaze. "You know, I think I always knew this would happen. You and Hermione."
"Did you now?" Hermione smirks at him.
"Hey!" Ron splutters. "That was one date—"
All three of them break into laughter.
"Aunt Hermy!" Little Teddy jumps out of Andromeda's arms and Hermione leans down—not caring about getting her wedding dress dirty—to hold on to him. "Grandma told me Uncle Harry has to treat you extra special now."
Harry chuckles and ruffles Teddy's wild blue hair, assuring him that he will.
Hagrid hasn't been able to stop crying throughout the whole wedding.
"Look at yeh two!" Big, fat tears roll down his face and he blows his nose with a gigantic handkerchief. "All grown up and getting married! Why—jus' yesterday I was bringing yeh in my boat to Hogwarts!"
Hagrid reaches out and pulls both him and Hermione into a bear hug, mumbling in between his tears: "Jus'—jus' be happy."
When the reception is about to end, Harry knows it's time. With much squealing and laughter from Hermione, he picks her up in a bridal carry and she encircles her arms around his neck.
"Mr Potter," Hermione says as she grabs his lapel.
"Yes, Mrs Potter?" Harry allows himself to be pulled by her, leaning forward so that their foreheads touch.
"We are going to be happy together." Her eyes gleam mischievously as she repeats Hagrid's words like a statement. Like a fact.
He kisses her then, slowly and softly, smiling against her lips.
