Almost

Chapter 67: Fly

"Sorry I'm late," Katherine said when she finally made her way through the door to the Burrow, arms laden with wedding essentials and with Corliss and Smithwick following behind her. "I just got caught up and—"

"It's fine," Ginny said, raising from her seat with a cup of tea in hand. "I told you to be here an hour before we needed you. Tea?"

Flustered, Katherine sank into a chair.

"An hour?"

"We debated longer," Fleur answered as she summoned a mug and the teapot.

A loud banging noise came from outside, drawing all of their attention.

"That'll be the tent," Ginny grimaced. "Why Dad insists on doing it himself still—"

"Devilish, unreasonable . . ."

"Hi, Gran," Katherine said as Molly walked through the door, muttering about whatever was happening outside.

"Katherine, love," her grandmother answered, breaking off her muttering. "You're early."

"I was bamboozled, Gran. And on my wedding day, of all days."

"Bit dramatic," Ginny chimed in.

Katherine raised an eyebrow. "Did you tell Ezra to get here a half hour before you need him?"

"Of course not. They're getting ready at mine and Harry is under strict instructions for their timing. Besides, Ezra is always on time."

"Oh, don't give us that look," Fleur said, seeing Katherine's obvious objection on her face. "This just means you have time for a cup of tea. I went to the bakery myself this morning to get the kind you like."

Katherine's ears perked at that. "Really? Did you see anything in town?"

"I think you mean did I see anyone in town, and no. The pub looked empty—the cook was out back, I think. At least I saw cigarette smoke."

"Arlo," Katherine nodded. "And Marcie looked okay?"

"Right as rain. Said something about this tea becoming a bigger seller than normal."

Katherine stood, going to look out the window.

"Don't you dare." Molly stepped between her and a sight of the outside. "It isn't done yet."

"I can't even look at it?"

"Just trust us," Ginny said, waving her wand so the window shutters all closed shut. "You'll want the full picture. Right now, it's just Dad, Vander, and Charlie."

"I didn't know Lee was here," Katherine answered. She settled back down in her seat and rested her head on her fist, grasping her mug anxiously.

"He's helping with . . ." Ginny stopped herself but gave a wry grin. "Well, you'll see. George is off doing some last-minute stuff at the shop, but he'll be here soon to lend a wand. All you need to worry about is staying calm and letting us take care of the rest."

Katherine sighed, but nodded. "What do you need me to do first?"

"Shower," Fleur answered, pointing her upstairs. "I'll get your dress hung up. Victoire's gone on the hunt for shoe options, though I'll warn you, she'll still try and convince you out of the jumper."

"It's my something new!" Katherine retorted, very much determined to have the cardigan wedding of her dreams.

"We know, we know," Ginny said, shewing her up the stairs. "We'll use my room, there's a towel waiting for you on the bed."