Harry Potter: The Forgotten Chronicles- Book 7

Chapter 3

Chapter Three

The summer sun bathed the Burrow in a warm, golden glow as the Weasley family, along with their friends, busied themselves with preparations for Bill and Fleur's wedding. The air was filled with a lively buzz of activity, punctuated by laughter and the occasional burst of magic.

Mr. Weasley stood at the center of the lawn, his wand raised high, a broad smile spreading across his face. "All together now!" he called out, rallying the group. The large, flat silk on the ground was soon surrounded by Bill, Ron, Fred, and Mr. Weasley, each of them ready with their wands.

With a shared nod, Mr. Weasley directed the group, "One. Two. Three!"

In unison, the group waved their wands, and the fabric began to rise with an impressive display of magic. The once-flat silk transformed into a splendid wedding marquee, its fabric shimmering in the summer light. The intricate design flowed and billowed, creating an elegant structure that seemed to dance with the breeze. The marquee unfolded into a magnificent space, adorned with delicate decorations and vibrant floral arrangements.

Harry, who had been helping with the setup, took a break and stepped into the kitchen of the burrow. Sitting on a cushioned bench, Harry picked up a copy of the Daily Prophet that lay beside him. The headline caught his eye: "Dumbledore's Dark Secrets." Below the headline, Rita Skeeter grinned at him from the paper, holding a book titled "The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore." A provocative subheadline below the image read: "Think You Know Dumbledore? Think Again!"

"Were you going to tell me?" Ginny's voice broke through his thoughts, pulling him from his reverie. Harry turned to see Ginny standing before him, her dress for the event highlighting her striking beauty. Her gaze was sharp, filled with unspoken questions and concern.

Harry shifted uneasily under her penetrating look. "Yes," he admitted, his voice carrying a hint of hesitation.

"And Ron and Hermione?" Ginny continued, her tone growing more intense. "They won't be going back to Hogwarts either?"

Harry averted his gaze, the weight of his silence palpable. Ginny's eyes narrowed in understanding, and she nodded, her expression tense. "I see," she said, her voice strained but resolute.

"Dumbledore didn't want anyone to know what we're doing," Harry explained quietly. "If I told you, it feels like I'd be betraying him."

Ginny waved off his explanation with a dismissive gesture, her focus shifting. "Zip me up, will you?" she requested, turning to reveal the dress's open zipper trailing down her back.

Harry moved closer, his fingers brushing lightly against her skin as he pulled the zipper up. The closeness between them was palpable, and he could feel the warmth of her body. As the panels of the dress closed, his fingers inadvertently lingered near the nape of her neck, creating a moment of intimate contact.

Ginny turned to face him, her eyes reflecting a mix of vulnerability and resolve. "Seems silly, doesn't it? A wedding, with everything that's going on," she said softly, her voice tinged with melancholy.

Harry met her gaze, his own expression reflecting the weight of their circumstances. "Maybe that's the best reason to have it," he replied quietly. "Because of everything that's going on."

Ginny's eyes held his for a moment longer, the tension between them giving way to something more tender. Slowly, she leaned in, closing the small gap that remained between them. Her lips met his in a deep, meaningful kiss that conveyed a myriad of emotions—love, fear, and a desperate longing for normalcy amidst the chaos.

As their kiss deepened, Harry felt a surge of warmth and connection, a brief escape from the harsh realities of their world. The wedding, despite the dire circumstances surrounding them, became a symbol of hope and unity, a fleeting but precious chance to cherish their bonds and reaffirm their commitment to each other.