Escaping Darkness [Book 1 of Through Darkness and Light]

Chapter 30: Bonding Ceremony

A/N: Dedicated to Zwerple because without her threats, I would never have gotten this up as fast as I did. Love ya! :) Um...okay, so N'Sync was around at this time, and I did my research. But I don't know if this song was particularly written by then...so...pretend? The song is at the right. :D And...you love me, yes? Refavoment!

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"Harry, darling, you'd better get a move on! There's only a few hours until the ceremony!"

Mrs. Weasley bustled into the room, and stopped short. Her face, previously excited and flustered, saddened slightly, as she took in the sight of Harry, the photo album from Hermione spread on his lap.

"He would have been my best man," Harry whispered dismally, his fingertips tracing a photo of him and Ron laughing. He sniffled loudly, wiping the back of his hand across his nose. "I miss him," he choked out. "It's not right, me getting married and all, with him gone."

Mrs. Weasley sat beside him slowly. "He'd want this," she whispered, drawing Harry into her arms. He settled his head on her shoulder, his face filled with pain and sorrow. "He wouldn't want you to be mourning him on the happiest day of your life."

"I still feel like it's wrong." Harry let out a soft sob. "He was my best mate. And he's gone...no man should have to get married without their best mate there by their side. Even Draco's still got his best mate." He looked up. "How do you do it?" he asked in a broken whisper. "How do you get by each day? How can you even face this wedding, knowing Ron isn't here?"

Mrs. Weasley didn't answer for a long moment, but finally composed herself. "It's hard," she replied softly. "I know that he's never coming back, and that I'll never get to see my youngest son marry the one he loves. It breaks my heart...but I know that I have to be strong. You and Draco were strong for us, when we lost Ron...now it's my turn to be strong for the both of you, as you prepare to start your new life together." She smiled through the tears that now dripped down her cheeks. "You're my new son...and I want this wedding to be everything you ever dreamed of, and even better. Remember this day, Harry, and revel in it. Be happy, for Draco, for Hermione, and for Ron. Make this the wedding he will never have."

Harry sniffled again, roughly wiping away tears. "I will," he promised thickly. "I will live this day for Ron, and I will not let your hard work go to waste." A shaky smile spread across his face. "Thanks, Mum. I'm glad to be a part of this family." Mrs. Weasley's smile was more watery than his, but held the same amount of love.

"So am I, Harry. So am I." They embraced for a long moment, before the door opened, revealing Hermione, Ginny and the twins.

"Sorry...did we interrupt something?" Ginny asked hesitantly. "Do you need a moment?"

Harry smiled, and shook his head. "No. I've just been getting cheered up."

Mrs. Weasley stood, her hands on her hips now. "C'mon, everyone. We've got a wedding to put on. In a few hours, we'll be welcoming the newest member of the Weasley family. But first..." She grinned. "We need to get this young man all spruced up."

~ + ~

"Do you think he's alright?" Draco asked anxiously, pacing back and forth. Sadness was flowing through his bond with Harry, and several times, Draco had tried to speak to his Inima.

"Still blocking you?" Blaise said, already knowing the answer. He was leaning against the wall, watching his friend pace. "I'm sure he's fine. You know it's got to be about Ron." Draco stilled, sighing and letting his shoulders drop.

"Maybe today isn't-"

"Stop it, Draco. He lost his best friend; you can't blame him for grieving, and wishing that Ron was still here. It doesn't mean anything against you. Harry is marrying you, and happily. Don't let a few tears and sadness get to you."