After The War - DARKNESS WITHIN (HP9)

Chapter 27 - Uninvited Guests

It was late but Kingsley came as soon as he got the news. There was silence in the room for a moment after Harry and Ron told Kingsley everything that happened, all that they could hear now was the rain pouring outside.

"There is no way to confirm until she is conscious again. But from what you've said, what happened tonight was no doubt an act of full body possession." Kingsley said finally, looking down at the unconscious form on Ginny, who was now tied to a chair in the living room. "Ginny would never do such a thing on her own."

Hermione let out a funny sound but otherwise said nothing. She hugged herself tighter as she leaned against the door frame, the shock of seeing her best friend try to kill her was still on her mind as she chocked back tears.

"This could have started when she was taken captive and only just had an opportunity to bust out." Kingsley continued. "I suspect it has something to do with June's escape from Askaban."

"Ginny has not been herself ever since she came back. She couldn't fly anymore because June probably isn't a good flier. She stayed in her room most of the time, probably because the magic drained her energy." Harry said everything starting to make sense now.

"Exactly." Kingsley nodded.

"We need to be sure Ginny isn't possessed anymore." Ron said angrily. "I can't let that horrible women control my sister."

Harry put his hand on Ron's shoulder. He too was incredibly worried. His eyes met with Kingsley and then he nodded. A tough decision had to be made.

"We will do everything we can. But meanwhile you cannot stay with her." Kingsley said.

"I am not leaving her again! She needs her brother!" Ron protested.

"Where would you take her?" Hermione asked suddenly breaking her silence.

"St Mungo's first." Kingsley replied at once. "I think the healers might have a better chance of making her better than any spell the ministry could do."

"No!"

Everyone turned to Ron who stood with his arms crossed. "I'm not sending her anywhere."

"Ron." Kingsley said visibly upset by Ron's outburst. "I know you are worried, it's natural. But the healers are only going to help her feel better."

"I agree." Hermione said. "She will be in more danger if she remains with us." Ron shot her a look filled with anger. "She is MY sister!"

Hermione's expression chanced when she realised how much pain Ron was in. She looked at him in sympathy. "You're right. She is your sister and you have every right to worry about her. But think about what's best for her. How do we help her when we have no idea what is wrong with her?"

Ron buried his face in his hands. He knew there was no arguing her point. Once again Hermione was painfully right. Kingsley and his men carried Ginny to the place they could disapparate from after Harry Ron and Hermione had said their goodbyes. They stood at the door to their little hut and watched them go.

"I hate that women!" Hermione busted out after a few minutes of silence. "She wants Ron to truly love her after all she has done?"

Ron looked out into the night miserably. There was a time that he found two women falling for him an exciting thing. But this has gone too far. This is not what he wanted.  He knew who he loved and he knew that would never change. He turned to Hermione who was also looking up at the night sky with teary eyes.

"Hermione."

Hermione's eyes snapped to his at once. She felt like she was looking at a new Ron, a new man. He took her hands in his and readjusted the engagement ring which was slightly askew.

"Marry me, Hermione." Ron said.

"You've already asked-" Hermione replied in barely a whisper.

"I mean, Tomorrow. Let's not wait. Let's not give June any reason to think she has a chance to take your place ever again." Ron said his face full of determination.

The tears in her eyes threatened to spill as she looked into Ron's eyes. Suddenly all those months of bickering didn't matter. This is true love after all.

"Tomorrow." Hermione agreed.

*******

The little street at Willington was bustling with people. It was a short notice but everyone wanted to be there for the Weasley-Granger wedding. The ministry had strict rules and the guest list was extremely tight causing some of the distant relatives to send letters of disapproval for not being invited.

The Weasleys were all in disguise except for Ron since he was the groom. Harry and Hermione weren't disguised either. Their plan was to have several pictures taken during the wedding and put them in the daily prophet as a little message to June.

"It sounds silly, I know." Ron said readjusting his bow tie. "But I've always wanted a proper big wedding. But with June around I don't think we can do that."

"How do I look?" He said finally turning around to face Harry, Neville, Seamus and Dean.

"Brilliant!" Dean said holding his thumbs out in both hands.

"Your dad's suit fits you perfectly." Harry said in surprise. "That's Hermione." Ron said smiling proudly. "There isn't anything she cannot do."

There was a knock on the door and Harry opened it. It was Bifford. He looked smart in a suit even though he stood there timidly with a gift box in his hands.

"I know I wasn't invited." Bifford said when nobody said anything. "No doubt I deserve it. I just wanted to give you something if I may." He then held out the red and gold striped gift which Ron accepted.

"Its a last minute wedding-" Ron tried to explain feeling embarrassed. Bifford shook his head and gave him a smile. And said. "I'll see you around."

"Wait! Stay." Ron said to Bifford with sincerity. Bifford smiled and nodded before leaving.

"That was awkward." Seamus muttered as the door closed.

"It was nice of him to do this. He didn't really have to." Neville pointed out. Ron looked down at the gift in his hands and immediately tore it open.

"Shouldn't you wait for after the ceremony to open gifts." Harry asked but Ron just shrugged and carried on.

Under the wrappings was a little blue velvet box with a gold "W" engraved on it. Ron opened it at once. It was a pin with a decorative arrow.

"Ron!"

Mr and Mrs Weasley entered the room and pulled Ron into a hug.

"Oh! You look so handsome!" Mrs Weasley said wiping her eyes.

"Have you been to see Hermione yet? Is she ready?" Ron asked.

"Yes, dear. She looks beautiful too." Mrs Weasley said her expression soft. "I just wish Ginny could come."

"You know it wouldn't be safe if she did, mom." Ron reminded her. "I want Ginny here too, we all do."

"Molly dear, let's just focus on Ron today." Mr Weasley interrupted. "Shall we go downstairs then?" Ron nodded "Just give me a moment alone." He said and they left.

Music filled the air as everyone looked straight at the open doors expectantly.

It was time.

*******

Wedding bells are ringing!! Is it too soon for them?
Will this finally stop June?

Hope you guys have a great week!!
❤️❤️