Ohhhh! Last chapter! Homecoming, reunions, crying... I'm sorry to see this end. Y'know, despite the two years it took me...
Chapter Ten: Princess Returned
The happy troupe of Weasleys, Harry and fae all magically whisked back to Hogsmede in a matter of seconds with Snape's body in tow.
"Whoa... what happened here? Was I dreaming or was this place not overgrown with menacing brambles a few hours ago?" Ginny asked as she stood in front of her home. Minerva smiled.
"We had to put the whole castle to sleep to delay any news of your dilemma. Once you set foot within that gate, the spell will be broken."
"OK, if you say so." Ginny let go of Harry's waist, where she had been protectively hanging on the whole time, and walked past the gate towards the drawbridge. No sooner had she set foot on the flagstones then did the brambles fall away, and the sounds of waking people slowly filled the castle.
"You were saying James?" King Arthur asked atop his throne.
"Ermmm... Well, not that your Gi-" Just before James could finish his statement, Ginny walked into the throne room, Harry at her side, and her brothers and fae flanking them. They barely had time to say anything before Ginny was swept into a bone crushing hug by none other than the Queen Molly.
"Oh my darling baby girl! You're home and safe!" She squealed holding Ginny close. Despite the lack of air, Ginny took comfort in her mother's embrace. In the innermost recesses of her mind she found the feeling of Molly's arms and the Lemony scent that surrounded her to be rather comforting, like it was where she belonged.
"Mummy, it's nice to meet you and all, but I can't breathe..." Ginny murmured beneath the folds of her mother's gown. Molly pulled her out to and arms length and began sobbing. Then she moved along to give Ron and the twins the same treatment. King Arthur, while a proud father, was less hazardous. He hugged Ginny and held her out the same way her mother did only he hid his tears and gave her a gentle kiss on the nose.
"I see they've done quite a job with you. I must say getting to know you will be quite wonderful. Even though, from what Bill and Charlie have told me, I may have to choose my words carefully." Ginny laughed through her tears and hugged him tightly. Once introductions to the family ended, Harry grabbed her hand in a way like that of an excited child and pulled Ginny towards his parents.
"Mum, Dad, this is Rose. I love her with all my heart. And Dad I must say, I hope that the fact that she's been my fiancée for 16 years and that our argument is nullified doesn't upset you too much." He said with a sly smirk.
"She's positively lovely. Princess Ginerva, we have been regaled by your brothers with tales of you and your exploits. If Harry here had to fall in love with anyone, I'm glad it was you." Queen Lily said with a smile. She ignored proper etiquette and pulled Ginny into a loving motherly hug.
"You are quite the lovely young lady. I hope that our son can make you very happy. He's the stubborn type you know!" King James said with hearty guffaw. He hugged Ginny as well and then muttered, "Now where is that girl of ours!"
"ROSE?!?!?"
"Hermione?!?!" The whole hall looked at the pair of girls. Hermione rushed down the long flight of stairs, beaming yet bewildered, and Ginny raced over and the pair met in the middle and hugged, spinning around like crazy. "You never said anything about being a Princess. How dare you?" Ginny asked feigning hurt. Hermione for once didn't fall for it and smiled.
"I didn't find it pertinent. People act differently when they find out that you're a princess. Is that why you didn't say it?"
"Wrong. I didn't know. I've also learned that my name is now Ginny. But, I found my mystery man. Harry! Come here!" Ginny waved him over and Hermione smiled.
"Why twin, I thought you didn't remember Rose." Hermione said, her eyes sparkling.
"Well twinner, I think that re-acquaintance will fix that." Ginny's eyes were wide with shock.
"You? And you?" she pointed to each one in turn. "This sweet gentle boy is the horrid brother you told me about? What have I fallen in love with?" She rounded on Harry, her face one of mock anger. "You are so mean to your sister, I pictured you as some sort of monster!"
"Hermione, what exactly did you tell her about me?"
"Only the essentials brother dear." With these words, Hermione left the pair to greet the rest of the Weasley brothers, an action that turned Ron into a stuttering fool.
"H-H-Hello Hermione. N-Nice to see you again." He said, the tips of his ears growing bright red. The twins noticed this and started making kissy faces with their hands.
"It's nice to see you too Ronald." Hermione said, a blush creeping across her own face.
"Harry, do you think we'd have time enough to do some matchmaking and have a double wedding?"
"Gin, your guess is as good as mine. But the wedding is long off seeing as how you need to spend time with your family, so who knows?"
"Please Hermione, call me Ron."
Later that night, a wonderful feast and ball was held in honour of the safe return of four Weasley children and the engagement of Harry and Ginny.
"Ron, please chew with your mouth CLOSED, it's rude!"
"How is it that you always manage to tell me what to do in MY house? Don't I ever get a break?" Ron asked (only after having safely swallowed of course). Everyone else just watched them with smiles and laughter.
After dinner, the ball began with Harry and Ginny leading the first dance.
"George Weasley! I'm going to KILL YOU!"
"Why Fred?"
"See that dress? It's BLUE!"
"So?"
"So make it pink!" The dress turned pink and Harry and Ginny's faces were lit up with the surrounding shower of sparkles.
"Make it blue!"
"PINK!"
"BLUE!"
Harry and Ginny danced their way into the night, gazing lovingly at each other and talking in intimate secret whispers as they planned out their courtship and eventual wedding.
FINOhhhh... All done! Review! I can turn Ron and Hermione into a sequel! I have an idea for a beginning, so just tell me if you want it! R&R! I'm sorry to see this end. i'm probably gonna put up an A/N after this just to thank everyone. I love you all and you've been oh so supportive! Lots of Love!
Brown Eyed Faerie