Chapter 5 : Marriage Massacre

Ginny was staring at Harry and was almost in tears. Harry was not sure of what to do next. He just stared back at her.
“Why didn’t you tell me, Harry?”
“Er- Ginny, what are you talking about?” replied Harry hiding the guilt on his face with a fake smile.
“Don’t hide it from me, Harry!” Ginny was now crying “not anymore”
Harry would have thought she was referring to his fake smile hiding his guilty expression if she hadn’t said “not anymore”. He didn’t know what to answer. He was looking at Hermione and Ron for help, but they were looking at Harry as if he had done a mistake.
So Harry decided that he should take up the situation in his hands.
“Ginny, I thought you need not know about it”
“Why?
“I don’t want to lose you, Ginny. I had actually planned to do it all alone but they would never leave me” said Harry pointing at Ron and Hermione.
“And I don’t want to lose you either, Harry” replied Ginny, her face looking triumphant.
Harry was of no words again. He didn’t know how to comfort her.
“Ginny, its something that I am doing for all of you and I don’t want you involved in it”
“No I will, Harry” Ginny said with a smile.
“You won’t do it, Ginny” Harry said “if you love me”
Ginny was taken aback. She didn’t answer anymore. She cried on Harry’s shoulders.
“Don’t worry Ginny! We will bring back Harry completely safe for you” Ron mocked.
“And I will make sure that I bring back your brother safe for you” Hermione said grinning at Ron. Ron was bewildered. He opened his mouth for replying but stopped from doing so when Ginny interrupted.
“Does mom know about it?” she asked to Ron.
“No one knows about it, Ginny. I am sure you won’t mention this to anyone” said Hermione.
“No I won’t” said Ginny still crying.
Just three days before marriage and the entire members of the Weasley were busier than before. Harry glanced at the wedding invitation which had the photos of Bill and Fleur smiling and in a corner they were dancing. The invitations had been sent to everyone as Ron said. However Harry found himself busy with the books he bought for himself. He had Hermione by the side when he was learning them, as Ron was called for some work all the time.
Harry was reading all the books. Hermione then interrupted Harry.
“Harry, I just learnt from Mr.Weasley that the book you have in your hands” Hermione said pointing to the copy of Dark Prince by Severus Snape “was banned several years ago”
Harry was shocked “Does Mr.Weasley know that I have this book?”
“No Harry, he doesn’t know. He didn’t suspect me”
“How do you know this book was banned? That lady Lisy sold me this book”
“No Harry. Lisy was new to this business. Before that, her father owned the business. It was Robert’s Dark Needs. She had inherited the shop from her father” Hermione said and after a pause when Harry expected more of her, she continued, “She didn’t know that the dark book was not to be sold. It is a crime to have the book in the shop. Her father was a supporter of Voldemort and hence he had the book in his old books shelf. When you went to ask her about the book, it fell in your hands”
Harry still made no reply. He has a book in his hand that was banned by the Ministry of Magic and even Hermione made no comments.
Harry browsed through the books again. Snape was a very good teacher when he came to book, according to Harry. The dark spells included Sectumsempra. Harry then went for the Scrimgeour’s book. Scrimgeour was very funny. The very first spell he found was Expelliarmus and he had given a large explanation about the spell.
“This is the first spell that I am going to teach you. This is the easiest of all spells. But regard it as tough! I remember a wizard pronouncing it wrong and he ended up in hospital later. See how funny wizards can be! Don’t worry readers! I will help you learn these quickly”
Harry was sure that the minister of magic, Rufus Scrimgeour, did not write the book, as Rufus never had a sense of humor.
“Do you believe this book was written by Rufus Scrimgeour?” asked Harry and passed on the book to Hermione.
“What made you think that?” said Hermione as she accepted the book and studied the book attentively.
Meanwhile Harry took the The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Tremble”. Quentin Tremble was very good unlike Scrimgeour. His stuff about Expelliarmus was much appreciable.
“Expelliarmus (Ex-Pelli-Arm-Us), the basic spell, that is used to disarm an opponent. Regarded as the easiest of spells, Expelliarmus is very often used when comes to defence.
Ratings:
Attack: 5
Defense: 8
Reliability: 8
Overall: 7
The spell is good against jinxes such as Rictusempra but not much useful when used against some Leviosa spells”
Harry continued browsing through the other spells when Hermione, finally, took her eyes off the book.
“Yes Harry, I really doubt this is the Minister of Magic himself”
“Then who would it be?”
“This guy is funny. He is humorous. But if we take our own time learning these spells, the death eaters would have killed a dozen” interrupted Hermione.
Harry thought for a second and then something flashed in his mind.
“Hermione, I want you to do something for me”
“What, Harry?”
Harry explained his wish to Hermione, which he wanted her to do it. Hermione was shocked.
“Its too tough Harry”
“I know Hermione. That’s why I confided in you”
Hermione blushed. Harry continued, “Browse through much books as you can. It will be helpful”
“Harry, where would I find it?”
Harry had no answer but Hermione continued, “ Don’t worry Harry! I can do it for you”
Harry gave a smile and thanked Hermione and glanced back into his books.
”How is Quentin Tremble?”
“Yes, he is much appreciable”
Their conversation ended when they were called for lunch. Tonks and Lupin were there too. Hermione was too excited as she would be before the exams.
“Mr.Weasley, has the Minister of Magic written any books?”
“No, as far as I know. Why?”
“Nothing Mr.Weasley. I was just wondering about a book once I read at school. The author was Scrimgeour”
Tonks raised her head and she was jumping in her chair as Hermione would do in the classes “Yes I know that Scrimgeour. He is Brutus Scrimgeour, a very funny man”
“Brutus?” asked Harry.
“Yes Harry” replied Tonks with a satisfied look of answering them.
“Are Brutus and Rufus brothers by the way” asked Hermione
“I don’t know about that, Hermione” said Tonks.
Mrs.Weasley was more excited. Fleur and Bill were not excited as they considered it as a part of a life routine. Charlie however had the same bored expression on his face. Harry assumed that it was because he hadn’t found any life partner for himself.
“Charlie, is the Priest Mr.Gibert ready?” asked Mrs.Weasley
“Yes he is, mom. He accepted to our charges and will be ready for the wedding”
Gabrielle often showed her dress she got for the wedding to Harry and got an appreciation for it. Ginny had got a new dress too. Both had got a pink dress and they were the maids for the Wedding. Ginny was the groom’s maid and Gabrielle was the bride’s maid.
The three days passed on as usual for Harry, studying those spells, giving Hermione and Ron, who had given an excuse to be with them, chances to learn them.
“How is the thing going, Hermione?” asked Harry
“Yes I am still working on it” replied Hermione.
“What thing?” , asked Ron.
“You will see it soon, Ron” replied Hermione with a grin.
“What?”, asked Ron, shocked at the answer.
Hermione paid no attention to Ron. She instead turned to Harry and said, “Harry, the Hogwarts trial is over. They have decided to close it permanently but the new decree states that those who were wishing to study can go in for correspondent coaching”
“I bet you will apply for that” said Ron.
“We should Ron. There lies in our future”
“Do we have a future?” asked Ron still worrying about being ignored by the two.
“Ron, I never expected you to be less confident. Well we should take the subjects, what do you think Harry?” asked Hermione.
Harry nodded and Ron nodded in agreement with Harry. Hermione was pleased and she went on with the Defense Academy book.
On the day of the wedding, they were rushed on. Harry had never seen Mrs.Weasley more excited. Mr.Weasley was however calm. Harry and Ron were in black suits and Hermione was wearing a green gown, which Ron frequently commented was so good. Ginny looked pretty in her pink gown. Gabrielle was pretty too but he didn’t feel like expressing it in front of Ginny. They reached the Old Rock Church early morning by car.
The church was decorated for the wedding. There was a band ready to play. Harry recognized them as the Weird Sisters. They were the most popular band of the wizarding world. Many wizards attended the wedding. Lupin and Tonks were the first ones to come. The most important one included Rufus Scrimgeour, accompanied by Percy Weasley, who looked as if he had no connection with the marriage and his daughter Florentyna Scrimgeour. She was very much like her father; her hair resembled the mane of her father. But she was pretty.
All the Hogwarts teachers were there. Flitwick was commenting about the excellent charms made for the ceremony. Professor McGonagall looked strict as usual. Hagrid was easily to be seen among the crowds.
The students he recognized among the crowd were Seamus Finnigan, who had come with his mother, Neville Longbottom who had come with his grandmother, and Cho Chang who had come with her mother. Harry turned away when he saw Cho Chang. He found Oliver Wood who beamed at him.
“Doesn’t she look beautiful Harry?” asked Charlie pointing at a girl with his eyes.
Harry’s assumption was confirmed. He was indeed looking for a life partner. Harry searched for the girl whom Charlie has pointed and shocked to find out that Charlie had pointed out Cho Chang.
”Yes she is” replied Harry and left the place to join Oliver Wood.
“Harry, Quidditch Captain of Gryffindor, Congrats!”
“Thanks”
“I was disappointed when the captaincy you were given were not made to use this year” said Oliver Wood.
Harry felt worried. The talks of Cho Chang, Hogwarts and Quidditch worried him and he felt a pain on his scar. Just then the band began to play and Harry expected the couple to be present but instead the Priest appeared. He had a fat belly and wore half-moon spectacles. The crowd got up to give respect.
“Is he a muggle?” Harry asked Oliver.
“No, Harry. He is the Priest for the wizards”
Mr.Weasley and Mrs.Weasley were in the front row talking something to the Delacours. Harry for the first time saw the Delacours. They looked as if they weren’t interested in their daughter’s marriage. Mr.Delacour resembled Fleur while Mrs.Delacour resembeled Gabrielle. Ron and Hermione were there in the front row. Harry wished he was in the front seat but made no attempt to shift places at this stage. The priest went up the stairs and the band now started playing a classic Church tune.
Just then, the door opened and Bill slowly marched forward on the red carpet accompanied by Ginny. They marched slowly and everyone’s eyes were upon them. When they reached the priest, Ginny moved back and joined her parents. Just then the tune grew more slowly and this time Fleur accompanied by Gabrielle, were marching slowly on the carpet. Fleur, in her wedding dress, looked pretty. Gabrielle marched along with Fleur innocently.
Then the priest made his speech. “We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life's greatest moments, to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, and to add our best wishes to the words which shall unite Mr. Bill Weasley and Ms. Fleur Delacour in marriage”
He then made a pause and then continued, “Should there be anyone who has cause why this couple should not be united in marriage, they must speak now or forever hold their peace”
When no one made a move, Gabrielle escorted Fleur to Bill.
Mr.Gilbert continued, “Who is it that brings this woman to his man?”
Gabrielle let off her sister’s hands and said, “I, Gabrielle Delacour, her sister, do on behalf of her family and friends”
Gabrielle then stepped back and Bill took Fleur’s hand. They both smiled at each other.
Mr.Gilbert continued which Harry supposed he was saying the same for years, “Mr.Bill Weasley and Ms. Fleur Delacour, life is given to each of us as individuals, and yet we must learn to live together. Love is given to us by our family or by our friends. We learn to love by being loved. Learning to love and living together is one of the greatest challenges of life - and is the shared goal of a married life.
He then turned to Bill and said, “Mr. Bill Weasley, do you take, Ms. Fleur Delacour to be your Wife?”
“I do” Bill replied sincerely.
“Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect her, forsaking all others and holding only unto her?”
“I do”
He then turned to Fleur and repeated the same, “Ms. Fleur Delacour, do you take, Mr. Bill Weasley to be your husband?”
“I do”
“Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect him, forsaking all others and holding only unto him?”
“I do”
Then Mr.Gilbert continued, “Wedding rings are an outward and visible sign of an inward spiritual grace and the unbroken circle of love, signifying to all the union of this man and this woman in marriage"
Mr.Gilbert then gave a ring to Bill. Bill took it and repeated what Mr.Gilbert said to Fleur, “I ,Bill Weasley, take thee , Fleur Delacour to be my Wife. To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, and I promise my love to you forevermore.” And he pushed the ring onto her ring finger.
Fleur then took the same pledge and smiled at Bill who was sincerely looking at the priest.
“Mr. Bill Weasley, you may now kiss your bride”
Bill turned to Fleur and kissed Fleur much to the applause of the gathering.
The priest then made a long speech and the mass continued at the Grand Hall outside the Church. The dance tunes were played and the wedding couple happily danced to their tunes. Harry danced with Ginny and Ron with Hermione. Ron was not looking at Hermione while dancing and ended up stamping others’ legs. Gabrielle was looking sad. Harry was shocked to see Charlie dancing with Cho Chang and later with Florentyna Scrimgeour. He thought that Charlie had gone mad. Then he suddenly disappeared.
When Ginny was called for a talk with the Delacours, Gabrielle came up to Harry and asked Harry to dance with her. Harry couldn’t protest and danced with Gabrielle till the end that made Ginny red. The wedding party was great, Harry thought. But something went wrong. He was going through the room to see what was wrong. Many of them had already left including Rufus Scrimgeour. He noticed Charlie giving a smile to the priest and the priest nodded. Harry didn’t understand the situation.
Bill became still. He looked as if he was stunned. His eyes went red. Then he hit himself. He fell on the floor and rolled over the same place. Everyone’s eyes were on Bill.
“Bill, what happened?” asked Fleur astonished by what happened there.
Harry looked at Mr.Gilbert. His eyes were stern on Bill. His hair changed. He no longer had a huge belly. His face became like a ferocious man. He smiled. Harry noticed the tooth of that of a werewolf. The crowd panicked. All the Weasleys were shocked. Charlie was however not.
Mr.Gilbert now completely changed back to Fenrir Greyback. Now having his eyes stern on Bill, he pointed his fingers on Harry. Bill got up, and ran towards Harry. Harry had no defense but to run. Everyone panicked. Many of them had not brought their wands. Harry was sure that Bill didn’t do anything on his own. Harry had to push everyone to escape from Bill.
Harry ran as fast as he could towards the exit. He heard several spells. The wizards were fighting but against whom, Harry thought. Then a thought flickered in Harry’s mind. There was not only Fenrir Greyback. There were several death eaters as well. Harry ran towards a dead end. He turned back to see Bill smiling now his teeth resembling that of a werewolf.
Bill slowly marched towards Harry. Harry searched for his wand. He then found it inside his suit and he pointed it at Bill. Bill had no second thought of advancing towards Harry.
Harry shouted “Petrifucus Totalus”
Bill was stunned and he couldn’t move. Harry ran back towards the hall and found the mess. There were quite a few death eaters. They were the same that invaded Hogwarts the previous year. There were Alecto, Amycus, Big Blond and also two of them who were hooded.
Harry raised his wand to attack Amycus who was dueling with Lupin. But someone hit him very hard. Fenrir Greyback advanced towards Harry and tried to bite him.
“Stupefy”
Fenrir Greyback was stunned to the ground. Harry saw Ron who had his wand. He must have cast the spell.
“Where is Hermione?”
“She is helping Tonks duel with Alecto”
“And Ginny?”
“She is dueling too. Hey watch out”
A faint blue spell just missed Harry. He turned to see one of the hooded death eaters. It was Augustus Rookwood. Both Harry and Ron pointed their wands at him.
Harry shouted “Rictusempra”
Rookwood disapparated and the spell hit Amycus and he was blown off. Mr.Weasley came out of nowhere.
“Harry and Ron, you must all go back to the burrow now”
“No Mr.Weasley. We should fight”
“No Harry. Do as I say. Come on. Go”
Both Harry and Ron disapparated and apparated at the Burrow. A moment later, Harry heard a click and Hermione and Ginny appeared. Both were extremely dirty.
Ginny was almost crying. Hermione was shocked.
“Where are Fred and George?”
“They are dueling” Hermione said looking at the door.
“Where is mom?” asked Ron and he looked at the door too imitating Hermione.
“She has gone to St.Mungo’s hospital”
“For what?”
“Nothing happened to her. She was sent to get some help”
There was another pop and Fleur and Gabrielle popped. Gabrielle was holding firmly on Fleur. Fleur was crying.
“What happened to Bill?” asked Harry.
“’e iz fine. ‘e needs to be in St.Mungo’s ‘ospital”
“What happened to him?”
“Till yesterday, we believed that there was no side effects for the cursed wounds. But now.. “ Fleur sobbed.
“What happened?”
“Bill iz controlled by Fenrir. ‘e acted like a puppet. ‘e iz attacking you”
“But how did this all happen? How the death eaters planned?”
“Charlie iz under imperius curse”
Ron gave a gasp at this. Hermione fell on the sofa. She looked as if she had an idea.
She said, “It was he who appointed the priest. It was he who called the death eaters. And my guess is, he didn’t go to diagon alley often. He went to inform the death eaters”
Ron was still shocked. They had to spend the evening alone. Mrs.Weasley came home. Her eyes were red and she was not in her usual tone. It was Mr.Weasley and Lupin who gave them the details.
“Charlie was under imperius curse” said Lupin
“Don’t worry! He will be alright” added Mr.Weasley
“And what about Bill?” asked Ron.
“He is in St.Mungo’s. He had hit himself so badly”
“Any death eaters caught?” asked Hermione
“Fenrir Greyback was caught. Thanks to Harry”
“Thanks to Ron” said Harry with a smile. He was happy that none were injured. That evening Harry called Ron and Hermione to his bedroom.
“Fred and George arrived” Ron said as he sat on the bed.
“Harry, what you called us for?”
“I should have expected it” said Harry faintly.
“Yes Harry. But now nothing happened”
“They attacked inside the mass hall. How could they do that?” asked Ron.
“It’s a matter of time before they plan another attack” said Harry raising his voice.
“I can see what you are thinking Harry” said Hermione patting Harry’s shoulders.
“We should wait no more” Harry almost shouted.
Hermione stopped patting. Ron was looking at Harry.
“Enough of waiting. Its time for revenge” said Harry. Ron nodded approvingly. Hermione was pleased rather taken aback.
“We are starting our work tomorrow”
Ron nodded again. Hermione said, “Not until we are prepared Harry”
“Its time to get on Snape’s banned work”
Ron said, “We have to know where the horcruxes are hidden”
“We will find out. Quentin is going to help me”
Ron had no idea what Harry meant. He just nodded in approval.
”The Death Eaters have just meddled with the Dumbledore’s Army”