Under the Cursed Moon

Harry had been thinking about proposing to Hermione for quite some time, but the idea of moving to America with her and Teddy made him realize that now was the perfect moment to take that step. They were going to start a new life, and he wanted Hermione to know that she was the center of it all. One evening, after Teddy had fallen asleep, Harry called Hermione into the living room, his heart racing with nervous excitement.

"Hermione, there's something I need to ask you," Harry began, his voice unsteady. He reached into his pocket, feeling the weight of the ring he’d been carrying around for weeks. "You know how much you mean to me, right? How much you’ve always meant to me?"

Hermione nodded, her eyes soft and curious. "Of course, Harry. You're my boyfriend, my partner."

Harry took a deep breath and got down on one knee. "I don't want to just be your partner, Hermione. I want to be your husband. I want to share every moment with you, good or bad. I want to be there when you’re happy, when you’re sad, when you need someone to lean on. Will you marry me?"

Hermione's hands flew to her mouth, her eyes instantly welling up with tears. She had always imagined this moment, but it still took her breath away. "Yes," she whispered, and then with more certainty, "Yes, Harry, I will marry you."

Harry slid the ring onto her finger, and Hermione tackled him in a hug, both of them laughing and crying at the same time. "You have no idea how happy you've made me," she murmured against his shoulder.

Harry pulled back just enough to kiss her. "I think I have a pretty good idea," he said, grinning.

The next morning, they sat at the kitchen table, talking about the future and what their wedding might look like. “You know,” Hermione said thoughtfully, tracing her finger around the rim of her tea mug, “we need to have both a magical and a Muggle wedding.”

Harry raised an eyebrow. “Two weddings? Isn’t that a bit... excessive?”

Hermione shook her head, smiling. “No, it’s perfect. We have people we love in both worlds, Harry. My parents would be heartbroken if they couldn’t see us exchange vows in a way that feels real to them. And I know your friends in the wizarding world would feel the same.”

Harry considered her words and nodded. “You’re right. We’ll do both. We’ll make it work.”

The planning began almost immediately, with Hermione’s parents thrilled to be involved. They invited Harry and Hermione over for dinner to discuss the details. As they sat around the dining table, Mrs. Granger clasped her hands together, beaming. "Oh, darling, I can’t believe you’re getting married! We’ve always dreamed of this day!"

"Yes," Mr. Granger added, a bit misty-eyed. "You were just a little girl yesterday, and now you’re marrying a fine young man."

Hermione blushed, squeezing Harry’s hand under the table. "We want you both to be a big part of it. In fact, we were hoping you’d help us plan the Muggle ceremony."

Mrs. Granger’s eyes widened with excitement. "I’d be honored! I already have some ideas for the venue. There's this lovely countryside estate with a garden. I think it would be perfect."

"That sounds wonderful, Mum," Hermione said, smiling.

Harry grinned, watching the exchange. He'd never had this—family dinners, talks of weddings, plans for the future. It was all so... normal, and he loved every bit of it. "And what about the magical wedding?" Mr. Granger asked, curious.

Harry's eyes gleamed with excitement. “I’ve decided on the Black family's private island,” he replied with a smile. “It’s been in my family for generations, and it’s perfect.”

Mr. Granger looked intrigued. “A private island? That sounds rather extravagant, Harry.”

Harry nodded. “It is, but it's also more than just a luxury. It’s a place with history, magic, and wonder. It's located in the Caribbean, and the island is massive. There's this enormous castle at its heart, surrounded by forests filled with magical creatures and rare plants. It’s like something out of a fantasy novel.”

Mrs. Granger’s eyes sparkled with interest. “Oh, how delightful! That sounds like the perfect place for a magical wedding. But it sounds remote—will it be difficult to get there?”

“Not at all,” Harry assured her. “We’ll have a few portkeys available for the guests. They’ll take everyone directly to the island, and for those less comfortable with magical travel, we’ll have boats available from the mainland.”

Hermione smiled, squeezing Harry's hand. “The island is breathtaking, Mum. I’ve only been there once, but I knew right then that it was the perfect place.”

Mr. Granger raised an eyebrow. “And there’s a castle there?”

Harry nodded. “Yes, it’s massive. It’s called 'Castle Black,' and it’s one of the oldest properties owned by the Black family. It’s enchanted, of course, and surrounded by all sorts of magical creatures. There are gardens with flowers that bloom in colors you’ve never seen before and forests where the trees sing at night. And the beach—the beach is something else entirely. The sand glows faintly under the moonlight, and the water is warm even after sunset.”

“Well, that sounds like quite the venue,” Mr. Granger admitted, clearly impressed. “You’re sure it’s big enough for everyone?”

Harry laughed. “More than enough. The castle alone has over a hundred rooms, and there’s a whole separate guesthouse for the wedding party. There’s a ballroom, a massive dining hall, and an outdoor terrace overlooking the ocean. It’s going to be amazing.”

Harry turned to Mr. and Mrs. Granger with a warm smile. “You know, you’re both more than welcome to attend the magical wedding as well,” he said earnestly. “You already know about magic, and there's no reason for you to miss out on such an important moment in Hermione’s life.”

Mr. Granger's eyes widened in surprise. “You mean... we can attend? We’d be allowed at a magical wedding?”

“Absolutely,” Harry replied, nodding enthusiastically. “You’re family now, and you’ve known about magic for years. I want you both to be there to share this moment with us.”

Mrs. Granger clasped her hands together, tears welling up in her eyes. “Oh, Harry, that’s the most wonderful news! We were worried we might not be able to see that part of Hermione’s life. To think we’ll get to witness it all… It means so much to us.”

“We wouldn't have it any other way,” Harry said sincerely. “You’ve always been so supportive of Hermione, even when magic was something strange and unfamiliar. It wouldn’t feel right to have this celebration without you there.”

“Thank you, Harry,” Mr. Granger said, his voice a bit choked with emotion. He cleared his throat, regaining his composure. “You’ve already shown us more kindness and respect than we could ever hope for. Knowing that you want us to be part of your magical life… Well, it means the world to us.”

Harry felt a warmth spread through his chest, and he reached out to shake Mr. Granger’s hand. “You’re family now,” he repeated, looking between Mr. and Mrs. Granger. “And that means we’re all in this together.”

The Grangers exchanged a glance, and Mrs. Granger smiled with a hint of playfulness. “I suppose this means we’ll need to find some more suitable attire for a magical wedding,” she mused. “Something that will fit in with all the enchanted flowers and floating lights.”

“Don’t worry,” Hermione interjected, her eyes twinkling. “We’ll take care of that. There’s actually a fantastic tailor in Diagon Alley who specializes in clothing for magical events. They’re used to creating outfits that help you blend in but still feel comfortable.”

“That sounds wonderful,” Mrs. Granger said, looking relieved. “And to be honest, I’m just so excited to see this magical world that Hermione has been telling us about for so long.”

“You’ll love it,” Harry assured them. “The island is full of enchantments and magical creatures, but it’s also a place that’s deeply connected to nature. It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen, and I can’t wait to share it with you both.”

Mr. Granger’s expression softened. “You know, Harry, I wasn’t always sure about this whole magic thing,” he admitted. “But seeing the way you care for Hermione and how you’ve welcomed us into your life… Well, it’s clear that you’re exactly the kind of man I’d want her to spend her life with.”

“Thank you, sir,” Harry said, feeling a swell of emotion. “That means a lot to me.”

As they continued discussing the wedding plans, the Grangers couldn’t help but marvel at just how much Harry had grown since they’d first met him. They knew that he had been through so much, and yet, here he was, building a life with their daughter and inviting them to be a part of it. They could see that Hermione’s future with Harry would be one filled with love, adventure, and the kind of happiness that only comes from being with someone who truly understands and cherishes you.

The news of Harry Potter and Hermione Granger's engagement spread through the wizarding world like wildfire. It was the headline of every wizarding newspaper, with headlines like "The Boy Who Lived to Love – Harry Potter and Hermione Granger Engaged!" and "The Brightest Witch of Her Age Says Yes to Her Best Friend!" splashed across the front pages. Even though Harry was labeled a werewolf due to his transformation abilities, it didn’t deter the excitement. Many people genuinely wished Harry and Hermione well, seeing them as the perfect match.

“Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later,” Luna Lovegood mused as she read the news aloud to Ginny Weasley. They were sitting in the kitchen of the Burrow, and the Daily Prophet lay sprawled out on the table. “They’ve always been so close. It makes sense, really.”

Ginny sighed, a small smile playing on her lips. “Yeah, I’m happy for them. Harry deserves some happiness after everything he’s been through. And Hermione... well, she’s been there for him through thick and thin. It was only a matter of time.”

The engagement, however, had stirred more than just excitement. There were those who felt a pang of disappointment, especially among the wizards who had secretly harbored feelings for Hermione. They admired her intelligence, beauty, and influence within the Ministry of Magic, and many had hoped for a chance to win her heart.

"Honestly," muttered Cormac McLaggen to his group of friends at the Leaky Cauldron, "I always thought I stood a chance with Hermione. But of course, Potter had to swoop in and take her. Typical, isn't it? He always gets everything."

His friends nodded in sympathy, but deep down, they knew Hermione had only ever had eyes for Harry. It was apparent to anyone who paid attention to how she looked at him, the way her face lit up when he entered the room, or how her laugh was always just a bit brighter when he was around.

Even Ron Weasley, who had once been one of Harry’s closest friends, struggled to mask his feelings about the engagement. He sat in his room, staring at the announcement in the Daily Prophet, his expression hardening with each word. It wasn’t that he didn’t wish them well; he did. But a part of him couldn’t help but feel the sting of what could have been. He had always harbored feelings for Hermione, but he never had the courage to act on them when it mattered. And now, it was too late.

“How could I have been so blind?” Ron muttered to himself, tossing the newspaper aside. “I always thought there’d be more time. But Harry… he just… he always knows what to do.”

Mrs. Weasley, who had overheard Ron's words, entered the room with a soft smile. “Oh, Ron, dear,” she said, sitting beside him. “Sometimes, the heart takes a bit longer to catch up, and that’s okay. Hermione and Harry… they’ve been through so much together. It’s no wonder they found their way to each other.”

Ron sighed, leaning back in his chair. “I know, Mum. I know. I just… I thought maybe… maybe she’d end up with me.”

Mrs. Weasley patted his hand reassuringly. “You’ll find your own happiness, Ron. Trust me. But for now, why don’t we focus on celebrating their happiness? After all, they’re still your friends.”

Ron nodded, his eyes softening. “Yeah, I suppose you’re right. I want to be there for them.”

Meanwhile, at the Ministry of Magic, Hermione’s colleagues gathered around, whispering excitedly about the news. Kingsley Shacklebolt, the current Minister, smiled when he heard the news. “Well, it’s about time,” he said with a chuckle. “Those two have always had something special.”

“Are you going to the wedding, Minister?” asked one of his aides eagerly.

“If I’m invited, I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Kingsley replied. “It’s not every day you get to witness a love story like theirs.”

The engagement even reached the ears of the old pure-blood families, many of whom had their own opinions about it. Some were appalled that Harry, with his werewolf transformation, was marrying into such a prominent family like the Grangers, while others admired Hermione's influence and intellect, wishing they had been the ones to court her.

One such wizard was Draco Malfoy. He stared at the engagement announcement, a bitter taste in his mouth. “Of course, Potter would end up with the smartest witch of our generation,” he muttered to himself. But even as he said it, a small, almost imperceptible smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “Typical hero move, Potter,” he added quietly, almost amused by the thought. “Maybe she’ll finally keep you out of trouble.”

Despite the mixed emotions that spread across the wizarding community, the consensus was clear: Harry and Hermione’s love was genuine, and their union was a testament to the unbreakable bond they had forged over years of friendship, battles, and shared hardships.

As the days passed, Harry received countless letters from well-wishers, and even some from people he had never met. Invitations to the wedding were requested from every corner of the wizarding world. Harry smiled wryly as he sifted through the pile of letters. “We might have to invite half the wizarding world at this rate,” he joked one evening as he sat with Hermione.

“Let’s keep it to those who really matter,” Hermione replied with a smile. “Our friends, family, and the people who have been there for us.”

Harry nodded. “Agreed. We don’t need to make this a spectacle. Just something that feels right.”

“Well, it is going to be a bit of a spectacle,” Hermione teased. “I mean, we’re getting married on a private island. There will be dragons and mermaids and all sorts of magical wonders.”

“Fair point,” Harry said with a chuckle. “But as long as I’m standing next to you, that’s all that matters.”

“You always know what to say,” Hermione murmured, leaning in to kiss him softly.

And so, despite the rumors, the gossip, and the fleeting disappointments of those who had hoped for something different, the wizarding world buzzed with excitement for the wedding of Harry Potter and Hermione Granger. It wasn't just the joining of two people; it was the culmination of a journey that everyone had watched from the very beginning—a story of love, loyalty, and the kind of magic that transcended spells and potions.