Disclaimer: Everything HP belongs to JKR; all rights reserved. I don't intend to gain anything but an audience from this fic.

Prologue:

The suddeness of it was breathtaking; it seemed that life itself hung in that one moment. Voldemort lay still, at last.

Hermione hid her face in his chest; Ron wrapped his arms around her, both now sure that it was over.

"What happens now?"she asked, "Is this really the end?"

"Don't look at it that way; it's really a 'beginning' for us." he said. "Now we can be happy."

"B-but..."

"It's okay, we're safe now."

"I'm safe now." she whispered. It was the third night that she had this dream. She rose from the bed and wiped away the tears, oh, how she missed him.

It would be a long drive to the Burrow, but well worth every mile. With Voldemort now gone, the Wizarding World was now strangely 'peaceful'; but Apparating still gave her a chill. Besides the drive would let her think about what she would say.

She dressed and made her way to her the 2-car garage. The house felt a little empty, even with her parents back from their trip. She had successfully managed to repair their memories.

On the road to Ottery St. Catchpole, she thought about Ron, and about their first kiss. The memory was what reassured her. It had been almost 3 years since she had last seen anyone from Hogwarts. But it was Ron that she missed the most, she had tried wirting him letter after letter, she never sent any of them.

She wondered what he would say, what he would do, how much he had changed. So many questions burned inside her mind. She missed the lot of them, the Weasleys (the family she aspired to soon be a part of).

As she neared the cozy-looking house with it's wild garden, she slowed her driving. She was a little scared, she remembered his parting words. The reality, the opposite of her dream.

*Flashback*

"It's over now, isn't it?"

"I guess so; Harry doesn't need us anymore, probably never did." he replied.

"Ron, how can you say that? After all you did, you were a big help."

"Yeah, right."

"What's wrong?"

Silence.

"Ron?"

".....I think we ought to, I don't know, take things slower. You know, go our separate ways.....just for a while....."

*End of Flashback*

Of course, she hadn't known that it would be nearly 3 years before she recovered enough. Before she realized how much she loved him. She wasn't scared, she just didn't know what to expect.
---
So that's all for right now. I will try to update asap.
-Karina

"Hermione, dear. We haven't seen you for a while, my but you've grown."

"Hello, Mrs. Weasley; how are you? I was passing by and thought I'd stop and chat for a while, if you don't mind."

"Well now, of course I don't mind, dear. A pleasant surprise you've brought me. After...well, it sure is nice to see you again."

Hermione laughed timidly, "Yes, well; is umm...is Ronald around?"

"He's out with Harry at Fred and George's place; they'll be back shortly, you're welcome to wait."

"Oh…no. I really only dropped in to say hello, I'd best be going now. But please, do tell Ron I stopped by."

"Okay, dear. Come back anytime."

"Coward."

She froze.

"I heard you in there, you come all this way to see him, and then you won't even stay and talk to him yourself; coward."

"Ginny?"

"Expecting someone else were you?"

The two friends rushed at each other. "It's been too long, how are things going; you know, with you and Harry?"

"Things are good; but...don't change the subject."

Hermione looked down at her feet, shamefaced and blushing.

"He never shuts up about you. It's always 'Hermione this' or 'Hermione that'. He misses you, you know. Maybe you should stay."

"Maybe some other time; it was nice seeing you again Ginny."

The drive back home was not a pleasant one for her. She felt bad, running away from her feelings like that but she just wasn't ready to face him, not yet. When Ginny had said that he missed her, she didn’t know whether it was true or whether she was just trying to shame her into staying. Either way, she would have left just the same. She wasn’t sure of the reaction that she would have to seeing him again.

So when she went into her room, she was a little surprised to find a letter from him and Eroll waiting for her on her dresser. She took the letter, gave Eroll an owl nut, and sat on the bed to read what Ron had written.

Hermione,

Ginny said that you came by, said you looked like you had something on your mind. Mum said that you wanted to talk to me. And I just wanted to tell you that you can't feel any worse about this than I do, no one here has missed you as much as I have. I know that I am sort of a pain to my family because 'it's always Hermione this, and Hermione that'. Nobody but Ginny has said anything about it, I guess they're just trying to make me feel better. Harry tries to keep me out of the house as much as possible, to make me have fun. But nothing is fun for me, without you here.

Love,
I miss you,
Ron

"Thanks Eroll." She wrote only a few words on a scrap of parchment and sent the owl on his way.

What took you so long?
I missed you.
Hermione
----
Feedback

Her note (it could hardly be called a letter) reminded him that she was real. That he missed her more than he would ever admit to anyone--particularly himself.

He remembered now how he'd told her that he needed time; but he only now realized that too much time had passed. It wouldn't have surprised him if instead of those three meaningful words, she had scoffed him, or worse...not replied at all.

But it was clear on that piece of parchment, she said so herself...she missed him. Ron was determined to see her again, only he didn't know how.

Ginny's advice would normally have been the last thing that he would have ever dared to ask for--as it was, she was his only hope. He knocked on her door, reluctant at first but with gradual persistence.

"What?" she asked, clearly grouchy.

"I need your help."

"Wouldn't be the first time..."

"Ginny...please."

"Oh, all right. Let me guess...Hermione."

It wasn't a question but he answered anyway...if only to say:

"Hermione."

"Well, it's obvious isn't it?"

"What should I do?"

'men' she said under her breath: "GO...tell her, let it all out for heavens sake."

"But..."

"Trust me, nothing could make her happier."

"I hope so."

Hermione was outside reading when a *pop* interupted her train of thought. She was about to tell off the neighbors, when she saw him standing there, the picture of confusion.

"Oh." was all she could say.

"Hello Hermione...I'm so..." he couldn't finish, she had run to him before he could.

"Ron, of course I forgive you. Come in?"

He nodded, unable to speak.

"Do you want anything? Soda? Water? Butterbeer?"

"No thanks, where're your parents?"

"Not home," she answered,"I'm so glad you came...it's been a while."

"Sure has."

They sat in silence for the rest of his visit until he announced:

"I should go."

Not wanting to lose him again, she stalled:

"Wait...Sta...Come back soon?" she pleaded.

"I can try."

"Ron?"

"Yeah?"

"Thanks."

When Ron had paid her that unexpected visit, he'd done more than ask her to forgive him. He gave her the hope...the push that she had been waiting for, to really let him know what she felt. She wanted to be able to prove that the words that seemed never to have been exchanged...so long had it been...were true.

A car pulled up in the lot, her parents were home. "Hermione? Are you in there?" her dad knocked on her door.

"Yes dad, I'm here; I was just on my way out."

"Oh? Where are you headed?"

"Shopping, I need to get some things..." she didn't like lying to her parents but what other choice did she have. She couldn't tell them where she was really going. They were not yet quite used to the fact that she was a witch. So she did not want to alarm them.

Diagon Alley was not quite as cheery as she remembered it, but already a new wandmaker had come to take over Ollivander's shop. And a new stranger was selling ice-cream to the eager little witch's and wizard's busy doing their Hogwarts shopping.

But she hadn't come here to see how much the place had changed. Nor had she in fact come to do shopping. No. She had another destination on her mind. She was going to pay a visit to Weasley's Wizard Wheezes.

She wasn't sure whether George would recognize her, but he might be a bit more supportive than Ginny--for who knew Ron better than his own brother?

"Hermione! Come to make a purchase have you? It's been too long."

It had indeed been a while since she had last seen George, she was glad that he could still look happy--he'd lost his twin, Fred in the Battle of Hogwarts...and to top it off, his ear.

"Hello there, George...no, as a matter of fact, I've come because of Ron. You see I wanted to ask you someth--"

"Say no more, you're here because you two finally realized he's been acting like a fool these last--what has it been three? four? years--yes, you're the reason our customers look so glum when Ron's around, who can enjoy a good joke, when someone looks so unhappy?"

She merely nodded. "Follow me." he said, "Angelina, take over for me would you? Thanks."

He led her to the back room of the shop...there was hardly any room to stand, it was so full of stock--decoy detonators, extendable ears, trick wands, and several other jokes that she could not name.

"Through here," he indicated a door that Hermione assumed led to the apartment above the store.

While Hermione told him her story, all George could do was nod. Ocassionaly he would interupt to ask a question or two.

When she was done, he was silent for a painfully long time. "Hmm. Assuming you've left nothing out, there's no denying it...you shouldn't be here talking to me, you should be out there..." he gestured wildly, "looking for him. It's obvious isn't it? You couldn't find two people more in love."

"Oh George," she embraced him, "I knew you were the right person to come to. Thank you, thanks so much--really. It means a lot to me."

He cleared his throat, "Yeah well what can I say? I can be deep. Now go on you lovesick witch you...get out of my shop and go make him happy. Go and do what we've all tried and failed to in all these years."

She didn't know where to start, but the Burrow would be as good a place as any. She apparated to the Leaky Cauldron and once out in the street, she got into her car and drove.

The drive to the Burrow didn't seem quite so long, now that her heart was no longer heavy with the weight of doubt or her fear of rejection. Now she was happy, and her load was light.

She almost ran into Mrs. Weasley who was busy de-gnoming the garden. "Hello there Hermione, glad to see you're back so soon, and you look so happy too...he's in his room dear." she added by way of answer to the question she could not phrase but was so apparent in her eyes.

He heard the knock, but he did not answer the door right away. "Go away, Ginny. I don't want to talk to you, I don't want to talk to anyone right now."

The knocking continued, slightly louder this time. He rose and went to the door. "What!" he yelled, served Ginny right for bothering him.

He saw her, then he froze...he couldn't move. "You're...not...Ginny." he said evenly.

"No." said Hermione, "Well, aren't you happy to see me?"

The shock wore off slowly and he recovered..."Come in."

She couldn't hold it back any longer.

She hesistated then kissed him full on the mouth.

So wrapped up in the kiss were they, that they didn't notice that Ginny had indeed elected to 'check up' on Ron. She coughed audibly.

"I...er...hope I'm not interrupting anything. But, do you think you two could maybe do that somewhere else."

Hermione heard this remark, but only distantly; she was in complete agreement with Ginny of course...they should do 'that' someplace else, but she didn't want to stop, and he didn't seem too keen on that either.

She started to dissapparate, she might as well take him 'side-along' they were holding on to each other tightly enough.

Ron wasn't at all surprised to find himself so far away from his home; in a forest...he recognized this place. The same forest at which they'd been with Harry so long ago.

It seemed like the moment would not end, and then suddenly...it was over.

She stopped before he did.

"Ron, I've missed you so much. I-I...at first, I-I didn't know...I was stubborn...I-I'm sorry."

He looked confused, "Hermione; what are you sorry for? I'm the one that should be sorry, I'm the stubborn one, I'm the one who hurt you, I'm the one who didn't realize..."

"Shh." she quieted him, "It's okay, none of that matters any more. What does matter," she said, "is that we're not apart anymore--and we never should have been."

He nodded, at a loss for words.

"George told me," she started "that you've been...different...since we, well since,"

"George, you went to him before you...and I thought..."

"I see you haven't changed a bit," she said smiling at his jealous tone.

His face flushed almost as brightly as his flaming red hair. "I don't know what you're talking about," he said, trying to hide the blush from Hermione.

"Ron, it's okay. I've always lov..."she hesitated before she said the word, "liked that about you."

"So, uhh, what--" he cleared the knot from his throat, "Why here?" he indicated the location.

Now it was her turn to blush, but she didn't bother trying to hide it.

"This was;" she said, embarrassed. "It was where I first admitted to myself...exactly why I'd decided to come with you and...uhh...and Harry. This place...it has many memories for me."

"You still-remember that?"

"Well...yes."

He took her hand in his own, she understood at once.

They walked in silence for a few precious moments, no words were needed. The love that radiated strongly from his hand to hers was enough of an explanation for them.

After a while, he started a timid conversation with her.

"So you haven't...found someone else...in all this time, after what I did; I would understand if you have."

She didn't answer at first, and when she did she simply shook her head and said, "Would you?"
---
Sorry this chapter had to be so short, I'll try to make up for it next update. Feedback is appreciated.

I know it's been a while, but I couldn't think of anything. I'm still not sure if this is any good.



He felt so stupid for asking her that. But what else could he have said, why couldn't he think of anything? He could tell she was waiting for an answer. Would he have found someone new? It was obvious that he hadn't, but he couldn't just say no.

"Ron?"

"I don't know, Hermione. If I were you, I would have given up on me."

She looked at him, "Ronald Weasley, why are you lying to me?"

A slow smile spread across her face, and then he knew that the question--she hadn't wanted an answer.

"Let's go somewhere else, let's go see Harry." he said.

Her reluctance pleased him. She didn't want to see Harry, but she would go anywhere with him. They apparated to Grimmauld Place, and knocked on the door marked 13.

Harry appeared to have just woken up. After all it was still only 10:30.

"Ron? Hermione! What? Come in!"

"Hermione, I thought you weren't going to ever come...it's great to see you again."

"Yes, isn't it?" she said hugging Harry tightly.

Ron's smile disappeared, he cleared his throat.

"Oh, sorry." Harry apologized, "But come on Ron, be a sport, I haven't seen her in a while."

"How's Ginny, Harry?" challenged Ron.

"Oh, she hasn't been around here in a while, I was about to ask you the same thing, Ron."

Hermione could see the tension building. She took hold of Ron's hand and squeezed it gently. "Well, it was wonderful to see you again Harry; but we really should be going. I'll come by later," noting the look on Ron's face she added, "with Ginny."

On the way to Hermione's house from the Burrow, she laughed openly. "Oh, Ron, you're jealous of Harry...oh this is too much! I can't believe after all this time you've still got the same grudge!"

"Jealous, I'm not jealous, I just didn't think he should be holding you so tightly is all."

"Honestly, how the two of you managed to stay friends, is beyond me. Well, we're here."

He held back, "Ron, are you coming?"

"Yeah," he got out of the car slowly. "Are you sure about this? What if they don't like me?"

"Oh, come on...I like you don't I?"

"Mom, Dad; there's someone I'd like you to meet."

"Oh, who's this?" asked Mrs. Granger, who was shorter than Ron and had to look up to see him.

"Mom, this is Ron. Ron Weasley. And...well," she hesitated, not knowing how to introduce him.

"Allow me," he whispered to her, "Mr. and Mrs. Granger, the truth is I really like your daughter and we are..."

"Save your words dear. We know you; you're that boy, the one she's been writing to all these years. Sorry, Hermione dear, but I had to get in there to clean. You understand don't you?"

She just nodded, too embarrassed to say anything.

"Well, would you like your letters, Ron...was it?"

He followed Jean Granger upstairs to Hermione's room, and sure enough there on the night-table sat a box filled to the brim with the letters he had never received.

He picked one up and began reading:



A million things went through his mind at once.

She loves me. She would wait forever for me. I don't deserve her.
---
Feedback

He never noticed Mrs. Granger leave; he just read them, letter upon letter. Word after word swam in front of him. He could not answer her questions; they were questions even he did not know the answers to. Why had he hurt her? He couldn’t say. All he knew was that he didn’t blame her for being hurt.

To go along with the questions that would forever remain unanswered; he had many of his own. How could she love him so much? Where in her heart did she find the place for him? How could he make things right? Why did she have to be so happy to see him, why couldn’t she forget? So many questions.

He continued reading; finally, he turned to Mrs. Granger, wanting to know if he could take the letters with him. But, she wasn’t there; so instead he decided that he would take them anyway; Hermione didn’t need more reminders of the pain that he’d caused her…of him.

He needed to get the whole story; her words would help him understand. But did he really need an explanation, or was what he wanted something more…greater…more valuable than words.

Deep in his heart he knew that he loved her the same way, he just didn’t know how to show it. And how could he, when he found it a struggle just to see her look of happiness whenever she was with him. How?

He had to get out. He needed to think. He chose a letter, the shortest he had read so far:

Ron,
Only you can make things right.
Hermione

He turned it over and left a message for her on the back.

Hermione,
I don’t mean to hurt you anymore, but I can’t stay with you. I need to figure some things out. Don’t look for me, I won’t be home. I have to find the answers, have to find the way to make things better. I don’t know where or how long it will take me; but I’ll have to try.
I hope that in time you will find it in you to forgive me just one more mistake.
I won’t forget about you,
Ron

I hope I can too. She thought; the tears came unbidden, as Hermione read his words for the umpteenth time. The words had come together with her tears. She held the stained parchment in front of her wet eyes, no longer crying, no longer thinking.

Were his words true? And if they were, could she endure to wait so long? Would he come back? The questions, so many, perhaps he might bring the answers so crucial for their lives to continue the way they had always.

She had managed to make it for three years without him, hadn't she. No...she hadn't. The sadness gave way to anger, then resentment. How could he have gone...without saying goodbye?

Not far from Hermione, Ron sat asking himself much the same question. Why did he leave her, his happiness, behind?

He would not be surprised if she chose not to forgive him, and after all, why should she? He had absented himself from the greater part of what could have been perfect for both of them.

This wasn't good. He had come here for answers, but instead it seemed that he could only ask more of himself. Hermione. Why had he left her, did she read his letter? And if she did...Stop! he told himself, but he knew that it wasn't possible to do so.

"He did what?!?"

"He just...left this. I don't know..."

"Well, I do. You can't leave things like this. And it seemed like things might actually start to get...to change...how?"

"Ginny, breathe."

"B-b-but, Ron, he was not supposed to do this to you. H-he..."

"No."

"What?"

"No, he wasn't, but he did. And I'm sure, that in his postion, I would have done the same. No one wants to be pressured to love someone. Even if it means leaving them behind, always leaving them behind. Sometimes...sometimes, sometimes love makes people do things that even their heart cannot explain. He needs to...to find answers. The answers that I could not give him."

Ginny had not been the right friend to talk to. She needed someone who would know, someone who would understand Ron's side of the story. She thought for a long time and then..."Harry!"

"Excuse me?" Ginny asked.

But Hermione wasn't listening anymore.

"I...thanks Ginny, I'll see you later."

Ron knocked several times before Harry opened the door.

"What? Ron? What?"

"I need to talk to you."

"Where's Herm..."

Ron interupted his best friend "Don't say it! I can't...not again. Ahh!"

"Ron, what's going on? Did you two, well, uh, what happened?"

"Is my sister here?"

The exasperation was clear from his voice that he did not want to see her.

"N-no she just left. Why? Ron, is something wrong?"

"NO! Oh, er, sorry, I just uh I'm lost. I don't know what to do? Can you help?"

Not long after Ron left Grimmauld Place, Harry opened the door on Hermione. By now of course, he was aware of what was happening. He didn't want to be caught in the middle. But, he found it hard to do, his friends' feelings were involved.

When he saw the hope in Hermione's eyes. He felt horrible saying it but he knew that it was the only way he could keep out of what he should never have known about.

"I'm sorry Hermione. But I don't know where he is either."
---
Hey guys, sorry it took me so long to update. Hope you liked it, let me know what you thought: feedback.

"I'm sorry Hermione. But I don't know where he is either."

"Thanks, Harry."

"Sure." he said nothing more for a long time, the silence stretched on.

"What?"

"Ron, wasn't three years enough?"

"I don't know. I don't know anything anymore."

"I hope you at least know what you're doing."


"Do you think he was lying?"

"About what?" Ginny asked, they'd had this conversation already and she was beginning to get frustrated.

"He knows, why wouldn't he tell me?"

"Hermione, be realistic, do you really think that Harry would keep something this important from you?"

"I suppose you're right, maybe I am over-reacting. But it's just so hard not to, I'm still having trouble understanding why he would just..."

"Oh, come on, really it's not that hard to understand. The way I see it, he'll come looking for you soon, you can count on it. I know my brother, he's too much of a wimp to stay away from you for too long."

"He seems to have been able to stay away for three years before, I don't see what could possibly..."

"Hermione, please, you know what that did to him. You have to be fair, give him some time. He'll realize his mistake soon."

"But will it be soon enough."

What's happening to me? Why do I keep thinking about her? What if...

Ron lay pondering about Harry's questions. Wasn't three years enough? Enough for what? So much had happened in those three years. And when they had gotten to be together again, it had only been for a short while. Then he came here. What had made him choose Harry, why had Harry lied for him, too many questions needed answering. Could he ever answer all of them?

He didn't know how long he would be here. Harry had told him that he was welcome to stay for as long as he needed to, that he welcomed the company.

But how long could he stay away from her? He thought he could stand to be away for a while, but he knew that he couldn't tolerate to be away for too long. But would however long he chose to stay give him enought time to find what he was looking for. He sure hoped so, and all he could do was to hold on to that hope.

Hermione was thinking. Thinking hard. She had cried too many tears for too long, and she didn't want to cry anymore. So here she sat thinking, wondering. Was Ginny right? Would he come back?

She so desperately wanted to believe that the answer was yes. But she had to be realistic, he didn't love her...did he? He couldn't possibly...not if he had chosen to leave her life once more. To leave her lonely...why?
---
Sorry that my chapters are so short, I will try to make the next one a little longer. I can't promise it will be though. Feedback as always is much appreciated.

Harry wasn't sure why Ron was avoiding her, all he knew was that whenever he asked, Ron would grow very quiet. The two were downstaris having breakfast when his friend surprised him with and unexpected question.

"Harry, do you love Ginny?"

Taken aback Harry didn't answer right away. Then, noticing that Ron expected an answer, "I guess," he said uncomfortably. Ron looked thoughtful.

"Ron, you okay?"

"Yeah, fine. Just...fine."

He stood up and walked slowly toward the stairs. "Ron, you sure you're okay?"

"Look, I said I'm fine, alright?"

"Sorry,"

"It's not your fault, Harry, it's mine."

Upstairs Ron sat on the bed, a lot was going through his mind. Mostly thoughts of Hermione. He wondered if she was also thinking of him.

Hermione was tired, she was sick of wasting her time waiting for him. She was tired of feeling helpless. She felt drained, lonely, and cheated; but mostly, she was scared.

What if he had never come back at all? What if all of this was just some bad dream? A trick that her lovesick heart was playing on her, so many nights crying, writing, waiting...and for what?

Maybe everything that had happened, their short reunion, everything...could it have been a lie? She knew the answer, no. In her hand she held the tearstained proof that he had come back...and left her, after three years apart he had left her once more.

Could she forgive him one more time? She didn't know how much more of this her heart could take. Harry knew something, she was sure that he did. Why would he lie to me? she thought. She had to see him, ask him if he knew the truth. She just had to know if Ron was ever going to come back.

But would he tell her? Or would he lie again, for the sake of keeping the friendship alive?

Ron heard someone at the door. "Harry!" he called, "Hey! Harry, someone's..." he trailed off, "Oh, forget it. I'll get it!" he yelled in the general direction of Sirius Black's old room.

"Alright already, I'm coming!" he told the door. "Can't you just hold o..."

"Harry I want you t...Ron?!?"

"What are you doing here?" the siblings asked simultaneously.

"What!?! Me, I came to..."

Harry came rushing down the stairs at the sound of Ginny's angry voice.

"Harry! You better start explaining."

"Ginny,well isn't this a nice surprise? I...you should have said...then I...we...maybe..."

"Oh no you don't, Harry Potter. What is my brother doing here? As I well recall my friend asked you the very question I came to ask and you...you lied to her. I have to tell her, she has to know, we can't leave it like..."

Unable to stand more of Ginny's unliekely-to-end-soon lecture, Harry closed the distance between their lips.

Ron felt awkward and out of place watching his sister and his friend. He was just about to go back upstairs. He went to close the door when...

"Hermione!?"

"Ron?! Harry, how could you?"
---
Sorry it took so long to post. Let me know what you thought.

"Hermione, let me explain."

"No! I will not, I'm tired of you. I should have known you would let everyone but me know where you were. Ughh! How could I have been so clueless."

"Hermione," Ginny said lightly, "maybe you should let him,"

"No! How could you take his side."

"I'm not taking anyone's side, but Ron is my brother, and I don't want him to get hurt. I care about the both of you."

"I have to get out of here. I'm leaving."

Harry was still in shock from being slapped. What was it about him that always seemed to be getting him in the middle of those two?

And why was Hermione yelling at him, Ron was the one who'd run off. But, he reminded himself, you lied to her for him. Still that didn't give her the right to slap him.

"Hermione," he said, speaking for the first time since she had arrived.

"What?!" she shouted. "Are you going to tell me to forgive him too? I hate you, all of you. You're all alike. All of you were probably laughing at me all those years. And to think that I...I thought I loved you Ronald Weasley."

And without another word, she stormed out of #13 Grimmauld Place.

"Ummm, I should go after her. Calm things down." Ginny excused herself.

Nobody objected to her leaving, Hermione's words had cut them all very deeply. But they couldn't blame her, they'd hurt her too. And now it was up to Ginny, her best friend to help heal her.

She felt bad for leaving Harry to deal with Ron, but what could she do, he was her brother and he didn't need a little sister...he needed a friend.

She apparated to Hermione's house.

The yard was deserted, both cars were gone from the garage. That's weird, thought Ginny. I wonder where she could have gone?

In fact Hermione was not far, she had driven to the neighborhood park. She was sitting on the very swing where she used to come and think when she was younger. It held many memories for her.

She remembered when she got her Hogwarts letter, and when she and Harry and Ron had become friends.

But it seemed like that was all gone now, like those memories would never return. Would Ron return, she hoped so, but after what she had told him...she didn't think he would.
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Hey guys sorry it took me so long to update this. Holidays and family sure keep a person busy. Sorry it was so short, I don't know when I'll be able to update again, but I hope you liked it. I'd love to know what you guys thought. Feedback

"Ron," Harry began, "do you...want to talk about it?"

"Thanks," he said, "But I should go. Sorry about...Sorry."

"Hey that's what friends do. It's not your fault. I'm the who...lied to her."

"No, I--it is my fault-- I shouldn't have dragged you into it. I need to stop running away and letting others solve my problems for me. I'm sick of messing up all the time."

"Well, you know... if you ever want to talk, I'm here."

"Thanks Harry, but I need to see my brother. Maybe he can tell me what I did wrong." He seemed to think on it, "Yeah, George'll know."

Then he too left Grimmauld Place.

Ginny could tell that she had been crying. She pretended not to see her; she wanted to give her a chance to speak first.

Hermione looked up, "Ginny," she asked calmly, "what do you want?"

Ginny took the swing next to her friend, "I thought maybe you needed someone."

"I do," she said softly, "but not you. Damn, I thought he would at least...ughh. Doesn't he realize..."

"Give him a chance," Ginny said, "I know he probably deserved what you said. I know how you feel, but you can't just give up on him."

"What's it to you? I'm sick of this, Ginny. I'm sick of waiting."

"You know a good friend of mine once told me that I should give Harry time. That I should be patient with him and not let his ignorance get to me. I followed her advice, and now I'm asking her to do the same."

"Sometimes time and patience run out," Hermione said coldly.

"That doesn't stop your heart from loving him anyway," Ginny replied, "Think about that."

"Ron? Ron! Do I dare believe it? What brings you to my humble jokeshop little brother?" George asked looking up at him, "Or should I say big brother?"

The two brothers greeted each other happily and then made their way toward the waiting Angelina.

"Hey, Angel, look who it is. Ron. He's back!"

"Oh, hey, Ron!" Angelina said, rushing over to hug him.

"er...hey Angelina, how've you been?"

"Good, well you know I'm managing. Your brother does keep me busy."

"Really?" asked Ron, giving George a teasing look.

"Aww, lay off. Where's Hermione, isn't she with you?"

"Yeah, about that," Ron's face changed, "er...can we talk?"

"Sure, I'll-uh-meet you upstairs."

"So, what do you need? I thought you two were...I don't know...back?"

"I thought we were, too, but, ahh, I don't know George. I just...I really don't know."

"You don't know a lot of things." George said, "Never stopped you before."

"I know. I mean, I know I love her. But...I really messed everything up."

"Hmm. Sure sounds like you."

"Not helping,"

"Well, if you love her so much. Then find her, fight for her."

"But, she hates me."

"You don't know that,"

"Yes, I do." he hid his head in his hands.

"Sometimes, love is about taking chances."

"Yeah, maybe..." Ron looked up to thank him, but George was gone.

"You're right."
---
Feedback would be nice.

If George was right—which deep down Ron knew he was—then he had to take a chance on his feelings for Hermione. He wanted…no he needed to tell her how he felt about her, how he had always felt about her. But he was afraid, not of the commitment…for he definitely wanted to be with her, it was something else that haunted his thoughts and his heart…what would she say? What would she do?

He had hurt her too many times to believe that immediate forgiveness was even a remote possibility. And he knew that although she did not hate him as she had claimed to do…more than once…that she resented him for not trusting her with the truth. What could have made him do such things to her? Was it just stupidity? Had he really been so ignorant of her for so long?

No, of course it wasn’t that. It couldn’t be. What then? Ron was getting frustrated with himself. This argument had gone on for so long that he could hardly remember or think of anything else. One thing that he was sure he would never forget was how much Hermione’s words had hurt him. Yet at the same time, had helped him to realize that they weren’t children anymore; this wasn’t Hogwarts, it was life.

Did loving someone have to be so painful? It seemed to have been so much easier at school. But that was life and life as Ron well knew was never easy.

Hermione sat at the empty swing set staring after her friend for a long time. She knew that she was the one who in the end had helped Ginny and Harry come through. Why then did her love life have to be so difficult? Why was it that she could so smart as to solve everyone else’s problems but her own?

She sat there thinking two things simultaneously: one) she had hurt Ron for once instead of the other way around, and two) she felt terrible for having done so. It seemed to be so much simpler for him to hurt her than for her to see him hurt. Why? Was this how love was supposed to make a person feel?

She didn’t think and yet she somehow still hoped so. She wanted to believe that what she felt for Ron Weasley was love…in its truest form. Wanted it more than anything.

At some point she decided to go back home. She prepared to apparate back to her parents’ house with its quaint little garden and its two-car garage. Instead she found herself at The Burrow. How could that have happened? She had been thinking of home. Home. She realized that home for her was wherever she could be close to Ron or to any aspect of his life that reminded her of him.

“I’ll get it!” a voice called from somewhere inside the house.

Ginny made her way slowly toward the door from her upstairs bedroom. Almost as soon as she opened it, she knew what she had to do.

“Ron! Get down here!”

“No, Ginny what are you doing…don’t I’ll…”

“What?”

“…Hi Ron,” Hermione said hesitantly.

“Er…hey,” he said, “Ginny, leave…”

“You don’t have to tell me twice,” she said, her work done.

“Sorry,” they both said at once.”

There was a short pause, “Why don’t you talk first?” Ron finally said.

A heavy silence hung in the air as she thought carefully about what she would say. Ron was beginning to think that she wouldn't say anything, that she would just stand there. He was about to say something when she spoke.

"This is going to sound so pathetic," she warned him, "I don't know why I said the things I said, and I don't know if I even had a good reason for saying them. I was stupid and immature. But I just can't take not knowing how you feel about me. I'm sorry I blew up at you, do you think we'll ever get it right?"

"Wait," he replied, "you're apologizing to me?"

"Well...I guess that depends on whether or not you would be willing to forgive me." she half-smiled, "...Gee that does sound pathetic."

Hermione looked at her feet, pretending that there was something very interesting on the floor and avoided eye contact. She had promised herself that she would not cry. She had cried enough...more than enough.

"Wow," was all he could say for a while. "Hermione," he moved his hand slowly toward her, she looked so delicate, so vulnerable. He almost thought she wasn't real. Yet, there she was. "Hermione," he said her name again, "Loving someone is not pathetic"

Ginny wondered what her brother was saying to Hermione. Don't mess it up again, Ron. Please. She willed him. Just tell her. Say it. She needs to hear you say it.

She knew of course that he couldn't hear her thoughts, but she thought them anyway, she couldn't help it. She didn't want her friend to get hurt, again. She needed this to work out almost as much as Hermione wanted it to.

"Love?" she asked quietly, still not looking him directly in the eyes. Hermione knew that if she allowed herself to see his eyes, she would become powerless. "I don't know what that is anymore."

"Love." Ron stated, pulling her gently to him so that she could look him in the eyes while he said what he had to say. So that she would know how he felt about her. "Love, Hermione, is what I feel for you. Love is thinking about you every night whether you're here with me or not. Love is what I need you to give me. I need that from you so I can live."

"Don't do this." she said, "You just can't say things like that, you have to mean them." she was having trouble keeping herself together if she didn't get it out now, she would break down.

"But, I do mean them, Hermione. I've never meant something more." he replied, looking hurt. "I love you, Hermione. And I know you love me too."

"No." she refused to let herself cry, "N-n-no," she couldn't fight it anymore.

"Hermione, what's wrong?"

"I-I-I can't, I can't. Why?"

"Hermione?"

"Ron."

And then they both knew it. All was forgiven.
---
Hey everyone hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Sorry about the long wait. And also sorry that it was so short. Don't forget to leave some feedback.

She wanted to trust him. Wanted it with all her heart; but she couldn’t allow herself to hope too much. Hermione felt that Ron had meant it when he had told her he loved her. And she knew that she loved him too.

“What are you thinking about?” he asked.

They were sitting on Ron’s bed, spending most of their time together since he had said those three words.

“Things,” she replied.

“Good things, I hope.”

“Some,” she sighed, “It’s just that…”

“What?”

“Oh, never mind,” she said.

“Okay. So, where do you want to go today?”

“I don’t know.”

“Well, we could always…”

“Ron,”

“Hermione.”

“Are you sure about this?”

“About what?”

“Us?” she clarified. “Does this feel right to you?”

“Aren’t you?” he asked her. “I love you Hermione, and nothing can ever change that.”

“Really?”

“Really. Now stop asking stupid questions. Stop doubting, just feel what you feel. What I feel.” He took her hand and placed it over his heart. “That,” he said, “is what I feel.”

A lone tear escaped her brown eyes. Ron’s own blue ones smiled comfortingly at her.
“Let’s just stay here.” she said softly, taking her hand back slowly.

“Sure,”

They stayed in his room for a long time. But it seemed like only seconds later when their thoughts were interrupted by Ginny knocking on his door.

“Ron,” she said from behind the door, “Harry wants to know if you two would come with us to Hogsmeade.”

“What for?” Ron asked.

“I don’t know. Do you want to come or not?”

“Sure, we’ll be right out.” he answered, “Oh and Gin,”

“What?” she yelled back.

“Thanks for knocking.”

“Whatever.”

“Did she say Hogsmeade?” Hermione asked, not sure she had heard right.

“I think so.”

“I wonder what Harry’s got planned,”

“Let’s find out.”

They met them at the front of the house. After saying good-bye to Molly, they disappeared one by one.

They reappeared with a pop in front of Madame Rosmerta’s.

“So what’s the plan?” Ron asked Harry as they waited for Ginny and Hermione to arrive.

“You’ll see.”

As soon as the girls got there, all four of them went in and found a table at the back. Ginny said she had to go to the restroom. Harry ordered drinks and the trio sat down.

“Ron,” Harry began, “Can I ask you something?”

“What is it?”

“Well, I’ve thought about this a lot. And of course I’ll have to ask your dad too, but since you’re one of my best friends I thought I should ask you first.”

“Ask me what?” Ron said again.

“I want to propose to Ginny.” Harry said slowly enunciating each word carefully.

It took Ron a few seconds to realize what had just been said. “You want to marry my sister?” he asked for clarification.

“That’s the plan.” Harry agreed, “I hope she’ll say yes.”

“I know she will.” said Hermione confidently.

Ginny came back to find Harry on one knee waiting for her, Ron and Hermione were quietly sipping their butterbeers.

What’s going on? she wondered.

“Ginny,”

She looked down at Harry, the love of her life.

“Will you marry me?”

At first she didn’t know what to say. She thought about it for a few seconds and then gave him her answer. “Yes, Harry.” she said, “I’d like that.”

Hermione looked at her friends and smiled. Maybe there was hope for her and Ron after all.
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"Ron! Hurry up! You don't want to be late for your sister's wedding do you?" Molly Weasley was fairly excited that her only daughter was finally getting married.

"It's not a wedding, mom. It's a rehearsal." Ron replied grumpily, he was still feeling groggy.

"Even so," Molly said unable to contain her emotion, "It's exciting isn't it? She's getting married, which is more than I can say for you. When are you planning on asking Hermione anyway?"

"Mooooooom," Ron whined, blushing bright red.

"What? Don't you 'moooooom' me, I know you love her enough. Why not just ask her? I'm sure she would be so thrilled!" She smiled brightly at her son. He never seemed to stop growing, he was one of her tallest boys. "Now come on," she said, "We're going to be late."

Ron was ready to go in about ten minutes.

"Ginny, it's beautiful."

"It is isn't it?" She looked down at the engagement ring on her hand. Harry sure did have good taste. "But...he spent so much on it."

"Oh, you're not going to start complaining because of that, are you?"

"No...." Ginny said defiantly.

Hermione rolled her eyes. Her friend's pride sure was big. "Well, come on, then, we have a wedding rehearsal to get to....yours."

"So, why do you want to marry my sister?"

"I love her," Harry answered as though it were the most obvious thing in the world.

"Right, right, yeah....but why Ginny? I mean...bah!" George said in a teasing voice.

"I heard that!" Ginny called from across the room.

"Hahahaha I know!" George laughed.

"Okay, one more time from the top!" The wizard conducting the 'ceremony' called out.

"I'm still not seeing it," George repeated for the umpteenth time.

"Shut up!" Ginny cracked, "Why is it so hard to believe that I am going to be getting married soon?"

"Umm....because...you're my little sister, Gin. I just don't believe how quickly time has come at us. Not that I'm not happy for you. Marraige rocks!" He looked playfully at Angelina, "Right, Angel?"

"Stop teasing your sister, George. What about you Ron? Hermione? You two haven't said much. Is there going to be another proposal coming soon?"

Ron and Hermione looked at each other and blushed deeply. They looked away quickly, neither of them said anything.

"Yeah, little brother? Are you two getting serious or what?"

"Or what?" Ron answered, still slightly red.

"Geez. I still can't believe how much can happen and how fast."

"Uh, Georgie. You said that already..." Angelina pointed out.

"I know..." He remained quiet for a while, "I wish Fred could be here..." He said sadly.

"We all do."

The day had gone by quickly, George and Angelina had already gone back to Diagon Alley. Harry had bowed out early, with the excuse that he had some things to take care of at Grimmauld Place.

Only Hermione was still at the Weasley's. "You're welcome to stay the night dear." Molly had offered, "You can sleep in Percy's old room."

"No thanks." she said meekly, "I wouldn't want to intrude. I should be heading home right about now anyway, my parents must be worried sick."

"Alright then hun, see you tomorrow."

"Right, bye."
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Hey guys, I know this was sort of short. Sorry it took so long to update, been busy...and I've been doing quite a lot. So? What'd you think? As you know, feedback is much appreciated.

In two days time, Ginny and Harry's wedding would take place at The Burrow. Molly and the rest of the Weasleys were busy getting the large garden ready. This of course included de-gnoming it. “Ron, be a dear and come help with the de-gnoming.” Molly asked him on his way out of the house.

“But mom, I was going to go see Hermione.”

Molly smiled, after all he wouldn’t normally have used this excuse. “She can wait dear, and we really need to get the house ready for your sister's wedding.” She pointed out, “Besides, she said she might come by later to help.”

“But…oh fine, I’ll help.”

What he couldn't understand, though was why Hermione would want to. After all, it wasn't her obligation to help. She didn't have to help...not really. But as long as there was a chance that she might come...he might as well make himself useful while he waited.

Hermione was almost as excited as Ginny was for her wedding. She couldn’t help it; her friend’s enthusiasm was contagious. “Oh, Ginny that’s perfect, it’s not too simple and yet it still is. You look great!”

The two were at Diagon Alley, where Ginny was being fitted for her wedding dress. The gown itself was as Hermione had said, simple but not too simple. It was long, white, and flowed down easily from her shoulders. The dress had a flattering neckline, and it seemed to glow when Ginny walked.

Hermione had indeed come around later.

He had almost forgotten how much he enjoyed being with her. They had been up and down all day, doing a wide number of random tasks around the Burrow in preparation for the big day. Currently they were out in the large field that the Weasleys had used for quidditch back when they were still kids at Hogwarts.

Now, it was being decorated for the upcoming ceremony. Ron and Hermione were busy streaming shining red and gold ribbons around the assortment of tall trees in the clearing with their wands.

“That looks great Hermione.” He complimented her.

“Thanks,” she beamed, and then after some thought. “You know, this reminds me of Fleur and Bill’s wedding. Remember?”

“Yeah…” Ron replied thoughtfully. He remembered it had been a nice-enough wedding, but the celebration had been brought to a halt when a Patronus with an urgent message had interrupted the proceedings. It had been back in those times when Voldemort was still around; when he and Hermione had skipped school to help Harry on his quest to defeat him.

A sudden thought came to him. Unexpected. “Hermione?”

“Hmm?”

“If you and I maybe I don’t know. I mean, if I was to…you know…”

“What is it, Ron? What are you trying to say?” She encouraged.

“Well, erm, if I don’t know, say, I was to ask you a certain question. What would you say?”

“That would depend on what the question was.” Hermione answered, having completely stopped winding ribbon on the trees and now waiting to see what it was exactly that Ron was talking about. She had her suspicions, but this was after all, Ron…he wouldn’t ask her that question…would he?

“Suppose, just say, maybe you and I could, I don’t know…get m-m-married.” He had a hard time getting the last word out. So, she couldn’t be sure she’d understood correctly.

“Ron. Are you saying—what I think you’re saying?”

“Ummm…I think so…” He muttered, then in a burst of courage—“Hermione, do you want to marry me?”

Her response was short. Simple. And also the slightest bit ironic…considering where they were standing; right there under the arch where Harry and Ginny would say those very words, she said: “I do.”
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I know this was very short but even so, I hope you guys enjoyed it. And as always I'd love your feedback.

The wedding was only one day away now, but she wasn't nervous. She knew that he loved her; or for what other reason would he have asked her to marry him? No. She wasn't nervous at all. They both loved each other. She couldn't wait for her wedding day. Ron and Hermione had done a great job on the decorating. Everything looked...magical. Ginny smiled, tomorrow would be perfect.

"What are you doing?"

"Oh, Harry, you startled me," she said, "I was just...thinking." She smiled.

"Yeah?" He asked, wrapping his arms around her, "About what?"

"About tomorrow," she replied, smiling again. She seemed to be smiling a lot since Harry's proposal in Hogsmeade.

"What's so special about tomorrow?" Harry asked.

She looked at him quizzically and said, "Tomorrow," she explained half-seriously, "you and a certain red-headed girl are getting married."

"Really?" Harry asked overly enthusiastically, "A red-head huh? I like red-heads."

"You're not having second thoughts now are you?" She looked up at him.

"You know, I might be, but that is only because I think I just found another red-head, what do you say you and me get married tomorrow."

"Deal." She laughed, then asked a little more seriously "Do you think Ron will ever get around to asking her?"

"I don't know," Harry said, "Let's hope. They deserve to be happy together. Like us."


"Hermione,"

"Hmm?"

"Do you think we should tell them?"

She opened her eyes slowly and sat up. "You mean about..."

"Yeah." He answered, propping his head up on his hands.

"I don't know. Maybe we should wait, you know, keep it our little secret for a little bit longer. We could wait until tomorrow...let your sister have her moment to shine. It's her special moment and she deserves to be happy with Harry."

"I guess so. Yeah, I like the idea of having a secret. It will make it that much better when we tell everyone."

"Ron?"

"Yeah?"

"I love you."

"...yeah..."

"I can't wait for your sister's wedding tomorrow, George," said Angelina excitedly.

"I can." he answered.

"I love weddings!" A dreamy look came over her, "Remember ours?" she asked.

George stopped what he was doing to answer, "uh...sure," he started hesitantly, "Of course I remember Angel, how could I forget?"

"Wasn't it wonderful,"

"Well, I don't know about wonderful," he said slowly, "but it was full of wonder."

"Oh, George, you and your jokes."

"Hey, my jokes are what made you say 'I do', remember."

"I do." she replied. They both laughed.

"I am about done here, so, what do you say we...."

"Do you think Ron will ever get around to asking Hermione to...."

"Angel, if Ron's love life was my business, do you think I would be as successful as I am now? Of course not, besides, I think he has asked her, but you know Ron, if he has, he would never tell me. Now, what do you say we go...."

"They're meant for each other." she sighed.

"Okay, last call for The Burrow." George said imitating a train engineer. "All aboard!"

"Great idea, Georgie; we should go pay Gin a visit. Tomorrow's her wedding day, after all."

"Gee, I wonder why I didn't think of that!" said George sarcastically, but laughing good-humoredly. "Come on!"

When they arrived, George and Angelina found Ginny and Harry in the garden. "Hey, you two." George greeted them.

"Angie! George! Hey!" Ginny said happily, pulling away from Harry to greet her brother and her sister-in-law, soon to be bridesmaid. "How are you guys?" Ginny and Angelina soon disappeared into a conversation about the wedding.

"Alright there, Harry?"

"Hey, George, how's it going?"

"I came to offer you some advice on the happiest day of your life."

"George, you are aware that the wedding is tomorrow; right?"

"That's precisely why," George smiled , "I just wanted to make sure you know what you're getting into. You are marrying my sister after all," he continued.

"So what's the advice?"

"Make her happy."

"That's it?" Harry asked, puzzled.

"That's the gist of it, yeah. But no, that is not 'it'. The thing is Harry, marriage is a serious business. You don't get married to just anybody...you have to..." he was interupted by Ron and Hermione's sudden arrival. "Oh, hey little big brother," said George looking up at Ron. "Have you gotten taller?"

"I hope not," answered Ron. Hermione went over to where Ginny and Angelina were still chatting away.

"So, what are you guys talking about?"

"I was just giving our pal Harry here some marraige advice."

"Marriage advice? From you? That's a good one George!"

"Oh, shut up!" He said. "It would do you some good to hear what I have to say, it might help you someday when you get married." He continued seriously, a tone he seldom used when speaking to his brother.

Ron blushed slightly, thinking about his and Hermione's 'little secret' and smiling a little at the thought. "Alright, let's hear it then."

"As I was saying, you don't marry just anybody. Marriage happens between two people. It isn't just about how you feel. You don't just pick someone to spend your life with out of the clear blue sky. She has to be the right someone--and you have to be right for her--she has to be the girl who can make you laugh, make you cry, make you feel. And...you've got to love her, you have to make her feel like the most important person on earth. You have to find little ways to show her--not just tell her--that you love her.

You have to wake up every morning thinking about her. She becomes your world. And everything you do, every time you want to say something, you stop and think about how it would make her feel. You find yourself finding reasons to make her love you." He looked at Angelina, "You find ways to make her laugh, because her smile is the sun that rises for you every time you see it. So, whoever you choose....make her happy. Got it?"

Harry nodded.

"Ron?

He didn't hear them calling him, he was thinking about Hermione. He watched her smiling and laughing with Ginny and Angelina. She had a beautiful smile. It was perfect. She was perfect. There was not the least bit of doubt in his heart...he had to make her happy.

He loved her.
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Hey guys sorry about the long wait, I had been meaning to post this for a while but I was a little busy with some other stuff. I hope you liked it. Feedback would be great.

"Ladies and Gentlemen!" The scruffy-haired, rather old wizard called out. "If I could have your attention please!"

Ron tugged at his dress-robes. He didn't know why Harry had chosen him to be his best man. Sure they were friends, but this thing was itchy. It was torturing him, but he had promised not to back out. He could have, Harry had given him that choice, George would have been his replacement. But somehow he felt that even though Harry had not seemed like it, he needed his best friend to support him with this.

It was hot out in the Burrow's spacious orchard, even with all the beautifully decorated trees that he and Hermione had prepared giving them shade. He looked at Harry. "You nervous?" he asked the groom.

"A little." said Harry honestly. "I just can't believe this is really happening. I'm really getting married."

"Well believe it." said Ron, nothing like a little reality check to put things in perspective. "You're getting married."

"Ladies and Gentlemen, please." The small wizrd called out again. He leaned toward Harry, "Are you ready, young man?"

Harry cleared his throat, "Yes sir."

It was perfect. Ginny regretted only that Fred could not see her. She was glowing, and he would have happily made a mockery of that. She watched as George escorted the last of the guests to their seats. This was it. She was getting married today. Today.

"Ginny." Hermione called, pulling her out of her thoughts. "They're ready for you."

Ginny took a deep breath. "Here I go."

All eyes were on Ginny. Angelina and Hermione had already taken their places and were waiting for her. Harry looked jumpy. She chuckled silently to herself. He was more nervous than she was. Only he didn't hide it so well. Ron looked genuinely uncomfortable in his black dress robes. Admittedly that had been bad planning. The weather was scorching, Ron must be sweating bucketloads and cursing Ginny's style choices. That image merited another chuckle.

She reached the arch, entwined with vines and bright golden yellow roses. She gave Harry a meaningful look and then faced the scruffy wizard.

Hermione was a vision. Ron couldn't stop looking at her. She caught his eye and smiled, then turned her attention back to her friend. Ron faintly heard Harry say 'I do'. Then it was his sister's turn. He was grateful that Ginny's vows weren't quite as long as Harry's had been, she had always been direct and quick to get to the point.

"I now declare you bonded for life." The small wizard raised his wand over Harry and Ginny's heads and gold sparks shot out of it and wrapped themselves in delicate coils around the new couple.

"Ladies and Gentlemen. Please stand." The guests rose as one, and moved to the side of the orchard that was not covered with benches and chairs as the old wizard waved his wand again. The benches and chairs vanished in a cloud of silver and ruby dust, as they were replaced by tables and a large marble dance floor.

The band started to play, and waiters began to appear left and right carrying drinks and scrumptious-smelling plates of food. Ron went over to Hermione.

"I'm tired." he said.

She laughed, "You're just hungry, and cranky because of that black suit. Come here." She led him to an empty table. She fixed his suit so it wasn't quite so itchy anymore and then grabbed them each a treacle tart and some firewhiskey.

"That's better," he admitted, leaning back in his chair.

She sat down in the seat across from him. "Do you think we should go congratulate them?" she asked, taking a sip of her drink.

"Hermione, there'll be plenty of time for that later, let the guests enjoy them first. We can congratulate them anytime, I live with her, remember?"

"Actually," she began.

"What?"

"After today, she's moving to Grimmauld Place. Didn't Harry tell you?"

Ron choked on his treacle tart. He coughed, "What?! She's moving in...I mean, marraige, yeah, I get it. But this is too much."

Hermione rolled her eyes, this kind of overreaction was typical of Ron. "Ron." She said, "We're not kids anymore. She's married now, she's Ginevra Molly Potter, not little Ginny Weasley. She's always going to be your sister, but you can't baby her."

Ron took a drink of his firewhiskey, "Yeah, okay. But, she could have warned me."

A very flustered George and Angelina joined them later. They had obviously been dancing...a lot. George grabbed a glass of water from a passing waiter's tray. "Can you believe it, Ron?" he asked, draining almost half of his glass in one drink.

"Thirsty?" Angelina asked, laughing.

"Ahh. Yeah. Fred would love this. Has Ginny come by yet?"

"Not yet. My guess is she's still out there dancing with Harry." Hermione answered.

"How come you two aren't dancing?" Angelina asked.

"Oh, you know Ron. We've danced a couple of times, but he gets tired so easily."

"Hermione!" a voice called out. At first she couldn't make out who was calling her. "Luna? Neville? Oh my gosh! How are you guys?"

A while later it was time for the toasts. Ron was grumpy again. He didn't want to say anything and yet he had to. "Alright. Listen up everybody." he called. "Harry and I have been friends since we bumped into each other on the Hogwarts Express. I never suspected that he would end up falling for my sister, or that I would be the best man at their wedding. But they really do seem to love each other. And I'm glad that Harry is my new brother-in-law and not some other...well. Cheers!"

Everyone laughed at Ron's ambiguous wrap-up. He was about to sit back down but then something occured to him, "Wait. Everyone, wait. I have something else I really have to say." He held up his hands for silence.

He looked at Hermione sitting in the chair to Ginny's right, watching him eagerly. He smiled mysteriously. "I know you've all been waiting for this," he grinned. He walked over to where Hermione was sitting and met her eyes.

"Hermione," he got down on one knee and pulled out a small, white wrapped box from an inside pocket of his robes, "We were best friends for a long time before I realized that I loved you. I got so jealous of any other guy that happened to talk to you. And I don't know how many times you had to do or say something to point that out to me," he smiled, "And now, I want you to be more than just my best friend. Hermione Jean Granger, would you do me the honor of becoming Hermione Jean Weasley?"
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YAY! Update! I really tried my best. I've never written a wedding before, so I hope I did okay. Sorry to leave you hanging. Of course we all know she's going to say yes. Don't forget to leave feedback. Your comments really would help. I'm almost done. Just another couple of chapters left.

Don't cry. Don't cry. Hermione coached herself. Don't do it! She realized everyone was still waiting for her to say something. Oh, she thought, they're all waiting for me. But what am I going to say? As she debated inwardly with herself, another thought pushed its way in, Say yes! Do it!

Finally, she spoke. "Ron, I...I don't know what to say. You didn't have to..." Why are you crying? Stop it! At a loss for words she just nodded. "Yes, Ron. It would be an honor to me to marry you. I love you, Ronald Weasley." He grinned, and disregarding everything, he kissed her. She laughed through her tears. Why am I laughing? What's so funny? But at that point, she didn't much care.

George wolf-whistled. "Wooooooo! Go Ron! Yeah!" Angelina shoved him, "George! It's his moment. Don't ruin it for him!" but she was laughing, too.

Ginny gave Hermione a thumbs up and laughed remembering the time Ron had kissed Lavender Brown in the Gryffindor common room, back when she had commented that Ron looked 'like he's eating her face.' She turned to see Harry's reaction, he was smiling and mouthing 'Way to go!'.

It was a happy moment for Mrs. Weasley as well, she was crying and laughing and trying to find words. "Oh, Ron....my son is getting...oh. Arthur, can you believe it?"

Everyone was congratulating them. Ginny joked, "Wow, it's almost as if my brother's the one who got married today."

Harry laughed. "Yeah well, everyone already knew you and I were going to end up together. For Ron, well we all sort of...hoped."

After the excitement had settled a little, Harry and Ginny said goodbye to the remaining wedding guests. When most everyone had gone home, George and Angelina came over to Ron, Harry, Hermione and Ginny.

"Man, Ron! You really know how to steal the show, eh? How long had you been sitting on that proposal anyway?"

Ron grinned, "I'll never tell," he said.

"So," asked Angelina, "are we invited?"

Hermione blushed. George saved her from having to answer. "Angel. It took the boy about three years to propose. Don't ruin it!"

"Haha, oops. Well I won't jinx it." She laughed, "Good luck you guys. Harry, Ginny, congratulations again." She hugged them each individually and then together. "Well, Georgie, should we head home now?"

"Yeah, yeah, sure. Let's leave these four to it."

The friends laughed at George's hurried goodbye. And then Angelina and he disappeared with a pop!.

"Well, we had better get going too." Harry said, "Have to get Ginny all settled in. Gin, why don't you go send your stuff to Grimmauld Place, I want to talk to Ron and Hermione."

"Okay, Harry." Ginny had already sent her things off earlier in the day. But she knew Harry knew that. He just wanted to be alone with his friends, she would respect that. She headed into the house to help her mother with the clean up.

Harry sighed, "Well, guys, I'm happy for you. The three of us have been friends for a long time. A really long time. Ten years. Ron; you and Hermione, you guys I think were what made us friends. I'm glad you guys stayed friends with me even though..."

Ron cut him off, "Harry, relax. What are you trying to say?"

Harry chuckled nervously, "Okay, so. The point is...you two. Well I think it's been pretty obvious what was happening with the two of you. I think as soon as you met, something between you sort of clicked. You instantly fit together. Whoa. At first I thought that you guys were just really good friends. And you are...to me. But to each other....it's something else entirely. I guess what I'm trying to say is, you belong together. And I hope we'll always be friends."

Hermione spoke, "Harry of course we will. It's thanks to you that Ron and I stayed friends. I think, well...we need each other. We're a team. And we're always going to be friends...just with a few...differences."

"Yeah, well, congratulations." He cleared his throat, "hmm, well, I-uh, Ginny's probably waiting for me, so....good night guys."

"See you around, Harry."
---
Short. I know. And sorry it took so long to post. I've been so crazy busy. Well, I hope you guys liked it. One More Chappie! Ack! I can't believe it's almost over ... ...
Don't forget the feedback!

It's taking me longer than I expected it would to write the final chapter, but please try to be patient, it's difficult with all the homework that I am getting. I will try my very hardest to get the last installment written; and try post it sometime next week....I'm hoping to get time to do it this weekend, but we'll see. Don't lose hope! It's a happy ending.

-Karina

On the day of Harry and Ginny’s wedding, Bob and Jean Granger were discussing their daughter’s happiness. Hermione had told them that she would be visiting some friends; later she wondered why she hadn’t invited her parents to come along. It could have been that, since their memories had been recently restored, they were still fairly new to the magical world. When Hermione got home from the wedding, her parents were still talking about her and “that nice boy, what’s his name…Ronald.”

“I wonder why she doesn’t bring him by more often. They do seem so happy together.”

“Yes, he seems like such a nice boy, what’s his name…Ronald.”

“Ronald. I wonder, Jean…do you think they’ll get married?”

“Oh, that would be grand! Wouldn’t it Bob? It would just make my day to see our daughter so happy. And she does look happier doesn’t she?”

Just then the door swung open. The Grangers heard muffled voices in the driveway and then their daughter walked into the living room. She was flushed, she certainly seemed to be radiating happiness.

“Hey mom, dad, I’m back.”

“Oh, Hermione, we were just talking about you. Did you have fun with your friends?”

“Yeah. So…what were you guys talking about?” she asked, trying to sound nonchalant—as if she really didn’t know the answer. She had told Ron to wait in the car while she got her parents ready for the news.

“Sweetie, we were just discussing how nice it would be if you would bring that nice boy over more often. You two really seem to enjoy each other and we’d very much like to get to know him better. Your mother and I want you to be happy.”

“Yes,” Mrs. Granger agreed, “How is he?”

“Well, he’s; he’s good, I suppose.” Hermione smiled, “Mom?”

“Yes, dear; what is it?”

“You know how I said this morning that I was going out with some friends of mine?”

“Yes.”

“And you remember when I was at school and we had Ginny over a few times during the summer?”

Jean nodded, unsure of what her daughter was trying to say.

“Well, she got married today. That’s where I was…at the wedding.”

“Oh, Ginny got married?” Jean asked, not seeming at all to mind that she and her husband had not been invited to come along.

“Yes, to Harry Potter.”

“Good for them. But, uh, what does this have to do with what we were talking about…with you?”

“Well, heh,” she started hesitantly, “’That nice boy’ and I, we’re…engaged.”

“Oh, honey, we’re so happy for you! When did he…”

“Just a second, mom,” Hermione cut her off politely. She ran to the door.

He was nervous, who wouldn’t be? He’d just proposed to Hermione in front of his own parents and now he had to tell her parents too. When it had been just Hermione and him, it had been so easy. They were in love and now, soon, they would be getting married. Just as he was about to grab his seventh mint—Hermione’s mom insisted that she keep them in the car, though when she had explained this to Ron, he found it confusing. After all what purpose did mints have in a car anyway?—he heard Hermione calling him.

“Ron!” she sounded excited, this was good. This meant that her parents had taken it well; or she hadn’t told them yet. Oh, he was so nervous! He went ahead and took that seventh mint. He started fiddling with the wrapper—another thing he didn’t understand, who’s idea was it to wrap each mint in its own individual casing anyway? Did the plastic wrappers somehow preserve the flavor?

“Ron,” he heard her call again, this time closer; then he realized she was standing right in front of the car door. He opened it and stepped outside.

“How’d it go?” he asked.

She grinned mysteriously and grabbed his hand, “You’ll see,” she said. “Come on!”

“Where did she run off to now?” Bob said, laughing good-naturedly.

“Here she comes! But…who’s that with her…oh! Bob! He’s here!”

“Who’s here?”

“Him! Ronald! She’s brought him home with her!”

Ron and Hermione came in just then. “Well, mom, he’s here!” Hermione said with the same excited tone with which her mother had made the announcement to Mr. Granger only a minute ago.

As always, Jean had to take a few steps back whenever she saw Ron…he was so tall! “Your father and I are so happy for you two,” she told her daughter’s fiancé, “Isn’t that right, Bob?”

Mr. Granger tried to appear serious, “Young man,” he said, “you’ve made our daughter very happy. Mind you take care of her.”

“I intend to,” Ron cleared his throat, why was he so nervous? “Sir,” he added.

“Please, call me Bob. Or…if you want to be really formal,” he joked, “Dr. Granger.”

Ron nodded hesitantly, “Sure.”

“Ho, ho. Seriously, now; just keep her happy,” he pointed to Hermione, “I don’t care what you call me.”

“I will keep her happy.” Ron stated, this time he sounded sure of himself. Of course he did, he loved Hermione. He wrapped an arm protectively around his bride-to-be. He’d keep her safe. And they would be happy.

Hermione’s dress was beautiful. It was simple yet elegant; it had an off-the-shoulder net top, and it was decorated with embroidery and delicate beading along the neckline. She was wearing a diamond necklace that her mother had given to her as a wedding present.

Mrs. Granger had inherited it from her mother when she got married and now it would belong to Hermione so that she could hand it down to her daughter if she ever had one. Hermione and her mom had spent hours trying to decide what to do with her hair. They had finally settled on wearing it straight in a loose up-do with a few light strands of hair falling over her shoulders.

The entire process had taken most of the morning. But it had definitely paid off. Ginny and Angelina were the bridesmaids, of course.

“Hermione! You look amazing!” Angelina said.

“Wow!” teased Ginny, “I almost didn’t recognize you. You’re glowing so brightly. I wonder why though. I mean, it is just Ron after all.”

“Oh Gin,” Angelina laughed, “if only George could hear you tease your brother. Honestly, I think he would actually say he was proud of you.”

“And I am,” said a voice that sounded a lot like George Weasley.

“Speak of the husband…” joked Angelina, “Georgie, you know you’re not supposed to be here, that’s cheating!”

“No, it’s only cheating if Ron sees her.”

“How do we know you won’t go tell Ron how she looks? Now go, shoo. We’ll be down soon.”

The wedding was perfect. The Grangers really enjoyed the idea of it being a “magical” wedding—literally. They were excited to experience a wedding in the magical world, having only ever known of the muggle ceremonies.

“Hermione, you look....er, you look great.” Harry commented when the girls came out to where their friends were gathered.

“Thanks, Harry. I feel great.”

“This is it! Good luck, Hermione; we’ll be waiting.” Ginny and Angelina took their places in front of Hermione as the music started—Mr. and Mrs. Granger had talked with Molly and Arthur and they had mutually decided to combine aspects from both worlds for their children’s wedding.

As she was walking down the aisle, Hermione felt a lot of different things, and she thought about a lot, too. She remembered when Ron, Harry and she had first met. On the Hogwarts Express; they hadn’t talked much, but after the encounter with that troll, the trio’s friendship had become solid. And Ron and Hermione had grown closer over the years, it was incredible. She was getting married. To Ron. Right now.

She arrived at her place beside Ron. “Hi,” she smiled.

“Hi back,” Ron whispered to her, “You look perfect.”

“We are gathered here today to join this witch and this wizard in…..”

“I love you, Ronald Weasley.” Hermione whispered.

“I now declare you bonded for life.”

“I love you, too.”
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And that's the end! Yay! It's finally posted! Don't forget to leave some feedback, hope you loved it!