Synopsis: What do you do when you discover you're in-love with your best friend, and he's married to someone else?
Disclaimer: Harry and the gang are the property of JK Rowling. Only the plot line and a few minor characters belong to me.
AN: This charming little bunny popped out of no where. I hope you enjoy it!
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Chapter I: The Wedding
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"And so," Ron concluded, a wide grin on his face. "I would like to congratulate you on getting the most beautiful girl in the world to agree to marry you."
A few of the guests tittered. Harry was grinning like a lunatic. He winked at Hermione, who simply smiled back at him.
"Let's all raise our glasses: to Harry and Ginny!" Ron shouted.
"Harry and Ginny!" the assembled crowd repeated, and everyone took sips from their glasses of champagne.
Molly and Arthur Weasley immediately raced up to hug their daughter and new son-in-law. Hermione stood at a distance, waiting for the crowd around the newly married couple in thin out. Finally, Lavender led Ginny off to meet Seamus' parents, and Hermione was able to make her way toward Harry.
"Congratulations!" she cried, giving Harry a big hug. "I was terribly afraid that you would back out at the last minute."
"Nah." Harry chuckled. "I'd never do that. Gin is just so… but, anyway; it was wonderful of you to come Mione. We haven't seen you very much these last couple years."
"Yes, well, I wanted to get settled at the Union before I came back to England for a visit. You wouldn't believe how many problems the Wizarding Community in New York has. Why, just last week, we had a woman bring her half dozen owls on the subway! When one of them escaped, she went after it, casting spells every which way. We had quite a time altering memories." She shook her head.
"I still can't understand why you took a plane!" Harry said, accusingly. "You could have apperated, or gotten a portkey set up."
"Are you kidding? I wouldn't trust the Ministry these days for any amount of galleons! After the stunt they pulled at my S.P.E.W. rally last month. And honestly Harry. Have you ever attempted trans-Atlantic apperation? That's a splinch waiting to happen!"
"I only meant… that it really means a lot to me to have you here today." Harry wrapped her in a tight hug.
"Honestly Harry!" Hermione complained, smoothing her skirt, and checking to see that her hair was still in its chignon. "What will people think?"
"They'll think that I'm showing affection for a dear friend that I haven't seen for months." Harry replied. "I do miss you Mione." He said, more quietly.
"Oh, Harry… I miss you too. And Ron, and the Weasleys. But, I think it's better for me in New York."
"So… you wouldn't ever come back? To live?"
"I don't think so." Hermione shook her head. "Well, I must be off now. I've got to pack, and make a few calls to the office. My plane leaves tomorrow morning at seven."
"But you just got here!" Harry complained. "I've barely gotten to see you at all!"
Harry… you've just gotten married. You'll be leaving for your honeymoon in a few hours. Spending time with me should be the last thing on your mind."
"There you are!" Ginny called. "She came through the crowd, dragging Ron behind her. Harry dear," she said, shooting Hermione a semi-dirty look. "My grandparents would like to meet you. I'm sure Hermione will understand. Ron," dragging him forward. "Why don't you ask Hermione to dance?"
Ron rolled his eyes, but held out a hand to Hermione. "May I have the honor of this dance Ms. Granger?"
Hermione giggled. "It would be my honor Mr. Weasley." With a last wave at Harry, as Ginny pulled him off, Hermione allowed Ron to lead her onto the floor."
"That Gin… always trying to play matchmaker. You'd think she'd have given up by now."
"Oh, not Ginny. She and your Mum still harbor hope that we'll 'get over our past differences' and start dating again."
"Well, it was fun while it lasted." Ron said with a chuckle.
Ron and Hermione had dated for a few months during their sixth year. Their fist kiss however, had shown them that they weren't meant to be anything more than friends. "Yes… it was rather fun." Hermione said fondly. "I must say though… I don't think we ever argued more in our lives."
Ron laughed. "Yeah, I remember the time I started yelling about the elf hats you wanted me to knit."
"And you threw the needles in the fire." Hermione added.
"Yeah! If Harry hadn't been there to stop us, there might have been a colossal row!"
"Yes… Harry always was the peacemaker…" Hermione sighed.
"Mione…" Ron said slowly. "What did happen between you and Harry? One minute you two were so happy, and the next, you were barely speaking to each other."
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"I can't believe it Harry! I turn my back for one minute, and you're off snogging some Hufflepuff in the broom cupboard!"
"Mione I'm sorry! It was a mistake. It will never happen again I swear."
"Yes, Harry, you always promise, and you always do it again! I just can't trust you!"
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Hermione opened her eyes. "Oh, we just had too many differences Ron. It never would have worked out."
"Mione, you two dated for over a year! You were the perfect couple! You two were voted most likely to get married after Hogwarts!"
"Really?" asked Hermione, to whom this information was new. "Where there any bets?"
"Yeah! Dean bet ten galleons that-now wait a minute! Don't try to change the subject! You had feelings for Harry, I know you did!"
"I'm not denying it Ron."
"Do you have feelings for him still?"
"What does that matter?" Hermione said, slightly irritated. "He's a married man now, and off limits to me."
"I did wonder about that."
"Oh?"
"Yeah… you wouldn't have let Harry get married if you were still in-love with him… no woman in her right mind would."
"Well, that answers your question then, doesn't it?" snapped Hermione.
"Mione… do you still love Harry?"
The song was over, and Hermione and Ron were left standing in the middle of the dance floor. "They're leaving!" Angelina called, suddenly. "Harry and Ginny are leaving now!"
Ron and Hermione were pushed forward by the mass of well-wishers wanting to say goodbye to the bride and groom. Amid a shower of rice, Harry and Ginny ran down the walkway, to Harry's waiting broom. He hopped on, and Ginny sat behind him, her arms around his waist. They waved happily, and Harry caught Hermione's eye. His smile faltered for a moment, and something like regret was reflected in his eyes. But the next moment, he was kicking off from the ground, and Hermione waved along with the others as Harry and Ginny disappeared into the night sky.
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AN: Reviewing is good for the soul : )