Chapter 3
"Bloody hell, Harry," Ron said in exasperation. "Where've you been, mate? I've been looking all over for you."
Uh…trying to have a quick shag with our best friend? Harry thought, smiling inwardly. "Just went for a walk. Why? What's going on?" he asked curiously, glancing around the room for signs of trouble.
Ron smiled sheepishly, "Nothing. Just nervous," he mumbled feeling slightly embarrassed.
Harry put a hand on his shoulder. "It's alright mate," he said trying to sound comforting. "You and Luna are MFEO. You got nothing to worry about."
Ron looked at him as though he'd gone mad. Harry began to laugh. "Harry?"
"Yeah, Ron," he said, trying to sound casual although he knew what was coming. Harry was trying to distract him from his nervousness-it appeared as though it was working.
"What the bloody hell is MFEO?"
"Nothing, Ron," he said evasively. "Just something I saw in a movie once. Something Hermione made me watch." The mere mention of her name was distracting and Ron had to call to him a few times before he finally realized Ron was talking at all. "Sorry, Ron," he said, shaking his head to clear away the vivid images of what had almost happened in Snape's office. "Did you say something?"
"Lost you there for a minute," Ron said looking at him closely. "Where'd you go?"
"Oh, um, nowhere," Harry replied quickly. Gotta be more careful there, Potter! His inner voice reprimanded. "What were we talking about again?"
"I don't know," Ron said cautiously, still trying to determine what was going on with his best friend. "You said something about OMFE or EFOM or something."
Harry laughed. "Oh yeah," he chuckled, "MFEO."
"So?" Ron said circling with his hand, encouraging him to continue.
"So, what?" Harry asked, once again trying to contain the laughter that was just on the brink of breaking through.
"Harry, you're a prat!" Ron spat. "Tell me what the bloody hell EMFO stands for before I kick your little boy-who-lived arse."
"It's MF…"
"I don't care about the letters," Ron practically yelled. "Tell me what the hell it means. And stop laughing at me."
"All right, all right," Harry said calmingly. "It's no big deal. It's MFEO. It means Made For Each Other."
Ron gave him an odd, furtive sort of look and started laughing. "You mean to tell me you remember that?" he asked, beginning to laugh harder. "What kind of movie was it anyway?"
"A chick flick," Harry said laughing with him. "A girl movie."
Ron looked at him knowingly. "But you liked it, didn't you?"
Harry chuckled nervously and raked his hand through his hair before answering. "Well, yeah, guess you could say," he stammered, "yeah…pretty much."
"What has she done to you, mate?" Ron asked slowly, curiously.
Harry looked at him sharply. "Who?"
"Our best friend," Ron replied, once again watching him curiously. "Who else?"
"Whaddya mean, 'what's she done to you'?"
Ron shrugged. "I don't know, Harry," he replied honestly. "There's just something different about you, that's all."
Harry sunk down into a chair and stared at the floor, a smile lingered on his lips as he thought about some of the things she'd done to him in the last week…
She'd opened his eyes to new possibilities.
She'd opened her heart to him without truly knowing whether or not he'd handle it with care.
She'd taken him to new heights of passion and made his spirit soar.
She'd left herself vulnerable, walking the fine line between love and heartache.
She'd told him she'd known forever that she loved him.
And…she did it all without asking for anything in return.
Harry looked up at Ron with tears shining in the corners of his eyes. He removed his glasses and pressed his thumb and forefinger to his eyes, taking a deep, cleansing breath in the process.
Ron sat in the chair opposite him and leaned forward him with his elbows resting on his knees and his fingers interlaced in between. "What's going on, Harry?" he asked quietly, carefully.
Harry took another deep breath and sighed before putting on his glasses and looking up at his oldest friend. He shook his head slowly and stood up to walk around the chair. "I wish I could tell you, Ron. I really do."
"Then why don't you?" Ron asked as though it were as simple as asking for another chocolate frog.
"I can't," Harry insisted.
"Then tell me why not," Ron said casually.
"Because I don't know," Harry said gruffly.
"You bloody well do know," Ron said loudly, rising from his chair. "You're in love with her, aren't you?" he demanded.
Harry looked at him defiantly, his look crumbling almost immediately when he realized he had no argument. "I don't know what I am, Ron," he said with little conviction as he dropped his head.
"Hey, Weaslebee?" Ron and Harry turned suddenly as the sound of a new voice cut the air.
"What's up, Mal…Draco?" Ron said tightly.
"You're up," Draco replied in his lazy drawl.
Ron took a deep, startled breath. "Bloody hell, it's that time already?"
"Only if you actually plan to go through with this," Draco replied casually.
"Thanks," Ron said looking at Draco. "Tell 'em I'll be there in minute, would ya?"
Draco looked from Ron to Harry and then back again. "Yeah, sure," he said watching at them curiously. "I'll tell them."
"Thanks."
The second the door closed Ron looked at Harry. "You know you're gonna have to face whatever it is one of these days, mate," he said with surprising understanding and maturity. "Better if it's sooner rather than later," he added patting Harry on the back.
Harry nodded. "Yeah, thanks," he replied softly.
"I oughta be thanking you," Ron said laughing. Harry looked at him questioningly. "Did a right fine job of taking my mind off things, Harry. I appreciate that."
"Yeah, sure, anytime," Harry said, laughing with him. "What's a best man for, if not to take your mind off things for a spell?"
Ron laughed again. "Let's go," he said throwing his arm around Harry's shoulder and leading them both toward the door. "And just so you know," he said, stopping briefly to look at Harry, "this ain't over by a long shot."
Harry nodded. "Didn't think so, mate," he said laughing. "Now let's get out there."
***********************************************
Damn she's beautiful.
Why does he have to look so handsome standing there?
I just want to grab her and never let her go.
I just want him to take me in his arms and never let me go.
"Harry. Hermione," Ron called sharply.
"What?" they answered together. Both sounding equally guilty and equally confused about what was happening around them.
"It's time to get ready to walk down the aisle," Ron said abruptly. "Harry, you have to walk with Ginny, remember?"
"Oh, yeah, right," Harry stammered as he tried to clear away his thoughts of Hermione. "I'm ready."
Ron nodded and turned his gaze to Hermione whose cheeks were glowing from embarrassment. "You're supposed to be ready to go with Charlie," he said, sounding as though he was scolding a young child caught with her hand in the cookie jar.
"All right, Ron, relax," she shot back defensively. "I'm ready."
"And aren't you supposed to be up there already or something?" Harry asked him.
"Yeah, sure, turn it around on me," Ron replied tersely. "I'm going."
Hermione walked over to him and gave him a hug. "You know we love you, Ron. We're here for you, honestly we are."
"I know, Hermione," Ron acquiesced. "Just bear with me. I'm a little nervous right now. Luna would kill me if I didn't at least have you lot ready to go."
Harry walked over and put his arms around both his friends. "No one's going to die today, Ron. Get on up there. The rest of us can handle this."
Without realizing it, Harry and Hermione both let go of Ron but held on to each other. Ron glanced at them momentarily before Charlie ushered him out the door. "Go on, little brother," he said affectionately. "I'll take care of this lot, you just get up there. If Luna beats you down the aisle, mum'll kill you."
The four of them laughed and Ron visibly relaxed before he headed through the double doors and down the aisle to stand before Dumbledore, who was presiding over the ceremony.
In the corridor outside the Great Hall, Harry lined up with Ginny while Hermione lined up behind them with Charlie. He turned one last time to look at her and saw that she was looking up at Charlie and laughing. Harry felt the sharp pang of jealousy for just an instant before Hermione turned her attention from Charlie to look at him. The look in her eyes spoke volumes and she winked at him playfully.
What was that all about? he wondered, feeling a little off-kilter and irritated with himself. It's only Charlie.
Someone's got it bad!
Shut it! I don't 'have it bad'. Harry looked at her again, or do I? he began to wonder.
He felt a hand tug on his arm and his attention was drawn by Ginny. "You ready, Harry?" she asked, looking at him curiously.
"Yeah, come on," Harry said, smiling to hide his sudden discomfort. Ginny and Harry walked together towards Ron and Hermione couldn't stop the little twinge of jealousy in the pit of her stomach. Seeing Harry walk down the aisle with someone who wasn't her was tougher than she'd thought it would be.
"Ready?" Charlie asked, breaking her from her reverie.
She shook her head slightly and smiled up at him. "Yes," she said softly, "let's go."
Harry watched them intently as they walked together towards them. He noticed Charlie look up at him curiously and then saw his lips move and Hermione's smile.
"Everything all right, Hermione?" Charlie whispered, leaning as close as he could to her.
"Yes," she replied squeezing his arm and smiling softly. "Thanks, Charlie."
"No problem. You and Harry are part of the family." She looked up at him when he said that and noticed his eyes stray to Harry. When she followed his gaze, the smile fell temporarily from her face. "Don't worry," Charlie murmured. "It'll all work out."
She squeezed his hand and offered him another smile as she took her place near Ginny. Charlie moved to stand next to Harry and he offered Harry a knowing smile. Harry looked slightly taken aback when Charlie looked at Hermione and then back at him with a wink. Harry smiled nervously in return and then looked at Hermione questioningly. She shrugged her shoulders slightly in reply, telling him wordlessly that she had no idea what Charlie thought he knew.
"All right there, Mr. Weasley?" Dumbledore asked. The twinkle in his eyes burning brighter today then anyone had ever seen it.
Ron took a deep breath. "Fine, sir," he replied as he released it. "Or, I will be anyway. As soon as this is over."
Dumbledore smiled at Harry, Hermione, and Ron in turn. "Yes, Mr. Weasley. It would appear as though there are many things here today in need of getting on-or over-with, such as the case may be," he said with a soft chuckle. He turned his attention to Harry and winked at him. Harry turned a light shade of red and swallowed hard. Dumbledore knew everything that went on in the castle, and he always seemed to know exactly where Harry was every time he'd been under his invisibility cloak. Was it possible he somehow saw him and Hermione either on their way to, or inside of, Snape's office?
Harry quickly averted his attention to his pocket, making sure he had Luna's wedding ring. He pulled it from his pocket and caught Ron's eye. He couldn't resist the chuckle when he saw Ron's sudden release of breath. He hadn't realized that Ron had been watching him.
In a matter of moments all eyes were drawn to the faraway end of the midnight blue carpet as music began to fill the Hall. Luna stood with her father, staring longingly at her husband-to-be. Ron's faced was flushed and Harry noticed he was nervously shuffling his feet back and forth as he eagerly awaited her arrival. Harry glanced at Hermione; she was watching Luna intently, a smile brightly lighting her features as a single, silent tear fell slowly down her cheek. His hand twitched and he longed to reach up to brush it away and pull her into his arms.
She turned and looked at him briefly, offering him a warm smile as she rolled her eyes and wiped away her tear. He smiled at her and she returned her attention to Luna, who was slowly making her way up the aisle. Harry followed her gaze and nearly stumbled backward when he saw Hermione walking toward him. She was dressed in a beautiful white wedding gown. Her hair swept up on top of her head, a see-thru veil covering her face. She was breathtaking. Her smile was just for him and he watched eagerly as she approached. His heart did a flip and he suddenly felt nervous. She handed her flowers to one of the other women, then smiled at him and reached her hands forward.
Careful, Harry. That's not Hermione.
Harry caught himself just in time. Just as he was ready to reach out for her, his inner voice-sometimes the voice he was grateful for-stopped him. He shook his head and watched as Ron reached out for Luna's hands and he hugged her to him.
Damn that was close, Harry thought with a relieved sigh.
Yeah, how were planning to explain that one you git?
That's good! Harry silently, albeit abruptly, replied. Thanks, but you can return to silent mode now!
Harry returned his gaze to Hermione, who was watching him intently. He could see in her eyes that she was wondering what was wrong with him. Harry chuckled nervously to himself, not wanting to distract the others around him, and yet unable to control his release. He shrugged his shoulders at her and her eyes narrowed briefly as she watched him. He shook his head just enough for her to understand that everything was fine. Hermione visibly relaxed and smiled at him. She turned to Ginny, whose attention had been on them rather than Ron and Luna, and offered her what she hoped to be, a 'no worries' smile.
What's happening to me? Harry wondered as he continued to watch Hermione. He'd long ago lost track of what was happening with the wedding. For a brief moment he was grateful that Luna wasn't a mind reader or perhaps someone would die today! He swallowed hard and tried to return his focus to the wedding.
Dumbledore looked at Harry. "Do you have the ring?"
"Yes, sir," Harry said on a sigh. Saved again! "I have it right here."
He handed the ring to Dumbledore who held it out in the palm of his hand.
"This ring, a never ending circle, is a symbol of the endless love you enter into as husband and wife. Such a love has no beginning and no ending, no giver nor a receiver. You are each the beginning and the ending, the giver and the receiver…."
Dumbledore's voice droned on and Harry lost himself once again in thoughts of Hermione.
I need to figure this out quickly before I really do something stupid!
Before you do something stupid? Let's see here. You slept with her. You took her to Snape's office for a quickie. You fingered her at a BACHELOR PARTY with all your friends present. You told her you didn't know whether you were in love with her but that you wanted to be.... Shall I go on?
No, I think you've said quite enough. Haven't I already told you to can it?
You're the one who keeps bringing me back! What's so hard about all this anyway? You either do or don't right? Why do you always insist on making things so bloody complicated?
"Be…" Harry caught himself quickly. He looked around and was grateful for the fact that all eyes appeared to be focused on the bride and groom as they exchanged their vows. Because it is bloody complicated! Harry thought defensively.
You're hanging precariously on the edge, Potter. Which way are you going to fall?
Not going to fall. Thought I'd just hang out up here for a while and check out the view. Harry replied to himself sarcastically.
Look at her over there. Have you ever seen anything so beautiful?
Harry looked at Hermione. She had a soft, serene smile on her face and tears were welling in her eyes as she listened to Luna's words. She glimpsed briefly at Harry and started when she saw him gazing at her intently. "No," he spoke so softly that the movement of his mouth the only indication that he'd spoken at all.
Hermione looked at him questioningly. "What's wrong?" she mouthed to him.
Harry shook his head and tried to offer her a genuine smile. His look, however, was more of wonder and question than any genuine sincerity. She really does love me, doesn't she? He thought as he watched the emotions play out across her face. Question…concern…fear…the overwhelming desire to go to him-all of it was right there, as though it had been spelled out for him.
It's not rocket science Potter! Hell, it's barely basic science…although, you do appear to excel in anatomy! Just figure it out, already. Leave me in peace!
I'd like to leave you in pieces! You're not helping much, you know? Aren't inner voices supposed to guide you in the right direction…or even the wrong one…just, I don't know, somewhere? What you're doing is driving me crazy!
Well, that's a direction!
"Come on, Harry," Ginny urged quietly, pulling on his hand. "We have to follow them out."
It took a moment for Harry to realize he needed to move. He looked at Ginny and allowed himself to be led down the carpet behind Ron and Luna.
"Are you all right, Harry?" Ginny asked worriedly.
Harry sighed. "Yeah, sorry Ginny," he replied softly. "My brain just decided to take a break for a bit. I'll be all right. Thanks."
They reached the end of the hall and she squeezed his arm before she released it. "Do something about it, Harry," she advised. "Soon." She walked away toward one of the tables and left him standing there alone. Harry took a look behind him and walked out the door to stand in the corridor.
After a minute, when Hermione didn't follow him, he stepped back in the doorway to look for her. Her arm was laced with Charlie's as they made their way toward the reception tables. He watched them for a moment and then took a hesitant step forward to join them. I really need to get myself together first, he thought.
He stepped back around the corner and leaned against the wall. He closed his eyes and thought about the day's many realizations.
I can't handle it when someone else touches her.
I get jealous just seeing her talking to anyone else.
I actually pictured her walking toward me in a wedding dress…and I wanted it. I almost reached for her.
I missed Ron's wedding thinking about her.
I…
"Harry?"
"Harry!" Harry barely felt the hand tugging on the sleeve of his dress robes.
"Ouch!" he yelped, his hand going immediately to the injured spot on his cheek where Hermione had pinched him. "What'd you do that for?" he asked crossly before he realized who he was talking to or even what had happened.
"I've been calling you for almost a minute and you haven't answered," Hermione replied somewhat irritably. "Thought you needed a quicker return back to reality, so I pinched you. What's going on with you anyway?" She reached up to move his hand and look at his face. "It's barely red, you're fine," she mumbled as she dropped his hand. "Want to tell me what's going on though?"
Harry shook his head. Not much. Just arguing with myself over you. "Nothing," he replied heavily. "Sorry."
Hermione studied him closely. "I don't think I'm the one you should be apologizing to," she replied carefully. "Did you even see your best friend get married?"
"I was standing right here, Hermione," he said defensively, trying to hide his guilt. "Of course I saw him get married."
For the time being, Hermione acquiesced. "All right, Harry," she sighed. "Since you were obviously paying attention, I suppose you realize that the reception has already begun." She grabbed his arm and attempted to pull him back into the Great Hall. "Let's go."
Harry stopped abruptly. "Hermione wait," he said, pulling her arm and bringing her back to him. "I'm sorry. You're right. I wasn't paying attention. I tried, but…" he paused and started looking anywhere but at her.
Hermione put her hand on his chin and brought him back to her. "But what, Harry?"
He closed his eyes tightly and took a deep breath. "But…" he released the breath slowly, "I couldn't stop thinking about you."