Who's First?

Chapter Twelve: Long Awaited Endings

“Well,” she started, “Draco and I have decided that the wedding is going to go on in the next month or so.” She finished. “Isn't that a bit early for you?” Ron questioned. Luna elbowed him in the ribs, and he grunted quite loudly.

“No, we think it's the perfect time to get married. Ginny wants to do it outside, and the weather in the next month or so will be perfect for it.” Draco smiled at her, and she smiled back. Everyone just stared in awe.

“What?!” Ginny said with a disgruntled look upon her face. Draco snickered, and Harry laughed. Everyone stopped staring immediately. Harry leaned over to Hermione and whispered, “Is Malfoy sick?” and she giggled.

“Okay. I have one more thing to ask.” Harry said standing up. He turned to Ron. “Can I have a word?” Ron nodded, and they headed into the den. Hermione gave Ginny an odd look, which Ginny gave in return while shrugging her shoulders.

When they walked back in, everyone was quiet. “What was that all about?” Fred asked from the corner. Harry only smiled and shoved his hands in his pockets. Everyone chatted for a few minutes longer before dispersing to separate areas of the house.

Fred, George, Katie, and Angelina all headed to the den. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley stayed in the kitchen to cook dinner. Ron, Luna, Harry, and Hermione went out to the backyard garden, holding hands respectively.

Ron and Luna stayed on the porch, and sat on the swing while Harry and Hermione kept walking into the garden. When they were far enough away from Ron and Luna (out of earshot), Harry turned to Hermione and stopped abruptly.

“What's wrong?” she asked, curiously. Harry smiled and gave her a small peck on the lips. She smiled back. “What was that for?” she questioned. Harry shook his head and looked at her. “Did anyone ever tell you, you ask too many questions?” she turned her head, and blushed.

Harry took her by the chin and moved her until she was facing him once again. “Hermione,” he began, “You're my best friend, my rock, my savior, and my love. I wouldn't be here without you. Quite literally actually.” This made her smile, which is exactly what he wanted.

***PORCH***

Ron and Luna were sitting on the swing, well swinging. Ron had his arm around Luna's shoulders and she was lying so her face was buried in his chest. It was a bit chilly outside. “Ronald,” Luna started, “why did Harry take Hermione to the back of the garden?”

Ron laughed a little. Luna moved up and down with his chest. “Oh, I don't know honey. Let's not worry about it.”

Luna looked up at him. “Alright then.” She smiled at him and put her head back down. Little did she know, her husband was grinning from ear to ear, and she wouldn't know why, until a few minutes later.

***GARDEN***

Harry dug his hand into his pants pocket, searching for part of the most important thing in his life. Hermione just stood there, slightly perplexed as to what he was doing. When he finally found it, he sighed in relief. Hermione had noticed.

“What is it, Harry? Is everything okay?” she asked him, genuinely concerned. He kissed her forehead and gave her a long look in the eyes, accidentally trapping himself in them. “Uhm, Harry?”

Harry snapped out of his reverie and really looked at Hermione this time. “Hermione, I have a question for you.” She smiled and gave him a confused look. Then he bent down on one knee, and she instantly knew what he was doing.

Tears started streaming down her face, and over her lips which were still curled in a smile. “Hermione Jane Granger,” he began, taking a black felt box from his pocket and opening it slowly so she could see, “will you marry me?”

She stood there for a minute, stunned. “'Mione?” he gave her a hopeful look. She realized she still hadn't answered him yet. “Of course! Yes!” a huge grin creeped across his face as he stood up to hug her tightly. She stood on tippy-toes as he hugged and kissed her vigorously.

“So, you actually did it. Congrats, mate. I really didn't think you were going to. You seemed a tad timid in the den when you asked for the ring.” They both looked to see Ron standing there with Luna on his arm. They all grinned maniacally, all too happy to say anything.

“Let's go inside,” Hermione finally said, “it's getting chilly. Besides, I want to tell everyone.” She looked at Harry, he nodded. They walked, respectively, hand-in-hand into the kitchen and called everyone to once again gather for good news.

Fred and Katie walked in last, hand-in-hand. Fred looked around, “What in bloody hell is it now?” he asked, slightly agitated. Katie laughed and beckoned him to sit next to her. He did so, and everyone turned their attention to Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Luna.

Before Hermione could even get a word out, Ginny started yelling. “Merlin! He finally did it didn't he? Yes!” She hooted as she got up to give Hermione a bear hug. “I'm confused…” Mr. Weasley said. “Dad, Harry proposed!” Hermione looked at her, slightly shocked.

“How did you know?” she inquired. Ginny grabbed her left hand and held it up for everyone to see. “It's hard not to tell when 1- you were grinning uncontrollably, and 2- this huge rock on your finger!” Katie and Angelina got up at once to inspect the ring.

They both nodded. “It's real!” Harry turned to the girls, with a hurt look on his face. “Of course it's real. A real 3 karat diamond. It was my mother's. I asked Ron to hold onto it for me, because I thought if I did, that I would lose it.” Ginny looked at Harry. “You thought Ron could keep hold of it?”

Harry smiled. “No, but I know Luna wouldn't let him lose something so important.” Ginny laughed and nodded. “That's the truth.” She said.

The rest of the evening was spent in celebration of things to come. In less than 7 months, Ron would be a father. Harry and Hermione decided to marry the month after Ginny and Draco planned. All was well, and everyone, for once, dwelt on the present instead of the past.

>>THE END<<

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Readers,

Thanks much to everyone who has read and/or commented on this story. I love you guys! Keep a keen eye out for a new story from me soon! Hopefully I'll have it started by the end of March. I won't tell you if it's a sequel or not, so pay attention and look out! Lol. Again, thanks so much!

Love always,

Kelly Nicolette