I Wish

husker_fan_2006

Rating: PG
Genres: Romance
Relationships: Harry & Hermione
Book: Harry & Hermione, Books 1 - 6
Published: 04/01/2006
Last Updated: 04/01/2006
Status: completed

Some break ups are simple. Both parties come away from it feeling better after it. But for two people who break up that weren't meant to and still love each other, it can be a heart breaking experience, one that never really fully heals, no matter how hard they try to move on.

Chapters

1. I Wish You Still Loved Me

1. I Wish You Still Loved Me

I Wish

Summary: Hermione and Harry used to go out after they had gotten out of school. But they broke up a few years later, thinking it was for the best. And now, two years later, Hermione one day gets an invitation to Harry's wedding. She doesn't want to go, but is drug to the wedding by Ginny and Ron. Hermione wants to tell Harry that she still loved him, but knew that she'd get turned if she did. One evening two days before the wedding, Hermione decides to write her feelings in a letter. It's kind of a songfic, but then it's not. I don't know what to call it. To the song, `I Wish' by Jo Dee Messina.

-----------------------

I wish you strength,
When times are hard.
Oh I wish with all my heart you find just what you're looking for.
I wish you joy,
I wish you peace,
And that every star you see's within your reach.
And I wish you still loved me.

- I Wish by Jo Dee Messina

-------------------------

Hermione Granger sat at her desk in the Auror's office one morning. She was trying hard to stay awake while sitting at her laptop. She was the only witch in that office that had one, for very few in her office knew how to use one. She was typing a report on a dark wizard that was being investigated, when Ginny Weasley, soon to be Ginny Malfoy in a few months, came to see Hermione. Hermione didn't notice her right away, for she started dozing off, but Ginny said sharply,

“Hermione!” Hermione jerked awake and hurriedly tried to make it not so obvious that she was sleeping when she should be working. She looked up to see who it was, and her expression relaxed when she saw her friend standing in front of her desk.

“Oh, hi, Ginny. How's it going?”

“Fine. I picked up your mail for you.”

“Oh, thanks.” She reached out a hand to take it from her, and Ginny laid each one in her hand one at a time.

“Postcard from your cousin in…Aruba, a bill that says third notice on it, you really should pay that you know.”

“I know. What else is there?”

“Another bill, only first notice, though, and…” She hesitated with the last envelope.

“And? What's the last one?”

“I know what this is, I got one too. But I don't know if you want it.” Hermione rolled her eyes.

“Just let me have it.” Ginny hesitantly handed Hermione the letter and Hermione looked at it, seeing as there was no return address on it, opened it. She looked it over, and the annoyed expression on her face fell to a shocked frown. It was an invitation to Harry's wedding. He was marrying Danielle. Hermione read it over, and then stuffed the invitation back in the envelope.

“Well, are you going to go?” Hermione shook her head.

“I don't think so.”

“You should.”

“Why?”

“It's your best friend's wedding.”

“Also my ex-boyfriend. That would be really uncomfortable.”

“Hell, he's my ex-boyfriend too, but I'm still going. And anyways, so what if you used to date each other, you said when you broke up that you'd stay best friends, and it has been working better than I thought it would.”

“I know, but I just don't want to go.”

“Hermione, he would want you to go. Otherwise he wouldn't have sent you an invitation.” Hermione looked at the invitation in her hand.

“Don't think about that he's your ex, think about he's your best friend. What was it you said you told him? I believe your words were something like, “Let's put all the shit behind us, and forget that we used to go out and how things ended, and just be best friends like we used to be.””

“That's not right, first of all, I didn't say shit.”

“Right, cuz' serious conversations never involve the word shit, unless you're my brother, and you can't think of any other word.” Hermione laughed.

“Actually I told him, let's put everything in our relationship behind us, and forget it existed, and be best friends like we used to be.”

“Yeah, that too. So, what say you, you going?” Hermione sighed.

“No.”

“Well, think about it. Don't make up your mind right away. You have a while.” She left, leaving Hermione alone debating with herself about going. She wasn't alone for long until Ron came by. He turned a chair in front of her desk around and sat on it, straddling the back.

“Howdy, Hermione.” Hermione laughed.

“Howdy? Where'd you get that?” Ron shrugged.

“Just picked it up.”

“Well, howdy doesn't really suit you, so I wouldn't make it a regular greeting.”

“Gotcha. Did you get an invitation too?”

“Yeah.”

“Are you going?”

“I don't know.”

“I think you should go, you know, put all the shit behind you, and just be friends.” Hermione tried hard to suppress a smile, but with no achievement, and Ron noticed it.

“What's so funny?”

“Nothing, just an inside joke between Ginny and me.”

“Does it involve me?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, I won't ask. But whether you know it or not, `Mione, you're going to the wedding.”

“Oh really, how do you know that?”

“I'll make you go.”

“I'll think about going, ok?”

“You better, because if you tell me you're not going, I'm gonna drag you kicking and screaming if I have to.”

“Well, hopefully it won't come to that then.” Hermione flashed him a smile that also said `Now shoo and leave me alone.' Ron caught the hint and got up to leave. Hermione called him back just as he was getting to the door.

“Put the chair back to the way you found it, Ron.” Ron sighed and turned the chair around and left. Hermione sighed and read the invitation again. Honestly, she didn't want to go, because deep down she was still in love with Harry, and really didn't want to be at his wedding unless she was the bride. She had tried to move on since the breakup, but all of her dates had ended after a few dates, because Hermione could never get the raven haired, green eyed man that she had gone to school with since she was eleven out of her mind. It seemed like so long ago, Hermione could barely remember why she and Harry broke up. Everyone expected them to get married, and live happily ever after. But nothing ever turns out like it does in the storybooks. Things rarely end happily ever after anymore.

-----------------

That evening, Hermione was in her flat, making up some dinner for herself, which she made more than for one person, so she'd have leftovers for a few days. She was walking to her kitchen table, with a bowl full of pasta in hand, getting prepared to eat, when Harry apparated right in the middle of Hermione's kitchen. Hermione jumped when she turned and saw him sitting at the table and almost dropped the bowl.

She said angrily, “Harry James Potter, you almost scared me half to death!” Harry grinned.

“Yeah, sorry `bout that.” Hermione glared angrily at him and rolled her eyes as she sat down across the table from Harry.

“What can I do for you?”

“Are you going?”

“To the wedding?” Harry nodded.

“I don't know, I might have to work.”

“Oh c'mon, `Mione, you can take a few days off. You never take any off, you're there everyday.”

“Hey, I happen to like my job.”

“Yeah, I like my job too, but I don't treat it like my second home.”

“Well, I take mine seriously.”

“So do I. But I take days off sometimes.” They were silent for a while until Harry guessed part of the real reason why Hermione didn't want to go to the wedding, though she'd never admit it out loud.

“You aren't going because I'm the one getting married, right?” Hermione didn't answer right away, choosing her next words carefully.

“It's not that, it's just…I don't know. It's complicated.”

“What's so complicated about it, Hermione? Either you want to go or not,” Harry said, raising his voice a little.

“Ok, then I don't,” Hermione snapped back at him.

“Why not?”

“Because I don't want to! Why won't anyone believe me when I say that?”

“Because you're not giving anyone a real reason, you start to say it, then you trail off, you do this all the time!” Hermione opened her mouth to retort, but closed it and put her fingers to her temples.

“I don't want to fight with you, Harry. But I want you to just drop it. I don't want to go.”

“Why?”

“Think about it, Harry, what if it was me getting married? What would you do?”

“I'd go.” Hermione gave him a look that said, `yeah right.'

“You're just saying that so I'll go. Seriously, what would you do?” Harry sighed.

“I'd probably be hesitant on going.”

“See?”

“Please, Hermione, it'd mean a lot to me if you went.”

“I'll think about it.”

“Please.” She sighed and finally gave in. She couldn't resist Harry sometimes.

“Alright, I'll go.”

“Great.”

“Have you eaten yet?”

“No.”

“Are you hungry? Because you can stay for supper if you like. I have plenty.”

“What did you make?”

“Chicken Fettuccini.” Harry nodded and got up to grab a plate from the cupboard.

“I think I might have to take you up on your offer then.” Harry dished up his plate and sat back down in the chair he was in before.

“So, Ginny was telling me today that you've not been getting very much sleep or you're working too hard, one of the two.”

“What made her say that?”

“She said when she talked to you today, you were dozing off at your computer. Or the word she used was…computator.” Hermione smiled.

“I don't know why I've been tired lately.”

“Going on too many dates, all those guys taking up your spare time and energy.” Hermione laughed.

“Yeah right,” she said sarcastically.

“I know what it's like too, late nights with Danielle take up my energy too.” Hermione made a face.

“I don't want to know about your sex life, Harry. I never have, and I'm thanking you now that it rarely comes up.”

“Well, a few years ago, you wouldn't have minded, you were part of it.”

“Yes, well that was ages ago.”

“Only two.”

“Still, it was a long time ago. Now you're with someone new, so I don't need to know about your sex life.” Harry laughed.

“I'm sorry. Sorry I brought it up.” They changed the subject, and talked long after the food was gone from their plates. Hermione enjoyed the talking, it was a long time since she had had a conversation like this with Harry, just the two of them, and she figured it would probably be her last.

---------------

Three months later, Hermione was drug to the wedding by Ron and Ginny. The wedding was in Paris, for Danielle's family was French. Ron, his wife Luna, Ginny, her fiancé Draco, and Hermione had all gone down a week early, the same time Harry did, to keep him company for it was a big wedding that really started a week before the actual ceremony. Two days before the wedding, Hermione was sitting on her bed in her hotel room that she shared with Ron and Luna, laptop up and running, typing reports up again. Luna was lying on her bed, watching TV, flipping through the channels.

“So, what are you getting Harry and Danielle for a wedding gift?”

“I don't know.”

“Ron picked up something for them, more of a gift for Harry than Danielle, but I'm going to trust him on this, I guess.”

“That's a dangerous attitude, trusting Ron to pick up a gift. What did he get them?”

“He wouldn't tell me. I don't know why.”

“Maybe you should get them something too, just in case.”

“I think you're right. Ugh, stupid muggle television. Over a hundred channels and nothing on.” Hermione smiled, and went back to her laptop. After a while, Luna had fallen asleep. Hermione decided to do something she had been meaning to do for a while, ever since she found out Harry was getting married - say goodbye. She couldn't do it to his face, so she decided to do it in a letter. She brought up a blank document and started typing, the words flowing from her mind to her fingertips without stopping. When she finished, she read over her letter with uneasiness about whether it was the right thing to do.

Dear Harry,

I'm writing this letter to say goodbye. It's hard to write, and I don't want to let you go, but I have to since your marrying another woman, whom I think is a good witch for you. I thought the best words to say were the lyrics of a muggle song. It's called I Wish. It explains everything.

It's not easy saying this to you
It's the hardest thing I've ever had to do.
But boy before you go,
I want you to know…

I wish you strength
When times are hard
Oh I wish with all my heart you find what you're looking for.
I wish you joy,
I wish you peace,
And that every star you see's within your reach
And I wish you still loved me.

I wish that things were different, you know that
But still I'm happy for the times we had.
You mean the world to me,
Oh baby please believe…

I wish you strength
When times are hard
Oh I wish with all my heart you find just what you're looking for.
I wish you joy,
I wish you peace,
And that every star you see's within your reach
And I wish you still loved me.

Oh losing you is tearing me apart
But a part of me will be with you no matter where you are.

I wish you strength
When times are hard
Oh I wish with all my heart you find just what you're looking for.
I wish you joy,
I wish you peace,
And that every star you see's within your reach
And I wish you still loved me.

Oh I wish you still loved me.

This is why I didn't want to come to your wedding. I didn't want to come because I still love you. I know you've moved on, and I'm hoping this letter helps me do the same. I wish you the best, Harry, and I wish you all the happiness in the world. I'll never forget you, all the times we had together, good and bad. And you'll always hold a place in my heart, not only as my best friend, but as the man I'll love forever. Hope everything turns out well for you and Danielle.

Love,

Hermione

Tears were threatening to stream down Hermione's cheeks when she finished the letter. After she finished it, she hesitated about printing it off, or deleting it. Needing to go somewhere, she got up and went downstairs to the vending machine to get a pop (soda, coke, whatever y'all call it). While she was gone, Harry apparated into her room, looking for Ron. He saw that the only one in the room was Luna and she was asleep. Not wanting to wake her, Harry got ready to apparate somewhere where Ron would be. But he noticed Hermione's laptop sitting on her bed. He wasn't the best with computers, but growing up in the muggle world had taught him everything he needed to know about running one. He figured she had been working on more reports and research, like she always did, and he wanted to know who she was researching and doing the reports on. Harry figured it was still the Death Eater that he was aiding in capturing, so he decided to take a look, maybe finding something that would help him. Though when he looked at the screen, it was not what he was expecting. He saw it was a letter. He saw Danielle's name down at the bottom, the last word of the letter, and he scrolled up to the top to see who it was being written to. After seeing his name up at the top, he read the letter, figuring he would later anyways. His mouth was hanging open in surprise after he finished the letter. Feeling he wasn't supposed to be reading this letter, Harry apparated back to his room, not being able to get Hermione's words out of his mind. Hermione came back from the vending machine, Diet Coke in hand, and sat back down to her letter. She thought for a moment, her finger held above the delete button. She couldn't send it to him, not two days before his wedding. It was too late; she'd missed her chance two years ago when she broke up with him. `Even if you did send it to him, what are you expecting? For him to drop Danielle and take you up in his arms and never let you go?' No, she couldn't give it to him. It would make matters worse. She pushed the delete button and watched as her letter instantaneously vanished.

-----------------

The day of the wedding dawned bright and clear. Ginny, Luna and Hermione were getting ready in one room, while their men: the groom, his best man and his groomsmen, were getting ready in another. Hermione was taking her time getting ready; she still wasn't sure whether she wanted to go.

“Hermione you have to go.”

“I don't want to.”

“C'mon, Hermione, you're just going to let the money you spent on that dress go to waste because you aren't going to wear it?”

“You were the one who told me to buy it, you said I needed a dress that would make Harry fall head over heels for me again. And it ain't gonna happen, so I'm not going.” Ginny threw up her hands in defeat and sighed exasperatedly.

“Fine! Don't go then, I don't care. But you can explain to Harry later why you didn't go to his wedding.” Finally finished getting ready; Ginny and Luna apparated to the church. Hermione sat for a while, thinking, then sighed and got up, putting on her dress and putting up her hair into elegant curls on top of her head with her wand. She sprayed glitter into it, giving it a shining look. She put on her earrings, and the half of the locket that Harry had given her a long time ago. He kept the other half, and her half had `I love you' engraved on it. He had told her as long as she had her half, she would always know that he loved her. His half was to signify that if they ever were apart that they'd always find each other someday. He had put it on what he called a “manly chain” and wore it all the time until they broke up. Hermione still wore it out of habit, but Ginny had told her to be sure and wear it because it fit with the dress that was to make Harry fall for her again. After putting the final touches on her make up, Hermione was ready to go, and apparated to the church.

------------------

Harry stood in front of the mirror looking at his reflection in his tux. Ron came up and stood beside him, looking at their reflections.

“Come Harry, smile, it's your wedding day! The happiest day of your life, you should be grinning from ear to ear right now.”

“I'm just…nervous.”

“Don't be. The wedding is nothing, it's later that you should be looking forward to.” Harry still didn't smile. The best man's smile fell from his face and he turned to Harry looking concerned.

“What, are you getting cold feet?”

“I don't know.”

“What are you worried about?” `That I may be making the biggest mistake of my life, that maybe I should be marrying Hermione instead.'

“I don't know.”

“Well, if you don't know, then why are you worrying. Come on, once you see Danielle walking towards you, all your nervousness will disappear and you'll wonder why you were apprehensive in the first place.”

“You're right, Ron. I shouldn't be worried.”

“Right. Good. I'm going to go check and see if everything ready to go. See you in a bit.” Ron left the room, and from over where the groomsmen were sitting, Draco got up and came over to talk to Harry.

“Nervous as hell?”

“Very.”

“You know, first of all, I never thought that on your wedding day that I'd be standing with you, while you marry the love of your life. And I thought that if I were to stand with you, it would be when you married that female best friend of yours.”

“I used to think so too.”

Neither one said anything for a few seconds, until Draco said, “You still love her, don't you?” Harry turned to face Malfoy. He didn't answer Draco, but Draco guessed he was right.

“I figured so. But what I can't figure out is that if you still love her, then why are you standing here awaiting the time for you two take your vows with Danielle when you should be going after Hermione.” Again, Harry didn't reply, because it was then that Ron came back and announced that it was time to go.

------------------

Harry was thinking Hermione wasn't going to come, for he didn't see her come in with Ginny and Luna. But then he saw her, coming in the doorway. His jaw dropped. He hadn't seen her look so beautiful in a long time. Her hair was up in elegant curls on top of her head, some falling around her face and neck, her make up accented her face perfectly, and her dress was a hunter green that shimmered in the light. It was strapless and form fitting all the way to her hips, where it flared out slightly. It had been a long time since she had dressed up that much for anything, except for Ron and Luna's wedding where she was a bridesmaid. They made eye contact, and smiled at each other, and Harry couldn't take his eyes off of her while she went to find Ginny and Luna so she could sit by them. He couldn't stop thinking of the letter she wrote him, which he never got. The lines from the song stood out in his mind.

I wish you strength
When times are hard
Oh I wish with all my heart you find just what you're looking for.
I wish you joy,
I wish you peace,
And that every star you seize within your reach
And I wish you still loved me.

The last line of the chorus stuck the most.

And I wish you still loved me.

He couldn't believe she still loved him. He thought she was over him; he was over her, wasn't he? Of course he was, he should be, he was getting married in five minutes. But seeing Hermione again, after reading that letter, made him think. And then there was what Draco had said to him a little while ago. Did he still love her? Yes, but just like a sister, like a best friend. He used to love her like a man loves a woman, but now he loved Danielle like that. Danielle; a light when it is dark. She was his fiancé; the woman he was supposed to spend the rest of his life with, he shouldn't be thinking about Hermione. It had to be just nerves like Ron said. The wedding music started up, and all thoughts of Hermione were pushed to the back of Harry's mind as he saw the wedding party come up the aisle. He smiled with pride when he saw Danielle being lead up by her father.

Hermione was watching Danielle come up with her father. When she saw Hermione, she smiled a triumphant smile. One that said, `Ha, ha, I won!!' Hermione had thought that Danielle was a sweet witch, but then, hatred coursed through her, she could see why Ginny and Luna disliked her. She was a conceited bitch! Hermione looked over at Ginny and Luna, both had unreadable looks on their faces. They looked politely on, though like it was paining them to keep the smiles on their faces. Hermione knew that both witches felt that Hermione should be the one walking up the aisle to marry Harry, not some other woman. Danielle reached the front, and the minister started the ceremony. Part of the ceremony was in French, the rest in English. When the minister came to the do you take this man/woman part, Hermione's hatred for Danielle grew when she saw what happened.

“Do you, Danielle, take Harry to be your lawful wedded husband, to love, honor and cherish for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, till death do you part?” She turned her head to Hermione and grinned her arrogant grin and turned back to Harry and said,

“I do.” The minister said,

“Do you Harry, take Danielle to be your lawful wedded wife, to love, honor and cherish, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, till death do you part?” Harry answered automatically,

“I…” He didn't finish; his thoughts of Hermione flew to the front of his brain again.

“Want to go for a walk?”

“No, Harry, I can't, I have to finish this report. And you should finish yours, too.”

“Oh come on, Hermione, you present next week, you've got plenty of time to work on it.” Hermione looked up at him, sighed.

“I guess.” She stood and smiled.

“You're a bad influence on me, Potter.”

“Oh, I could be worse.”

“I'm sure you could.

--------------

They were at Ron and Luna's wedding, at the reception, dancing, when Harry said,

“Do you think that someday we'll be dancing at our wedding?”

“Maybe. I think it'd be wonderful. Not just to be getting married, but being your wife. But not right away though.”

“Why not?”

“Life's just too busy right now.” They were silent for a while, until Hermione broke it.

“Harry, where do you see yourself in twenty years?”

“I don't know. Probably married, having kids, being a successful Auror. How about you?”

“Pretty much the same thing for me too,” She laughed. “We're a couple of simple people, aren't we?”

“Yep, perfect for each other.”

----------

“What are you saying?”

“I'm saying, I don't think this is going to work. We're too different. I feel like I haven't gotten any work done since we've been going out.”

“Hermione, we've been going out for three years, you can't tell me that you haven't gotten any work done in that time.”

“No, it's just that I feel like I never have time for it, I'm always with you. Or you're always keeping me from it.”

“Hermione, I don't want to lose you.”

“You won't, we can still be like we always were. We can still be best friends. We should put everything in our relationship behind us, pretend it never happened.”

“That's going to be hard, Hermione.”

“We'll be fine.”

-----------

He remembered all the times they spent together, how she was always there for him, and always loved him. He remembered all the silly little fights that usually ended in Harry sweeping Hermione up in his arms and kissing her, sometimes going further than that, except for the very last one. He looked back at Danielle and she was mouthing the word, do, numerous times. The whole church seemed to be holding its breath, waiting for him to answer. He opened his mouth and said,

“I…I can't.” Every jaw in the congregation dropped. Many people gasped.

Danielle said sharply, “What?”

“I'm sorry, Danielle, I can't marry you.”

“Why not?”

“Because…you can't marry someone when you're in love with someone else.” Hermione, Ginny and Luna all looked at each other, and Ginny whispered,

“Is he meaning who I think he's meaning?” Danielle's face contorted in fury and she slapped Harry across the face, bringing more gasps from the congregation. Harry nodded his goodbye to Danielle, and exited out a side door, his best man and one of his groomsmen following close behind.

--------------------

Ginny, Luna, and Hermione apparated back to Ron, Luna and Hermione's hotel room.

“Well, that was an eventful wedding.” Hermione nodded. Ginny plopped down on Hermione's bed.

“See, `Mione, I told you that dress would make Harry fall head over heels for you again.” Hermione rolled her eyes.

“The dress had nothing to do with it. There could've been someone else he was talking…” Luna interrupted her.

“Don't even finish that sentence, Hermione, because you know it's not true.” There was a crack and Ron appeared. He stood in front of her and gripped her upper arms lightly.

“Hermione you gotta go talk to him.”

“Why?”

“Because you do. Go on.” Hermione sighed.

“Where is he?”

“In his room.” Hermione left, not bothering to change, though she didn't think Ginny would let her if she tried. She went to his room the muggle way, walking. She needed time to think about what had happened and what she was going to say. Before she knew it, she had reached the door. She lifted a fist to knock, hesitated before finally knocking. A few seconds passed until Harry opened the door. His jacket to his tux was gone, and his tie hung around his neck. He smiled halfheartedly when he saw Hermione standing in the doorway. He moved aside so she could come in. She stood in the middle of the room that had clothes flung all over the place. Harry shared a room with Ginny and Draco, and all three of them lived messily. She turned as Harry shut the door with a click.

“Eventful wedding, eh?”

“Yeah,” Harry said with a small laugh. “Danielle and I aren't on speaking terms anymore.”

“Well, do you blame her? You just humiliated her in front of her family and friends. I wouldn't be to keen to talk to you yet either.” They were silent for a while, and then Hermione said, “I don't really know why I'm here, but I was told to…”

“I'm glad you came.” They were silent yet again then Harry offered his hands out to take hers. She placed her hands in his and he led her to a chair. She sat down, and Harry got down on his knees in front of her. He took a breath and said, “I'm assuming you know who I meant when I said I still loved someone else, right?”

“I have an idea.”

“I have to tell you something. Confess something if you will,” He hesitated before saying, “I saw your letter.”

“What letter?”

“Your letter to me. On your laptop.” Hermione's eyes widened in shock and her jaw dropped. Harry went on, “And it made me think. I couldn't get it off my mind. And the more I thought about it, the more I realized that I felt the same way. I still love you too.” Tears were forming in Hermione's eyes; soon she wouldn't be able to keep them from falling.

“Do you know how many times I dreamed that this would happen? I kept telling myself I would move on, but no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't.” Harry cupped Hermione's face in both his hands, and he leaned forward and kissed her lightly on the lips. It was one of those kisses they had shared before that Hermione wished went on, so she leaned forward and kissed Harry back, this time it was a long, passionate, claiming kiss, one that went on for a while. Hermione smiled. The sparks were still there, and that butterfly feeling hadn't gone away. When they broke away, Hermione whispered, “I love you.”

“I love you too.” Harry looked at the necklace that Hermione was wearing and smiled when he saw which one it was.

“You still have that locket.”

“Of course. It works, doesn't it? You said as long as I kept it, I'd know you still loved me.”

“True, and I do.”

“So now what?”

“Well, I don't know. Want to pick up where we left off, or start back, or forward?”

“I think forward.”

“Good, I was hoping you say that, because that brings me to the thing I was thinking about if all went well between us here.”

“What is that?”

“I know now that I never want to live without you again, Hermione. So much that, I want to be your husband, and I want you to be my wife.” Again, Hermione's eyes widened in shock and her jaw dropped.

“You're sure? Harry, you just got out of a wedding!”

“I know, but I love you. I want you to be the one I spend the rest of my life with. I know it's sudden and everything, but I know this is the right thing; you're the right person. You're the one I want to grow old with and have children with.” Harry's words made Hermione's heart melt and she thought about it for a while then she grinned and said,

“Yes.”

“Really?”

“Yes. I want all those things with you, too.” They hugged and kissed, and Hermione leaned her head on Harry's shoulder. He grinned.

“How's that for forward?” Hermione laughed and so did Harry.

-----------------

Two hours later, Hermione came back to her room. She and Harry had gone out and bought her a ring. The sapphire and two diamonds sparkled in the moonlight. She came in and Ginny said, “Well, how'd it go?”

“It went fine.” She purposely scratched her nose with her left hand, hinting to how well it went. Ginny and Ron didn't see it, but Luna did. She said in shock,

“Oh. My. God!”

“What's the matter?” Luna grinned at Hermione, who was practically beaming.

“Hermione's engaged.” Ginny and Ron said together,

“WHAT?” Hermione smiled and tried to look innocent.

“Good God, that was fast. Be right back. I gotta talk with him.” Ron apparated. Luna and Ginny both examined Hermione's ring.

Ginny said, “See, I told you that dress would work.”

“Actually, it was the letter.” Hermione went into detail about the letter.

Luna smiled and said dreamily, “See, this is the way things are supposed to be.”

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Eight months later, it was Harry's second wedding, this time with the one he always had loved and always would love. Hermione stood facing him, both her hands in his, with Ginny, Luna and Lavender as her matron of honor and bridesmaids, while Ron stood as best man to Harry and Draco and Neville stood as his groomsmen. The minister said,

“Do you, Hermione Jane Granger take Harry James Potter to be your lawful wedded husband, to love, honor, and cherish, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, till death do you part?”

“I do.”

“Do you, Harry James Potter, take Hermione Jane Granger to be your lawful wedded wife, to love honor and cherish, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, till death do you part?” Hermione had closed her eyes and wetted her lips nervously, but Harry smiled.

“I do.” Hermione let out a small silent sigh of relief, as did their wedding party. The rings were exchanged, and the minister said,

“Ladies and gentlemen, witches and wizards, I give to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Harry James Potter. You may kiss your bride.” Harry leaned in and gave Hermione a kiss, and the whole congregation applauded.

They pulled away, and Harry whispered, “Were you scared for a minute there?”

“So much.”

“You had nothing to worry about, I meant what I said, you're the one I'm supposed to be with and spend the rest of my life with.” They walked arm in arm to the back of the church. Before leaving to their reception, Harry stopped Hermione at the doors.

“Those vows we took back there, I mean them with all my heart, this time I'm not letting you go, I'll be with you for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, till death parts us.” Hermione smiled.

“Well, do you remember when you said that you wanted to grow old with me and have children with me?”

“Yeah?”

“Well, that last part may be sooner than you think.” She laughed at Harry's shocked face and kissed him and apparated to their reception, her husband close behind. He grinned and swept her up into his arms and kissed her.

A/N: Whew!! Long and windy fic. I have a sequel written already, but how this one goes over will decide whether I post it or not. So, please, please, please review.

P.S. To whoever is wondering, I haven't forgotten about `The Tip of the Knife'. I've come to a writer's block, and decided to post a story I had written a long time ago just for a meantime thing. So, it's coming along, it's just really slow.

Husker_fan_2006

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