Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter! All credit goes to J.K Rowling!

Ok so this was supposed to be a one-shot but it evolved! Its all written except for the last chapter though!

Hope you enjoy and please review!

Hermione Granger sifted nimbly through the crowds of people waving at old friends, smiling at every murmur of "congratulations" that was thrown at her as she passed. It was her time. She was finally getting married and although she'd had her doubts, a lot of doubts, she was now contented with her decision. He would make her happy. He already had in so many ways. He was her best friend and even though they weren't the most compatible couple in the world, she was sure they'd be just fine. They hadn't killed each other yet at least.

She chuckled quietly to herself. They had their good and bad moments but overall she was certain that they were going to be able to make their marriage work. Besides, he was safe. He wouldn't hurt her; at least not intentionally anyway. He sometimes did things without thinking that upset her but he did love her and, really, what more could she ask for?

It wasn't a passionate kind of love…it was more sweet and cute. Everyone said they make a nice couple. Her level-headedness balanced his impulsiveness and so forth. But still deep, deep down in a closed off part of her heart, that was rarely opened, she wished for fierce passion and wild romance. She'd had it once and it had ended in tears but sometimes in the middle of the night she lay awake and looked over at her sleeping fiancé and her heart ached, just a tad, because she knew she would never experience that with him. Every time this happened she shrugged it off as if it didn't matter and thanked whatever higher power there was up there that she had her sweet, loving, safe Ron.

She continued through the sea of people searching for her friends. She spotted them over by the drinks and adjusted her path to reach them. "Hey guys" She smiled happily.

"Hey Hermione" Harry and Ginny greeted her simultaneously as Ron wrapped an arm around her waist. She leaned her head on his shoulder; smiling softly. She was brimming with happiness. "Great party" Harry complimented; raising a glass and clinking it with Ron's.

"Thank Ginny! She organised the whole thing." Hermione said; smiling sweetly at her future Maid of Honour.

"Don't worry. I'll make sure to thank her later!" Harry promised as Ginny blushed and Ron choked on his drink.

"That's my sister!" Ron spluttered in between coughs.

"We know, we know" Hermione rolled my eyes. "You can withdraw your permission." She said; repeating Ron's much used mantra.

"Well-er…yeah" he mumbled.

"We've got the entire speech memorised already. There really is no need to go through it again." Ginny informed him; shaking her head.

Ron's ears started to redden and, Harry, as if sensing the coming onslaught quickly asked Ginny to dance. She consented immediately and they both hurried off in the direction of the dance floor.

Hermione sighed as she glanced at Ron's red ears. "I'm going to go out to the balcony to get some air." She told him before pecking him on the lips and setting off towards the balcony.

She moved through the masses again muttering apologies to those she needed to move past and accepting various compliments and congratulations aimed at her. She stepped out the doors and smiled as she rested her arms on the stone balcony. She stayed there for a few 

moments, transfixed by the silver moon spreading its glory on the lake below it. The lake seemed like a mirror, serene and tranquil. She was in awe; it was beautiful.

Her reverie was interrupted by the arrival of a House-Elf. She turned to face the Elf; a kind smile on her face. "Is everything alright, Limna?"

"Yes, Mistress. I was asked to give you a message." said Limna.

"Ok, what is it?" Hermione asked.

"'Our rose will never wilt, m'anam chara. That was the message, Miss." Limna replied.

M'anam chara…my soulmate. Hermione's head started spinning. She remembered all the times that had been whispered softly in her ear. How he had murmured those words in her ear as she had endured pleasurable teasing; feather-soft caresses and passionate kisses. She recalled it all so vividly now. She had tried to keep it locked away, for fear of going mad, but those three words had wrenched it from its confinement. She remembered how hard it had been to bury those memories; to stop them haunting her. It had been a hard struggle and had been, such a painful process, but now it seemed that it had all been worthless. Three words had brought back everything and she wasn't sure if she had the strength to bury them again.

"Who told you to deliver this message?" Hermione questioned quickly.

"It was a man, Mistress. He wore a cloak. He didn't say his name. He said you would know who it was." The House-Elf answered.

It had to be him…didn't it? He was here. She suddenly felt faint and clutched at the balcony for support.

"Miss! Are you alright, Miss?" the House-Elf asked in a tone of frenzied panic.

"I'm fine, Limna." She cleared her throat and stood up straighter than before in an attempt to deal with this in a lady like fashion. "Thank you for delivering the message. You can go back to your other duties now." Hermione dismissed her.

The House-Elf scurried off and Hermione was left alone. She concentrated on breathing. In and out. Slowly and carefully. She focussed on regaining her composure. So what if he was here? She could handle it…couldn't she?

Suddenly, she heard a hooting noise. She whipped around to find a small snow-white owl on the other side of the balcony. It had a piece of parchment. She walked slowly over to the owl and procured it from him. Her heart was pounding madly as she unrolled the parchment and read the neat cursive.

Ten minutes. The lake.

Don't be late,

D

Hermione glanced around to see if anyone inside had noticed the delivery. No one was taking any notice of her whatsoever. Good. She scrunched up the parchment in her hand. How dare he order her about like that? After all this time…and he had the audacity…he had always been like that, she supposed, but it still infuriated her.

"Should I go?" was the question that echoed through her mind.

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Shadowdustxxx