Looking around the packed marquee, Harry still felt an empty place inside of him that had never been filled, even though Ron had died more than eight years ago. And here he was marrying the girl his best friend had loved. Harry had only felt it safe to display his feelings for Hermione years after Ron had been killed during the epic battle at Hogwarts. And now he was about to take her hand in marriage. In the background was the orchard where he, Ron, Hermione and Ginny had played two-a-side Quidditch centuries ago. Or maybe it was only fifteen years ago...who knew anymore? He knew he shouldn't feeled riddled with guilt, and yet a tiny part of him was begging Ron to forgive him for this betrayal.
He knew Ronald Bilius Weasley never would.

Hermione stood inside the home of her best friend, nervously inspecting her dress in the mirror. Ginny was fussing over her own dress, trying not to look at the photo of Ron on the mantlepiece. Hermione had always loved Ron, and a part of her always would, but when Harry had told her how he felt, how could she refuse? He had seemed so devoted, and so happy when she had relayed his feelings, even if it might have only been because she was lonely. At that time, she needed a shoulder and Harry had been there. Loving a man who both loved her and was alive was essential if she was to stay sane. Mrs. Weasley poked her head around the door and clasped a hand to her heart as she saw Hermione. "You look beautiful, my dear", she said, straightening Ginny's necklace. "Your father is waiting. It's time." she added. Hermione followed her would-be mother-in-law and her best friend out into the sunny garden. At the entrance to the marquee Harry's best man Fred was waiting.

The music started up, and Harry turned around as Ginny and Fred made their way up the aisle. Ginny stood aside as Fred joined Harry at the altar. The music changed tune, and Harry turned and watched as a vision of beauty made her way towards him on the arm of her father. Hermione looked simply radiant, and Harry suddenly forgot about making Ron forgive him.

Hermione looked at Harry and saw love etched on his face. She forgot all about the part of her that loved Ron. She forgot about everything as she walked up that aisle to join the man she loved.

Hermione was wearing a very beautiful white dress. It was very simple, with a gathered waist and a skirt made with feathers. Her hair was up, similar to the way she had it for the Yule Ball years and years ago. She had a hairband wound around her head. It was made of daisies and had a diamond hanging just at the parting of her hair. She carried a bouquet of daisies and white roses. The same roses she had laid on Harry's parents' grave nine years ago. She took his breath away. He was suddenly glad that Ron was not here.
Not just because it eased his guilt, but because he knew it would have killed Ron to see the love between them. 'Man up, Potter!' he told himself. 'Ron isn't here, quit feeling guilty'. In truth, the whole marquee looked guilty. Anyone who knew Ron Weasley for more than five minutes knew he loved Hermione Granger. And yet, everyone had come to witness her marry his best friend, so there must be something good that people saw in their relationship.
Right? Time would tell, but looking at Hermione and Harry's blissful happiness as they danced their first dance as man and wife, a young red-haired man looked down from the sky and gave them his blessing.