"Why are you wearing that?"

Ernie turned away from the mirror to face Susan, sighing. "No reason," he said quietly as he turned back to the mirror. "Have I gained weight?" he asked appraising himself again. She came up behind him and put her arms around him, resting them on his chest as she leaned her head against his still broad back.

"What's got into you Ernie? Why are you suddenly trying on your Quidditch uniform? I haven't seen that since Snape cancelled Quidditch. Is something wrong?"

"No. No, nothing's wrong. I'm just thinking about being cooped up in this room, and it reminds me of Quidditch, and waiting for the team to get ready. Everyone would be in the locker room getting dressed, and I'd be thinkin' about what I'd say ta 'em." He took a deep breath. "This year has gone by so quickly. And slowly."

She pat his shoulder and rubbed her cheek against his when he leaned back into her. "I know what you mean." She rubbed her stomach, feeling a bit queasy. "You'd better get dressed. He's arrived as we expected he would, and it's almost time. Neville's waiting for you. I'll wait downstairs." Ernie nodded and Susan felt his eyes on her as she left him alone in their room once more, closing the door quietly.

XXX

Ernie took her by the arm, looking into her dark eyes, her hair braided down her back into a plait, knowing that at this moment their lives would change. He loved her long hair and her dark eyes. He leaned down and kissed her on the cheek, and then her forehead. He stood at the end of the aisle, Cecily on his arm, waiting for the music to begin as he walked her to Neville Smith, waiting at the other end to begin their lives together.