Ron stood aimlessly under the grove tree. It was sometimes good to have a mild forest growing near your own backyard. He was fond of this secluded clearing where you could always see the brightest stars twinkle and watch the multiple colors of the sunset merge. The little pond was filled with unknown species and an odd pair of swans about. Today was no different.

Ron watched as the swan lifted its feather and brushed it against its mate. It's mate quickly turned away. The male swan made the same attempt again to woo the female swan, but she was not moved by him and flew away into the depths of the woods.

Ron shook his head. "Love is difficult isn't it?" he said softly to the male swan, who left alone and helpless. It titled its head and watched him.

"I'm getting married today… but not to the one I really love. I like her, don't get me wrong, but not as much as she loves me. I never wanted to break her heart but look where it got me. Marrying her when I don't love her."

He sighed and watched the swan approach him. "I love Hermione. I thought, two years ago, that maybe she didn't love me and I was too afraid to ask otherwise. I assumed maybe my true love was somewhere out there. I met Rachel, but my heart…my lover for Hermione hasn't changed."

Ron reached out his hand and petted the tip of the swan's head. Chuckling solemnly he said, "Look at me, I'm hopeless. I'm talking to a duck about my problems." The swan nipped at his fingers. "Oh right you're a swan didn't mean to offend you."

He stood up and brushed off any dirt that may have caught on. Just then Harry burst through the bushes, into the clearing. "Ron? What are you doing, the ceremony's aout to start?"

"I was just…thinking." He said slowly.

Harry looked at him thoughtfully, "Why?"

"What?" Ron asked in surprise.

"Why are you marrying Rachel?" he asked.

"Because…. because she loves me." He mumbled.

Harry shook his head, "Yes, but you love Hermione. Why are you hurting both her and yourself?"

"I have to sacrifice our love to save a couple of lives."

"What?" Harry asked this time.

"If I called this off it will kill Rachel and imagine what affect it will have on my mother or her family."

"But, "Harry started, "haven't you ever wondered whether Hermione loved you back?"

"Yes…every day."

Silence filled the air, watching and waiting. What more could they say? Paths were chosen; there was no going back…

Harry cleared his throat, "Let's go back."

Weddings are happy occasions but Harry knew it was killing Ron and Hermione inside. How could Ron, the one who never missed a move in chess, and Hermione, the greatest witch of her age, not see the obvious?

Both Ron and Hermione had confessed to him about their love for each other but neither one was willing to tell the other.

Ginny prevented him from saying anything. "It's wrong to interfere. They need to work it out themselves." Now they wished they could've given them a little push, but even he knew it would lead to chaos.

He had hoped they would work it out, but both were too dense. Now Ron was getting married and Hermione was watching with her fiancée.

This was one messed up love story….

Ron stood at the alter. He shuffled his feet nervously and ignored the glares he was getting from Harry, his best man. There was an arch above him decorated with white flowers entranced as vines.

The décor was perfect and exact to the last detail, even the folding and placement of the napkins. All the gratitude went to Hermione and Ginny for it. A pang of pain went through Ron as he thought how Hermione worked to make his wedding day special…all this time he wanted to make it their special day.

When the priest began the ceremony, he said his voice softly with accompaniment of a forced smile.

"How do I look?" Rachel whispered softly.

Harry put his fingers to his lips motioning her to be quiet.

Ron ignored him. "Nice." He whispered back.

"Just nice? Not beautiful?" she whispered back.

Chuckling softly he forced a weak smile. No, beautiful is Hermione, he thought. From the corner of his eye he spotted her bushy hair pinned up in a bun with glittering beads matching her red halter-top dress with a sequined trim. He closed his eyes for a brief second to take in the beauty that made weak in the knees every time he saw her.

"Is there anyone who objects to this marriage? Speak now or forever hold your peace." The priest said.

Harry caught Ron's gaze and gave him a meaningful look. Ron shook his head and faced away from him. Pain was overwhelming him but he ignored it and held Rachel's hand for support. She took it and grasped it lovingly.

Just when Ron realized what he was doing the priest announced, "You may kiss the bride."

Hesitantly he lifted her veil and stared into her blue eyes, a different tone then Hermione's hazel eyes. He kissed her soft lips, but imagining Hermione in his mind. When it was over he let out a sigh of relief.

The bride and the groom walked back down the aisle. Ron slowly tilted his head back to get a glance at Hermione.

He met her gaze, the momentous look seemed to stop time for a minute as the two "star crossed lovers" merged into each other's eyes. The brief moment filled with sweet sorrow.

Ron pulled his head back to face the front and smiled sadly. Their love may not have had a chance, but he would never say goodbye…