Today was the day. Today Harry would marry his very best friend. Today he would become a husband. Today his life would change forever. Harry took a deep breath as he looked at himself in the long mirror. He straightened his jacket and moved his tie. He was a bundle of nerves. He was nervous and excited and scared. He realized that his fear came not from the thought of marriage, but the thought of Hermione's health. His brow furrowed as his mind was thrown back to the previous day. Harry had rushed to the library when his pendant had glowed hot. Hermione was at the window seat, her body quaking violently. Her fever had raged for hours before letting up and she had slept most of the day. When she had woken shortly before dinner she had been confused and forgetful. Today though, Harry took comfort in the fact that she had recovered to some degree. When he had left her just an hour ago she was smiling brightly and assured him of her excitement for the coming ceremony.

"Are you ready?" Ron asked as he entered the room.

Harry smiled back at him. "Yes, I believe I am."

"Good. Everyone is waiting. Luna just informed me Hermione is ready as well. Once you are in place we can start," Ron informed him.

"Let's go then," Harry said as he walked out of the room and down the stairs.

Harry headed to the back garden. The big grassy area spread out before him had a few short rows of chairs, a large tent off to the side, and a small string orchestra to the other side. A gazebo sat at the end of the aisle covered in vines, ribbons, and lilies of white and pink. Large garden pots full of lilies lined the areas perimeter and their pungent scent filled the air. It was simple but elegant. Harry smiled, even as he rung his hands together, making his way to the front. He shook hands with Kingsley who would be performing the ceremony. Harry's insides were doing a mad jig and he was not sure if he liked it. He took a deep breath and surveyed the audience in front of him. It was a small gathering, but that didn't lessen the joy it provided. Every face smiled up at him in anticipation. Suddenly, Harry saw her. His heart leapt and his pulse quickened. She was walking with Ginny and Luna. She smiled broadly and stopped at the back. Mr. Weasley came up next to her and took her arm. Before Harry could look at her properly, Ginny and Luna took their places in front of her and he was cut off from her. The orchestra began their soft, lilting tune. Ginny, followed by Luna began their slow walk toward the front. The audience stood as Hermione also began moving. Harry almost couldn't contain the urge to hurry Luna out of his way so he could see his bride. When the girls were in position, Harry's eyes fell on Hermione fully. She was smiling brightly. She looked directly at him as if no one else was there. Harry sucked in a breath. He let his eyes scan her figure. Hermione had been right. The dress was exquisite. The fabric was soft and light. There appeared to be little pearls intertwined in the fabric making a stunning design along her bodice. The top layer of the skirt blew in the breeze as she walked, giving the impression she was floating. It had a simple V neck line that came up to small sheer sleeves that barely sat on her shoulders. The fabric clung to her figure and swished softly as she moved. Harry could just make out the tips of her little silver flats as she walked. His eyes traveled back to her face. Her hair was up in a curly, soft mess, with pearls placed throughout it. Some of her locks hung loosely and blew tantalizingly against her soft skin. The only jewelry she wore was dangling pearl earrings. All at once she was before him. He wanted to reach out to her but remembered there was protocol to follow. He was pleased to see her face had color.

"Who presents this woman to this man?" Kingsley asked.

"I do," Mr. Weasley replied with a slight tremor in his voice. Kingsley nodded and Mr. Weasley gave Hermione's hand over to Harry before he made his way to a seat next to his wife. Harry took note that Mrs. Weasley was already crying.

Harry beamed as his hand took hers. He watched her cheeks darken as they faced one another. Harry was aware that Kingsley was talking but he couldn't really focus on what he was saying. It was a blur. By the end, Harry remembered his hands shaking slightly when he had put the ring on Hermione's finger. He remembered saying the vows. He had felt those words deeply and had struggled to control his voice. He remembered how she looked and how her hands shook as well; he remembered squeezing them lightly. He remembered her soft voice as she said her vows to him and how a single tear had escaped down her porcelain cheek. He remembered seeing her face light up when Kingsley pronounced them husband and wife. He remembered the kiss; tentative at first, then turning deep and meaningful. He remembered the cheers. Then it was over. Hermione was his wife. The feeling in his chest made him giddy.

Hermione couldn't stop smiling. The ceremony had been perfect. The tent was full of music and friends who were all milling around eating and chatting. There was a wide array of delicious foods. Biddy had out done herself. A cake sat in one corner and the dance floor was positioned in the middle. Hermione had just finished talking to Luna and her father when Harry approached her and slid his hand along her back. Her dress dipped in the back and his hand had brushed her bare skin. It sent goosebumps along her body. He whispered, "I think it's time to dance." Hermione let him guide her to the dance floor. Everyone got quiet as the couple began their first dance. She clung to Harry tightly as she bit her lip. Her nerves were coming back with all the eyes on them. "Don't be nervous. It's just you and I. I've got you," Harry reassured her as he tightened his hold on her and spun her around the dance floor slowly. When it ended Hermione laid her head against his chest. He hugged her and then lifted her in the air and spun her around. She let out a squeal of surprise and delight. The crowd cheered and Harry kissed her soundly before saying, "Let the party begin!" Hermione smiled as everyone began filing onto the dance floor. Harry took her hand and led her to a quiet spot. "How are you holding up, my dear?"

Hermione smiled warmly. "Quite well. It's perfect, Harry. I'm so happy."

"Good. You look amazing, Hermione! I almost stopped breathing when I saw you," Harry confessed as he ran his hand along her neck.

Hermione giggled softly. "Well, I did want to make an impression. I'm so pleased you like it." She watched Harry smile wickedly at her and said, "I know what you are thinking but-"

"Ah, and just what is it you think that I am thinking?" Harry asked as he leaned in closer.

Hermione just blushed furiously and couldn't seem to get her words out. She bit her lip and finally said softly, "We still need to do cake." Her pulse quickened as he smiled at her, never backing away. His lips were on hers and her blood was on fire.

Pulling away, Harry said, "As you wish."

After a few more dances Hermione and Harry had gathered around the cake. It ended with Hermione looking nothing but adorable with some frosting on her nose and Harry's face covered. Harry had been quiet shocked by Hermione's bold and playful move to make such a mess. A quick spell cleared it up easily and everyone was enjoying a good laugh. Harry and Hermione continued to mingle with their guests. A small time later, Harry noticed Hermione across the room. She was sitting and talking to Professor McGonagall. Her face seemed a bit pale and her smile looked somewhat strained. He quickly moved towards her. As he approached he caught McGonagall's eye. The Professor nodded and congratulated him once again before moving off. Harry sat down next to his new wife and took her hand. "I think it's time we make our exit," Harry said.

Hermione gave him a smile and nodded. "I must be looking tired. I admit I am starting to feel a bit worn out."

"You look quiet gorgeous, my love. I am just an expert on reading you," Harry declared.

"Oh, really now?" Hermione said with a chuckle.

"Indeed. For example, right now you are tiring of smiling and talking and having perfect posture. Your feet are probably in need of a good rest, and you would like nothing more than to rest and relax and be alone with your new husband."

Hermione smile broadly. "Very impressive, though resting and relaxing might come a bit later. There are some other things I'd like to do first." Her cheeks flared but she kept her eyes steadily on his face. She was pleased when he smile broadened and his face also flushed a bit.

"Are there now?" Harry said gruffly.

Hermione nodded and whispered, "Take me home, dear husband."

Harry laughed and kissing her said, "Of course, my love."

I do apologize greatly for the delay and the fact that this chapter is quite short. This pregnancy has been a doozy! I am really sick and by the end of the day I just go to bed. Writing has not been a big priority. I have not abandoned this story! I promise to try to write more soon. Thanks for sticking with me and I hope you comment!