"Harry!" yelled Ron. "C'mon buddy, their throwing the garter!"
Harry got up from the white wicker table and joined all the other single guys. Hermione smiled slyly as Ron lifted up her pure white gown and removed her lacy garter. After swinging it in the air a few times, Ron released it into the air. Harry reached for it, but it flew past his hands and landed in those of a stocky young man behind him.
"Oh, Neville, you caught it!" cried Ginny, who was still in her flowing yellow maid-of-honor attire and holding the bouquet Hermione had thrown. Harry smiled. They really were an adorable pair.
"Potter!" called a deep voice. Spinning around, Harry saw a muscular man, a beautiful woman, and a tiny blonde child of about three. "How's the Quidditch world been since I left it?"
"Wood!" Harry said, beaming. "Good, good. The team isn't the same with out you. What have you been up to?"
"Oh, well, I got a position at the Ministry in Ron's department. A lot safer than professional Quidditch," he said, eyes shining. "This is my wife Hannah and our daughter Melody. Girls, this is Harry Potter."
"So good to meet you," Hannah greeted Harry. "Oliver raves about his years playing with you, in and out of school." Harry smiled, and after a bit of polite conversation, excused himself. It was good seeing old friends, but he couldn't help feeling pain when he noticed what others had that he lacked. He walked up to the dance floor, and tapped Ron on the shoulder.
"May I cut in?" he asked.
Ron grinned. "Of course. Suppose I should be mingling anyway." He stepped away, and Harry took Hermione's hands and the pair began to dance.
"It was a lovely wedding," Harry said.
"Mmm," Hermione sighed. "It was. Thanks so much for being a part of it. I know how busy traveling with the London Lighting keeps you."
"Oh, were all busy," Harry said. "Why, you've got plenty of work, defending magical creatures. How is the gremlin case coming?"
"We won actually. It was a relief that the jury reached a decision before the wedding." Hermione looked him in the eyes, and Harry knew he couldn't hide from that penetrating stare. "But I have a feeling you aren't to interested in the case. Are you all right, Harry? I mean, really?"
Harry nodded, but then thought better of trying to fool Hermione and shook his head. "I dunno what's wrong with me. It's been years since I felt whole."
Hermione nodded. "I've noticed. I don't know what to tell you Harry. I wish I could help, but I think it's something you need to fix yourself. Ron and I are always here for you though, remember that, okay?"
"Okay," said Harry. The song ended, and he returned Ron to his new bride. He talked to various old friends. Lavender was there with her boyfriend, Seamus with his girlfriend, Dean and his Muggle wife Jessie. Fred and George and their twin wives Blaire and Claire were there, along with their children. Percy and Penelope with little Arthur. The whole world was paired off, except for Harry.
Or, at least, it felt that way.