She's Happy

Disclaimer: Everything in and about Harry Potter is owned by J.K. Rowling. I'm just borrowing them for a little while.

Author's Note: If anyone is wondering where Kikkaro restaurant written in this chapter comes from "Cooking Master Boy". Actually it's a Chinese restaurant but I can't think of anything else. Enjoy! Please R&R.

Summary: Harry and his friends hadn't seen each other for quite a while. When they finally had this "reunion", he finds out that Hermione's is getting married. He has no say in it. All that he could possibly do is remind himself: She's happy.

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Saturday came and it was already about 9 o' clock in the morning. He rushed and tried to find some good clothes to wear. He finally found a pair of jeans and long sleeves and topped it with a polo shirt. He looked at himself in the mirror and smiled. He wasn't unaware of course about the girls who fell for him, but he didn't boast at all about that. He wouldn't want to carry his own bench. He then made his way outside of his flat in Hogsmeade village. He would apparate at the nearest muggle village and take a cab. He was surprised that Hermione lived in a condo located in the muggle world.

He hadn't forgotten about the "important news" that Hermione was going to tell them. As he sat in the back of the cab and told the driver where he was going, he let his thoughts get the better of him. He watched as they passed a few buildings and after half an hour they arrived at the Hermione's condominium: Garden Palace. It was a nice 20-story building. He paid his fare and entered the building. He inquired at front desk and went up to the elevator to the 18th floor to unit 1841. He grinned as he imagined Ron riding an elevator. He must've been very excited. Finally, he was right at her doorstep, he rang the doorbell, and the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen opened the door.

"HARRY!" Hermione practically shrieked as she put her arms around him. He also put his arms around her.

He missed her embrace. The embrace that always had a comforting effect. It seemed that being close to her was fully natural. He slowly stroked her hair. The same bushy, curly hair that he loved. He couldn't hold her tight enough. He couldn't help but cry. He missed her so much. When words finally made it's way back into his mouth, he said,

"I really missed you, Hermione."

"I missed you too. It's been a very long time." She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "C'mon in, Ron's already here."

When Harry entered the first thing that entered his mind was: The condo was so… Hermione. A couple of bookshelves stacked with numerous and thick books and a couch near a huge window overlooking the street, and a big fireplace. At her living room he saw Ron who quickly stood up at the sight of him and another guy he didn't know.

"Hey mate," Ron said while shaking his hand vigorously and patting his back. "How've you been this past few months?"

"Should ask the same to you mate." He said and he couldn't help but grin at the sight of his bestfriend.

"Well, you know," Ron lowered his voice to a mere whisper, "Auror stuff, you don't know how much I'd like to take time off from work. But Sirius wouldn't let me off the hook. Still too many dark wizards he always says."

"Forgive my godfather." Harry said while they made their way back to the living room. "He could be such a workaholic at times."

He sat in the couch opposite the one occupied by Hermione and the other guy. Harry was excited but confused at the same time. What was the meaning of all this, he asked to no one. He shifted uneasily in his seat. And when he saw the two holding each other's hands, he knew why they were here. He dreaded to look at Hermione's fingers but did it just the same. Harry wanted to disappear because… she wore a ring.

"So," Ron said coolly, "What's the big news Hermione?"

"Oh, right!" said Hermione. "This is Brian Walker, he's a doctor at St. Anne's hospital, just down the street."

At this Brian stood up and shook Harry and Ron's hands. "Nice to meet you guys."

"Nice to meet you too." Said Ron. Harry didn't say anything though, he just nodded.

"Guys… He's my fiancé. We're planning to be married in two months."

Harry's world stopped. It was as though everything paused and stopped moving. Hermione was going to get married to Brian. He wondered whether he must have expected this or something. He thought whether he missed any signs. That was the "important news", he finally knew. How should he react? Should he be happy, sad, or angry? Then he decided that this was the best time to be a hypocrite.

"Wow Hermione, that's really…great." He managed to say in spite of the shock.

"Yeah I agree," said Ron. "Brian seems to be a good guy. But remember," Ron added, staring at him threateningly, "If you hurt her, you'll have to answer both of us." He said pointing at himself and Harry. "By the way, how did you two meet, surely not at school?"

"No of course." Hermione laughed. "Brian always was at the bar where I usually played and one night he decided to speak to me and that's how it started."

"Believe me," Brian added. "If you fall in love with a girl that beautiful and talented, you'd be nervous to talk to her." Harry grunted inwardly.

"Well anyway, after that we started going out," Hermione continued. "And found out that we had a lot of common interests and grew to love each other. Then he just popped out the question, and I said yes."

"How long have you known each other?" Harry wanted to know.

It was Brian who answered. "About two years. But it felt as if we've known each other all our lives."

Hermione and I have known each other all our lives, Harry thought. It was painful. It was as if they hadn't confessed their love to each other 4 years ago. And the time they finally see each other again was the time that she was getting married. Harry wanted to wake up from this horrible nightmare. How he would give up everything just to know it was a joke. He unknowingly began to pinch himself lightly.

"What are you doing Harry?" Hermione noticed that he was pinching himself.

"Uh, nothing." Harry felt a blush rising on his cheek.

"So is that all? All the 'important news' you were going to tell me about?" Ron asked.

"Yeah I guess that's it," said Hermione. "We'll just send you the invitation for you to know when and where the wedding will take place."

"Then I think I better get going." Ron looked at the couple-to-be and Harry. "Got loads of things to do at the office."

"Are you sure you don't want to stay? We're having lunch out." Brian asked kindly.

"Nah… My boss isn't getting any friendlier you know," He winked at Harry. "So, goodbye mate. And congratulations to you two."

Ron patted Harry on the back, shook Brian's hand, and gave Hermione a light kiss on the cheek. Harry didn't want him to leave, however, but he seemed to have no choice. He didn't want to be stuck with the lovely couple but it seemed that fate was just too cruel to him. When Ron closed the door behind him, Hermione asked Harry.

"You are staying for lunch aren't you Harry?"

"How can you always have to say things as if they're final? Ok, sure I'll go with you two lovebirds."

"Well, what can I say? It's a gift." She smiled at him.

They made their way to the parking lot. It seemed that Brian was a rich guy. Well he is a doctor, he said to himself. Wait, he thought, a doctor? A muggle doctor? He wanted to know whether he knew what Hermione really was and how he had accepted it. They haven't brought up conversations about this and Harry assumed that he knew nothing about witches and wizards. They started to drive along the streets, with him on the backseat of course, and the two holding hands up in the front.

"So Harry," Hermione asked. "Where do you want to eat?"

"I'm not sure," he answered. "I'm not at all familiar about this place. So I guess it's up to you."

"I know this great Japanese restaurant just down 3 blocks." Brian said. "They serve great sushi there."

"Oooh, yummy." Harry smiled as he watched Hermione act like a little child.

Harry was once again lost in his thoughts. Too many things have happened. He was only away from his friends for 4 years and this is what happened, Hermione was about to be married to Brian. Now Harry wondered what it would have been like if he stayed with Hermione, if he hadn't taken quidditch professionally, and if he was the one beside her right now.

He didn't notice that they came to a stop. He just realized it when Hermione called him to come down from the car. They entered the doors of Kikkaro and sat down. They ordered sushis and California makis. And as they waited for their food to come, they engaged in a conversation that wasn't at all pleasant for Harry.

"Hey Harry, I've got one last favor I want to ask from you." Hermione said. "Actually I'm glad that Ron isn't here. He might overreact, you know him." She said with a smile.

"Ok. What's on your mind?"

Hermione looked at him and Brian. "Well you know that next to Brian, you're the most important guy in my life. And I just can't imagine being wed without you by my side. Or at least at Brian's side. So, what I really mean is, can you be Brian's best man at our wedding?"

"I would really appreciate it if you say yes Harry. We've only known each other for two hours but Hermione has known you all her life, that's why I trust you. And it would really mean a lot to her." The two was now looking at him. "So, what do you say?"

Harry was silent. His head was swirling. This was more than what he had bargained for. He imagined the day of Hermione's wedding. With her being so happy and him hiding and fighting all his tears. He knew he couldn't do it. No, he'd rather do anything but it. He didn't say anything for a few more minutes and only spoke when their food came. He hoped they would understand.

"I'm sorry," he said silently as he ate his food. "But no I couldn't do it. And I'm sure Brian has lots of other friends that can be his best man."

"No Harry, there can't be any other but you. Please… Really Harry it would mean a lot to me, for you to be there to share my happiness. Please…" Hermione practically begged him.

"C'mon Hermione, it's not like you to beg like that," said Harry. "And besides I've got loads of things to do. I've got a lot on my plate right now." Whatever he did, he made sure he wouldn't tell the truth.

"You mean there are things more important to you than my wedding?"

"I didn't say anything like that Hermione." Harry could she that she was already a bit angry. "It's just that - "

"Fine," Hermione cut him off. "Fine. Then there won't be a wedding."

"WHAT?" He and Brian shouted in unison. Brian's fork slipped out of his grip and it clanged noisily on the floor.

"You heard me," she continued. "There won't be a wedding unless Harry here decides to be your best man, Brian."

"How can you put a lot of pressure on me like that." Harry said. "Ok. Ok. I'll be Brian's best man at your wedding."

"You sure?" Hermione suddenly smiled. "There's no turning back now Harry. We already have your word."

"How can I let you talk me into this." Harry smiled and continued to eat.

What have you gotten yourself into, he asked himself. But Hermione was right, he couldn't turn back now. He couldn't imagine what she could do to him if he didn't go to their wedding. He looked up and met her eyes, the same beautiful eyes that showed happiness as it always did. Well at least she's happy, he reminded himself.

After they finished eating, Brian offered him a ride back home that he politely declined since he wasn't sure if the village of Hogsmeade allowed cars driven by muggles to pass by. He said goodbye to both of them and wished them luck. He then apparated to his flat.

The moment he arrived at his bedroom, the first thing he saw was a small owl flying up and down with a message on his beak. Will Pig grow any larger, he asked himself. He pulled out the letter from Ron and threw Pig out the window.

The letter wrote:

Harry,

Hello! Can you meet me at the Three Broomsticks tomorrow around 3? We've got to talk about something. You don't need to reply since you will go, won't you?

                                                                                          Your Friend,

                                                                                          Ron

P.S. It's about Hermione's wedding.

Harry thought about his friends. They can really be quite persuasive. And what now, he asked himself. Too many things happened today. He thought that seeing his friends again would be nice, he thought. It was nice, because you are happy for Hermione right, a voice in his brain answered. Sure, whatever you say. And he plopped down in his bed. He needed a good nap the whole afternoon to unwind, or he'll go crazy.

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