A/N: WOW! To tell you the truth I didn't really think we'd make it to 100 reviews. But, y'all just continue to amaze me. 102 reviews! And I would have been happy with 90. Thank you so much.

Ok, apparently I've made up a word in this chapter…it's not in spell check at least. So here goes: monologuing is my word. It's monologue plus "ing". How would I define that? The state of being in a monologue? No…I have no idea, I won't be working for Webster's any time soon.

Congrats to Alli-Baby for figuring out that if you rearrange the letters in Dolarn it spells Ronald! Cheesecake for you!

Ok, I need your help! Dust off GOF and read the first chapter, where it describes the murders of the Riddles. It speaks of Voldemort's father, his wife, and son, Tom. Now in the graveyard scene at the end Voldemort said his mother died in childbirth and his father ran off, having nothing to do with his son's life. So did Tom Riddle Sr. just get a new wife and have a new son named Tom? Or did he just get a new wife? If the new couple did not have a new son why did Voldemort return to them? If Voldemort did, in fact, return to live with them how did he manage to essentially kill himself? Is that the final separation between Tom Riddle and Lord Voldemort? Does that mean Voldemort and Tom Riddle are two different people? Does that mean Tom Riddle can be the HBP? Ok, I don't know. I'm going crazy waiting for this next book to come out I tell you, crazy! Please tell my why my theory is wrong before I go completely insane.

Disclaimer: I am making no money off this. I wish I was though.

Ron woke the next morning with an uncomfortable knot in his stomach. When downing a bowl of Cocoa Puffs did nothing to loosen it Ron knew he was in trouble, and that called for some toast. He crossed his small kitchen and yanked a loaf of bread out of the breadbox.

A breadbox…how the hell did he get a breadbox? Oh yes, Hermione insisted on it. Not actually insisted, more like suggested. Well mentioned it in passing more like. What wouldn't he do for that woman?

"You're monologuing again Weasley." He muttered to himself as a small piece of paper fluttered to the floor.

Curiously, Ron bent down to retrieve it. His breath caught in his throat and the knot in his stomach began to untie itself as he smiled weakly at the picture he thought he had lost months ago. Picture Ron and Hermione beamed back from their spot beside the lake. Ron noted with satisfaction that his picture counterpart had his hand around Hermione's waist. The knot in his stomach was completely gone now. It was obvious telling Hermione was the right choice. In this picture the two looked so happy, so perfect, so in love…

Ron burst out in laughter. In the picture Ron had just pushed Hermione into the lake. She scrambled out of the water and began screaming at him. Chuckling, Ron set the picture aside and left to get ready. Some things never change.

A few hours later Ron found himself standing with Harry, Neville, and Dean's stepbrother, Derek trying to calm Dean down.

Dean slumped into a chair. "You guys just don't understand. The rest of our lives! That's a long time. What if she decides that's too long? What if she decides I'm not the one for her?"

"First off Dean, she won't." Derek said, clapping Dean on the shoulder. "And second, if she did then she's obviously not the one for you."

"That's not true." Dean said softly. "She is the only one for me. This is my one chance. Out of all the females in the world she is the only one I could spend my life with. I just hope she feels the same. When you guys meet the one you'll understand how I feel. It's just hard to believe someone so wonderful would care to give you the time of day, let alone spend the rest of her life with you. It's just…ah, you'll understand fifteen minutes before your wedding."

It was then that Hermione walked into the room, and Ron was tempted to tell Dean thank you very much, but he thought he understood perfectly well now.

The processional music started and Ron made his way to his spot beside Hermione. As soon as he got close to her his breath caught in his throat. Was it really possible for someone to look so beautiful? Ron swallowed and held out his arm.

"Shall we?" He asked.

"We shall." She giggled at his serious pretense.

They began making their way down the aisle. Ron had to talk to her now.

"We need to talk." He whispered out of the side of his mouth.

"Now?" Hermione hissed in disbelief.

"It'd be nice." Ron responded in an undertone.

"Ron I'm sure nothing is that important. We'll talk during the reception—ok?" Hermione said through her plastered on smile.

"Fine. But we need to talk alone…no Scott." Ron whispered back.

"What? Why?" Hermione muttered without moving her lips.

"It's private." Ron murmured pleadingly. "Please say you will."

She looked at him curiously and Ron gave her one last earnest gaze before they parted to stand on opposite sides of the altar.

Dean breathed a deep sigh of relief and a huge smile spread across his face as Parvati began to make her way down the aisle.

Ron stood up straight for the entire ceremony, listened to Dean's and Parvati's long, drawn out vows, and only zoned out twice. All in all he was rather pleased with himself.

The Great Hall was decorated fantastically for the reception. There were large ice sculptures, wizard crackers at every place, tinsel, enchanted fairies, and the famous Hogwarts Christmas trees. Ron barely noticed it…well he noticed the food a bit.

Ron was searching for Hermione. They had been separated at the end of the service, and he had not seen her since. Ron looked left and right frantically. He had to find her, had to tell her before Scott…

"Run." Ginny's voice hissed in his ear. "Run—they're right there."

Ron didn't need his sister's help however. He saw the scene unfolding in front of him well enough. Scott and Hermione had stopped dancing, and now Scott was getting on one knee. Now Hermione's hands flew to her mouth. Now Scott was puling something out of his pocket.

"Run!" Ginny said more urgently.

Ron ran. He turned tail and ran out of the Great Hall. His brain had shut off, and his feet took over, they took him along the familiar path to Gryffindor tower. Ron was so dazed he was almost surprised to find himself facing the Fat Lady's picture.

"Password?" She said sharply.

"Erm…" Ron said, confused. "Idiot who's just thrown away any chance of happiness he's ever had?"

"Ron Weasley!" She cried excitedly. "I remember you, you always gave me cheek, well no password, no entrance."

"Please—" Ron paused. Fat Lady did not seem like a proper way to address her to her face. "Ah, please…ma'am. I'm sorry, I was an idiot, I still am an idiot, but will you just let me in the bloody common room? I promise I'm not going to kill any first years or anything."

The Fat Lady sighed at him, and gave him a look of pity. "It's the Hermione Granger girl isn't it?"

Ron didn't meet her eyes. "Look, please just let me in!"

"Fine, fine." The Fat Lady said quickly. "But not a word to the Headmaster."

Ron made his way into the empty common room. There were so many good memories here. He thought longingly of his school days. True, Voldemort was a threat back then, but at least they were all together…all alive. Ron paced the common room and stopped beside two plaques he had never seen before.

Ron's fingers traced over one of the two plaques that now hung on the common room wall.

"The bravest and the boldest went to daring Gryffindor."

In memory of Gryffindors who lost their lives fighting against Darkness.

Sirius Black

Lavender Brown

Colin Creevey

Seamus Finnigan

Rubeus Hagrid

Andrew Kirke

Alice Longbottom

Frank Longbottom

James Potter

Lily Potter

Kingsley Shacklebolt

Jack Sloper

Charlie Weasley

Percy Weasley

"You truly belonged in Gryffindor where dwell the brave at heart. Their daring, nerve, and chivalry set Gryffindors apart."

He swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat and turned to the second plaque.

"By Gryffindor, the bravest were prized far above the rest."

In honor of the three that, through their bond of trust, friendship, and love, brought about the fall of Darkness and ushered in a new era of Light.

We Honor…

Ronald Weasley, the pureblood. For the history of magic and the proud heritage that flows through his veins. For his inescapable logic and unfailing loyalty. We honor him.

Hermione Granger, the muggle-born. For the future of magic and the promise of the continuation of the wizarding race. For her understanding and compassion. For her thirst for knowledge and equality. We honor her.

Harry Potter, the half-blood. For the history and future that courses through him. For the promise of compromise and equal treatment for all. For living. For his pure nerve and outstanding courage. For his determination and his bravery. We honor him.

We honor you.

Bemused, Ron traced his finger over Hermione's name. He never knew about these plaques. The portrait hole slammed shut and Ron jerked his hand away from the o in Hermione's name.

She was in the room. He knew it. Slowly Ron turned around. Hermione was standing with her back to him. Standing shaking, as if consumed by silent sobs.

"Hermione?" Ron said softly in what he hoped was a soothing voice.

She turned towards him and Ron could see the tears glittering in her eyes. "Oh Ron!" She yelled, raced across the room, and threw herself on him. "Oh Ron, oh Ron." She said, her words muffled as her face was now buried in Ron's chest.

"Um…" Ron said awkwardly, patting her heaving back. "What's wrong?"

Hermione looked up at him and Ron was shocked to see she wasn't crying at all. Instead, she was laughing hysterically. He was taken aback.

"I almost married him!" Hermione choked out before succumbing to peals of laughter.

"C-Come again?" Ron said shakily.

"Scott asked me to marry him!" She cried, giggling madly.

"I see." Ron said stiffly.

"And I—" She broke out into even louder laughter. "I almost said yes!"

"Why didn't you?" Ron asked softly.

"And then I ran up here, and the Fat Lady just gave me this look and opened for me, and now I'm here, in your arms." Hermione barely made out through her cackling.

Ron was concerned for Hermione's sanity at the moment. This was not the laugh she used after he made a wisecrack. This was the kind of laughter a serial killer used after he got caught. Ron waited patiently for her laughter to die away before asking again, "Why did you say no?"

"Well, there he was, kneeling there in front of me holding the most gorgeous ring I had ever seen in my life." Hermione began staring into space, envisioning the diamond. "And I just started noticing how every hair on his head was perfectly in place, and how his shirt was perfectly ironed and creased. I saw how his tie was tied in a perfect half-Windsor knot and I noticed how his shoes were shined so well I could see my reflection in them. I took in his perfect teeth and perfect eyes and perfect dimple on his right cheek. I could barely hear him showing off his immense vocabulary in a speech it was obvious he had been rehearsing for weeks."

Ron felt he'd vomit if he had to hear Hermione list any more of Scott's virtues.

"Then he actually asked the question. I automatically began to say yes, but then I looked at his eyes—really looked at his eyes. It was as if I was seeing him for the very first time. There was no love in those eyes. Respect, yes. Admiration, yes. Lust…perhaps. I looked in those eyes and nothing happened. My stomach didn't flip, my knees didn't go weak, I didn't want to ride off with him on a noble steed into the sunset." Hermione winced before she said her next words. "That's when I started laughing. I regret that now."

Ron chuckled. "I'm not mad at you." He reassured her.

"I know." Hermione said. "I can see it in your eyes."

Ron stopped laughing at once. "Listen Hermione, I still need to talk to you."

"Ok." She said, looking at him expectantly.

"Um…well, lets sit on the couch. This could take a while." Ron said. He ran his hand through his hair nervously and quickly moved to flatten it.

"No." Hermione said, grabbing his hand. "I like it like that."

Ron smiled anxiously at her as they sank into the couch.

"Ok, uh…well, oh bugger." Ron said, exasperated. "I know I'm not gonna sound as good as Scott so I'm not even going to try. I just…I'm sick of always being second best."

"You're not!" Hermione interrupted.

"Yes I am. I was stupid when I was young. The youngest boy in his family, the sidekick of Harry Potter, fell for the brightest witch of her age. It didn't help that I was more than a bit dense. I had a bit of difficulty discovering this witch was, in fact, a witch instead of a wizard. I never thought of you as a man, mind you…but I never really thought of you as a girl either. You were Hermione. My Hermione. Then the Yule Ball came and well…we remember what happened there. Believe it or not, as a fourteen year old boy I was not the wordsmith I am now. I wasn't sure how to express my newly discovered feelings. All I knew how to do was hate Krum. Honestly Hermione, why did it have to be Krum? I admired him from the moment I heard about him I couldn't sleep when I heard Dad got tickets to the Cup. Viktor Krum. I was going to see Viktor Krum. He was my idol. My idol was taking my best friend to a ball. My idol was taking my best friend that I recently discovered I had not so platonic feelings for to the ball. How was I supposed to compete with him? I couldn't. But I could do my best to make you miserable whenever you were with him or even mentioned him."

Hermione snorted. "That you did."

"And I can't say I'm sorry for doing it." Ron continued. "Then we got caught up in the fight against Voldemort, and…and I didn't act on my feelings for selfish reasons. If I never told you how I felt I could keep the hope you felt the same for me alive. If I never told you I could die in battle and still have the idea you loved me the way I loved you. So why didn't I tell you after the war was over? The war had changed us all more than we usually let show. We matured greater than I thought possible. After the war I never thought you would want bumbling old Ron, immature Ronald from school, perhaps even your school girl crush, to have and to hold."

Ron took a deep breath before he continued.

"And then Scott came along. Well, what can I say? Scott is me, only better. He does all the same things as me, only better. I felt so inadequate." Ron finished softly.

"Ron I don't think you're inadequate." Hermione implored.

Ron sighed. "Again, I'm sure Scott had an amazing speech prepared with a lot of big words and comparisons of your beauty and brains and grace to other…pretty things. But I'm not Scott. I'm Ron. And this is how I declare my undying love to you. I love you Hermione. That's it. End of story. I've loved you ever since I removed my head from my a—"

"Ron!" Hermione said warningly.

"Sorry. Well, as soon as I stopped being a git and realized what love is I loved you. I want to be with you for forever and beyond. I want to be with you when you wake up in the morning and when you fall asleep at night. I want to be able to love you. So there it is, my declaration of adoration to you, Hermione Granger if you chose to accept it." Ron finished.

Hermione's face was unreadable. "Downstairs, when Scott was proposing to me I realized what a cookie cutter type person he is. He is practically perfect. I saw his perfectly gelled hair, and compared it to your hair after you've run your hand through it. I saw his perfectly creased shirt and thought of the day I was at your flat and you spent fifteen minutes attempting to iron your shirt, only succeeding in creating more wrinkles. Eventually I had to iron it for you. Do you remember that?" Hermione asked.

Ron nodded.

"I saw his tie and was reminded of how much you hate wearing ties. I looked at my reflection in his shoes and could only think of the scuffs on your shoes you received when you simply couldn't wait to change clothes before playing a quidditch match. I looked at his perfect teeth and found I preferred your lopsided grin. I looked at his eyes and found I liked the ocean blue of yours better. I saw his dimple…ah, well I rather like the dimple, I won't lie. I vaguely heard his speech and thought of your certain way with words you have. Then I looked into his eyes and compared them to yours. That's when I realized the love was missing. When I look into your eyes I can see love shining back at me. When I look into your eyes my stomach flips, I feel weak at the knees, and I want to ride off into the sunset on a noble steed with you. I don't want a cookie cutter. I want the boy--excuse me, man that doesn't fit into any neat little description, the man that surprises me every day. I want the man that can make me happier than I have ever felt and as infuriated as I've ever been. I love you Ron, and I can't imagine spending my life with anyone besides you." Hermione said.

Ron smiled. "Well I don't want to take advantage of a beautiful woman who just had a devastating break up, but…what the hell?" Ron said as he leaned closer to Hermione.

Their lips connected and fireworks went off in Ron's head. Every sense in his body was screaming "Yes! Yes! Yes!" They broke apart and Hermione smiled up at him.

"That was magical." Ron said, attempting to be suave.

Hermione doubled up in laughter. "Never be that corny again." She said, still chuckling.

A/N: Well there you go. I was tempted to break off the chapter after Ron runs out of the Great Hall, but I figured I'd made you guys suffer enough so I continued. I think I'll have one more chapter, a kind of epilogue.

Ok, the second plaque I know it sounds kind of discriminatory with all the mention of the "blood types" but I just realized Harry, Ron, and Hermione are the three main "blood types" and I found that interesting.

And I know the wedding was during Christmas holidays and the common room probably wouldn't be empty, but just pretend everyone went home for Christmas this year. And I'm very sad about all the Gryffindors I killed. I feel more than a little evil. Ah well. So was this worth the wait? Thank you for reading!