A/N: I know, I know. I promised no more long waits, but I'm in the midst of finals. The good news is I'll be finished on Thursday. After that, I'm hoping to wrap this story up pretty quickly. That being said, I know I promised a long chapter this time but I have some SERIOUS studying to do if I want to pass my math test. I was thinking about two more updates within the next week to make up for it. Deal?

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SiriusJamesRemus'sgirl: With me now, deep breath. I am not, repeat not, planning to abandon my story. I hate when authors do that, so don't worry.

Monica7725: Well it's good to know you're not reading my mind through the computer. I'm not saying that you're right, but you're in the neighborhood. No you don't have to stop making guesses. They're actually fun. I like knowing when I'm being so completely obvious. Keeps me on my toes.

HPFreak2gd4u: Simple Plan. I completely understand. By all means go.

SVS: Alternative? Goodness, I'm sorry.

Renor Faer: No, you're not blanking out. I haven't said. Trying to keep a little mystery. Apparently I'm being too obvious about where the plot is going. : )

Kaydeek: Whew! Glad I dodged that.

Marianne Brandon: Many apologies for forcing you to resort to such extreme measures. Just teasing.

chocorod: No apologies necessary.

blackwolfs900: No, not yet. I think that may take awhile.

Sesshoumarousmate4life: Mush? Sure, why not.

The Sinner: I think there's going to be enough of that with Ron, no other guys needed.

a proud geekfreak: I think if I sang to my computer it may just die on me all together. But thanks for the tip.

KrazieChickadee: I'm glad you feel that way. But again with the love scene debate? Maybe I should just forget it if it's generating this much controversy.

heart of flame: I appreciate the faith. I'll try to live up to it.

hjdevnull: Schmoop?

Damia-Queen of the Gypsies: Oh My God, I laughed so hard when I read your review. That has got to be one of the funniest things I have ever heard. No, I'm related to neither Voldemort nor the Wicked Witch, but the comparisons are nice. Oh yeah, that means I don't have the green snake skin.: )

cantatedomino: I'm just speechless right now. You are too sweet.

Systamatic: Great, now I want McDonald's. I hope you're happy.

Everybody Else: Mwah! Big kisses for all.

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Disclaimer: You know the drill by now, right?

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Real

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"Attention everyone! Line up, we're about to begin." Professor McGonagall shouted over the voices of the seventh year students. It was graduation day at last and they were outside the Great Hall waiting for the ceremony to begin. Hermione glanced around at everyone in their Hogwarts dress robes and conical hats. It was almost surreal to think that many of them would probably never see each other again.

At once the students lined up. Hermione was supposed to be in line behind Goyle but now that she was married she was in front of Ron. She couldn't figure out which was worse.

The doors opened and one by one to students started out into the hall where the rest of the school and various friends and family were waiting for them. Walking toward her seat Hermione spotted her parents sitting with the Weasley's. As happy as she was that Dumbledore had arranged for them to be there, she was more excited to see Fred. A huge grin spread across her face when she noticed him trying not to look scared sitting next to her father.

They took their seats and Dumbledore began to speak. "Welcome, friends! Today is a bittersweet occasion as we send a new generation of wizards and witches out into the world. I must admit I am particularly fond of this class and will be very sad to see them go." More than one person's eyes turned to Harry and he squirmed in his seat. "But I have faith that they will do me proud as they move on in their new lives. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you this year's graduating class of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!" Streaks of golden sparks erupted from the tips of the students wands as the crowd rose to their feet in applause.

Dumbledore raised his hands and everyone returned their attention to him. "You are all welcome to stay for the feat and celebratory ball tonight. Enjoy."

Harry wandered over to where Ron and Hermione were standing awkwardly next to each other. "For all the fuss they made about this, I was expecting something a lot longer." he said.

No sooner than the words were out of his mouth than all of the Weasley descended upon them with hugs and handshakes. Hermione broke away to greet her parents. Her mother hugged her immediately, but her father still looked rather angry. "Daddy…please be happy for me. This is what I want." She said. His face softened and he wrapped his arms around her. He released her and she noticed Fred standing apart from the crowd watching her. Noticing her gaze, her father turned around.

"Fred." he said. "I'd like to talk to you."

Fred paled and gulped loudly. But he nodded his head and proceeded to follow Mr. Granger out of the hall.

Hermione watched them leave. She barely noticed when her mother put a comforting arm around her shoulders.

"Mum?"

"What?"

"I know Dad's not happy about all of this, but you don't think he's planning anything do you?" Hermione asked quietly.

"I don't think so." Mrs. Granger replied.

"Good. I really don't want to be a widow before I'm eighteen."

Her mother laughed.

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"I'm only going to say this once." Mr. Granger said once he and Fred were outside the castle. "I love my daughter more than anything in the world, and I want her to be happy. Personally, I think the both of you made a huge mistake. You're too young to get married. But Hermione seems intent on seeing this thing through, and I know enough to try and change her mind. Just promise me one thing."

"What's that?" Fred asked quickly. He was so happy that he wasn't going to be murdered by his father-in-law that he would have promised him anything.

"Take care of her." Mr. Granger said sadly.

Fred felt his heart drop a little. "You have my word."

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"There they are." Hermione sighed as Fred and her father walked back into the Great Hall. The feast was underway, but she had been too nervous to eat anything. From her right she felt Bill put a comforting hand on her shoulder. She looked up at her dad when he and Fred reached the table. "We're going to have to go honey. We're very proud of you." Hermione was a little confused, but stood to hug him again and then her mother. She waved as they made their way out of the castle.

Hermione noticed Bill's gaze tick to her left and Hermione realized that she hadn't said a single word to Fred the whole time. But before she could say anything he wrapped her up in a tight hug, lifting her off the ground and swinging her around. He set her back on the floor and she had to sit down due to dizziness. "I take it that means everything went all right with my father."

"Better than fine. He pretty much just gave us his blessing." Fred beamed down at her.

Hermione's jaw dropped. "Seriously?"

Fred nodded.

Hermione squealed and launched herself back at Fred with such force she almost knocked him over. He squeezed her back and kissed the top of her head. She looked up at him and smiled her first genuine smile of the day.

"Listen," Fred said , "I know you're already packed, so how about we forgo the ball and just go home?"

Hermione felt herself turn to mush at the hopefulness she heard in Fred's voice. "Sure. You know I'm not one for parties anyway. Plus, I don't think I could handle Ron."

Fred looked over to where his brother was glaring daggers at him. "Home then?"

Hermione grinned. This marriage was starting to feel pretty real to her. She was giving up her last night at Hogwarts for a quiet evening at home with her husband. Maybe it was real. "Home."

"Mind some company?" Bill piped up as he put an arm around each of them. "After all, we have some work to do."

Hermione and Fred looked at each other. Now it was definitely real.

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A/N: In seventeen-we see more of Ron's plan, Bill makes some headway, and the newlyweds begin to notice a change. Just what is it? We'll have to wait and see.