This didn't actually go the way I was planning. But I hope you enjoy anyway.

Sparklers & Fireworks

"Ron, you have to have fireworks at the wedding!"

"Hermione doesn't want fireworks," Ron repeated stubbornly. They'd been having this argument for a good twenty minutes now.

"Why ever not? Everyone loves fireworks!"

"Well, clearly not Hermione," he returned dryly. "But it's not so much that she hates fireworks; it's more that it's not the kind of thing done at a Muggle wedding."

"But you aren't having a Muggle wedding!"

"No entirely, no. But we are combining wizard and Muggle traditions, Mum, you know that."

"I don't like it," Molly said.

"Not really for you to like or dislike, is it? It's our wedding. We've put a lot of thought into this, Mum. I think you'll be pleased with the end result. But Hermione wanted some of the rituals and traditions that are important to her. And I wanted to keep the important bits of the wizarding ceremony. Let's face it; Fireworks are fun and all, but they aren't exactly essential . We'll be just as married without them."

"I know. But oh, George worked so hard on some special ones for you too. You know I don't like to disappoint him these days. He mopes so much still."

"I've already discussed it with George. He's fine. He still has his special 'Romione' fireworks-don't ask-and he has a plan for when he wants to use them. It just won't be at the wedding."

"Well, all right then." Molly still sounded doubtful but also resigned. "But it won't seem like much of a wedding without them."

"Mum, I promise it'll be a beautiful wedding. Hermione and I have worked it all out, and we really did take the best of both traditions."

That softened her completely. "I'm sure you did. It isn't that I don't trust the two of you, Ronnie, but-"

"I know, Mum. You just want everything to be perfect. And it will be! Promise."

"I can't believe my baby is getting married."

"Technically your baby is already married. Harry and Gin beat us to the altar, remember?"

"All my children are my babies, Ronnie. Always. You'll understand one day, or at least Hermione will. But you're my youngest boy. It...hits a bit differently. I'll miss you."

"I'm not going anywhere! I'm getting married, not leaving the country."

"It's not something you'd understand. But Bill wasn't mine anymore once he married Fleur. He's hers now. Percy isn't mine anymore; he's Audrey's. And you won't be mine either. You'll be Hermione's."

"Mum, I love you. I'll always love you. And I don't want to hurt your feelings, but...I've been Hermione's for a long time now."

"Oh, Ron, I know that. Again, it's not something you'd understand. But when the magical bonding occurs...it does something. It severs old bonds even as it forms new ones. You'll still be my son, but...oh, I'm explaining badly, not that it really can be explained."

"Nah, I think I get it now," Ron said slowly. "I guess...I guess I hadn't really thought about it that much." He hesitated, then asked, "Are the fireworks really important to you, Mum? I could talk to Hermione..."

Molly smiled. "No, dear. Not really. You're right; it's your wedding. Yours and Hermione's. I've learnt quite a lot since Bill and Fleur's. I'll help you in any way I can, but I won't butt in where I'm not wanted or needed."

"Well, thanks. I really do think you'll like it."

"I'm sure I will. And just think how excited your father will be! He loved Percy and Audrey's wedding so much. I'm sure he'll be fascinated by whatever Muggle touches Hermione includes."

Ron laughed. "He won't talk about anything else for a month."

"Try three or four months, if past history is anything to go by." Her expression turned wistful. "All my chicks have left the nest."

"Yeah. But I think you did a pretty decent job of teaching us to fly."

"Oh, I couldn't be prouder of the lot of you. You've all soared higher than I ever could've dreamed." Her voice cracked. "Even…even Fred, so young, followed his dreams and built a business and died fighting for good. " She sniffled. "All of you are so wonderful." Her face broke into a smile. "And Hermione is simply amazing."

"She is. Always has been. Don't quite know what she sees in a giant prat like me, but I'm grateful."

"Oh, stop it. I just said how proud of you I was. You're a good boy. Thoughtful. Generous and big-hearted. Maybe not always kind or gentle, but always loving. Honest. Loyal. Hermione is a very lucky young lady."

Ron felt his ears grow hot. "Aw, Mum."

"I quite agree," Hermione's voice suddenly said from behind them.

Ron spun to face her. "When did you get here?"

Hermione shrugged. "Not too long ago. I wasn't deliberately eavesdropping or anything. But I did hear a little bit." She looked at Molly. "And I've changed my mind. We should use George's fireworks."

"Oh, there's really no need for that, dear," Molly said.

"I know. But I want to. We're combining traditions even as we combine families. I truly didn't realize the fireworks were an important part of the ceremony. But they're at least important to you, and that makes them important to me." She laid a hand on Molly's arm.

Molly covered Hermione's hand with her own. "Thank you, Hermione."

The wedding was beautiful. And George went all out with the fireworks and sparklers. Hermione's Muggle relatives weren't quite sure what to make of such hoopla. But Molly was beaming the entire time, so Ron and Hermione both decided it was worth it.