A/N: Here you go! Here is the next chapter! Enjoy!

Chapter 16

What the…?

The cloaked figure darted between trees, hoping to avoid the search party that had been sent out to bring him back. They had been instructed to bring him in dead or alive, but the emphasis was leaning towards dead. He didn't like that idea, and he had overheard some of the members of the search party joking about what they would do to him before they killed him. Just the mental images were enough to make him shudder and break out into a cold sweat.

He had reached an expansive clearing, but he was wary of crossing it. They had his wand, so he had very little to no defenses against the group of Death Eaters hunting him. There was a reason why they wanted him dead. The information he overheard was nothing short of astounding. He had to get to Harry Potter, if only to let him know before he was killed.

His stomach growled, reminding him that he had not eaten in three days. His sharp eyes darted back and forth over the clearing. He made the wise decision to circle around the clearing, hoping that he would be able to keep his half day lead of the Death Eaters. He had reached the halfway point when he heard the Death Eaters start to cross the clearing. He cursed under his breath and turned south. The journey was going to take a bit longer than he hoped.

ooo

Saturday had come much faster than Ron had expected it to. He was nervously fidgeting with his dress robes while Harry was getting ready. Harry had to move to another room as Ron had asked for the twentieth time if Harry had the rings with him. Harry had rolled his eyes and grumbled under his breath and told Ron to sit down and take a few deep breaths. Harry came back in fully dressed and eyed Ron.

"Mate, you're going to make the robes fall apart if you keep messing with them," Harry said with a grin. Ron dropped the robes and Harry noticed his hands were trembling. "Ron?"

Ron looked up with a slightly terrified look in his eyes.

"Harry, what am I doing?" Ron asked quietly. "I'm not sure if I can go through with this."

"Of course you can, Ron," Harry said. "You love her, right?" Ron nodded in the affirmative. "If you love her, and want to be with her forever, this is the right thing to do, right?" Seeing Ron nod again, Harry continued.

"Mate, we've been best friends for over ten years now, and I know that you have never had anything this perfect before."

"But Harry," Ron said with a trembling voice. "What if I die in the coming battles? I don't know if I can put her through that." Harry sat down across from Ron, and stared at him.

"Ron, I want you to hear this," Harry said. "You know the past I have had. You remember what I did during sixth year, right? Well at that time, I thought the same thing you are saying now. That's why I tried to push you all away in the beginning. I couldn't bear the thought of you all used to having me around and being close friends, even bordering on family, and then if I got killed how it would hurt you all.

"I figured that if you all didn't like me anymore, and if I got killed in the final battle, it would not be as hard to deal with. But you know what? I realized during the last four years, that having just a short time with someone you care about is better than trying to make them forget about you. It means more to a person that even in the face of death; you would want to spend your last days being as close as possible. I learned that the hard way, mate. Don't do what I did," Harry finished. Ron sat back and stared at the ceiling. He took a deep breath in and let it out slowly. He looked back at Harry.

"You're right, mate," Ron said.

"Of course I am," Harry said. "Aren't I always?" Ron let out an amused snort. "Besides Ron, you are now another person who went toe to toe with Voldemort and survived. A little thing like your wedding shouldn't scare you now."

"Shut it Harry," Ron said with a grin. Harry smiled and pushed Ron out through the door to get to the backyard. As they walked out into the Burrow's backyard, they saw the entire Order there, checking things over to make sure everything was secure. Harry walked over to Mad Eye Moody to confer with him for a moment. Everyone got into position and waited for the ceremony to start.

ooo

The cloaked figure cursed again, as he heard the Death Eaters gaining on him. He frantically threw his cloak off, guessing that it had a tracking charm on it. He hated to get rid of the cloak, as it was the last gift he got from his mother before she was killed. He pushed himself to run faster and came out of the trees. He glanced around and saw nothing in the clearing. He dashed across it and turned to head west. Once he got to another group of trees, he stopped to take a quick rest for a moment. Once he caught his breath he started running again.

He came out of the trees to a small town. He wandered around for a moment, looking for a place to rest. It seemed like a muggle village, but he did not know where. All he knew is that he had been running for three days now, and was desperate to find a way to contact Harry. Harry had to know what was being planned, and if it could be stopped.

ooo

Ron stood at on the podium, waiting for the ceremony to start. Harry had gone back in so he could do his part in the procession. The music started up and he looked to the back door of the burrow. The first pair out was Bill and one of Sharon's younger sisters who was named Kara. They took their places and the next pair started. Charlie was walking towards him with Sharon's other sister, Julie. Next up was Harry and Hermione.

Hermione and Sharon had hit it off right away, with both of them being muggleborn. Sharon did not hesitate to make Hermione her maid of honor, due to her being one of Ron's closest friends. Harry was having a hard time keeping his eyes forward, due to how beautiful Hermione looked. Hermione was also in the same boat, and the custom tailored tuxedo Harry was wearing highlighted his strong and well built frame. They made it to the front without incident, but Harry gave her a kiss on her cheek which made them both blush.

The music changed to the wedding march and Ron directed his attention at the backdoor again. His ability to breathe suddenly disappeared as Sharon walked out in step with her father. Her dress was sleeveless, and decorated with small jewels that had been enchanted to sparkle even more. The train was ten feet long behind her and her hair was pulled up on the sides, but the back was curled into elegant loose spirals. Her father looked impressive in his United States Army dress blues, and it was decorated with so many ribbons and medals, that it even made Harry's medal collection seem to be lacking.

Harry looked over to Ron, who had a wide smile on his face, and if he was nervous, he didn't show it at all. Ron reached out and shook her father's hand and gave him a quick hug. Sharon turned to her father and he hugged her tightly and kissed her cheek.

The service went flawlessly. It was a combination of a traditional muggle wedding with a few wizarding elements put in. The vows were a magical oath, and the rings were magical as well. Harry performed the magical portion while a muggle minister had done the rest. Thankfully the minister had known of the magical world for quite some time, due to his sister being a witch. So he knew the places in which to stop and let Harry perform the needed spells.

When the wedding finished, Ron and Sharon walked down first, then followed by the rest of the wedding party. They all went inside while the backyard was rearranged for the reception. They came back out and Sharon had already changed into her normal robes and Ron had taken off his cloak. They took their places at the head table and everyone sat down with chatter filling the air. After a few minutes Harry stood up, tapping his fork against his champagne glass. Everyone quieted down, and Harry cleared his throat

"It seems that the first speech is mine," Harry started to say. "I won't bore you all with a horribly long winded speech, as I know that Hermione has that covered."

"Hey!" she shouted, scandalized. Everyone chuckled at her indignant glare at Harry. He just looked over and smiled, giving her a saucy wink. She blushed and hid her face in her hands.

"Now, all of you know this great young man, my best mate in the world, Ron Weasley. It seems so long ago that he was a timid boy that asked to join me in the Hogwarts Express compartment, oblivious to the smudge of dirt on his nose." Everyone laughed at this. Harry continued once the laughter died down. "But I will say this. Having him join me that day was the best thing I could have ever done. After becoming best mates right away, I gained something I never had before. A family." Harry paused here to look over at Ron, who was wiping tears out of his eyes.

"I gained the greatest family in the world, and it only is fitting that I am here today, wishing these two people the best of luck and a long and happy life. My brother has just been married, and I could not be happier at this moment. Sharon, please take care of my brother for me, as you will be by his side much more than I can be. And just remember, his snoring could wake the dead, do watch out for that."

Ron jumped up and grabbed Harry into a tight brotherly hug. Harry smiled at the warm feeling in his gut. He broke away from Ron and gave Sharon a hug as well, getting a kiss on the cheek from her. He had one last thing to say, and he knew it was going to hit a sore spot for a lot of people.

"Ron, I have one last thing to say," he said as he choked up a bit. "Ginny would be so happy for you. She would be so proud to see the man you have become. And if she were still with us, I daresay that she would be squeezing the stuffing out of you right now."

A few sniffles were heard from the other tables, and Ron sat there with a wistful expression on his face. A few tears fell from his eyes and he closed them and turned his face into the sun. He smiled when a warm breeze swept over the whole gathering.

"See mate? She is," Harry said with a small smile. "Thanks."

Everyone stood up and cheered as Harry let Hermione have the floor. She cleared her throat and wiped her tears away. When everyone sat back down she started speaking.

"Ron and Sharon. I'm so happy for the two of you. When Ron and I first met, it looked like we would be at each other's throats forever. I also seem to recall the words 'she's a nightmare, honestly!' were some of the first memories I have of Ron," she said as he hid his face. She smiled and lightly punched him on the shoulder and continued.

"But that night, Ron and Harry saved my life, in more ways that one. I was ready to go back home and forget about the wizarding world. But in a span of four minutes, I gained the best friends that anyone could want. Ron had put up with me nagging him about schoolwork. Now Ron, aren't you glad I did? I mean if you had ignored your studies, you would have never been able to get into the Auror program, and you would have never met Sharon."

"Thank Merlin for that!" Sharon blurted out with a smile.

"So to make this short, congratulations to both of you. I couldn't wish for better friends!" Hermione finished, raising her glass to the two of them.

The reception progressed and Harry danced with Sharon once, and then spent the most of the time with Hermione. Tonks asked to cut in for a dance, and Mrs. Weasley also snagged him for a quick dance as well. Things were going well until a piercing wail cut through the air.

ooo

He had run through the village after catching his breath again when he saw the Death Eaters come out of the tree line. He ran from the small café where he had gotten a glass of water to cool his burning throat. He ran like the devil was on his heels, looking for somewhere to hide. The Death Eaters had not noticed him until he was a distance away from them and they had to try and chase him down.

He ran until he felt like his legs were made of flobberworms. He was running along a dirt path when hit some kind of magical barrier. He was tossed back and landed hard on his side. Over the pounding in his ears he heard a loud piercing wail that sounded like he had tripped a ward of some type. He reached out and felt his hand run into the barrier and it was pushed back with a bit of force. What he didn't see was Harry Potter come charging out of the barrier a few yards away with a magnificent sword in his hand and his wand drawn.

"YOU!" Harry shouted. The made spun around and his jaw dropped. "What are you doing here, Malfoy?"

ooo

Harry quickly kissed Hermione and dashed inside. He ran to the room he was staying in for the night and tossed his jacket aside. He grabbed his sword and strapped it to his back and drew his wand. He flicked his wand and the alarm dropped in volume inside the house. He had gotten better with the strength of his spells, but he was still nowhere near what he was before he used the sword on himself.

He thundered down the stairs and saw that other Order members were prepping for battle as well. Harry darted out of the front door and charged toward the edge of the wards. He could see a young man get up from being thrown back from the barrier and reach out to touch it. Harry circled around behind the man and drew his sword. Because of the barrier, he could not see who it was, but it could only mean one thing if he was stopped by the barrier. The man had the Dark Mark.

Harry charged through the barrier a few yards away and spun to confront the man at the edge of the wards. His eyes flashed with anger and he slowly started to approach the person he least expected to show his face around those parts, Draco Malfoy.

"YOU!" Harry snarled. Draco spun around and had a terrified look on his face. "What are you doing here, Malfoy?" Draco spluttered for a moment and he quickly approached Harry with his hands up.

"Potter! You have to help me!" Draco yelled. Harry stopped moving and his eyes flashed again.

"Why should I? You helped murder Dumbledore!" Harry shouted. He raised his sword and pointed it at Draco. Little did Harry know, but the whole Order had stopped just inside the wards and was watching the exchange.

"Potter! We don't have time for this right now. There are several Death eaters after me! I have information that will help you!" Draco shouted as Harry advanced on him. Harry didn't look like he was listening, and continued to move towards Draco. "Potter! Wait!" When Harry made no sign of stopping, Draco became desperate.

"Harry!" Draco shouted. At hearing Malfoy use his first name in a manner that said he was truly in danger, Harry stopped advancing. "Please, Harry. Hear me out! Just let me in!" Harry thought hard about it and spoke.

"Malfoy, in order to let you in the wards need to be dropped. It bars anyone with the Dark Mark from entering. There is no way I am lowering the wards just for you," Harry said. "It would take too much time to put them back up." Draco blanched and rushed towards Harry. Harry raised his sword in a defensive stance and his eyes widened at Draco's charge. But Draco stopped just short of Harry and held his hand out.

"Give me the sword for a moment, Harry," Draco said quickly. Harry eyed him with distinct distrust. "Fine then, if you won't hand it to me, then I want you to do something for me." Harry raised his eyebrow in question. "Cut off my left arm."

Harry's jaw dropped in shock. Draco looked over his shoulder and saw the Death Eaters closing in. His breathing became irregular and he turned to Harry again.

"NOW HARRY!" Draco shouted. He raised his arm and gritted his teeth, turning his head away. Harry stood there not believing what Draco was asking him to do.

"DO IT!!!" Draco screamed.

Time seemed to slow as Harry lifted his sword and whirled it a couple of times and brought it swiftly down. With a sickly wet noise and a thump on the ground, Draco howled in pain and threw himself towards the barrier. Without the Dark Mark on his body, he fell right through onto the grass. Hermione rushed to his side and quickly started casting spells to stop the blood rushing out of his arm.

Harry stood just outside of the wards, staring down at Draco's left forearm. He quickly cast an incendio and watched it burn. When the Death Eaters came close enough, Harry turned and faced them. The Death Eaters stopped and stared at Harry.

"Well, well, well, Potter. Fancy seeing you here," the man said.

Harry looked over his shoulder and made a simple statement.

"Take them."

The Death Eaters laughed at him, thinking that Harry had gone crazy and was talking to thin air. Their laughter stopped suddenly when twenty Order members charged through the Barrier and it was over before the Death Eaters could even raise their wands. Only one had survived and he was badly injured. Harry stepped over to the leader's form.

"You can tell Voldemort the gloves are off," Harry said. "Make sure to tell him before you die, which will not be too long from now."

Harry kicked the man's arm so that it hit the portkey that was hanging out of the man's robes, and the Death Eater disappeared from sight. He sheathed his sword and walked back through the barrier. He looked down at Draco.

"This had better be worth it, Malfoy. Otherwise I'll deliver you to Voldemort myself," Harry said in a cool manner. He started to walk away to let everyone else know what happened, when Draco's voice stopped him.

"Harry?" Harry raised an eyebrow when he turned and looked at Draco.

"Yes?" Draco took a deep breath and stared at Harry.

"Thanks for saving my life," Draco said. Harry hid his surprise at Draco's gratitude and nodded.

ooo

Harry decided to hold off on Draco's interrogation for a day or so while Draco was recovering. He and Hermione left the reception and retreated to their room. Draco was under Madame Pomfrey's care and under guard, just in case. They entered the room and Hermione sat down on the bed. Harry walked to the window and stared out of it, his jaw set in a tight line.

"Harry?" Hermione asked quietly. "Are you alright?" Harry sighed and bowed his head.

"Somewhat," he responded. "A lot has happened today."

"I agree," Hermione said. "At least the wedding was not interrupted."

Harry smirked and nodded. He stood there and lost himself in thought. Hermione saw this and got up and walked over to him. She pulled him into her arms and laid her head on his chest. They stood like that for a while, and Harry started stroking her hair as he mulled over the day's events. Ron had been a bit put out that Draco was in the same household, but when he was told what Draco had done, he became thoughtful and stopped his complaints.

Hermione broke away and gave Harry a small kiss. He smiled and nodded as she got her sleep clothes together and left for the bathroom to shower and change. Harry stood by the window and took a deep breath. 'Should I do it tonight?' he thought to himself.

ooo

The near dead man landed at the feet of the guards. They rushed to the man's side and tried to do what they could. They levitated him into the house and down the main corridor. After knocking on the chamber's door, they entered cautiously, knowing what they would be facing.

"What is it?" a cold high pitched voice asked. "I asked for no disturbances! Crucio!"

The first man fell to the ground writhing in pain and screaming. The other guard fell to his knees and crawled forward until he reached Voldemort's feet. He kissed the hem of Voldemort's robes and stayed low.

"My lord, please forgive our intrusion. But we felt this was important," the guard said.

"Speak!" Voldemort hissed.

"My lord, this man came back like this. He was on the search party for the traitor," the guard explained.

Voldemort ended the curse on the first guard and sat on his throne. He hid the fact that he was still very weak from whatever had injured him not too long ago, and he could not hold the curse for very long.

"Continue," Voldemort said.

"Yes my lord," the guard said. "The leader has a message from Potter."

Voldemort looked at the dying man in front of him. The man struggled to speak, but he managed to say what he needed to.

"My… Lord… Potter s-says… Gloves… Are off…" the man said with his dying breath. His head rolled to the side and death took him. Voldemort hissed in a quiet rage.

"Crucio!" he bellowed at the second guard. He held the curse for a few moments more before stopping, still feeling the draining effects of using powerful curses so close together. He was getting stronger, though. He would not admit it to anyone, but he was disappointed that Severus had passed on earlier in the day. 'That Potter is taking away some of my best tools. It's time we devised a plan to take his greatest asset away from him.' Voldemort thought to himself.

"Leave! And take this with you!" Voldemort commanded, pointing at the dead body at his feet. Voldemort sat back and began to formulate a devious plan that would hurt Harry in the worst way.

ooo

Hermione came back into the bedroom and sat on the edge of the bed, looking over at Harry. Something was making him edgy, as she could tell by his hand running through his hair frequently.

"Harry," Hermione said. "What's wrong?"

Harry turned and looked at her. She noticed he had an uncertain look in his eyes, and his hand was fiddling with something in his pocket. He took a deep breath and walked over to the bed and sat down next to her.

"Harry, you're making me nervous, now what's wrong?" Hermione said. Secretly she was worried with things heating up again with Voldemort; he was going to rush off on his own again.

"Hermione, I have a serious question for you," Harry said. "I'm not sure if this is the right time to bring it up, but I can't wait anymore."

Hermione was getting a bit more nervous. He sounded like he wanted to leave again. She reached over and took his hand in hers and smiled nervously, not letting go of his hand. That way, if he did disappear, she would end up going with. She couldn't bear it if he left again. Harry took a deep breath and stared at the floor.

"'Mione, The past couple of months with you have been great," he started. Her heart dropped into her stomach and she knew he was leaving her. "I just feel that it isn't right for us to live like this."

He reached over and wiped a few tears from her cheeks.

"Oh please don't cry, you know I can't take that," Harry said. "Now as I was saying, living like we are is not fair to either of us. I just can't act like this anymore. It's not fair to you for me to keep you like this. You have had to put up with the worst I can offer you."

"Oh Harry, you know I will take you anyway I can get you," she said through her tears. He smiled gently and cupped her cheek with his hand.

"Hermione, I have to ask you," Harry said. He took a deep breath and looked up to the ceiling. "Merlin this is hard."

"Harry, befor—" she started to say when he cut her off with his hand held up to forestall her.

"Hermione Granger, Will you marry me?"