Author's note: Hello everyone! It's finally the wedding! Lots of stuff going on here. I may post pictures of Ginny's wedding gown and the bride's maids dresses on photobucket or something so you can see what I'm talking about. All righty!

Disclaimer: JKR owns these lovely characters and I sadly do not.

On with the chapter!

Chapter eight:

Learning How to Love

The day of the wedding was nothing short of chaotic. Ginny and the girls took over the Potter residence while the guys took over the Burrow to get ready. The wedding was to take place in Ginny and Harry's backyard.

It was, as Ginny and Harry said, indeed simple. The backyard was large and flat, so it was easy to decorate. There was a white carpet laid in the middle of two sections of chairs. The trellis in the front had lights hanging from it where Ginny, Harry and the wedding party will stand. Several large orbs floated above the aisle and also where the guests would be seated. Ginny and Harry were to be married at sunset and the reception would take place during the night.

Harry, Ron, Neville and Dudley were all getting ready at the Burrow. They felt a lot more relaxed than the girls, probably. They were all laughing, drinking and being men. Fred and George joined in with them as well.

Harry's stomach was doing somersaults as he got ready. This was the day! He was finally going to marry the girl of his dreams. He smiled at his reflection. He wore a black tux and an off-white tie, to match Ginny. The groomsmen wore black tuxes and green ties to match the bride's maids. His hair seemed to be even more unruly than usual as he passed a hand through it. He sighed and went back to the guys.

Ginny, Hermione, Fleur and Luna were getting ready. The three bride's maids all had their dresses on and their hair curled with white lilies pinned in it. Their makeup was simple, eyeliner, mascara, clear lip gloss and a small amount of blush. They were practically ready and were finishing up any small details around the house.

Ginny was nervously getting ready. She started with her hair. She pulled out her wand and slowly put the long strands into a coif. She then started on her makeup. She put eyeliner, mascara and lip gloss. She wanted a radiant sun-kissed look. Ginny looked herself over and smiled. She got up, still in her robe, looked at her gorgeous dress. Her stomach was nauseous with nerves. She had no idea why she was so nervous. It's not like it was she going to be walking in front of a million people, it was just her closest friends and family. She shook her head and put her dress on.

It was nearly sunset when the boys arrived. They kept their distance and stayed in the side yard. It was the safest place to be.

"Ron, are you sure you want to walk down with Hermione?" Harry asked.

"I don't know, mate. Maybe it I should. It gives me an opportunity to speak to her," Ron said with a shrug.

"I'm all for it as long as there will be no hexing on the way down the aisle," Harry said.

"I can't really promise you that, but I'd like to give it a go."

"Well, all you can do is try," Harry said smiling at Ron.

"That's all I have left. Where the Felix Feliciswhen I need it?"

"Sadly, I don't have any and I'm sure no one else here has any either. Plus, Hermione would know you used it and it would piss her off even more."

"True, the girl's too smart for her own good," Ron said with a sigh.

"That may be true," Harry said with a laugh.

The guests were arriving and being shown the appropriate side to sit on. Ginny and the girls were all sitting in the living room waiting on the wedding to start. Mrs. Weasley had already come in sobbing at the sight of her only daughter. Mr. Weasley didn't want to see Ginny until it was time for him to escort her down the aisle.

"So, Hermione are you comfortable walking down with Ron?" Ginny asked.

"I mean, he's Harry's best man and I'm your maid of honor, so we have to walk down together. I'll be fine. It gives me a chance to speak to him."

"Just please don't hex him, that's all I ask," Ginny said.

"I won't hex him; in less he says something asinine."

"Hermione Jean Granger!"

"Hm?" Hermione asked innocently.

"Since when do you swear so freely?" Ginny asked faux crossly.

"I know, I know! It's a nasty habit. I guess it just happened," Hermione said shrugging.

Ginny smiled at her and shook her head.

Harry left his groomsmen and headed to the backyard. He took his place right side and waited. Ron, Neville and Dudley walked into the hallway and called for the girls. Hermione, Fleur and Luna all came out of the living room and walked over to them. Ron and Hermione were paired, Luna and Neville were paired and Fleur and Dudley were paired.

Moments later, they heard Love Potion by Crystal Skulls play magically outside. Ron and Hermione started to walk slowly to the beat of the song down the hallway to the back door. The others followed suit.

Ron and Hermione didn't say anything to each other. They didn't even look at each other. Hermione bit her lip and went for it.

"Ron?" she said in a whisper.

"Hm?" he whispered back.

"I just wanted to say, I'm sorry. I should have screamed at you that day. I know you were having a hard time telling me and I should been patient. Maybe it was because I've been waiting for so long to hear those words that I just fudged everything up. So, I'm sorry," Hermione finished not looking at him.

"Why are you apologizing? I should be. You did nothing wrong. I put my foot in my mouth and didn't have the nerve to pull it back out. I hurt you and I'm terribly sorry," Ron said taking a glance at her.

"In certain ways, we were both in the wrong. I'm just glad to finally have a chance to get it off my chest," Hermione said glancing back at him.

"I'm glad to finally grow the balls, excuse me, to actually be able to talk to you."

As Ron said that, he and Hermione went their separate ways. Hermione felt terribly better to have finally talked to Ron, somewhat. She hoped they could continue it after the wedding was over. She then wondered if it was possible considering Viktor was going to be there.

After all of the wedding party was in place, the crowd stood up to wait for Ginny to walk down. Moments later, Ginny accompanied by her father stood at the back door. Everyone smiled and was in complete awe. Ginny and Arthur made their way down towards the trellis. Harry's smile was quite visible as Ginny made her way to him. Ginny couldn't help but smile back at him.

Arthur hugged his only daughter and kissed her hands. He sat down next to a sobbing Molly and placed an arm around her back. Ginny turned towards Harry and they both beamed at one another. They then turned towards the ministry official who was going to marry them.

"Tonight, we are celebrating the union between Harry James Potter and Ginerva Molly Weasley. Marriage is a big step that will lead to a stronger bond for these two individuals. I hope it's a wonderful, beautiful journey. Now, Harry and Ginerva will be reading vows they have written for each other," the official said gesturing to Harry.

Harry turned towards Ginny, "Ginny, you're like a dream come true, I never, in a million years, would have thought I would end up with someone as amazing as you. I know that we'll have a wonderful life together and I'm so honored to be your husband. I love you, Ginny, more than my simple words could express."

"Harry, I never thought that I would be standing in front of you as I am today. I'm glad that it has become a reality. After I met you, all those years ago, I hoped that'd we'd be together. I'm glad that I was granted with that very wish. You are everything I've wanted in a husband and I hope I'm everything you wanted in a wife. I love you, Harry. I will continue to love you more each day," Ginny said with tears in her eyes.

Hermione watched them exchange vows. She's never seen so much love before. She yearned for it. She took a glace over at Ron and saw how; he too, was watching his sister and best friend in awe. She smirked to herself.

"I now bind you two. This bond will last an eternity of love, devotion and reciprocity. May you be happy and successful in all of your endeavors," the man said as Harry and Ginny held each other's hand out as he bound them together with his wand. "You may now kiss," he said starting to applaud.

Everyone then chimed in. Harry and Ginny kissed each other passionately. Fred and George wolf whistled.

"Mr. and Mrs. Harry James Potter!" the official announced as Harry and Ginny walked back towards the house. The wedding party followed them.

"That was beautiful," Hermione said dabbing her eyes.

"It was brilliant. I'm happy for them," Ron said as they made their way back to the house.

The reception was to be held at the Burrow. All of the guests apparated there while Ginny changed into a different dress. It was a tan color and made of silk. She put on flats to give her feet a rest. After she changed, the wedding party apparated to the reception.

Once the wedding party arrived, they saw that the backyard was decorated similarly to how Fleur and Bill's wedding was. The huge tent was out with a few tables underneath it. Harry, Ginny and the wedding party had their own special table. Hermione sat on Ginny's right and Ron sat on Harry's left. Before the party got started, Hermione and Ron were to give their speeches to the bride and groom.

Ron stood up with his champagne glass in his hand. He tapped it with his fork so everyone would be quiet. He began,

"The day I met Harry, I never knew he would be marrying my sister, but I couldn't be any happier that he did. He's one of the best blocks, and I'm not being biased, that Gin's ever dated (no offense). I'm happy that they're happy. I always thought of you as a brother, mate and I'm glad you're part of the family, officially."

Everyone applauded and drank some of their champagne. As Ron sat down, Harry clapped him on the back. Hermione stood up with a glass in her hand.

"Harry and Ginny have been my best friends since we've met. I'm happy that these two finally got married. If anyone deserves to be happy, it's definitely them. I wish you both a long and happy marriage. I love you both," Hermione said raising her glass to the couple. Everyone did the same and drank from their glasses again.

Many people came up to the table to say hello and congratulations to the bride and groom. Hermione thought it was a good time to finish her talk with Ron. She quickly got up and ran right into Ron. He sheepishly smiled at her.

"Sorry about that," he said.

"It's ok. Um, can we talk?" She asked.

"I was just about to ask you the same question," he said smiling at her.

They walked outside of the tent where it was barely populated. Hermione summoned two chairs from inside the tent so they could sit down.

"So, where were we?" Ron asked.

"Well, we said we both felt loads better that we talked a bit," Hermione said summarizing.

"Oh, yeah! I do feel loads better. I don't know why I hadn't spoken to you beforehand."

"Yeah, I don't know why I didn't try to talk to you beforehand either. Oh, right, I was mad. I'm still sorry about that by the way," she said looking apologetic.

"Hermione, it's fine. It was my fault. I'm really sorry," he said.

Hermione smiled at him and squeezed his hand. They heard the familiar smooth voice of the lead singer from The Felix Felicises. Ron stood up and held out his hand.

"Want to dance?" He asked.

"Um, ok," Hermione said taking his hand.

They walked back into the tent and Ron led Hermione to the middle of the floor. No one else was quite on the floor yet, but they didn't care. Ron took Hermione's right hand in his and wrapped his left arm around her waist. She lost her breath for a moment. She recovered and smiled at him.

Ron and Hermione slow danced around the floor. Soon they were joined by Luna and Neville, Fleur and Bill and Arthur and Molly. As Ron spun Hermione around and around the floor, they beamed at every person they came in contact with. The pair didn't talk; they just enjoyed the light feeling they both had. It had seemed like forever since they both had this feeling. After the song ended, the two grabbed a flute of champagne and sat down at the now deserted table.

"Since when can you dance so well, Ron?" Hermione asked taking a sip of champagne.

"I've always known how to dance, I just never did."

"Why is it that I've never seen you dance before?"

"Well, the only opportunity you would have seen me dancing is at the Yule Ball, but I was too…" Ron stopped himself.

"You were too what?" Hermione asked.

"Nothing, nevermind. It's nothing really. Now you've had the experience of seeing me dance, you can't wonder any longer," he said smiling at her.

"Mmmm."

Everyone got quiet as someone announced the bride and groom's first dance. Hermione rested her chin on her hand as she watched Harry and Ginny smile at each other as they danced. Ron looked over at her and smiled to himself. He hoped one day that he could make her that happy. Hermione looked over at Ron and blushed.

"I'm sorry, they just look so happy. I'm elated that they finally get to be that happy. If anyone deserves it, they do," she said dreamily.

"What about you then? Don't you deserve to be that happy?" Ron asked.

"Yeah, of course I do, but this is their moment, not mine. I'm sure my moment will come one day," she said matter-of-factly.

"Maybe it will come sooner," Ron said quietly turning back to watch the married couple dance.

As Harry and Ginny danced, a few people joined them on the floor. Ron stood up again and extended his hand to Hermione. She took it gladly and they headed out on the floor.

Hermione and Ron danced close to Harry and Ginny. Harry and Ginny both beamed at them at the sight of them being friendly again. The wedding was something of a joyous occasion.

After the song ended, a song with a faster beat came on. Ron and Hermione remained on the floor. They were laughing together and were actually happy, until Hermione felt a tap on her shoulder. She saw Ron flush with anger. She furrowed her brow and turned around.

Viktor was standing behind her smirking.

"I hope I vasn't interrupting anything," he said not sounding sorry.

"Um, I–I don't know," Hermione stammered.

"Vell, if I vasn't, I vas vondering if I could have this dance?" He asked extending his hand.

"Go ahead, Hermione. Dance with Vicky," Ron said walking off the floor.

"Ron! RON!" Hermione called after his retreating back.

Viktor took her hand and began to dance. Hermione danced half-heartedly.

"Vhat's vrong?" He asked.

"I've upset Ron. I should go after him," Hermione said languidly.

"Vhy? I thought you two veren't friends! Plus, you invited me here," Viktor said starting to get angry.

"I never said we weren't friends. Yes, I wasn't quite sure if we were or not, but he was always my friend. We had a very bad row is all and we kind of made up tonight," she said.

"I see. Well, go after him then. I'm leaving," Viktor said throwing Hermione's hands back to her side.

"Viktor, what is wrong with you? I just want to speak to Ron. I know he isn't all right and I want to make sure we'll be fine after this," she said offensively.

"Vhatever, go find him and make sure things are all right," he said walking away.

Hermione gave a frustrated grunt and went to go look for Ron.

Ron was sitting alone where he and Hermione had talked an hour before. He had drained his flute of champagne and sat there staring into the sky.

How ironic is it that Viktor fucking Krum shows up when everything is finally back on track with Hermione and I? She must have invited him here. I know we weren't talking, but it still stings to see him around. I wish he wasn't. I wish he never contacted her again. I wish they never kissed! I love her, I fucking love her. After seeing her so engrossed in Harry and Ginny's wedding, I now know that I have to marry her. She's perfect. She's bloody perf–

Ron was dragged out of his thoughts when he heard someone calling his name. He looked around and saw a female form coming towards him. His heart thumped in anticipation. He hoped it was Hermione, but as the girl got closer he saw it was Jordan.

"There you are! I've been looking for you for ten minutes. No one knew where you were," she said taking the seat next to him.

"Oh, sorry. I came back here to get a bit of air," he said staring back at the sky.

"Is there something interesting up there?" She asked looking up also.

"Nah, it's just relaxing."

"Are you ok, Ron?" Jordan asked looking at him.

"Mmm. I'm fine. It's just been a long day," Ron said not looking at her.

"I'm sorry I couldn't make it to the actual nuptials," she said sounding sympathetic.

"It's all right, Jordan. You made it, at least."

"That's all that matters, I suppose. Seriously, Ron, what's wrong? I can hear how disconnected you are."

"Don't worry about it. I'll get over it," he said looking over at her.

"If you say so. If you need to talk, I'm always here for you," she said as a small smile spread on her lips.

"Thanks, Jordan. That, um, means a lot."

"Mmm."

They were quiet for a little. Ron went back to examining the sky as if it had all of the answers to his problems. Ron could hear Jordan fidgeting in her chair a little. She was obviously uncomfortable with Ron's silence.

"If you want to go back into the party, you can. I'll be in soon," Ron said looking at her again.

"All right. I'll probably be sitting at a table or hanging with Fred and George," she said starting to get up.

"All right, I'll find you," he said still looking at her.

Jordan stood up and started walking away. She stopped mid-step and walked back to Ron.

"Ron?"

"Yes, Jordan?"

She didn't say anything, but instead leaned down and placed a small kiss on Ron's lips. She smiled and walked away.

Ron waited until she was gone and wiped his mouth. That was completely random and totally unwanted. Moments later, he heard someone walking towards him. He automatically thought it was Jordan again.

"Jordan, I'll come in in a moment," he said not looking at the person.

"Who's Jordan?" Asked a familiar voice.

He instantly looked up and saw Hermione standing in front of him.

"Oh, um, a friend of mine," Ron stammered.

"I see. It must be that girl that's hanging out with Fred and George then," Hermione said sitting down.

"I suppose so."

"So, are you two…together?" She asked crossing her arms.

"No. We went on one date and I invited her here tonight. I suppose that would give her mixed signals."

"Oh, you two went on a date? That's…nice," Hermione said feeling nauseous.

"Hermione, it meant nothing, honestly. I can't say the same about you and Vicky," Ron said putting a lot of emphasis on Viktor's nickname.

"I told you to stop calling him several years ago and it still stands no matter how jealous you are! And Viktor and I hung out one night and I invited him here tonight. It's no big deal. You act as if I can't be friends with him."

"I don't dictate your life, Hermione. Anyways, from what I heard it sounded quite serious," he said not looking at her.

"Well, what you heard was wrong. We kissed no big deal. People kiss all the time," Hermione said crossly.

"Yes, but by you thinking it was no big deal, may not be Viktor's take on things. He may think you two are going steady or something. You know he fancied you years ago, sometimes feelings don't go away," Ron said softly.

"Well, I think I set him straight. He got mad that I wanted to come find you and make sure we were still fine."

"Really? You told Captain Quidditch to take a hike?"

"Why do you sound so surprised?" Hermione asked raising an eyebrow.

"Well, I just thought you'd pick him is all."

"No, hence why I'm sit–"

Hermione was cut off by a very loud and obnoxious voice.

"Ronnie! Are you still back here?"

"Who's that?" Hermione asked looking in the direction of the voice.

"Sounds like that Jordan, dame," Ron said looking also.

Moments later, Jordan emerged staggering towards them.

"Ron! I thought you were going to come back in? Oh, who are you, girl?" Jordan asked looking at Hermione.

"Um, I'm Hermione. You must be, Jordan?" Hermione said holding out her hand.

"I see. Yes, my name is Jordan," she said not taking Hermione's hand.

Jordan then proceeded to sit on Ron's lap and drape an arm around his neck.

"Well, Herminnie, why don't you go get lost then?" Jordan said fluttering her hand to shoo Hermione away.

"My name's Hermione! And I won't leave in less Ron tells me to," Hermione said crossing her arms and looking at Ron.

"Well, don't worry he wants you to leave," Jordan said turning towards Ron and kissing his hard.

Hermione's jaw dropped and she quickly got up.

"Ronald Weasley, I hope you know you're a hypocrite and a liar!" Hermione said before she stormed away.

Ron gently pushed Jordan away from him.

"Why did you do that? WHY!" Ron yelled.

"You don't need that stuck up bitch," Jordan said smiling at him.

"Hermione isn't a stuck up bitch! You're the bitch!"

Jordan slapped Ron across the face, "don't EVER call me a bitch!"

Jordan stormed off and Ron sat there stunned. He quickly recovered and went to find Hermione.

A/N: I know in the beginning of the chapter it was very Harry/Ginny centered and there wasn't much dialogue. I had to paint a picture of the whole wedding scene. Ron grew his balls back to an extent. Let's see if he keeps them this time. And who knew Viktor was such a baby! Hermione and Ron had a few cute parts. I felt they were necessary. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it!

Reviews are the cream to my coffee.