Chapter 4: My Favorite Know-It-All

"GINNY!"

"I'm coming, I'm coming!" Ginny called back to Hermione from the front room. The wedding was in three hours and Hermione was in panic mode. She had just found a dirt spot on the front of her dress and Ginny had gone to fetch some Magical Mess Remover.

"Don't worry, I've got it!" Said Ginny, dabbing some of the remover on the spot. It vanished, and Hermione heaved a sigh of relief.

"Thanks so much."

"Just doing my job, Hermione."

"I know. And I just want to apologize in advance if I lash out at you, I—"

Ginny interrupted. "Hermione, you dealt with me while I was planning my wedding and Merlin knows I flipped out something crazy then. Don't worry about it, okay?"

Hermione smiled. "Thanks Ginny. That means a lot."

Meanwhile, in Ron's dressing room, Ron was silently freaking out.

I'm getting married in 3 hours! Am I ready? Of course I'm ready, I love Hermione. But there are so many people here, what if I mess up? What if I say something wrong? What if Hermione gets all mad then? What if the honeymoon arrangements don't work out?

Just then he heard a "Meow!" from behind him. He looked around, Crookshanks stood in the doorway, holding a dead spider in his jaws. He rubbed against Ron's legs, getting fur on his pants leg.

"Dammit, Crookshanks! Today!" Ron demanded. The cat just blinked up happily. He was dressed in a cat-sized tuxedo jacket, no doubt Ginny's idea.

Much to Ron's dismay, Crookshanks had lived a lot longer than to his liking. Pigwidgeon had died the year previously, so this just gave Ron another reason to hate Crookshanks. But he put up with him, because if he didn't Hermione would be very upset with him.

Ron performed a spell and the cat hair vanished. He picked up a piece of paper and practiced the vows again.

Outside the dressing rooms, George, Bill, Charlie, and Percy were guiding people to their seats. Important faces were seen; Kingsley was there (he and Ron haven had a long talk about appropriate office behavior and then shaking hands and putting everything behind them), as well as half of the Auror Department (obviously McLaggen was absent). Mr. and Mrs. Granger, having reunited with their daughter but still remaining slightly outside her magical life, were present, Mrs. Granger looking like she might burst with pride and her eyes nearly watering.

Viktor Krum was there, much to Ron's chagrin. He and Hermione had agreed not to argue about it, and after much nagging by Ron, she promised not to dance with him. Krum remained slightly off towards the back, his huge feet shuffling and his eyes shifty, trying not to be recognized by all of Fleur's cousins again.

Two hours later, Hermione was dressed, her hair done, her makeup in place, and her hands itching in nervousness and excitement. She had no regrets, no "am I doing the right thing?" moments. She had loved Ron for such a long time, and she knew he loved her. This was the moment she was waiting for. But with all the past events in their lives, an inference she could easily make was that something was bound to go wrong.

No, She thought, trying to convince herself. Nothing can possibly go wrong.

"HERMIONE!" Ginny yelled. "C'mere, you need one small touch."

Hermione glided over to left side of her dressing room suite. She couldn't help but feel beautiful today, with her shimmering gown and perfect curls. She couldn't help twirling just to feel the way her dress swished around her ankles. And she couldn't help the grimace she got from Ginny as her maid of honor tapped her foot impatiently.

She let Ginny slip a gold headband in her hair. "There we go." Ginny stated proudly. "Now you're absolutely perfect."

Hermione smiled and leaned in to give Ginny a hug but Ginny ducked away. "Hey hey hey! Don't mess up your dress! Come on, you're on in like ten minutes!"

Hermione started taking deep breaths. Not out of nerves—at least she thought—more of the pressure. This had to go right. If any planning went wrong, no one would respect her ever again.

Wait! Shoot! She thought, her mind starting to race and sweat threatening to start beading on her flawless forehead. Ron was supposed to take care of the honeymoon! And it's Ron! He probably didn't even do anything! I never even asked! She was mentally kicking herself.

"Hermione!" Hermione's father came rushing up to her.

"Dad!" She exclaimed, about to give him a hug before she remembered what Ginny had said.

He smiled proudly at her. "You ready sweetie?"

She gave a small smile. "I think I am."

He pretended to be a bit stern. "I like this Ron guy, but if he ever does anything hurtful to you, anything at all, just—"

"Don't worry, Dad. I love him." She blushed.

He chuckled. "I know you do. Come on. It's our turn."

Hermione took one last breath. This was it.

She and her father began the slow, awkward walk up the aisle. Heads turned, people smiled, mothers cried. Hermione put her best face forward, smiling and keeping her eyes on Ron, standing at the altar with Harry at his side. Her two best friends.

Hermione didn't notice as her father left her when they reached the end of the aisle. And she sort of tuned out the speaker's droning. She was trying to keep herself under control by looking into Ron's eyes. She bit her lip nervously. She hadn't heard Ron's vows and was dying to hear what he'd say. The time finally came.

Ron cleared his throat. "I met Hermione when I was 11. The first thing time I ever said something of importance to her, I made her cry—" A few chortles were heard in the crowd—"And then Harry and I had to save her from a mountain troll. And then she lied for us. And when she lied, to a teacher, for us, I knew that we'd be friends. And over the years we had our ups and downs, but that's natural. Harry witnessed all of it. If you have any questions about some of our arguments, see Harry after the ceremony." Ron laughed. "But really, I've been with Hermione since I was thirteen. We might've taken some detours, but we made it here. I'd do anything for this girl and she's my life. Always has been, and always will be. She's my favorite know it all."

Hermione was trying not to cry. She wanted to throw her arms around him right then and there but knew she had to continue. She could tell her voice was trembling as she spoke. "Here I am, crying again, like that day in first year. And that day in second year. And third year. And especially fourth year. And pretty much every year after that as well. Ron's been making me cry for so many years now; out of sadness, anger, frustration, and right now, love. He's always made an impact on me and he never ceases to amaze me with both his spectacular character and his unending cluelessness." It was Hermione's turn to receive a few laughs from the audience. "But more the first one. He's the best person I've ever met and I know he'll be there forever. He's my favorite tactless prat."

The minister smiled. "Do you, Ronald Bilius Weasley, take Hermione Jean Granger to be your lawfully wedded wi—"

"Oh hell yes I do." Ron gave Hermione the smile that she loved so much.

"Do you, Hermione Jean Granger, take Ronald Bil—"

"Why wouldn't I?"

"You may now kiss the bride."

A/N: I'm really sorry for the long wait, for some reason this chapter was a bit slow to write. I kinda borrowed some of the wedding moments from "Glee", my favorite show. So props to that. I was going to include Harry's speech but I'm superrr excited for the next chapter, which is going to be SO much fun to write! So I'm really sorry if anyone wants to give me something to add on, I'll be thrilled to see it. We're going to jump two years in the future after this chapter, just a warning. Thanks for reading, and don't forget:

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XOXO Love always,

Sparkshine