Two years later...
Hermione examined her self in the mirror. Her makeup was done, her hair cascaded down her back in elegant curls the only thing missing was her heart warming smile. She sat in front of the vanity in her lavender dress trying to be happy for her best friend.
She closed her eyes telling her self that this was how it was supposed to be.
"Ms. Granger we shall be lining up the brides bridesmaids in 10 minutes." A voice said from behind.
"Yes Natalie." She never took her eyes off her reflection.
She knew that this day was going to be hard for her ever since the day when Ginny came to her almost bouncing out of her skin because Harry had finally proposed.
It had been nearly five years since the incident in the tent yet today Hermione couldn't shake it. Yes both Harry and Hermione had that conversation two years back discussing it but she still felt hollow. She loved her best friend yet she knew that she was not in love with him. She knew she was being selfish but wanted him to her self.
What they had that night was special. He was there for her that night as much as he has been there for her in every aspect of her life. She knew there was no future for them as a couple but she still felt the dull pang of being rejected.
Hermione couldn't help thinking that if the timing was right she would be the one walking down the aisle today. She was so happy for her two friends and knew that they would be very happy in the years to come. Even she had found love with Ron and knew that one day it would be their turn to walk down the long road to marriage.
Every now and then Hermione would think of what could have been with Harry, though never voicing it to him, other than that night. She knew that the paths that they were both on were the right ones. But she couldn't help this feeling that they could have made it.
Another knock on the door snapped her back to her senses.
"Hey can I have a quick second?" It was Harry.
"Yes of course." She said getting up "You look great. Congratulations again, I know the two of you will be so happy."
She leaned into a hug. He held her tight not wanting to let go. They finally broke the hug and he looked into her eyes, searching.
"I'm doing the right thing right?" He didn't break his gaze.
"Of course Harry. You know how I feel about all this. Don't worry about anything. The girl you are meant to be with is going to be waiting for you at the end of that aisle ."
He leaned down and gave her a soft kiss on her cheek.
"You are the most amazing woman I have ever met. Hermione, I love you with all my heart, you know this. No matter what ever happens that night meant more to me then you will ever know."
His voice was just above a whisper at this point as he turned away from her.
"No one knows me the way you do. You have been there for everything and even Ginny knows that I love you more then a best friend should. But i assure her that though that is true I'm not in love with you."
Hermione couldn't lie, those last words were like a hot knife to her heart. But in all honesty she was not in love with him either.
"Harry, I love you too, forever as a friend, and as much more. You are everything I could have ever wanted in a friend, even a bit of heart ache. You're the one that got away."
Now her eyes threatened with tears. She grabbed onto his hand.
With a deep breath he turned around and pulled her into a hug.
This woman in his arms was the strongest women he would ever know. He respected her so much and if things were different maybe he could have been happy with her. But he knew that the feelings were not as they once were. Walking down that aisle he would be leaving the girl that got away forever in the back of his mind. The one woman that even in the darkest hour could show him the light. No matter how hard his life got he knew that even after all this he could turn to her.
"Still best friends?" He broke the hug.
"The best for friends" she giggled a bit.
"You look so amazing tonight."
"Well wait until you see your bride, she definitely puts us all to shame." Hermione smiled brightly.
She was truly happy for her friend.
Just then another knock at the door and Natalie was back.
"Time to get going! Hurry we don't want to keep the bride waiting now do we Mr. Potter."
Harry gave a nervous chuckle before stumbling towards the door. Hermione couldn't help but laugh. She knew that he was ready for this.
She soon followed him out the door as they parted he gave her a shaky smile and proceeded down the aisle.
Soon she was walking towards him In her lavender gown as maid of honor. She smiled warmly towards her best friend. He gave her a slight nod as she took he spot near him.
Soon all eyes were on the back church doors and as they were slowly opening to revile the bride Harry stole a glance at his best friend. She had tears of joy in her eyes and replayed to his glance with a slight smile and nod towards the door.
She watched him as her looked towards his bride. His chest filled with pride and a slight glare coved his eyes as tears were fighting to escape. Soon he couldn't hold back the smile that was waiting to be unleashed.
Hermione closed her eyes through most of the ceremony. Everything was resolved though she knew a part of her died with the "I do's"
Soon she was watching the happy couple exiting the church. She watched, with teary eyes, her man that got away pick up his new wife and spin her around before climbing into the limo.
With a sigh she proceeded to the church doors only to find her arm being tugged.
Within a moment she was bent over into a very deep kiss. Opening her eyes she gazed into the eyes of her boyfriend.
"I love you." Her whispered to her.
It was almost as if all her fears were washed away. Every doubt that she had melted into nothing and soon she was able to smile and laugh.
"I love you too Ron, forever."
They exited the church hand and hand ready to congratulate the newly weds.
A/N Felt that more was needed. Though I'm not sure how this came out. It was very spur of the moment. Any feedback is welcomed.