It was when the sun was setting that George returned. His dark blue robes made his red hair seem even more vibrant and his blue eyes watched me carefully as I swatted him, "You're almost late! Lavender's almost ready."

"I'm coming, woman, I'm coming," George muttered under his breath.

I snorted and grabbed his forearm, dragging him with me to the seats underneath the white tent in the back yard. I took my seat just behind Molly while George went up to stand with Ron and Harry.

Ron had his hair neatly combed, a slight skip in his step. He met my eyes and gave me a sheepish smile. His eyes told me, When life gives you lemons...you pucker up and deal with it.

I gave him a small smile back.

Lavender looked perfect, of course. Her honey brown hair was twisted up into a very tropical bun. A Hawaiian flower was placed just above her ear, the orange the same color as her bouquet. Their vows were simple. The Unbreakable Vow was already ingrained into their skin before I could blink. They were bound together until death.

My boyfriend. We hadn't even had proper break-up. With the Marriage Law being thrust under our noses only a week ago, and us dating for a little more than year before that, it was too fast for us to just break it off. But I think it was clear to both of us that it was futile.

I still loved him, though. More than I would care to admit, of course. But I did.

So their first dance was hard. I stayed in the back of the crowd, leaning against the wooden pillar that held up one corner of the massive tent. And I kept my eyes on my champagne glass in my hands. I'd be drinking many of these tonight.

I heard some classical music playing. I didn't recognize it, of course, being Muggleborn, but everyone was clapping to it. I just clinked the engagement ring on my finger against my half-empty glass.

"Someone's upset," a voice observed from beside me.

"Go away, Ginny," I sighed, taking a sip of the champagne glass.

"I know you love him, but why not... try things with George. He's not that bad. After, you know, died, he's really straightened up his life. He just wants someone to talk to and be around. To help him. And ... Ron and you would have never have worked out."

"I know that, Ginny," I looked at the red-head, who would soon be my sister-in-law. "How are you and Viktor?"

"He had to go to Bulgaria for a few days, but he'll be back. We're fine though... he's nice."

"So what's with this Malfoy thing, then?"

"Kingsley sent us a letter a few days ago. Apparently, they're trying not to pair too many purebloods with purebloods. They don't want to keep prejudice. Of course, many of the Purebloof families that were big you-know-who supporters are fleeing the country and living in wastelands. That's what Malfoy said anyway. He wasn't that bad... The Ministry just didn't want to push too much luck with him and Harry, and Ron. And well, they know our families hate each other. And since Mr. Malfoy got..." She stopped suddenly, appearing misty-eyed.

"I know," I said quietly, not wanting her to break down. "It gets easier, I promise."

She nodded, "The Ministry just wanted to give our family a break... I guess."

I nodded, "Thank god." I sighed and put my arm around my best friend in a one armed hug, "Now go dance with Harry while you still can."

She giggled, smoothing out her dress as the first dance song ended and winked before walking off. Ron and Lavender were laughing as they exited the crowd, giggling and whispering to each other like maniacs.

Lavender saw me first, "Oh, Hermione. I didn't see you there."

I gave her a warm smile, "Sorry. I'm enjoying the festivities away from the hot and sweaty crowd. Congrats you two."

Ron eyed me for a moment, "Can I have a dance with you later?"

I bit my lip, thinking it over. Lavender just looked between the two of us, "Yeah. That's what friends are for, right?"

He gave a relieved sigh and flashed me a brilliant smile. "Good, I'll come find you soon then, yeah?"

"Sure," I nodded. Lavender took his hand, giving me a little wave, and walked off. I felt my shoulders slump in defeat as I leaned against the tent once more. My smile turned into a small frown that I hid as best I could with another sip of the champagne.

"Care to dance?"

I jumped slightly at the sudden voice that appeared right in my ear. Spinning around, a winking George had his hand held out towards me. "Just once?"

I hesitated, and then decided. I lifted my champagne glass to my lips and, keeping eye contact with the red-head in front of me, downed the glass before setting it down on the table to my right.

"It'll do for now," I answered, placing my hand in his.

He dragged me to the tent where a fast paced song was playing, and spun me around before pulling me close. I blushed furiously, "George! Let go of me this instant!"

"Let go?" He grinned devilishly, before spinning me around and letting go. I felt myself falling down to the grass floor and closed my eyes for impact. But it never came. Instead, two arm arms wrapped around me and held me upright a second later before spinning me around again.

"How dare you drop me?" I hissed as he spun me in close to him.

"You did say let go," George chuckled in a quiet whisper.

I glared at him, but didn't comment.

"Cheer up. Everyone's going to start thinking you hate me."

"Well I certainly don't like you," I stated as he spun me around once more. I swear, all this champagne and spinning was going to make me dizzy. How do strippers dance and spin when they're drunk, but don't throw up?

I'm not even drunk yet and I feel like throwing up.

When the song ended, I pushed away from George and held a hand to my head, "I need to sit down."

I walked briskly to my seat and took a dramatic plop onto the chair. Someone walked by with their glass of full champagne. I grabbed it, giving Charlie an apology shrug, and downed it.

"Better," I approved as my head stopped spinning.

"You're going to get so drunk," George grinned, sitting beside me.

I rolled my eyes, "Maybe I'll make it through the night then."

"No way. Granger? Getting drunk?" George teased. "Come on, 'Mione." I grimaced, but he didn't seem to notice. "I'll get you the good stuff if you ditch the party with me."

"It's your brother's wedding reception!"

"Yeah, and there will be like eight more this month. I think I can stand not going to one."

George did have a point... "After I have a dance with Ron," I ammended.

He grinned, "Wicked. Now go find lover-boy and then meet me up in our room. I'll get the firewhiskey out of Bill's stash."

Before I could even scold him for thinking of such a thing, he was taking off towards the house with Harry's invisibility cloak covering him. Only his feet - which were visible because of how tall he was - showed running towards the house.

It was how Ron found me a few minutes later. Staring at the grass.

"You want to dance, 'Mione?"

I nodded, looking at him quickly, "Yeah, that'll be fun."

I was relieved when it was a fast tempo'd song. Near speed of the Hungarian Dances. A slow song would have been awkward.

"What's it like, being married?" I asked him as he kind of rocked awkwardly. We both sucked at dancing.

He shrugged, "Weird, you know? But," he shrugged again. "I feel like this has to happen anyway."

I nodded, "I know what you mean."

"I really wish it wasn't like this, Hermione," Ron muttered.

"Me too, Ron," I sighed. "Me too."

"But George'll be good for you. He's smart, like you. And you two can help each other accomplish new things. You can help him with the store. Bloody hell, you could even make him wash the clothes if you wanted to. He doesn't complain about any of that sh-" I smacked his arm. "Stuff anymore," Ron corrected. "And you two will be popping out babies before you know it."

I blushed a deep crimson, "Ronald Weasley!" I whispered, horrified. "How dare you?"

He shrugged, laughing, "You're too easy to tease, 'Mione. Loosen up. Besides, I think my brother wanted you to go off with him, yeah?"

I diverted my eyes from his, shrugging, "I can stay a little-"

"Always so brave, Hermione! What happened?"

I snorted, "Shut up. Fine, you have fun, alright? I really do wish you the best, Ron."

"You too," he nodded to me. "Try to love my brother, yeah?"

"No promises."

He winked, "I know, I know. Oh, the despair and all that girly drama, right?"

I whacked his arm, "Go find Lav-lav, Ron," I snorted. "See you around."

"Sooner or later. Most likely sooner. She's driving me mental already."

That made me feel better, his last sentence. He released me and I gave him a smile before heading up to the house.

"Where are you going dear?" a motherly voice said.

"Inside, Mrs. Weasley. I have this terrible headache and I'm starting to feel sick. I think one too many glasses of champagne were the cause."

Mrs. Weasley's face showed her age, but also her concern, "You get some sleep, dear. Perhaps you'll feel better in the morning?"

I nodded, "I hope so."

"And tell George that if both of you have hangovers in the mornings, that you both will be cleaning up outside by yourselves, no magic."

My jaw dropped, "How did you-?" I shook my head. "Nevermind. Thank you, Mrs. Weasley. I'll be sure to pass the word along."

"Be careful, dear."

"Thank you," I smiled, blushing madly before retreating back to the house. I walked up the steps quietly and opened George's door. The window had warm light shining through from the tent. He had the perfect view of the festivities below.

"Finally."

He was propped up in the corner where we fell asleep last night and there were two shot glasses as well as three full bottles of firewhiskey on the ground.

"If you mother catches us in the morning with a hangover, we have to clean up the entire back yard, by ourselves, no magic," I relayed.

He gestured towards me to take a sleep and pulled something out of his pocket. "Hangover potion. We'll be good as new by dawn."

"Yeah, until you pass out at work."

"Took tomorrow and Sunday off," he shrugged. "I don't have to go anywhere."

I sighed. I didn't work either. They hadn't had any attacks on Diagon Alley since Dolohov so they let Harry, Ron, and I off duty. I had nothing to do now. I had a huge war sum in my bank account now, given by the Ministry, but I never used it. If I spent it right, I'd never have to work again. Five million galleons was a lot of money.

"We hardly know anything about each other," George murmured after a moment. "So, why not play a drinking game?"

I groaned, "George, I'm not a good alcoholic."

"That's why we're locked in here. And there's a silencing charm sealed around us. Nothing can escape or come in."

He looked proud of himself.

"I'm not getting smashed just so you can get to know me."

He grinned, "That's why we're going to be sitting across from each other. You lean against the bed, me the wall, then the bottles will automatically pour the shots if they become empty, so we don't have to even get close to each other. Deal?"

I sighed, eying the toxic liquer. "Fine. Deal. But one finger closer, Weasley, and you're sleeping on the floor for the rest of the week."

He grinned, "Sounds good to me."

We each took our spots, me leaning against my bed, the blanket wrapped around me in the freezing room - which never seemed to be repaired - and George against the wall in his long sleeve and long pantsed outfit. Spiffy.

"You want to go first?" George asked.

I looked at him confused, "I don't even know what we're playing."

"Never have I ever," George said simply. "Take your shot now to loosen you up. On three..." On three we took a shot each and fire ran down my throat. Oh dear lord, this is going to end badly. Never Have I Ever is what Lavender and Pavarti would always want to play in the dorm, but I never participated. I got the gist of it. Not going to be pretty, for sure.

I got back from vacay and update just as promised:) However, now that I'm back, of course, I am sick. So I will be indoors and typing a lot more. I hope to finish this tory by Thursday, but you know how that works out. I'll run out of ideas and its all shot. So, no promises, but I hope to finish it before school starts! Same for Halloween w/the cullen's.

Who's on Pottermore, waiting? *raises hand in the air* Alright, guys and girls, unicorns and leperchauns, it's time for me to go and take some allergy medicine! See you around!

-Nastya