Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters.

Updated 1/22/2021

Chapter Eighteen

Epilogue: The Wedding

It had been two months since the battle ended and everything had gone back to normal in the magical community. All the kids went back to Hogwarts in time to make their classes on the next Monday after the battle (which took place on a Friday), everyone that is except for Ari. He was unable to keep up, or do anything that has to do with schoolwork (which caused him to become really upset), but at least he was able to stay close to his Mum while she was in the hospital (who had to stay there for a week and at home for another).

Ari on the other hand had to stay there at the hospital a little longer; Healer Strout thought it was best to see how he managed himself so they would know how much help he would need when he was allowed to go home. The good news was that the healer had said it would be okay for him to live at home, as long as someone was around him. Hermione was willing to stay at home for him, but Molly had offered to have him at the Burrows for any time that was needed (saying that she wanted to get to know her grandson).

When Ron and Hermione told everyone that they were getting married no one was surprised or mentioned that it was too soon (if anything everyone said that this should of happened years ago). Molly had tried to plan a grand wedding, with just about everyone they ever meant coming, but Hermione put her foot down and said that Ron and her wanted to keep it small; just family and close friends, though she would like nothing better than to have it at the Burrow.

So that's how Hermione was found in Ginny's old room (which she always thought of as her room since it's the one that she stayed in too), already in her gorgeous dress robes, with her hair up but in a way that still showed the wildness that she knows Ron would love, just waiting for the wedding to begin. "Just twenty more minutes," she whispered to herself.

"You look nervous," Ginny said as she entered the room. "Anyone would be if they chose to marry my brother but …"

"I'm not nervous Gin," Hermione said. "It's just this isn't how I imagined this would play out. And I thought of this for a long time …"

"And how did you think this was going to happen?" Ginny smiled and lead Hermione to the bed so they could sit.

"Well, this would have happened in the proper order," Hermione smirked. "We would meet again; though I suppose meeting again in threat of emanate danger is as good as any."

"You think the way you two met again was ideal," Ginny laughed. "Do you think it would of happen this fast if you met under normal circumstances?"

"Yes, all it would of taken was us to see each other again; we were just too stubborn to realized that we were only staying away from each other because we were scared of how the other would react," Hermione laughed. "Anyways, we were supposed to met, reconnect, he would ask me to marry him, we would get married and then I would get pregnant."

"Is that what you're upset about?" Gin said laughing and shaking her head. "Being knocked up before you got married."

"Ginny!" Hermione exclaimed slapping her friend, she did feel ridiculous feeling that way, especially after Ginny said it like that.

"Come on Mione, it doesn't really matter anyways, you already had Arthur years ago without being married," Ginny pointed out.

"I know it's stupid," Hermione huffed. "But it's hard for me to get the idea out of my head."

"Well, I can't say I'm not happy," Ginny said as she stood up again, she was wearing emerald matron of honor dress robes, which failed to hide her very pregnant stomach. "Our babies will be the same age this way."

"I would have made sure that would have happened anyways," Hermione smirked, "Even if I had to tie Ron down for the next few months to do it."

"Ew … I really don't want to hear that," Ginny said making a face.

"Neither did I, so I'll just pretend I didn't," Hermione's Dad (Duncan Granger) said walking into the room and Ginny took that as her cue to leave the two alone. "Oh you look so beautiful honey. My little girl is finally growing up and starting a family."

"Dad, I'm thirty-six years old and I already have a son, I think I've already grown up a long time ago," Hermione said as she smiled at her father.

"Maybe, but I've never given you away before, so you're still my little girl," Duncan said smiling back.

"I know what you mean, I've just had to tell Arthur something similar recently," Hermione said.

"I know you've been confuse to why I've never bad mouth Ron or was basically all for you getting back together with him," Duncan said bluntly. "I think it's time I told you something that happened a long time ago that I never thought was the right time to say until now."

"And what's that, Dad?" Hermione asked, looking at him confused and curiously.

"Ron asked me for permission to ask you to marry him about three months before you two broke up," Duncan said and Hermione gasped; she didn't know that. "I even gave him your grandmother's engagement ring for that time. He gave it back to me of course; you know that since your cousin John gave it to Melissa. Anyways, about a month after you two broke up he came to our house, your Mum was out and he informed me that he had Harry take you to lunch so you wouldn't stop by un-expectantly."

"Well that definitely sounds like Ron," Hermione smiled. "He must have been very convincing to get you to forgive him."

"Yes, I was quite outspokenly upset with him after you too broke up, wasn't I," Duncan laughed.

"I think that's an understatement," Hermione smiled. "I really never could figure out how you could change your mind so fast."

"Well, he came to me with the ring and I was bloody upset," Duncan said. "Demanding to know why he left, why he didn't marry you, especially after what happen. He just looked at me and said (and may I add he looked horrible at the time) 'I would have in a second if she would have let me … even with everything that went on,' he said looking even worse than he did before. 'But your daughter is stronger than I am. I would have stayed with her forever even knowing that it could have destroyed our happiness completely and we never could have our future together. She had the strength to do what was right,' he added with a small smile.

"'So you're giving up on her, just giving me the ring and leaving her forever,' I said unable to control my temper; or understand him at all.

"'I will never give up on her,' Ron said looking me straight in the eyes for the first time looking like the young man you introduced as your boyfriend a few years before that. 'I don't know how long it will take, but Mione is my future. The only future I want has her in it … no … is her. I can't do it now … but Hermione will be my wife.'

"It was quite a declaration he gave me, and it confused me more than anything, so I asked, 'Then why are you giving back the ring … if you're so sure you will get marry?'

"'This isn't supposed to be our ring,' he said simply, 'I think I need to find something that represents us better.'

"I don't know what it was, but I couldn't find it in me to hate him after that talk," Duncan smiled at his daughter, looking more beautiful than he ever seen her. "And I just waited patiently for this day to come …"

"Sorry to interrupt, but its time," Ginny said re-entering the room.

"You told me this so it would distract me didn't you?" Hermione said as her father helped her get up.

"Of course I did honey," Duncan smirked. "Did it work?"

"Yes," Hermione smiled; she hadn't had time to dwell on her worries or fears while she listened to her father. "Thanks Daddy."

"Anything for my little girl," Duncan smiled, starting to become emotional. "Now let's get you married."

O

"Are you nervous," Harry asked as he walked into the Attic bedroom that was Ron's when he was younger.

"I'm a lot of things right now, but nervous isn't one of them," Ron said, looking into the mirror trying to straighten out his robes. "If I had to describe the way I'm feeling in one word, it would be anxious."

"Anxious? Isn't that the same as nervous?" Harry said smirking at his friend.

"Sometimes that might be true but not today Harry," Ron laughed. "I'm not anxious about the wedding or being married. I'm anxious to finally start my life. Living with my family, raising our baby together … I can't wait for that to happen."

"And start your new job … I can't believe you're ditching me at a time like this," Harry said.

"You're even going to give me a hard time about that today," Ron said shaking his head. Harry had been pouting since Ron put in his resignation as an Auror two weeks ago.

"Well, I figure it's okay as long as Mione doesn't hear me," Harry said.

"Whatever, you know that I'm going to still work there until the baby comes," Ron said going along with the conversation they had many times over the last two weeks (but Ron had nothing better to do for the next few minutes and it help the time go by quicker). "Besides, I've already told you that I'd keep my reserved status, so you can call on me anytime you need any extra hand. I know being an Auror is still a good job, an important job, but at this point in my life I think I would like more time with my family."

"And you think you'll have more time working for George at Weasley Wizarding Wheeze?" Harry said looking skeptical.

"I'm not working for George, we'll be working together," Ron point out hotly. "I'm be managing the books and helping him come up some products … actually I think this will be a very interesting endeavor for me and I'm looking forward to it. And Harry, I haven't been looking forward to doing anything as an Auror for the last few years. I've come to a peak there; I can't go any farther as an Auror."

"You can take my job," Harry said. "You're more than qualified."

"Yeah, but I really don't want your job," Ron laughed. "Having to talk to all those stuffy department head (minus Mione of course). Having to give more orders than actual work. No that's really not for me. Besides, you actually like what you do."

"Yeah, I really do," Harry sighed. "It's just going to be weird when you're no longer working there."

"I know, but it's time I take the next step in my life," Ron said.

"Says the man that's about to make the biggest step of his life," Harry said bring Ron's attention back to the wedding.

"It's not really that big of a step," Ron said as Ari walked in the room. "What's up, Arthur?"

'I just wanted to talk to you,' Ari portrayed, Ron had become much better at understanding his son in the last few months.

"I'll take this as my cue to leave, but remember that you have to be downstairs in ten minutes Ron," Harry said.

"I won't be late," Ron smiled. "Now Arthur, what's on your mind?"

'I was just nervous,' Ari portrayed. 'In a week I'll be leaving the hospital and we'll all move into that new house you bought for us. So much is changing … so much I've always wanted, but it's all happening so fast. It's a little scary …'

"But exciting at the same time," Ron said and Ari nodded. "I know how you feel."

'Yeah, it really is exciting,' Ari portrayed. 'Dad, I just wanted you to know … I'm happy you save us at the Ministry … I'm happy all this happened even though it cost me so much (and of course I wish it didn't have to happen this way), but I'm glad that you're in my life, Dad. I love you and I know you'll make Mum happy.'

"Thanks Arthur," Ron said pulling his son into a hug; loving the fact that he could do that now. "I love you, too."

'I know,' Ari smiled. 'And I believe it's time to get downstairs.'

"You're right, I'm glad I have you to keep me in line," Ron smiled at his son that was so much like his mother but a lot like himself too.

They walked downstairs and soon Ron joined Harry (his best man of course) up at the front. The crowd was small, just all the people that they had come to think of as family (which included their actually family and people like Neville, Luna and Teddy). The Minister was old but he smiled kindly at Ron when he got up there, making him relax a little. Soon after he got there, Ginny wadded down the aisle (and though he couldn't see his best mate, he knew that Harry was smiling broadly at her). And then finally he saw her, the angel of his life being lead down the aisle by her father. He's breath caught; she was the picture of perfection, with her beautiful lace dress robes, hair just wild enough to drive him crazy but at the same time framing her faces so his attention was caught in her deep chocolate brown eyes that shined brighter today than he was ever seen them in the past.

He tried to listen to what the Minister was saying, but he couldn't seem to be able to pay attention to anything other than the beautiful vision in front of him (which he had predicted would happen telling Hermione he couldn't handle making up his own vows because he didn't think he could remember a thing; even how to read). He even had trouble remembering to say 'I do' and if it wasn't for Harry's, not so subtle, nudge he would have just stood there looking like an idiot. He was however able to hear the part where the Minister said he may now kiss the bride, which he did happily.

O

"That was a lovely reception," Ryn said as Ari twirled her around on the dance floor. "You Mum is really beautiful in those dress robes."

'Yeah she really is,' Ari smiled as he looked at his parents that were dancing too (staring into each other's eyes). 'They look good together.'

"No Ari, they look perfect together," Ryn corrected, and then gasped (and laughed) when Ari un-expectantly dipped her. "Don't do that," she said slapping him.

'You shouldn't say that laughing if you want me to take you seriously,' Ari smirked and un-expectantly dipped her again.

"I'll try to remember that for next time," Ryn smiled, and blushed hard when Ari pulled her closer to him (though Ari couldn't see her blush; and she couldn't see his). Ari held her tightly and thanked Merlin that it was a slow song and he could hold her like this without it being too suspicious. She rested her head on his chest and sighed, "I've missed you so much, Ari."

Reluctantly (for both of them) he pulled away; hating now more than ever that he had to look at someone for him to be able to communicate with them. 'I missed you too Ryn, it's dead boring at the hospital … I've got nothing to do," he added trying to make things lighter.

"Well, Hogwarts feels really weird without you there," Ryn said trying to joke too but couldn't quite hide the truth in her words.

"It's going to be really difficult next year isn't it?" Ari sighed, resigned to the fact that they had to have this conversation at some point (and they were just seeing each for the first time in almost two months). It really was painful for him being away from her for that long and it was only going to be worse the next times she leaves … it will be for an even longer time. 'But at least you'll be the top student now.'

"Don't," Ryn said softy; she knew he said it to try and cheer her up but all it really did was upset her more. "I never wanted to be the top like this. Besides, there's no challenge anymore and that was the best part of going for it."

'I know, though that won't stop you from getting the highest grades anyways,' Ari smiled and placed both of his hands on her face. 'Don't worry Ryn, we have all summer ahead of us now and when school starts … I don't know …'

"I'll write to you," Ryn suggested, smiling at him as her heart race in her chest (which always happened when he looked at her this intently with his piercing blue eyes). "I know you can't but at least …"

'I'll get Mum … or Teddy to write to you for me,' Ari supplied and she smiled more heartily at him.

"That's right, Teddy will be there!" Ryn exclaimed. "Now I can have him keep a close eye on you when I'm gone."

'It may take you a lot to convince him to do such a boring job,' Ari laughed. 'Are you feeling better now?'

"Tons," Ryn said and as he released her face she almost sighed, she thought she saw something in his face (as he thought he saw the same thing in hers) but he turned away before she could understand what it was (he was afraid of what would happen next). Ryn put her face back on Ari's chest (contently listening to his heart beat) and Ari wrapped his arms around her as both of them happily moved with the music.

O

It was a little later and Ron and Hermione were dancing together contently. "Do you think those two will ever figure it out?" Hermione nodded her head to Ari and Ryn who where dancing closely.

"Yeah, but it will probably take a while longer," Ron smiled at the two. "It's not easy being in love with your best friend."

"Yes it is," Hermione beamed at him as he refocused his attention on his blushing bride. "It's just hard to start things."

"That's what I meant and you know it," Ron said leaning down and capturing her lips briefly.

"So what if I did, what are you going to do about?" Hermione said smiling and then whispered in his ear. "Mr. Weasley."

"I'll just have to show you Mrs. Weasley," Ron said, using that name for the first time, the simple words making both of their hearts to pound harder as he leaned in for another kiss.

"Granger-Weasley," Hermione said breathlessly (but smirking at the same time) before he could kiss her.

"Oh, sorry for my slip, Mrs. Granger-Weasley," Ron said giving her his lop sided grin before he finally was able to kiss her again.

A/N: Okay so that's the end of this story but I'm going to be writing a prequel and a sequel to this story. The prequel will be from the time Ron and Hermione broke up, until right before this story begins. The chapters will be divided between Ron and Hermione in the beginning and Ari having some towards the end. The sequel will be mostly about how Ari learns to deal with his life after everything that happened to him in this story (though I'll throw in Ron and Hermione moments too). Anyways I hope you liked this and will continue to read my futures works (but if you don't that's okay too, I'm writing this mostly for myself anyways).

And thanks to all that have reviewed this story, I really appreciate this especially since this was the first fic that I had to come up with my own story. Thanks to: anonymousgirl009, Kristen, Cantletharrygo, ObsessedRHShipper, catlady45, Marly5, Judi2823, LaurenMurdoch123, Bec, Danni06, Mina, Avanell, 4herprince, mdemp92, aep2398, ArnabBarua.