Title: What If
Author: drcjsnider
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 748
A/N(optional): Maybe today is the day he can let her go. Set is the freds_not_dead universe. Written for the fwhg_ldws prompt: Singing in the rain. Winner of week 6 challenge.

It's the 'what ifs' that get me every time.

What if I had gone back to Hogwarts with her for our seventh year? What if I hadn't suggested we date other people? What if Fred and George hadn't opened a shop in Hogsmeade? What if Hermione had never heard about me dating that intern from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement? What if she hadn't cried in disappointment on Fred's shoulder? What if Fred hadn't survived the attack on Hogwarts?

I try not to let myself dwell on what might have been – our storybook wedding, our amazing kids, us growing old together – at least I try when I'm around other people. When I'm alone in my flat, I freely indulge in that most depressing of pastimes.

Today, however, I'm surrounded by people. Surrounded by cheerful people who have come to the Burrow to witness one of the proprietors of Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes marry the youngest transfiguration professor ever hired by Hogwarts. I recognize in the crowd old school mates, members of the Order, and more recently acquired friends. Friends who weren't around when it seemed like Hermione and I would end up together. It depresses me to realize that there are people in the world who don't know that Hermione and I were once 'meant to be'.

I stand next to Harry and stare out the window as George and Charlie rush around setting up tents to protect guests from the rain. "It's too bad about the weather," I murmur, secretly pleased that everything today isn't turning out perfect.

"Hermione says rain on your wedding day is good luck," Harry replied, laying calming hand on my shoulder.

He knows how I feel, but his sympathy is not comforting. After all, he warned me something like this might happen if I hurt her again. Moreover, I know that he is glad she is happy. I overheard him tell Neville once that Fred and Hermione made more sense as a couple than she and I did. Apparently, Fred makes her laugh and relax much more easily than I ever could. She also doesn't nag him nearly as much as she still does me.

I turn when I hear footsteps on the stairs. It's Hermione and my breath catches in my throat at how lovely she looks. Her curls are tied back and her robes are clinging to her curves. She smiles broadly at Harry and me. Once, not so long ago, she had different smiles for us. She gave Harry sisterly smiles and reserved more knowing, less wholesome, smiles for me. Today we both get the same smile – friendly, warm, and affectionate. It's not what I want to see when she looks at me.

The front door opens and her gaze sweeps past us. Although my eyes never leave her face, I can tell from how her smile deepens that Fred is standing in the doorway.

"It's bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding," I mutter, earning an elbow in the ribs from Harry.

"What are you all dressed up for?" Fred teases, taking the stairs two at a time until he is standing right below her.

"What? This old thing?" Hermione responds with a grin, straightening her shoulders and making her dress sway.

I can't hear Fred's response, but Hermione's eyes soften as she leans forward to brush her lips against his.

"Boys!" my mum calls, as she bustles into the room. "Get outside now, we are ready to start." She glances up the stairs. "Fred! Outside, immediately!"

With a wink at Hermione, Fred Apparates into the yard.

Harry and I walk out the door, passing Mr. Granger. As we take our seats near the front of the guests, I focus on Fred. He looks excited and content. There is not even a hint of nerves in his demeanor. It is apparent to everyone that the man is in love and overjoyed to be marrying the witch of his dreams. It is written all over his face.

Although it's been over a year since I felt stomach churning jealously at the thought of them together, I still experience a general feeling of melancholy at the thought of what I've lost. Maybe seeing her settled, married to my brother, is what I need to move on. 'What if,' I think to myself as Hermione begins to walk down the aisle on her father's arm, 'today is the day I can finally let her go?'

But, what if it's not?