"You'll be all right. We're together now. Everything will be fine. You'll see."

-Belle (Beauty and the Beast)

"Well would you look at this battle wound," Scarlett said with a tiny smile as she knelt down in front of Oliver Wood, who had a long gash from his ankle to his knee. She had agreed to help Madame Pomfrey attend to some of the people who were injured and she had been walking around healing people for the past ten minutes. Fred was lying on the other side of the room, still unconscious, but surrounded by his family and waiting to be brought up to Gryffindor tower just after his wound was cleaned and checked over.

"I tripped," Oliver said, rolling his eyes. "That's how I got it."

"Very impressive," Scarlett said as Oliver shook his head. "No, really, that must have been some fall."

"I'm talented, what can I say?" Oliver joked, leaning back on his hands as Scarlett healed his leg.

"How's professional Quidditch going for you?" she asked as she began cleaning off the dried blood.

"Great, actually," he said. "It's been awesome having Angelina on the team with me, too. We've always worked well together."

"Mm," Scarlett nodded, unsure of what to say. She had seen Angelina earlier, sitting with Katie and Alicia. They hadn't seen Scarlett, though and that was exactly how she wanted it.

She finished cleaning Oliver's leg and stood up, giving him a smile. "You're all set," she told him. "And try to watch your step in the future."

"I will," Oliver laughed.

"Scarlett?" a voice asked from behind her. "Can I talk to you?"

Scarlett turned and blinked in surprise. "Dani? What are you doing here?"

"I was called in to help with the injured," she said with a small smile. "I, uh, was just over checking up on Fred Weasley's injury, actually." She looked at Scarlett with a raised eyebrow. "And I noticed it was healed, but a very interesting scar was left behind."

"Ah," Scarlett said nervously.

"Do you remember that potion I told you I was working on?" Dani asked, tilting her head.

"Yes," Scarlett said slowly, feeling a blush creeping up her cheeks.

"I told you it left a scar, didn't I? Well, I may or may not have mentioned that it's a very oddly shaped scar. It always leaves one that kind of looks like a crescent moon or a sideways smile or something like that…you get the idea. Well, Fred's scar is in that exact shape."

Scarlett looked at her feet. "Look, Dani, I'm sorry. I only took a small amount of the potion because I wanted to help you figure it out so we could start selling it before the war. I never figured it out, though. I mean, I wasn't going to try to pass it off as mine. I just thought it would be so helpful…and it was! It saved Fred's life! I'm sure he doesn't care about the scar. He'll love it. And he's alive!"

"Scarlett, stop," Dani said, holding up her hand. "Technically, I could say you stole top secret St. Mungo's research supplies that had not yet been released to the public and proceeded to use it in public. I also haven't finished all the reaction tests for the potion yet, so it's entirely possible that people could react differently. Fred's lucky. Things could've been worse."

"I'm in trouble, aren't I?" Scarlett whispered. She felt ashamed. Even though Fred's life was more important than her job, she didn't want to be fired.

There was a pause. "No. You aren't in trouble."

Scarlett looked up. "Really?"

Dani nodded and smiled. "I know what you've been through and I know how much you would've been affected if Fred had died. You're a good person, you meant well, and you're right, it's not like you tried to pass it off as your own potion. And you're still a great Healer and St. Mungo's loves having you."

Scarlett smiled. "And I love being there."

Dani grinned back. "Good," she said, "because I expect to see you back at work next week."

Scarlett nodded. "Of course."

Dani continued to smile as she turned to walk away. "Oh," she added, turning back to Scarlett. "Fred's basically all taken care of, so he's going to be moved to a bed in the Gryffindor dormitory in a few minutes. His family is staying overnight for the funeral tomorrow, so they'll be up there too, if you want to go visit. I do suggest, and I told the Weasleys this as well, that only one person is allowed at Fred's bedside at a time. At least until tomorrow when he'll be completely healed and rested."

Scarlett nodded. "Okay. Thank you, Dani, really, for everything."

Dani smiled again. "Keep up the good work," she said before turning and heading in the other direction.

"Hey, what are you doing in here all by yourself?"

Scarlett turned to see Erica coming into the Hufflepuff common room. She sat down next to Scarlett on the couch and tucked her feet under her.

"Just thinking," Scarlett answered, staring into the fire she had lit when she had first come into the room. It was getting dark out now as the day came to an end and the fire cast a warm glow over the familiar common room walls.

Mrs. Weasley had left for a few minutes earlier in the day to go back to Muriel's and get a change of clothes for everyone as well as something to wear to the funeral the next morning for everyone who had died. Scarlett had gratefully taken her change of clothes and headed for her old dorm where she took a much needed shower, washing off the dirt and blood that had accumulated on her body. She was glad to wash it all off, mainly considering most of the blood had been Fred's, not hers.

Once she had put on her clean clothes, she had made herself comfortable in the common room and started a fire in the fireplace. She had been there ever since, just staring into the flames.

"Fred's still unconscious," Erica informed her. "I was just up in the Gryffindor common room talking to Mrs. Weasley. George is sitting with Fred now and refuses to leave his side. The rest of the Weasleys have offered to take turns sitting with him, but George won't let up."

"Figures," Scarlett said. "So Fred hasn't woken up yet at all?"

"No," Erica replied, shaking her head. "He's still out cold and still a bit pale and weak, but he'll be strong enough to go to the funeral tomorrow."

Scarlett nodded and chewed on her fingernail. Mrs. Weasley had started crying hysterically when Scarlett and George had filled her and the other Weasleys in on what happened. Then, she had pulled Scarlett into a bone-crushing hug and cried into her shoulder. The others had looked shaken as well at the news of Fred's second close call of the night, but they also looked relieved that he was going to live.

"I'm sure you'd be able to go up and sit with him for a while," Erica continued. "I know there's only supposed to be one person at a time, but you and George are so important to him. And George might even agree to switch with you. Who knows?"

Scarlett shook her head. "I'll see him tomorrow. He needs his rest so he can regain his strength." While it was the truth, another part of Scarlett didn't want to see him until tomorrow when he would be conscious and almost in perfect health again. She had seen enough of him unconscious and pale lately.

Erica sighed, leaning into the couch cushions. "It's seems like such a long time ago that we were here as students, doesn't it?"

Scarlett nodded and looked down at the couch almost affectionately. "I've missed this couch." She rubbed a hand over the cushions and smiled as she remembered all the times she used to sit here doing homework, talking to Erica, playing Exploding Snap…even cuddling with Justin.

Erica laughed. "I've missed it too, actually. Very much."

The two girls were quiet for a moment, each lost in their own thoughts.

"Oh," Erica finally said, reaching into her pocket and pulling out a small gift wrapped package. "Happy birthday." She tossed the gift onto Scarlett's lap.

Scarlett looked at her friend wide-eyed. "That's right! I completely forgot today was my birthday."

Erica giggled. "That's a first. Anyway, open the gift."

"When did you have time to get it? And how did you know I'd still be here? For a while, it looked like I'd never complete the vow."

"Well, I hoped you'd complete it," Erica said with a grin. "And I didn't get it from anywhere. I made it."

Scarlett smiled and ripped open the gift. Inside the box was an intricate friendship bracelet made out of colored string and beads. "This is so pretty!" Scarlett exclaimed.

"I'm glad you like it," Erica said.

"It feels weird celebrating my birthday, though."

"You deserve a celebration, trust me," Erica snorted. "If it's not a birthday celebration, it should be one for completing the vow. By the way, Mrs. Weasley was talking about throwing you and Fred a real wedding after this is all over. She wanted me to ask you what you thought."

"A real wedding?" Scarlett asked.

"You know, with a dress, a cake, dancing, food, pictures…everything you didn't get to have and that she didn't get to plan."

"But Fred and I are technically already married. We can't get married again," Scarlett said.

"No, but you can renew your vows," Erica grinned. "That's what Mrs. Weasley suggested. Everything will be as if you're getting married for the first time except for a few bits of the ceremony. And you'll actually be able to make it to the kiss this time."

Scarlett smiled. "That would be nice."

"So are you okay with this?"

"Yeah, as long as Fred is."

"Oh, he will be, but even if he does hate the idea, I'll bully him into it," Erica said.

Scarlett laughed. "I don't doubt that."

Erica giggled as well and nudged Scarlett with her foot. "Thanks for not dying on me, by the way."

"Oh, no problem," Scarlett shrugged, giggling again as she pretended it was no big deal. "The only bad thing now is I can't finish off all of that sleepover junk food in preparation for my death."

"Who said you can't?" Erica snorted.

"The dress I'll be wearing to this vow renewal ceremony," Scarlett said.

"That's true," Erica sighed.

"You said it's going to be like a first-time wedding?" Scarlett asked. When Erica nodded, she grinned. "Maid of Honor?"

Erica sat up and squealed with glee. "I thought you'd never ask! Oh, and can I design your dress? And the bridesmaids dresses? Please, please, please?"

Scarlett laughed. "Of course. Knock yourself out."

"Thank you," Erica cried happily. "I have to get started!" With that, she set off in search of something to begin sketching on, leaving Scarlett giggling on the couch.

Early the next morning, Scarlett stood in the entrance hall next to Erica and Ginny. The rest of the Weasleys, minus the twins, were standing a few feet away, talking amongst each other. The entrance hall was a bit crowded with people who were waiting for the funeral to start. Most of the guests were outside already, but some were still inside, waiting for friends and family members to catch up with them. Scarlett and the Weasleys were just waiting for Fred and George to come down.

Scarlett had heard that George had stayed with Fred all night, right up until the wee hours of the morning when Fred finally woke up. Apparently, he had asked for Scarlett almost right away, but she had been sleeping in her own dorm and George had told Fred he could see her in the morning.

Scarlett fiddled with the bracelet Erica had given her the day before. She had put it on last night and now she was anxiously spinning it around and around on her wrist. She was nervous and excited to see Fred, but mostly excited. She just couldn't wait to be near him and spend time with him again. She just wanted to be with him and enjoy it. And thankfully, they'd get to do that now. The war was over, there was no more fighting and the vow was completed. They had gotten through the bad stuff and hopefully things would stay tragedy free for a while.

"Look, there they are," Ginny finally said, pointing to the marble staircase.

Scarlett looked up to see Fred and George descending the stairs, laughing together and looking as if they were back in school again. They were looking at each other and talking animatedly, their sentences broken up by a laugh every so often. Scarlett grinned. Watching them made her happy. Their relationship was priceless and something she had always been a little envious of. But it was great to see them together without the burden of knowing they may have to be split up; that one of them may end up dead.

Scarlett began weaving her way through groups of people towards the foot of the stairs. She finally squeezed through a group of older women wearing large black hats and when she came out the other side she was standing in clear view of the stairs. Fred and George had just reached the bottom and Fred happened to look up at that moment and notice Scarlett standing there grinning at him.

Forgetting that he had lost a lot of blood the night before and that he was still probably a bit weak, Scarlett kicked off the black heels she was wearing and ran for him, flinging herself into his arms. He caught her and spun her around with surprising strength for someone who had just been stabbed less than twenty four hours ago.

Scarlett giggled into his ear as he finished spinning her and set her down. She could feel the women in the hats staring at them and smiling, but she ignored them. She reached up and gently touched Fred's cheek with her fingertips. He was still a bit pale and was struggling to breathe a little, too, but he was grinning at her, nonetheless.

"Sorry," she said with a small smile. "I forgot you were still weak."

"It doesn't matter," Fred whispered. "I'm glad you forgot because I really wanted that fairy tale reunion."

"So did I," Scarlett giggled.

Fred smiled down at her and brought his hand to her face, gently holding her chin between his thumb and forefinger and tracing her bottom lip with the tip of his thumb. "You look beautiful."

Scarlett laughed. "Funny, Fred."

"No, I mean it," Fred answered, frowning slightly. He paused. "I was hoping I would get to see you last night when I woke up."

Scarlett shook her head. "You needed rest and I didn't want to see you until you were well and awake."

"You saved my life last night. More than once," Fred whispered.

"It was nothing, Fred," she answered quietly. "There was never any question about anything I did. I love you, okay?" She smiled up at him as she stared into his eyes and affectionately ran her fingers through his hair.

He grinned back before leaning down and gently pressing his lips to hers. Scarlett practically sighed in utter contentment. Her head started to spin, but in a good way this time. When Fred finally pulled away, he did so only slightly and for just a second before he leaned in for a second kiss.

"I wanted to apologize to you again," he whispered, pulling Scarlett closer to him and interlocking his fingers together on her lower back. "You know, for what I said to you when we fought. It was rude and uncalled for and I'm so sorry."

"Don't apologize," Scarlett answered, shaking her head. "It was all true."

"No, it wasn't," Fred argued. "You've been through a lot and you were conflicted. I hurt you with what I said and I know it. I knew it then, but I was hurt, too, and I couldn't bring myself to make it right after I said it."

"I should be the one apologizing," Scarlett whispered, staring at Fred's collar as she absentmindedly played with it, moving it up and down with her finger. "For hurting you, for almost taking you away from your family…for everything." She looked up at him and tried to blink back the tears in her eyes. "I love you, I really do."

"I know," Fred said with a half-smile. "If you didn't, we wouldn't be here."

Scarlett gave him a watery smile in return and rested her head on his chest as she hugged him. After a moment, she pulled away and stretched up on her toes to kiss him.

"Oi, are you two done?" George asked after a moment.

Scarlett pulled away from Fred and peered over his shoulder at George, who was leaning against the end of the marble staircase and pretending to be bored. Scarlett knew he was happy for them, though.

"Not yet," Fred said, turning Scarlett back towards him and kissing her one more time. Scarlett couldn't help but smile as her hands slid to the back of his neck and she kissed him right back.

After Fred and Scarlett had reunited, it was back to reality. The entrance hall began to clear out and seats outside on the lawn began to fill up for the funeral. It was a combined funeral for all that had died in the battle and it was just as devastating as the other funerals Scarlett had attended recently.

She sat next to Fred and he held her hand through the entire ceremony, rubbing his thumb along her finger. Halfway through, she rested her head on his shoulder as tears streamed from her eyes. She wasn't as scared to cry in public anymore, she noticed. She had learned that was expected at times like this and it wasn't expected for people to be perfectly strong all the time.

At one point, a Ministry wizard got up and spoke about all who had died, but what Scarlett actually liked was that, at this funeral, after he was done, students were called up to talk about their friends and family members. They were people who actually knew the deceased and could almost bring them back to life again with the stories and descriptions of their loved ones.

Sirius went up to talk about Lupin and Tonks. It was great to see him be able to go out in public freely now that the truth was out that he wasn't a murderer. People still probably wouldn't trust him, and not everyone would trust him right away, but the truth was out there and he didn't have to hide anymore.

Colin's parents and brother all talked, which was the most devastating bit for Scarlett. Dennis Creevey wasn't that much younger than Colin, but he looked small today, and also younger as if he were a child again. Scarlett knew he would never be the same. Losing someone at any age was never easy, but it was the hardest when you were old enough to understand, but not old enough to fully know how to deal with it. Then again, did anyone ever know how to deal with it? Everyone was different. They coped in different ways and grieved in different ways. But one thing was certain—nobody could take it on alone. Scarlett knew that now.

Once the funeral was over, people began milling around again, talking and consoling each other.

Fred took Scarlett's hand and they, Ginny, Erica and George began walking towards the willow trees by the lake. They hadn't gone more than five steps when Angelina appeared in front of them.

"Hi, Fred," she said quietly. "Hi, Scarlett."

"Hi Ange," Fred said, rubbing the back of his neck nervously.

Scarlett half-smiled. "Hi," she whispered. She let go of Fred's hand. "We'll meet you down there," she said, gesturing towards the others with a tilt of her head.

"No, stay," Angelina said, causing Scarlett to turn back. "I wanted to, uh, apologize to you both."

George, Ginny and Erica shared a look before wordlessly making their way down the hill, leaving Scarlett, Fred and Angelina to have a moment alone.

"So, Fred," Angelina began, "how are you feeling?"

Fred shrugged. "Okay," he answered. "Still a little tired and worn out, but other than that, I'm fine."

Angelina nodded. She looked at Scarlett. "And how have you been? I heard about Justin and wanted to make it to his funeral, but I had a match that day."

Scarlett shrugged one shoulder. "I miss him, but I'm doing okay."

Angelina looked at the ground sadly. "I don't think you actually cheated on him. It was stupid. He didn't believe it either. But the both of us were upset. We weren't thinking logically and I'm really sorry." She turned to Fred. "And I'm sorry for yelling at you that day in front of Scarlett's flat. You didn't deserve it. I was just…I liked you so much and I didn't want to lose you, even though I knew by then that I wasn't the one for you."

"What?" Fred asked, wrinkling his nose in confusion. "Because of what Justin said?"

"No," Angelina answered, shaking her head. "One day, in seventh year…a week or two before you and George left, actually, we were eating dinner and you were just staring at Scarlett with this look of complete longing on your face. I didn't want to say anything because I wanted to believe I was wrong. As I said, I liked you a lot."

Scarlett looked at Fred in surprise. She had never noticed him looking at her in the great hall. She either hadn't been paying attention or he hadn't wanted her to see.

"I'm so sorry, Ange," Fred whispered. "I liked you, too, but—"

"You and Scarlett have so much more," Angelina said. "I know. I can see it." She smiled sadly. "It's okay. I'm sure I'll find someone who's meant for me just as much as you're meant for Scarlett."

Fred nodded. "I hope you do. You deserve someone amazing."

Angelina smiled. "Thanks, Fred. Anyway, I'll see you two around."

Scarlett and Fred both nodded before waving goodbye.

"That worked out," Scarlett smiled, taking Fred's hand as they resumed their walk towards the lake. "She doesn't hate you. You can still be friends with her."

Fred nodded as he stared down at their intertwined hands. "Oh, I meant to tell you…I noticed you put your wedding ring back on."

"Yeah, before the battle," Scarlett said, holding up her left hand and gazing at the ring as it caught the light. "I wanted it on. Besides, I told your mother the truth, so…." She trailed off and shrugged.

Fred nodded. "I heard. She wants to throw us a proper wedding so we can celebrate and renew our vows even though we just made them a few weeks ago."

"Erica told me," Scarlett replied. "Are you okay with that?"

"Completely," Fred said, sounding almost enthusiastic. "I mean, I know since you're a girl you've probably dreamed of a wedding like the one my mother will undoubtedly plan. Even if you say you don't want it, I know you do."

Scarlett giggled as they approached the group of willow trees and spotted Erica, George and Ginny sitting under the one closest to the water. George was pulling pieces off of the dangling branches and tearing them apart in his hands. Erica was talking excitedly, waving her hands around and Ginny was sitting beside her looking equally as excited.

"What do you think they're talking about?" Fred asked.

"Erica's designing my dress and the bridesmaid dresses. I asked Ginny to be a bridesmaid this morning, so she and Erica will be the only two. Anyway, I bet Erica's describing everything in vivid detail."

They finally reached the willow tree and sat down in the space between Ginny and George. Erica immediately stopped talking when they arrived.

"Sorry, Scar, the dresses are a surprise until the big day," she grinned.

"Thank goodness that's over now," George groaned. "I've been hearing every detail about bridesmaid gowns and Scarlett's wedding dress for the past ten minutes. I now know every type of neckline and every dress style there is. I feel like I need to go punch a hole in a wall now to take back my manliness."

Scarlett giggled. "Come on, George, I know you loved hearing about those dresses."

George pretended to gag and Scarlett laughed again while Erica rolled her eyes.

"I thought it was all fascinating," Ginny said.

"Yeah, you're a girl," George said, throwing a handful of torn up leaves at her.

Ginny glared at him and dusted the leaves from her lap. "Scarlett's going to look absolutely beautiful."

"I don't doubt that," Fred said, leaning over and kissing Scarlett's cheek.

"Yeah, well first I need to catch up on my sleep and maybe eat a sandwich or two," Scarlett answered, staring up at the sky. "Or maybe even five."

"You slept last night, though, didn't you?" Erica asked. "I didn't hear any screaming, so I assumed you slept through the night."

Scarlett shrugged. "I didn't wake up screaming, but I kept waking up every few hours and then falling back to sleep." She glanced at Fred as she pulled his hand into her lap and began tracing the lines in his palm. "I kept dreaming that you had actually died, and I would wake up abruptly, but then a few seconds later, I'd remember you were fine and I'd fall back to sleep."

Fred shook his head and looked away, looking angry with himself. "I was so stupid. I should have known Scabior was hiding somewhere. I should've been more alert. If I hadn't been such a moron, you wouldn't have been so upset last night. You wouldn't have had those dreams at all."

"It wasn't your fault," Scarlett said. "If I hadn't run after him thinking I could take him, you wouldn't have come after me."

"It wasn't your fault either. You had every reason to go after him." Fred was quiet as looked down at their hands. He frowned as he looked at the rope burns that still encircled Scarlett's wrists. "I wish I had killed him," he whispered, lightly dragging his finger over one of the red marks.

"It doesn't matter anymore," Scarlett whispered. "He's going to Azkaban just like Umbridge and Greyback are. He'll suffer in there. They all will."

"But Scar, you don't understand," Fred replied. "He—"

"I know what he did, Fred," Scarlett interrupted, looking at him. "I know it more than anyone. I used to want him dead, too, believe me. But he won't be getting out of Azkaban and the way he'll feel in there will be worse than death. He's getting what he deserves."

Fred looked down at her wrists again and sighed. "I suppose so."

"And," Scarlett continued, cupping his chin and gently forcing him to look at her, "you're alive and you're here with me and that's what I really care about."

Fred smiled and leaned forward, giving her nose a quick kiss. "Hey, in all the commotion, I never got to wish you a happy birthday yesterday."

"I did," Erica said proudly.

"Well, that's because you were conscious last night," Fred muttered.

"It's not a big deal," Scarlett shrugged. "In fact, I even forgot it was my birthday until Erica said something. Yesterday was crazy."

"We still feel bad we didn't acknowledge it at all," George said. "Mum says she wants to have a party for you."

"No," Scarlett insisted. "Absolutely not! She's already planning the ceremony for the vow renewal, which is actually like planning a wedding since it kind of is a wedding….Anyway, that's too much work."

"It really won't be," George disagreed. "The party will just be something at the Burrow where she'll whip up some amazing dinner and invite everyone over. Then the vow renewal ceremony that's really a wedding will probably be next month sometime. It'll be plenty of time for her to plan things. Plus, she loves this kind of stuff."

"It's not every day you turn twenty," Fred said, smiling at her. "And that reminds me….George and I are going back to the shop later to check it over and figure out what needs to be repaired. Chances are it was trashed while we were gone. Anyway, I want you to come because your birthday gift is in my room. I've had it for a while, and I didn't bring it to Muriel's with me."

"Oh…okay," Scarlett replied, blinking in surprise.

"You're going to love it," Ginny said with a grin. "He told me about it ages ago."

"I can't wait to see it, then," Scarlett replied, turning to Fred and smiling at him.

"Good," Fred answered, his own smile lighting up his face. He gave her a quick kiss before standing up and helping her to her feet. He looked at George. "Want to go now? Get it over with?"

George sighed, nodded and stood up. "Yeah, I suppose we'd better."

"I'll tell Mum you're leaving," Ginny volunteered as she stood up and dusted off her dress.

As Erica and Ginny made their way back up the hill, Scarlett turned to the twins. She positioned herself in between them and reached for their hands. "Let's go," she said, letting out a puff of air. She knew that if the shop was trashed, it was going to be hard for the twins and she was going to have to be there for them, just as they had been there for her.

A/N: This chapter made me so happy because Scarlett and Fred finally got their fairy tale reunion. But there's only three chapters left of this story and that doesn't make me all that happy since I've loved writing it so much.

Thanks for reading!