Sorry this chapter took a bit longer than I expected to write - I really meant to post it two days ago but I wasn't happy with where it was so... a bit more time. Anyway this chapter was a lot of work since it's so long and has so much going on, but it was a great break from studying. I can't promise I will update until my finals are done in mid-December, but there is definitely another big chapter coming during Christmas break. Thanks to everyone who has reviewed and added this story to their favorites. I so appreciate your support. Hope you like this one and plz R&R.

Everything Changes

Ron was in his pyjamas, playing a game of chess with his dad when the twins arrived through the fireplace. His dad looked at them with a smile and said, "I didn't expect you two to come home tonight."

"He has good reasons, trust me," Fred said with a smile.

Their father looked confused, "Is everything alright?"

"Yeah," answered George. "I'm just… getting married."

"Getting what?" their dad asked.

"Priceless," Fred snickered.

"Did you just say married?" their father asked, ignoring Fred completely.

"Yeah, the day after tomorrow, noon, Grimmauld place."

"You're serious?" Ron asked.

"Son, when did this happen? I though you two had a fight and just made up. It is Estella you're thinking of marrying?"

"Of course, it's Estella! And I'm not thinking, I'm marrying her. I'll talk to Percy tomorrow since he can get paperwork done even though it's a Sunday and she's getting a dress. The Blacks and the elves are getting Grimmauld Place ready as soon as possible. Dad, could you… would you run the ceremony and help with the vows?"

"Merlin's beard, George! How long have you been thinking about doing this? I didn't even know you planned to ask or had a ring."

"I didn't. I… she did."

"What?"

"She asked. I said yes. We went to London and I got her a ring."

"It just gets better," Fred said with a snort, looking at his dad's dumbfounded expression. Their father gave him a warning look. "Oh, come on dad! This is splendid, grand, utterly fantastic! Estella is making an honest man out of him! Out of my very own twin brother! We have to plan a party. The last hurray of the bachelor twins! After tomorrow the ladies can only dream about one of us. I'm getting Bill and we have to make sure Charlie can come. It will be epic! Come on Ronnie!"

Ron followed Fred and together they went upstairs towards Bill's room.

"He's serious, isn't he?"

"Dead serious," Fred answered.

"And you're happy about this?"

"Of course, I am! Aren't you?"

"Yeah. But isn't this a bit fast? They just got back together," Ron stated. He was happy for George but he also thought of his friend. What about Harry? How can they get married so soon after she broke my mate's heart?

"They've been together for years and are in love, sickeningly I never want to deal with overhearing their shagging again in love. This is what should have always happened."

"What do you mean should have happened?"

"Nothing Ronniekins," Fred answered knocking on Bill and Leanna's door.

Hermione smiled as she set the table up for breakfast. It was only three more days until Christmas and despite the awful memories that the holidays brought spending time with her new family, Lily, Harry and little Cassi was like a healing balm. The baby girl was wonderful and even Harry who had been incredibly sad the day before had managed to smile at his sister before going to bed. Cassi had that effect on people. Hermione was glad to get breakfast ready and let Lily, Harry and the baby sleep in. Suddenly, she heard a knock on the door and felt fear run down her spine. The fireplace was blocked and they had antiapparition wards all around the flat, so there was no way to get in other than the muggle way. So, whoever was here had no option but to knock. Still, they weren't expecting anyone. Hermione went to the door and asked who is was.

"It's Estella."

"What are you doing here? And how do I know it's really you?"

"I came to talk to Harry. As for being me… umm… only I would know that I told you about the glimpse and you gave me time to decide even though you knew I was wrong. Hermione, I was wrong and I'm going to try to do what's right now and... thank you... for before. Let me in."

She opened the door and saw her Slytherin friend. "So, what are you going to talk about with Harry?"

"You're angry."

"I'm concerned. Harry was crushed yesterday. Estella you're my friend, but –"

"But you worry about Harry. That makes sense."

"So?"

"So, I came about this," Estella said, handing Hermione a pretty piece for parchment. Hermione read.

The Black, Swanson, and Weasley families invite you to celebrate the wedding of

George Fabian

and

Estella Marie

to be held at the Burrow

on Monday, December 23

at sundown.

Please arrive by 4:00 PM.

Their magical bond is supported by the ancient lines of

Black, Brown, Lovewood, McMillan, Swanson and Weasley

representing the unified houses of Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin.

"You're getting married!"

"I am," Estella answered. "And I wanted to be the one to explain it to Harry."

"Oh, sweet Merlin!" Hermione cried, pacing the living room.

"I'm not going to lie and say I'm sorry. I'm the one that asked him to marry me. George and I have a chance to be happy and I'm taking it."

"Don't use my words to justify yourself! For goodness sake, you were still considering your future child with Harry just a few a days ago."

"I know. And you're the one who said I was wrong. And I was wrong. I cannot pretend to choose Harry and forever love George. It wouldn't be good for anyone." Hermione looked at Estella and knew she was right, but still, what about Harry? "Hermione, I have to do this. I have to take this chance and be brave and give it my all, just like George did when he came back to Godric's Hollow. Can you please find a way to be happy for us?"

"I am! I am happy for you. It's just –"

"I know. I made a mess of things. That's why I'm here. I have to explain everything to Harry. I can't just marry George and not be held accountable to my idiocy in these past weeks."

"Okay."

"Okay?"

"Yes, okay. Estella, of course I'm happy you and George are getting married. You two may be young and this is not the best timing, but you deserve to be happy. I just wish you would have decided this before Harry got his hopes up. That's it. And if you're willing to explain yourself and be held accountable for your actions then… well that's that," Hermione said sincerely, giving the other girl a look of understanding.

Estella nodded and smiled, "Just congratulate me."

Hermione couldn't help the small smile that graced her lips and then said, "Congratulations." The two girls hugged.

"So, what are you going to tell Harry?"

"The truth. Reckon nothing will really make sense besides that."

Hermione nodded in agreement. "Will you have breakfast with us before breaking the news?"

"Yeah."

After breakfast, Harry, Estella and Hermione went up to Harry's room.

"So, you wanted to talk?" Harry said.

"Yeah, I… Harry… George and I are getting married."

Harry had a mix of surprise, pain and anger on his face.

"I wanted to be the one to tell you."

"How considerate."

Hermione looked from Harry's furious expression to Estella's remorseful one and spoke, "I'll leave you two to talk."

"No. Whatever she has to say she can say in front of both us."

"I guess I deserve that. I… Harry, I love him."

"I know, but then why? Why did you ask me to stay with you when you were hurting? Why did you take a break with him? Why did you get my hopes up?"

"Because I thought I had to Harry."

"Why would you have to do that?"

"Harry, I thought you were my future. I thought I had to be with you to save the wizarding world."

Then Estella explained what had happened when she had told George about the kiss.

********** Flashback – Estella's Point of View **********

"Fun Man, it means nothing."

"What did you feel?"

"Nothing."

"You love him?"

"I said it means nothing. Are you listening to me at all? I told Harry that I love you. George, we just made love. I love you, only you." She got close to him and kissed him with all the affection she could muster. He pulled away and looked at her. He tried to speak, but got red and tongue tied.

"What is it?" she asked

"I…I can't."

"Fun man? Please, what is it?" He kept looking at her, begging with his eyes but not talking. His face showed so much helplessness and regret and then it hit her. "Are you under the jinx, Dumbledore and Severus' jinx that doesn't let you speak of a secret?" He didn't answer, only got more and more chocked up. She couldn't believe it. What could possibly warrant them jinxing George? Why in Merlin's name would Dumbledore or Severus meddle with their relationship? She had to do it. It was a terrible thing to do, but she just had to. She raised her wand and spoke, "Legilimens!"

Then she began to see memories. George leaving Godric's Hollow with Dumbledore after she had told him she was the daughter of the Dark Lord and then the two of them in the middle of a field.

"Mister Weasley... may we stop for a second. An old man like me can't walk this long. We're close enough to the town. Once we get there I'll go to the apparition area and get you home in no time. No need to rush." Dumbledore looked at him and smiled.

"Sir, I don't see what's funny."

"Youth, Mr. Weasley. It can be gift. But sometimes being young means being guided by impulse, especially for us Gryffindors."

"Yeah, for us, not for Slytherins! Manipulative, conniving snakes. Know how trick you with a pretty smile and sweet words only pull the rug from under you."

"Some Slytherins are like that. But then there are those like Severus, and Mr. Malfoy and his mother, and Miss Swanson -"

"Not her sir!"

"You know Mr. Weasley, when I found out about you and young Miss Swanson, you two actually made sense."

"Really?"

Dumbledore nodded. "You see among the things that dear Salazar valued in his students were not just ambition and blood purity, but also cleverness, resourcefulness, determination, and... a certain disregard for the rules. I do believe you share most of those qualities with her, don't you?"

"It's not the same."

"Did you not tell her you loved her just as much as she said it to you?" George didn't answer. Dumbledore raised his eyebrow and then George just nodded. "Did you not sneak around just as much as she did?" He nodded in agreement again. "Did you not keep your engagement from her?"

"How did you -"

"There are those Slytherins that are as loyal a friend as a Hufflepuff."

"Malfoy," said George through gritted teeth.

"So you can find good qualities in them."

"Could we walk again?" George asked. Dumbledore agreed and they resumed their stroll. They walked and reached the town and then Dumbledore had to stop again. "My lad, I forgot to tell you I have a short meeting with Alastor at the local Inn. Nothing to worry about. I'll get rooms in the Inn to rest."

"What?"

"It's so late. We wouldn't want to leave this late and disrupt your parents' evening."

"But –"

"We may leave in the morning," said Dumbledore as they got in the Inn. "Here is your key Mr. Weasley. You're in room 91. Alas, there's Alastor!"

George followed the older wizard and sat at a table with Moody. They ordered food and then ate as the muggles watched them with interest. Moody and Dumbledore talked in code. Estella followed most of it. It was all order business.

"Well Alastor, thank you for the updates. Do you have Mr. Weasley's things?"

"Oh yes! But not here, too many muggles, we must be aware! Constant vigilance!"

"Right, let's head to the rooms."

They all went to a room, typical small Inn kind of space. Moody pulled out a small box and enlarged it.

"My trunk!" exclaimed George. "I thought all was lost. I wore the clothes mum brought all summer."

"We've only gone through things from the wreckage recently. We have a lot to return. You'll go deliver the rest next?" asked Dumbledore, looking at Moody.

"Indeed, I'll go to Headquarters," Moody assured as he exited.

Dumbledore lifted George's trunk from the chair Moody had set it in and for no reason it popped open. The first thing that flew out was… the coat… the light reddish-brow dragon skin coat that Estella had gifted George when he came of age.

"How clumsy of me, forgive me my lad."

"I shouldn't keep that," George said, looking at the coat that Dumbledore was now holding.

"Must be hard…"

"What?"

"… letting go of something so beautiful," Dumbledore answered almost dreamily as he gave George the coat. Then Dumbledore disappeared. The old wizard was gone and in his place, were red hair, brown eyes… sad eyes.

"It worked!"

"Do I know you?" asked George.

"Not yet. But it doesn't matter. You have to go back!"

"What?"

"You have to go back to Godric's Hollow!"

"What? Who? Why?"

The man touched his arm and then the memory changed. Estella saw George with Fred, Harry, Ron and Hermione in Gryffindor.

"… great, now we can work on the details to reopen the YPS," said Hermione.

"What about… well, won't the Slytherins be hacked off if… if they're not leaders anymore?" George asked.

"You don't know?" Harry said.

"What?"

"They're gone."

"Gone?"

"Estella refused to come back here. She and Malfoy are at Beauxbatons."

Again, the memories changed. Now Fred and George were in Grimmauld place, sitting next to Mr. Weasley who lay on a cot and was bandaged up. A light shone brightly and Estella saw herself. She looked pale and dishevelled in a nightgown. She ran towards uncle Sirius who stood at a corner of the room.

"Merlin!" screamed her uncle, running towards her. "What are you doing here?"

"You're okay…" she said with tears in her eyes. "You're okay…" she mumbled again and then hugged him and sobbed.

"Shush… it's okay doll… everything is okay…"

"I thought…"

"Shush… you should be in bed… you can't do this right now…"

"It's all my fault… he's back and…"

Her uncle pulled her away from him. "Look at me. None of this is your fault. We'll figure this out. I'll never leave you. You'll never be alone again."

The memory dissipated and she saw a new image. George was at the Ministry dressed in fancy robes and dancing with Heidi McCavoy. And then she saw herself, dressed in a black gown and wearing her Swanson tiara. Then out of nowhere… Harry.

"You… you're beautiful…" Harry mumbled shyly before clearing his throat.

And then she saw herself giggling and blushing like a schoolgirl. She smiled big and spoke, "Come on lover boy, let's dance."

Then a new memory, George was in the yard of Swanson Mansion, close to the Centaurs' field. He looked more like… the man that showed up after he had picked up the coat. "Merlin, it's him! George met his future self," Estella thought. Older George was hiding behind a tree and cast a disillusionment charm before running into the Mansion. He arrived by a door that was partly opened. Ron was in there with Harry. Harry wore dress robes and looked at himself at the mirror.

"Were you this nervous?" asked Harry.

"I didn't have a choice… but you chose Estella," said Ron.

"It's still going bad?"

"No. She's good person. We're figuring it out."

George kept walking and went up the stairs and down the hallway until he found her. Estella saw herself, dressed in white with the tiara on her head again, and looking at the mirror. She was alone and seemed deep in thought. She heard, "Revelio," and her older self looked surprised.

"Hi."

"Hey."

"Look… I don't know what Edgecombe said to you about me, but I want you to know that... whoever that was she was talking about... wasn't me.

"It doesn't matter what Marietta said. I stopped trusting her when she didn't join the YPS in fifth year."

"Ella. I am not the awful person that you think I am… I don't even know that person."

"George -"

"Please listen to me. I… I'm still the man you met your fifth year… I never meant to hurt you… and I'd like to believe... I have to believe that if you knew that... if in your heart, you really, really knew that… you wouldn't be getting ready to marry someone now… unless that someone were me."

"George… I…" she sighed and then continued, "I'm not going to lie to you. I… I have felt things... these past few weeks… that I didn't know I could feel anymore." He smiled that. But she didn't smile back. She swayed nervously and played with her gloved-covered-hands. "The thing is… I have realized, these past few days... we can't just turn back time."

"Why not?"

"We've gone down different paths for so long. We made choices. You left."

"I'm sorry!" the older George said desperately.

"I know. But you moved on. I moved on. I chose Harry. Our friends and family are down there. We care about each other."

"You love him?"

"George –"

"Do you?"

"I… it's just… you know, you don't always get the dream, but you can get awfully close."

George nodded at her, but looked crushed.

"Please, I can't stand seeing you like that."

"I'll be fine, I promise," he said forcing a smile. They heard music starting to play. They turned to the window and saw people taking the seats outside.

"I won't have you be late," said George moving towards the door. "Finish getting ready. I'm fine. I'm just emotional because I want you to be happy. I want you to be so, so happy."

George walked away and was almost out the door when she spoke. "I... I've always loved you Fun Man, always."

Estella felt like it was hard to breathe. This was not possible. She would never… no she would never leave him like that and marry someone else, not Harry not anyone. Tears began streaming down her face as a new memory assaulted her senses. A much older George, one that looked exactly like the man that had showed up with that coat, was talking with an identical version of himself… Fred.

"It's Order business! I should be involved!"

"Come on mate!"

"What if something goes wrong? What if they find out and get to Estella! I should be there!"

"She's a Snape! A Snape! Not a Weasley! And Harry will not have you around her."

"I know, but… he should use me. He should know I would fight like hell for her."

Fred lifted an eyebrow accusingly.

"For her and her son," added older George.

"And you wouldn't stir things up?"

"That's not what this is about."

"Relax mate. I'll be there. I'll watch after her like she was the woman I loved."

"Promise?"

"I promise."

Another change and then…. they were at the front of Swanson mansion again. She saw the main door opening and couldn't believe her eyes. It was… too horrible… it was a nightmare. She could physically feel the pain in the room and it was overwhelming. She felt like crying wasn't enough. She was nauseous and it got worse as he heard a screaming child who yelled 'mommy!' in between sobs. Draco held him and tried consoling him. The little one looked like… Harry… it was like seeing him again except… he had bright blue eyes. She knew without even thinking about it much. This was her son. Then she looked again… at the bodies… Harry, Moody, Fred and herself. George fell on his knees between her body and Fred's.

"Mate…" Ron said, but it was like that George heard nothing. He turned to Fred and tried to listen for a heartbeat and broke down. He sobbed on his brother's chest. He sobbed with his heart and soul pouring out and then turned to her body.

"They went for little Severus," said Ron in tears. "She fought like –"

"Shut up!" said George between tears. He grabbed her hand and kissed it. Then he got closer and pulled her to him. He held her, closed his eyes, and then screamed in pain. Mr. Weasley's voice rang in the background, "We were surrounded..."

The memory faded and the last thing she felt was George in agony, screaming like a wounded animal, feeling completely lost. Then she saw the room at the Inn again. Her young George's cheeks were wet with tears, his eyes were bloodshot, and his nose seemed stuffy. Older George somehow looked in even worse shape as he spoke, "ten years ago I was you. I went back to the Burrow and then to Hogwarts. Then Fred and I got the shop, we got girls, we got money, but I was never happy again. Leaving her was the worst mistake of my life. You can't do it again. I don't know what will happen when you go back. But I know that if you don't go back, Fred and Estella die and that is not an option! Go back! Go back for both our sakes!"

"They… they died!"

"Go back to her! Go back to her and save her. Save her and Fred and our future."

George ran to the door. He opened it violently and there was Dumbledore.

"Professor!"

"Aren't you forgetting something? I do believe that coat of yours is… precious."

George's eyes grew wide. He turned around and the room was empty… his possessions were there, but older George was gone!

"Professor, I… I saw -"

"I understand, you're not the only one who received a visit from an older… friend."

"You too?"

"I learned quite a bit before picking you up. And well… if we want to win this war… it's critical to bring you back… and… I think we should keep this to ourselves. With the exception of perhaps talking with Miss Swanson and your brother."

"I… yes! Take me back!"

"Tomorrow then -"

"But -"

"Mr Weasley, you can't walk in there looking this way. Plus, it's late. We should rest and decide exactly what to say and who to say it to." George gave Dumbledore a look that screamed desperation and anger. "If you want her back, you can't very well tell her that she dies protecting her son with another man, can you?"

"I… I hadn't thought about that."

"Well then… let's think about it."

********** End Flashback **********

When I saw all those memories it was too much for me. I… I lost it, apparated away from him and ended up having the episode in the shack.

"You saw our future? Our son?" Harry asked.

"One possible future, Harry. And I thought I had to live it. I thought that if I tried to live that way we would save everyone else."

"So, breaking up with George and considering a relationship with me was some sort of sacrifice for the greater good?"

"No! Harry, I… I don't know. Maybe I… I think a part of me wanted that future with a stable relationship and no mad love making do insane things like fight dementors and die and… I guess I wanted to have that son. To have him and save him like my mum saved me, like she couldn't do for Marcus."

"So, this was some twisted way of acting like your mother?"

"I guess you could say that. I thought it made sense that the way to defeat my father would be to sacrifice myself for my child like my mum did. It sounds stupid when I say it now. But I had just had one of my worse Emo attacks ever, so maybe I was acting a bit insane."

"But you still loved George, even when you thought about being with me."

"Yes."

"What about our son? If you marry George he will never exist."

"I know. But that doesn't mean you will never find someone and have a child, Harry. Maybe now that we know more about the future, we can stay alive. I hope this way we can do that. Harry, I want us to live and love and have it all."

"That sounds good in theory, but maybe we'll still both die and end up having nothing to show for it."

"Maybe you're right and we'll end up with nothing. But I can't follow in the footsteps of that future. Not after experiencing the pain of thinking George had died in Diagon Alley. Not after realizing that I belong with him and not after seeing that in that future I get George's child killed."

"What?"

"Harry, when I died in that future I was four months pregnant and the baby wasn't yours. My future self married you, but loved George. In that future, she cheats on you and makes a child with him. A child that dies when she does."

"How do you know that? You didn't tell me that before!" Hermione interjected angrily.

"I didn't know before! Dumbledore gave George and I more information yesterday. He told us that future Draco had visited him before he picked up George from Godric's Hollow. Draco told him that the war wasn't won with our deaths. That our sacrifice saved our son, but not forever. Voldemort's soul latched onto him and made him a Horcrux. Marcus lived and became indestructible on his own right. Our deaths left the wizarding world with only little Severus as a possible hope and our friends were losing battle after battle against Marcus. Draco said Mr. Weasley, uncle Sirius, Ron and Anna died only a few weeks after us. And Dumbledore himself along with Neville followed within a few more months."

"So, we die for nothing!"

"Yes! That's why Dumbledore brought George back. He thought that the tides of war would turn if George kept me alive. That maybe with George at my side, you and I wouldn't start a doomed relationship and have a child that we would give our lives for instead of fulfilling the prophecy. Dumbledore thought that this way I would remain your loyal friend, your protector."

"Did he say you would be loyal before or after he told you that you cheated on me?"

Estella took a deep breath and then responded, "Neither. Dumbledore doesn't know my future self cheats on you. He thought I was a loyal wife and mother."

"Then how do you know this?" Hermione asked.

"Dumbledore relayed everything older Draco had said and then gave me a box. He explained that future Draco gave him the box and told him it was for me. That no one else could open it and that he was to give it to me once I had chosen George over you. That seven of the best witches and wizards in the future had ensured the box would remain for my eyes only and that he better give it only to me. And he did. Dumbledore gave me the box in his office. George and I left and I opened it. Inside were vials with memories from my future self. Harry when that Estella married you she was pregnant. That's why she didn't run away from the wedding with George. She wanted her child to have a family, so she stayed with you, the father of her child. But then… well things happened and she had to be around George while you were gone trying to find a way to win the war and… one thing led to another and she ended up pregnant again."

"You make it sound like you had no choice, no responsibility in betraying me."

"Harry, I haven't done it! How can I be responsible for a future we haven't lived? It's a betrayal I haven't committed."

Harry looked so confused that Hermione couldn't help but speak for him. "Why are you telling him all this? You're just making things worse."

"Hermione, I'm trying to make sure I stop that future because it's bloody awful. Harry, you need to realize that loving me only leads us, you and me and George, to bad places. That George became so guarded he didn't even tell Fred about our affair and our plans. My future self wanted to win the war and move on and have her child with George. That Estella promised him that she would leave you once it was safe and they would raise their child together and she would work on sharing custody of little Severus."

"You marry me and have a child with me and want to leave me after a war? Just like that?"

"Harry, my future self felt guilty and awful and never deserved you. But even with all that guilt she still wanted George. It was their second chance and she wanted to take it even if it meant hurting you and leaving you behind. And when you found out, you hated her. You became so filled with rage and resentment that this… this darkness fell upon you. There was a point when that Estella feared you as much as she feared Marcus and Voldemort. She thought that you would kill her and her baby once the war ended. Harry, any sort of bond you had with her broke and the amulets stopped working and we were not able to fight together. The only thing that brought civility between the two of us was our son. The future you had me locked up and completely defenceless until Draco broke into the mansion and snuck a wand in for me. That's when future me gave him my memories. Harry, me, you and George become these awful people. George and I betray you and become so selfish and wrapped up in each other that it's almost unhealthy. You punish me for it and you and George learn to truly hate each other. You and I die and fail to defeat my father. We hurt each other terribly and pass this horrible burden to our little boy. How could we want something to happen between us knowing that it ends that way? How Harry? I don't want to hurt you and I don't want to pass this burden to anyone else. I know you don't either."

Harry nodded in agreement. "You're right. I would never want anyone to deal with knowing they must defeat him. I don't want you to betray me and I don't want to hate you and lock you up and have you fear me. But… how do I get rid of this? Estella, I… I feel things for you that I have never felt before. I'm so hurt right now, but still I feel connected to you. Like I need you."

"I feel it too and I think… I think it's okay. We need to be connected and care for each other for the amulets to work. But it doesn't need to be romantic. Harry, I had a connection with Ely and it made the amulets work. He was my brother, more than Marcus will ever be, and I loved him dearly. And my mother and uncle Sirius had the Proctais and made them work too. We need to figure out how to be connected, how to love each other and be family, but without having to fall in love."

"She's right," Hermione said. "Harry, if what she's saying about the future is true then you have try to fall out of love with her."

"It is true!" Estella assured, seeming a bit annoyed at being questioned. She pulled out a set of vials from her satchel and handed them to Harry. "You can watch them. Just keep them safe."

"No," he answered, giving her the vials back. "I believe you. I just… how do I fall out of love? Tell me how?"

"I… I don't know. I never have," Estella answers with a tear rolling down her eye. "I wish… I wish none of this had happened. I wish I could take back whatever I did to make you feel this way. I'm so so sorry."

"Don't be. You didn't do anything," Harry answers, taking one of her hands in his and cleaning her tear with the other. "I think… I think that's the point. I fell for you without you doing anything in particular. I just need to find a way to see you as my friend again, just my friend. I'm sorry about all this too."

Estella hugged him and then they both cried. Hermione decided this was the time to walk away and let them figure things out. As she walked out the door she heard Harry speak softly between hiccups.

"You love George. You will always love George… It's okay… I'm letting go. Just… just promise me, you'll always be my friend."

"Always," Estella answered. Right then Hermione knew that somehow everything would be okay.

The wedding happened the next day. Hermione agreed to be a bridesmaid along with Ginny, Angelina and surprisingly Pansy Parkinson. Ginny really did not appreciate that one, but she managed. Estella was effervescent in her joy. She told them about how her and George were going to have the ceremony at Grimmauld place, but Molly wouldn't allow it and they had to move it to the Burrow. And how Percy was their saviour and managed to get the Ministry paperwork on a Sunday and how aunt Cissa got Madame Malkin to make wedding robes in one day and aunt Dromeda had managed to get the best flowers in London. She was in non-stop bliss up to the minute Sirius Black had everyone leave to line up and got ready to walk the bride down the aisle.

Surprisingly, Harry had agreed to be one of the groomsmen. George had come to see him after Estella's visit and they made peace. Harry skipped the stag party, but still stood in support of the couple during the ceremony along with the other groomsmen, Ron, Draco, and Lee. Fred and Tonks were the best man and maid of honour.

The wedding was simple. Estella looked gorgeous. Molly, Narcissa, Andromeda and Kreacher cried and most of the guests could swear they saw a stray tear come out of Sirius Black's eye.

Hermione thought the ceremony was strange at times. The fact that all the ancient families had someone swear allegiance to the couple was not lost to her. She would have to ask Estella what that was all about. Somehow, she reckoned it was important. Then there were the vows that George and Estella said together before Mr. Weasley called on wedding bond magic. "I am yours and you are mine. My joy is your joy. My pain is your pain. Where you go I go, where you live I live, when you fight I fight, when you die I die. One soul, one body, one life, always." Right when they finished speaking the sun went down. It was like… magic. Which most likely it was.

All in all, the ceremony and the party that followed were wonderful. A small affair among only family and close friends that brought joy for most. Harry still seemed gloomy, but somehow at peace and Hermione was glad for that. Unfortunately, the Daily Prophet wrote an awful column about snobby rich witches keeping themselves hidden even for simple events such as weddings. Honestly, if she ever got a hold of Rita Skeeter Hermione would show her how to keep her dreadfulness to herself.

Christmas was quiet and Hermione, Harry and the rest of the Snapes joined the Weasleys to celebrate at the Burrow. The happy couple was gone. George said they needed a honey moon and would be back in time for Estella to take the train to Hogwarts. Hermione smiled on New Year's Day when the Quibbler put out a full spread about the Weasley-Swanson wedding with pictures and cute anecdotes from different guests about the couple. She could only imagine Rita Skeeter's face when she read the exclusive written by Xenophilius Lovegood with the help of their very own Luna and pictures by Colin Creevey.

After that, time went very fast. It felt like they were at the wedding one day, then at Hogwarts and suddenly it was almost Valentine's day. Harry seemed much better around Estella. Maybe her being Estella Swanson-Weasley, a completely unattainable friend, improved things. There was no reason at all for him to have any sort of false hope and that seemed to make it easier to manage just friendship.

Love is strange, she thought one night, wondering if somehow when Ron got married she would be able to manage getting over it like Harry was slowly doing. I don't think so. I can't imagine not loving Ron. It's… unthinkable. Maybe that's why future Estella cheated on Harry with George when she was married. Maybe there are some loves that never end and some that should. Maybe I am meant to love Ron forever.

She thought about how Ron looked at his brother's wedding, his concern for Harry, his reaction when her and Harry told him about the future that Estella had seen. In that future, Ron married Anna and they died. Maybe it was the knowledge that they were not invincible, that in some future Ron had died and never been with Hermione, that made loving each other even more of a desperate need. They had to stay close and feel and worship each other and maybe they were a bit reckless in their escapades but they had a right to be, didn't they? It was in this way that they received Valentine's day, running off to their dungeon room during their patrol time.

A part of Ron knew that they were being too careless, but he couldn't help himself. He loved her and she loved him and they needed to make the most of the time they had. He had been annoyed that he wasn't able to walk with Hermione down the aisle during George's wedding. Their mum made sure he was walking Ginny and that Harry walked with Hermione. And then he had to put up with the Davies during a lot of the party. Luckily Anna's younger brothers got tired early enough and they left so he did manage to dance with his girl. And since then she had been insatiable and to be honest so was he. She was perfect and he wanted her so bad all the time. She was addicting. So, they conveniently got scheduled to patrol during Valentine's day. Now they walked down the hallways, not paying attention to any rule breaking. They were giddy and ready to spend the time together.

They rushed down to the dungeons and then behind the statue and into "their" room. Ron kissed her neck as she mumbled "Lumos" and the room filled with light. Then he kissed her urgently, forgetting all about the present he had hidden in his pocket for her and losing himself. She accepted his tongue and began to untuck his shirt. They were half naked in no time and making their way to the bed with his trousers tangling at his ankles and her skirt crooked though still in place. He fell onto the bed clumsily and they giggled at their lack of grace. He pulled his trousers off as she cast a contraceptive charm. Then he brought her close and slowly took of her knickers and skirt.

"I love you," he said. She smiled and told him she loved him too. They wasted no more time. She lowered herself onto him and let out a sweet moan when she felt his hard cock fully inside her. She began to sway rapidly. And sweet Merlin how he loved the view her breasts swinging up and down as she bounced and found her rhythm. He brought his thumb to her clit, knowing they were about to lose control fast. He said her name like a prayer and continually repeated how much he loved her.

Then one word ended their bliss.

They heard a female voice loudly question, "Ron?"

It was followed by hurried footsteps along with Harry's exclamation, "Shit!"

Hermione covered herself and turned to see what exactly was happening. Her eyes opened wide filled with shock, shame and fear as she heard Ron murmur, "Ana."

And there it is! They've been caught and this is the beginning of the end.

Next: Consequences