Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

Chapter 6

"I can't believe I'm married," beamed Ginny. She, Harry, Hermione, Angelina and George were having drinks at the Three Broomsticks. They had just arrived from the small bonding ceremony at the Ministry. Instead of just signing a simple marriage document, Ginny and Harry had decided to go on and get magically bonded together for the rest of their lives. It wasn't something common in modern times, but they had both decided it together. Hermione had been surprised when Ginny handed the ministry official a letter from Mrs. Weasley stating that she had, in fact, given her minor daughter permission to be wed.

"I can't believe your mum didn't fuss about a big party," said Angelina.

"Well, with everything that's happened, I think she knew it'd be best to just get it over with."

"Just wait, Harry," said George. "Once word gets out that you two eloped, reporters are goin' to be followin' you two around again."

"Don't need to remind me," said Harry, a scowl had formed on his face. "I thought they would've gotten enough after the War, but I always see them following me around. One reporter for the Prophet even tried to sneak into the Department of Mysteries."

"They'll always find a reason to follow you around. I bet they'll still be printing articles about you when your grandchildren go to Hogwarts."

"Speaking of Hogwarts, did you hear the Malfoys are going to be making a contribution to the reconstruction?" asked Ginny.

"I thought Malfoy was in Azkaban?"asked Angelina.

"He is," answered Harry. "Kingsley told me that the day Malfoy turned himself in, he signed over 200,000 galleons to Hogwarts." George spit out the butterbeer he'd been drinking. The others laughed at his exaggerated shock.

"Bloody hell, I knew they were rich, but not that rich. What would I do with that kind of wealth?" wondered George. As he started naming off the things he would buy to Angelina, Ginny and Hermione turned to Harry.

"When is his trial date, Harry?" asked Hermione. She had decided to testify along with Harry at Draco's trial. Sure, she strongly disliked the git, but she didn't hate him, and she knew he didn't deserve to be in Azkaban.

"On the 30th. Will you be going as well?"

"Yea. I've thought it over and I just don't believe Malfoy deserves to be there, no matter how much of a git he is."

"Do you think he really does have the Dark Mark, Harry?" whispered Ginny.

"I think so. But it doesn't matter. Snape had it and he was fighting for our side."

"What do you think Narcissa meant when she said he turned himself in for other things he felt responsible for?" asked Hermione.

"I don't know. I doubt he did anything worse than letting the Death Eaters into the castle.. and almost killing Katie and Ron.. and using the Imperius curse on Rosemerta..." he trailed off.

"Oh yea, he's so fuckin innocent," said a voice behind them. The group turned around to see Ron.

"Ron!" Ginny hurried to hug her brother. "They told me you weren't feeling well and couldn't make it. Are you feeling better? Here, have a seat." She motioned to the chair next to Hermione. No one but Harry noticed Hermione shift uncomfortably in her chair when Ron sat down.

"I'm better now. Did you guys go through with it then?" George, Hermione, and Angelina exchanged worried looks. They were scared that he would start another argument in front of the newlyweds.

"Yea, we're actually going to head back to the Burrow right now. Mum said she was going to invite a few people over. Will you join us?"

"Sure. Umm.. Hermione, can we talk outside for a second?" Hermione looked surprised.

"Yes, of course, Ron." She followed him out. 'Strange, she thought, I've been trying to make him talk to me these past few weeks and all he's been doing is shutting me out.' They started walking down the road in silence. It was a few minutes before either of them spoke.

"'Mione, I uhh... I want to apologize for- well- for everything." He turned to her and smiled softly. "I've been acting horrible to you- But it's just that I miss Fred and- I don't know, honestly. I miss how life was before the war."

"Oh, Ron, you don't have to apologize. I know it's been hard for you. Everything's changed now. If anything, I should apologize for not being able to comfort you." She looked down and started fiddling with her hands. "I don't know how to act. I've been fighting with myself on how I should feel and what I should do."

"I think I know what can help us, 'Mione." He took her hands in his and grinned at her. "We never officially talked about where our relationship was going after the War- But, Hermione, I just think that we're meant for each other. I love you. And I think- No, I know that you're the only one who can make me happy right now. I truly love you."

Hermione blushed a deep pink. She couldn't help but let herself smile. "I love you too, Ron."

"Move in with me, 'Mione," he said catching her off guard.

"Wha-"

"Before you start over-thinking it Hermione, just do what you feel is the right thing to do right now."

"Well I practically live at the Burrow already, there wouldn't be much of a change."

"No, not the Burrow. Our own place; just you and me."

"Ron, I don't know. You've got Auror training and I don't even have a job right now."

"We can make it work, Hermione. We both know we've got the money to make it without jobs for a lifetime. What's a few months without a job going to do to you?"

Hermione knew he was right. She loved Ron. She'd been in love with him for years. It had taken a long time for her to admit her feelings to herself. And when she had, she'd felt the heartbreak of seeing the one she loved with someone else. Finally, during the Final Battle, they had expressed their love for one another. After that, they hadn't spoken about their relationship. Hermione had wanted to but she felt as if it would be insensitive to bring that up while he mourned for his brother. She had quietly mourned for him as well as her parents while she kept trying to help him and the Weasley family. She believed Ron needed her. Hermione was willing to put her feelings of sadness and pain aside for him.

She gave him a small smile. "Yes, Ronald, let's move in together."