Chapter 13: But You Love Her

Hermione Granger was in agony at this emotional crossroads. She didn't want to acknowledge what was right there in front of her face, but her practical self wouldn't allow it.

She wasn't blind, and everyone knew she was the farthest thing from a fool. She and Ron had been friends for over seven years and romantically involved for over a year of that time, and yet he somehow hadn't learned that she would never pass the Idiot Test.

He didn't think she saw the warm and tender smiles that passed between him and Luna Lovegood, or the affectionate hugs (she replayed the one she had witnessed from the darkened corner of the stair landing in Shell Cottage even now). During the time that Luna and her father had lived at the Burrow while the Rook was rebuilt, Hermione had tried to tell herself that she was just being paranoid, but this had been in vain.

The fact that her boyfriend had obvious feelings for another woman had become painfully obvious to her when the Rook's renovations had been completed and the Lovegoods had moved back in over the hill. Ron fell into a depressive funk. He didn't make love to Hermione as much in bed anymore. This particular morning, Hermione caught her boyfriend gazing longingly out the window at the Rook.

"She's leaving on safari soon. You should go to her, before she's ready for the off.."

Ron turned and stared at the resigned countenance in his lover's face. Noticing how her chocolate-brown eyes were peering right into him, almost, he cringed.

"Don't say that, love. We've been through this... I'm with you. I belong with you."

Hermione shook her head with a sad smile. "But, Ronald... you're in love with her."

Ron tried to stutter out a denial, and found that he couldn't.

Hermione just smiled again, with gracious acceptance and nudged her head towards the window. "Go on!"

Grateful at how she was letting him go, releasing him, Ron hugged his best friend tightly. Cupping his face in her hands, he kissed her one last time, and Hermione's lips curled up into his in a grin before she shoved him away.

"How... how do I...?"

"Do long distance?" Hermione shrugged. "Well, I've never had experience with it myself, darling..."

"Not even with Viktor Krum?"

She flushed. "Shut up. That was different. And a perfect example of how long distance can prove a relationship doesn't work. But if you and Luna truly love each other, you'll make sure the miles don't get in the way."

Ron appeared relieved. "Thank you. I... I love you."

Hermione grinned, even though his love would not be the kind that she'd hoped for. "I love you, too. Now, go get her, tiger."

Ron pecked Hermione on the cheek, and ran out the door.

He didn't stop sprinting until he had crossed the Devonshire fields. Running up the hill to the Rook forced him to pace himself, and yet still, he was out of breath when he reached her door. He knocked almost frantically.

Luna opened the door and blinked owlishly when she saw him. "Ronald, did you forget - Mmmmm..."

Ron cut her off by bending her back into a dip and slamming his lips down on hers in a bruising kiss. Throwing her arms greedily about his neck, Luna kissed him back and let him lift her off her feet and carry her bridal-style into the house.

They didn't leave her room for the next 48 hours.

They were standing in the fields, kissing langorously, the Portkey boot standing

up only steps away. Breaking apart flutteringly, Luna smiled.

"Your snogging skills have definitely improved, love."

Ron laughed and drummed his palms over her hips. "As opposed to when?"

"Lavender," Hermione chuckled with amusement behind them. "From my vantage point, you kissed her horridly."

"I was better with you, love," Ron tossed over his shoulder at his ex-girlfriend.

Hermione smirked. "I've always been a fine teacher that way."

Turning back to each other, Luna stood on tiptoes, framed Ron's face in her hands and kissed him. "I'll miss you, Ronald."

"I'll miss you too." The pair plunged back in for another snog, and when they broke apart, Ron appeared dazed.

"... Will you marry me?"

The question was out of his mouth before he could stop it, and from how she was blinking rapidly, Luna was apparently rendered speechless. Behind them, Hermionegasped.

Slowly, Luna nodded.

"... Yes. Yes, I would love to marry you, Ronald Weasley."

Ron beamed. "Excellent." The... fiances enagaged in one last chaste peck, then Luna ran to meet her father and the Portkey.

The following year, Ron and Luna stood under a canopy on the hill beside the Rookery. Hermione glanced between the couple that had just given their vows and smiled, at peace.

"I now pronounce this couple husband and wife. You may kiss."

Ron took his bride in his arms. Luna's silver eyes were heavy, almost solemn as she stretched towards him.

As soon as their lips touched in their wedding kiss, a blue inferno of light engulfed the couple. Ron turned his bride and pulled her close into him as Luna reached up and looped her arms about her groom's neck, plungering her fingers and weaving them into his long red hair. She clutched, held him close. Her blonde plaits, into which had been woven Dirigible Plums and bowtruckle roots, stood straight on end.

EEEEEEEEEE! And as Ron and Luna Weasley embraced and kissed, fireworks whizzed and exploded in the evening sky above the fields of Devonshire.

The newlyweds broke apart to applause and much cheering. Luna beamed as she gazed up into the eyes of her husband (Ron Weasley, the man she had loved since she was a little girl, was herhusband!). Hermione approached the couple. Gracious in defeat, she embraced her former rival. Then she turned to her ex-lover and pecked him on the cheek.

"Look after her..." she murmured.

"I will." Ron pecked her on the cheek in return.

Hermione grinned. "I know." Then she playfully nudged Ron towards his wife. "Go on, you big lug! Ask her for a dance!"

And the beautiful brunette watched as her best mate and his new bride danced at their wedding.