Love Conquers All

Harry sat in the bell tower of the church as he listened to the chiming of the hour. 4 o'clock p.m. He was getting married in fifteen minutes and he didn't think he'd ever been more nervous in his life, not even before his first Quidditch match. It was not that he was unsure if his decision; he knew he was making the right choice but he was taking a big step in life. He had only recently finished off Voldemort and now he had an entirely new task to deal with: marriage. On top of that, the press were like animals after word got out that Voldemort was dead. Harry and Hermione had worked feverishly to keep them away from the wedding, and guards were standing outside the church at that very moment to keep them away. Harry was grateful, for he and Hermione both had wanted a non-publicized ceremony with a Rita Skeeter-proof reception to follow. For his part, Harry would have been happy with an elopement just to avoid all the chaos.

Most of the invited party was waiting downstairs for the ceremony to start, but Harry had stowed away in the bell tower in an attempt to avoid them. Dust was already collecting on his tuxedo, and Molly Weasley would probably have a fit if she saw it. He wasn't really paying attention though, as his mind was elsewhere.

Suddenly the door to the bell tower opened and Ron Weasley, the best man, bustled in.

"Harry!" he cried, panting slightly. "I've been looking all over for you! You're getting married in five minutes! What are you doing?"

"Just thinking," Harry replied, standing up.

"Well think later. This stuff only holds for so long!" Ron snapped, pointed to his hair, which was styled with gel.

Harry chuckled, and Ron merely shook his head.

"You're a mess, mate," he said, brushing off Harry's coat. "Why the bloody hell did you come up here? Mum will have a fit!"

"I just wanted to be alone," Harry replied.

Ron looked at him quizzically.

"Something wrong, Harry?" he asked with a concerned expression on his face.

Harry started to tell him, but changed his mind.

"Nothing," he said. "Just butterflies I guess."

Ron slapped him easily on the back.

"Don't worry about it mate," he said. "I know you won't regret it. This is Hermione we're talking about. I'm sure if her logical, library of a brain can't find anything wrong with it, then I guess it's the perfect match."

Harry couldn't help but grin. Ron was pleased to see him do so.

"Come on then," he said. "Let's go lose your freedom."

Harry laughed all the way down the staircase.

***

As Harry stood in front of the altar waiting for the bridal march to begin, he found himself constantly reaching for his handkerchief to dry the sweat off his forehead. Despite Ron's reassurance, he was still a little on edge. Ron, Hagrid, Neville, and Remus Lupin stood beside him, all anxiously awaiting the arrival of the honorary women as well. Harry thought that the sight of Hagrid towering above the other groomsmen in a tuxedo was rather amusing, but he was one of Harry's best friends and he wanted him there. He only wished that Sirius could also have been there to stand by him, but he knew that his godfather was there in spirit.

"Hey," Ron whispered in Harry's ear. "You'd better stop sweating or we'll have to mop you up after the ceremony."

"Shut up, Ron," Harry hissed back.

Ron merely smirked and stood up and down on his tiptoes, gaining the unapproving eye of Mrs. Weasley.

And then the music began. Harry snapped to attention and stared intently at the large doors at the head of the aisle. The flower girl, Charlie Weasley's daughter Marissa, appeared, followed by the ring bearer Oliver Wood, Jr. Once the two had parted ways at the end of the aisle, the bridesmaids appeared. Ginny, the maid of honor, Parvati, Lavender, Hermione's cousin Heather, and Hermione's best friend from before Hogwarts, Allison. They each wore dresses of deep blue and looked positively beautiful. Once they had taken their positions opposite the groomsmen, the audience rose for the bride's arrival. Harry took and deep breath a waited. Hermione appeared in the doorway, her long white gown flowing out behind her and her face radiant with joy. Harry was lost for words at how gorgeous she looked with her chestnut hair cascading around her and her warm smile on her face. Harry grinned at her as she came forward and took her place next to him. They mouthed, "I love you," to each other before turning to the priest to begin the ceremony.

They exchanged vows, rings, and Hermione's aunt performed a lovely ballad to them before the final peace was said and the priest declared them man and wife. A cheer erupted as the couple exchanged their first kiss as husband and wife and they turned to walk down the aisle, waving to the crowd as they did so. They wedding party exited, and then the audience began to filter out. The last person to leave the church was and elderly, white-haired man wearing midnight-blue robes. He stood and stared at the spot where Harry and Hermione had been married

"Well, Harry, for once, life has been good to you."

Albus Dumbledore smiled up to the ceiling before strolling out the door.

***

"Marissa, come back here with that cake right now!"

Charlie Weasley chased his daughter across the reception hall. The little girl had grabbed the largest piece of wedding cake she could and had dashed off to hide with it. Her red-haired father was pursuing her to the best of his ability, but her youthful speed and agility gave her and advantage. Charlie chased her all around tables, chairs, and wedding guests but it was to no avail. Harry watched the scene in amusement with Hermione and Ginny, who were having to use all matters of persuasion to get Harry to dance again. He had refused to go out on the floor again after he nearly crushed Hermione's toe during the first dance. Nevertheless, she claimed that he would only learn through practice.

After a great deal of pleading (and threatening), they convinced him to give it another go. Pretty soon he was spinning around the dance floor again along with the other couples, including Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Fred and Alicia, Oliver and Angelina, and Neville and Luna. Harry managed to do better, and the only times he fluked up were when he was distracted by Ron.

His best friend was sitting alone in the corner, draining yet another glass of wine, eyes fixed on a certain point. Harry followed his gaze until he found what Ron was staring at. Hermione's cousin Heather was sitting and chatting idly with Mr. Granger on the opposite side of the room. Harry's eyes flickered back to Ron, who now seemed to be drooling over his wine glass and making goo-goo eyes at the blonde-haired girl. A knowing smirk on his face, Harry excused himself from Hermione's persistent grip and went over to sit down by Ron. The red-haired man did not even seem to notice Harry until he spoke.

"You know, Ron. Either your face is stuck or you've been staring at Heather for the past fifteen minutes."

Ron jolted up and glared at his smirking friend.

"Very funny, Harry," he retorted. "I was just, uh, thinking."

"Sure," Harry chuckled. "And I have purple hair."

Ron's eyes narrowed.

"Shut it or I'll give you purple hair."

Harry couldn't help but laugh.

"Oh come on, Ron! Don't be like that. It's pretty obvious you have a thing for Hermione's cousin, so why don't you just go over and say hi?"

"I do not have a thing for her cousin!" Ron barked, though his face was flushed.

Harry rolled his eyes.

"Don't deny it, Ron. I could tell by the way you looked at her."

Ron scoffed.

"Fine then," Harry said bluntly. "If you're not going to go to her, I'll bring her to you."

Ron shot up but it was too late. Harry was off towards Heather's table like a rocket and Ron felt like hexing him on the spot. Unfortunately, this was a magic-free wedding. Instead, he tried to sink down as low in his chair as possible, but in no time Harry had returned with Heather behind him.

"Heather," Harry said. "I'd like you to meet my best friend, Ronald Weasley."

"Nice the meet you," she said sweetly, extending her hand.

Ron blushed, but shook it rather reluctantly.

"H-hello," he stammered.

Harry turned and whispered something in Heather's ear. Ron never found out what, but whatever it was made her turn slightly red herself.

I'll kill him, Ron thought angrily.

Harry turned back to Ron and said, "I'll leave you two kids alone."

Then he took of, leaving Heather to hesitantly sit down beside of Ron. Ron's heart was beating rapidly, and he knew by how hot his face felt that he must be red as a beet. Heather didn't seem to notice. As a matter of fact, she appeared a bit nervous herself.

"So," she said casually. "Harry tells me you, he, and Hermione went to school together?"

Ron nodded slowly. "Seven years at a... private academy."

"Wow," she said. "Sounds like you knew each other well. Where are you from?"

Ron felt his throat grow tight.

"Well," he said. "I live in the country actually."

Heather smiled, "That must be lovely."

Ron nodded.

There was a momentary pause in which Heather seemed to be figuring something out inside of her. Finally, she asked a very embarrassing question.

"Harry also tells me you're single," she said, her voice shaking. "How is it that a fine looking man such as yourself does not have a wife or girlfriend?"

Ron's insides were burning.

Why would she ask me that? he wondered.

"I d-don't know," he replied. "J-just haven't m-met anyone. What about y-you?"

She sighed. "The same. I work a lot and it just eats up my time."

"I know what you mean," Ron laughed weakly. "It's murder at the Mini-, I mean, my office. I don't think I've had a vacation in two years."

Heather giggled.

"Times are tough, huh?" she said.

"Sure are," Ron answered with a smile.

***

Harry watched from the drink table as Ron and Heather conversed for nearly an hour. They were laughing and smiling, something Harry hadn't seen Ron do in ages. Hermione was watching too, and she couldn't believe Harry had tried to hook Ron up with her cousin.

"Honestly Harry," she chuckled. "Heather is a work-a-holic. I don't think she'd have time for a boyfriend, especially not one like Ron."

"Come on Hermione," Harry grinned. "Ron's the same way but they're perfect for each other. Can't you see how much alike they are?"

She shook her head. "I suppose so. They do seem to be getting along quite well."

"Five bucks says they end up snogging by the end of the night," he teased.

She rolled her eyes and slapped his arm.

"Don't be ridiculous. Heather isn't that fast."

"But Ron is," Harry replied with a smirk.

The newlyweds continued to watch the redhead and the blonde for a few minutes until Neville interrupted them.

"What's up?" he asked.

"It's spring, Neville," Hermione giggled. "Love is in the air."

Neville raised a questioning eyebrow and she pointed to Ron and Heather.

"Ah, I see," Neville said. "Well while we're on that subject I though you'd like to know that Luna and I are engaged."

Harry and Hermione turned and looked wide-eyed at him.

"Yeah," he blushed. "I proposed earlier and she said yes."

"Congratulations, Neville," Harry said, patting him on the back. "Now if we could just get Ron to do the same."

"Harry!" Hermione giggled. "They just met!"

"Love at first sight 'Mione, love at first sight."

She punched his arm playfully and laughed.

***

The rest of the reception went smoothly and happily. Percy caught the garter and Tonks caught the bouquet. Every one gasped as the Metamorphmagus grabbed the red-haired man and kissed him hard on the lips. The gasp quickly broke into cheers and whistles and a few jeers from Fred and George.

"We should get married more often," Harry joked with Hermione. "Look how many couples we got together."

He smiled over at Ron and Heather who were now holding hands. Nothing like a happy couple, he thought. He then looked next to him at Hermione, beautiful as ever, and smiled. No more Voldemort to ruin his life. It was just he and Hermione, together forever. He didn't think anything else could make him happier until Hermione pulled him off to the side while the dancing continued.

"Harry," she whispered. "I've got a wedding present for you."

"What?"

"I'm pregnant."

He blinked at her.

"You mean, you and I are going to have a baby?"

She nodded as a tear of joy rolled down her cheek.

Harry was radiant.

"That's wonderful!" he cried. "How far along are you?"

"Three months," she said.

He grinned and felt her stomach. Indeed, there was a small bump. Looking back into her warm, brown eyes he kissed her tenderly.

"I love you, Hermione. Thank you for everything."

"I love you too, Harry," she smiled.

The coupled intertwined their fingers and went to rejoin the party. It was a magical evening and nothing could destroy the happiness in Harry Potter's heart. Voldemort was gone, he had a gorgeous wife, and he had a child on the way. In his mind he was reminded of the wisdom of his former headmaster. Indeed, Love did conquer all.