To Each Other

By Julia

 

            Ron was sleeping soundly, that is until his mother’s head appeared in the fireplace, accompanied by her shrill voice which rang through his flat and woke him far earlier than he would have liked.

            “Ronald Weasley, wake up! I expect you showered, dressed and in this house in forty-five minutes!”

            He wanted so badly to roll over and go back to sleep, but he knew better than to argue with his mum, especially today. Grumbling, he got up and made his way to the shower. As the hot water woke him, his thoughts turned to the day’s events. His best mate and his sister were getting married—to each other.

            Upon arriving Molly immediately shooed Ron to his old bedroom where Harry and Arthur were waiting for the ceremony to begin. He barely caught a glimpse of Hermione in her dress robes. They were red and looked new. She looked amazing in them, but he didn’t have time even to say “hello” before his mother pushed him up the stairs. Both Arthur and Harry looked up when the door creaked open and Ron entered. Arthur’s face broke into a grin, but Harry merely paced the length of the room, giving Ron the impression he’d been doing that for most of the morning.

            “Morning, Dad,” he said, returning his father’s smile. “What’s up with him?”

            “He’s a little nervous. Reminds me a bit of me the day I married your mother. I couldn’t stop pacing around the room either.”

            Suddenly a loud bang erupted several floors below.

            “Sounds like Molly is just as nervous as Harry here,” Arthur said, rising from his position on the desk and moving towards the door. “I’d better go make sure she doesn’t blow anything up. Ron, stay here and make sure he doesn’t leave until I get back.” Arthur nodded and left.

            “Quit pacing, you’re making me nervous,” Ron said.

            “Sorry,” Harry grunted, continuing to trail a path between the desk and the closet.

            “Look, what could you possibly be nervous about? You love her. She loves you. That’s it. Where’s the problem here?”

            “I just…” Harry waved his hands while trying to find the right word, “can’t believe she wants me. All of me, forever. Forever’s a long time.”

            “Harry, now you’re just being an idiot. Ginny’s proven that she’s not going anywhere. In fact, we’ve all proven that, but she’s been insane about it. Trust me, she’s here for as long as you are.”

            “I know,” Harry sighed.

            “Then stop pacing. You’re making me nervous. And hungry.”

*******

            The ceremony was about to begin, and though he wasn’t about to admit it, he was starting to feel the same nerves Harry had experienced earlier. Waiting to walk down the aisle he found himself unable to stand still, fidgeting with his robes, or running his hands through his hair. Normally such actions would have earned him a reproachful stare from Hermione, but they were next in line, so she placed a comforting hand on his arm and proceeded with him down the aisle. He noticed the tufty old wizard who had married Bill and Fleur, but his attention quickly wandered back to Hermione and how pretty she looked in her dress robes, and the fact that he still hadn’t had the chance to tell her so. He suddenly felt Harry’s hands pat then squeeze his shoulders, which brought him back to the wedding. Ginny and Arthur had just emerged from the house, and Ron had to admit that his sister was nothing short of radiant. Her white dress robes made her skin glow and her hair look like sunrise. Ron had a feeling that the glow was more due to the smile on her face than her robes.

            Reaching their destination, Arthur kissed his only daughter on the cheek, put her hand in Harry’s, and then went to join his wife in the front row. Harry and Ginny grinned at each other then turned to face the tufty wizard, who began to speak.

            “As many of you now the concept of a soul mate has been brandished about Muggle religion, but it is very real. When a person is born he or she is born with only half a soul, the other half being in another person, your soul mate. The joining of two halves of a soul is a …”

            Ron had stopped paying attention. This was not his first wedding and he knew all about the magical binding of two souls as one. His thoughts drifted back to Hermione. He hadn’t really thought about it, but now that the stopped to consider the matter he was very happy with her. He felt better when she was near him, and he often thought about her when they were apart. Many nights she was on his mind as he fell asleep, and was still there when he woke up in the morning. Was that love? He didn’t know. But he did know that he wanted to tell her how gorgeous she looked in that dress. He glanced towards her and saw that she was smiling at him. He returned the gesture and vaguely registered the tufty wizard’s voice saying “Then I declare you bonded for life.” He did however register the loud applause which suddenly broke out as his best mate and sister were officially married. He joined in cheering with the rest of the people as Harry and Ginny kissed. They joined arms and walked the aisle to the reception. Ron sought out Hermione and hugged her tightly. He took her hand as they too walked towards the Burrow.

            “You look lovely,” he said. Hermione blushed nearly the color of her robes, and looked up at him.

            “Thank you,” she said smiling. Together, they joined the celebration.