Everything That You Are...

November 27th 2007

"There are some people who, in your life, you become very grateful for. And I am very grateful for these two wonderful people, because without them, I would definitely be dead. And that isn't an exaggeration. Ron: from the minute you sat down that train opposite me, it started. I didn't know it at the time but, even though you had very little, you still wanted to share as much as you could with me. You're the most generous, courageous, loving and utterly hilarous person I know and I am proud to call you my best friend. Hermione: there is no way I would be the person I am today if I hadn't met you. Okay, maybe my first impression of you wasn't as great as Ron, but that doesn't matter in the slightest. You're amazing, talented and so unbelievably clever and beautiful - don't hit me Ron - and I want to thank you for being my best friend through thick and thin. The both of you don't deserve anyone less and I am so pleased that you're getting married because you both deserve the utter world..."

"I got the whole bloody world and more" Ron beamed, his hand on Hermione's.

"You sure did mate. Thanks everyone. To Ron and Hermione - the best friends a man could ask for." finished Harry, before raising his goblet of champagne upwards. There was a murmur of "Ron and Hermione" that echoed round the room, a clink of goblets and the seconds of silence as everyone took a sip.

"Thanks mate" Ron whispered, leaning across to Harry.

"For what?" asked Harry.

"For doing the whole best man thing"

"Wouldn't miss it for the world" Harry replied with a smile, before turning back to Ginny.

Ron pivoted back round to face Hermione.

"Is there anyone else?" she asked, "or can we get the food out?"

"Just one more" Ron smiled.

"I thought we agreed only George and Bill would speak out of your brothers - who is it?" Hermione said.

"You'll see" he smirked. Before Hermione could retort, Ron got to his feet and, gently tapping at a goblet with his knife, grabbed everyone's attention.

"Um, hi everyone. Thanks for coming. I know it's not that common for the groom to say anything, but I'm going to anyway." He cleared his throat, his palms getting a little sweaty. "I met Hermione when I was 11, as most of you know, on the Hogwarts Express. And I thought she was really bloody annoying." The crowd let out a small chuckle. "And a lot of people, well mainly my siblings, ask me when I started fancying her. When I stopped seeing her as just my clever friend. And the first person who knew the answer to that question, isn't here. I told Fred that I was in love with Hermione on the train home at the end of my fourth year. Truth be told, I think I fancied her long before that, I just didn't want to admit it. Anyway, I told Fred. And at first he laughed, like he does at everything, but he took it and he promised me he wouldn't tell a soul. And I don't think he did." Ron said hopefully, eyeing George. George shook his head. "Yeah OK he didn't tell anyone. And so for the first part of my speech, I want you all to raise a glass to Freddie - my lost brother. We miss you buddy." Mrs Weasley let out a sob. Goblets clicked and were placed back on the table before Ron spoke again.

"Now onto the part of the speech I've been absolutely bricking it for all day. The bit where I actually have to talk about my feelings. Um, here goes nothing. Hermione. You...are...you're everything to me." He took a deep breath. "You are my best friend and my soulmate and the mother to our beautiful daughter and now my wife. Which is the most surreal thing I've said all day. Never in a million years did I think someone as incredible as you - clever, caring, beautiful - would ever love some goofy old clown like me. We're worlds apart yet everything I do revolves around you. I love you with every inch of my body and everything I have. And if I love you with everything I have, then I love you a lot, because I have you. And you are worth more than everything in the galaxy. If I were to list every thing I loved about you then we'd be here for years so I'll just say this: Hermione Jean Granger-Weasley. Thankyou for everything you give me. You give me happiness and joy and laughter and purpose. Even your extensive vocabulary doesn't have the words to describe how much I love and cherish you. And if I were marrying anyone else, I'd be a total idiot. I love you to the moon and beyond. You're bloody brilliant. I love you. I love us. I love our little family. And I already love our future. To Hermione - my beautiful, beautiful wife."

Before anyone had a chance to clink their glasses, Hermione stood with her goblet in hand and pronounced,

"And to Ron - my beautiful, beautiful husband who I love eternally and with every inch of my heart, mind and soul."

Hermione stared at Ron, who looked shocked but touched. A single tear ran down his cheek. The sight of this set Hermione off, tears of happiness streaming down her cheeks. She grabbed his hand and beamed so much she thought her cheeks might explode. A cheer aroused from the crowd, followed by the now familiar sound of goblet-clinking. Ron kissed Hermione hard on the lips and she threw her arms around him. As their lips retreated, they both grinned like schoolchildren. They grinned like the true childhood sweethearts they are.