Legitimement Maries

Champagne

Ron watched on as Fred and Hermione swirled together on the dance floor. The cake had been cut and the bride and groom followed the custom of feeding each other cake.

They were smiling at each other, and, at least on the outside, they seemed happy.

Why then could Hermione never seem that happy with him? Ever since Ron had known Hermione, he had observed her ability to be successful in everything. Yet, they had never been able to make it work.

Sure they had always remained as friends, and they shared an uncommon bond, but he was at a loss as to why she couldn't love him when he cared about her so deeply.

A tiny flame burned inside him. He was not quite sure what it was, but he knew that it had the chance to grow exponentially if given the right fuel. He felt it growing ever so slightly now, as he watched Hermione take a wrong step and fell ungracefully into Fred's arms, laughing the whole way.

A hint of a smile touched Ron's face as he remembered one of their own dates. He had taken her to a restaurant in Hogsmeade where he knew a live band was going to be playing. It had taken quite a bit of convincing to get Hermione out of her chair, and once she was out of it, Ron could see exactly why she had been so reluctant.

His toes still tingled as he recounted in his mind the number of times that she had stepped on them.

He sighed and put away those thoughts as Luna came to sit beside him.

"She seems almost happy, doesn't she?" said Luna to Ron as she grasped his hand into hers.

"You do know that they both don't want to marry each other?"

"You can't always trust everything that people say, Ronald."

HPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHP

The party had ended; all the guests had gone home. Hermione and Fred had gone inside, into the Burrow to get changed out of their wedding clothes.

This had been the routine for all of the previously married couples of the Weasley family, before they would apparate to a cottage that the family had rented on the opposite side of Ottery St. Catchpole, specifically for each of the weddings.

While they were not able to go on a honeymoon straight away, each couple was able to spend the night of their wedding in the cottage as a means of privacy on their first night as man and wife.

As she was getting changed into more casual clothes, Hermione thought about the reception they had. It had been rather lovely, except for the short space of time where the story of Uncle Bilius' interesting habits had been brought up once again. Hermione had frowned with disapproval while Fred had roared with laughter at her side.

Hermione knew that herself and Fred had to give the appearance of being a happily married couple, but she wondered how much of it was really constructed when it came to Fred. After all, he had kept his arm around her waist for almost the whole evening.

Not that she was complaining, mind you. It had been rather comforting to have him there.

The couple had moved around the tent together, seemingly happy as they mingled with their guests, relaxed under the influence of champagne.

"Knut for your thoughts," whispered Fred to Hermione, immediately snapping her out of her reverie.

Hermione shook her head as if that action alone would clear her brain. She had decided to wait for Fred downstairs, and she did not realise how deep in thought she actually was.

"Oh, I was just thinking about today. It's been really lovely, hasn't it?"

"Yeah," said Fred, "It was pretty good. I didn't get a chance to tell you earlier, but you looked really beautiful in your dress, with your hair done up and everything..."