Ting ting ting…
A hush rippled through the marquee as eyes turned to the floating champagne flute being clinked by a shiny teaspoon.
“Looks like the bride has decided you’re up, mate.” Ron grinned and gave his best man a friendly pat on the back. Hermione reached across him, smiling she kindly gave Harry's hand an encouraging squeeze.
Harry took a deep steadying breath before standing. The newlyweds’ nearest and dearest, and by consequence, his favourite people in the world, were settled around a long banquet style table. All cosy in a pavilion erected on Ron and Hermione’s recently acquired land, only a short walk to The Burrow.
He looked at the welcoming faces and took a moment to commit the scene to memory. This would certainly be one for the pensive. The marquee walls were draped in various textures of soft gold and cream. Hurricane jars filled with bluebell flames and candles floated below an enchanted ceiling. A nod to Hogwarts that Hermione had insisted on allowed the wedding guests to dine below the autumnal night sky, stars twinkling above them.
Nervously clearing his throat, Harry ran a hand through his hair, knowing it was already sticking out messily despite the morning prep. Finally, he gently tapped his wand to a cheek and amplified his voice.
Here goes nothing .
“Ladies and Gentlemen…”
***Three Days Ago***
Harry still hadn't written a word of his best man's speech. He'd sat in front of blank parchment every evening for a week now, feeling utterly lost on this piece of adult homework. He wanted to ask Hermione for help, it’s what he’d have done for any other assignment but Ginny had informed him, rather bluntly, that would not be allowed.
Not.
A.
Single.
Word.
He was absolutely, definitely, planning on putting quill to ink tonight, no doubt about it! But then Ron owled, begging for help with some final wedding preparations. It really didn't sound like much effort, he suspected his mate merely wanted company, and desperate as he was to procrastinate, Harry eagerly agreed to offer his services.
So here they were, sitting at a corner of a long table in the marquee that would be the wedding venue in mere days, tackling various mundane tasks. Hermione roamed around the tent, circling the space, her wand trained on the canopy as she muttered incantations while Harry and Ron tied lace and twine bows around rolled linen napkins.
“Why are we not allowed to use magic for this?” Harry whispered.
“ Hermione thinks there should be some things done the muggle way.” Ron said loudly while rolling his eyes, making no attempt to hide his disdain.
“Uh huh.” Harry nodded, eyebrow quirked. “And what magic is she doing exactly?”
Hermione paused momentarily, “It’s a surprise, Harry!” She said brightly. “And shut up, Ron, you know it’s because your magical bows look terrible.”
The boys exchanged bemused expressions and continued with their task in comfortable silence. Harry folding and rolling, Ron bow tying. After a few minutes Hermione flopped onto a chair opposite them with a ‘humph’.
“More research required.” She mumbled to herself thinking for a moment. Then jumping up, she summoned a box of candles to start into the next job. “So Harry, how is the best man's speech coming along?” She asked excitedly.
“Oh…err…yeah…it’s…umm…great!” He offered pathetically.
“You’ve not started!” She exclaimed, setting a candle on the table. Ron eyed his best friend and fiancé warily.
“Of course I have! It’s work in progress, that’s all. It’s just hard to find the right words.” He said in a tone that made Hermione drop it. The trio fell back into quietness for a few moments, Ron and Hermione exchanging glances as Harry focused on his task with disproportionate effort.
“I guess it would be hard for you, mate. Since you were the last to know we fancied each other.” Ron smirked with a mischievous grin.
“Oh Ron, don’t wind him up. You were slow off the mark yourself.” Hermione chastised, raising her eyebrows. “When did you even know? Was it when you were insanely jealous on the night of the Yule Ball?” She asked innocently, a wicked grin playing on her lips as she unboxed individual candles onto the table.
“You cheeky witch!” Ron exclaimed, causing Harry to laugh. “Cauldron calling kettle black, Miss Granger? Didn’t you attack me with canaries in a fit of jealousy?”
“Oh, that wasn’t jealousy, Weasley, that was pure rage and I’d fix those abysmal bows unless you want a repeat performance.” Hermione said, nonchalantly conjuring yellow canaries from thin air and letting them flutter to the roof of the huge tent.
“Do you see what I have to put up with here, mate.” Ron asked Harry, pointing to the little flock of birds that were twittering overhead.
“Absolutely terrible, mate. No idea how you cope.” He laughed. “Any chance you two could leave the flirting until I’m gone?”
“This isn’t flirting, Harry, this is just the warm up.” Ron goaded, elbowing him playfully. “I’d bet a hundred galleons you didn’t suss us out until she jumped me in the room of requirement.”
“I did NOT jump you!” Hermione declared loudly.
“Sure you didn’t, love.” Ron agreed, then whispered conspiratorially. “She totally jumped me, right Harry?”
“I can neither confirm nor deny and refuse to get involved in your bickering!” Harry held his hands up in surrender. “But I can say this…I knew before the room of requirement.”
“You did?” Hermione asked, suddenly curious enough to stop aligning candles.
“Ugh, yeah.” He said nervously, instantly regretting having mentioned it.
“Well, are you going to share?” She said, placing a hand on her hip.
“Nah, it’s stupid.” He tried to laugh it off.
“Mate, she’s not going to let you leave here until you tell her.” Ron shrugged.
“Please Harry, I’d really love to know.” Hermione begged.
“Oh, ok, alright. If it’ll get you off my back. You’re sort of right, I was a bit late to the party, I guess. Ginny says she knew you guys would be together since our 4th year!” Harry said with mock outrage.
“So not the Yule Ball then?” Ron grinned.
“Hush, Ron!” Hermione scolded. “Go on, Harry.” She pressed, completely abandoning her task to give him her full attention.
“No, not the Yule Ball.” He laughed. “Err…I may have thought there was a bit of simmering…ammmm… tension, shall we say? It even crossed my mind that you might do well to sneak off to a broom cupboard once or twice in 6th year.” He laughed. “But no, it was on the hunt before I realised this was the real thing. The first time I knew you two were actually going to end up together. Fall in love, get married, live happily ever after, yadda yadda, yadda.” Harry said, his cheeks tinting pink.
“The hunt?” Hermione asked, surprised. Her brows knitted together in curiosity and she came to stand between the boys, leaning on Ron’s chair.
“Yeah, when you…err…when you left, Ron. Or when you came back, maybe. It started when you left.” Harry cleared his throat awkwardly and started knotting a piece of twine. “I was so angry at first, but then…that passed and it left this kind of hopelessness. I’ve never really put into words…how bad that felt. What I…we…experienced in those weeks without you. I…ummm…watched Hermione. Watched her fall apart.” He paused, chancing a glance at his friends. Concern etched on Hermione’s face, guilt written all over Ron’s. Neither seemed inclined to intervene so he went on, wrapping and unwrapping twine through his fingers.
“She cried that first night. But me being me, I didn’t know what to do. It’s hard to describe but it was like a heavy cloak was draped over everything, weighing us down. Those days in that tent without you, mate, were suffocating. Depressing. There is no other way to explain it. We were teenagers, on this ridiculous mission, no clue how to progress. You were right about it, all of it. And we’d lost you.” Ron shifted in his chair, clearly feeling uncomfortable and Harry cursed himself for starting the conversation. But there was no way back now.
“We ended up in this quiet rhythm, a daily routine, searching blindly for what to do next. And I know you were trying to find your way back to us, mate. It was a few days before I noticed that you weren’t sleeping, Hermione.” She gasped and a hand flew to her mouth.
“I didn’t think you knew, Harry.” She murmured.
“Well, you never got into your bunk, never stopped pottering around doing random, unnecessary jobs. It was obvious you were exhausted. I remember hearing you cry night after night, I guess when you thought I was asleep or on watch. I remember the bloodshot eyes and pale face every morning too.” Harry watched Hermione nod slowly to him, big brown eyes questioning him, Ron snaked an arm around her waist and instinctively pulled her close to him. “Sorry I was so useless, Hermione.”
“Sorry I wasn’t there.” Ron apologised, closing his eyes to the emotional pain and leaning his forehead on her arm.
“Stop it, the pair of you. Go on, Harry, please.” She asked, absentmindedly placing an arm around Ron’s shoulders to comfort him.
“I was really relieved the first time I found you dozing in the old arm chair. You’d eventually fallen asleep while reading. Of course me being a total idiot, I tripped over my own feet and woke you.” Harry gave a half laugh but his friends stayed silent. “That was basically how it went on for weeks, maybe months, I don’t even know. You suffering from insomnia on top of everything else, only getting the odd hour of sleep when you actually passed out from exhaustion.”
“Sorry.” Ron whispered again.
“Hush now. What’s done is done.” She replied to Ron, squeezing his shoulder.
“The day you came back Ron, was huge, amazing, incredible, emotional…all the things I don’t know how to explain. We had such a good dinner that night and you gave us news from outside of that damn tent. It felt like hope again.” Harry smiled. “I know Hermione wanted to murder you, but I was pretty sure it wouldn't last.” He laughed.
“Anyway, sorry it’s taken me so long to get to the point. As night fell that first evening, I obviously took watch, I heard you arguing from inside the tent but then eventually all went quiet. At some stage I went to check on you both. You know, to make sure yous were still alive. I looked through the entranceway and saw Hermione safely tucked up in her bunk, under your blanket, sleeping soundly. And you Ron, were on your knees next to her bed, stroking her hair, whispering in her ear.” Harry watched a tear roll down Hermione’s cheek.
“That was the moment, right then, like some sort of epiphany or whatever it’s called. It just hit me that you two were the real thing…and in love. But not just that, you were meant for each other. It's the moment I realised you weren't just unable to sleep, you actually couldn't exist without him. You needed him like a person needs air.” Harry looked earnestly at Hermione before moving his gaze to Ron. “It's the moment I noticed you would do anything for her. Including kneeling on the frozen dirt for hours to comfort her and make sure she got some decent rest. You’ve always known exactly what she needs. And even though she wanted to hex you all day, everyday, for weeks …you were the only reason she could sleep.” There was a stillness and calm as Harry finished his story, swept up in the passion of it, no one had noticed the canaries were no longer tweeting.
Hermione moved first, pulling Harry out of his chair and into a hug, leaving Ron to hastily wipe his face and compose himself. Not a moment later Ron engulfed them both in a bear hug.
“Dammit Harry.” Ron sniffed.
“Well you did ask.” He murmured, trying to avoid getting Hermione’s hair in his mouth.
“We did.” She croaked.
“Who knew you were such a soppy git?!” Ron teased, always the one to lighten the mood.
“So can I use that in the best man speech?” Harry asked jokingly.
“NO!” They both exclaimed simultaneously.
“Shit, all that and I still don’t have a speech.” Harry groaned. “Did you have this much bother writing mine?” He asked Ron earnestly.
“Nah, I had that blinder of a speech locked in, weeks in advance.” Ron boasted. “I know it's a lot to live up to, mate. I completely nailed it. Knocked the bludger right off the pitch!” He broke away from the threeway hug to make a two handed swinging action with an imaginary beater’s bat.
“Oh for Merlin’s sake. You had help!” Hermione exclaimed, rolling her eyes. “Don’t pay any heed to him, Harry.”
“You cheated? Sounds about right.” Harry laughed, shoving his hand in his pockets.
“No! I'm offended! Not cheated, I'd say she merely reviewed it. She’s my beta.” Ron grinned.
“Oh and I guess that makes you alpha? I think not, Ron, the term you’re looking for is co-authored.” Hermione explained in that, oh so familiar know-it-all voice.
“Come on sweetheart, you love it when I’m in charge.” He shamelessly flirted with his soon to be wife, pulling her close to him.
“Excuse me” Harry waved his arms frantically. “I’m still here, can you keep that stuff for the wedding night. For when you’re ALONE!? Merlin, I’m off!”
“What about the rest of this prep? You’re just going to abandon me?” Ron whined.
“You brought this on yourself! Tie your own damn bows!” Harry shouted as he left the marquee. “I’ve a speech to write.”
***The Wedding Day***
Ting ting ting…
“Ladies and Gentlemen, family and friends. I hope you're all having a wonderful evening celebrating the new Mr and Mrs Weasley .” Harry motioned to present the newlyweds seated at the head of the table. Ron grinning like an idiot, looking dapper in his dark navy suit. Hermione, a vision in ivory lace, blushing at the new moniker and everyone's undivided attention. He had to pause for a moment as applause, cheers and even a few wolf whistles erupted from the guests.
“To be perfectly honest, I really struggled trying to find words for this speech. Unsure what to say about my best friends, my first friends. I don’t do well with saying things out loud, but they know, or I hope they do, that they both hold a place in the deepest part of my heart.” Harry placed his hand across his chest to cover his heart and smiled down at his friends.
”I really hope I don’t let them down with a terrible speech, because they’ve never let me down. Not once. It's a privilege to be Ron's best man, even if I was just picked to prevent arguments between the brothers.” The crowd chuckled. “But, I'm also here for Hermione. She needed someone to help balance out the redheads in the wedding pictures.” The audience separated between groans and laughter, helping Harry to relax.
“These two have followed me to hell and back again and I can't imagine what my life would be like if we hadn't met on the Hogwarts Express all those years ago. I'm honoured to call you my best friends and I couldn't be happier for you today and always. Separately, you're both amazing, intelligent, caring, loyal, funny people…in your own ways. Hermione you may be the smartest person I know but you'll never beat that boy at chess and Ron, you'll never brew a potion I would consume.” Everyone laughed.
“Together…you’re a force to be reckoned with. You guys balance one another and are complete when you're together. Even if sparks fly when you collide.” Harry quirked an eyebrow to the couple who were beaming back, Ron bearing an obvious smirk. “On that note, a moment for a safety warning, please. I must request that everyone keeps a safe distance when these two do go head to head. My advice…just get out of there as quickly as possible, you do not want to be collateral damage when they are really going at it. Also, if they’re bickering, just take that as your cue to leave. That turns into flirting real fast and best not to witness.” Harry pretended to shudder.
“Unfortunately not everyone who should be celebrating is still with us, so I ask everyone to raise a toast to absent family and friends.” He lifted his champagne glass to the enchanted ceiling and looked up for a moment thinking of those who had been lost, Fred, Sirius, Lupin, Tonks. Guests echoed the sentiment, raising their own glasses, “to absent family and friends”. Not wanting to dwell too long Harry continued.
“I have endless stories of shenanigans that range from hilarious to downright ridiculous in relation to these two. I've trawled through my memory trying to find the perfect anecdote for this speech. The problem with that is, most, if not all, implicate me in some way or another and there are some things that are best not shared. Especially in front of parents. By the way…you're both looking beautiful today, Mrs Granger, Mrs Weasley.” Harry gushed as he slipped in a compliment to the respective mothers of the bride and groom.
“If, however, anyone would like to know more, regarding wild stories of the golden trio ,” Harry presented exaggerated air quotes and laughed “I shall be propping up the bar after this and you're welcome to buy me a drink.”
“See ya up there, Harry.” George heckled, clearly emotional from the previous toast but determined to enjoy the celebrations.
“We were together the other day, just the three of us, and umm, the conversation turned into them quizzing me as to when I knew they were going to end up together. As a proper couple. It made me think back on our friendship in a different way. Actually, now would be the perfect time to formally apologise for all the times I inadvertently played third wheel. Because, well, in hindsight , there were so many times when I should have just buggered off and maybe you'd have been together sooner.” Harry chuckled and took a sip from his water glass as guests laughed.
“Many of you won’t know this, but I was actually privy to their first kiss. Again…sorry about that! But, in my defence, can I just say you guys have terrible, terrible timing…woeful timing.” He shook his head solemnly. “And yes Ron, I can confirm…she did jump you.” Harry laughed as Ron whopped and fist punched the air while Hermione eyerolled and swatted at her new husband, a smug smirk playing on her face.
“I maybe hadn’t caught onto the Romione love…that’s how you say it right? Ron, Hermione, smashed together…Romione? Anyway, call me stupid, dim, slow, whatever you want…I hold my hands up! I did not know at Hogwarts. I’ve been asked so many times by friends, family, reporters, strangers in Diagon Alley. The answer is nope ! I wouldn't have been shocked if they’d had a snog, but I honestly didn’t know they were going to fall in love.” Harry shrugged for effect with his hands raised in surrender and laughter resonated through the crowd again. “It may have taken me a while but I did figure it out before the big kiss.”
“So with that in mind let’s play a game of find the truth. I’m going to tell you, well paraphrase, three stories. One is when I knew these two were for real, the other two times were clear indications that I’m certainly a bit of an idiot…”
***
There was a stillness over the party as Harry wrapped up his speech. Molly was the first to sniff, followed by Hermione's mum and as Harry looked over the guests there was barely a dry eye in the room. A round of applause broke out throughout the tent and everyone stood to raise their glasses to toast to the bride and groom.
Harry watched Ron pull a smiling, misty eyed Hermione into his chest, kissing the top of her head and petting her curls. It left Harry in no doubt that his best mate still stroked that girl's hair every night until she fell asleep.