This is the Prologue of a multi-chapter fic which has been floating around in my little ole head for far too long. It focuses on Hermione Granger and weaves in and around the plots of Harry Potter books four through seven.

Disclaimer: Unfortunately I don't own Harry Potter. But I've already decided that if I did I'd probably still write fanfiction. Wouldn't it be awesome to play around with your characters over and over again?

Hermione's heart pounded as she took one last look at her reflection. Her cheeks were sunken and the circles under her eyes were dark but she felt happier than she had in ages. Though it had been less than two days since she had faced torture and likely death at the hands of Bellatrix Lestrange her heart felt light.

The music cued up and Hermione couldn't help but smile. It was strange to hear such a Muggle tradition when the ceremony would be the epitome of all things wizard.

After straightening the skirts of her dress, one she had used magic to change to suit her purposes, she deftly turned the mirror into a small bouquet of flowers. Then she Vanished the tent and slid her wand into the holster wrapped around her left bicep. Taking a deep breath she looked up.

The three of them were standing on the beach just several hundred feet from Shell Cottage, close enough that they were protected by the wards but far enough away that no one could see them from the windows.

Luna was happily standing there in a dress she had dyed a cheerful yellow for the occasion. She was holding a copy of The Official Book of Wizarding Ceremonies in one hand while the wand in her other emitted the music. But Hermione's gaze was focused on the young man standing to the left of her eternally happy friend.

His hair and eyes were shining in the sunset and Hermione thought he looked quite dashing in his khaki pants and blue and white striped button up. She felt tears prickle her eyes as Luna motioned for her to step closer. She had never expected this day to arrive when she was on a deserted beach in the middle of a war but it was perfect all the same.

The song ended and Hermione found herself clutching his hand and looking into his eyes as Luna cleared her throat.

"I am very surprised the Waggleshoots didn't warn me that I'd be performing a wedding ceremony today," Luna said in off-hand way as she ruffled through the pages of the book. "Normally they warn me of such unexpected events."

Instead of admonishing her friend's loony behavior Hermione merely held tight to the man who was about to become her husband.