Posy in his Pocket

The sequel to Daisies in her Hair.

Part One - Wedding Blues

Ron was getting married today. To Lavender, for the love of Merlin. Now Harry had nothing against Lavender, but, he really didn't think that they were suited to one another.

Or maybe they did, and Harry was too blind to see it. It was not like he had a lot of experience in the love arena. Harry stared gloomily as the thought.

To his side Hermione sighed and patted his shoulder, "You know," she said, looking at the atrocious bridesmaid gown that Parvati wore, "I'm almost glad that I refused to be a bridesmaid. It's almost worth Ron's anger." Sighing again she looked at her hands. "This is going to be one hell of a day."

Grunting, Harry tugged at his bow tie and sighed as well. "It's amazing how quick they got the wedding up and running," he commented.

Hermione shrugged, "Well, they had to. For Mrs Weasley's sake. Lavender is already starting to bulge, and it is only because of her sudden like of empire waist lines that she has managed to hide it from most people."

"It's strange that Ron hasn't told everyone yet," Harry muttered as blonde girl entered the reception and proceeded to chat to Neville.

"True, but what can I say," Hermione shrugged, "Maybe he thinks he can hide it from them. But he should know that I'm not the only one who can tell babies aren't born five months after the wedding night."

"Yeah," Harry agreed, taking a careful sip of his wine, wrinkling his nose at the taste. Figures, he thought, Lavender would skimp on the drink and food and spend a fortune on her dress.

"Luna is here," Hermione carefully murmured. "She is talking to Neville. He just got an Order of Merlin, second class."

"Really? When's the ceremony?" Harry asked, looking at the gently flushed and beaming Neville as he spoke to the intent and nodding Luna.

"In two weeks, want to come with me? I know you can secure an invitation, what being the defeater of Voldemort, but I really want to screw that smug bastard Zabini over when I take you." Hermione frowned, "He's been commenting on my lack of dating," she huffed, "Well, at least I'm not diving into every skirt of any witch."

Harry sent her an amused glance, "You two certainly have some issues with each other," he commented blandly, trying not to laugh as her face heated up. Zabini and Hermione had issues dating back to their time at Hogwarts, Harry hadn't pryed, but he thought Ginny knew something about it.

"Yes, well," Hermione's grip tightened on her wine glass and Harry was forcibly reminded on Aunt Marge, "He a nasty piece of work." Her eyes narrowed and her lips pursed as she glared angrily at the undeserving wedding cake.

"Uh huh," Harry nodded thoughtfully as Hermione turned to smile at him weakly, sheepishly realizing her snappish silliness.

"So, while we are on dating, I'll ask you the question of every witch's mind and the front cover of Witch Weekly and strangely enough but somehow not surprising the Prophet... Who is Harry dating?"

"No one, Hermione, you know that," Harry took a large gulp of the wine, finishing his glass. He slouched and glared at the amused, but inquiring Hermione.

"Yeah. I may not get out much Potter, but I do get out more than you and that's saying a lot!" She grabbed two glasses that had floated their way and passed one to Harry.

"Maybe, but, I really..." Harry shrugged, "Oh, I don't know. I don't think I'm ready. After Luna, and Ginny... I don't think..."

"You can only try Harry, don't become a hermit for their sakes, they have lives and you should be snogging as much as the next guy!" She smiled then tilted her head to the side, "But please, don't follow Zabini's example. He is such a prick."

"I really wouldn't know," Harry murmured softly as Hermione gasped in mock shock then burst into giggles as she regarded him fondly.

"No, I suppose not," she sighed again, "Ron is coming over. We had better act happy... I don't know..."

Joining her with a sigh, Harry nodded and glanced at her profile, "I still can't believe that he is married, a child on the way..."

"I know," Hermione took a sip of her wine, "So where does that leave us I wonder?" She sounded almost sad, but more eager for the future.

Ron, grinning like a madman and Lavender beaming, approached two thirds of the Trio. Lavender was still clutching at her bouquet and Ron was running his hand almost nervously up Lavender's back.

"Harry! Hermione! Great to see you!" Ron embraced them both as Lavender watched with a half smile of her face. Harry and Hermione felt their breath rush out as their taller, stronger friend hugged them.

"Ron, Congrats!" Harry exclaimed, pumping Ron's hand, with a grin on his face all the while inwardly grimacing at the hazy warmth that infused Ron's face. He really was happy, Harry thought with shock.

Hermione smiled warmly at the couple, "You'll be good for one another... Congratulations!" Ron and Lavender smiled sweetly at one another and kissed. Both Hermione and Harry turned away, still not ready for the newlyweds.

"But I'm sure you don't want to spend time with a spinster and a confirmed bachelor, while you have each other," Hermione smiled, "Look, a slow dance. Enjoy."

They wander off, all the while smiling a secret couple smile as Hermione's and Harry's smiles dropped off their faces with lurching speed.

"Jeez, that was awkward," Harry mutter, running a hand through his messy hair and swallowing half his glass, his hand slipping on the glass as sweat gathered at his finger tips and palm.

Nodding Hermione opened her mouth, then stopped. "Er, I have to go," with that she whirled around and left Harry by himself.

"Well thanks, Hermione, leave me alone to angst. I'm sure I'll have fun mourning by myself... I'm talking to myself. I really have no life at all..." Harry muttered to himself, swishing his wine around, watching as it changed colours as he tried to remember if Fred and George had somehow been involved in the catering.

"Hi Harry."

There are times when death seems more fun than life. Well, Harry thought, it would be an adventure. Harry cleared his throat, but didn't turn around feeling much safer with his face hidden as he answered in a choked voice.

"Luna?"

AN: Okay, as soon as I posted the last chapter of DihH, I was weak... and started this. This will have HBP spoilers. As you can tell, Harry has defeated Voldemort but hasn't really gotten over it, for more than one reason... This also ties into why he doesn't date much. Anyway, I hoped you enjoyed reading it!

I don't own HP.