-----

EPILOGUE

"Some friendships do not last, but some friends are more loyal than brothers."

--Proverbs 18:24

-----

"Stop fidgeting! Do you want me get this done or not, Harry?" I blink as I look up at Ron who's glaring at me with an agitated expression.

I open my mouth and close it without a sound. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I realise that he's probably trying to stifle his laughter at my present state. Honestly, if I wasn't so bloody nervous right now and if I knew that Ginny wouldn't kill me for ruining our wedding day, I'd flog him good.

Instead, I look down at the pathetic mess that I've made of my tie that we've been trying to right for the last ten minutes.

"Sorry," I finally manage to mutter. "Just nervous."

"Ya think?" Ron grins at me and places his hands on my shoulders, moving me to arms length in front of him and attempting to steady me.

"Now, hold still. Lemme use my wand," he tells me as he wanes his wand and my tie forms into a perfect Windsor knot.

"Thanks, Ron." I collapse into the chair in the corner of Fred and George's old room. "Hand me that glass of water, will ya? My mouth is still dry."

He smirks at me and reaches over to hand me my third glass of water. I wonder if Dad was this nervous when he married Mum?

"Make sure you stop at the loo before we go downstairs, okay?" Ron's voice cuts through my thoughts. "I don't think Gin will let you have a potty break half-way through, mate." I give a short, relieved chortle and watch him sigh with a smile.

"I guess it's nearly time, yeah?" I look down at my watch with a deep breath before standing, pacing up and down the length of the room.

"Erm…yeah, nearly. We've still got a few minutes, though." He furrows his brow and looks at me with an almost pitying smile. "You gonna be all right, Harry?"

"Wha- …er, yeah." I mumble, trying to bring my focus back to my best mate. "I'm fine. I'm fine… I'll be fine."

I can hear my own voice trail off, continuing to mutter. As long as I keep chanting, everything will be just fine.

Biting his lip, Ron watches me cautiously. "Do you remember your vows?"

"My vows?" I feel a wave of panic and fear wash over me in an instant. "My vows?!" I say again, my voice a higher pitch than I expect it to be.

"Oh God…I've forgotten my vows. Shite! Gin's gonna murder me." Suddenly, I begin pacing the room again before Ron even has a chance to try and settle me down.

"Relax, mate. You'll be fine. Remember the chanting?"

"Screw the chanting." I stop for a brief moment to glare at him. "And how the bloody hell am I supposed to relax when I can't remember my vows?!"

He stands across from me far more calm than I've seen him before. "I'm sure they'll come to you."

"Oh, yeah…sure. Says the bloke who doesn't have to remember anything this important." I close my eyes, forcing my rapid breaths to slow down as I try to recall the meaningful words I'd written.

I can almost see them as I squeeze my eyes tighter, imaging the parchment I'd written the very words on as if it was right in front of me.

"Something about…her being caring and understanding," I mumble aimlessly. "And then there's that bit about not wanting to go a day without her…"

My voice trails off as I hear a short chortle from Ron and I open my eyes to see an amused smirk on his face.

"Sorry, mate. You might change your mind about not going a day without her after a while. At which point, you'll come begging to spend the entire day with me just so you can get away from that temper of hers."

"This is no time for a laugh, Ron. If you can recall, I'm trying to... Remember. My. Vows!" I emphasize each word with frustration.

"I told you to relax. It'll be all right." He walks towards me, giving me a good pat on the arm. "Listen," Ron adds pointedly. "I wrote your vows down on a piece of parchment and stuck it in the pocket of your robes…ya know, just in case."

"You did?" My eyes widen and I look up in surprise. I see him flash me another wide grin that spreads across his face as he nods in conformation.

Just as quickly as I'd felt the panic come, I feel the anxiety deflate from my body and with a heavy sigh, I pull him into a quick, brotherly hug.

"Thanks, mate. You don't know how much I appreciate this."

"'S no problem. I just thought that you might not've thought about writing them down properly. Plus, I knew you were guaranteed to be a nervous wreck today."

Ron's cheekiness is enough to make me smile and laugh…and relax a little more until we both turn at the sound of a small knock on the door.

Mrs. Weasley's round, smiling face peeked through the slight opening of the door, making sure that we were properly dressed before intruding.

Satisfied to see us in order, she steps into the room quietly, her features bright with happiness.

"Oh, my darling boys," she says, walking toward us and giving us both a tight, lingering embrace.

With a sweet sigh, Mrs. Weasley reluctantly pulls away and sets her gaze upon me and Ron, making us rather self-conscious about how we look.

"Let me have a look at the two of you." I can see the glint of tears in her eyes and I nudge Ron, giving him a look that this may be a bad sign.

"You both look so handsome. Dashing young wizards, you are." I feel him poke me in the side, motioning towards the small tear falling down her cheek.

"Oh…you're just growing up so fast. It seems like just the other day when we met you at Platform 9 ¾." Now standing in front of me, Mrs. Weasley cups my face with her soft, aged hands as she tries to hold back the tears.

"And now, here you are, marrying my little girl. Before long, I imagine Ronnie here will ask for Hermione's hand. After that, I reckon we'll start to hear the sound of little feet running around the Burrow again."

"Merlin, Mum! Harry hasn't even said 'I do' and you've already got he and Gin married, Hermione and I halfway down the aisle, and two ready-made families planned."

Looking over at Ron, I have to laugh at his almost frightened state. And here he thought I was going to get the brunt of things today. He should've seen this coming.

Before either Ron or Mrs. Weasley could say anything more, Mr. Weasley steps into the room and sighs with relief at the sight of his wife.

"Molly, there you are. I've been looking all over for you," he says with a wink at me and Ron.

"I know you think I'm going to make Harry a nervous wreck, but I promise I'm doing no such thing," she says with a look that clearly tells him that she knows exactly why he's been looking for her. "I was just popping in to check on my two striking boys, that's all."

"That's nice dear," Mr. Weasley adds, letting his hand run softly down her back as he moves to stand beside her. Giving her a quick peck on the cheek, he glances at us briefly before setting his eyes back on her.

"But…don't you think they need just a little more time alone? I'm sure Harry would like a few more moments to compose himself?"

"Why?" Mrs. Weasley asks, frantically searching her husband's eyes and then looking to me with the same question. "Is something the matter Harry? You're not actually getting cold feet are you? Oh heavens, I didn't think I was really making you nervous. This is all my fault."

I quickly shake my head in small, fast movements, attempting to calm her down before she alerts the entire household for no reason.

"N-no. No…cold feet." I swallow my words nervously and cut my eyes towards Ron for help.

"Mum, Harry's fine. He just needs a minute more without everyone hovering over him."

Thank Merlin for Ron.

"He'll be all right now, dear. Ron will keep an eye on him." Mr. Weasley wraps his arm around her shoulders and guides her towards the door. "Besides, Ginny is asking to see you. I think Fleur has managed to sneak her way into the bride's room," he adds with a gentle laugh.

"Merlin, help!" Mrs. Weasley rolls her eyes with a sigh. "Heaven knows I love my daughter-in-law, but Ginny's probably beside herself right now." I watch her square her shoulders, preparing to endure the battle of hormones. "I'd better see to her then."

She turns back to me with one last attempt. "Is there anything you need Harry? Ron? Anything at all?"

"Mum…we're fine." Ron huffs with agitation.

"All right, all right. I can take a hint. Coming Arthur?" She turns to ask him when she finds that he isn't standing behind her.

"I'll be right behind you, dear." The older wizard assured, returning a smile.

A moment later, Mrs. Weasley was gone and we're left in the room with Mr. Weasley, standing where she had been mere minutes ago.

"I won't bother you like she probably has been all morning." He laughed quietly to himself before hanging his head slightly and peering over the rim of his glasses to meet my eyes. "A little nervous?"

When he smiles at me again, I blow out a long, slow breath and mumble my answer. "Just a little." I can no longer hold his gaze as my head falls and I let out a small, apprehensive chuckle.

"It's nothing to worry yourself over, Harry." He spoke kindly to me. "When I married Mrs. Weasley, I was just as nervous as you are."

I whip my head up in surprise. "You were?"

He gives me a short, understanding nod. "It's perfectly normal."

Hearing Ron snigger, I narrow my eyes at him in question. "What are you laughing about?"

"Well, being nervous really is about as normal as you can get when you marry one of them." He smirks wickedly. "Sorry, mate, but hearing the fact that you and Dad were both nervous about getting married is a right laugh."

With a quick shove on my arm, he continues. "After all, look at who you're marrying. You've got every right to be nervous."

"Like you've got any room to talk," I add with a shove back. "All of this coming from the bloke who was so nervous about his own feelings for Hermione that it took him six years to make a move."

Mr. Weasley's hearty chortles shake the scathing look from my face as Ron and I both turn to see his cheeks a light shade of red.

"Oh my…" he utters between breaths. "Ronald, I do believe the lad has a point."

I glance back at Ron to see him cut his eyes toward me with a menacing glare before rolling his eyes and giving a small chuckle back.

"Harry, my dear boy," his father said, putting his hands gently on my shoulders. "I know that past all the nervousness of the wedding, this will probably be one of the most exciting days of your life. After all, you're marrying the woman of your dreams."

I swallow the hard lump out of my throat and answer him, more boldly than I trust my voice to be. "Yes, sir. She certainly is that and much more."

"I just want you to know that…Mrs. Weasley and I have always considered you as our son." Mr. Weasley stops briefly, his eyes glistening brightly behind his glasses while the only thing I can seem to manage is a nod.

"And there's not a single Weasley who couldn't be happier that soon you'll officially be a part of our family." This time, it's Ron's turn to give me a confirming nod as his father smiles briefly and pulls me into a firm hug that I quickly return.

He and Mrs. Weasley have been the closest thing to parents that I have ever come to know, besides Sirius. And although they could never replace the family that I had been denied, they are just as much my parents, the others just as much my brothers as they are Ginny's.

"Thank you, sir." I utter, holding back my tears.

He pulls away with another nod and smile, clearing his throat.

"All right. It should only be a few more minutes and we'll be ready to get started."

"We'll be just behind you, Dad," Ron says as we watch the older wizard close the door. Neither of us meet each other's eyes until the sound of footsteps are distantly heard down the hall.

"It's true, y'know?"

I frown as he looks down at his fumbling hands.

"Even before you and Ginny were…well, you and Ginny, you were already a part of this family."

"I've always considered the lot of you as my own." I add, seeing his blue eyes smile back at me from under his ginger fringe.

It doesn't take long for him to pull a mock look of disgust across his features.

"Ew! You considered us family and you still went out with my sister? What is the matter with you?"

If the grimacing expression on his face wasn't so comical, I might've been able to play along with his little game.

"Oh, come off it," I laugh.

Feeling a wave of happiness wash over me, my laughter subsides as I recall the reason for being so elated. It's the renewing feeling of love that I never cease to receive from Ginny, the warmth and acceptance from my new family, and the bond that I have with Ron that will always remain stronger than any form of friendship.

With a bittersweet sigh, I smile at him.

"Thanks."

"For what?"

"For…everything. After all this time. After all these years, thank you. For everything."

"There's no need for thanks, mate." Ron swallows the lump that I can barely hear in his voice.

Clapping me on the back one last time, he blows out a short breath. "Right, then. I guess it's about that time. You ready for this?"

With a wide grin, I take a deep breath, enjoying my last few minutes as a bachelor but also savoring the beginning of my new life.

"As ready as I'll ever be."

-------

"Friends always show their love. What are brothers for if not to share troubles?"- Proverbs 17:17

-------

Things go by fairly rapidly after we left the room.

I walk with Hermione on my arm, down the aisle with friends and family on both sides of us. At the top of the aisle, I kiss her quickly on the cheek and she releases my arm, walking to the opposite side. I take a step to the left and watch as Harry makes his way down the same path. He looks so lonely, even on his wedding day—he is without mother, father, brothers and sisters there to stand by his side today, and I can see the emptiness on his face. I swallow the lump in my throat.

I will not cry today.

He lifts his eyes to mine and he grins. It's as if I am what calms him down. Barking, if you ask me. He's always been the one who was the calmer of the two of us. But I guess that's why they call it being the 'best man.' Ha, I'll have to remember that one and let Harry in on it later on today.

He stops next to me, still wearing that goofy grin of his.

"Wipe that smile off your face, Potter," I whisper, "or people'll think you're already planning for the wedding night."

I laugh out loud as Harry's eyes widen. Hermione sends me a 'shush' from across the way, and my mother utters a very audible 'tutt.' To put Harry at ease, I nudge him in the ribs, followed by a jab from him, and soon we are engaging in the juvenile antics of our younger years. Small bits of laughter from the guests give way to silence, and we both look up to see Ginny on the arm of my father.

Harry swallows loudly and he grows silent. Gone is the joviality of a few seconds ago, replaced by the seriousness of the moment. By the look in his eyes, I know that he adores her, that he'll take care of her for the rest of his life, that he'll make her happier than any woman has a right to be.

The ceremony starts, and despite my best intentions, I really don't pay all that much attention to what the parson is saying. I'm thinking about the first time I met Harry: orphaned, alone, shy, unsure of himself and unloved. And now, he's the complete opposite, a true 180 degree turn from what his former self once was.

The lump in my throat returns and I do my best to maintain my composure for Harry. As always, I am his rock and I have to continue to play that part, even if it is just for a few more minutes. Then, my job will be complete. I can hand him over to Ginny and she can be the one to take care of him from now on, knowing that I've done all I could to get him to this point.

I recall the toast I've written for the reception, hoping that it'll be the right thing. It fit so well last week when I found it, but somehow, I'm doubting myself. I wasn't lying when I told Harry he was like a brother to me. We're friends, that's true enough, but over the years, it's become so much more than that. I can't imagine my teenage years without him, and now, knowing that we'll really be family, thanks to Ginny, makes everything that we've been through over the past nine years completely worth it.

I sigh, instinctively knowing that what I've chosen to say later is spot on.

I watch with misty eyes as my best-friend-slash-brother and younger sister make their vows to one another, promising before the world that they will forever love each other. It's already seemed like they've loved each other forever—it's difficult to remember a time that my sister didn't love Harry and he really didn't start living until that day in the common room. Funny how things work out that way.

"…and the rings?"

The parson's voice echoes in my mind and I snap my attention back to the ceremony.

"Uh…yeah, the rings…"

A chuckle from the congregation accompanies the flush that rises on my cheeks and I fumble around inside my pockets for the matching wedding bands.

"Ron…" Harry mutters under his breath. "And you said I was nervous?"

"Aha!" I shout with glee as I find them and hand them over to Harry.

As the crowd settles down, the rings are placed on their respective fingers, symbolizing the eternal nature of their love.

-------

"Friends are the siblings God forgot to give us."

-------

What was I so worried about those months ago? Did I really think that Harry would ditch me once he got married? I was mental, really, back then and can't for the life of me remember why I felt that way. My selfishness almost ruined the best friendship I could have ever imagined.

I realized, even before being taken to the shed, that Harry's not 'mine' alone and that he never really was. He was Voldemort's chosen opponent. He was Dudley's chosen victim. He was chosen by our entire world to take on the task of defeating Voldemort at a time when he should have been enjoying his youth.

But then I think back on the things that he chose to do…

He chose to be my friend and not look down on me because I grew up poor.

He chose to stand up to Malfoy and everyone else who tried to make him stumble.

He chose to see past the prejudices of the wizarding world and be friends with giants, werewolves, convicted felons, Muggle-born and half-blood witches and wizards and defend their right to…exist.

But the one thing I'm most proud of is that Harry chose my sister to be his partner for life, the mother of his children and his greatest supporter until the day he dies.

The music of the reception stops and I look up to see Harry and Ginny standing in the middle of the floor, arms around each other, foreheads touching, oblivious to those around them, still dancing to their own silent tune. It was perhaps one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen.

I stand up and grab my champagne flute, tapping it with a fork to get everyone's attention. I used to crave this sort of attention, with everyone looking at me to see what I was going to do next, but now, I'm nervous, almost as much as Harry was earlier this morning.

The two of them walk over to me and each take a glass from the table in front of me as Hermione stands next to me, taking my hand in hers. I've never been good at public speaking and the prospect of giving this toast terrifies me.

"Well, er, as best man for this git here, it's my job, I guess, to give a toast." I smile at the chuckle I receive. "Well, I had a hard time coming up with the right words, well, since I prefer to let Hermione here do all the talking." Another chuckle and a gasp from my gal. "But this is important.

"My best friend and my sister got married today and even though I don't want to know anything about their private life, I know that the years that lie ahead of them will be full of love and blessings.

"I remember telling Ginny something, I think it was after my fifth year at Hogwarts and she'd just told me that she'd ditched her Ravenclaw bloke. I told her, as subtly as I could…"

"Ron? Subtle? Never!" Fred chimes in.

"Pardon me, but this is my moment in the spotlight! Where was I? Oh yeah. She dumped a bloke and I looked at her and said, 'Well, maybe you should find someone better next time.' I, of course, meant the bloke with messy black hair and specs standing next to me. But did my sister listen? No…she chased after someone else and it took her almost all school year to realize that big brother Ron was right."

"Ron…" Ginny warns me. "I was fifteen! I eventually came around."

"Only after Harry snogged you in the middle of the common room!" I remind her, making both her and Harry blush furiously. "Can I please finish this?" I look pointedly at Ginny and she nods, squeezing Harry's hand with hers. "When they got together, finally, I felt a lot like I do today…worried that things would be different and that Harry'd forget about me." I look over at him, and see him hang his head and we're both reminded of what happened a few months ago. "But, like good friends do, we worked it out and now he's not only stuck with Ginny, but my whole mother-loving family! You're in for it now, mate!"

I look over at Harry and catch his smile, which has been plastered on his face all day. I'm struck by how much we've been through together and how we've always been there for each other. There's nothing I wouldn't do for him, and him, me. I take a deep breath, knowing that the next things I say are what's really in my heart, even if they're not my own. I dig in my pocket and find the piece of parchment that's been folded and unfolded numerous times over the last few days, taunting me with their words. I need to say this, and it's time.

"So, this toast thing. Last week, Hermione and I were at her parents' house and she was showing me Muggle records from their collection. She played a few and I wasn't really impressed until she played one that made me listen to the words for the first time." I take a deep breath and look at Harry again, who looks more confused than anyone. "And if you'd be so kind, I'd like to share the words with you."

I unfold the parchment and am silently grateful that Hermione wrote it down for me, because, well, we all know how scratchy my handwriting is. I clear my throat and take another deep breath before starting.

"The road is long
With many a winding turn
That leads us to who knows where
Who knows when
But I'm strong
Strong enough to carry him
He ain't heavy, he's my brother."

I pause and listen to the sobs that have already erupted. I'm not going to make it through.

"So on we go
His welfare is of my concern
No burden is he to bear
We'll get there
For I know
He would not encumber me

If I'm laden at all
I'm laden with sadness
That everyone's heart
Isn't filled with the gladness
Of love for one another.

It's a long, long road
From which there is no return
While we're on the way to there
Why not share
And the load
Doesn't weigh me down at all…"

I stop, my own emotions having finally got the best of me and I choke on my tears. Two drops fall on the ink, smearing the parts that I've already read. Hermione squeezes my hand again, causing me to look at her, her own eyes swimming with tears. I can't look at Harry right now, because I know I'll lose it.

"I love you, Ron," she whispers so that only I can hear and I smile back, my tears having slowed.

I put the parchment back inside my pocket and say the remaining words from memory.

"He ain't heavy, he's my brother.

He's my brother
He ain't heavy, he's my brother."

I'm finally brave enough to look at Harry to find him holding Ginny close, tears falling freely down both of their cheeks. He meets my eyes and lets go of Ginny, pulling me into his arms.

"Thanks…I…I…" he tries to say, but the tears overcome him again and we merely tighten our hold on one another before I let go. I hear everyone else sobbing, too, and for a moment, I allow my tears to flow and we share a smile that says everything that's on our minds.

"No problem…ever." I slap him on the shoulder and look past his shoulder to Ginny, who flings herself at me, trapping me in her embrace.

"You big git! Who knew you had the heart of a poet?" She kisses my cheek and wipes my tears with her thumbs. "Thank you so much, Ron. It really was beautiful."

I watch as Hermione and Harry exchange their own hugs and kisses before she joins me at my side once more.

"So let's raise our glasses to Harry and Ginny—may their life be filled with happiness, love, laughter and magic!"

"To Harry and Ginny!" everyone echoes. Glasses are raised and the sounds of crystal on crystal fill the room with joyful sounds.

I watch as Harry and Ginny kiss and I know that no matter what, my friendship with Harry will be stronger in the years to come as we are now more than friends…we're brothers.