Disclaimer: All things Harry Potter related not mine. No infringement intended.

A/N: It's been a long time since I've posted anything at all but I thought I would give it a try once again. I missed writing about my favorite couple. Once again, this story is focused primarily on Harry and Hermione relationship and the complexities of the Trio, therefore Ron plays a major role. It wouldn't be the Trio and my story wouldn't work without him. For those of you who have read my fics before, there will lots of angst and Ron and Hermione will have a relationship in this but I will try my very best to keep their relationship at a minimum. I would like to explore the concept of this one to the end if permitted by readers. Anyways, I hope you guys enjoy reading the first chapter.

Chapter 1

Harry Potter brushed the snow off his hair and stomped his feet to do the same off his boots. It was freezing cold outside the back door of the Burrow. The puffs of air before him every time he exhaled indicated that, not that it mattered. The warming charm he cast upon himself kept him nice and toasty. He knew he loved magic for a reason Harry mused to himself.

As he stood trying to get as much of the snow out of his boots Harry could hear muffled voices emanating from the room just beyond the door. It appeared rowdy which meant that majority, if not all the Weasleys were present. A huge smile stretched across his face at the thought of seeing all of them. He couldn't remember the last time he saw Bill or Charlie under happy circumstances. Fred's burial was probably the last and that was three years ago.

After a few stomping Harry finally gave up and entered the room. As he suspected most of the Weasleys were present and Mrs. Weasley was standing by the stove while the others helped set the table. The smell of her casserole filled the air making his stomach grumble and his mouth water. The last thing he had to eat today was a turkey sandwich for lunch and he was starving. His stomach must have grumbled louder than he thought for Mrs. Weasley saw him the moment it did.

"Harry!" she greeted happily moving towards him and pulling him into a tight hug. It was almost suffocating, but he didn't mind. "I was wondering when you were going to get here. Everyone else already is".

"Sorry Mrs. Weasley", Harry apologized as she pinched his cheeks, "I got held up at work, but you know I wouldn't miss your cooking for anything".

"Flattery will get you out of anything my boy", she joked pulling at his cheeks once again. Harry smiled in returned before she went back to cooking.

Harry moved further into the room and pressed a kiss of hello onto Fleur's cheek and the same to her daughter in her arms. Victoire Weasley was going to be a heartbreaker when she grew up. "She's beautiful Fleur, just like her mama", he said to the blonde who smiled widely.

"Hey Gin", he greeted the youngest of the family with a kiss as well. Ginny being a hugger pulled him into a hug, "good to see you".

"You too", she replied patting his flat stomach, "being an Auror working out for you huh", she teased. It was a miracle they were able to salvage a friendship after they broke up. She had been angry at him for a long time but eventually she came around, realizing that he had been right.

"Something like that", he replied with a wink causing her to laugh. He released her as Bill, Charlie, George and Mr. Weasley walked into the room. He greeted all with handshakes and hugs. Pleasantries were exchanged before they moved to be settled at the table.

Mrs. Weasley was already moving the food from the oven and the stove to the table. Magic being her assistant, no one needed to help with anything. While almost everyone was present Percy was still missing and a part of him knew he would show up. While he made up with his family during the war, his visits were few and in between. Ron and Hermione were also missing.

With furrowed brows he glanced around the room but neither of them was there. Maybe they were just running late. As the others settled and Harry was also about to sit down the door opened once again and the missing person arrived. A wide smile stretched across his face as he saw Hermione entered with Ron slightly behind her. Her cheeks were red and her hair filled with flakes of snow. It also looked more frazzled than usual as if she had been running her fingers through it.

Ron was also red in the face, from embarrassment or cold Harry wasn't sure. He was acting sheepish and trying to not smile. Maybe it had been his fingers in Hermione's hair. A weird feeling settled at the pit of his stomach at the thought of them being intimate. You would think after three years he would get used to seeing them being a couple but he hadn't.

"Hey everyone", they greeted and everyone else chorused a reply. Ron took off his robe and hung his and Hermione's by the door before stepping into the room.

"Hiya Harry", Ron greeted happily as he pulled him into a hug. There was an air of complete happiness surrounding him and Hermione for a matter of fact that was unsettling. "It's great to see you".

"You too Ron", Harry replied smiling, "sorry I couldn't make it to the last game". Ron was now one of the official Chaser for the Canons his games took him away most of the time.

"Don't worry about", Ron assured him with a pat on the back, "nothing could damper my happiness tonight".

"Hey Harry", Hermione squeezed in before he could reply to Ron. She wrapped her arms around him and Harry found himself holding on longer that he usual did. Her familiar comforting scent washed over him, calming his frayed nerves. She always had that effect on him.

"Hey Hermione", he greeted. He was happy to see her and he couldn't hide it. As she pulled away from him, Harry caught sight of a tender bruise just under her collar. His brows furrowed and before she completely pulled away, he realized it was a love bite.

The sensation at the pit of his stomach heightened as their eyes met. Hermione flushed under his scrutiny and her smile slowly drifted off her lips as he just continued to stare at her. Harry had no idea what they hell was happening to him. They were in a relationship; of course she would have love bites. The thought made him queasy. Now he remembered why he avoided them.

"Are you ok Harry?" she asked touching his arm. Harry blinked and painted a smile on his face.

"Of course, why wouldn't I be", he replied touching her shoulders. He could tell she didn't believe him, "come on let's eat, I'm starving".

Harry made a motion with his hand for her to precede him but before he could Ron snagged her wrist pulling her beside him. They shared a significant look before turning to everyone. Harry's muscles tightened as he regarded them silently. He was positive that he wasn't going to like what Ron was going to say, he could feel it in his bones.

"I'm glad everyone's here", Ron announced wrapping his arms around Hermione's shoulder. As he spoke Harry discretely took a few steps back until he was slightly away from the crowd and to the back of the room. No one noticed. "Hermione and I had an announcement to make. We're getting married!"

Shouts of happiness and congratulations echoed loudly in the air as the Weasleys went ballistic. The shock of the words rendered him speechless and he felt as if the bottom of his stomach fell out. Ron's words echoed inside his head but for the life of him Harry couldn't quite grasp its meaning. They were getting married? He knew he should have expected it. He should have been prepared for it but he wasn't. If anything, Harry could feel anger building inside him and he hated it. They couldn't be getting married.

Across the room he watched as hugs were exchanged and he knew he should get over there before someone noticed his behavior. His mind said that but his legs refused to budge. Over Ginny's shoulders he caught Hermione's eyes and her happy expression sobered as he saw him just standing there. Her brows furrowed in confusion and Harry knew he had to act fast.

Once again forcing a smile Harry made his way across the room towards the happy couple. All he had to do was congratulate them, have dinner and then go home and try to figure out why his world felt like it was falling apart instead of being happy for his best friends.

"Congrats guys", Harry wished as happily as he could. He leaned in and kissed Hermione, barely catching the edge of her lips. The contact sent a bolt of electricity down his spine and he ignored it before hugging Ron, "I'm so happy for you".

"Thanks mate", Ron replied jovially, "and you'll be my best man of course".

"Of course mate", Harry agreed, "of course I will be".

Everyone once again settled around the table and the air of excitement went with it. The news of the engagement added to everything it seemed. As he sat down beside Ginny and opposite Ron and Hermione, he could feel her brown eyes trained on him. As much as he liked, he hadn't done a good job of hiding his reaction. Harry looked up, meeting her gaze full on and offered a smile. She returned it and Harry couldn't help but notice it didn't quiet reach her eyes.

"Dig in everyone", Mrs. Weasley said happily and Harry could see the joy on her face as he looked towards Ron and Hermione. She was almost red in the face with it. Burying his unwanted feelings Harry tried his best to act normal hoping his acting skills were enough to fool everyone.

He walked in here hungry and anticipating Mrs. Weasley dinner but now everything lost its taste and his stomach seemed to be rejecting all food. Somehow he made it through dinner carrying on a conversation with Bill and Charlie. They were the ones he least saw. Ron filled them in on his practices. Hermione contributed to conversations but for the most part she was quiet. He had a feeling it was because of him.

This should be a happy time for her and he was ruining it because of his selfishness. Harry wasn't even sure where the resentment came from. Every time Ron touched her or kissed her he gripped his fork a little tighter. He had seen them as a couple countless time and had never reacted like a bliggering idiot, so why now?

She's going to be his wife, not just his girlfriend. A voice whispered inside his head. She'll be his forever and you're going to lose her for good. Harry panicked inwardly at the words knowing they were the truth. Everything was going to change now. Things would be permanent the moment they got married and Ron was going to be her number one guy. He was afraid of things changing.

Harry slumped against the chair as the thoughts swirled around his head. Conversations carried on around them and he found himself staring at her across from him. She was laughing soundly with her hand across her chest and the light glinted off her ring. She looked so happy and content Harry's heart ached at the sight. She deserved to be happy. After everything she had sacrificed for him, no one deserved this more than her. He should be the last person standing in her way of that.

As if sensing his gaze Hermione turned and their eyes connected. For the first time that night he smiled genuinely at her. He was happy for her, for them Harry realized but that didn't stop the hollowness inside his chest at the thought of losing her forever. Hermione's smile got brighter if that was possible and Harry raised his glass towards her before taking a sip. She did the same and somehow Harry made it through dinner. Whatever he was feeling at the moment had to be buried if he was going to survive this.

A long time ago, when they had been dancing in a tent on a cold winter's night his feelings for Hermione had surfaced. He had been confused and alarmed at the intensity of it but when she turned away from him Harry had panicked and snagged her wrist before she had escaped completely. If he closed his eyes, he could still feel the touch of her lips against his. It had been a weak moment they agreed after it happened and it was that night he vowed to bury his feelings for her.

It hadn't been the time or place. He couldn't have promised anything and there had been Ron to consider. It had been just a kiss but it was one that haunted his dreams. After the war had ended, he had made peace with what happened. Ron and Hermione got together and for a brief time so did he and Ginny. He thought he was over it, that he was over her but the moment he realized what was going to happen tonight it all came rushing back.

It hadn't been just a kiss then and it wasn't just a kiss now. But there was nothing he could do about it. Hermione had never indicated she felt anything more than friendship for him so it had been easier to fall back into the routine of things. Now, now Harry couldn't stand the idea of them together. It was like the blindfolds had come off and the dam holding his feelings broke. He was truly and totally screwed and he had to get it under control before he did something stupid.

"So, how's work Harry", he vaguely heard Ron's question and snapped back to reality. Harry forced himself to focus on the present.

"It's going fine", he replied, "Chasing some leads but they all seem to be dead to me".

"Still regretting choosing that over Quidditch?" Ron asked jokingly making everyone laugh.

"On some days sure I am", Harry said. Before joining the program, Harry had seriously considered trying out for Seeker but his need to rid the world of evil won, "How about you Hermione?"

"My shifts can be horrendous but it's worth it", she said honestly and he nodded.

"I can vouch for that I haven't seen you for days", Harry supplied taking a drink, "I wondered if you were avoiding me".

"I couldn't if I tried", she joked, "I have to be around to nag you about inconsequential things".

"Yea I guess so", Harry murmured and wondered if she still will after she got married. "I might as well enjoy it while it last because Ron is going to get all that nagging once you get married".

"Oh man that is going to drive him up the wall", Ginny said. Ron stricken expression at his words chorused a round of laughter. Everyone agreed whole heartily.

"One of the perks right Ron", Harry covered for him as Hermione shot him a glare.

"Absolutely Harry", he replied and proceeded to kiss Hermione on the lips. Harry good nature disappeared at the display and he looked away. The girls awed at his actions and the guys snickered loudly. Hermione was bright red after they separated.

He kept his mouth directed at other conversations as dinner progressed. It was long before it came to an end and Mrs. Weasley magically began clearing away the dishes. Harry would offer to help clean up manually but she would brush off his offer. Almost everyone moved towards the living room except the Trio. Ginny kissed his cheek goodbye as if knowing he was going to leave instead of joining them. Mrs. Weasley followed her.

"What a night?" Harry said once they were alone. His eyes skittered towards them. Ron's arm was still firmly across Hermione's shoulder. "I would have gotten a gift if I known it was going to be a special night".

"It came as a surprise to me too", Hermione filled in watching him closely, "so don't feel too bad".

"You can still get us one", Ron smirked and Hermione smacked his stomach, "Ow woman that hurt".

"It was meant to", Hermione defended her actions, "he's joking Harry".

"No, I'm not", Ron butted in making Harry laugh.

"I just get an extra big wedding present to settle things then", Harry compromised which seem to appease Ron. He tugged at his collar and decided it was time to call it a night, "anyways I'm going to get going. I have an early morning and some case notes to go over".

"Alright mate", Ron said standing up and Harry breathed better as he moved away from Hermione, "We should have a drink before I head back out yea".

"Sure maybe during the week", Harry agreed. Ron clapped him on the back and Harry leaned over to kiss Hermione goodbye. Her scent once again bombarded him and he hastily pulled away. He wouldn't want to embarrass himself. He offered a smile. "See you guys".

Hurriedly he made his way out of the door and across the snowed garden. He could feel eyes burning into his back and as he turned around Harry found Hermione standing by the window looking intensely at him. She raised her hand in goodbye and he returned the gesture but for the life of him he couldn't return her sad smile. Hermione knew something was up. She knew him too damn much and he hated it at the moment.

Thanks for reading and feel free to drop a line about what thought about the first chapter :)