Disclaim! I Disclaim! All characters etc. (except the itty bitty plot displayed here) belong to JKR in all her glory. Enjoy!
Ginny spun round, allowing her arms to float out from her sides with the speed of her rotation. She didn't keep at it long, despite the calming effect the gentle whish, whish of her dress' fabric made as it interacted with the air. She slowed her pace until she was just rocking lightly on the balls of her feet because the dizziness her previous movements created was far less helpful to her nerves. She now stood, eyes closed, swaying gently from side to side in front of the mirror. Her movements echoed the tolling of a distant church bell—whish, dong, whish, dong.
She knew it was almost time, but she could feel her hands still shaking and this simple catatonic motion was easier to comprehend than the impending events waiting right outside the room. She could be alright with this, she believed herself to be capable of such mental leaps to eventually reach the point where she could be ok with this decision, she just wasn't there yet. If only she could have more time, if only—but, no, it hadn't been her decision to make. Things always get so very messy when you allow the heart to be involved. So instead, she focused on her dress, the one she hadn't thought she would wear. Whish, dong, whish, dong, whish.
Her artificial tranquility was shattered as the large wooden doors behind her banged open and she jumped at the unanticipated intrusion. "Weasley, Merlin! What are you doing up here?" Draco Malfoy questioned, not even waiting for a response before turning back towards the doors and shouting, "I've found her! Won't be but a moment!" And then he was facing her again, looking at her expectantly with one foot placed outside the door. "Well?" He asked, none too gently.
She stood in the same pose, as if the banging of the doors hadn't just set her heart flying into wild palpitations. If she walked out the doors then it would all be real, wouldn't it? If everyone was waiting, then it couldn't take place without her; it couldn't take place at all.
She continued ignoring his expectant stare and looked about the room thoughtfully. It wasn't so bad. A bit drafty she supposed, but all in all, yes, she did think she might be able to stay here forever. Especially with blankets. Blankets could make almost anywhere seem like home. She was interrupted again, this time by a noisy sigh from the Malfoy boy. "You have to come," he said, "It will happen eventually, so you might as well come now."
Her eyes darkened at the truth of his words and she set away her short lived resolve to stay in the tiny room until she couldn't care anymore. "But isn't it bad luck?" She asked, half-heartedly gesturing to her dress.
He looked at her sadly and attempted a small smile. "I'm not sure that really applies here." He had tried to say it as gently as he knew how, but not having much practice in these matters he was unsure of her reaction. He was relieved when the thin girl before him only lowered her gaze and caught her lower lip between her teeth.
After allowing her a moment, he tentatively approached her—knowing they really were all waiting—and stooped slightly to her level. "C'mon Weasley," he said offering her his arm, "I'll walk you down the aisle." It was unfair to frame it as a favor, since he already had to walk her down the aisle whether she was willing or not, but she accepted his attempt at kindness. She nodded, and although her shoulders stooped, she took his proffered arm and they made their way to the chapel entrance.
Pasting on a smile, Ginny effused apologies all around for holding up the ceremony. She was answered with reassurances, understanding, and, worst of all, pity. Shortly though, the music began and Draco held fast to her arm, leading her down the aisle at a proper pace. All too soon for Ginny's liking, they had to part ways, Draco going to his side of the altar and Ginny to hers.
Ginny knew she would be here one day, she just hadn't realized how soon that day would come, and in what circumstances. These were certainly less desirable than most of the situations she had imagined for a wedding. The music changed and Ginny stifled a sigh of resignation as she was drawn out of her self reflection. And now for the bride, she thought as the doors to the chapel opened once more and admitted, to the delight of the assembled, a pleasantly blushing Hermione Granger in a flowing white silk gown with happiness radiating from every inch of her.
Ginny stole a look at the groom, even though she had promised herself she wouldn't. It only took one glance to remember why she had made that promise in the first place. There he was, looking as handsome as he ever had, beaming at the woman with whom he would soon share everything. Yes, Ginny harshly reiterated to herself, Harry Potter was getting married today, just not to her.
AN: Hiya! Hope you liked the prologue. I promise more is in the works as you read these very words. In the meantime, please leave a review and let me know what you think!