Hey all! Here's another one of my ideas I've decided to type out. "First Time Destroyed, Second Time Saved." Now, I want you to know this is a drama/romance story featuring the future Miles/Colin pairing. In this first chapter, you'll notice that Harry is OOC in this...well..you don't see it too often in fics of this genre(s) and I wanted to play around with his personality and see what I could come up with. For those who don't like it, I'm sorry...but you can't expect him to be the one who saves someone or is saved by someone all the time.
Secondly, this is an AU story-meaning this one is post-Hogwarts and certain characters that died actually live after the war. Ages, timeframe, and other details have been altered to suit my story. And yes, a lot of characters will have partial or totally OOC personalities. I'm not the only author who writes them like this. Anyway, there will be future m/m sexual relations...so I may or may not end up getting kinda graphic in its description..I dunno. I'll see when I get there. It's still rated M for language and other themes.
Anything written like this: "-...blah blah blah...-" : with dashes and two sets of apostrophes, indicates a foreign language. I don't trust the online translators too well...so I hope this helps.
Author's Note and Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and I never will. Any mistakes-grammatical, spelling, etc...those are my own! So is the plot! Enjoy! :)
Chapter One-Jilted
Springtime, 2019. A Wednesday afternoon. Primavera Gardens, United Kingdom. Harry and Colin's wedding day..
This was a day sure to go down in Wizarding history, a day where many hopeful single men and women will mourn privately within their homes, a day where sales of the Daily Prophet will skyrocket higher than what was thought possible. It was Harry Potter's wedding day. Yes, the Boy-Who-Lived was finally settling down, tying the knot, jumping the broom...whatever expression that described his union with a fellow former Gryffindor and war hero...Colin Creevey.
Their special day was being held at the exclusive Primavera Gardens, a wedding hotspot of Wizarding Britain. Owned by one of the wealthiest wedding planners in England, whomever wanted a date had to book months in advance. Of course, when it came to Harry Potter, all lesser clients were pushed to the side since this icon was top priority. Whatever they wanted, which wasn't much, it was taken care of. As long as they could fit everybody inside, they were peachy.
Right now, nearly two hundred guests were in attendance, excitedly chatting over the event that was to transpire. Up at the altar, next to the Ministry official, was a nervous-looking Harry all dressed in his finest black wedding robes, the Potter crest emblazoned on his right breast. To his left was his long-time friend and best man, Ron Weasley. Across from them was Colin's brother, Dennis, alongside Cormac McLaggen, his own best man...both wearing their best robes. All were waiting for the wedding march to play and Colin to walk down the aisle.
"Hey mate, it's the big day. Just think, you're moments away from saying 'I do.' " Ron nudged his pal, who briskly nodded in response.
"Y-Yeah...I can't believe it." he shifted slightly from foot to foot.
"You all right there, Harry?"
"Just a tiny case of cold feet, is all."
Hermione was in one of the seats along the first row. "Look at how adorable Harry is. He's so nervous, he's about to pop." she whispered to Susan, who was grinning.
"Aye, that he is. The lad's got a wee case of cold feet." Seamus added with a snicker.
"Yeah, Bill said that was normal. He had the same thing when he married Fleur. After that, he couldn't be more sure he was doing the right thing."
"I'm so happy for him."
In the dressing room, Pansy was putting the last finishing touches on Colin's pure white wedding robes. "Ok, that's something old, something new, something borrowed...and we need something blue.."
"How about one of my ribbons?" Luna, his co-matron of honor, offered...pulling a sky-blue piece of silk from her purse.
"Perfect! That matches his eyes and our gowns!"
Twenty year-old Colin was shaking with anticipation. "I can't believe the day has finally come. I am really gonna marry Harry!"
"I know, it's about damn time, too." Pansy replied, tying the blue ribbon around Colin's wrist, folding down his white sleeve.
"You two really are sweet together, I know he'll make you the happiest man in the world. Thankfully, I installed nargle-repellent for the occasion." Luna added with a smirk of satisfaction.
Colin sighed contentedly, smoothing his long, light blonde hair behind his shoulders.
'This is the most wonderful, most amazing day of my life. I couldn't ask for anything less. In five minutes, I am going to walk down that aisle and become Colin Potter. If only you knew how much you complete me, Harry.'
"Ok..." Pansy picked off any remaining bits of fuzz, leaving his robes immaculate. "..and we're finished! Here's your bouquet and you are ready to go! Move that gorgeous arse and say 'I do'. The sooner you do that, the sooner you can make us some pretty babies to spoil!"
"Oh, Pansy!" Colin chided playfully, his cheeks lightly blushing. "I'm sure Harry and I will have some...in a few years. You and Luna can wait.''
"Aww!" they shared one last giggle before regaining their composure and waltzed out of the dressing room.
Once the usher saw them approach, he signaled for the music to play. Once the wedding march sounded throughout the room, the guests stood and the doors opened, revealing Pansy and Luna in matching strapless silk, sky-blue bridesmaid dresses...walking ahead and smiling. Towering over them was Colin Creevey, all bedecked in his pure white robes.
The formerly short Lion grew to be six-foot four, so he was taller than most of the guests and Harry. His heart was pounding as he tried not to grin like a complete idiot, or cry like a baby. Ron nudged Harry again, giving him his wide trademark grin. Harry focused his attention on Colin, who was inching closer to the altar with every shaking breath he took..forcing himself to remain calm.
Darting his eyes around for a quick moment, he searched for a face he knew he wouldn't see. He reflected on Ron's earlier statement.
'-''It's the big day. Just think, you're moments away from saying 'I do.''- I know. I'm mere minutes away from marrying Colin...pledging to be his one and only and sealing it with a ring. Am I doing the right thing? Am I really going to through with this, especially after last night? After all these years of second-guessing and straying thoughts? This person...I've saved them, talked with them, consoled them, everything. I've opened myself to them, allowed them to trespass into the darkest reaches of my mind to see what almost no one else ever has. Only one person has before and he's dead now. I could never let anyone else since then, other than you. Damn it, you're all I can think about, all I have been thinking about...why did it take me this long to realize I should have been with you?'
Colin was now in front of Harry, smiling bashfully at his soon-to-be husband. Harry sent him a small, anxious smile in return. Colin gazed quickly to the crowd. His parents were in front, beaming with pride, his mother was dabbing tears away from her eyes. Hermione, Percy, Marcus, Susan...the whole gang was there. All their faces were glowing with happiness and well-wishing for the both of them.
He returned to Harry. His man was so handsome and powerful in his black wedding robes...his emerald eyes were clearly illuminated behind those new golden frames. Colin chuckled inwardly, Harry's hair was still as thick and messy as he remembered when they first met. His love couldn't tame that mane...no matter what he tried. Colin didn't care, he loved everything about him.
'I love you Harry, so much more than you know..'
The official called for everyone's attention. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today under the eyes of Merlin, to bear witness to the union of Colin Desmond Creevey and Harry James Potter. These two former Gryffindors...first friends then lovers, will finally join as one..."
As the official continued his speech, Harry's mind drifted further. 'It's coming down to the wire. I need to make a decision and I need to make one now.'
"Will the best men present-"
"Wait."
The guests stared.
Percy pondered 'Why did Harry interrupt the official? Why now?'
"W-What is it, Harry? Is everything ok?"
"No, Colin. Everything is not ok."
"What do you mean?"
'Oh dear, god..' Blaise thought as he slowly shook his head.
"Colin. I'm sorry, but I cannot go through with this."
Colin stammered "Y-You mean n-not today? If you want..we can postpone it..we.."
"No, I mean...I cannot go through with the wedding. There's...There's someone else."
The room was so silent, they could hear Colin's heart plummet to the floor, shattering into a thousand pieces. Dennis and Cormac glared in fury, Hermione put her hands over her mouth, Luna and Pansy dropped their bouquets in shock. Everyone else was speechless.
"Who? Who is so damn special, that you decided to call this off, hm? Is it who I think is?!" Colin spat.
Harry took a breath and responded "Yes. I've been battling with myself for years over this and it's clear to me now. I can't marry you and throw away a chance at real happiness with Ginny. I have such a deep connection with her..."
"I thought we had a connection!"
"We do, but.."
"But nothing! How long were you planning on keeping this from me? What gave you the right to lead me on like this?!"
"I didn't have it in my heart to tell you. I was confused for so long, I.."
"How could you do this to me...after all the years we've been together? I loved you...and this...this is how you repay me? By leaving me and running off with ...her?!"
Getting tired of trying to explain himself further, Harry firmly responded "I've said all I needed to say. I'm sorry, Colin. This is how it has to be. I can't marry you. Goodbye." Potter left down the aisle and through the open doors.
Colin stared after him, sinking down to his knees as his eyes welled up with tears. Pansy rushed to his side as he began to sob. Cormac, Dennis and Zacharias shared a 'look' and stormed out of the hall.
"Uh, Marcus...Dean..Seamus? I think you should follow them. Now." Percy urgently suggested. They, among several other guys, Draco, Blaise and Mr. Creevey included..ran after three young men ready to fight.
Pansy was holding Colin against her bosom, rubbing his back as the tears poured down his face. She didn't even mind they were staining her dress.
"It's ok, baby...it's gonna be alright. I'm right here."
Luna and his mother soon joined them. Hermione was furious. Within a second of Harry's departure, she stood in front of Ron.
"Please tell me you knew nothing about this!"
" 'Mione, I honestly had no idea...''
"Are you sure? You're his best friend, he tells you everything! Ginny is your sister, there had to have been some clue that something was going on between them!"
"I don't keep my head up her arse! And Harry doesn't let me in on every thought he has!''
As they continued bickering, Neville barked, ushering the remaining spectators from the hall "All right, show's over...get out!"
"Come on, mate! Last thing you need is a one-way trip to Azkaban!" Dean retorted, hauling a still-fuming Dennis back into the wedding hall.
"Aye, as much as I think he deserves an arse-kickin', I don't think the Ministry would legally establish 'bein' jilted at the altar' due cause for justifiable homicide." Seamus said, keeping a hold on Dennis's right arm.
"Who cares?! You saw what he did to him!" Cormac snapped, with Marcus forcing him and Zacharias in.
"Hey, at least Dennis got one good right hook in before Potter apparated." Draco responded. "That's far more merciful than what I would've done." 'Especially if it was me..'
"Please, you guys...I think there has been enough excitement today.." Percy sighed, watching Colin being cradled by his mother, both speaking in Irish.
"-Why did he do this to me, Mum? What did I do wrong?-"
"-Nothin', honey...ya did nothin'. It's not your fault..-''
'What did I do to deserve this? Why, Harry?! Why Ginny...?'
After the guests went home, Colin was still sitting on the altar platform, hugging his knees..staring off into space. Percy, Marcus, Luna, Dennis and Pansy were the only ones remaining.
"Dennis, I know he's your brother but he's coming home with me and Luna tonight. He doesn't need to be alone...not like this."
"That's fine, just keep an eye on him. I dunno what he'll do after this even though I know he won't..well...you know. He's too smart for that."
"He can borrow some of my things until he can get back into Grimmauld Place for his, I'll just have to shrink them a bit." Marcus supplied, since Colin was three inches shorter than himself but not as bulky.
"Thank you, Marcus. I'm sure he'll appreciate it." said Luna.
Pansy stalked back over to Colin. "Colin, sweetie? It's time to go home now. You're staying with me and Luna for a while."
Colin merely nodded, his plump lips in a thin line, his eyes still reddened.
Rising to his feet, Colin headed to his dressing room, Pansy and Luna right behind him. After changing into his street clothes, Colin packed his things and they apparated back to Parkinson Manor. Pansy showed Colin to his room, adjacent to hers.
"Thank you, Pansy." he voiced softly.
Pansy hugged him tightly. "You're always welcome, darling. If you need me for anything...anything at all...I'm right across the hall. If you want, I'll stay here and crash on the sofa."
"I'm ok, I..I just wanna go to bed."
"Ok, goodnight."
"Night." Colin shut the door behind her.
Colin walked over to his bed and sat down, rubbing his face with his hands. He abruptly stopped, glancing at his left hand. His engagement ring was still on his finger. He sighed sadly as tears began filling his sky-blue orbs once more. Colin moved to take off his band, but found he couldn't...he didn't have it in him to remove the only article of Harry's promise to him. Lying on his pillow, he allowed the tears to fall. Two hours after crying, he was too tired to fight sleep. Closing his eyes, Colin let himself succumb to a much-needed slumber.
Yes, I made Harry an asshole in this. Hey, I wanted to put him in a different light this time around...I've seen it in a few other fics and besides, I have another future idea of him this way as well. Anyway, to those who don't mind a little change...I hope you liked it! :)
And for those who may have found Colin's reaction a bit whiny... well, put yourself in his shoes. How would you feel if you were suddenly left at the altar by someone who supposedly loved you and promised to spend the rest of their life with you? Honestly...