(A/N: Hello. :) Sorry I've been gone so long. School this semester is driving me bonkers. BUT, thank God it's almost winter break. Woop! Anyway, this is my new story that sparked into my head. I thought it would be fun to follow the whole 'Anna Karenina' story a bit. I'm really excited about it, so please, leave reviews for me to read, so I'll get some kind of feedback! There's a little backround under, so read that first. Anyway I hope you love it! xxxx)
(A little backround before this begins...this is a very AU story. It takes place during the winter of the trio's 6th year. Voldemort and his followers have been in control of the entire wizarding world for the past few years, and as a result, a empire was created in his name. Instead of a school, Hogwarts had been contorted into a sort of 'government headquarters', much like the Ministry. In the story, Hermione was kidnapped as a baby by a desperate, young, pureblood couple, and raised to believe that she is pureblood to. She lives with her parents, as well as her older sister, Ruby. Her family is very loyal and personal favorites of Voldemort, as well as being close to the Malfoy family. Since Voldemort wanted to expand his empire, he named both Draco, and his brother, Sam, leaders of the new parts of his growing nation. And as a result, Hermione's parents arraigned to have Ruby and Sam married. Hermione however, refused to marry Draco, as she despised his very being. So, her parents found another highly respected Pureblood family. Jude Prescott was the right hand man to Voldemort himself, while his son, Trevor, followed in his footsteps. As a result, Hermione and Trevor were betrothed as well. This is all I'm giving away for now, haha. And yes, if anyone asks, this story will be loosely based on Anna Karenina. If you know that story, then hopefully, you'll know what's coming. ;) Enjoy!)
I never really liked the way dresses looked on me, but maybe that was because I was sick and tired of wearing them. They were nearly all I ever wore, except for my nightgown. But even then, sometimes, if we had gotten back late, I'd be too tired to change, and would just fall asleep in them.
Sophie stood in front of me, holding a full figured mirror as I turned swiftly and smoothed out the ruffles in the bottom part of my dress.
"You look so lovely, miss..."
When my back was turned to her, I rolled my eyes. I didn't know what annoyed me more...the fact that Sophie, no matter what she really thought, was ordered to compliment me, or, that I was constantly surrounded by someone. Whether it was a servant, or Mum, Dad, or even Ruby...I was never alone. Hell, even the word alone was foreign to me. All my life, since I could remember, every day consisted of nearly the same things. Breakfast, then studies with Miss Olive, which involved different things. Sometimes, it was Potions, then, other times, it was Transfiguration. After studies, we'd have a fraction of time alone before dinner, and sometimes, dinner would incorporate a party. It was the same thing, time and time again...eating a quick bit, then meeting new people who had converted to the Dark Lord's side, and then, sometimes, we'd dance. I liked to dance, it was nice to feel more like myself. Though I'd never get too into it, mainly because I didn't want to embarrass mother or father. Ruby on the other hand, well, she'd dance like it was the last night of her life. It was quite entertaining.
As I turned back around and shook my head to free my thoughts, Sophie shifted slightly and grabbed a cream colored ribbon that was laced with a dark green; the colors Ruby had picked out for her wedding day. And now, here it was. The day that seemed to always loom before both of us. I never let anyone know, but the whole idea of my sister being married off, just to bring more honor to our families name disgusted me to no end. Ruby never acted like it was a big deal, though. Sam and her seemed to get along fine...but, it still bothered me. Now, it would just be our parents and myself, stuck in the same big, old, rustic house. I never really talked with the elves, or the servants, so the alone time I so desperately wanted was right around the corner.
"Would you like me to tie it for you?," Sophie pardoned, placing the mirror on the ground by the bed and moved around behind me.
I bobbed my head wordlessly and gave her the silk ribbon moments later. She tied it into my lavish up do and ran her hands through my thick curls, making sure everything was in place. Feeling her pull back a second later, a sigh emits from my throat and I reach over to grab the light green bouquet of orchids, lilies, and roses. Sophie sighed as well before going back to her spot by the bed and picking up the mirror once again.
"One last look, yeah?"
"Fine then."
My eyes find the looking glass once more, and they trail down the strands of curled hair as they rest against my chest. My form looks a bit too petite in the dress itself for my taste, but as always, the tight corset is to blame for that.
A rough knock comes from the door as I look over myself one last time and prepare myself mentally before turning back to face the opening and smile. It's mum, and she looks as beautiful as ever. Her dark, chocolate hair is pinned up fashionably, and the smooth, green colored silk dress fits perfectly, as expected. Mum always knew how to look exceptionally beautiful. That was about the only thing I envied both her and Ruby in.
She paced over to me and took my hands in hers.
"There's my stunning daughter. Are you ready to go down?"
I want to disagree whole heartedly, but I told my tongue and nod stiffly, gripping the stem of the bouquet as mum and I left Sophie in my room and start down the hall. The corridor is filled with white and green colored balloons, as well as all types of green dipped flowers and streamers hanging from the ceiling. Several guests pass by the both of us and we bow lowly, greeting them into our home.
Mr. Hanks, a well mannered elderly man, grasps my hand gently and kisses my fingers.
"Well, well, miss Hermione Camden, don't you look fine this afternoon?"
I smile warmly at him and pull my hand away, letting it fall back down to my side.
"Thank you, Mr. Hanks. I hope you and your wife are doing well."
He nods and pushes up the glasses on his nose.
"Oh, we're getting by, I suppose. Happy to have the house a little more to yourself now, with Ruby getting married and all?"
Pasting on one of my signature smiles, I nod my head.
"Well, I can't say I'm miss her barging into my room in the wee hours of the morning."
That made both Mr. Hanks, and a slimmer, round faced man next to him chuckle a bit. My head tilts in curiosity at the plump faced man. I don't believe I had ever seen him before now. Oh well, it made no difference. Strangers were always welcome in this household.
Mum bid them goodbye and pulled on my forearm while dragging me towards a set of double doors and pushed them open. Behind them, Ruby was pacing back and forth while two of our other servants, Mabel and Ellie, attempt to hand her different things needed to complete her image.
My sister let out an odd sort of screech, while Mum ushered out both girls and shut the doors behind us. Ruby met my eyes a second later.
"So...?"
I perform a quick once over and smile reassuringly, nodding my head.
"You...look, wonderful, Ruby. Really. It's unlike anything I've ever seen."
She let out a relieved sigh and rubbed her temples.
"Thank God. Is everyone ready?"
Mum tilted her head and pulled back the curtains, glancing out the window.
"I wish they would have gotten rid of those ugly shrubs. They just don't fit the house at all."
A groan escaped from my lips.
"Mother, it's fine. Just go be seated...I'll take care of Ruby."
The curtains fell back against the window and mom sighed, walking back over to the both of us and kissed Ruby on the cheek before slowly making her way out. Once we were alone, I stared my sister down with a soft, yet, firm gaze.
"How are you doing...?"
Ruby held the penetrating gaze for a moment, and then I noticed the tears that were forming at the corners of her eyes.
"Well, how would you be doing if you were being married off?"
Her tone was bitter, yet soft, and I stepped back, folding my arms over my chest.
"I'd be a complete mess. At least think of it like this, you're doing better than I would be right now, I mean, you're makeup still looks pristine."
She giggled and tilted her head back, careful not to smear her mascara as she wiped away a couple of tears.
"Well, you're next after me. Prepare yourself."
The light smile that had crept upon my face fell instantly when my sister spoke those words and I found myself wandering over to the same window Mum was at earlier.
"Don't remind me."
Seconds later after brief silence, the doors reopened and Father's booming voice filled the room. I stole a quick peer and noticed his all black robes, which he traded in specifically for the wedding, and his black hair is slicked back quite nicely.
He moves over to Ruby and offers his arm.
"They're all waiting, dear. Hermione, go ahead of us."
Bowing my head in understanding, I walk slowly towards the door, giving Ruby once last lingering stare before slipping out and taking my place by Sam's best man, Daniel. He grabs my arm lightly and silently, sliding it through his own as another pair of dark oak doors pull open.
The light tinging of harp strings fill my ears as we walk forward down the aisle. It seems like everyone I had ever met was sitting in the room, smiling at me as I mirrored their image and quickened the pace a bit. We stopped in front of the altar for a split second, as Daniel nods to Sam, and then part. He moves to the right, and I move to the left. Finding my place at the side of the officiant, who is wearing dark drape like robes as well, my eyes travel to the ceiling, as more decorations hang down and swing ever so lightly in the cool draft. I look around for the Dark Lord, surely he'd make an appearance, but a second later, I sigh in relief. He's nowhere to be seen.
Everyone stands in unison and my gaze migrates to the back of the large room, where now Ruby and Father have been revealed. They both move swiftly to the front of the pews, while some guests cry and throw flower petals in their general direction. Father stops in front of the altar and kisses Ruby's cheek as Sam comes down off the steps and offers his arm. I walk briskly into action and scramble behind her, smoothing out the ends of her dress as they proceed to the steps.
The ceremony was short, just how Ruby wanted it to be. I suspect she wanted it so, mainly so she wouldn't have the chance to ponder whether or not she could get out of all of this. After the officiant was done, Sam kissed her deeply, and I held back a snicker as I noticed her reaction. She kissed him back, sure, but her lips were puckered. I was one of the few who knew she only did that if disgusted.
The officiant announced the Mr. and Mrs., and as soon as they hurriedly started down the altar and down the aisle, people stood up and cheered, stopping them for brief hugs as they neared the doors.
Daniel and I followed suit behind them, and three rows in, a hand came down on my shoulder and I stopped. Trevor, with his big green eyes and messy chestnut brown hair, leaned down to kiss me on my cheek. I squirmed ever so lightly, but recovered and forced a grin. He didn't seem to notice the effort.
"You were surely the most beautiful made of honor, dear. Good job."
I hum lightly at his compliment, and without responding, tug on Daniel's sleeve to drive him forward. We entered back into the foyer a moment later and the photographer for the wedding herded us towards the staircase. Mum, Father, Lucius, Narcissus, and Draco were already standing around both Sam and Ruby, who were glued in the center already smiling for the camera that was floating around in midair by the enthusiastic man.
Mum grabbed my forearm and pulled me in between her and Ruby as the man counted down from three. We all held our painful smiles for a bit longer as he insisted on taking a few more before the group disbanded. Sam and Ruby were lead down another corridor towards the ballroom, with both sets of parents trailing at their heels. Daniel, on the other hand, ventured back into the room, where I noticed him talking to a girl with sandy blonde hair and a purple dress on.
"So," an annoyingly neutral voiced chimed, "Some wedding for a couple who doesn't even want to be together."
In defense for my sister, I snort and turn on my heels to stare down Draco, the youngest of the two, and definitely the most arrogant.
"You obviously have no idea what you're talking about, Draco. They seem pretty...elated to me."
He let out a snort of his own and shoved his hands down his pockets. His eyes gazed over the backside of Astoria Green grass and I scoffed in disgust before starting down the same corridor the wedding party had entered moments earlier.
…...
An hour later, and nearly everyone was filled with too much alcohol in their systems. I pick at my dinner plate as my eyes scan over Sam and Ruby, who are busy talking with none other than Bellatrix Estrange. Even at a wedding, the horrid woman can't seem to find the sense to wear something other than her dreadful black, form-fitting dress.
A sour giggle comes out from my throat, which catches the attention of Trevor, who turns to me, his eyebrows raised.
"Everything alright?"
I keep my pointed stare on Bellatrix, not bothering to look at him.
"Yes, of course."
His stare is still very much present, but I ignore it as best as I can and break the gaze, going back to eating.
After a while longer, Father stood up from his spot at the table and clinked his glass with his fork, causing everyone in the room to quiet down and look up in his general direction.
"Now that everyone's stuffed, let's all have some fun and get to dancing!"
Roars and cheers of agreement filled the air, and moments later, everyone proceeded to the center of the wooden floor as upbeat and lively music filled the hall.
Sam and Ruby joined the crowd in the center moments later, while I decided, even after goading from Trevor, to sit back against my seat and watch the scene unfold before me. My eyes gazed over the masses of people, all dressed in their most exquisite formal wear, and studied them as they danced around like they had never danced before. The music no doubt encouraged them. It brought sweetness into an otherwise bitter situation. Seeing my sister smile, made me smile. And I guess, in a way, I was content with that.
Watching them for a little bit longer, fatigue slowly washed over me and I pushed my seat back, lifting up my dress a bit and proceeded as quickly as possible out through the doors and found myself at a window. The moon was exceptionally big tonight, and the few clouds that rimmed along the edges quickly formed a blanket and passed over it, causing the light from outside to dim a bit. My backside found the window pane and I sighed, sliding down until I was sitting on the sill and started to bit my nails, mainly out of anxiety.
This was the life that was planned for me. To be married off to a high government official, who didn't even try to get to know me. And yet, the luxurious diamond ring on my finger was just a mere sign of what was to come. This lifestyle, of having smuggle servants, and going to party after party, where I'm seemingly adored and looked up to by everyone would be completely tiring, and I already felt such effects taking hold on me. This engagement wasn't a celebration. At least, not to me. This wasn't love...it was a business deal. It wasn't going to be paradise, it was to be a hell, a prison of sorts. I feel...as if I'm screaming for help, and yet, my voice is so quiet among a see of others, barely above a whisper...like I'm stuck, frozen, in a constant loop of events in this life that I live in. I'm not satisfied by any means. I want...more.