Since this is my first fanfic I would love advice, constructive critisism, likes, dislike..etc. Whatever. Tell me what you think.
Disclaimer: I own nothing of Rowling's.
Runaway Bride
Part One, Chapter One
Hermione stood in front of the tall antique mirror. The lights had been turned off but the light from the windows was enough to see her reflection. Dressed in a white designer wedding gown, three hours earlier Hermione would have gasped at the image before her. It fit her waste perfectly, flowing down past her hips in the most graceful manor. Covered in lace and crystals, Hermione felt the weight of the gown increasing with time. Her hair had been pulled back into a relaxed bun and soft ringlets had been left down to frame her face, which thanks to Ginny, had been makeup-ed to perfection.
She was indeed beautiful, as any bride should be on her wedding day. But a beautiful bride is not what Hermione saw in the mirror before her. In the mirror was a twenty three year old with way to much makeup on and a useless dress that she would never wear again. She was alone now. And she was wearing the biggest reminder.
"I'm sorry Hermione. I really am." He was trying to be sincere. She could hear the effort in his voice. Still she said nothing. "Please say something." She didn't, just looked up at the window, trying to hold back tears. "I know this is possibly the worst timing and I know you probably hate me right now... I mean... I wouldn't expect anything less." Still no response. "But you have to understand Hermione. I couldn't do that to you. You're one of my best friends." He tried to smile slightly but she still wouldn't look at him. "Hermione...I'm really really sor..."
"Stop." He froze. "You're right. We would just end up hating each other in the end." Her voice was soft, sad but still knowledgeable all at the same time; something he had always admired about her. Ron waited for her to go on but she didn't move. She sat there looking down at her lace gloves.
"From the bottom of my heart I never wanted to hurt you. I..."
Hermione stood to leave then. Half way to the door though she stopped, turning her head only so he could see the side of her face. She started to speak yet nothing was said. He was one of the only one's who could make Hermione Granger at a lost for words. And for some reason this aggravated her to no end. Hermione took a deep breath and turned around completely to face him.
"The guest need to be told. If you don't mind..." There was absolutely no expression on her face. Her voice was flat. And even though she had been looking right at him, her eyes were far, far away. Dead almost. A look, Ron was sure, had never, until then, crossed Hermione's face.
With that, Hermione turned to leave. "Hermione," Ron called. She was just about to shut the door when he said her name. Say you take it back. Say you don't mean it. Say you love me again. Like you once did. But she knew these were empty wishes. She knew. But she wished for once, that she was wrong. "You really do make a beautiful bride. I mean you're always beautiful. But... today, you.. You know what I mean." Fail. "One day you'll make someone a very lucky man."
Hermione closed her eyes. Why not you? Before he could go on any further, she shut the door and made her way back to the dressing room. He was right. God, he was right. Probably the only time in there relationship he had ever been right. How foolish could she have been? Honestly.
Ron and Hermione had been together since the end of the War. They had dated four years until he finally proposed, then broke up, then became re-engaged. Hermione had thought since they made it through such a rough patch, they could make it through anything. They had clung to one another for support and security. Their relationship had been based on friendship and now it seemed that's all they really had in the end. Ron had even said that if it hadn't had been for the death in his family they probably wouldn't have made it this far. That really hurt Hermione to hear that, but she could only assume he was right about that too. If she hadn't been the person to get him through such times, they probably would have bickered into an earlier breakup.
After seven years together though, marriage just seemed like the right thing to do. Hermione and Ron were originally supposed to get married earlier in the spring but because of an awful argument over guest invitations, of all things, they decided to call it off for a while. When they rescheduled it for this August, Hermione thought she was finally gong to become Ron's wife and they would live happily ever after. Maybe this was just another set back? No, no that was a lie. Hermione knew better.
Hermione loved Ron, she knew she did. But it was not the same love their best friends. It wasn't even the same as the love shared by either of Ron's or Hermione's parents. Hermione had thought that they were just a different couple, that love comes in many different forms. Maybe deep down Hermione had always known that it wasn't true love that she had felt for Ron. Maybe... No, that couldn't be it. She couldn't deny the feelings she once felt. Feelings that felt like they were getting trampled on in mud now.
Hermione had made it back to the dressing room then, quite surprised she hadn't run into anyone on her walk back, but was secretly thankful. She slowly turned the door handle and walked in. The light was bright, but then this light was for prepping for a wedding. Not for wallowing in self pity. Hermione turned the lights off and felt the tears grow heavier now that she was hidden in the privacy of the darkness. No. I will not cry. She refused to let herself become a selfish blabbering women who let her emotions the best of her. No. I will not let go of myself. Deep breaths. Not now. We'll just have to wait till later, when we're back home. I mean I. Till I'm back home.
Taking a deep breath, Hermione tried focusing on the next task at hand. With the guests taken care of she thought she'd go ahead and start packing. Let's see clothes, shoes.. what else? Oh yes. Make up. Walking towards the dresser though Hermione had not been prepared to see her reflection in the antique mirror. And she couldn't help but stare. She couldn't force her eyes away from the painful image. She wanted to look away. She wanted to throw something at it. Break the glass into a million pieces. Instead though she walked closer.
Hermione stood in front of the tall antique mirror. The lights had been turned off but the light from the windows was enough to see her reflection. Dressed in a white designer wedding gown, three hours earlier Hermione would have gasped at the image before her. It fit her waste perfectly, flowing down past her hips in the most graceful manor. Covered in lace and crystals, Hermione felt the weight of the gown increasing with time. Her hair was pulled back into a relaxed bun which left ringlets framing her face, which thanks to Ginny had been makeup-ed to perfection.
She was indeed beautiful, as any bride should be on her wedding day. But a beautiful bride is not what Hermione saw in the mirror before her. In the mirror was a twenty four year old with way to much makeup on and a useless dress that she would never wear again. She was alone now. And she was wearing the biggest reminder.
And she was so ready to be married.
Hermione stared at her reflection, hating it, daring the threatening tears to escape. Her left eye gave in first but she wiped the tear away quickly. The room was empty but she wiped away the second tear anyways. No longer being able to bear the pain brought on by the mirror, she turned away from it though she immediately regretted doing so when she looked up at the front of the room. Ginny was standing in the doorway.
For some reason, Hermione felt a huge wave of guilt wash over. How long had she been standing their? Hermione dared not to say a word, fearing she'd break down in front of her friend.
Ron told me." She said. Ginny looked concerned but was hesitant to press Hermione with details. "Are you alright?" She asked.
"I'm fine," Hermione whispered.
"Hermione, you can't be fine. You were just about to get..." Ginny began walking towards her friend when the wall of silence was finally broken. But before she could finish her sentence, Hermione had cut her off.
"I said I'm fine." Ginny stopped in front of Hermione changing her mind about giving her a hug. "I..I just need some time now... I want to be alone for a while." She was looking out the window refusing to look at Ginny. How tempting the freedom of the forest's isolation appeared to Hermione. If only she could just...
It was heart breaking to see Hermione in such a raw and vulnerable state. Ginny reached out and embraced her friend and held her tight. Though Hermione didn't squeeze back.
"I love you, Hermione." Hermione closed her eyes as Ginny continued to whisper, "You are the most beautiful woman I've ever met and I promise that there is a guy out there who will love you and appreciate you more than my stupid brother ever could." At this Hermione squeezed back.
"Thank you, Ginny." Ginny smiled trying to look at Hermione but she still refused to meet her gaze. "Ugh. Look at me," Hermione noted glancing back into the mirror. Her eye makeup was running freely now, her eyes were already red, and her nose was starting to run. I need to get out of here.
"You look fine." Ginny said trying to comfort her.
Hermione sighed trying to clean herself off. "I should get out of this silly dress." Hermione didn't want to be rude to Ginny, but all she wanted right now was to be alone.
"Do you need help?"
"No, I can do it thank you. Actually, do you mind finding my mother?" That will give me a few minutes at least.
Ginny smiled sympathetically. "Alright." Ginny started to turn away but stopped when she saw Hermione looking back outside the window. "Are sure you don't need anything else?"
Hermione nodded and watched her best friend shut the door behind her. Looking down at the dress Hermine began to feel another wave of tears coming on. Stop it, she thought. Taking a few breaths she gained back control of herself before looking back into the mirror.
It had taken her five months to find the dress. And for what? To wear it for an hour before having to return it. Hermione felt like screaming. Soon she'd have to face every one's pitied glances and comforting words. The thought made her cringe. She didn't think she could handle that right now. She had to get out. The room itself was suffocating. If she did leave, Ginny would just assume Hermione had gone on without her...
Before Hermione could convince herself otherwise, she pick her wand out of the hidden pocket in her dress and apperated herself edge of the forest. Hermione took one thoughtful look back before stepping into the woods and began walking. Walking out of the protection of safety charms. Walking out of the security of her friends and family's grasps. Walking out of the life she no longer felt like living in. For now at least.
"Harry!" Ginny was practically running. "Have you seen Hermione?"
"No. Where is she? The ceremony's about to start."
"The wedding's off." Ginny said in a more private tone.
"What?" Harry cried, drawing nearly everyone in earshot's attention.
"The is wedding's." She whispered between her teeth.
"No I heard you. Wh-Why? Where is Ron? Where's Hermione?"
"Ron's back in the groom's room and I left Hermione alone to get her mum, but when I came back she was gone."
"Where was she?"
"In the brides room. Where else would she go?"
Harry looked thoughtful. "Does anyone else know?"
"No but I don't think Ms. Granger isn't going to stay quiet for long."
"Right. OK, find your parents and let them know what's happening. I'll check back at her flat to see if she went home. If we can't find her in the next ten minutes I'll alert the Aurors. We've got this place surrounded so she couldn't have gone far."
Hermione didn't know how long she had been walking. Ten minutes? Thirty minutes? An hour? No not an hour. All she knew was that she could no longer see the buildings behind her. She'd go back in a little while. She just needed to clear her mind. No longer crying now, Hermione kept a slow but steady pace. The hem of her dress was getting dirtier and her hair had began to fall from place. Her eyes were swollen and stained with tears that were left to shimmer above her cheeks. Nothing that couldn't be fixed once she returned.
Hermione could have easily been mistaken for a ghost. A woman walking aimlessly alone in the forest, wearing a wedding gown that was no longer the ideal dress for such an occasion. That is, if the on looker didn't know what today was or that she was the infamous Hermione Granger, now runaway bride. She was completely oblivious to her surroundings. The only thing she could focus on was Ron and the incredible pain her heart felt. It was like a hand had tightened a grip around Hermione's heart and was squeezing the breath right out of her. The more she thought of Ron the harder it was to breath. Still she continued to walk, knowing that the minute she stopped she would collapse under the burden she held over her head. She found comfort in the loneliness and was gracious for the moment of solitude. For a moment where she didn't have to concern herself with the presence of others. It was selfish she knew, but at a time like this she really didn't care.
Little did she know, she wasn't alone in that forest. Oh no. Quite the opposite. And she probably would have noticed the man if she hadn't been completely lost in her thoughts. She would have had her wand drawn and at the ready. She would have apperated back to the safety of her dressing room. But in all honestly she really didn't care.
"Well, well. It does seem to be my lucky day." The voice came from somewhere in front of Hermione though the individual was hidden. "Escape from a ride to Azkaban and run into non other than someone who was behind puttin' me there." At this Greyback revealed himself.
Hermione gasped only slightly out of surprise but there was still no emotion that crossed her face. "Greyback." She croaked. "What do you want?"
"Hahahahaaa." There was a light in his eyes and a look of insanity on his face. "Greyback," He mocked. "What do I want? Hmm. Such a tough question. For certainly a woman of your stature, could give me anything I wanted." His tone was light yet dangerous. He walked closer till he stood not six inches from her face.
He could have easily taken Hermione down with or without wand yet she refused to move from her stance and offered no reaction to his comments. She continued the dead stare past Greyback. Because she refused to answer or look at him, Greyback became impatient and eminently irritated. "Well I'll tell you what I want," he whispered roughly in her ear. "I want you... to Suffer!" He growled and threw Hermione up against a tree. The impact caused the breath to be knocked out of her. She flinched as he dung his nails into her shoulders. He then thew her down across the ground and laughed as she slid up against the bottom of another tree, coughing trying to regain her breath. "Hahahahaaaa! Not so strong without your Ministry to hide behind, are you?"
Hermione got to her knees and fumbled for her wand. But right as she was about to draw it Greyback cried, "Expelliarmus!" Her wand flew from her hand. "Now let me remind you of the true meaning of pain." Hermione's heart began to race. She mentally prepared herself for what was to come next. She closed her eyes and awaited the curse. "Cru...!"
Swoosh! There was a sound of a struggle and then silence. Hermione opened her eyes but only to find herself alone. She looked around and listened. Nothing. Could she have been dreaming? Surely her imagination wasn't that vivid. Hermione let out a breath she had apparently been holding, looking down at the sight of her dress. No, that wasn't a dream.
Either way she was safe for the moment being. And she should probably return now before anyone else found her. She should return to hysterical mothers and worried guest. And she was sure to get a mighty fine scolding from many people. Suddenly the ground seemed much more comfortable. Hermione felt lightheaded too. Maybe, if i could just rest for a min... And with that last thought, Hermione fainted.
It wasn't long till Harry found Hermione. She was right where he was told she'd be. What he wasn't told, is that she'd be unconscious. He quickly rushed to her side.
"Hermione? Hermione, are you alright?"
She stirred and her eyes flickered open. "Harry?"
"Yeah, it's me. What happened? Are you alright?" He asked in a softer tone while he helped her sit up.
It was then when everything came rushing back to Hermione. It hit her like a car crash. It was too much for her to take in all at once. Where she was, why she was there, why Harry was there. "Oh Harry," She said as she began to cry. "Shh. It's alright. I'm here." Harry pulled her into a tight hug and she cried hard then. She clung to his robes sobbing uncontrollably. "Ssshhhh. Every thing's going to be OK." How lucky was Hermione to have a friend like Harry. She felt extremely guilty and ashamed now for leaving. "Come on. What do you say we get you back home?"
Hermione sniffled and nodded but still clutched his robes for support as they stood up together. All the while hiding her face from him. Harry noted what she was doing and felt guilty, too almost. He was witnessing a side of his friend that wasn't meant for him to see. A vulnerable side that he was sure only a mother could cure. Not wanting Hermione to be anymore uncomfortable than she was, he pulled her back into another hug. "I promise everything will work out for the best." He said trying to comfort her. He raised his wand to apperate them back to town. But before he could Hermione stopped him.
"My wand.." She said looking around for it. Harry accio-ed it for her then and they were soon back behind safe walls. Back behind the protection of charms. Back behind the security of reality. For the moment being, that is.