Author's Note: This story will be in different point of views for the most part, and switching between Parvati and Draco. There will also be flashbacks to fill everyone in on what has gone on to explain why they are getting married. This first part is from Parvati's poin of view.
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Parvati had been waiting for this very day to come since she was a child playing dress up with her twin sister. She would wear a white, frilly gown and walk down a make shift aisle, while she made Padma throw flowers around her. Her 'husband', of course, was invisible, or a stuffed animal. But that was the joys of childhood, was it not?
This, however, wasn't childhood, nor was it joyful. Sure, it was exciting, but not because of who she was being wed to. It was the simple fact that she was finally getting married, even if it wasn't to the young man she had so desired to be with. Dean Thomas. How could she possibly not even think of him on this day? She had had feelings for him ever since about fourth year, but she was just too chicken to say anything about it to him. He was an amazing young man, and she wanted nothing more than to just run into his arms, never to be released from his strong grip again. Unfortunately, however, that wasn't exactly in the cards for her, no matter how strong her feelings for Dean were. Marrying Draco Malfoy was in her future. Near future, at that.
The ceremony was to be held in the ballroom of the Malfoy manor. She had been escorted by Narcissa earlier in the day to the hall so she could see the decorations. Lucius wasn't very talkative with her, but at least Narcissa was rather pleasant to her. The chairs were while in colour, silver ribbons roping them all together elegantly. The roll of carpet that fell directly down the middle of the ballroom leading up to the podium was in the hue of silver as well, a bit of sparkles apparent as the light shone upon it. Delicate white flowers were strung up in various corners of the room for added elegancy, and a small stage stood to the right where the orchestra would play out the wedding march.
Parvati had returned to her dressing quarters shortly after the visit with Narcissa to finish getting ready, as the time was drawing nearer and nearer. The dress she had picked out a few weeks ago with Padma, Seamus, and Lavender was already clad around her thin figure. The bodice was laced tightly against her spine, her bust line being pushed up from the impact that the dress had against the tender flesh. A layer of material was folded just over the top that lined the gown, an intricate pattern embroidered within the fabric. Small beads were sewn into it, creating a soft shine from the light above. The large, 'Cinderella' type skirt began just at her ample hips, the tulle expanding out just as a Princess' dress should. It fell just to the top of her feet, brushing against her shoes, to which just had a simple, white bow placed upon them.
Her hair was pulled back lightly from her face, the back section gently curled and pulled to the side. Nestled just atop her head was a delicate, sparkling tiara, a veil attached to the back of it. Beads lined the rim of the thin material of the veil, letting it be slightly anchored down so as though not to sway too much. She wore minimal makeup, just a bit of eyeliner and lip gloss, and of course shimmer upon her eyelids. After all, she had to look glowing.
Parvati had already received gifts from her parents- the tiara and the shoes. She was one of their spoiled Princesses, after all! But the weather outside drew her attention back to the skirt of her gown. The thunder outside boomed threateningly, mirroring the emotions she was currently battling with. Draco was a decent enough young man to be wed to, but they had absolutely nothing in common, save for the fact that they were both spoiled, rich little purebloods that always got their way. But still.. she wasn't in love with him. Her feelings towards him were admittedly growing fonder, but they must not be mistaken for love. Not at all. At the most it was a case of lust, and tolerance.
All at once, a knock came to her door, and her father stepped in, looking as handsome as ever. Parvati smiled weakly, knowing if she were to try to speak she'd end up crying. "Princess.." he began softly, closing the door behind him, and moving closer to his younger twin-daughter. He took her hand within his strong ones, and continued. "I know that this situation isn't ideal.. And I do know that your heart lies elsewhere. I can see it in your eyes, pumpkin.. And I promise that your mother and I will try to do the best that we can to right this.. To get you out of this as soon as possible. I don't want you to be unhappy, and while I know he can properly support you, your happiness is far more important to me.." he inhaled sharply, now having to stop himself from crying. "You look beautiful, baby girl. But I'm afraid the orchestra has begun to play the music, and it's indeed time for me to give you away, sweetie.." Purushottam pulled Parvati up gently, and released her hands to pull half of the veil over her face. No, it wasn't a traditional Indian wedding, but he knew the ritual for the normal ones, as well.
Parvati inhaled sharply, and linked her arm with his, holding her bouquet of white roses with her free hand. He led her carefully down the stairs, and to the waiting hall to get into the ballroom. Seamus' little sister had already walked down the aisle, and Lavender and Padma were now ascending to the podium. They stood off to the Bride's side, looking as beautiful as ever, and Bevin ran and sat in Seamus' lap, to whom was sitting in the front row, and put her flower basket upon his head. He squirmed and pulled it off with a bit of difficultly, to which caused a giggle from Parvati. She glanced to the empty chair beside him, to which had been saved for Dean. But of course, he hadn't showed. Her heart practically gave way, and she clutched at her father's arm tighter.
The wedding march began right on cue, and Parvati and her father entered into the room, walking down the aisle, leading up to her future. Her dark eyes locked with those of her very-soon-to-be-husband's, smiling faintly. He did look handsome, and she'd be lying if she said he didn't.
Upon reaching him, she turned to her father, and he pulled the veil back over her head, and letting it drape down her back so her face was now fully visible. He kissed both of her cheeks, and then her hand, and she had to strain not to burst into tears and just cling to her father for dear life, to save her. Daddy had always been able to save her from the monsters when she used to build her pretend castles. He had always been her knight in shining armour. But could he save her this time?
Turning around, she handed her bouquet to Padma, and turned back to face Draco. Reaching out, she let her hands fall into his, gently holding them. A smile propped itself into her delicate features, blinking at him. No, this most certainly wasn't an ideal relationship, but it was her wedding. No reason not to feign happiness, and wait patiently for the priest to begin the ceremony.
