Authors Notes: Here, this story has kept me on edge for the last week trying to plan it all out in my head and then actually writing it. Oh, yes well! Now it's over! Yay!…Onto the next chapter.

I would like to thank my wonderful beta, Sarah, for making this story not suck so much! Thank you Sarah!!

Disclaimer: I don't own the Harry Potter Characters, only the one's I made up of course, Elaine. Only Elaine so far! So, yeah. I only WISH I owned them!

The song to this story is from Anastasia, so, it goes to all the people that own that! Lynn Ahrens, Stephen Flaherty (Where have I heard that last name?) and TCD Music Publishing Inc. Blah, yes, it's theirs. I am just borrowing it!

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Title: Unexpecting Strangers

Author: Charity

Rating: G

Genre: Romance

==

"We were strangers,

Starting out on a journey

Never dreaming,

What we'd have to go through

Now here we are,

And I'm suddenly standing,

At the beginning with you."

==

Land sprawled out onto the valley in gigantic rows of plundering hills that stretched for miles on end. Shafts of marvelous light sprinkled the green ground, displaying hidden figures that danced and jigged. Dark, shiftless threads of shadow slanted across the figures and highlighted the area. Quick glitters and pierces of bright sunshine peaked above the treads of water, illuminating the small lake. Little bubbles of air floated to the top of the water; as animals from underneath came up to make an appearance

Wide, brown eyes skittered along the scene of the imagination. Short fingers curled around an item that slid across the paper, making it all pop up and glow. Legs dangled off an ominous boulder that dwelled on the side of the lake, waiting for destruction. Particles of dust were scattered across the air as a perky mouth let out soft exhales of breath.

A dainty hand was lifted to wipe wisps of auburn hair behind petite ears, as a square chin was lifted and tilted to get a better view.

A family of deer stopped to graze the open land, taking in mouthfuls of water at a time. Birds opened their wings wide to soar down to Earth and catch a glimpse of what could have been, of what might be.

Whispers of silk against silk echoed through the silence as the form bent down to pluck a flower from its heavenly abode, turning its life into one of vases and elegant rooms. The flower was swiftly brought to the nose of the occupant, the petals pulling forward as air was taken in to smell its sweet fragrance. A soft sigh was omitted from the stress of the day, blowing the flower petals through the air, winding and twisting like an elegant waltz.

Aesthetic fingertips draped down to the ground, wiggling as a ball of fur pressed its back against them, purring in contentment. They spread slowly and ran down the cat's fur, rubbing its neck with enthusiasm as their owner still gazed longingly at the revealing image of the free lake and its visitors.

A small inaudible gasp came from the girl as she stood quickly, her layers of skirts and petticoats flaring about her hips. Oh no! She groaned mentally as she cursed herself for letting the time slip by her. Her gloved hands dropped silently to her skirts and bunched the fabric within her fingertips, lifting them just an inch above her slipper-clad feet.

The girl ran up the dew covered hill as fast as she could, her breath coming out in short pants, and her auburn hair slipping from it's pins. "Oh!" echoed her hopeless cry as she was lurched forward onto the ground due to a tree stump, her dreadful skirts flying above her head. Her arms braced her weight and lifted her form easily back into balance.

She continued her journey up the hill and through the gardens, her heels click-clanking on the brick floors, finally letting the palace, which she called her home, reach her frantic eyes. She stopped short when she reached a large stone door and placed her palms on it, pushing with all her might. Oh no, oh no, oh no! I'm going to be late, her thoughts chimed in her mind over and again.

Her small feet jogged down the red lined carpet and through the servant quarters. "Ladies never jog, they glide," her mother's insistent voice rang in her ears. She didn't preferably care if she did not look like a lady or not; she certainly cared about her life more.

The girl came up short, almost tripping over her own skirt hems. Her arms flared in the air for an instant, before she caught her balance.

A short, plump lady stood in front of the girl, her hands on her bulging hips, her face distorted into a look of annoyance and anger. The girl shifted her feet from side to side. "Hermione! You are late, young lady!"

Hermione took a step toward the her nurse, twin gloved hands clasped together nervously, twisting in a bad habit. "Poppy, I am terribly sorry. I was taking a stroll along the lake, a-and gazing at the scenery. Well, you know me, I have a dreadful tendency to get caught up in the moment, and well-"

Poppy rolled her brown eyes at the girl. "Will you ever learn? What will I do with you? Running off and losing track of time. Happens every day, mind you. Mayhap we should lock you up in that tower of yours-"

"Oh Poppy, no! I will not disobey father again, I swear it!" Hermione ran to Poppy and clasped her fingers around the other woman's hands, pressing hard. Poppy studied the girl's eyes; round and watery, a sliver of fear running through them. A smile tugged at the corner of the older women's lips.

"Oh, for heaven's sake child," said Poppy. She grabbed Hermione's arm and hauled her forcefully forward, dragging her up the stairs to her room.

==

Oh drats, thought Hermione as her face twisted into a look of annoyance. I forgot my sketchbook down by the river. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she calculated in her head a time that would be best to sneak down and retrieve it.

Today was going to be a busy day, indeed. Her mother had planned a Ball for Hermione's sister, Elaine, to choose a life partner. Naturally, the sisters thought it was rather early to be thinking about these things! Choosing to get married at eighteen! It was, of course, the rightful age, but not for this family. Not for her dear Elaine.

An unladylike grunt fled from her mouth as Lavender tightened her corset, Hermione's ribs almost breaking under the pressure. Delicate fingers gripped the bottom board on her bunk severely, as her eyes squeezed shut in pain. This is ridiculous, she thought with a huff of irritation. Must I be squashed to death, to look presentable?

"Up," Lavender ordered. Hermione let go of the board and lifted her hands in the air. A dull blue dress was draped over her head, falling nicely into place over her hips and derriere. Lavender placed her hands on Hermione's arms and spun her around, facing the mirror. She then went to work hooking the millions of tiny buttons on the back of the attire.

There was a light knock at the door, and Parvati appeared, ready to do Hermione's hair. In a matter of minutes she scooped it off of her neck and into small, flawless, ringlets.

Hermione's cheeks were pinched, and then she was sent out of the room and into the hall to await her sister's presence. A bright smile lit her face as she spotted Elaine standing next to her own door, her hands clasped and draped in front of her. "Ah, Elaine! You look lovely, as usual."

A pink blush became present on the other girl's cheeks and neck. It highlighted her red hair, also in ringlets. Elaine smiled as her blue eyes twinkled. "Thank you, Hermione. As do you." The two girls entwined arms, then stepped forward to walk down the spiral staircase and into the Great Hall.

The Great Hall was Hermione's favorite part of the house, for one reason and one reason only. The ceiling, if you could even call it that, was painted to look like a sky. Millions upon millions of stars were present and glowing on that ceiling, reminding Hermione of a rainy day.

Hermione took a quick glimpse at her sister. She looked like a wreck- eyes darting about, hands twisting together, and biting her lip nervously. Hermione gave her a small squeeze, trying to think of something to cheer her up.

"Hopefully those two boys won't be here again." Her sister gave her a blank look. "The two red heads? The twins? The one's that put the toilet seat's on the stage last time? Remember, Elaine?"

Elaine blinked, and then burst into laughter. "Yes! That was so terribly funny! Father hated it though…" She sobered.

Hermione sighed, hating to see her sister so nervous. She stopped and gave her a hug, whispering in her ear, "It's okay Elaine, don't you worry. You'll find someone."

She smiled.

Both sisters inhaled a deep breath, and took a step into the Ballroom.

==

A snort of laughter escaped Hermione as her dance partner swung her around the room. Her right arm was set lightly on the man's shoulder, as her left hand was caught in between his fingers. A radiant smile lit her face as he twirled her round and round, her skirts flaring out about her legs.

She simply adored his mop of red hair on top of his head. A snicker threatened to bubble up through her every time she glanced at it. And those freckles! They were just the cutest things she had ever seen. Ooh! He did know how to dance!

It was like a dream. A wonderful dream that she knew wouldn't last. Soon, her father would demand the music stopped, and a man would claim her sister. It's not fair! Her mind screamed. She's my sister, and I want to keep her! Letting go of her sister was going to be the hardest thing she had ever done.

The couple continued to waltz around the dance floor, their feet in perfect union. The dance contained many of couples dancing behind one another in a circle. Many arrangements of colors blurred by. It looked exquisite to an observer.

Hermione and her dance partner whirled by a slightly pudgy man talking to a women. He was raising his hand about four feet off the ground and looking concerned. "Have you seen a little boy?" She heard him ask the lady. "My brother, Trevor, about this high? I always loose him at parties like this…"

Hermione stifled a snigger.

Oh, this is fun!

She tried not to think of what this ball symbolized, but found it hard. "Your life's going to change today" Poppy had told her, and she knew it. She knew it with all her heart and being.

Hermione turned her head to the right to look at her sister, also caught up in a dance with a rather handsome man. Something tugged on her heart as she saw how happy her sister was. Happy just being with this man, this terrible man.

It would be him, it had to be.

Hermione's eyes raked over his tall form, with immediate dislike. His red hair came to about his shoulders, but was tied back by a band. His chin had at least a day's worth of stubble, and his eyes gleamed as he looked down upon her sister. As he twisted around his watch fell out of his pocket. Odd, Hermione thought. A dragon on a watch? How unusual.

"Miss Hermione? Miss Hermione?"

Hermione blinked and jerked her head in the direction of the man, her hair flopping about her cheeks. "Yes?"

"Are you feeling all right? You look a tad faint." His brown eyes bore into hers as he took hold of her hand and spun her around, then pulled her close.

Hermione nodded, her curls bobbing on her neck. "I'm fine, thank you." She felt a bit dizzy from all this spinning. When does this dance end? What is it waiting for? Christmas?

"Well, Miss, I'm Ron. Ron Weasley." He smiled, and it reminded Hermione of someone she knew, but whom?

She tilted her chin, gazing up at him. "Hello Ron. Ron Weasley."

He laughed. She grinned.

And then it came. The moment that she grew to hate. There was a loud holler, and then the music stopped. The room was bathed in silence, as if an invisible person had thrown a bucket of cold water on each person.

Ron abruptly stopped the dance, and let go of her. Hermione turned on her heel, her skirts rustling about her ankles. She angled her head to look up at the man in front of them all, standing upon a large stage. He was rather short, with curly blonde hair and an old, torn up hat perched upon his head. The hat looked like it has seen better days, tears and rips throughout, and the top seam was gone, making it look like a mouth

The old man cleared his throat. "Ladies and Gentlemen…" He began, as Elaine started to walk up on the stage slowly, eyeing Hermione.

A sob threatened to burst from Hermione's throat. No! Nooo! She swayed slightly on her feet, almost loosing her balance. Her brain fogged as the man rattled words on end. This wasn't happening!

Ron put his hands on her shoulders for support she obviously needed. "Are you okay?" he whispered into her ear.

She nodded slowly, her stomach feeling as though it would lurch through her throat. Then it happened. The man Elaine had been dancing with stepped forward. Hermione's heart broke into a million pieces. No!

Her hands fumbled for the lining of her skirt as she pivoted around and fled from the room, Ron's whispered objections falling on deaf ears.

She ran through the Great Hall, tears running down her cheeks and spilling off her chin like a small waterfall. Her sobs echoed through the room as she thrust through the small crowd of people in her way. Their cries of panic filled her ears as they tried to stop her, but she pushed on.

Her legs carried her straight to the staircase that led to her room, and she finally collapsed onto it, her head falling on her crossed arms. Her skirts slide down the stairs as her bottom hid the step. Elaine…Oh Elaine… Her shoulders shook as she sobbed with all her heart. It's not fair…Why is this happening? Oh Elaine!

She didn't want her sister to go and leave her. She wanted her to stay right where she way so they could play hid and seek around the palace, like they used to…Hermione sobbed harder. "It's not fair…" She whispered into the step, her heart pouring out of her.

"..Miss?" came a deep voice from behind her.

Hermione gasped and shot up straight, her head whipping around to gaze into dazzling green eyes. "Y-yes?"

"Are you okay, Miss?" Those green eyes clouded with concern as the man knelt beside her. Hermione sat speechless. Who was he? His jet black hair fell down to cover his eyes as he looked down at her, his hand seeming to want to reach out and touch her. He was wearing a white shirt that opened at the top, and tan pants that tucked into knee high brown boots. There was a cotton towel thrown about his shoulder. A servant?

"Y-yes, I-I'm fine, thank you…" Hermione licked her dry lips as she looked at him. In her mind, she knew it was not polite. She couldn't help it- he was beautiful. A red flush brightened her cheeks at her thoughts.

The man smiled down at her and offered her his hand. Hermione looked at it, then slowly reached out and put her fingers in his. He gripped her fingers and hauled her up.

Hermione's mouth opened to say her thanks, but she tripped on the hem of her skirts and lurched forward, into his arms. "Oh!" came her strangled reply.

The man's eyes widened for a fraction of a second, but then that wonderful smile lit his face, like the sun lit a cloudy day. His left arm came out round her waist to steady her, as his right arm raised to slowly brush wisps of brown hair behind her ear. The callused pads of his fingertips slid over her cheek, causing an even deeper blush.

His eyes flicked from her eyes to her mouth as he started to lower that wonderful head of dark hair. Hermione's eyes widened at his boldness, her heart going aflutter in her chest. He's going to kiss me! He's going to-

"HERMIONE ROSE GRANGER!"

Hermione jumped about a mile off the ground at the rude voice. The man's arms abruptly let go of her, making her lose her balance. Her fingers reached out and grabbed the stair rail. "P-Poppy!"

Poppy rushed forward and harshly grabbed hold of Hermione's arm, pulling her down the stairs. "Hermione- I can't believe- Oh my goodness- Harry! Get back to work!"

"But Poppy-" Hermione began, tears filling the back of her eyelids at the humilliation.

"Don't you "but" me, young lady!" Poppy squeezed harder on her arm, making Hermione flinch and almost trip as she was dragged. She took one last desperate look behind her. The man- Harry- was walking slowly up the stairs, glancing her way, grinning.