A/N- I don't even really like one-shots that much, but I decided to make one because I'm hypocritical!
Just a little something that came to mind when listening to Taylor Swift's 'Speak Now'. Hope you like it :)
(It might be suitable if you listen to it if you can when you're reading it)
UPDATE: EDITED AND UPDATED AS OF 07/11/14 (due to me having the writing skills of a 12-year-old in 2011)
Quietly, I pushed open the tall wooden doors to the church, and slipped in behind the curtain before any of the guests noticed me. Concealed and pressed against the wall, I used this moment to regain some of my breath before I tried to find my way, unnoticed, to the groom.
I had run straight from my rented villa, over ten blocks away, to the church that I was currently in now. I had never stopped running - not even when it would've been sensible to do so since the traffic was terrible today, of all days. I was almost hit multiple times by mopeds and an assortment of Fiats – overall, almost causing a colossal traffic jam in the middle of the road.
Yet, I'm almost certain that my rashness and existence was insulted in Italian (which unfortunately I didn't have the pleasure of knowing) more times than my near-death experiences.
Nevertheless, it wasn't as if I cared about what they were saying, at that moment. All I had cared about was living long enough to make it where I was now, then to the groom, whom I had the ill-timed pleasure of falling in love with on my holiday to Rome.
I hadn't known then that he was getting married – I had just assumed that he was in Italy on vacation as well. Now that I look back on it, however, I realise that I had never asked him what he was doing here, and he had never told me. My friend Nicola had to be the one to inform me (only minutes ago) of this major event, yet I had left her before she had the chance to tell me who the lucky bride was.
I had to stop this wedding, though. I had to. I know that he feels the same way, too. I know that he isn't overly fond of the girl he's marrying – otherwise he wouldn't have fallen for me in the first place!
Loose argument, I know, but I'd hardly believe that this man could love two people at once. Moreover, I know that he loves me – he had said so on our last meeting, the previous week; his very words being "Her-Granger, I'm sorry. But I can't do this. I-I shouldn't - I can't feel this way about you. I can't love you, Granger, yet I do and I'm - I just. I can't, Granger, I'm sorry."
Whether after a whole week with his bride - plus his little stag party - he still felt the same way, I'm not sure. However, I do know that if I do this, as it should be done, traditionally, this will be the only time when I'll be able to tell him how I feel before he's a married man, with commitments and loyalties that are owed to someone else. And... If he decides to continue with the event as planned after I've spoken, then it is better knowing that that was what he wanted rather than knowing that I missed my last chance. My last chance to tell him that I love him.
Deciding that I've had long enough to catch my breath, I peek out from behind the curtain and look around the church for him.
I freeze as I see the back of his head. I know it's him; it would be hard to mistake him for anyone else. His hair is as unique as his signature.
Deep breaths. Deep breaths.
Not that he knew I was watching him, but I couldn't help but feel a tiny bit disappointed that he didn't turn his head in my direction and see me. It would have been a whole lot easier to speak with him, if that had happened.
I saw that he was speaking to someone else, who was standing by the altar with him. I didn't recognise the man's half-obscured face, but I guessed that whoever it was, was his best man. A top hat was being held loosely in his hand, as if he was ready to put it on his head in a second's notice, ready and prepared to start the wedding; his father interrupted the two of them briefly, to hand him a cane, which he took gratefully with steady hands. He laughed heartily with his best man (?), which made my heart begin racing.
The wedding hadn't even started yet, and my hands were already sweating and doubts had already begun forming at the back of my mind. Anxiously, I think to myself What if he's changed his mind about me? What if he doesn't care for what I have to say to him? Thinking that almost made me turn around and run straight out of the church. But I suddenly remembered something that my mother always used to say, "Even if it's completely ridiculous, reckless, stupid or humiliating- whatever it is –if you're doing it for love, then it's worth everything."
It was a beautiful thing and my mother heartily believed in it. Whenever she said it however, my father always used to say, 'That's just a poetic way to say 'throw all caution to the wind.' That never not made me laugh. Thinking of my parents, their wonderful marriage and love for each other, made me even more resolved in my decision, and gave me so much more of the confidence I needed.
I waited for his best man to leave him, and for the groom to be relatively ignored (as ignored as I could hope for a groom on his wedding day), before darting out from behind the curtain and quickly making my way towards him. I was almost there, but I hand on my shoulder made me stop. My body went rigid underneath the hand; by what I was wearing, it was evident that I wasn't on the guest list. If I had been, I thought bitterly, I would've known that he was getting married. Still, there must be some sort of unspoken law against barging in on someone's white veil occasion – and even something against marrying the 'wrong person'.
"Hermione? Hermione Granger is that you?" The voice whispered incredulously. It was obviously male from its baritone, but it also had an upper-class lilt to it and sounded...vaguely familiar.
I whipped round to see who was talking to me. I was surprised (as was evident by my eyes widening) to see him here, but, really, I should've have expected it. They were best friends after all. Nevertheless, thinking about it now, Blaise as the best man isn't that much of a shock; there must be many guests here that I knew from Hogwarts.
Many people that used to hate my blood – and me, I reflected nervously. Many people that will recognise me. Many familiar faces staring at me as I possibly humiliate myself.
"Blaise! Yes, it's me," I said, relieved. In Hogwarts, Blaise and I were always somewhat civil to each other, and we'd run into each other a few times in the past couple of months in Diagon Alley. We'd usually go and have a coffee or have an ice cream together at Florean Fortescue's, and chat for a while; I think we could both say that we are almost-best friends.
He only narrowed his eyes at me, but I barrelled onwards anyway. "Look, I have to speak to Malfoy. I have to - I have to go now, before the wedding starts. Excuse me, please." I tried to move around him, but he pulled me back by my shoulders and kept me pinned in place in front of him.
"What are you doing here?" Blaise hissed. "You are definitely not on the guest list – and for good reason! Look around, Granger. Everyone here is a Pureblood; they're not going to be too impressed to see you ruining this wedding. I don't know whether you noticed while breaking into here, but a lot of money has gone into this wedding – more than your parents would have amassed in their entire lives. Not to mention all the time and effort the whole community has put in!" He breathed in deeply, still holding her gaze with his furious eyes. "It is very important, and a big thing for the two most famous Pureblood families in Britain."
I searched both of his eyes for any semblance of the person I thought was my friend; for any kind of way to persuade him that this was something that I needed to do, or to calm him down slightly. I did understand that this must be a very stressful day for many of the people gathered here. Yet, I thought he'd understand that all I wanted to do was to talk to Malfoy, what was so wrong in that? Even if it was as big a wedding as he made it out to be - I would be quick about it, and then I'd leave straight after.
With a bit of apprehension, I looked away from him and took in the church as he had suggested, at the wedding that I was planning to stop and all the money I was going to put to waste.
My very first thought was how big the church really was. It was around the size of Westminster Abbey, and over half of the pews inside were being used as seating for, as Blaise had pointed out, practically every Pureblood family in England. I could only recognise a few; the Notts were there, the Parkinsons, Goyles and Crabbes, Mcnairs and the Greengrasses, namely. Furthermore, the families there weren't only the egotistic Purebloods; it seemed that when Blaise said that everyone here was a Pureblood, it also included 'blood traitors'. Every Pureblood Weasley was there sitting next to the Lovegoods and the Longbottoms. Everyone was there. Even my friends, who would untimely see the sort of foolishness I was about to commit, were sitting there.
It wasn't just the adults sitting in the church; every baby, toddler or teenager that belonged to each family was there. Even the bastards, by the looks of it. Everyone was dressed beautifully - even the Weasleys, who were of the poorest there - and most were wearing the latest, designer Wizarding robes. From where I was, I could see the glitter of diamond rings, necklaces and earrings; the twinkle of gold and silver adorning the bodies of the richer guests, and those who weren't wearing a lot of jewellery were wearing a variety of hats.
It wasn't just ordinary Wizarding folk there, either; two whole rows were taken up with reporters, but luckily, there was a distinct absence of Rita Skeeter. The amount of eager people that were there, the reporters, and the almost excitable atmosphere reminded me somewhat of the Royal Wedding earlier this year.
It was clear that the colour scheme must've been decided entirely by the bride, as I was sure that Malfoy would never have chosen deep purple and white. Well, I thought fairly, I suppose a traditional white wedding is up his street, being from an upper class, traditional family, after all. Still, I don't think that he would've chosen purple – green was a more likely colour, since it was (obviously) his favourite colour.
There was a long, purple carpet lining the centre between the pews from the door entryway to the altar. Intertwined purple and white streamers were hung from each of the four pedestals on either side of the room, and enchanted birds that changed their perch on the pedestals every few minutes filled the room with birdsong. Also on top of each of the eight pedestals, were large, white, thousand-Galleon urns, which were filled to the brim with lilac crocuses.
With all this money evidently spent, I wonder who helped the Malfoys pay for it all. Thinking traditionally, it must've been the bride's family – but who else had enough money?
Out the corner of my eye, I saw Blaise look over his shoulder and swear profusely under his breath, before dragging me around a corner and into a corridor, where it sounded and looked like the preparation rooms were.
He gave me a long hard look before saying, "How do you even know about Draco's wedding to Astoria? Why are you even here, in Italy?"
I sucked in a breath. Astoria? Astoria Greengrass? That was his bride-to-be? I have to admit, I never really paid attention to the girl, since she was at least a year younger than I was, and therefore cannot remember who exactly she is, only that she has long blonde hair, that she's the sister of Daphne. It was almost laughable that the Malfoy bride was a blonde; wasn't all their family?
It was quieter here, away from the crowd, and as Blaise dragged me further down the corridor, looking nervous - as if someone would spontaneously combust if they saw me – and we passed Astoria's room. Her door was slightly ajar and I could hear her screeching voice as she shouted to what sounded like at least two bridesmaids over how she wanted her hair to look, because 'it has to be perfect! It's my day! My wedding day!' I resisted Blaise enough to look into the room as we went past it. Astoria stood by the window, facing away from me; her bridesmaids, who were dressed in pastel purple, flitted about her like flies, trying to placate her.
From what I could see, she didn't look half as bad as what she seemed to think. Her hair was curled and pinned into place, cascading down her back, and stopping at her waist. It all was partially covered by her veil, which was attached to a tiara. Her dress had a tight corset, which flared at the waist, and the skirt was covered in so many ruffles that it looked rather like a pastry.
However much I didn't like Astoria for being the bride of Malfoy at this moment, and from hearing her shout at her bridesmaids, who were trying their hardest to make it the perfect day for her – I still couldn't help but think that she looked beautiful. Yet, guiltily, I also had the thought that she was one causing him not to love his bride, as he should.
Before I could see anymore, and before anyone could see me, Blaise dragged me away further down the hall. "Well?" He probed.
"I happen to be on holiday from the Ministry, actually," I said shortly. "I arrived here three weeks ago. And, as a matter of fact, I only found out that Draco was getting married half an hour ago!"
He narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "Who told you?" He asked. "This was a Pureblood-only affair, and secret."
"My friend told me. I'm sure you know her; she said you did very well. Nicola West. Sound familiar?"
"Yes," Blaise answered stiffly. "I know Nicola. She was going to be my date to the Malfoy-Greengrass wedding - before she dumped me without a reason that is. Anyway." He sniffed haughtily. "Three weeks ago, you say? Funnily enough, we arrived three weeks ago. Don't tell me now that you're staying in Rome too."
I was about to answer that, yes, as a matter of fact I was staying in Rome; and that I also knew that the wedding party was staying in the hotel, only a block away from my villa was, because Draco had told me as much. However, I didn't have the time because one of the guests had come running out to call on Blaise as best man.
"Oi! Zabini! We just got word that Astoria is ready, finally. We need you up front with Draco; we're starting," the short, stout wizard said before going back to the hall without confirmation from Blaise. He narrowed his eyes at the short man and let out an impatient breath.
"Look, Draco said that you've spoken on recent occasions and that you're on 'civil terms'. I don't know what that means, but I know it's not my place to ask. I don't know whether he means what he said about your relationship," he said slowly, watching me for a reaction.
Discreetly, I held my breath. Surely, he didn't know, he would've said otherwise. Blaise wasn't the kind to beat around the bush.
He didn't seem to notice my behaviour and continued as deathly calm as he was. "And I don't know whether recent means that it was here, in Italy, that you reacquainted, but he has to do this for reasons that I'm not going to waste my breath explaining. So, I don't want you fucking anything up, as I said before - and to make sure it doesn't happen, you need to leave. Now." He grabbed me by the elbow and dragged me back down the corridor, where Astoria's door was now closed and it was quiet in the room, through the hall where we were ignored and was only let go when we were by the large doors.
He gave me a meaningful look for a while, before breaking eye contact and looking over towards the altar, where I could once again see the white shock of hair. Again, he wasn't looking at us; he seemed to be too focused on his pacing to try look for his best man. Blaise's eyes snapped back to mean and he sighed, running a hand through his hair, "Like I said, Hermione, I don't know what he means but this has to happen. For his family. It's nothing personal, it's just-"
My eyes widened and I let out a small gasp as I saw who was coming towards us. Blaise looked behind his shoulder again in confusion, and I saw that he had the same reaction as me. Luckily, relatives or something had held up Draco, and I was partially blocked by Blaise so he couldn't see me, anyway. However, he was escaping his guests quickly after seeing Blaise in front of him, and before he could see that I was there, I slipped, once again, behind one of the large purple curtains. I didn't want him to know I was here, for what reason I had no idea. Perhaps the nerves were coming back. All I knew was that it probably wouldn't end well if he did see me here - although he would have to notice me eventually, everyone would – but I couldn't now. I might not be able to do it if he knew I was there. He could physically throw me out if he knew I was here; I wasn't supposed to know about this wedding anyway. From behind the curtain, I heard Blaise curse loudly as he realised that I had disappeared.
I hope that he thought that I left the church.
"Blaise come on. I've been looking for you for the past five minutes! Didn't Hendricks tell you that Astoria is ready now? You're supposed to be up front with me like the good best man that you are," Draco said impatiently. He was gripping his cane tightly; his top hat still wasn't sitting atop his head, as most men in the church had already done, and was instead tucked under his arm. "We've been delaying the entire morning waiting for her, and now you're making everyone wait longer because you've been doing who-knows-what, instead of being by the altar with me. It was something underlying in his tone that made me suspect, probably correctly, that he wanted this to be over as quick as possible. "You're meant to be there to stop me in case I get cold feet or something and run out."
It could've been so easily interpreted as joking, as I'm sure that's exactly how Blaise read it from his laughter - but I knew that he wasn't happy about this. He was far from joking.
Their voices quietened as they walked, presumably, back towards the altar. Once there, the priest then asked all the remaining guests to take their seats, as the organ began to play the Wedding March.
It sounds more like the Funeral March, I thought miserably to myself.
I peeked out from behind the curtain as I heard the sounds of the congregation standing up. Astoria had just turned the corner that out from the corridor; there were quiet gasps and murmurs from everyone, the aura of the room changing as they saw the beautiful bride for the first time.
Two flower girls were skipping in front of Astoria with what looked like to be fake smiles on their faces. They weren't anyone that I knew, but they looked to be twins. Next came her bridesmaids – five of them, all of some relation to her, I imagine – who seemed relieved to be out of the preparation room. From this distance, the only bridesmaid I recognised was Daphne, who was most likely her maid of honour.
Astoria walked in rhythm to the organ with so much gracefulness and poise that it looked as if she was floating. In her hands, held close to her body, was a large bouquet of crocuses. She looked calm and well put together, barely paying any attention to everyone around her or the children of her family that were holding her long train.
I looked over to Draco to see that he was still staring right at the wall in front of him. I don't know whether he could see her in his peripheral vision or not, but by now, most grooms would've turned around and had a look at how beautiful their to-be-wife is on their day. Maybe he didn't because he didn't care that much for her. I only wonder what Astoria thinks of the whole thing.
After a couple of minutes, Astoria had gone down one whole side of the church, before turning and this time, going down the aisle that led directly to where Draco was waiting. He turned to look at her once she was close and smiled easily.
Around half an hour later, I could tell that the preacher was getting to the point where he was going to ask if anyone had any objections to the marriage and to 'speak now or forever hold their peace'. My legs were aching from standing stock still behind the curtain for so long, but I just kept repeating my mother's words and it gave me strength to keep standing for a bit longer. Just a bit longer. It's worth it in the name of love. It's worth it in the name of love.
Ten minutes later, and they were finally arriving at that part. "Into this holy estate these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together – let them speak now or forever hold their peace," the old, croaky voice of the vicar said, cutting through the silence of the church.
A few members of the congregation looked around at everyone else; amused at the thought that there was going to be anyone there that would try to stop this wedding.
It felt like minutes were ticking past as I just stood there, still hidden behind the curtain, but it was only seconds. I don't know why I didn't burst from my spot as soon as the words left his mouth, quickly confessing before I could stop myself. Where was my Gryffindor courage when I needed it most? What happened to doing something reckless and stupid in the name of love? Why wasn't I throwing caution to the wind?
The silence felt as if it was strangling me. Why didn't I leave when I had the chance? With that thought, I suddenly snapped out of my panic and fear that was keeping me in place. I didn't leave because I love him; I stayed in the name of love and I will announce it to everyone in here because of it.
What was I even meant to say anyway? I'm sure announcing your love to someone doesn't qualify as a reason for two people not to marry. Nevertheless, I couldn't dabble in that thought too much longer, because I could faintly hear that the priest had started continuing on with the service.
I all but threw myself out from behind the curtain, obviously lacking all of Astoria's gracefulness. I said loudly, my voice hardly faltering, "I object! I object to this marriage. Please, Father, they can't marry. I love him. I'm in love with Draco Malfoy! They can't marry, please."
There were large gasps sounding throughout the room and I could only imagine the horrified and scandalous looks that were on people's faces. The aura of the room had changed once again, this time into confusion. There were mutterings of, "is that Hermione Granger? The Muggle-born?"
I wasn't looking at any of them though; I was too focused on the couple. In particular, Draco.
Astoria was looking both horrified and flabbergasted at the confession herself; maybe she actually believed that he loved her. The thought was quite saddening and if I knew that that was what she believed, I don't think I would've been able to confess like that.
It was too late now to take anything back.
Draco, on the other hand, had swung round at the sound of my voice, dropping Astoria's hands in the process. So many emotions flashed across his face; anger, shock, guilt, relief and love. Yet, I was too busy trying to stop my hands from shaking, and watching Astoria's heartbreak to register his expressions.
He took a small step towards me, looking like he just wanted to swing me into his arms and run out the door, but knew that he couldn't. The vicar placed a hand on his shoulder to stop him moving anymore.
Draco looked up at him and then to Astoria.
Compared to the ancient vicar, Draco almost looked like a young boy again, looking up to a professor. They looked as if they were having a whispered discussion, loud enough that it seemed Astoria could hear what was being said, but so that the witnesses close to the altar couldn't hear with all the murmurs still resounding throughout the church.
I wonder what my friends all think of what I've just done, I wonder briefly. Who was I to stop a wedding because I loved the groom - who so happened to be Malfoy - who we all hated with a passion once upon a time.
However, as I had thought earlier, who was he to be marrying someone he clearly didn't want to? Did he even have a reason to go through with such a disastrous thing?
"Young lady," The vicar croaked, snapping me out of my thoughts as I looked to him and awaited my verdict. The murmurs immediately stopped as everyone waited anxiously to hear what the vicar had to say. "Do you truly love this man so greatly that it is a cause to stop this marriage between him and Ms Greengrass? Do you speak truthfully in the house of God?"
"Yes," I breathed. I tightly gripped the sleeves of my top to stop my hands from shaking. "I do, truly. I love Malfoy too much to just let him marry Astoria." I wiped away the tears that had started to blur my vision and tried to stifle a small hiccup. I let out a sad, pathetic laugh and added more quietly, "Without him knowing at least."
A few sympathisers made hums of – well, sympathy.
"And Master Malfoy," he now said, turning to him. "Is her love to you unrequited? Do you love this woman enough not to go through with your wedding to your fiancée? Will you ever be able to love Ms Greengrass, perhaps, just as fiercely?"
Draco still looked shell-shocked. He opened his mouth a few times but no words ever left his lips.
For a moment, I thought that he was just having trouble telling me that he was no longer in love with me and was trying to let me down easy. He certainly seemed nervous to consider the possibility.
Suddenly, I felt like everyone was towering over me, and my confident posture from earlier deflated.
He opened his mouth one more time and looked to Astoria, who was looking absolutely livid that this was happening to her wedding, then presumably to his parents and friends sitting on the pews in front of him. Finally, he looked up to the ceiling and muttered something that was only for the ears of a god, before resting his eyes firmly on me.
He broke into an easy grin, as if the past couple of minutes hadn't happened. He gazed at no one else but me, and I felt my heart flutter at the promise held within. All too soon, he broke our eye contact to turn to the vicar – who was still awaiting his answer – and say, "I love her very much, Father Zacharias."
Loud gasps resounded throughout the room again and if it were possible, they were even louder than when I had declared my love. The faces that had been staring at me throughout it all, had now whipped around to stare horrifyingly at Draco. As if he cared about what they thought, at all.
"More than Astoria. More than I should – than any man should," he continued over their disruption. "For as long as there is Hermione Granger, I don't think I could ever love someone as much as I do her."
There were more murmurs and people were now turning around to face me, giving me murderous glances. As if the end of my life would free him of his promise to never love anyone as much as me.
Astoria looked just about ready to scream the entire building down, but, to the surprise of everyone – including me – Draco continued on. "But I have to marry someone today. I'm sorry, Hermione, but I-I can't."
And that was when my stomach and heart dropped. It was that same feeling that you get when you go down the slope on a rollercoaster. I looked over to Astoria expecting her to have a smug look on her face, but instead she looked just as upset as I was. It was clear then that she actually thought that Draco was marrying her out of love, not because he had to.
He took a deep breath. "I'm sorry to everyone that came to my wedding today – this wasn't supposed to happen. I should've been married by now." He nervously laughed, quickly looking at me, and then back at his more personal audience. "But...yes, I don't love Astoria and this marriage was arranged for my monetary purposes – and yes, I am in love with a Muggle-born. Given the choice, well..."
She looked as if she was going to burst into tears any second, but I had to give her credit for being strong long enough to say, "You used me - for your inheritance! In the two years that we've been engaged, you never once loved me, did you?" Her voice cracked and she paused frantically to wipe the tears off her face.
"Astoria," Draco said softly and took a step towards her. He didn't want her upset; I could understand that. They had had two years together, after all – he had come to care for her, but perhaps not in the way that she did or wanted. "Please-"
I never meant for this whole thing to crash and burn so badly.
"No!" She squeaked, weakly holding up a hand to stop him. "You've humiliated me. In front of my family, our friends, your family – the entire population of Purebloods in Wizarding London! I was so naive to think that-that-" She cut herself off abruptly with a scream.
Astoria suddenly turned to me, shaking, and pointed a finger at Draco; a shameful look had washed over his face. Her voice had grown bitter and venomous. "This...bastard is the most manipulative man I've known. I congratulate you for making him tell the truth for once in his god dammed life – Merlin knows I've tried. I hope that he will stay that way for your sake, Granger."
She then whipped back around to face Draco and turned her bitter anger onto him, trying to relieve some of the pain."I was the last person you knew who hadn't had an offer from a respectable suitor, wasn't I? Bloody hell! I was the last person who wasn't even bloody married yet, right? And you knew that I had to find my own marriage by the end of next year - easy pickings, wasn't it?" She threw her bouquet and ring at his feet. "Well, it'd be a bloody miracle for you if Father Zacharias disregards these past few minutes completely and marry us anyway."
There was a heavy moment of silence that was shared by everyone in the church at that moment. As if she had only just realised that she was still crying and was repulsed by the show of weakness, she scrubbed her face dry of tears. "I hope you can live without your precious money," she spat before storming out.
The doors closed barely closed behind her before her family and bridesmaids were following her out, after telling the Malfoys that the engagement was 'clearly off'. Others that followed them out were who I assumed to be those that didn't agree with any form of relationship – or proclamation of love – between someone as high up as a Pureblood and a Muggle-born.
The church was now awkwardly quiet and even the vicar looked like he didn't know what to do with the congregation now. All the money and time that had been put into this entire service...gone to waste.
Despite being the one to start this, I didn't even know what to think now. Yes, I felt extremely sorry for popping Astoria's bubble; and yes, I'm guilty that I had managed to make it so that Draco would never get his family's money - however, what else was there to feel? What was I even still doing here, inside the church?
As I stepped back, looking from side to side at the large crowd, I suddenly became aware of all the mutterings.
'-came here for nothing?'
'Malfoy is certainly not getting his inheritance-'
'-A mudblood, really?'
I turned around and walked quickly towards the door. I had worn out my stay now.
'He could do so much better.'
'What?'
'What? What is he doing?'
'He can't be!'
I looked back towards the front when the mutterings began to question what Draco was doing.
He was no longer there, but all eyes were on me once again. The vicar looked somewhat proud and approving, but Blaise, who had stayed at the front by Draco's side the entire time, still looked irritated that I had never left.
It was only when someone by my feet cleared their throat, did I realise that he was kneeling in front of me. I quickly looked down to see the grey eyes that I had first fallen in love with, before the rest of him.
The situation felt so surreal – it was a possibility that I had never considered – that it felt as if I was watching it happen from a distance.
Malfoy, kneeling on one knee, held Astoria's old engagement ring tightly between his index finger and thumb. "Hermione Granger," he started, his voice wobbling from nervousness. Still, he continued to stare into my eyes and nowhere else. "Life is a collection of facts. Fact: We...are magical – ridiculously intelligent and gorgeous. Fact: I'm not very good at weddings - and even worse at proposing. Fact: I love you and I want to marry you. Fact: One day, we will die. Morbid thoughts for a wedding, I know, but..." He let out a shaky laugh before continuing. "Well, the point is – the fact is that despite being shitty at proposals and weddings, and anything that has to with commitment – I want to marry you. I want to marry you because I love you and that when our time has come to depart this world, I want to reflect back on the memories and life that we built together. I want to know that I've done this one thing right."
I was more than sure that the thumping of my heart could be heard throughout the church, filling out the silence with its rhythmic beat. "No more facts?" I joked nervously. I looked around the room uneasily. Our audience made a half-hearted murmur of amusement.
Draco looked around just as anxiously and grinned apprehensively. "I never felt this nervous when I proposed to Astoria. With her, it was easy and simplistic."
If anything, the tension seemed to grow.
He cleared his throat and went on. "Nevertheless, that's not the point. Uh. I hope I have the opportunity to discover your other wonderful qualities in the future. I-I know that you might not ever consider marrying me - now of all times - since we were only reacquainted three weeks ago, and coupled with what she said, I doubt you'll ever say yes. This marriage will be my own choice, however; for no more reasons other than I love you with all my heart. I promise. Will you marry me Granger?"
Unsure of my answer at that moment, I looked into his eyes, which were filled with sincerity.
I didn't know what to think. I knew he loved me, but wasn't proposing excessively soon? I doubt he was planning to propose even if we did have another outing together - and he wasn't engaged in the first place. Could I bring myself to say no?
Or was I just selfish enough to seize the opportunity and say yes, because I'd be with the man I love? "I...I..." I stuttered.
"I'm not getting my inheritance either way Granger," he said softly, looking into the crowd to our left. I followed his gaze to the faces of his parents, who were looking at him with threatening and disapproving faces. He looked back at me. When he started speaking, my eyes were subconsciously drawn back to him. "She had to be a Pureblood. I just confessed my love to you - a Muggle-born – and ruined all ties that we had with the Greengrasses. I accept my punishment, Hermione, whether you say no or not isn't going to get my inheritance back; they know how I feel. Please. Let's not put a perfectly good wedding to waste. Marry me now Hermione."
How do I answer that? He told me, vaguely, that I've ruined his life but he wants to spend it with me anyway.
"...I don't have a dress," I found myself whispering shyly.
His eyes seemed to spark at my answer. It wasn't a definite 'yes', but it was as good as.
He was smirking at me as he stood up. He cupped my face gently with his hands and whispered back, "It doesn't matter." Then he kissed me deeply, and those that couldn't hear what was being said between us knew what my answer had been.
There were few cheers.
I heartily disagreed with him, however. I had always imagined myself being married in a big, white dress, not in - denim skinny jeans and a red t-shirt. "It does. My family won't even be here to see me be married. Not all of my friends are here either; I always expected them to be when I'd get married. I don't even have any vows."
He seemed stumped at what I had said, but luckily, the few friends that were here, had gotten over their shock quick enough to help me.
"You can wear my dress Hermione," Luna said, her dreamy voice breaking through the silence. I looked over at her in shock; she had stood up in her pew so that I could see her. Ron was standing as well, his hand lightly holding her shoulder.
She was wearing what looked to be a silk blue dress that ended at her ankles. From the hem of the dress to her knee, were swirling patterns of diamonds that glittered when she moved. It was nothing extremely special compared to other people's outfits, but it was suddenly the most important thing in the world to me.
"I think I'll fit into your clothes. Come on." She began to carefully step over everyone's feet and squeeze her way out of the row and onto the aisle. I looked to Malfoy who was giving me an encouraging smile, and he pushed me forward with his hand that had somehow come to rest on my back.
"Perfect. Thank you, Weasley. All sorted then. You'll use her dress and I'm sure Father Zacharias wouldn't mind telling you Astoria's vows," Draco said as he began to walk with me to the front where Luna was waiting. "We'll just have to have another wedding at home - a smaller one – and you can invite everyone to that one."
I was just about to disappear into the corridor with Luna, before I heard someone call out my surname. I stopped and looked into the crowd to see Pansy Nott (nee Parkinson) walking quickly towards me. I looked to Draco to see if there was any inclination that he knew what was happening, but it seemed that he was just as confused as I was.
"Granger, it's fantastic that you have a dress and all now - but you need jewellery and your hair to be styled. This is going to be in the papers, you know. It's an expensive wedding and now has a scandal based around it; the best you could do is look like you're...the real Malfoy bride."
I didn't know whether she intended any of it to be a compliment or an insult, considering I never reconciled with her, but I chose to nod and say thank you.
Again, though, before we left, Hannah stood up and joined us. "Well, if Parkinson and Luna aren't offering to be your bridesmaid, then I suppose you'll need to have at least one," she said, grinning. However, Pansy (surprisingly) and Luna had quickly spoken up that it was to be assumed that they were to be her bridesmaids as well; they, after all, were going to help me get ready.
I was all but dragged into the room that Astoria used. In there they made me quickly dress in Luna's clothes and pulled at my hair until it rested neatly at my back. Pansy whispered to me, while she was placing her sapphire necklace around my neck, that she only offered to help because she wanted Draco to be happy - and because she wanted me to know that Astoria loved someone else, anyway. Someone that society saw to be as unfavourable a match as I was.
All too soon, Hannah had run out to tell everyone that I was ready, and came back holding Astoria's bouquet, shoving it into my hands.
As I approached the altar, the wedding march was beginning to finish.
Draco was looking at me with complete adoration and I could easily imagine what sort of life we would be having together. The thoughts might not be accurate, but it didn't matter. No one knows what the future might bring.
I doubt anyone today expected the wedding ceremony to end quite like this.
All I know is that, as long as we're together, I'm happy with whatever life we have - even if we end up living in Antarctica.
I reached where Draco was standing quickly. Hannah stepped forward to take the bouquet from me, and Draco was held both my hands in his. I couldn't tell whose were shaking – maybe it was both of ours – but as our hands gripped each other like a lifeline, they quivered.
The minutes passed quickly and soon we had arrived, once again, at the point where the priest asked for any reason why the both of us shouldn't wed.
Thankfully, no one spoke up.
Draco started to say his vows. I smiled shyly as he repeated them full of confidence and passion. The vicar had finished giving Draco his last line and he had repeated it perfectly - but as the priest began to open his mouth to tell me mine, Draco continued on speaking. "And I'm so glad that you were around when they said 'speak now'."
A/N- Okay, so - sorry if I got some things wrong about weddings or missed some things out. I've never actually been to a "traditional" wedding - you know, like in a church and all that jazz. I've actually only ever been to one wedding and that was just in a conference room...so yeah.
Please review!
Here are the lyrics to 'Speak Now':
I am not the kind of girl
Who should be rudely barging in on a white veil occasion
But you are not the kind of boy
Who should be marrying the wrong girl
I sneak in and see your friends
And her snotty little family all dressed in pastel
And she is yelling at a bridesmaid
Somewhere back inside a room
Wearing a gown shaped like a pastry
This is surely not what you thought it would be
I lose myself in a daydream
Where I stand and say
Don't say "Yes", run away now
I'll meet you when you're out of the church at the back door
Don't wait or say a single vow
You need to hear me out
And they said, "Speak now"
Fond gestures are exchanged
And the organ starts to play
A song that sounds like a death march
And I am hiding in the curtains
It seems that I was uninvited by your lovely bride-to-be
She floats down the aisle like a pageant queen
But I know you wish it was me,
You wish it was me,
Don't you?
Don't say "Yes", run away now,
I'll meet you when you're out of the church at the back door.
Don't wait or say a single vow,
You need to hear me out,
And they said, "Speak now".
Don't say "Yes", run away now,
I'll meet you when you're out of the church at the back door.
Don't wait or say a single vow,
Your time is running out,
And they said, "Speak now".
Oh, la, la
Oh, oh
Say a single vow
I hear the preacher say, "Speak now or forever hold your peace"
There's the silence, there's my last chance.
I stand up with shaky hands, all eyes on me.
Horrified looks from everyone in the room
But I'm only looking at you.
I am not the kind of girl
Who should be rudely barging in on a white veil occasion
But you are not the kind of boy
Who should be marrying the wrong girl
So, don't say "Yes", run away now,
I'll meet you when you're out of the church at the back door.
Don't wait or say a single vow,
You need to hear me out,
And they said, "Speak now".
And you'll say "Let's run away now,
I'll meet you when I'm out of my tux at the back door.
Baby, I didn't say my vows,
So glad you were around
When they said, "Speak now".