Title: The Cinderella Chronicles
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Author's Note: If you want to see a picture of Hermione's wedding dress or Harry's wedding outfit, email me or mention it in your review. ^_^ Hope you enjoy reading chapter 5!
Chapter Summary: dundundundun....the wedding.
Chapter 5: The Rocky Road to Happily Ever After
Once upon a time, in a faraway land, there lived a boy named Harry Potter. He was unlike any other boy for he had the greenest emerald eyes and the most unruly raven hair in the whole kingdom. He was born rich and was cared for by his wonderful parents, James and Lily Potter, but after his father's death, his mother remarried a slimy git named Severus Snape. Everything worked fine, however, his mother died when he was eleven years old, and from then on, he became a servant. His stepfather kept him though he treated him as vermin. Together with his stepbrothers, Severus maltreated Harry verbally, sometimes physically, and most of the time, mentally and emotionally. But he didn't let them affect him that much. Besides, things changed abruptly for Mr. Harry Potter after meeting his pseudo-godfather albeit a wacky one, going to a certain Masquerade Ball, and meeting Princess Hermione. Indeed, his life changed on that fateful afternoon when Hermione had found him in the attic, tied up to a chair. After finally separating himself from his evil stepfamily, Harry reclaimed his inheritance and bought a small, but warm house near the palace. For almost everyday, he and Hermione met up and spent the day together if Harry wasn't at work, managing his own business at the town market or studying various arts and subjects at the palace. It had been almost a year now since the Masquerade Ball. Harry's life changed so much that he could hardly believe it. Everything felt so surreal and...magical, and Harry would simply marvel at how much his life changed. Every time that he'd think that life couldn't get any better, surprises would just jump right in his face and tell him that yes, life could get better. Hermione would also remind him always that there is still the future ahead of them, so he mustn't let his guard down.
Throughout the whole morning, Harry was seen in the the palace's garden, where their wedding would take place. He was carefully supervising the decorations and the seats for the guests. He was feeling anxious and tense all morning until the afternoon, and because of this anxiety, he unconsciously criticized every decoration, concerned that it would look horrible when the wedding would start. He panicked that everything would be imperfect and that the wedding would be a disaster. He grumbled on and on about how everything should be perfect for Hermione, and this grated on everyone's nerves, especially Ginny's. When Ginny had had enough of Harry's obsessive-compulsive anxiety disorder, she dragged him along to a room where his things were already placed, told him to shut up, to calm down, to breathe and to dress up already, and locked him in for the rest of the afternoon.
Shortly after Ginny left, Harry busied himself with boring a hole into the door by staring at it. He was simply preoccupied thinking of the future and how it would be to live in a palace. He continued this for three hours until he realized that he had only two and a half hours left to prepare. He quickly showered, hoping that he'd smell nice during the wedding. His clothes were carefully laid on the bed. His attire for the wedding was simple. He would only wear a simple, white renaissance shirt, black breeches, black, leather boots, his father's old belt, and a black, flat hat, with a white feather on it. He quickly dressed after doing his, uh, rituals after taking a bath. After tying his boots tightly, he proceeded on busying himself with either boring a hole into the door by staring at it or boring a hole into the floor by pacing back and forth endlessly.
"Breathe, Harry. Just breathe," Harry said to himself as he straightened his shirt. It was only an hour and a half until his wedding, and his nerves were about to snap. He was jittery at the thought that an impending disaster would happen, and he kept running his hands through his unruly hair. "Everything's going to be all right. Everything will be oka-" Harry was cut short as a Pop! sounded inside the room.
"Hullo, Harry!" exclaimed Ron happily as he patted Harry's back.
Harry wasn't surprised anymore because he was already used to the Pop! that would indicate that Ron just apparated into the room.
"Hi, Ron! Well, I guess you're attending my wedding since you're all dressed up and all," Harry said as he ran his right hand once again through his hair.
"Of course, I'm attending. Wouldn't miss it, dude." Ron seated himself on the soft bed and started playing with the cuffs of his shirt.
"Yeah, I guess so," Harry replied as he walked back and forth from one side of the room to the other.
Ron watched him pace for awhile, his eyes following Harry's direction, like watching a tennis match. It went on for a few more minutes until Ron had had enough of it. "Harry, could you please stop pacing? You're going to create a hole on the floor if you continue this for a few more hours," Ron said exasperatedly.
Harry stopped walking abruptly and sat beside Ron on the bed. "I'm sorry. I'm just really nervous about the whole concept of getting married. And the fact that I'm marrying a princess doesn't calm my nerves down," he replied with a sigh.
"Er, yeah. I can't tell you that marriage is great or something because I haven't been married to anyone yet though I can give you something," said Ron knowingly.
"What's that?" Harry asked curiously, a bit suspiciously in fact.
"Mate, I can give you some chocolate!" Ron said as a bar of chocolate appeared on his hand. He then broke off a piece and handed it to Harry, who took it hesitantly. Both of them sat in silence as they munched on some mouth-watering chocolate. After a few more minutes of eating, Ron spoke up. "So Harry, what happened to that stepfamily of yours? I still have to mention what happened to them in my report. Sirius is still over at Timbuktu, and I think he'd be coming back in a month or so. I didn't send my report to him yet since it needed a bit of polishing."
"Well, since I've already reclaimed my inheritance from my parents, which they've splurged on themselves, they're certainly poor now. The last I've heard of Severus was that he traveled to different places and became an oleaginous bum. Draco, on the other hand, became a pimp afterwards, but he still lives over there at the house. Meanwhile, Vincent is still living in a forest far away from here, together with Gregory Goyle because they're in love. They ran away because Severus would have none of it, I think," Harry said without a single emotion in his deep voice. "All of them can join a circus, dressed as clowns or they could live in forests as hermits for all I care."
"I see," Ron said as he scribbled on his little notebook. "Do you have any other news about them?"
Harry seemed to think it over. "Er, no. I couldn't care less what happened to them."
"Draco really became a pimp? Well, that's something," Ron snorted. "So, what was Severus' reaction when he found out that Vincent was gay?"
"According to Hermione, he couldn't believe it. He fainted, I think," Harry said. "Do you have any more chocolate because I'm starting to get nervous again?"
"Here, I have lots of chocolate," Ron said as he handed Harry another slab of chocolate. "You know, this reminds of that time when I first met you. I was so shocked when you fainted. "
And so, they reminisced about past times until a knock was heard. Ron stood up abruptly and told Harry that he'd be going to the garden already. He then disapparated before Harry opened the door. Outside stood Ginny.
"Harry, were you talking to someone?" Ginny asked as she swept into the room, with her bridesmaids dress billowing behind her.
"Uh, no, I wasn't, er, talking to anyone," Harry said a bit too quickly.
"Are you sure? I though I heard you conversing with someone," Ginny said, her eyes narrowing suspiciously.
"Yes, I'm sure I wasn't talking to anyone."
"Anyway, I'm just here to tell you that the wedding should be starting in an hour or so. I suggest you go out there and welcome the guests. I'm going to see if Hermione needs something, okay?" said Ginny curtly.
"Okay, Gin," Harry nodded.
"I'll see you later." And Ginny turned around and went to Hermione's room.
Harry quickly straightened his clothes and went out the door, his last thought being, 'Well, here goes.'
It was only about thirty minutes until the start of the wedding, and Hermione wasn't better off than her future husband. She was inside her room and was currently pacing and wringing her hands in apprehension. She was already dressed in her wedding gown. The dress had puff sleeves that are adorned with gold-colored studs and highlighted throughout with gold trim and little imitation pearls, and the back had a snap closure trimmed with satin roses. Her hair was curled at the ends, and to sum it all up, she looked simply breathtaking.
"Ginny, what if I become a horrible wife?" Hermione asked.
"Mione, don't be ridiculous. You, a horrible wife? Honestly, if you're a terrible wife, then I'm madly in love with Draco Snape," Ginny snorted as she sat gracefully on Hermione's bed.
"But what if we aren't really meant for each other and I'm making a huge mistake in marrying him?"
"You aren't having cold feet, are you?" Ginny asked suspiciously, her eyes slightly narrowed.
"Of course not! It's just that I'm very nervous," Hermione exclaimed, "and well, marriage is a pivotal decision. I just wish that I'm not hurrying things up with getting married."
"Don't worry. Everything will be fine," Ginny assured her. "Harry's made sure that everything is going to be alright."
"What if I trip on the aisle and I'd be stammering when I say my vows?" Hermione asked once again.
"Hermione! Just shut up and don't think," Ginny said frustratedly. "You know, you and Harry are really meant for each other. You're both bonkers."
"Huh? Why'd you say that?"
"Because for most of the morning and afternoon, Harry was running around the garden, making sure that the decorations and the seats were arranged properly. He kept on saying that everything should be perfect, and it was just so irritating that he had to be breathing down your back when you're arranging the flowers, so I locked him up in his room so that he'll calm down," Ginny snapped, already tired of the behavior of the two lovebirds, "and here you are, rambling on that you won't be a good wife, practically making a world record by pacing for almost an hour or so. Both of you are just so jumpy and tense. I mean, it's just a WEDDING!"
"Ginny, you're the one who needs to calm down," Hermione said, concern visible in her eyes. "Are you alright? Do you have a fever or something?"
"Aaaaaaah!" Ginny shouted as she swatted Hermione's hand away from her forehead. "I DO NOT HAVE A FEVER, you crazy woman!"
"Are you sure you're alright?" Hermione repeated. "Is something wrong?"
"Yes, I'm sure I'm alright. I'm feeling very peachy right now," Ginny answered sarcastically, "Just peachy."
"Ginny! Tell me if something's wrong because if you don't I won't be able to put up with a very sour best friend."
"Fine! It's just that...I feel like after you get married, I won't be able to see much of you. Don't get me wrong. I am very happy for both of you, but with you as queen, running this kingdom, taking care of Harry and pretty soon, a child of your own, I'm going to have to share my best friend," Ginny replied. She had been actually thinking of this for the past few weeks. Hermione had been quite preoccupied with planning the wedding with Harry that she had quite a few time to spend with her best friend. Of course, Ginny was only too happy with helping her plan the wedding when she can, but she knew that everything wouldn't be the same after Hermione got hitched.
"Gin, don't think that way," Hermione said as she sat by her best friend's side. "We can always spend some time together. You can get married yourself, and we can rear our children together. Besides, Harry will be the one to run the kingdom. I'm just going to help him. We'll always be best friends."
Ginny smiled. It was just like Hermione to think that way. "Okay, Mione. I guess I was just being stupid," she said. Hermione then hugged her tightly.
"Now, don't you ever think that way again. Everyone should be happy on my wedding day, Gin."
"I love you, Mione," Ginny said as she detached herself from Hermione. "I wish you and Harry will have a wonderful life and that you'll have lots of kids, and I'll be their godmother."
"I love you too, Gin. Don't worry, I'll have lots of kids. And when you get married and have plenty of children, I can be their godmother!" Hermione gushed.
"C'mon, the wedding's about to start. Harry'll be gaping 'til the next century when he sees how gorgeous you are."
It was near to dusk and the sun was slowly setting. Its dying rays cast a soft, orange glow on the palace grounds as a cool breeze swept over the garden and the tree tops nearby. On the center of the garden was a beautifully-decorated gazebo. There were flowers hanging from its posts and there were carefully-placed petals on its floor. Harry was already standing inside it, waiting for his bride.
The guests all stood up simultaneously as the music started, signaling the start of the wedding march. The flower girls, clothed in their cute, little dresses, marched first, showering white rose petals on the soft grass beds that served as the aisle. The bridesmaids then came next, carrying bouquets of fresh bluebells. After the bridesmaids came the maid of honor, Ginny. She marched gracefully along the aisle, dressed in a specially-designed gown. And then came the bride, accompanied by her father.
"Well, my dear daughter, I'm finally handing you off," King Albus sighed as he lowered his head to Hermione's ear.
Hermione gave him a wide smile and said, "Yes, Father, you are. I certainly think you're prepared for this."
"I was certainly wishing and hoping that this day would come. That Masquerade Ball was a desperate attempt to get you married. My dear, if I never had that brilliant idea, I would still be thinking of ways to finally convince you of getting married," her father said, amused.
"I suppose you're going to have a blast over at the Caribbean."
"Certainly since I've been dreaming of getting a tan for over a year now," Albus Dumbledore whispered as they marched down the lengthy aisle.
Hermione only saw a blur as she walked down the aisle. Everything seemed to happen in an alarming rate. Before she knew it, they were already nearing the gazebo. And that was when she saw him. Her breathing started to quicken as she couldn't believe how handsome he was. Or it was just probably the nerves working or the thought that this is the moment, the moment most girls dream of.
Harry's breathing started to quicken too as he held eye contact with Hermione. He was simply in awe. He smiled crookedly at her.
Truly, she was a sight to behold. There were no exact words how to describe her in his opinion, but then there was the overly-used term beautiful that kept popping in his head or perhaps the tasteful exquisite or the simple breathtaking. Yes, that was it...breathtaking.
As they reached the front, the music abruptly stopped, signaling the start of the ceremony. King Albus kissed his little girl one last time on the cheek and handed her to her future husband. He was to conduct the ceremony since it was a royal wedding. He stepped inside the gazebo and cleared his throat to start the wedding.
The reception was to take place at the palace's large courtyard. It was a simple event, not too much laden with the usual touch of royalty or aristocracy. A platform was was placed at the front, the side nearest to the entryway. On the platform, a table was placed where the newlyweds were seated, enjoying their sumptuous dinner. Everyone else was seated at the round tables scattered all over the courtyard, their closest friends and a few relatives seated near the front. There were lamps hanging from a few trees and there were some candles on each table.
Everything was a daze for Harry. He hadn't really realized that he was married until they were walking towards the courtyard, their guests congratulating them. His emotions were all mixed right now, but a feeling of happiness ate up all the other emotions.
Hermione was just as happy, and it showed very well since she was practically glowing from head to toe. It was a great relief to her that she didn't embarrass herself during the wedding. In fact, everything happened so fast that she couldn't believe that her heart already belonged to someone as she gazed at her wedding ring.
"So, how are you feeling?" Harry asked as he looked at his bride.
"I'm feeling very happy, Mr. Potter. How about you?"
"Oh, I'm feeling quite happy as well, Mrs. Potter," Harry smiled at his life partner. "Are you ready for our honeymoon?"
"I certainly am prepared, but I really wish it'd be longer," Hermione replied as she sipped some wine.
"Yeah, I know, but we can't leave the kingdom for a long time, especially if your father's having a well-deserved vacation."
"He said he'd been dreaming of a tan for over a year now," Hermione laughed as she remembered their short conversation awhile ago.
"Really? Well, I know what I've been dreaming for over a year now."
"What's that?"
"To be with you on our wedding day," Harry said before he gave Hermione a gentle kiss on the lips.
"Man, Sirius will be proud of me when he reads my report," Ron said to himself as he watched Harry and Hermione stand up to head to the center of the courtyard to start the dancing part of the reception. He was seated at a nearby table, drinking some wine. He was also quietly scribbling something on piles of parchment. He watched the couple silently for a few more minutes as he quietly sipped his wine. After a few more minutes of writing, he decided that he should leave already.
When he was done shuffling and organizing the pieces of parchment, Ron stood up and straightened his clothes. He slowly made his way through throngs of dancing couples to where Harry was standing. He tapped Harry on the shoulder to say goodbye.
Harry turned to look at Ron, who was smiling from ear to ear.
"Congratulations, Harry."
"Thanks, Ron. If it hadn't been for you and your magic, I wouldn't have had the chance to attend the Ball."
"Hey, it was my duty," Ron said. "Anyway, I'm leaving now. It's a bit late from where I came from, and I still need to finish my report."
"Oh, okay." Harry thanked for one last time, and gave him a manly hug. "Bye, Ron!"
"Yeah, bye." Ron then walked away, looking for a safe place to apparate. But when he was nearing the path to the garden, he bumped into someone with a mass of red hair on the top of her head.
"Oh! I'm sorry," Ron said politely.
"Don't worry about it," Ginny said as she straightened up. She then looked at the person who bumped into her and stared. "You know, it feels like I've seen you somewhere." She noted the red hair and the freckles.
Ron looked at Ginny also and felt that somehow he had known this girl for some years now. As a matter of fact, he had the feeling that they were somehow related, odd as that sounds. "Er, yeah. You do seem quite familiar."
"Oh well!" Ginny said as she shrugged and left Ron standing there all alone.
Ron shrugged off the feeling and went to the garden to apparate.
A month after the wedding, inside a stuffy room at the Ministry of Magic, a thin man apparated with his back to the door. He then walked briskly towards the door and opened it. Outside of the small office sat a red-haired boy, about nineteen to twenty of age.
"Ron, I'm back!" Sirius' voice boomed, making the boy jump a foot from his seat.
The boy then stood and walked towards the man. "Sirius, you gave me a fright there," Ron said as he hugged the man.
Sirius just grinned and hugged him back. "Was it nice over at Timbuktu?" Ron inquired as he pulled back.
"Yeah, it was a decent place. Did you do lots of paperwork for me?"
"Oh no. It wasn't lots. It was a ton," Ron replied sarcastically. "By the way, the project you gave me, you know, the going-back-in-time business, it's already done. In fact, I've already finished the written report for it." He then walked to his desk, pulled a drawer, and extracted from inside it depths a neatly-bound report. He gave it to Sirius and said, "Here, you can read it at home. I do believe you'd like some rest after your trip."
"Okay," Sirius said as he looked over the front page. There were only three words written on the front. "The Cinderella Chronicles? You wrote this, Ron?"
"Uh-huh. Well, I'll see you tomorrow then. Off you go now, Sirius."
"Okay, see you tomorrow," Sirius said before he apparated to his flat.
Upon arriving his flat, he quickly made tea, changed his clothes, and sat at his leather couch by the fire place. He then took the report Ron gave him.
"Well, I might as well read this," Sirius said to himself. He started reading it and found himself engrossed in the text. He read it quickly, and before long, he was already at the last page. He spoke the last words out loud.
"And as all fairy tales go, they all lived happily ever after...."
The End
Author's Note: *sniff* Well, that's the end, hopefully, not for me. I'll be posting lots of songfics after this and another story entitled 'Written', so please read and review if I do post. ^_^
Special thanks to the following for the reviews for chapters 1 to 4: (you guys rock!)
Isis, Eliza, anonymous, Lady Phoenix Gryffindor, Dumblydoor, yourslasher, LonelyGer, white dove, NYC_Gurl, keeper of the heart, Vampire Witch/liedariddle, qwert, Alazne, Max, drawwilhoit, Silver Storm Dragon, and to everyone else who cared to read my story!
Hope you guys had a nice time with me and this little story of mine!