Disclaimer: do not own Harry Potter
Sorry it took such a long time… I had exams. This is the second last chapter. Enjoy!
House near church
Hermione's POV.
Hermione was seated in front of the mirror, examining her face when Ginny walked in with the other bridesmaids.
"Hermione!" Ginny cried out, hugging her best friend. "Today's the big day! How do you feel?"
"Sick," Hermione grumbled. She had not seen Harry since her bachelorette party. All that she remembered was to never… ever…. trust Ginny to hold a bachelorette party. Also never trust Ginny when she asks for your Muggle magazines. The result is a room full of men. Sure, Hermione loved the additions of Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, David Beckham…huh okay she did an excellent job. The only negative side would be not quite remembering the night before and waking up in the shower with a massive hang over.
"Oh smile a little, will you? You're marrying Harry," Ginny said, pushing Hermione into the dressing room. Mrs. Weasley walked in to help Ginny with Hermione's gown.
"I'd hope that I would know who I'm marrying," Hermione grumbled, struggling to make her head to the top of the gown. She breathed a sigh of relief when she reached the top and Mrs. Weasley helped to fix the back of her dress.
"Oh yes," Ginny said, hitting her head, "A little reminder for later on… please try to aim for me when throwing the bouquet… I'm sure a spell will do the trick."
Hermione stared at Ginny and shook her head.
"What? Can't I have the bouquet on my side at least, if men aren't?" Ginny said in outrage.
"Hair," Mrs. Weasley said, shoving Hermione into a chair.
"I think I can handle my-," Hermione said, wishing that she could be left alone.
"Of course not!" Ginny said, as bobby pins began to revolve around Hermione's hair. Soon her hair was perfected and she studied herself nervously in the mirror. Pulling a curl on the side of her ear down, she watched it bounce.
"Oh magnifique!" Veronique said, entering the room and running to Hermione's side.
'Oh not her,' Hermione said, smiling at Veronique. 'Be nice to her… she hasn't done anything but steal your … no he's not your man.'
Hermione coaxed herself into treating Veronique well.
"Que vous etes belle!" she said, pausing. "It's too bad that Sirius won't be able to see how beautiful you are."
Hermione watched a smirk creep into Veronique's lips. If she didn't have one bit of humanity in her, she would be strangling Veronique at this very moment. Instead, she took a deep breath. Obviously, Veronique wasn't miss goody two shoes and wanted to treasure Hermione's shocked reaction. But Hermione had her pride and she wasn't about to let that go for the pleasure of that lousy sleazy hypocritical-
"Well if you're here then he got his invitation," Hermione said sweetly.
"Of course he did," Veronique said, "Except he was too busy getting his money arranged with Gringotts that he thought it better to stay there and sort things out," Veronique said.
"How unfortunate," Hermione responded.
"Yes it is," Veronique said, "My my, what a wonderful dress."
"Thanks," Hermione said, gritting her teeth.
Ginny interrupted them, "Hermione, I'm going to check on things with mom."
"No problem," she said, wanting to be alone. She got up and walked towards the door, waiting for Veronique to leave.
"Hermione, dear," Veronique said gingerly before entering the door way, "You may want to put some more make up on your face… you're looking quite pale."
"I'll keep that in mind," she said, watching Veronique's twisted face as she walked down the hall towards Fred and George. Instantly she turned back to her second ego and asked the guys if they wanted to watch the Quidditch game from the guest room until the wedding started.
"What a two faced-," Hermione said, shaking her head. At least she knew what kind of girl she was… wonder why she's acting up in such a way. She was the one who was dating Sirius right? Why should Veronique be jealous of her if she's marrying Harry?
Hmmm… one of the universe' many mysteries.
She closed the door and sat down in front of her mirror.
"Why wouldn't Sirius be here?" she whispered to herself. 'Sounds like a pathetic excuse… I'm sure he could have waited to settle the Gringotts business. Unless he didn't want to come…'
'Why are you worrying yourself over this,' she thought, glancing down at her lap at her engagement ring.
She was marrying Harry and had waited for this day for months now…
Harry.
Harry.
Harry.
His name ran through her head.
Harry had always been there for her.
Harry loves her.
Harry treats her well.
Harry.
Harry.
Harry.
Harry is not Sirius.
She was going to walk down that aisle.
But Sirius wouldn't be there.
She looked at her ring, searching for some truth. For a reason to stay.
"I can't do this," Hermione said, hyperventilating. She removed the ring and placed it on the table in front of her. She heard Ginny's voice outside her door becoming louder as she approached the room.
'Must get out,' she thought, looking around the room anxiously. So much for making the church a non apparating zone, she said to herself. The Aurors thought it would be a better way to secure the place.
Her eyes fell upon the window closest near her. She looked back, and found the door opening in the room.
Remus POV
Remus stood in the church's gardens, tapping his foot impatiently on the ground.
"Where the hell are you," Remus said, checking his watch.
Something smacked him across the head as Remus stumbled. A hand gripped him around the arm, "Here."
Remus turned around, only to find fields of green grass and gardens.
"Why are you wearing an invisibility cloak?" Remus asked, picking up on Sirius' scent.
"Feel like it," Sirius responded, sitting down on the grass.
"Right," Remus said nonchalantly, "This doesn't have to do with Hermione's wedding?"
"Now, why would you say that," Sirius said sarcastically.
"Sirius for crying out loud… stop running around thinking you're invisible and go to the wedding! Be a man, will you!" Remus said, throwing his hands in the air. He realized that this action might look strange in front of any onlookers so he quickly lowered them.
"Oh my, have I angered Remus Lupin?" Sirius said mockingly.
"Sirius, I'm serious," Remus said, stamping his foot on the ground.
"You always are," Sirius said, "First, I don't think I'm invisible. I am invisible…
Besides we use to do it so many times when we were younger."
"Exactly, when we were younger," Remus pointed out. "And what about this
excuse for not coming? Harry's getting married!"
"To Hermione," Sirius clarified.
"Yes, to Hermione! And as his godfather, you should at least show up! You've
returned from merlin knows where…" Remus said anxiously, his voice slowing down. "Wait."
"No problem," Sirius sneered, "I have all the time in the world."
"You- I mean Hermione…," Remus gazed towards the imprinted grass where Sirius was sitting, "Are you…"
"Madly in love with her and didn't want to come for the wedding in case I become a fugitive for the second time… this time for running away with my godchild's bride," Sirius said quickly, "Why would you think that?"
Remus fell on the grass beside Sirius, "You've got to be shitting me. You still love her?"
"Wouldn't you?" Sirius said, "Don't tell me Remus that she isn't the most gorgeous…"
"Yes, I get the point," Remus said, nodding her head, "Even back in our time she was a great looker. So why are you sitting out here."
"Don't know," Sirius said, shrugging, "To see…. To see if she's happy."
"Harry's a good man, Padfoot," Remus said.
"I know, that's why I don't deserve a girl like her," Sirius said.
"Have you told her?" Remus asked quietly.
"What do you think," Sirius barked, "She loves Harry."
"Don't you think she should know," Remus asked Sirius.
"No, she's better off not knowing. Not that it would change a thing," Sirius said, in the solemnest tone Remus had ever heard from him. "Don't want to make things worst between us."
Suddenly, some tiles from the roof crashed on the floor.
"What the-?" Remus said, glancing at the roof. To his surprise, he found Hermione standing on the rooftop with her eyes closed and holding on tightly to one of the many chimneys.
"Hermione?!" Remus called out to her.
"What the fuck is she doing up there?" Sirius said.
"Will you shut up," Remus hissed at him, "If you haven't forgotten… you've chosen to be invisible."
"Remus!" Hermione said in a surprise voice, opening her eyes. Her foot lost its grip on one of the tiles as another caved to the floor. "Eek," she screeched as she held on more tightly to the chimney.
"What are you bloody doing up there," Remus asked.
"Enjoying the scenery of the countryside," Hermione said, in a dramatic voice.
"You've got to be joking," Sirius whispered to Remus, laughing.
"That's a pretty dangerous spot, don't you think?" Remus said, nudging Sirius in the ribs to shut him up.
"I'm joking," Hermione said heatedly.
"Oi! That hurt!" Sirius said.
"What?" Hermione said, observing Remus, "Is someone with you, Remus."
"No, why would you say that?" Remus said.
"Well I came around and you were talking to yourself," Hermione lied.
"Great, see what you've done," Remus coughed to Sirius.
"Hey you're the one who seems like the wacko case," Sirius murmured back.
"Joking," Hermione said, laughing slightly.
"What?" Remus said, looking at her questionably.
"I just saw you… I'm joking around with you! Get it…a joke," Hermione said.
"Oh right," Remus said, nodding his head and looking to the ground.
"Now if you don't mind… can you please GET ME DOWN FROM HERE," Hermione screeched.
"Of course," Remus said, "But we..I can't use magic."
"Figure something out," she replied, her foot sliding down the roof, "Fast."
"Remus!" Harry's voice called out from the side of the house. Hermione's eyes widened as she pulled her feet closer to her.
"Don't tell him!" Hermione whispered at him, shaking her head vigorously.
Remus looked from Harry to Hermione to Harry. He ran to the side of the house where Harry was standing, dressed in his tuxedo.
"Everything all right, mate?" Harry asked Remus, looking at Remus oddly.
"Fine, just fine," Remus responded.
"Was wondering if you could get in touch with Sirius if there's any chance he could make it," Harry said, "Really odd that he can't, must be some serious stuff."
"Right," Remus said, guiltily, "I'll do that!"
Hermione suddenly cried out, making Harry look towards the end of the house.
"Did you hear that?" Harry said. Remus blocked Harry's sight and turned him around.
"Must be Veronique and the twins… they're watching the game until it starts," Remus said. He hastily glanced behind him, only to find Hermione dangling upside down and caught up in her long white trail which seemed to be the only thing preventing her from falling.
"Oh crap," Remus said out loud.
"What's wrong?" Harry said, nearly turning his head around. Remus rapidly took Harry's head in his hands and directed it away from the falling bride. 'Sirius better be doing something.'
"You've grown up so much Harry, you remind me of your father," Remus said, trying to cover up for the mishap.
"Ummm… okay," Harry said, looking awkwardly at Remus, "Is something wrong?"
"No," Remus said quickly, "Well… you see we have a surprise for you two." Remus pulled Harry inside the house, "You'll have to wait! Now don't worry about a thing, I'll take care of Sirius." Remus patted Harry on the back and closed the door on him.
'Right, I'll take care of Sirius. And I'll have a nice surprise for Harry… as in delivering his fiancé into Sirius's hands. Perfect wedding gift.'
Remus ran towards the end of the house and found Hermione still floating in midair. He heard the distinct rip of her dress as she fell into the grass. Luckily, the train of her gown was so long that she was already touching the ground before she fell.
Sirius' POV
Sirius opened his eyes, only to find Hermione nearly lying on top of him. Yes, nearly. Her hands were distinctly placed on each side of his head to support her entire body from what she hopefully saw as grass right under her. Meanwhile, her legs were directly in between his legs.
'God is definitely on my side,' Sirius thought to himself, studying Hermione's flushed face as she looked desperately towards Remus. 'Please. Hope she can't see me…'
Remus pulled Hermione up, while Sirius jumped away instantly.
"Are you alright?" Remus asked Hermione.
"Yes, I've spent so much on the dress," Hermione said, scrutinizing the train which had ripped off the dress.
"At least you're fine," Remus said, shaking his head.
'If she's not saying anything to me… she probably hasn't seen me.
"Who am I kidding, I don't even need the dress," she cried out, flopping down on the grass.
"Uhhh, you're getting married in fifteen minutes," Remus said, checking his watch.
"If I'm standing here with you Remus, not to be mean… but DO I LOOK LIKE I'M GETTING MARRIED?" Hermione screamed.
"Calm down, what's the problem," Remus said, sitting near Hermione and turning his head towards where he thought Sirius was.
"I can't do it," Hermione said in a high pitched voice. "I mean I have known for a few weeks now but I told myself that it was nothing….it's not nothing. It's everything."
Sirius stopped breathing. 'It couldn't be.'
"Please translate to English," Remus said, shaking his head.
"I know this is absolutely nuts-," Hermione said.
"Go on, I've seen enough for today to prepare myself," Remus said.
"I don't know what's wrong with me. I love Harry. But I don't love Harry," she said, digging her fingers through her hair in frustration, "As much as I love Sirius."
Sirius' jaw dropped. 'He must have heard wrong.'
"Sirius?" Remus repeated the name.
"I know," Hermione said, as if it was embarrassing.
'Me?' Sirius wondered, throwing himself backwards into the grass.
Remus' POV
"I can't stop thinking about him," Hermione exclaimed, "Even the fucking grass smells like him."
Remus laughed.
"It's not funny!" Hermione glared at him.
"You have no idea," Remus said, "So why don't you tell him?"
"OH because of madam Veronique. That girl is such a hypocritical cold hard bitch," she said angrily.
"Maybe he thinks the same about Harry… minus the anger," Remus said.
"Sure," Hermione said sadly, "I've seen how he looks at her."
Remus coughed, hoping that Sirius would take off the invisibility cloak any moment and the couple could shag all they want.
"Who am I kidding," Hermione said, "We could never be together." She stood up.
"Then it's settled?" Remus asked, looking at Hermione worryingly.
"Yes," she said, "If he wanted to tell me something, he would have come by now."
"Hermione, it's not a bright idea to marry Harry if you love someone else," Remus said, wondering where Sirius was.
Hermione said, "I'm going to my room to think… besides they're going to be searching for me."
"Right, you should do that," Remus said, looking around. Sirius was there, why wasn't he saying anything?
"I'll see you later," Hermione said walking away.
"You must be a bloody idiot to let her go like that Padfoot," Remus said.
Silence.
"Sirius?"
"Either you've gone after her or you're hiding again," Remus said, shaking his head in confusion.
Hermione's POV
Hermione stared at the walls. Someone knocked at the door, stirring her from her thoughts. Hermione lifted her head and opened the door.
"Harry!?" Hermione said uneasily as Harry moved into the room with her. "It's bad luck to see the bride before the wedding."
"Couldn't help myself," Harry said, grinning.
She felt the tears welling up in her eyes. She couldn't do this to Harry. How guilty she felt! Harry's hands swept across her creamy skin, "You look amazing. As usual."
He pulled her into his arms. Hermione laid her head on his shoulder. 'Funny. Harry smells like Sirius.' Harry took her chin in his hands, "I love you." He captured her lips, exploring the depths of her mouth.
She pushed her neck against his neck as his hand rushed down her back side.
"Hermione," he whispered, caressing her neck with kisses.
Hermione inhaled deeply, "Sirius."
Harry let go of her immediately and looked at her intensely, "What?"
Hermione looked at the shocked expression on his face, "Sirius isn't coming… it's too bad. I know that you would want him to be here."
"Yes," Harry said, looking down at the floor. Hermione bit her lip. She had to break things off with him. That kiss felt so good… it reminded her of kissing Sirius.
"I better go," Sirius said, giving her a quick peck on the cheek, "I love you."
He turned around and left the room abruptly without another word.
Hermione stood fixed in her spot, wondering what had happened.
Ginny walked into the room, ironically more excited than Hermione. "Where were you?! I've been searching around the whole church! You wouldn't believe what I found in one rooms… But never mind about that for now, are you ready?"
"Huh," was Hermione's reply.
"Was chatting with your future husband in the church," Ginny said, winking at Hermione.
"Impossible," Hermione said, prodding her head towards Ginny, "He was here a minute ago, surely you saw him leave."
"No," Ginny said, studying Hermione's face awkwardly, "Someone- not Harry- left your room in a hurry…"
"Sirius," Hermione said, rushing to the door.
"He's in Egypt, Mione," Ginny said, "WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOUR DRESS?"
"No he's not," Hermione informed her friend.
"Mione, everyone's waiting for you at the church! We'll search for Sirius later. We have to fix your gown," Ginny said tensely, checking the time.
"I am NOT MARRYING ANYONE until I talk to Sirius," Hermione said, when Ginny finally caught up to her side.
"Alright," Ginny said, in a perplexed tone while altering Hermione's gown as they ran, "Where could he have gone?"
"There," Hermione said, hurriedly, seeing Sirius' back retreating further down the corridor.
She opened her mouth to yell his name but was yanked aside.
"Hermione, dear, what's wrong with your hair. The church is here," Mrs. Weasely said, fussing around with her hair.
"Stop it," Hermione said, loudly, making Mrs. Weasley jump away from her. "Sirius." Sirius turned around and locked his eyes with hers.
As if on cue, the doors were thrown open and the musicians began to play the popular wedding theme. All the guests looked at her expectantly while Harry smiled at her from the front of the room.
"This is a nightmare," Hermione said, staring at the guests. She smiled hesitantly at them.
Mr. Weasley walked to her side and linked arms with her. Looking past Sirius, she found him leaving.
"Hermione," Ginny said, knowing that her best friend was not ready.
Mr. Weasley had already started to walk with Hermione. She stared at the priest horrifyingly.
'She had to think fast if she wasn't going to go through this.'
She was running out of time.