Sadly, this is the second to last chapter! I think one more chapter after this, I will finish. I was thinking of doing a sequel, and I might. If not I will defiantly do a conclusion type thing!
So keep the reviews coming! (The more I get, the faster I post the last chapter!). I love this chappie to bits, it took me a while to get right!
Chapter 22 Her happily ever afterRachel spent the rest of the night sleeping in the kitchens. Her father had left as soon as he finished his cereal. Rachel didn't mind sleeping in the kitchens, alone.
After Rachel and Sirius's little bed incident Rachel had decided to keep clear from him. She didn't think there was much hope things would work out between them. Rachel now had no choice but to cooperate.
Olivia had confirmed all the big arrangements for the wedding and Rachel was told to return back to Hogwarts to study. Rachel didn't see how she was going to concentrate on her study with so much on her mind. It was the last dinner of the holidays. Rachel was pleased she could go back to Hogwarts; at least Simon wouldn't be there.
"Pass the potatoes please." James muttered. Riley dropped her knife and fork and handed James the potatoes.
Dinner was always quiet. Sirius had told James, Remus and Peter about the bed incident, who had all told him he was stupid, and Rachel had told Lily, Riley and Ashley. Sirius and Rachel had avoided each other for most of the holidays and had barely spoken.
"Why is everyone so quiet?" Olivia asked.
Rachel frowned. "That doesn't concern you!"
Olivia frowned. "Well since we are all together, Simon would you like to do it now?"
Simon nodded. Rachel frowned more, not knowing what the hell was going on now. Before Rachel knew it, Simon was down on one knee, right next to her.
"Everything has been so busy that I forgot to give you this," he said opening a little black box.
Rachel gasped. Inside was a beautiful ring, which looked like it had cost a leg and an arm. There was no doubt about it. It was beautiful.
"It's gorgeous." Rachel muttered.
Sirius who was sitting opposite Rachel could get a clear view of the ring. He turned away and began scratching his hair uncomfortably; he couldn't bear seeing some man proposing to Rachel with a ring the size of a rock.
"But I'm not wearing it, ever." Rachel said surely.
"Rachel!" Kate screamed.
Rachel shook her head. "I'm sorry. But he can't buy me. He's brought this ring, thinking he can temp me with money! I don't even love him, my heart belongs to someone else!"
"Someone who won't have you!" Olivia screamed.
Rachel looked over at Sirius who looked horrified. She couldn't bear seeing him like that.
"I'm not wearing it," she said simply.
"One more thing Rachel," Simon said, still on one knee on the ground. "I've arranged to spend my time at Hogwarts with you!" he said as if she hadn't refused to wear the ring.
Rachel didn't get how she couldn't irritate him.
Kate nodded. "We've arranged a party at Hogwarts in celebration of your marriage."
Rachel sat open mouthed, shocked. "Fine," she said simply. "Just don't expect me to cooperate.
As Rachel sat in her dorm back at Hogwarts, she doubted if her life could get any worse. She was engaged to some Frenchman, who was staying with her, watching her every move. She had NEWT's coming up and she doubted she would pass. But worse of all, Sirius hadn't talked for her for days. Rachel wondered what on earth was wrong with him.
Everything for the wedding had been planned. Rachel still was telling everyone that there wasn't going to be a wedding, but now she doubted that. Bridesmaids had been chosen, Olivia had picked out Rachel's weeding dress, a location had been set and all the invitations had been given out.
It was Saturday night; she was getting married in less than two weeks. Her mother had organized some kind of party for Rachel and Simon. Most of the castle was invited as well as lots of the public. If Olivia hadn't threatened her so much, Rachel wouldn't be going. Kate was also staying at Hogwarts. She had picked out a dress for Rachel to wear tonight. Rachel thought it was hideous. It was dark red and made her look fat all over again. Rachel was expected to dance with Simon and give a special talk. She doubted if she would do either.
It was 5:00. The party was to start in exactly one hour. This was Rachel's last chance to get out of this wedding, and she was going to try her hardest to make tonight a complete disaster. To make it a disaster she needed her friends.
Rachel rushed out of her dorm and into Lily's.
"Guys, I need your help!" Rachel screamed running into Lily's dorm. Riley was already dressed and now was doing Ashley's hair.
"Sure." Lily muttered.
"Riley, I need you to make me look so good that Sirius will finally notice what he's been missing out on!"
Rachel was instructed by her mother to be on time and welcome the guests into the great hall. Unfortunately Kate was out of luck. Rachel, Lily, Ashley and Riley came out from behind Lily's portrait at 6:10. They were already 10 minutes late.
Riley had done a fantastic job on Rachel. She had performed a spell on Rachel's pink, layered dress to make it tighter, Riley had done something with Rachel's blonde hair, making it have little ringlets at the bottom, and for once, Rachel was actually wearing makeup.
When the girls got to the great hall entrance, they found James, Remus, Peter and Sam waiting for them. The doors to the great hall were shut.
"Rach you look great," James said as he linked arms with Lily. "So do you Lils." He said kissing her lightly on the check.
"Where is Sirius?" Rachel asked disappointed.
"Inside." Remus muttered.
"Rach, you have to tell him properly!" James said. "Tonight!"
"I know James!" Rachel snapped. "It's a bit hard when I've got Olivia and mum breathing down my back!"
"Speaking of them, you have to get in there now!" James said pushing Rachel towards the doors.
Rachel now had no choice but to go through. She pushed the doors open. The bright light blinded her eyes. The hall was packed with people, young and old, all here to celebrate Rachel's engagement. There was a single spotlight, Rachel couldn't bare looking at it, to her, it felt like it had Sirius's name written all over it.
Rachel led her friends through the crowd who were all talking to each other, not aware that the bride to be was in the building. She looked at the front table. Her family, Simon and some of the Hogwarts teachers were sitting there too. She spotted the look on her mothers face, shocked and horrified. Rachel was now more determined to make this night a total mess.
"What are you wearing?" Kate barked at Rachel looking at her up and down.
"What does it look like? Monkey costume?" Rachel said giggling.
"What happened to the dress I brought you?" Kate snapped looking furious.
"Didn't like it." Rachel said simply.
Kate sighed. "Rachel this is your night, please try and cooperate."
Rachel shook her head and said nothing. Before Kate had another chance to open her mouth, Dumbledore had gotten on stage and had begun talking. Rachel ignored Dumbledore and searched the room for Sirius. She got a huge fright when she found him standing right next to James, both eyes on her. Rachel blushed and turned away.
Rachel had to admit, it hadn't gone too bad so far. There hadn't been any dancing, only talks. They were half an hour into the party and it was finally time to crack up the music and dance. The opening dance was for couples only. Lily and James instantly took the floor, as did Remus, Ashley, Riley, Sam, Peter and Monica.
Rachel clapped along on the side watching her friends sway slowly to the music. She refused to dance with Simon. Rachel wasn't the only person not dancing. Sirius was watching Rachel from across the dance floor, hoping she wouldn't crack before he had a time to tell her his feelings. He screwed it all up in the holidays and now it was his last chance.
After the third dance, everyone seemed to be in the party mood. Rachel was enjoying dancing with James to a slow song.
"He hasn't taken your eyes off you since you arrived." James muttered in Rachel's ear.
"I have to tell him don't I?" Rachel said. "Why can't he just come up to me?"
James nodded. "You will be surprised."
"Sure I will." Rachel replied bitterly.
"How you going to do it anyway?" James asked.
"I dunno," Rachel said as James spun her around. "However I do it, I'm going to have to make it crystal clear!"
"Or I could always knock him over the head with a club. It might knock some sense into him."
"Not a bad idea!"
Rachel had made her way around the hall, dancing with what seemed like every boy and man apart Simon and Sirius. She was having a great time. But the fun was about to end. It was time for more speeches.
Rachel sat in the middle of the table, next to her brother and her friends. James promised her nothing bad was going to happen, Rachel believed him.
Once Olivia had finished bloating, it was Simon's turn to talk, then after Simon Rachel was made to get up.
Simon got up on stage and began to talk. Rachel now had the chance to be as rude as possible.
"When I first laid eyes on Rachel," Simon began in his French accent. "I knew she was the one," Rachel coughed loudly. "I love everything about her. She brightens my day and makes me so happy," Rachel snorted loudly making several people in the crowd smirk. "I've fallen in love with her, and I know she loves me back."
Rachel had heard enough. She couldn't take it anymore. "Whatever!" she yelled slapping her fist down on the table, letting everyone know she didn't agree with Simon's words.
Simon bowed and walked off stage, ignoring Rachel's laughs, snorts and comments. Rachel watched as Kate got on stage, she knew what was coming now.
"Thank you Simon," Kate beamed. "It is now time for us to watch Simon and Rachel dance together."
Rachel looked hopelessly at James, as she did, she caught Sirius's gaze who was looking petrified.
"I think I will pass." Rachel said confidentially and very loudly, hoping Sirius would hear that she didn't want to dance.
Kate shot an apologetic glance at the crowd and gave Rachel a stern look. "Don't be silly dear."
Rachel shook her head. "No." she said stubbornly.
The crowd sniggered. Rachel beamed.
"Rachel, dance now!" Olivia hissed.
Rachel got up swiftly with a look that could kill. She shot a filthy look at her mother and walked onto the dance floor where Simon was standing.
Music began to play and Simon pulled Rachel close to him, holding her so tight Rachel was actually scared.
Sirius looked at Rachel who was dancing elegantly with Simon. He couldn't bear to watch anymore. He hung his head low, saving himself the emotional heartbreak.
"Are you going to try kissing me again?" Rachel snapped.
Simon tightened his grip on Rachel, digging his nails into her back. "We are getting married whether you like it or not! And as soon as we are, I'm taking you to France away from your rude brother and that Black boy who you think you have a chance with!"
"You don't even know Sirius!" Rachel hissed.
"I know him well enough to tell that he's given up on you!" Simon snapped.
"What the hell are you on about?" Rachel asked rudely.
"Oh please! The way he used to do anything for you, to protect you. Now he's on the sideline, watching, doing nothing."
"Fool!" Rachel yelled. "He was never into me!"
Simon ignored her and grabbed Rachel's head, kissing her. Rachel spluttered trying to get Simon off her. The crowd had gone completely silent. Simon finally pulled his lips off Rachel's. Rachel gathered up some spit in her mouth and shot in at Simon's face, hitting him directly on the nose. Simon slowly wiped the spit away, looking furious. He grabbed Rachel tightly by the hands and began to dance again as if nothing had happened.
Rachel look up at James and gave him a piecing look as if to say 'get me out of here!' James caught onto Rachel's glare and swiftly got up, walking into the middle of the dance floor, ignoring the yells from his mother. He gave Simon a killer look. Instantly Simon let go.
Rachel looked down at her arms. There were marks. She was aware that every pair of eyes was on her. Before she could think of any other trouble to cause, Olivia had come rushing over, dragging Rachel back on stage.
The crowed, all wearing identical smirks began to dance to the music, like nothing had happened. Rachel's family, friends and teachers got down from the high table and began to dance.
"What he hell were you doing?" Olivia hissed.
Rachel smirked. "Nothing."
Olivia looked like steam would come out of her nose any minute now. "After this song you are expected to talk for a while."
Rachel nodded. "I'm well aware of that."
Olivia didn't smile. "Why are you so miserable?"
"Because this isn't what I want!" Rachel screamed.
Olivia didn't have time to open her fat mouth again. The music had stopped and Rachel was expected up on stage. Rachel gave Olivia a sarcastic smile before making her way on stage. She knew what she was going to do.
"Ladies and gentlemen I would like to thank you for coming tonight," Rachel scanned the crowd and spotted her friends in a bunch together in the middle. With them was Sirius, looking at Rachel. "I want to tell you a story," Rachel could see James beaming at her. " I've told myself that true love is like a piano, first you must play by the rules, and then you must forget the rules and play by your heart. For my entire life I've played by the rules, I've accepted that he dates other girls; I have never held a strong grudge. I learnt the awful truth that he wouldn't be interested in me. So I changed, to this," Rachel said pointing at herself. "But as time past, I forgot the rules and I thought about what my heart was telling me to do. I played by my heart, and my heart told me to get up on stage here tonight and speak the truth," Rachel looked at Sirius. "If I get my way tonight, Simon will be history and I will get my happily ever after. The happily ever after I've been told I deserve," Rachel had tears in her eyes, she couldn't keep it in anymore, but she had to try. "At the last ball I went to, I sang a song, in that song I told him I loved him, unfortunately he was out in the corridor pashing a girl," the crowd gasped. Rachel saw Sirius look to the ground. "This boy asked me if I would sing it again, and I don't see the point in beating behind the bush, singing trying to make a point when he hasn't picked up on any of my hints. So if I do actually get married, he has to know that I love him."
Throughout most of the talk, Rachel had kept eye contact with Sirius. That talk was it, she was done. Now the ball was in his court.
Sirius watched Rachel up on stage, ignoring the applause from the crowd. It was as if it was only the two of them in the room. The chemistry was that strong. Sirius had listened to every word that escaped Rachel's mouth and he finally understood. All year Rachel had been in love with him. And all he had been was a fool. He had lost her too many times already; he wasn't going to do it again.
The crowd's applause slowly died down. Rachel didn't dare look at her parents or Simon. She kept her eyes fixed on Sirius, her feet securely glued to the stage floor, not wanting to move. To Rachel's horror, Sirius was looking at her as if she was a ghost. He didn't move, smile or make any kind of movement at all; he just stood there with a face of terror that could only mean one thing in Rachel's mind.
Rachel stood on the stage for another whole minute. Sirius still hadn't moved. The marauders and the girls stood looking between Sirius and Rachel. In Rachel's eyes it looked like this was Sirius's way of saying he wasn't interested. She shook her head slowly in disbelief. She had never been so humiliated in her life. Sirius had tried to tell her he didn't love her and Rachel was too dumb to listen; now she was paying for it.
Rachel jumped down from the stage, not giving a damn that people were still watching her. She grabbed the hem of her dress and ran out of the doors, running out into the corridor, not stopping until she was sure she was out of site.
The great hall doors opened, just seconds after Rachel had left. Rachel expected it was James or Riley. She wasn't expecting Sirius, but here he was. He closed the doors and took a step forward, so he was closer to Rachel. Rachel looked at him. His face didn't show terror, it didn't show anything. Rachel wondered if Sirius had meant to show a look of terror.
"It took me 5 seconds after you slammed that door for me to realize that I don't want to lose you again," Sirius said, his voice very strong considering the way he looked. "All year I've known we have a connection, I tried to deny it, and it worked for a while. Now it won't work. Remember what I told you, if I look at a girl and say there hot, I'm looking at their body. If I say there pretty I'm looking at their face. If I say there beautiful I'm looking at their heart. To me, you are beautiful; you always have been and always will. You're the only girl who I can talk openly to about anything, you're the only one who makes me laugh so much I nearly piss my pants, you're the only one who lights up my day when no one else can. I made a mistake calling you fat, and I'm sorry. Rach, it has taken me so long to get it right, but I've fallen in love with you." Sirius said trying to make some kind of expression that didn't resemble a stunned mullet.
"And you expect me to just fall into your arms and cry? And we go and live happily ever after? Like I've always wanted?" Rachel sobbed.
"Yes." Sirius said now flushing a light smile.
A smile broke loose on Rachel's face, the tears turned to tears of happiness. Rachel ran, and jumped into Sirius's arms, wrapping her legs tightly around his middle and her arms around his neck. She placed her head on his shoulder, letting him stroke her hair and her back softly.
Rachel lifted her head and looked into Sirius's eyes, their faces inches apart.
"You have no idea how long I've waited." Rachel whispered.
"Oh I do." Sirius whispered back.
Rachel leaned forward. Their lips were barely two centimeters apart. Rachel felt a gentle, lingering touch of Sirius's lips of hers. Both could feel each other's hesitation, as they touched, as if they were taking the time to memorize the exact feeing. Rachel slowly opened her mouth and let Sirius kiss deeper. Sirius felt the connection and felt Rachel's mouth open slightly, obviously wanting him to kiss her more.
Sirius and Rachel stood like this for what seemed like an eternity. Rachel still clung around Sirius. They finally broke apart, smiling at each other. Sirius kissed Rachel lightly on the nose. A larger smile flickered on his face. He slowly dropped Rachel to the ground.
"I know it doesn't match Simon's ring but I brought this for you." Sirius said furiously digging deep into his pocket and pulling out a red box. He opened it.
Rachel gasped. Inside was the Bracelet she spotted at the Jewelry store in Hogsmade.
"Oh Sirius!" Rachel sobbed. "When did you get it?"
"I went back the next day to get it for you," He muttered taking the bracelet, wrapping it around Rachel's wrist and fastening it up. "I love you." He muttered.
"I love you too." Rachel whispered back.
"And I'm sorry. Sorry for being such a blind arse. I've known all along, I just didn't think you felt the same way." Sirius muttered.
"It's ok," Rachel mumbled. "I'm just glad you didn't blame it on the scenery again!" Rachel laughed.
Sirius blushed. "It wasn't really the scenery. I felt something, I honestly did."
"So did I." Rachel muttered.
"I've got one more job to do." Sirius said.
"What?"
"I remember you telling me that you wished you were dancing under a spotlight with everyone watching. Let's do it." Sirius said.
"Now?" Rachel asked.
Sirius nodded. He grabbed Rachel's hand and walked at her side back through the doors.
People were dancing merrily to the music. Rachel wasn't surprised to see the marauders, Lily, Riley and Ashley waiting right next to the door. They all looked from Sirius and Rachel's hands to their faces, which had smiles plastered on them, and they instantly knew.
"Ahh!" Riley screamed grabbing Rachel in a bone-crushing hug. "Finally!" she screamed. Rachel smiled and hugged her friend.
"Congrats, Padfoot." James said patting his friend on the back while the girls were in one big hug.
Rachel got out of the hug and walked up to James.
"Are you happy?" James asked his little sister.
"Happiest I've ever been!" Rachel sobbed happily throwing herself at James.
"Oomph!" James muttered patting her little sister on the back.
Rachel let James go and joined hands with Sirius again, who was still smiling, unable to wipe the grin off his face.
"Finally!" James yelled. "She's liked you since third year Padfoot!"
Rachel hit him playfully on the arm.
"Third year?" Sirius asked shocked.
Rachel blushed and nodded.
"Then you've defiantly waited too long!" Sirius said happily. "Come on." Sirius led her onto the middle of the dance floor. James and Riley went to back the crowd away saying it was an emergency.
A slow song began to play and a spotlight found Sirius and Rachel on the dance floor. Sirius softly placed his arms around Rachel's waist. Rachel rested her arms on Sirius's shoulders and the pair of them began to dance.
Rachel felt like she was in one of her dreams. Nearly the whole school was watching her dance under the spotlight. She couldn't believe it.
"There's just so much I haven't told you." Sirius muttered in her ear.
"Like?" Rachel asked curious.
"All the times I put my arm around you or held you hand, I felt something go through me. Whenever I saw you crying or looking sad, it nearly killed me. When we hugged that time in the great hall I was so close to kissing you. When I was at the ball, surrounded around other girls, I looked instantly for you, and when I found you, you were the most beautiful girl there. When we were in bed together, it felt so natural. Being around you feels so right."
Rachel looked up, deep into his eyes. "Sirius," she whispered.
"And I am really sorry," Sirius muttered.
Rachel shook her head. "It doesn't matter."
"Yes it does," Sirius whispered. "I need you to know that even before you dieted that I thought you were beautiful."
Rachel smiled. "Aw Sirius,"
"I love you, and together we are going to get through this wedding." Sirius said.
Rachel smiled. "Together," she muttered.
"Forever. I will never let you go." He said twirling Rachel around a couple of times then quickly pulled her in close. He leaned in and kissed her again, right under the spotlight.
The crowd began to cheer. Rachel looked up at Sirius, her face basically shouting out happiness. The heartbreak had paid off. This was her happily ever after.
Awe! Defiantly my favorite chapter! I was going to put a Simon's, Kate's and Olivia's reaction in here, but I felt I needed to give Sirius and Rach a moment! It might have felt like I had rushed this chapter a bit, but I really wanted to get them together, I just couldn't wait any longer! Heh! So tell me what you think, please!Next Chapter – Sirius and Rach have to deal with Olivia's new rules and must find ways around them. Both of them are beginning to give up hope, completely when Sirius has a brilliant idea.