Author's Note: Please Read and Review! Thank you!
Chapter 2: Whisked away
Ronald Weasley got out of his car and shut the doors. He was at the chapel where he and Hermione would be married. He smiled to himself as he walked up the steps and opened the doors. Inside, attendants and wedding coordinators were busy with the preparations.
"Mr. Weasley, good morning sir." The crisp voice of the head wedding coordinator, Belinda Warrick, greeted him. Ron turned and nodded his own greeting.
"I trust that everything is in order?" Ron asked as they both walked along the aisle.
"Yes, sir. If you would permit me." She stopped and waved her hand toward the front of the church. "The whole church is decorated with red, orange and yellow flowers, roses to be exact. I am assuming Hermione's favorite colors?"
Ron nodded and Belinda continued.
"Plus, the colors are of sunset, very appropriate. The carpet for the aisle will be a deep shade of red and the pews will be littered with flower petals." She turned to face the pews and pointed out with her hands. "The left will be the groom's side, the right, the bride's. As for the bridal entourage, all is taken cared of, care of me and my staff. The gowns are beautiful, made by only London's most famous and celebrated designers. Participants are now getting ready for the wedding. Miss Granger had asked us to prepare a room just for her. She has not come yet and has asked not to see anyone before the wedding time."
"Very good, Miss Warrick. I approve." Ron said, giving her a smile. "Continue on with the excellent work. I shall be on my way now, last minute business has not given me rest, even on the best day of my life!"
"Yes, sir. I trust everything will be fine." Belinda smiled. "A room has been set to you, sir. I trust you would find it very comfortable and well-appointed."
"Yes. Thank you." Ron said, turning to leave. He took one last look at the chapel and smiled to himself. The day was going to be perfect, he told himself as he got out the keys to his black BMW and walked towards his car.
* * *
Hermione sat down opposite her vanity and placed her head in her hands. Today was it. Today was the day that was going to determine if she loved him enough to marry him with all her heart or if she had made a terrible mistake.
She had arrived half an hour after Ron had left the chapel and was greeted by most of the crew that was working on the decorations. However, she only had a glimpse of the said decorations as she was more or less pushed into one of the private rooms they had near the chapel where she could change at her own pace.
4 hours and 15 minutes to go, she said mentally, after checking her watch. Another gift given by Ron. She irritably looked away. How could she be callous, so inappropriately mean, that she was thinking of her love for Ron. He was doing his best to make the dream wedding she had discussed with him, not long after he had proposed. So far, all her wishes were granted and all was ready for her day.
She turned back toward the mirror in front of her and stared at her reflection. Her eyes and features all depicted what she was feeling inside: immense dread and despair.
"Well, Hermione. Might as well get it over with." She muttered to herself as she stood up and walked over to the closet. Putting her hand on the handle, she hesitated before opening the armoire. But then immediately dispelling all thoughts of backing out, she forcefully opened the closet and came face to face with the most beautiful wedding dress she'd ever seen.
And by God, it looked amazing. The wedding dress was beautiful frothy white. The skirt was balloon enough to hide little children in and the bodice was intricately designed with spring flowers. The long sleeves were made of pure silk and were brocaded with designs. The ends of the sleeves were pointed, very much like what the ladies of the medieval times before wore.
Hermione clapped a hand over her mouth, staying in that position for a few minutes; thank God no one else was there. When she finally got a hold of herself, she gasped and gaped at the beautiful dress. It was like it had come out from one of her fairy books. As a child, she was so interested in fair maidens and gallant knights that she made a promise to herself that she would have a gown that would be just like a princess'. And now, she was staring at it. It was really like a fairy tale. She, the beautiful maiden, off to marry her dashing knight in a elaborate and luxurious ceremony.
But was Ron her knight in shining armor? She wondered idly then quickly turning red from embarrassment and shame. How dare she think these thoughts! He was nothing but kind and gentlemanly. He never humiliated her. He never did anything to displease her. She was lucky enough to have him love her with all his heart! And what was she currently doing?
Thinking twice about that 'love' that they shared.
How insolent of you, Hermione Granger! She scolded herself. She then turned to the small bathroom and stripped her clothing off, getting ready for a nice shower that could be the answer to that splitting headache that she was now experiencing.
It's just pre-wedding jitters. She assured herself, but her mind was surely doubting that. Ron loves me, I love him. Why shouldn't we get married? Why can't I be happy with him? She thought these things as she stepped into the shower and turned it full blast.
The water was warm and heavenly, it soothed some of her aches and pains and it rejuvenated her spirit. She thought over and over in her mind like a mantra that she was going to marry Ron, not because of the fact that he might get humiliated for being left at the altar, but because she love him with all her heart. Despite what her soul was craving for.
A few minutes later, Hermione was wrapped in a fluffy towel and she was combing her hair in front of her vanity. She was not thinking about anything else besides a way to get those damn butterflies off her stomach. After she brushed her long tresses, she began to take out her lingerie from her traveling bag and put them on.
Having been a part of the fashion scene, she had quite an extensive knowledge of cosmetics. Never mind that it was considered odd that a bride would have to put on her make up, she reached out for her make-up kit and began rummaging through it.
30 minutes later, she stepped back from the mirror and admired her handiwork. Her lips were coated with a deep shade of rose and her cheeks lightly blushed with pink. Her eyes were lined with the slightest of smudges, making her eyes pop out, yet not it did not appear too heavy. Her hair, that could be dealt with later, after asking the help of the make-up designer.
She took one last look at herself before straightening up and walking over to the intercom the wedding coordinator had set up in the room. After talking to the designer, she sat back down on the chair and waited. Promptly enough, a knock was heard not a minute later.
"Come in." Hermione called out as she turned when the door opened.
"Good afternoon, Miss Granger." Said a man in a double-breasted, navy blue suit with a weird French accent. He then walked over to where she sat and looked at her reflection as well. "My, my. a wonderful job, the soon-to- be Mrs. Weasley." He added, smiling.
"Thank you." Hermione said, smiling back.
"Now, let us get to work. I am thinking." His voice trailed off "Aha! A twist, pulled up, with a few tendrils on your face, no?"
"Yes, I think that would be very nice."
"Well then, let's get started, shall we?"
And with that, he proceeded to brush and fix her hair.
An hour later, Hermione was awed that she was looking like this. He did exactly what he told her he would do and the effect was amazing.
"Ah, beautiful, simply beautiful." He said. His name, she found out during their one hour together was Armand.
"Thank you, Armand. I absolutely love it!"
"It is but my job to beautify a bride even more on her wedding day. But now, the final touch must be added. The wedding dress, no?"
Hermione nodded.
"Very well, I shall call my assistant." He then walked briskly to the door, opened it and hollered out. "Donna! I need you right now!"
After a few moments, a petite girl came rushing forward. Armand then showed her to Hermione.
"Miss Granger, this is Donna, I am sure she will be a big help to you. I must be going, must get to the other ladies. I bid you adieu, Miss Granger."
"Thank you once again, Armand. For everything." Hermione called out as he bowed and went out the door, shutting it firmly behind him.
Hermione then turned to Donna. "Hello, I'm Hermione."
"Oh yes, I do know who you are, Miss Granger. Mister Weasley is certainly lucky that he is to have you." Donna answered shyly.
"Thank you. Now, on with the dress?" Hermione prodded.
"Ah, yes." Donna said as she walked over to the closet and carefully plucked out the beautiful wedding dress. She removed the plastic cover as she did so and presented it to Hermione. "Your dress is absolutely wonderful, Miss."
"Thank you, I think so too." Hermione said. She then stood up from her seat at the vanity and walked over to where Donna was standing.
Donna unclasped the hook and pulled down the long zipper. Hermione then stepped into it.
A few minutes later, Hermione was coiffed and pampered to look like a queen. She stepped in front of the full length mirror and admired her reflection. She smiled. She really did look like a queen.
"Very beautiful, Miss Granger." Donna gushed.
"Thank you." Hermione said, stepping into her three-inch heeled white shoes.
"Well, Miss. my work here is done. I shall leave you now." Donna said, turning to leave.
"Thanks again, Donna."
And then Hermione was once again alone with her own thoughts who have seemed to take part in making her life miserable. Not caring if her wedding dress would get ruined, she sat down on the chair opposite the vanity and resumed an earlier position of putting her head in her hands. Only about an hour till her wedding and she was having huge doubts.
"I can't say I wasn't happy with Ron, because I was. I was happy, contented, maybe, for the both of us to be taking it slow and simple." Hermione murmured, idly thinking about what would happen if she was to disappear before the wedding. These thoughts, she immediately brushed off, saying that it would never happen. But it did not dispel the doubts she still carried towards Ron.
"I only wish that there was some way for me to know if I have really found the right man to be with... If this is the man the fates have chosen for me." Hermione said wistfully.
What she didn't realize when she said those words that the fates were planning to show her the right man to be with.
* * *
"Alright, places everybody!" Belinda said, slightly shouting over the murmurs of the bridal entourage. Ron was already at the altar, waiting rather impatiently for his bride to get there. Belinda looked for Hermione.
"Miss Granger?" Belinda asked and the noise level dropped. Everyone looked around for the bride. "Miss Granger?" she repeated, a feeling of dread snaked its way towards her body.
"I think she's still in her room." One of the staff offered.
Belinda quickly made her way toward the room Hermione was in. She opened the door and peeked inside. "Miss Granger? Are you in here?"
Silence. Belinda opened the door fully and looked around the room, no once was there. The bridal gown was gone and all Hermione's clothes were unpacked. Belinda panicked at the thought that she might have been kidnapped. Unable to think of any more possibilities, she ran out the room and, despite all common sense telling her not to, she ran towards the altar, towards Ron.
"Mr. Weasley." She said, catching her breath.
"Yes?"
"I think Hermione's gone."
"WHAT?!" Ron exclaimed. Everyone quieted down and watched as Ron made his way toward the back, where Hermione's room was located.
She can't have gone. maybe she. Ron's train of thought trailed off as he slowly entered Hermione's room. "Hermione?" He called out. His voice was strained and maybe a bit afraid. He walked in the room slowly, as if anticipating something. He let out a frustrated sigh. Where was she?
His brown eyes scanned the whole room, then they caught on something. His heart pounding and chest beginning to tighten, he walked slowly toward the vanity. He was filled with dread as to what he was about to see. He hoped that it was just his mind playing with him, that it was just in his imagination. But it wasn't. Slowly, he bent his head in anger, sadness and frustration.
Hermione's diamond engagement ring sat in the vanity.
Chapter 2: Whisked away
Ronald Weasley got out of his car and shut the doors. He was at the chapel where he and Hermione would be married. He smiled to himself as he walked up the steps and opened the doors. Inside, attendants and wedding coordinators were busy with the preparations.
"Mr. Weasley, good morning sir." The crisp voice of the head wedding coordinator, Belinda Warrick, greeted him. Ron turned and nodded his own greeting.
"I trust that everything is in order?" Ron asked as they both walked along the aisle.
"Yes, sir. If you would permit me." She stopped and waved her hand toward the front of the church. "The whole church is decorated with red, orange and yellow flowers, roses to be exact. I am assuming Hermione's favorite colors?"
Ron nodded and Belinda continued.
"Plus, the colors are of sunset, very appropriate. The carpet for the aisle will be a deep shade of red and the pews will be littered with flower petals." She turned to face the pews and pointed out with her hands. "The left will be the groom's side, the right, the bride's. As for the bridal entourage, all is taken cared of, care of me and my staff. The gowns are beautiful, made by only London's most famous and celebrated designers. Participants are now getting ready for the wedding. Miss Granger had asked us to prepare a room just for her. She has not come yet and has asked not to see anyone before the wedding time."
"Very good, Miss Warrick. I approve." Ron said, giving her a smile. "Continue on with the excellent work. I shall be on my way now, last minute business has not given me rest, even on the best day of my life!"
"Yes, sir. I trust everything will be fine." Belinda smiled. "A room has been set to you, sir. I trust you would find it very comfortable and well-appointed."
"Yes. Thank you." Ron said, turning to leave. He took one last look at the chapel and smiled to himself. The day was going to be perfect, he told himself as he got out the keys to his black BMW and walked towards his car.
* * *
Hermione sat down opposite her vanity and placed her head in her hands. Today was it. Today was the day that was going to determine if she loved him enough to marry him with all her heart or if she had made a terrible mistake.
She had arrived half an hour after Ron had left the chapel and was greeted by most of the crew that was working on the decorations. However, she only had a glimpse of the said decorations as she was more or less pushed into one of the private rooms they had near the chapel where she could change at her own pace.
4 hours and 15 minutes to go, she said mentally, after checking her watch. Another gift given by Ron. She irritably looked away. How could she be callous, so inappropriately mean, that she was thinking of her love for Ron. He was doing his best to make the dream wedding she had discussed with him, not long after he had proposed. So far, all her wishes were granted and all was ready for her day.
She turned back toward the mirror in front of her and stared at her reflection. Her eyes and features all depicted what she was feeling inside: immense dread and despair.
"Well, Hermione. Might as well get it over with." She muttered to herself as she stood up and walked over to the closet. Putting her hand on the handle, she hesitated before opening the armoire. But then immediately dispelling all thoughts of backing out, she forcefully opened the closet and came face to face with the most beautiful wedding dress she'd ever seen.
And by God, it looked amazing. The wedding dress was beautiful frothy white. The skirt was balloon enough to hide little children in and the bodice was intricately designed with spring flowers. The long sleeves were made of pure silk and were brocaded with designs. The ends of the sleeves were pointed, very much like what the ladies of the medieval times before wore.
Hermione clapped a hand over her mouth, staying in that position for a few minutes; thank God no one else was there. When she finally got a hold of herself, she gasped and gaped at the beautiful dress. It was like it had come out from one of her fairy books. As a child, she was so interested in fair maidens and gallant knights that she made a promise to herself that she would have a gown that would be just like a princess'. And now, she was staring at it. It was really like a fairy tale. She, the beautiful maiden, off to marry her dashing knight in a elaborate and luxurious ceremony.
But was Ron her knight in shining armor? She wondered idly then quickly turning red from embarrassment and shame. How dare she think these thoughts! He was nothing but kind and gentlemanly. He never humiliated her. He never did anything to displease her. She was lucky enough to have him love her with all his heart! And what was she currently doing?
Thinking twice about that 'love' that they shared.
How insolent of you, Hermione Granger! She scolded herself. She then turned to the small bathroom and stripped her clothing off, getting ready for a nice shower that could be the answer to that splitting headache that she was now experiencing.
It's just pre-wedding jitters. She assured herself, but her mind was surely doubting that. Ron loves me, I love him. Why shouldn't we get married? Why can't I be happy with him? She thought these things as she stepped into the shower and turned it full blast.
The water was warm and heavenly, it soothed some of her aches and pains and it rejuvenated her spirit. She thought over and over in her mind like a mantra that she was going to marry Ron, not because of the fact that he might get humiliated for being left at the altar, but because she love him with all her heart. Despite what her soul was craving for.
A few minutes later, Hermione was wrapped in a fluffy towel and she was combing her hair in front of her vanity. She was not thinking about anything else besides a way to get those damn butterflies off her stomach. After she brushed her long tresses, she began to take out her lingerie from her traveling bag and put them on.
Having been a part of the fashion scene, she had quite an extensive knowledge of cosmetics. Never mind that it was considered odd that a bride would have to put on her make up, she reached out for her make-up kit and began rummaging through it.
30 minutes later, she stepped back from the mirror and admired her handiwork. Her lips were coated with a deep shade of rose and her cheeks lightly blushed with pink. Her eyes were lined with the slightest of smudges, making her eyes pop out, yet not it did not appear too heavy. Her hair, that could be dealt with later, after asking the help of the make-up designer.
She took one last look at herself before straightening up and walking over to the intercom the wedding coordinator had set up in the room. After talking to the designer, she sat back down on the chair and waited. Promptly enough, a knock was heard not a minute later.
"Come in." Hermione called out as she turned when the door opened.
"Good afternoon, Miss Granger." Said a man in a double-breasted, navy blue suit with a weird French accent. He then walked over to where she sat and looked at her reflection as well. "My, my. a wonderful job, the soon-to- be Mrs. Weasley." He added, smiling.
"Thank you." Hermione said, smiling back.
"Now, let us get to work. I am thinking." His voice trailed off "Aha! A twist, pulled up, with a few tendrils on your face, no?"
"Yes, I think that would be very nice."
"Well then, let's get started, shall we?"
And with that, he proceeded to brush and fix her hair.
An hour later, Hermione was awed that she was looking like this. He did exactly what he told her he would do and the effect was amazing.
"Ah, beautiful, simply beautiful." He said. His name, she found out during their one hour together was Armand.
"Thank you, Armand. I absolutely love it!"
"It is but my job to beautify a bride even more on her wedding day. But now, the final touch must be added. The wedding dress, no?"
Hermione nodded.
"Very well, I shall call my assistant." He then walked briskly to the door, opened it and hollered out. "Donna! I need you right now!"
After a few moments, a petite girl came rushing forward. Armand then showed her to Hermione.
"Miss Granger, this is Donna, I am sure she will be a big help to you. I must be going, must get to the other ladies. I bid you adieu, Miss Granger."
"Thank you once again, Armand. For everything." Hermione called out as he bowed and went out the door, shutting it firmly behind him.
Hermione then turned to Donna. "Hello, I'm Hermione."
"Oh yes, I do know who you are, Miss Granger. Mister Weasley is certainly lucky that he is to have you." Donna answered shyly.
"Thank you. Now, on with the dress?" Hermione prodded.
"Ah, yes." Donna said as she walked over to the closet and carefully plucked out the beautiful wedding dress. She removed the plastic cover as she did so and presented it to Hermione. "Your dress is absolutely wonderful, Miss."
"Thank you, I think so too." Hermione said. She then stood up from her seat at the vanity and walked over to where Donna was standing.
Donna unclasped the hook and pulled down the long zipper. Hermione then stepped into it.
A few minutes later, Hermione was coiffed and pampered to look like a queen. She stepped in front of the full length mirror and admired her reflection. She smiled. She really did look like a queen.
"Very beautiful, Miss Granger." Donna gushed.
"Thank you." Hermione said, stepping into her three-inch heeled white shoes.
"Well, Miss. my work here is done. I shall leave you now." Donna said, turning to leave.
"Thanks again, Donna."
And then Hermione was once again alone with her own thoughts who have seemed to take part in making her life miserable. Not caring if her wedding dress would get ruined, she sat down on the chair opposite the vanity and resumed an earlier position of putting her head in her hands. Only about an hour till her wedding and she was having huge doubts.
"I can't say I wasn't happy with Ron, because I was. I was happy, contented, maybe, for the both of us to be taking it slow and simple." Hermione murmured, idly thinking about what would happen if she was to disappear before the wedding. These thoughts, she immediately brushed off, saying that it would never happen. But it did not dispel the doubts she still carried towards Ron.
"I only wish that there was some way for me to know if I have really found the right man to be with... If this is the man the fates have chosen for me." Hermione said wistfully.
What she didn't realize when she said those words that the fates were planning to show her the right man to be with.
* * *
"Alright, places everybody!" Belinda said, slightly shouting over the murmurs of the bridal entourage. Ron was already at the altar, waiting rather impatiently for his bride to get there. Belinda looked for Hermione.
"Miss Granger?" Belinda asked and the noise level dropped. Everyone looked around for the bride. "Miss Granger?" she repeated, a feeling of dread snaked its way towards her body.
"I think she's still in her room." One of the staff offered.
Belinda quickly made her way toward the room Hermione was in. She opened the door and peeked inside. "Miss Granger? Are you in here?"
Silence. Belinda opened the door fully and looked around the room, no once was there. The bridal gown was gone and all Hermione's clothes were unpacked. Belinda panicked at the thought that she might have been kidnapped. Unable to think of any more possibilities, she ran out the room and, despite all common sense telling her not to, she ran towards the altar, towards Ron.
"Mr. Weasley." She said, catching her breath.
"Yes?"
"I think Hermione's gone."
"WHAT?!" Ron exclaimed. Everyone quieted down and watched as Ron made his way toward the back, where Hermione's room was located.
She can't have gone. maybe she. Ron's train of thought trailed off as he slowly entered Hermione's room. "Hermione?" He called out. His voice was strained and maybe a bit afraid. He walked in the room slowly, as if anticipating something. He let out a frustrated sigh. Where was she?
His brown eyes scanned the whole room, then they caught on something. His heart pounding and chest beginning to tighten, he walked slowly toward the vanity. He was filled with dread as to what he was about to see. He hoped that it was just his mind playing with him, that it was just in his imagination. But it wasn't. Slowly, he bent his head in anger, sadness and frustration.
Hermione's diamond engagement ring sat in the vanity.