Disclaimer: Everything but the plot is not mine!
A/N: So, yippee, FRIDAY, FRIDAY! Wow, time sure flies so fast. It was just Monday a few days ago and BAM! Now it's Friday.
So, here's chapter seven of "When Two Worlds Collide"! I hope you enjoy this! Oh, and review afterwards!
Chapter Seven: The Wedding
The first week of Hermione's stay in Cair Paravel finally ended and before she knew it, it was the wedding day of Queen Susan the Gentle and Telmarine King Caspian the Tenth.
It had slipped off her mind at first. She had some other things to think about besides the historical wedding that was to happen that day. Hermione had woken up that day before dawn and strode towards Lucy's room, only to see that the said queen was up and about, prattling excitedly about the wedding to Hermione as soon as she saw her lady-in-waiting.
Hermione now found herself in the kitchen, giving Babbity and the other cooks the menu for the reception of the wedding.
"Everything's abuzz!" Babbity exclaimed excitedly, hopping from one post to the other. "It has never been this busy in Narnia. Even the other creatures are doing something for the upcoming wedding between Queen Susan and King Caspian."
As she walked out to the garden, what Babbity had said was true. Hermione could see that most of the Narnian occupants were hanging posters, throwing confetti, and even the children were happily chanting and singing about this special event regarding two of their leaders.
Hermione sighed and smiled, finally finishing her small task of gathering flowers for Susan's bouquet. As she walked back inside up to Lucy's room, she thought that it had been a while since she last saw a celebration. Back in her world, birthdays and Christmases were rarely celebrated because most of the time, they were on the run. There were no birthday cakes or presents, just that feeling of extreme anxiety and fear to keep them company.
Comparing Narnia with Hogwarts had been frequent for the brunette now. There was always something that happened in Narnia that lacked in Hogwarts and as more days grew by, Hermione was starting to think that Narnia is such a better place compared to her own world. Although there were rebelling Telmarines running amok, Narnia was still a much more peaceful and orderly place than the war-stricken Hogwarts.
Still, it was her home. Hogwarts had always been her home. It made her somehow ashamed of herself that she was starting to like living here instead of going back to Hogwarts.
"Hermione!" Lucy exclaimed, her head peeking outside her room. The brunette was surprised she was able to finally arrive at the queen's room.
"Your majesty, I think it is best if you change your clothes right now," she said, looking pointedly at her undergarments.
The young queen grabbed her arm and pulled her inside. Hermione released a soft shriek in surprise and found herself inside Lucy's lavishing room. She had locked the room and stared strangely at Hermione, which prompted the brunette to slightly shrink back in suspicion.
"Now, now, Lucy, I told you her opinion still counts," Susan suddenly said, announcing her presence in the room.
Hermione looked behind Lucy and was surprised to see the soon-to-be married queen, looking exceptionally beautiful in her bridal gown. Her veil was not covering her face for now so that she could properly talk to the others.
"Queen Susan!" she exclaimed. "Shouldn't you be in your room?"
"I'm quite ready now, Hermione," Susan said, nervously fidgeting with the hem of her dress. "And besides, I need some time to calm myself down. Blimey, I'm going to be married a few hours from now and I'm still a bundle of nerves."
Hermione laughed. "You'll be fine," she said for comfort. "I'm sure it'll be gone as soon as you're walking towards your groom."
Susan gently smiled at Hermione while Lucy sighed loudly and sat down on her bed. "Let's not talk about Susan's wedding for now, shall we?" the youngest of the three declared and Hermione looked at her curiously. "Hermione, I have a proposition to make."
Unable to help it, Hermione groaned. "Are you going to suggest to make me a princess or queen now because I'm living in a castle already?" she asked, a little of hint of sarcasm in her voice. She remembered the last time Lucy proposed a suggestion to her, she found herself living in a majestic castle with a wonderful room all for herself.
Lucy laughed and grabbed both of Hermione's arms. She pulled her until she was sitting on Lucy's bed beside the said queen. "Susan and I decided to dress you up for the reception later this evening," she finally said and Hermione grew horrified.
"Oh no, no, no, your majesty!" Hermione exclaimed, backing off slightly. "I'm merely a lady-in-waiting and I do not really have any intentions of attending the reception itself. I promised Babbity I'll keep her company in the kitchen and help her with the cooking."
Susan sighed and stood up from the other side of the bed to stand in front of the two. "I told you so," she told Lucy, who stuck out her tongue in return. The gentle queen looked intently into Hermione's eyes and said, "But please do consider it. You've done us quite a huge favour and we want to show how much we are grateful to you for saving Lucy."
"But it's too much," Hermione said, breaking their gaze. "I merely did what was right and I don't really expect anything in return."
To her surprise, Lucy enveloped her into a tight hug. "You kind, kind lady!" she exclaimed, tightening her hug around the brunette. "I still cannot believe that Edmund's suspicious of you when all you showed to us is your genuine kindness."
Hermione blushed and shyly smiled.
"Please agree on our proposition," Lucy begged, pouting slightly and staring hopefully at the brunette. "Please, please, please."
The brunette sighed and patted the queen's back. "Must you be persistent?" she asked, which prompted Susan to laugh.
"That's Lucy Pevensie to you, Hermione," she said and Hermione smiled.
"Oh, all right," she finally concurred.
Lucy had never looked so ecstatic and excited before.
"Aren't you curious a bit, sweetheart?" Babbity asked.
Hermione lifted her gaze from the batter she was mixing and stared at the Rabbit in confusion. "Curious about what, Babbity?" she asked.
The Talking Animal smiled and hopped down from her chair. "About the wedding of Queen Susan and King Caspian," she elaborated, pulling one pan from the cupboard. "It's a first, mind you. People and creatures alike have been meaning to get inside just to watch it."
The brunette shrugged and continued to mix the batter. "I promised them I'd join them once the reception started," Hermione said, getting a handful of sugar and sprinkled it all over the batter. "I'm still a servant here, Babbity. I cannot abuse their kindness and use my privilege as Queen Lucy's lady-in-waiting. I must work first, you know."
Babbity smiled and patted Hermione's arm. "Your kindness is astonishing, Hermione," she said. "It still makes me wonder why King Edmund is suspicious of you."
Hermione laughed and said, "Queen Lucy thought so, too." She shrugged and stood up from her chair. "I guess there's some issue or something. His sudden loathing of me doesn't bother me at all, though. In fact, the feeling is mutual." A small smirk formed on her face as she remembered that rightful slap she gave him.
The Rabbit stared at her strangely but did not comment about it further.
"Babbity!" a Badger, one that Hermione recognized as Glendolly, scampered towards the Rabbit with panicked eyes. "Can you please bring this bouquet of flowers to one of the bridesmaids? One of the Mice seemed to overlook it."
Babbity frowned. "I'm cooking something, Glendolly," she said. Her eyes then landed on Hermione, who smiled in uncertainty. "Sweetheart, can you do it for me?"
Hermione shrugged. "Of course," she said. The brunette thanked the Badger when she gave her the bouquet of flowers.
And then, Hermione walked out of the kitchen towards the little church nearby the castle. Walking out of the castle, Hermione distinctively heard noises and she smiled. 'The wedding sure sounds lively,' she thought to herself, now willing herself to run faster because she could see Susan already waiting outside.
"Hermione!" the queen cried upon seeing the brunette. Hermione couldn't help but laugh at the panicked look on Susan's face. "Dear God above, I thought – "
"Shh," Hermione said, smiling as she gave the bouquet to an awaiting Rabbit. "It's fine, it's fine. I got it."
The gentle queen breathed deeply, and then showed the brightest smile she could ever muster. She nodded her head towards the two Minotaurs in front, who both then opened the wooden doors of the chapel, and showed the entourage to everybody.
Hermione immediately bounded to the side and watched as the Narnian creatures all stood up, watching as the wedding's entourage walked gracefully on the red carpet.
Finally, it was Susan's turn and the murmurs started. A small smile appeared on Hermione's face as she spied Caspian's face in front. His expression was priceless, indescribable even. All Hermione could understand was the love shining in his eyes and she was sure that his bride-to-be mirrored his expression.
The brunette turned around and walked back to the kitchen as soon as the Minotaurs closed the doors.
'Love, huh?' she thought to herself, softly sighing. 'How peculiar; it seems like it has been a long time ever since I witnessed such pure and genuine love.'
With all the horrors she had witnessed in the Second War in the Wizarding World, Hermione only saw the negativity and hopelessness around her. Pure things, such as love and happiness, all faded at the back of her mind.
"I'm bored," Edmund groaned, slumping on his throne.
"I think we've quite established that already," Peter said through gritted teeth, glaring down at his brother. "Can you please act at least, I don't know, regal? Act like you're enjoying just a little bit."
Edmund plastered his best smile and waved at a few nymphs who walked pass by him, giggling upon seeing the expression on the king's face.
Peter looked impressed. "Not bad," he said, chuckling when Edmund dropped his act and started scowling.
"I'll always loathe balls," he claimed with conviction. "I don't understand why people find it very enjoyable to prance around like a bunch of fools 'til they drop down because of tiredness. Seems a little idiotic for me, you know."
"It's a celebration," Peter pointed out. "Everybody loves a celebration. Apparently, one doesn't, though." He added the last as an afterthought as he pointedly looked at his younger brother.
Edmund chose to roll his eyes and watched the whole dance floor in silence.
Susan did a great job decorating the whole Great Hall. Edmund always knew that his older sister had this knack of designing things. He was sure that if they were to go back to their own world and forever leave their positions in Narnia, Susan would pursue a course in college that had something to do about arts and designing.
Despite the beauty of the whole place and the merriment of their people, Edmund still was not enjoying. The first few years of their reign, he had liked the parties. He liked seeing the happy smiles of the Narnians as they danced around like there was no tomorrow. But they were becoming frequent now. His sisters seemed to be fond of it, throwing balls here and there without even consulting the others. Peter seemed to like them, even Caspian, too. But not Ed. No, not him. One thing he disliked about his position as the king of Narnia, he had to attend to frivolous balls like this instead of planning battles and defences.
Call him a battle-geek, but Edmund just seemed to like this action-packed and adventurous side of his position more than anything else. He adored his library, littered with adventure stories both Narnian and Human alike. Oh, he knew about the jokes of the others, but he seemed not to care. He liked the adrenaline and the triumphant feeling that seemed to always resurface in him every time he would lead a troop into victory.
Which brought him to the latest predicament they were confronted with. Edmund could not really understand why there was no sense of urgency in Cair Paravel. A great prophecy was announced right in front of their faces but they seemed to still throw balls and such. Of course he had no objections against Susan and Caspian's wedding. Goodness, it was looming and it was just a matter of time before the two lovebirds were finally united into marriage. Still, he thought there were far greater things to think about than those.
"Peter, why are we doing this?" Edmund asked, looking intently at the High King.
Peter looked at him in confusion. "What do you mean?" he asked.
The just king gestured at the whole celebration, a visible frown on his face. "This," he emphasized. "I just think it's a little… unfair that we're putting up a pretense in front of our people. They must know that something's wrong, Peter."
The older king quietly scrutinized Edmund. Finally, he shook his head and even released a small laugh.
Affronted, Edmund demanded, "What's funny?"
"Your love for Narnia is astonishing, Ed," Peter said, leaning closer to his brother to pat his shoulder. "I know you think that we're being a little lax after this prophecy was revealed to us."
"You have no idea," Edmund said, which prompted Peter to laugh louder.
"Ed, look at everybody," Peter said. "Just look at them."
The younger king looked at him strangely before following his command. Edmund looked at all the corners of the hall, saw the happy faces and merry dancing of the Narnians and other creatures of this magical world.
"Won't you miss this?" Peter asked, bringing Ed's attention back to him. The high king's face then turned somber and a little worried. "I don't want to worry them, Ed. I don't want to worry them." He looked back at his brother and sternly said, "I'm doing everything, and I do mean everything, Edmund, to protect our people. As the High King, I do think it's my duty to always think about them, yes?"
Edmund frowned and looked away at Peter. He crossed his arms like a petulant child, not wanting to admit that what Peter said actually made perfect sense to him. "You still fail to show it properly, Pete," Edmund said.
Peter laughed. "Oh, stop it. You must l – "
His words died down and Edmund was confused. "I must what, Peter?" he asked, turning his head back around to look at his brother. To his surprise, Peter was looking straight ahead with his eyes wide like saucers and his mouth agape.
"What are you looking at?" Edmund asked, turning his head to follow Peter's line of vision.
"Good lord, is that…?" Peter asked, his voice a little breathless and distracted.
"Who?" Edmund asked, looking straight ahead.
And then, he saw her.
Edmund's face mirrored Peter's expression as he now stared at the most beautiful creature he had ever laid eyes on. Here in Narnia, he had seen great beauties that were incomparable back in earth. But the person (he assume she was one)… her beauty was far greater than the others he had ever seen.
"I always knew there's something about her," Peter said, slowly rising on his seat.
The strangely speechless Ed looked up at his brother. "What?" he asked, a little disoriented.
"Hermione," the High King said, now slowly descending the steps and approaching the brunette.
"Hermione?" Edmund asked. He looked at the young lady again, this time, his eyes widening because of unadulterated horror. "The Hermione?" he asked aloud, finally noticing his younger sister flanking the lady's side.
Edmund reeled back in surprise, his crown slipping off his head and landing noisily on the floor.
"Jesus Christ."
'Well, this is it,' Hermione thought as she, Lucy, and Babbity finally arrived in front of the Great Hall.
"Relax," Lucy said, holding her arm and smiling prettily up at her. "You look gorgeous, Hermione. No need to be so fidgety."
Hermione forced a smile but she knew it looked awkward. Lucy either did not notice it or noticed it but ignored it, she did not know.
A few hours ago, two to be exact, Queen Lucy immediately bolted into the kitchen, still in her dress. She sought for Hermione and upon seeing the brunette, Lucy grabbed for her arm and dragged her towards her room. After that, it was a flurry of frills and make-ups.
Now, Hermione found herself wearing a deep purple dress, its hem reaching a few inches above her knee. Its asymmetrical strap was held by a rose brooch, which Lucy had graciously lent to her. Susan also lent her one of her high-heeled shoes, which Hermione reckoned was too painful for her feet to handle. Her hair was left untied with her fringes only swept aside to properly show her face. A headband held her unruly hair into place. Her scalp was still tingling a little in pain, seeing that both Babbity and Lucy had struggled to at least tame her thick, bushy hair. Lastly, the make-up that Lucy had placed on her was light enough, thankfully; though, it still made her want to scratch off the foreign objects applied on her face.
"I still think this isn't a good idea," Hermione grumbled, slightly glaring at the happy queen beside her. "It'd be better if I accompany Babbity back to the kitchen and prepare more food for the guests."
"Nonsense." It was the Rabbit who said it this time. Lucy smiled widely at the Talking Animal and Hermione couldn't help but scowl at her first Narnian friend. "Now, I'll hop back to the kitchen and I do wish that both of you will enjoy."
As soon as Babbity was out of sight, Lucy gestured to the two Minotaurs guarding the wooden door. They simultaneously pushed the door open. Hermione backpedalled at the noise that had greeted her. It took almost all of her willpower to stop herself from turning back around and fleeing back to her room.
It felt like it was the Yule Ball all over again. Eyes instantly latched onto her form and Hermione released a monumental sigh. She had coveted the attention she had received back in her fourth year, especially because Viktor Krum was at her side and Ron's face was priceless, but this one was different. She never wanted to be noticed here in Narnia. All she wanted to do was to research and investigate, find clues that would lead her to the solution to her current problem. Not befriend the royalties, attend their frivolous balls, and attract attention from the Narnians.
"Come on," Lucy persuaded. "I know you'll have a blast here, Hermione."
A loud clang resounded in the whole Great Hall and Hermione almost jolted in surprise. A loud hush fell upon the hall as they all searched for the source of the noise. To the brunette's surprise, King Edmund was bent down on his throne, his crown tightly clutched in his right hand. What caught her attention, though, was the furious blush on both of his cheeks.
In spite of herself, Hermione smirked smugly. Her reason? She did not quite know herself.
"Hermione," a voice said and she snapped off her stupor. In front of her was the High King himself and Hermione grew confused. She gave Lucy a sideways glance and saw the knowing smile on her face. She looked back at the king and gave him a hesitant smile.
"King Peter," she said, bowing for respect.
"May I ask for a dance?" he asked and Hermione's eyes widened.
"A-a dance?" she stammered.
"I'll leave both of you alone," Lucy butted in, giving Hermione a meaningful wink before turning around and striding away from the two.
"Yes, Hermione, a dance," the High King said, this time clutching her right hand. "May I?"
Her cheeks grew pink because of embarrassment and even flattery. "Um… okay," she said as she was led by Peter onto the dance floor. "Just a little warning, though. I don't exactly dance."
And she meant it. The little spectacle she and Viktor showed during the Yule Ball was aided with magic. Without said magic, Hermione had two left feet.
Peter merely laughed and proceeded to place her hand on his shoulder. He gingerly placed his hand on her waist, clutched her free hand, and soon, they were gliding with the music.
"Well, Miss Hermione, you're not a bad da – oof."
Hermione sheepishly smiled, watching the grimace on Peter's face. "And you were saying?" she asked, her sheepish smile growing into a sweet one.
Peter laughed and held onto her hand tighter. "Doesn't matter," he said, waving his hand to brush it off. "I'm sure you'll get better and better."
Half an hour passed ever since they started dancing and the grimace on Peter's face was blatant for Hermione to see.
"I think we better stop," Hermione suggested for the umpteenth time, this time extremely persistent.
"Err…" Peter said, "if you wish it."
They had completely stopped and Peter asked if he could get her a drink. Hermione gave him a nod and watched as the High King tried his very hardest not to limp towards the punch table. Watching him made Hermione extremely embarrassed. She tried to run away from the king, but Peter seemed to find her a few minutes later.
"I'm profusely sorry, your majesty," Hermione earnestly stated as soon as Peter gave her a glass of red wine. "I tried to warn you, though!"
Peter, to her surprise, merely laughed and sent her a charming smile. "I had a lovely time, Hermione," he said, slightly bowing. "Thank you. We must do this another time."
As soon as he left, Hermione sought for a chair and sat down on it, extremely exhausted and embarrassed.
'I'm never, ever going to dance again,' she sullenly told herself, annoyed that she allowed herself to make a fool out of herself, especially in front of the High King himself.
What made her alarmed more was the smile that he had sent her way before he left her. Hermione had this feeling she had to lie lower now, make herself scarce inside Cair Paravel and spend as much time she could with Babbity in the kitchen instead. The Narnian rulers had enough problems to address; Hermione did not want to contribute more to them, especially regarding the matters of their hearts.
"Excuse me, miss?"
Hermione looked up and was surprised to see a Satyr standing in front of her. A disbelieving smile stretched on her lips, surprised that a Satyr was talking to her. In the Wizarding World, they are an endangered race and only a small group were found in the outskirts of Britain. Seeing one now had amazed Hermione, especially because she had always hoped of seeing one.
"Yes?" she asked, slowly standing up from her seat.
"May I ask for a dance?" he said, nervously stroking his beard with his hand.
"Err… I have two left feet," she warned but the Satyr softly released a sound akin to a human laugh.
"That doesn't matter because I have two left hooves," he said, pointing downward.
Hermione grinned, took his proffered hand. "Then, I think a dance will be lovely," she said, and the Satyr led her to the dance floor.
A/N: So, what do you think? Tell me in your reviews!
Ooh-la-la, Susan and Caspian's wedding reception was quite eventful. Oh lord, Edmund's "Jesus Christ." XD And what's this? High King Peter asking her to dance? Quite eventful, indeed. :D
Now, a lot of reviewers pointed out the resemblance of Draco and Edmund in my story. I KNEW SOME WOULD NOTICE. Ugh, I couldn't help it. I always pictured Hermione to end up with a guy who would match up with her wit with constant banters and probable insults thrown hither-thither. Edmund might be acting like Draco but, well, he has certain characteristics that differ from the usual Draco (well, in my story, I think). For one, he's king XD
Oh, and I want to thank all those who reviewed. WAAAAAH, 17 REVIEWS! I love you all. I honestly do *gives free hugs and kisses*
So, that's it for now. The next time I'll update, I'll be an official high school graduate. :D And then, there'll be college and I'll be living in a dorm with my best friend and making new friends (and possibly find my first love? LOL, the hopeless romantic in me).
Ciao for now!
With love,
WickedlyAwesomeMe :D