The Wedding Night
(Chapter 1 - Part 2)
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Hermione never came across as the "pink kind of girl" to anyone. Nobody expected her to want one hundred pink roses draped along every pew or lace and silk hanging along the ceiling. Nobody expected her to want a big dress of ruffles with a long trail of rose petals beneath her feet.
Since nobody expected such things, it came as little to no shock when they entered the back property of the Weasley family to discover a scenic setting of gold and blue. A hand-carved white altar stood near the rapid stream of crystal-clear water, white chairs placed neatly in order to have an unhindered view of the couple. A mixture of light blue (Hermione's favorite color) and gold (one of the colors of Gryffindor) silk intertwined in a pretty braid, which hung loosely on the aisle way chairs. A light blue carpet had been placed down the center of the aisle, ready and waiting for the bride to be. Silk tents draped from above, thin enough to see the stars.
Harry recognized several of the guests in attendance as he figured he would. While many were older, several he remembered from his own wedding, about half were people he knew at Hogwarts. He recognized Luna Lovegood, seated in the third row (Hermione's side, of course; for Ron still thought her kind of a loon) next to the Patil sisters; who were chatting incessantly beside a glum Lavender Brown. Harry figured she was still a little cheesed off at not collecting Ron's hand after Hogwarts.
Neville Longbottom, Dean Thomas, and Seamus Finnegan were all seated in the fourth row on Ron's side. The three men, all dressed in black suits, looked bored and sleepy, prepared to fall asleep before the ceremony ever began. Typical men, not caring about the marriage ritual but rather the reception to follow, and all the women who'd imbibe too much champagne.
Other Hogwarts alumni seated themselves throughout the rows of chairs: Katie Bell, Angelina Johnson, Hannah Abbott, and even some of the faculty. Professor McGonagall seated herself directly behind Hermione's mum, who was waiting impatiently with a muggle camera in her hand.
Realizing he'd been standing and staring far too long, he made his way to the last row and took a seat - on Hermione's side.
A collective gasp erupted before silence reigned, many of the attendants turning to stare at famous Harry Potter sitting in the back row. George and Charlie, both sitting in the front row next to their significant others Angelina and some cute dragon keeper from his reserve, stared at him with a loathing and contempt only reserved for the lowest of human kind. Harry figured their knuckles were turning white from the tight grip they no doubt had on their wands. Molly and Arthur didn't even grace him with a look, instead keeping their focus on the altar where Ron, Fred, and Bill just arrived. Harry caught Ron's eye and he knew in an instant that nothing had changed.
Hermione definitely fought to invite him here.
Then the music began and all eyes turned away from him and fell on the back doors of the Burrow. Once opened, Bill and Fleur's pretty daughter walked out, throwing white petals along the blue carpet, sometimes missing and hitting the guests. This only earned her more "aw, how cute!" and other phrases from the women in the audience.
Fleur followed, wearing a pale blue dress with modest straps and cut. Her long hair flowed along her back, curled in lovely tendrils that only heightened her incredible beauty. Harry figured Bill and Fleur were standing in because of their daughter, not to mention Ron's warm relationship with Bill. Ever since the war they'd grown rather close. Fred, the only brother unmarried (though he had a girlfriend) probably filled in for what should have been his spot. Harry knew that if the friendship hadn't gone sour due to the divorce, he would have acted as best man. Fitting when one thinks about the maid (what should have been matron) of honor...
Ginny.
Harry lost his breath at the sight of her.
Wearing the same pale blue dress, she glided across carpet with an ease only the most poised possessed. His green eyes cast down to see her toes peaking beneath the shimmery fabric and lifted up, taking in her luscious curves and beautiful skin, sweeping past the swell of her breasts until they finally landed upon her gorgeous face. It's been said that absence makes the heart grow fonder and now, in that moment, Harry finally understood why. As she passed, he caught a whiff of her familiar scent, the Ginny scent he'd been without for so many months. Harry thought he might melt right then and there.
Yet, in spite of her captivating beauty, the same defeated expression blotched her mein. Instead of conveying her happiness over her close friend marrying her big brother, Ginny appeared dejected, ready to collapse under the weight of her grief.
Did I really cause all of this? he thought with a hint of horror. Did I really ruin my precious Ginny? Did I turn her into this shell of her former self?
Then Hermione passed, obstructing his view of his love. Fleetingly he noticed Hermione looked amazing holding her father's arm, but his thoughts still revolved around his ex-wife.
Swiveling around to face the audience, Ginny gave Hermione a reassuring, albeit meek, smile as the bride reached the altar, kissing her father on the cheek and handing Ginny the bouquet of white flowers. The redhead kept her gaze on the couple, a melancholy look replacing her former smile. She hid it well, he realized, namely for the sake of the people watching her. Harry knew her well enough to know when she hid her feelings.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today..."
While Harry heard the words, none of it registered to him. All he could hear, see, smell, and focus upon was his ex-wife.
His Ginny.
Even as Ron and Hermione exchanged their rings and kissed to rousing applause, his attention fell on his red-haired girl alone. She clapped, though half-heartedly, before following the new Mr. and Mrs. Weasley down the aisle, her arm wrapped around her older brother's. Harry saw Fred whisper something in her ear, something that made her look up at him frantically, before continuing down the blue carpet. He figured Fred probably just informed her of his presence.
Oh, great, he thought.
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When he entered the reception, he instinctively took a step back and grabbed a hold of his wand. Never, in his entire life, had he entered a room and found himself this loathed. And this coming from a man who faced dozens and dozens of death eaters at once - the people who loved Ginny were infinitely worse than any dark wizards and witches supporting the Dark Lord.
Perhaps he could have chosen a better time to talk with Ginny.
Then again, it couldn't get much worse, so he might as well face her now. Taking in a deep breath, he strode down the center of the room toward the wedding party's table. His first thoughts were about Ginny, but he also needed to talk to Hermione and Ron, even if only to have Ron punch his lights out again.
He thought the groom just might.
Sitting together, a few people currently missing from the table, Ginny included, Ron and Hermione were leaned into one another. The happy couple whispered to each other, her hand in his lap, his on the back of her neck. While she still looked perfect, he already appeared more relax than at the ceremony. His wedding robes and jacket had been shrugged off, his tie hung loosely about his neck, his blue vest unbuttoned, the man content having his bride get all the attention.
Harry also caught the love-bite on the back of his neck. He chuckled a bit before he reached the table. His approach, however, cut the couple's happy moment short, Ron leaning back, his hand tightening on Hermione's.
"Ron," he said, by means of greeting. "Hermione, you look beautiful."
"Thank you, Harry," she said tentatively, casting a surreptitious glance at her new husband. The redhead didn't respond.
"Lovely ceremony. Traditional, but I guess I expected that of you."
"Yes, well, this ceremony was more for the Weasleys. We're having another ceremony when we get back from our honeymoon for my family. That ceremony will be for the non-magic folk."
"I'm sure you love that, don't you Ron?"
Again, Ron did not respond to him.
"Look, Ron, I'm trying. I'm really trying here and it would be nice if you would try to."
"Try what?" he asked viciously.
Licking his lips, Harry replied, "Ron, you were my first friend. You and Hermione are my best mates and—"
"And you screwed over my sister. I warned you. I told you not to hurt her and you did, physically, mentally, and emotionally. I don't even recognize the person in front of me. The only reason you're here is because Hermione wanted her oldest friend here."
"Ron," pleaded Hermione, her voice soft.
He looked at his new bride, tucking some hair behind her ear and leaning in to kiss her forehead. After murmuring something to her, he stood up and left the table, leaving Hermione alone to talk with Harry.
"We're never going to be friends again, are we?" he asked sadly.
"He's just looking out for his sister. He doesn't hate you, but he definitely hates what you did."
"I didn't...things change and—"
"Stop it, Harry," she told him firmly, rising to her feet and walking around the table. Standing in front of him, she continued, "I've seen the looks you've given her. I've seen the way your face takes on this sad, regretful look whenever her name is mentioned. Don't do this."
"I uh...it's not that easy."
"Harry, we told you this would happen. Everyone told you that eventually you'd see the error of your ways and realize what a precious person you've lost. You're too little, too late, and Ginny doesn't need this. Harry, stay away from her."
"Are you asking me or ordering me?" he asked, his green eyes battling her brown ones.
"I'm attempting to save you the use of your legs and Ginny..." she broke off, sighing and looking away.
"Hermione—"
"I'm glad you came to my wedding. I wouldn't have wanted you to miss it for anything. Thank you for coming." Leaning forward, she planted a kiss on his cheek before she moved beyond him, mingling with guests, making her way over to Ron.
Harry sighed, running a hand through his characteristic black hair, closing his eyes and fighting for control. When he married Ginny he'd had it all - the girl, the friends, the apartment, the normalcy. When he divorced her, he'd gained freedom and fun.
He had chosen poorly.
Turning around, he came face to face with his ex-in-laws. Arthur and Molly looked him up and down, duel disappointed expressions blaring at Harry like a 'lumos' light.
"Harry," greeted Arthur curtly. Warmth no longer emitted from him on any level, meaning the casual use of his name by way of hello merely came out of a sense of manners and politeness. The man thought less of Harry than a pebble in his shoe. Molly said nothing.
"Mister and Missus Weasley, it's good to...see..."
Before he could finish, the duo continued onward, leaving Harry standing there, feeling more an idiot than ever before. Realizing nothing would come of him staying, he turned on his heel and headed toward the door, doing his best to ignore the stares of Seamus, Padma, and all the other people he grew up with at Hogwarts.
All the people who thought his heart no longer existed.
Only once he reached the door did he stop short.
Ginny, frown on and eyes down, entered the room again, walking in the direction of the wedding party's table.
"Gin," he breathed, his voice sounding awestruck.
Hesitating for only a second, she responded, "Hello, Harry."
"How are you?"
"Fine," she replied, peering down at her feet, fidgeting uncomfortably.
Gulping, he told her, "You look beautiful. Stunning."
Even with her head down, he could see the blush running across her pretty cheeks. Still not looking at him, she responded, "Thank you."
And there it was - the sadness, the fear he himself implanted into the poor girl, dancing around him, practically laughing at him. He'd caused this; he'd done this to her.
"Um...the wedding was wonderful. I'll assume you helped quite a bit?"
Harry could tell she didn't want to talk to him, would rather rip her hair off and use the red strands as jump rope before she spoke another word to him. He admired her bravery in the moment for having the courage to stay strong and talk with the man who broke her heart.
She answered tentatively, "Not really. Hermione and Ron mostly did it together. I didn't want to get in the way."
"Ginny, you'd never be in the way."
Wincing slightly, she turned her head in the direction of her brothers Fred and George, both men in serious conversations with their better halves and a few friends, silently asking them to rescue her. Harry knew he should have let her get back to them, but after having such little contact with her after so many months...
"Ginny, I um...I was hoping we could...t—"
"Miss Weasley," came a low voice, interrupting Harry before he could speak with her further.
Turning her pretty head around, she stared at a man Harry didn't recognize. The protectiveness in him immediately flamed up, as did his jealous side.
"Good evening, John. How are you?"
"Very well, thank you. You look beautiful," he said with a grin, ignoring Harry completely.
"Thank you. Did you enjoy the wedding?" she asked, looking up to meet his eyes. Harry felt a sharp pang, considering she never once looked up at him during their conversation.
Nodding enthusiastically, he replied, "It was great. Though I must admit, I think you outshone the bride."
Blushing nearly the color of her hair, she shook her head at him. The man continued, "You're just being modest, you know, but I won't press you. I actually came to talk to you. Have you um...considered my question?"
"I don't know, John."
Harry didn't like the conversation, not one little bit, nor did he like Ginny's response. What is he implying? Does he have his eyes on her? Does he want Ginny? Does she want him?!
"Ginny, I'd um...I'd really like to continue where we left off."
"I'll think about it, John. Just know that I need some time. I'm not sure if I'm entirely ready just yet."
"I understand." Only when he gave this answer did he deign Harry with a side glance, a flash of abhorrence in his stare. "Owl me later?"
"Sure."
Flashing her another winning grin, he turned back around to return to a few other guests, leaving Harry feeling extremely annoyed. When Ginny turned around, he attempted to speak again, only to have her interrupt him.
"Gin—"
"See you around, Harry."
Without another word, she moved away from him, quickly trotting to the safety of her brothers. George put an arm around her once she reached their group, him, along with his twin, throwing Harry nasty glares.
No, this surrounding wouldn't do. The atmosphere clearly held too much tension, especially difficult when all the tension was due to him. He'd have to see her again. He'd have to wait until he could get her alone.
Giving Ginny one more longing glance, he turned around and left, much to the joy of all in attendance.
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Working up the nerve turned into more of a challenge than he anticipated. It was just his ex-wife, for Merlin's sake, not the damn Minister of Magic. Yes, knocking on the Minister's door, even when you're Harry Potter, would have been a little inappropriate at ten in the evening. Ginny, on the other hand...
Okay, still inappropriate, but the wedding reception only just dispersed and she just entered her home, tired and wrung out from emotion.
Knocking on the door, he held his breath, hoping she'd answer the door; further hoping that if and when she answered the door, she wouldn't slam it back on his face. Though, when being honest, if he was her, he probably would.
Harry didn't even exhale the breath once she opened the door - he lost it.
With her haired pulled back in a low, loose ponytail, she wore a pair of grey sleeping shorts and an old T-shirt; one of his.
"Harry?" she asked aloud, her brows knit in confusion, her lips pulled down into a fierce frown.
"Yeah, love," he whispered, the endearment slipping out before he could quell it. He told himself not to start out to strong, knowing it would probably drive her away, but sometimes he just couldn't help himself. There were times when he used to come home to find her looking like that - so beautiful in comfort clothes.
"What are you doing here, Harry?" she asked, her voice dazed and befuddled.
Anxiously running his hand through his untidy hair for about the umpteenth time, he told her, "I had to see you. We didn't get a chance to talk at the wedding and I um...I'd really like to talk to you."
Looking over her shoulder, as if checking to see if Harry was talking to someone standing behind her, she turned back and muttered, "I uh...guess. Sure?"
Even with her final word coming out a question, she moved aside, allowing him to enter. Stepping in, he heard her close the door before he turned around. With his eyes on her, she cautiously asked, "What can I um...what can I help you with, Harry?"
Though she raised her head, her eyes were miles away, focused on the wall behind him rather than on his own jade eyes. It almost felt as though she placed a shield in front of her sweet orbs, guarding herself from further pain and torment. It's only been seven months! How can she possibly be this destroyed?
"I had to see you."
"Why?"
"Well, Gin, we never really got to talk at the wedding. I would really like to talk to you."
Harry's heart clenched when she wrapped her arms around her torso as though to thwart off a chill. Ginny looked so small in the big clothes, her sallow face no longer radiating splendor and joy like it once did. The qualities he'd fallen in love with - her ability to appear both ladylike and unruly at the same time, her bottle, her toughness in the face of adversity - were no where to be found. A broken girl stood before him ready to crumble, and all because of him; and his selfishness.
"Harry, I don't think there's much left to say."
"There is so much to say."
Here goes nothing, he thought grimly.
Swallowing hard, he told her, "I haven't stopped thinking about you. I'm sure you don't believe that, but it's true. I think about you day and night, sometimes so much I can't even bear to sleep."
She remained silent, and if Harry actually stopped to look at her, to take in her expression, he would see only fear and a piece of reborn sadness.
"I'll admit, at first it wasn't like this. I dealt with the pain of losing you by getting out there and...just..."
Pausing, unable to articulate his feelings, he allowed Ginny to speak up.
"The pain of losing me? Harry...you asked for the divorce. I don't understand."
"I don't understand it either!" he yelled, turning his back to her, missing her jump at the octave he used. Clenching his hands, Harry continued, "Ginny, I thought I knew what I wanted! I thought I was in a rut, that I missed out by trying so hard to be normal that I forgot normal was what I need. I forgot you're what I need. I forgot all the reasons why I love you so much, why I need you in my life. Ginny, you're everything."
Silence practically possessed the former couple for several minutes, Harry's heavy breathing the only sound occupying the room.
"Gin?" he finally called out, turning around to face her.
The redhead did not reply, instead keeping her gaze focused on the wall and her mouth shut. Harry felt the urgency to move forward, to take her in his arms, to hold her and never let go.
"Ginny, please," he pleaded.
Again, she made no move to answer him in any way. Her body language suggested she was one step away from bolting out the door.
"Say something!" he screamed; "anything!"
Gulping, she said in a quiet voice, "I think you should leave."
Harry hadn't planned on that.
"Ginny, I—"
"This is my home, Harry, and you are not a welcomed guest," she whispered, her voice barely audible; hurt. "Please...just leave me alone."
Just leave me alone, repeated in his head about a forty-five times in the course of a minute in her haunting voice. Four words brought him more pain than anything he'd ever heard, including the words of vicious hate spoken from Voldemort.
As soon as he stepped out of her flat, she shut the door, the soft click of the lock echoing in his mind as he walked down the shabby steps.
A/N: Hey all! So, thanks to those of you who are giving this story a chance - it's different, yes, but I really think there's a valid point beneath the surface. Definitely a lot of subtle hints in this chapter - kudos to those of you who can figure them out before revealed in later chapters. The approach with this story is more about pleasing myself, since I love the concept of this story, but I'm hoping to make a few readers happy as well. Note - I didn't like this chapter too much (Not the ideas but the placement). I actually changed a few things around which means I wish this was connected with Chapter 1 - hence why this is called Part 2. Next chapter should definitely clear more things up.
Mistake is the work of fanfiction. The characters belong to J.K. Rowling, but the featured story is mine.