Chapter 3

Another Reason To Live: I Do…?

A/N: I apologize SO SO SO much for taking FOREVER in posting this chapter but I was very busy since I just moved to India and school and all is completely totally different here.

So, let me present you chapter three of the drama...

9th August, 1998

"Mother. I ... am ... scared..."

"I know, dear."

"What if I made the wrong decision?"

"Dear..."

"No, no, no, I can't do this to him. I am completely absolutely ruining his life. I never should have and I just don't understand how I could have be such a moron! I mean, what was I thinking, playing with a guy like him. I mean, I am…oh dear Merlin…." The bride in the white dress gasped as she spun slowly on her heels, her sweaty hands on her head. The future mother-in-law watched silently, her deep brown eyes showing pity.

"Penny. There is nothing to be worried about. No, listen..." Mrs. Weasley caught hold of the young girl's hands and squeezed them tightly as she tried to console the overwrought bride.

"Have you thought about it?" she asked.

"I…yes…"

"A lot?"

"Erm…I...ah…yes."

"What was the thought that made you take this decision?"

"It was… I thought….that…well…I thought, as long as I live, I want to be happy."

"There you are." Mrs Weasley smiled simply.

"But that is my selfishness. I just thought about myself. Never even considered what would happen to him after I am gone and both he and I know that I will go away some day and he is acting like a total loon, what is wrong with him, why can't he say no? Why did he ever do this, what the heck is wrong with him…." Penny rambled.

"He loves you…"

"Why!?"

"Because… it is the same reason you love him. And I love Arthur, and he loves me. Because we all…are…meant to love. Somebody. It is natural."

"That still doesn't explain it…"

Molly Weasley sighed softly, led her future daughter-in-law to the sofa and set the girl on it, noticing the pale face and the wide eyes.

"I know my son. He has never been free, never lived life to the fullest. Oh, he wants to, but it just doesn't come to him. When he is with you, however, he is all that he wants to be. Free, carefree, young… You give him the solace that nobody ever gives him. You make him live a day more, sweetheart.

How do I know all this? Simple. I know my sons. Especially Percy. When Percy walked out on us…" Molly visibly gulped softly and then continued after a moment, "I knew why. I understood. It hurt. But I knew. How could I not? I brought him up, made him whatever he is today. And that is why it hurt more, I suppose. But I know why he loves you. And as much as I may want to explain it, I will never be able to fully explain it. Nobody ever will. Not even Percy. So you will just have to take his word…and mine as well. He loves you more than life itself." Molly smiled.

Green eyes looked into brown eyes, begging, pleading, hoping with all her heart that it was true. She was so scared. So so scared, she wanted to believe but she was afraid. What if she ruined his life? No, she couldn't do that.

But she was going to.

Green eyes stared into brown, so very like her son's.

"Go on. You know you are making the right descion." Molly said softly.

"Yes, mother."

Molly Weasley sniffled and gave Penelope a tight hug, Penelope couldn't help but gulp again.

God had been kind to her.

Percy Weasley was waiting for her.

Percy's eyes anxiously searched for her. Where was she? He stood there in his black tux, his heart, mind, soul, everything searching for her. They were going to be bound together forever today.

He was going to be hers and she, his.

Percy couldn't help but smile at the corniness of the dialogue. God only knew what she had done to him.

But where was she?

And he saw her walking towards him, being escorted by his father.

He felt his breath being taken away as he forgot about everybody in the church. Only she existed.

It seemed like as if she wasn't walking but gliding. Slowly and gracefully. She was smiling nervously and she, too, seemed to have eyes just for him.

Percy sensed that she had been crying and he wondered what it could be. Not for the first time, Percy wondered if Penelope wanted to marry him or not. He sensed that she genuinely loved him but...marrying somebody like him...

It seemed too good to be true.

But it was happening.

Wasn't it?

"Hey, you're... OK?" Percy murmured softly to Penelope as they listened to the pastor read the vows.

Penelope looked at Percy and nodded slowly, trying to reassure him as well as herself.

Percy didn't look convinced and turned away, biting his lips.

Penelope sighed inwardly. She had never imagined that her marriage would be such a tense affair...

She pulled herself back to reality just as the pastor was reading the final vows.

"Do you, Percy Weasley, take this woman as your wife?"

Percy grinned slowly and said breathlessly, "I do."

"And do you, Penelope Clearwater, take this man as your husband?"

Penelope's heart thudded so loudly she was sure everybody could hear it in the dead silence.

Penelope opened her mouth, and felt herself getting a bit dizzy. She was choking, couldn't breathe, she wondered if she was going to faint.

Everybody's waiting for your answer, Pens...

And answer she will.

Please let it be the right choice...

"I..."