Breathless

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters they belong to JK Rowling.

Name: Dramione

House: Hufflepuff

Prompt table: Set 6: Romance

Chapter 3 - Breathless

He watched as they scattered flower petals on the aisle as the bridesmaids walked. The wedding march struck up and Ginny began to walk down the aisle on her father's arm. She looked very beautiful, Harry was one lucky guy. Seamus watched as she took Harry's hand. He was glad that they were finally getting married, they deserved some happiness especially Harry. Everyone did after what they had all gone through but that was all behind them now, Voldemort was gone for good.

The bells rung out at the church as the newly wed bride and groom started to walk up the aisle, everyone smiled and clapped. Seamus tore his gaze from the scene and looked for her. He had hoped that she would come today. He looked at all his old friend's face but hers was among them, he could help but feel disappointed. Making his way out of the church, he apparated to the Weasley's house where the reception was being held.

The music instantly struck up as the guests entered the garden. It had been simply but beautifully decorated he thought as he looked around. Seamus scanned the crowd still hoping that she might be here even though his hope was now slight. Heading towards the champagne table he decided to get himself a long over due drink. It was pointless he realised. He had not seen her in years and probably never would see her again.

They had grew apart their busy lives getting in the way of their friendship. At first they had met up every week but that had quickly changed. It had turned into once every month then every few months until they had lost contact all together. He had hoped at least to see her again today. He had looked forward to coming here in the vain hope she would be here.

Seamus had hoped to explain himself and that he may be able to tell her how he felt because after all these years he still felt the same. Gulping down the last of his champagne, he stared at the couples on the dance floor, envying them their happiness. Ron and Hermione who had also been recently married where dancing beside Harry and Ginny. He also noticed a few other couples that had paired up after the war. All people he knew from his schooldays.

He smiled as he saw Dean walking over to him. His best friend smiled and held out his hand, Seamus shook it.

"You made it then." Dean said. Seamus nodded in reply.

"See any lovely ladies you like tonight?" Dean asked him nudging him in the ribs as he surveyed the crowd. Seamus laughed and shook his head.

Dean wasn't the type of guy that was ready to settle down just yet.

Dean looked at him seriously for a few minutes. He felt Dean studying him.

"Seamus mate your not still expecting her to turn up tonight are you?. He asked him. Seamus shook his head then he sighed.

"No." he finally admitted.

"Good then you can be my wingman tonight." Dean said, regaining his feel good nature once more. Seamus shook his head again.

"I am going to get another drink." he announced. Dean nodded but Seamus didn't think he had heard him as he was gazing over at a couple of women in the corner.

Seamus walked over to the champagne table, he grabbed another drink and downed it. Now that he knew that she was showing up, he intended to put the disappointment that he felt to good use and get totally drunk. A woman apparated into the garden, she had been in two minds whether or not to come today. She hadn't seen anyone from Hogwarts in years and after everything that had happened with Ron, she wasn't sure if she would be welcome.

Lavender made her way around the crowd, heading towards the champagne table to get herself a drink. She definitely needed it. He turned to survey the crowd again with his second glass of champagne gripped tightly in his hands. Instantly he saw her. Her long blonde hair cascading in curls down her neck. She was wearing a very beautiful lavender gown that hugged her curves superbly. Seamus gripped his glass tighter, he felt suddenly breathless as he stared at her.

She stopped and turned to gaze at the couples on the dance floor. She saw Harry and Ginny dancing in the middle of the dance floor. Ginny looked beautiful in her dress. Lavender even noticed that Dean had led Parvati out to the dance floor. She then saw Ron and Hermione dancing close by them. She smiled as she watched them dance. She had read in the daily prophet that they had married and she was happy for them.

Lavender was no longer the silly girl that she had been at Hogwarts, she had grown up. She had used the excuse of Ron to talk herself out of coming today but that was only part of the reason. Truthfully she had dreaded coming because of her scars, Lavender hated getting stared at. It really bothered her. After the war and Greyback's attack, she cut herself off from her family and friends even Seamus. She had preferred solitude, thinking that she was too ugly to be seen with anyone.

It had killed her to cut contact with everyone especially Seamus but she had felt at the time that she had to do it. She had, had nightmares for weeks before coming here today. Nightmares that she was being laughed and stared at had caused her to dread coming here. Regardless of the nightmare something deep inside had pulled her to come today.

He watched her hardly daring to believe his eyes that she was actually here. Seamus felt himself walking over to her before he had fully realised that he was doing it until he was halfway there.

"Hello Lavender," he said softly as he approached her. She turned at the sound of his voice, startled.

"Seamus," she said surprised to see him here. She looked down at her feet instantly, afraid that he would see her face. She kept her gaze on the ground, ashamed of her appearance. He reached over with his hand and tilted her chin up until her eyes met his own once more.

"That's better." he said smiling down at her.

"Seamus…." she started but he stopped her, putting his finger on her lips to silence her.

The music struck up in the background again. He saw other couples making their way to the dance floor for a second time. Seamus turned to her.

"Dance with me," he asked her, holding out his hand for her. She took his hand instantly, smiling at him as she did. He led her onto the dance floor. When he put his arms around her, she felt a sudden tingling in her spine. He made her feel safe and comfortable and she felt like she was home.

They glided across the floor swiftly. Their eyes never left one another.

"It doesn't matter what happened in the past. All that matters is you're here now." he said softly.

"Seamus I'm sorry." she replied.

Seamus shook his head.

"Meeting you again here after all these years was fate. Falling for you all over again was out of my control." he said gently, staring deep into her eyes.

Lavender gasped as she heard his words.

"I love you Lavender." he said firmly. She gazed back at him and smiled. The sky had grown darker and stars now lit up the night sky. The starlight was reflected in his eyes which were filled with love. She had realised some time ago that she had loved him and the time they had spent apart had helped her understand this. Lavender smiled up at him.

"I love you too Seamus," she replied softly. He smiled down at her then he kissed her gently on the lips.

It felt like fireworks were going on around her. She deepened the kiss, they had stopped dancing instead they stayed rooted to the spot, oblivious to their surroundings. They broke apart to catch their breath, smiling at each other. Suddenly it started to rain and all the other couples on the dance floor dived for cover but Lavender stood still. Seamus looked at her puzzled. Immediately she grabbed his arms and wrapped them around her waist. Then she started to move across the dance floor, he followed her lead.

They must have looked stupid or crazy dancing in the rain like this but he didn't care. He burst out laughing as he thought about what everyone would think of them. Suddenly she giggled along with him. In this moment with the rain dripping off of her hair and face, she had never looked more beautiful to him and her beauty left him breathless.

Author note: This is my third entry for the forumwide challenge. I hoped you enjoyed it. Reviews would be greatly appreciated.