Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter nor do make money.
58. Tragic
It should have been a happy day.
With nothing tragic about it; but it filtered through everything that was wrong.
There were no flowers: in her hair, in her hands, in his robes, on tables. There were no decorations.
There was no gown of white: she wore jeans and an oversized Cannon's jersey that had seen better days two decades ago.
There were no dress robes: he also wore jeans and a Cannon's jersey -- but at least his fit him.
There was no music to be played, only the ticking of the clock.
There was no officiant that stood waiting. No bridesmaids to lead the way. No groomsmen to stand by him.
She wasn't escorted by her father; in fact, none of her family were there. Only one she had considered a surrogate brother two lifetimes ago; and a former fiance and his father. Two people no bride would ever want present on their wedding day.
His family was there but they weren't: his parents, an older brother, and a younger sister were all that stood and watched as he solemnly promised her the world.
Promising her to love her, cherish her, protect her as he had done over and over again; tears forming in his eyes that he fought to hold back.
And she promised the same as she gripped his hands tight; her voice wavering; as tears slipped from her eyes.
Only an exchange of rings in the crowded living room of the Burrow would have told anyone outside what was going on inside -- that a wedding, a binding ceremony was being witnessed within.
That ended with a kiss that brought tears to everyone else's eyes.
Before the couple turned to the small collection of family and friends who were there.
As there would be no cake or reception afterwards. No parting words from the maid-of-honour or best man. No champagne toasts; no silly pictures; no first dances.
Only handshakes and hugs; amongst the tears and well-wishes before everyone retired for the night.