Disclaimer: The song and it's lyrics are ©Toya.
Ginny woke up a bright early morning. The sun casted its sheets of light across her room through the window. Sitting up she turned to her side and her smile faded as she found no on next to her.
Swinging her legs over the edge of the bed, she stood up and headed to the kitchen in her apartment. Leaning against the counter she flipped through the mail which had come from different owls. Finally she fell upon a letter from Dean Thomas. Opening it, rose petals fell out and a small letter,
"Please Ginny, will you go out with me?"
Just getting used to waking up everyday
Not seeing your face
I just began to stop setting your place
And I stop longing for your warm embrace
And it was Go.d that made me able
To finally sleep at night
Though you're not by my side
Finally I don't hardly cry
See right when I start letting go
Somebody wants to let me know
Can they take your place
No they can't fill your space. No.
Ginny threw the letter and rose petals into the garbage. Her eyes fell upon a picture of Harry. Instantly tears began to fill her eyes and stream down her eyes. Wiping them away as she placed his picture face down on the table and walked back to her room to get ready.
I tried to move on but you're not gone
Cause in my heart you still live on
See now I know why
I'll never love another for the rest of my life
And why
Now that you're gone I'm holdin' on
And deep in my heart
I wanna move on
And now I know why
I'll never love another for the rest of my life
Later that afternoon, Ginny sat in the living room with an empty trunk before her and piles of clothes before her. She began folding them and placing them neatly in the trunk. Picking up a green sweater she lifted it to her nose and inhaled the sweet scent of his cologne. As she folded it on her lap she saw a red stain on the chest. Running her fingertips over the rough material she remembered when he died.
The death eater said a spell and a bright green beam shot out of its wand and hit Harry directly at his heart. Harry fell backwards onto his back. Ginny ran to his side, tears streaming down her face.
"Harry!" she cried.
Harry pointed his wand at the death eater, "I killed everyone else and now you're the last! Averda Kedarva!"
Instantly the death eater crumbled to the ground, lifeless.
Ginny held Harry in her arms, "Please Harry, hang on!" she cried as she saw the blood appearing on his dark green sweater.
"I'm sorry Ginny. The spell was too powerful and it was to accurate. Not even Madame Pomphrey can help me," he said in a low voice. He held her face with his hand, "Don't cry for me Ginny, just always know I love you."
"I love you too Harry." she cried as she wiped away her tears.
He pulled her face to him as he kissed her softly and passionately; he closed his eyes. After a few seconds he fell limp in her arms. She wrapped her arms around him and cried into his shoulder, "I love you Harry, and I'll never love anyone for the rest of my life."
Placing the sweater on the top in the trunk she looked at it; it was a bittersweet memory. Looking at her left hand she looked at the ring he gave her when he purposed. Sliding it off her finger she kissed it and placed it on top of the sweater.
Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard the man on the radio stop talking and mu.sic being to play softly. She knew that song too well. After his death it was all she ever listened to. It was their song. She still remembered when they danced to this picture, in the corner by the radio she imagined them dancing to the song. Shaking the thought, she stood up and turned off the radio.
I finally put your clothes away
You know the ones you wore the day
That you were taken away from me
I just began to stop wearing my ring
And I finally stop playin' our song
When I realized I was dancin' alone and
Finally God gave me strength
To go on and breath again
See right when I start letting go
Somebody wants to let me know
Can they take your place
No they can't fill your space. No
Heading over to the wall she saw several pictures of Harry. With hesitation she took them off the wall and placed them in the trunk. Returning to the wall she saw the picture of her and Harry on their wedding day. They had only been married a few months until he killed the remaining Death Eaters and got killed himself.
I tried to move on but you're not gone
Cause in my heart you still live on
See now I know why
I'll never love another for the rest of my life
And why
Now that you're gone I'm holdin' on
And deep in my heart
I wanna move on
And now I know why
I'll never love another for the rest of my life.
A few hours later she got out of her car and locked it. Walking up the cement stairs leading up to the chapel. Entering, it was dim and the only thing lighting the place were a few candles here and there. Sliding into a pew near the back she pulled down the kneeler and knelt upon it. Proping her elbows onto the railing, she leaned her forehead on her folded hands. She closed her eyes as she began a silent prayer.
God knows it's time for me to move on
I want to feel alive again
I want to be in love again
Getting up, she headed over to a corner of the chapel where several green candles were placed in minature, metal holders. Some were lit others were not. She looked at a metal plate which was nailed to the wall above the fixture.
"For Loved Ones who Passed Away."
She looked around for a stick when her eyes fell upon a basket beside the metal holders. The basket had a small sign saying 'donations'. Rummaging through her pockets she found twenty pounds and dropped it all into the basket. Finally finding the long wooden stick which was used to light the candles she used the flame of a lit candle to lit one of the unlit candles. Finally when the candle she chose was lit she blew out the flame of the stick and replaced it. Watching the flame dance above the small green candle, 'Ironic' she thought as she turned around and left the chapel.
And no matter how hard I try
I can't erase you from my mind
And I gotta find somebody new
But I just can't give over you
She got home later that night and locked the door behind her. Taking off her coat she hung it on a hook by the door and went over to the counter where more mail had appeared while she was gone. Flipping through the mail she found another one from Dean. Immediately she threw it into the waste basket with it's twin letter from the morning. Walking over to the wall in her living room her eyes fell upon the picture of her and Harry on their wedding day when a small smile appeared on her face.
I tried to move on but you're not gone
Cause in my heart you still live on
See now I know why
I'll never love another for the rest of my life
And why
Now that you're gone I'm holdin' on
And deep in my heart
I wanna move on
And now I know why
I'll never love another for the rest of my life.
That night she fell asleep on her bed, still wearing the clothes she wore earlier, not wanting to change into proper sleeping attire. She fell asleep ontop of her blanket and other sheets; just curled up with one thing in her embrace and a smile on her sweet, innocent face = the picture of her and Harry on their wedding day.
Showing posts with label SHIP: HP/GW. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SHIP: HP/GW. Show all posts
Thursday, July 21, 2011
[OS] Before the I-Do's
I couldn't believe this day had come. As I stood there beneath the winter sky, I thought of why I was standing there. There, in a field covered by a thin layer of snow. There, where the indigo sky above was brilliantly lit up by twinkling lights of the heavens. There, where chairs were set up in rows, divided in the middle by a white velvet carpet trimmed with gold thread. There, where torches floated around the area while floating candles danced up and down both sides of the aisle. There, waiting for this moment that I knew would come, yet never would have pictured it as I saw it before my eyes now.
There was a quiet murmur amongst those who preoccupied the rows of chairs, all slightly shivering beneath their winter robes and cloaks, despite the heating charms they may have placed. I myself was feeling the chill on my skin, despite my expensive, fur-lined cloak and supposedly-efficient heating charm. But the fact that the cold was slowly reaching my nether regions didn't bother me like I presumed it would. No. Nothing mattered besides the fact that I was there, at that moment, waiting for her.
I still remembered the day when we first made contact with each other. We said words to each other in passing before, but the first time we actually talked more than a few words- that was the moment I knew I had met my match-
I was on my way, heading back to the Head Student dormitories on the eighth floor, when I caught a glimpse of something running past the corridor. It was well past midnight. Merlin's socks, it was nearly dawn and I began to wonder who was mad enough to be up at this hour. After reminding myself that I was up myself going for a midnight-early morning stroll, I sprinted down the corridor towards whatever it was I saw.
Turning the corner into the corridor it was in, I immediately found myself tumbling in the air and landing – quite uncomfortably – on my tailbone with my head against the floor. Getting my senses back, I sat up and absentmindedly rubbed the sore spot at the back of my head as I scowled at the pain I felt at the base of my spine. Whipping out my wand, I pointed it in the direction of what I had tripped over,
"Lumos! Let's see what this bloody- Weasley?"
"I'm sorry I didn't- oh. It's you." Was her reply.
Standing up and brushing off my robes, I glowered down at her, "What in Merlin's name are you doing there, sitting in the dark- near a turn no less!?"
"I'm sorry Malfoy, I wasn't aware there were rules to where one could sit!" she spat back as she glared up at me.
"Well there are when people can't see a bloody thing and you sit in a highly traffic area!" I accused, "Besides, it's way past curfew! I think I'll dock a few hundred points for THIS stunt –"
"I'd like to see you try," she cut me off in a tartly tone.
"You think I bluff?"
"I'm a prefect you bloody Slytherin. I'm allowed to be out past curfew." She reminded in an exasperated tone.
"Well then, I guess I'll just have to let you off the hook."
"I was never ON the hook to begin with!" She stood up finally and glared at me in what looked like defiance. "You think you're so superior, strutting around the school as if the rest of us are dirt. But what you don't see is that everyone looks down on you. Even if every girl in this school swoons at your presence, deep inside they just pity you!" she accentuated each word with a rough poke in my chest.
Irritated with being poked, I grabbed her wrist and pulled her closer to me until I was looking directly down into her eyes, "Does that mean deep inside you pity me too?"
"What are you on about now?" She questioned as she struggled to release her hand from my grasp,
"Well, you said even if every girl in this school swoons at my presence, deep inside they just pity me, right? Well, I've seen you glancing at my way every time we're in the same room," I drawled,
"In your dreams, Malfoy!" she spat,
"On the contrary Weasley. Whenever I have to deal with the pathetic squabbles your brother and the other two of the Golden Trio start up, I see you around and watching," I taunted,
"Oh, get over yourself!" Her free hand came up and hit me square in the cheek.
Instinctively, I grabbed that hand and held it tightly, "Oh, it's physically impossible for me to get over myself. However, it is quite physically possible for you to get under me. I know you want to."
"Oh, Malfoy, you're so right!" She said in a voice too sweet for sugar candy. Then a glint of mischievousness crossed her eyes, "But there's one problem." She glanced down me and then back up to my eyes.
"I assure you, there is no problem with that," I said, smirking at her,
"But there is.. you're just not aware of it yet," she said as she voluntarily leaned closer to me,
"Oh? And what would that be?" I inquired,
"This-" she said in a hushed voice milliseconds before a jolt of pain ran up and down my body. She retracted her knee from a certain nether region and as the pain only strengthened with time, she was able to pull herself away from me. I collapsed against the wall, trying to remember any pain-subsiding spells.
"You smarmy little-" I forced the words to form and create sound,
"Now you'll think twice before you try to seduce Ginevra Weasley!" She said in smug tones as she crossed her arms across her chest.
"So I did seduce you?" I managed a smirk at her as I saw her get flustered in the light from my wand.
"I- That's not what I- No, you did NOT seduce me!" She finally stated,
"Abbassisi-" I hissed and I felt the pain immediately disappear. Finally gaining my strength, I stood up my full height just moments before she realized that I had healed myself. I stalked her until she pulled out her wand and pointed it straight back at me,
"Don't you dare try anything, Malfoy! I've hexed you once, I'll do it again!" She threatened,
"Don't lie to yourself Weasley,"
"I'm not! I swear on Merlin's socks I'll hex you –"
"I meant don't lie that I didn't seduce you," I interrupted and approached her once more as she became flustered again.
"You- I- You did NOT seduce me!" She repeated, her wand hand beginning to slightly tremble.
She was a vixen, a spiteful little creature that knew how to respond to my remarks. She was everything I could ever want in another person. She was intelligent yet knew how to live life. She was well-mannered but was able to lash out when the time called for it. She was everything I was not and because of that, she made me complete. It was hard to believe this day had come.
---
I couldn't believe this day had come. As I stood within the white tent, I nervously twisted a handkerchief in my hands, wondering what lead me to be standing there. There, standing amongst my closets of girl friends. There, waiting for my father to come and fetch me. There, in a white silk dress, sprinkled in real diamonds. There, knowing that I was about to make the biggest step in my life. There, knowing that a person who loved me for such a long time, awaited for me at the end of an aisle. There, waiting for this moment that I knew would come, yet never would have pictured it as I saw it before my eyes now.
I heard the hushing of voices as all those present outside of the tent begin to find comfortable positions in their seats within the cold and readying themselves for a wedding no one saw coming. I felt a hand on shoulder and looked up to find my mother staring at me.
"It's almost time sweetheart," she smiled encouragingly, "I'll be by your side." With a quick peck on my cheek and one more sunshine-filled smile, my mother exited the tent.
I walked to the back of the tent as my bridesmaids began to arrange themselves, preparing to lead me towards the alter. A hand covered my clenched ones and I found myself staring into the eyes of my brother.
"Ron, you're supposed to be out there!" I whispered frantically, not wanting anything to go wrong this night.
He released the handkerchief I nearly tore to shreds as he gave me a lop-sided grin, "I know, but I just want to make sure you're okay."
"Yes, yes, now go! The bridesmaids have already left!" I hissed as I saw the last of the pale yellow dresses slip out of the tent.
He nodded and gave me a quick kiss and turned on his heel. Before leaving the tent, he paused at the opening,
"Gin, I want you to know that I'll always be here for you."
Before I could get a word out, he left. My father poked his head in the next second, "Sweetie, it's time."
I exhaled a breath I hadn't realized I had held and joined him. Locking my arm with his, he began to lead me towards the aisle.
When I finally got the nerve to look up, my eyes fell upon him. He seemed to stand so far away, but I knew he was closer than how it seemed. When he looked up into my eyes, I saw a reflection of my own feelings and immediately felt a tugging at my heart. Those eyes seemed to be so different, from the eyes I was drawn to so long ago -
I threw my books down on the ground and did a 180 degree turn.
"THIS IS CALLED STALKING MALFOY!" I growled as he casually approached me.
"I thought it was called a corridor. Forgive my misunderstanding," he drawled, "But since we're on the topic of corridors and misunderstandings, I'd love an explanation for that display you presented with Finnigan this morning. You know, on how a movie can get a rating of R."
"Snogging is hardly that terrible." I scoffed, "Especially with Seamus." Glancing at him as I picked up my books, I saw a flash of something in his eyes, "Why Mr. Malfoy, if I didn't know any better, I would think you were jealous!"
"Why would I be jealous of that pathetic excuse for a man?" He questioned nonchalantly,
"Because he's with me? Because he can fly circles around you? Because he knows how to satisfy his women?" I caught a glimpse of his eyebrows slightly furrowing. I had found his bane. "I've heard a word or two here and there about your own performances actually, Malfoy. Let me say that they are completely dissatisfying and are completely shadowed by Seamus'. I mean, this morning alone probably outshines all of –"
Before I could tell what was happening, his lips were on mine. When he finally pulled back, he glared down at me, catching his breath,
"Was that also dissatisfying?" He questioned as he held my head in his hands.
"No," I replied indifferently. I reached out and tucked a lock of hair, misplaced from our lust-driven activities, behind his hear, "But who's seducing who, now?"
After that, we had a pathetic excuse of a relationship based solely on lust. Unbelievable as it may seemed, the time we spent after the passion of the night, we would talk. Through talking we built understanding and trust. From those pillars, we built our relationship. Yet, it was surprising that we never once confessed that to either of us loved the other. It was hard to believe this day had come.
I pulled my gaze away from his as I felt the tears begin to form and I refused to cry on this day of all days, even if it was because of him. When I finally looked up again, my father and I had reached the alter and he was already giving my hand away.
As my soon-to-be-husband held my hand in his, he smiled. I thanked the veil designer for making it so my face would be covered so efficiently because I knew his smile would turn to a frown of worry if he saw my eyes red and holding back tears I wanted to cry.
As the priest began the ceremony, my eyes wandered anywhere but to in front of me. Finally, they made rest on Ron's face which was looking back at me. After he looked at me in a stern expression, he turned his attention to the priest.
By the time it came for vows and saying I do's', I knew the tears had dried themselves out and I looked perfectly normal again. Turning towards the priest, he began,
"The groom and bride have both decided to say their own vows in order to make it more personal and straight from their hearts. The groom will begin." The priest took a step back.
He held my hand firmly as he looked down at me. I concentrated on him as I heard a rustle behind the crowd and brushed the thought from mind. "Ginevra, Ginny, Gin- from the moment I first met you, I knew there was something different. You have supported me through the ups and downs of my life and it's hard for me to believe that after everything we've been through in Hogwarts and after, that you chose me to be your husband. I consider myself lucky to have found you and to have you love me back as I love you. I cannot promise now that I'll be faithful, that I will love you forever or that I'll always be honest and trusting of you."
A collective gasp, along with my own, went into the air,
"I cannot, because I made that promise the first time I realized I was in love with you so many years ago."
I don't know whether it were the sighs in the crowd or that of my own that was louder when he continued with that.
"My hope is that no matter what, we will always be there for each other."
Unceremoniously, I pushed the veil back to uncover my face as I looked into his eyes and I saw that he meant more than what was said in his final sentence of his vows to me. Absent-mindedly, I threw him a quizzical expression as the priest grunted to notify that it was my turn to say my vows. However, when he nodded as an answer to the question roaming within my head, I knew that I would not get my turn to say the vows I had prepared and perfected before this moment.
"I love you wholeheartedly, more than anyone can know. However," I heard the crowd hold its breath, "I'm sorry that it is not in the way which it should be. Yes, I love you so much, but not in a way more so than I love my own brothers. I have dreamt about this moment from the first time I saw you and would have gladly given you my heart, but now that this moment has finally arrived, I apologize for not being able to." I reached out and held the side of his face with my hand, "You already know I gave my heart away to another person a long time ago before we were even first got together after my graduation."
The breath everyone was holding was let out in gasps as a murmur fell upon our guests,
"I'm sorry, I cannot marry you." I finally whispered.
He shook his head as he took my hands in his and kissed them, "I know sweetheart. It wasn't right that I propose in the first place when I knew you loved me but wasn't in love with me."
I wrapped my arms around his neck and he embraced me. "Thank you. I'm sorry I couldn't love you back."
"It's okay. You loved me the best you could," he said into my ear, "Go to him, Gin."
I pulled back and looked up at him and he was beaming down at me. I kissed him on the cheek as I ran towards Ron, "Thank you."
Smiling his trade-mark smile and nodding, I turned back to the guests as my now-ex-fiancé acknowledged them, "I completely apologize for having you all waste your time in coming here. However, there is still food at the reception area and it would be a shame it all go to spoil! You may all begin making your way to the ballroom in my home."
As the guests began standing and collecting their items, all became quiet as I ran down the aisle and stood amongst a shadow of trees by myself. I swirled around, my train becoming somewhat twisted amongst the snow as I knew tears and confusion contorted the expression of happiness which graced my face just seconds ago.
Ron spotted me when he realized the crowd had silenced itself and must have felt I was in confusion. He tapped on the ex-groom's shoulder and gestured towards me. He looked down at the ground then back at me. When I mirrored him, I glanced back up at him, smiling in thanksgiving. Quickly, I followed the footprints I found all thanks to my ex-fiancé; Harry James Potter.
---
I continued on my way past Potter's home as quickly as I could. I wanted to apparate the moment the priest mentioned the beginning of vows being exchanged, but damn that Potter and the wards surrounding his property. He may be one of the best Aurors in the business, but it didn't mean he couldn't be paranoid about his home.
I cursed the wizard who invented heating charms and demanded in my mind why they had not created it so that it lasted longer than a couple of minutes. When I finally reached the edge of Potter's property, I happily crossed over and prepared myself for apparation when I heard a voice calling my name. Her voice.
Turning around, I saw her running towards me through the snow, grasping clumps of her dress in her hands as means of making it easier on herself to walk. However, even that did not stop her from stumbling. When she was feet away from me, she tripped over her dress and fell hand first in the snow.
I was at her side in seconds, bending over to help her up. The moment she was on her feet again, I let go and began on my way,
"Draco, wait."
I turned back to face her, "Why are you here?"
"I lost you once, I'm not going to lose you again." She explained sternly as she approached me, slowly this time to insure she wouldn't fall again.
"What about Potter? You're just going to leave him at the alter to come after me?" I questioned,
"Don't you get it? I don't love Harry! I never did in that way!" She replied.
I turned around and continued, "Then it's a good think you realized that right before the I do's'."
"Draco, you stupid ferret, get it through that thick oiled-covered head of yours: I love you!"
That definitely stopped me in my tracks. I turned around, "What makes you think I love you?"
"You wouldn't be here if you didn't," she offered as she stood just a foot away from me,
I took a step forward, holding her face in my hands as I brushed a loose lock of hair from her face, "Maybe I'm just here to seduce you away from Potter and you've fallen into my trap of seduction."
Before acting, she stood on her tip toes and kissed me in a way I haven't been kissed for so long. She pulled away and I dropped my hands as she reached out and tucked a lock of hair behind my ear,
"You may have been the first to seduce me, but you have also been the first to love me and the first to steal my heart."
I lowered my lips to hers and when I pulled away, I gazed into the depths of her eyes, "I love you."
She raised a curious eyebrow at me and smirked, "Who's seducing who now?"
There was a quiet murmur amongst those who preoccupied the rows of chairs, all slightly shivering beneath their winter robes and cloaks, despite the heating charms they may have placed. I myself was feeling the chill on my skin, despite my expensive, fur-lined cloak and supposedly-efficient heating charm. But the fact that the cold was slowly reaching my nether regions didn't bother me like I presumed it would. No. Nothing mattered besides the fact that I was there, at that moment, waiting for her.
I still remembered the day when we first made contact with each other. We said words to each other in passing before, but the first time we actually talked more than a few words- that was the moment I knew I had met my match-
I was on my way, heading back to the Head Student dormitories on the eighth floor, when I caught a glimpse of something running past the corridor. It was well past midnight. Merlin's socks, it was nearly dawn and I began to wonder who was mad enough to be up at this hour. After reminding myself that I was up myself going for a midnight-early morning stroll, I sprinted down the corridor towards whatever it was I saw.
Turning the corner into the corridor it was in, I immediately found myself tumbling in the air and landing – quite uncomfortably – on my tailbone with my head against the floor. Getting my senses back, I sat up and absentmindedly rubbed the sore spot at the back of my head as I scowled at the pain I felt at the base of my spine. Whipping out my wand, I pointed it in the direction of what I had tripped over,
"Lumos! Let's see what this bloody- Weasley?"
"I'm sorry I didn't- oh. It's you." Was her reply.
Standing up and brushing off my robes, I glowered down at her, "What in Merlin's name are you doing there, sitting in the dark- near a turn no less!?"
"I'm sorry Malfoy, I wasn't aware there were rules to where one could sit!" she spat back as she glared up at me.
"Well there are when people can't see a bloody thing and you sit in a highly traffic area!" I accused, "Besides, it's way past curfew! I think I'll dock a few hundred points for THIS stunt –"
"I'd like to see you try," she cut me off in a tartly tone.
"You think I bluff?"
"I'm a prefect you bloody Slytherin. I'm allowed to be out past curfew." She reminded in an exasperated tone.
"Well then, I guess I'll just have to let you off the hook."
"I was never ON the hook to begin with!" She stood up finally and glared at me in what looked like defiance. "You think you're so superior, strutting around the school as if the rest of us are dirt. But what you don't see is that everyone looks down on you. Even if every girl in this school swoons at your presence, deep inside they just pity you!" she accentuated each word with a rough poke in my chest.
Irritated with being poked, I grabbed her wrist and pulled her closer to me until I was looking directly down into her eyes, "Does that mean deep inside you pity me too?"
"What are you on about now?" She questioned as she struggled to release her hand from my grasp,
"Well, you said even if every girl in this school swoons at my presence, deep inside they just pity me, right? Well, I've seen you glancing at my way every time we're in the same room," I drawled,
"In your dreams, Malfoy!" she spat,
"On the contrary Weasley. Whenever I have to deal with the pathetic squabbles your brother and the other two of the Golden Trio start up, I see you around and watching," I taunted,
"Oh, get over yourself!" Her free hand came up and hit me square in the cheek.
Instinctively, I grabbed that hand and held it tightly, "Oh, it's physically impossible for me to get over myself. However, it is quite physically possible for you to get under me. I know you want to."
"Oh, Malfoy, you're so right!" She said in a voice too sweet for sugar candy. Then a glint of mischievousness crossed her eyes, "But there's one problem." She glanced down me and then back up to my eyes.
"I assure you, there is no problem with that," I said, smirking at her,
"But there is.. you're just not aware of it yet," she said as she voluntarily leaned closer to me,
"Oh? And what would that be?" I inquired,
"This-" she said in a hushed voice milliseconds before a jolt of pain ran up and down my body. She retracted her knee from a certain nether region and as the pain only strengthened with time, she was able to pull herself away from me. I collapsed against the wall, trying to remember any pain-subsiding spells.
"You smarmy little-" I forced the words to form and create sound,
"Now you'll think twice before you try to seduce Ginevra Weasley!" She said in smug tones as she crossed her arms across her chest.
"So I did seduce you?" I managed a smirk at her as I saw her get flustered in the light from my wand.
"I- That's not what I- No, you did NOT seduce me!" She finally stated,
"Abbassisi-" I hissed and I felt the pain immediately disappear. Finally gaining my strength, I stood up my full height just moments before she realized that I had healed myself. I stalked her until she pulled out her wand and pointed it straight back at me,
"Don't you dare try anything, Malfoy! I've hexed you once, I'll do it again!" She threatened,
"Don't lie to yourself Weasley,"
"I'm not! I swear on Merlin's socks I'll hex you –"
"I meant don't lie that I didn't seduce you," I interrupted and approached her once more as she became flustered again.
"You- I- You did NOT seduce me!" She repeated, her wand hand beginning to slightly tremble.
She was a vixen, a spiteful little creature that knew how to respond to my remarks. She was everything I could ever want in another person. She was intelligent yet knew how to live life. She was well-mannered but was able to lash out when the time called for it. She was everything I was not and because of that, she made me complete. It was hard to believe this day had come.
---
I couldn't believe this day had come. As I stood within the white tent, I nervously twisted a handkerchief in my hands, wondering what lead me to be standing there. There, standing amongst my closets of girl friends. There, waiting for my father to come and fetch me. There, in a white silk dress, sprinkled in real diamonds. There, knowing that I was about to make the biggest step in my life. There, knowing that a person who loved me for such a long time, awaited for me at the end of an aisle. There, waiting for this moment that I knew would come, yet never would have pictured it as I saw it before my eyes now.
I heard the hushing of voices as all those present outside of the tent begin to find comfortable positions in their seats within the cold and readying themselves for a wedding no one saw coming. I felt a hand on shoulder and looked up to find my mother staring at me.
"It's almost time sweetheart," she smiled encouragingly, "I'll be by your side." With a quick peck on my cheek and one more sunshine-filled smile, my mother exited the tent.
I walked to the back of the tent as my bridesmaids began to arrange themselves, preparing to lead me towards the alter. A hand covered my clenched ones and I found myself staring into the eyes of my brother.
"Ron, you're supposed to be out there!" I whispered frantically, not wanting anything to go wrong this night.
He released the handkerchief I nearly tore to shreds as he gave me a lop-sided grin, "I know, but I just want to make sure you're okay."
"Yes, yes, now go! The bridesmaids have already left!" I hissed as I saw the last of the pale yellow dresses slip out of the tent.
He nodded and gave me a quick kiss and turned on his heel. Before leaving the tent, he paused at the opening,
"Gin, I want you to know that I'll always be here for you."
Before I could get a word out, he left. My father poked his head in the next second, "Sweetie, it's time."
I exhaled a breath I hadn't realized I had held and joined him. Locking my arm with his, he began to lead me towards the aisle.
When I finally got the nerve to look up, my eyes fell upon him. He seemed to stand so far away, but I knew he was closer than how it seemed. When he looked up into my eyes, I saw a reflection of my own feelings and immediately felt a tugging at my heart. Those eyes seemed to be so different, from the eyes I was drawn to so long ago -
I threw my books down on the ground and did a 180 degree turn.
"THIS IS CALLED STALKING MALFOY!" I growled as he casually approached me.
"I thought it was called a corridor. Forgive my misunderstanding," he drawled, "But since we're on the topic of corridors and misunderstandings, I'd love an explanation for that display you presented with Finnigan this morning. You know, on how a movie can get a rating of R."
"Snogging is hardly that terrible." I scoffed, "Especially with Seamus." Glancing at him as I picked up my books, I saw a flash of something in his eyes, "Why Mr. Malfoy, if I didn't know any better, I would think you were jealous!"
"Why would I be jealous of that pathetic excuse for a man?" He questioned nonchalantly,
"Because he's with me? Because he can fly circles around you? Because he knows how to satisfy his women?" I caught a glimpse of his eyebrows slightly furrowing. I had found his bane. "I've heard a word or two here and there about your own performances actually, Malfoy. Let me say that they are completely dissatisfying and are completely shadowed by Seamus'. I mean, this morning alone probably outshines all of –"
Before I could tell what was happening, his lips were on mine. When he finally pulled back, he glared down at me, catching his breath,
"Was that also dissatisfying?" He questioned as he held my head in his hands.
"No," I replied indifferently. I reached out and tucked a lock of hair, misplaced from our lust-driven activities, behind his hear, "But who's seducing who, now?"
After that, we had a pathetic excuse of a relationship based solely on lust. Unbelievable as it may seemed, the time we spent after the passion of the night, we would talk. Through talking we built understanding and trust. From those pillars, we built our relationship. Yet, it was surprising that we never once confessed that to either of us loved the other. It was hard to believe this day had come.
I pulled my gaze away from his as I felt the tears begin to form and I refused to cry on this day of all days, even if it was because of him. When I finally looked up again, my father and I had reached the alter and he was already giving my hand away.
As my soon-to-be-husband held my hand in his, he smiled. I thanked the veil designer for making it so my face would be covered so efficiently because I knew his smile would turn to a frown of worry if he saw my eyes red and holding back tears I wanted to cry.
As the priest began the ceremony, my eyes wandered anywhere but to in front of me. Finally, they made rest on Ron's face which was looking back at me. After he looked at me in a stern expression, he turned his attention to the priest.
By the time it came for vows and saying I do's', I knew the tears had dried themselves out and I looked perfectly normal again. Turning towards the priest, he began,
"The groom and bride have both decided to say their own vows in order to make it more personal and straight from their hearts. The groom will begin." The priest took a step back.
He held my hand firmly as he looked down at me. I concentrated on him as I heard a rustle behind the crowd and brushed the thought from mind. "Ginevra, Ginny, Gin- from the moment I first met you, I knew there was something different. You have supported me through the ups and downs of my life and it's hard for me to believe that after everything we've been through in Hogwarts and after, that you chose me to be your husband. I consider myself lucky to have found you and to have you love me back as I love you. I cannot promise now that I'll be faithful, that I will love you forever or that I'll always be honest and trusting of you."
A collective gasp, along with my own, went into the air,
"I cannot, because I made that promise the first time I realized I was in love with you so many years ago."
I don't know whether it were the sighs in the crowd or that of my own that was louder when he continued with that.
"My hope is that no matter what, we will always be there for each other."
Unceremoniously, I pushed the veil back to uncover my face as I looked into his eyes and I saw that he meant more than what was said in his final sentence of his vows to me. Absent-mindedly, I threw him a quizzical expression as the priest grunted to notify that it was my turn to say my vows. However, when he nodded as an answer to the question roaming within my head, I knew that I would not get my turn to say the vows I had prepared and perfected before this moment.
"I love you wholeheartedly, more than anyone can know. However," I heard the crowd hold its breath, "I'm sorry that it is not in the way which it should be. Yes, I love you so much, but not in a way more so than I love my own brothers. I have dreamt about this moment from the first time I saw you and would have gladly given you my heart, but now that this moment has finally arrived, I apologize for not being able to." I reached out and held the side of his face with my hand, "You already know I gave my heart away to another person a long time ago before we were even first got together after my graduation."
The breath everyone was holding was let out in gasps as a murmur fell upon our guests,
"I'm sorry, I cannot marry you." I finally whispered.
He shook his head as he took my hands in his and kissed them, "I know sweetheart. It wasn't right that I propose in the first place when I knew you loved me but wasn't in love with me."
I wrapped my arms around his neck and he embraced me. "Thank you. I'm sorry I couldn't love you back."
"It's okay. You loved me the best you could," he said into my ear, "Go to him, Gin."
I pulled back and looked up at him and he was beaming down at me. I kissed him on the cheek as I ran towards Ron, "Thank you."
Smiling his trade-mark smile and nodding, I turned back to the guests as my now-ex-fiancé acknowledged them, "I completely apologize for having you all waste your time in coming here. However, there is still food at the reception area and it would be a shame it all go to spoil! You may all begin making your way to the ballroom in my home."
As the guests began standing and collecting their items, all became quiet as I ran down the aisle and stood amongst a shadow of trees by myself. I swirled around, my train becoming somewhat twisted amongst the snow as I knew tears and confusion contorted the expression of happiness which graced my face just seconds ago.
Ron spotted me when he realized the crowd had silenced itself and must have felt I was in confusion. He tapped on the ex-groom's shoulder and gestured towards me. He looked down at the ground then back at me. When I mirrored him, I glanced back up at him, smiling in thanksgiving. Quickly, I followed the footprints I found all thanks to my ex-fiancé; Harry James Potter.
---
I continued on my way past Potter's home as quickly as I could. I wanted to apparate the moment the priest mentioned the beginning of vows being exchanged, but damn that Potter and the wards surrounding his property. He may be one of the best Aurors in the business, but it didn't mean he couldn't be paranoid about his home.
I cursed the wizard who invented heating charms and demanded in my mind why they had not created it so that it lasted longer than a couple of minutes. When I finally reached the edge of Potter's property, I happily crossed over and prepared myself for apparation when I heard a voice calling my name. Her voice.
Turning around, I saw her running towards me through the snow, grasping clumps of her dress in her hands as means of making it easier on herself to walk. However, even that did not stop her from stumbling. When she was feet away from me, she tripped over her dress and fell hand first in the snow.
I was at her side in seconds, bending over to help her up. The moment she was on her feet again, I let go and began on my way,
"Draco, wait."
I turned back to face her, "Why are you here?"
"I lost you once, I'm not going to lose you again." She explained sternly as she approached me, slowly this time to insure she wouldn't fall again.
"What about Potter? You're just going to leave him at the alter to come after me?" I questioned,
"Don't you get it? I don't love Harry! I never did in that way!" She replied.
I turned around and continued, "Then it's a good think you realized that right before the I do's'."
"Draco, you stupid ferret, get it through that thick oiled-covered head of yours: I love you!"
That definitely stopped me in my tracks. I turned around, "What makes you think I love you?"
"You wouldn't be here if you didn't," she offered as she stood just a foot away from me,
I took a step forward, holding her face in my hands as I brushed a loose lock of hair from her face, "Maybe I'm just here to seduce you away from Potter and you've fallen into my trap of seduction."
Before acting, she stood on her tip toes and kissed me in a way I haven't been kissed for so long. She pulled away and I dropped my hands as she reached out and tucked a lock of hair behind my ear,
"You may have been the first to seduce me, but you have also been the first to love me and the first to steal my heart."
I lowered my lips to hers and when I pulled away, I gazed into the depths of her eyes, "I love you."
She raised a curious eyebrow at me and smirked, "Who's seducing who now?"
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
[OS] Revelation
He stood in the shadows of the Leaky Cauldron watching her sitting alone in the private room, the door wide open. He had just arrived moments ago and had spotted her sitting in the dim room. She sat there fidgeting anxiously as he knew she was awaiting him. He longed to go over to her and hold her. To calm her nerves; to kiss her. He would have done so- if it were just five months ago.
He remembered that day well, as if it happened just seconds ago. It had been the day directly after graduation from Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. Ironically enough, they had met outside the Leaky Cauldron and the weather was clear and sunny-
Ronald Weasley stood outside the Leaky Cauldron with the sun beaming down on his freckled face. He ran his hand through his fiery hair as he sighed heavily. He was waiting for his girlfriend of two years to arrive already. He was a mix of emotions; excited to see her, yet nervous to talk to her.
I hope she doesn't hate me for this but we need to break it off before we get too serious. We already are too serious,' he thought as he scanned Diagon Alley for her, I'm holding her back from what she really wants. I know she wants to go study in Paris, but she's staying behind for me- I always knew this relationship would end sooner than later.'
"Ron!" He heard his name and snapped his head in the direction. She ran up to him and kissed him. Seeing the worried look in his eyes, she questioned, "What's wrong?"
"Am I supposed to go in there, shake hands like nothing ever happened? Like we never happened?" Ron mused as he watched her intently. She was still fidgeting and was twisting a napkin in her hands. He leaned against the post next to him as he continued watching her and remembering the day that ended it all-
"Hermione, I wanted you to come meet with me for a reason-" He trailed off as he grabbed her hand, "Come with me." He led her into the Leaky Cauldron and into a private room near the back.
Closing the door behind herself, Hermione took a seat across from Ron in the booth found within the room. He still held onto her hand. He gazed at her until she squeezed his hand to break him from his daze,
"Ron, what's wrong?" Hermione repeated her question as she gazed into his eyes intently,
"It's time we end things," Ron said quietly, even though they were the only ones in the room.
She withdrew her hand as if he hand burnt her, "What?" Her bottom lip trembled as she forced the next words out of her mouth, "Why is it that time?"
"I'm holding you back Mione," Ron explained, "I know what you want. You want to go off to Paris and study there! You want to go off to America, Canada, Asia- You want to travel the world and study in different countries, but you can't. You can't because you're stuck with me."
"Ron! I can go to Paris and still be with you," She insisted as she got out of her seat and went to sit next to him, "Can't I?"
"No," Ron replied as he began to inspect the wood of the table before him. "I don't want you to be held back or down. I want you to be able to make decisions and have options and other men-"
"Other men?" She repeated the words like they were foreign to her, "Why? Is there another woman?"
"NO!" Ron exclaimed as he looked up at her, leveling their gazes, "Never Mione, I've never cheated on you. But if you go off to Paris, I want you to have freedom. I want you to be able to choose what you want."
"You're what I want Ron!" She insisted as she held the side of his face, grazing his cheek with her thumb, "You're all I've ever wanted for so long."
"And you're all I want," Ron said in barely a whisper as he placed his hand over hers, "But it's time we let go of this-"
She bit her lip as she tried to hold back the tears threatening to spill over her eyelids. She gazed into his pained eyes as she tried to answer him, "I don't want to let it go Ron- I don't want to let you go."
"It's- for the best," Ron insisted, trying to convince both her and himself, "for the best." He felt his eyes stinging and knew tears were brimming his eyelids.
"It's because of Tyler, isn't it?" She questioned suddenly. His silence was answer enough for her, "Ron, I can break the betrothal! I can break it. Please Ron-"
He shook his head negatively, "If you did- I know your parents wouldn't be happy. I don't want you to get in trouble with your family Mione- Please, don't argue with me."
Staring at him, she didn't know what to do. She tried to stifle the sob threatening to be released, but was not successful. She let the tears fall as she never broke their gaze. Seeing her tears, he pulled her into his arms and embraced her. He felt her tears soak the material on his shoulder. Finally, he let go of her and held her face in his hands. Leaning in, he pressed his lips against hers. After a few moments, she pulled back from him and stood up.
"Ron- please tell me we're still friends." She said as she gazed down at him, tears still spilling and whole body trembling.
Seeing her shaking, he took one of her trembling hands into his own and brushed his lips on the back of her hand. He looked up at her and squeezed her hand comfortingly, "Forever, Mione- Forever."
She continued to gaze into his eyes until she forced herself to leave. Releasing her hand from his grasp, she walked towards the door. He followed her and stood by the door as she opened it and left. He followed her with his eyes until her body disappeared through the door of the Leaky Cauldron leading into Diagon Alley.
Ron shook the memory from his mind as he already felt the tears forming in his eyes. It was time he told her- time he told her how he felt about her and about things between them. Taking a deep breath to compose himself, he strode out of the shadows and knocked on the doorframe.
---
Hermione fidgeted in the booth within the room. She had left the door open so when he came, he would see her and come in. He had sent her an owl telling her to come meet him in the Leaky Cauldron. She couldn't help but be nervous. The last time he had done so, he had broken up with her, five months ago. Sighing heavily, she began twisting a napkin in her hands.
That day months ago, he had broken up with her so she could go off to Paris without strings. She didn't want that, but she couldn't change his mind and didn't want to keep him in a relationship he thought should end. The hardest thing in her life was walking away from him and their relationship.
Of course, they did agree to stay friends, but it still did make things awkward between them. She remembered the first time - and last time - they got together after the break up; one month afterwards. It was at Hermione's flat and had invited Harry and Ginny - who had gotten together in their last year at Hogwarts - and of course, Ron. She got lost in her thoughts as she returned to that day-
Hermione Granger walked into her living room with a tray of popcorn and drinks, "Sorry I don't have butter beer or anything, but I haven't gone to Hogsmeade since I left Hogwarts," She apologized as she laid the tray on the coffee table set before the couch.
"It's okay Mione," Harry grinned as he took a handful of popcorn, "Pop's just fine."
"Dad would've been so jealous if I had the chance to tell him I'm getting the chance to drink a Muggle drink," Ginny smiled weakly as she picked up a glass, "Well, I guess he sees me right? Cheers dad." She raised her glass to the air and took a sip. Ginny seemed to be handling herself quite well since her father had been killed the beginning of her Sixth Year.
"That's right Gin, he does see you," Harry said as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders and placed a kiss on her forehead.
Hermione felt her body begin to slightly tremble as she saw the scene before her. Ginny loved Harry and Harry loved Ginny. They had each other and never once considered ending it. She couldn't help but feel a slight jealousy towards Ginny. Ginny had all she wanted, so why couldn't it be the same for herself?
"Mione? Oh, Merlin- I'm sorry," Harry sighed as he stood up, "I should be more-"
"No- No, it's okay Harry, really," Hermione sported a fake smile as she sat down on the love seat adjacent to the couch where Ginny sat. "I'm over it-"
Reluctantly, Harry sat back down and ate his popcorn in silence.
"Are you sure it was wise to invite him tonight Herms?" Ginny asked cautiously.
Hermione looked up at Ginny and for a moment remained silent. Ginny was Ron's sister and held many resemblances to him. Sometimes it hurt her to see Ginny. She forced a small smile and answered, "I'm sure, Gin. Besides- I told you, I'm over it."
"Are you trying to convince me that? Or yourself?" Ginny inquired.
Hermione remained silent, she knew Ginny was right but wasn't going to admit to it anytime soon. Fortunately, she didn't have to answer her question for there was a knock at the door.
"Who is it?" Hermione asked, not wanting to rise from her seat.
"Um- Ron," his muffled voice said through the oak door.
Hermione's heart pounded against her chest as she heard his answer. She was starting to feel as if her invitation wasn't as wise as she had previously assumed. She felt a hand on her shoulder and broke out of her daze. She looked up to see Harry standing there,
"If you don't want to see him Mione-" He trailed off and she knew what he meant. Harry would convince Ron to leave with him elsewhere. That wasn't what she wanted, she wanted Ron there. They were friends after all. Most of all, she wanted to see him again.
She shook her head negatively and pointed towards the door with her wand, "Alohomora." Turning around quickly, she placed her wand on the coffee table, hoping she didn't have to make eye contact with him.
"Hey mate," Harry greeted as he sat back on the couch.
"Nice to see you Ron. Haven't seen you in ages," Ginny said sarcastically as she laid on the couch with her head on Harry's lap. She darted her eyes towards Hermione.
Hermione looked at Ginny and realized that Ginny and Harry were taking up the entire couch. She gave Ginny a pleading look and by the subtle nod Ginny returned, she knew Ginny understood what she wanted. Ginny stood up quickly and tugged on Harry's hand,
"Harry, let's check out the balcony. Herms told me she has a great view." Ginny insisted.
"But, I thought we were watching a movie?" Harry replied as he stood up. Ginny looked over her shoulder at Ron and Hermione. Harry followed her gazed and it dawned upon him. Hermione was observing the coffee table while Ron was observing her. "Yeah, okay," Harry finally agreed and lead Ginny out to the balcony, shutting the glass door behind them.
After a few moments of dead silence, Hermione broke it, "You can sit down, Ron."
"Oh, yeah.. Thanks." He said quickly and sat on the end of the couch closest to Hermione. He kept looking at her and she kept her gaze down.
She felt his gaze on her and bit her lip nervously, "It's been awhile."
"Yes-it has," He agreed in a sorrow tone, "How has Paris been?"
"I'm not sure-" Hermione answered truthfully,
"Don't lie to me Mione," Ron said lightly.
Her heart raced as she heard Harry and Ron's name for her on his lips. Taking a deep breath she looked into his eyes for the first time in a month, "I never went."
"I wish I were in Paris now-" Hermione said bitterly to herself. She knew this meeting between Ron and herself would probably be like all their other encounters with others around - silent and awkward. She wondered how this meeting would go. They had never gotten together alone since their break up. Her thoughts were broken by a light knocking on the doorframe. She raised her gaze and it fell upon him. She bit her lip, she needed to tell Ron something. She needed to let him know her feelings about him and about things between them. "Hi Ron-"
---
"Hi Mione," Ron said stiffly as he shut the door and sat across from her, "It's good to see you-"
"It's good to see you too," she replied quietly as she felt his hands reach for her and take hold of them. She gazed into his eyes and felt her heart beat rapidly against her chest, "Four months is too long-"
"You look beautiful-" Ron whispered as he kissed her hands and looked at her.
She tugged at his hands and he stood up and sat next to her. She pulled him towards her and wrapped her arms around his neck as her lips found his. He pulled her body against his as he wrapped his arms around her waist. Their kisses were deep and passionate.
Hermione linked her fingers behind he neck when she felt something against her fingers. She broke the kiss and looked at her left hand and saw the diamond ring residing on her left ring finger. She pulled away from Ron, "I can't-"
Ron sighed heavily, "I know. I'm sorry." Leaning his elbows on the table, he held his face in his hands, "Hermione- there's a reason why I asked you to meet me today. Sorry it has to be here of all places but with Death Eaters still on the loose, it's not really safe anywhere else-"
"I know," she said quietly, "I have to tell you something as well, but you go first."
Face in his hands, he continued, "We can't be friends."
She sighed heavily as she leaned against the cushioned booth and closed her eyes tightly. He had taken the words out of her mouth and said it himself. "We said we'd be friends forever-"
"I know and I'm sorry," Ron said in a hollow tone.
It dawned on her then that it pained him to say that. She also realized that he probably felt the same way as her.
"I didn't go to Paris for the same reasons you're telling me this Ron," she admitted finally. To herself and to Ron.
He looked at her, but she still had her eyes closed, face directed towards the ceiling. "So- you know we can't be friends."
"I knew that the moment we broke up. Things would be too complicated as would feelings be," she sighed heavily as she opened her eyes and turned to face him. She felt the tears and she let them fall freely.
She always hoped things would never come to this: to the point where she had to part ways with one of her best friends of just over eight years.
Of course, now it was the inevitable. She was to marry Tyler Benson, as it was planned before she was even born and Tyler was a mere two years old. She wanted to leave Tyler and be with Ron, but Ron wouldn't allow her to abandon her family.
Ron didn't know Mr. and Mrs. Granger too well, but knew enough that they were a traditional family and arranged marriages were tradition in the Granger family. He also knew that they would be devastated if Hermione had broken the betrothal; only Tyler had the power - by the contract made in the beginning - to break it, and he had decided not to. Hermione had admitted this to him a month into their relationship at the commence of their Sixth Year.
"Yes-" Ron said finally, "Feelings would be complicated. That's why we can't be friends, Mione." He paused as he felt the tears trickle down his face, "Because I'm -"
"I'm still in love with you-" She interrupted him.
He stared at her in silent shock, she had taken the words out of his mouth. She let out a soft sob she had been trying to hold back. She pulled him to her and held him. This was the first time she had been the one to embrace the other. She held him against her as she cried. He dug his face into her shoulder as he let it all out he held onto her for dear life; as if letting go, meant dying.
"I'm so sorry, Ron," She sobbed as she held onto him even tighter, "I wish things could be different-"
"I know Mione- I know," he raised his head to look at her and held her in his arms, "No matter what, I'll still love you Mione-forever."
"And I, you-" Hermione sighed as she felt him pull away.
"Be careful out there. They're still loose-" She nodded in a silent agreement. He leaned into her and kissed her, "Goodbye Mione-"
"Goodbye-" She said in a hollow tone as she held his gaze until he walked towards the door. She edged out of the booth and stood there, being supported by the wall as he opened the door. Without a glance back, he walked out of the door and out of her life- forever.
Sighing heavily, Hermione tied back her hair in a loose pony-tail. She wiped away the tears that finally stopped their course. After that, everything happened so quickly. She heard someone yelling Avada Kedavra' and her eyes darted towards the door. She saw Ron topple through the door way and collapse onto the floor. Screaming in pure agony, she ripped her wand out of her pocket and pointed it to the figure now towering over Ron's lifeless body.
"Avada Kedavra!" She yelled as she channeled all her anger, sorrow and pain into that one incantation.
Too slow to react, the hooded Death Eater backwards and landed in a heap near the bar of the Leaky Cauldron. Its hood fell off as it hit the cold floor, revealing empty grey eyes and slick, platinum-blonde locks.
Hermione ran to Ron's body and held his upper torso against her body. "Ron!" She cried as she held the limp body tightly, refusing to loosen her embrace. "Ron, please come back-PLEASE!" She held him even tighter, her tears streaming down her face and soaking the robes he wore. She refused to stop crying and refused to let go of Ron.
A small crowd had silently collected around the Death Eater's body and around the door with silent sympathy for Hermione. She didn't care for the audience however, she was violently mourning the death of the one person she couldn't be with: the one person she always has and always will love.
End.
He remembered that day well, as if it happened just seconds ago. It had been the day directly after graduation from Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. Ironically enough, they had met outside the Leaky Cauldron and the weather was clear and sunny-
Ronald Weasley stood outside the Leaky Cauldron with the sun beaming down on his freckled face. He ran his hand through his fiery hair as he sighed heavily. He was waiting for his girlfriend of two years to arrive already. He was a mix of emotions; excited to see her, yet nervous to talk to her.
I hope she doesn't hate me for this but we need to break it off before we get too serious. We already are too serious,' he thought as he scanned Diagon Alley for her, I'm holding her back from what she really wants. I know she wants to go study in Paris, but she's staying behind for me- I always knew this relationship would end sooner than later.'
"Ron!" He heard his name and snapped his head in the direction. She ran up to him and kissed him. Seeing the worried look in his eyes, she questioned, "What's wrong?"
"Am I supposed to go in there, shake hands like nothing ever happened? Like we never happened?" Ron mused as he watched her intently. She was still fidgeting and was twisting a napkin in her hands. He leaned against the post next to him as he continued watching her and remembering the day that ended it all-
"Hermione, I wanted you to come meet with me for a reason-" He trailed off as he grabbed her hand, "Come with me." He led her into the Leaky Cauldron and into a private room near the back.
Closing the door behind herself, Hermione took a seat across from Ron in the booth found within the room. He still held onto her hand. He gazed at her until she squeezed his hand to break him from his daze,
"Ron, what's wrong?" Hermione repeated her question as she gazed into his eyes intently,
"It's time we end things," Ron said quietly, even though they were the only ones in the room.
She withdrew her hand as if he hand burnt her, "What?" Her bottom lip trembled as she forced the next words out of her mouth, "Why is it that time?"
"I'm holding you back Mione," Ron explained, "I know what you want. You want to go off to Paris and study there! You want to go off to America, Canada, Asia- You want to travel the world and study in different countries, but you can't. You can't because you're stuck with me."
"Ron! I can go to Paris and still be with you," She insisted as she got out of her seat and went to sit next to him, "Can't I?"
"No," Ron replied as he began to inspect the wood of the table before him. "I don't want you to be held back or down. I want you to be able to make decisions and have options and other men-"
"Other men?" She repeated the words like they were foreign to her, "Why? Is there another woman?"
"NO!" Ron exclaimed as he looked up at her, leveling their gazes, "Never Mione, I've never cheated on you. But if you go off to Paris, I want you to have freedom. I want you to be able to choose what you want."
"You're what I want Ron!" She insisted as she held the side of his face, grazing his cheek with her thumb, "You're all I've ever wanted for so long."
"And you're all I want," Ron said in barely a whisper as he placed his hand over hers, "But it's time we let go of this-"
She bit her lip as she tried to hold back the tears threatening to spill over her eyelids. She gazed into his pained eyes as she tried to answer him, "I don't want to let it go Ron- I don't want to let you go."
"It's- for the best," Ron insisted, trying to convince both her and himself, "for the best." He felt his eyes stinging and knew tears were brimming his eyelids.
"It's because of Tyler, isn't it?" She questioned suddenly. His silence was answer enough for her, "Ron, I can break the betrothal! I can break it. Please Ron-"
He shook his head negatively, "If you did- I know your parents wouldn't be happy. I don't want you to get in trouble with your family Mione- Please, don't argue with me."
Staring at him, she didn't know what to do. She tried to stifle the sob threatening to be released, but was not successful. She let the tears fall as she never broke their gaze. Seeing her tears, he pulled her into his arms and embraced her. He felt her tears soak the material on his shoulder. Finally, he let go of her and held her face in his hands. Leaning in, he pressed his lips against hers. After a few moments, she pulled back from him and stood up.
"Ron- please tell me we're still friends." She said as she gazed down at him, tears still spilling and whole body trembling.
Seeing her shaking, he took one of her trembling hands into his own and brushed his lips on the back of her hand. He looked up at her and squeezed her hand comfortingly, "Forever, Mione- Forever."
She continued to gaze into his eyes until she forced herself to leave. Releasing her hand from his grasp, she walked towards the door. He followed her and stood by the door as she opened it and left. He followed her with his eyes until her body disappeared through the door of the Leaky Cauldron leading into Diagon Alley.
Ron shook the memory from his mind as he already felt the tears forming in his eyes. It was time he told her- time he told her how he felt about her and about things between them. Taking a deep breath to compose himself, he strode out of the shadows and knocked on the doorframe.
---
Hermione fidgeted in the booth within the room. She had left the door open so when he came, he would see her and come in. He had sent her an owl telling her to come meet him in the Leaky Cauldron. She couldn't help but be nervous. The last time he had done so, he had broken up with her, five months ago. Sighing heavily, she began twisting a napkin in her hands.
That day months ago, he had broken up with her so she could go off to Paris without strings. She didn't want that, but she couldn't change his mind and didn't want to keep him in a relationship he thought should end. The hardest thing in her life was walking away from him and their relationship.
Of course, they did agree to stay friends, but it still did make things awkward between them. She remembered the first time - and last time - they got together after the break up; one month afterwards. It was at Hermione's flat and had invited Harry and Ginny - who had gotten together in their last year at Hogwarts - and of course, Ron. She got lost in her thoughts as she returned to that day-
Hermione Granger walked into her living room with a tray of popcorn and drinks, "Sorry I don't have butter beer or anything, but I haven't gone to Hogsmeade since I left Hogwarts," She apologized as she laid the tray on the coffee table set before the couch.
"It's okay Mione," Harry grinned as he took a handful of popcorn, "Pop's just fine."
"Dad would've been so jealous if I had the chance to tell him I'm getting the chance to drink a Muggle drink," Ginny smiled weakly as she picked up a glass, "Well, I guess he sees me right? Cheers dad." She raised her glass to the air and took a sip. Ginny seemed to be handling herself quite well since her father had been killed the beginning of her Sixth Year.
"That's right Gin, he does see you," Harry said as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders and placed a kiss on her forehead.
Hermione felt her body begin to slightly tremble as she saw the scene before her. Ginny loved Harry and Harry loved Ginny. They had each other and never once considered ending it. She couldn't help but feel a slight jealousy towards Ginny. Ginny had all she wanted, so why couldn't it be the same for herself?
"Mione? Oh, Merlin- I'm sorry," Harry sighed as he stood up, "I should be more-"
"No- No, it's okay Harry, really," Hermione sported a fake smile as she sat down on the love seat adjacent to the couch where Ginny sat. "I'm over it-"
Reluctantly, Harry sat back down and ate his popcorn in silence.
"Are you sure it was wise to invite him tonight Herms?" Ginny asked cautiously.
Hermione looked up at Ginny and for a moment remained silent. Ginny was Ron's sister and held many resemblances to him. Sometimes it hurt her to see Ginny. She forced a small smile and answered, "I'm sure, Gin. Besides- I told you, I'm over it."
"Are you trying to convince me that? Or yourself?" Ginny inquired.
Hermione remained silent, she knew Ginny was right but wasn't going to admit to it anytime soon. Fortunately, she didn't have to answer her question for there was a knock at the door.
"Who is it?" Hermione asked, not wanting to rise from her seat.
"Um- Ron," his muffled voice said through the oak door.
Hermione's heart pounded against her chest as she heard his answer. She was starting to feel as if her invitation wasn't as wise as she had previously assumed. She felt a hand on her shoulder and broke out of her daze. She looked up to see Harry standing there,
"If you don't want to see him Mione-" He trailed off and she knew what he meant. Harry would convince Ron to leave with him elsewhere. That wasn't what she wanted, she wanted Ron there. They were friends after all. Most of all, she wanted to see him again.
She shook her head negatively and pointed towards the door with her wand, "Alohomora." Turning around quickly, she placed her wand on the coffee table, hoping she didn't have to make eye contact with him.
"Hey mate," Harry greeted as he sat back on the couch.
"Nice to see you Ron. Haven't seen you in ages," Ginny said sarcastically as she laid on the couch with her head on Harry's lap. She darted her eyes towards Hermione.
Hermione looked at Ginny and realized that Ginny and Harry were taking up the entire couch. She gave Ginny a pleading look and by the subtle nod Ginny returned, she knew Ginny understood what she wanted. Ginny stood up quickly and tugged on Harry's hand,
"Harry, let's check out the balcony. Herms told me she has a great view." Ginny insisted.
"But, I thought we were watching a movie?" Harry replied as he stood up. Ginny looked over her shoulder at Ron and Hermione. Harry followed her gazed and it dawned upon him. Hermione was observing the coffee table while Ron was observing her. "Yeah, okay," Harry finally agreed and lead Ginny out to the balcony, shutting the glass door behind them.
After a few moments of dead silence, Hermione broke it, "You can sit down, Ron."
"Oh, yeah.. Thanks." He said quickly and sat on the end of the couch closest to Hermione. He kept looking at her and she kept her gaze down.
She felt his gaze on her and bit her lip nervously, "It's been awhile."
"Yes-it has," He agreed in a sorrow tone, "How has Paris been?"
"I'm not sure-" Hermione answered truthfully,
"Don't lie to me Mione," Ron said lightly.
Her heart raced as she heard Harry and Ron's name for her on his lips. Taking a deep breath she looked into his eyes for the first time in a month, "I never went."
"I wish I were in Paris now-" Hermione said bitterly to herself. She knew this meeting between Ron and herself would probably be like all their other encounters with others around - silent and awkward. She wondered how this meeting would go. They had never gotten together alone since their break up. Her thoughts were broken by a light knocking on the doorframe. She raised her gaze and it fell upon him. She bit her lip, she needed to tell Ron something. She needed to let him know her feelings about him and about things between them. "Hi Ron-"
---
"Hi Mione," Ron said stiffly as he shut the door and sat across from her, "It's good to see you-"
"It's good to see you too," she replied quietly as she felt his hands reach for her and take hold of them. She gazed into his eyes and felt her heart beat rapidly against her chest, "Four months is too long-"
"You look beautiful-" Ron whispered as he kissed her hands and looked at her.
She tugged at his hands and he stood up and sat next to her. She pulled him towards her and wrapped her arms around his neck as her lips found his. He pulled her body against his as he wrapped his arms around her waist. Their kisses were deep and passionate.
Hermione linked her fingers behind he neck when she felt something against her fingers. She broke the kiss and looked at her left hand and saw the diamond ring residing on her left ring finger. She pulled away from Ron, "I can't-"
Ron sighed heavily, "I know. I'm sorry." Leaning his elbows on the table, he held his face in his hands, "Hermione- there's a reason why I asked you to meet me today. Sorry it has to be here of all places but with Death Eaters still on the loose, it's not really safe anywhere else-"
"I know," she said quietly, "I have to tell you something as well, but you go first."
Face in his hands, he continued, "We can't be friends."
She sighed heavily as she leaned against the cushioned booth and closed her eyes tightly. He had taken the words out of her mouth and said it himself. "We said we'd be friends forever-"
"I know and I'm sorry," Ron said in a hollow tone.
It dawned on her then that it pained him to say that. She also realized that he probably felt the same way as her.
"I didn't go to Paris for the same reasons you're telling me this Ron," she admitted finally. To herself and to Ron.
He looked at her, but she still had her eyes closed, face directed towards the ceiling. "So- you know we can't be friends."
"I knew that the moment we broke up. Things would be too complicated as would feelings be," she sighed heavily as she opened her eyes and turned to face him. She felt the tears and she let them fall freely.
She always hoped things would never come to this: to the point where she had to part ways with one of her best friends of just over eight years.
Of course, now it was the inevitable. She was to marry Tyler Benson, as it was planned before she was even born and Tyler was a mere two years old. She wanted to leave Tyler and be with Ron, but Ron wouldn't allow her to abandon her family.
Ron didn't know Mr. and Mrs. Granger too well, but knew enough that they were a traditional family and arranged marriages were tradition in the Granger family. He also knew that they would be devastated if Hermione had broken the betrothal; only Tyler had the power - by the contract made in the beginning - to break it, and he had decided not to. Hermione had admitted this to him a month into their relationship at the commence of their Sixth Year.
"Yes-" Ron said finally, "Feelings would be complicated. That's why we can't be friends, Mione." He paused as he felt the tears trickle down his face, "Because I'm -"
"I'm still in love with you-" She interrupted him.
He stared at her in silent shock, she had taken the words out of his mouth. She let out a soft sob she had been trying to hold back. She pulled him to her and held him. This was the first time she had been the one to embrace the other. She held him against her as she cried. He dug his face into her shoulder as he let it all out he held onto her for dear life; as if letting go, meant dying.
"I'm so sorry, Ron," She sobbed as she held onto him even tighter, "I wish things could be different-"
"I know Mione- I know," he raised his head to look at her and held her in his arms, "No matter what, I'll still love you Mione-forever."
"And I, you-" Hermione sighed as she felt him pull away.
"Be careful out there. They're still loose-" She nodded in a silent agreement. He leaned into her and kissed her, "Goodbye Mione-"
"Goodbye-" She said in a hollow tone as she held his gaze until he walked towards the door. She edged out of the booth and stood there, being supported by the wall as he opened the door. Without a glance back, he walked out of the door and out of her life- forever.
Sighing heavily, Hermione tied back her hair in a loose pony-tail. She wiped away the tears that finally stopped their course. After that, everything happened so quickly. She heard someone yelling Avada Kedavra' and her eyes darted towards the door. She saw Ron topple through the door way and collapse onto the floor. Screaming in pure agony, she ripped her wand out of her pocket and pointed it to the figure now towering over Ron's lifeless body.
"Avada Kedavra!" She yelled as she channeled all her anger, sorrow and pain into that one incantation.
Too slow to react, the hooded Death Eater backwards and landed in a heap near the bar of the Leaky Cauldron. Its hood fell off as it hit the cold floor, revealing empty grey eyes and slick, platinum-blonde locks.
Hermione ran to Ron's body and held his upper torso against her body. "Ron!" She cried as she held the limp body tightly, refusing to loosen her embrace. "Ron, please come back-PLEASE!" She held him even tighter, her tears streaming down her face and soaking the robes he wore. She refused to stop crying and refused to let go of Ron.
A small crowd had silently collected around the Death Eater's body and around the door with silent sympathy for Hermione. She didn't care for the audience however, she was violently mourning the death of the one person she couldn't be with: the one person she always has and always will love.
End.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)