AM I TOO LATE
An Angel in Ivory
Chapter Seven
Harry somehow talked Hermione into heading over to Justin's pub The Benevolent Badger though it wasn't hard; her stomach was already rumbling. Harry opened the door for her, and the warmth from inside was inviting. Behind the bar, Justin smiled as he watched them enter. Hermione waved, and Justin motioned them over.
"What are you two doing off from work?" he asked as he wiped down the bar in front of them. "Especially you, Miss Granger."
Hermione laughed as she climbed onto a barstool. "Harry finagled with Remus, and I got a vacation."
Justin raised his eyebrows and shot a look at Harry. "Yeah, it wasn't hard. Everyone knows she's the hardest working witch in the world. She's even helping me during her vacation," Harry said as he popped a few peanuts into his mouth and sat on a stool next to Hermione.
"That's our girl, always working," Justin said sweetly. "What are you two working on together?"
Hermione paled slightly and adverted her eyes. Harry answered. "My wedding."
"Oh?" Justin asked, watching Hermione closely. "Well, that's definitely interesting."
"Yeah, this is the busy season for Beth-"
"-it's always the busy season for Beth," Hermione blurted before she could stop herself.
Harry laughed. "That's true, but by the time the wedding gets here and we work it into our schedules, it will be the busiest season for her. So, Hermione is helping me plan things."
Justin reached out and touched Hermione's arm. "That's really sweet of you, you know that right? You're amazing."
She and Justin locked eyes, and she nodded slightly. Harry slipped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer to him. "Not much more you could ask for, is there?" he said playfully.
"My thoughts exactly, mate. So, what'll it be today?" Justin asked, changing the subject because he saw Hermione's eyes begin to cloud.
"What do you feel like eating?" Harry asked her. She glanced off and thought for a moment.
"I'm not really in the mood for anything specific, so why don't you pick what you want, and I'll eat some of yours."
"Okay, then. Justin, would you get us a couple of butterbeers and shepherd's pie, please?"
"Coming right up," Justin replied as he walked off and disappeared through a swinging door.
"But I didn't think you were really crazy about shepherd's pie," Hermione said to Harry when Justin walked off to fill their order.
"It's one of your favorites, isn't it?"
"Well…yeah, but-"
"-And you're sharing with me." And that was all he said concerning the matter. He acted as though it was the simplest reason, but Hermione wanted to hug him for such a gesture. She wondered why he couldn't see how perfect they were for each other. It was the little things that mattered, and my, oh, my, the little things were really piling up into one great big mess of trouble.
While Harry and Hermione were sitting at the bar a wizard walked up and tapped Harry's shoulder.
"Excuse me, Mr. Potter?"
Harry and Hermione turned around to look at the man. "Yes?" Harry asked.
"I wanted to congratulate you on your engagement," he said, grinning widely.
"Oh," Harry said in surprise. "Well, thank you."
The wizard reached out for Hermione's hand. "And congratulations to you, too," he said as he smiled at her.
"Oh," she blushed, "I'm not getting married."
"You aren't?" the wizard asked in confusion.
"No, I-I wouldn't marry Harry," she said foolishly as she looked away from his stare and pulled her hand back into her lap.
"Why not?" Harry asked playfully.
"Harry," she said uncomfortably.
"I'm sorry, Miss. I assumed you were the fiancé because you were here together. I know how popular Mr. Potter is."
"Yes, of course, well all know how popular our Harry is, and a girl would be silly if she didn't want to marry him," Hermione said with a bit of sarcasm in her voice.
Harry frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?" Hermione looked at him and saw his brow furrowed. Before she could answer, the wizard who was apparently still involved in their conversation answered.
"Well, you are, Harry Potter," the wizard stated.
"So?" Harry asked, clearly growing annoyed.
"Harry," Hermione began, "let's be honest, most people are immediately drawn to you because…well because you're Harry Potter."
"So what? You're Hermione Granger," Harry replied in annoyance.
"But nobody knows who I am," she said honestly.
"I bloody know who you are," Harry argued.
"Harry, you saved the entire world from evil. You're a hero," Hermione said quietly, reaching out to touch his arm. It was clear to her that Harry was a bit ruffled.
"Well, I didn't save the world on my own," he said, glaring at her. Then, his face softened. He touched the hand she had resting on his arm. "I had a lot of help. And besides, I couldn't have done it without you."
Hermione felt tears prickle in her eyes. "Oh, that's not really true," she said quietly as she pulled her hand away from his. "There were lots of other people around."
"Yeah, sometimes there were others around. But you were always there. I couldn't have done half the things I did without you behind me, helping me." Harry locked eyes with Hermione, and she found she couldn't look away. The wizard near them rocked back and forth on his heels and watched the two of them with intrigue.
"Well, if you're not marrying her, then who are you marrying?" the wizard asked.
Harry looked away from Hermione and stared at the wizard. He struggled to remember the answer to the question. The silence grew long and awkward.
"Her name is Beth Jordan. She's a top-rate designer," Hermione finally said, struggling to fill in the empty space.
The wizard nodded his head and walked away. Hermione glanced over at Harry who seemed to be lost in his thoughts while he stared at the floor. She slowly reached out her hand and touched his shoulder.
"Hey, are you okay?" she asked softly. When Harry looked up at her, it took her breath away. She could see the questions in his eyes-questions she had asked herself a million times…why weren't they together?
Two butterbeers clinked against the wooden bar top, and Harry and Hermione looked up at Justin. "The shepherd's pie will be out in a couple of minutes."
"Thanks," Hermione replied as Justin smiled and walked off to help another customer. Hermione sipped at the foam at the top of her mug and glanced at Harry out of the corner of her eye. He was sitting quietly, staring off at nothing. She wanted to say something light and funny, but she couldn't think of anything. Finally he ended the silence.
"I couldn't have done any of those things without your help," he admitted quietly.
"What?" she asked, putting her butterbeer down and looking at him.
"Everything," he answered as he looked up at her. "You always helped with everything."
Hermione laughed nervously. The seriousness in Harry's eyes made her stomach jump and dance around. "We're best friends. That's what I was supposed to do."
"It may be selfish, but I hope that never changes," he said as he smiled slowly at her. It made her stomach disappear entirely. She didn't know how to respond. She knew Harry's impending marriage would change everything, so she merely smiled. A second later, Justin placed their meal down in front of them, and all seriousness drifted away as the three old friends laughed and talked about anything and everything.
* * * *
After an easy dinner at Justin's pub, Harry was strangely silent as he walked Hermione home to her flat. She tried to ease the uncomfortable silences with lighthearted jokes, but Harry's laugh was distant. She wondered if she'd said something wrong, if she'd done something to initiate his solemn mood.
She pulled her keys from her pocket and turned to wish him goodnight as they stood outside her door. His pale green eyes spoke of a troubled heart, and she sighed quietly.
"Harry, are you okay?" she asked softly.
He smiled though it was forced and only half-genuine. "Sure."
"You can talk to me."
"I know," he assured her.
"Well, goodnight then. I'll probably…" she bit her bottom lip, "…shop for dress designs tomorrow." She tried to smile.
He nodded.
"And, I'll let you know what I find." She couldn't believe what she was saying-trying to cheer him up by acting as though she was excited to try on wedding dresses for Harry's fiancé. "I heard there was a great new bridal shop in Hogsmeade. Maybe I'll talk Ginny into going with me."
He nodded again.
She reached out and placed her hand on his arm. "Are you sure you're okay?" she questioned again.
Harry looked down at the hand on his arm and slowly eased his eyes up to hers. "Yeah. Fine. Ron's coming home late tonight. What time do you think you'll be in Hogsmeade? We could all have lunch together."
Hermione smiled. "That would be great. I should be in Hogsmeade by ten." She dropped her hand from his arm.
"Goodnight. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Night, Harry."
She watched him walk away before unlocking her door. It had always been so easy for her to read Harry's emotions, but she didn't understand his mood. He'd been happy and entertaining over dinner. But on the walk home, he'd been somewhere else entirely. She walked into her flat, closed the door, and sighed loudly. Somewhere in the middle of the chaos, she hoped they'd all find a suitable happiness.
* * * *
Harry apparated home, dragged himself into his living room. He dropped down onto the couch and stared blankly at the Muggle television. His insides felt tight, and he rubbed his palm over his chest, thinking. He closed his eyes.
He loved Beth. He knew he did. But something nagged in the back of his mind, something spoke of feelings he didn't quite understand. Moments from his past, moments he'd pushed aside, rocketed through his memory. In practically every scene his brain replayed, he could find Hermione. She was there coaching him, testing him, laughing with him, helping him.
He exhaled a long, slow breath. He loved Beth. He knew he did-but something inside made him feel off kilter, something was beginning to question all his neatly assembled facts.
* * * *
The following morning, Hermione stood outside Ginny's door and banged loudly. It was almost nine, and she had brought coffee and danishes to entice Ginny into dress shopping with her. Hermione banged on the door again.
Within seconds, the wooden door flung open to reveal a disheveled and angry-looking redhead.
"It's not even nine o'clock, Hermione," Ginny said flatly.
Hermione held up the cups and a white paper bag. "I brought coffee and danishes."
Ginny's angry mouth twitched. "Cream cheese?"
"Of course," Hermione smiled.
"Come in," she said, opening the door wider, "and you'd better have a bloody good reason for getting me out of bed on my day off."
Hermione breezed in and placed the coffee cups on the table in front of the couch; she opened the bag and pulled out the napkins before arranging the food on the table.
"I need help shopping," Hermione said, looking up at Ginny.
"Shopping?" Ginny reached for the cup of coffee and a danish. "Mmmmm. These are my favorite."
"I know. Yes, I need help shopping."
"Wudya lookin' for?" Ginny asked through a mouthful.
"A wedding dress."
Ginny coughed while trying to swallow her breakfast.
"I'm helping Harry," Hermione frowned. "You know that."
"Let me get this straight. You're helping Harry by shopping for a wedding dress?" Ginny stood to her feet and paced the living room floor.
"Yes."
"Hermione, this has gone too far. This is out of control. Have you completely lost your mind? I will not allow you to shop for a bloody dress for Harry's wench! I have to draw the line somewhere!" Ginny ranted.
Hermione sighed and stared down at her feet. "I know it's crazy, Ginny. I really do. But I promised Harry I'd help him."
"Well, then, unpromise him!"
Hermione jerked her head up. "I can't. I've never gone back on my word!"
"This is the one time where I think you would have a legitimate reason to break your promise."
"I won't. I can't."
Ginny dropped onto the couch beside Hermione. When she spoke again, her voice was gentle. "I don't know why you're doing this. It's torture for you, and it's difficult for me to watch it. I know you love him, and only because I'm you're best friend will I help you. But you should know that if this gets much crazier, I'm going to have to stop you. And if that means hexing you into next year, I won't hesitate."
Hermione nodded.
Ginny took another large bite of her danish. "There's a great new bridal shop in Hogsmeade."
Hermione smiled. "I heard that, too."
"Might be fun to try on a few gowns, pretend we're getting married to some dashing bloke. Let me change and then we can leave."
* * * *
"Oh, Ginny, you look wonderful!" Hermione breathed out as Ginny walked out of the dressing room and twirled.
"This is fabulous!" She looked at herself in the long mirrors. "I really like the beadwork on the front, don't you?"
"Yes. You look so elegant. I definitely think that cut flatters your figure. Of course, everything flatters your figure, but that one is my favorite."
"Okay, your turn," Ginny giggled.
Hermione walked over to their rack of dresses and pulled out her favorite one. She'd been saving it for last. She held it gently in her hands as if holding an object of reverence. The silky texture felt cool against her skin, and the calm color of ivory caused her to dream of lilies and candles, walking down an aisle, Harry's face waiting at the end for her-
"Are you going to try it on or drool on it?" Ginny teased.
Hermione blinked her eyes quickly; the dream left her thoughts. "Okay, okay." She walked behind the dressing curtain and began changing. She could hear Ginny humming in the room beside her.
"I'm going to get a necklace from the display cabinet. I think I saw one that will look great with that dress."
"Okay."
Hermione lifted her arms over her head, and the dress floated up and eased down onto her body. It was a perfect fit. The strapless gown displayed her shoulders and collarbone, emphasizing her appealing features and bone structure. Suddenly, she felt emotional, as if she was creating a bond with the dress.
This is it, she thought.
"Are you finished? I found a few accessories for you."
Hermione pulled the curtain aside, and Ginny gasped.
"Oh. My. Gosh. Hermione, you look amazing."
Hermione blushed and turned to look at herself in the mirrors. "It really is nice."
"Nice isn't a strong enough word. If I was into women, I'd definitely marry you."
Hermione giggled. "Thanks…I think."
"Here, let me put on this necklace."
"Are those diamonds?"
"Yes."
"How many are there?"
"A lot. Be still so I can clasp it. And look at this. It's a tiara. I know it's a bit fancy, but I thought it would be fun to go all out on this one. There. Now stand up on the riser there. Okay, look at yourself."
Hermione stepped up onto the riser and turned slowly. The vision she saw in the mirror looked like a princess; she barely recognized her reflection.
"You look beautiful."
"I don't even look like me."
"Yeah, you do. It's just a you that you keep hidden behind your books and sweaters," Ginny said sweetly.
Hermione smiled and slid her hands down the smooth satin material of the dress. "I feel like someone else entirely, but it's a nice feeling."
"Harry Potter must be crazy to not see you for what you are," Ginny said quietly.
Hermione looked over her shoulder. "And what am I?"
"Perfect for him."
* * * *
"You should have seen his face," Ron bellowed. "He couldn't believe it, kept arguing with the ref!"
Harry laughed and shook his head. "I wish I could have been there. I love to see Timalt's face when it gets all red and blotchy."
Ron nodded his agreement. "So, where is it we're going again, mate?"
"The bridal shop. Justin said it was somewhere just around this corner," Harry said, glancing at the shop names.
"I hope you don't expect me to look at dresses with you. A man has his pride, you know."
Harry huffed. "Hardly. No, Hermione is trying on wedding dresses."
Ron paled. "What the bloody hell for?"
"For me."
Ron threw out his arm, pressing it to Harry's chest and halting him. "Wait just a bloody minute. What is going on?"
Harry looked confused. "What do you mean?"
"Why is Hermione trying on wedding dresses for you? Is there something you need to tell me?"
Harry's stomach tightened quickly before releasing as he smiled. He chuckled. "No, you dolt. Beth wants to know what my favorite dress design is, and Hermione agreed to help me, which is why she's at the bridal shop this morning."
Ron dropped his arm, his mouth forming a tiny 'o' as realization dawned on him. He grinned. "I thought you were going to tell me something had happened between you and Hermione."
Harry's step faltered. "W-why would you think that? Wouldn't that be…" he searched for the right word, "…weird?"
Ron shrugged as they walked. "I don't know that weird is the right word." He stopped walking; Harry nearly plowed into him. "I think we're here."
"Why?"
Ron pointed. "Look."
Harry turned toward the shop window and peered inside. Standing on a step of some sort, turning slowing and smiling widely, was one of the most beautiful visions Harry had ever seen-an angel in ivory.
His mouth fell open; his mind blanked.
"Wow. That looks like Hermione, but…" Ron tilted his head, "…but it doesn't."
Harry couldn't speak. All he could do was stare at the woman standing inside the shop. The dress she was wearing sparkled and shimmered in the lights. Her hair tumbled over her bare shoulders, and diamonds twinkled around her neck. On her head sat a crown fit for a princess. She looked…
"Perfect," he whispered.
"What's that?" Ron asked, raising an eyebrow curiously.
"She looks perfect."
"It is a great dress. Suppose that's the one you'll want for Beth, then?"
Harry shook his head. It was much too difficult for him to imagine anyone else wearing the dress. Hermione and the dress seemed like one, heavenly element. The idea of putting the very same gown on someone else felt like sacrilege.
"No. That dress is perfect for Hermione."
Ron smiled. "Shame you aren't marrying her then."
"Shame," Harry muttered.
Ron glanced at him in surprise before clearing his throat loudly. "Well, are we going to go inside or are you planning on gawking through the window all day? I don't know about you but I'm bloody starving."
Harry swallowed, hoping like hell his heartbeat would settle down and his hands would quit shaking. He didn't know what was wrong with him. He didn't understand why seeing Hermione in a wedding dress would unsettle him so, didn't understand why he could picture her walking down the aisle…an aisle where he was standing at the end, heart in his throat, grinning like the luckiest man in the world.