Disclaimer: I OWN NOTHING BUT THE PLOT!
Ok, first off, I would like to say....THANK YOU SOO MUCH to my AWESOME REVIEWERS!!! I actually had no intention of updating tonight (sorry guys), but after I noticed the number of GREAT reviews that I received, I decided I HAD to! It is the least I could do! :D Thanks soo much guys.... you have truly made my week!!!!
Now, enough talk.......on with the story........
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Chapter Ten: The Reception…
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Disappointed, Hermione threw her gaze back down to the floor, and mentally cursed herself for thinking all was fine for a moment. She could partially hear Dumbledore's words in the background, but paid them little attention as she was currently fuming at Harry.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, Your Majesties and Highnesses; I am honored to introduce to you, for the first time ever, Mr. and Mrs. Harry James Potter!"
That last sentence was now ringing in Hermione's ears. She now sat at a long table up where her professors once sat during her school years. The Great Hall had been cleared of all of the chairs that seated their guests, and now little round cream-colored tables with the emblems of Gryffindor and Ravenclaw filled the space. A soft light shone above a cleared area within the middle of the Hall that was the dance floor. Hermione watched as the guests softly flowed to the music, smiling at a pair of 8 year-olds trying to mimic the adults.
"It's good to see you smiling, Your Highness!" Hermione looked up to see a pair of dark slanted eyes looking down upon her. Hermione smiled and stood to embrace her friend.
"Cho! I'm glad you made it! I was looking everywhere for you, where have you been?" Hermione smiled, though at that moment, something inside of her felt a pang of disappointment at her presence. She felt guilty at this and tried to suppress it but, to her dismay, failed miserably.
"Oh, I've been… around." She said with a smile. "I would congratulate you, but-"
"Oh please, none of that!" Hermione smiled wryly. "How have you been though? Do you like Hufflepuff?" Hermione was trying to change the subject, hoping it would calm her. She stole a quick glance at Harry and was happy to see that he was totally engrossed in a conversation with Sirius and Ron. Cho smiled at her question.
"Yes, I do. Hufflepuff is beautiful!" she said excitedly. "The Kingdom is deep within this beautiful valley, but the Castle is located on the side of the mountain. It is gorgeous. The Castle was carved from the stone of the mountain and looks amazing in the morning light!" As Cho went on about Hufflepuff, Hermione couldn't help but smile at her friend's excitement. She was glad her friend was happy.
Suddenly Cho stopped, turning to look behind her at her father. Hermione could read his expression and knew it was time for her to leave.
"I'm sorry Hermione," Cho started, "but my father wants to get an early start back to Hufflepuff in the morning, so I must leave." Hermione smiled at Cho sadly.
"Are you sure you can't stay any longer?" Cho smiled sadly. She then cast a split-second glance toward Harry's direction and then back to Hermione. Her expression slightly pained at seeing Harry.
"Wish I could, but… Father was adamant that we left before it got too late. I'm really sorry Hermione." She said and hugged her friend.
"It is ok! Thank you for coming." Hermione told her.
"It was my pleasure. I hope everything turns out alright for you two, really! I wish you the best of luck, Hermione!" whispered Cho to Hermione. She then pulled out of the embrace and turned to her father.
"Have a safe trip." Hermione called after her friend. Cho waved and smiled as she left the Hall. Hermione watched the doors for a moment and then sighed.
"Was that… Cho who just left?" came a voice from behind. Hermione turned to see Serenity smiling inquiringly. Hermione smiled back and nodded. "Did Harry see her over here?"
"No I don't think so," said Hermione, now refusing to look over at Harry. Instead she looked over to the empty throne-like chair beside her which was meant for him. He had only sat there for a moment when they had entered together, after that he had bolted over to a table Sirius had set himself at. That was about fifteen minutes ago.
"Well, that's good." Serenity said as she sat down in Harry's chair. She looked over at Hermione and smiled sadly. "Hey Hermione, what happened… at the altar?"
Shocked, Hermione whipped her head around to look at Serenity. "Wha-What are you talking about?" Serenity smiled and turned her gaze to the dance floor. Taking a moment to collect her words, the two girls sat in silence; Hermione stunned, Serenity in thought.
"When the ceremony was almost over, and the two of you were asked, or told, to kiss, I sensed a change in the two of you." Serenity paused for a moment, examining the look on Hermione's face. Concluding that Hermione had no clue what she was talking about, Serenity began to explain. "You see, you had begun to relax for a moment as he kissed you and then suddenly, as he pulled away, everything changed. It was as if you had suddenly become angry with him and Harry- well… what happened?
Hermione sat there for a moment. "What do you mean you sensed a change in us?" asked the Princess. Serenity smiled.
"I meant that I was able to read your emotions. It's a little trick we elves can do… we can sense a change in emotion similar to sensing a change in power and strength. Now don't go changing the subject. What happened?"
Hermione looked over towards the spot where Cho had been standing. Serenity watched her and understood.
"Cho. He saw Cho didn't he?" Hermione nodded and began to explain what had happened. Serenity sighed; disappointed that Harry had to do something like that. And when everything was going ok!
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"Harry, your mother's coming over here, and she doesn't look too happy." Ron told his best friend. Harry stood up and turned from Sirius to his approaching mother. Ron was right, she did look upset, and Harry figured that his father had something to do with it.
"Harry," she said in a stern voice, "what are you doing over here?" Harry was shocked for a moment at the tone of her voice.
"What's wrong mother? I was just talking to Sirius. Is everything alright?"
"Harry, I understand that this isn't exactly how you planned your wedding to be, but leaving Hermione alone at the table while you are down here the entire night is unacceptable. If you want to talk to Ron and Sirius I'm sure they wouldn't mind going over to you." Harry stood there, not knowing what to say. His mother looked bothered; he wasn't used to hearing her speak to him like this.
"Mother, I am sorry, but am I not allowed to speak away from the table?" he asked, slightly defiant. He wasn't in the mood to be hounded. After seeing Cho sitting there, unwilling to look at him, hurt him. It ripped him apart, and what was worse, he couldn't find her anywhere since the reception started! Queen Lily gave him a warning look and then replied.
"Listen Harry, you are not the only one here who has been forced into this marriage! Now Hermione is taking this quite well considering the circumstances, I only ask that you show the same respect and get up there and start getting to know her a little better than you have been trying. At least try to keep her some company and make her feel a little more welcome!" exclaimed the Queen. Harry looked at her oddly.
"Mother, she is talking with Serenity, she isn't alone. Besides," Harry said, but was interrupted by his Godfather.
"Harry, your mother is right. You need to spend some time with Hermione." Sirius told him.
"But Sirius, she's my wife; we have forever to spend time together."
"Harry, quite arguing. Now go! I'll be up in a minute." said Sirius. Harry looked over at his mother, whose face had gone from angry to sad. Harry wanted to ask her what was wrong but decided against it. He'd ask another time.
As Harry made his way up towards the table, he suddenly felt guilty about how he had treated Hermione. This wasn't her fault, yet he was totally ignoring her. But a part of him wanted nothing to do with her. He also knew she was mad at him since the ceremony had finished, though he didn't know why.
What did I do? He thought as he walked over. Replaying everything over in his mind, he couldn't figure out what he had done to anger her, for she didn't seem angry in the beginning. Could it have been… is she mad that I kissed her? No! That isn't it, it can't be! He continued to wonder. It wasn't like I wanted to kiss her, I was doing what I had to- Harry then paused. Although, her lips were incredibly soft- Whoa! Where'd that come from? Harry shook his head to rid the thoughts from his mind. Stop Harry! Get these thoughts out of your mind!
As he approached the High Table, he watched as two Ravenclaw bridesmaids left the table after talking to Hermione. She was now talking to Serenity, who apparently said something funny, for Hermione started to laugh softly. Her eyes held a slightly sad glow to them, but Harry couldn't help but feel happy that she was smiling. He certainly felt like he wasn't in any mood to laugh until he began talking to Sirius. There was something about Sirius and Serenity that did that to you, they brought you up when you were always down!
Reaching his chair, he looked down upon Serenity and smiled. Hermione looked slightly shocked that he was there, but Serenity looked pleased.
"Hey, you're in my seat." Harry smile at her.
"Oh, am I?" asked Serenity in a playful tone. Harry nodded expectantly.
"That's ok, Your Highness," said a voice from across the table. "I'll take care of her." It was Li. Serenity looked up at him keenly as he smiled a cocky half-smile. A soft tune began to float across the room as the orchestra played and Li looked over to Serenity now with a soft, debonair smile. "May I have the honor of this dance, Mi'lady?"
He held his hand out for her and Serenity smiled as she stood and placed her own hand within his. Li began to guide her towards the dance floor, his smile slightly fading, as a look of contentment began to sweep his features. He wrapped his arm protectively around her waist, his other hand gently clasping hers as they glided across the dance floor.
Hermione then looked up to Harry questionably. He casually took his seat beside the Princess and seized his glass of Butterbeer. He glanced over his glass at Hermione and was surprised to see her still looking at him. Noticing this, Hermione quickly averted her gaze towards the dance floor. Harry smiled softly and placed his glass back upon the table softly.
"So," he said, attempting to start conversation. Hermione looked at him expectantly. She could tell that he felt awkward, for he wouldn't meet her eyes. "I, uh, um." He paused, not sure what to say to the Princess. He looked over to her as she stared again at the people dancing, sighing softly. She had a soft blush painted across her cheeks, and her hands fidgeted slightly in her lap. She was just as nervous as he, and it seemed just as sad.
They sat there in silence for a while, both lost in their own thoughts, trying to think of something meaningful to say. Harry looked over at Serenity and Li who were dancing softly to the music. She was leaning against Li's chest, who in turn had his arms wrapped gently around her. Serenity looked over towards Harry and their eyes met. She smiled and softly gestured to Harry to ask Hermione to dance. Harry shook his head in defiance, and Serenity gave him a stern look. Finally after Harry's fifth refusal, Serenity sighed and resumed dancing with Li, turning her back on Harry, annoyed. After a while, Harry couldn't stand it any longer. He sat up straight and looked over to Hermione.
"Hermione," he said. She looked over at him and was surprised to see him now standing next to her. "Would you like to dance?"
He bowed over slightly and offered her his hand. For a moment Hermione didn't know what to say before she smiled and gently gave him her hand. Harry expertly guided Hermione over onto the dance floor, and Hermione was slightly amazed at how smooth his movements were.
In one fluid whirl, Hermione suddenly found herself wrapped protectively in Harry's arms. Harry chuckled at her expression, and she just blushed, a soft smile beginning to form upon her own lips. He gently began to pull her across the floor; her dress and veil trailing gently behind them along with his cape. Hermione was in awe at his dancing abilities. He was perfectly in time with the music, and his stepping was smoother than Hermione had ever experienced. The last time she had danced, it had been with a man named Viktor Krum, last year at Ravenclaw's annual Yule Ball, and she retired early for the night due to the huge bruise on her foot due to his 'superb' dancing skills. She smiled, mentally commenting Harry on his talent.
"To be honest Harry," she started, "I had no idea you were such a good dancer." Harry blushed but smiled a charming smug smile. She blushed softly as well.
"I'm glad you are enjoying yourself, Princess." Harry told her. Hermione looked up at him with a smile.
"Please, Harry," she said, "No formalities. My name is Hermione." Harry looked at her for a moment with out saying a word before he smiled and nodded.
"Yes… Hermione…" Hermione smiled and continued to dance with him. Harry looked over toward Serenity, who was smiling happily. He watched as they danced closer to them.
"Glad to see you've finally gotten off of your high horse, Harry." Serenity joked. Harry made a mock face while Hermione raised an eyebrow. "Hermione, I hope you are enjoying yourself."
Hermione looked over at Serenity and smiled then nodded. But although she was enjoying herself now, she couldn't help but feel a pang in her gut that this might not go exactly as planned. But for now, she was going to suppress and ignore it the best she could, for she was finally getting to know Harry a little, and she wasn't going to screw things up just yet.
They continued to dance, speaking of anything and everything that came to mind. They joked, laughed, and spoke of their kingdoms and of customs the other should be prepared for. Finally they both fell into a comfortable silence, each content in learning that they had just found a new friend; perhaps not lover, but friend would do for now.
As the lights dimmed and the tempo of the song began to slow, Harry gently placed Hermione's right hand atop his shoulder and wrapped his arms comfortable around her slim waist. Hermione smiled and went to rest her head upon his shoulder. She sighed contently and swayed softly with Harry to the beat of the ballad.
Harry looked over Hermione to his parents. Both pairs were sitting in the dark, smiling at the two whom, for so long, had protested this day. Queen Lily smiled at Harry and then placed her hand atop her husband's. Harry reddened and looked away, twirling Hermione around so that his back was to the Kings and Queens. He still didn't want to face the fact that this had turned out alright. He looked down upon Hermione who had her eyes closed in contentment. A small smile played across her lips.
She is beautiful. He told himself as a matter-of-factly. He had to admit it, that she cleaned up pretty well. She looked totally different in school, but then again he didn't really remember what she looked like in school, since he never paid her too much attention then.
Then suddenly, a picture of Cho flashed across his mind, and his spirits dropped. He wished he could hold her the way he was holding Hermione. Then just as quickly as he had wished it, guilt began to jab at his stomach as he felt horrible for thinking of Cho while he was holding Hermione, wishing Hermione was Cho.
Harry continued to battle with himself as they danced. He felt like he was betraying Cho, but then felt like he was betraying Hermione. He didn't understand one bit what was going on!
He then looked back down at Hermione sadly.
"Hey, Hermione," he whispered softly. Hermione opened her eyes a bit and looked up at Harry. Again she found herself lost in pools of emerald. Her stomach began to flip and she felt something blossom with in the pit of her stomach. What is going on? I just looked at him! Hermione swallowed hard and tried to reply but found she couldn't. Thankfully Harry didn't wait for her to reply. "I'm sorry."
She stopped. What? Did he just apologize? Hermione thought. She looked up at Harry a bit startled. "Sorry for what?"
Harry sighed as he looked at her. They stood there in the middle of the dance floor staring at each other. Harry looked down at the floor for a moment before answering her.
"I mean I am sorry for all that my father has put you through, and I am sorry about Cho, and I'm sorry that-" Harry started but was interrupted.
"Wait, what do you mean about Cho?" asked Hermione. Harry sighed.
"Hermione," he started. "You and Cho are good friends, and I am sure she has already told you about us." Seeing Hermione's expression, Harry chose to explain himself better. "Hermione, I …I love Cho."
Hermione felt her heart leap into her throat. What! Now, she knew full well that Harry felt for Cho rather deeply, but hearing him say it to her… tore a piece of her apart. She couldn't understand it. It isn't like I like him or anything, so why am I acting this way? He loves Cho, I knew that! So why am I so hurt to hear him say it?
Hermione tried her best not to show her emotions. She prayed Harry couldn't read her expressions as she looked down at her shoes.
"Yes, I … I knew that," she said softly, "but why are you apologizing?"
"I guess, because it isn't fair to have you bound to this marriage." Harry started. "I feel bad that you had to be the innocent one stuck in this." Hermione nodded but kept her gaze glued to the ground.
"Well Harry," she said after a moment, "I went into this marriage knowing full well what I was getting my self into," she said. "But remember, I am only in this marriage to benefit my people. I am not standing here looking for love; I only seek fair and just provisions for my Kingdom. If you choose to love Cho, that is beyond me, and I wish you the best, but there is no need to apologize." She looked Harry in the eye as she told him this, but then tore her gaze away and curtsied politely. "Now if you'll excuse me, Harry, I must go." With that, Hermione seized hold of the front of her gown and spun on her heels, heading for the Great Hall's double doors. Harry made to go after her, but was stopped by his friends, Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnigan and their dates, Lavender Brown and to Harry's surprise, Ginny. Harry tried to break free from them but failed. Her was relieved, though, to see Serenity hurry after Hermione, after seeing Harry couldn't.
I hope she is alright!
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"Hermione," called Serenity as she entered the girls' bathroom. She heard soft sniffling coming from one of the stalls, and held back a smile as she saw Hermione's large bottom half of her gown sticking out from below the stall door. "Hermione, are you ok?"
She could hear the Princess rustling within the stall as another entered the bathroom.
"Ginny, what are you doing?" Ginny went up to Serenity.
"I saw Hermione run off, and I followed you guys," she said. "Is Hermione ok?"
"Yes, I am fine," said a sniffling Hermione as she exited the stall. Her face was slightly red and her eyes a bit puffy.
"Hermione!" exclaimed the two girls. Hermione waved her hands to indicate that all was ok. She pulled out her wand from somewhere deep within her gown and pointed it to her face. Mumbling a simple spell, her make-up was cleaned and neat upon her face, and her eyes were no longer puffy.
"I'm ok guys, really."
"What happened?" asked Ginny.
"Nothing, it was silly of me."
"Really Hermione, what happened? You bolting out of the Great Hall at that speed clearly states something is wrong!" said Serenity.
"Listen, I am fine! Really, don't get all worried, its ok." Hermione made a face that ended the conversation, but Serenity wasn't fooled - she knew something was up, and she had a pretty good idea of what had happened.
"Ok, well then, we'd better get back, or they'll notice your absence." Ginny said. The other two nodded and left the bathroom behind the red head.
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As the night progresses, Hermione's mood seemed to improve, though Harry could tell she hadn't fully gone back to her real self.
As they both sat in their throne-like chairs at the High table, Harry smiled to see Bill Weasley approach the table. On his arm was a beautiful blonde dressed in a stunning sky-blue gown.
"Bill! How are you?" Harry asked as he exchanged brotherly hugs with the tall red-head. "I was looking for you!" Bill laughed.
"Sorry Your Highness, it's been really hectic. We just arrived not to long ago, and Mother wouldn't let go of me for a moment since I got here." He chuckled and Harry beamed.
"And who is this?" Harry asked, looking over at the young lady, knowing full well who she was.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Yes, I haven't introduced you two!" Bill apologized. "Your Highness, this is-"
"Fleur?" interrupted Hermione in shock. She had stood up and called out the girl's name in wonder at seeing her.
"Why yes, her name is Fleur Delacour. I understand you know of her, Princess. She is, after all, a courtier of Ravenclaw."
"Congr'atulation's Your 'ighness! May I say you look R'avashing!" said the courtier in a think French accent. Hermione blushed and thanked her.
"I thought you couldn't make it, Fleur?" Hermione questioned.
"Oh yes, about that," came Bill's voice. "We didn't think we would be able to make the wedding, that was until I talked the Aurors into letting me off for a few hours."
"That's ok, I'm just glad you two could make it." Harry said. They continued to visit for another hour or so, along with Ron, Sirius, King James, and a bunch of other guests.
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Hours later, as the night began to darken; it was time for Harry and Hermione to leave. They were planning on traveling a short distance away to the Gryffindorian Palace in Godric's Hollow for a week. It was one of Harry's favorite places in all of Gryffindor.
The guests all stood on the welcoming stairs of Hogwarts Castle to see the two newlyweds off. A footman held the door to the beautiful Scarlet and Gold carriage open and Harry helped Hermione enter it. It was being pulled by four of Ravenclaw's powder white horses. As Harry entered the carriage, he waved good-bye to the guests one last time before a jerk in the carriage told him they were leaving. Suddenly, as the horses gained speed, he felt the carriage lift from the ground and suddenly Harry found himself high within the air as the horses flew. He smiled as the wind whipped him in the face and he looked down upon Gryffindor below them. He turned to look over at Hermione, who had gone stiff and looked highly uncomfortable. She still had a saddened look to her, but at the moment, it was mingled with a look of fright and uneasiness. Harry chuckled.
"You aren't scared of heights, are ya?" he asked. Hermione just threw him a look of annoyance.
"I'm not scared of heights!" she told him. "I just don't enjoy flying."
"Why not?"
"Well for one thing, it is unnatural, and another-" She didn't get to finish her sentence for the horses had decided to take a plunge at that moment, and Hermione found herself leaping into the arms of Harry as a little shriek erupted from her lips.
Harry chuckled as he held onto Hermione protectively. They stayed that way for a few moments until the horses finally landed.
"That was quick." Harry commented. Hermione said nothing as she disentangled herself from Harry. She was relieved to see the carriage door open and hurried out of the carriage after Harry.
Harry stood there on the pathway to a great Palace. He was looking up at the Palace before him with great delight. Hermione could see the love he had for this place by the glint in his eyes. Harry turned to Hermione and smiled.
"Welcome Hermione," he said, "to Godric's Hollow!"
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Ok! There's another chapter! Hope you liked it!
Oh, and yes I understand that this isn't all that long of a chapter, neither are most of my chapters, but they seem to end themselves. Honestly, I end my chapters where I believe they should end, not on how many pages I am trying to hit. Please, bear with me, the upcoming chapters WILL be longer, but there will be a few chapters in between that wont be. My previous chapters were written at an average amount of 2650-2900 words. My last chapter, as well as this one both hit in the mid 4000's. But rest assured, there are a few 9000 word chapters, as well as 11000 word chapters! So please, I am making these as long as my fingers and eyes will allow me! Hehe...
Sillver-Magick131