The Reckoning

Chapter 1: The Wedding             

Hermione looked at the reflection in the mirror and tried to calm her fiercely pounding heart.  Clad in an elegant antique lace wedding dress, her hair done up beautifully, why she looked as pretty as someone from a turn of the century film; the only difference was that her wedding dress had a few more modern touches.  It was more fitted, the sleeves were incredibly short, and it was low cut to reveal a daring peak of cleavage.

                ‘I think you should wear these.’ Ginny Weasly, her best girl friend and maid of honor, said from behind her.

                Hermione spun, enjoying the fanciful feeling of her skirts twirling about her lightly.  She was still barefoot, so the spinning was made even easier, of course.

                Ginny was holding small, teardrop sapphire earrings and a tiny, teardrop sapphire pendant.  The color was breathtaking, and proved resplendent against the pale white of her dress.  They were neither ostentatious nor extravagant and that suited Hermione’s tastes.

                ‘Gin, these are amazing!  Where did---?’

                Ginny grinned, “Call it an early wedding gift from me mum and dad.

                Hermione narrowed her eyes in question.

                Ginny laughed, “Fine, and me and Harry as well!  Even my mother said a girl can’t be wed with a naked neck.”

                Hermione let Ginny fasten the silver chain holding the small jewel around her neck and stared at her reflection.  So pretty!

                Hermione turned and through her arms around her, ‘You are the best, the absolute BEST sister in the entire universe, no, the MEGAVERSE.”

                The girls giggled for a few minutes, before Mrs. Weasley came in and ushered Hermione into her shoes.  It was about to start!

                Hermione peeked out, excited at the enormous turnout for what was originally planned to be a small affair.  To think, less than a year ago they had all fought and defeated the dark lord, with some surprising allies.

                There were many slytherins at the party.  Once Malfoy had been persuaded to the cause by Dumbledore and Harry, many others had followed suit.  Hermione ducked back in and straightened up.  Her father appeared to take her arm, and they prepared to walk down the isle, in a traditional muggle ceremony.

Hermione’s eyes were locked on Ron the entire time as she made her way down the aisle.  He was so handsome, and she could see the happiness that shone in his eyes when they locked with hers.  The happiness, and the hunger.

She couldn’t wait until tonight!

Her father kissed her before leaving her beside Ron, and Ron’s hand shot out to take hers in a firm but comfortable grip.  She squeezed his hand and smiled at him before turning to face the priest.

He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out.  Instead, he clutched his heart, as if in great pain, before stumbling to his knees.  Blood gushed out of his mouth; it dribbled down the front of his shirt, before he fell over, twitching.

Hermione screamed, and looked at Ron.  He leaned down to help the priest, but a spell struck him in the back and he fell over,  not moving.

Shocked, Hermione dropped down beside him and began to shake him, ’Ron?  Ron?  Ronald! You answer me!  You answer me this minute!”

Was she crying?

Behind her, she did not notice the screams or shouts.  If she had turned around, she would have seen that all her slytherin guests and some others had brandished their wands and were shooting forbidden curses left and right.  She would have seen all the men they had killed, all the friends and loved ones.  She would have seen her parents killed by the Crowleys and she would have seen Harry fall to the elder wand, held by one special person……

That same person who was walking behind her now, and had his wand pointed at the back of Hermione’s hand.

She looked up to see Draco Malfoy looming over her.  She blinked, and whispered, ‘This is my wedding—“

She never got to finish her sentence.  A pain exploded in her head….then nothing.