The Experiment

AN: Although I've been publishing my stories for years, this is my first incursion into the English language. This is why I feel a bit nervous and happy at the same time. I must acknowledge that all of this would not have been possible without the hard work and golden will of Sunset82 and Hawker's Alley, who took the time to translate this short story. To them, my heartfelt gratitude.

Without further delay and eager to know your opinions,

Mad

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The Experiment

By Mad Aristocrat

Translation by Sunset82 and Hawker's Alley

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The bride was dressed in white, but it was a crude shade of white, exquisitely elegant and inlaid with delicate lace. Her thin but voluptuous figure was encased in fabric from the chest down, gaping only at back to draw the eyes to the dark hair gathered in a simple bun against her nape.

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She needed little else. She was naturally beautiful.

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She walked down an aisle decorated with freshly cut flowers, chin held high towards her beloved, who anxiously waited for her at the altar. You could tell by the way he fiddled with his glasses that he was waiting impatiently, uncomfortable with being the center of attention.

When she strolled past you it caused an odd chill, and you rubbed your arms to stifle the reaction. You knew she tolerated you, but she wasn't your biggest fan. You never quite understood why. You'd never wronged her.

The scene must've seemed peculiar to anyone looking in from the outside, since you alone sat on the right side of the church while the left side was bursting at the seams. Harry looked at you briefly before his future bride arrived at his side, and he gave you a grateful smile for being there with him.

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How could you not be?

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While you were Ginny's friend, you weren't able to abandon him when he had decided to leave the redhead and start an explosive romance with none other than Pansy Parkinson, much to the surprise of the magical community. The woman had apparently entered the Chosen One's life through sheer force of will, in a way so abrupt that it was almost violent and illegal . And yet there they were a year later. Sealing the pact. This time for eternity, even though the people in his inner circle had condemned the union.

You saw him say yes. You took pictures with the newlyweds, toasted at dinner for their happiness, had danced with him. And now you were at the afterparty, hiding in a corner, waiting for the right time to slip away without seeming rude. Being a faithful friend was one thing, but being comfortable with the situation was an entirely different matter. And you weren't. You felt out of place in the simple yellow dress that had offended so many of the elderly pureblood guests. The color had made them feel slighted. You only hoped Parkinson didn't share the sentiment. You didn't want to start things off on the wrong foot with the new Mrs. Potter.

"Who could've imagined that only one person would be sitting on the groom's side of the room? The savior of the wizarding world, and only one guest on his pews." A familiar voice rose above the noise. "I have to admit that his arrogance is commendable. It takes balls to get married despite everything that's happened."