Who: Zacharias Smith, with mention of Cormac McLaggen When: 29 November, 2001 Where: Wizarding Church of England What: Because I couldn't resist showing how Zach kept everyone seated and we need something to lighten the mood, eh? Rating: PG Status: Private/Complete
Zach didn't know how long he'd been standing there in his wedding wear, but he was pretty sure that it was longer than necessary judging by the antsy nature of the crowd. Zach ran a finger under his collar, looking uncomfortable. Really, weddings were shooting right up their on his list of least favorite things. Cormac had really failed him, he was supposed to call the wedding off, so neither of them would have had to stand in place listening to a constant loop of classical drivel. Besides, Zach was pretty sure the guy next to him was going to pull out a knife or something, he had spoken to Zach briefly before about how it really should've been him as best man, to which Zach wanted to say, have at it.
The doors opened and everyone stiffened, only to slouch again a moment later at the appearance of Cho Chang. Zach gave a wry salute to McLaggen's whispered directive and watched him hurry down the aisle. With any luck this was Edgecombe calling off this farce. The moment the doors closed a ripple of whispering passed along the room. Zach could see his parents, never ones to miss out on a pureblood event, stiffen up even more if that were possible. His mother held an edged smile on her face, she raised her eyebrows meaningfully at Zach. Do something Zacharias, was the implicit directive.
Zach waited a beat, the song ending, conductor looking pleadingly at the pastor. He stepped out of line and made a cutting directing at the conductor. Stuffing his hands into his pockets he tried on what he thought might be a charming smile at the crowd, though it probably just looked painful.
"So, you know, I just, uh, love weddings. Especially since the couple is," he paused looking uncomfortable, "well, so clearly in love, and so, um dear to our hearts. You know, at the last wedding I went to they, uh," Zach wracked his brain for something, "shared stories about the happy couple. Yes, indeed. So, I'll start. I met Cormac, um, on a case." Zach's hands came out of his pockets and fiddled in front of him, head nodding as he spewed out nonsense, "He was very.. dedicated and.. well.. just a pleasure to work with, a pleasure. So, anyone else? Maybe something about the blushing bride?"
The crowd stared back at him, looking vaguely offended, his mother covered her eyes. Someone raised a hand, Zach looked relieved, "Yes, go ahead then." A woman stood and looked out, looking nervous enough to puke. Zach hoped McLaggen would hurry the hell up, because he was about ready to call the whole thing off himself and he wasn't the one getting married.