Jolene Strange and the War of the Worlds

Jolene Strange and the War of the Worlds

Disclaimer:
See Chapter 1.

Rating:
M (Just to be safe)

Genre:
Family|Drama|Action/Adventure|Angst|Romance|Hurt/Comfort

Pairings:
IronStrange|Harlene|Romione

Lyrics Used:
Ginnifer Goodwin and Josh Dallas – “Powerful Magic”

Powerful Magic

Goodness will triumph | And evil's undone | When you dare to heed love's call | Cause love is the most powerful magic of all

          After the dust of the night before had cleared, everyone settled into the rooms that Mister and Missus Weasley had so thoughtfully prepared for them.  Since nobody had planned for Stephen to be joining them, Jolene happily offered to share her room with her father after transfiguring her bed into bunk beds – of course staking her claim to the top bunk.  The next day, they all arose early as the sin filtered through the various windows of the Burrow.  Jolene smiled as she gracefully hopped down from her bunk.  Today was going to be a good day.  She had decided that.  Today was to be the day that Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour would finally tie the knot.

          “You’re in an awfully good mood.” Stephen smirked as he watched his daughter gathering her clothes for the day.

          “Why shouldn’t I be?” Jolene shrugged.  “It’s gonna be a beautiful day – a perfect day for a wedding!” She smiled, humming happily to herself.  While she hadn’t forgotten the real reason they were all there, she had also promised herself to allow herself this one day to just enjoy herself.  She figured they all owed themselves that much.

          “A what?!” Stephen asked, clearly shocked, as he did an uncharacteristic double-take.  “You, uh … wanna run that by me again, sweetheart?”

          Chuckling softly, Jolene realized that she had forgotten to tell her dad about the wedding.  “Sorry, dad.” She apologized, sheepishly.  “Don’t worry, I’m not the bride.” She added, cheekily.  “Bill and Fleur are getting married today … Well … this evening, technically.” The young witch amended, thoughtfully.

          “Oh!” Stephen replied, the relief evident in his voice.  Intellectually, he knew it would be absurd for him to assume that Jolene would run off and elope.  But, then again, he’d once thought it absurd to think that she would run off behind his back and wade into a war without telling him so … There was that.

          “And, don’t worry.” Jolene assured her dad, as she smoothed out her dress for the wedding before hanging it on a hook in the closet.  “I can conjure you up something to wear.” She added, knowing her father hadn’t exactly prepared before running off after her.

          “Thanks.” Stephen replied, still trying to wrap his mind around the entire situation he’d found himself in.  Part of him had hoped that it was all just a dream.  Well … all except the part about curing his nerve damage.

          “Oh, good, you’re up!” Hermione hummed, thoughtfully, poking her head into the room.  “Mrs. Weasley’s got breakfast ready.”

          “Thanks, Hermione!” Jolene smiled, warmly.  “We’ll be right down.” She added as Hermione nodded before bounding off to round up the rest of the group.

          “Hey, Jolene?” Ginny Weasley poked her head in through the door to the room shared by Jolene and her father.  “Can you zip me up, please?” She asked.

          “Yeah, sure.” Jolene replied, waving the youngest of the Weasley family into the room.  “C’mon in.” 

          Ginny smile as she ducked into the room turning her back to the older witch, bearing the aforementioned zipper for Jolene’s assistance.  Jolene smiled warmly as she pulled the zipper up to the back of the collar on the younger witch’s dress.  “Cute dress.” She grinned as Ginny turned around to face her.

          “Thanks.” Ginny replied, taking in the dress worn by Jolene.  It was ankle-length and pink, covered in roses.  The ruffled cap sleeves added a soft, romantic feminine flair.  The deep V-neckline highlighted her chest and drew attention to the rose gold hand wired floral necklace featuring brilliant flowers and leaves dotted with microcrystals surrounded by beads and marquise-cut crystals.  The witch’s flowing chocolate-colored curls were pinned up in a half-updo which revealed a pair of earrings that matched the necklace.  Her hair was pinned up with a simple rose gold barrette adorned with cubic zirconia stones arranged in the shape of a heart.  A modest, slim, rose gold head band adorned with small crystal clusters adorned her head just forward of the crown.  Her wrists were decorated with leafy vine bracelet; glittering leaves sprouting from a thin chain on an adjustable bracelet.  The outfit was completed by strappy rose gold glitter crisscross high-heeled sandals with ankle straps wrapped around the young witch’s ankles.  The sun filtering in through the window seemed to dance on the glitter on the shoes.  The entire ensemble was perfectly accessorized with the metallic rose gold polish that coated her flawlessly manicured finger and toenails.  “Although, I think I should be the one saying that to you.” Ginny grinned, taking in the young witch’s striking appearance.  “I mean, you look stunning!  I feel ridiculously under-dressed compared to you.”  She admired.

          “Thanks, but you look great, too!” Jolene smiled, warmly as she appreciated her young friend’s simple champagne colored dress with a black mesh overlay decorated with beading and lace overlays.  The simple floral barrette in her flaming red hair was the perfect accessory for the simple straight down-do the young witch sported.  “Your makeup is perfect, and the outfit is perfectly you.”  Taking in the simple silver chain which held a small pave cubic zirconia crystal pendant and the matching earrings, the simple silver bracelet and her black mesh ballet flats decorated with scattered black crystals.  “Doesn’t she, dad?” Jolene asked, winking to her father as he passed by the doorway on his way down the hall.

          Taking his daughter’s cue, Stephen poked his head in through the door before stepping into the room and offering the younger witch a gentle smile.  “My daughter has her father’s keen eye for fashion, Ms. Weasley.”  He began, cryptically.  “And, I must agree with her evaluation.” Stephen grinned, as he gently placed his hands on the younger witch’s shoulders, looking her straight in the eye.  “You look beautiful, Ginny.”  He spoke warmly, tucking a lock of hair behind Ginny’s ear, enjoying the young witch’s shy smile as he did so.

          “Thank you.” Ginny muttered, shyly, clearly unaccustomed to such high praise from somebody other than her family.  “Doctor Strange.” She added, quietly.

          “Come on, you guys.” Jolene interjected, gesturing toward the door.  “Let’s go help the others get everything set up for this evening.”  The trio was on their way out the door, when they nearly collided with a frantic Ronald Weasley.

          “Ginny!” Ron declared, breathlessly.  “Jolene!” He added.  “You guys have got to talk to ‘Mione!” He added, urgently.  “She’s gone completely mental!”  Jolene couldn’t stifle the smirk that broke out across her face as she took in the sight of Ginny’s eyeroll and her dad’s utterly dumbfounded expression at the young wizard’s freak-out.

          “Ron.” Jolene replied, gesturing for Ron to calm down.  “What have we talked about?”  She couldn’t resist the triumphant smile as her friend obediently took a calming breath.    “Okay.  Now…” She began, keeping her voice calm and focused.  “Use your words.” She chided, gently.

          “She’s freaking out!” Ron exclaimed, waving his hands wildly.  “She’s pacing her room, throwing her clothes everywhere, muttering about makeup or something – I don’t bloody know!”  Jolene half-chuckled as Ginny and her dad’s eyes on her.

          “I got it.” Jolene replied, confidently.  “I’ll handle Hermione.” She clarified.  “Ron, take my dad and Ginny downstairs and help everyone set up.”

          “Right!” Ron sighed with relief.  “Thanks, Jolene.”  He added, flashing Jolene a grateful smile.  “Doctor Strange, Ginny, come with me.” He added, righting his posture and squared his shoulders as he gestured for Stephen and Ginny to follow him.  Jolene couldn’t hold in her quiet chuckle as Ginny scoffed at her brother and Stephen shared his daughter’s chuckle at the sight.

          “Ron tells me you’re having some troubles in here.” Jolene offered, by way of greeting as she entered Hermione’s room.  Boy, Ron wasn’t lying … She thought to herself as she noted what had to have been her friend’s entire wardrobe strewn chaotically around the room.

          “It’s wrong!” Hermione cried frantically, rummaging through her bag.  “It’s all wrong!” She carried on, almost as if she hadn’t even noticed Jolene’s entrance or the fact that she now stood directly next to her.

          “Hey.” Jolene’s voice was soft and warm as she commanded her friend’s attention.  However, she still managed to make Hermione nearly jump out of her skin when she gently took hold of Hermione’s shoulders – turning her to face her.  “Hermione?  Breathe!”  She ordered, curtly.  Once she was satisfied that Hermione’s panic attack was under control she added “Now … What is ‘all wrong’?” She asked, deliberately keeping her voice level and calm.

          “You name it!” Hermione insisted.  “My clothes, my makeup, my shoes, my jewelry …” Ah.  Jolene thought to herself, as she began to piece together the puzzle before her.  She’s worried about looking perfect at the wedding … Gee … I wonder why she could possibly be worried about that.  Jolene wondered, cheekily, already knowing the answer.

          “Relax.” Jolene ordered, gently.  “I got you!” Jolene told her friend.  “Come with me.” She added, taking Hermione by the hand and leading her to her room.

          Walking into the room that Jolene shared with her father, Hermione watched, awestruck, as Jolene waived her hand and the most beautiful dress that she’d ever seen levitated before her.  The dress was floor-length and mauve in color.  It had the same flutter sleeves as the dress that Jolene, herself, wore.  The ruffles from the sleeves extended down the front and back V-necklines.  It was a flowing lace gown with floral applique overlays and a beaded sash around the waist.  As Hermione’s eyes roved over the dress, she noted a pair of rose gold colored peep toe ankle strap wedge heels.  The metallic leather of the shoes shimmered in the sunlight.  Levitating next to the dress, she noted a rose gold cubic zirconia linear leaf necklace, a pair of rose gold pear-cut gemstone earrings with a crown of marquise crystals, and a rose gold cubic zirconia three-heart pullback bracelet.  Altogether, Hermione had to admit that the ensemble was … well … perfect.  Squealing, Hermione hugged her friend, gratefully!

          “Oh …” Hermione breathed, in awestruck appreciation.  “Jolene …” Stepping forward, Hermione gently caressed the dress.  “This is …” Turning her attention to the jewelry, she added “It’s perfect!”

          “You’re welcome.” Jolene smiled, warmly, watching her friend snatch up the outfit that she had summoned for her and hurrying into the closet to change.  Jolene shook her head as she set to work, warming her curling iron as she laid out her make up across the vanity that she had conjured for herself.

          “Oh my God!” Hermione squealed as she emerged from the closet, twirling in the new dress she had donned.  “Jolene, this is too perfect!” She squealed, hugging her friend, gratefully.  Then, another thought occurred to her as her hands flew into her hair.  “But, my hair!  What will I do with my hair?!”  Jolene smirked as she watched another idea dawn on her friend’s face.  “And, my makeup!”

          “Is there any particular reason for this uncharacteristic panic attack?” Jolene interjected to defuse her friend’s panic even though she already knew the answer.

          “Oh, don’t be daft!” Hermione groaned.  “I know you know more than you’re letting on!” She grumbled.

          “Too right you are.” Jolene smiled as she ushered Hermione into the chair in front of the vanity.  “I suppose what I should have asked is … To whom do I owe this freak-out?”  Hermione just remained silent as Jolene set to work parting and sectioning her hair before spraying it with heat protectant.

          Hermione remained silent and, for a moment, Jolene wondered if she was going to answer the question.  “It’s Ron.” She mumbled before releasing a heavy sigh.  “I missed my chance to make an impression on him at the Yule Ball, fourth year.”

          “Oh, I think you made more of an impression than you think.” Jolene mused, wrapping Hermione’s hair around her curling iron in sections, letting the curls fall around the shoulders.  “I mean … Honestly … Why do you think Ron got so pissed, seeing you with Krum?”  She grinned, watching her friend piecing together the words she didn’t say.

          “You think …” Hermione muttered as Jolene watched the metaphorical gears turning in her friend’s head.  “Do you really think that Ron fancies me?”

          “Duh!” Jolene muttered, ineloquently.  “I mean, we all see it!” Jolene smirked. “Honestly, I’m pretty sure you and Ron are the only ones that don’t see it!” She added, letting the last curl fall into place.  “Don’t move.” She ordered, reaching into the drawer to Hermione’s right, pulling out a pave crystal wave headband, smirking at the shocked gasp that escaped Hermione’s lips, before gently tucking the headband into Hermione’s hair.  “There!” Jolene smiled, proudly, arranging the lower layers of her friend’s half updo to lay over her shoulders as Hermione inspected it in the mirror.

          “It’s beautiful!” Hermione breathed.  “Thank you!”

          “Not done!” Jolene insisted, holding up a hand to halt Hermione’s attempt to rise from her seat before indicating the makeup spread out before her.

          “You’re the best.” Hermione smiled as Jolene picked up the primer – holding still while her friend applied the product to her face.

          “Trust me …” Jolene smiled.  “By the time, I’m finished with you …” She added, moving on to apply the foundation.  “Ron won’t be able to take his eyes off of you.”

          “I guess now we know why Harry’s always got his eyes all over you.” Hermione smiled, as Jolene was setting to work blending the shadows on her eyes.

          “What?!” Jolene blurted out, shocked, as she momentarily halted the application of the gold and rose-colored eye shadow before regaining her composure and resumed her work.  “I mean … What are you talking about?” She added in what she hoped was a dismissive tone.

          “Oh, please.” Hermione groaned.  “Everybody can see it.” She added, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.  “Harry fancies you, we all see it.” She explained.  “I’ve seen the way to the two of you look at each other when you think the other isn’t looking.”

          “Please.” Jolene replied, dismissively.  “Harry has way too much on his mind to even consider things like that.  Especially with me.”  She added.  “I’m sure he just looks at me like a sister if anything.”  She added, applying a soft layer of blush to Hermione’s cheeks.

          “Oh, come on.” Hermione groaned.  “Harry may be stressed out but he’s not dead.” She added.  “I’ve seen the way he looks at you.”  She paused as Jolene applied her lipstick as she took in the sight of Jolene in her outfit for the wedding.  “And, I can only imagine the way he’ll be looking at you, tonight.” She smiled, turning to look at Jolene’s finished product in the mirror, squealing with delight.  “Oh, Jolene, this is perfect!  Thank you!”

          “You’re welcome.” Jolene smiled, warmly, as Hermione rose from her seat.

          “You should really make your move before it’s too late.” Hermione replied, resting a hand on her friend’s shoulder.  Jolene knew what Hermione was talking about, but she just couldn’t imagine Harry looking at her that way.  Before she could say anything more, Hermione had turned to take her leave, leaving a very befuddled witch in her wake.  Shaking off the confusion, she turned to clean up the supplies – returning everything to her bag – before taking her own leave.