Disclaimer: I only own the character of Emma she came from my mind!
Please read the first before you read this if I get any messages stated "What the hell" caps will not be able to express my extreme rage lol. no seriously read that one first.
Now I give you A Story for the Betrayed and yes I'm aware it sounds like a soap episode.
Elaina
The Malfoy Manor was not one you would have thought evil had once lived in. Hermione distinctly remembered being shocked it wasn't completely decked out in Slytherin colors. The house was large and mostly made of gorgeous white marble. The pillars that held up the high beautifully painted ceilings were smooth, strong yet elegant. The steps and floors were surprisingly unscratched by the feet that had tread on it. The walls were decorated in rich dark woods from all over the world.
Draco had been all but too happy to help Hermione move in.
Pack up this, take that, he was all for it.
Once Hermione arrived he gave her power to do anything to help her make the Manor feel like home. Hermione hadn't changed much. Just pulled out some old Persian carpets from the attic and spread them over most of the Marble floors after finding early one morning that marble could get quite cold. Then she changed one of the many extra room into an entertainment room so she could enjoy her new love of classic movies. Other then that she was quite in love with the ancient home with it's classic architecture and endless library of books that could last her forever.
Had a month truly passed?
So much had changed both good and bad.
She had Draco but had lost something that had been her very center for many years.
Was it a fair trade?
Against her better judgment she found herself often thinking about this.
She had a job now, a better one, at a small newspaper that had just started up called the The Chatty Crystal Ball. Ginny worked there as well which pleased Hermione immensely. Speaking of Ginny Weasley, she wouldn't be Weasley much longer. In fact only a few more hours and she would be Mrs. Harry Potter.
Hermione was to be their maid of Honor and Ronald was the best man. Because of this Hermione had to do some serious talking down with Draco. She lifted her curly head off his chest to look at him better.
The sunlight that was spilling from the bedroom windows lit his face famously giving his golden hair a healthy glow. His complexion wasn't quite as pale as usual due to Hermione pulling him outside often but was still far from tan. Hermione studied his more masculine features before drifting down to where her head had lain. It was definitely nice and toned but not to the point where he looked like a body builder. That would have quite honestly scared that shit out of Hermione.
She felt his hand squeeze her lightly around the curve of her waist.
"Morning!" Hermione said brightly giving him a peck on the lips before jumping up from the bed and covering her nude body with her robe.
"You know," Draco started sitting up in bed and folding his arms behind his head, "I think I rather like you better without the robe."
Hermione scoffed tying the sash around her waist, "I'm sure you do but I have a job," She opened the door to the bathroom that connected to the room and started to get her bath ready. She walked back out the get her clothes for the day but was caught in two strong arms.
"You don't need that job," He said nuzzling her neck.
Hermione rolled her eyes and slipping out of his arms passing him to her clothes, "I can't stand to be idle you know that."
Draco grinned mischievously, "I could keep you busy."
Hermione laughed passing him once more going into the bathroom.
"I bet you could," She half closed the door but peeped out from it, "And don't forget to be ready by 6:00 PM for Ginny and Harry's Wedding you know they'll want us there early."
He crossed his arms and glared, he was clearly unpleased with the situation. Hermione walked out again from the bathroom and kissed him sweetly.
"For me?"
He looked pained as she began to kiss him in a teasing manner, "Your playing dirty you know."
Hermione pulled back and shook her head, "Uh-uh"
"Alright, fine," he groaned out as thought he would die after being in her friend's presence.
She pulled away smiling, "Great, I'll see you at 6:00," then she walked happily into the bathroom and shut the door.
Ginny had asked for Hermione to come to see her. Hermione and Hermione only.
Not Fleur, or Tonks or any of the other Bridesmaids.
Just Hermione.
Once Hermione slipped into the small room off to the side of the chapel she knew what it was. Ginny sat by the window wringing her wrist in nervousness.
The gown wassimply beautiful Remus had told Ginny after seeing it that it looked remarkably like the one, Lily, Harry's mother had worn. He had bought the dress for Ginny that very moment.
It was simple just a smooth silk that was sown to fit her small curves. The sleeves were a thin lace that were loose but fitted and flared at the end of her wrists. Beautiful embroidery covered the torso of the dress. She worn small heels and a simple white gold pendant. Her fiery hair was up in an elegant bun with little wavy wisps framing her sweet face.
"Hermione!" she rose to meet Hermione in the middle of the room giving her a hug.
"How are you? Nervous? Is anything wrong?"
"Actually," they sank into to chairs Ginny looked a bit guilty for having pulled Hermione into a worry. "I just wanted to talk to someone before hand who wasn't already married."
"What is it?"
"I just can't believe it's actually happened. Harry and I, you know? He made it through the war safe, thank god. And just, I can't believe every things going so good. Just like it should," she shot another look at Hermione, "Except for you and Ron of course."
Both of the women shifted in their seat before Ginny gently continued, "I mean you two were so good together. He got you to loosen up and you kept him from loosing everything."
Ginny laughed Hermione suddenly found herself in horrid discomfort.
"He hasn't been well since. Not the same spark you could say and no one mentions anything that even sounds like Malfoy around the house. Well, at least now he realizes that you're with Malfoy," Ginny continued grimly making Hermione question the nature of her being called in there.
No one had supported her decision to be with Draco. Everyone had seemed to be waiting for Draco to break her heart so she could go running into Ron's open arms like an early morning sitcom. But she had thought Ron was better now, well at least that's what Harry had told her. In a few minutes she would be forced to see him. To be escorted down the isle by him. Would he be okay? Would he break down? Was he mad? Sad? Or even worst angry? That last thing Hermione wanted was for Ron to get hurt again after fighting with Draco.
"Well, I hope that Malfoy can do just as well, " Ginny stated with a sigh.
They were both silent, Hermione in some shame.
Hermione shrugged it off, Ginny breathed out slowly, "Okay, I'm ready."
Hermione smiled and patted her friends hand, "You're going to be a great wife. I know that and if Harry doesn't treat you right, I'll kill him, okay?"
Ginny laughed and stood as Hermione opened the door, "I'll go tell them to start, okay?"
Ginny nodded and Hermione began to shut the door behind her, "Hermione?"
Hermione stopped and looked toward the girl who used to be little shy Ginny Weasley and saw a strong beautiful confident woman.
"This is really happening isn't it?"
Hermione gave a small smile and nodded, "Yes, it is."
Hermione hadn't bothered to ask Harry to include Draco in the wedding party. She got in a him an invite on the threat of her not coming. She had tried but didn't get around the long walk down the church isle with Ron.
Everything was set and all the other Brides maids were lined up with their respectable husbands and boyfriends. Lee and Angelina Jordan, Fred and Katie, Tonks and Remus, Kingsley Shacklebolt with Hestia Jones, Lavender with some random guy no one knew, and Terry and the new Mrs. Hannah Boot. Fleur was with George obviously seeing as Bill had died. All the women wore simply pearly red summer dresses and the men wore suits.
Hermione made her way up the long line waving and smiling at everyone she passed.
Once she reached the front she saw Ron's head. It seemed, well, not quiet as bright. The hairs of course, it was darker and seemed well more shaggy very muggle skater-ishy.
Odd.
The piano inside the church began to play loudly causing everyone else to hush and link arms with their partners. Ron offered his arm wordlessly and Hermione accepted right before the doors open.
Harry and Ginny had wanted a small wedding. So they had booked a small church outside of Bristol. The ceremony was to be muggleand simple.
Inside the packed seats she spotted who she guessed to be Angelina's mother holding back her grandchildren. The Creevey brothers, Luna and Neville were once again by each other just staring blankly ahead. The new Minister Kevin Entwhistle sat in the front row smiling cheerfully as he did in all his appearances.
Ron led her quite stiffly down the isle as others looked on. The awkwardness was mounting and Hermione wondered if they'd ever make it down the bleeding isle.
"I hope you're happy."
Hermione snapped her head toward Ron who's face was now set in stone it seemed like the words had barely escaped him he was so tight lipped. It was his tone that set fire to her though. So rude, condescending, and well twat-ish.
"Very much so," Hermione shot back.
"Who would have ever known Hermione Granger would be shagging Malfoy?"
"Who ever knew Ronald Weasley would be such a sore loser!"
"Who ever knew Hermione Granger would stoop so low!"
"Who ever knew Ronald Weasley could be such an immature prat!"
"Liar," Ron hissed.
"Me! The liar! Look who's talking Sir lie-a-lot!"
"I never led anyone on just to break their heart!"
"Don't you even go there with me!"
"I think I will."
Their steps had slowed and everyone in the church could see them sharing heated words. Harry looked toward them with a look of great worry also covering Mrs. Weasley's face. Lavender was trying to listen in from behind them but wasn't fruitful.
"You made your own bed! Hopefully one day you'll learn to grow up or at least to come up with better insults!" Hermione said these word with such a passion and so rapidly there was no mistaking their meaning.
They parted at the end of the isle and both went to their respective side. Through out the whole wedding they exchanged dark and dirty looks. This was watched with some satisfaction by Draco Malfoy in the very back of the church though no matter how he tried he couldn't catch Hermione's attentions.
The reception was in full swing so far Hermione had been able to avoid Mrs. Weasley or any of the Weasleys. The white tent was large and it provided a lovely view of the early fall leaves and old regal oak trees. She congratulated Ginny and Harry and quickly set off to find Draco.
So far in her search she had come up with nothing. She made her way to the corner of the tent to see Draco sitting my a table talking to a woman in front of him dressed in a business skirt and a flowery dress shirt.
"Draco?" Hermione said calling both of the peoples attention.
Draco remained seated and looked toward her with a bright smile. The girl who turned toward her, had very short spunky brown hair and striking blue eyes framed by black eye liner making them pop. Hermione at once hugged the woman.
It was Emma.
"Why hadn't you told me you were coming?" asked Hermione letting go of her niece.
"I wanted it to be a surprise," explained Emma, laughing at her confused Aunt.
"Auntie, I want you to meet someone," Emma reached behind her into the crowd and pulled out a respectable looking young man that looked rather familiar to Hermione.
"Aunt Hermione, this is Logan McCormack, my boyfriend."
McCormack had sport somewhat spiky brownish reddish hair and very dark eyes. He was a tall boy for his age and held the same kind of self importance as Draco sometimes had. Hermione shook his hand politely cursing herself for not remembering where she'd seen him before.
"Logan was head boy," Emma bragged linking her arm with him.
Draco smiled pulling on Hermione's waist lightly pulling her toward him, "Slytherin too," he chirped.
"His father's Kirley McCormack from the Weird sisters."
Draco nodded and asked Logan, "That means your grandmothers Catriona the old captain of the Pride of Portee?"
Logan grinned and nodded, "Right you are. I visit my grandmother in Northern Scotland every Thursday," this explained his Scottish accent.
"She absolutely loves Emma, her being a chaser as well," Logan kissed Emma gently on the forehead.
By now Hermione had been eased down into a chair slightly behind Draco watching the three of them chat happily. For the rest of the evening until Draco stood breaking off the conversation.
"Well, it was lovely to see you both but we really must be going"
Hermione snapped to at once, "What? I don't recall making any plans?"
Draco smiled secretively, "It's a surprise."
Hermione let her head lull against the back of her chair before standing, "What is it with the surprises today?"
Draco took her hand and lead her away from the tent while she still ranted on more to herself than anyone else.
"I mean come on, surprises are so over rated. Like a surprise party you have to hide behind Uncle Frank who always farts and then he farts when you're behind him and it's not at all pleasant."
Draco lead her to the gardens deep inside the maze like walk way until they were in front of a small fountain with forgotten lily pads inside.
"Hermione."
"And don't even get me started on surprises that might sound great to you but then the other person has to act like a candle is the second coming of Jesus-"
"Hermione," Draco reached out this time to take her hands. Hermione realized with a sudden jolt he was kneeling at once her eyes widened and she felt big and puffy but didn't speak.
"Hermione, I love you. You are the smartest, most kind woman I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. You're funny, and beautiful and far more clever than you'll ever know. I love you."
Hermione throat felt oddly full like there was an air bubble stuck in their. Her skin felt dry and in general she felt like cold hard stone. Draco's hand slipped into his cloak pocket and back out with a small oval shaped box.
"Hermione," Draco began to crack open the little box, "Will you marry me?"
Time stopped. The wind didn't blow. The sounds from the nearby party were all but muted.
Hermione felt like she was whirling with millions of thoughts flying threw her head. A million voices.
"I'm Hermione Granger and you are?"
"And they haven't invented a spell a spell our Hermione can't do."
"You're the cleverest witch of your age."
"Just because it's taken you three years to notice, Ron, doesn't mean no one else has spotted, I'm a girl!"
"Harry, don't you see? This... this is exactly why we need you... We need to know what it's r-really like... facing him... facing V-Voldemort."
"Hermione, will you go out with me?"
"You said to us once before that there was time to turn back if we wanted to. We've had time haven't we?"
"Use the force!"
"Hermione! You can't go!"
"Hermione, why'd you make me do this?"
"'Mione tell me you love me."
Ron.
What about Ron?
How would he take this? Why was Draco even proposing?
They only been together a few months.
No she couldn't. Not now maybe some other time but not now.
Not without more time. She couldn't say no.
Hermione looked at Draco's hopeful face that was now slowly draining of all happiness as if he could read her thoughts.
She didn't want to break up she just didn't want to get married. She wasn't sure she was ready. If they were ready.
No, yes and no no.
What else could she say?
Hermione bent slightly guiding him back to the standing position with a slightly worried and unsteady look. She gave him a small kiss on the cheek.
"Can I think about it?"
The rest of the night had been awkward. Draco had convinced her to take the ring, to wear it. He seemed different after her answer, very secretive in a bad way. They had apparated home separate now laying in bed Hermione didn't have the comfort of his arms around her. He was on the other side of the bed turned away from her. She flipped on her back and breathed out slowly. He was long asleep his soft steady breaths was the only sound in the large room.
Hermione lifted her hand up in front of her. The diamond was stunning large but modestly cut. It had a rosy tent that Draco said would change to match anything she wore. It was Malfoy heirloom. Something all the brides wore. Something he'd given to her because he loved her.
Hermione turned toward her night table tucking her hand under her pillow. She sighed lightly and fell once more into a deep thankfully dreamless sleep.
I'M SICK! I HAVE THE BLOODY FLU! IT SUCKS I'VE NEVER HAD THE FLU BEFORE AND IT SUCKS! I CAN'T GO TO SCHOOL! I CAN'T SEE MY FRIENDS! I'M STUCK AT HOME WITH MY MOM WHO JUST STARES AT ME WHEN I MAKE A JOKE.
Until now I haven't been able to get a nice clear visual of Emma in my mind. I have a clear vision of everyone else. Hermy, Ron, Harry, Draco, Ginny, and most specially Mrs. Weasley but as I was writing Emma's appearance was I would say Alexis Bledel. Odd I know her hair was much shorter in my mind like the hair Veronica Mars had in the first season but brown.
I have absolutely no idea why I wrote that but whatever.
I have a youtube and really want to put up like a trailer but no footage fits the bloody story lol. I will try again but I doubt it will upload.
Nothing of mine ever uploads right on youtube. Well peace.
P.S. I found Ol' Kevin Entwhistle out of Lexicon.
Elaina