A/N: I can't thank you enough for following and favouriting my story. It makes me glad that you're giving it a chance. :) and the reviews make me smile :)
Chapter 2
"Hermione..."
I can hear him... Ron. He is calling out to me. My chest constricts and my limbs start tingling. But that isn't possible... if... if he's... d-dead.
"Hermione..."
I feel my hand being crushed, just like it did in the dream. I even start to feel the pain in my chest once again. It's getting harder to breathe... to think. I quickly try to remember anything about Ron... but nothing came but that car and his rough grip.
"H-He's dead?" I find myself saying. My heart... it's aching. "But I just... I ..." my throat goes dry, and I am unable to say anything else. This feeling is strange to me. Not that long ago I was comparing him to Draco, painting him in a darker light, and now he's gone. The tears are freely pouring down my face and I collapse into Draco's arms.
No...not Ron...
"I'm sorry love," the voice is rougher now, belonging to the man before me. "I can't believe I said it like that! That was so was heartless of me,"
He grips tighter around me, as I bury myself into his neck, breathing in that forest scent.
"Now it all makes sense, you... you had a dream about him again, didn't you? Oh Merlin, I'm such an idiot, I was so careless of your feelings," he stroked my hair and kissed my temple. "Your question just took me off guard, I wasn't thinking"
I sniff and shudder, as the tears continued to pour out of my eyes, staining his shirt collar. Why did this happen? I bit and chewed on my lips to prevent myself from being too loud.
It's clear now, what really happened to him in that crash, was just a symbolization. Ron was viciously pulled away from me...I can hear the cries of the Weasley family as they wept over the death of their son and brother...
Ron...
"I realize now, we should've talked about it," Draco said after a long pause of silence, rubbing my back now; the sensation alerts the hairs on the back of my neck and the stubble upon my legs. I pull away to meet his eyes. I wanted to tell him that it wasn't his fault, but my voice was lost in my throat.
"I was selfish..."
Selfish? What does he mean by-oh. I give the unmade bed a quick glance before meeting his gaze for a second time.
"Actually, I... um... rather enjoyed the distraction..." and that is the honest truth. I would do it again in a heartbeat if it meant ridding my mind of these dark thoughts of Ron.
Draco shook his head, "No, we should've talked about it,"
"There's not much to say," I mumble, feeling the warmth rush up to my cheeks again. I thought he was alive when clearly he wasn't. I feel dizzy and my stomach turns...yes it would be best not to talk about Ron again.
"Of course there is," Draco strokes my cheeks before he cradles my head into his hands. "You're my life. If I'm not attentive to your emotions then... hell what are we doing then?"
"But you are attentive. Carrying me inside to get me out of the shade, giving me that potion to aid me-"
"No, I mean I shouldn't have said it right after we just-"
"Draco please. Stop this, it's... fine" or so I wanted to believe. It's uncertain if I will ever feel the same again. "Please, stop beating yourself up about this...okay? It's okay..."
It's best I pull away now and start planning the party now.
"Hermione," Hearing my name pulls at my heart-strings, "Don't pull away..."
I shake my head, and drop my gaze to the floor. I feel bad for distancing myself from him, but really I needed to channel my loss somewhere else.
"Hermione look at me, please?"
"I said it's okay," my voice is stronger now as I met his gaze and gave him a smile for good measure, "I've had my cry and now, it's... time to get on with the day. There's a party to plan you know..."
"The war was a dark time," he says, and the hairs on my neck stand on end.
"I know, and I rather not talk about it." I say softly. My whole body tenses as I hear Voldemort's dark cackle ring through my ears. Tears threatening to escape my eyes. I sniff and brush them away before they could show, "So... can we just... move on?"
Draco wraps his arms around me again, holding me close to his body. "Let me take care of it. You... you should get some rest,"
"No!" I try to pull away from him. The least thing I want is to sleep it off. In fact, I am quite certain that would the worst thing to do right now.
"I mean I've slept enough of the day away didn't I?"
I can tell he's not happy with my answer, but really what does he expect?
"It's gonna be fine. I am much better,"
He strokes my hair and gives me a sad smile, "Hermione..."
"Honestly, you made me feel good again, thank you" With a deep breath and gave him a light kiss on his lips. The thrill shooting down to my toes once again and then left before I gave him the chance to stop me.
I couldn't get over how gorgeous this place was, we had a library, our own studies, ballroom, more bedrooms, the foyer was astounding. With its three-tiered crystal chandelier, cream coloured walls and tiled flooring, marble staircase with a wooden banister... I felt myself getting light-headed once again.
And then there was a dining room, family room, den, all with exquisite taste with the kitchen taking my breath away the most, with its granite countertops, cherry-wood cabinets, peach coloured walls, pod lights, black appliances... Muggle ones.
I quickly went to making the food. Who knew I had so many cook books? All of them filled with such good meals, I really had trouble which ones I decided to make. Of course I checked all the cabinets and fridge to see what we had, in case I had to go out... not that I would know where to go...
"Goodness,"
The fridge is full. Guess that answers my question. I quickly went to work. I decided on making garlic bruschetta, followed by stuffed mushroom caps and cheese, sausage rolls... then before I knew it, I made ten extra appetizers. Oops, I guess I went a little overboard.
"Wow, it smells amazing in here,"
I hear Draco say, making me stall myself before I put the tray of meatballs into the oven. He sounds rather sad. I suppose I was a little... off-putting earlier.
"I'm sorry, Draco" I say, closing the stove to meet up with him. Now that I feel a lot better from cooking, I feel compelled to apologize for my behaviour. "That was completely heartless of me to just push you away like that." I wrap my arms around him, holding him close, "I just... I hated how everything turned out the way it did. Ron had such a life to look forward to...not that it's a good excuse, you were only trying to help, but-"
"It's okay," he said over me, stroking my hair once again.
I shook my head, and meet his gaze, "No, it's not. I should've handled the situation better..."
"I'm not faulting you for it, really. You were just reeling from that nightmare so I can't blame you"
He presses his lips to my temple, "So... with all this food already made? What will be left for dinner?"
Dinner. Oh right there's still that to do.
"Oh... I completely um..."
"It's okay, just make that chicken parmesan thing you made the last week. It's simple enough. I'll even help you"
Draco helping out in the kitchen, really? He even went so far as telling me who liked what before tackling on making the dessert. Wow. I really did pick up quite the gem, didn't I?
Once everything got set up and ready for cooking, Draco and I got ourselves ready for the party. Of course he was still worried that I would fall into a puddle of tears... but I assured him I was fine.
Looking in my closet was another jaw-hit-the-floor moment. I had such a variety of day wear, sleep wear, evening wear, party wear... it was like looking through my own personal shop. And don't even get me started on the shoes. God, I don't remember ever liking clothes this much!
"You know, we've never done it in the closet before," I hear the zipper of my dress being pulled down, followed by the straps.
He nuzzled against my neck, and a small smile plays on my lips. He's acting like this afternoon didn't even happen. I mean yes, it was rather... intense so I can see why we're... dedicated into breaking that 'record.' But seriously, we have our own party to attend.
He unclasped my bra, trying to inch that off me as well, snapping out of my thoughts, I side-stepped him before he could get it off successfully, "Hey I need that kept on" I fastened the clasp and whirled around to face him. He was giving me that dangerous smirk again, making my knees wobble.
Draco shook his head, "Not if you're wearing that." He motioned to the lovely navy-blue cocktail dress just beside the door. Actually, I haven't decided on what I was going to wear... there was such a variety, my eyes didn't know where to stop.
He steps away from me to search the drawer I hadn't known was there. I see the rainbow of colours and I feel my cheeks flush. It's silly really. Despite the fact he's already seen me naked, I still feel embarrassed that he's searching through my drawer of intimates. Well, it saves me for blindly searching for them tonight, that's for sure!
After what felt like the longest minutes of my life, he pulled out a matching set of bra and knickers in the same navy-blue colour.
"There you go love,"
I took a casual look at the garments and then meet Draco's gaze. God, he's so tempting. But no, I can't. We shouldn't. I take the garments and then the dress then make my way to the bathroom for a shower.
After my surprisingly uninterrupted shower, I saw Draco waiting for me by the bed, in an all-black suit with a navy-blue tie, holding out a pair of silver heels. I had gone with a simple up-do, which, given by the way Draco lingered on it, approved.
"You look beautiful,"
"Well thank you," I say with a bright smile, before waltzing over to him to kiss him on the lips. "Come on, people will be showing up soon,"
Just in the time we found ourselves in the foyer, the doorbell sounds, alerting the arrival of our first guest. I practically skip over to the door to greet who it would be.
Harry and Luna.
"Good evening Hermione, you look lovely," Luna said enveloping me in a hug.
"And uh, you too..."
She decided to go with a bubble-gum pink gown before I hugged Harry.
"Good to see you again, 'Mione,"
I groaned, I always hated that nickname. "Harry you know-"
"Sorry, old habits die-hard you know?" He gave me a light kiss on the cheek and then he went to greet Draco.
I cannot get over how strange it is to watch two ex-arch-enemies shake hands like they're good friends. But it makes me fill up with great pride. We walk the two of them to the ballroom where the dozen or so appetizers were waiting for them.
"This place reminds me of the Great Hall back in Hogwarts," Luna said pleasantly, "Minus all the tables of course."
Harry nods, "Yeah, really spacious. No doubt the best option for your reception..."
Here? We're getting married in our own home?
Draco wraps his arm around my waist, "Well obviously paying for something equally spacious would just be stupid, not that I am a stickler for my Galleons or anything. Hermione loves our garden, and well, it just made sense."
Yes it does make sense. Our garden and gazebo is just so beautiful especially in the summer.
The bell sounded again.
"Excuse me," I say, leaving Draco to greet our next guests.
Pansy and Neville. Pansy dressed in a purple gown with frills all along the side and Neville, like Harry, was in formal dress robes.
God, that's going to take time getting used to these two together.
"Hi ya Hermione" Neville greets warmly wrapping his arms around my waist tightly. Pansy, flashed me a smile and then hugged me. Strange. I don't ever remember her showing any affection either than toward...Draco. My body feels cold of the thought.
"Are we the first ones to arrive?" Pansy said hopefully.
I shake my head, "No actually Harry and Luna arrived five minutes ago."
Pansy sighed, "You know you should really invest in a few house-elves, saves you from having to answer the door all the time, especially when you're busy at the moment," she added with a wink.
I don't let her house-elf comment bother me, rather I never did let what Pansy say get to me. She might be my friend now, but that doesn't mean we would start agreeing on everything.
The door sounded again.
"Oh just down the hallway and the second room on your left."
For the next twenty minutes I've played door-keeper, greeting the faces I haven't seen in what felt like years. Getting a memory-flash the odd time. I returned to the ballroom where the party was in full swing, where I Draco greeted me the second I took my third step.
It was crazy seeing how well us Gryffindors got along with the Slytherins. Ron would be - the thought of Ron brings the tears back to my eyes. He would be throwing a right fit that's for sure. Especially when seeing Neville and Pansy kiss!
"You okay?" Draco said, sliding his hand around my waist, I melt into him, resting my head upon his shoulder.
"We forgot to invite Dean," I say, frowning. I lift my head to meet Draco's gaze, "Seamus asked me if they were coming and... well, I didn't have the heart to tell him that we completely forgot to invite him and Parvati! Oh I am such a terrible friend!"
Draco chuckles, "No, they declined because they're off on holiday in Australia, remember? They'll be back in time for the wedding though, so no need to worry too much"
Australia? Oh wow. I remember going there briefly to relocate my parents... I would love to go back there for a holiday one day.
"Oh..." I end up saying. "Really?"
It feels weird to just go along with everything when I don't really remember.
"Speaking of... I suppose I should get a grip on where we should go for our honeymoon... before all the Portkey's get signed off"
I turn over to look at him surprised, "You mean you don't have the-"
The doorbell sounded once again. Who else is there to come?
"You better be lying!" I whisper harshly to Draco before I leave to answer the door.
"Hey Hermione," Ginny said walking through the door, "Plans went splendid so we could make it on time after all,"
She walked over to me and hugged me, "Sorry about the owl, but Blaise insisted..."
"I bet he did," Draco growled from behind me. Oh, so he followed me. Ginny looks at him oddly.
"Stop it," I say, elbowing Draco in the side. I turn back to Ginny and hugged her.
"It's fine. Everyone is just off in the ballroom,"
"Yeah you go on ahead," Ginny said to Blaise, "I would like to speak to Hermione for a second"
The two men leave and then Ginny pulled me to the side.
"So I saw the Healer today..."
My eyes grow wide and I glanced down out of instinct to Ginny's stomach.
"And it's a yes. I'm pregnant!"
"Oh my God, Ginny!" I say, my voice soft. I can feel the tears in my eyes forming. I always wanted children myself, but... but not now.
"Blaise said it was okay that I told you, and well because your wedding is fastly approaching, I didn't want to take away your thunder so... yeah."
Ginny rubs her stomach lovingly, "We're six weeks pregnant!"
"That's amazing, Ginny"
"No what's amazing is how you're not pregnant! What with the way you two are always jumping each other,"
How she knows that bit of information, I don't know. Have I told her? Oh gosh, I never was once much for gossip. I shift slightly, out of embarrassment, oh my... Well no matter, if there is one thing I know for certain, is I would be on the potion, so no there would be no way I am pregnant! Especially before marriage. "I'm on the potion, Ginny,"
"So was I!" Ginny said shrugging, "But you forget one day and... well..." she rubs her stomach and I swallow tightly. "Accidents happen,"
I shake my head, "Well I'm not, okay? Now can we just drop this and let's go before there's no food left for us to eat! I made everyone's favourites!"
Dinner went by swimmingly. It took me a while to get comfortable and see these girls that used to make my life a rotten hell, in a good light. We mostly talking about daily life and of the wedding.
Apparently, I made Ginny my maid of honor, and all the other girls, including Parvati will be my bridesmaids. Their dresses are a pale purple and designed differently. I find it strange that I would have such a big wedding party...
Daphne smiled, "Tomorrow works for us," she nodded off to Pansy, "Neither of us work so dress shopping will be splendid."
Wow dress shopping this late? I know altercations always take weeks and... oh wait, we're witches. Obviously it'll be done in time. How daft of me.
"Have any ideas what you want your dress to look like?" Pansy said.
I glance over to Draco before answering, "Of course, but that will be kept secret"
Pansy rolled her eyes, "You and your Muggle traditions! You know, it's not that big of a deal if Draco knows what the dress looks like, in fact usually it is the male's that pick out their lady's gown"
"Well not this time" I say, taking a sip of water. "I much rather have him endure the unexpected"
I also found out that Pureblood families have the male's present when the bride-to-be is trying on wedding gowns, but it didn't surprise me as much as the fact they have arranged marriages.
Well I guess that explains Pansy's and Neville's coupling and Blaise and Ginny's. It also turned out that Draco was also engaged, but was let off the hook when his arranged wife-to-be and younger sister of Daphne, Astoria, got killed in the second war. He was able to marry anyone he wanted then.
Also through the idle chatter, I learned that Draco and I met each other when travelling the world after the war. Fitting. I always loved to travel. But for reasons unknown we kept the location to ourselves. Weird, I wonder what one it had been?
I also learned that Draco and I own a Potion Company, where we took two months off for the wedding planning and the honeymoon that follows. No one here, works along with us though, which I find surprising given how welcome and warm we are to each other.
Both Ginny and Seamus are Professional Quidditch Players. Harry, Theo, Neville, and Blaise all work in the Ministry. Luna, Goyle, and Hannah took over their respective family businesses, leaving Pansy, Daphne, and Lavender not working at all. Not that it comes to a shock to me.
If Ron had lived, I wonder where he would be working? Would he be along with Harry as an Auror like he always wanted? Or would he have joined his sister in Quidditch? Or better yet, worked along with his brother George in the Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes? Who would he have married? So many questions... all will be left unanswered.
At this point, Draco squeezed my hand.
"Why so faraway, love? Everything alright?"
Hmm? I look around us, noting that our company has long gone.
"Everyone's gone already?"
"Come on," Draco said, sounding just as tired as I felt. "You really should get some rest now, tomorrow's a big day for you!"
"What about you?" I said wrapping my arms around his neck, "I mean I feel absolutely horrible for ignoring you, all this talk about dresses, flowers, music..." I feel warm and tingly, but I'm sure his hands on my lower back had something to do with it. "I just got carried away..."
"Well if you're so sorry..." he said, leaning in close, his breath fanning against my neck, "I know exactly how you can make it up to me,"
Oh my-is he always thinking about that?
"Draco" I said pushing him back, but he just held on. His lips connected with my neck and I released a sigh. That feels really good.
"Did I ever tell you, how positively edible you look this evening?" He scooped me into his arms and Apparated us to our bedroom, but this time I wasn't that scared of it. He places me down onto the bed and hovers above me if not for a second before I bring him down to me, kissing him deeply.
God is this man addicting.
E/N: weird place to end it off at, oh well.