Title: Forever(7/13)
Author: granger2malfoy
Pairing: Blaise Zabini/ Hermione Granger
Rating: PG-13
Warning: A lot of angst Disclaimer: Not mine, Blaise and Hermione belong to each other.
A/N: This is my fic for the Marriage Challenge but using the Quiet Slytherin, instead. Thanks for my wonderful friend and beta, Texy. All songs are from the Soundtrack to Love Actually. I have not seen it yet but the soundtrack is great!
Chapter Seven
Like the desert waiting for the rain
Like a school kid waiting for the spring
I'm just sitting here waiting for you
To come on home and turn me on
Norah Jones, Turn Me On
Extremely nervous, a young woman paced in the middle of the formal living room of the Zabini estate. The perfect image in white robes of silk and lace with hair done in romantic curls, woven with maroon and silver ribbons as she waited for her wedding to begin. The sun was setting as close friends held hands to form a circle around three figures waiting for the last rays of sun to disappear on the other side of the french doors. Then the wedding would begin. Her stomach was doing somersaults as she nibbled on her lip deciding to recite ancient runes formulas to calm her nerves as she waited. Time moved quickly as she waited to join her soon to be husband in the middle of the circle.
"You look lovely, Hermione," a voice called from behind her. She turned and saw her old friend, Neville Longbottom, on the steps that lowered into the living room from the main hall. He had changed so much over the years, turning out to be a great fighter in the war. He was accepted into the Auror training without testing like Harry. Hermione had little over a month before her testing for the Auror program, hopefully with Ginny. His smile brought her back to the reality of her current situation as he spoke again, "A most perfect bride, I must say."
She laughed at his attempt at charm. Though not his normal department, it was a good attempt. Hermione walked up hugging him as she replied, "Thanks for coming. Glad you could make it, you're just in time."
"Yes, just in time," he stated as he wrapped his arms around her. Open the doors, Remus stepped into the room. Hermione felt Neville tense assuming it was about being caught hugging the bride. Neville's voice croaked, "Lu-, sorry Remus. Is it time?"
Hermione took a step back but Neville kept a hand on her hip as she brushed out the invisible wrinkles on the beautiful material. The older man had an odd look on his face but then glanced back at the circle and raised his hand. The light music of flutes and violins began as Remus opened both doors. Hermione and her old Gryffindor friend moved closer to them.
Just as they were about to walk out, Neville turned to Hermione and asked, "Since your parents are…. I mean… May I walk you to the circle?"
"That is so sweet. Yes, you may," she said linking her elbow with his.
An unusual smirk crossed his lips for a second but changed into a smile as he kissed her hand. She failed to notice his other hand reaching into his jacket as a bright blue light hit him square in the back, causing him to fall into her. Luckily, she was able to move to the side as his body fell to the ground. Shocked by this, Hermione saw that Moody and Remus both with their wands drawn and pointing to where Neville previously stood.
The circle of friends moved to the scene behind them with Mrs. Weasley shouting, "What is the meaning of this Moody?"
The retired Auror bent down and picked up the thin piece of wood that the young man was reaching for. As Moody examined the wand, Remus answered "That is not Neville Longbottom."
"Told you we should've had me at the gate checking for wands instead of that bloody fence," Moody commented as Hermione felt the strong arms of Blaise wrapped around her waist.
Her body started to shake. Her nerves where getting worse about everything, from the wedding to an imposter trying to abduct her. Severus Snape appeared at her side as he leaned down to the bound body in from of her. Standing up straight again he stated, "He would not have got far. Mr. Potter and I placed an anti-apparation shield around the entire garden."
"But who is he?" Hermione asked as both Moody and Remus lifted the bound body up while Snape uttered the spell to show the true identity of the impostor. Blaise's arms tightened around her waist as she saw the man transform in her old nemesis. "Malfoy."
"Take him away Moody. The Ministry has been looking for you, boy," Snape chuckled to the still frozen man who was back to his true form as Draco Malfoy wrapped in Neville's large clothes. Severus glanced around at the small group of wedding attendees and participants. "Well, shows over. There is a wedding to continue with."
Hermione was turned around to face the chest of her groom as he lifted her chin up asking, "Are you okay, love? Do you need some time to settle down first?"
Her mind flashed images of what might have happened if Malfoy had been successful. She shook her head, "No, I'll be fine. Let's get this going before anything else happens."
Blaise nodded and their close friends reformed the circle around them. Lighted by fairies, the air of the garden was filled by the fragrances of various flowers making the layout perfect for the wedding. Ginny stood to her right and Blaise stood in front of her as Harry took his spot to his left. Severus stepped into position to conduct the ceremony and began, "Tonight, we come together to witness the bonding ceremony that unites the souls of Blaise Dominic Zabini and Hermione Jane Granger together for all time. With the stars of the heavens above us and the ground of mother Earth below us, we ask for blessing on this couple for today and forever."
At that moment, Harry and Ginny both pulled out the cords to represent the binding of marriage. Snape took the cords and the couples hands as he continued to speak, "May these cords show all present the sign of your unity for the rest of your lives together. For with each cord, you are bound to the other as they are to you. Marriage is a status of living. But love is an action, which should be shown each day. We might not know the reasons why Fate has chosen to bring the two of you together in this fashion, but it is clear that your roads become one at this point.
"In time, you will find love in each other's arms in the happy times. Also, remembering to hold one another up when times get hard. There will be good times, bad times will come and go but this union is strong enough to last forever," Severus recited as he tied each cord around their joined hands.
Blaise's eyes caught hers and he smiled sweetly at her as their mentor finished the last cord. Their three friends took a step back as Blaise spoke the words created from his heart for the binding vows. "I, Blaise Dominic Zabini, freely bind myself to you, Hermione Jane Granger. I promise to support every dream you have, to be your strength when you feel you have none, to make any happy moments brighter, and to love you with all my heart, forever."
"I, Hermione Jane Granger, give to you, Blaise Dominic Zabini, my heart, body, and soul from this day forth. My heart is now yours to fill with love and happiness. My body is now yours to support and hold. My soul is now yours to guide and lead through the path of life that we have chosen to walk down together. Forever."
Low sounds of sniffling came from several people in the circle, each with a tear falling from their eyes. Hermione closed her eyes making a silent wish for everything to workout and her life to be happy with the man that obviously loved her so much. The sound of Snape's voice pulled her out of her own thoughts as he spoke, "You are now one soul in two bodies. May you both be very happy together, Mr. and Mrs. Zabini. Congratulations."
The cords around their wrist instantly fell to the ground and Blaise pulled her to him in a knee-knocking kiss. Her arms automatically wrapped around his neck as they were surround by friends congratulating them. Finally, a teary-eyed Mrs. Weasley tutted, "That's enough you two save it for later. Your reception awaits."
Their kiss slowed to a stop as he pulled back still remaining in each other's arms. "You are so beautiful, Hermione. I'm one lucky guy. Thank you."
Hermione placed a kiss on his cheek as she replied, "You are lucky but I also consider myself lucky. Now, let's join our guests, Mr. Zabini."
"Of course, Mrs. Zabini," he laughed as he lead her down the stone path of the garden to where the reception was already in progress. Blaise pulled out her chair as he leaned down to whisper, "I think I can get used to calling you that."
"I'd hope so," she teased and watched a salad appear in front of her on a white plate as white wine filled her glass. Hermione took her first sip of the liquid as she thought to herself; it will take me some time to get used to though. But I am sure all brides have that problem.
The delicious dinner, wonderful music, and happy people enjoyed the evening as it continued on. Once everyone had their fill of dinner, the newly weds made their way to the clearing to begin their first dance together, ever. They swayed to the soft music as they simply enjoyed being in each other's arms. After the song finished, other couples joined them: Harry and Ginny, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Tonks and Remus, and twins and their dates.
The night was magnificent and Hermione felt very content but then again that could be due to five glasses of wine. About midnight, they bid their goodnights as she pulled Blaise into the Manor behind her. Being against his firm body all night long had really gotten to her and she was dieing to have more contact before the night was over. He helped her up the steps, almost missing one in the middle.
Once they reached the guarded off door to 'their' room, Hermione took his hand and with her other one pulled the silk tie off of it. She pulled his body against her and began to kiss him passionately. The door opened when her back pressed against it hard but he kept her from falling. Her giggles made him aware of her state of intoxication. Blaise held her still and looked into her eyes as he gently admitted, "Hermione, you know that I love you but I am willing to wait. This doesn't have to happen tonight. We can just sleep in the same bed. We can wait till-"
Pulling him into another hot kiss, she cut off his sentence running her hands down his back to caress his arse. Slowly he backed her up to the edge the large bed as his hands ran down the sides of her body as his tongue sought refuge in her mouth. The lights went off with a swish of his hand as they continued their explorations of each others mouth. Exploration of each other's bodies and intense passion followed throughout the night.
To be Continued...
A/N2: So, what do you think? I hope the wedding wasn't too corny or stupid. I just had to make Severus the 'pastor'. He is just always dressed for the role. ;) Thanks for all your encouragement and reviews. It makes writing so much easier to know that it is liked!
