Chapter 8

Wedding Jitters

~*~*~*~*~*~

Malfoy Manor, May 15, 1999

At exactly nine the next morning Narcissa Malfoy burst through Hermione's bedroom door.

"Good morning, Hermione!" Narcissa said in the most annoyingly, sickly sweet voice she could make. Serves the girl right, making me worry all night and into the morning! Turning my own elf against me!

She walked over to the heavy curtains and pulled them back so that the bright morning sun fell on the sleeping girl. She can't really still be asleep, can she? Narcissa reached for the covers to pull them back and came face to face with the business end of her soon-to-be daughter-in-law's wands.

"If you pull back those covers I won't be responsible for what happens next," the younger girl said half asleep.

"Well, good morning to you too, sunshine." Narcissa replied sarcastically as she retreated from Hermione's bed. "Did you plan to be married from your bed?"

Hermione sat up, stretching. "I didn't plan to be married at all, but who am I to direct the course of my future? That's what the Ministry is for, isn't it?"

"I understand how you feel, dear. I didn't want to marry Lucius and I didn't have a choice." Narcissa said trying to comfort the girl.

"You had the same choice Andromeda had." Hermione replied sharply.

"No." Narcissa bit out. "Andy was in love. I had no love interest to give me a reason to fight them. Why would I fight against something when there was nothing for me to fight for?"

"Your free will! There is nothing more important that your free will!" Hermione exclaimed.

"My freedom is not, and never was, curbed by my husband."

"But Draco is not Lucius! Do you have any idea how rotten he was to me when we were in school?"

"Yes." Narcissa confirmed. "He frequently, and stupidly, wrote home about every Pureblood supremacist act he could possible recall from the previous week. Many of which were against you and your friends."

"What makes you think he will not continue to behave like that to me once we are married?"

"Because he is not Lucius. Draco has such a capacity to love."

"My lily-white arse!" Hermione whispered.

"Language, young lady." Narcissa reprimanded.

Hermione huffed, irritated with this entire situation. "Did you know that when we 'set the date' and he gave me this engagement ring," she showed the other woman the ring on her left hand, "that I was bound to a chair in my own dining room? He left me there and my friends had to release me! I don't even have my wand! He took it and he won't give it back until we are married!" Narcissa tried her best to hide her shock, but Hermione saw it easily. "You didn't know about that, did you?"

"No, I did not know about that," the older woman started. "That may not have been the best start for a marriage, but you don't have to let it determine the course of your lives together. Sure he was an ass to you, and all but forced this marriage on you before you were ready to accept it, but surely you must realize that even if he hadn't you would still have to marry him in three weeks?"

"Yes."

"Would you be anymore ready to marry him then?"

Hermione thought for a moment. "Probably not."

"Exactly, so there is no point in punishing him for forcing you to marry him before you were ready..."

"But…"

"He was wrong in his method. Draco never should have bound you to a chair and left you there, nor should he have taken your wand. Punish him for that."

"But how?" Herrmione asked, curious as to where this conversation was heading.

"What does Draco take pride in more than anything else?" Narcissa asked. When Hermione's face scrunched up in confusion Narcissa nudged her along. "Come on, you are the brightest witch of your age. Think!"

"His ego? His family name? His reputation? His status among his peers?" Hermione forced out in small bursts.

"Correct, so how do you take him down a notch?"

"Bruise his ego?"

"In front of his friends." Narcissa added. "They will all be gathered at your wedding."

"You are quite devious, Narcissa." Hermione said.

"Yes, but as a Slytherin I am also concerned with self-preservation, as should you be. If you should choose to take this path, I can have no part in it, and you must realize the possible repercussions of whatever you choose to do. If you go ahead with it, you must realize that he could be astronomically angry with you. Now, while I know that he would never physically abuse you, it could start your marriage off on a very rocky ledge. On the upside, you need for him to know that you will not be easily cowed, that you will give as good as you get."

Hermione nodded in understanding.

"Now, we are going to get you ready. The wedding starts at ten thirty, so we have just over an hour to get you ready. Your bridesmaids, Ginny, Luna, and Lavender are here, as are Harry and Ron as groomsmen. I am pretty sure that all of the Weasleys are on their way as are various other acquaintances of yours. Harry took the liberty of inviting your other friends and I have no doubt that they will be here soon."

Hermione smiled. "Thank you, Narcissa. You have been quite helpful," she said as she got up from her bed. "How about we go get ready for my wedding!"

As Narcissa took the younger girl's arm, she couldn't help but feel that the wheels in Hermione's brain were already in motion, planning some devious display that would embarrass her son so badly that the sparks flying afterwards wouldn't be of the amorous variety.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Malfoy Manor Rose Garden, May 15, 1999, 10:25 am

"Do you understand what I am asking of you, Whimsy?" Hermione said softly to the small elf.

Whimsy trembled a little as she nodded. "Yes, Miss Hermione. Whimsy understands."

Hermione patted Whimsy's head, "Don't worry he won't punish you. I promise."

"Yes, Miss. Whimsy will go get ready," the elf said as she disappeared with a pop seconds before Ginny reached the not-so-blushing bride. Hermione straightened and hugged the redhead.

"Are you ready?" Ginny asked nervously.

Hermione smoothed out her dress with one hand, "As ready as I'll ever be."

Ginny looked at her best friend seriously. "Promise me that you will tell me or Harry or Ron if that Ferret tries to hurt you."

"I wouldn't worry about that, but I promise anyway. I love your dress," Hermione said trying redirect the younger girl.

Ginny looked down at her knee length spring green satin dress. A thick Lavender ribbon circled her waist and was elegantly tied in a bow in the small of her back. "I know. I can't believe Narcissa arranged all of this in four days! I should ask her to plan mine…Oh, Hermione I am so sorry, I…"

"Don't worry about it Gin. All things considered, everything is quite beautiful. I even love my dress, it is very me." Hermione said as she smoothed out an imaginary wrinkle. The older woman had selected a plain white satin a-line dress and added a lavender ribbon just like on the bridesmaids' dresses, except that hers ran all the way to the end of the short train. Her hair fell in soft curls that framed her face. Even her make-up was simple. "She even figured out my favorite flowers," Hermione added, lifting her bouquet that was made up of white calla lilies and purple orchids and accented with some kind of green vegetation.

Music started outside the white silk tent they were housed in. Narcissa started towards the maid of honor and Ginny hugged Hermione again. "I love you like a sister, Hermione and I wish you the best of luck." She grinned as the older woman dragged her off. "You are going to need it!" She called just before she was all but pushed out of the tent.

Hermione's heartbeat began to pump violently in her chest as she watched Luna, and then Lavender walk through the silk flaps. All too soon, Narcissa was at her elbow urging her forward.

"Don't worry, child. Just breathe. Everything will be fine." Narcissa raised her wand and charmed the flaps open and then gently nudged Hermione outside. "Just remember to breathe," she whispered as she lowered the flaps.

On the other side, Hermione was slightly shell shocked at the sight before her. Nearly three hundred people were turned to look at her. The altar where her best friends stood seemed miles away. She lifted her chin and plastered a smile on her lips as she started up the was thankful she had convinced Whimsy to cast the anti-blush charm on her before she left. She swallowed hard but continued up the aisle.

The look on Draco's face when she final stepped up next to him surprised her. He looked at her with a mixture of pride and pleasure.

The Ministry official looked to Draco for guidance, who nodded for him to begin. "Please take her hand in yours."

Draco did as he was directed and recited the words he had written. "It is the greatest desire of my heart to be faithful to you and to love you always, seeking to meet your every need, desiring to help in every way, listening to you, encouraging you, comforting you and standing by your side in whatever
circumstances may face us in the years ahead. I will respect you, honor you and strive for harmony in our marriage with a quiet and gentle spirit."

Tears actual sprang to Hermione's eyes at his words. She wanted so badly to believe what he said. She wished with everything that she had, that his words could be the basis of their marriage instead of mutual animosity. She meant every single word as she repeated what he had said.

The Ministry official swished and flicked his wand in an intricate pattern while whispering the words to the Unbreakable Fidelus Charm. A golden glow surrounded them and Draco pressed his lips to hers. It was a brief kiss but there was so much passion in it that it knocked Hermione off kilter for a few seconds afterward. When they separated, the old man announced, "I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Draco Abraxas Malfoy."

Hermione looked over at Draco and smiled at him. He smiled back, but the smile was quickly erased from his face and was replaced by the oddest mix of fury, shock, and embarrassment that she had ever seen. But she could however she that he was ever so slightly shaking in anger. She took her eyes off of him for a moment to survey her handiwork. Whimsy did exactly as I asked. She thought to herself as she saw the wilted, dead flowers that had been alive and vibrant until the Ministry man had announced them husband and wife. Even the bouquet she had just admired was dead. Her gorgeous white satin dress had darkened until it was coal black, as did the attire of everyone present. Gasp were heard throughout the crowd.

She felt his fingers dig into the flesh of her upper arm. Without looking at her, Draco began to walk, half dragging her down the aisle towards the tent. Once they were inside, he placed a silencing charm and a repelling hex on the tent to keep everyone out. He turned on her and let loose. "I'll bet you thought that was hysterical."

Tears poured down Hermione's face. "Draco, I'm so so…" she whispered.

"Sorry? You're sorry? You have no idea of the meaning of the word sorry!" He yelled at her as he removed his jacket and loosened his tie.

"I didn't mean to."

"Oh, I am pretty sure you meant to. You MEANT to embarrass me at our wedding in front of all of our friends and family. You MEANT to put me in my place after what happened at Potter's." He bellowed angrily, pacing the tent like a caged tiger.

She tried to get closer to him. "But I didn't mean to afterwards. I forgot to tell…I forgot to stop it. I changed my mind."

Draco grabbed her wrists and pulled her close. Each angry word sent a chill down her spine. "Well, Hermione, let me tell you a secret. I MEANT every word I said out there. Every single one. But I'm SORRY, more sorry than you will ever be able to fathom. Conveniently, I will FORGET what I MEANT. I have CHANGED MY MIND!"

He released her wrists as if burned and turned to flee the tent.

Hermione scrambled clumsily to her feet. Her trembling hands grabbed at his once white shirt trying to make him stop and turn to look at her. Instead, his right sleeve tore but he kept walking. Tears were running in little black rivers down her cheeks. "So, you are just going to run away." She said with venom.

He paused mid stride.

"Coward!" she hissed.

Draco turned, quickly crossing the room to grab her tightly by her shoulders. "What did you say to me?" he demanded as he shook her.

"COWARD!" she screamed.

"Why you…how dare…you little…" he stuttered. Draco moved his hands, with Seeker-like efficiency, from her shoulders to cup her face. His lips crashed down on hers. It wasn't the sweet, excited, passionate kiss that had sealed their marriage vows. This kiss was furious and demanding. And despite the situation, she liked it.

Hermione slid her fingers slid up into his fine, blond locks and tugged hard when he caught her bottom lip between his teeth. Draco continued to assault her lips, even as the bottom one pulsed in exquisite pain. A moan escaped from her throat.

Draco's expert hands found their way to the zipper on the back of her dress. Somewhere in the back of his mind he was thankful there were no buttons. Within seconds, the black satin pooled at her feet. Draco looked down at what should have been white bridal lingerie and his breath caught as he took the sinful black lace creation than covered his wife's body. What little self control he had left, disappeared. He spotted a antique chaise lounge and pulled Hermione down on top of him.

Hermione's hands worked furiously at the buttons on her husband's shirt as his lips claimed dominion over hers. She didn't know exactly what she was doing, but she couldn't stop because it was making her forget what had happened outside of the tent. When she reached the bottom button of his shirt, she didn't even pause as she started to undo his pants. As his hands roamed over her body, her hands felt the velvety hardness of his erection.

Draco moaned when she took him in her hand and slowly moved up and down his length. Wanting share the exquisite torture he was experiencing, his long fingers reached down for her. He grinned as she sucked in air as he made contact with her sensitive numb. Instead of the gentle assault he had planned for their wedding night, he declared war on her inexperienced body. He slipped a finger inside her warm, slippery depths.

"Dracoo." Hermione half-whispered, half-moaned into his mouth as she clenched muscles she didn't even know she had. She barely felt him flip her onto her back. Hermione tried desperately to concentrate on the sensations he was creating with his fingers while his lips plundered hers. Her breath came out in gasps, moans, incoherent whispers when he added a second finger. She squirmed as she tried to reach for something, anything, that would release her from this torture.

The blond smiled as he rubbed across her clit with his thumb while continuing to stroke her with his talented fingers and her inner wall clenched violently.

Hermione's world went black. All she could feel was pleasure pulsing from her core. She couldn't even hear the scream of pleasure that burst from her lips. She did, however, feel the burn as Draco slide into her.

He paused as he felt her take a breath and hold it. Slowly, after a few seconds, Draco felt her begin to rock against him. Taking his cues from her moans and the feel of her short nails scratching lightly into his back and sides, he increased his pace. His right arm slid down her left thigh carefully directing it upwards so he could stroke her more deeply. Based on her previous tells, she didn't need much longer. Thank Merlin, because I don't think I can keep this up much longer. A few strokes later, he reaching down in between her and ever so slightly whispered across her clit. Almost instantly, she came apart with a throaty moan. He followed her in less than a heartbeat.

Draco watched Hermione as she slowly came down from her orgasm. He could see bruises starting to form where his fingers had gripped her upper arm tightly and dragged her here; a pair of matching thumbprints graced her milky white shoulders. His heart clenched painfully as he saw a small tear in the skin of her bottom lip from where he had bitten her lip. You bloody fucking idiot! He screamed in his head. You hurt her. Fucking moron!

Just as Hermione became aware of her situation, she opened her eyes to see the horrified look on Draco's face. What did I do wrong? She asked herself. Her face clouded with confusion and tears began to gather in her eyes. It was amazing for me, but I guess it wasn't for him.

Draco slowly backed away from the couch when Hermione began to cry. He turned away from her and dressed as quickly as he could.

Hermione saw this and curled up in embarrassment at his apparent rejection.

The blond saw this and assumed it was from his rough treatment. He began to back out. "I am sorry," Draco said, disgusted with himself.

When he was gone, Hermione only cried harder.

~*~*~*~*~*~

A/N: Well, I couldn't very well have them fall in love with each other that fast (hides behind couch cushion)! Don't worry, there will be Dramione love coming soon. Just a little more tension before the fluff that we all secretly hope for.