AN: Thank you so much for the amazing response! I'm so flattered! Don't forget to read and review. I'll post the next chapter after 65 reviews (don't forget, the first ten to review get a sneak peek at the next chapter!) and 190 followers (please!). I just wanted to thank everyone who reviewed, followed, and especially favorited my story. It means SO much to me. Also, if you want a visual of the outfits worn, feel free to check out my Polyvore account (link in bio) where I have tons of outfits for the previous chapters, as well as peeks at the outfits to come. Please please please read and review! Enjoy! xx thegirlwiththepaintbrush
Finally, it was time for the wedding. Draco and Hermione had woken early to pack their belongings before they were going to try and Floo internationally to DalkeithPalace, in Scotland. A beautiful chestnut feathered owl solved that problem. It had brought a small deep purple pouch, along with a note.
" We thank you so much for attending our wedding this week. Enclosed, you'll find your portkey which will be leaving between the hours of half past eight and nine o'clock. It will take you straight to the grounds of the castle, where we all will meet. Can't wait to see you there!
Love, Ginny Weasley and Harry Potter."
"Well that solves that problem," Hermione said, perusing the letter. She was dressed in a sea green sweater with an embellished neckline, with skinny blue jeans. She donned Charlotte Olympia flats with kittens on them, and carried a black leather Céline bag. With her hair in loose waves, and minimal makeup, Hermione looked understated enough to be traveling, but still pretty enough to make an impression. "Draco, grab your things, it's two minutes until the portkey leaves!" she cried as she donned her beige Burberry trench coat.
Floating large black bags behind him, Draco ran to place his hand on the gold filigree key that was to take them to Scotland. Feeling the strange, yet familiar yank by his navel, he felt himself being pulled into the sky with Hermione, and spat out onto the lush green grounds of the Scottish castle.
Brushing the grass of her jeans, Hermione walked towards the enormous home in awe. Dragging her luggage behind her, she traipsed up the large driveway, staring at the historic mansion ahead of her. Dalkeith was a brownstone mansion, four stories high, with windows and chimneys everywhere. Behind the home was a patio and expansive garden and lake, and in the front, on the manicured lawn, were the wedding guests under a beautiful tent. Hermione and Draco walked to the blushing bride and Harry, greeting them with hugs and well wishes.
Ginny looked like a vision. She was wearing a black dress by Dolce & Gabanna. The top half was nude fabric with a black lace overlay. A large embellished bow was featured at the neckline. The lace cinched at the waist, and from there met with black satin fabric that went to the knee. Her look was accessorized with black Valentino pumps, with nude studded straps. Her long, flaming red hair was swept into an elegant bun, and her blue eyes highlighted with a mild smoky eye.
Hermione was elated to see the happy couple. She ran to greet them, with Draco by her side.
"Congratulations you guys! I'm so happy for you! And this place! It's so beautiful! Did you know that Dalkeith was the former home of the Duke of Buccleuch in 1702? It was actually a medieval castle turned church in the early 14th century. Mary Tudor, Queen of Scots, actually lived here too! Did you know she was one of the original Pureblooded witches of England?" Hermione rambled exuberantly.
Shrugging, Draco proposed a toast to the soon-to-be newlyweds. This reminded Harry that he had to do the same. Before Harry could begin his toast to his guests, a long limbed girl with short black hair in cobalt blue walk past on the arms of a lanky ginger. Pansy was a strange sight in a tent full of weary travelers in worn in jeans and sweaters to keep warm mid-winter. She was wearing a bright blue, flowy, one shouldered dress, with silver sequins that extended across the dress like veins. It was accompanied with a matching blue coat and shoes- Loboutin, Hermione noted. Ginny and Hermione scoffed. Pansy was taking the whole "Ginny's wedding is the biggest night of fashion" gob seriously. Well, Hermione had taken it seriously too but only for a few reasons. 1. To appease Ginny. 2. To appeal to Draco 3. To show Pansy that she couldn't just embarrass the Secondary Minister for Magic and get away with it. Not that Hermione would ever admit the latter two reasons out loud. Ever.
Pointing his wand at his throat, Harry uttered the Sonorus charm, and began to speak. "I'm so glad you all could make it this week, I honestly cannot believe I'm marrying the woman of my dreams. She's always been there for me, no matter what I've been through and I'm eternally grateful. So I'd like to propose a toast, to the love of my life, Ginny Weasley!" The wedding guests all "aww"ed and clapped. "Also, my wedding planner and my soon to be mother-in-law, Mrs. Weasley- I mean Molly-" he added quickly as Molly Weasley gave him a kind but stern look, urging him to use her first name. "would like to talk about the program for this week."
"Hello dears! I'm so glad you all made it. I'd just like to address what we'll be doing this week! Programs will be posted throughout the castle, but just to let you know beforehand so you all can get your beautiful outfits ready! Tonight, in the crystal ballroom, we will be having an all black cocktail party. Tomorrow, we'll be having a casual lunch out, and in the night we'll have a formal version of what we're doing currently- greeting everyone! Try and dress along the themes of their wedding, purple. On the eighteenth, we'll be having a casual lunch here, inside the castle, and the night will feature a dinner garden party with a floral theme. The nineteenth, we'll be having a formal brunch, and in the night, a banquet. Remember to wear Gryffindor Red! The next day, the twentieth, is the day Harry and Ginevra have been waiting for! Their stag and hen nights- although they'll be during the day, and in the night, since Harry always calls Ginny his "Little Mermaid" from the Muggle film, we're holding an Under the Sea ball! Dress in blues, and greens, and look like you're from the ocean! Then we'll be having the rehearsal luncheon, so dress nicely, and that night we'll be having an "All That Glitters" gala, so put on sparkly gowns so we can dance the night away! And then the twenty-second will be the wedding!" Molly Weasley said happily. It was strange to see how much she had changed from the war. The once fussy and frumpy looking woman was looking particularly well put together. The family was making quite a lot of money, as all seven children worked, and Molly had an air of confidence about her that was heightened by the sophisticated clothes she wore. She really had changed, and looked wonderful. "So enjoy mingling, and feel free to head in any time you'd like. You'll find a key with your name and room number on it in the foyer. You'll find your trunks already in there. I hope the rooms are to your liking!" she concluded happily.
After greeting their friends from school and work, Hermione and Draco headed inside to get settled. Large, intricately carved wooden doors opened into the ivory foyer. The vaulted ceilings were at least 50 feet high. Hermione was in awe by the sheer grandiosity. In the center of the foyer, was a circular wooden table, with keys galore. Quickly spotting hers and Draco's, she headed up the ballroom staircase behind the foyer and headed to Room 206.
The room was beautiful. It was quite large and had a huge window that overlooked the back garden and lake. It had a wooden, king sized four poster bed with fluffy white pillows and down comforters. Draped along the canopy, was translucent white silk that gave the room an air of serenity. There was a huge walk in closet, where they found their luggages. There was also an enormous bathroom. It featured a white marble floors, a vanity, a toilet, linen closet, as well as double sinks. The strangest feature, however, was the large faucet in the center of the ceiling. It was their shower. The water flowed straight from the ceiling down to the drain, and besides the shallow basin in the middle of the floor to keep the water from spreading, there was no barrier between the person showering and the outside world; no glass doors, no curtain, no nothing.
After returning to the closet to hang their clothing, they decided it was time to get ready for the all black cocktail party in the Crystal ballroom. Draco, ever the gentlemen, told Hermione he'd get ready in the bedroom, and she could get the bathroom. Gladly, she accepted. She showered- albeit uncomfortably, for fear of being seen completely nude, and after magicked her hair dry and wavy. She tied her hair into a high ponytail, and allowed the ends to curl a little to give it some volume. She wore golden eye shadow and peach lipstick. She had just slipped on her little black dress when she realised she couldn't quite zip it. Sighing, she slipped on her black leather, chained Alexander McQueen heels, and walked out of the bathroom, back completely exposed.
As Draco caught sight of her, his breath hitched. She really was exquisite.
"Draco?" his thoughts were interrupted. "Could you zip me up?" Nodding, he obliged, and walked towards her. He placed on hand on her back, caressing her creamy skin dotted with freckles, and used his other hand to slowly pull the zipper up, starting from just above her delectable bottom, to the nape of her neck. Smoothing out her dress, Hermione turned around to face him. Draco looked beautiful dressed in his impeccably fitting black suit and tie. She couldn't help but stare openmouthed at him. Draco felt the same way about her. Hermione was wearing a long sleeved black Versace dress, with gold embellishments on the ribcage. It was understated, but she looked stunning.
Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he offered his arm to her. "Shall we head downstairs, my Lady?"
Giggling like a silly school girl, Hermione took his hand. "Of course, my Lord."