Disclaimer: I own nothing, all Harry Potter characters, places, etc belong to JKR.

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Chapter 10

Hermione couldn't sleep. It was the night before the wedding, and although she knew that everything was already planned and taken care of (with Ginny's extraordinary help), she still couldn't help thinking that something very important has slipped her mind. She absentmindedly turned in the huge double bed and stared at the peacefully sleeping Draco. He looked so innocent in his sleep that Hermione forgot was she was thinking for a second. Then she quickly shook her head and sat up, she knew that staring at her sleeping fiancé will hardly help her remember what she might have forgotten.

She quickly made a checklist in her mind. The guest list was done and looked through a hundred million times and the invitations had been sent weeks ago. Maybe she forgot to invite someone important? No, but that couldn't be it. Even Harry and Ron helped her, and Draco looked through it as well, nothing could have gone wrong there. The food was being made by the Hogwarts house elves, but Hermione insisted that they should get paid for it. Her dress was already picked out with Ginny's help and had been bought; it was safely put away until the day of the wedding. Hermione went through her list like this, point by point and she didn't stop once until she got to the ceremony. Dumbledore offered to marry them, which Hermione gladly accepted. Then she stopped to think for a second. After a moment she realised what was wrong, as she looked at her watch in panic. It was nearly 3 in the morning.

As she quickly but quietly made her way out of the room, grabbing a cloak that she hastily put on her shoulders, she was trying to calm herself.

'It will be alright…' she thought desperately. 'It doesn't matter that I don't know what exactly happens in a wizarding wedding after the vows. Dumbledore would surely have told me if something major was different from muggle weddings…' she tried to convince herself, but as she ran towards the library, not even caring if she got caught out of bed, she knew that she would only be able to relax after she looked up exactly what happens.

So she didn't even pause to think things over as she ran from aisle to aisle in the dark library until she reached the shelves that read Wizarding Customs and Traditions. Then she slowed down a bit as she ran her hands over the big dusty books, and finally after a couple of minutes' search, she pulled out a very thick and heavy one. She hastily sat down and opened the book on her lap, her wand providing the necessary light so she could find what she needed. As she found the right section she quickly began reading, as if hungry for the words printed on the old, yellowish pages.

Her breathing began to quicken and her eyes opened wide as she found the relevant paragraph, and she closed the book in shock as she saw her worst fears printed in the source that she trusted most: a library book. Now she started to really panic.

She basically ran all the way back to the familiar portrait and dashed through the living room, finally jumping on the bed which she left not so long ago. She glanced at the clock and saw that she had been away for more than twenty minutes and realised that it was time she got some sleep. She hesitated for a moment, looking at Draco once more, who barely changed his position from when Hermione last saw him. Curiosity and mostly panic finally won over common sense and reasoning, and Hermione started shaking the Malfoy heir gently, while whispering his name.

"Hmmm, Hermione?" he murmured as she kept shaking his arm. "What is it, my love?" he mumbled; clearly not awake yet, as he squinted at her through his half lifted lids. Hermione stopped dead at hearing that and her mouth hung open in shock; he hadn't called her anything like that since they became friends, only in public. The rushing of Hermione's thoughts through her mind was almost audible.

"Wh.. what?" Hermione sat back and her face showed utter confusion as she tried to make sense of this new turn of events. "What did you call me?" she finally managed to say. Draco seemed to have woken up when he saw her dumbfounded expression and he hastily sat up as well.

"Oh, no, nothing!" he tried to reassure her quickly, and he hoped against hope that she couldn't see him blushing madly in the dark. "What was it that you wanted?" he added, hoping to distract her.

"Oh, that…" Hermione slightly shook her head, now more confused than ever. Her problem came rushing back again, and it seemed to have brought her back to reality. "Yeah, sorry for waking you, I just had to ask you something." she looked at him again, her voice more determined.

"Oh, it's fine, just ask." Draco said, clearly relieved.

"Well, I'm worried about our vows. Do wizarding vows really bound for life?" Hermione asked, anxious for his answer. Draco seemed to look uncomfortable again.

"Umm, actually yeah." he started, avoiding eye contact with her. "I haven't even thought of that.. But I'm sure Dumbledore can take care of it somehow. We can talk to him in the morning, first thing." he tried to calm her.

"Okay, that's a good idea…" Hermione mumbled, looking everywhere but at Draco. "We should sleep then. I'm sorry I disturbed you." she seemed to pull herself together as she got under the blanket.

"No problem.." Draco said, lying down again. "Sleep well." he added. Hermione gave him a weak smile and they both tried to get some sleep before the big day.

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The next morning went by in a blur. Dumbledore reassured them that there is something he can do to make the marriage reversible, and that it wouldn't be noticed by anyone. They made him promise that he will do it and he agreed, clearly amused. This was a big relief for Hermione, who spent most of the hours of preparation with Ginny, who was almost more excited than her.

Harry and Ron caught Hermione a few hours before the ceremony, who was getting dressed with the help of Ginny in the bathroom she shared with Draco. The groom had been banished from the place for the rest of the day.

When her two friends timidly knocked on the door, Hermione was already in her dress, which was simple but beautiful. Ginny was making her hair; her wild curls would be finally tamed, cascading down her back. Hermione told them to come in and they stopped dead when they saw her, gaping at Hermione's beauty.

"Wow, Hermione…" Harry started, still staring at her. "You look… wonderful." he managed to get out, while Ron was just nodding, his mouth hanging open, as Hermione blushed prettily.

"Ahem…" Ginny tried to get her boyfriend's attention, before Hermione could respond. "Earth to Harry. If you don't stop very soon, I'm going to have to hurt you." she warned, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Oh, I'm sorry Ginny." Harry blushed. "Of course, you look breath-taking as well. It's just, I've never seen Hermione like this." he tried to defend himself.

"I know, I know." Ginny laughed, giving Harry a peck on his lips. "She is beautiful. Ron, you can close your mouth now!" she added, giggling. Ron, obliged, his ears turning scarlet.

"Okay, now that everyone's blushed and got very embarrassed except for me, I'm going to have to ask you two to leave us, we're already running late! Sorry, maid of honour duties!" she joked, trying to push them out of the room.

"Sorry guys, I'm glad you came by though!" Hermione said hastily, glancing nervously at Ginny, as if she were scared that if she didn't oblige, she'd be in trouble.

"Calm down, Ginny, we just came by to check if everything was okay and if you needed help with anything!" Ron said annoyed, not letting her push him out.

"Yeah, we can't believe you're getting married today, Hermione!" Harry said, with a quick glance at Ginny, who temporarily gave up on getting them out of the room.

"I know, I feel the same way!" Hermione said with a sigh, looking at her reflection in the big mirror in front of her. "But you know this is necess…" but she couldn't finish, because she was interrupted by the desperate signs and waves of Harry and Ron behind Ginny's back, who was looking at her expectantly. "I mean, it is a nice way of expressing our love to all the people we care about.." Hermione quickly corrected herself, praying that Ginny wouldn't notice. She was lucky, because Ginny turned to the boys instead, who looked extremely relieved.

"Yes, yes, we all know this is a big step, but now we really have to get ready." Ginny pleaded. "Can't you go and find Dumbledore or McGonagall and ask them if you can help with anything?" she added, her hands on her hips, her eyebrows raised.

"Yeah, of course!" Harry said hastily, now keen on leaving before anything else could slip out. He and Ron hurried out of the room, leaving Hermione and Ginny to put the last touches on her appearance.

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The wedding was held on the grounds of Hogwarts; all students and Hermione's closest relatives were invited. Even Narcissa was there, disguised, but she didn't look quite as happy as Hermione's parents. Although after Draco reminded her that he was doing most of this so she could be safe from Voldemort and the other Death Eaters, she seemed to have softened a bit.

When Draco saw Hermione walking down the aisle, he had to gulp and take a deep breath to steady himself; he was overcome by her beauty. For a moment he lost sight of what the reason behind the whole wedding was and he beamed at Hermione happily, as she made her way slowly towards him, led by her father. Hermione was radiant and she seemed to be glowing with happiness, but Draco quickly reminded himself that she must be doing it for the crowd.

After the vows, when Dumbledore declared that he could kiss his bride, Draco stepped closer to Hermione absentmindedly; sweeping her off her feet and dipping her low, holding her by her waist and his lips finally met hers in a passionate and possessive kiss. The crowd cheered wildly as the couple was surrounded by a golden glow. When Draco straightened up, bringing Hermione with him and still keeping her close, he breathed in her sweet scent and realised that throughout the whole ceremony he had been waiting for the moment when he could finally kiss her. As Hermione slightly pushed on his chest, smiling up at him, he reluctantly released her, but he made sure that he was by her side until the last of the guests had left.

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"So, how did that brilliant plan of yours go?" Greyback voice echoed off of the walls of the big cave that they decided to meet in. Zabini's hesitating silence seemed to have been enough answer for the werewolf.

"You failed?!" he drawled. "Didn't I warn you that I do not accept failure?!" his voice became more and more sinister.

"Yes…" said Blaise resentfully. "But I failed. They seem to be in love. They got married today." he realised his mistake the moment after.

"WHAT??" Greyback bellowed. "And you haven't warned me?!" he jumped towards the terrified Blaise like a wolf attacking his prey, but Blaise turned on the spot just on time and apparated away, leaving Greyback who couldn't slow down and crashed into the wall.

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"Thank you for meeting me at this hour, Mr Malfoy, what I wish to discuss with you cannot wait." the headmaster said looking at an impatient and exhausted Draco from his chair behind his table in the headmaster's office.

"Yes, professor." Draco said quickly, gesturing for the old wizard to continue.

"The matter I am speaking of is very… hmm… personal and also extremely important." Dumbledore said, catching Draco's attention, who was surprised to see the headmaster embarrassed. "Surely, you've heard of the magical bond between the bride and the groom after a wizarding wedding?... No, don't worry, I am not talking about the vows, I kept my promise." he quickly reassured Draco, who seemed to have gotten quite disturbed for a moment. When he relaxed, Dumbledore went on. "I have told you before of this connection, it enables the married couple to sense if the other is in danger, which is quite helpful for us, considering the situation." Draco nodded in agreement. "However, the bond is not created simply by exchanging the vows… There needs to be the final… ahem… sealing of the marriage." Dumbledore looked more uncomfortable than ever, his piercing blue eyes pleading for Draco to understand, so that he didn't have to explain any further.

After a moment of staring into each other's eyes, Draco finally understood. He couldn't help blushing and he quickly looked away.

"Oh…" he said simply. "Do you mean the…"

"Yes." Dumbledore quickly said, thankful for the fast thinking of Slytherins. "So if you could make sure that… it happens…"

"Of course." Draco quickly cut him off, not wanting to hear any more of this. "And if there's nothing else, I am very tired and…"

"Yes, yes, certainly." Dumbledore understood his discomfort. "That is all. Good night, Mr Malfoy." he rushed to dismiss him, glad that the conversation was over.

Draco felt the same way, as he quickly made his way out of the room, still red in the face. As he hurried along the dark corridors he couldn't suppress his excitement, but his joy was overshadowed by his fear of Hermione's possible reaction.

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Hermione was putting away her dress and washing her face while thinking about her wedding. She enjoyed herself very much, she hadn't had this much fun in a long time. Her feet hurt from all the dancing and she couldn't wait to fall into bed and sleep until noon. She quickly thanked her providential planning for having the wedding on a Saturday, this way she didn't have to worry about classes the next day.

As she made her way to the bedroom she suddenly stopped when she saw Draco entering the room through the other door. He also stopped when he saw her, looking like he had been deep in thoughts just moments ago. Hermione smiled at him, sure that some kind of a joke about them being married was coming her way any second now. She was surprised to see that instead of a sarcastic comment, he was simply staring at her. When he saw her almost see-through silk bathrobe, which she now conscientiously pulled tighter around herself, his eyes seemed to turn a shade darker and a smirk played on his lips as he slowly but determinedly made his way to her. Hermione eyed him suspiciously and as he got closer she instinctively stepped back, but her back hit the door to the bathroom. As he stepped in front of her, his body only inches away, he leaned close to her ear.

"Good evening, beautiful…" he whispered sensually in her ear, and as his warm breath hit her sensitive skin, she slightly shivered. She seemed uncomfortable with the way his approach made her feel, because she made an attempt to slid out from the gap between Draco's body and the door. Draco suddenly brought his hands up to her waist, keeping her in place. "Don't be scared of me, my darling." he whispered, his lips nearly touching her skin, his body gently pressing against hers. "I'm your husband, remember?" at this Hermione softly whimpered.

"What was that now, love?" Draco asked, his lips slowly moving from her ear to her neck, barely touching her skin, which was getting goose bumps. Hermione couldn't think clearly, one of his hands slid up her back, drawing her closer to his warm body, so she could feel his hard muscles rippling under his shirt.

"I said I know you are..." she gasped as his lips suddenly met her skin with full force and he sucked gently on her neck. Her hands involuntarily found their way up his back, one of them now clinging to his neck for support, the other entangled in his silky hair. Draco felt himself getting even harder at her submission, but he reminded himself that he couldn't lose control, not now. His left hand was still pulling her closer while the other slid up her slender back and sneaked under her head, holding it firmly.

He suddenly brought his head up from her neck and she was mesmerised by his dark but still stormy eyes, which seemed to glow with desire. As she stared up at him, he let her head fall back a bit as his lips inched their way towards hers, which seemed to act like a magnet. Their eyes were already half closed, Hermione could feel his breath on her face when she couldn't take it anymore and she closed the distance between them. Their lips fought against each other in a silent battle, when Draco couldn't contain himself and his tongue suddenly slid into her sweet mouth. Hermione welcomed the intrusion and her own tongue battled his for control with just as much fervour.

She gasped as he swiftly lifted her up and took her to the bed, laying her down and covering her body with his own. Hermione moaned as he sucked on her neck again. Draco momentarily lost control then and ripped the robe from her body so she lay completely naked before his eyes. His gaze followed her every curve greedily and finally he glanced at her blushing face, which was surrounded by her curly hair.

"Merlin, you look beautiful." he murmured as he attacked her lips again, his hands roaming all over her body, lingering on her firm breasts. She gasped as his thumbs brushed her already hardening nipples and she desperately clung to his shirt, trying to get rid of the last layer of fabric separating their skins. Draco happily obliged by discarding his shirt and feeling her hot skin against his made his mind clouded with craving for her. Her small hands were feeling his every muscle and as he suddenly moved between her thighs, slightly forcing them open with his strong legs, her hands clutched desperately at his shoulders for support as she moaned softly into his neck. Draco fought to see through the fog that seemed to gather in front of his eyes, he kept reminding himself to go slow; it didn't seem to work well though.

His hand slowly made its way down her stomach and gently slid between her legs, and as he felt the wetness there at the same time he also felt his hardness twitch uncomfortably against its barriers, and he groaned as Hermione struggled for breath at the feel of his hand. He continued to move his hand slowly in teasing circles, silencing Hermione's moans with a passionate kiss. As one of his long fingers slid into her hot depth, Hermione moaned into his mouth and lifter her back off of the bed, clutching her legs around his waist to pull him closer at the same time.

Draco couldn't take it anymore, with a groan he disengaged his mouth from hers and within seconds his trousers lay forgotten on the floor along with his boxers. Hermione's eyes widened at the sheer size of him, but she didn't have time to panic, because a moment later he was on top of her again, his hot lips trailing kisses down her neck, which made her shiver, and she moaned when she felt his hardness rubbing against her core teasingly. Draco knew he was at the end of his limits so he carefully positioned himself at her entrance, still distracting her with kisses. However when the moment came, he hesitated. He looked into her dark eyes.

"Hermione, I…" he started, but he couldn't finish.

"Draco, I know we have to do this to seal the marriage." Hermione said, surprising him. "I want to do this." she said seriously, staring into his eyes.

"Thank Merlin!" Draco uttered and their lips met once again.

With a swift movement he was inside of her but he stopped abruptly as she cried out and her nails sank into his back. They were both panting, Draco looking at her, terrified, that he had hurt her. As Hermione's pants slowed down, she looked at him encouragingly, nodding her approval. Draco relaxed again and he experimentally pulled out a bit and slid in all the way again. Hermione moaned in pleasure, which gave Draco the final encouragement he needed. He still kept his slow pace, but his movements didn't cease as he moved his hips together with hers. This seemed to have teased Hermione to no end.

"Oooh, Draco!" she moaned. "Please… Faster.." she pleaded.

Draco felt his desire taking over completely, as he slammed into her faster and faster, her moans and cries driving him on. Her legs were clutching his hips, pulling him further and further in, making him go mad. His hands travelled down her sides and grabbed her hips, so he could thrust in faster. He felt his climax approaching fast, so he moved his lips to her ear.

"Come on, love…" he moaned. "Come for me…"

"Aaah, Draco…" this seemed to have driven Hermione over the edge and she screamed in pleasure as her hands clung to him for dear life. Draco cried out as he felt her walls closing tightly around him, making him empty his hot seed deep into her core. After a couple of more thrusts, he fell on top of her, feeling boneless, both of them panting.

When he felt her hot and sweaty body shiver underneath him, he moved to the side and pulled the warm blanket on top of them, Hermione already dozing off in his strong arms. As he felt his own sleepiness, he fought to keep his eyes open a little while longer, so he could stare at her angel-like face as she slept.

"Hermione…" he whispered, looking at her longingly. "I think I love you…" he said in barely a whisper, as his head hit the pillow next to Hermione and soon dreamless sleep consumed him as well.

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A/N: Muhahahaha… Finally, some smut! ;) I hope it didn't come out too cheesy though… Let me know what you think!

Please, please REVIEW!! :D It's what makes me keep writing and your nice reviews really make my day! :)