Chapter 12.

Draco walked up the steps of the Astronomy tower with a racing heart, wiping sweaty palms against the dark linen of his slacks, he actively emptied his mind. He needed a clear head for what was to follow. Straining his ears, he heard quiet murmuring from above. Tightening the grip of his wand hand, he charged through the doorway, and stood looking at a single man. Old, and tired looking, Dumbledore leaned heavily on the railing behind him. His blue eyes bright, and shining intelligently at him. 'Expelliarmus!'

Draco watched as the Headmasters wand flew in an arc overhead. It clattered against the rough stone flooring, the sound echoing around the pair. 'Who else is here?' He demanded the old man, remembering the hushed voices that had floated towards him on the stairs.

'A question I might ask you. Or are you acting alone?'

A pounding began in Dracos head, and he tightened his grip. 'No, I've got backup. There are Death Eaters in your school tonight.' He heard the door from beneath slam open, and took a shallow breath. They shouldn't be here yet, he thought wildly. Dumbledore has yet to try to persuade him he wasn't a killer. That's supposed to happen first. He heard heavy steps rushing towards him. Spinning around, he saw a mass of brown curls, and the narrowed gaze of Hermione Granger staring at him. 'No,' he gasped, taking in her flushed appearance. She's not supposed to be here.

'Harry was right.' Her soft voice filled his ears, though he hadn't seen her lips move. 'You are one of them.' He watched her raise her wand, and closed his eyes. Letting his own wand fall from listless fingers, he heard her soft voice as she uttered the curse. He saw the flash of green lights from behind his closed eyes.

Bolting upright, Draco exhaled a ragged breath, and shoved a hand through his drenched hair. His heart pounded against his chest and he groaned. A dream. It was just a dream. Glancing out his bedroom window, he saw the sky just beginning to lighten, and fell back against his pillows, cursing.

x X x

Hermione stepped out of the fireplace in the empty sitting room of Grimmauld place. Brushing a delicate hand against the linen of her trousers, she rubbed at the ash that had settled and cocked her head, trying to sound out where her friends were. She heard James' soft cries from somewhere above, and a loud clatter come from the direction of the kitchen. Deciding to check the kitchen first, she kicked off her shoes, and wandered down a brightly lit hall towards the back of the house.

Pushing through the partially closed door, she peeked in and saw Harry and Ron at the end of the long table. Heads bent, they appeared to be having a serious discussion. She greeted them cheerily, and crossed to sit next to Harry. 'Hey guys.'

'Hermione.' Rons voice was tight, and he avoided making eye contact with her.

'How are you?' She asked, before glancing quickly to the man on her left. Harry shook his head, and massaged his temples tiredly. When the red head just shrugged, she frowned. 'Is everything okay?'

'Actually, no. Everything is not okay.' Ron informed her, while still avoiding her gaze.

'O-okay.' She arched a brow, and waited. Knowing Ron for as long as she had, Hermione knew to just hold her tongue. He would explain in his own time, and harping would just annoy him. She sat tapping the table, when it became clear he wasn't about to tell her what the problem was, she sighed and turned to Harry. 'Where's Gin?'

'Upstairs. James is in a mood today, and she's trying to calm him down.' He took off his glasses then, and she saw the dark circles under his bright green eyes. Rubbing the palms of his hands against his eyes, Harry yawned and offered her a small smile. 'Pretty sure he's teething.'

'Already?' When Harry nodded, she tutted and shook her head. 'Poor baby.'

'I know.' The two of them turned towards the door when it opened and saw a frazzled Ginny walk into the room cuddling a whimpering James. 'He feeling any better?'

'I don't think so.' Ginny looked close to tears herself as she tried to calm the dark haired baby. 'I feel so useless.'

Standing, Hermione crossed to her friend and lay a gentle hand on the babies trembling back. 'Let me see him. You look exhausted, sit.' When the transfer had been done, Hermione continued to stand. Gently swaying the small boy, she hummed under her breath and rubbed small circles on his back. Looking into his tear stained face, she dropped a kiss to his dark brow, 'Poor baby.' She murmured , watching him suck on two chubby fingers. 'I hadn't realized babies could start teething so young.'

'Me neither.' Running a hand through her messy hair, Ginny frowned at her son. 'Mum says Fred was born teething, so I guess it happens.'

'What's going on with you and Malfoy?' Ron asked suddenly, though he said it in a way that sounded more of a demand then anything.

Startled at his question, Hermione turned her amber eyes to her friend and frowned. His blue gaze, usually so light and full of laughter, stared her down. Today they were dark and guarded, like he knew what her answer was going to be before she said it. 'Excuse me?'

'You and Malfoy.' Harry groaned, and shook his head at his brother-in-law. 'I saw you at Leo's that time, and I ran into Terry Boot the other day, said you guys looked pretty cozy awhile back. Were you going to mention it at all?'

Gritting her teeth, Hermione took a deep breath, and continued to rock the now calming baby in her arms. Glancing down, she saw him staring at her owlishly, and smiled softly at him. Letting her gaze stay on James' angelic face, she answered her friend in a reasonable tone. 'When there was something worth mentioning, I was. I know you two don't get along, and I figured this way was best.'

'Want to know what I think?' He asked her, an edge to his voice. 'I think that something you can't tell your friends isn't a good thing to be involved in.'

'You're right.' Looking at the man now, Hermione frowned before telling him: 'the thing is, it's not something that I've been hiding.'

'Then why didn't I know about it?' He asked her, his eyes narrowed on her face. 'Or is our friendship not important to you anymore? I think I know what it is though. You and I both know Malfoy is just -'

'Ron, stop!' Ginny interrupted her brother before he tapped into his famous temper, and said something he would regret. 'I knew about them. So did Harry. It's not been a secret. 'Mione is happy, and that's what counts.'

Shaking his head, he shoved an agitated hand through his red hair. 'You knew?' He looked between his sister and best friend, his face contorting into a look of betrayal. 'And neither of you said anything?'

'It wasn't our information to tell.' Ginny said, her voice low, trying to keep her brother calm.

'Like that's ever stopped you, Gin.' Shaking his head again, this time with disgust he glared at her. 'You're the biggest gossip I know.'

'Lies.' Ginny tried to joke with him. 'Lavender has earned that title fair and square.'

'Ronald.' Interrupting the pair, Hermione sighed. 'I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I'm still not sure what's going on myself. What I do know is this. Draco has changed and -'

'Oh, it's Draco now, is it?' He sneered at her and Hermione felt herself grow tense at his tone.

Crossing back to the table, she handed James off to his father before turning towards Ron. Hands on her hips, she glared at him. 'Grow up, Ron. You want to know why I didn't tell you? This is why. You blow everything out of proportion. And spending time with Draco makes me happy, I didn't want you to ruin it. And I didn't want to have this conversation with you. I'm sorry if you don't approve, but it's not your life. It's mine.' Taking a deep breath, she sent another glare in his direction before turning to Ginny. 'Draco asked me to accompany him to Blaise's wedding. And I need a dress. Want to go shopping tomorrow?'

Ginny's face lit up, but before she could respond, Ron butted in. 'You're going to Blaise Zabinis wedding? Who are you?'

Closing her eyes, Hermione counted to five. When she opened them, she met Harry and Ginny's sympathetic looks and rolled her eyes. She knew Ron would have trouble accepting her and Draco in any kind of relationship, and was trying to be patient with him. She really was. But if he kept up that outraged tone, she would punch him.

'Yes!' Ginny ignored Ron's outburst, 'what time? Where do you want to go? Is it formal?'

Giving her friend a light chuckle, Hermione lowered herself into her vacant chair. 'Whatever works for you. I have no idea. But no, semi.' Answering each question in turn, she smiled. She heard Harry leave the kitchen, presumably to lay the now sleeping baby down. Keeping her back to Ron, she shrugged, 'I honestly don't know what to wear. I mean, this is probably the fanciest wedding I've actually gone to. The shower was all muted, and elegant.'

'That was when the gazebo incident happened, right?' Ginny asked her, her chocolate brown eyes bright.

'Right.' Looking over her shoulder she met Ron's sullen stare and watched him shove back from the table. Chewing her bottom lip nervously, Hermione watched the man storm from the kitchen, and gave a sigh. 'I knew he'd be annoyed when he found out. I was hoping for a reaction a little more accepting though.'

'You know how he is.' Ginny responded, waving a hand dismissively after her brother. Rolling her eyes, the red head leaned closer. 'I think he's just jealous.'

'Of what?' She cried out in shock. 'Lisa and him are perfect for each other. I just want a bit of what they have.'

She felt Ginny rub her shoulder reassuringly. 'I know hunny. He's a prat.'

'What's he have to be jealous of?'

'Your guys failed relationship.' Ginny pulled out her wand, and summoned a tea tray. After pouring them both a cup, she cradled hers and leaned back in her chair. 'I think deep down he realizes that you and Draco are a better match then the two of you ever were. And he's jealous. You're a great girl, 'Mione. I'm not saying he doesn't love Lisa,' she held up her hand when Hermione tried to interject. 'I know he does. It's just got to rub the wrong way. The girl who got away ends up with his school yard nemesis.' She shrugged then and sipped at her tea.

Staring into the china cup she held cradled in her hands, Hermione sighed. She never thought about it like that. Honestly she didn't think Ginny was right, not completely. She doubted Ron was 'jealous' of her and Draco. It just seemed like a left over grudge from when they all attended school together. 'I don't know.'

'Well, whatever his reason, don't let him get to you.' Raising her brows at her dearest friend, Ginny smirked. 'You've got a date with the extremely handsome Draco Malfoy. And I'm not even going to pretend I'm not jealous. Cause I am.'

'Ginevra!'

'What?' The red head laughed at her, and leaned close. Talking in a whisper, she confided, 'Malfoy has been hot since school, don't deny it, and I'd be lying if I said I never looked at him like that.' When Hermione just looked at her with her stunned eyes, Ginny laughed. 'Come on 'Mione. Who doesn't love a bad boy?'

'Stop.' Giggling, Hermione shook her head. 'What would Harry say?!'

'No idea.' Grinning at her mischievously, Ginny offered her a wink. 'It's not like I'm gonna tell him. Could you imagine?'

Groaning, Hermione grinned at her friend. Her nose wrinkled, and she felt herself blush, 'He is pretty hot.'

'Damn right!' Ginny slapped the table, 'when did he ask you to go with him?'

'Last night.' When her friend raised her brows and remained quiet, Hermione gave a wry grin before confiding in her all that had transpired between her and Draco the night before.

Fanning herself, Ginny leaned back and grinned. 'Man oh man.'

'I know.'

'We have got to get you a killer dress.'

'Let's make sure it's something red this time.'

x X x

Draco stared at his reflection in the mirror that hung in his entryway. Fidgeting with the light green tie around his neck he sighed. Muttering under his breath, he tucked and folded while glaring at the offending fabric. 'Stupid piece of -' unknotting the crooked tie, he let it hang about his neck and shoved a hand through his styled hair. Pansy had the idea that the groom and his groomsmen should wear traditional muggle tuxedos. Which was fine with him, they were a lot more breathable then the usual robes one would wear for formal occasions. Then at last minute she decided that instead of a normal tie, like the one Blaise would be wearing, he and his fellow men of honor should wear bow ties. Stupid. Stupid Pansy making him wear this stupid tie. Grunting, he slid his black dress shoes on and glanced at his pocket watch. He had fifteen minutes before he was due to pick up Hermione.

Starting again with the tie, he studied the two ends. How was someone supposed to take such a small piece of fabric and turn it into a bow? Sneering at his reflection, he shook his head. Guys aren't supposed to wear bows, damn it! Tucking the fabric together, he gave a nod. He had a bow.. sort of. He touched the silky material and cursed when one side fell loose. 'You have got to be kidding me.' Gritting his teeth, he shook his head. Let Pansy tie it. If she wants him to wear the stupid thing, she can do it herself. Glancing again at his watch, Draco contemplated if he should leave or not. He still had a few minutes before he told Hermione he would pick her up, and he didn't want to rush her. Deciding to leave now anyways, he let out a deep breath, and tried to calm his racing heart. He took another breath, and turned on the spot. Landing gracefully in front of her door, he straightened his jacket and after running a hand through his hair, gave a few short knocks.

He heard music being turned down inside followed by Hermione's voice asking someone to get the door, she needed something dealing with shoes. Standing straight, he readied himself for whoever was opening the door. Taking in the long red hair of the only female Weasley, he nodded, the she-Weasel was probably the least annoying of the bunch. 'She-Potter.' He said in way of greeting.

He watched her arch a brow, and heard her chuckle softly. 'She-Potter?'

'I've been calling you she-Weasel in my head for years, seemed like a natural progression.' He jerked a shoulder, and offered her what he hoped was a charming grin. He knew Hermione was closer to this woman then she was to anyone, and he didn't want to start out on the wrong foot. Maybe he shouldn't of called her she-Potter?

Her warm laughter enveloped him, and she motioned him inside. 'I like it.' She told him, a wide grin on her freckled face. 'Hermione's just finishing up. She should only be a minute.'

Draco nodded dumbly at her, and tucked his hands into the pockets of his blacks slacks. 'Uh- Hermione showed me a picture of your kid. He's cute- even though he's a miniature Harry.'

Laughing again, Ginny grinned at him. 'Thanks. I'm pretty partial to him.' The red head scooped up her purse, and grabbed a canvas tote off the couch before hollering down the hall. 'Hey, I'm taking off! Have fun, I'll see you later!'

'Thanks again, Gin!' Hermiones answering shout had Draco grinning. He was so used to quiet and proper that the two girls hollering at each other through small apartment had him entertained. 'I'll see you tomorrow?' Her voice was closer now, and turning around, Draco felt his breath rush past his parted lips when he saw her enter the room.

She was wearing a light red summers dress. It ended a couple inches above her knees, and had thin shoulder straps holding it in place. He knew his gaze was lingering on the cut of the neckline, but he couldn't help it. A modest amount of cleavage was peeking out at him, and he took advantage of the farewells the two women were giving. Letting his gaze trace her figure, he noted her black open toe heels, and the red polish glittering at him from her exposed toes. Hearing the floo light up behind him, he watched Ginny step through, and disappear. Looking again at Hermione, he smiled. She was twisting her fingers together and was chewing on her bottom lip. Which, he noticed, had been painted a red to match her toes and dress. Her luscious brown curls were left down, he noted thankfully; the front was being held back by some sort of hair clip.

He realized they'd been standing there silently staring each other for a couple minutes now, and chuckled. Stepping towards her, he gave a appreciative grin before saying: 'you look beautiful.'

'Thank you.' She ducked her head momentarily, before smiling softly back at him. 'So do you. I mean, handsome. You look handsome.' She frowned then, and Draco watched her take a deep breath.

Grinning, he tucked a stray curl behind her ear. 'Red today, huh?'

'Too much for a Slytherin wedding?' She asked him, her nose scrunching in an adorable way.

'Nah. We can always use more red.' He ran a thumb along her jaw, before saying, 'I want to kiss you, but don't want to ruin anything. You look perfect.'

Hermione nibbled on her lower lip, before offering a wicked smile, 'I can always do a touch up before we go.'

'In that case -' Draco lay his hands loosely on her hips, and pulled her close. Leaning down, he buried his face in her hair, and inhaled. She smelled like vanilla, and something flowery. Exotic. He felt himself tighten his hold on her and loosened his grip slightly. Using his right hand, he tilted her chin and lowered his mouth to hers. Rubbing her lips with his own, he felt her sigh and lean into his embrace. Her reaction had a rush of.. something running through his veins. Pulling back, he stared into her amber eyes, a smirk playing on his lips. 'I think I wore your lipstick away.' He told her, his thumb tracing her lower lip.

'Mmm.' He felt her step closer, and mimic his action. Her thumb rubbed lightly against his lower lip, and he let out a raspy breath. His tongue darting out to taste the pad of her thumb. 'You did.' She pulled back and grinned at him, her eyes focusing on his loose tie. 'Want help?'

Seeing where her gaze lay, he nodded. 'Please! I can't get this stupid thing to stay.'

He felt her light touch against his collar, and her warm breath brush against the column of his throat and had to fight a shudder. What is this woman doing to me? He felt an unfamiliar tightness in his chest and let out a breath he hadn't been aware he'd been holding. Her fingers smoothed the green fabric of his tie, and he watched her lips tilt up. 'Bow ties are cool,' she told him, before grabbing her purse and digging inside. She pulled out a small tube, and using the mirror hanging above her mantle reapplied the lipstick he rubbed away. Turning back towards him, she grinned. 'Ready?'

'Ready.' Offering her his arm, he wrapped his free arm around her back and dropped a kiss to her temple before apparating away.

x X x

Hermione opened her eyes when the pull behind her navel evaporated. She stood on soft ground, and everywhere she looked she saw green. Not Slytherin green, more an earthy green. They stood in a large field, surrounded by tall trees and an open sky above. Looking to the right, Hermione saw a dark green tent standing tall in the distance. Atop the tent, a elegant flag sat gently blowing in the breeze. The flag was snow white, with the letters B and P beautifully intertwined in a black script. She felt Dracos lips brush her ear when he whispered: 'wait till you see the inside.'

Smiling up at him, Hermione felt a slow heat erupt low in her stomach. He twined their fingers together as he guided her towards the tent. Blaise stood with his father and a shorter man she didn't know just outside the tent. When they neared, he began to wave an arm wildly at them. 'Hey!' He shouted, a lopsided grin on his face.

Hermione heard Dracos low chuckle, and turned to look at him. 'He had a case of the jitters earlier, so he knocked a couple shots back to calm them. He's in a brilliant mood right now.'

Laughing with him, she shook her head. 'You helped him get ready then?'

'Of course.' Draco gave her an offended look, but she could see his smile in his silver eyes. 'I take my job as best man very seriously.' When they reached the men standing about outside, Draco grinned and looked to Blaise. 'Alright, mate?'

'Alright.' The Italian man grinned. 'I'm about to become Mr Pansy Parkinson.'

'Er-' Hermione bit back a smile at the confused looks on the faces around her, but couldn't contain her laugh when Draco rubbed his jaw uncomfortably. 'You're taking her last name?'

'Of course not.' Blaise laughed, 'could you imagine? Blaise Parkinson? I think not.' Nodding at a tall, skinny fellow that was crossing towards them with a camera in his hands, Blaise clapped his hands. 'Pans wants us to get our photos done now. We'll get the whole party after the ceremony.'

Hermione stepped back, and watched as the four men lined up. They all looked dashing, she decided taking in their matching suits. Black on black. With those pretty green ties. Blaise wore a skinny one, a shade darker then his grooms men, and a white flower had been tucked into the lapel of his jacket. She watched as he passed each of his men a matching flower, and giggled when Draco smacked his hand away from fidgeting with his own. She heard his low voice berating his friend. 'Leave it. Or it'll be crooked for the pictures, and Pans will have you beaten first chance she gets.' She watched as the photographer staged them a dozen different ways. First as a whole group. Then just Blaise with his dad. Then just the groom and best man. Then the groomsmen minus the groom. On and on it seemed to go. Hearing a burst of laughter behind her, Hermione turned and saw the field was slowly filling with more guests. She knew few of them, and smiled when she saw Mr Ollivander make a slow walk from the apparation point to the tent. He leaned heavily on the cane in his right hand, but had a smile to offer anyone he met along his way.

She felt Draco come up behind her, and titled her head to look at him from the corner of her eye. 'You really do look nice today.'

'Compared to other days?' Holding a hand to his chest, he gave her a look, 'you wound me.'

Laughing, she bumped him with her elbow and shook her head. 'Ha ha. I never knew how funny you were.' She chided him.

'You think I'm funny?' He asked, grinning down at her.

Schooling her smile, Hermione raised a brow, 'no.'

'I've got jokes for days, Granger.' He grabbed her hand, and started for the tent. 'Let's get you a good seat.'

Shaking her head, she followed him along. Pausing in the door she gasped, and looked around. The tents walls and ceilings were invisible. From the outside, you couldn't see in. But once you were inside, you could still see the glorious fields around them. The sky still shone brightly down, filling the tent with a bright natural light. White benches sat on either side of a pale green runner, and a raised podium sat at the far end of the tent. There were three steps leading to the landing, and an arch made of dark wood stood as the backdrop the couple would have when exchanging vows. Hermione saw vines loosely wrapped around the arch with white flowers of some sort intermingling. 'Wow. This looks incredible.'

'Bride or groom?' A voice asked from behind them. Turning around, Hermione saw a gangly Italian teen looking at them. 'Uh-' She started to reply when Draco spoke for her.

'Groom. But I'll make sure she finds a seat.' Nodding at the shrugging teen, Draco led her to an empty space, and sat down. Gently pulling on her hand, she slid in after. 'I hope you don't mind.' He still had a hold of her hand, and he was tracing small circles into the back of it with his thumb.

Shaking her head, Hermione told him she didn't. 'You nervous?' She asked, when he asked why he would be, she shrugged. 'I was in Harry's wedding and spent the entire night before, and the morning leading up to it a ball of nerves.'

'Why?'

She shrugged then, and looked around at their surroundings. She didn't see the way he studied her face. Or the way the other guests all seemed to be studying the surprising couple in the middle of the tent. 'I don't like to be in the spot light. And being part of a wedding puts you in there. Plus, I was sure I was going to trip the whole way.' She added the last part with a laugh, and turned back towards him, her eyes dancing with mirth.

'Did you trip?'

'Thank Merlin, no!'

'No matter.' Draco stood and sent her a wink. 'Even if you did, I imagine you would've been so graceful no one would've noticed.'

Titling her head, Hermione looked at him. He was grinning at her, and looked pleased with himself. 'Charming.'

'Yeah?' He smirked then, his fingers finding their way into his pockets. 'I was trying.' They saw Blaise head towards them, and nod up front. Taking his cue, Draco offered her one last smile before following the groom