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Chapter Twenty One: Second Thoughts

Hermione paced in front of the ornate mirror and refused to look down into the Malfoy garden where wedding guests were already gathering. In half an hour she would be walking down the aisle to where Malfoy stood in his finest.

The sound of the door opening directed Hermione's attention to where Ginny stood in a lavender dress, clutching a small bouquet of white roses. Her red hair was pinned back, cascading to her hips.

"You look wonderful," Hermione commented as Ginny hugged her. The redhead made sure not to wrinkle the wedding gown.

"Merlin, Hermione, you look beautiful," Ginny exclaimed. She stepped back, letting her brown eyes rove over the stunning white dress. "I think it was worth the wait."

Ever since Ginny had found out that Hermione had decided on a wedding dress, she'd insisted that it was her maid of honor privilege to see it. But Hermione had refused. The dress had been in the process of being altered by Fauna who had been working on it non-stop. Finally, the day before the wedding the dress had been completed and Hermione had to go through a few more agonizing fittings before both Narcissa and Jane were satisfied.

"Even Malfoy looks good," Ginny stated from near the window. Hermione joined her and gazed down at her future husband. His blonde hair was slicked back; those grey eyes were scanning the crowd. He stood with his hands clasped. Next to him stood his best man, Blaise Zabini, who was grinning widely. The dark-skinned wizard whispered something in Malfoy's ears and the ever so famous scowl made an appearance and Hermione just knew he had spotted the Weasley family.

As usual they were one of the last to arrive. Mrs. Weasley led the way, shooting Fred and George occasional warning glances. Mr. Weasley smiled weakly as his wife whispered to him furiously. Bill and Fleur were grinning from ear to ear, while Charlie, Percy, and Audrey brought up the rear.

"I wonder what Fred and George did this time."

"Merlin only knows. Fred's been acting weird since the dinner with Malfoy. But Mum won't hear a word against him. It's revolting what a liking she's taken to him."

"Well, you can't really blame her," protested Hermione. "She never met Malfoy as a child."

Ginny smirked knowingly. "Already coming to the defense of your husband, eh?"

Cheeks flaming, Hermione spluttered. "Of course not and he's not my husband! At least he won't be until another hour."

"Oh, Hermione," sighed Ginny, settling onto a plush settee. She artfully arranged her lavender dress and placed the roses on the vanity. "Are you sure you want to go through with this? You seem awfully nervous and ready to bolt."

Hermione quit wringing her hands and took a seat opposite Ginny. "I don't know Ginny. But I don't have much of a choice, do I? I keep convincing myself that I'm ready; I just don't know why I keep worrying."

"Think of it as a temporary arrangement. After all that's what it is. Didn't you tell me that you and Malfoy both will annul the marriage when the time is up?"

"Yes, of course. I only wish it were that simple, though. An entire year with Malfoy, becoming Mrs. Malfoy . . ." Hermione cringed.

"It honestly can't be all that bad. We'll all be at Hogwarts the next week. The year will be over before you know it. And so will this marriage."

"You're right, Ginny. I should stop worrying-"

"Not that's a feat," mumbled Ginny.

Hermione continued, ignoring the remark. "I'll take it day by day. We'll be at school, busy and away from each other. No room for second thoughts."

"Second thoughts?" The door opened soundlessly, startling Hermione and Ginny.

"Harry!" Ginny exclaimed. "And Ron."

She darted into her boyfriend's arms and pecked him on the cheek. Ron, who was standing behind the embracing couple, pretended he didn't see anything. He stepped around Harry and gave Hermione a pained smile.

"How're you holding up?" Ron asked taking the seat Ginny had vacated.

"Nervous," Hermione admitted. She glanced out the window one more time and met grey eyes. Quickly she stood up and moved away from the window.

"You're not having any second thoughts, are you?"

"Ron, you shouldn't eavesdrop," Ginny scolded before Hermione could open her mouth. "It's a bad habit."

Ron rolled his eyes at the reproach. "If you're not ready for this then we can leave now. Harry and I'll be here to help this time. Don't worry about Malfoy; he should be used to being stood up at the altar."

At the reference to her lapse, Hermione frowned. She still didn't know what had gotten into her to make her run away. "This is no time for joking Ron. Like I said, it's just nerves."

"Nerves," Ron repeated, slightly doubtful. He glanced at Harry, who was talking quietly to Ginny, and shook his head. "Alright, if you say so, but if you're ever having second thoughts you know Harry and I'll be ready. Just give us a signal and we'll be flying to your rescue."

"Ron."

"Only joking."

In the garden, Draco was trying hard not to panic. It was only another hour until he would marry the Gryffindor bookworm. He was going to be married-to Granger! Even though he had tried hard to not think about the wedding, he was still standing in front of numerous guests waiting for his bride.

Draco only hoped the meager breakfast he'd eaten wouldn't make an appearance. Despite all his teasing about the entire wedding affair, he was far from ready to take Granger as a wife. Draco knew the brunette was probably just as nervous as he was. The only way he could be at peace was to find some common ground between the two of them. And he had done it in the only way he could, by teasing her mercilessly.

"You alright, mate?" Zabini asked, raising an amused brow.

"Just dandy," Draco bit out. The stupid Italian had been pestering him endlessly, wondering what marriage life would be like between him and Granger. If he's so interested, why the hell doesn't he marry her?

"I wouldn't be sure about that." Zabini directed Draco's gaze up to the second floor window where they could barely see the outline of a figure clad in white.

Granger. Just then the bushy-haired female turned around. Brown on grey. And then she disappeared.

"Seems like she's as scared as you are," chuckled Zabini.

Draco had to suppress the urge to punch the wizard. "I am not scared."

"Maybe not," he acquiesced. "But you're definitely having second thoughts."

And that Draco could not deny.

Another delay! Will they ever get married?