Well, I won't give up on us (no I'm not giving up)
God knows I'm tough enough (I am tough, I am loved)
We've got a lot to learn (we're alive, we are loved)
God knows we're worth it (and we're worth it)
Author's Note
Some content in this chapter. May be classified as M to some people but I don't consider it M rated. Skip it if you have to. Obvious where it starts.
Hermione laughed as the group teased Hannah on her engagement with Neville.
"Okay. Okay." Ginny said breathing hard through fits of laughter. "Hermione. Truth or dare?"
"Truth." Hermione said crossing her legs.
"Come on. Be a Gryffindor." Lara teased prodding Hermione with her shoulder.
"Fine. Dare." Hermione said knowing she was going to regret it.
"Hmm….let's see. Oh! Pick out a daring and sexy lingerie to wear on your wedding day." Ginny smiled winking. "I can show you some stores to get it."
Hermione wrinkled her nose in disgust and everyone whooped and cheered with laughter.
"Alright! Fine! Moving on to Round 5." Hermione said blushing madly.
"Ginny. Truth or dare?" Parvati asked leaning forwards on her chair.
"Truth." Ginny said sipping her water.
"How's Harry in bed?" Parvati asked, her eyes twinkling. Ginny spit out her water and slammed the cup down.
"Dare! Dare!" she said wiping her mouth.
"Yeah, I don't want to hear stories about him in bed either." Hermione said making a face.
"Good, because I promise you, Draco is much better." Blaise marched in followed by Theo and Draco.
"And how do you know?" Hermione asked raising an eyebrow.
"I have my sources." he replied smartly, crossing his arms defiantly. He flopped down next to Lara. "What are we up to?"
"Truth or dare. But this is Hermione's bachelorette party, so you guys need to get out." Ginny said pointing to the door.
"Little Red, you've been partying since we left at 5 and now we're back at 1:30. You've given Hermione enough girly virgin time. Now, the bad boys are joining and we'll make things more interesting." Blaise chastised.
Harry, Neville, Dean and Seamus walked in and stopped short. "We were wondering what took you so long."
"Come join little Gryffindors, the bad boys are about to make a simple game of truth and dare, much more captivating." Blaise taunted.
The boys sat down narrowing their eyes at the challenge.
"Potter. Truth or dare?" Blaise asked opening a firewhiskey.
"Dare." Harry said his green eyes becoming excited and playful.
"Give little red the most damn memorable kiss and hickey right now." Blaise said smirking around the room. "Told you, it would get more interesting."
Harry turned red to match Ginny's hair and walked up to his pregnant wife. He held the back of her neck and pressed his lips hard against Ginny's lifting her legs up to wrap around his waist. Ginny wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed back even harder. Theo whistled and Seamus and Dean shouted cheers.
Harry broke apart panting and brushed her hair off her shoulder and sucked on her neck hard. They sat down satisfied once there was a nice red mark on her neck, throbbing slightly.
"Draco. Truth or dare?" Harry asked, wrapping his arm around Ginny.
"Truth." Draco replied chugging down a shot of firewhiskey.
"Most dumb thing you've done to impress a girl." Harry said.
Draco thought for a while and took another gulp before responding. "In third year, when you were all Saint Potter and you decided to save Hagrid and ride the hippogriff, everyone was so awe struck dumb, it annoyed me. Especially when Hermione cheered loudly. So, I got all big brave boy and strut up to the hippogriff and my arm broke. Yeah, that's what happens when you try and impress a girl."
Everyone laughed loudly, teasing Hermione, who blushed bright red and laughed.
"I thought you were an idiot for walking up to the hippogriff like that." Hermione recalled smiling at the distant memory.
"Yeah well, you could say I did it in the name of love." Draco shrugged.
"Or you could say that you were a jealous little prat. Jealous that someone else was impressing Hermione." Ginny offered, earning a glare from Draco and laughter from the rest of us.
"Yeah yeah. Hmm…." Draco said rubbing his chin. And that was how they spent, the rest of the night. Friends because of Draco and Hermione. Finally.
August 26, 27, 28. It was now August 28th and Hermione awoke alone smiling to herself. Today was the day. Everything they had fought for, finally here.
Ginny, Luna and Hannah who had been asleep in their extra bedrooms were now at the foot of her bed beaming excitedly.
"UP! UP! Hermione Granger! Is now going to be Hermione MALFOY!" Ginny sang walking around the bed to rip the covers off. "Better make the bed nice. Although there's no point since you might need to buy a new one after tonight."
"Ginevra!" Hermione exclaimed as Luna and Hannah pulled her off the bed. Ginny laughed and began making the bed. The others ate breakfast fast before beginning to get ready. Everything was already set up nicely at Marlee Gardens, so all that was left was to dress up the bride.
Draco was over at Blaise's with Theo and Greg. Ginny masterfully, did Hermione's hair in lovely, elegant curls and braided to fringe parts to meet at the back. She placed the veil neatly where the braids met before going to get into her bridesmaid dress. Hannah did her makeup, simple but sweetly.
As the morning progressed, Hermione felt more nervous than anything. Was that normal? She knew it wasn't how she felt about Draco that was shaky. She took deep breaths as they helped her into her dress. It fit Hermione like a glove, accenting her curves and giving her a look of pure beauty. She slipped into some comfortable heels and glanced in the mirror.
She had never really put that much effort into her look but now, she had to admit, she looked nice. A knock came at the door and when Luna answered, her mother and Narcissa walked in beaming.
"You look amazing darling." her mother cried hugging her tight. She silently placed in sapphire earrings that shone brightly. On her wrist she wore Draco's charm bracelet and Narcissa had given her a Malfoy heirloom. A silver necklace with an M, imprinted in cursive on a pendent hanging on the bottom.
When 12 o'clock came round, the bridal party apparated to Marlee Gardens.
Narcissa and her mother stood at the head of the march. Next was Hannah and Gregory, followed by Luna and Theo and finally, Blaise and Ginny.
Hermione and her father stood behind a fountain, well hidden from view as the music started.
A soft violin and piano tune began playing softly as the bridal party walked down the aisle. Her heart rate increased until she was squeezing her father's sleeve tightly.
He remained silent and held her closer. Once Blaise and Ginny reached the end, the crowd stood as the music changed to her favorite piece-A Thousand Years.
She and her father began walking slowly down the aisle. As they rounded the corner, everything was a blur. There were rose petals leading up the aisle. Wonderful bouquets hung at the end of every pew. A garland of colorful flowers hung from streamers that criss-crossed above them. Her eyes spotted Narcissa and her mother weeping in their seats softly. Mrs Weasley was practically sobbing as she passed the Weasley family. Harry's eye caught hers in the crowd and he smiled a warm smile and nodded. She felt herself smile brighter as her eyes slowly raised up the aisle. The path of rose petals lead to Draco, standing at the end of the aisle.
Draco was something to stop and stare at. He was wearing a well fitted tux, that he looked very very, dashing in and made Hermione's heart stop mid-beat. His hair was floppy at the front and nicely combed at the back. He was squeezing his other wrist tightly in anticipation. He was gorgeous. But just like the first time she had noticed him clearly after the war, in the train compartment, his eyes, were truly the masterpiece. His eyes were a warm and bright, they held nothing but love and as their eyes locked, she walked more surely down the aisle.
Draco stood taller and stopped gripping his wrist. When they reached the end, her father pressed his lips to her temple and hugged her tight.
He nodded and shook Draco's hand before gently laying her hand in his much larger one. Draco closed his hand, enclosing Hermione's hand within. She looked up at him and smiled. He smiled back and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
They walked up to the arch, that was twined neatly in beautiful flowers. Draco squeezed Hermione's hands gently. She squeezed back as their officiant, Kingsley Shacklebolt began to speak.
"We gather here today, to join the union of Draco Lucius Malfoy and Hermione Jean Granger." Kingsley smiled down at the both of them and clasped his hands. "Today, the wizarding world, witnesses the joining of people from two different backgrounds. Two different stories, two different people entirely. We witness that the love they have for each other, overpowers any differences and history they may have." Kingsley said in a booming voice. "Even their little antics when they were younger."
The crowd chuckled and Hermione smiled at Draco. "The love these two people have for each other, is so strong, that through everything they've been through, they could do it, because they had one another. Marriage is not a contract to sign you to belong to one another. Marriage is the choice to love each other and spend the rest of forever with each other. Are you prepared for that?" he asked.
"Yes." they replied together. Kingsley opened a book and continued.
"Today, to resemble the connection of these two although they come from very different pasts, they have asked for a muggle part of the ceremony and a wizarding part. The wizarding tradition, is that, the wands are linked to one another as their mate. A connection and bond is formed, that is part of a powerful strand of old magic. Researched and requested by yours truly-Miss Granger." Kingsley chuckled.
The crowd laughed and fell back into silence. "May I have your wands?" Ginny and Blaise stepped forward. Kingsley took the wands from them and handed them to Hermione and Draco. "Touch the tips together and repeat after me. 'Per caritatem habeo abundantius in vobis spondeo me tibi.'"
"Per caritatem habeo abundantius in vobis spondeo me tibi." they murmured. A bright pale yellow glow emitted from between their wands and spirals of the light surround the two of them, lasting for a few seconds before disappearing altogether.
"Now, for the vows." Kingsley said taking the wands from them and handing it to Blaise and Ginny. Draco and Hermione turned to face one another. "Draco, repeat after me. 'I Draco Malfoy.'"
"I Draco Malfoy." Draco said clearly looking deeply into her eyes, his grip never wavering. His strong arms held her and he grinned at her lovingly.
"Take you, Hermione Granger." Kingsley continued. "To be my eternal spouse."
"Take you Hermione Granger, to be my eternal spouse." he repeated.
"Hermione, now you. 'I Hermione Granger." Kingsley said turning to her.
"I Hermione Granger." she murmured, her eyes tearing up.
"Take you, Draco Malfoy, to be my eternal spouse." Kingsley said, followed by Hermione.
"Now we alternate the vows that apply to both. Draco, you first." Kingsley said it quietly first, and they repeated after.
"Hermione, I take you as you are, to have and to hold." Draco whispered.
"From this day forward and for the rest of our lives, for better or for worse." Hermione said next, melting into his lovely, entrancing grey eyes.
"For richer, or for poorer." Draco said.
"In sickness and in health." Hermione continued.
"To love." Draco said, tears prickling at his grey eyes.
"To cherish." Hermione murmured.
"Always," Draco said, his voice barely above a whisper.
"And forever." Hermione finished.
Hermione lovingly slipped on the silver ring for Draco and gently brushed the inscription. Her ring had a silver band and a blue charming sapphire in the middle.
This was the moment. The moment, they'd fought everything for, finally here.
"You may kiss the bride." Kingsley said warmly.
"I love you." Draco said caressing her cheek, as he moved closer.
"I love you too." Hermione replied reaching up to him. He wrapped his arms around her waist and she locked hers tight around his neck.
He moved slowly until he was mere mm away from her face. She leaned across the distance kissing him. His lips were soft as they moved slow. The slowest they've ever kissed. The love and passion that they held for one another, was throbbing from within them and finally being translated to the other.
The crowd cheered and clapped, of course Theo and Blaise wolf-whistled and catcalled but Hermione didn't notice.
They broke apart and turned to face the crowd, their arms tight against one another. Holding each other as if this was their last few minutes on earth.
But this was the beginning of forever.
Everyone had lunch buffet in the dining hall and came out when called for pictures with the bride and groom.
Then the bridal party went to the best spots on location for wedding photos.
They took many photos. Some with the whole bridal party and some with just the two of them. In one, Draco was kneeling and kissing Hermione's hand. In another, Draco has his arms around Hermione as the camera took shots from the front and the back, to get the best view of the gardens.
There were ones with them kissing in a complete garden of flowers, some with them on a garden swing, some hiding behind a tree and others lying in the flower beds together. Draco and his groomsmen had photos of them crossing their arms in front of a tree. One with the groomsmen up on the swings and tree and Draco standing at the base, all with, according to Blaise, their 'sexy face'.
There was one with Draco and his groomsmen standing in a v-format, with shots from the front and the back. Draco at the tip of the v and his men flanking him.
Then Hermione had ones with the bridesmaids sitting in front of a fountain, running in the gardens, posing dramatically, professionally, happily in the gardens. There was one with them sitting on the ground, their dresses fanned out and flower petals on the dresses. Shots of them walking from the back, side and front.
They had a break till dinner and the party for an hour. The bridal party was camping out at Blaise's while Hermione and her bridesmaid helped her freshen up in a spare bedroom.
"How's your day Hermione?" Ginny smiled spraying some hairspray on.
"Busy. But amazing. This…..it's incredible." Hermione replied. She smiled to herself as Draco walked in. The girls excused themselves all grinning like idiots. Draco, expertly cast the silencio charm, muffliato and locking spell.
He came closer to her and snaked his arms around her waist. "Did I tell you, that you looked absolutely beautiful today?" he murmured into her ear.
She rested her hands on top of his and turned her head to look at him. "You look amazing yourself." she smiled. "Can you believe we're married?"
"It's crazy huh?" Draco laughed. "But I wouldn't have done it any other way."
"It's the start of forever." Hermione whispered pulling him by the tux, closer. He moaned quietly and wrapped his arms tight against her hips and hoisted her against the wall. She gripped his hair and he pressed them close. So close that she could feel the intensity of every inch of him. He crushed his lips down on her, his hands travelling all over her. She arched her back, locking her legs around his waist. His lips left scorching fire behind wherever they kissed. He moved swiftly, devouring her neck. His head was practically buried in her neck, when the door swung open.
"I told you they were at it. Their patience is withering." Blaise snorted walking in followed by her bridal party. "Gryffindors. Supposed to be brave, but they can't even break into their shag and tell them that their guests are waiting."
"Actually, I'm a Ravenclaw and Hannah is a hufflepuff." Luna corrected. "Sorry Hermione, we didn't mean to interrupt your first time at sex."
"How do you know It's their first time?" Blaise raised a skeptical eyebrow. "When Hermione walked down, they were practically eye fuc-"
"Blaise, we're fully clothed, so shut up will you?" Draco asked rubbing his forehead. Blaisd winked before he and Draco left.
The girls finished freshening Hermione before they all apparated back to the venue.
As the bridal party walked down the aisle to their tables for the grand entrance music blared and people clapped.
"AND NOW!" Their host, Lee Jordan boomed. "Your newly weds, MR AND MRS DRACO MALFOY!" he shouted into the mic.
Draco grasped her hand as they entered through the doors to a cheering and whooping crowd. They made their way down the aisle and reached the dance floor. Draco began a suave dance as the crowd clapped along with the beat. The spotlight flashed on Hermione and a hush fell over the crowd. The music was building up as Draco offered his hand and Hermione took it. The beat moved faster and the crowd grew excited. They began dancing together to the beat. As the song ended, Hermione and Draco sat at the head table.
As the wizarding food courses began coming out, Lee began speaking into the mic again. "And now for our first activity. Can I get the maid of honour, the best man, two close friends from both sides?"
Ginny and Blaise made their way to the dance floor. Draco chose Theo and Cristiano for his close friends. She chose Parvati and Harry.
They each received a handheld sign, one side with Draco's handsome face and the other with Hermione's.
"Answer each thought with who you think fits best. First question; who is the most sarcastic?"
Blaise, Theo, Luna, Cristiano and Ginny flipped up Draco. Harry stuck up Hermione's.
The crowd laughed as Lee continued. "Who is more seductive?"
All signs rose for Draco. The crowd roared with laughter. "Who do you think made the first move?" Draco's side raised his face and Hermione's raised hers.
"Who would win in an argument?" Everyone flipped up Hermione's face and the crowd laughed.
"Who is the better kisser?" Blaise, Theo and Cristiano raised Draco and Ginny and Luna raised Hermione's.
"I prefer not to answer this one." Harry muttered. The crowd laughed.
"How would you know he's the better kisser?" George called to Draco's side. The crowd laughed even harder as the game wrapped up.
As the courses finished, Ginny stepped up for her speech. "I've known Draco and Hermione for practically my whole life. And if you know them the way I do, you'll know that they did NOT get along. " the crowd laughed and the couple blushed. "It can't be denied that I was shocked to find these two smitten. They were such different people, it was surprising to find how much they began to love one another. All I can say, is that the fact that they can ignore their rocky history and find themselves in love, shows how much they really mean to each other. Hermione and Draco, you deserve this happy ending and I'm so happy for you guys. Congratulations to the newly weds, Mr and Mrs Malfoy!" Ginny concluded.
The crowd clapped as Blaise took his turn. "Well hello." the crowd chuckled and whistled. Blaise grinned and continued. "Draco man, I'm so happy for you. I remember the bachelor days but now, you have a loyalty. Best friend, husband and lover to Hermione. Hermione, I know you'll take care of him and he'll take care of you. I've known Draco since we were wee little things, creating mischief since the early days. We've been through alot together and it makes me so happy to see you married off to a beautiful, charming young lady. I wish you both the best of luck and may you spend every day cherishing each other. And now a toast to the bride and groom!" Blaise said raising his glass,
"And now for the first dance as husband and wife." Lee said as a slow track began.
Draco lead Hermione to the dance floor as the muggle song, All of Me began playing.
"I love you, you know?" Draco asks as they began a slow waltz. "More than I can say." he whispered, his breath warm.
"I know. I love you too. And I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you." she murmured. They swayed from side to side before he spoke again.
"They're still out there. We only got two of them." he said his voice strained.
People slowly joined them on the dance floor and began dancing.
He did not need to expand on what he meant. She understood and swallowed hard. "Today is our day, I don't want to think about the hell in this world."
"Speaking of hell in this world." Draco's face hardened. Hermione turned around and saw a familiar red head standing in the shadows by the entrance. Hermione went still and slowly made her way away from Draco and the crowd dancing as the party began.
When she made her way to the entrance, the rest of the Weasley family and their partners were there already.
"Ron please leave. We are your family and we forgive you for cheating on Hermione, but this is her wedding. Don't ruin it for her!" Mrs Weasley chided.
"You traitors came to the death eater's wedding?!" Ron demanded.
"You need to calm down." Bill said in a deep voice. "You're a real ass to spoil her day." he said, looking at him with disgust.
"Look here Ronald." Ginny said her hands on her hips. "You need to back off her Ron. She's a married woman and if you really cared about her, you'd screw off."
"I WON'T LET HER RUIN HER LIFE WITH A DANGEROUS, BEASTLY FERRET OF A DEATH EATER!" Ron snarled.
"Enough Ronald. You can't insult my husband." Hermione snapped. All eyes turned on her. Ron's eyes raked over her and his mouth drooped. Then his face became icy.
"You shouldn't be wearing white. You're not a pure virgin. You're just a dirty little slut now, serving him like a little prostitute." he spat.
"Weasley, I'm going to have to ask you to leave." Draco said in a forced polite voice as he emerged from the shadows. Ron scowled even deeper.
"Stop being an arse Malfoy, you don't love her." Ron snapped clenching his fists.
Draco took a deep breath calming himself. "I won't let you ruin the day for us Weasley. Please excuse yourself and leave."
Ron turned and ugly shade of puce when Mrs Weasley stepped up. "Ron, when two people finally discover themselves in that one person, it's magic. You can't get in the way of that." she pleaded staring at him hard. Hermione was touched by the truth of Mrs Weasley's words. Draco stepped forward and gripped Hermione's hand.
Ron glared so intensely at all of them before stalking off.
"I'm so sorry Hermione. And you, Draco." Mrs Weasley smiled a watery smile as Bill, George and Harry followed after Ron.
The rest of the Weasley family returned to the party and Hermione was alone with Draco. He walked up to her and pressed his lips to her temple.
"I'm so sorry that happened." he murmured. She wrapped her arms around him tight and he pressed her closer.
"Nothing could possibly ruin this day." she replied surely as they returned to the party. Everyone was drinking and eating, laughing and talking. People were also dancing up a storm on the dance floor.
The little scene with Ron, shook her up and seemed to rattle her insides. This was not how she imagined her wedding. After several tries of finding love with Ron, she had given up and felt hopeful to at least have her two best friends there to support her on this special day. She felt as if she had lost one part of her.
She felt a tap on her shoulder as the music changed to a slower song. She turned to see Harry smiling slightly. He offered his hand and she took it without hesitation as they danced slowly.
"How's Ron?" Hermione asked quietly. Harry studied her before taking a deep breath and responding.
"He's been better." Harry replied as they swayed from side to side. "I think…..I think he's confusing his love for you for a different kind of love. Because 'Mione, he's always loved you. But he hasn't realized that it's not the kind of love he might want."
Hermione licked her lips and sighed. "I wish he could see that I'm happy. I really do love him, but just not that way. I hope he sees that one day."
Harry smiled wanly. "He's Ron. He'll come around. In 10-20 years maybe…"
Hermione smiled weakly. "Let's hope so. I don't want this friendship to end. Between the three of us."
"I know. But this is your day 'Mione, don't let this ruin it." Harry whispered poking her stomach. "You know, no offence to you and all, but I think this day when you walked down the aisle, it reminded me of the day you walked down the stairs for the Yule ball. You've never looked more beautiful." Harry smiled.
"Thanks Harry." Hermione smiled. "I just wish Ron was here."
"He technically is." Harry reminded. Hermione whacked him smartly on the shoulder and he laughed.
"You know what I mean Potter." Hermione grinned.
"You already sound like Malfoy." Harry said wrinkling his nose in disgust.
"I am technically a Malfoy now." Hermione corrected. Harry rolled his eyes causing them both to laugh.
As the song ended, Draco and Hermione cut the cake together. He stood behind her and they held the knife together as cameras clicked.
The cake was a stunning 5 ft tall. There was delicious, mouth watering waves of icing that swirled and layered the cake all the way up. There were flowers trailing all the way around and up the cake. At the top were two silhouettes swaying together. The cake went around to everyone, served by the waiters.
Draco and Hermione had decided that since the press would find out rumours anyways about their wedding, it was better to give them a real exclusive than have them spit out lies.
They had submitted some pictures and Ginny and Blaise gave an interview.
"And now for the mother and son dance. May I invite Draco and Mrs Malfoy?" Lee called. Draco made his way to the dance floor and offered his mother a hand. She slipped her tiny hand into his and they began dancing gracefully. Narcissa looked stunning a vibrant violet gown. It had a nice sheen layer that lead to sparkled jewels before the thick material flared down sharply. It gave her an even more regal appearance but she held a more friendly manner. Her face held years of love for her son, pure happiness as she danced with her only son. He twirled her twice and the crowd applauded. They were talking quietly when they both turned and glanced at her. Narcissa smiled so warmly, Hermione felt her heart go towards her mother in law. Draco's eyes held so much as they ran over her. She blushed and smiled back before the song ended.
"Thank you, for the ever graceful dance Draco and Narcissa. And now for the daughter and father dance. Hermione and her father...if you will please…?"
Hermione made her way to the dance floor. Draco grinned at her as she stepped up. Her father offered his hand and drew her in.
"Hey daddy." Hermione smiled as the music began.
"Hi darling. How's your day?" he asked as they moved around the dance floor. "Amazing. I'm so glad, you and mum are here. I've never been more happy." she replied smiling.
"You're going to say that again when your first child is born, then your next and your next, then when your children go off to school, and then when they graduate, their wedding….you'll have many more moments my love." her father promised. She noticed a wet gleam in his eye and felt tears prickle her own eyes.
"Thank you daddy. For everything you've done for me. And for raising me. And accepting my transfer as part of the wizarding world. You lead me to this day. Thank you." she whispered. This time a tear really did leak out of her father's eye.
"Anything for you sweetie. You deserve all this and more." he said tucking hair behind her ear, something he'd always done for her. "Now don't cry. It'll ruin your makeup or whatever."
Hermione laughed as the song ended and Hermione returned to her seat. Draco clasped her hand as she sat down. The music began blaring again and Blaise ran to the dance floor and began dancing. Lara followed along with many of the other guests. Draco and Hermione joined them and danced together to the music.
"Is this how you pictured your wedding?" Draco asked grinning as he spun her swiftly so her back was pressed against his chest. They swayed together despite the upbeat music playing.
Hermione smiled and leaned her head against the crook of his neck. "To be honest, I never thought I would get married." She could picture Draco raising a skeptical eyebrow and she turned to see her assumptions proved correct.
"Why not? Your smart, beautiful, sexy, clever, a damn powerful witch….a freaking war hero. Did I mention so sexy?" he asked causing her to blush crimson.
"I didn't imagine to survive after the war. I knew there was a high chance that I could die in the war. By some miraculous reason, I did." Hermione said quietly.
"Thank merlin you did. I will thank fate, God, Merlin….whoever….for you to be here today, standing in my arms. I would thank them every day, every hour for you…..to just be here….with me." he whispered. She turned around and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"You could have just have easily died." she countered, inhaling every inch of him she could smell. Now, at this moment, she couldn't imagine not having him here with her.
"But I'm a coward. Not a bloody gallant idiot at times, so damn brave that I would get myself killed." he reminded his lips twitching.
"Every time there was a lockdown or death eater invasion or battle, you protected me with all of you. You saved that little girl in the tower. You're not a coward." she said pulling him so close, she could feel every inch of him.
"I'm only a bloody gallant fool when it comes to you." he corrected. She pressed their foreheads together and they swayed from side to side.
"You're a good person Draco. And in the end of it all, you knew where you belonged." she murmured.
"Yeah." he whispered, his breath tickling her face. "Right here with you."
"All the single ladies! Single ladies! Get ready for the bouquet toss!" Lee shouted.
All the bachelorette's gathered on the dance floor as Hermione was handed her bouquet and turned around.
She gave a huge throw as the flower flew over her head and there came squeals of excitement as the ladies grabbed for the bouquet.
A fist pumped into the air victoriously. The girls parted to reveal Lara beaming triumphantly. Hermione hugged Lara as the bachelor's took the stage.
Hermione sat in the chair and waited a bit anxiously as the bachelor's surrounded Draco and clapped his back.
Draco then made his way towards her and got on both knees. The crowd cheered as he winked at her and ducked under her dress. She was stiff as Draco's teeth grazed her thighs and the inside of her thighs. He kissed slow kisses on the inside of her thighs before he smoothly removed the lace garter and came out. Hermione was blushing but Draco seemed perfectly content. Hermione returned to her seat as Draco threw the garter.
It soared over heads and the men seemed to shove and wrestle for it. Finally after a few shoves and curses, Blaise came out on top and shouted with glory.
The party continued for a couple more hours, people seemed to dance and dance, some were undoubtedly getting very drunk. People stopped at 1:30 for a midnight snack before it was time to bid the groom and bride farewell.
Hermione and Draco waved as they walked down the aisle and made their way to the apparition point.
"Are you ready?" Draco asked offering his arm. She took it and nodded firmly. He turned on the spot without a word or a backwards glance and they suddenly appeared on a breezy beach mid sunset.
The sun was sinking and the sky was splattered with bright shades of violet, pink, orange and yellow. The water was turquoise as small waves crashed against the shore. The sand was powder white soft that looked soft enough to sleep on.
"Where are we?" she asked in wonder gazing at the sunset.
"Turks and Caicos. Provo." he answered grasping her hand. He lead her to another Malfoy beachfront house by the shore on what appeared to be a private beach.
They entered the house to a black and white theme. The house was large as expected of a Malfoy property and Draco was gazing at her hard.
She knew this was his way of trying to figure out if she was ready. Ready to give herself up. She knew he would be hurt but accepting if she wasn't, but the fact of the matter was that, she was.
She walked swiftly towards him and crushed her lips hard against his. She grabbed his face and pressed it close to hers. She felt him pulling at her lips and licking them lovingly. His hands were on her waist fingering the zipper.
She paused kissing him to tear off his suit jacket. He let go to help her and he took that as a yes as he unzipped her dress and it fell in a heap on the floor. She kicked it to the side and yanked open the buttons of his dress shirt. He carried her to the bedroom bridal style as she successfully tore the dress shirt open. Her hands gripped his hair as he unclasped her bra and tossed it behind them, kicking the door shut with his feet behind them.
Hermione unbuckled his belt and pants and he kicked them off along with his shoes as she ripped off hers. Things became suddenly urgent, as if they couldn't get enough of one another. His lips were hard and bruising against hers as he pulled and tugged. His hands were everywhere, she ran her hands down his chest causing him to let out a groan.
He tore open the seams of her underwear and threw it roughly across the room. Her breathing became hard as she bravely used her toes to push down his boxers.
She felt oddly embarrassed at being bare. Skin to skin with Draco. He seemed to notice her hesitation and stopped, panting as he looked down at her. She felt herself pulling the blanket, subconsciously over herself. He gripped her wrist as his eyes raked over her, drinking in her appearance.
"You're so beautiful." he whispered huskily. He took the blanket out of her grasp and slowly pressed his lips on every inch of her body. His lips left burning marks of intensity wherever they landed and she let out passionate moans as he made his way down. She gripped his soft hair before his lips came down on hers again. One of his hands roamed her body as the other entered her.
He looked up at her again and her dilated eyes locked on his lustful ones. She gripped his shoulders and wrapped her legs around his waist. She felt him enter her and groaned into his shoulder biting it.
His hips knocked hard into hers, sending ripples of pleasure through her. She felt her lose herself and seconds later, he did too before they collapsed in a heap.
They were a tangle of limbs as they breathed heavily. Draco pulled her body in against his and tossed the blanket over them.
He kissed her head before sleep overcame them.
Author's Note
I was going to put in the rest of their honeymoon but I thought I'd put that in one last and final chapter.
Remember that Hideaway is coming out soon.
I always forget to do this but: Disclaimer. Rights to JK Rowling.
Sorry for late posts, busy busy, busy.
Thought? Comments? Reviews?