Disclaimer: Many thanks to JK Rowling for her wonderful works. They are hers and hers alone. I have only borrowed her characters for a while and built my own little fantasy around them. There is no pay involved for me in doing it.

Chapter 26

The next few weeks passed with a lot less stress and drama. Draco and Hermione fell into a comfortable routine as he started work as an officer in the US Magical Law Enforcement Agency and she got used to the feeling of being part of a couple. They had a few bumps in the road; late nights, bringing work home, no time for each other, and who cooked for whom last, but on the whole, things went rather smoothly. But, as the wedding of Beth and Blaise on the 4th of July drew closer, the days began to fly by.

Hermione was wound especially tight as that weekend marked several large events for her. First, there was the wedding itself and keeping Beth from losing her mind. Then, there was the fact that Blythe was coming for the weekend and was staying with Draco and her the night of the wedding, so that Beth and Blaise could be alone. Hermione found Blythe, through her letters, to be a very intelligent, happy, funny girl, but she really didn't know what she was going to do with a fifteen year old trailing her every step all weekend. On top of that, Beth had insisted that Ginny and Harry come, which meant Harry, Ron, Draco and Blaise all in one location again. And, the final added stress point, Narcissa had written back to both of them and told them that since she would be there for the wedding anyway, she might as well stay a few days. That way they could show her around and she and Hermione could start their lessons then. Hermione was most decidedly stressed.

Draco wasn't doing much better. Blaise was getting more nervous as the day drew nearer and seemed more prone to want to go out and get drunk. Hermione flipped out or cried at the drop of a hat and he spent a lot of time either apologizing to or consoling her. He also had his new job, which proved to be a lot more work than he'd ever thought. There was patrol, research, and mounds of paperwork, some of which he had to bring home, which upset both Hermione and him, as it cut into their alone time. Then, of course, he was nervous about his mother's visit (what would she do alone in the apartment all day when they were at work) that week, and his day trip the following Saturday back home to spend time with his father.

As the Friday before the wedding arrived, Draco and Hermione came home at the same time and fell across each other on the sofa. They had two hours before they were due at the dress rehearsal dinner and it was the first time they had had to just sit with each other in almost a week.

"Hi," he sighed against her hair.

She snuggled against him and wiggled out of her shoes, "Hi, yourself. Good day?"

He ran his hands up her sides and rested his hands beneath her breasts, "Not bad, actually. I got to take a woman in who was erasing people's minds after she robbed them blind at department stores."

"Yay, you," she smiled and leaned back to kiss him.

"And, yours?" he asked and slid his hands up to lightly caress her.

She sighed and arched into his nimble fingers, "Fine. Nothing crazy. But, it's definitely getting better now."

She felt his chest rumble behind her and slid her hands up his thighs before she sighed, "We have at least an hour before we have to get dressed. Want to take a nice, long, bath?"

"Sounds good to me," he answered as he nibbled her ear.

She got up and took his hand to help him up. When he stood next to her, she went up on her toes to kiss him, "I've missed you."

"Not as much as I've missed you," he answered. "Come on!"

She laughed giddily as he picked her up and hurried to the bathroom. When he uttered a quick spell and the tub doubled in size, she laughed, "Some days I just love magic!"

"So, who's going to smell like who?" he asked as he looked at the array of soaps and lotions lining the tub.

She leaned across him and chose a bottle, "How about this?"

He glanced at the bottle and scrunched his face as he pulled off her suit jacket, "Fall Wonderscent. I don't think so."

She laughed and did a quick spell, "How about that?" she asked and waved he bottle under his nose.

He unbuttoned her shirt quickly and laughed, "Apples? Love, that's you."

She laughed, placed a bit on his chest and inhaled, "Nope, spicy, musky, slightly sweet, that's all you, hon."

He smiled in understanding as he realized she had charmed it to smell like the wearer, "Ah, nice charm."

She tipped the bottle into the pouring water and turned to help him out of his clothes. He stopped working on her skirt and stood still as she pulled his robes off his shoulders and then slid his sweater up over his head.

He then laughed, "No fair. I didn't fondle your chest."

"Yes, you did," she reminded him, "on the sofa."

They finished undressing quickly and got in the tub. She sat in front of him and leaned back against his chest. Draco waved on the radio and between the music, warm water and lights she had lowered, they let themselves relax and bask in the quiet together for a few minutes.

Hermione's eyes were closed in relaxation when she smiled to herself as his hands starting sliding across her skin under the water. That didn't take him long.

"My turn again," he said softly as his hands came up to cup her breasts.

She laughed a little and then ended on a soft moan, "Well, it's only fair."

Draco chuckled, but continued his path along her body. Every time they had sex and he traced her body with his fingers, he found a new spot to enjoy, not really caring if it was an already discovered spot from the time before. Today's focus was the soft skin on the tops and sides of her breasts.

Hermione moved against his hands urging him to move his caresses to where she wanted them. But, it seemed he was not in any hurry to move things along.

She decided to take control. Taking the soap in her hand she lowered her hand to the water and ran it over one hard thigh. She felt his legs tense on either side of her and smiled as he finally took her breasts in his hands. Switching to the other she hand, she repeated the action on his other leg. Then she put the soap back on the side of the tub and massaged his thighs in time to his motions on her chest. She let her hands travel slowly higher, making smaller more precise movements, until her hands met in back of her and she took him in between her fingers. He hissed his pleasure and lifted her hair to kiss her neck. She ran her hands along his length slowly increasing her speed until he moaned softly in her ear.

As he licked and bit the soft skin on her neck and shoulders, he felt her shiver and moved his hands down her body until one rested on her stomach and the other found her warmth. He took his time and used only the tip of his fingers until he felt her shifting restlessly against him. Only then did he slide his hand down further to stir her to a frenzy.

"Now, please, now," she panted quietly and let her head drop back on his shoulder.

He moved her hands away and leaned forward to capture her lips once more. Then in a fluid movement, she was lifted and found herself moaning as he filled her. He growled low in his throat as she took him in and the heat enveloped him. Allowing her to set the rhythm, he held her close, one hand on her hip, the other tweaking and massaging her breast.

Hermione felt like she was flying. His moans, groans, and whispered words of love and desire were as much a turn on for her as his hands and lips. Each slide of his hand left a trail of fire. Each kiss a shiver of delight. Then she felt the pull of desire in her lower stomach and new she was close. She bit her lip to hold back a small scream as he put his finger to her and helped send her over.

Draco felt her inner muscles pull at him and sighed in pleasure. The sound of her unknowingly chanting his name never failed to push him closer. He held her to him as she quivered against him and regained her breath. When he could take no more, he lifted her again and pushed her forward until she was on her knees in the water. He moved behind her and heard her sharp intake of breath as he reentered her quickly and forcefully. Her body pulled at him as he hurried to get his release.

The water sloshed in the tub in time to their movements, but neither cared about the water that splashed to the floor. Hermione felt him lean over her back and place his hands on either side hers on the floor of the tub. Then his lips were once again dancing over her skin and he was whispering her name. When he sped up, and his whispers turned to tiny grunts, she knew he was close. She tightened her muscles around him to urge him and felt the thrill shoot through her straight to her toes. She felt him let go and his last thrusts sent her over again.

He felt her tighten around him, her muscles milking the last from him and collapsed against her. His weight sent them both down into the water. They came up gagging and laughing as they reached for hand towels to wipe their eyes.

"Well, that's one way to end it," she giggled.

"Sorry about that," he laughed. "Forgot where we were."

She moved across the tub to kneel in front of him and pulled his head down for a lingering kiss, "I completely understand."

Draco let his hands move up her body again and Hermione tsked, "Nope, sorry. We have a dinner to get ready for, remember?"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," he mumbled in mock sadness. Then he brightened, "But, we still have later tonight before the full craziness sets in."

She smiled at the thought of the evening to come, but rolled her eyes at everything else, "Don't remind me."

After their shared bath, they quickly got washed and dried before Draco shrunk and cleaned the tub and Hermione quickly waved her wand to clean up the rest of the mess they'd made. Then with a lot of additional kisses and caresses they got dressed.

The rehearsal went smoothly, considering both Beth and Blaise had customs they weren't quite comfortable with yet. Beth didn't get the circle of magic and love that was magically drawn around them, and still wasn't quite sure how Blaise planned to make the muggles at the wedding understand it. Blaise was still confused by the three candles that stood behind the alter and kept forgetting to not blow out his parents' candle when he and Beth lit theirs. There was a lot of good-natured laughter from everyone involved as the explanations kept being sent from person to person, witch or wizard to muggle.

Blaise and Beth had explained things to her parents a few weeks earlier and they were still trying to accept everything. But, faced with their very happy daughter and doting new son-in-law, as well as learning that Hermione, whom they had loved for years, was a witch, as well, they took it extremely well. As they understood the need for secrecy, they hadn't told anyone and were the only non-magical people in attendance. So, it was a very interesting night for them as they learned more than they ever thought to ask about the magical world, and explained to a very interested group, the customs of Catholicism.

After the rehearsal, they went to a nice Italian restaurant for the rehearsal dinner.

"When we were very young, I remember Blaise telling me that one day he would marry a witch who was nice, funny, smart, beautiful, knew how to play Exploding Snaps like a pro, and would order him chocolate chip waffles from the house elves every day. Well, B, Beth's not a witch, and she has to make your waffles, not order them, but I think in everything else, you got your wish. And, Beth, I know we haven't known each other a long time, but I do like you a lot and value our new friendship. I have never seen Blaise happier or more grounded, and for that I thank you and welcome you to our crazy little family, albeit a few weeks late. Blaise, my brother, congratulations. Be happy. To Beth and Blaise!"

Draco toasted his friend and sat back down. He felt Hermione take his hand under the table and saw her dab at her eyes with the other hand. She sent him a soft watery smile and he leaned over to kiss her tenderly. Then she stood to give her speech.

"Well, since I have to do this again tomorrow night, I think I will keep this short." She waited as the people around the table laughed a little. All her friends knew she liked to talk and waited to see for how "short" a time she would talk.

"So, to Blaise Zabini, a man I have known about for most of my life, but never really known until a short while ago. You are a good friend, a good man, and from what Beth says, a good husband. I don't know what fates brought you back into my life, and therefore Beth's, but I am really thankful they did. And, to Elizabeth Anne Zabini, a woman I have known and loved for the past four years. We have shared everything and been as close as sisters. You have always been stable, solid, and sure. Over the past two months I have watched you fall in love with that man next to you and then do something I never imagined. You took a chance, a big one. But, even in that, you were sure. I admire you. I love you. I want nothing but the best for you, perfection. And, I know you have found that with Blaise. Congratulations to you both."

The table toasted once again as Hermione sat down. She looked around and saw the tears in the eyes of the women and a couple of the men at the table as the two at the head leaned in to kiss one another. She nodded at the kiss blown to her by Beth's mom and then turned her head to smile again up at Draco.

The evening continued with several more toasts from both of their parents (his father's funny, his mother's stilted and formal), her parents (both endearing), Snoop (funny and a bit embarrassing for Beth), and Blythe, who made everyone cry. She told the group how much she loved and admired her brother, how much she had already grown to love her new sister-in-law, and how thankful she was to finally live in a time were their love could exist.

Ron didn't make a toast, as he didn't know Blaise all that well, and didn't feel comfortable talking in front of people. He spent the majority of his evening watching Draco and Hermione out of the corner of his eye. It disgusted him to watch them be so familiar and comfortable with each other. He wanted to leap across the table and strangle the blonde man when he ordered Hermione's tea exactly like she liked it when she wasn't even looking. Then, when it arrived, she glanced at it and then gave Draco a quick kiss of thanks before turning back to her conversation with Beth's mother. Draco's arm rested on her chair and his hand was lost somewhere in her hair, while he continued his conversation with Blaise. Ron's blood boiled. And, it pissed him off royally that he couldn't see any reason for Draco to still be with her. The fact that he didn't seem to be using her, and that they both seemed happy, content, and whole, was horrifying to him. If Draco wasn't using her, was actually in love with her, then Ron was the one in the wrong. And, that pissed him off, too.

Snoop felt the tension rolling off of her husband and turned to see him staring at Draco and Hermione. With a long suffering sigh she leaned close to him and whispered in his ear. "Honey, this is about Beth and Blaise. Just for this weekend, please let it go."

He looked into her pleading eyes and nodded. Her touch, as always, soothed his ruffled nerves and he took a breath to calm down.

"Sorry," he whispered. "I'm okay."

She leaned in and gave him a quick kiss, "Ten more minutes and we can leave, okay?"

He nodded and reached for his drink. He took a big gulp and glanced at his watch. Then his eyes rested on Hermione once more and he saw her lean back as Draco whispered in her ear. He watched a grin and a blush appear on her face, just as a confident smirk crossed Draco's. He patted himself on the back in his mind for not jumping up to rip them apart and glanced at his watch again. Only nine minutes to go.

' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' '

The morning of the wedding was hectic for everyone involved. It was going to be a small wedding, but there were still quite a few details to be seen to by both Draco and Hermione. They had had a late night as they celebrated being alone one last time for a while. But, they woke early to get started on their separate assigned tasks. Draco only had to keep Blaise calm and get them both dressed, along with both fathers, over at the loft. Hermione and Snoop had to get Beth and themselves ready, while attending to Blaise's mother, Beth's mother, and Blythe. Beth's mother was a lot like her daughter and found all the magic of the morning fascinating. Once Ginny joined the group, Hermione realized how small her apartment could be. She was thankful Draco's mother and father were going straight to the wedding and not coming back to her place until the evening. Her panic over them being there in general, Lucius' short visit for a late dinner, and then Narcissa's extended stay could wait at least a few hours.

Thankfully, the wedding went smoothly and before they knew it Mr. and Mrs. Blaise Zabini were having their first dance. When they were called, she and Draco joined the couple on the floor, along with the older Zabinis and Beth's parents.

"I know I said it already, but you really are simply gorgeous tonight," he said softly and then kissed her lightly."Thank you. Again," she laughed happily. Then she smoothed her hands down his chest and sighed, "And, you still look magnificent in a tux."

"Of course, I do," he laughed quietly before he twirled her in a circle.

"So, I've wanted to know all day, did Beth's dad do all the bowties?"

"Yep, but then Blaise's dad put a memory charm on them so they would retie themselves, in case they came undone."

"Smart," she said. Then she nodded at the couple near them, "Think Blaise is having fun?"

"I don't know if fun is the right word," he laughed. "But, he's getting through it. He was so nervous this morning. All last week he just wanted to go out, but then when I offered to take him the other night, he just wanted to be home with Beth. Then this morning he kept asking if I thought she would bolt."

"That's sweet," she smiled up at him.

"No, it's weird, which is what I told him," he laughed. "They're already married. What the heck was he all worried about? Even if she didn't show up today, they'd still be married."

"You do have a point," she laughed. "Crap, crap, crap…"

"What?" he asked startled by her quick change of mood.

"Your parents," she whispered.

"Wher…Oh." She felt his muscles tense a bit as he smiled, "Father. Mother. Having a good time?"

Narcissa nodded happily, "Hello, you two. Yes, it's very charming. A bit different, but…"

She was interrupted by her husband's snort, but continued gamely on, "BUT, I think it was quite ingenious the way they've mixed things like they've done. And, I find I quite enjoy this music."

Hermione smiled at Narcissa, "Well, not all muggle songs are like this, but I hope you like them, too."

"I'm sure I shall," Narcissa smiled.

Hermione felt she should at least acknowledge Draco's father, even though he didn't seem inclined to give her the same courtesy.

"And, you, Mr. Malfoy? Are you having an enjoyable time?"

She almost flinched when his eyes came to rest on her face. But, she felt the tension release in Draco's arms and knew she had done the right thing. The long pause after her question left her thinking he wouldn't answer, so she was surprised enough to jump a little when he finally did.

When her eyes snapped to his, he was looking directly at her and saying, "Well, Ms. Granger, it isn't the worst night of my life. It is no where near how it should be for such an auspicious occasion, but I assume it suits them. And, Stanford and Baina seem pleased. At least your little friend is pretty enough, even if she is just a muggle."

Part of her brain registered the insult to Beth, but Hermione couldn't respond as her mouth hung open a little at the number of words he'd used. He had said more in that one sentence than she ever remembered him speaking to her. And, it was said without malice. Of course, there were insults, but that seemed to be the way he spoke to everyone. She finally felt Draco's hand digging into her side and nodded.

"Oh, uh yes. Beth is pretty," was all she could formulate.

Draco laughed under his breath, but then added a bit louder to his father, "Father it is, of course, out of the ordinary, but it really is the right blending of the two of them. And, I assure you, Beth and Blaise are perfect for each other, muggle or not."

Hermione felt herself withdraw a little at the intensity of the Lucius' eyes when he spoke to Draco, but looked at her, "Just so we are clear, Draco, no wedding of yours will ever be anything like this fiasco. There are rules to be followed and customs and traditions to be adhered to. Do I make myself clear?"

"Of course, Father," Draco answered with a slight nod.

Narcissa, who had been very quiet during their exchange finally spoke up, "Lucius, I am sure Draco understands his duties. No need to harp on that now at this lovely party." Then she looked at Hermione and added, "Besides, I know his wedding will be the event of the century. I, for one, really look forward to that day."

Hermione wasn't sure if the look on her face reflected the rolling fear and panic in her stomach and tried to up the wattage of her forced smile. Her eyes flew to Draco's and he smiled at her. She immediately relaxed.

"Well, you two have fun," Draco said to his parents. "We're going to get ready for the other traditions we have to take part in tonight."

Lucius merely nodded in dismissal, but Narcissa smiled at the two of them, "Oh, there's more?"

"Yes, a few more things," Hermione smiled at Narcissa's childlike glee. "I think you will find them very interesting."

"Father. Mother," Draco bowed slightly to his parents. Hermione nodded to both and let Draco lead her from the floor.

"Well, that wasn't awful," she commented. "He spoke to me almost like a real person. Do you think he's drunk?"

Draco barked a laugh, "No, love, not drunk. That was dear old dad being warm."

She laughed with him, "Wow."

"You two having fun?" Snoop said from behind them.

They turned to see her leaning heavily on Ron and Hermione laughed, "Well, not as much as you seem to be having. It's the middle of the afternoon. How much have you had to drink, young lady?"

"Just enough to be able to get through another muggle/wizard wedding," she giggled. "I thought mine was bad. But, sheesh, she has like her whole damn family here. I see a lot of memory modifications coming."

Draco laughed, "I think everyone's being pretty well-behaved."

Ron snorted and looked at Draco as he said snidely, "Yeah, and your parents showing up in dress robes didn't cause any questions."

Hermione stepped forward, "They didn't know what else to wear, Ron. Besides, everyone bought the story about them being eccentric, so no problem. They changed their clothes."

I can NOT believe he is making me defend the Malfoys!!!

Ron opened his mouth to retort, but saw the look on both of the women's faces. He didn't care about Draco's feelings, but he didn't want to cause any problems tonight. He had promised Georgie.

He looked away from all of them as he mumbled, "Yeah, well, there's other stuff, too. Everyone should be more careful."

"Careful about what?" Harry asked as he and Ginny joined them.

"Nothing," Ron grunted.

Hermione smiled at the couple, "You two having fun?"

"Oh yes," Ginny smiled. "But, I'm sick of this slow music. I want to dance."

As if she'd conjured it, the song changed to a fast one and Ginny squealed and pulled on Harry's hand.

He stood stiffly, "No, Gin, you know I hate dancing."

"Come on guys," Hermione laughed and tried to get them on the dance floor.

For the first time all three bonded over something as they refused to budge. Finally, the women gave up and left them standing there as they joined the other people on the dance floor. The three men stood silently as they watched the women gyrating to the beat. Then Draco's mouth fell open as his mother hurried out to the floor and joined them. He laughed at their matching looks of shock. But, he smiled warmly when Hermione recovered first and let Narcissa into their circle.

"Well, I never would have won a bet on that one," Harry commented with a shocked grin.

Draco laughed, "Me neither."

Ron even commented, "I can't believe what I'm seeing."

All three watched as Narcissa tried to mimic the younger women's movements. And, all three were equally shocked when she picked it up quickly.

Draco's mouth hung open as he gawked at his mother. "Who knew my mother had hips?!"

"Not me, but she's shaking it," Harry laughed.

"Shit!" Ron said and moved a bit away from them.

Harry looked at him, "What?"

"Malfoy. Heading this way," Ron said barely moving his lips as he continued to step away.

Harry glanced surreptitiously to his right and then looked at Draco, his face hard, "I won't even pretend to deal with this tonight. Sorry, Draco, but we'll catch up with you later."

Draco nodded at their hasty retreat. "Yeah, sure. See you in a while."

He noticed the look of revulsion on Ron's face and the one of anger on Harry's and wondered if the past would ever be left there. Before he could ponder it further, he felt his father's hand on his shoulder.

' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' '

Author's Notes –

Every read is a treasure, every review a gift. And, I thank each and every one of you!

And, a warm welcome to the story and additional thank you to the following for adding my story, or me, as a Favorite, or setting an alert for it: Chocolate Covered Cherry, LadyBash17, dancerbabe18, ktaggart, violingrl07, busyetbored, miss.pebbles, brooklynsam3, and mariecke.