Yeah this is taking a lot longer wouldn't you agree? I am trying to find the correct way to end this story since it is coming to an end! I have started a new story called Fixed Sophistication. I would be happy if some of you were to check that out. If it doesn't get enough feedback then I'll just end it. I have written up to 5 chapters of that story. So let me know now before it gets out of hand!
In response to a reviewer that asked about a sequel to You're Devilish…I don't think there will be one. I don't have the inspiration or the ideas to make a sequel. As far as I know…the ending will stay as is. It is a sad ending I know, but that's what I wanted. It fit. As for this story…it will have a happy ending…I think! ;D
Chapter 36: The Elemental Ceremony
"Are you sure of what you're telling me Dumbledore?" Draco said still in a state of incredulity.
"Quite certain. I know my students Mr. Malfoy. I know who is here and where they are. And I can tell you with all confidence that there has never been anyone registered here by that name," the headmaster reiterated.
"I am telling you that the man who attacked my wife attends this campus. He had access to the Ravenclaw common room. He attended classes here for Merlin's sake," Draco said. He was feeling such fury grow within him that he thought he would lash out that old man sitting on his couch.
"Well it may be possible that some person snuck onto the campus and posed as student. It is not common at all, but since I have never ran upon this before it may be possible," Dumbledore said pensively. They heard a door open and Madame Pomfrey made her way to the common room. Draco came up to her with anxious face.
"Is she alright?" he asked perplexed.
"She is quite fine Mr. Malfoy. There was no damage done to her. She is just extremely rattled. I gave her some Calming Drought and Dreamless Potion. She is resting now, but will be up soon," she said gathering her bag and walking towards the door. Draco felt the urge to ask her a question that was important to him, but felt foolish. He shouldn't be thinking of that right now when the most important thing was for Hermione to be safe. Yet, he walked up to her and tapped her shoulder anyway. Damn his foolish male pride.
"Madame Pomfrey…I was just wondering…Hermione…Is everything intact?" Draco asked discretely. He hoped that he had conveyed his meaning correctly for he would feel most embarrassed to ask her flat out. Madame Pomfrey stood there not knowing what he meant. She was about to restate that Hermione was fine until it clicked.
"Oh!" Madame Pomfrey said with quiet surprise. "Er…Well yes. Mr. Ellermann did not get what he was…going after," the medi-witch said with a bit of a blush. Draco let out a sigh of relief and smiled a bit.
"Thank you Madame Pomfrey," Draco said as he opened the door for her and let her out.
So John had not touched her the way he had wanted to. And thank Merlin for that. Draco was not so much relieved because it would affect Hermione's pureness. He was not interested in being the first man in Hermione's life, more so he was dreading the fact that her virginity would have been ripped away from her. He did not wish that on anybody. He walked back to Dumbledore and saw that he was standing.
"Mr. Malfoy I am going to take my leave. I think it would be best for you to rest. I will stop by tomorrow and see how Mrs. Malfoy is doing. If she is up to it, then I will ask her about her assailant. Rest assured Draco that we will find who he is and where he is," Dumbledore said seriously.
"Thank you. I will see you tomorrow," Draco said sounding a little dejected.
"Nothing happened to her Draco. She is safe and in your protection. Rest easy," the headmaster said as he gave Draco a pat on the back and walked out of the Assistant's common room.
Draco walked back in to where Hermione was sleeping. He looked at her and saw how vulnerable she was.
"In my protection…bullshit," Draco said sitting where he had been before and putting his head in his hands. He felt as though he had failed at something. He was her husband. The one who should have been with her always. He was her protector and yet here lay his wife. Some other man tried to have what he couldn't because Draco wasn't there to stop him from attacking her. How John would pay.
-
"No please stop," Hermione pleaded. Her assailant just smiled at her maliciously as he cornered her. Hermione felt her back come up against the wall. Her breathing was getting more erratic and her heart was hammering. The assailant just looked at her with a prized gleam in his eye.
"I don't want to hurt you Hermione," the menace purred, "I simply want to taste you."
His voice was smooth as velvet causing Hermione to shiver. She wondered vaguely where Draco was, where anybody was. She felt tears start to pour down her cheeks. She was wandless and utterly terrified. What would this man do to her? Flashes of Viktor came to her mind. The wretched night when he died…when he tried to force himself on her. Is this what her new menace was trying to do now?
"Why are you doing this? I haven't done anything wrong. Please just let me go," Hermione begged as she tried to edge further away from her attacker. The man smiled. He neared her and put his cold hand gingerly on her wet cheek.
"You didn't have to do anything to get me to want you. No matter how much you beg, I'll never let you go," he said as he closed the space between them….
"Noooooooooo!" Hermione shouted as she thrashed around on her bed. "Please get away! Please!" she screamed. A set of strong arms restrained hers. She felt a familiar voice call her, trying to pull her out of her nightmare.
"Hermione! Love! Please calm down! It's me Draco!" came a strong and anxious voice. Hermione snapped her eyes open and wild eyes at Draco. She looked at him until her thrashing stopped and her breathing slowed. She tried to focus on who he was and why he was here. Where was she? She looked around her room and noticed the familiar red and gold. Images of a man holding her against his body came to her mind; Draco standing in front of her looking murderous and wanting nothing more than to have her in his arms. When had that happened? Wasn't it just a nightmare?
"John!" Hermione breathed as she began to thrash again. Draco held her down a bit more tightly.
"He's gone Hermione! He's not coming back! You're safe!" Draco told her soothingly.
Hermione calmed down a bit and looked back at Draco and then at his hands on her arms. She immediately thought back to when John had her pinned to his body, the disgust and fear she had when she felt him kiss her neck washed through her now. She savagely ripped her arms away from Draco's grasp and huddled to the corner of the bed. Draco looked confused and startled as he took in Hermione's actions.
"Please don't touch me," she said quietly. Draco tried to walk closer to her, but she recoiled with each step he took.
"I am not going to hurt you Hermione. It's me, Draco your husband," he said gently.
"I know who you are Draco. I am not scared of you, but just please stay away," Hermione pleaded.
"What's wrong then? Why don't you want me near you?"
"Every time you try to touch me…" Hermione said softly closing her eyes, "All I remember are his arms and his lips on my skin. I remember the terror I felt and the disgust of his touch."
Draco clenched his jaw at her explanation. So that meant that she abhorred any type of male contact. She was scared with the memory of that twisted fuck's hands on her skin. Draco laughed sarcastically in his mind at the job John had done: He may not have raped Hermione, but he had made it so that no other man including her husband could touch her. Maybe that was his goal all along, but even so she was still damaged. Draco wanted nothing more than to go to her and comfort her, but there she was looking at him remorsefully and still coiled up in a ball at the corner of the bed.
"Alright then. I'll call for the Weaselette to come help you. Please just stay here," he said dejectedly.
-
Draco walked all the way down to the Gryffindor Tower with his hands clenched. John may not have raped his wife, but he had gotten what he wanted in effect. Hermione did not want him to touch her. For Merlin's sake he had to go and fetch the Weaselette so that she could help his wife with what he should be doing. Either way for Hermione he was willing to swallow his pride. He continued to keep in step until he reached the fat lady.
"May I help you?" she asked tiredly. She had quite a fun night last night…
"Can you please get the Wease- er- Ginny Weasley for me? It's urgent," Draco said just as tired. He was in no mood to be a smart ass like he usually would be. The Fat Lady took note of that by raising her brow.
"Of course. Just a minute," she said disappearing. A few minutes later she came back and then the portrait door opened. Ginny walked groggily to the door wishing to Merlin that no one had wakened her up. She and Blaise had had a late night Christmas celebration. She was still recovering. As she opened the portrait door she came to see a very frustrated and defeated looking Draco Malfoy. With a puzzled-half sleepy look she regarded him.
"Malfoy? What are you doing here? You should be recovering from last night like the rest of us," she said with sleepy humor. Draco's eyes hardened and his posture stiffened. Ginny took note as she started to sober up.
"I am still trying to recover Weaselette," Draco said low and darkly.
"What makes me think that you don't mean the same thing I do?" she asked curiously.
Draco sighed and stepped closer to her. "Something happened last night to Hermione. I will tell you when you get ready and come with me. She's…You're the only one I knew to come to," Draco said in the same hollow monotone voice. Ginny felt a shiver run up her spine.
"Of course. Gimme five minutes," Ginny said turning around and going to change. When she had come back, Draco was in the same stance as he had been in when she left him.
"Let's go," Ginny said firmly.
She and Draco walked in silence until they reached the portrait of the same little dog. He barked at them and let them in recognizing the owner of the room.
"Wow. Some security. He'll let anyone in," Ginny said referring to the perky dog in the portrait door.
"Not really. He barks and snarls at anyone who isn't me or Hermione. Shatopher has done an excellent job," Draco said not really giving any substance to his words. Ginny did not respond and instead let her eyes lie on the room before her. The common room and tiny kitchen area was clearly unkempt. There were books on the table that Ginny was sure Hermione would have put away, there were shoes and coats laying on the couch and next to it. Hermione was an organized person Ginny knew that much. Even sick she would clean her part of her room.
"Alright Malfoy. What happened?" Ginny said putting the coats aside and sitting on the couch. Draco sat on the chair adjacent to her and let out a dejected sigh.
"Do you remember that friend of yours that you introduced Hermione to on the night of the masque?" Draco said leaning back and looking at her.
"John?" Ginny asked, not missing a dark look cross Draco's features.
"Well…last night while I stayed behind to talk to the Headmaster about something, Hermione went ahead to the dorm," Draco paused and tried to control his anger. "I'll spare you a few details, but basically he tried to get something that only I should have."
Ginny saw the tight tension in his jaw and the way his brows were furrowed angrily. Never had she seen him like this. Even when he picked on Harry, Ron, and Hermione in the past he never looked this…threatening. Draco had his gaze fixed on the table in front of him. He looked like he was thinking hard about something that both angered him and worried him. Ginny did not pry and she had clearly gotten Draco's meaning. John had tried to rape Hermione.
The first thing Ginny wanted to say was, 'John would never do such a thing.' But did she know that for sure? How much did she actually know John? Not much at all. The most she knew was that he was in her year and that his parents were dancers. Ginny tried to rack her brain from when she had first met John. Was it at lunch? In the hallway? In class? She tried to think of the many places that she usually met people, but John didn't seem to fit in any of them. Draco thought back to Dumbledore telling him that John Ellermann did not exist. Then where did Ginny find him? Where did meet him? She was the one who had introduced this character to the life of Hermione.
Before Draco could voice his question Ginny spoke. "I can't remember…" she mumbled.
"Can't remember what?" Draco asked.
"I can't remember…where I met John. I am trying to think of the all the places I could have met him. Hogsmeade even. But nothing makes sense! It like I have no recollection of him except for that night at the masque," Ginny said frustrated at her lack of memory. So instead she thought back to the night of the party. What had she done that night? Where had she been to meet him? The only thing she actually remembered was being brought back to the party with him. Before that it was all a blur. However she did remember the next morning when she woke up feeling extremely weak. It felt as though her muscles had been wrung out like a rag.
"What do you remember Ginny? Isn't there anything at all you can tell me?" Draco asked now kneeling in front of her and clutching her knees tightly. Ginny glared at him causing Draco to retract his hands. Ginny massaged the area and kept her glare tight on him.
"I was thinking about that," she bit out, "But the only thing I can remember is feeling extremely weak the next morning."
"Feeling…weak?" Draco asked slowly, clearly expecting more.
Ginny hardened her glare. "It's the best I can do. It's as if my memory before meeting him that night didn't exist. The next morning when I woke up I was so weak I couldn't get out of bed."
Draco thought about that and remembered that Hermione had said something about feeling weak last night. Could John have used some sort of chemical substance to mentally and physically weaken both women? That would make sense. He would want something potent enough to control them, but not enough to totally knock them out. Ginny sat there for a minute or two while Draco got lost in his thoughts. She finally sighed and stood. She was here for her friend, not to wait around.
"I'll go see Hermione. I'll let you know if she needs anything," Ginny said not waiting for Draco to respond. She walked up the few steps that led up to Hermione's room. She inhaled as she stood in front of her friend's door. She did not know what to expect. What Hermione would be waiting for her behind this door? Ginny let the breath go and knocked softly on the door. Without waiting for an answer she opened it.
Ginny heard a small whimper come from the direction of the bed. Ginny searched for Hermione in the covers and nearly gasped audibly at what she saw. Hermione was in the same coiled position at the head of the bed. She was defensive and completely broken. Ginny remember that Draco had not given her exact details and wished to Merlin that he would have. For what in the world could make her brave, meticulous, and usually straight-to-the-point friend look so haggard? Ginny approached Hermione slowly, making sure that her movements were not quick so as to avoid startling her. Hermione was curled up into a ball and clutching at a pillow with such a vice that her knuckles where visibly white.
"Hermione…?" Ginny said so softly she wasn't sure it was enough to get her friend's attention. Hermione's transfixed eyes slowly looked up as if not expecting to see anything really. When her eyes finally landed on the familiar face of her best friend, the sudden explosion of relief within her was so that her face broke out in a hysterical kind of smile. Ginny froze as she saw the look of fervent euphoria on her friend's face at the sight of her. The relief that Hermione obviously felt was so painful that Ginny regained her composure and started to walk slowly over to her again.
"Ginny!" Hermione said breathlessly happy. Ginny smiled and made sure to keep her features clear of any sign of scrutiny. She did not want her friend to think that the only reason she was here was to analyze how Hermione was doing. Ginny finally sat on the bed opposite the side where Hermione was coiled up. If Hermione wanted any human contact she could get it herself when she was ready.
"Yeah Hermione it's me," Ginny said with the same smile. She kept the smile comforting and familiar. Hermione tentatively unwrapped herself from her coiled position and began to crawl over to Ginny until finally she was only inches away from her. Hermione's expression of sheer joy suddenly turned serious and shameful at the same time. Ginny wondered if this was because her friend felt tainted…
"Draco sent you to me didn't he?" Hermione asked with a tone of disappointment that made Ginny twitch her eyebrow in curiosity.
"Yeah he did," Ginny said plainly. She didn't want to bring up anything about last night unless Hermione wanted to talk about it.
Hermione relaxed her position and sat with her legs folded to the side, and one arm supporting her weight. Ginny thought she looked so casual, too casual, for what happened last night.
"Some Christmas," Hermione said with black humor.
"I heard," Ginny said going along with her. Hermione gave Ginny a pained looked.
"Please don't patronize me Ginny. Draco told you what happened last night or at least part of it, so don't beat around the bush with me," Hermione said in her same manner as before. Ginny tried not to look shocked. If Hermione did not want to be treated with pity, then Ginny would indulge her.
"Fine. Then tell me why you aren't looking like a little girl who just saw her mother beheaded?" Ginny ask with no proviso, "What happened to the broken looking girl I just walked in on?"
Hermione sighed and looked down at her sheets. "I was just remembering about Viktor…and when he almost did the same thing," Hermione began sounding weary, " I just thought about how I acted when that happened to me and I know now that I can get through it. I don't want to be the damsel in distress."
Ginny snorted. "Hermione you got sexually attacked last night. I think you earned that title at least for 24 hours."
"But it's not me Gin. You know that. I can't be that way. What happened with Viktor…well not only did he do something uncharacteristic, but he also died. So to say the least, I think I could get away with being dead in life for a few months. This time it wasn't the same," Hermione said becoming angry, "This time it was infantile idiot who wanted to get lucky the cowardly way."
"Either way, you were attacked," Ginny reiterated.
"Last time though, I didn't have Draco," Hermione pointed out.
"You're right. Last time you didn't. Draco saved you that much I know. I also know that he is distraught, so much that it makes me wonder…" Ginny said with her voice trailing.
Hermione saw her friend's pensive face and quickly understood. "Elermann did nothing to me that Draco hasn't already done," Hermione stated clearly.
"Then why is Draco acting as though you died?"
Hermione again looked and sounded ashamed. "Because…I can't stand him near me."
Ginny allowed her face to show her surprise. Hermione noticed and sighed impishly. "Well why not? I would imagine that you would want him here talking to you not me," Ginny said with her same incredulous look.
"Draco didn't tell you exactly what happened did he?" Hermione asked knowingly.
"No. He withheld that information," Ginny ascertained.
"Gin, John held me there in front of Draco. My back was against his chest and his lips were on my neck...kissing me and taunting Draco. John let his hands roam over me as if they had a mind of their own. All of that in front of Draco!" Hermione said disgust and derision, "Can you imagine how I feel now knowing that he's seen me in the hands of another man…touching me the way only Draco has touched me?" Hermione said with shame, "I feel so dirty."
Ginny tried to imagine that happening in front of Blaise. She shivered. Hermione did have a point. Ginny would feel absolutely abhorred at the thought of Blaise laying a finger on her after what another man tried to do to her. Hermione felt humiliated and spoiled. Draco wanted something that, to Hermione, was supposed to be undesirable now. However, Ginny knew better. She had seen the way Draco looked and she knew that this was at the back of his mind, if not completely out of it.
"Hermione," Ginny said taking her friend's hand in her own, "you do realize that what you are saying, although valid, probably does not matter at all to Draco?"
"Yeah I know he doesn't care. He just wants me safe, but…"
"But what?"
"Ginny even I don't feel comfortable in my own skin. I feel like clawing at it until I get the filth off," Hermione said looking at her hand with aversion.
"Then what about simply talking to him. Two people don't need physical contact to communicate…most of the time," Ginny said.
"What do you mean?"
"Hermione Draco doesn't need to touch you. What he needs is to know that you are faring well. And by the looks of it you are. What is left now is mind over matter. This is something that will take time to get over, but something that you will get through nonetheless. For now just talk to him," Ginny said gently.
Hermione sighed. "Yeah you're right," Hermione said giving her friend's hand a squeeze, "Can you go get him for me please?"
Ginny nodded and was about to get up when both girls heard the door open.
"No need," Draco said walking into the room.
-
Draco knew that Ginny had left, but the he was still thinking. If John had used chemical means to sedate his wife, then how far would he have gotten if Draco hadn't of heard Hermione call for help? This thought froze him. His wife could be more broken than she is now had she not of called out. And had it not have been for their developing connection as soul mates. Their recent bout of telepathy had served them both well. His thoughts ended when he heard Ginny opened the door and then close it. Draco stood and started to pace wondering if Hermione would respond to Ginny better than she had to him.
Oh my God, it's Ginny, he heard Hermione's voice say. Draco whirled thinking that she had been right next to him as he heard that, but then saw Hermione's closed door. Must be the random fits of telepathy. They needed to find a way to control it or else they would eventually go insane. Speaking of control….what if Draco could tune in to Hermione? Maybe then he could get a better picture of what was going on in her mind.
Draco sat back down and closed his eyes. He searched for the sound of Hermione's voice in his mind. He thought of her and only her until he felt a pull. It was as though there was a tugging in his mind that led him away from his own thoughts. It pulled him away and into another space altogether. He focused harder on where he wanted to go. He followed the pull until he reached another thought. I must have scared Draco enough to for him to go to the Gryffindor Tower. That she had. Draco then felt as though he was losing grip. The force that pulled him there was suddenly growing weaker. He tried to keep his mental clutch on what he thought was Hermione's mind.
"Then why is Draco acting as though you died?" He's acting that way? I didn't know that I would hurt him so much. But I just can't…
"Because…I can't stand him near me." Even though I want him here.
"Well why not? I would imagine that you would want him here talking to you not me." I do, but at the moment I need you too.
"Draco didn't tell you exactly what happened did he?"
"No. He withheld that information." Of course he would. He would want to me to talk about what happened last night. He wants me to get it out of my system. Well then, might as well if I have willing ears. Still though, how do I tell her exactly how I feel? The shame, and the revulsion, and the freaking way I feel so disarded.
"Gin, John held me there in front of Draco. My back was against his chest and his lips were on my neck...kissing me and taunting Draco. John let his hands roam over me as if they had a mind of their own. All of that in front of Draco!" Hermione said disgust and derision, "Can you imagine how I feel now knowing that he's seen me in the hands of another man…touching me the way only Draco has touched me?" Hermione said with shame, "I feel so dirty." And that's an understatement. I don't want Draco to touch me because I know he's disgusted with me too. That makes it two men now who want to violate me. Why would Draco want damaged goods?
Draco let go of that pull and finally tripped back into his own mind. He looked at Hermione's door and a feeling of warmth spread through him. She still loved him, and to boot, she wasn't disgusted at him. The warmth faded however as he realized that she was still disgusted. She thought that she was no longer worthy of affection and attention the way a man would give it to a woman. Draco got up and walked over to her door. He did not knock and opened it slightly.
"Can you go get him for me please?" he heard Hermione say. Did she want to talk to him now?
"No need," Draco said closing the door behind him and walking into the room. He did not approach the bed, but stayed closer to the door. Ginny looked between the both of them and then he saw her eyes flicker to the door.
"You're being foolish you know that?" Draco asked suddenly and so seriously that it caught Hermione off guard.
"Excuse me?" Hermione said indignantly.
Draco smiled gently. "I forget how naïve you are sometimes. Silly Hermione," Draco said tauntingly.
"What are you talking about Draco?" Hermione said feeling anger blossom in her mind.
"I heard everything you said," Draco confessed, tapping his temple with his index and middle fingers. He saw Hermione open her mouth and then close it. Draco chuckled and shook his head.
"Do you really think that you are unworthy of me Hermione?" Draco asked incredulously, "I love you and I am married to you. I can't wait to start loving you the way you deserve. I place my trust and friendship in you…and you repay me by thinking that I'll think of you as some left over thing from last night's meal?" Draco said sounding angry now, "I won't have that. You know I won't stand for that."
"What would you have me think Draco? That man practically made out with me in front of you. Do you know how humiliating that is?" Hermione bit out spitefully.
Draco's demeanor did not change however. He was looking at Hermione purposefully until he finally nodded to himself.
"We're getting married in a month," he said calmly gaining the confused looking of both women.
"Married?" Hermione said quizzically.
"I'll talk to McGonagall today. I'll set up the Elemental Ceremony for the last Saturday in January. No buts," Draco said responding to the protest he saw Hermione about to make.
"Draco…" Hermione said sounding dejected, "Please don't do this."
"Hermione you know that there are more reasons than one as to why we need to do this. Mostly importantly however, I want express to you just how much I love you and exactly how much you mean to me," Draco said turning his demeanor back to business, "You know I am a selfish man. There is no objection to this. Come the end of January we're getting married."
Ginny looked over to Hermione and saw the tiniest of smiles appear on her friend's face. She quickly hid it and looked up at Draco. "Are you sure?" she asked softly. Draco frowned. How to show her that he was adamant about this? He quickly searched for the pull that he had earlier and held tight to it. This time he made sure that she knew he was in her space. Ginny saw Hermione furrow her brows and then gasp. Draco was showing Hermione a mental picture of her in a white dress and him in wedding robes sharing a kiss. Ginny however, did not know that. So it came as a shock when she saw Hermione let out a tear. The smile that followed it let Ginny know that they were happy tears.
Hermione was now looking at Draco with marvel and had her lips pressed together. One word came out of Hermione's mouth that made Draco smile and Ginny clap and giggle.
"Ok."
Ginny stood and hugged her friend with a huge grin. "Merlin. Now I have to plan you a bachelorette party."
-
He sat in the forest playing with a twig that he had found on the floor. Last night had not gone as planned. The very first thing that went wrong was the fact that the blonde haired prick had shown up. One would say that was a big flaw indeed. However, John had come prepared just for that occasion if someone else had happened to stumble upon him and Hermione. He tightened his jaw at the next flaw. He had been arrogant. He had been complacent in the thought that Draco and Hermione had not tapped into their godly powers. Now he knew that he had been wrong on that account as well.
To top it off, Draco and Hermione had a power that he did not perceive to be feasible. The type of summoning power that Draco had displayed last night he had only seen between Anu and his wife, the queen. Enlil remembered back to when the queen was alive. Anu was another god then, he was actually…just. He would listen to the people's prayers. He and his wife would discuss ways to better the crops of the farmers, to ensure reproduction among the humans, and to simply better their way of life. But after the queen died and Irkalla had that painful task to recycle her mother's soul, Anu became another.
Enlil and Ninurta were the only ones who admired the change in Anu. Ninurta saw his father become the type of god that even through adversity he strived to keep his family in rule. Enlil followed Anu for another reason. Enlil knew that Anu had lost all reservations when it came to getting what he wanted. Enlil admired power, and Anu had become the epitome of that. Enlil looked over to the body that lay next to him. The body he had allowed to be called John lay motionless and expressionless.
He had found this body expired already in a poor village where Enlil knew that no one would bother to look for him. He had no idea what the actual name of the body was, but it had served him well enough to get as far as he wanted. But now, Enlil knew that he was done with it. It could rot where it lay for all he cared.
Sparks and crackles sounded around him as a suspicious breeze whirled. Tiny rays of lightning appeared randomly in front of Enlil until finally Anu stood before him. He was still using the body of the dead Malfoy. Unlike Enlil who could manipulate corpses, Anu did not have that power. When he had come back to the body of where his present soul was, Anu had seen that his present soul had already died. Only his body lay behind which he could use. Now Anu stood before Enlil looking angry, but calm; the sparks lightning did not go away.
"Why are you out of your body?" Anu asked with narrowed eyes.
"There's no need for it anymore. I am letting it rot," Enlil said giving the body a look of good-riddance.
"Who are you to say if there is no need? I have not told you that you are done. We still have a war to fight."
"And fight it I shall, but I will not need this corpse. Besides, I doubt that what I tried to do tonight worked," Enlil said throwing the twig at the body.
Anu lifted his arm out and lifted Enlil with a force that caused him to gasp. "What did you do Enlil?" Anu asked silkily.
Enlil wondered if Anu would be pissed at the fact that he had tried to rape his daughter last night. He would have to phrase it in a way that would be beneficial to Anu.
"Well, seeing as how the bond between soul mates is growing stronger between the couple, I decided to act in such a way that would ensure a rift, but it failed," Enlil said calmly. He would not show fear in front of Anu. Now showing fear is what Anu respected. It was the only reason why he kept Enlil around.
"How did you act?" Anu asked in the same silky voiced that sounded as though it was a coo. Enlil mentally growled. His master was patronizing him.
"I used the body that lay next to me in means to sexually damage Hermione enough so that Draco would not want her," Enlil stated calmly. Anu brought back that force that held Enlil up causing him to fall to the floor in a heap. Anu began to laugh.
"You…tried…to violate…my…daughter…" Anu said through baritone chuckles. Enlil however, was not deceived. He was just waiting for Anu to shift gears. Sure enough Anu's eyes trained themselves on Enlil, blood red and angry. Anu held out his hand in front of him and began to close it into a fist; while doing so, Enlil could feel himself choking. The more Anu closed his hand, the more difficult breathing became.
"How did that fair for you, Enlil? Did it come out to your expectations?" Anu asked condescendingly.
"N-no," Enlil choked out. Anu relaxed his hand and Enlil took in an audible gasp of air. Anu then calmed himself and spoke again.
"That was not the course of action that you needed to take. The only other alternative now is to attack sooner that I thought," Anu said still looking critically at Enlil.
"You mean…move up…the war?" Enlil said coughing a bit.
"Well what else do you suggest? My powers have finally fully regenerated and theirs have not. No better time than now," Anu said.
"Well then I guess I'll still need the body," Enlil said with a sigh, "What shall we do then?"
-
The Christmas party had been truly amazing and in reality what he needed. Ron had relaxed enough for one night to not be stressed now. Ginny had been socializing with Blaise, which meant that things there must be going well. Either way, he still needed to talk with one other person today. He had already told Ginny the truth and he was sure that after the memory that they had all had last night, Hermione and Draco knew what started the war. The only one who Ron was sure did not know was Harry.
Ron knew that Harry was involved in the old war. What Ron was trying to figure out though, was why Harry never acted as though he knew. His behavior had been erratic when the school year started, but it had turned to normal a few months after and now it was as though Harry knew nothing. Ron walked out of his dorm room and to the common room where he knew Harry would be.
Sure enough his green-eyed friend turned, smiled at him, and waved him over. Ron did in fact go over to him, but he was not about to talk pleasantries. He felt the thin line within him that separated him from Ea. He knew now that it was Ea who needed to talk, not him. Ron closed his eyes as he sat down and waited for Ea to take over his body. When the he opened his eyes Ea was now the one looking at Harry.
"Hey Ron! Can you believe Christmas is over already?" Harry said wistfully.
Ea however did not respond. He kept looking at Harry intently. Harry's smile began to waver until it turned quizzical.
"Ron…? Are you alright mate?" Harry voiced concerned.
Ea merely kept looking at Harry until his eyes flash a golden color. Harry leaned back looking startled until he finally saw the face in front of him tighten.
Ninurta knew that he had been called out. The flash in Ea's eyes was proof of that. But what did his dear brother need to tell him? Ninurta took over Harry's body and leaned back in the sofa with one leg folded at the knee on top of the other. He was the picture of a relaxed, calculating man.
"What do you want Ea?" Ninurta asked sounding bored.
"Mainly to tell you the truth and hoping you'll back off," Ea said keeping his posture straight.
Ninurta shifted Harry's body and also quirked his brow looking amused. "Back off?"
"I still can't believe that you and Anu killed our sister. I don't know what happened to you, but look at us now. How many centuries have gone by without either of us being able to rest?" Ea said letting Ron's body ease a little bit.
"I wouldn't have it any other way," Ninurta said with a grin, "I really don't care how it is that we are surviving all of our reincarnations, but it's the ultimate way to live forever. Granted we may not have complete control of our present bodies, but that seems to be changing."
"And don't you wonder why its changing?" Ea ask almost a bit smug.
Ninurta gave his brother a look of complete indifference. "Did I just not say that I don't give a damn?"
"You should. Considering that you gaining control of the body is not a good thing."
Ninurta let the expression on Harry's face portray his own skepticism. "This must be that 'truth' that you wanted to tell me about."
"Indeed it is," Ea said leaning forward and now taking on an air of mocking arrogance, "Shall I tell you why?" he said now wearing a patronizing smile.
"Get on with it!"
"Well honestly brother all you need to do is think this through. How would I know that what it means if you gain control of this human body? I want your brain to work a bit so don't disappoint me," Ea said wagging a finger in front of his brother.
Ninurta was about ready to smite this brother, but the curiosity that blossomed within him was getting to be too much. How would his brother know anything having to do with their reincarnation? If anyone knew anything it would be Irkalla. Not only that, but his brother looked so unlike himself. Ea was mirroring Ninurta's moves and he knew it. The sarcasm, arrogance, and calculating look on his face let Ninurta know that his brother did in fact have a one playing card up his sleeve.
"I would wager it has something to do with you am I right?" Ninurta said with a bored tone.
"That you are," Ea said, "But I think expecting you to guess more would be expecting too much, so I'll just tell you," Ea said making Ron's body lean forward now and look Ninurta right in the eyes with dead seriousness, "'With water on you and all around you, by my power and light; both of you shall live and remember, find your strength and finish this fight.'"
Ninurta grit his teeth and clutched the sofa hard. Ea was looking at him like he had expected this reaction. It's because he knew. Ea knew that Ninurta would remember. And remember he did. Ninurta felt his own power mix with the magic of his human body. His eyes took on an inhuman color as he stood and looked over to his brother who also stood before him. How could he have forgotten? Of course. He and Anu had been busy conjuring up another Irkalla after what had happened. Ea had always been like Irkalla; he took pity on the humans. Look now at where it had gotten him.
Ninurta's hand jot out and in that same second there was a sharp dagger levitated in front of it. Ea looked at the conjured dagger without worry. The furry in his brother was making him midjudge and Ea knew that he would be prone to error.
"It was you!" Ninurta bit out, "It was you who made it possible for us to exist until now."
"Until now is right," Ea said allowing his own power to resurface and take him over, "The reason why you can take control of the body is because the time for the conflict that was started in our time will end in this one. As soon as she makes her decision we're gone."
"You mean Irkalla? This is all for her?" Ninurta said, his voice rising.
"It was always for her Ninurta. I loved and still love my sister. I was burning with rage when I saw what Anu had done. I did this for her," Ea said in low whisper.
"Then I was right about you. You are a fool," Ninurta said allowing the dagger to be released and fly towards it's target. Ea was ready; he had been building up his power. He deflected the dagger with whirl of water and then with his hand sent a strong jet towards his brother. Ninurta fell back on the couch drenched in water.
"This is a warning to you Ninurta. Back off," Ea said.
"She got what she deserved Ea. Why can't you see that? She betrayed the family! That abomination that she was consorting with would have ended us all!" Ninurta reasoned.
"And yet because of your stupidity and Anu's greed, we ended at the same point. I admire that you keep your human in the dark, keep doing so. Just remember what I am telling you. Back off," Ea said again with authority and then allowing Ron to take over again. The all too human look told Ninurta that it was time for him to turn as well. Backing off though, that he would never do.
-
A month went by with nothing really happening. No shinning rings, no ghostly apparitions, and most of all no physical contact between Hermione and Draco. Hermione knew that Draco was giving her time to get over what had happened to her. And she was grateful for it. She had resumed her classes and was working extra hard in them now that her N.E.W.T.S were so close. Another thing that was also close was her wedding. Hermione was currently in her room looking at the white gown that Ginny had helped her choose just this week. It was lacy and flowing; she despised the puffy gowns. Hermione glanced over at her clock and saw that Ginny would be here at any moment to help her get ready. Did she mention that her wedding was tonight?
Time had flown by so quickly. It was the end of January, literally the 31st, and she was getting ready to be fully married to the man she loved…but hadn't touched in over a month. She knew she had gotten over that John had done, but her body had not. She still remembered the way John would kiss her and hold her every time that Draco wanted to get near to her. Hermione let out a sigh. How was she going to go through tonight? She didn't have to ask Draco to wait; she knew automatically that he would not pressure her. No, the problem lied in whether or not she could give him the green light. Maybe they didn't have to consummate their marriage tonight, but simply to let him hold her, hug her, and maybe give her a slight peck on the cheek was already scaring her.
The crux of it was that he didn't scare her; it was the idea of rejecting him that scared her. She didn't want to reject him anymore. She wanted him near her to feel his warmth and love. She hadn't felt that in so long she knew she had forgotten.
Knock, knock.
Hermione lifted her head and called, "Come in," loud enough for Ginny to hear. The redhead popped her head in and gave Hermione a wide smile.
"Hey, shouldn't you be more happy?" Ginny asked eyeing her friend's face.
"I should. I am I actually its just…" Hermione didn't want to tell anyone that she and Draco had not had an intimate moment.
Ginny quirked a brow. "Just what?" she asked getting her wand out and ready along with a book of beauty spells.
Hermione sighed. She needed someone to talk to. "Ginny ever since the incident with John…I haven't allowed Draco to touch me."
Ginny did not respond in a way that Hermione expected. She looked rather like Hermione had told her this before. "I could have guessed that much Hermione. You're actual problem lies in the wedding night."
Hermione allowed herself to blush and nodded. "I don't know if I should let him or not. I wouldn't have to ask him to wait Gin, I know he won't bring it up tonight unless I do."
"Well then bring it up," Ginny stated as if it were that simple.
Hermione gave Ginny a withering look. "It's more complicated than that Gin."
Ginny shrugged. "Not really. This isn't the elephant in the room you're making it to be Hermione. Draco knows all too well what happened with John. He saw the way you were after waking up that morning. Don't think it's all that easy for him to forget something like that. It looked like he was in physical pain," Ginny said causing Hermione to wince at the memory, "So if the situation is self explanatory and even you know that, then it's a no brainer. Either bring it up if you want to attempt it, or don't if you're not ready," Ginny said giving Hermione's shoulder a squeeze, "Only you know that part."
Hermione nodded. She knew Ginny was right; it was just her nerves probably. "Thanks for making it by the way. You're the only who is coming from my side," Hermione said with a smile now.
"Well thanks for asking us to be your witness," Ginny said leafing through the book, "Blaise and I are ecstatic!"
"Where is Blaise?"
"Helping Draco. Apparently Draco doesn't know how to tie a tie," Ginny said with a laugh.
"Well then what are you gonna do to me Gin?" Hermione asked excitedly.
"You can't see until I am done," Ginny said with a twinkle in her eye.
-
"Fuck it all Blaise. I can't do this," Draco said exasperatedly. Blaise laughed and clapped him on the shoulder.
"Well that's why Ginny sent me here. She told me you were in 'utter distress,'" Blaise said with a laugh.
Draco sat down on the edge of his bed. "No Blaise, I mean I don't know if I can go through with the ceremony."
Blaise frowned. "Why do you say that? You're the one who moved up the date of the wedding."
"That's just it!" Draco said looking up at his friend, "I moved it up. Hermione just agreed. I don't know if she even wants to go through with this."
"From what Ginny has told me over the past few weeks is that Hermione is nervous," Blaise said clearing his throat at the end.
Draco quirked a brow. "Nervous?"
"Er…A-about….you know…" Blaise said averting his eyes from his friend's curious stare.
Draco saw the avoidance in Blaise's eyes and then the groan that followed because Draco was being slow.
"Do I really need to spell it out for you?" Blaise bit out.
Click. "Oh…oh. That. Well that makes sense," Draco said frowning. That would make Hermione nervous. And that fact that she hasn't allowed him to touch her would increase that feeling.
"She has to know that I wouldn't pressure her," Draco said more to himself than to Blaise.
"Well then you should talk about that with her and not me. Please," Blaise said with a strained look.
Draco laughed. "Blaise I do believe this is the first time I've see you shy when talking about sex. Why the change?"
"Let's just say I have a new found respect for the word intimacy," Blaise said.
"Why is that? Have you and the Weaselette…" Draco said with suggestive brows.
"That is none of your business!" Blaise said harshly, "Don't even think about her that way."
"It's just a question Blaise," Draco said.
"One that you don't need the answer to."
Draco shrugged. "Hermione will tell me."
Blaise growled. "Let's get you ready. I can't wait until I see you get hitched. I honestly thought this day would never come."
"That makes two of us."
Draco stood in front of the mirror again and allowed Blaise to do his bow tie. "So did you invite Narcissa?"
"I wrote her a letter telling her about it, but she didn't respond," Draco said remembering.
"That's odd. Narcissa adores you. I thought for sure she would want to be here," Blaise said inspecting his work in the mirror.
"Yeah I thought so too, but who knows…" Draco said looking at himself and straightening out his jacket.
Blaise smiled at Draco as he turned and spread his arms out. "How do I look?" Draco asked.
"Like a man who got tagged and tranquilized," Blaise said with a smirk.
Draco laughed. "No really."
Blaise sighed and walked over to Draco and clapped him again on the shoulder. "You look nothing like the Draco Malfoy I met when I was three years old. You look happy, in control, and most of all…human. You have no idea how much Narcissa and I have wished this for you and for you to actually have made it this far…let's just say that you look like the man you should be: A good one," Blaise said giving his friend a firm manly hug and then letting him go.
"Wow Blaise," Draco said with emotion, "Those words…Now you've just gave me insight as to who wears the pants between you and the Weaselette," Draco said looking at Blaise with mirth, but his voice was still full of emotion.
Blaise barked a laugh. "Go get married you jackass."
-
"Hermione quit fidgeting!" Ginny growled, "You're all dressed and you're make up is perfect. If you screw it up I am not fixing you up again!"
Hermione glared at her friend, but stopped picking at her face and hair. She just couldn't get over how she looked. It was like she was looking at another woman in the mirror. The gown she was wearing was pearl white with three inch sleeves that hung off the shoulder. Her gown was slim and lacy with tiny sequence and beads all around the dress. At the bottom it flared out slightly. It was snug enough that it clung to her body.
Her hair was pinned back in tiny sections with simply white flowers. In the back her wavy brown hair flowed down in ringlets. It was simple and she loved it. She had chosen not to use a veil or a bouquet. Her face was shinning and glimmering slightly thanks to a spell that Ginny had used to make it glow. She had on light blush right her cheek bones and her eye shadow was a glittery pearl color that made her chocolate eyes look wider. The black mascara on top of that really made her eyes pop. Ginny had chosen to keep her lips skin colored and merely applied a nude shine.
Even so, Hermione could not believe it was her. She looked over at Ginny who also getting ready. She had just told Hermione that she had charmed a camera to take pictures on its own of the entire wedding. Her dress was a light silver color and her hair was a simple mass of red waves. When she saw that Ginny turn to her with a smile Hermione knew it was time. She knew that she would be getting married in the Forbidden Forest. Dumbledore and McGonagall said that they had worked on something for them to get married in. Hermione could not deny that she was curious. After all, McGonagall was gifted at transfiguration.
Hermione and Ginny touched the portkey that Dumbledore had made just for today to take them to the place in the Forbidden Forest where she was to be married. After all, no one at the school could see her dressed like this! A tug around the navel later and Hermione was in a tent. Ginny walked away from her and peeked outside to see another tent. Hermione heard Ginny squeal in delight and walked over to peek out as well. Ginny stopped her with a firm arm and looked at her sternly.
"It's just the tent where the boys are at. I saw Blaise peek out just now and I know that they're over there. Don't you dare look!" Ginny warned. Hermione rolled her eyes and merely tried to concentrate on breathing. Footsteps approached the tent and in walked Albus Dumdledore.
"Ah my dear…Don't you look stunning," Dumbledore said with a light smile on his face.
"Thank you headmaster," Hermione said blushing.
"I just came to tell you my dear that your intended is waiting for you at the altar. Professor McGonagall is ready," Albus said giving Hermione a kiss on the hand.
He turned and left and closed the curtain behind him. Ginny came over and gave Hermione a hug.
"You ready?"
"Yeah I think so," Hermione said letting out a shaky breath.
Again the curtain to the tent opened. Blaise walked in and stopped at the sight of Ginny. "Wow…Ginerva you look…wow," Blaise said taking her hand and giving it a kiss. Ginny giggled and smiled.
"You look rather nice too," she said.
"You look ravishing as well Hermione. Draco will drop dead at the sight of you," Blaise said also giving her a kiss on the hand.
"Thank you Blaise," Hermione said still shaky.
"Well I came here to walk you to your man. That is if you will let me," Blaise said offering his elbow.
Hermione laughed and nodded. "Of course. You and Ginny will both walk me down the aisle. I would love that," Hermione said giving them both a hug and then taking both of their elbows.
"Here we go!" Ginny said quietly.
-
Draco was a mess. His palms were sweaty, his heart was racing, and despite all that he looked calm. McGonagall was right next him setting up the golden bowl that was right in front of her. Draco kept looking down the aisle that was made of white rose petals. There was a small fountain of water in the corner with a bush of Gardenias that gave the air a sweet aroma. It was like the garden area where Nergal and Irkalla met. The irony. There was no one else attending the ceremony besides Blaise and Ginny. They had both wanted it that way. Just private.
In his peripheral he saw McGonagall flick her wand and music began to play. The traditional wedding march played by strings. Draco licked his lips and allowed his eyes to look down the aisle again. There she was. In between Blaise and Ginny was a woman dressed in a lacy white gown. Her flowed behind her like a waterfall of chocolate waves. The flowers in her hair were a token to her innocence. She looked angelic; her face was bright and soft. On her lips was a smile that was shy and disbelieving. He couldn't believe it either. He wasn't aware when the music stopped. He eyes were connected with Hermione's and no one else existed.
"Who gives this woman to wed?" came the wise voice of Minerva McGonagall.
"Blaise and I do," Ginny said looking at Hermione who tore her eyes away from Draco. Ginny gave Hermione a kiss on the cheek and let her go as did Blaise. Hermione then forced her lead-like legs to move. She walked over to Draco who took her hand in his. Blaise and Ginny stood off to the sides; Ginny behind Hermione and Blaise next to Draco.
"This ceremony being performed today is a pure and ancient one. It is a testimony to the Earth itself and all it natural magic to the union of not just two people, but two souls," Minerva said looking between Hermione and Draco. "Today here to witness this marriage of souls will be a total of six. Two people who are trusted most by those in union and the four elements that constitute the Earth."
Minerva took out her wand and pointed it towards the ground. With her wand, she levitated a handful of dirt and then kept it hovering over the golden bowl. "The Earth. The mother of us all we call to witness. Hermione, Draco what you see before you is so much more than just what you walk on. The soil is what gives life to the nature around you. It is your foundation to walk on and build on," Minerva said letting the dirt fall into the bowl, "As such you both should look to each other for just these qualities. You both will learn to be each other's foundation and strength. And just like the soil, you both will also give life at some point in your life.
Draco and Hermione kept each other's hand held and watched transfixed as Minerva continued the speech. Minerva then flicked her wand again and a small globe of water lifted out from the fountain in the corner. It floated over to her and also hovered atop the bow.
"The water that the Earth shares its space with is what gives it balance. The water is what quenches the thirst of the Earth and what helps sustain nature. It is found no only in the seas, but in the sky as well," Minerva said allowing the globe of water to pour into the bowl. The water lay as separate layer about the dirt; they did not mix. "As the water balances the Earth, you shall balance each other. For the water is the other half of the Earth, you both are halves of each other. You both will sustain one another and nurture the life you will bring into this world."
Minerva then flicked her wand and at its tip was a ball of flame. "The fire is what warms the core of the Earth. It gives passion and flare to the world. For without it the world would be bland," Minerva then let the fire sit atop the water. Again the layers did not mix. "There is fire between you both as well. Passion drives us and propels us to what we want. As fire can cause the world to have color, it too can cause it to burn. You both will have challenges with each other, but the thing you must both remember is not to let it consume you."
Minerva then conjured a sphere in which one could hear the howling of the wind. "The wind brings fresh air and beautiful aromas the skies. It lets the birds fly and the waves move in the ocean," she said bringing the sphere down towards the bowel atop the fire, though neither touching. "Just like the wind, you both are a refreshing breeze to each other. When the challenges are quite difficult and the fire gets out of hand, the wind will always be there to fan the flames away," Minerva said then tapping the bowl with her wand.
Hermione and Draco merely kept looking. "When all four combine however," Minerva said tapping her wand to the bowl again, "The results are a harmonious union," she said. The elements in the bowl finally began to whirl and mix. After a few minutes they stopped forming a gold substance in the bowl.
"What becomes forged is life itself. And as such a symbol of it is made," Minerva said. Draco and Hermione both looked down at their hands as their existing pair of rings disappeared. They looked over to the bowl and a new pair of rings came out from the golden mixture. They glowed and steamed, until the vapors were gone. Magically , the rings floated over the opposite owners. Draco had in front of him the ring that he was to place on Hermione, and vice versa.
"Now all that is left is for the two to declare so to each other with these symbols granted from the testimony of the Earth. Take the rings," Minerva instructed. Hermione and Draco both plucked the rings out of the air. They then turned to each other. Draco smiled and placed the ring on Hermione's trembling finger. Hermione then placed the wedding band on Draco's hand and smiled up at him as well.
"Now that you have the symbol of your union, it is time that you declare it with your love. Hermione, Draco," Minerva said with a smile, "By the power of this union, I now declare you both husband and wife. You may kiss the bride," Minerva said waving her hand over to Hermione.
Draco looked at Hermione closely to see if this would be alright. As he looked he saw joy in her eyes and tears lightly going down her face. Hermione saw Draco's hesitation and took the initiative to step closer to him. Draco saw this and smiled. He then placed both of his hands on either side of her face and brought her closer to him.
"I love you Hermione," he said, his cool breath tickling her face. Before she could respond, Draco closed the distance between them and gave her a light kiss on the lips.
Ginny and Blaise both looked on as their friends were finally married. The kiss they shared was the final part of the ceremony in where a bright glow of gold surrounded them and then fainted. They saw their friends break apart and smile at each other. Ginny then squealed again and hopped over to Hermione.
"I can't believe it! You're married!" she exclaimed and hugged her best friend.
Before Hermione could respond however, an elegant feminine voice cut in. "I can."
Draco whirled at the sound of a familiar voice. "Mom," he breathed. Narcissa looked over to her son and smiled.
"Hello Draco," she said coming over to him and hugging him tightly, "Thank you for inviting me."
"I didn't think you would come," Draco admitted.
"I had to be here Draco. I had to see you wed the woman who helped me save you," she said then turning over to Hermione.
"Thank you dear," she said lightly, "I owe so much to you. And let me say that you have my blessing to always be happy and in love as you are now."
Hermione took a second to get over the shock of seeing her mother-in-law here. "Thank you Mrs. Malfoy."
"Narcissa," she said elegantly, "You are Mrs. Malfoy now."
Hermione shakily and then gave Narcissa a hug. She could not believe that the woman had made it here, but she was happy and apparently so was Draco.
"Now both of you should get going," Narcissa said sobering up.
"Go where mom," Draco said quizzically.
Narcissa smiled. "I got you both a gift," Narcissa said taking a envelope out of her robes.
Draco looked it over and smiled. He then gave his mother a kiss on the forehead and hugged her tightly. "Thank you mom," he said quietly. He then turned over to Hermione, "She got us reservations at a wizard's suit in Venice. We're going on our honeymoon!"
Hermione's popped and then looked over to Narcissa. "Thank you very much," Hermione said speechless.
"It's the least I could do. Now both of you should go, and again…I thank you Hermione. I couldn't imagine a better wife for my son than the woman who helped me save him," Narcissa said warmly. Hermione saw the emotion on her mother-in-law's face and felt the urge to hug her. So she did. Draco looked on in awe as his mother was embraced by his wife. Perhaps things could work out.
Hermione let go of Narcissa and sniffed a bit. "Again I thank you. I will be seeing you when we get back on Monday. We'll have a lot to talk about then," Hermione said with Narcissa's hands in her own. Narcissa smiled and then looked over to Draco.
"Here's your portkey. It will take you right to the door of the hotel. Draco darling…have fun," Narcissa said giving her son a kiss on the head. Draco nodded and took the portkey. He then walked over to Blaise and Ginny. Hermione followed.
"Thank you both for being here," Draco started, "Blaise you've been my mate since the womb practically. You know me better than Hermione at this point I think," Draco said with a laugh, "And Wease- I mean Ginny…you've been the most supportive of Hermione and me. It makes me think that when the time comes to tell everyone, hopefully they'll react the same way."
Ginny smiled and stepped forward to hug Draco. "Just promise me that you'll take care of her," she whispered in his ear, "She's been through too much in her short life. This past year has not been kind to her. She deserves happiness, she deserves you."
Draco merely nodded and smiled as he let her go. Ginny them walked over to Hermione and congratulated her as well. Blaise then walked up Draco. They merely looked at each other and gave each other a handshake. The emotion they could see in each other's eyes spoke volumes that no words were needed.
Hermione came back to Draco's side and allowed him to hug her close. They both looked back at the 5 people who had assisted to their wedding.
"Thank you all," Hermione said shakily. As she looked out to the faces of the people who attended her wedding, she felt oddly empty. There were two faces that she would have imagined here. Sadly neither Harry nor Ron could know she was getting married. She would have to tell them both on Monday. She felt Draco nudge her softly in a way that asking.
Hermione nodded her head and soon both her and Draco were looking at a beautiful majestic hotel in Venice, Italy.
-
Little did she know that he was there. He was just looking on from afar. She had looked so beautiful and happy. The way she deserved to look. He saw his sister there handing her off to be married. He smiled at that. Ginny knew that he would want to be the one to hand Hermione away at her wedding. Ginny had done that for him. Ron looked on as Narcissa, Ginny, and Blaise talked. His sister looked quite happy as well. They all did. It had been a good day for Hermione to get married. Most of all, she had looked so in love.
And to be quite honest, that sufficed for Ron.
Alright so here is this chapter. 24 pages of nothing but this. I have outlined the next two chapter so I know what I am writing. Fixed Sophistication will be up by the middle of the week, so be on the lookout for that!
Note 1: The song used for inspiration for the wedding scene was 'Running' by No Doubt.
Don't be a prude, review!
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