A/N: Should be two more chapters after this one. Maybe three, but hopefully not since I'm a big numbers person and it will annoy me to death if I end this story on Chapter 41

:-P

Just remember it's not over yet.

Also, I do not own Harry Potter. It belongs to JK Rowling.

Hermione didn't know much about engagement rings, but the one Sophie was wearing was easily one carat, if not bigger. Definitely much more than Phillip could afford.

"But … when … how?"

"Zere weell be plenty of time for questions later," said Sophie's mother, grabbing Hermione's shoulders and guiding her into a chair. A strange witch immediately started working on her hair, but not before giving it a very blatant look of disapproval.

"'Ermione, what in ze name of Merlin 'appened to your 'air?" asked Sophie, noticing its incredible body - and not the good kind - for the first time.

"Humidity," answered Hermione. "Wait. Hold on a second. Why am I getting my hair done?"

"Because you are a bridesmaid, of course!" smiled Sophie. "And Draco ees a groomsman. You two weell look so cute walking down ze aisle together. Good practice, maybe?"

Hermione blushed. "Sophie, I just saw you less than two weeks ago and you weren't engaged. When did all of this," she motioned to the wedding activity going on around her, "happen?"

Sophie smiled and sat down beside her. A second later another witch came over and started doing her nails. "Phillipe proposed a couple of days after zat, just after we got our dragon's 'eartstring. 'E 'ad been planning to do eet at ze end of ze summer, but when we succeeded at somezing so eencredible, just ze two of us, we shared zis magical moment. Ze next zing I knew 'e was on one knee and asking me to be 'is wife."

"Wow. I just got goose bumps," said Hermione, holding out her arm to show her. She began eyeing the ring on Sophie's sprawled out hand while the witch got her French manicure.

Sophie followed her eyes and smiled down at it. "I know eet ees beeg. Much more zan Phillipe can afford."

"Not to be rude … but how did he afford it?"

"Draco leant 'im ze money," she said.

Hermione's jaw dropped. "Draco knew about this? Before me?"

"Before me," laughed Sophie. "Zey went ring shopping together when we were steell separated. Draco 'elped 'im choose eet. When Phillipe tried to peeck something small 'e could afford I guess Draco would not let 'im. 'E said I was a classy weetch and I deserved a classy ring. Eet ees just a loan. 'E plans to pay 'im back." Sophie sighed. "I know I should 'ave made 'im return eet and get me something more practical, but I really, really love eet."

Hermione smiled. "Then you should really, really keep it. You know Phillip never would have agreed to let Draco lend him the money if he didn't truly want you to have this ring. He must have seen a piece of you in it. You should definitely keep it."

"I was 'oping you would say zat," said Sophie, exhaling in relief.

"I still can't believe Draco didn't tell me about this. Ow!" Hermione felt like she was being scalped by the witch doing her hair. There was so much twisting and tugging going on she was surprised she had anything left up there to work with.

"Well, to be fair, 'e deed not know Phillipe proposed already, and 'e 'ad asked 'im to keep eet a secret. 'E knew I would want to tell you."

"It seems pretty crazy downstairs. How did you plan such an elaborate wedding in a week? And while still working?"

Sophie glanced at her mother, who was explaining something to the makeup artist. The two exchanged a smile. "Mere does zis for a leeving. When I told 'er Phillipe proposed and we wanted to get married at ze end of ze summer she started planning immediately. Ze only zing I picked was ze dress. Ze rest was all 'er. Zough, I may 'ave suggested a few zings."

"Why so quickly?"

Sophie shrugged. "No reason really. We are just eager to start our life together. We already wasted so much time trying not to fall for each other. Why waste more when we already know zis ees what we want?"

"Well put," said a familiar voice from the doorway. They both looked over to see Fleur Weasley leaning against the doorframe with a very prominent baby bump beneath her dress. A vision of loveliness, as always.

"Another bridesmaid!" shouted Sophie's mother. "You," she pointed at the makeup artist. "Get to work on 'er immediately!"

Fleur walked into the room and gave both Sophie and Hermione kisses on the cheek before practically being pushed into a chair by Mrs. Labelle.

Hermione was a little stunned to see Fleur here. She knew the two of them were friends, since Sophie had written to her earlier that summer, but she didn't know they were close enough for Fleur to be a bridesmaid in her wedding.

"Is Bill here?" she asked.

"No," answered Fleur, holding her face completely still while the makeup witch went to work on it. "'E stayed 'ome wiz Victoire. She ees much too young to travel all zis way."

"Oh," she said, secretly wondering if Bill decided to stay behind because of her. Surely Sophie had told them Hermione was going to be here, and Mrs. Weasley would have been more than happy to watch her first grandchild.

"You seem surprised to see me, 'Ermione. Deed Sophie not tell you about our yin and yang days?"

Hermione blinked. "Uhh … what?"

Sophie chuckled. "Zat was what zey called us een school. I was ze yin since I 'ave dark 'air and she was ze yang since she 'as light 'air. As a pair we were … a beet troublesome.

"Ha!" laughed Mrs. Labelle from across the room. "Ze two of zem were more zan just troublesome. Zey were a pain een my ass!"

Sophie and Fleur laughed. "Mere worked at Beauxbatons coordinating all of zeir events during my early years. Eef eet were not for 'er Fleur and I would 'ave been expelled."

"On more zan one occasion," added Fleur.

"I knew I recognized you from the Triwizard Tournament when we met, Sophie, but were you at Bill and Fleur's wedding too?"

Sophie began staring at her hands, clearly avoiding Hermione's eyes. "Yes, of course I was."

Fleur chuckled. "Ooooh. So zat ees why you never told 'Ermione about yin and yang."

Sophie whipped her head towards Fleur and started yelling at her in French. She was telling her to keep her mouth shut.

"You already know I understand French, Sophie. Did something happen at the wedding?"

"Oh, eet ees nothing, 'Ermione," said Fleur. "Sophie just does not want you to know zat she made a move on Viktor Krum at my wedding."

"FLEUR!"

"Zey dated for a year after zat."

Several obscene French words came out of Sophie's mouth. "'Ermione, I am so sorry I deed not tell you! But zere ees no good way to mention to someone zat you 'ave ze same ex-boyfriend!"

Hermione burst into laughter. She had to admit, she was surprised, but she couldn't care less. "Viktor is very sweet. I don't blame you for falling for him in the slightest. Plus, he was never my boyfriend. Not officially, anyway."

"Yes, 'e was very sweet … and, you know, famous." Sophie and Fleur exchanged a smirk and a wink.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "You and I sure seem to share the same taste in men, don't we?"

Sophie yipped with glee. "And now you know why I never told you!"

When Hermione's hair and Fleur's makeup was finished they were ushered out of their seats and made to switch places. Sophie went and sat on the bed while her nails dried, looking extremely nervous, especially after her mother had to go downstairs to deal with some crisis.

"I'm not late, am I?"

They all looked over to see a plain but pretty witch standing in the doorway. Sophie squealed and ran to her, careful not to ruin her nails while snatching the stranger into a hug. She grabbed her hand and pulled her over to Hermione.

"'Ermione, zis ees my maid of honor, Caroline. She worked wiz Phillipe and me at Zinx."

"Nice to meet you," said Caroline, giving her a firm handshake. "Sophie sent me several letters about you this summer. They became much friendlier towards the end. Knowing Sophie, I'm sure the beginning must have been dreadful for you."

"Oh, aren't you just 'ilarious!" said Sophie, shoving her playfully before pushing her into the chair to get her nails done.

"How are you doing, Fleur?" Caroline asked while the manicurist went to work. "I saw Gabrielle downstairs. She is the spitting image of her big sister. Pierre is following her around like a lost puppy. The poor kid didn't stand a chance."

Fleur smiled proudly. "She takes after 'er beeg seester een more ways zan one."

"And how are Bill and Victoire?"'

"Zey are perfect, of course! I 'ated to leave zem but zere was no way een 'ell I would meess my yin's wedding."

Caroline rolled her eyes. Looking at Hermione, she said, "Weren't yin and yang over here the exact kind of girls you hated in school? I know I did."

Hermione laughed. "Actually, they were. It's hard to believe that now we're in yin's wedding."

"And yang weell be your future seester-een-law," said Fleur. When Sophie gave her a sharp look, she added, "Maybe," then, "'Opefully."

"Ooooh, I sense drama!" shouted Caroline. "I want the entire story. Wait … why aren't we drinking yet?"

Within seconds they all had a glass of champagne in their hands - other than Fleur, who had sparkling cider. Once all of their hair, makeup and nails were done, Mrs. Labelle reappeared with their bridesmaid dresses. Since it was an outdoor, summer wedding they were short, cut just above their knees, and a vibrant periwinkle in color. The witch seamstress had to adjust Fleur's, since her stomach was larger than they had anticipated.

When they were dressed they all banded together to help Sophie into her wedding gown. It was strapless and fitted all the way to her hips before trailing out to a long and luxurious train. The dress was pure white, completely devoid of any kind of sequins, other than a threaded flower pattern down the left side. Sophie was already so beautiful she didn't need to overcompensate with jewels. She looked incredible.

Instead of a veil, Sophie wore a wreath of white roses. Each of her bridesmaids was given a smaller wreath with periwinkle roses, obviously dyed to match their dresses.

Her something old was a simple, gold necklace that belonged to her Muggle grandmother, her something new was the dress, and her something blue was her bridal underwear. Her mother covered her ears when she talked about it. When they were trying to decide her something borrowed, Fleur stepped forward and clasped a bracelet around her wrist. Sophie gasped.

"Are you sure?"

Fleur nodded and Sophie hugged her. Apparently, Sophie had always loved that bracelet in school, but Fleur refused to lend it to her. Hermione got a sinking feeling that 'frenemy' was probably an appropriate word to describe Sophie and Fleur's relationship. At least in their youth. They seemed to have matured a bit with age. Emphasis on the 'a bit'.

Sophie went over to the full length mirror and took a good look at her reflection. For the first time since Hermione had met her, she looked at herself with uncertainty. Hermione came up behind her and wrapped her arms around her shoulders. "You look beautiful, Sophie. Phillip is going to love it."

"I 'ope so," she said, taking a deep breath. "I honestly cannot believe zis ees 'appening. Eef someone 'ad told me at ze beginning of ze summer zat Phillipe and I would be getting married I would 'ave laughed een zeir face."

"Sometimes life takes us down the most unlikely of roads."

Sophie smiled at Hermione through the mirror. "No one knows zat better zan you and Draco. 'Ave you two made a decision yet? Are you going to stay together?"

"Not yet."

"But -"

"Don't worry about us, Sophie. This is your day. Remember?"

Sophie sighed. "I just want ze two of you to be 'appy. Like me and Phillipe."

"Sophie." They both turned to see her mother smiling. "Eet ees time."

Fleur and Caroline squealed with excitement. They all helped Sophie gather up her dress and headed downstairs. Mrs. Labelle ushered them into the kitchen, where they were all handed bouquets made from the same roses in their wreaths. Sophie's larger bouquet had both white and periwinkle roses in it.

Sophie was made to wait inside while the bridesmaids headed outside to find their groomsmen counterparts. Hermione spotted Draco immediately, chatting with Phillip. He looked very debonair in a gray suit with a blue tie and a periwinkle rose pinned to the lapel.

"Well, well, well. Don't you two look dashing." Draco turned around and smiled when he saw her.

"And you look surprisingly beautiful. I'm impressed they were able to fix that mess you had made of your hair."

Hermione smacked his chest. He grabbed her wrist, pulled her close and kissed her.

"Don't listen to him, Hermione. You really do look beautiful and there is nothing surprising about it," said Phillip.

Hermione smiled at him. "Thank you, Phillip. If you think I'm beautiful, just wait until you see the bride." She eyed his suit and asked, "How come no dress robes?"

Phillip laughed. "The bride vetoed it. She's been to several Muggle weddings and preferred the men's suits to wizard's 'unflattering' dress robes."

"So are we getting zis zing started?" Fleur asked, suddenly bursting through Draco and Hermione, and pushing them apart.

The wizard Hermione had seen earlier with the clipboard appeared out of nowhere and grabbed Phillip's arm. "Music's starting. Groom goes first!"

Phillip looked back at all of them nervously before heading down the aisle by himself. The wizard started pulling the bridesmaids and groomsmen into pairs, explaining what they had to do in a condescending tone. He was clearly frantic and kept mumbling something about it all going to hell since there had been no rehearsal. Draco snapped at the wizard about his language at a wedding and he shut his mouth immediately. Hermione smiled at Draco and rubbed his arm dotingly.

Sophie's mom came outside with a young boy and girl attached to each hand. The flower girl and the ring bearer. She headed down the aisle first - just after an older couple who must have been Phillip's parents - and told the children to follow her once she got to the other side. They both nodded very seriously.

After the children went it was their turn. Fleur went down the aisle first - somehow withholding that silvery glow that normally followed her everywhere so she would not outshine Sophie - with a wizard who Hermione was pretty sure was a seventh year when she was a first year at Hogwarts.

She and Draco were next. They looked at each other and smiled excitedly before heading down the aisle.

While walking down the pathway sprinkled with periwinkle rose petals, Hermione was surprised to see several familiar faces in the crowd. Mr. Ollivander was there, of course, and smiling widely with the witch, Ginger, at his side. She was obviously his date. The entire dragon crew was there too: Charlie, Annaleigh, Daniel, Jen, and Jay. Anna and Daniel were holding hands, and Charlie nodded civilly as they passed.

When Hermione and Draco got to the front of the aisle, they squeezed hands before moving to opposite sides of the altar.

Next came Caroline and the best man, who she seemed to be familiar with. Hermione guessed he probably worked at Thinx too. And then it was time for the bride.

Everyone rose from their seats as Sophie appeared at the end of the aisle on the arm of her father. Hermione stole a glance at Phillip who was literally breathless as Sophie began to walk towards him. They were both sniffling as they kept their eyes on each other, neither of them able to control their wide grins.

When Sophie reached the front of the aisle, her father gave her a kiss on the cheek before shaking Phillip's hand and giving him his daughter's arm. Tears were visible in the man's eyes.

Hermione had a hard time controlling her own tears as the ceremony began. She kept having to wipe them away, especially when Sophie did a cute little hiccup while reciting her vows. "I, Sophie Anne Labelle," hiccup, "take you, Phillip Igor Prior …"

Behind Hermione Fleur was all tears, and Caroline wasn't much better. Normally when a couple got married as quickly as Sophie and Phillip, not all of their friends and family were supportive, but everyone here was extremely happy for them. Anyone could tell that this was a love built to last.

"… then I declare you bonded for life."

Just like at Bill and Fleur's wedding, the wizard marrying Phillip and Sophie waved his wand high over their heads, a shower of silver stars falling all around them. They leapt into each other's arms and kissed in the midst of it all. Everyone applauded and several fireworks in the shape of flowers went off just above their heads.

Sophie and Phillip headed back down the aisle, laughing as they walked hand-in-hand. Caroline and the best man followed them first, shadowed closely by Draco and Hermione, then Fleur and her groomsman.

"I can't believe I never knew Phil's initials spelled Pip!" Draco said into her ear. "This opens a whole new world of nicknames."

Hermione laughed. "And Sophie's spell Sap now."

Draco's eyes lit up. "By Merlin, you're right! From here on out I shall call them Pip and Sap."

"I'm sure they'll both love that."

The guests were all escorted into the vineyards after the ceremony. They were served champagne and hors d'oeuvres - all floating freely on trays through the air - while the wedding party took photos, and the workers quickly transformed the courtyard into a reception area.

Out of all of the photos they took, the ones that were the most fun were of just Hermione, Draco, Sophie, and Phillip. They snapped several goofy ones before finally letting the photographer pose them properly.

Sophie insisted that the photographer take photos of each of the bridesmaid and groomsman couples individually. Hermione and Draco knew this was only for their benefit, but they did not argue. This was her day and if she wanted to continually push them together then they couldn't stop her. Even Fleur bit her tongue, though, she obviously didn't want to. Especially when Sophie insisted the photographer take a kissing photo of them.

After the photos were finished, they all headed to the reception and made their grand entrance. The bride and groom, along with their wedding party sat at a head table. Hermione was seated between Caroline and Fleur, constantly eyeing Draco on the other side. She could tell he was getting anxious by the way he kept glancing at her and then turning away. His hands kept shaking while he downed several glasses of champagne.

Hermione's stomach started to turn. Something didn't feel right. And she was pretty sure she knew exactly what it was.

When dinner was finished, the band started playing and the bride and groom shared their first dance. They looked lovingly into each other's eyes while spinning around the dance floor, too caught up in one another to even notice when other people joined them.

Draco and Hermione were two of the first onto the floor. It seemed that this was the only way they could be alone. They held each other close, even during the fast songs, only letting go when Karma Chameleon began to play and Sophie insisted they all dance together.

The four of them swung around the dance floor in a circle, swooping through each other's arms until they were a tangled mess, eventually ending up in a hugging heap, rocking back and forth.

When the song was over the wizard with the clipboard appeared out of nowhere and shuffled Sophie and Phillip over to the cake. Hermione and Draco hadn't seen it until now and they laughed when they noticed it was decorated with Purple Polly Flowers.

Sophie and Phillip fed each other cake with their arms linked. He put a dollop on her nose and licked it off. She giggled and did the same. While everyone was busy watching them, Hermione and Draco tried to sneak off, but ended up running right into Charlie Weasley.

"Hello Hermione. Draco," he said, giving them each a nod.

"Hello Charlie," Hermione said back. "We actually sent you an owl this morning. Though, I'm sure you haven't -"

"I got it," he said. "Right before we had to leave for here. I'll check this dragon - uh, Summer, out. The laws dealing with dragons were very different when she was imprisoned there. I'm sure we can find a better place for her."

"Oh, that would be wonderful! Thank you so -"

"We have a problem!" Caroline appeared out of nowhere and pulled Hermione and Draco away. Once they were all hidden in a corner beside the stage, she said, "Chastity is here."

Hermione's eyes widened. "What? But … why?"

Caroline shrugged. "Don't know. She won't tell us. Just keeps saying she needs to talk to Sophie and Phillip."

"Both of them?" asked Hermione.

"Yes. Seth is keeping her busy right now but I don't think she's going anywhere."

Hermione and Draco looked at each other and frowned. "I suppose we could try talking to her," said Draco, "but, I should warn you, other than a very public brawl in Hogsmeade, we don't have much history with Chastity. If you didn't have any luck getting rid of her I highly doubt we will either."

Caroline groaned. "Hermione, you're smart, right? Isn't there a spell we can cast to just make her go 'poof'! Gone!"

"Well, there are spells like that, but nothing legal, and the 'poof' would probably be a little more definite than what you are going for."

"I'm alright with that."

Fleur and her groomsman appeared in their hidden corner. "She says eef we do not send zem out een ten meenutes zen she ees coming een. Seth ees all but ready to wrestle 'er to ze ground. Geoffrey 'ere refuses to 'old 'im off."

"That witch has it long coming," said the groomsman who must have been Geoffrey.

"Well, maybe if we all go over there as a unified group she will back down," suggested Hermione. "Can we try that?"

They all agreed but Hermione had a sinking feeling this was not going to go well. She seemed to be the only sensible one in this group. Everyone else was too headstrong.

Only seconds after they all rounded the corner to go and confront Chastity, Phillip and Sophie were standing in front of them with their arms crossed.

"What's going on?" Phillip asked.

"Nothing!" they all said at the same time, making it sound even more unconvincing.

Eyeing the group in front of her, Sophie's eyes fell upon the weakest member. "'Ermione, you would never lie to me, would you?"

"O-of course not," said Hermione, biting her lip.

"Zen tell me. What were you all just talking about?"

"How beautiful this wedding is!" exclaimed Draco, throwing his arm around Hermione's shoulders. "Good job!"

Sophie narrowed her eyes at him. "Now leesten 'ere! I am ze bride and eef I want to know what my wedding party ees up to zen you better damn well tell me!" Her face began to twitch in fury. Everyone, including Phillip, took a step back from her.

They all exchanged looks before Hermione finally admitted, "Chastity is here. She wants to talk to the two of you."

Both Sophie and Phillip went ghostly white, but they stayed composed. Sophie grabbed onto Phillip's hand and said, "Lead ze way."

Caroline looked at Hermione skeptically before walking towards the front of the chateaux. She led them out of the gate and to the graveled driveway. Chastity was sitting on a bench under a tree while Seth stood protectively between her and the entrance.

Chastity stood up as they approached, her eyes fixed on Phillip. "Hi," she said, suddenly noticing the foul-faced posse standing all around her. She sighed and moved her eyes to Sophie. "You look very beautiful, Sophie. Congratulations to the both of you."

"Yes, yes. I am very beautiful. Blah, blah, blah. Let's cut to ze chase. What are you doing 'ere, Chasteety? I can assure you your eenvitation was not lost een ze mail. How deed you even know about zis?"

Chastity cast her eyes to the ground. "Anna asked me for permission to come. But she didn't tell me where it was," she added quickly. "This is the third place I've been today. Please don't be angry with her!"

Caroline was already taking her earrings off. She was going to march back in there and pull Annaleigh out by her hair.

"Let her be, Caroline," said Phillip. "Now, if you could all please take a few steps back. Chastity has something to say and we're going to listen." There were grunts all around, but everyone obeyed. Looking to his ex-wife, he added, "Make it fast, Chastity. I would like to get back to my wedding, if you don't mind."

Chastity nodded and took something out of her pocket. She held it out for them. Everyone leaned forward and saw that it was a huge, antique diamond ring.

"I already 'ave one, zank you," said Sophie, stroking the diamond on her finger.

Chastity chuckled. "No, it's not for that. This is the ring Zandicus gave me. It was his grandmother's." Sophie and Phillip looked at her curiously. "I went to give it back to her a couple of days ago, but she refused to take it. She said I was the best her grandson was ever going to get and she didn't want some chauvinistic trash wearing it in the future."

All of the former Thinx employees laughed. "That's Zara Thinx for you," said Seth.

Chastity nodded. "Anyway, we got to talking and I told her about the two of you. Phillip, you were more like a son to Zanzar than Zandicus ever was."

Hermione could not help but cringe at all of the horrible names in that family. Maybe it was time for them to get away from the Z's.

"That's why she wants you to have this. For you and Sophie to start your life together. And," she shuffled around in her pocket, pulling out a piece of paper, "this."

Sophie took the ring and eyed it with interest while Phillip read the paper. He gasped. Everyone's eyes were on him.

"What ees eet?" asked Sophie, leaning over to get a look at the paper.

"S-she's giving us Thinx! The company, Thinx!"

Chastity smiled. "It's not much right now. Just a name, really. But, with the money you get from that ring, I'm sure the two of you will have no problem returning it to its former glory."

"My heart literally just skipped a beat," said Caroline with one hand on her chest.

"You're going to hire us back, right, mate?" asked Seth.

Phillip laughed. "Of course. Chastity … this is -"

"Too much!" said Sophie, nearly in tears. "Why are you doing zis for us?"

Chastity shrugged, her own tears forming behind her eyes. "I've made a lot of mistakes in my life. This is me trying to make up for them. I just want the two of you to be happy."

Sophie reached forward and pulled Chastity into a hug. When she let her go, she said, "You at least deserve a piece of cake for zis! Please come een to ze reception."

Wiping her face clean, Chastity looked down at her casual attire and said, "No thank you. I'm hardly dressed for a wedding."

"Nonsense!"

"No … really, I should be going. Good luck to both of you." Chastity took one last sorrowful look at Phillip before disapparating.

Once she was gone, everyone headed back into the courtyard. First Fleur, then Geoffrey, Caroline and Seth. But before Hermione and Draco could walk through the gates, Sophie and Phillip pulled them back.

"Eet ees time for you two to get out of 'ere."

"Yeah, you don't have to keep humoring us. Go to the vineyards. Be alone."

"Zey put your stuff een ze same room you stayed een last time. For whenever you are ready." Sophie winked. "You can sneak around ze back. I weell make sure Fleur and Charlie do not follow you."

Hermione and Draco looked at each other and nodded. They clasped hands and said, "Thank you," before heading around the side of the chateaux.

The two of them remained silent as they walked through the vineyards, both deep in thought while they automatically headed to the same spot they had been in their first time here.

When they got there Draco took a seat on the ground, pulling Hermione onto his lap. He wrapped his arms around her waist and entwined his fingers with hers, relaxing them on her lap. She leaned back and nuzzled her nose against his cheek.

After a long moment like that, Draco knew it was time for them to start talking, even though he dreaded it more than anything else in the world. "Hermione … I -"

"Please don't," she said, a tear falling from her eyes and onto his cheek. "I already know what you're going to say."

"But … how could you -"

"I was awake, Draco. I heard you and your mother speaking."

Draco sighed. "I thought you might have."

"Is that really what you want? To let me go?"

"No."

"Then why are you?"

"I never said -"

"You didn't have to." She turned her body on his lap and looked into his eyes. Hers were already glistening with tears. "I could see it in your eyes all week. I can see it now. You're going to forget about me." The tears began to fall.

"No!" he said, putting a hand on her damp cheek. "No. I will never forget about you. I love you."

"Then why are you doing this? Why are you listening to her?"

"Because she was right," he finally admitted. "I can't be selfish. If anything ever happened to you because of me or my family I could never forgive myself. I won't risk it!"

"But I'm willing to risk it! I love you, Draco! I want to be with you!"

Draco shook his head. "No. I won't let you do that. It's too late, Hermione. I already wrote to Weasley. I told him he's the better man and he's the one who should be with you, not me. He deserves you … He called for you."

"You called for me!"

"Three years too late."

"But you couldn't -"

"I could have! I was just too scared to do anything! I didn't save you! I didn't do anythi -" Draco choked on his words. He pressed his forehead against hers and cried openly while she did the same.

"Please … Draco … I love you."

"And I love you."

Draco removed his forehead and met her lips with his. Both of them sobbed while they kissed each other, the taste of salty tears lingering on their tongues. His hands cradled her cheeks while hers were wrapped around his waist. She was almost afraid to loosen her grip, fearing if she did she might never get to hold him again.

When their kiss ended, Draco and Hermione stayed in their spot, hugging each other well into the evening. Once the sun was set and the stars took over the sky they knew they had to get back to the reception. They used their wands to clean each other's faces before walking back to the courtyard with their arms wrapped around each other.

By the time they got there, the band was just starting to play their last song. Draco led Hermione onto the dance floor and pulled her close. The two barely moved their feet as they held each other. Hermione hid her face in his hair, not wanting Sophie and Phillip - who were watching them from their own spot on the floor - to see her cry.

When Hermione looked up for a split second, Sophie caught her eye and gave a slight shrug of her shoulders, trying to ask what happened. All Hermione could do was shake her head before nestling back into Draco's neck.

Sophie began to sob. This was not what she expected when she sent them off together. Phillip held her close, the two of them sharing one of the first of many dances to come, while their friends shared their last.

Fleur and Charlie were dancing close to them, watching the entire exchange. They looked at each other, unsure of how they were supposed to feel right now. While it appeared Ron had won, they couldn't help but fear it was by default.

Once everyone was gone and Sophie and Phillip retreated to the master bedroom for their wedding night, Hermione and Draco headed to their own room. The moment the door was shut he kissed her. She pulled of his jacket and undid his tie, making sure their lips never lost contact while she unbuttoned his shirt.

With one quick unzip, she was out of her dress and the two of them were falling onto the bed. Draco held her face in his hands, continuing to massage her tongue with his, never wanting to lose the feeling of her lips pressed against him.

They stopped for a short moment to catch their breath. Draco looked down into her desolate eyes, nearly bursting into tears at the sight of them. He kissed her again, leaving one hand on her cheek while the other pulled off his boxers. She did the same with her underwear.

Even after they were both naked they did not start right away. The sooner they began, the sooner it would end, and neither of them was ready for that.

Finally, Hermione pulled him against her, running her hands up into his hair while he moved slowly inside of her. The closer they came to finishing, the harder they cried. Everything felt so perfect. So right. How could this be it?

When it was over neither of them moved. Hermione hugged her arms tighter around his neck while his were wrapped underneath her. "I don't want it to be over," she cried into his ear.

"Me neither," he said, kissing her wet cheek. "But it has to be."

He rolled off of her, but she would not let him pull her with him. Hermione moved to the other side of the bed, staring mindlessly at the wall.

"Hermione, please come here," he said behind her.

She shook her head. "I can't. I can't sleep in your arms knowing it's the last time. I'd rather remember it as being last night. When I wasn't sure this would be it."

"Hermione … please. Let me hold you this last time. I need this last time."

Hermione sobbed before turning around and scooting back into his arms. She rested her head on his chest and listened to his heartbeat for one final night. Even after they fell asleep tears continued to fall from their eyes. Summer was officially over and two hearts were left broken as a result.

Neither of them had planned to fall in love, but maybe this unexpected circumstance was exactly what they needed to move on from their unfulfilled lives, and hopefully find something more. Maybe now they could both finally find a way to be happy. But, in this moment, it seemed impossible that either of them would ever be happy again.