School: Mahoutokoro

Year: Exchange 1

Topic: Gripping Opening and Special Punctuation

Word Count: 385

Hermione stared at her reflection in the mirror; the blood splatters were stark on her beautiful white wedding dress.

"Messy," Draco commented from where he was sprawled on the bed.

"You're acting quite nonchalant for someone who's likely to get caught at their own wedding."

"Let me remind you, that you're the one who wanted to invite a wanted criminal to our wedding. Besides—"

"I hadn't intended for us to make a feast on him right after our vows."

"—I'm sure everyone thinks we've disappeared for a shag. Which actually should have been the case."

"It doesn't matter now. We killed him. He definitely didn't think he was attending a vampire wedding," Hermione said as she faced him.

Draco got up from the bed and wrapped his arms around her.

"And even though there was a hitch in the plan"—she whispered—"today was beautiful. I love you."

"I love you, too." Draco kissed her, and she tasted cake and blood.

A few years ago she thought her life was over. It was ironic considering the fact that vampires never died, but turning into one had never been on the plan. But then on a trip to Iceland—she had wanted to do some soul searching—she ran into Draco, who suffered from the same affliction.

It had taken her a long time to acclimate to a vampire lifestyle; on the other hand, Draco thrived as a vampire. She couldn't imagine a life without him.

Draco gave her life a new purpose. Taking down the worst of the worst criminals was quite easy when one was a vampire.

"Where did you go?" Draco snapped her out of her reverie.

She shook her head. "Help me with my dress, please."

"Hmm, now we're getting somewhere." Draco turned her around and unzipped her dress from behind. "Only there is a dead man third wheeling with us right now."

Hermione frowned at the stains on her gown (though that wasn't much of a worry as one of the first things they perfected after turning into vampires was an anti-blood stain solution).

"Save your energy for later tonight," Hermione said. "Get rid of the body. Ginny will be here anytime to help me get ready for reception. Oh, and please clean the bathroom. She will have a stroke if she sees the mess."