"Don't you look gorgeous," said Kath, beaming proudly.

Hermione stared at herself in the mirror. Normally she would only put on her lipsticks for grander occasions, but Kath insisted that she would have her makeup session before she walked down the aisle. She put pink blusher on Hermione's cheek and preppy red lipstick on her lips. With only these, her appearance had changed immensely. The person in the mirror was very alluring, and almost seductive.

"Your husband is going to lose his mind when he sees you," continued Kath. "Especially when you are wearing this little compared to what you usually wear."

"Stop making me blush!" said Hermione. "How much time do we have?"

"We're leaving in 10 minutes," answered Kath. "Are they coming?"

"Who?"

"Draco and Narcissa."

"Draco, yes. Narcissa, maybe not."

"That's fair. I mean, I wouldn't go to my ex's wedding either, not to mentioned she's not even an ex, just a sidekick."

A knock rang at the door and Hermione turned around. Draco stood at the door with a black suit, looking unamused, as if he was ordered to usher the two women. Draco straightened his tie and said, "My dad's waiting."

Hermione tucked her wedding gown and went out to meet Lucius. Kath immediately followed behind. Draco waited for them to leave so he could close the door. Just when Kath took her step out of the room, she realised she had forgot her bag. So she quickly turned around to go back in. Her head bumped into Draco's chest. Out of reflex, his arm wrapped on her waist, pulling her closer to keep her balance. Their eyes met for the first time in such close proximity. Draco's eyes were clear as water, just like a shining sapphire. Kath was almost mesmerised by his eyes. It took her a few seconds before she realised how awkward the situation has grown. She sharply pushed him away and trotted out of the manor.

Lucius was waiting in front of the limousine. He was in a jet black suit, possibly Paul Smith, Hermione guessed, for she rarely looked into what brands her husband-to-be had in his closet.

He reached out to hold Hermione's hand, and without a moment of hesitation she gently placed her palm on his, and he led her into the limousine. Kath and Draco hopped into the car as well. As they got in and shut the door, the car drove all the way out of London.

"How long is it going to take?" asked Hermione.

"Around 50 minutes. It's in West Wycombe. Just relax and close your eyes."

"I'm getting married today. I can't just take a nap now," said Hermione, almost biting her lip out of excitement and apprehension.

Lucius held her hand tightly, as if offering some sort of reassurance and tranquility. His eyes never left his bride. It was merely a year ago when she first met Lucius. Now she had her hand rested in his warm comforting palm.

The whole car ride was unusually silent. Normally Kath was the chatterbox who would think of anything to entertain Hermione. This time she had her eyes fixed on the landscape outside, seemingly trying to keep distance with everyone in the car, particularly with Draco. Draco was sitting uncomfortably next to Kath. He kept staring at his clasped hands, occasionally letting out heavy breath and rubbing his palms.

"Kath, are you alright?" asked Hermione, trying to break the silence as she noticed that her friend had a bothered look on her face.

"Huh?" said Kath, and her voice faltered. "It's nothing. I'm happy for you, it seems unreal."

"We should be there in another 20 minutes," said Lucius, breaking the awkward conversation. "Draco will walk you down the aisle."

Draco lifted his brow and said, "I thought only people from the woman's family could do so."

"Your mother-to-be's family is not in the UK, so the closest kin would be you," said Lucius.

It felt weird when Hermione realised the idea of being Lucius's husband would mean she would also be the stepmother of Draco, a man of her age. It would be as weird as a man of her age marrying her mother. The man next to her was 25 years her senior, almost double her age. However, she was not a traditional type of woman. Love could go beyond age. They had signed the marriage registration just yesterday, all they had left now was the wedding ceremony.

Their limousine seemed very out of place as it drove through the street with buildings that reminded Hermione of the 1900s. It drove up a long narrow lane with tall trees on the right and a dense green pasture on the left. She caught the sight of a building as she looked at the edge of the grassland. As they arrived at the end of the road, which was a barren carpark. Hermione tucked her dress as she got out. The four walked towards the church's restroom to tidy up. The minister came in to greet them. As he left, Lucius took a glance at the watch and said, "It's about time. Draco, we need to go greet the guests."

Draco obediently left the room. Lucius held her jaw and planted a kiss on Hermione's forehead, then whispered to her ear, "I'll see you there, princess."

Lucius strode out of the room. Hermione gazed at herself at the mirror. The blush on her cheeks grew. She could not bear to see her embarrassed and nervous self in the mirror, so she turned to Kath, who was leaning against the wall, looking rather distracted.

"Are you alright? You were quiet since we left the house," said Hermione, concerned.

"No, it's fine. It's just…nothing."

"Do you need some rest or food?"

"I'm fine, really," said Kath, finally showing a weak smile. "I was just…too excited for your marriage and I didn't have enough sleep."

Hermione stood up and held her friend's hands, smiling, like two childhood friends on a summer day. A knock rattled on the door and Draco came in with a small bouquet. His eyes avoided her and Kath, then muttered, "It's time."

Hermione went to him and rested her hand on Draco's arm. His arm was lean, yet muscular. He offered her the bouquet and Hermione grabbed it with her left hand. The two marched to the church main door, waiting for it to open. They both stood in silence, listening to the faint sound behind the door.

"Scared, Granger?" suddenly Draco blurted.

"Hasn't your father told you I'm not a Granger anymore?" snapped Hermione.

Draco let out a soft chuckle. Though they rarely talked to each other, they seemed to enjoy the small banter.

The door swung open and Draco led Hermione down the aisle. People sitting on both sides were all standing up, looking at her. Lucius was standing at the far end of the aisle, beaming at her. Hermione wished she could just sprint into his arms. As she stood right in front of Lucius, she let go of Draco's arms and quickly held Lucius' hand. Draco quietly moved aside and stood beside Kath, who was standing in the front row.

The couple faced the minister. The minister smiled and announced, "We are gathered here on a glorious day to witness the union of Hermione Jean Granger and Lucius Abraxas Malfoy."

The minister turned to Lucius and said, "Please repeat after me. I, Lucius Abraxas Malfoy…"

Lucius turned to Hermione and repeated the words. His voice was as soft and warm as a midsummer night breeze. His words flitted past her ears. As he finished, the minister turned to Hermione and said the same thing. Her head was too preoccupied with Lucius's face. The moment she finished muttering, all she could hear was "You may now kiss your bride."

Lucius lips pressed on hers. She wrapped her arms on his shoulder to pull him closer for the kiss, trying hard to hold her laughter. Everyone clapped and cheered. As their kiss broke, the church door opened. Lucius held Hermione tightly and the two of them walked out of the church, followed by the guests. The photographer quickly hopped in front of them and took countless photos. Guests a few by a few lined up to stand beside the newly wedded couple for photos. When they all had finished, the young ladies, who were ever so eagerly waiting for the bouquet, stood a few feet away from Hermione, with their arms stretched out and giggling. Draco stood beside the zealous crowd of ladies, sighing at the sight of single ladies desperately wanting the luck the bouquet could bring. Hermione turned around and tossed the bouquet over her shoulder. The bouquet flew straight into the air, and landed in Draco's hands. Before he could react, his reflex kicked in and he quickly tossed the bouquet. It landed perfectly in Kath's hands. The ladies groaned in slight jealousy but was generally happy for Kath. They gathered around Kath, asking if she had a boyfriend already, to which she shook her head and stared at Draco, who was clearly in shock as well. Hermione noticed the strange exchange between the two, but before she could say a word, Lucius announced that everyone should move to his Manor for the wedding party. Hermione was briskly ushered back to Lucius's limousine. The moment Hermione and Lucius stepped in the car, the chauffeur turned his head and congratulated them,

"Congratulations, Mr. Malfoy, Mrs. Malfoy. May all your troubles be little ones."

"Little what?" Hermione asked.

Lucius showed a smirk and whispered to her ear, "Babies."

Hermione blushed even harder. It was merely an hour ago when she was pronounced wife of Lucius. It seemed a little too early for her to think about children, though for the whole year she and Lucius dealt with children.

Draco and Kath got on the car, with Kath holding the bouquet, not knowing where to put it. Hermione smiled and suggested, "You can dry and frame it with silica gel. It'd look nice on the wall. It can then be sort of a lucky charm for finding a boyfriend."

"Draco caught it first, didn't you?" Lucius asked Draco.

"I..yeah but—" began Draco.

"Maybe you will be getting yourself a girlfriend this year," said Hermione, teasing him.

A pink tinge grew on Draco's face and he stared at Kath's black lush hair. His memory flitted in front of his eyes. Her eyes were the colour of ebony. It took him this long to notice her beauty. How had she stayed out of his attention over the years when they had been working in the very same office?

The four of them got out of the limousine as it stopped at the manor. Guests' cars followed. Everyone

happily marched through the big door and into the hall. Banquet tables covered in pure white cloths were neatly lined up in the middle of the room, with various delectable dishes from appetisers to desserts. A servant came towards Lucius and Hermione with two glasses of champagne. They took the glasses on the stem. The other servants quickly carried the champagne glasses trays to the guests. Soon as the servants retreated, everyone raised their glasses and said, "To Lucius and Hermione!"

Hermione gulped down every last drop of champagne. With just one glass, she was already getting light-headed and began to giggle, perhaps out of excitement and euphoria.

As guests began to dig in and dance, Kath quietly used the stainless steel tongs to put a tiny pile of macaroni and cheese on her plate, then she stood in one corner of the room, observing the guests prancing and laughing. What caught her eye was Draco, talking to a girl in deep v neck dress. Though the girl had alluring body shape and lustfully passionate expression, Draco seemed to be uncomfortable, for he winced and tried to look at somewhere else. Then his eyes fell on Kath, and immediately he showed a smirk. Then he walked towards her, with the flirtatious woman following right behind him.

"Kath! I was looking for you. You promised to dance with me!" said Draco, pulling her arm.

Kath was in complete confusion, so was the woman. Draco did not wait for a reply, he simply turned to the woman and said, "Sorry, lady. I have my bae already."

Draco dragged Kath across the hall, with Kath quickly putting down her plate on a random table. As Draco held her hand up for a slow dance, Kath said, "What exactly are you doing?"

"Just 5 minutes and I will let you go!" Draco gritted the words through his teeth.

"So you are using me to get rid of pests?" said Kath, almost smirking at the fact that he had to use her to get away with women. "Pathetic."

"Well alright! You can say anything you want. Just dance with me for the next 5 minutes."

The two moved across the hall as the music continued to play. The moment the music stopped, Kath pulled herself away from Draco and went back to the buffet table, hoping to get some food. Hermione and Lucius were busy talking to guests. It would seem impolite for her to sit next to them when they had to wine and dine with their guests.

"Señorita!" said a person behind her and a quick tap touched her shoulder.

Kath turned around and saw a goofy looking man smiling at her.

"How can I help you?" said Kath, trying her best not to frown.

"You look beautiful! Can I have a dance with you? We can get to know each other better."

"Sorry, I'm not much a dancer—"

"Don't worry! I'm a very good dancer! Let me teach you dance! I'm sure you will enjoy it! You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Much more beautiful than my other girlfriends!"

"Your other girlfriends!"

"Oh no, we are not together anymore. I had two in the past six months. They are not with me anymore. I am very sure you are going to be my last girl! Please dance with me!"

Kath felt immensely uncomfortable. Her eyes immediately scanned across the room, trying to find Draco. Unfortunately, he was nowhere is sight. With nobody that she could use to escape from this man, it seemed almost impossible for her to sneak away. So quickly she pointed behind the man and said, "Oh what's that?"

Within a second, she crouched and hurriedly hid behind a banquet table. As she peeped between the trays of food, she saw the man scratching his head, perplexed by her sudden disappearance. The man began shouting "señorita" and kept asking people if they had seen her. With his zeal, it would be no time before he found her. As she took a step backwards, her back bumped into somebody's leg and she had to stand up. Kath was not sure if she was lucky or unfortunate, it was Draco whom her back hit, but at the same time the man saw Draco and went over to talk to him. Luckily, he was standing across the table so he would not be able to see her.

"Excuse me, young man. Have you seen a young lady with pretty black hair and pretty pink dress?" asked the man.

Draco took a quick glance at Kath who was holding onto his leg tightly. He took a deep breath and said, "I think I saw her left."

"Left? You mean she went to the left side of the hall?"

"No. I mean she left. She's not here anymore."

"¡Jolín! I was about to ask her out. She was such a beautiful creature! Like a horse in a field."

Draco could hardly hold his snigger. He kept a strange face and said, "Yes, it's bad luck. But maybe you should go after her."

"Oh yes, I should! Thank you!"

The man rushed out of the hall. As he disappeared, Kath stood up. Perhaps she had crouched for too long, her legs went jelly and she could hardly balance herself. She toppled and fell onto Draco. Draco did not anticipate that, he back hit the floor and Kath was on top of him. Her chest pressed against his and her breath was at his ear. Draco felt himself getting a little aroused. Kath seemed to have felt it as well, she quickly pushed herself up and straightened her dress.

"I'm sorry, can you stand up?" asked Kath and her hand reached out to pull him up.

Draco took her hand and pulled himself up.

"I need some fresh air," said Kath.

"Me too."

His reply shocked Kath. Kath did not know what to say, so she simply said, "We'll go out, to the patio."

The two of them walked past the crowd and went out, standing at the patio and enjoying the cool wind. It magically calmed both of them down. Draco suddenly asked, "Why don't you like that man?"

Kath rolled her eyes and said, "For heaven's sake, he's weird. He has two girlfriends within the past six months and claims that I will be his last. I don't know, he's just weird and it's not my cup of tea."

Draco chuckled and said, "What's your cup of tea?"

"Well, just normal man. No smoking, no drinking, proper job, proper upbringing, treats relationships seriously—"

"Ha! Any man can be your boyfriend then. Even I can be your boyfriend."

It all fell into silence. They stopped talking and stared at the each other. Kath respired deeply and said, "Maybe…we can try."


I hope you like it! This is likely the last chapter for the month. Assignment deadlines are in April and I have other stressful events to attend these two months so next update will likely be in late April.