Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, and I never intended on owning it either because I'm not that creative.
Well, here is the epilogue of the story; I hope that every one likes it because it's going to be REALLY long with a lot more humor (at least I'd like to think it was funny), hopefully that makes up for all of the shorter chapters. I'm talking longer than I've ever really written before and that's going to be weird for me. Some of this stuff in the chapter will be entirely left of to the imagination because I don't know how to describe some of them. Enjoy and please review!
Epilogue - February 2 (after graduation)
"Love is a rare thing to find at any time. I thought what we had, was merely just a friendship until I had lost you. I was blind then, but now I know that I couldn't live without you. I love you Ginny Weasley, and I'll love you for the rest of my life."
Hermione smiled at her best friend as he finished. Ginny had a tear streaming gracefully down her cheek as her soon to be husband ended his statement.
The couple looked over to Ron and Starlight. Ron nodded and then he began.
"Star, in the time that I've known you, you've shown more patience, kindness, and life than anyone I've ever known. When I met you, it was like I got my best friends back all in one person. But with you I also got love, the kind of love that couldn't be filled by family or by friends. It was the kind of love that only a soul mate could fill. I love you Star and I want to love you for the rest of our lives."
Starlight smiled at him and then the minister said, "Ladies, do you have anything you wished to add to that?"
"Harry, that was beautiful. I couldn't have said anything better myself. I love you Harry Potter, I always have and I always will."
"Ron . . . you know I'm not very articulate. I loved you since as long as I can think of from the time that I'd met you. You were always so passionate, and you always had a story to tell about all of your friends and all of your adventures. You were always very kind to me. Thanks so much for showing me more love than I've ever known in my life. You've made me happier than you'll ever know of."
Hermione looked over at Draco and gave him a small smile and he returned it. The parson led the couples through their vows and at last, Starlight finished with her 'I do'.
The parson smiled and said, "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husbands and wives. You may now kiss your brides."
:-:
Draco and Hermione rode in comfortable silence to the reception. They still hadn't told anyone that they were engaged, and no one asked because she didn't have a ring to prove anything . . . yet.
Starlight and Ron sat on the right side of the stretch limo and Harry and Ginny sat on the left side; Hermione and Draco were sitting in the back seat.
Harry looked at Hermione and said, "Mione you all right there?"
Hermione nodded her head and said, "Yeah, I'm fine."
'What's going on with you and Draco?'
'Harry, trust me, it's nothing,' she looked at him pointedly.
The limo stopped and Sirius and Arabella (who were in the front of the limo in front of the window) opened to darkened window in the front and said, "We're here everyone."
The door opened only moments later to reveal a grand looking hotel.
They walked up the stairs and Hermione and Draco led the way out to a garden filled with roses and there was a white fountain in the center of the farthest side from the door. Around the edge of the garden were tables for everyone that was going to be there. The lights were hung around the border and there were lanterns in the roses at places.
Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Starlight looked around in awe and then looked to Hermione, Draco, Sirius, and Arabella.
"You guys are the greatest!" said Harry hugging them all. He said thank yous to each of them quietly as he hugged them. (Even Draco)
Ginny and Starlight squealed in delight as the looked at the beautiful roses. Ginny said, "You guys are so wonderful to us!" Then she hugged all of them too.
Ron said thank you and hugged Hermione, shook Draco and Sirius' hands and then hugged Arabella. Starlight looked at them with a wide smile and said, "You are too kind!"
"You're welcome you guys," they said.
Five minutes later, people started arriving.
:-:
Everyone was having a great time dancing and talking as the food was on its way. Hermione and Draco watched as everyone was having a good time. They were hanging out on the side talking to each other quietly.
"Look at them, they're so happy," said Hermione. She looked at the two couples as a slow dance started. She saw how beautiful each of the girls looked in their matching wedding dresses. Harry and Ron were talking to each other and smiling more than Hermione had ever seen.
"I can't wait until that can be us," said Draco even more quietly.
"Neither can I Drake," she said smiling as she watched all of the dancing couples.
"Mione?"
"Hmm?"
"I know we're already getting married sometime, but it doesn't feel like it yet."
"Drake, what are you talking about?"
"Hermione, would you where this ring?" he said taking a step closer to her and pulling out it simple little box.
Hermione took it and opened it and her breath caught because inside was the most beautiful ring she had ever seen; a square cut diamond set in gold. She looked up at him with a smile and said, "Oh Draco, it's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen! I'd like nothing more than to wear this ring."
Draco took the ring from the box and took her left hand placing the ring on her third finger. Hermione looked at the ring on her hand and felt as though it was meant to be there.
She laughed and wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him lightly.
:-:
Starlight and Ginny saw all of this was taking place. They looked over just as Draco slid the ring on Hermione's finger.
They all looked at each other knowingly. They had suspected for quite some time that something was happening with Draco and Hermione and they just weren't admitting it.
:-:
Hermione and Draco stood up at the front when the food came about five minutes later. "Can we have your attention please?" asked Draco tapping a knife against his glass. Everyone went quiet as the waiters began placing the food in front of everyone.
"First we would like to say congratulations to our brides and grooms," said Hermione.
There was a polite applause as Draco continued, "Next we would like to propose a toast."
Hermione said, "One to Harry and Ginny, may you be very happy from this day forward."
"To Harry and Ginny," everyone said and raised their glasses and took sips of their wine.
"And one to Starlight and Ron, I hope you guys will make each other happy," said Draco.
"To Starlight and Ron," everyone lifted their glasses again and sipped at their wine.
"And now we want to ask the brides and grooms to come up for a special dance. Then we will have everyone join them in the next dance."
Then the D. J. started the song Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls
And I'd give up forever to touch you
Cause I know that you feel me somehow
You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be
And I don't want to go home right now
And all I can taste is this moment
And all I can breathe is you life
Cause sooner or later its over
I just don't want to go home right now
And I don't want the world to see me
Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am
And you can't fight the tears that ain't coming
Or the moment of truth in your lies
When everything feels like the movies
Yeah you bleed just to know you're alive
And I don't want the world to see me
Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am
And I don't want the world to see me
Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am
I just want you to know who I am
I just want you to know who I am
I just want you to know who I am
Next everyone went up and danced to some faster and more upbeat songs (and some meant more for freak dancing that no one was able to do really well minus a select few). Most of the people couldn't dance very well except Draco and Hermione and by the end they had a circle of people watching them enviously, happily, or both. Never had many of the people there seen such a wonderful sight as when the two of them were dancing together, complimenting each other as if only they were meant to dance together and no one else could complete them. Their dance communicated things that people could never even begin to explain with words.
When the last song played, Draco and Hermione decided to take a breather and went back to the spot by the wall they had been at most of the night. Many people congratulated them on their dancing as they passed.
Harry and Ron walked over to them with identical mischievous smirks. Harry looked at Hermione and said, "So . . . Mione. Is there something that you aren't telling us?"
"Harry, what ever are you talking about?" asked Hermione innocently, but having a very good clue where this was going as she could read their minds.
"Well, last we checked, you and Malfoy were um - oh, Harry, what was the word?"
"Engaged," Harry said quickly.
"Yes, that was it, engaged. Now don't try to look innocent you two."
"Yeah, we know things and it comes from a very reliable source I hear."
"Oh and who might that be?" asked Hermione slyly.
Ron put a hand to his heart, "Hermione Morgan I am shocked and appalled that you would question our knowledge! Do you not trust us in saying that we have a source but to reveal that, we would have to Obliviate you?"
"Yes, can you not believe that we, your best friends, who by the way, know people who know people who just might have eyes in the back of their heads and know everything, just might find out about this whole engagement?"
"Starlight and Ginny told you, is that it?" asked Draco knowing that only women could observe such things and relay the message that fast.
"Exactly!" said Harry. "How could you have guessed?"
Draco answered in a dramatic stage whisper, "The Women's Network, no news travels faster than the news hot off the presses of the Woman who knows it. Believe me, I have seen it with my own eyes Potter and it isn't pretty. These women know everything and report it even faster than they learn it."
Hermione hit him playfully, "Hey, I resent that! I only relay the news as soon as I learn it thank you very much!"
"Oh I'm sorry dear. I didn't know you were still here," he said like he was just noticing her.
"Ha, ha, you're going to pay for that!" said Hermione inching closer.
"Harry, I think that was our cue to leave," said Ron making a show of grabbing Harry by the elbow.
"Oh and how is that?" asked Draco also nearing her.
Hermione placed her hands at the nape of his neck and looked into his eyes, "Oh I don't know, I was thinking that I could -"
"Just shut up and kiss me," he said lowering his lips to hers.
: 1 month later :
Hermione walked into the living room of Starlight and Ron's new home in her denim knee length skirt, knee length tan boots (with a 2 inch heel), and a tan sweater. Starlight smiled and gave her a hug.
"Hermione you look wonderful! I love your earrings," she said indicating the gold hoops in her ears.
"Thank you Starlight. Well, as soon as Ginny gets here, we can get started."
"When is your wedding date?"
"I'm thinking June 2."
"What's June second?" asked Ginny as she walked into the living room.
"Well, that's exactly a year from when Draco and I got engaged."
They looked at her confused. "But didn't you get engaged at our wedding?" asked Ginny.
"No, that's just when he gave me the ring. I asked him to marry me on the day of graduation."
"Wow. We had no idea!" said Starlight.
"Yeah, but don't we have some shopping to do? There's only 3 months until I'm going to be walking down the isle and I want it to be absolutely perfect!"
"All right, what shall we get first?"
"I think shoes."
They looked at her as if she had lost all sense. But then she continued, "There's no point in finding the perfect dress, but not the perfect shoes. If I get the shoes first, I can try them on with the dress and there will be several dresses that could match them rather than having to get the dress altered and then haul it around from store to store looking for shoes that match when they might not be as perfect as if I were to pick the shoes first."
They looked at each other, "The woman makes sense. I wish we'd have thought of that."
"It's settled then," said Starlight, "we're shopping for shoes first."
:-:
They apparated to an abandoned alley way and then walked around looking for the shoe stores.
The three girls walked into the most fancy shoe store they had ever seen before and decided that was a good place to start. They walked around for a while in the store to look at all of the shoes.
"Hermione, what kind of shoes are you looking for anyways?"
"Well, I think that since I'm so much shorter than Draco, I'd like to at least reach his shoulder."
"How tall are you exactly? All I know is that you're shorter than us," asked Ginny.
"Five two. Draco's five eleven in case you were planning on asking," said Hermione when she saw that Starlight was about to ask another question.
"So that means three inch heels at least . . . Hermione, that'll be murder on your feet you know," said Starlight.
"I know. And I just saw the perfect shoes!" she exclaimed looking up ahead at a pair of white three inch heels.
They followed her gaze and saw white shoes with intricate white beadwork in the shape of roses all along the sides of the shoes. They walked up to them and Hermione grabbed them to look more closely at them. They were perfect. She tried them on to see what they would look like and was surprised to find that they really enhanced her small feet and made her look much taller.
Ginny smirked, "Hey, now you're only an inch shorter than Star and I. How does the air feel up here?"
"Very funny. I could just die from laughter . . . or over oxygenation from the altitude," she said very seriously and pointedly. Then the girls just burst out laughing.
"Well, let's get these shoes then, how much are they Hermione?" said Starlight.
Hermione looked at the price of the shoes and said in an impassive manner, "Two hundred twenty. Well, let's get them shall we?"
"Hermione are you serious? That costs more than my shoes and Star's when they were added together!"
"Draco said that I'm not to come back home without having spent all the money he gave me today," said Hermione as though it were no big deal.
"How much did he give you?" asked Ginny.
Hermione whispered it in their ears. Ginny almost went white in the face and exclaimed, "Are you serious? How on earth are you going to spend that much money in one day? And what on earth are you doing with that much money in your pockets?"
"I don't know, but I guess you have to try something new every once in a while."
"Sure, but even I couldn't spend that much money," said Starlight, who had a reputation for spending money.
"Well, we're going to. We're going shopping like we've never gone before. Draco said we're going to get our shoes, dresses, and invitations today. He also wants us to buy lunch and get a spa day appointment for June first. So, how about the two of you pick out your shoes now, since we definitely have the money to spend."
"All right, come on Gin. Let's go find some shoes," said Starlight, pulling Ginny along to some shoes that she had spotted.
Hermione followed them to look at the shoes they had found. Ginny and Starlight (who have such a similar taste in fashion, they're like twins in that sense) were giggling and trying on the shoes they found.
They had found some black one-inch heels with rhinestone studs along all 4 straps, the two in front crisscrossed and the two in back crisscrossed around the ankle. Hermione decided that she liked the shoes and asked them how much they cost.
"Hundred eighty each," they said at the same time.
"Perfect."
"Well, Mione. Where to next?"
"Dresses, of course!"
"Great."
:-:
Hermione was losing hope that the perfect dress would be in the wedding dress shop they were in. She had tried on about six dresses. They were okay, but not stunning, and they really did nothing to make Hermione look like the bride she could be.
"What color scheme is the wedding going to be just out of curiosity?" asked Starlight as they walked around the shop still looking for Hermione's dress.
"Pine Green, mint, gold, white, and black. Draco and I figured we'd go for winter colors, since our favorite season is winter."
"Cool, we love those colors," said Ginny who immediately saw a perfect mint colored dress.
"Yeah, we just found our dresses apparently," said Starlight who looked at Ginny and saw that she had seen "the" dresses for them.
They walked over to the sage dresses, which had a square neckline and were made from satin material. They were stunning, but not so much that they would take the focus off of Hermione. They were form fitting and full length and very flattering for the two of them.
Hermione instantly loved the dresses and told them that they just had to try them on while she went to look for her dress.
She wandered around in the bride dresses looking for a dress. Finally, she had found it, and not a moment to soon because Ginny and Starlight had their dresses on and wanted Hermione to see them.
"You guys look beautiful," said Hermione smiling at her friends.
"Have you found a dress yet?"
"Yeah, just now," she said holding up the dress.
"Go try it on, we won't even look at it otherwise!" said Starlight in a mock authoritative voice.
"Yeah," said Ginny in agreement.
So Hermione went into the changing room and tried on the dress. She took about ten minutes before she walked out. The girls gasped, "Hermione? Is that you?"
"Of course it is!" said Hermione.
"You look gorgeous!" they said.
Hermione walked up to the three-way mirror and looked at the dress. It had a small train was the first thing she noticed. There were one-inch straps that hung off of her shoulders, and the dress had very intricate beadwork on the bodice, which was tight, but not so much that it looked like her air was being cut off. The dress hugged and enhanced all of her curves and made her look like a fairy tale princess. She had found it at last, and she had to have it.
"You guys, this is the one. I've always wanted a dress just like this."
"Let's get it then. I love it, and it's so beautiful, you'll knock everyone's socks off when they see you," said Ginny.
Hermione walked back into the changing room and took off the dress. When she walked out she asked, "Okay, how much is all of this?"
"Our dresses are only a hundred twenty, but yours is nine hundred, so I think we're doing just fine as far as money goes," Starlight said.
So they bought the dresses and went to the day spa to book an appointment. When they left the spa, they had spent fifteen hundred dollars to book it in advance for the three of them on June first. Then they bought the invitations, which cost Hermione two hundred dollars. Now she had just eighty dollars left.
"Okay, ladies, shall we go out for lunch now?" asked Hermione who was beginning to get hungry.
"Yes, I'm absolutely starving!" declared Ginny.
"Gosh Gin, you remind me of Ron! Is there ever a time in your house when anyone is NOT hungry?" said Starlight at that statement.
"Of course not!" said Ginny.
"Well, I guess that settles it. Lunch it is!" said Hermione as they walked to the nearest restaurant.
"Oh, Hermione, I've always wanted to eat here!" said Starlight as they walked in to the restaurant called The Blue Moon.
"Hello, may I help you?" asked the man at the counter.
"Yes, a table for three please," said Hermione.
"Right this way," he said guiding them to a table next to the window that overlooked the outside café. "A waiter will be with you in a moment, here are your menus."
The man walked away and the three girls looked at their menus.
"This is great, they have food from all over the world here! Look Italian, French, Indian, Thai, Chinese, American, Mexican, and even South American! It all looks so good, how am I ever going to decide what to get?" said Ginny, who looked like she was in heaven at the mere thought of food.
"What are you going to have Star?" Hermione asked.
"I'm thinking Italian. Fettuccine sounds wonderful."
"That does sound good," said Ginny.
"I agree," said Hermione.
The waiter showed up at that moment and said, "I am Justin, and I will be your waiter. What can I get for you ladies?"
Hermione looked up at the sound of the name, "Justin?"
"Hermione?"
"What are you doing here? I thought you wanted out of the muggle world," said Hermione just loudly enough for him to hear.
"Well, unlike you, I married and will have a family to support. I have to make a living somehow, and this job pays good money."
"Who would want to marry you?" said Ginny coming to Hermione's defense.
"It just so happens that I got married to Hannah Abbott. We're going to have a baby soon too. I can see that you haven't had a similar fate Hermione . . . so sad," said Justin sarcastically.
Hermione subconsciously fingered the ring on her left hand under the table.
"It just so happens that I am engaged Justin," she said quietly.
"Really? Are you going to break that off too because the man that you love is dead? Who would want to marry you when you spend your time pining away over Malfoy?"
"It just so happens that I am not pining away as you say. I am in love with this man and he is in love with me."
"Really!"
"Hmm," Hermione grunted in response.
"I find that very hard to believe. And just who might this bloke . . . or lady be?" he said acidly.
"Go to hell Justin," said Starlight.
The manager walked over at that moment because he had heard the raised voices. "What's going on here?" he asked the three women.
"This man is badgering our friend here," said Ginny, indicating Hermione.
"Is that true?" he asked Hermione.
"Yes, and I would very much appreciate a different waiter. I don't want to have to deal with this man's harassment and rude comments."
"I will see to that immediately. Justin, you're fired, I don't ever want to see you here again. That's the fifth time this has happened and I will not let it slide this time."
"See you in hell bitch," he said to Hermione and then stocked off.
"I am terribly sorry, ladies. I will see to it that you have our best waiter and, this meal is on the house. I cannot believe the audacity of some people!" said the owner in outrage at Justin's actions.
"That's quite all right sir. We are still going to pay for this. I insist," said Hermione kindly.
"All right, but I will see to it that you are served by our best waiter. I must make up for that dunderhead Justin."
And with that, he left and brought out his best waiter. "Ladies, this is Vince. He will be your waiter."
"Thank you very kindly," said Hermione as the owner left.
"Hello ladies. How may I be of service to you?" he said with a slight Italian accent.
"We would all like the chicken fettuccine in alfredo sauce please," said Starlight.
"Excellent choice ladies. May I get you anything to drink?"
"No, we're fine, thank you," they all said.
"Right. I will be out with your orders very soon."
With that he left.
The girls all giggled at each other as he walked off.
"Did you see that guy? Oh my goodness! He's hot!"
"Ginny!" Hermione scolded, "You're a married woman! I'm the only one who can say that he's hot!"
They all giggled again and chatted away for half an hour before Vince brought out their order.
"I hope you enjoy your meals ladies," said Vince with a debonair smile, and he walked back to another table he was waiting on.
The girls began eating the fettuccine.
"This is delicious," said Starlight.
"I've died and gone to heaven," said Ginny dramatically.
Hermione chortled at this comment. "I take it you and Harry can't cook this well?"
"Oh, Harry can, but he works so much that I don't want to make him cook. My cooking is pretty good though."
They ate the rest of their meals in silence. Vince came back to clear off the table and the girls declared that they were stuffed. "Very well, I shall get your bill."
The girls all giggled again as he walked away. "Hey, I thought I said that only I was allowed to look?" said Hermione sarcastically.
"Oh, Hermione, we know you won't tell!" they said just as sarcastically.
With that, Vince walked back to their table and handed them their bill.
They looked at the bill, which said sixty dollars.
"Perfect. We've successfully spent my money and we can go home in peace," declared Hermione.
"Cool. Let's go pay before I decide to stay here for the rest of my life," said Ginny.
"All right Gin. You might want to wipe up the drool that's coming down your chin," said Starlight dramatically.
They laughed and paid the bill, plus a twenty-dollar tip to Vince. Then they walked back to the abandoned alleyway and each of them apparated to their homes.
:-:
Narcissa had insisted that Hermione live in Malfoy Manor before she married Draco. She and Draco shared a floor that was where they lived. Hermione walked into her room, which was just across from Draco's and sat on her bed after putting everything she'd bought away.
Tears slid down her cheek quietly as she recalled her encounter with Justin earlier.
Draco walked in at that moment and saw the tears on her cheeks. "Hermione, what's wrong?" he asked sitting next to her on the bed. He put an arm around her shoulder and pulled her to him.
"Well, I ran into Justin Finch-Fletchley today. He said some things that I'd rather not repeat. But I'm just a bit shaken up, that's all," said Hermione fighting back the tears that were coming.
"Hermione, I know that you want to cry. If you want to you can because you've been tougher than I could ever imagine about everything that has gone on since the whole Cecily thing happened. I'm here for you, no matter what."
With that, Hermione broke down in his arms as sobs overtook her. She hadn't realized just how much she had wanted to cry over everything that had happened. She hadn't really cried for a long time, so she had a lot of emotion stored up just wanting to be let loose.
"It's all right Hermione. Take as long as you need," he said rubbing her back gently.
Her tears subsided and she looked into the eyes of her fiancée lovingly. "Thank you Draco, I really needed that."
"I could tell," he said kissing her forehead. "Did you have a good time today, other than that?"
"Yes, and I spent every last bit of it."
"Good."
"Hey, Draco?"
"Hmm?"
"I know that you're in WWPP, but I never did find out what your new name is. I mean, it might be nice to know."
"Oh, that's a good point. I can't believe I haven't told you yet. It's Draco Elias Lawrence."
"I like it."
"Somehow I knew you would. Now Hermione, I have a proposition for you about the wedding."
"I'm interested."
"Well, I was thinking . . ."
: June 1st :
All three girls met at about eleven. Hermione had a grayish - blue tank top, a denim knee-length skirt, and denim open toed three-inch heels. Ginny had an emerald green jacket over a white tank top, and jean hip huggers and green flip-flops. Starlight was wearing a black chenille three quarter sleeve shirt, and shiny silver pants with black pointed toe boots with two-inch heels. They looked like they had just stepped out of the covers of some of the more famous magazines.
Hermione and Ginny and Starlight walked into the spa that they had reservations at and walked up to the counter.
"Hello, ladies. We've been expecting you," said the woman at the counter. "This way please. Now here are the changing rooms, and you'll find some robes in there. I hope you enjoy your day ladies."
With that, the three of them changed into their robes and left all of their clothes and belongings in the lockers that were there.
"All right girls, let's go get pampered! Let's split up and once we've done everything, we'll head out to the church for the rehearsal stuff, and go out to dinner with the guys. Oh, I'm so excited! I'm getting married tomorrow!"
The other two chuckled at her excitement and they went their separate ways.
:-:
Draco, Harry, and Ron were at the tux shop, getting finishing touches on their suits.
"So, how does it feel Draco?" asked Harry.
"How does what feel?"
"How does knowing you're getting married tomorrow feel?"
"Well, I'm kind of nervous about this whole wedding thing. It's a big difference being a groom, than a best man. You guys went straight to the groom thing first. So you tell me, how does it feel?"
They looked at each other, nodded, then Ron took his turn, "There's no need to be nervous, you're getting married to one of the best women I've ever met. If anything, I felt more nervous being a groom first, much bigger step really. To tell you the truth, I was most nervous about everything after the wedding."
"Why would you be nervous about that?"
"She was my first! Unlike you, I saved myself man."
Harry covered his ears, "I didn't need to hear that Ron."
"Okay, guys are getting pine green ties and cummerbunds, so let's get that over with."
So the clerk brought out 20 cards of the different greens that they had. Draco didn't see any color that was exactly the shade he wanted until the clerk brought out the last 15 greens that there were.
Draco saw the perfect pine green on the very last sample color. So the clerk brought the color card back and brought out three ties and cummerbunds.
"Now, do either of you need your suits fixed?" asked Draco.
"I need my pants fixed," said Ron looking down at his suit pants, which were almost at his ankles.
"I'd say," said Harry. "Mine doesn't need fixing. It was tailored by Madame Malkin back when I got married, so it never needs to be adjusted."
"Oi, we need you to adjust my friends tux pants!" called Draco to the tailor.
Two hours later, they were walking to the church in their normal clothes. Harry in khakis and a green long sleeve shirt, Ron in black pants and a gray shirt, and Draco in tailored jeans and a white long sleeve turtleneck shirt. (I don't know what it is, but guys look hot in turtlenecks!)
They walked into the church and saw that many people were preparing it for the wedding. There were calla lilies and white roses being brought in along with dozens of candles. It was interesting to see all of the stuff before it was actually set up. The guys took a seat, and waited.
:-:
Hermione, Starlight, and Ginny met up in the lobby of the day spa manicured, pedicured, waxed, moisturized, exfoliated, massaged, and completely pampered. They all looked visibly relaxed even though they weren't stressed to begin with. Hermione had her hair up still from when she had gone into the mud bath. Starlight and Ginny had their hair down.
They walked to the church, which was only ten minutes away. When they walked in, they were greeted with the sight of flowers, candles, materials, and any other thing that one could imagine finding at a wedding.
Draco was the first to see the girls and nudged Harry, who nudged Ron. They got up and met up with Hermione, Starlight, and Ginny. Harry took Ginny's hand in his and kissed her cheek, and they walked off talking about the upcoming wedding. Ron hugged Starlight and put his arm around her waist as they walked off talking about nothing in general. Draco pulled Hermione into his arms and gave her a light kiss.
"How was your day Mione?" asked Draco.
She kissed him back and said, "Relaxing. How about you?"
"It was okay. I'm kind of nervous about tomorrow, but I'm also excited."
"Me too."
"But it'll be worth it."
"Don't you know it?" she said, kissing him again passionately.
"Okay you two! Save it for tomorrow," said Ron.
"Yeah, it's like I'm watching my sister snogging some guy, that's just wrong," said Harry.
"Are you saying that I'm just some guy?" Draco asked incredulously.
"No he's not Drake. You are some very hot guy, that I was snogging," said Hermione like she was explaining to a young child.
"Oh, that makes it a lot better," said Draco in mock outrage.
"Let's go meet the parson. I want to eat!" said Ron and Ginny together.
The group burst out laughing at them being so much alike.
: wedding day :
Arabella and Sirius looked in on their daughter as she put her jade earrings on. She was reaching for the gold choker necklace studded with jade, when Arabella grabbed it and put it on her daughter's neck. She smiled at Hermione and said, "Honey you look beautiful."
"Thank you mum," said Hermione smiling up at her parents.
"Hermione, we have someone here who wanted to see you before the wedding," said Sirius looking to the door.
In walked her other father and he smiled as he saw her, "Hermione, you look wonderful!"
"Dad, what are you doing here?"
"I really wish that I could stay for your wedding, but I can't. I just wanted to give you this," he handed her a small package wrapped in white, "and to let you know that that Blaise Zabini bloke is in jail for what he did to you. I couldn't let him get away with what he did to you, not when I was responsible for the same thing. That is why I turned myself in to the police about what I did to you to show you how sorry I am. I love you Mione girl, don't ever forget that."
Hermione got up and hugged her father, "I love you too dad. Thank you." With that, he left.
Sirius walked behind her and put a hand on her shoulder. "You've really grown up Hermione."
"What is inside the package dear?"
Hermione opened carefully and inside was a simple gold bracelet. Hermione took it out and put it on her right wrist. "I can't believe that he would do this for me."
"Mum, would you help me with my hair?" asked Hermione looking at her hair.
"Sure dear. I'd love to. Sirius, would you go check on the others?"
"Yes dear," he said leaving the room.
"Now, let's do something with that hair, shall we?" said Arabella putting Hermione in a chair and taking out all the styling supplies.
Twenty minutes later, Hermione had her hair set into a french knot with some small curls framing her face. Then her mom did her make up in about ten more minutes. Her make up was very natural looking and enhanced her face well. She had glossy lips, a slight blush, and her eyes were softly emphasized by a light gray eye shadow, which really brought out the color of her hazel eyes. In a word, she looked dazzling.
"Now, let's just put on the veil and you're all set," said her mother admiringly.
"Mum, where did you learn how to do hair and make up like that?" she asked after the veil was securely in place.
"Well, when I was relocated to Russia, that was my job. There, you look perfect," she said while handing her the bouquet of white roses and calla lilies.
Then came a knock on the door. Harry opened it and stepped in, "Mione, you look beautiful!"
"Thank you Harry," she said hugging him.
"I was just coming to let you know that we're about to start the ceremony. Dad is waiting . . . rather impatiently I might add."
"Yes, I'm coming. Don't get your knickers in a twist!" she said good- naturedly.
Ron was also waiting outside, "Wow! Mione is that you? You look like a girl!"
"Why thank you Ron, I hadn't noticed!" Hermione said jokingly.
Both Harry and Ron held out their elbows and Hermione took both of them as they escorted her to Sirius.
:-:
Hermione took Sirius' proffered elbow when she got there and immediately the bridal walk began. The flower girl walked down the isle dropping white rose petals as Aerosmith's Don't Want to Miss a Thing played (sorry, I couldn't get the lyrics or I'd have them here). When she got to the front she walked to the bride's side and sat down.
Next, Hermione and Sirius stepped onto the isle and walked down. Many gasped as they looked at Hermione. Most of them were friends from school on Hermione's side, who had only seen her dressed up one other time and that was at the Yule Ball in fourth year. She was even more beautiful than many remembered.
As she got to the front, the song ended and she took Draco's hand and they stepped up to the alter.
:-:
"Do you, Hermione Terra Morgan take Draco Elias Lawrence to be your lawfully wedded husband, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer as long as you both shall live?"
Hermione smiled as she said, "I do." Then she mouthed the words 'I love you' to him.
"And do you, Draco Elias Lawrence take Hermione Terra Morgan to be your lawfully wedded wife, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," said Draco then mouthing the words 'I love you too.'
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride."
Hermione handed the bouquet to Ginny, and then turned to face Draco, who lifted the veil and put it back. Then he took both of her hands and leaned down to capture her lips in a passionate kiss; a kiss that sealed their new life together as Mr. and Mrs. Draco Lawrence.
:-:
Finally, they arrived at the Malfoy Manor, which was decorated for their reception by the house elves. Hermione and Draco walked into a ballroom full of people. Everyone greeted the new bride and groom.
When they made their way to the front and were greeted Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Starlight.
"Congratulations," said Ron and Harry.
Ginny and Starlight looked at the two of them and smiled as they said, "You guys are so lucky to have found each other."
Hermione and Draco looked at each other and said, "We know."
"Let's get started on the dancing! I've been waiting all night for our dance," said Hermione.
"Right." Draco looked up to the D. J. and nodded.
Hermione walked to the dance floor and started the dance as Daniel Bendingfield's (sorry if I spelt it wrong, but I was very unsure how it was supposed to be spelt) If You're Not the One played.
If you're not the one then why does my soul feel glad today?
If you're not the one then why does my hand fit yours this way?
If you are not mine then why does your heart return my call
If you are not mine would I have the strength to stand at all
I never know what the future brings
But I know you are with me now
We'll make it through
And I hope you are the one I share my life with
I don't want to run away but I can't take it, I don't understand
If I'm not made for you, then why does my heart tell me that I am?
Is there any way that I could stay in your arms?
If I do not need you then why am I crying on my bed?
If I do not need you then why does your name resound in my head?
If you're not for me then why does this distance maim my life?
If you're not for me then why do I dream of you as my wife?
I don't know why you're so far away
But I know that this much is true
We'll make it through
And I hope you are the one I share my life with
And I wish that you could be the one I die with
And I pray you're the one build my home with
I hope I love you all my life
I don't want to run away but I can't take it, I don't understand
If I'm not made for you, then why does my heart tell me that I am?
Is there any way that I could stay in your arms?
Cause I miss you, body and soul so strong that it takes my breath away
And I breathe you into my heart and pray for the strength to stand today
Cause I love you, whether it's wrong or right
And though I can't be wit h you tonight
And you know my heart is by your side
I don't want to run away but I can't take it, I don't understand
If I'm not made for you, then why does my heart tell me that I am?
Is there any way that I could stay in your arms?
Draco kissed Hermione's forehead as the song ended. Everyone joined in on the next dance, which nobody recognized (except the D. J. of course) but it was definitely meant for freak dancing was all that anyone knew which was fine for Draco and Hermione of course. Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Starlight were certainly getting on better at freak dancing that was for sure.
After some more dancing for almost an hour, the food was brought out and everyone ate.
Next, Harry came up after dinner was over.
"Can I have your attention please?" he said. (He had immediate attention seeing as he was Harry Potter.) "I just wanted to make a toast to the bride and groom. You guys have been great friends, and I want to wish you guys as much happiness as Ginny and I, and Ron and Starlight have from marriage. To the bride and groom!"
"To the bride and groom!" said everyone raising their glasses to Draco and Hermione.
Then the chef brought in the cake and Narcissa said, "Draco, Hermione, come here please!"
They walked down to the back of the room hand in hand. Narcissa handed them a knife and told them to cut the cake. They cut out a small piece of the cake and cut it in half. Draco and Hermione each took a piece of the cake and brought them to each other's mouth. Hermione licked the frosting off of her finger, and everyone smiled.
The D. J. put some music back on, and for five more songs, everyone danced.
Ginny nudged Starlight and said, "Is it just me, or is Hermione way shorter than Draco in those shoes?"
"Yeah, speaking of shoes, have you looked at Draco's? What's with the Chuck Taylors?" Starlight was amused at this discovery.
Draco said at the end of the fifth dance, "Okay, we'd like to do just two more things and then we're out of here. Can all of the unmarried ladies please come forward?"
Hermione watched as all the girls came up and then threw the bouquet. Padma Patil caught it. "Okay, now I'd like all of the unmarried blokes up here."
Hermione sat down and Draco lifted her skirt up just enough that everyone could see the garter he was taking off. He pulled it off and over her shoes, and then threw the garter. They weren't sure who caught it; it was some distant relative of Hermione's.
Ginny and Starlight looked at each other and laughed as they looked at Hermione. She tos was wearing a pair of Chuck Taylor shoes.
Their parents smiled at them when they caught sight of their shoes.
"Well, you guys can stay until my mum kicks you out, but as for us, we're out of here," said Draco, pulling Hermione along behind him.
:-:
That night, Hermione and Draco apparated to the Caribbean. They went up to their hotel room and Draco pulled Hermione to the bed.
"I love you Mione."
"I love you too Drake," said Hermione inching closer to him.
"Now shut up and kiss me," he said as he pulled her to him and kissed her with all the love he felt for her.
They made love, and as Draco lay there with her, he kissed her forehead and knew that it could only be destiny that brought this girl into his life. It was their destiny and no one would ever change that.
: the end :
Author's note: I hate to say that I'm not going to give personal thank yous to everyone, but just know that I appreciate everyone who reviewed my story. It's midnight right now and I'm so tired I can barely see straight. I hope you liked the ending everyone, it was almost 8000 words, and that's a LOT for me! And just because I'm done, doesn't mean you have to stop reviewing! hint, hint, ;)