I Love To See You Cry
~hotsleekeyz~
Chapter 20 Culpable
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Only a few hours before, Hermione was doing it with Harry. And at that time, she was already doing it with Draco. Harry entered the common room at around 6:00 pm and heard voices coming from Draco's room at the far right. Since there was no other way to his room than by passing through Draco and Hermione's separate rooms, he walked confined in his silence seeing that Draco's door was left ajar. From the thin space between the wooden material of the door and its post, Harry saw two people madly in love with each other. He didn't do anything than continue walking up to his room.
The moment he was inside, Harry sat by his desk and stared at the muggle picture he and Hermione had a year back when they had the chance to visit Greece.
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8:00 pm came in fast and Draco and Hermione headed towards Dumbledore's office as instructed. They just had gone out of the shower together where they both bathe in the same tub, giving each other the luxury of the moment together.
They entered and soon witnessed Fawkes rising fresh from its own ashes.
"Sit down", ordered Dumbledore with gleaming eyes at the lovely couple in front of him. "So, you two have decided to tie the knot, haven't you?"
"Yes Professor", replied Draco at once as he held onto his own hands Hermione's.
"We all know you are both young---barely 18, am I right? And this marriage should have been most inappropriate if you are an ordinary couple. As circumstances had shown, your history and present story is way beyond typical and so I see it proper for you two to wed at once. Since the Three Dark Witches have completely imposed the curse of your prophecy at the present time, your marriage will strengthen your commitment to each other--- not to mention make the Dark Witches angry as well" Dumbledore smiled at the young couple and then continued. "We have to set the date. When do you suppose it should be?"
Draco turned towards Hermione and inquired, "Do you have a certain date in mind Hermione?" Draco seemed to be a husband asking for affirmation from his wife---of which they'd soon turn out to be.
"On the 25th I guess. You mentioned that you want to have it as soon as we could and that you wouldn't want to miss Christmas without me. . ." Hermione stopped for a while and carried on, "But I reckon it's too early"
"The sooner the better", said Draco in a firm voice.
"Okay then, the 25th it is. I'll send you a questionnaire for you to fill out regarding the details of the ceremony", commenced Dumbledore.
"Thank you very much Professor. If you'll excuse us. . ." excused Hermione as they culminated their way out of the headmaster's office.
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The corridors were at that time clear as much of the students had already gone. Only a couple of feet made the tiniest of noise on the cold floor.
"Draco, isn't the 25th too soon? Can't we set it on another month or so?" asked Hermione as she pondered on her hastily made decision.
"It's okay Hermione. It will all turn out well. We have no idea when the Dark Witches would come back again. . . neither do we have any idea when Voldemort would begin his attacks. He wasn't very pleased when I got out of the manor as he knew well I'd go against him"
"But I thought you were---"
"---That I was with his side? Being the new Dark Lord doesn't mean I easily get the trust of the other Death Eaters. Of course he still has his supporters but don't you worry one bit about it Hermione. I'll manage to--- "
"---no. Don't mention anything of your ways in front of me"
Neither of them had the chance to finish their statements.
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Next day was better and everyone was cheerful again. . . well almost. Draco wasn't exactly pleased that he had to manage being with Hermione and her friends without having to kill each other in front of Hermione. They were all inside the living room, all five of them sitting on the plush couch. Hermione ignored the tension between Ron and Draco. Ron was red as his hair. Draco was pale as his hair as well while Harry and Ginny didn't care the least, or so Harry wanted himself to appear.
Hermione would hold back Draco at times that Ron would say anything ill about his initiation as Death Eater and Dark Lord or anything about Hermione making the worst decision when she agreed to marry the ferret boy. Though that, Draco's wit and intelligence taught him well not to stoop low to others' level, or so his father put it in those terms. He had to control himself from doing anything that he acquired from being the leader of the Dark Side. He couldn't just show Hermione how evil he could possibly be, as he loved her too much to break her heart even more so.
". . . and so, Dumbledore is arranging the ceremony", concluded Hermione after retelling the story from when Draco left her vacation until the time they had agreed to wed at once.
"When it will be then?" asked Ron though he was seething in anger. His eyes darted at Draco's vicious ones.
"On the 25th. The headmaster will owl us in a few moments about the final details", replied Hermione who had to contain her excitement in a suppressed smile.
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The most-awaited day came. The weather was rather odd as the snow was heavily falling but sunlight made its way through the thick winter clouds. Hermione, who looked more than gloriously magnificent even without being fixed yet, was inside her room with Ginny, Narcissa Malfoy, Mrs. Granger and her loving grandmum. Dumbledore had managed to send the Grangers in from Hawaii.
Draco, on the other hand, looking as splendid as Hermione did early that morning, was with the Headmaster, Mr. Granger, and much to his dismay, Harry and Ron who did nothing more than move an inch from where they were sitting. The old man Dumbledore had taken Narcissa out of the manor, after some long discussions with Lucius who didn't know that his wife wasn't really spending the time at Hogwarts to observe and rate the school, but to witness their handsome son wed Hermione Granger.
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The radiant bride turned musingly sorrowful as she sat on her bed. At that time, it was only Ginny and Hermione inside the room.
"Cheer up Mione! Harry, is it?" asked Ginny and was taken aback when Hermione hugged her as response to her words.
"He could have at least stood up for me!" cried Hermione in Ginny's comforting arms.
Suddenly, Professor McGonagall entered with an ecstatic grin on her face. "Come on. Get ready. The boys are starting to get out of their room"
Ginny pulled away and took her hand to wipe off Hermione's tears and hugged her again even tighter. "Good luck Mione! Don't worry, everything's going to be wonderful as planned", said Ginny as she forced a smile.
Slowly, Hermione stood from where she sat and went over her full-length mirror. Mrs. Granger then entered with a warm smile and walked towards Hermione to fix her hair. Ginny, who looked pretty herself, checked on Hermione's elegant gown.
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They all came down to the center grounds of the school where the nice fountain was situated. The place was enchanted so as to prevent snow falling down on where they all were and that the sunlight was shining through. The fountain was filled with petals of different sorts of flowers floating over the water.
Dumbledore decided to have a semi-muggle wedding and so a muggle priest and Cornelius Fudge was there to officiate the ceremony.
The striking groom stood by the altar, waiting eagerly for his bride. He donned a white tuxedo underneath a light cream robe, to match his platinum blonde hair and over his chest rested a full-bloomed red rose. Harry was standing by his side, seemingly blank and nonchalant, as proxy to Sirius Black-or rather Stephen Bridges to Harry as Hermione hadn't taken any opportunity to tell him about it. If Draco had other options, he would have chosen anyone but Harry to be his best man though he also knew that Hermione wouldn't be pleased with such decision.
The music then started playing as string instruments rolled to signal for everyone's attention. They all looked at the end of the aisle where Hermione stood more beautiful than ever, with her father escorting her by her side. Draco found himself astonished at how lovely his wife could be.
Hermione was in a white off-shoulder gown that hugged her body perfectly from her chest down to her buttocks and the rest flowed freely with the cold, winter air. The diamonds and pearls that adorned her gown sparkled with the sunlight, making Hermione glow even more.
She walked patiently to Draco's side and when she was near enough, Mr. Granger took Draco's hand in a warm handshake and handed Hermione to him. Draco graciously took Hermione's cold-stricken hands and took it into his warm ones. The old man expressed his intentions for happiness in their marriage and commenced himself with a kiss on his daughter's forehead.
The ceremony went on perfectly smooth and they uttered their "I do's" and gone through the kiss as the muggle priest and the Minister of Magic gave their blessing. Most of the people at the ceremony were teacher as not to publicize the wedding too much
The reception served the guests well. Mr. And Mrs. Granger were sent back to Hawaii when they observed that Hermione's mother was getting down again with her colds.
Everyone headed towards the quarters where they sent everyone's gifts in. They sat in the common room as Hermione opened the presents one after the other.
"Oh, here's from the Weasleys. It's nice of Mr. And Mrs. Weasley to give us something today", uttered Hermione as she looked dreamily at Draco who was expected to retort at once but didn't. Hermione went to opening the gift as Draco remembered how it was in the manor when his father would oftentimes give him presents even without any occasion.
Hermione cheered finding tons of home-baked mince pies together with a nicely knitted blanket that Mrs. Weasley made. Draco looked at it uneasily as Hermione laid it out---yes, it was large and was made of the finest materials and it was sure spent for much. Draco saw the color was brilliant was it was in black but in the middle laid elegant curls of gold that read "H&D". How are they supposed to make use of that if they stayed in different rooms inside the quarters?
Across where Draco sat was Dumbledore who eyed interestingly at the young man's odd expressions on his face. And so he exclaimed, "I've fixed the rooms in a way that the wall separating it will join the two rooms. I see there's not a problem there, Mr. Malfoy"
Draco said a faint "Oh" to himself and tried as much not to react. He then suited himself to watching Hermione happily opening the presents given them.
"Here. . . this one's from Professor Flitwick", claimed Hermione as she tore the wrapper apart. "This one's a bit heavy", she added. Well, no doubt. It was a bottled potion. "Let's read what it says here. . .hmm. . . *To Mr. And Mrs. Malfoy: I reckon this would be of use for your honeymoon. . .* haha! It's for Draco! A Potency Potion!"
Upon saying the words, Hermione felt the worst feeling she could. How could she be so stupid to forget what state Draco was in? She knew well Draco can't give her a child. . . How could she be so insensitive? Hermione recalled why it was so---that being an Animagi, one should give up that part of his life, which explains too why Professor McGonagall has stayed as an old maiden all her life. She realized she was so wrong only too late. Draco had already lowered his head in humiliation even if he knew it was only him, Hermione, and Dumbledore who was supposed to know about it. He expected Hermione already told her friends.
Hermione had pierced through Draco's heart yet again. . . that heart that was never bound to feel. . . that heart that only Hermione could soften and make weak. . .
"Excuse me, I shall change into my proper clothes now. It's getting a bit hot in here", mouthed Draco as he gave a distant kiss on Hermione's cheek.
Hermione watched Draco walk quite hurriedly to his room. She knew that it's not only because it's "getting a bit hot in here" that was the reason why Draco wanted to leave.
Not to hold the Weasleys and the Professors any longer, Hermione hastened opening the presents and soon bade them goodnight.
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As soon as the Weasleys reached the portrait hole to their dormitory at the Gryffindor Tower, Ron asked, "Did Malfoy just say *It's getting a bit hot* in the quarters? We were chilling bad!"
Ginny just gave Ron a shrug.
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Hermione entered their room and saw Draco on the bed, staring at the portrait at the foot of the bed. (A/N : Draco was supposed to have left the portrait at Hogwarts and in Chapter 15, Mr. Goyle caught sight of it inside the manor. Add to that, it was mentioned that the portrait was empty with only pure gray on it ='o'=) Draco was half-naked with only his boxers on. The blanket covered him waist-down and revealing his perfectly-toned abdomen. His arms rested at the head of the bed while his neck rested at the palm of his hands. It was only that time that Hermione figured out what changed with Draco---it was his hair style. It was spiky and short. She tried to figure it out since Draco arrived from the manor and it was only at that time that she noticed.
"Nice hair you've got here", said Hermione in a soft voice. She was careful not to displease Draco any further.
"Hmm", managed Draco to sound, not even looking at her.
"Look, I didn't mean what I said a while ago." Hermione sat at the side of the bed as she stared at the blank expression on her husband's face.
"I know", said Draco flatly.
"Draco, for once, could you say that you don't know everything?" asked Hermione rather a bit irritated at what Draco was putting up.
"Is it my fault if I'm damn smart and happen to have the ability to read minds as well? I assure you, it's not easy!" spat Draco as he turned his eyes towards Hermione.
"What a nice way to start our first night!" snapped Hermione.
"Oh yeah? I'm happy you're enjoying this as much as I do. Don't worry dear, I will make your life a living hell!"
At that, Hermione ran out of their room and had to let her tears flow effortlessly from her tired auburn eyes. She headed to Harry's room and when she raised her hand, about to knock on Harry's door, it already opened with Harry behind it.
"Hermione, I'm sorry", said Harry as he took Hermione in an embrace. He felt his own tears rush in.
"So you've heard us from the other room then"
"Yes, and again, I'm sorry for saying that I am sorry and I'm sorry I didn't stand for the love I have for you. I hope you understand Mione. I as well think it's best this way"
"Could I stay here for the night?"
Harry felt uncomfortable at once. "Uh, that would be quite odd Mione. It's supposed to be your wedding night with Malfoy and not me. Well I guess I'll just take a pillow and blanket to the common room. I'll stay there. You need to take some rest. Don't worry, I'll be fine." Harry then kissed Hermione on the forehead and led her to his bed and tucked Hermione in. He went out of his room without another word and shut the door behind him. Even if the door had already blocked Hermione from his sight, he could still hear Hermione cry. . . he could hear Hermione's hastened heartbeats, wanting to slow down once more.
Since Harry was still wide awake and felt like he wouldn't be able to take any sleep that night, he decided to take a walk and have some air. As he opened the portrait hole to their quarters, Harry saw Ron standing outside with a huge grin playing on his lips.
"Well, well. Just as I suspected. I thought you're deep in your thoughts after Hermione's wedding with the bastard and will wander around until you get drowsy---just as you always do." Just as a true friend would, Ron patted Harry on his back.
"Ron, the situation's too complicated. We still love each other and I just let her go easily like that! You see Ron, if anything happens to Hermione after we spent the night together, I mean, I couldn't answer for her. And it's like a stake at the heart knowing that we seem to be hiding under Malfoy's nose every time that Hermione and I would feel our emotions getting even stronger. And for what this is worth, it's harder now seeing her suffer because of him. . . I can't do anything about it. I couldn't be just a friend because we all know that Hermione and I are still more than that. Ron, I can't do anything about it!" yelled Harry as he broke down in front of Ron.
Ron immediately grabbed Harry's arm and led him away from the quarters. As soon as the portrait hole was out of their sight, Ron said, "If only you were faithful to Hermione from the start, this shouldn't have happened. It's all your fault Harry."
"Too right he is", interrupted a wizard in red robes from a portrait beside them.
~Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling owns characters, setting, etc. Except: the plot is mine.~
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Ta-dah! 20th chapter and still going! I'm sorry for forgetting the remarks to your reviews again. Could someone remind me next time? Anyway, I think this chapter's a bit on the mushy side. Do hold on for the next chapter, as it is more on Draco and Harry's conflict over Hermione. Oh well. Nothing more to say really. As it is, this fic is 38chapters long. And so, since this is the 20th, there's 18 more and I will drive you wild over the next chapters with the tons of twists and the like.
Oh yeah, just for the others who didn't quite get it. . . when Ron and Ginny were talking after they've left the quarters, they mentioned something about Draco feeling hot when they were feeling cold all those time. It's something to do with Draco's powers. He has low tolerance for heat ever since he became a Death Eater. Lalala. What else? Hm. Oh! The blessed hair of Draco Malfoy! Just keep in mind that along with his initiation as Dark Lord, his appearance also changed. On the next chapters, you will see that as Draco's behavior changes, his look also changes. That's a give-away. And yeah, Harry is still in love with Hermione and Hermione also is, but of course she loves Draco even more now, or something like she has to love Draco more. But one thing I could assure you, Hermione really loves Draco and so does he, and so does Harry. Well no, this is not your typical love triangle. You have to hold on for the next chapters to see what's with this triangle that makes it different. As you read, Harry said he heard Hermione and Draco having a snapping session when he's not supposed to since the door to the couple's room was shut and so was his door. So, it has something to do with Harry's power that makes him hear (or read) what is not his. Well, just like Draco's (I'm smirking right now, mind you. I hope I'm not giving away the whole plot off). Lastly, hold it in for next chapter and you will see the real identity of the Three Dark Witches and there will be a mention of how the prophecy has been altered since Harry was around. . . blah blah blah. And there's preparation for the upcoming war too. And part of the prophecy will make its way to the present time. Well, too much for the 21st chapter? Nah. We haven't been talking about the next ones yet!
Thanks for reading! Kindly review! Your reviews is what keeps me typing!
Chapter 20 Culpable
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Only a few hours before, Hermione was doing it with Harry. And at that time, she was already doing it with Draco. Harry entered the common room at around 6:00 pm and heard voices coming from Draco's room at the far right. Since there was no other way to his room than by passing through Draco and Hermione's separate rooms, he walked confined in his silence seeing that Draco's door was left ajar. From the thin space between the wooden material of the door and its post, Harry saw two people madly in love with each other. He didn't do anything than continue walking up to his room.
The moment he was inside, Harry sat by his desk and stared at the muggle picture he and Hermione had a year back when they had the chance to visit Greece.
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8:00 pm came in fast and Draco and Hermione headed towards Dumbledore's office as instructed. They just had gone out of the shower together where they both bathe in the same tub, giving each other the luxury of the moment together.
They entered and soon witnessed Fawkes rising fresh from its own ashes.
"Sit down", ordered Dumbledore with gleaming eyes at the lovely couple in front of him. "So, you two have decided to tie the knot, haven't you?"
"Yes Professor", replied Draco at once as he held onto his own hands Hermione's.
"We all know you are both young---barely 18, am I right? And this marriage should have been most inappropriate if you are an ordinary couple. As circumstances had shown, your history and present story is way beyond typical and so I see it proper for you two to wed at once. Since the Three Dark Witches have completely imposed the curse of your prophecy at the present time, your marriage will strengthen your commitment to each other--- not to mention make the Dark Witches angry as well" Dumbledore smiled at the young couple and then continued. "We have to set the date. When do you suppose it should be?"
Draco turned towards Hermione and inquired, "Do you have a certain date in mind Hermione?" Draco seemed to be a husband asking for affirmation from his wife---of which they'd soon turn out to be.
"On the 25th I guess. You mentioned that you want to have it as soon as we could and that you wouldn't want to miss Christmas without me. . ." Hermione stopped for a while and carried on, "But I reckon it's too early"
"The sooner the better", said Draco in a firm voice.
"Okay then, the 25th it is. I'll send you a questionnaire for you to fill out regarding the details of the ceremony", commenced Dumbledore.
"Thank you very much Professor. If you'll excuse us. . ." excused Hermione as they culminated their way out of the headmaster's office.
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The corridors were at that time clear as much of the students had already gone. Only a couple of feet made the tiniest of noise on the cold floor.
"Draco, isn't the 25th too soon? Can't we set it on another month or so?" asked Hermione as she pondered on her hastily made decision.
"It's okay Hermione. It will all turn out well. We have no idea when the Dark Witches would come back again. . . neither do we have any idea when Voldemort would begin his attacks. He wasn't very pleased when I got out of the manor as he knew well I'd go against him"
"But I thought you were---"
"---That I was with his side? Being the new Dark Lord doesn't mean I easily get the trust of the other Death Eaters. Of course he still has his supporters but don't you worry one bit about it Hermione. I'll manage to--- "
"---no. Don't mention anything of your ways in front of me"
Neither of them had the chance to finish their statements.
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Next day was better and everyone was cheerful again. . . well almost. Draco wasn't exactly pleased that he had to manage being with Hermione and her friends without having to kill each other in front of Hermione. They were all inside the living room, all five of them sitting on the plush couch. Hermione ignored the tension between Ron and Draco. Ron was red as his hair. Draco was pale as his hair as well while Harry and Ginny didn't care the least, or so Harry wanted himself to appear.
Hermione would hold back Draco at times that Ron would say anything ill about his initiation as Death Eater and Dark Lord or anything about Hermione making the worst decision when she agreed to marry the ferret boy. Though that, Draco's wit and intelligence taught him well not to stoop low to others' level, or so his father put it in those terms. He had to control himself from doing anything that he acquired from being the leader of the Dark Side. He couldn't just show Hermione how evil he could possibly be, as he loved her too much to break her heart even more so.
". . . and so, Dumbledore is arranging the ceremony", concluded Hermione after retelling the story from when Draco left her vacation until the time they had agreed to wed at once.
"When it will be then?" asked Ron though he was seething in anger. His eyes darted at Draco's vicious ones.
"On the 25th. The headmaster will owl us in a few moments about the final details", replied Hermione who had to contain her excitement in a suppressed smile.
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The most-awaited day came. The weather was rather odd as the snow was heavily falling but sunlight made its way through the thick winter clouds. Hermione, who looked more than gloriously magnificent even without being fixed yet, was inside her room with Ginny, Narcissa Malfoy, Mrs. Granger and her loving grandmum. Dumbledore had managed to send the Grangers in from Hawaii.
Draco, on the other hand, looking as splendid as Hermione did early that morning, was with the Headmaster, Mr. Granger, and much to his dismay, Harry and Ron who did nothing more than move an inch from where they were sitting. The old man Dumbledore had taken Narcissa out of the manor, after some long discussions with Lucius who didn't know that his wife wasn't really spending the time at Hogwarts to observe and rate the school, but to witness their handsome son wed Hermione Granger.
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The radiant bride turned musingly sorrowful as she sat on her bed. At that time, it was only Ginny and Hermione inside the room.
"Cheer up Mione! Harry, is it?" asked Ginny and was taken aback when Hermione hugged her as response to her words.
"He could have at least stood up for me!" cried Hermione in Ginny's comforting arms.
Suddenly, Professor McGonagall entered with an ecstatic grin on her face. "Come on. Get ready. The boys are starting to get out of their room"
Ginny pulled away and took her hand to wipe off Hermione's tears and hugged her again even tighter. "Good luck Mione! Don't worry, everything's going to be wonderful as planned", said Ginny as she forced a smile.
Slowly, Hermione stood from where she sat and went over her full-length mirror. Mrs. Granger then entered with a warm smile and walked towards Hermione to fix her hair. Ginny, who looked pretty herself, checked on Hermione's elegant gown.
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They all came down to the center grounds of the school where the nice fountain was situated. The place was enchanted so as to prevent snow falling down on where they all were and that the sunlight was shining through. The fountain was filled with petals of different sorts of flowers floating over the water.
Dumbledore decided to have a semi-muggle wedding and so a muggle priest and Cornelius Fudge was there to officiate the ceremony.
The striking groom stood by the altar, waiting eagerly for his bride. He donned a white tuxedo underneath a light cream robe, to match his platinum blonde hair and over his chest rested a full-bloomed red rose. Harry was standing by his side, seemingly blank and nonchalant, as proxy to Sirius Black-or rather Stephen Bridges to Harry as Hermione hadn't taken any opportunity to tell him about it. If Draco had other options, he would have chosen anyone but Harry to be his best man though he also knew that Hermione wouldn't be pleased with such decision.
The music then started playing as string instruments rolled to signal for everyone's attention. They all looked at the end of the aisle where Hermione stood more beautiful than ever, with her father escorting her by her side. Draco found himself astonished at how lovely his wife could be.
Hermione was in a white off-shoulder gown that hugged her body perfectly from her chest down to her buttocks and the rest flowed freely with the cold, winter air. The diamonds and pearls that adorned her gown sparkled with the sunlight, making Hermione glow even more.
She walked patiently to Draco's side and when she was near enough, Mr. Granger took Draco's hand in a warm handshake and handed Hermione to him. Draco graciously took Hermione's cold-stricken hands and took it into his warm ones. The old man expressed his intentions for happiness in their marriage and commenced himself with a kiss on his daughter's forehead.
The ceremony went on perfectly smooth and they uttered their "I do's" and gone through the kiss as the muggle priest and the Minister of Magic gave their blessing. Most of the people at the ceremony were teacher as not to publicize the wedding too much
The reception served the guests well. Mr. And Mrs. Granger were sent back to Hawaii when they observed that Hermione's mother was getting down again with her colds.
Everyone headed towards the quarters where they sent everyone's gifts in. They sat in the common room as Hermione opened the presents one after the other.
"Oh, here's from the Weasleys. It's nice of Mr. And Mrs. Weasley to give us something today", uttered Hermione as she looked dreamily at Draco who was expected to retort at once but didn't. Hermione went to opening the gift as Draco remembered how it was in the manor when his father would oftentimes give him presents even without any occasion.
Hermione cheered finding tons of home-baked mince pies together with a nicely knitted blanket that Mrs. Weasley made. Draco looked at it uneasily as Hermione laid it out---yes, it was large and was made of the finest materials and it was sure spent for much. Draco saw the color was brilliant was it was in black but in the middle laid elegant curls of gold that read "H&D". How are they supposed to make use of that if they stayed in different rooms inside the quarters?
Across where Draco sat was Dumbledore who eyed interestingly at the young man's odd expressions on his face. And so he exclaimed, "I've fixed the rooms in a way that the wall separating it will join the two rooms. I see there's not a problem there, Mr. Malfoy"
Draco said a faint "Oh" to himself and tried as much not to react. He then suited himself to watching Hermione happily opening the presents given them.
"Here. . . this one's from Professor Flitwick", claimed Hermione as she tore the wrapper apart. "This one's a bit heavy", she added. Well, no doubt. It was a bottled potion. "Let's read what it says here. . .hmm. . . *To Mr. And Mrs. Malfoy: I reckon this would be of use for your honeymoon. . .* haha! It's for Draco! A Potency Potion!"
Upon saying the words, Hermione felt the worst feeling she could. How could she be so stupid to forget what state Draco was in? She knew well Draco can't give her a child. . . How could she be so insensitive? Hermione recalled why it was so---that being an Animagi, one should give up that part of his life, which explains too why Professor McGonagall has stayed as an old maiden all her life. She realized she was so wrong only too late. Draco had already lowered his head in humiliation even if he knew it was only him, Hermione, and Dumbledore who was supposed to know about it. He expected Hermione already told her friends.
Hermione had pierced through Draco's heart yet again. . . that heart that was never bound to feel. . . that heart that only Hermione could soften and make weak. . .
"Excuse me, I shall change into my proper clothes now. It's getting a bit hot in here", mouthed Draco as he gave a distant kiss on Hermione's cheek.
Hermione watched Draco walk quite hurriedly to his room. She knew that it's not only because it's "getting a bit hot in here" that was the reason why Draco wanted to leave.
Not to hold the Weasleys and the Professors any longer, Hermione hastened opening the presents and soon bade them goodnight.
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As soon as the Weasleys reached the portrait hole to their dormitory at the Gryffindor Tower, Ron asked, "Did Malfoy just say *It's getting a bit hot* in the quarters? We were chilling bad!"
Ginny just gave Ron a shrug.
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Hermione entered their room and saw Draco on the bed, staring at the portrait at the foot of the bed. (A/N : Draco was supposed to have left the portrait at Hogwarts and in Chapter 15, Mr. Goyle caught sight of it inside the manor. Add to that, it was mentioned that the portrait was empty with only pure gray on it ='o'=) Draco was half-naked with only his boxers on. The blanket covered him waist-down and revealing his perfectly-toned abdomen. His arms rested at the head of the bed while his neck rested at the palm of his hands. It was only that time that Hermione figured out what changed with Draco---it was his hair style. It was spiky and short. She tried to figure it out since Draco arrived from the manor and it was only at that time that she noticed.
"Nice hair you've got here", said Hermione in a soft voice. She was careful not to displease Draco any further.
"Hmm", managed Draco to sound, not even looking at her.
"Look, I didn't mean what I said a while ago." Hermione sat at the side of the bed as she stared at the blank expression on her husband's face.
"I know", said Draco flatly.
"Draco, for once, could you say that you don't know everything?" asked Hermione rather a bit irritated at what Draco was putting up.
"Is it my fault if I'm damn smart and happen to have the ability to read minds as well? I assure you, it's not easy!" spat Draco as he turned his eyes towards Hermione.
"What a nice way to start our first night!" snapped Hermione.
"Oh yeah? I'm happy you're enjoying this as much as I do. Don't worry dear, I will make your life a living hell!"
At that, Hermione ran out of their room and had to let her tears flow effortlessly from her tired auburn eyes. She headed to Harry's room and when she raised her hand, about to knock on Harry's door, it already opened with Harry behind it.
"Hermione, I'm sorry", said Harry as he took Hermione in an embrace. He felt his own tears rush in.
"So you've heard us from the other room then"
"Yes, and again, I'm sorry for saying that I am sorry and I'm sorry I didn't stand for the love I have for you. I hope you understand Mione. I as well think it's best this way"
"Could I stay here for the night?"
Harry felt uncomfortable at once. "Uh, that would be quite odd Mione. It's supposed to be your wedding night with Malfoy and not me. Well I guess I'll just take a pillow and blanket to the common room. I'll stay there. You need to take some rest. Don't worry, I'll be fine." Harry then kissed Hermione on the forehead and led her to his bed and tucked Hermione in. He went out of his room without another word and shut the door behind him. Even if the door had already blocked Hermione from his sight, he could still hear Hermione cry. . . he could hear Hermione's hastened heartbeats, wanting to slow down once more.
Since Harry was still wide awake and felt like he wouldn't be able to take any sleep that night, he decided to take a walk and have some air. As he opened the portrait hole to their quarters, Harry saw Ron standing outside with a huge grin playing on his lips.
"Well, well. Just as I suspected. I thought you're deep in your thoughts after Hermione's wedding with the bastard and will wander around until you get drowsy---just as you always do." Just as a true friend would, Ron patted Harry on his back.
"Ron, the situation's too complicated. We still love each other and I just let her go easily like that! You see Ron, if anything happens to Hermione after we spent the night together, I mean, I couldn't answer for her. And it's like a stake at the heart knowing that we seem to be hiding under Malfoy's nose every time that Hermione and I would feel our emotions getting even stronger. And for what this is worth, it's harder now seeing her suffer because of him. . . I can't do anything about it. I couldn't be just a friend because we all know that Hermione and I are still more than that. Ron, I can't do anything about it!" yelled Harry as he broke down in front of Ron.
Ron immediately grabbed Harry's arm and led him away from the quarters. As soon as the portrait hole was out of their sight, Ron said, "If only you were faithful to Hermione from the start, this shouldn't have happened. It's all your fault Harry."
"Too right he is", interrupted a wizard in red robes from a portrait beside them.
~Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling owns characters, setting, etc. Except: the plot is mine.~
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Ta-dah! 20th chapter and still going! I'm sorry for forgetting the remarks to your reviews again. Could someone remind me next time? Anyway, I think this chapter's a bit on the mushy side. Do hold on for the next chapter, as it is more on Draco and Harry's conflict over Hermione. Oh well. Nothing more to say really. As it is, this fic is 38chapters long. And so, since this is the 20th, there's 18 more and I will drive you wild over the next chapters with the tons of twists and the like.
Oh yeah, just for the others who didn't quite get it. . . when Ron and Ginny were talking after they've left the quarters, they mentioned something about Draco feeling hot when they were feeling cold all those time. It's something to do with Draco's powers. He has low tolerance for heat ever since he became a Death Eater. Lalala. What else? Hm. Oh! The blessed hair of Draco Malfoy! Just keep in mind that along with his initiation as Dark Lord, his appearance also changed. On the next chapters, you will see that as Draco's behavior changes, his look also changes. That's a give-away. And yeah, Harry is still in love with Hermione and Hermione also is, but of course she loves Draco even more now, or something like she has to love Draco more. But one thing I could assure you, Hermione really loves Draco and so does he, and so does Harry. Well no, this is not your typical love triangle. You have to hold on for the next chapters to see what's with this triangle that makes it different. As you read, Harry said he heard Hermione and Draco having a snapping session when he's not supposed to since the door to the couple's room was shut and so was his door. So, it has something to do with Harry's power that makes him hear (or read) what is not his. Well, just like Draco's (I'm smirking right now, mind you. I hope I'm not giving away the whole plot off). Lastly, hold it in for next chapter and you will see the real identity of the Three Dark Witches and there will be a mention of how the prophecy has been altered since Harry was around. . . blah blah blah. And there's preparation for the upcoming war too. And part of the prophecy will make its way to the present time. Well, too much for the 21st chapter? Nah. We haven't been talking about the next ones yet!
Thanks for reading! Kindly review! Your reviews is what keeps me typing!