A/N: Thanks for your encouraging reviews. This is a rated chapter.
Chapter 6 – Secret Marriage
Draco's car came to a halt in the middle of a wooded area, somewhere in Wales. Hermione didn't know where he was taking her but they were far from the city. After walking a long winding path in the forest, they came to a little hut.
"Hello, is anybody there?" Draco called out. "We wish to speak with you."
She could feel the magic surrounding this place. Just outside the hut was a circle on the ground formed with rocks, crystals or some other stones. Candles marked the four cardinal directions and an altar was located near the center of the circle. On it was a knife; a chalice; a cloth, a red cord; a small silver box and a trowel. A broomstick lay beside the altar and wildflowers were spread inside the circle.
Hermione knew exactly what the items and the stone circle meant—they were the elements of an ancient Celtic handfasting ritual.
"Come on," Draco urged but she hesitated.
"I can't do this…we can't do this," she cried, staring at him.
"Why not? Hermione, I love you and you love me. We should be together," Draco said and kneeling down on one knee, he held her hand. "Marry me, Hermione Granger."
I don't believe it…Draco just proposed to me!
For the first time, she saw the determination in his eyes and was overwhelmed with joy and sadness. Under normal circumstances, she would be the happiest girl in the world but somehow it felt wrong.
"No," she replied, turning away.
This is utter madness!
Draco's eyebrows shot up with surprise as he went after her. "Hermione, I know this must seem a rash decision to you but this is the only way we'll be together unless you don't want…"
"No, I mean I want to be with you…but…"
"Stop." He didn't want to hear anymore.
"Draco, please... it's important to me," she implored. "I just don't want this to be something we'll look back ten years from now and regret we ever took this step."
Sighing, he stood in front of her and held her hands. "Look, we're not even married and we're already having our first quarrel, isn't this hilarious?"
Hermione was annoyed that he could make a joke of it. "Draco…"
He interrupted her by putting his hand on her mouth. "From the moment I saw you standing on the balcony in Venice, I knew there will never be anyone else for me. You were such a vision," he said, trailing a finger along her chin. "I know it's going to be difficult in the beginning – we may have to keep this a secret for now but I can't bear the thought of you leaving again."
Then resting his forehead against hers, he whispered, "You're good for me."
His warm breath tickled her nose as she smiled. "No one ever said that to me before," said Hermione, blushing in his gaze.
"Will you marry me then?"
Hermione couldn't resist hugging him. "YES!"
"Did someone call me?"
An old Druid priestess stepped out from the hut interrupting the happy couple. She wore a long blue robe and a circlet crowed her long dark hair. Her cerulean blue eyes shone with wisdom as she looked at them.
"I see why you've come. Please step into the circle."
Holding each other's hand, Hermione and Draco stood inside the circle and the Druid priestess cast a spell around the ring.
"You have come of your own free will in perfect love and perfect trust to seek this partnership," she began.
Draco smiled at Hermione and then back at the priestess. "We have," they replied.
"Then recite this statement after me…"
Draco turned to Hermione and said, "I, Draco Malfoy commit myself to be with Hermione Granger in joy and adversity, in wholeness and brokenness, in peace and turmoil, living with her faithfully all our days. May the Gods give me the strength to keep these vows. So be it."
Full of love and joy, she recited the same. "I, Hermione Granger commit myself to be with Draco Malfoy in joy and adversity, in wholeness and brokenness, in peace and turmoil, living with him faithfully all our days. May the Gods give me the strength to keep these vows. So be it."
The couple then joined both their left and right hands together -- their arms and bodies forming a figure 8. The priestess then placed the red cord over the couple's hands and loosely tied it and blessed their union. After that the priestess unbound them and handed them a knife.
With the knife, they cut off a lock of each other's hair and placed it in a silver box.
"I hereby pronounce you, Draco and Hermione to be handfasted as husband and wife," the priestess said.
Bending down, Draco kissed her lightly – their first wedding gift to each other. They then performed their first task together by picking up the trowel from the altar, and burying the silver box at the center of the circle. At the end of the ceremony, the newlyweds joined hands and jumped over a broomstick, which symbolized the effort required to make a committed relationship work. Suddenly, flowers started to fall down from the sky showering them with blessings and well wishes.
The priestess banished the circle by ringing a bell. "The circle is open but unbroken. May the peace of the Old Ones go in your hearts. Blessed be."
ooooo
Draco was in awe over his incredible luck in convincing her to marry him. It was a gamble he took when he realized then that she must have loved him enough to risk pain and certain death just to be with him in the Forbidden Forest.
They tumbled into the car laughing, amidst flowers and the echo of bells. The door closed on them and she was on his lap, kissing him senseless.
"Mrs. Malfoy …"
Hermione winced slightly and laughed. "I think I can get used to that…"
"Hey…"
She giggled, cutting him off with another kiss. His hand reached to caress a breast through her woolen jacket, his raging hard-on pressed up against her hip. Draco groaned as he realized he had to have her now.Holding her tight, he picked up a portkey and a portal opened towards a secluded villa perched high on a cliff. There was no town for miles around. He had selected this private place so that they could be alone together. Kicking open the door to the master bedroom, Draco carried her towards the huge bed. Both collapsed unto the white satin sheets holding and kissing each other.
"Hermione, I want to…" his voice laced with hunger as he nipped a sensitive spot on her neck and a hand tugged at the waistband of her pants. Hands quickly removed all clothing that came in their way. He could tell that she was nervous as she shivered under his touch. A pleasurable sigh escaped her lips as he kissed his way down her throat and gently sucked her breasts. His right hand slid down her stomach between her legs. Hermione gasped and arched against him as he found her sensitive nub. There was no need for words as she parted her legs and beckoned him to take her. Moaning softly, she held on to him, fingers digging into his back as he slid into her.
Draco was enraptured by her beauty and passion – the way her eyes were closed and her lips called out his name over and over. It did not take long for her to come and her moans were enough to send him over the edge. They spent many hours kissing, touching and exploring each other intimately until they were spent.
In the wee hours of morning, he watched Hermione as she slept on her stomach, her naked back exposed as the blanket had ridden down her body. Her face was towards his and he felt at peace just observing her. Draco bent down and placed a soft kiss on her cheek.
"Hey," she whispered snuggling closer to him for warmth. "What are you thinking of?"
"The future," he replied, pulling her closer so that their foreheads touched. "I still can't believe we're married and imagine we were once bitter rivals."
She nodded and smiled into his chest. "Mmm …I guess we were so caught up trying to outdo each other that we never really got to know one another."
"Hermione?"
"Yes."
"I love you," he uttered those words with such fierce intensity as he bent down to claim her mouth. His tongue gently teased her until she moaned. Drawing her close, his body nearly covered hers as they made love again.
ooooo
A few weeks later…
"You're serious about moving out, aren't you?" Ginny said from her seat by the windowsill as Hermione packed her things.
"For the ga-zillionth time, YES!" she replied in an exasperated tone as she sank into her bed amidst a pile of books and lecture notes. Crookshanks, the cat purred lazily as she watched them.
"I'm sorry, Ginny. I wish I could just magically transport all my things to my new place instead of wasting time trying to fit everything into boxes," said Hermione.
"I'm surprised that you decided to move to Hogsmeade all of a sudden." Ginny sounded upset.
Hermione sighed and held out her hands. "Come here Virginia Weasley."
She hugged the youngest Weasley and gently rocked her. They had become close in Hogwarts and naturally, she felt a little sad. "I still have classes at Hogwarts, you know…and you could always come visit me. It's not that far," she declared good-naturedly.
Ginny rubbed her nose and sniffled, "Silly ole' me...I'm going to miss having you around Gryffindor Tower."
"I'm going to miss you too."
Hermione glanced at Ginny and wished that she could tell her a secret – she was married to Draco Malfoy.
No…not yet, she decided. She wouldn't understand her decision to be with Draco.
A month had passed since they took their vows. Hermione felt she was living two separate lives -- when she was with Harry, Ginny and Ron, she avoided speaking about Draco but when prying eyes were no longer watching, Hermione became the affectionate lover.
"Mione?"
She looked quizzically at Ginny. "What?"
"Where were you?"
Hermione blushed and mumbled something non-committal.
"Is there something you're not telling me?" Ginny asked, eyes narrowing suspiciously.
"Nothing!" she insisted and sat up. "I better finish packing."
Hermione's new flat in Hogsmeade was on the first floor of an old two-storey building owned by a wealthy French wizard, not far from the train station. It was a small flat, equipped with a kitchenette and heater. From her room window, she could see the lovely countryside and smell the scent of fresh pine and lavender. She had owled Draco about her new place and while awaiting his arrival she decided to take a bath.
As the water filled the bathtub, she lit scented candles and sprinkled rose petals into the water. She promptly undressed, shivering slightly as the warm breeze caressed her nakedness and the smell of roses filled the room. The warm water felt good as she sank into the tub. Closing her eyes and resting her head on the edge of the tub, she drifted to sleep.
ooooo
Draco smiled when he received her message. He never thought she would actually do it – leave her friends, well not exactly, but she wanted to be with him. Ever since he got together with Hermione, his thoughts were always on her-- wondering what she was doing or thinking. Putting on his invisibility cloak, he slipped out of Malfoy Mansion and headed towards Hogsmeade.
From the street below, he could see the light of Hermione's flat. He bounded up the stairs without a sound and tapped softly on her door. There was no answer. Taking out his wand, he cast a spell to open the door and quietly slipped in. He took off his invisibility cloak and flopped down on the soft mattress. The flat was small but tastefully furnished and it had a nice bed. Then, he felt something smooth and silky in his hand -- it was Hermione's clothes and knickers. Hmmm…she must be in the bathroom.
Stripping off his clothing, Draco walked into the bathroom and pulled the curtain aside. "Room for one more?" he asked with a predatory grin.
Hermione started but smiled shyly. "I knew it was you."
He slipped into the tub and pulled her to his chest, drinking in the sight of her nude body straddling him. His testosterone level kicked up a notch as mouths and tongues dueled hungrily. He couldn't stop wanting her – he needed her like the air filling his lungs.
In the morning, the smells of toast and coffee woke him from his peaceful slumber. He turned and found her side of the bed empty. Where is she?
"Good morning, sleepyhead," she said in a jovial voice, putting a tray next to him. "I made you breakfast."
Arrgh…he buried himself into the pillows mumbling incoherently.
"Hey!"
"I usually don't wake up until noon," he complained.
"Sorry but I don't have that luxury. I have a class at nine," she told him as she picked up her bag from the chair.
"Wait." Draco sat up on the bed with a sullen expression. He decided he would speak to Dumbledore about morning classes - they ought to be banned in Hogwarts.
Hermione turned to him and giggled.
"What?"
"You look cute like that," she said, clutching her bag to her chest as she slowly backed towards the door.
"Malfoys are not CUTE," he retorted. "Hey, come back."
"I'll see you later," he heard her say as the door shut behind her.
Sinking back into the pillows, he sighed contentedly. Life like this isn't so bad, he thought as he reached for the breakfast tray -- the toast and eggs were fine but the coffee could be better. He wouldn't mind having Hermione cook him breakfast or having her with nothing but a sexy apron on.
Whoa…he quickly reigned in his overactive imagination. "I need a cold shower."
Before he left her flat, he scribbled a note to her -
"Congratulations on your new home. Next time, I'm making the coffee. DM"ooooo
Hermione was blissfully happy in her relationship with Draco although they kept it very secret. He went about his family's affairs in the wizard world while she continued her studies as a trainee Auror at Hogwarts. They agreed not to appear in public and preferred quiet evenings in each other's company.
It was New Year's Eve and Hermione was about to go to a party at The Three Broomsticks when Draco appeared on her doorstep with a bottle of champagne. He swept her into his arms and kissed her.
"Happy New Year, darling." Hermione blushed when he gazed at her appreciatively.
"What are you doing here? I thought you were spending New Year's with Pansy's family in Paris," she said, trying to mask the jealousy in her voice. She didn't like the idea of having to 'share' Draco with anyone else. She knew he loved her but there was always a niggling doubt about the 'other' woman.
"I'd rather spend it with you," he replied smoothly as he took out two glass flutes from his robe and set it on the table.
Staring at the bottle of champagne, she recalled seeing one in her father's personal collection – it was rare and expensive. She turned to him and said, "Is there a reason to open this bottle?"
"Ah, I never cared much about muggle products but I told the shop I wanted the most expensive champagne they've got. You're right, there IS a reason to celebrate…I have cancelled the wedding…told my mother that I didn't want to marry Pansy," he declared.
"I… I don't know what to say," she stammered, gaping at him.
"I didn't know kissing involved saying anything," he whispered, bending down to claim her mouth. The lovers were soon lost in the world of their own as the fireworks marked the dawn of the New Year.
It was sheer coincidence that she had bumped into Pansy Parkinson the next day – she had gone to a magical bookshop in Hogsmeade to look for references on transfiguration spells and was poring through the texts when a loud commotion distracted her. Hermione peered around the corner and saw Pansy hovering over a very frightened assistant.
"I DON'T CARE! Just get me the book!" Pansy's shrill voice cried as she flounced out of the bookshop with her female companion.
"Yes, Miss Parkinson. I'll arrange for it to be sent to you immediately," the assistant stammered and scuttled to the back of the shop.
Hmmm, I wonder what prompted Pansy to burst into such rage?
Hermione followed the shop assistant and heard him rummaging through the stocks. He looked red and flustered when he came out.
He saw her and asked irritably, "What do you want?"
Hermione feigned innocence and said, "Oh, I couldn't help overhearing the commotion at the counter earlier. What was the woman looking for?"
"She was looking for the Guide to Love Potions and Spells," he replied cynically. "She looked like she needed it very badly. I don't blame her – nasty temper she's got."
Pansy must have been very upset when Draco cancelled their wedding and was planning to get him back!
Hermione quickly thanked the assistant and hurried home. She waited patiently for Draco to arrive that evening but her heart was sick with worry.
What if Pansy had cast a spell on him?
What if she had found out about them?
These questions wreaked havoc on her mind, filling it with doubts. The time showed 9.00PM – he was supposed to arrive half an hour ago. Why was it when she had something important to tell him, he had to throw a spoke in the wheel by being late?
When Draco finally came in, she let out a muffled cry and ran into his arms.
"What's the matter darling?" he asked with a note of surprise.
Hermione then told him about the incident in the bookstore and Pansy. He was amused and laughed out loud. "Pansy must be getting desperate," he said, seemingly impressed by her persistence.
"You were very cruel to give her the bad news just before the New Year," said Hermione matter-of-factly.
Draco cocked an eyebrow. "Would you rather I not tell her?"
"No, I think you should be careful around her," she told him.
"Admit it. You're jealous!"
"No, I'm not…I'm just concerned. That's all," she defended herself, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
Draco smiled. "Don't you worry your pretty little head over Pansy. I've lived with death threats and hexes all my life. It would take more than Pansy Parkinson's love spells to make me leave you," he muttered as he pulled her into his arms. "You're not getting away from me that easily, Hermione Granger."
She sighed with relief and hoped that day would never come.
TBC