Rain Malfoy; I have actually proof read this Chapter *gasp in horror* so
there should be fewer typos. As for the house elf thing; I did realise
that afterwards and I may change it at a later point so Draco simply hangs
up his cloak but for the moment I shall explain it away by saying that the
House elf isn't free because a cloak is an accessory. I do love Tim
Burton; my DVD collection of his films is quite extensive and I am now
waiting for "Big Fish" to be released on DVD over here so I can add even
more. I think my favourite ones are "Batman Returns" and "Edward
Scissorhands".
Juxtaposed; Australia eh? Lucky thing. I'm all cold over here in the U.K. Although if you're going to have an early winter I feel sorry for you; that's just cruel on Mother Nature's part. I have no idea why the last bit screwed up on ff.net I uploaded it again and I think the same thing happened. Oh, cookies; I will have to see how much dry brit humour I got in this Chapter. There's no powers-that-be-manifesting-in-Hermione in this Chapter but maybe in the next one. You made me hungry with those promises of gooey sweet goodness.
Louis; ah my spelling; where would this story be without my awful spelling an inability to use spell check or proof read. Lol. The "?!" was simply a bad habit that I got into and had to force my self out of as it was irritating me and readers . Thanks for reviewing.
Athene Saile; Indeed yes "what's in your head boy" was taken from the fantastic PoC, as were the lines "hello chum" and "savvy" (I think that's all of them).
BbyChick; Unfortunately this is not the last Chapter; there is about nine more to go, if all goes to plan. I hope you keep reading until the end.
Lostgurl920; I have absolutely no idea what happened at the end of that Chapter so here it is again;
Lucius looked up at him;
"What will you tell your Mother Draco?"
"That you died like the coward you really are." Draco whispered, pointing his wand at his Father's heart and whispering the curse that would end his torment.
A flash of green light and Lucius' eyes dimmed and saw nothing more.
Draco fell to his knees, staring at his Father.
A door opened behind him.
Draco didn't acknowledge the new presence.
Footsteps moved towards him.
Draco did not move.
"Draco?" A voice whispered.
Draco did not say anything.
A pair of arms encircled them around his waist.
nd a slim hand pulled his eyes away from the body of his Fatherike you.e were in slow motion, Draco be uised to plication sDraco wept.
Silverbutterfly, Shina-Etsu, Orchid6297, mintytoothpick, quiet-mg, poopieundiez, Allison, BigRed-2006, gio1, xobrowneyedgirlxo, Keliyon, sweet- 77-thang, Darco-Fan, LeslieGlady, Dracohermioneluver, The Enchnatress, Slyffindor, ladie giggles and The elven Princess; Thank you all very very much for reviewing, I honestly can't believe how many I am getting, it's so fantastic. Thank you a million times and I hope you all keep reading, reviewing and liking the story. And in answer to the many of you who asked why Hermione hadn't killed Lucius I had it so Draco did the deed because I felt it would have more impact if it was the son killing the Father; it's also easier as the story is, for the vast vast majority, written from Draco's point of view. Hope you're satisfied with that reason. Thanks again :o)
Author's Note: I just want to say for once and for all that I am not, under any circumstances, abandoning this fanfic. I absolutely love writing this and I will miss it when it all comes to n end, however until it does so please do not think I have abandoned it. I know I have uploaded two more fanfics recently but that is only because I was in a certain mood and couldn't incorporate what I wanted to write onto this fic. I know this Chapter has taken slightly longer than usual, but in perspective it is only a few days later than normal; I am keeping to my own schedule on this. I aim for one update a week; ROUGHLY. If it takes slightly longer then it takes slightly longer but that is how I work (and this is slightly longer than normal;13 pages). I can do no more; I'm only human (and a student at that; not the most motivated of life-forms). And now that's out of my system, I want to say thanks to everyone who has reviewed and everyone who is reading; I really appreciate it. On with the story...
After one more thing; can't remember if I mentioned (I wish I'd stop doing that) but Ron has passed his apparating test by now. I will read through my earlier Chapters and see if I did mention it. If not I'll amend it; although it doesn't really make that much difference.
And now you really can read the next Chapter...
Chapter 21 - Lucius Malfoy: The Return
Draco had no idea of how he moved from his house back to Hogwarts, all he remembered when later questioned, was waking up to an early stream of light tumbling through the gap in his thick curtains as he lay surrounded by thick layers and cushions.
There was no-one in his room when he awoke; he supposed they were all too busy gossiping about "that crazy Draco Malfoy who killed his father just last night." Draco shrugged off the feeling, he was used to gossip and it didn't bother him. However, what did bother him was the fact that Hermione was not with him. He could forget about the gossip and uneasy looks he would undoubtedly receive, he could even try and forget about how he would explain this to his mother, but he could not ignore the empty feeling and sadness he felt when he awoke that morning to find there was no Hermione with him.
He lay, flat on his back and staring at the ceiling, thinking of all that had happened since September. The final battle was drawing ever nearer and he was in it up to his ankles after his rash actions of the night before and he had no idea how he was going to get out of it. In two days he had killed as many people without thinking twice about it, only now he wished he had thought more about it. Dumbledore would probably be furious, Voldemort would most likely fry his ass on the spot and Hermione was almost certainly regretting ever getting involved with him.
Draco punched the pillow; hard, whilst screaming in anger. It was all so bloody difficult to get right. He was sick of life. Whatever he did someone ended up dead and it seemed there was little he could do to stop it. Again his mind wandered to Hermione, she had kept him going, if he lost her he didn't know what he would do.
He thought back hesitantly to his actions. He had killed his own Father; the man who had given him life and provided him with a home. Yet when Draco contemplated it, the home was warped and the life, at the moment at least, felt worthless. What had he done in the long run? Disposed of one evil. Yet his thoughts remained uneasy. His mother was going to be less than impressed when she found out what had happened.
A slight knock at the door interrupted his melancholy musings and he turned his head to see the Headmaster enter, followed by Hermione and, surprisingly, Harry, Ron and Ginny.
"Get them out." Draco spat, "I don't want another black eye."
"Much as I'd like to clock you one Malfoy, we're here on business." Ron retorted.
"What business?"
"The occurrences of last night Mr Malfoy." Dumbledore spoke quietly, "It seems that you have once again given us a problem that we must overcome."
"I'm sorry." Draco whispered.
"Now, now Mr Malfoy, where will sorry get us? In my opinion it is nowhere but a small fishing shop in Outer Mongolia. Action plans is what must be exchanged, not apologies."
"You want to discuss them now?"
"Yes I do. But not here, we shall travel to 12 Grimmauld Place where the other members of The Order will meet us."
Draco nodded silently and retreated into the bathroom to make himself look slightly more human. After a quick warm shower, a shave and a splash of aftershave he felt more like he should; alive. He quickly grabbed some clothes from the closet and changed. All black; he wasn't feeling very cheerful at the moment. Hermione knocked and entered, wrapping her slim arms around him.
"I'm sorry." She whispered.
"What for? You didn't do anything."
"I know but it's what people always say."
"Well don't. He doesn't deserve sympathy from anyone. He was a bastard and you know it as well as I do."
"True." Hermione smiled, standing on her toes and giving him a quick kiss. "Now come on, before the others think we're doing the dirty."
"Us? Never."
They exited the room and Dumbledore lowered the wards, allowing them to apparate from the castle.
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The kitchen on 12 Grimmauld place was, as usual, full to bursting with members of The Order, all perched on various counter-tops and chairs, and all looking at Draco. Noticing Draco's uncomfortable movements, Dumbledore was kind enough to call for silence and bring the meeting to a start.
"Now, presumably you all know why we are here; I doubt any of you has had the discretion to not gossip about what you heard from one another, therefore there would be little point in me going over it. I do however wish to discuss with you what we are going to do next. Narcissa Malfoy will be returning from Japan any day now and it must be decided what we are to do about both her and Voldemort."
"Why don't we tell them the truth? That Malfoy killed him because he was planning on killing Hermione." Called Fred.
"Then Draco will be killed and the last thing we need right now is another dead student." McGonagall replied tartly.
Draco felt his face turning red and he eyed his stylish shoes intently.
"Yeah but it'll only be him." Spat George.
"Precisely Mr Weasley; Draco is a most valuable member of our team and despite your own prejudices the mission does rely on him and Hermione working together. What would Voldemort say if he lost three followers in one week and two of them were Malfoys; his most loyal of servants. Now, does anyone have any suggestions which are beneficial?"
The room fell silent and Draco nervously took Hermione's hand. She held on tightly. All her friends knew and if the others wished to comment they would. After a few moments Hermione spoke up;
"What about a Polyjuice?" She asked.
"Please explain Miss Granger." Dumbledore pressed, his twinkling eyes focusing on her.
"Well, I would be surprised if Professor Snape didn't have a stash of every potion known to man somewhere in his rooms." She continued, looking at Snape for a reply.
"Indeed Miss Granger, I have a rather excessive supply of Polyjuice; it is a most useful potion."
"Excellent." Hermione grinned. "So why don't we use that to turn someone into Lucius?"
"Wouldn't Narcissa suspect something?" Asked a blue haired Tonks.
"I doubt it." Draco spoke up, "They aren't the closest of couples. I mean, I would have to talk to whoever takes the task but it really wouldn't be that difficult. Mother is only ever home for a few days at a time anyway. No doubt she would be off to some other exotic place within days of returning to the Manor."
"And what about whoever takes the job? Won't they be missed from their regular days work?"
"Again I think I can answer that. My Father is equally as busy as Mother. He may not necessarily have to go into work, but he may be on errands for Voldemort or on personal visits. They see little of each other so whoever takes the job can be at the Manor for only a few hours of the day and still go about their normal routine; for the most part, with only a few days needed to either see my Mother or attend meetings with Voldemort."
"Splendid." Smiled Dumbledore, "We may have struck upon our answer rather quickly."
"Hold on." Shouted up George, "What about the big bad? What are we going to tell him?"
"Ah, an admirable point Mr Weasley. Mr Malfoy, do you have any suggestions regarding this?"
Draco shook his head; he was slightly stumped there; would Voldemort be fool enough to fall for a Polyjuice Lucius? He doubted it. Once more the room fell into silence as people contemplated ways of overcoming this problem or any other solutions to their initial crisis. Again it was Hermione who spoke;
"I bet we could over come that, and I don't think it would be as difficult as we seem to think. Lucius fell slightly out of the grace of the Dark Lord when myself and Draco were recruited. I was in favour with him because I was powerful and an nice-looking shag, Draco was in his favour for being Lucius' son and, it appears, more powerful and more likely to wed me and give Voldemort an heir, and Snape was granted the grace of Voldemort once more for presenting us.
Lucius was put on a back shelf along with Bellatrix and MacNair; something that none of them were particularly enamoured with. And although Lucius has been occasionally called upon either with myself and Voldemort or just those two, it has been less and less. This suggests that an impostor Lucius would also not be called upon regularly, unless it was for revels. And maybe Draco and I could try and push ourselves closer to Voldemort, thus pushing our Lucius away."
"Brains and Beauty." Draco smirked to Hermione, squeezing her hand.
"Indeed." She smiled back.
"Another wonderful suggestion Miss Granger." Dumbledore twinkled. "Professor Snape? How do you feel about this theory?"
"I feel it is rather accurate. Hermione is right; Lucius was become less and less of a favourite of the Dark Lord as he favoured Hermione's power more. I propose we try."
"Then it is settled. However we do need someone to take the part of Lucius."
A deathly silence fell over the room as everyone eyed each other nervously. Although brave, every member of The Order was nervous at entering such a mission; to fool the Dark Lord would be a difficult challenge.
"I'll do it." A voice said from behind Draco's shoulder and Draco turned to come face to face with Ron.
A chorus of "no"' went up, along with a sob from Mrs Weasley and cheer from Fred and George at their youngest brother's braveness.
"Mr Weasley do you feel you are up to such a task?" Snape questioned, his dark eyes narrowed in curiosity.
"I don't know." Ron admitted, "But I'll bloody try. All my life I've been on the sidelines, watching others get the glory; Bill for being Head Boy, Charlie for being Quidditch Captain, Percy for being Head Boy, Fred and George for their jokes even my best friends; Harry for being...well, Harry and Hermione for her mind, and now I have the chance to do something and be someone and I want to take it. Let me."
"Ron." Mrs Weasley whispered but her husband placed a gentle hand on her shoulder;
"He knows what he's doing love." He muttered. "Let him."
"Very well Mr Weasley; the task falls to you. Mr Malfoy, you and Miss Granger will go and assist Mr Weasley in his preparations whilst myself and Professor Snape tend to the Polyjuice potion; no doubt we will be able to obtain some hairs with a quick trip to Malfoy Manor, I believe Professor Snape can manage the wards."
Draco and Hermione nodded and, with Ron, apparated back to Hogwarts to begin the work.
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Two hours later and they were getting nowhere; Ron simply wasn't Lucius Malfoy and it was going to take a miracle to give them a hope in hell's chance of convincing both Narcissa and Voldemort.
"It really is quite simple Ron." Hermione was pleading as Draco sulked in a corner. He was sick of trying to teach a Weasel how to be a Malfoy. Malfoy's were sleek and sophisticated and evil. Weasley's were...well they were not Malfoys that was for certain. Ron was gangly, his movements uneven and his speech untrained.
"I'm trying Hermione." Ron was whining.
"UGH!" Draco fumed, throwing himself out of the chair and turning to face Ron. "It really is quite simple Ron. You are evil, you are manipulative, you are only loyal to the Dark Lord."
"I'm you you mean." Ron spat.
"God dammit I think he's got it." Draco mocked, "Yes you're bloody me. You are everything you hate most in the world and you have to do it so help me I'll..."
"You'll what Malfoy?"
"I'll place you under the Imperious and make you do it at my command."
"You wouldn't?"
"Try me Weasel. Just try me and I'll have you hexing and cursing and doing the fucking can-can if I want. Just get it right."
"The why the hell don't you do it?" Ron yelled, his fists clenched in anger by his sides.
"Because, you inbred imbecile, how would we explain to the Dark Lord that both Father and Son could never be present together in any one place ever again? What are we going to say? That we have decided we don't like each other and so have resulted to the childish behaviour of avoiding each other? Grow up! You wanted this position so you'll do a good job."
"Or what?" Sneered Ron.
"Or you'll die." Draco answered simply, flouncing back to his chair and picking up a near by book. He heard Ron scoff behind him disbelievingly.
"Don't think you won't Weasel. The Dark Lord will see through you like a pane of glass if you don't get this right, and I'm not putting my backside on the line to save you. Become Lucius or you'll be Avada Kedavra'd as soon as you walk in the room."
This seemed to do the trick and eventually, although not soon enough for Draco, Ron was beginning to imitate Lucius to almost perfection, and once he had sampled the Polyjuice and became Malfoy senior, the whole persona came together. Draco found it all rather disconcerting as he stared once more at his Father.
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Later that evening Draco was shocked to find a gaggle of Gryffindors outside his door, lead by Hermione. He saw them as a gaggle, although in truth there were only four.
"We thought we'd come and cheer you up." Hermione said.
"Great." Draco sneered, "A party with the Scoobies. Just what I need."
"How do you know about the Scoobies?" Ginny enquired, her curiosity seemingly making it difficult for her to recognise an insult.
"Hermione seems to have a soft spot for bloody muggle programmes and films. I find them rather tedious myself but one aims to please."
Ginny simply shrugged at his response and Draco turned to see that Ron, Harry and Hermione had all made themselves very much at home; turning on his music player and spreading out over the couches and chairs.
"Get comfortable." Draco shot at them, grabbing the Fire Whiskey and throwing himself on top of Hermione who yelped as he landed on her. He noticed Ron sent them only a slightly pissed off look.
"Has the Weasel had a personality transplant? This time last night he would have punched my lights out. Why's he here? Why are any of them here?"
"Ron has lightened up somewhat since he received both his new responsibility and a girlfriend."
Draco almost choked on his drink;
"Weasel has a girlfriend?"
"Yes. Hannah Abbot."
"That fat Hufflepuff?"
"Would we call her fat?" Hermione mused.
"I would. There's a reasonable sized arse there. Huge thighs."
"You really are a bitch aren't you." Hermione giggled.
"Naturally darling, anyway, would you have me any other way?"
"Yes."
"Oi! So how did it happen? Did their eyes meet over a deflating Daffodil?"
"Something like that It was in Herbology; he accidentally misplaced an Engorgio charm and hit her nose. Not very attractive I know but Ron took her to Madam Pomfrey and waited until she was discharge. And the rest, as they say, is history."
"Very romantic." Draco scoffed.
"Slightly more than ours; we came together through death and destruction; there's one to tell the grandkids."
"True." Draco laughed, "But it will make one hell of a tale." He grinned, grabbing her and pulling her into a huge kiss. A sharp cough from Harry interrupted their passion and Draco eyes him warily;
"This better be good Potter." He growled.
"Well Hermione will appreciate it even if you don't." Ginny spoke up.
"Me and Gin have an announcement to make." Harry spoke up, eyeing his small audience nervously and, Draco noticed, moving out of Ron's arm reach, "Now, as you all know the battle isn't far away; it's only a few weeks away to be precise."
Draco stifled a fake yawn.
"Shut it Malfoy." Harry shot at his before continuing, "And as you all also know, me and Ginny care about each other a lot. We...we love each other. And you all also know..."
"That this speech will repeat itself and continue forever?"
"Malfoy! No, you are all aware the legal age for marriage is 16 and well...we, erm...me and Gin..."
Hermione let out a squeal and in a flurry of hair and robes she had engulfed Harry and Ginny in a huge bear hug.
"Oh my Gods you two, that's great news. When is it?"
"As soon as possible." Ginny grinned. "Dumbeldore is qualified to conduct the ceremony so he will be. But it's going to be really small and quiet; we can't let anyone know. There's a clearing in a small wood nearby where we are having the ceremony."
"Does Molly know?"
"No." Ginny said simply, "and as awful as it sounds we aren't telling them. Only you lot know."
Ron was suspiciously quiet and spoke only one word;
"Why?"
Harry turned to his old friend;
"The war mate. I've found someone who I love more than anything else and we want to be together in every way we can. That way we will always know how much we love each other; no matter what the outcome of the battle is."
Ron nodded his silent approval and shook Harry's hand. Draco felt somehow left out of the proceedings as the old friends hugged and grinned madly.
"Any particular reason why you told me? Why not tell your friends in the common room, away from me? I don't have anything to do with this."
"You're coming silly." Ginny laughed.
"I'm what?"
"You have to. Hermione needs a date. Hannah will be with Ron."
"Isn't she going to be slightly suspicious that a Slytherin is at your wedding?"
"No. We are going to tell her that it's your duty as Head Boy or something."
"She'll probably buy it; she's not the sharpest quill."
"Oi!" Ron called, "You searching for another punch?"
"Heavens no Weasel. My most sincere apologies. Why isn't your remarkable girlfriend with us tonight?"
Ron suddenly looked sheepish;
"She had to go to extra Charms lessons."
"Wonderful." Draco smirked.
The noise in the room lessened enough and the odd collection of friends settled into their drinks and chatter. No-one mentioned the war.
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Only a few days later Draco was roused by Hermione. It was a Saturday and a Hogsmeade weekend meaning it took more than a few seconds for him to gather his thoughts together.
"I'm not going anywhere." Draco muttered, "It's still dark."
"No it's not. It's Ten O'clock. The rest of the school has just left for Hogsmeade. It's time."
"For what? Unless the answer is more sleep I'm throwing you out."
"The wedding you fool."
"They only announced it two days ago."
"I know that but the battle is in two weeks and they want to get married now so they are. Now get up and make yourself look more alive and less like a zombie from a bad Ed Wood film."
"Who?"
"Never mind. Get up!"
Grumbling and muttering about the unfairness that Potter's love life inflicted upon him, Draco rose from the bed and made his way to the shower. As the hot water cascaded down his body he scrubbed his hair thoroughly, pretending not to notice the slim figure slide in beside him.
"Hello sexy." Hermione purred, her elegant fingers dancing over Draco's smooth skin.
"I'm not talking to you." Draco said. "You woke me up."
"It'll be worth it; they want you there. Anyway, I bet I can make you talk to me."
And with a sexy smile and flashing eyes Hemriones slid down Draco's body, her tongue savouring his flavour and the wetness of his skin until she reached her goal where she captured him in her mouth.
"Mmmm........." Draco moaned, "but how am I supposed top have a conversation with you if your mouth's full?"
She playfully slapped his backside and he shut up, resting his hands in her thick curls before moving them lower to massage her shoulders and breasts. Her mouth released him and she trailed a line up his body with kisses, finally reaching his mouth.
"Tease." He smiled, easily lifting her upwards to kiss her. She greedily wrapped her legs around his waist as they kissed each other passionately.
Draco's hands caressed Hermione's backside as she positioned herself over him. Slowly, gently she lowered herself and he moaned at the slickness of the contact. Again he kissed her as she worked her body up and down, forward and back, side to side giving him the maximum pleasure from their position. Her wet hair swung madly around her face and she grinned with pure happiness as her hands roamed his body, pinching his nipples and tousling his hair. He grinned back, releasing her backside from one of his hands and reaching for the shower gel. He poured the viscous liquid over her head, watching it trickle through her locks, down the slender curve of her neck and over her ample bosom. She squealed as the cold fluid ran over her nipples, causing them to peak.
Draco rearranged her body with one hand as she thrust her body on and off him, and began to caress her chest, creating a thick foam over her skin. She smiled and laughed, kissing him whilst scooping up some of the bubbles to spread it across his body.
Her movements became fast and energetic as she worked his body harder and harder, forcing him to once again take hold of her with both hands, not allowing her to fall. She closed her eyes and Draco watched an array of emotions pass across her face; happiness, passion, energy and serenity until she contracted and released rapidly.
Draco followed soon after as he felt her shudder once more around him. He held her tightly, his eyes shut and his hands squeezing into the tender flesh of her buttocks as he felt the pleasure only she could give him properly. He opened his eyes to meet hers. She was smiling.
Deftly she leapt down off his support and scooped up a handful of lather, depositing it swiftly onto his head, laughing.
"That was fun." She giggled.
"Indeed it was. Fancy an encore?"
"As much as I would love to ravish your gorgeous body over and over again we really must get ready. I believe you're clean." She responded, giving him a playful shove out of the shower and pulling the curtain shut.
"I'll go and get dressed then shall I." Said Draco, smiling to himself.
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Some time later the selective wedding company was assembled in the small woods next to Hogwarts. Having no idea what he should wear Draco had allowed Hermione to dress him in deep green dress robes. She herself wore a long dress of deep purple. It was strapless and corseted, falling into many floaty layers of chiffon at the hips. Draco liked it. Around her neck she wore a simple silver pendant with a drop of amethyst hanging from it and on her feet were simple flat, purple slipper-like shoe, although they were concealed beneath the dress. Ron was there with Hannah and along with Dumbledore and Harry the party was complete. Now they only awaited Ginny.
She soon arrived and all eyes turned to her as she walked down the invisible aisle. Even Draco had to admit she looked good. She had opted against dress robes in favour of a dress similar in style to Hermione's only it was made from cream silk, and around her dainty shoulders a sheer cream cape was arranged. In her hands Ginny held a simple bouquet of white lilies and deep green ivy. She grinned openly as she walked down the aisle. She took Harry's arm and the ceremony began;
"Friends," Dumbledore began, "we are joined together today in order to witness the unification of Virginia Molly Weasley and Harry James Potter under the eyes of The Innocents in their natural home." He turned to the beaming couple, "you may say the vows you have chosen. Virginia, you are to go first."
Ginny gulped and looked Harry straight in the eye as she spoke the well rehearsed words;
"Harry, I love you with all my heart and I always will. I will forever be by your side, through all that we may encounter and I know you will always be there for me, even when things look unpromising. I wish for us to be together, as one, for the rest of our lives, that we may bring life into this world, and that that life may feel the love that we feel for each other. I wish to be yours."
"Ginny, my love is yours, my heart belongs to you and you will forever own my soul. I wish to share all that I have with you, and hope that one day I will have more to share and there will be more of us to share it. My heart is happy knowing that I am in yours and you in mine, and without you it would be empty. I wish that my heart never be empty and that you never deny it of the love I will always give you. Beyond the death that someday will come for us, I will always love you."
"Now the vows have been exchanged we look to The Innocents, the purest of all beings in love and marriage, to bless the joining of these two people as they exchange their magic in the form of rings and..."
As Dumbeldore spoke Draco felt Hermione's hand search for his and he took it, glancing at her as he did so. There were tears in her eyes and her lips were moving silently. He strained his ears;
"No, no, no, please no." She was whispering.
Draco decided that this was not the time to mention it so returned his attention to the ceremony.
Dumbledore gave Harry and Ginny and ring each. They kissed them, channelling a small part of their magical essence into the jewellery, and placed them on each other's fingers at the same moment. Their essences combined and a bright white light shone from the rings as they became bound together.
A round of applause rose from the small audience and the beaming couple kissed each other with vigour.
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Draco lay in bed, his arms wrapped around Hermione as she read her book.
"What were you muttering about during the ceremony?"
Hermione snapped her book shut and looked up at him;
"I...I can't tell you." She said.
"Why not?"
"Because they told me not to."
"Who? The Gods?"
Hermione nodded.
"Well can you please give me a clue?"
Hermione shook her head.
"Is it to do with Ron? Do you still like him?"
"Hell no Draco. Don't be stupid."
"But he was your..."
"My first? Yes he was, and he always will be but you're the one I love. Anyway it had nothing to do with him. Can we just leave it? You will find out soon enough."
"Ok. If that's what you want." Draco sighed, kissing her forehead.
"It is. Thank you."
They fell into comfortable silence once more until a tapping at the window interrupted them. Draco waved his wand and the window opened, allowing a raven to enter. The Raven dropped a letter into Hermione's lap before retreating once more. She laid her book aside and read the letter;
"I have to go to him now. Then we are to go, along with the other Death Eaters, on Friday night for a celebratory revel to mark the beginning of the battle."
Draco nodded silently and watched as Hermione transfigured her silk nightwear into leather mini-skirt and bustier. She kissed him on the forehead before silently slipping from the room.
Draco lay for hours thinking; the battle was almost upon them and the revel in a few nights time would mark that. There were so many crossed fingers and silent prayers that it did not bear thinking about. He soon drifted to sleep, not noticing when Hermione returned.
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Author's Note; yes, another one. Sorry. I just want to say that Ron is with Hannah because I was told by one reader absolutely, under no circumstances to pair him with Luna as she was sick of that pairing. I couldn't put him with Lavender obviously after the earlier events in this fic and Parvati and Padma were out of the picture since GoF when Harry and Ron were bad dates so, as I was rapidly running out of girls, my friend suggested Hannah; I hope you all approve. I explained it here as it saves me typing it out multiple times when/if people ask why they are together.
Author's Note 2: Spot the intertextuality in this Chapter. If you get it right you get a Pirates of the Caribbean style "Huzzah". Hint; it's a recent Brit flick.
Juxtaposed; Australia eh? Lucky thing. I'm all cold over here in the U.K. Although if you're going to have an early winter I feel sorry for you; that's just cruel on Mother Nature's part. I have no idea why the last bit screwed up on ff.net I uploaded it again and I think the same thing happened. Oh, cookies; I will have to see how much dry brit humour I got in this Chapter. There's no powers-that-be-manifesting-in-Hermione in this Chapter but maybe in the next one. You made me hungry with those promises of gooey sweet goodness.
Louis; ah my spelling; where would this story be without my awful spelling an inability to use spell check or proof read. Lol. The "?!" was simply a bad habit that I got into and had to force my self out of as it was irritating me and readers . Thanks for reviewing.
Athene Saile; Indeed yes "what's in your head boy" was taken from the fantastic PoC, as were the lines "hello chum" and "savvy" (I think that's all of them).
BbyChick; Unfortunately this is not the last Chapter; there is about nine more to go, if all goes to plan. I hope you keep reading until the end.
Lostgurl920; I have absolutely no idea what happened at the end of that Chapter so here it is again;
Lucius looked up at him;
"What will you tell your Mother Draco?"
"That you died like the coward you really are." Draco whispered, pointing his wand at his Father's heart and whispering the curse that would end his torment.
A flash of green light and Lucius' eyes dimmed and saw nothing more.
Draco fell to his knees, staring at his Father.
A door opened behind him.
Draco didn't acknowledge the new presence.
Footsteps moved towards him.
Draco did not move.
"Draco?" A voice whispered.
Draco did not say anything.
A pair of arms encircled them around his waist.
nd a slim hand pulled his eyes away from the body of his Fatherike you.e were in slow motion, Draco be uised to plication sDraco wept.
Silverbutterfly, Shina-Etsu, Orchid6297, mintytoothpick, quiet-mg, poopieundiez, Allison, BigRed-2006, gio1, xobrowneyedgirlxo, Keliyon, sweet- 77-thang, Darco-Fan, LeslieGlady, Dracohermioneluver, The Enchnatress, Slyffindor, ladie giggles and The elven Princess; Thank you all very very much for reviewing, I honestly can't believe how many I am getting, it's so fantastic. Thank you a million times and I hope you all keep reading, reviewing and liking the story. And in answer to the many of you who asked why Hermione hadn't killed Lucius I had it so Draco did the deed because I felt it would have more impact if it was the son killing the Father; it's also easier as the story is, for the vast vast majority, written from Draco's point of view. Hope you're satisfied with that reason. Thanks again :o)
Author's Note: I just want to say for once and for all that I am not, under any circumstances, abandoning this fanfic. I absolutely love writing this and I will miss it when it all comes to n end, however until it does so please do not think I have abandoned it. I know I have uploaded two more fanfics recently but that is only because I was in a certain mood and couldn't incorporate what I wanted to write onto this fic. I know this Chapter has taken slightly longer than usual, but in perspective it is only a few days later than normal; I am keeping to my own schedule on this. I aim for one update a week; ROUGHLY. If it takes slightly longer then it takes slightly longer but that is how I work (and this is slightly longer than normal;13 pages). I can do no more; I'm only human (and a student at that; not the most motivated of life-forms). And now that's out of my system, I want to say thanks to everyone who has reviewed and everyone who is reading; I really appreciate it. On with the story...
After one more thing; can't remember if I mentioned (I wish I'd stop doing that) but Ron has passed his apparating test by now. I will read through my earlier Chapters and see if I did mention it. If not I'll amend it; although it doesn't really make that much difference.
And now you really can read the next Chapter...
Chapter 21 - Lucius Malfoy: The Return
Draco had no idea of how he moved from his house back to Hogwarts, all he remembered when later questioned, was waking up to an early stream of light tumbling through the gap in his thick curtains as he lay surrounded by thick layers and cushions.
There was no-one in his room when he awoke; he supposed they were all too busy gossiping about "that crazy Draco Malfoy who killed his father just last night." Draco shrugged off the feeling, he was used to gossip and it didn't bother him. However, what did bother him was the fact that Hermione was not with him. He could forget about the gossip and uneasy looks he would undoubtedly receive, he could even try and forget about how he would explain this to his mother, but he could not ignore the empty feeling and sadness he felt when he awoke that morning to find there was no Hermione with him.
He lay, flat on his back and staring at the ceiling, thinking of all that had happened since September. The final battle was drawing ever nearer and he was in it up to his ankles after his rash actions of the night before and he had no idea how he was going to get out of it. In two days he had killed as many people without thinking twice about it, only now he wished he had thought more about it. Dumbledore would probably be furious, Voldemort would most likely fry his ass on the spot and Hermione was almost certainly regretting ever getting involved with him.
Draco punched the pillow; hard, whilst screaming in anger. It was all so bloody difficult to get right. He was sick of life. Whatever he did someone ended up dead and it seemed there was little he could do to stop it. Again his mind wandered to Hermione, she had kept him going, if he lost her he didn't know what he would do.
He thought back hesitantly to his actions. He had killed his own Father; the man who had given him life and provided him with a home. Yet when Draco contemplated it, the home was warped and the life, at the moment at least, felt worthless. What had he done in the long run? Disposed of one evil. Yet his thoughts remained uneasy. His mother was going to be less than impressed when she found out what had happened.
A slight knock at the door interrupted his melancholy musings and he turned his head to see the Headmaster enter, followed by Hermione and, surprisingly, Harry, Ron and Ginny.
"Get them out." Draco spat, "I don't want another black eye."
"Much as I'd like to clock you one Malfoy, we're here on business." Ron retorted.
"What business?"
"The occurrences of last night Mr Malfoy." Dumbledore spoke quietly, "It seems that you have once again given us a problem that we must overcome."
"I'm sorry." Draco whispered.
"Now, now Mr Malfoy, where will sorry get us? In my opinion it is nowhere but a small fishing shop in Outer Mongolia. Action plans is what must be exchanged, not apologies."
"You want to discuss them now?"
"Yes I do. But not here, we shall travel to 12 Grimmauld Place where the other members of The Order will meet us."
Draco nodded silently and retreated into the bathroom to make himself look slightly more human. After a quick warm shower, a shave and a splash of aftershave he felt more like he should; alive. He quickly grabbed some clothes from the closet and changed. All black; he wasn't feeling very cheerful at the moment. Hermione knocked and entered, wrapping her slim arms around him.
"I'm sorry." She whispered.
"What for? You didn't do anything."
"I know but it's what people always say."
"Well don't. He doesn't deserve sympathy from anyone. He was a bastard and you know it as well as I do."
"True." Hermione smiled, standing on her toes and giving him a quick kiss. "Now come on, before the others think we're doing the dirty."
"Us? Never."
They exited the room and Dumbledore lowered the wards, allowing them to apparate from the castle.
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The kitchen on 12 Grimmauld place was, as usual, full to bursting with members of The Order, all perched on various counter-tops and chairs, and all looking at Draco. Noticing Draco's uncomfortable movements, Dumbledore was kind enough to call for silence and bring the meeting to a start.
"Now, presumably you all know why we are here; I doubt any of you has had the discretion to not gossip about what you heard from one another, therefore there would be little point in me going over it. I do however wish to discuss with you what we are going to do next. Narcissa Malfoy will be returning from Japan any day now and it must be decided what we are to do about both her and Voldemort."
"Why don't we tell them the truth? That Malfoy killed him because he was planning on killing Hermione." Called Fred.
"Then Draco will be killed and the last thing we need right now is another dead student." McGonagall replied tartly.
Draco felt his face turning red and he eyed his stylish shoes intently.
"Yeah but it'll only be him." Spat George.
"Precisely Mr Weasley; Draco is a most valuable member of our team and despite your own prejudices the mission does rely on him and Hermione working together. What would Voldemort say if he lost three followers in one week and two of them were Malfoys; his most loyal of servants. Now, does anyone have any suggestions which are beneficial?"
The room fell silent and Draco nervously took Hermione's hand. She held on tightly. All her friends knew and if the others wished to comment they would. After a few moments Hermione spoke up;
"What about a Polyjuice?" She asked.
"Please explain Miss Granger." Dumbledore pressed, his twinkling eyes focusing on her.
"Well, I would be surprised if Professor Snape didn't have a stash of every potion known to man somewhere in his rooms." She continued, looking at Snape for a reply.
"Indeed Miss Granger, I have a rather excessive supply of Polyjuice; it is a most useful potion."
"Excellent." Hermione grinned. "So why don't we use that to turn someone into Lucius?"
"Wouldn't Narcissa suspect something?" Asked a blue haired Tonks.
"I doubt it." Draco spoke up, "They aren't the closest of couples. I mean, I would have to talk to whoever takes the task but it really wouldn't be that difficult. Mother is only ever home for a few days at a time anyway. No doubt she would be off to some other exotic place within days of returning to the Manor."
"And what about whoever takes the job? Won't they be missed from their regular days work?"
"Again I think I can answer that. My Father is equally as busy as Mother. He may not necessarily have to go into work, but he may be on errands for Voldemort or on personal visits. They see little of each other so whoever takes the job can be at the Manor for only a few hours of the day and still go about their normal routine; for the most part, with only a few days needed to either see my Mother or attend meetings with Voldemort."
"Splendid." Smiled Dumbledore, "We may have struck upon our answer rather quickly."
"Hold on." Shouted up George, "What about the big bad? What are we going to tell him?"
"Ah, an admirable point Mr Weasley. Mr Malfoy, do you have any suggestions regarding this?"
Draco shook his head; he was slightly stumped there; would Voldemort be fool enough to fall for a Polyjuice Lucius? He doubted it. Once more the room fell into silence as people contemplated ways of overcoming this problem or any other solutions to their initial crisis. Again it was Hermione who spoke;
"I bet we could over come that, and I don't think it would be as difficult as we seem to think. Lucius fell slightly out of the grace of the Dark Lord when myself and Draco were recruited. I was in favour with him because I was powerful and an nice-looking shag, Draco was in his favour for being Lucius' son and, it appears, more powerful and more likely to wed me and give Voldemort an heir, and Snape was granted the grace of Voldemort once more for presenting us.
Lucius was put on a back shelf along with Bellatrix and MacNair; something that none of them were particularly enamoured with. And although Lucius has been occasionally called upon either with myself and Voldemort or just those two, it has been less and less. This suggests that an impostor Lucius would also not be called upon regularly, unless it was for revels. And maybe Draco and I could try and push ourselves closer to Voldemort, thus pushing our Lucius away."
"Brains and Beauty." Draco smirked to Hermione, squeezing her hand.
"Indeed." She smiled back.
"Another wonderful suggestion Miss Granger." Dumbledore twinkled. "Professor Snape? How do you feel about this theory?"
"I feel it is rather accurate. Hermione is right; Lucius was become less and less of a favourite of the Dark Lord as he favoured Hermione's power more. I propose we try."
"Then it is settled. However we do need someone to take the part of Lucius."
A deathly silence fell over the room as everyone eyed each other nervously. Although brave, every member of The Order was nervous at entering such a mission; to fool the Dark Lord would be a difficult challenge.
"I'll do it." A voice said from behind Draco's shoulder and Draco turned to come face to face with Ron.
A chorus of "no"' went up, along with a sob from Mrs Weasley and cheer from Fred and George at their youngest brother's braveness.
"Mr Weasley do you feel you are up to such a task?" Snape questioned, his dark eyes narrowed in curiosity.
"I don't know." Ron admitted, "But I'll bloody try. All my life I've been on the sidelines, watching others get the glory; Bill for being Head Boy, Charlie for being Quidditch Captain, Percy for being Head Boy, Fred and George for their jokes even my best friends; Harry for being...well, Harry and Hermione for her mind, and now I have the chance to do something and be someone and I want to take it. Let me."
"Ron." Mrs Weasley whispered but her husband placed a gentle hand on her shoulder;
"He knows what he's doing love." He muttered. "Let him."
"Very well Mr Weasley; the task falls to you. Mr Malfoy, you and Miss Granger will go and assist Mr Weasley in his preparations whilst myself and Professor Snape tend to the Polyjuice potion; no doubt we will be able to obtain some hairs with a quick trip to Malfoy Manor, I believe Professor Snape can manage the wards."
Draco and Hermione nodded and, with Ron, apparated back to Hogwarts to begin the work.
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Two hours later and they were getting nowhere; Ron simply wasn't Lucius Malfoy and it was going to take a miracle to give them a hope in hell's chance of convincing both Narcissa and Voldemort.
"It really is quite simple Ron." Hermione was pleading as Draco sulked in a corner. He was sick of trying to teach a Weasel how to be a Malfoy. Malfoy's were sleek and sophisticated and evil. Weasley's were...well they were not Malfoys that was for certain. Ron was gangly, his movements uneven and his speech untrained.
"I'm trying Hermione." Ron was whining.
"UGH!" Draco fumed, throwing himself out of the chair and turning to face Ron. "It really is quite simple Ron. You are evil, you are manipulative, you are only loyal to the Dark Lord."
"I'm you you mean." Ron spat.
"God dammit I think he's got it." Draco mocked, "Yes you're bloody me. You are everything you hate most in the world and you have to do it so help me I'll..."
"You'll what Malfoy?"
"I'll place you under the Imperious and make you do it at my command."
"You wouldn't?"
"Try me Weasel. Just try me and I'll have you hexing and cursing and doing the fucking can-can if I want. Just get it right."
"The why the hell don't you do it?" Ron yelled, his fists clenched in anger by his sides.
"Because, you inbred imbecile, how would we explain to the Dark Lord that both Father and Son could never be present together in any one place ever again? What are we going to say? That we have decided we don't like each other and so have resulted to the childish behaviour of avoiding each other? Grow up! You wanted this position so you'll do a good job."
"Or what?" Sneered Ron.
"Or you'll die." Draco answered simply, flouncing back to his chair and picking up a near by book. He heard Ron scoff behind him disbelievingly.
"Don't think you won't Weasel. The Dark Lord will see through you like a pane of glass if you don't get this right, and I'm not putting my backside on the line to save you. Become Lucius or you'll be Avada Kedavra'd as soon as you walk in the room."
This seemed to do the trick and eventually, although not soon enough for Draco, Ron was beginning to imitate Lucius to almost perfection, and once he had sampled the Polyjuice and became Malfoy senior, the whole persona came together. Draco found it all rather disconcerting as he stared once more at his Father.
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Later that evening Draco was shocked to find a gaggle of Gryffindors outside his door, lead by Hermione. He saw them as a gaggle, although in truth there were only four.
"We thought we'd come and cheer you up." Hermione said.
"Great." Draco sneered, "A party with the Scoobies. Just what I need."
"How do you know about the Scoobies?" Ginny enquired, her curiosity seemingly making it difficult for her to recognise an insult.
"Hermione seems to have a soft spot for bloody muggle programmes and films. I find them rather tedious myself but one aims to please."
Ginny simply shrugged at his response and Draco turned to see that Ron, Harry and Hermione had all made themselves very much at home; turning on his music player and spreading out over the couches and chairs.
"Get comfortable." Draco shot at them, grabbing the Fire Whiskey and throwing himself on top of Hermione who yelped as he landed on her. He noticed Ron sent them only a slightly pissed off look.
"Has the Weasel had a personality transplant? This time last night he would have punched my lights out. Why's he here? Why are any of them here?"
"Ron has lightened up somewhat since he received both his new responsibility and a girlfriend."
Draco almost choked on his drink;
"Weasel has a girlfriend?"
"Yes. Hannah Abbot."
"That fat Hufflepuff?"
"Would we call her fat?" Hermione mused.
"I would. There's a reasonable sized arse there. Huge thighs."
"You really are a bitch aren't you." Hermione giggled.
"Naturally darling, anyway, would you have me any other way?"
"Yes."
"Oi! So how did it happen? Did their eyes meet over a deflating Daffodil?"
"Something like that It was in Herbology; he accidentally misplaced an Engorgio charm and hit her nose. Not very attractive I know but Ron took her to Madam Pomfrey and waited until she was discharge. And the rest, as they say, is history."
"Very romantic." Draco scoffed.
"Slightly more than ours; we came together through death and destruction; there's one to tell the grandkids."
"True." Draco laughed, "But it will make one hell of a tale." He grinned, grabbing her and pulling her into a huge kiss. A sharp cough from Harry interrupted their passion and Draco eyes him warily;
"This better be good Potter." He growled.
"Well Hermione will appreciate it even if you don't." Ginny spoke up.
"Me and Gin have an announcement to make." Harry spoke up, eyeing his small audience nervously and, Draco noticed, moving out of Ron's arm reach, "Now, as you all know the battle isn't far away; it's only a few weeks away to be precise."
Draco stifled a fake yawn.
"Shut it Malfoy." Harry shot at his before continuing, "And as you all also know, me and Ginny care about each other a lot. We...we love each other. And you all also know..."
"That this speech will repeat itself and continue forever?"
"Malfoy! No, you are all aware the legal age for marriage is 16 and well...we, erm...me and Gin..."
Hermione let out a squeal and in a flurry of hair and robes she had engulfed Harry and Ginny in a huge bear hug.
"Oh my Gods you two, that's great news. When is it?"
"As soon as possible." Ginny grinned. "Dumbeldore is qualified to conduct the ceremony so he will be. But it's going to be really small and quiet; we can't let anyone know. There's a clearing in a small wood nearby where we are having the ceremony."
"Does Molly know?"
"No." Ginny said simply, "and as awful as it sounds we aren't telling them. Only you lot know."
Ron was suspiciously quiet and spoke only one word;
"Why?"
Harry turned to his old friend;
"The war mate. I've found someone who I love more than anything else and we want to be together in every way we can. That way we will always know how much we love each other; no matter what the outcome of the battle is."
Ron nodded his silent approval and shook Harry's hand. Draco felt somehow left out of the proceedings as the old friends hugged and grinned madly.
"Any particular reason why you told me? Why not tell your friends in the common room, away from me? I don't have anything to do with this."
"You're coming silly." Ginny laughed.
"I'm what?"
"You have to. Hermione needs a date. Hannah will be with Ron."
"Isn't she going to be slightly suspicious that a Slytherin is at your wedding?"
"No. We are going to tell her that it's your duty as Head Boy or something."
"She'll probably buy it; she's not the sharpest quill."
"Oi!" Ron called, "You searching for another punch?"
"Heavens no Weasel. My most sincere apologies. Why isn't your remarkable girlfriend with us tonight?"
Ron suddenly looked sheepish;
"She had to go to extra Charms lessons."
"Wonderful." Draco smirked.
The noise in the room lessened enough and the odd collection of friends settled into their drinks and chatter. No-one mentioned the war.
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Only a few days later Draco was roused by Hermione. It was a Saturday and a Hogsmeade weekend meaning it took more than a few seconds for him to gather his thoughts together.
"I'm not going anywhere." Draco muttered, "It's still dark."
"No it's not. It's Ten O'clock. The rest of the school has just left for Hogsmeade. It's time."
"For what? Unless the answer is more sleep I'm throwing you out."
"The wedding you fool."
"They only announced it two days ago."
"I know that but the battle is in two weeks and they want to get married now so they are. Now get up and make yourself look more alive and less like a zombie from a bad Ed Wood film."
"Who?"
"Never mind. Get up!"
Grumbling and muttering about the unfairness that Potter's love life inflicted upon him, Draco rose from the bed and made his way to the shower. As the hot water cascaded down his body he scrubbed his hair thoroughly, pretending not to notice the slim figure slide in beside him.
"Hello sexy." Hermione purred, her elegant fingers dancing over Draco's smooth skin.
"I'm not talking to you." Draco said. "You woke me up."
"It'll be worth it; they want you there. Anyway, I bet I can make you talk to me."
And with a sexy smile and flashing eyes Hemriones slid down Draco's body, her tongue savouring his flavour and the wetness of his skin until she reached her goal where she captured him in her mouth.
"Mmmm........." Draco moaned, "but how am I supposed top have a conversation with you if your mouth's full?"
She playfully slapped his backside and he shut up, resting his hands in her thick curls before moving them lower to massage her shoulders and breasts. Her mouth released him and she trailed a line up his body with kisses, finally reaching his mouth.
"Tease." He smiled, easily lifting her upwards to kiss her. She greedily wrapped her legs around his waist as they kissed each other passionately.
Draco's hands caressed Hermione's backside as she positioned herself over him. Slowly, gently she lowered herself and he moaned at the slickness of the contact. Again he kissed her as she worked her body up and down, forward and back, side to side giving him the maximum pleasure from their position. Her wet hair swung madly around her face and she grinned with pure happiness as her hands roamed his body, pinching his nipples and tousling his hair. He grinned back, releasing her backside from one of his hands and reaching for the shower gel. He poured the viscous liquid over her head, watching it trickle through her locks, down the slender curve of her neck and over her ample bosom. She squealed as the cold fluid ran over her nipples, causing them to peak.
Draco rearranged her body with one hand as she thrust her body on and off him, and began to caress her chest, creating a thick foam over her skin. She smiled and laughed, kissing him whilst scooping up some of the bubbles to spread it across his body.
Her movements became fast and energetic as she worked his body harder and harder, forcing him to once again take hold of her with both hands, not allowing her to fall. She closed her eyes and Draco watched an array of emotions pass across her face; happiness, passion, energy and serenity until she contracted and released rapidly.
Draco followed soon after as he felt her shudder once more around him. He held her tightly, his eyes shut and his hands squeezing into the tender flesh of her buttocks as he felt the pleasure only she could give him properly. He opened his eyes to meet hers. She was smiling.
Deftly she leapt down off his support and scooped up a handful of lather, depositing it swiftly onto his head, laughing.
"That was fun." She giggled.
"Indeed it was. Fancy an encore?"
"As much as I would love to ravish your gorgeous body over and over again we really must get ready. I believe you're clean." She responded, giving him a playful shove out of the shower and pulling the curtain shut.
"I'll go and get dressed then shall I." Said Draco, smiling to himself.
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Some time later the selective wedding company was assembled in the small woods next to Hogwarts. Having no idea what he should wear Draco had allowed Hermione to dress him in deep green dress robes. She herself wore a long dress of deep purple. It was strapless and corseted, falling into many floaty layers of chiffon at the hips. Draco liked it. Around her neck she wore a simple silver pendant with a drop of amethyst hanging from it and on her feet were simple flat, purple slipper-like shoe, although they were concealed beneath the dress. Ron was there with Hannah and along with Dumbledore and Harry the party was complete. Now they only awaited Ginny.
She soon arrived and all eyes turned to her as she walked down the invisible aisle. Even Draco had to admit she looked good. She had opted against dress robes in favour of a dress similar in style to Hermione's only it was made from cream silk, and around her dainty shoulders a sheer cream cape was arranged. In her hands Ginny held a simple bouquet of white lilies and deep green ivy. She grinned openly as she walked down the aisle. She took Harry's arm and the ceremony began;
"Friends," Dumbledore began, "we are joined together today in order to witness the unification of Virginia Molly Weasley and Harry James Potter under the eyes of The Innocents in their natural home." He turned to the beaming couple, "you may say the vows you have chosen. Virginia, you are to go first."
Ginny gulped and looked Harry straight in the eye as she spoke the well rehearsed words;
"Harry, I love you with all my heart and I always will. I will forever be by your side, through all that we may encounter and I know you will always be there for me, even when things look unpromising. I wish for us to be together, as one, for the rest of our lives, that we may bring life into this world, and that that life may feel the love that we feel for each other. I wish to be yours."
"Ginny, my love is yours, my heart belongs to you and you will forever own my soul. I wish to share all that I have with you, and hope that one day I will have more to share and there will be more of us to share it. My heart is happy knowing that I am in yours and you in mine, and without you it would be empty. I wish that my heart never be empty and that you never deny it of the love I will always give you. Beyond the death that someday will come for us, I will always love you."
"Now the vows have been exchanged we look to The Innocents, the purest of all beings in love and marriage, to bless the joining of these two people as they exchange their magic in the form of rings and..."
As Dumbeldore spoke Draco felt Hermione's hand search for his and he took it, glancing at her as he did so. There were tears in her eyes and her lips were moving silently. He strained his ears;
"No, no, no, please no." She was whispering.
Draco decided that this was not the time to mention it so returned his attention to the ceremony.
Dumbledore gave Harry and Ginny and ring each. They kissed them, channelling a small part of their magical essence into the jewellery, and placed them on each other's fingers at the same moment. Their essences combined and a bright white light shone from the rings as they became bound together.
A round of applause rose from the small audience and the beaming couple kissed each other with vigour.
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Draco lay in bed, his arms wrapped around Hermione as she read her book.
"What were you muttering about during the ceremony?"
Hermione snapped her book shut and looked up at him;
"I...I can't tell you." She said.
"Why not?"
"Because they told me not to."
"Who? The Gods?"
Hermione nodded.
"Well can you please give me a clue?"
Hermione shook her head.
"Is it to do with Ron? Do you still like him?"
"Hell no Draco. Don't be stupid."
"But he was your..."
"My first? Yes he was, and he always will be but you're the one I love. Anyway it had nothing to do with him. Can we just leave it? You will find out soon enough."
"Ok. If that's what you want." Draco sighed, kissing her forehead.
"It is. Thank you."
They fell into comfortable silence once more until a tapping at the window interrupted them. Draco waved his wand and the window opened, allowing a raven to enter. The Raven dropped a letter into Hermione's lap before retreating once more. She laid her book aside and read the letter;
"I have to go to him now. Then we are to go, along with the other Death Eaters, on Friday night for a celebratory revel to mark the beginning of the battle."
Draco nodded silently and watched as Hermione transfigured her silk nightwear into leather mini-skirt and bustier. She kissed him on the forehead before silently slipping from the room.
Draco lay for hours thinking; the battle was almost upon them and the revel in a few nights time would mark that. There were so many crossed fingers and silent prayers that it did not bear thinking about. He soon drifted to sleep, not noticing when Hermione returned.
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Author's Note; yes, another one. Sorry. I just want to say that Ron is with Hannah because I was told by one reader absolutely, under no circumstances to pair him with Luna as she was sick of that pairing. I couldn't put him with Lavender obviously after the earlier events in this fic and Parvati and Padma were out of the picture since GoF when Harry and Ron were bad dates so, as I was rapidly running out of girls, my friend suggested Hannah; I hope you all approve. I explained it here as it saves me typing it out multiple times when/if people ask why they are together.
Author's Note 2: Spot the intertextuality in this Chapter. If you get it right you get a Pirates of the Caribbean style "Huzzah". Hint; it's a recent Brit flick.