Chapter 35
Hermione spent the rest of her day in a sort of contented haze. She drifted from class to class with a faint smile on her face, and managed to take some semblance of notes in each one of her classes, even if she couldn't really remember what they'd discussed. Around her, the younger students ran amok, reveling in the upbeat holiday atmosphere. Even the ghosts seemed quite jovial.
Finally it was the afternoon, and Hermione all but ran up to the window where she was supposed to meet Draco. But instead of Draco being there, a little Slytherin first year was in his place.
"Draco couldn't be here, but he said to give you this," the little boy said. Hermione felt her heart sink. She took the plain white envelope from the boy and turned around to walk away. Her name was scrawled across the front, in a handwriting that seemed strangely familiar. She ran her fingers over it as she walked down the stairs and tried to place it. A sharp pain ran up her spine as she recalled where she'd seen the writing before, and she slid down two stairs. Catching her breath, Hermione made sure she wasn't injured from her fall. She could feel her heart pounding as she turned the envelope over to open it. A plain white card fell out, and Hermione opened it, to see more of the same handwriting.
"Dear Hermione, I'm sorry I couldn't meet you like we'd planned, but I would be greatly pleased if you would be my date to this evening's dance. I'll meet you right outside Gryffindor Tower at 7 o'clock. Love Draco," Hermione read. Now she was even more confused. The card was from Draco, but the handwriting was the Dark Lord's. Dusting herself off, Hermione headed for Gryffindor Tower to get ready. She decided that for the time being it was best to just put it behind her. There would be a rational explanation in time.
* * *
Ginny, Parvati, and Lavender sat around Hermione, each one with their wands busily occupied getting Hermione's hair and makeup done. In turn, Hermione was letting them borrow some of her jewelry, which she had let slip was custom-made special for her. The girls had all readily volunteered to help her after that. Lavender was busy twirling sections of Hermione's hair and weaving them together, while Ginny curled the rest into long, thing ringlet-style curls. Parvati was doing Hermione's makeup.
Hermione had almost panicked when she tried to figure out what to wear to the ball, but when she looked through her trunks, she discovered she still had the dress she' d worn the year before. No one would remember it though, so she quickly slipped it on and asked the girls for their help.
When they were finally done primping Hermione, they all turned their attention to the chest of jewelry. They were all stunned. Most of the pieces were made of very rare gems, and were definitely incredibly expensive.
"Holy Shit, Hermione, I knew your family had money, but these are incredible," Parvati remarked, holding up a crystal tiara encrusted with diamonds and those rubies that turned from black to red.
"You should wear this one," Lavender suggested, lifting a tiara from its green velvet cushion to place it on Hermione's head. Hermione closed her eyes and when she opened them again she was standing on a terrace, little white snowflakes swirling in the air around her. The smell of smoke was in the air, and she could see the banners of the Dark side off in the distance. She quickly shut her eyes again and then reopened them to find herself back in her dorm. The other girls were staring at her. They must have noticed the confused expression on her face, because Ginny spoke up.
"Your eyes," she choked. "They turned red. Bright red."
"What?" Hermione asked. She shuddered, feeling the icy cold of the terrace around her again. Suddenly the girls were screaming, but their voices seemed far away. Hermione was back on the terrace, watching the Dark troops ride off the battle. She spun around quickly, and grabbed Breena by the arm.
"Yes, your Grace?" Breena asked, a look of terror crossing her face. Hermione tried to say something, anything but the words wouldn't come out. She felt dizzy and light headed, as though she was going to pass out. Breena turned to catch her in her arms, and carried Hermione back inside.
* * *
When Hermione awoke, Draco was sitting on the bed next to her. Hermione sat up quickly and looked around.
"Shh," Draco whispered. "You're still here, in the palace," he informed her. Hermione's heart sank. "I don't know what's going on, but I didn't get wounded this time. I was the one who made the announcement that the Dark side had won for good."
"What?" Hermione asked. Her head swirled with thoughts all at once.
"Shhh," Draco tried to quiet her again. "Let me explain," he protested, but Hermione was trying to get out of bed. Albus Dumbledore stepped forward out of the shadows.
"I told Draco to do it," Dumbledore told Hermione. "Harry gave his life already, he could not have done it again. It is up to the two of you to restore harmony to the world of Magic."
"But why aren't we still at Hogwarts?" Hermione asked. Dumbledore sighed.
"That my child, we cannot understand. We must just assume that history is trying to correct itself. Do not dwell on this, simply go forth and fix all those things that must be made right again." Dumbledore advised. Hermione heaved a sigh and allowed Draco to tuck her back into the bed.
"You, my dear," he began, smoothing the wrinkles from the covers, "have been ordered to bed rest," he informed her, with a familiar twinkle in his eye. Hermione opened her mouth to protest, but he quickly covered it with a finger. "Shh," he said, tracing her lips gently. He leaned in and gave Hermione a soft kiss. "I think we'll need an heir at some point, don't you?" he teased. Hermione blushed and looked down at her stomach.
"Then I'm still…" she realized. Draco nodded.
"Which is why our wedding has been scheduled for this coming Friday," he informed her, unable the hide the proud smile on his face. Hermione felt as though her heart had grown a thousand times its own size in that very second. An enormous smile crossed her face, and Draco leaned in to cover her with little kisses.
"This is kind of sudden," she remarked.
"Well, we have to protect Your Royal Highness's honor, don't we?" Draco teased, kissing her neck.
"I suppose," she agreed, "But you know what that means, right?" Draco stopped kissing her and looked up.
"What does it mean?" he asked.
"That I have a lot to do in just a few short days," she informed him, and gave him a playful shove. "So get out!"
"Oh come on!" Draco protested, but he couldn't keep from smiling. Hermione motioned for him to shoo, and he did, pretending to be dejected. But as he closed the door to their bedroom, he felt like dancing a jig. He headed down the hallway, humming to himself.
* * *
Ginny Weasley sat on the cold ground, hugging her knees and rocking slightly. She'd never known cold this terrible before, and it was just about the worst thing she could imagine. Her heart felt as though it had broken into a million pieces. When Draco had stepped out on the balcony, she'd had such hope that maybe he would announce that the Light side had conquered, but he had not. She coughed, a horrible cough that wracked her entire body. When she pulled her hand away she was not at all surprised to see spots of blood. She wiped them haphazardly on her skirt and pretended like it didn't bother her.
The sound of the royal horns broke the frosty air, and Ginny could barely muster the energy to go and see what the King had to say. But she knew the guards would help her if she didn't do it herself, so she stumbled to her feet and headed towards the balcony.
Draco stepped forward and bade the crowd to be silent. They looked up at him, their faces dirty and blank as though they didn't care what he said to them. Draco sighed. It made his job very hard knowing that they hated him so much. But he cleared his throat and spoke.
"In honor of our recent victory, I have decided to present you all with a gift," he paused, but their faces didn't change, as though perhaps his words didn't register. He looked to Dumbledore, who motioned for him to go on. "As a token of my esteem for the trust that you placed in me as your King, I present you all with these," and at these words, Draco moved his wand across the crowd, as though gesturing. The land behind the crowd then filled with houses, and a small town square. The houses were made to suit each family perfectly. The Parkinsons, who had only one child had a home with two bedrooms in it, while the Weasley family had a home with eight bedrooms. The stores in the town square were similar to those in Diagon Alley, yet they were non-magic stores. Dumbledore had advised a gradual return of magic to the people. Draco would return their wands and the ability to do very simple magic after he and Hermione were married. He watched the people run happily through the streets, looking for their houses and then running about seeing their friends' houses. Draco sighed contentedly and then turned to head inside.
"I don't know what you think you're doing, Draco, but I can assure you this is not in the plan set forth by our Lord," Lucius was quick to inform him. Draco turned to face his father.
"Our Lord is me now, father. You will address me with respect, and you will not question my actions. What I am doing is preventing an uprising. I will not let my people suffer needlessly. I have a heart, unlike you," Draco snapped. He'd been expecting this. "You and all of your minions will report to my office first thing tomorrow morning," he ordered.
* * *
Hermione lay in bed, drifting in and out of sleep. She hated to admit it, but it was probably good for her to be spending all of this time in bed. Her body just felt exhausted, and with all of the planning for her upcoming wedding, she was just doubly worn out. When she wasn't sleeping, she was working on flower arrangements and picking out dresses. The entire village was invited, of course, so she also had to decide on a menu for the feast.
A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts, and she looked up to see Draco, standing in the doorway. She smiled and he came inside.
"Are you busy?" he asked. She shook her head no, and he crossed the room to stand at her side. "I want to show you something," he said, and gently helped her out of her bed to stand outside on the terrace. Hermione saw the village below, and a huge smile crossed her face.
"It's fabulous," she remarked, astonished at what she saw. She turned and gave Draco a gentle kiss. "You've done very well for your first day."
"I try," Draco said humbly. He grinned at her. "How are the wedding plans coming?" he asked.
"They're coming," she said elusively. "I think I've finished the menu for the feast, and I've decided on the flowers. I just need to pick out a dress, and see to the cake and then the major parts will be taken care of. I assumed you'd want Dumbledore to preside," she informed him. He smiled.
"Well then I leave it in your capable hands," he decided. Hermione smiled.
"I've actually had quite a lot of help from Severus," she admitted. "I really don't know the first thing about planning a wedding, or at least not one of such importance," she said. Draco smiled.
"I'm sure you're doing just fine," he assured her. Hermione smiled, the smile on her face a wide happy one that Draco absolutely adored to see. "I live to make you smile like that," he informed her. Hermione couldn't smile any wider, but she felt as though her heart were turning cartwheels.
"I love you, Draco," she said. His smile reflected hers.
"I love you too, Hermione," He replied, before giving her a big kiss. "Now I suppose we ought to get you back to bed, hmm?" And with that he led her back indoors.
* * *
Hermione awoke one morning to the sun shining on her face. She stretched happily, and snuggled in against her pillow before she remembered. Today was the day, her wedding day. Sitting up right away, she looked around the room frantically. The ceremony was at sunset, and there was loads to be done before then. She leapt out of bed and hurriedly slipped on a bathrobe and slippers.
"I begs your pardon, Your Grace," a little house elf piped up just then, "But I was told not to let you leave your bed."
"Well, I appreciate you following orders, but I really have a great deal to get done this morning," Hermione tried to explain. The house elf sighed.
"I was told your Grace would say that as well, and despite all the work you need done, you are not to leave your bed."
"You really don't understand," Hermione sighed. Then her mind registered something. "How long have you worked here?"
"Kailinne is coming to work here just this morning. His Royal Highness put out a decree, offering jobses to any house elves who is needing them, your Grace. I is being assigned to be your companion until the B-A-B-Y comes," the small creature explained. Hermione smiled, in spite of her frustration. Kailinne motioned for Hermione to get back in bed, and without really knowing why, Hermione did so. Kailinne hopped up on the bed to sit next to Hermione. "Kailinne will tell your Grace a secret if you is wanting," she offered graciously.
"I would like that very much," Hermione agreed, "And please call me Hermione."
"Yes, Miss Hermione," Kailinne nodded. Then she looked around the room almost nervously. "His Royal Highness is paying these house elves," Kailinne whispered, "And giving us clotheses," Kailinne gestured to the neat looking dress she had on. Hermione smiled brightly, and shook her head. Draco was just full of surprises these days.
"Well, Kailinne, do I get breakfast this morning?" Hermione asked. Kailinne nodded.
"Yes, I will have someone bring it right away," she hopped off the bed and stuck her head out the door. When she returned, she was followed by Severus.
"Good morning, Miss Granger," he said cheerily. Hermione smiled at him. "I know you must be worried about getting everything taken care of, but you are still under orders to stay in bed. Everything will be seen to, all you need to do today is rest, and someone will come and get you ready when it is time," he assured her. "As is tradition, you will not see Draco today until you meet this evening at the altar, but he sends his love."
"Thank you, Severus," Hermione nodded. Severus left the room, and Hermione sank into her pillows. She was nervous enough when she thought she'd be able to watch over everything, but now that she was helpless to take care of anything she was almost on the verge of panic. Taking a few deep breaths, she tried to focus on Kailinne. "Tell me the story of your life," Hermione suggested.
* * *
Draco stood impatiently at the altar trying not to fidget. He couldn't for the life of him figure out what was taking so very long. The entire town had gathered to see the wedding. Finally the moment arrived and Draco caught his first glimpse of Hermione, heading down the aisle. She looked exactly like an angel, cascading delicately along in her white gown. His heart stopped beating for half a second, and Draco nearly forgot where he was.
When she reached his side, Draco could tell from the expression on Hermione's face that she was feeling as excited and as nervous as he was. But she smiled brightly at him and he smiled back at her, and it seemed as though the ceremony flew by. Draco did not take his eyes off Hermione's for one second. Dumbledore announced that he could kiss his bride, and their lips met in what seemed like the best kiss of their entire relationship. The town broke into applause, and Hermione felt her heart jump for joy. She and Draco pulled away from each other, and turned to face everyone.
And there they were, facing the entire student body of Hogwarts, teaching staff included. Everyone had a huge smile on their face, and they were all applauding. Hermione and Draco turned back to face each other, and with only one look managed to communicate to each other that they were both very confused. Just then Dumbledore's voice broke through the racket.
"I am as pleased as you all are at the board's selection for next year's Head Boy and Girl. Can we have one more round of applause?" He requested. Hermione felt her heart stop and then start again. She and Draco had made Head Boy and Girl? Draco squeezed her hand to congratulate her. Dumbledore continued, "I must inform the student body of the terrible trial that these two students were put through to prove their worth as Head students. They have both proven through a series of incredibly daunting tasks, that together they can accomplish anything and that they work together as an excellent team. They are both fiercely loyal and are willing to put almost everything they have at stake to fight for what they believe in. I know that with Draco and Hermione as Head Boy and Girl, next year may very well prove to be the best year Hogwarts has ever seen. Congratulations."
Hermione's head swirled. So all of this with the Dark Lord, everything had just been a test? None of it had been for real? That would have to mean then that-
"Harry!" Hermione shouted, as the dark haired boy came running up to her to give her an enormous congratulatory hug. Ron was right behind him.
"Congratulations, Hermione," Harry said sincerely. Ron nodded.
"Not that there was ever any doubt in our minds that you would make it," he teased. Hermione smiled at both of them.
"Thanks you two," she said. She turned to Draco, who gave her another kiss.
"Congratulations," he said. She nodded.
"You too," she replied. Ron made a gagging noise just then.
"I'm sorry," he said quickly, "I really just can't stomach the two of you together. I mean when you came out at the Halloween Ball, I just-"
"Sorry about him," Harry apologized to the couple, before turning to Ron and dragging him away. "Are you still on about that?" They could hear Harry scolding. Hermione looked up at Draco.
"So it was all just a test," she said. "So we're not-"
"No, not yet. Although you're still wearing my ring," he pointed out. Hermione smiled at it, and then blushed and put a hand on her stomach
"Then am I still?" She asked.
"Definitely not," Draco informed her. She smiled again, and leaned up to kiss him.
"Well, it was fun while it lasted," she mused. "I wonder if I'll ever get to be Mrs. Draco Malfoy ever again."
"I wonder," Draco agreed, before kissing her forehead. "We'll worry about that later," he decided. Hermione nodded, and then looked around to see that she and Draco had ended up alone on the terrace.
"It's awfully warm for October," Hermione remarked.
"May," a voice corrected. The couple turned to see Severus Snape stepping out of the shadow. "It's May, and if you two came out here to make out, then you have quite another thing coming," he informed them gesturing menacingly with his wand. Hermione and Draco laughed and headed back inside, but not without catching a glimpse of a familiar twinkle in Professor Snape's eye.
"So Draco," Hermione began. Draco turned to look at her, and she went on, "Do you think we missed finals?"
The End
A/N: Yes this is really the end, and I will not continue this story any further. I don't believe in sequels. But I am working on another story, completely different from this one that will be titled "Advanced Muggle Studies." This should make its debut by the end of this week. I hope you all will at least give that one a try, even if it will be completely different from this one. But if not, thanks for reading my story. To all of you who never gave up, thank you. Best Wishes – Britney.