A/N: Just to clear up a few things. The reason Hermione and Draco get married is because of a Contract Hermione's parents had with Lucious, in order to be in kind of a witness protection program. Another big question has been how could Hermione grow up without knowing her parents were wizards. They gave up all magic. Everything will be better explained later. Sorry to keep you hanging, but thats what us writers call........ SUSPENSE!
The four months leading up to the wedding were long and stressful, and yet at the same time, arrived quickly. Hermione, Ginny, Vilda, and some help from Narcissa, planned a 300 person wedding. Every family friend Hermione and Draco had were there. Hermione had pushed for a muggle wedding, refusing to abandon her raisings simply becuase her parents turned out to be purebloods.
Pacing back and forth in the back of a church, Hermione waited for her cue. She was wearing a dress designed by Versaci himself. It was a floor length halter top dress, with a plunging neckline. It was a form fitting dress accenting Hermione's curves, the train in the back reaching 10 feet long. Ginny, the Maid of Honor was wearing a simple spaghetti strap, floor length dress, with a high reaching slit.
"Hermione stop pacing, you'll ruin your dress. I pulled alot of strings to get these. Now dont worry, no matter how much you hate the man at the end of the isle, this is your wedding day. Smile." Ginny kissed her friends cheek and embraced her in a hug.
"I know, but i'm getting married for all the wrong reasons. I should be marrying someone i love." Hermione sighed loudly and sat on a chair.
"What did your dad say to you, that day in the garden?" Ginny looked quizzitively at her best friend. She noticed her friend had been more docile lately, and wondered if what her father said was the cause of the change in her behavior.
(FLASHBACK) Hermione was so furious with her mother. She probably hadnt handled that situation in the best possible way, but her emotions were a roller coaster right now. She walked out past the pool, and into the private oasis, her father had created just for her. Taking a seat on the sole bench, Hermion buried her face in her hands, and began to cry softly. She heard her father approaching, but decided to play ignorant.
Herald sat down next to his daughter's humped over figure. He placed a hand on her back and sighed heavily. He just sat there, a silent comfort to his daughters pain. He never said a word, knowing she would eventually open up.
"Why, does this have to happen to me?" Hermione cried from inside her hands. Herald continued to sit there.
"Hermione, i'm so sorry. You're mother and i.... we didnt think it would happen like this." Herald spoke barely above a whisper. He continued to rub his daughters back affectionately.
"Why would you, of all people, arrange a marriage, and then wait until five months before the deadline to tell me?" Hermione asked looking up from her hands.
" Hermione, please, understand something. Your mother, and i, grew up in a very different time period.
Back then, you died opening your front door. People killed for no reason. We wanted to raise a child, you were about all we had." Herald looked distant when he faced his daughter, and Hermione saw the fear in his eyes.
"It wasnt supposed to end like this." Hermione muttered, running her hands through her hair, staring at the ground.
"Honey, your not dying. Keep an open mind. You'll learn to love." Herald tried to erase the memories from his mind and make eye contact with Hermione.
"How could anyone..... learn to love?" Hermione shook her head to no one in particular.
"Oh Hermione, you will. I did. And even if you dont, you will learn to accept." This time Herald got Hermione's attention.
"What do you mean 'i did'? Are you saying you and mum..." Hermione looked at her father in disbelief.
"That's right. I was just like you, i didnt want to marry someone i didnt love. But i did, and i wouldnt change any of it." Herald smiled, trying to give hope to his daughter. The two sat there quietly for a minute.
"I remember when you got that ridiculous hair cut. Thought everyone would laugh and you'd never make a friend. You swore to me that you would hate it forever. But pretty soon you became accustom to it, and eventually that particular haircut was your favorite for 2 years." Herald chuckled half to himself, and then peered down at his daughter.
"Dad, i cant do this." Hermione looked away.
"Yes you can. Here's what your going to do. You, Ginny, and your Mother, are going to plan a beautiful wedding, you and i will walk down the isle, and i'll give you away. Then, you'll go on to make a great wife and mother, no matter who your marrying. And do you know how i know this?" Herald gazed questioningly at his little girl, "Because, thats how you've always been. Your not afraid of anything, and 'i cant do it' has never been in your vocabulary before." Herald patted his daughters leg, and kissed her forehead. The two walked back inside, arms wrapped around each other.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hermione didnt get to finish telling the story to Ginny, for the organ began to play. Everyone rushed out the door and down the isle. Hermione took one last look at her free self in the mirror, and then took her fathers arm.
"You look beautiful." Herald, gently patted his daughter's hand, and began to escort her down the isle.
Hermione never saw the people around her, only the man at the end of the isle, his blonde hair catching the lights. Her surrounding's seemed to melt into darkness, and Hermione found it hard to breathe. She looked to her father for help, but all she saw was blackness. The organ suddenly changed compositions, and began to play a ballad from Hermione's favorite play; The phantom of the Opera.
"Past the point of no return. No turning back now..." The music faded in and out, and Hermione started gasping for air, "Past the point of no return. No backward glances." The lyrics were now blaring in Hermione's ear.
All at once, the light was brought back into view, and Hermione could finally see her savior, her father. He pulled back her veil and kissed her lightly, leaving a single tear on her cheek. Taking Draco'sout stretched arm,Hermione glanced to her right, Hermione saw Ron and Harry.
"Life as we know it, is over." Draco whispered into her ear. As they took the steps leading to the alter, slowly.
