Wedlock
Draco paced his room for the thousandth time that day. Snape should have been back by now. What could have happened? Did he meet some stranger out for blood? Did he lose his way? Might he have been rendered unconscious by some villain, taken for a Death Eater? What was keeping him so long? Snape had told him that he would be back in a half an hour, and that was four hours ago. Draco was unsure if he could handle anymore of the wait. If only Snape knew how much he cared for Ginny, he would have swifter feet.
There was a knock on Draco's door, and he nearly jumped out of his skin. "Who goes there?" he called to the shade.
"It's me," Snape hissed from the other side. Draco raced to the knob and turned it as quickly as he could.
"What kept you for so long? Did you walk back to the Manor? What did she say? What news, what news?" Snape shoved Draco to the bed and held his hand up.
"Give me a moment now. I have had a terrible ordeal, and I need time to recover."
"Well, you've had time, now tell me, was the news good or bad? What did she say about our wedding, what? What!" Draco had risen from the bed and was quiet close to Snape. "Tell me now, good or bad?"
"I can tell you that you don't know how to pick a woman. She wasn't frilly or nice or petite or anything of the like. No. When I came in to talk to her, she was in the middle of a brawl with Potter and Granger over you. Yes, she may be pretty, but she has the temper of a minx that will ultimately get her in trouble, and you know it. Other than that, she is a very nice girl."
"You're avoiding my question!"
"Well now, I'm not sure if I can tell you, see. You've got this awful tone in your voice that is hurting my ears so. In fact, I may need to take the rest of the day off just to heal… " Snape was messing with Draco, but the young man didn't know it.
"I'm sorry. Please, please, tell me what she said."
"Very well. Now that you have your manners in order. Did you get permission from your father to go into Hogsmead to buy supplies?"
"What? Did I… oh, yes, I did. But what did Ginny say?"
"That's good that you have permission. This afternoon, meet Ginny at the gargoyle fountain in Hogsmead. Four o'clock. I will distract your father with business in the study till the wee hours of the morning, and you and your bride can have the run of your marriage. But she best be gone by first light." Snape headed toward the door. A word from Draco stopped him.
"I will tell her. I will. Thank you." And with that, Snape left. It was two, and four o'clock was so far away.
Ginny had fallen asleep under a shady tree around noon. She awoke at two, to find herself refreshed and relaxed. There was much to be done, but she didn't worry herself. In a flash, she had apperated to her house. She needed to find a pair of shoes, good, wedding shoes, to go with the dress she had seen before she had fallen asleep. She rummaged through the closets filled with shoes and finally found them – a pair of sandals, open-toed, flat. They were plain, leather sandals that she had never really found occasion to wear. Well, now was the time.
With the shoes in hand, Ginny apperated back to Hogsmead. She didn't even think about checking in with her parents. It was out of the question. They would ask questions, and then they'd keep her there. No way.
So Ginny wandered around Hogsmead for another hour, trying to find the shop that had the dress she had seen. It had been in the smaller part of Hogsmead, one of the smaller shops. It was called something like Dill and Bomb, or something like that. Ginny looked at her watch and began running. She needed to find it, and fast, because she had to meet Draco in an hour, and then… Ginny would be married to the love of her life.
Left, right, left, left, right. Around and around and around Ginny went in search for the shop. She was close to giving up when the familiar sign swung in the small breeze. "Billy and Dom's Shop" was the name. It sounded nice. Ginny ran right through the door and didn't stop running until she had reached the register.
"I'd like that dress and that cloak," she panted as she pointed to the dress.
"May I help you?" The man asked from behind the counter. He was tall, but not very. He had dark, ruddy blond hair and a brilliant smile. His Scottish accent was unmistakable. "I'm Billy. Can I help?"
"I need that dress and that cloak," she pointed again.
"Ah, yes. The white one. I see." He waved his wand and the dress floated toward him. "I'll have Dom measure you and give you the dress in the right size."
"The cloak," Ginny sighed as she pointed.
"Ah! The cloak. Yes, very good choice." He waved his wand again, and the cloak came too. "Dom! Measurements! Now!" With the word "now," a taller man came from behind the counter. He had lighter blond hair and a very cheery smile. He was handsome on a deeper level. He didn't notice Ginny.
"Sure thing. Who is the buyer? Mrs. Wingham? Dottie? It's Dottie, isn't it? That girl spends more money in here than anywhere else, I swear… well, hello." He finally noticed Ginny, who was turning as red as her ears. He was obviously English, and a great flirt. Had the occasion been different, she would have flirted with him. But she was in a rush. And in love.
"Yes, I need those as soon as possible please." Ginny shoved her hand in her pocket and grabbed all of her coins. She tossed these to the man named Billy. "How soon can I get them?"
The men stared at the money for a moment and shook their heads. "Well," began Dom. "If you step right back here," he took the clothes in his hands and began walking toward the back. Ginny followed him and played with her hair nervously. This was going to take too long.
"All you have to do is put it on. I'll come in when you call, and I'll fit it to your size. How's that?" Dom pulled a screen back and left Ginny alone. She sighed and took off her clothes, which really didn't want to come off. She slipped the dress on, and zipped it up. It was rather large on her, and her watch made it bulge in the sleeve. She ripped the watch off and threw it on her clothes.
"Dom?" She called to the front of the store. The curtain swished open and Dom came in, wand in hand.
"You just tell me if it's too tight," he told her as he stood on a stool and hovered over her. Suddenly, the dress began shrinking at the top, and it curved over her body until it fit perfectly. "How's that?" he asked when he was through.
"Perfect," Ginny breathed. It wasn't too tight, or too loose. It was fantastic. "Can you do the same with the cloak?"
"Yeah, just put it on." Ginny threw the black cloak over her shoulders, and it slipped off. She picked it up and held it while he adjusted the neckline. She threw the hood on, and it fell over her face.
"Don't fix the hood," she whispered to him. He nodded and stepped off the stool. "Can you hand me the sandals, but package everything else?" In a flash, he handed her a package and the sandals.
"Is that everything?" He asked her as she slipped on the shoes. She glanced at the clock on the wall and almost fainted. It was 3:30.
"Something old, something new, something used, something blue," she told him, and he nodded. Ginny walked out of the room and over to their fireplace. "I'll be back in a flash," she told Billy. And she was. She flooed directly to her room and dropped the bundle, and moments later she was back at Billy and Dom's.
"Here you go," Billy said to her as he handed her an antique emerald necklace, a new pair of emerald earrings, a handkerchief, and a blue hair ribbon.
"How much are they?" she asked as she searched in vain for more money.
"You've already paid," Dom told her as he held out his hand. "Pleasure doing business with you."
"Yes, indeed," Billy added. Ginny flashed a smiled and left the building.
"Rather lovely, isn't she?" Dom asked Billy as he headed for the register to count their new fortune.
"Yes, rather sad she's getting married. She has good taste, though." Billy sighed and sat on a couch by the fireplace.
"Yes. The man she's getting married to had better hold onto her tight, or else he's going to lose her faster than you can say tig."
"Aye. Are you up for a game of cups?"
Ginny was hastily shoving the posts into her ears as she walked to the fountain. The dress swished with each step she took. The earrings were finally in, and she tossed her hair back to put on the necklace. It was a buggar, but it finally went on. The ribbon she charmed into her hair as she walked, and the handkerchief she folded and put in the pocket of the cloak. Now she was set for the wedding.
Right, left, right, left, walking, running, walking. Ginny pulled the cloak around her shoulders as the wind blew fiercely. It was a cold wind from the north, and it was very chill compared to the sun baked earth. The trickle of the fountain was not far away… she began running and didn't stop until the fountain had come into view. Draco wasn't there yet.
Ginny sighed. Good. She wanted to catch her breath and relax a bit before he came. A few steps later, Ginny found herself sitting on the edge of the fountain with her legs crossed and her hood drawn over her face. It was damn hot outside, but she was so cold it didn't make a difference. What would he say when he saw her? When would he get here? What time was it? Did Snape even deliver the message? She sighed and leaned close to the water. It reflected the calm light and the clear sky. It was refreshing and calmed her nerves. It was just what she needed.
Draco entered the courtyard with Snape at his side. He had been at the door when his father stopped him and insisted that Snape go with him. Snape had shrugged and sighed and thrown on his cloak. Then they had apperated to Hogsmead. Ever since then, they had been looking for the gargoyle fountain. They had found about six other fountains, but none of them had been a sole gargoyle. Then he saw her.
She was clad in a long, flowing, black cloak. The hood was much to big, and creased the fabric around the neck as it covered her face. It was long and touched the ground. He couldn't see her face, but he knew it was her. She was the only other person around. Ginny was there, waiting for him, like she had promised.
"Ginny," Draco called out softly. She turned, and his breath was taken away. Her face was glowing, the light shining of the pool reflecting onto her pale skin. Her lips were the color of raspberries and made her hair seem like red gold. Her eyes weren't a color, they just held a shimmering light in them. Small freckles specked her cheeks, and her face creased into a huge grin.
"My love," she breathed as she rose from the stone basin. She ran into Draco's arms and he hugged her tightly. There were no words to tell the other who they felt; they just knew.
Draco pulled Ginny back and took her hand in his. He could finally see what she was wearing, and she was beautiful. She was wearing the softest cotton the Celts had to offer, and the whitest sun bleaching could do. The dress was moderate and tasteful. It was floor length, and had a V line at the stomach. As the eye traveled upward, one could behold a plain white bodice with a V neckline was embroidered with golden Celtic knot-weave ribbon. The belled sleeves of the garment dangled flowingly from her arms, and were also lined with the gentle ribbon. An emerald necklace graced her neck, and matching earrings dangled from her pink earlobes. Her hair was simply down, and tied back with a ribbon.
"You look… " Draco couldn't find the words to speak. "You… are… amazing."
"Thank you," Ginny blushed as she turned away. Draco wasn't too bad himself – he too wore a black cloak – no hood, and simple, black pants. On his top, he sported a black turtleneck and plain black fedora. He was so handsome, just standing there, holding her hand…
Ginny reached out and touched his face softly. She paused on his cheek and trembled more than she realized. She was going to get married and move away to Paris… It was more than she ever wanted. Draco seized her speechlessness and leaned in to kiss her. She was taken aback, but she leaned into it and played with his hair.
Snape, during all of this, turned his head to the side. It was enough that they were foolish enough to get married, but this… this romance? It was nearly enough to make one sick. He checked his watch. It was 3:57, and they were supposed to be getting married in three minutes. Snape coughed.
"Um, excuse me lovebirds, but I believe you have a very important meeting in three minutes. Let's get going, shall we?" He began walking toward the alley. He though he knew where they were going, but just to be sure, he let Ginny lead. She laughed a bit and brushed past him quietly. Draco followed her, his hands at his sides, but his fingers twitched in longing to grab for her hands. Ginny made a left, ran for three blocks, made a right. She ran for three blocks, through a small garden, up small steps, into a fenced area, and took two more lefts and then a right.
"Are we there yet?" Snape huffed as he leaned against the door. He had never been here before, and he was confused as why they would be in a garden. There were lilies and roses everywhere, permeating the air with their sweet fragrance.
"Professor!" Ginny called as she opened the door. It was cooler inside, and the three people came inside quietly. Ginny searched the main room, but found no one. She continued through the house, opening doors and poking her head inside. Finally, when she was about to give up hope, she spotted a moving shadow outside.
Ginny opened the glass door and peered into the shaded yard. The grass was neat and clipped, and there was a small fountain in the middle splashing happily. Lilies surrounded the base of the fountain, raising their faces to the sun. Trees stood guard around the seemingly hollowed place, every three feet a tall ash stood proudly, baring broad, green leaves and protecting the shade-loving plants from the fierce sun. Under the trees grew a very leafy plant known as Nocturne Dormice, which was very useful in curing narcolepsy. There were other plants found only in the wizarding world, and some that were common in both the Muggle and wizarding world, such as the fountains of roses along the far stone wall. However, there was one plant that shouldn't have ever been created, but yet it was.
In the far corner of the garden, under the most shade, grew the Bells of Death. These bells were not any ordinary kind of plant, for when the nectar in the very bottom of the flower was collected, it would make anyone appear as if dead for a day. However, the person to whom the drug was administered would only fall into a very comatose sleep. Nothing could revive them, save the awakening that naturally comes with sleep. This plant was hidden from all view, and kept hidden by a tall wall of shrubbery.
At any rate, Draco and Ginny made their way through the beautiful garden to the grape arbor, where a very wise Dumbledore stood waiting. Beside him stood a minister of sorts, holding a bible. He beckoned the young couple forward, and they looked at each other. Draco reached out for Ginny's hand, and she took it, and together, they walked forward. The minister smiled and opened the bible and began right away.
"Friends, we are gathered here today to celebrate the most joyous occasion of the beginning of Draco and Ginny's new life together. If either of you have any protests against this marriage, speak now or forever hold your peace." The minister paused, and was about to continue, but a woman's voice could be heard ringing through the house.
"Wait!" The door could be heard opening, and moments later, a very breathless McGonagall ran through the garden. She ran right up to Dumbledore's side and shook her head with chill. "Don't start without me! Now, you may continue."
"Do you object to this marriage?" the minister asked her.
"Heavens no! I just wanted you to wait for me is all."
"Then we may begin." The minister turned to face Draco, who was still holding Ginny's hand, very frightened, although no one knew it but Ginny. "Draco Edward Malfoy, do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, until death do depart you?" Draco nodded a little, but realized he had to speak.
"I do," he said quietly.
"And do you, Ginny Thea Weasley, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, until death do depart you?"
"I do." Ginny glanced over at Draco, who smiled a bit, but turned his gaze from hers to the minister. She was so beautiful, it felt sinful to look at her.
"Do you have vows prepared?" the minister asked them softly. Ginny and Draco were silent for a while, but Draco finally turned to speak.
"Ginny, oh how I wish there were words to say! For as long as I live and draw breath, I am yours forever." Someone who sounded like McGonagall let out a stifled sniffle. He fell off then, unsure still of how to express his real heart. "I love you, and that is the only reality that I know." He stopped and gazed into Ginny's eyes, those eyes… Those eyes that matched the green of the trees and light around her… those eyes that held his face and caressed every feature lovingly.
"May it be a fool that takes you away from me, for I don't know what I would do with out you." Ginny paused and felt her heart catch in her chest. He was so sweet, so kind, so gentle. What would she ever do without him? "I will love you till the day I die, and if that day should happen, I pray that you are with me."
"Amen," someone said behind her. She moved her eyes rapidly, and saw Snape dabbing his eyes. She shook her head.
"Do you have tokens of your vows?" The minister asked when nothing more was said. Draco nodded, trance-like, and dug into his pocket. He came back a moment later, and held a tiny something in his hand. It wasn't until he took Ginny's hand in his and slipped the small gold ring on her finger and let her go that she realized what it was, but she didn't even think to look at it.
Instead, she smacked herself for not remembering her token to him. Just the, she remembered the ring she always wore. It had been so long since she had even thought about it… she held up her right hand and pulled the silver off. It was a plain, simple ring that she had been given a long time ago by her grandmother. Ginny took Draco's left hand and slid the ring on. It held magical properties that allowed it to stretch to the wearer's finger, and it was no problem getting it one his larger hand.
"With all the power and grace invested in me, I pronounce you man and wife." The minister gazed from one stunned face to the other. He nudged Draco a little. "That's your cue to kiss her," he whispered not-so-discreetly. Without hesitation, Draco leaned forward and kissed his new bride, joy and love overwhelming him.
There was the sound of small clapping somewhere in the garden, but Draco and Ginny were oblivious to all else. They were very much in love with each other, and the only person who wouldn't have been able to see it was a blind man. Draco picked her off her feet and twirled her around the garden happily, laughing and twirling, twirling and laughing. As he set her down, Ginny held his face and kissed him deeply.
"I love you," she whispered softly.
"I love you too," he beamed. He bit his lip slightly, but a smile broke through anyway.
"Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy," the minister coughed. The couple turned, and saw the professors standing under the arbor, each with a grin on his or her face. Ginny rushed forward and gave Dumbledore a hug, then McGonagall, and then finally, Snape, who hugged her as if she was his own child. Draco shook hands with Dumbledore, was pulled into a hug by McGonagall, and nodded at Snape. However, happiness overtook Snape and he hugged Draco briefly. Ginny giggled a bit, and gently pulled Draco away.
"What do we do now?" she asked the elders.
"You will wait," Snape began. "Until dark to come to the manor. Then, you and your husband will leave England forever, and rid yourselves of your past. You will the proceed to live long and prosper."
"Thank you," Ginny mumbled as Draco pulled her toward the house. "Thank you all. I won't ever forget you!"
Moments later, Draco had pulled Ginny into a lip lock and pressed her against a wall inside Dumbledore's house. She had entangled herself with his arms, and they giggled and kissed at alternate times. Eventually, though, the bells tolled five, and both knew they had to depart. Ginny rushed to the door quickly, knowing she would be sucked back into his charms if she didn't leave soon.
"I love you," she called as she exited the building.
"I love you," Draco said as he rushed to the door. He place a tender kiss on her lips as she left. "I'll be waiting. Tonight," he called after her. She turned around and smiled, and Draco's heart soared.
