A/N: I want to thank you all for your reviews of encouragement and those who have some concern for this sequel. I realize it may seem that this sequel has no plot and I just wrote it for the heck of it, but I do have a plan. But I want them to be happy and get married before I start this next part of surprise action. Marriage is on its way…possibly this chapter, you'll have to continue to find out. Thanks to all my faithful readers!

NOW ON WITH THE STORY!

Chap. 18 May 11th

After Draco and Hermione's little… rekindlement, you could call it, they walked back to Harry's apartment. Harry and Ginny just laughed when they saw Draco's messy hair and Hermione's hickeys. Blaise swore, praising Draco, his own way.

It was May 11th. The big day. Yes, indeed 'tis finally here. You may have been wondering when the fuck are the two going to get hitched? Well, here you be.

Hermione stood in front of a long, vertical mirror, watching the people behind her run around more frantically than she. This actually calmed her. Ginny was making sure Hermione's dress and the bridesmaids' dresses were steamed and static-free. Narcissa kept running back and forth from Hermione's dressing room to Draco's making sure everything between them was still good. Anne was making sure the priest was here, along with the organist and ushers. The bridesmaids, well Lavender and Parvati, were creating havoc between themselves, making sure their hair and makeup was perfect.

Hermione couldn't help but laugh at them all. She was elated.

Draco was sitting in a chair in his dressing room, with a glass of Chardonnay. He stirred it occasionally, sniffed it, then sipped. This was his pattern for about a half-hour while his groomsmen argued with each other. Harry had a spat with Crabbe and Goyle about what you call the things the groom wears under his jacket. Harry said it was called a cummerbund, while Crabbe and Goyle insisted it was called a cucumberdbun. Draco just laughed as he continued drinking lightly. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Blaise scrambling to hide from Snape. He did not appreciate Snape in the same dressing room, and from the looks of it…Snape didn't appreciate Blaise either. While these assorted characters avoided or fought with each other, Uncle Jack sat near Draco, making small talk as they drank.

'So, Draco, she's the one?' Jack asked taking a sip from his brandy.

'Yes, she is.' Draco simply replied.

'I can tell, because you don't seem nervous.'

'What reason do I have to be nervous? I know my Hermione will be at the end of that aisle when those doors open…I know she's not freaking out. She's the only person I've had an actual relationship with, and I can't see myself with anyone else.'

'I'm so proud of you, Draco. You've come so far, you've grown up so quickly.' He told him with a smile.

'Thanks Uncle Jack.'

'Don't you think you should be getting into your suit?' Uncle Jack asked.

'Yeah…might as well attempt that.' Draco shrugged.

As Draco and Uncle Jack rose from their seats, someone knocked on the door.

'Yes mother?' Draco drawled, 'Come in…'

It was indeed Narcissa who entered.

'How did you know it was me, dear?'

'Who else has been coming into my room every ten minutes?' Draco asked mock-sweetly.

'Well, I just came to make sure everything was going smoothly, and I see that it isn't! You aren't in your tuxedo!' Narcissa cried.

'He was just about to change into it, Cissa.' Jack said calmly.

'Yes, besides is Hermione even in her dress yet?' Draco asked.

'Well, no. But I'm sure she's stepping into it this very moment!' Narcissa exclaimed, running out of the room and back to Hermione's dressing room.

Jack rolled his eyes and then turned to Draco and said, 'Come on, Draco. Let's get you into that tuxedo before your mother has a hernia.'

Draco just laughed and nodded.

Narcissa ran into Hermione's dressing room once again.

'Hermione, dear, don't you think we should be getting you into your dress?'

'Is Draco dressed?' Hermione asked, now sitting with Ginny.

'Umm…yes.' Narcissa lied.

Ginny and Hermione just looked at each other, both knowing full well that Draco was not in his tux yet.

'Okay then,' Hermione replied, 'I'll put my dress on.'

About an hour later, two-hundred people were filled into the church and sat down in the wooden pews which were decorated in white taffeta and tiger lilies.

Draco stood at the front of the church, with the priest standing behind him. He twiddled his fingers, not as a sign of nervousness, but as a sign of anxiousness.

He looked around at his guests. He caught sight of Professor Dumbledore and smiled awkwardly. Dumbledore smiled back and winked, that twinkle eye of his. Draco kept looking around as soft music played. He then saw Bradin, holding hands with Christine. Bradin didn't look too happy, that made Draco gulp and quickly look away at someone more pleasant. He saw Mr. and Mrs. Weasley smile at him. For some odd reason, even though he found that whole family odd, it comforted him. Until he immediately thought of Ron. Ron! Where was that bastard? Draco looked around and saw Ron sitting with a pretty girl. That must be Delilah Redstone. Draco thought to himself. Bastard Ron, she's actually gorgeous. He couldn't comprehend how that gangly redhead was able to hook that blonde he was sitting with. He shrugged it off thinking, At least he's not with Hermione. My Hermione. He couldn't help but chuckle to himself thinking about how Ron was obsessed with Hermione for so long and his worst enemy got her instead.

The music began to play louder, and the large doors in the back of the church opened. Dobby and Hilde were the first shown. Draco rolled his eyes and the guests all laughed while both Hilde and Dobby were throwing white rose petals onto the roll-out scarlet carpet, skipping their way down to the front of the church. Once Hilde saw her master she slowed her skipping and controlled her throwing. Draco just waved his hand discreetly to her, telling her it was okay. She smiled and began to skip lively once more. After they made it to the end, it was the groomsmen and bridesmaids next. The bridesmaids all wore scarlet colored dresses that flowed a bit, but nothing too fancy. The groomsmen wore black and white tuxedos, with scarlet cummerbunds and boutonnieres. The maid of honor, Ginny, walked down with the best man, Blaise, even though Lavender wanted to walk with Blaise and Ginny wanted to walk with Harry, but that's not how it worked out. Next came, Uncle Jack with Krista (a/n: haha poor Uncle Jack), Snape with Jennie (neither of them knew the other so it wasn't that big of a deal), Crabbe with Parvati, Goyle with Lavender, (both girls detested for quite some time), and then Harry and Serene. Once they all reached the front of the church, and spilt to their respected sides, the "Wedding March" began to play. All at once, Draco saw the guests all sit up and turn their heads to look at the back of the church. Suddenly Draco felt his heart beating fast. He looked down at his chest, to make sure you couldn't see it moving, because it felt like it was going to beat itself right out of his body. He looked around the church quickly, seeing everyone's excited faces. He looked over at Blaise, who was just staring at a woman in the front row whose breasts were much too big for her dress. He decided he found no comfort in Blaise. He then turned to Harry, who was looking at the back of the church, waiting for Hermione. Draco decided he better do that too.

Draco turned slowly to face the back of the church. He saw no one. His heart skipped a beat. He closed his eyes and prayed softly to himself. When he opened his eyes and looked up, he nearly fell backwards. Hermione stood in the back, linked to her father. They together stepped slowly into the room. It was the most beautiful sight Draco had ever scene. The church was lit with candles, and these candles caused Hermione's face and hair to glow, or maybe she herself was causing this glow, Draco wasn't sure. Draco smiled brightly at her. He noticed her shoulders were bare. Her white gown was strapless and hugged her body until her hips, then a satiny full skirt flowed out onto the floor covering a good radius around her feet, which made her look like she was gliding in the air, maybe she was…Draco didn't know that for sure either. All he knew was that she was beautiful. The gown had small rhinestones and sequins sewn onto it, so because of the candlelight reflecting from them, Hermione glittered. Her veil did not cover her face, which Draco liked. He could see her perfect pearl teeth, crimson lips, and large cinnamon eyes. Her long, smooth caramel colored hair was in loose curls down her back. Draco noticed her hair sparkled, he saw diamond pins randomly placed in it. She was carrying a full bouquet of pink and scarlet colored hibiscus flowers, they added the perfect touch to her white gown. Innocent, yet wild. Which is exactly how Draco thought of his beautiful soon-to-be wife.

Draco had been so taken with examining her that he didn't even realize she was right at the beginning of the few steps up to him. She turned to her father and kissed his cheek, he released his grip from her and Draco watched as she walked up to face him. Suddenly Draco felt himself exhale loudly, he hadn't realized it but he had been holding his breath since he saw her in the doorway. Hermione just smiled at him. Then Draco heard a voice. He realized the priest began to speak.

'Who gives this woman to wed?'

'I do.' Draco heard Richard say, just before sitting down.

Draco's heart began to pound more quickly. It seemed like he was watching this whole thing happen, and not actually being part of it. Was he supposed to be doing something? Am I thinking too much? So much narrating in my head that I am really being instructed to do something and I can't even hear it? Oh god…fuck fuck fuck mother fuck fuck. I've got to stop thinking and just stop. I've got to do something. I know I'm supposed to be doing something. He looked at the priest, he was speaking. Shit, is he speaking to me? I can't even fucking hear what he's saying. What's going on? He realized that the priest was just introducing the ceremony. As he was looking at the priest, he felt someone hold his hands. He looked forward and saw Hermione smiling at him. He smiled back. Oh fuck. I was supposed to take her hands, wasn't I? I was! I'm ruining this! He continued to smile, but he was freaking out on the inside.

'Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here together in the sight of God, and in the presence of these wittnesses to join Draco and Hermione in the bonds of holy matrimony. If there is anyone here who knows a just cause why they should not lawfully be joined in marriage, I implore you to speak now, or forever hold your peace.'

Hermione and Draco just kept their eyes on each other. They did not look around. No one spoke up. So the priest continued.

Hermione stared at Draco as the priest now spoke words of love, devotion and faithfulness. She saw Draco look nervously at the priest. He's so nervous. He hasn't even grabbed my hands yet. She took the initiative and reach for Draco's white-gloved hands. He turned to look at her and smiled. Oh good, he's smiling. But look at his face, he's trying to hide his worry with a smile.

Draco could feel his hands sweating. Oh god, I hope Hermione can't feel that! Fuck, she's going to think I'm hesitant about this! Fuck! Oh Jesus, I need to stop swearing I'm in church! God is going to fucking curse my wedding! I'm so fucking screwed. He then saw her mouth words to him: "It's okay, Draco. We're doing great. It's going to be fine." This made Draco feel much better. He wasn't ruining it for Hermione. He was still safe.

Draco saw the priest turn to speak to him and Hermione. It was time to pay attention.

'Everyday you live, learn how to receive love with as much understanding as you give it. Find things within yourself, then you can share them with each other. Do not fear this love. Have an open heart and a sincere mind. Be sincerely interested in each other's happiness. Be constant and consistent in your love. From this comes security and strength. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us on this day of your marriage. Commit yourselves fully and freely to each other.

Before you, Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger, are joined in marriage in the presence of these your family, friends and witnesses, I am to remind you of the serious and binding nature of the relationship you are now about to enter.

I shall now ask you to make your marriage vows. I understand you've written your own?'

Draco and Hermione both nodded.

'Draco, you first,' the priest told him.

Draco smiled at Hermione and took a deep breath.

'My love, romance may fade, but let's hope ours doesn't,' he began, some guests laughed politely through tears, 'but true love endures. And that is the love we share. I choose to truly love you with kindness, faithfulness, and respect, through every circumstance that life may bring us. Because I treasure you, I will daily devote myself to support, encourage, comfort, and defend you as we together face the coming moments of sorrow and joy, sickness and health. Everyday I vow to you that I will arise with the intentions of making your every dream a reality. You have taught me how to love, and I thank you for that by devoting all my love to you. This is my solemn vow because, in you, I have truly found the one my soul loves.'

Suddenly a loud sob was heard, Draco looked to see his mother waving away people's attention. 'That's my son.' She said softly. He smiled to himself and turned to Hermione, whose eyes were filled with tears.

'Now, you, Hermione,' the priest said to her.

Hermione nodded and looked into Draco's eyes.

'Draco, today we make a commitment to one another. I want you to know that you are a precious gift and that you bring so much joy into my life. I affirm the special bond between us, and promise to keep it alive always. I promise to be your confidante, your best friend and to share in your hopes and dreams, as you do mine. I take you with all your faults and your strengths as I offer myself to you with my faults and strengths. I will help you when you need help, and I will turn to you when I need help. With this vow we face new responsibilities together. And I gladly take on these responsibilities, not as a burden, but as a gift because anything that happens because of you is special and endearing to me.' Hermione paused to recollect herself, 'Draco, you've given me more love than I could ever imagine and I pray that one day I will be able to bestow upon you, all the happiness you've given to me. Nothing in this world…' Draco's heart tightened because he then saw a tear slide gently down Hermione's cheek, 'nothing in this world could ever replace the feeling you give me when I'm with you. And with this vow, I pledge my whole self to you, forever and for always.'

Draco couldn't help it, he listened to her heart-felt vow and a tear also slid down his cheek. He quickly leaned over to her and placed his lips on her cheek, kissing her tear away. Through the silent room, soft sobs and sniffles were heard. When Draco pulled his lips from Hermione and opened his eyes, he realized he wasn't supposed to kiss her until the end. He looked at the priest hesitantly and asked,

'Was that okay?'

The priest smiled and replied,

'Yes, Mr. Malfoy, it was perfectly legal to kiss her there.'

Draco smiled and Hermione laughed softly, covering up a small cry.

'Now the exchange of the rings.' The priest announced.

Dobby and Hilde excitedly ran over to the couple. They both picked up gold bands.

Draco started.

'With this ring, I thee wed. Take it and wear it as a symbol of all we share,' He said slipping the ring onto Hermione's petite finger.

'With this ring, I thee wed. Take it and wear it as a symbol of all we share,' She said slipping the ring onto Draco's finger.

'As you have consented together to be bound to one another in lawful marriage. You have made special promises to each other which have been symbolized by the joining of hands, taking of vows and by the giving and receiving of rings. By the authority vested in me, according to the laws of England I now pronounce you to be husband and wife. Now that the ceremony is over and the experience of living day by day is about to begin, go and meet it gladly. You may, again, kiss the bride.'

Draco and Hermione grinned at each other. Draco stepped close to Hermione, wrapped one arm around her back, and the other held behind her head, he then dipped her backwards and kissed her passionately in front of the guests and in front of God. She threw her arms around his neck and received the kiss gladly.

Everyone clapped for them as they stood back into their upright positions.

The priest stood beside them and stated,

'I give you, Mr. and Mrs. Draco Malfoy.'

Hermione hugged Draco tightly and kissed him hard. Then Draco grabbed her hand and led her out of the church, and into a long black limousine, which took them back to Malfoy Manor, where they would greet their guests at their reception.

A/N: Honeymoon coming up next...