Disclaimer: I own nothing of Harry Potter.
Chapter Five
Whisper
The bell rung as the door to the shoppe opened. Harry glanced up, just as I polished off the rest of my drink.
"Ginny!" he said, as he looked at the door.
I followed his eyes, seeing her fiancee and her friends. My eyes widened at the site of - not Hermione - but Sam. Not only was I shocked to see Sam, but Hermione was linking arms with her, like they were friends.
"Hey, Harry," Ginny said grinning, taking the vacant seat next to him. "Draco, it's nice to see you again."
"You to, Gin," I said, smiling at her.
Sam and Hermione joined us, Sam sitting next to Ginny, and Hermione taking the only seat left - the one next to me.
I cleared my throat nervously, still remembering the last time we had spoken. There was akward silence around the table before somebody spoke up.
"So, Draco," Sam said, looking at me, smiling. "Long time no see, huh?"
"Yeah, right, Sam," I said, meeting her gaze.
"How have you been?"
"I've been better. I'm doing okay now, though," I said, my eyes wondering over to Hermione. She was sitting with her hands in her lap, fidgeiting with her fingers.
"That's good. I'm glad to see you're okay. Where have you been?"
"I- well.. just here and there."
"I see," she said, looking at Hermione, who was looking back at Sam, giving her a look that clearly said "I told you so." I wonder what she had told her.
"So, what are you doing with Hermione and Ginny, Sam? The last time I checked, you guys didn't like each other."
"Oh, well, after we graduated and you left, we became more mature about certain matters, and put the past behind us," Hermione said, speaking at last.
"And you've been friends ever since?"
"Yeah, basically," she said, looking at me, "Not to mention she's dating Ron."
"Weasel?" I laughed, earning a smack on the arm from Ginny.
"Now, now Draco. He's still my brother. Please be kind," Ginny said.
"Sorry, sorry, Gin. It's just shocking to me how much you guys have all changed. You know, since I left."
"Well, people change, Draco," Hermione said, smiling at me. "Sometimes for good, then again, sometimes for bad, you know?"
I nodded. "I guess so."
Harry cleared his throat, and looked nervously at Hermione, before speaking. "So, the wedding's all set. I finally found my last groomsman."
"Really, honey?" Ginny said, looking at him excitedly. "Who?"
"You're looking at him," Harry said, nodding his head in my direction.
"Really?"
Harry nodded.
"Wait a minute," Hermione said incredously, "Speaking of change, you're friends with Draco now Harry? What the hell happened?"
We all laughed at her remark.
"Well, like you said, 'Mione, we matured over certain matters, and put the past behind us," he said, grinning.
She grinned at him. "Are you mocking me, Harry," she said, raising an eyebrow.
"Perhaps," he said, earning another laugh go around the table.
"Here, here, what's all the laughing about?" a new voice chimed in.
"Nothing, nothing, Ron," Sam said, as Ron pulled up a chair next to Sam.
"We were just talking about Harry's groomsman," Ginny said, turning to her brother.
"Who?" he said.
"Draco."
"Ah. How nice," Ron said, turning to me. Although me and Harry were friends now, Ron still had his doubts about me, but other than that, we got along okay.
"Yes, it is," Ginny said, giving a 'look' to her older brother. She turned to Harry, and put her hands over his. "Just think, Harry, this time tommorrow, we'll be husband and wife."
Harry looked at her, his eyes twinkling. "I know love, and I can't wait." He leaned in and kissed her on the lips gently.
"Please, Harry, not in front of me," Ron said, his face turning red, looking away.
"Oh, Ron, grow up," Sam said, hitting him playfully. She kissed him on the cheek. "They're engaged. Get used to it."
We all laughed. We sat there for awhile longer, talking among each other, Hermione and I even carrying on conversations. I have to admit, I'd never thought I would be sitting here, with the people I had been enemies with in school. I always thought we'd grow, up and never talk to each other ever again. It was actually kind of nice. I suppose some of it has to do with mine and Hermione's past relationship.
"Well, we should be going back, I suppose," Ginny said after awhile. "The wedding's tommorrow, and I need to sleep."
"But I won't be able to see you at all tommorrow," Harry whined, sticking out his lower lip.
"You will at the wedding, dear," she said, poking his nose. "Besides, there's still some things that need to be done, and mum wanted us back to help her."
"Fine," he grumbled. Ginny kissed him on the cheek, and he grinned. "Whatever you say, Gin."
We stood up walking out together. Hermione walked beside me as we all walked back to our original destinations. We all said our goodbye's, and we'd see each other tommorrow at the wedding.
Sam and Ginny waved to Hermione, but she held up a finger.
"Hold on a second guys," she said, turning to me. "Draco, can I have a word?"
I nodded.
We walked over to a secluded corner, so we wouldn't interrupt anyone, and they wouldn't interrupt us.
She sighed, and looked at me. "Draco, I want to apologize for the way I've been acting. I felt like I've been overdramatic about everything, and I just want to say I'm sorry."
I smiled. "I could never stay upset with you, Hermione, you know that. I forgive you. I want to apologize for everything. For leaving, for not talking to you, everything. I'm really sorry."
"It's okay, Draco. I understand, really I do. It's your business where you have been, and unless you decide to tell me, I'll understand," she said, smiling at me. "I - I also would like for us to be friends, if that's okay with you."
"I would love to be your friend, Hermione," I said quietly, looking into her eyes.
She met my gaze, that wonderful smile still upon her face. "Good. That's just.. great. Thanks, Draco," she said, color coming to her face slightly. "Well, I suppose I should.. erm.. head off then."
"Yeah, me too. See you tommorrow, then?"
"Yeah. Tommorrow. Bye."
"Goodbye, Hermione," I said, as she walked off, meeting up with Sam and Ginny.
I smiled as I walked with Harry and Ron back to the Burrow. It was pure and simple luck that I had managed to become friends with Hermione. And this time, I wouldn't leave her again.
XXX
"Hermione, Hermione, wake up!" a voice whispered excitedly.
I opened my eyes groggily, peering through the darkness, trying to find the face. I had no idea where I was, or what day it was.
"Hermione, get up! I'm getting married today!"
I sat up on my elbows, wiping the sleep from my eyes. I looked around my surroundings, and remembered where I was. I was with Ginny, and today was her wedding day. I smiled at her giddiness as she rushed down the stairs. I heard a shriek.
"Harry! What are you doing here! You're not supposed to see me until I walk down the aisle!" I heard her say. There was some commotion, and finally someone answered back.
"Okay, Ginny dear, he's apparated back to his place. You can come into the kitchen now," Molly said.
I sat up, stretching, reaching for some clothes. I pulled on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, put on my black Chuck's and walked down the stairs to the kitchen.
"Good morning, you guys," I said, sitting at the table. I looked over at Ginny, who was glowing.
"Good morning, Hermione dear," Molly said, putting plates infront of us.
The table was full with all the women from the Weasley family, including Fleur and her baby. Evidently, Molly had banished the gentlemen outside, because the sounds of laughter could be heard from outside.
"Mum, where's dad?" Ginny asked, her mouth full.
"Don't speak with your mouth full, Ginny," Molly said, busing herself with the dishes. "He had to run some last minute errands before the wedding. You'll see him later."
"I hope so!" she said. "I can't walk down the aisle alone!"
I smiled, taking a bite of toast.
"Ginny, first of all, we would find a replacement for your father, if he couldn't be here, but he wouldn't dare miss his only daughters wedding day."
Ginny grinned. "Isn't that weird? My wedding day. How lovely."
We all laughed at her, her giggles and excitement spreading rapidly around the table. We all chattered over the wedding and such, as we ate. Finally, after plates were cleared, and the dishes washed, Molly made an announcement.
"All right, ladies. Ginny's wedding is in six hours, and we still have much to prepare for. I need somebody to be in charge of getting the wedding cake delivered here, some people to help with decorations, and some people to help with food. There's enough people here to do all of this, and the boys are going to help us," she said, looking at all of us. "But Harry and Ginny must not see each other, so make sure that they are far apart. It's bad luck, and we don't need anymore of that."
Molly gave us all certain things to do, and at once, we began. I was in charge with helping with decorations, but, being me, I would help with a little bit of everything.
It seemed as though six hours was merely three. Everybody was rushing around, trying to get everything together before the guests started arriving. Once or twice there were sounds of dishes breaking, and breif arguments between people, over the stupidest things, like where to place the tables and such.
Ginny was going mad. She started going downhill after about two hours into decorating, and cooking, and the wedding cake. She stopped talking, and everytime I looked over at her, it seemed as if her face was sort of a green color. I couldn't help but worry about how she was doing.
The guests started arriving at about fifteen until six, but, after a little bit of topping off certain things, we were finally ready to start the ceremony. Fred and George were incharge of ushering the people to their seats, and Bill was dashing around, making sure all the groomsman and the flower girl and ring bearer, knew what they were supposed to do.
I was helping Molly and some of the other ladies with getting Ginny ready. She didn't say much through the entire process, only stared in the mirror.
"I don't think I can do this," she said, her voice shaking. Molly paused in what she was doing, and looked up at her daughter.
I stared at Ginny, but didn't say anything.
"Ginny," Molly said, taking her daughters hands. "You can do this. You've been looking forward to this day for God knows how long. You've been talking about how wonderful it would be to be married to somebody like Harry, you've pictured what your wedding day would be like, you've planned this whole entire thing since the moment Harry asked you to marry him. It's alright to get cold feet Ginny, but believe me, you can do this. Everything will be okay."
Ginny stared at Molly, her eyes brimming with tears. Her hands shook as Molly held her hands. Ginny bit her lip. "I love you, mum," she said, smiling.
Molly hugged her daughter, as Ginny slowly regained her conscienceness of her regular excited self.
"Now, we're almost finished with this," Molly said, turning Ginny around, fixing her dress.
I smiled at Ginny. "It's going to be wonderful, Gin, I promise."
She smiled at me. "It is, I know it is."
"There. You're all ready," Molly said, stepping back to survey her daughter.
Ginny looked wonderful. Her beautiful white dress was spegetti strapped, flowing all the way down to her feet. Her dress flowed out in the back, leaving some what of a train. On her feet, (although hard to be spotted) she wore white strap on heels, that showed her beautifully painted toes.
"Hermione, we need you out here with the bridesmaids," Ginny's grandmother said, poking her head in the door.
I nodded, and looked back at Ginny. "Good luck, Gin," I said, hugging her tightly.
"Thank you, Hermione," she said hugging me back.
I rushed out the door, heading to the line of bridesmaids. I got there, and moved up in front, so I would have my place next to Ginny. I know it sounded conceited, but after all, I was her Maid of Honor.
The music started, and slowly I progressed down the aisle, holding the buquet of flowers in my hand. I reached my spot, and looked up, seeing Draco standing next to Ron. I met his eyes and he smiled at me. I smiled back, my face getting slightly hot. I looked away from him, looking out at the guests. I spotted Brian sitting in the second row, next to Fluer. I grinned at him, and he winked.
Everyone stood as Ginny walked down the aisle. She looked beautiful walking gracefully down the aisle, her eyes only on Harry, who was melting. She reached him, and he took her hand, as she handed her flowers over to me.
"You may be seated," said the Justice of the Peace.
The wedding went smoothly as possible. Even the ring bearer (Bill's young son) had the rings. Harry and Ginny exchanged their kiss, and everyone applauded. Molly was shedding tears of pure joy as Ginny and Harry walked back down together, husband and wife.
Bursts of light were shot around them, as they were escorted to the wedding reception.
"Wait a moment," Ginny announced, her face flushed, grinning. "It's time to throw the buquet!"
At least all of the women huddled together behind Ginny. Ginny turned around, counting to three. I watched as the bunch of flowers flew through the air, coming right towards me. I closed my eyes, just as my fingers wrapped around the buquet. Everybody turned around and smiled at me.
"You know 'hat zis meens 'Ermione!" Fleur said, grinning.
I smiled. "Yes, but I don't think it will happen," I said, still smiling. "At least not anytime soon."
The wedding reception was held in the backyard. It looked beautiful. There were inchanted ice figures placed around the yard, most of the decorations done in white and gold. There was music playing softly in the background, and a dance floor had been enchanted in the yard. People were mingling from here to there, some observing the beautifully sculpted figures, others talking and laughing among each other.
"Attention!" Mr. Weasley said, his voice echoing across the yard. "If you will all start heading toward your assigned tables, dinner will be served shortly!"
Everbody headed toward there tables. Harry and Ginny were of course at the head of all the tables, so everybody could get a good look at them. I sat down at my table, along with Brian, Draco, Sam, Ron, and Neville.
"Beautiful ceremony, wasn't it?" Brian asked around the table.
There were murmers of yes, and random comments. There was talk floating across the table about the wedding, and what everyone had been up to, until we heard the tapping of a glass.
Ron had stood up, a drink in hand. "Now, as Harry's Best Man, it is my job to make a toast," he said, grinning. "I never thought this day would come. I never thought I would become best friends with one of the greatest wizards of all time, and have him marry my little sister. We've been through everything you can think of, but, amazingly, we've still managed to stay friends somehow," he smiled. "So, I would like to make this toast to Harry and Ginny, and may they have the best, longest marrige ever. But, Harry, even though you're my best mate, if you do anything to my little sister, I just might have to kick your arse."
There was laughter around the yard; those who were not laughing, were shocked with Ron's language. But that was Ron. We raised our glass in their honor, as Mr. Weasley stood up to make his own toast.
"To my darling daughter, and her husband. May they stay together forever, and bless us with lots of grandchildren. Maybe even more children then we have, say ten or twelve?"
Ginny raised her eyebrows and shook her head. "Good luck with that one, Dad."
Everybody laughed, taking another drink for Harry and Ginny. Professer Dumbledore was the next to stand up and make a toast.
"Never would I have thought that two of my most bravest students, so perfect together, would wind up getting married. Obviously, I was wrong. To Harry and Ginny," he said, his eyes twinkling another bout of laughter going through the crowd.
Harry stood up, and, turning to his wife, said:
"To my new and beautiful wife. The most beautiful, smart, wonderful person in the world. I love you with all my heart, and hope you will stay with me forever," he said, Ginny blushed and kissed him on the lips.
There were a couple of cat calls from the crowd, from Fred and George of course as the kissed, and a murmer of 'aww' across the yard. The toasts were finished, and the food was served. Arthur and Molly had managed to make the food do like Hogwarts food, with, of course, help from Dumbledore.
At last the food was finished, the cake was cut, and the stars had come out. Music was playing softly, yet nobody was dancing. Mr. Weasley stood up, going behind his daughter, holding his hand out and said:
"May I have this dance?"
He led her on the dance floor, and they had their father daughter dance. Ginny was all smiles as they danced, no doubt talk of Harry in their conversation. Couples stood up, going to the dance floor, as if Ginny dancing was a sign for them to begin dancing.
I watched with a smile on my face as Harry cut in on Arthur and Ginny's dance, Arthur handing Ginny's hand to Harry's as they danced. Ron lead Sam onto the dance floor, as I finished off my drink, leaving Draco and I at the table. Brian had left earlier, having other urgent business to attend to. Draco and I sat there in an akward silence, before he got up and left me there.
I couldn't help but feel sad that he had gone. I sat there, watching everybody, when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around.
"May I have this dance?"
XXX
She looked beautiful sitting there, her gold strapless dress flowing around her, her naturally curly hair piled up on her head, a few loose curls hanging down on her face.
I guess she had thought I had left her there alone, because she looked surprised when I asked her to dance. I held out my hand to her, she hesitated before taking it.
I led her out on the dance floor, placing my hand on her waist, moving to the music.
The strands in your eyes that color them wonderful
Stop me and steal my breath
And emerald from moutains and thrust towards the sky
Never reavealing their depth
"You look beautiful, Hermione," I said, looking in her eyes. She looked back up at me, smiling.
"Thanks, Draco. You don't look so bad yourself," she said, grinning.
"Why thank you! Not that I don't get compliments like that all the time."
She slapped my arm playfully. "You haven't changed. You're still as conceited as you were five years ago."
"Well, some of the old Draco is still in me. But other than that, I believe I've changed some."
She looked away from me, a smile still playing on her lips. She put her arms around my neck. "Yeah, I think you have too."
And tell me that we belong together
Dress it up with the trappings of love
I'll be captivated, I'll hang from your lips
Instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above
And I'll be your cryin' shoulder
I'll be love suicide
And I'll be better when I'm older
I'll be the greatest fan of your life
"Hermione," I said softly, "I'm sorry."
She chuckled quietly, raising an eyebrow, smiling. "What for?"
"For everything."
"You already told me that, remember?"
"Yes, I remember. But I just want to tell you that I'm sorry. I want you to know that I'm so sorry. I never should've left you. I left so that I could protect you. I didn't want you to get hurt."
She cocked her head to the side. "What do you mean? What did you have to protect me from?"
I closed my eyes, opening them up, meeting her gaze again. "You know about my past Hermione. I told you that a long time ago. The day you broke up with me, I found out that there was still someone out there trying to hurt me. My father promised me long ago, that for being a traitor, for not accepting the Dark Mark, or the becoming one of Voldemorte's pawns, that I would be punished. That he would kill me."
She looked at me. "What does this have to do with me?"
I sighed. "The day you broke up with me, I was sent an owl. I don't know who from, but the letter told me that, whoever had sent it, was going to kill me, and everything I cared for, which included you. Somehow, they new about you, and they told me that I had shamed the Malfoy name by being with a mudblood. They said they were going to kill you if I didn't leave you."
She gasped, but still never let her eyes linger from my face.
"There was only one reason why I kissed Sam, that day, Hermione. I did it for you. I did it so you would break up with me, because I loved you to much to do it myself. I know it seems really unlike me, Hermione, but even I have feelings," I said, chuckling nervously. "I left five years ago to figure out who was behind all of this, but, unfortunately, never uncovered a thing. Now, it seems that none of my bad luck followed me back to the wizarding world."
I paused, and looked at her, her face shining with tears. "I know it's hard to believe, but I really did do everything for you. I made sure you were safe, that you wouldn't get hurt, because I love you. And I still do, you know that. But I understand if you don't want to be more than friends-"
She placed a finger to my lips and stared up at me.
And rain falls angry on the tin roof
As we lie awake on my bed
And you're my survival you're my living proof
My love is alive and not dead
And tell me that we belong together
Dress it up with the trappings of love
I'll be captivated I'll hang from your lips
Instead of the gallows of heartache that hangs from above
"I believe you, Draco," Hermione said quietly, looking up at me. "I really do. I know how you feel about me, and - and I think I still may feel the same way about you. But Brian..."
I looked down. "Yeah.. you're with him.."
She fiddled with my collar. "Yes.. I am.. but... he could never replace the way I feel about you Draco. I do have feelings about him... but not like I do for you. Nobody will be able to replace what we had, Draco. I just wish it could've lasted forever."
We swayed to the music, as I put my finger to her chin, making her meet my eyes again. "It has lasted forever, Hermione. I never stopped loving you. To me, we've always been together."
She smiled, and pressed her hand against mine. "I never stopped loving you either, Draco."
And I'll be your cryin' shoulder
I'll be love suicide
And I'll be better when I'm older
I'll be the greatest fan of your life
And I dropped out, I burned up I fought my way back from the dead
I tuned in, I turned on, remembered the things that you said
I looked into her sparkling brown eyes, her face in my hand. My eyes wandered over her face, resting on her lovely red lips. I leaned down, and captured her lips on mine. We exchanged a sensual kiss, right there on the dance floor. I felt as if my whole world was falling back into place, after it had fallen apart a long time ago.
When we finally broke the kiss, she stared at me for the longest time, holding me close to her. Her eyes met mine, and she said the three words that I thought I'd never hear her say to me again.
"I love you, Draco."
And I'll be your cryin' shoulder
I'll be love suicide
I'll be better when I'm older
I'll be the greatest fan of your life
I'll be the greatest fan of your life
Well.. there is my long awaited chapter. Sorry if this chapter was a little late, but I've been really busy with my Jazz Band dinner. Not to mention, I have practice all this week, so I don't know when I'll be able to update again.
I know that it seems really out of character for Draco to act this way, but it's just a story people, and people can change AND he's in love. So yeah...
Review!