A/N: I know, I know. I LOATHE Perseus Aitor too! He's worse than Umbridge, honestly! Anyway, if you haven't already guessed, Draco and Hermione are FINALLY getting married! So enjoy, because you know they'll be doing the same on their wedding night, haha::wink wink:: And since I haven't done it in a long time, as usual disclaimers, Harry Potter and all other characters, events, worlds belong to JK Rowling and Scholastic, blah blah blah, you know the drill. The song used in this chapter is entitled "Iris" and it's by the Goo Goo Dolls!
Unto the End, Into the Beginning
Chapter Seven: "Until Death Do Us Part…."
"Aitor, "Draco spat bitterly, "I thought I told you never to see me in public again."
"I come to congratulate you on the birth of your new child and this is the thanks I get?" Aitor questioned with a smug look on his face.
"Cut with the lies, Aitor. What do you want?"
"You're lying to yourself Draco, if you really think you can keep this happy life without repaying your debt to the covenant. Look at them," he said, pointing to the glass.
Draco watched as Hermione held their tiny son, her eyes were locked on Varius, and she hadn't stopped smiling in hours. Potter and Weasley were in there with her.
"Do you really want to lose all that, Draco? You know I can take it all away. Or I could just simply have a little chat with Hermione…"
"No!" Draco half shouted, but then lowered his voice, realizing they were still in the hospital and people we're walking through the halls. He moved closer to Perseus, "I'll do what you want, just not now. Leave me time with my family."
"I'm afraid your time is quickly running out, Draco. Now I've got some business to attend to, but you're a fool if you think this is the last of me. Do you think she'd still love you if she really knew? Do you think she'd really stay?" Aitor tipped his hat at Draco and made it a few feet away from him before apparating from the hospital.
"Hey Hermione!" said Harry and Ron, opening the hospital door wider to reveal that they came with an assortment of balloons and flowers.
"You guys didn't have to bring all this…"
"Of course we did, you're a mommy now," Harry said, setting the flowers on the nightstand beside her bed. Ron stood on her other side; Varius was fast asleep in her arms.
"You guys have been so supportive, thank you."
"Don't mention it," Ron said, his cheeks turning darker then his normal shade of pink.
"So how do you feel?" Harry asked.
"Really tired, nervous, scared, excited, and wonderful!" she said, laughing.
"Hey, who is that Draco is talking with? Harry asked.
"Hermione looked out of her room and noticed the man for the first time. "Actually," she said, "I have no idea. I'm sure it's an academy friend."
"Yeah, well, we should probably let you get some rest, we just wanted to come in and see you. Let you know we're here." Harry and Ron each kissed one of Hermione's cheeks.
"You guys will be at the wedding, won't you? You'll be part of the party?"
"We'll check our schedule," Ron said, laughing.
Hermione smiled.
Harry opened the door to see Draco standing there. They acknowledged each other by nodding, and then Harry and Ron left.
Draco re-entered the hospital room and was greeted with Hermione's smiling face. Her hair was a mess and there were large bags under her eyes. She had an IV taped around her right arm and her blue hospital gown was terribly wrinkled. She had never been more beautiful to him than she was now, the mother of his child. He couldn't let Aitor take his life away, not now, not when he had worked so hard to get it back.
"Where'd you go?" she asked, her voice seemed small, Draco could tell she was exhausted.
"Oh, I saw someone from the academy," he lied quickly.
"I love you," she said, reaching out for his hand. He took her hand into his and squeezed it gently. Her other hand was wrapped around Varius, "both of you, so much. The two most amazing men in my life."
"I love you too and I can't wait to make you my bride. In a little more than a month, we'll be a real family.
"Draco, we already are a family…"
"But we'll be the family you deserve. We'll be husband and wife with a home of our own to raise our children in and no one is going to stand in our way."
"Draco, is everything alright?" Hermione asked.
"Yes," he said, realizing he had let his fear get the best of himself in front of Hermione, a fear he had been trying to control for quite some time now. But every smile, every kiss, made his deal with Aitor worth it. He hadn't let anything keep him from seeing the birth of his son.
"Don't worry, Draco. Everything is going to be okay."
"Yes, it will be," he said, kissing her on the forehead. "Now you need to get some rest, okay?"
"Okay," she said reluctantly, gently placing Varius into Draco's arms.
"Take good care of him, daddy," she said softly, before quickly drifting off into a deep sleep.
"Daddy," he whispered softly to himself, looking down at Varius, who gave a big yawn and tightly grasped Draco's pinky with his small hands.
Hermione stood in front of the mirror, twirling and twisting, trying to see every angle of the dress. She wore a strapless organza gown with a pleated red band at the waist and apron back with a red satin edge, which extended into a lengthy train. Her hair had been pulled back into a bun, with curls falling down loosely around her face. Ginny pinned the veil, which had a matching red satin lining, just under her bun.
"You look beautiful, Hermione" said Ginny, placing Hermione's diamond necklace around her neck "and these gowns are gorgeous!!"
She was dressed in a strapless red satin gown that matched the red that Hermione's gown was accented with. There was a diamond broach in the center of her bust. The dress was fitted, and ruffled down to the floor. Hermione smiled when she turned around and saw Ginny, she had grown up so much these past few years. She had managed to step away from everyone's shadows and really become her own person. Hermione hadn't fully realized that last year of course, because she was been so consumed with her own life.
"Thanks Ginny," she said, putting the matching earrings in, "I'm just so nervous."
"Don't worry, that's completely normal! Well, that's what everyone says at least…"
"Could you just go check on Draco and Harry and Ron and make sure they haven't killed each other yet?" Hermione asked, biting her lip nervously.
"No problem, just try and relax," she said, making her way to the door, "I'll send mum in," she added, before closing the door.
A few moments later Hermione heard a small knock on the door. She opened it expecting to see Ginny's mom, but instead came eye to eye with her own.
"Mom? What are you doing here?" Hermione asked, confused.
"Well can't a mother see her own daughter on her wedding day?"
"Well, I just didn't think you'd come…" Hermione said, opening the door wider. Her mother entered the room and Hermione quickly shut the door behind her, she didn't want anyone seeing her in her dress before the ceremony.
"You said that you'd call," her mother said, a slight quicker in her voice.
"What?" asked Hermione in confusion.
"You said you'd call when you went into labor, but you didn't. Why not?"
"Oh mom, I don't know. I'm sorry. I was just upset, you were always pushing me to move back to the muggle world, and … "
"Hermione, I missed out on the greater part of your childhood, please don't keep me out of your life now. Especially when you're starting a family…I'm sorry I was always on you, I just missed you sweetie, that's all."
Hermione sat down beside her mom and wrapped her arms around her. "I'm sorry, Mom…"
"It's quite alright, dear. Now, we've got to get you ready for this wedding!"
"Were you nervous, mom? Before you married dad? I love Draco with all my heart, and our love is only stronger now that we have a son…but my stomach is all twisted in knots."
"Hermione, darling, it's perfectly normal for a woman to be nervous before her wedding. The bride is the center of the attention of the ceremony and the reception. Young girls get nervous about running a household, but you are one of the most talented, intelligent women out there Hermione, and you're going to be a great wife and a great mother."
As Hermione's mother was wiping her eyes, Molly entered the room. "Oh, excuse me; I wasn't expecting anyone else to be in here"
"Molly," Hermione smiled, "this is my mum."
"Of course dear, I remember. You must be so proud of her Mrs. Granger. Well, I just came to wish you all the luck, dear. I'm about to send your bridesmaids, are you ready?"
"We'll just need to touch up her mascara before she goes," Hermione's mom said, dabbing her own eyes as well.
-
And I'd give up forever to touch you
'Cause I know that you feel me somehow
You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be
And I don't want to go home right now
-
Hermione took a deep breath and walked out of her dressing room into the main hall. She could hear her march music and she smiled. Molly handed Hermione her bouquet of roses, and she slowly walked out into the room, when hundreds of eyes instantly fell upon her.
-
And all I can taste is this moment
And all I can breathe is your life
Cause sooner or later it's over
I just don't want to miss you tonight
-
Rose petals sprinkled the floor as she walked, her long train caressing the aisle as she walked. Her eyes met with Draco for the first time since she had entered the room. He stood waiting for her at the altar dressed in his traditional black wedding robes with a white shirt and a black tie. Hermione smiled, he looked more handsome then she had ever seen him.
-
And I don't want the world to see me
'Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am
-
To Hermione, it seemed like she had been walking past the aisles for an eternity. She finally reached Draco waiting there for her at the altar. Crabbe and Goyle stood beside him. Harry and Ron were on the step below, and it was hard to read their emotions. He moved the veil out of her place, and moved it gently back into place just under her bun. His eyes opened wider when he saw her, her beauty took his breath away. The ministry official had begun to speak, but she couldn't quite make out his words. She couldn't tear her eyes away from Draco.
-
And you can't fight the tears that ain't comingOr the moment of truth in your liesWhen everything feels like the moviesYeah you bleed just to know you're alive
-
Hermione and Draco joined hands and smiled at each other. She could she flashes of cameras going off out of the corner of her eye.
"Draco," the ministry official began, "you will repeat after me. Hermione, with this ring, I thee wed. To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness or in health, to love and to cherish 'till death do us part. And hereto I pledge you my faithfulness."
Draco repeated the wizard's words and slipped Hermione's ring onto her finger.
-
And I don't want the world to see me
'Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am
-
"Hermione," he continued, "you will repeat after me. Draco, with the ring, I thee wed. To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, 'till death do us part. And hereto I pledge you my faithfulness."
Hermione repeated the words and placed the white gold band onto Draco's finger.
-
And I don't want the world to see me
'Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am
-
"Hermione and Draco will now seal their vows to one another."
The Ministry Official handed Hermione and Draco a wand and they joined their hands together and raised them above their heads. They shot a red spark off into the air and the audience clapped and cheered.
-
And I don't want the world to see me
'Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am
-
"Hermione and Draco have sealed their vows by igniting their eternal flame. I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. Draco Malfoy."
Draco pulled Hermione to him and kissed her intensely. He lifted her into the air and twirled her around several times. They took their walk together down the aisle as the friends threw rose petals and confetti, following them into the reception hall.
-
I just want you to know who I am-
Hermione and Draco's reception lasted well into the night. They had begun with their first dance, and hadn't been off the dance floor much since then. They did the traditional cutting of the cake, only with a wand, instead of a knife. Hermione's parents were glad to see so many muggle traditions at the wedding, or at least very similar ones. One they were not so pleased about, of course, was the garter toss.
Hermione put her leg up onto a chair and Draco dropped to his knees. Hermione grabbed the layers of her dress and pulled it up on one side, revealing the better part of her right leg. Draco slide his hands up her smooth legs to her thighs, where he grabbed her blue lacey garter and slowly slid it down her leg. Hermione didn't make a sound; she only starred back into his eyes.
He stood up, but he didn't turn back to face the eligible bachelors he had asked to assemble around him. He smiled at Hermione, raised his hands over his head and shot the garter toward the crowd like a rubber band. He turned back to see Harry twirling the garter around his finger. Something about the image of Potter holding something that had just been around his wife's leg rather unsettling.
Hermione tapped Draco on the shoulder, who turned around and was met with a kiss. This was why he didn't envy Potter in the least bit. Hermione had chosen him, not Potter. He had finally beaten him at what mattered the most.
"My turn," she said, breaking the kiss, "alright ladies, gather around! You'll want this bouquet, it looks like Harry Potter is next to get married!" she said rather loudly, smiling in Harry's direction, who looked rather annoyed by her comment.
No less than 40 girls gathered on the dance floor, all eagerly waiting the bouquet. Hermione turned around away from the girls, closed her eyes, and threw her beautiful rose bouquet into the air. He turned around, open her eyes, and saw Ginny holding the bouquet. Hermione was definitely not going to let her live this down later.
Hermione danced with Harry, Ron, Neville, Dean and just about every Weasley there that night. She also got to dance with Remus, who was nervous about his approaching wedding, which was in about two weeks. She was headed toward the tables to rest her feet when she heard a voice say, "Don't I get a dance?"
Hermione turned around and met eyes with Sirius, who she hadn't seen since Narcissa's funeral. She smiled wide and ran into his arms. He wrapped his arms around her and gave her a tight squeeze.
"I didn't think you'd be within twenty miles of a Malfoy wedding, Sirius."
"Well, this is the Granger Malfoy wedding, isn't it? And for the second time, may I have this dance?"
Hermione offered her hand to Sirius, who led her back on to the dance floor. Draco was watching Sirius and Hermione intently. Sirius twirled Hermione so Draco would be out of her view.
"Thank you Sirius, you being here means a lot to me."
"I came here for you, Hermione and to see Harry. You know I didn't come to support him."
"But he loves me and we're happy and we have a son, Sirius! Can't you just be happy for us?"
"I'm happy for you Hermione, and I don't want to ruin your big day. I just don't trust him; I can tell when a man has a secret. You can see it in his eyes; see it eating away at him."
"Sirius…" Hermione said firmly.
"You're right Hermione, I'm sorry." They danced in silence until the song was over. He kissed her hand and squeezed it gently. He looked straight into her eyes, like he was trying to warn her about something. He nodded at her and made his way to the door, leaving Hermione in confusion.
Draco put his hands on Hermione's shoulders and squeezed them gently. Hermione turned around and smiled, kissing him softly.
"You about ready to go? It's nearing midnight…"
"Yeah, let's go say goodnight to Varius"
"Of course."
"There's mommy!" Molly said, pointing to Hermione as she approached.
"Hi Sweetie!" she said, taking Varius into her arms and showering his forehead and cheeks with kisses.
"Molly, thank you so much for watching him," Hermione said.
"Oh, think nothing of it, dear! I'm not a grandma yet, so I'm getting my practice in! You two enjoy yourselves now, you just owl me when you want me to bring Varius by."
"Thank you, Mrs. Weasley," Draco said, tipping his hat at her and smiling.
"You're welcome," she said, still not used to Draco being such a polite young man.
Draco mumbled a spell and the door to their home flung open. He picked Hermione and carried her through the door way. No sooner had he planted her feet on the ground did he pull her into a kiss. His hands roamed her body and she let out soft moan through their kisses. Before she knew it, Draco had apparated them into the bedroom.
"Let me get out of my dress, okay?" Hermione said, smiling.
"Yeah, alright," he said, not talking his eyes off of her as she walked into the bathroom and shut the door.
Draco loosened his tie and kicked off his shoes. He threw his cloak over a chair and he was unbuttoning his shirt when he glanced into the mirror. He could barely stand to even look at himself. Sirius was right about one thing, lies can eat away at a man's soul. Maybe he should just tell Hermione, then Aitor would lose his hold over him. But would she still love him if he really knew? They hadn't even been married for twenty-four hours; he wasn't going to lose her already.
Hermione carefully hung her gown from a hanger on the shower rod. She could hardly believe she was finally married to Draco. The ceremony was perfect, and the reception was unbelievable. Well, Sirius' words had upset her a little bit. The nerve of him, telling her that her new husband was lying to her at her own wedding. What would Draco have to lie about? Maybe Sirius was just assuming that Draco was secretly continuing to run his father's business or something. No matter, she knew that Draco loved her, and she certainly wasn't going to let Sirius ruin her wedding night, something she was already nervous about, even though she didn't know why.
She actually didn't remember ever making love to Draco after the night Varius was conceived. In fact, Hermione hadn't really had any time to wonder why she couldn't remember certain things. Stop it! She thought to herself, she was not going to let Sirius get her all worked up over nothing. She locked herself over in the mirror one last time, and opened up the bathroom door.
Draco's eyes fixed on Hermione, his jaw dropped slightly. She was wearing a red corset with black lacing in the front. She had the matching panties that tied with leather string just below her hips. Her red garters held up her black nylons, and she was wearing black high heels trimmed in lace. Her have never seen this side of his new wife before, but he liked it.
Hermione slowly walked to Draco and stopped just short of him. "Tonight," she whispered seductively into his ear, "nothing matters but us."
Without hesitation, Draco pulled her body to his and kissed her forcefully. Her mouth opened instantly and allowed his tongue access. Not breaking their kiss, he walked her backwards to the bed. She sat down, but kept Draco standing. She undid the zipper of his pants and let them fall to the floor, never breaking their eye contact. She rubbed him through his silk boxers, and he began to moan. She closed her eyes and let the moment sink into her skin; it had been so long since she had made Draco moan like that.
Hermione pulled the boxers off and replaced her fingers with her tongue. She slid her tongue up and down, grasping the top tightly with her fingers and Draco gasped at the added pressure. She reached the bottom with her tongue and began to suck. Draco placed a hand on the back of her neck, running his fingers through her hair. She bit down and he half-screamed out her name in pleasure. She lay back onto the bed and he kissed her again.
"That," he said, planting a trail of kisses down her neck, "was amazing."
Hermione smiled, "Oh Draco, we're just getting started."
Draco unlaced her corset, which took longer than he would have liked, and quickly discarded into the pile of clothes forming on the floor. He took one of her breasts into his mouth, his tongue making soft circles across the sensitive skin. His other hand massaged her other breast, almost kneading it like dough. Now Draco was in control of Hermione, and he sent chills down her spine. She had one hand running through his hair and the other was grabbing his shoulder. She was biting her lower lip, and moaning louder by the minute.
"I love the way you say my name," Draco said, "It drives me crazy."
He continued kissing her stomach until he reached her panties. He untied the leather ties with his teeth, which drove Hermione crazy.
"Oh Draco," Hermione arched her back in response to his warm tongue entering her body. He loved how sweet she tasted; it was like he could never get enough. He pulled his tongue in and out and her thigh muscles tightened around his head. He drank every drop of her sweetness as she came.
Hermione pulled Draco back up to eye level and kissed him with intensity only he could match. He caressed her outer thigh as they kissed, feeling the silkiness of her garter. He slowly drug his hand to her inner thigh. She opened her legs to him and he began to rub her gently.
"Will you be okay?" he asked, just now remembering the doctor's words that she'd be sore for up to two months after giving birth.
"Draco, I need you tonight more than ever. I'll be fine," Hermione said, placing her hand on his.
Draco smiled and whispered, "I'll be gentle."
Hermione rolled her eyes, "where have I heard that before?"
He kissed her again and pushed her bent legs up towards her waist. He entered her slowly, and she winced in pain.
"I'm sorry," he said instantly.
"It's okay," Hermione said, wrapping her legs around his waist. He moved slowly at first, letting her adjust to the pace. His quickened his thrusts and Hermione moved her hips to meet them. He pulled out and then re-entered her, finding that one spot that made her go crazy. She dug her nails into his back, screaming out his name is ecstasy. He thrust into her again and again, her muscles gripping him tighter each time. He groaned in pleasure, the way he felt inside of her was indescribable. Draco couldn't get enough of her. Realizing she was quickly reaching her climax, he slowed his pace. He wanted to last as long as possible.
Hermione flipped their bodies so she was on top and flashed Draco that mischievous smile of hers. She put her hands on his hard abs for support as she imitated his powerful thrusts. He had his hands on her hips, guiding her. She rose up and came back down, hitting that right spot every time. She came in a rush and called out his name several times. She pressed her body into his and kissed him, not breaking their contact. She sucked on his bottom lip and his hands found their way up her thighs, and he was on top of her once again. He held her tight as they climaxed together and fell into each others arms from exhaustion.
"You've been married for two weeks now, Hermione and I don't think you've stopped smiling," said Ginny.
"I know," said Hermione, who was smiling as she fed Varius. "But I don't have a reason to stop smiling; I've got a wonderful husband and a beautiful son."
"Hey, I've been meaning to ask, how did you come up with the name Varius?"
"Well, it means "versatile" and since Draco and I have different talents, I don't know…I think he'll be good at a long of things. He'll be strong and athletic, intelligent and cunning, and stubborn beyond belief!"
"You read my mind! I don't think two people could be more stubborn. Poor little tyke never had a chance!"
"Ginny," said Molly, walking into the room with a tray of tea and biscuits, "that's not very nice! This little guy is going to be quite the gentlemen."
"Hermione said it first, mum," Ginny added in her defense.
"So dear, how is Draco?" asked Molly.
Hermione wasn't completely sure if Molly was genuinely interested or not, but she appreciated her asking none the less, "He's doing great, getting ready for his next test. I think he's going for level four soon. He's at home studying for the written exam right now. That's why I came over here, figured I should give him some proper study time."
"Well, I'm certainly glad you came. You and this little man are always welcome here."
"Thanks Molly," said Hermione, still smiling.
Draco shut his text book in frustration. He hadn't been able to concentrate on his studies for the last hour, and he had no idea why. Something just didn't feel right, like...
"Hello, Draco" came Perseus' voice from the kitchen, where Draco had left the back door unlocked.
"I should have known," Draco mumbled to himself.
"Did you think I'd just forget or decide that since you have a child you can just forget your debt?"
"No, but you haven't been exactly giving me tasks, I told you I'd do whatever you want me to."
"I want you to kill Harry Potter," Perseus said simply.
Draco starred at Perseus in disbelief. "You must be joking; my wife would hate me forever!"
"Well, then don't tell your wife it was you, it's not as if they're going to be any witnesses…"
"But…" Draco interrupted.
"I'm a reasonable man, Draco. But I'm beginning to lose my patience with you. I'm glad I anticipated your reaction correctly."
Draco had a look of confusion as four men in black cloaks walked into the room and immediately began to bind his arms and legs. Draco fought the men furiously, but four to one wasn't good odds for any man.
"You really brought this on yourself, Draco. It's nothing personal, just business you know. The Dark Lord will decide what to do with you now, may he have mercy on your soul. Although, I think we both know our Lord doesn't understand the concept of mercy very well."
Perseus walked up to Aitor and cast a spell on Draco's throat that silenced his screams, "Now no one is going to hear you suffer."
Even without his voice, Draco fought the men all the way of his house. They took him through the backyard, where he elbowed one of the men in the stomach and punched another with his bound hands. He began to run but his feet were bound, and he instead he hit the ground hard. Perseus stood over Draco's body and laughed. His laughter was the last thing Draco heard before everything went completely dark.