Disclaimer: HP don't belong to me :oD
Previously on PS:
Hermione pulled the pillow out from underneath her and beaned him once in the head before placing it back down and rolling over to face away, mumbling something about making him sleep on the floor. Draco, although disappointed that she'd turned, leaned back into his pillow with a very satisfied smirk on his face. He waited a good fifteen minutes, just reliving the kiss and desperately trying to find a patch of her taste on his lips. He sighed contentedly then, and turned his face back toward Hermione. He had no idea now if she were sleeping or not, but it didn't matter; he wasn't planning on kissing her. Hermione was a bit of a bed hog, and, already, was on his half of the bed. Not that Draco really minded, of course, but it gave way for opportunity. Tentatively, in case she was still awake, Draco tuned on his side and moved a bit closer, wrapping and arm around his bride-to-be and cradling her in a very comfortable spoons position. Whether in sleep or otherwise, Hermione cuddled toward him and held his arm like a teddy bear. Draco smiled at this and rested the bridge of his nose against the back of her head. Lying with Hermione in the firelight, while Hazel slept peacefully only feet away, Draco Malfoy found himself truly at peace. And, in that instant, he knew they would make it through whatever trials lay before them... even if he wasn't allowed to kiss her, or make too much noise. Moments like this made up for all the bad times.
~*~*~*~
CHAPTER THREE: Burgundy and Silver
Hermione woke only hours later to the familiar cries of baby Hazel. She groaned as she remembered the previous night and rolled toward Draco, planning on poking him until he woke up; he WAS supposed to be watching her alone, as the matter was. As opposed to feeling the warm body of her boyfriend beside her, Hermione found herself with the sinking feeling one gets in their stomach right before a fall. She steadied herself, rolling back and balancing on the edge of the bed, and took a breath to calm her heartbeat. Hermione fluttered her eyes open a moment later and looked around the room, confused. As she expected, she was on the very edge of the bed, in a place she should have found a blonde Slytherin. The mattress was still warm below her, signaling to the fact that he hadn't been gone long, however, and upon closer inspection, Hermione noted that the younger Malfoy was also missing.
The shrill cries sounded again, and Hermione sat up, spinning her head in the direction of the noise. A warm smile crossed her lips as she located the blonde duo that resided with her that chilly autumn night. Draco was sitting at a stool in the kitchen, looking weary as he shushed his sister and patted her back. Deciding better of alerting them to her consciousness, Hermione settled back into her pillow, moving again to her side of the bed, and listened as her future groom sang quietly in a deep baritone voice. She fell asleep to the smooth tones faster than Hazel did, as when Draco returned to bed, he was none-the-wiser of her antics.
When Hermione woke again, she need not move a muscle to know that Draco was right beside her. For one, his body was pressed closely to hers and an arm encircled her small frame. She didn't bother to open her eyes as she smiled, listening to his gentle snores. It was decided in that instant that Hermione preferred waking up beside him to waking alone... Draco had a keen ability to make even simple pleasures better.
A rustle from a distance alerted her to the fact that she was not the first to rise that morning. Hermione opened her eyes and tilted her head upward to see Hazel on all fours in her crib, holding her chest from the ground and looking toward her with cherubic blue eyes. At the notation that Hermione too was awake, Hazel gave a great smile and started to blow little wet raspberries. Her watcher laughed softly and turned her head back into the pillow, entertaining the idea of gaining a few more moments rest, but Hazel had other plans. She gave a sharp cry, which literally caused Hermione to jump, and the idea was forgone.
"Alright, Hazy, I'm coming, I'm coming," she assured, and gently lifted the anchor of Draco's arm, allowing her to slip from the bed unnoticed. He seemed not to mind this in the slightest, as Draco didn't make so much as a muscle twitch to alert to the actuality that he was in fact alive. With a soft chuckle, Hermione made her way to Hazel's crib and lifted her onto her hip. "You did good, love... it's almost eight o'clock... I think that's a record for you." Hermione whispered to the little blonde, who simply rested her body against the chest in her way like a rag doll.
If Hermione let him sleep, which she was planning on, Draco would be out for a good few more hours. She smiled at him as if he were a knight fresh home from battle; he'd gotten up last night without protest... and dealt with the matter of Hazel without her help. Frankly, she was very proud of him. With the possible exception of changing diapers, Draco was entirely capable of taking care of the baby. As much as he'd deny it, he had a way with her. Hermione may be able to shush her, but Draco could put her to sleep faster than he could himself. Maybe it was that honey smooth voice of his... but whatever it was, it'd given them more sleep than he could imagine.
When Hazel was contentedly sitting in her clamp-on high chair, Hermione decided she might do well to send a letter to Lucifer. Whenever he dragged his arse out of bed, he'd probably be confused. Not worried, necessarily, until at least twenty-four hours had lapsed, but confused nonetheless. After a quick game of peek-a-boo to entertain the tot who was growing slightly restless, Hermione summoned her owl from its room upstairs. More commonly known as the owlry, Iago's room was a small, unused bedchamber that housed one perpetually opened window, all the owl treats one could want, and plenty of water for those long journeys. Leaving behind only the flap of the owl door, Iago flew down the stairs and directly to Hermione's waiting hand. Hazel squealed in delight, which earned her a surprised look from Hermione; she'd never done that before. The baby simply stared with wide eyes, as if surprised herself, and Hermione laughed before scribbling a short note addressed to 'Lucy' and signed 'Sis'.
It was like a game they played. Ever since she could remember, Lucifer had referred to her as 'Sis'. Being nearly ten years old when they were originally betrothed, he'd understood what it meant more thoroughly than the couple themselves. When she'd entered Hogwarts and her mother had begun to send her letters about Aunt Lucy, referring to Lucius, Hermione had devised a plan of vengeance. She'd called Lucifer Lucy each time he called her Sis. Once it didn't bother him so much anymore, he pretended to be annoyed, just to entertain her. Hermione was no fool and knew of his tricks, but didn't halt in name calling nonetheless.
Once the letter was off with her tawny barn owl, Hermione set about making breakfast, sparing a moment here and there to entertain her future sister- in-law. In some small way, she hoped the smell of her cooking would wake Draco. That boy never was one to miss a meal... if made within twenty feet of him.
~*~*~*~
It was about one thirty that afternoon that Draco was startled from feeding Hazel by the opening of the front door, followed by laughter. Hermione too looked up from her Daily Prophet, only to see four familiar adults make their way toward the kitchen. She shared a confused look with Draco, who simply shrugged his shoulders and continued bottle-feeding his sister. Before either of the teenagers could speak a word, a thin blonde woman bustled over to her children.
"Aw, there's Mummy's little angel," she cooed, taking her daughter from Draco's arms and ruffling his hair.
"Mum," he said in soft annoyance, and Narcissa laughed.
"Mum," Hermione said, turning to the other woman, who sported shoulder length bronze curls. "What are you all doing here, I thought you were house hunting." At this question, Draco too looked to the addressed adults, wondering the same thing. In truth, he and Hermione hadn't expected to see their parents again until the next afternoon at the earliest. Madeline Boyce gave her husband a smirk.
"Well, love... there was no sense in staying away without reason." Draco lifted an eyebrow, glancing to his parents, confused, but Hermione looked slightly excited.
"You found a house?" she asked, her eyes grazing over all four adults, whose looks assured her accuracy. Draco straightened a bit at this, looking quite interested himself.
"Well," he said, "When can we see it?" Hunter Boyce, Hermione's father, gave a hearty chuckle and placed a hand on his wife's corresponding shoulder.
"Not for two more weeks, Draco. Proper etiquette and all." Although looking a little disappointed, Draco gave a slight nod. Hermione, however, would not give up so easily.
"Well at least tell us about it then," she pleaded and the men shared a look.
"Nothing much of course," said Hermione's father and Lucius gave a nod.
"Twelve bedrooms... sixteen bath..." The smile on the bride-to-be's face fell, as did that of her future groom. It was well known to Draco that Hermione despised large houses... and the home their parents spoke of seemed larger than Buckingham. It was entirely too much for anyone... Malfoy Manor wasn't even that large. Although the back yard did run for twenty acres, housing practically nothing but trees and scenery. Hermione did enjoy this aspect, however, as she loved to ride horses, and it was the perfect getaway.
The Boyce estate, however, stretched over much of Wizarding England, but was broken into pieces... a Ranch in the north, Oceanside cottage on the coast... not too much in one place. What bothered Draco the most about this new information of his future home, was that he'd specifically told his mother before they left not to even look at anything too large, and that he would only agree to something smaller than the Manor. She had AGREED. Narcissa had promised him that both he and Hermione would love their new home... and she hated it already, he could tell.
"Twelve..." Hermione mumbled in awe, overwhelmed by this new information. There was a brief silence in which all four adults grinned widely, as if proud of their accomplishment, but it was followed by a collective laugh from each.
"We were joking, love," Hunter said, patting his daughter on the back, and she let out a soft breath.
"Scared me for a minute there, Daddy," she admitted and Draco smiled.
"So, jests of life long misery aside, would you care to tell us something of substance?" he asked, earning a look from his mother, which told him not to speak so disrespectfully. Lucius laughed and stepped up behind his son.
"So impatient, aren't we, boy?" Draco gave them all an innocent smile, which caused Hermione to playfully roll her eyes. "Five bedrooms," Lucius continued, "but of course they needn't be used as such, and three bath." Draco looked to Hermione, who seemed entirely pleased by such a thing, and nodded.
"Alright then."
"Anything else?" Hermione asked, now sounding just as excited as she had before the little gag. Madeline laughed.
"Well, of course... but you'll have to wait and see what, won't you?" Hermione looked a tad put out, but kept a smile.
"And in the meantime," Narcissa announced, handing her daughter over to her husband, "We have some shopping to do." Hermione looked as if she'd just eaten something rotten.
"Shopping? Already?"
"Yep, now come on... we better get going," Madeline chirped, shoving a heavy overcoat in her daughter's direction. Hermione sent a pleading look to Draco, but he just smirked and wiggled his fingers. She scowled, donning her coat and following the two chattering women out the front door without so much as a look behind her. She knew she'd have to do this eventually, but he could have said SOMETHING.
"Alright, love, what first?" Madeline asked when they'd all piled into her car and pulled a folded list from her pocket, handing it to her daughter. With a slight look of distaste, Hermione opened the paper and read through her choices. Dress, Flowers, Cake, Photographer, Decorations, Balloons, House (which was crossed off) and the list went on and on. Hermione groaned.
"We're going to do all this today?" she asked, and the women nodded eagerly.
"As much as we can. So, where to?" Hermione sighed.
"Might as well start at the top..."
~*~*~*~
"Oh, I've always loved muggle dresses," Narcissa crooned as she and Madeline looked through book after book of what the store clerk assured were the finest wedding dresses this side of the Atlantic. Hermione stood on a stool, in front of a mirror, admiring their latest choice for her. In actuality, she found it too fancy. It was big and white, of course, with a very long train and hoards of beads and lace. It did look lovely... but of course, all the dresses were magically flattering. "Oh, Maddy, how about this one?" Madeline looked over to Narcissa's book and turned her head from side to side.
"Hm... a bit fancy, isn't it?" Hermione let out an almost silent groan. If her mother thought it was too fancy, she could only imagine what it must look like. "Well, let's try it and see. Veristito six fifty nine," she chanted, raising a wand to her daughter, who closed her eyes until the swishing of fabric ceased. And then, she was almost afraid to open them. "You know, Cissa, I DO like that one..." Braving a look at what she would probably be wearing in two weeks time (it'd been the most decisive reaction her mother had had so far), Hermione opened her eyes. It was hideous. There were false hips and an exaggerated rear, making her waist look a considerable amount larger, widened shoulders with large poofing cuffs that tickled her ears, no sleeves, and an array of little white flowers and beads.
"Mother, no," she stated determinedly, and Madeline looked slightly surprised. Hermione hadn't said a word about any of the dresses since they'd begun.
"Well, alright then, why don't you come and look yourself?" she asked challengingly, but Hermione felt like kissing her. If she picked from the beginning, they'd have been out of there hours ago. She tried to step off the stool, but found herself rather tied down.
"I'd love to, Mother... but I'm afraid I can't move." Narcissa, who also hadn't been too fond of that dress (now that she'd seen it on her daughter- in-law to be), giggled and passed Hermione a catalogue. "Thank you, Cissa." Hermione browsed quickly through the book, turning pages at an alarming rate. Each and every dress seemed much too fancy and extravagant. She continued like this for just over a minute, and left nearly half the book in her wake, until... Hermione stopped mid-turn and gently let the page fall back down. A large smile crept across her face, and she looked up at her mother before closing the book. "I'd like to see eight forty two, please, Mum." With a slight shrug, Madeline cast the spell.
Hermione nearly gasped. It looked even better than in the book. The dress she had chosen was a Celtic style, with form fit to the waist, exaggerating her curves, and a fluttery skirt that would have touched the floor, had she not been elevated. The sleeves were made of the same material, open from the elbow and extending far past arm's length. The simplicity was accented by a beautiful silver strip of embroidery that laced around her neck and down the front of the dress to the floor. She loved it more than she could ever imagine loving a dress. Hermione felt like a medieval princess.
The two women sitting to the side stared wide-eyed at their daughter, amazed at how wonderful she looked in such a simple dress. Hermione gently took her skirt in her hands, lifting it high enough to spin around, allowing herself to view the back, which was tied like a corset with a matching silver cord, and the train, which was, in her opinion, just the right length, stretching only so much as to be noticeable. Satisfied, Hermione gave a little giggle, lifting her shoulders, and turned back to her matrons.
"What do you think?" she asked, hoping against all hope that they agreed... Hermione honestly didn't think she could live if she was forced to try on one more dress... and she absolutely loved this one. Narcissa looked very approving, a good sign, but Madeline looked unsure. Hermione frowned the tiniest bit. "Mum?"
"Isn't it a little... plain?" Hermione grinned.
"That's why I like it," she assured, "Don't you?"
"Well," her mother stated, tilting her head to the side in a silent debate. The pleading look from her daughter caved her in. "I do, love... I do... but maybe we could... add a little something here and there?" Hermione shook her head.
"I want it just the way it is. Please, Mum?" Madeline looked to Narcissa, as if asking for help, but she seemed to be siding with Hermione. With two on one, she had no choice, and sighed. "I'll let you pick out whatever shoes you want," Hermione added, as if asking for a truce, and her mother laughed.
"Alright, alright... if you're sure." Hermione squealed and lifted her skirt again, jumping down from the stool and briskly making her way toward her mother for a hug.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you," she praised before going back to the mirror to admire herself some more.
"Well, if that's the one you want, no sense dawdling," Madeline said, flicking her wand toward her daughter, rendering the dress to fold and wrap itself in a box, and Hermione to once again be wearing her simple jeans and sweater. She looked slightly disappointed at the thought that she wouldn't get to wear it again until the wedding day itself, but the fact that she'd get to wear it again at all made Hermione bubbly and light.
After Madeline had selected the fanciest pair of silver shoes she could find and Narcissa, to be fair, had found a crown-like veil that would match perfectly, the three women paid for their pleasantries and left the boutique, with Hermione skipping ahead. A quick trip to the car and they were again empty handed.
"What time is it, Mum?" Hermione asked, as she skipped toward the flower shop across the way. Ah, the convenience of malls... probably the best Muggle-influenced thing Wizards had.
"Just past three, love," Madeline said, smiling at the carefree spirit of her daughter. Maybe that dress was a good idea... this was certainly much easier than dragging her everywhere. Hermione, however, looked surprised. She'd expected it was much, much later... she must have been more bored than she'd originally thought.
Just minutes later, as they browsed through the rows and rows of silk flowers, Hermione saw a basket of burgundy calla lilies and was struck with a note of sheer brilliance. She lifted a spritz of the delicate flowers, charmed to look, feel, and smell real, and made her way over toward her mother.
"Mum..." she said, and Madeline turned around, a bright smile on her face. Hermione held the little bouquet like it were her bridal, an innocent smile on her face. Madeline lifted an eyebrow.
"Yes?" she asked a tad suspiciously, and Hermione giggled.
"I have an idea."
"You have an idea?" her mother repeated and Hermione nodded.
"Let's hear it, then," Narcissa said, coming in from behind, and looking excited.
"Well..." Hermione started, looking between them. Narcissa looked encouraging, but Madeline seemed just surprised. "I was thinking we could do everything in correspondence to my dress... Medieval, like. The church is already very gothic... and we could do burgundy and... earth tones. What do you think?" she suggested, looking a bit nervous that her mother wouldn't agree. Narcissa, of course, looked supportive. She seemed to want Hermione to want what she wanted, as opposed to picking out things in her favor. Contrary to expectation, Madeline looked just as ecstatic.
"That's a wonderful idea, love! I can see it now... rose petals on the floor... torches and lace... oh, and we can do your hair... you're a genius, Mina!" she agreed enthusiastically, hugging Hermione's shoulders. She laughed.
"Oh, and I don't want Draco to know, so we can't tell Daddy or Uncle Lucius," she added, and Narcissa looked confused.
"But what about when they go for tuxes?" Hermione laughed.
"I don't want him to wear breeches or anything," she said, sticking out her tongue. "All the guys can have regular suits... the guests won't dress in theme, so it won't look odd." Narcissa gave a slow nod.
"Yes, I suppose that's true." With this agreed, Hermione let her mothers go wild. She liked almost everything they decided on, and let them go. She had her dress... and the theme... everything was going to be perfect, no matter if she didn't particularly like orchids.
The rest of the day flew past without a hitch. It was decided that the reception, which was to be held at Malfoy Manor, would be done in a traditional fashion, as so the boys could set it up while they worked on the church. Burgundy and silver became the official colors, and the balloons and cake reflected them. The only thing left to work out was the photographer, and Narcissa assured she had the perfect person in mind.
~*~*~*~
The three women arrived back at the Boyce estate just after twilight and Hermione excitedly shrunk everything and hid it in all in a tiny wooden chest she'd bought at the flower shop. It was originally meant to be home to a small bouquet of silk flowers, but Hermione placed everything within and brought it inside and up to her room, placing the whole lot safely in the closet before spinning back around and flying down the stairs. Narcissa had decided to stay for a cup of tea with her mother, but the men were nowhere to be found. Hermione assumed they were back at the manor, and excused herself from the older women, kissing each on the cheek.
"Don't tell him about your dress, love! It's bad luck!" called Madeline as Hermione re-buttoned her pea coat and she laughed.
"Of course not, Mum! That would ruin everything anyway," she assured before stepping back through the door and dashing the three blocks to her fiancé's home. She made her way directly up to Draco's room, her hands flying to the knobs. Surprisingly, however, they didn't turn, so she opted for knocking, wearing a confused expression on her face.
"Who is it?" called a slightly nervous voice, and Hermione found herself starting to get suspicious.
"It's me, Draco, open up," she called back with a final knock, and a good long moment went by before he did come to the door.
"Hi," Draco said breathily, wearing a winning smile, but Hermione's eyebrows were furrowed.
"Hi..." she exchanged, stepping into the room, eyes locked on his. Draco frowned a bit at the look on her face, but didn't say anything. Hermione simply looked around the room, as if searching for incriminating evidence. The only thing out of place in the room was Draco himself, whose clothes were wrinkled and displaced, belt unbuckled, shirt only partially tucked in, and hair tousled. Of course, this could be simply Draco being himself... but Hermione didn't think as logically. She turned to face him. "You don't have a girl in here, do you?" she asked, crossing her arms, and Draco laughed out loud.
"What?" he asked, but his answer was nowhere near nervous. Hermione lifted an eyebrow, and he sighed. "Alright, you caught me," he agreed, looking defeated, and started toward the closet. Hermione didn't know how to feel... firstly, that was totally uncharacteristic of him, and secondly, he'd given up very easily. If a girl came out of that closet however... oh, hell would break loose. Hermione took in a breath as Draco disappeared behind the door of his vast walk-in closet, but exhaled in relief when he came back out, holding Hazel. She approached him quickly, taking the baby in her own arms.
"Why did you put her in the closet?" she asked, confused, and Draco shrugged.
"She got in there by accident, and cried when I took her out, so I figured we'd compromise. I put her playpen in there," he said, scratching his head as if confused by his sister's behavior himself. He walked past Hermione and to the bed, sitting down and stretching slightly. "So, have fun?" Hermione glared slightly.
"Speaking of such, I'd be mad at you for not saying anything..." she started, but then grinned. "If I actually didn't have fun." Draco looked confused.
"Okay... you went shopping... with our mothers... for something such as a wedding... and, enjoyed it?" Hermione nodded.
"Cissa helped a lot... anything I wanted she agreed with, and we ganged up on Mum."
"So...?"
"So what? I can't tell you anything, I promised them." Draco feigned outrage.
"What! How dare you! I have just as much say!" he insisted, and Hermione laughed, placing Hazel beside him on the bed, propped up against a pillow.
"I have to say though," Hermione continued, "My mother has the worst taste in everything... there was this one dress..." she shuddered. "Let me show you..." Hermione fished in her pocket for her wand and charmed one of the bed drapes to take the form of her mother's hideous dress, then slip itself onto her. Although it was black velvet, the effect was enough. Draco burst out laughing.
"You're kidding... she did NOT like that," he said, but Hermione nodded and turned around shaking her bum at him.
"Yep. Pretty, hm?"
"Please tell me you didn't agree on it?"
"I suppose you'll have to wait and see, won't you?" she stated, smirking. "After all, I did promise." Draco looked frankly a little scared. Hermione laughed. "Whaddaya think, Hazy?" she asked, stepping toward the little blonde and tickling her tummy. She squealed in delight, and Hermione smiled. "Guess she likes it too."
~*~*~*~
A/N: Wedding bells are ringing! I honestly hope this wasn't too boring... I know it sometimes can be when there are chapters like this... but I tried, I did! Lol, for those of you thinking, there is NO WAY you could get everything for a wedding down and done in two weeks... I know. But these are magic people. They don't have to wait in line, or wait for their dresses to be made or altered... or their cake baked, or bouquets made... you get it. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if they got it all done in one day! Lol. I love that dress... :oD if you want to see it, go to
that's the dress, but the sleeves are more like this:
I love pretty things :oD
PRF: Wow! First, let me say, I'm overwhelmed by the number of reviews I got! Yes, it has been days since I updated... but it was only two chapters! One of which was already posted once! AND I GOT 30 REVIEWS! You guys rock!...... As per etiquette from now on, I'm only reply to reviews of context. As much as I love the "Great story!" and "Update soon!" s, I see no point in really writing back. This is just to conserve space.
I LeAeNa SeRpEnTiS I: Not quite :oD
October Potter-Snape: Yes, Draco has good intentions, but... sometimes he doesn't think things through :oD It was sweet though, huh?
Brenda: Hey, you could be my 800th... if you don't mind being reviewers 30- 799 as well :oD And yes, I like to have what everyone thinks in her... except of course for some things. This was almost entirely Hermione's point of view, but next chapter, or whenever they go tux-ing, it will be mostly Draco's. I mean, he can't really be too interested... he's a guy... it's a wedding. Ya, ya... Liking the plot is good too :oD
Brokenhearted: Yes, of course, Harry and Ron have to know! They gotta come! Lol.
Diana: :oD I like to be different. And my Malfoys are usually nice... well, not Lucius so much... but Narcissa always is. The Guilly Lucius is quite nice too, as a matter of fact ;o) I know, aren't D/Hr cute! They're like a brother and sister.
Befuzzled: Yes, chapter one was originally posted as the second chapter of FLYT. It's still there, as a matter of fact.
Lumos-n-nox: I'm debating on when to give them a baby. Not at first, of course, but ya know... I have to get through the whole Harry/Ron thing... that's going to be the major conflict. I'm thinking I'll make them take it in a very strange and unanticipated way, you know... well, you WILL know... I'm not going to tell you yet! :oD
Crystalline Lily: Doesn't Draco just make ya wanna... make babies with him?! Lol. And you're the first person to point out the Lucifer (Devil) the momma's boy! Congrats! Yes, they were shopping... but they were house hunting for their offspring, so I suppose it's not so bad :oD And lol... glomp?
Mesmer: yep... It was chappy 2 of FLYT. I liked it too... and that's my fav. song! :oD
Lovestruckbyanelf: You bet I'm continuing! We're talking novel-length here :oD
Anna: Hm... I never really thought of it as an AU fic, because they did go to Hogwarts and everything was the same... but I guess you could think of it like that. I'm glad you continued reading, despite your initial feeling. Now I feel all warm and fuzzy :oD
Croft: What exactly do you mean by not Hogwarts related? I'm sorry; lol, I'm usually in the dark :oD And yes, I know all about stuff being overused. Most of my stories have some sort of overused quality to them... you know, OTHER than the D/Hr pairing. :oD And yes... I agree about the baby thing. I hate it when they like have a baby and it's all ABOUT the baby. MPES had a lot to do with Jr. ... but more so with Draco's coming home. Ya. Lucifer the Momma's boy ;o) And yes... Draco may be rash and illogical, but he is sweet :oD And chapter 2 was only about a page shorter than most of my chapters... it was only 9, usually I write 10
Harmonic Sakke: Ohayo Miss Sakke. And yes, that was supposed to surprise you (Uncle Lucius) :oD And I'm not evious of Hermione's Hazel problem either... considering I have a one and one month old one of my own. More commonly known as Kaitlin. :oD. But she's a cutie :oD. And... he wasn't TRYING to be romantic, he was just thinking of himself. If there's no Hermione... who'll he play with? ;o)
Swimcutie: Aw, the compliments... I shall drown in your kind words, good sir. (I know you're not a sir ;o) )
Summerkins: Oh yes, much much different from Guilly... but I like it nonetheless.
Previously on PS:
Hermione pulled the pillow out from underneath her and beaned him once in the head before placing it back down and rolling over to face away, mumbling something about making him sleep on the floor. Draco, although disappointed that she'd turned, leaned back into his pillow with a very satisfied smirk on his face. He waited a good fifteen minutes, just reliving the kiss and desperately trying to find a patch of her taste on his lips. He sighed contentedly then, and turned his face back toward Hermione. He had no idea now if she were sleeping or not, but it didn't matter; he wasn't planning on kissing her. Hermione was a bit of a bed hog, and, already, was on his half of the bed. Not that Draco really minded, of course, but it gave way for opportunity. Tentatively, in case she was still awake, Draco tuned on his side and moved a bit closer, wrapping and arm around his bride-to-be and cradling her in a very comfortable spoons position. Whether in sleep or otherwise, Hermione cuddled toward him and held his arm like a teddy bear. Draco smiled at this and rested the bridge of his nose against the back of her head. Lying with Hermione in the firelight, while Hazel slept peacefully only feet away, Draco Malfoy found himself truly at peace. And, in that instant, he knew they would make it through whatever trials lay before them... even if he wasn't allowed to kiss her, or make too much noise. Moments like this made up for all the bad times.
~*~*~*~
CHAPTER THREE: Burgundy and Silver
Hermione woke only hours later to the familiar cries of baby Hazel. She groaned as she remembered the previous night and rolled toward Draco, planning on poking him until he woke up; he WAS supposed to be watching her alone, as the matter was. As opposed to feeling the warm body of her boyfriend beside her, Hermione found herself with the sinking feeling one gets in their stomach right before a fall. She steadied herself, rolling back and balancing on the edge of the bed, and took a breath to calm her heartbeat. Hermione fluttered her eyes open a moment later and looked around the room, confused. As she expected, she was on the very edge of the bed, in a place she should have found a blonde Slytherin. The mattress was still warm below her, signaling to the fact that he hadn't been gone long, however, and upon closer inspection, Hermione noted that the younger Malfoy was also missing.
The shrill cries sounded again, and Hermione sat up, spinning her head in the direction of the noise. A warm smile crossed her lips as she located the blonde duo that resided with her that chilly autumn night. Draco was sitting at a stool in the kitchen, looking weary as he shushed his sister and patted her back. Deciding better of alerting them to her consciousness, Hermione settled back into her pillow, moving again to her side of the bed, and listened as her future groom sang quietly in a deep baritone voice. She fell asleep to the smooth tones faster than Hazel did, as when Draco returned to bed, he was none-the-wiser of her antics.
When Hermione woke again, she need not move a muscle to know that Draco was right beside her. For one, his body was pressed closely to hers and an arm encircled her small frame. She didn't bother to open her eyes as she smiled, listening to his gentle snores. It was decided in that instant that Hermione preferred waking up beside him to waking alone... Draco had a keen ability to make even simple pleasures better.
A rustle from a distance alerted her to the fact that she was not the first to rise that morning. Hermione opened her eyes and tilted her head upward to see Hazel on all fours in her crib, holding her chest from the ground and looking toward her with cherubic blue eyes. At the notation that Hermione too was awake, Hazel gave a great smile and started to blow little wet raspberries. Her watcher laughed softly and turned her head back into the pillow, entertaining the idea of gaining a few more moments rest, but Hazel had other plans. She gave a sharp cry, which literally caused Hermione to jump, and the idea was forgone.
"Alright, Hazy, I'm coming, I'm coming," she assured, and gently lifted the anchor of Draco's arm, allowing her to slip from the bed unnoticed. He seemed not to mind this in the slightest, as Draco didn't make so much as a muscle twitch to alert to the actuality that he was in fact alive. With a soft chuckle, Hermione made her way to Hazel's crib and lifted her onto her hip. "You did good, love... it's almost eight o'clock... I think that's a record for you." Hermione whispered to the little blonde, who simply rested her body against the chest in her way like a rag doll.
If Hermione let him sleep, which she was planning on, Draco would be out for a good few more hours. She smiled at him as if he were a knight fresh home from battle; he'd gotten up last night without protest... and dealt with the matter of Hazel without her help. Frankly, she was very proud of him. With the possible exception of changing diapers, Draco was entirely capable of taking care of the baby. As much as he'd deny it, he had a way with her. Hermione may be able to shush her, but Draco could put her to sleep faster than he could himself. Maybe it was that honey smooth voice of his... but whatever it was, it'd given them more sleep than he could imagine.
When Hazel was contentedly sitting in her clamp-on high chair, Hermione decided she might do well to send a letter to Lucifer. Whenever he dragged his arse out of bed, he'd probably be confused. Not worried, necessarily, until at least twenty-four hours had lapsed, but confused nonetheless. After a quick game of peek-a-boo to entertain the tot who was growing slightly restless, Hermione summoned her owl from its room upstairs. More commonly known as the owlry, Iago's room was a small, unused bedchamber that housed one perpetually opened window, all the owl treats one could want, and plenty of water for those long journeys. Leaving behind only the flap of the owl door, Iago flew down the stairs and directly to Hermione's waiting hand. Hazel squealed in delight, which earned her a surprised look from Hermione; she'd never done that before. The baby simply stared with wide eyes, as if surprised herself, and Hermione laughed before scribbling a short note addressed to 'Lucy' and signed 'Sis'.
It was like a game they played. Ever since she could remember, Lucifer had referred to her as 'Sis'. Being nearly ten years old when they were originally betrothed, he'd understood what it meant more thoroughly than the couple themselves. When she'd entered Hogwarts and her mother had begun to send her letters about Aunt Lucy, referring to Lucius, Hermione had devised a plan of vengeance. She'd called Lucifer Lucy each time he called her Sis. Once it didn't bother him so much anymore, he pretended to be annoyed, just to entertain her. Hermione was no fool and knew of his tricks, but didn't halt in name calling nonetheless.
Once the letter was off with her tawny barn owl, Hermione set about making breakfast, sparing a moment here and there to entertain her future sister- in-law. In some small way, she hoped the smell of her cooking would wake Draco. That boy never was one to miss a meal... if made within twenty feet of him.
~*~*~*~
It was about one thirty that afternoon that Draco was startled from feeding Hazel by the opening of the front door, followed by laughter. Hermione too looked up from her Daily Prophet, only to see four familiar adults make their way toward the kitchen. She shared a confused look with Draco, who simply shrugged his shoulders and continued bottle-feeding his sister. Before either of the teenagers could speak a word, a thin blonde woman bustled over to her children.
"Aw, there's Mummy's little angel," she cooed, taking her daughter from Draco's arms and ruffling his hair.
"Mum," he said in soft annoyance, and Narcissa laughed.
"Mum," Hermione said, turning to the other woman, who sported shoulder length bronze curls. "What are you all doing here, I thought you were house hunting." At this question, Draco too looked to the addressed adults, wondering the same thing. In truth, he and Hermione hadn't expected to see their parents again until the next afternoon at the earliest. Madeline Boyce gave her husband a smirk.
"Well, love... there was no sense in staying away without reason." Draco lifted an eyebrow, glancing to his parents, confused, but Hermione looked slightly excited.
"You found a house?" she asked, her eyes grazing over all four adults, whose looks assured her accuracy. Draco straightened a bit at this, looking quite interested himself.
"Well," he said, "When can we see it?" Hunter Boyce, Hermione's father, gave a hearty chuckle and placed a hand on his wife's corresponding shoulder.
"Not for two more weeks, Draco. Proper etiquette and all." Although looking a little disappointed, Draco gave a slight nod. Hermione, however, would not give up so easily.
"Well at least tell us about it then," she pleaded and the men shared a look.
"Nothing much of course," said Hermione's father and Lucius gave a nod.
"Twelve bedrooms... sixteen bath..." The smile on the bride-to-be's face fell, as did that of her future groom. It was well known to Draco that Hermione despised large houses... and the home their parents spoke of seemed larger than Buckingham. It was entirely too much for anyone... Malfoy Manor wasn't even that large. Although the back yard did run for twenty acres, housing practically nothing but trees and scenery. Hermione did enjoy this aspect, however, as she loved to ride horses, and it was the perfect getaway.
The Boyce estate, however, stretched over much of Wizarding England, but was broken into pieces... a Ranch in the north, Oceanside cottage on the coast... not too much in one place. What bothered Draco the most about this new information of his future home, was that he'd specifically told his mother before they left not to even look at anything too large, and that he would only agree to something smaller than the Manor. She had AGREED. Narcissa had promised him that both he and Hermione would love their new home... and she hated it already, he could tell.
"Twelve..." Hermione mumbled in awe, overwhelmed by this new information. There was a brief silence in which all four adults grinned widely, as if proud of their accomplishment, but it was followed by a collective laugh from each.
"We were joking, love," Hunter said, patting his daughter on the back, and she let out a soft breath.
"Scared me for a minute there, Daddy," she admitted and Draco smiled.
"So, jests of life long misery aside, would you care to tell us something of substance?" he asked, earning a look from his mother, which told him not to speak so disrespectfully. Lucius laughed and stepped up behind his son.
"So impatient, aren't we, boy?" Draco gave them all an innocent smile, which caused Hermione to playfully roll her eyes. "Five bedrooms," Lucius continued, "but of course they needn't be used as such, and three bath." Draco looked to Hermione, who seemed entirely pleased by such a thing, and nodded.
"Alright then."
"Anything else?" Hermione asked, now sounding just as excited as she had before the little gag. Madeline laughed.
"Well, of course... but you'll have to wait and see what, won't you?" Hermione looked a tad put out, but kept a smile.
"And in the meantime," Narcissa announced, handing her daughter over to her husband, "We have some shopping to do." Hermione looked as if she'd just eaten something rotten.
"Shopping? Already?"
"Yep, now come on... we better get going," Madeline chirped, shoving a heavy overcoat in her daughter's direction. Hermione sent a pleading look to Draco, but he just smirked and wiggled his fingers. She scowled, donning her coat and following the two chattering women out the front door without so much as a look behind her. She knew she'd have to do this eventually, but he could have said SOMETHING.
"Alright, love, what first?" Madeline asked when they'd all piled into her car and pulled a folded list from her pocket, handing it to her daughter. With a slight look of distaste, Hermione opened the paper and read through her choices. Dress, Flowers, Cake, Photographer, Decorations, Balloons, House (which was crossed off) and the list went on and on. Hermione groaned.
"We're going to do all this today?" she asked, and the women nodded eagerly.
"As much as we can. So, where to?" Hermione sighed.
"Might as well start at the top..."
~*~*~*~
"Oh, I've always loved muggle dresses," Narcissa crooned as she and Madeline looked through book after book of what the store clerk assured were the finest wedding dresses this side of the Atlantic. Hermione stood on a stool, in front of a mirror, admiring their latest choice for her. In actuality, she found it too fancy. It was big and white, of course, with a very long train and hoards of beads and lace. It did look lovely... but of course, all the dresses were magically flattering. "Oh, Maddy, how about this one?" Madeline looked over to Narcissa's book and turned her head from side to side.
"Hm... a bit fancy, isn't it?" Hermione let out an almost silent groan. If her mother thought it was too fancy, she could only imagine what it must look like. "Well, let's try it and see. Veristito six fifty nine," she chanted, raising a wand to her daughter, who closed her eyes until the swishing of fabric ceased. And then, she was almost afraid to open them. "You know, Cissa, I DO like that one..." Braving a look at what she would probably be wearing in two weeks time (it'd been the most decisive reaction her mother had had so far), Hermione opened her eyes. It was hideous. There were false hips and an exaggerated rear, making her waist look a considerable amount larger, widened shoulders with large poofing cuffs that tickled her ears, no sleeves, and an array of little white flowers and beads.
"Mother, no," she stated determinedly, and Madeline looked slightly surprised. Hermione hadn't said a word about any of the dresses since they'd begun.
"Well, alright then, why don't you come and look yourself?" she asked challengingly, but Hermione felt like kissing her. If she picked from the beginning, they'd have been out of there hours ago. She tried to step off the stool, but found herself rather tied down.
"I'd love to, Mother... but I'm afraid I can't move." Narcissa, who also hadn't been too fond of that dress (now that she'd seen it on her daughter- in-law to be), giggled and passed Hermione a catalogue. "Thank you, Cissa." Hermione browsed quickly through the book, turning pages at an alarming rate. Each and every dress seemed much too fancy and extravagant. She continued like this for just over a minute, and left nearly half the book in her wake, until... Hermione stopped mid-turn and gently let the page fall back down. A large smile crept across her face, and she looked up at her mother before closing the book. "I'd like to see eight forty two, please, Mum." With a slight shrug, Madeline cast the spell.
Hermione nearly gasped. It looked even better than in the book. The dress she had chosen was a Celtic style, with form fit to the waist, exaggerating her curves, and a fluttery skirt that would have touched the floor, had she not been elevated. The sleeves were made of the same material, open from the elbow and extending far past arm's length. The simplicity was accented by a beautiful silver strip of embroidery that laced around her neck and down the front of the dress to the floor. She loved it more than she could ever imagine loving a dress. Hermione felt like a medieval princess.
The two women sitting to the side stared wide-eyed at their daughter, amazed at how wonderful she looked in such a simple dress. Hermione gently took her skirt in her hands, lifting it high enough to spin around, allowing herself to view the back, which was tied like a corset with a matching silver cord, and the train, which was, in her opinion, just the right length, stretching only so much as to be noticeable. Satisfied, Hermione gave a little giggle, lifting her shoulders, and turned back to her matrons.
"What do you think?" she asked, hoping against all hope that they agreed... Hermione honestly didn't think she could live if she was forced to try on one more dress... and she absolutely loved this one. Narcissa looked very approving, a good sign, but Madeline looked unsure. Hermione frowned the tiniest bit. "Mum?"
"Isn't it a little... plain?" Hermione grinned.
"That's why I like it," she assured, "Don't you?"
"Well," her mother stated, tilting her head to the side in a silent debate. The pleading look from her daughter caved her in. "I do, love... I do... but maybe we could... add a little something here and there?" Hermione shook her head.
"I want it just the way it is. Please, Mum?" Madeline looked to Narcissa, as if asking for help, but she seemed to be siding with Hermione. With two on one, she had no choice, and sighed. "I'll let you pick out whatever shoes you want," Hermione added, as if asking for a truce, and her mother laughed.
"Alright, alright... if you're sure." Hermione squealed and lifted her skirt again, jumping down from the stool and briskly making her way toward her mother for a hug.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you," she praised before going back to the mirror to admire herself some more.
"Well, if that's the one you want, no sense dawdling," Madeline said, flicking her wand toward her daughter, rendering the dress to fold and wrap itself in a box, and Hermione to once again be wearing her simple jeans and sweater. She looked slightly disappointed at the thought that she wouldn't get to wear it again until the wedding day itself, but the fact that she'd get to wear it again at all made Hermione bubbly and light.
After Madeline had selected the fanciest pair of silver shoes she could find and Narcissa, to be fair, had found a crown-like veil that would match perfectly, the three women paid for their pleasantries and left the boutique, with Hermione skipping ahead. A quick trip to the car and they were again empty handed.
"What time is it, Mum?" Hermione asked, as she skipped toward the flower shop across the way. Ah, the convenience of malls... probably the best Muggle-influenced thing Wizards had.
"Just past three, love," Madeline said, smiling at the carefree spirit of her daughter. Maybe that dress was a good idea... this was certainly much easier than dragging her everywhere. Hermione, however, looked surprised. She'd expected it was much, much later... she must have been more bored than she'd originally thought.
Just minutes later, as they browsed through the rows and rows of silk flowers, Hermione saw a basket of burgundy calla lilies and was struck with a note of sheer brilliance. She lifted a spritz of the delicate flowers, charmed to look, feel, and smell real, and made her way over toward her mother.
"Mum..." she said, and Madeline turned around, a bright smile on her face. Hermione held the little bouquet like it were her bridal, an innocent smile on her face. Madeline lifted an eyebrow.
"Yes?" she asked a tad suspiciously, and Hermione giggled.
"I have an idea."
"You have an idea?" her mother repeated and Hermione nodded.
"Let's hear it, then," Narcissa said, coming in from behind, and looking excited.
"Well..." Hermione started, looking between them. Narcissa looked encouraging, but Madeline seemed just surprised. "I was thinking we could do everything in correspondence to my dress... Medieval, like. The church is already very gothic... and we could do burgundy and... earth tones. What do you think?" she suggested, looking a bit nervous that her mother wouldn't agree. Narcissa, of course, looked supportive. She seemed to want Hermione to want what she wanted, as opposed to picking out things in her favor. Contrary to expectation, Madeline looked just as ecstatic.
"That's a wonderful idea, love! I can see it now... rose petals on the floor... torches and lace... oh, and we can do your hair... you're a genius, Mina!" she agreed enthusiastically, hugging Hermione's shoulders. She laughed.
"Oh, and I don't want Draco to know, so we can't tell Daddy or Uncle Lucius," she added, and Narcissa looked confused.
"But what about when they go for tuxes?" Hermione laughed.
"I don't want him to wear breeches or anything," she said, sticking out her tongue. "All the guys can have regular suits... the guests won't dress in theme, so it won't look odd." Narcissa gave a slow nod.
"Yes, I suppose that's true." With this agreed, Hermione let her mothers go wild. She liked almost everything they decided on, and let them go. She had her dress... and the theme... everything was going to be perfect, no matter if she didn't particularly like orchids.
The rest of the day flew past without a hitch. It was decided that the reception, which was to be held at Malfoy Manor, would be done in a traditional fashion, as so the boys could set it up while they worked on the church. Burgundy and silver became the official colors, and the balloons and cake reflected them. The only thing left to work out was the photographer, and Narcissa assured she had the perfect person in mind.
~*~*~*~
The three women arrived back at the Boyce estate just after twilight and Hermione excitedly shrunk everything and hid it in all in a tiny wooden chest she'd bought at the flower shop. It was originally meant to be home to a small bouquet of silk flowers, but Hermione placed everything within and brought it inside and up to her room, placing the whole lot safely in the closet before spinning back around and flying down the stairs. Narcissa had decided to stay for a cup of tea with her mother, but the men were nowhere to be found. Hermione assumed they were back at the manor, and excused herself from the older women, kissing each on the cheek.
"Don't tell him about your dress, love! It's bad luck!" called Madeline as Hermione re-buttoned her pea coat and she laughed.
"Of course not, Mum! That would ruin everything anyway," she assured before stepping back through the door and dashing the three blocks to her fiancé's home. She made her way directly up to Draco's room, her hands flying to the knobs. Surprisingly, however, they didn't turn, so she opted for knocking, wearing a confused expression on her face.
"Who is it?" called a slightly nervous voice, and Hermione found herself starting to get suspicious.
"It's me, Draco, open up," she called back with a final knock, and a good long moment went by before he did come to the door.
"Hi," Draco said breathily, wearing a winning smile, but Hermione's eyebrows were furrowed.
"Hi..." she exchanged, stepping into the room, eyes locked on his. Draco frowned a bit at the look on her face, but didn't say anything. Hermione simply looked around the room, as if searching for incriminating evidence. The only thing out of place in the room was Draco himself, whose clothes were wrinkled and displaced, belt unbuckled, shirt only partially tucked in, and hair tousled. Of course, this could be simply Draco being himself... but Hermione didn't think as logically. She turned to face him. "You don't have a girl in here, do you?" she asked, crossing her arms, and Draco laughed out loud.
"What?" he asked, but his answer was nowhere near nervous. Hermione lifted an eyebrow, and he sighed. "Alright, you caught me," he agreed, looking defeated, and started toward the closet. Hermione didn't know how to feel... firstly, that was totally uncharacteristic of him, and secondly, he'd given up very easily. If a girl came out of that closet however... oh, hell would break loose. Hermione took in a breath as Draco disappeared behind the door of his vast walk-in closet, but exhaled in relief when he came back out, holding Hazel. She approached him quickly, taking the baby in her own arms.
"Why did you put her in the closet?" she asked, confused, and Draco shrugged.
"She got in there by accident, and cried when I took her out, so I figured we'd compromise. I put her playpen in there," he said, scratching his head as if confused by his sister's behavior himself. He walked past Hermione and to the bed, sitting down and stretching slightly. "So, have fun?" Hermione glared slightly.
"Speaking of such, I'd be mad at you for not saying anything..." she started, but then grinned. "If I actually didn't have fun." Draco looked confused.
"Okay... you went shopping... with our mothers... for something such as a wedding... and, enjoyed it?" Hermione nodded.
"Cissa helped a lot... anything I wanted she agreed with, and we ganged up on Mum."
"So...?"
"So what? I can't tell you anything, I promised them." Draco feigned outrage.
"What! How dare you! I have just as much say!" he insisted, and Hermione laughed, placing Hazel beside him on the bed, propped up against a pillow.
"I have to say though," Hermione continued, "My mother has the worst taste in everything... there was this one dress..." she shuddered. "Let me show you..." Hermione fished in her pocket for her wand and charmed one of the bed drapes to take the form of her mother's hideous dress, then slip itself onto her. Although it was black velvet, the effect was enough. Draco burst out laughing.
"You're kidding... she did NOT like that," he said, but Hermione nodded and turned around shaking her bum at him.
"Yep. Pretty, hm?"
"Please tell me you didn't agree on it?"
"I suppose you'll have to wait and see, won't you?" she stated, smirking. "After all, I did promise." Draco looked frankly a little scared. Hermione laughed. "Whaddaya think, Hazy?" she asked, stepping toward the little blonde and tickling her tummy. She squealed in delight, and Hermione smiled. "Guess she likes it too."
~*~*~*~
A/N: Wedding bells are ringing! I honestly hope this wasn't too boring... I know it sometimes can be when there are chapters like this... but I tried, I did! Lol, for those of you thinking, there is NO WAY you could get everything for a wedding down and done in two weeks... I know. But these are magic people. They don't have to wait in line, or wait for their dresses to be made or altered... or their cake baked, or bouquets made... you get it. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if they got it all done in one day! Lol. I love that dress... :oD if you want to see it, go to
that's the dress, but the sleeves are more like this:
I love pretty things :oD
PRF: Wow! First, let me say, I'm overwhelmed by the number of reviews I got! Yes, it has been days since I updated... but it was only two chapters! One of which was already posted once! AND I GOT 30 REVIEWS! You guys rock!...... As per etiquette from now on, I'm only reply to reviews of context. As much as I love the "Great story!" and "Update soon!" s, I see no point in really writing back. This is just to conserve space.
I LeAeNa SeRpEnTiS I: Not quite :oD
October Potter-Snape: Yes, Draco has good intentions, but... sometimes he doesn't think things through :oD It was sweet though, huh?
Brenda: Hey, you could be my 800th... if you don't mind being reviewers 30- 799 as well :oD And yes, I like to have what everyone thinks in her... except of course for some things. This was almost entirely Hermione's point of view, but next chapter, or whenever they go tux-ing, it will be mostly Draco's. I mean, he can't really be too interested... he's a guy... it's a wedding. Ya, ya... Liking the plot is good too :oD
Brokenhearted: Yes, of course, Harry and Ron have to know! They gotta come! Lol.
Diana: :oD I like to be different. And my Malfoys are usually nice... well, not Lucius so much... but Narcissa always is. The Guilly Lucius is quite nice too, as a matter of fact ;o) I know, aren't D/Hr cute! They're like a brother and sister.
Befuzzled: Yes, chapter one was originally posted as the second chapter of FLYT. It's still there, as a matter of fact.
Lumos-n-nox: I'm debating on when to give them a baby. Not at first, of course, but ya know... I have to get through the whole Harry/Ron thing... that's going to be the major conflict. I'm thinking I'll make them take it in a very strange and unanticipated way, you know... well, you WILL know... I'm not going to tell you yet! :oD
Crystalline Lily: Doesn't Draco just make ya wanna... make babies with him?! Lol. And you're the first person to point out the Lucifer (Devil) the momma's boy! Congrats! Yes, they were shopping... but they were house hunting for their offspring, so I suppose it's not so bad :oD And lol... glomp?
Mesmer: yep... It was chappy 2 of FLYT. I liked it too... and that's my fav. song! :oD
Lovestruckbyanelf: You bet I'm continuing! We're talking novel-length here :oD
Anna: Hm... I never really thought of it as an AU fic, because they did go to Hogwarts and everything was the same... but I guess you could think of it like that. I'm glad you continued reading, despite your initial feeling. Now I feel all warm and fuzzy :oD
Croft: What exactly do you mean by not Hogwarts related? I'm sorry; lol, I'm usually in the dark :oD And yes, I know all about stuff being overused. Most of my stories have some sort of overused quality to them... you know, OTHER than the D/Hr pairing. :oD And yes... I agree about the baby thing. I hate it when they like have a baby and it's all ABOUT the baby. MPES had a lot to do with Jr. ... but more so with Draco's coming home. Ya. Lucifer the Momma's boy ;o) And yes... Draco may be rash and illogical, but he is sweet :oD And chapter 2 was only about a page shorter than most of my chapters... it was only 9, usually I write 10
Harmonic Sakke: Ohayo Miss Sakke. And yes, that was supposed to surprise you (Uncle Lucius) :oD And I'm not evious of Hermione's Hazel problem either... considering I have a one and one month old one of my own. More commonly known as Kaitlin. :oD. But she's a cutie :oD. And... he wasn't TRYING to be romantic, he was just thinking of himself. If there's no Hermione... who'll he play with? ;o)
Swimcutie: Aw, the compliments... I shall drown in your kind words, good sir. (I know you're not a sir ;o) )
Summerkins: Oh yes, much much different from Guilly... but I like it nonetheless.