A/N: Shout out to the beat for this chapter, sleepstxtic! You were amazing! Please enjoy some wedding fluff and smut! :)
He could hear the sounds of the snipes along the banks of the Nile while the room on the boat rocked from side to side along the gentle waves. Beads of sweat started to form on Draco's skin under the thin cotton sheet that only covered up to his waist. It was barely seven in the morning, the sun just peaking over the desert horizon through the open window above his bed. It was a complete moment of peace, the stillness settling into Draco as he slowly blinked and stared at the palm-bladed ceiling fan.
I'm getting married today.
The door suddenly burst open, banging against the wall as Harry and Ron screamed at the top of their lungs, disturbing the beautiful morning.
"Wake up, sleepy head!"
"We brought reinforcements!" Ron shouted. He plopped on the bed next to Draco, holding out a bottle of firewhiskey while Fred, George, and Richard also piled into the small room. There was hardly any space for people to move around, yet Richard managed to open the small wardrobe to pull out Draco's wedding robes.
"It's your wedding day," Harry announced, slinging his arm around Draco's shoulder.
"Can you believe our two best friends are getting married?" Ron asked. He handed the bottle to George, who started pouring shots into the glasses Fred conjured.
"Boys! Not too much!" Richard warned with a sheepish look. "Later on, when you talk about this day, you will want to be sober enough actually to remember the ceremony."
"Speaking from personal experience?" Bill jested.
Richard gulped. "Guilty." He hung the robes near the bed so Draco could easily take them off the hanger and get dressed when it was time. "I was so nervous about marrying Hermione's mother that I let my best mates convince me to down a whole bottle of scotch. Let's just say I can't recall much after that dare."
Fred whistled and handed the muggle a shot glass. "Brave man, Mr. Granger."
Draco groaned and raked a hand across his face. "Merlin, are you and Ron drunk already? And why are you all up so early? The ceremony isn't until night."
"Been up since six am," Ron admitted, downing his small glass in one go.
"Oi! We were supposed to take them all at the same time," Fred admonished, slapping Ron across the back of his head.
"Ouch! Fred!" Ron rubbed the spot where his brother smacked him while Harry pointed and giggled.
"To be honest, I don't think we went to sleep," Harry revealed. His eyes were already glazing with the effects of the alcohol as he leaned his head on Draco's shoulder. "Sirius convinced us to go to the bar after the rehearsal dinner, and we… haven't stopped."
"Just as long as you can stand up for the ceremony, nothing wrong with indulging in some libations," George joked.
"Thank Merlin and Morgana for SoberUp potions," Bill muttered like it had been a mantra he continued to repeat.
"Cheers to that, brother!" Fred shouted. "Now that everyone has a drink in their hand, who would like to start the toasts?"
"To Draco and Hermione!" George yelled, holding up his shot glass.
"Against all odds, you two managed to stay together," Ron added. "Even when it was right under our noses."
"Not even Voldemort could break you up!" Harry laughed.
"Here's to years of love and great sex!" Fred cheered.
"Gross!" Ron gagged.
Bill snorted into his glass. "Bad form, Fred. Saying that in front of the father of the bride?"
Fred shamelessly shrugged as Mr. Granger cleared his throat. "I would just like to say that I'm so thrilled my Hermione found someone she not only wants to spend the rest of her life with but that treats her right. Draco, you are a man of your word, and I couldn't have asked for someone better to give my daughter away to." Richard held up his glass, prompting all the boys to follow. "To Draco and Hermione!"
"To Draco and Hermione!"
Draco quickly threw the glass back, hoping the burn of the liquid would hide the tears pooling in his eyes as he looked around the room. There were undoubtedly people missing from this scene, but the ones that were here made the morning memorable as they drank and celebrated before the ceremony until the night caught up with young wizards. One by one, they retired to their rooms, needing a nap and a few potions before getting ready for the evening ahead.
In true elaborate Malfoy fashion, Narcissa had booked an entire cruise liner (Esmerelda de Nile) for the bridal party and guests to sleep and get ready before transferring to the ceremony site. Hermione and Draco had wanted something simple near the water, but after looking at the size of their guest list and with a bit of badgering by Kathryn, they decided to move the venue to wed in front of the Pyramids of Giza. Once the bonding ritual was complete, all in attendance would return to the ship for the reception, which would then embark on a two-week cruise down the Nile river.
Draco and Hermione were looking forward to spending their honeymoon exploring all the historical treasures and sites that Egypt had to offer. The ship docked in Cairo and would end their journey in Aswan, periodically making stops along the way for daily excursions.
As it turns out, Bill was right, and the group needed more than one SoberUp potion once they awoke from their slumber. Just as Draco almost finished getting dressed, his white patterned dress robe tailored perfectly to his body, he heard a knock at the door.
"Hey, mate," Harry greeted, the slur mostly gone from his words. Draco also needed to thank whoever used the ironing charm on him, because you could hardly tell the dark-haired wizard had been passed out, dead to the world after copious amounts of alcohol, not an hour ago. "Before we go, I got something for you."
Draco raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
Harry pulled out a small black box and placed it in Draco's hand.
"Oh, Harry! You shouldn't have," Draco teased.
"Just open the damn box!" Harry laughed and rolled his eyes.
"I don't see how jewelry-"Draco froze, his hands shaking as he looked down at the black stone nestled inside the velvet pillow. "This isn't…."
"It is," Harry stated.
"I thought you dropped it in the forest," Draco whispered.
Harry shrugged. "Turns out, it's not as hard as I thought to re-find a Deathly Hallow."
Draco shook his head. "I don't even know what to say."
"Thank you?"
"Piss off," Draco chuckled.
There was a brief moment of silence between the two friends as Draco continued to stare at the Resurrection Stone. Naturally, he grew up hearing the story of the three brothers and how the power of the stone could bring anyone back from the afterlife. It was a fascinating concept, if not a little macabre for Draco's taste. He shuddered when Harry placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Look, I know you lost some important people in your life…."
"Harry," Draco drawled. "We just fought in a war. We all lost people we love."
His mind immediately drifted to the Great Hall, the rows of bodies of all the dead collected throughout the castle.
Colin Creevy, who was too young and was supposed to be evacuated with the rest of his classmates.
Hestia and Tonks, their love for one another so strong they were together until the end, hands still reaching out to touch as if they died holding on.
Arthur Weasley, a brave and loyal Gryffindor until the end, died to save those he loved and for what he believed in.
Lucius…
"True." Harry curled Draco's hands, tightening them around the box. "Take a moment. Talk or don't talk. It's up to you. But I think you need this before going down the aisle."
With nothing else to say, Harry walked out of Draco's room, calling over his shoulder for Draco to take his time as the door closed shut with a click of the lock.
He didn't know how long he stared at the box, mesmerized by the raised, onyx princess-cut stone that was almost taunting him.
Touch me, Draco. See the ones you lost and call forth their essence.
He felt drawn down, lost in the swirling sea of compulsion, as his fingertips brushed the tip of the Resurrection Stone. A spark of old magic passed through his skin, the rush tempting him to pick it up and turn it over in his hand. His thumb trailed purposefully along the rim of the stone three times, his mind blank, and his heart heavy with grief as Draco continued to stare at the Deathly Hallow.
"Oh, son. Why are you so glum?"
Draco's head snapped up at the sound of the voice he thought he would never hear again. His fists involuntarily clutched the stone tighter in his grasp as unshed tears pooled along the rims of his eyes, clouding his vision. Arthur Weasley stood a mere few feet before Draco, smiling at the blond wizard with pride and love.
"Oh, come now. There's no need for sadness. It's a happy day! You and Hermione are getting married, am I right?"
Words would not leave his mouth; the consonants caught in Draco's throat like a clog in the drain. So, he simply nodded his head. Draco wiped his eyes, clearing his vision marginally to get a proper look at Arthur, the man who had taken him in and treated him as one of his own children. The father he wished he had and the one that believed in Draco when everyone else questioned his motives.
The ghostly figure before Draco was paler than moonlight, bleaching out the once vibrant red of Arthur's hair and freckles dotted along the pink undertones of the man's skin. The rest of Arthur's body was slightly translucent, like he was here in the room but not entirely in a corporal form. Draco tried not to be disturbed by the fact that Arthur was wearing the clothing he had died on that day of the final battle. If he squinted hard enough, he could see the burns of magic that had scrapped his sleeves and legs. Maybe even feel the remitments of the offensive spells cast as they singed the threads and cut the skin.
Arthur took a moment to look around at the cabin, appraising his surroundings with that same child-like wonderment he was known to approach everything in his life with. "This is a nice place, and judging by the city out your window, I'd say we're in Cairo, am I right?"
"Yes," Draco croaked. He cleared his throat. "Hermione and I always wanted to get married in Egypt. Our ceremony is at dusk in front of the Pyramids of Giza."
"Excellent choice," Arthur praised. "And very romantic. Convenient, too, since you'll likely be staying here."
Draco raised an eyebrow. "You mean for our honeymoon?"
"Oh!" Arthur's face fell slightly. "I've said too much. Sorry, about that."
"What do you mean?" Draco pried, confused by the cryptic messages.
"Afraid I can't say anything else, Draco. Rules of the afterlife and all that rubbish. Don't want to anger the powers that be."
The redhead paused and busied himself with straitening his jacket. Draco had had a similar message before, but it was from a different man in a different circumstance.
"But my time is coming to a close here very soon, so I'll make this quick. I'm so proud of you, Draco. Not only of the boy you were but of the man you have grown to be. You could have easily let a war harden you and become trapped by your circumstances, but you rose above all that. You proved yourself time and time again that you were a wizard of your word and someone that was more than worthy of trust."
Draco let out a stuttering sob. "It wasn't easy."
"I know," Arthur nodded sympathetically. "One last piece of advice from a married man. Never go to bed angry. No matter how serious the fight or upset you may be… no, no. Don't give me that look. You and Hermione are bound to have arguments in the future, so please listen. No matter how upset you may be with one another, never let that anger fester between you and allow you to leave the day with it still raw in your hearts. Resolve what you can, and it will help keep your love for one another from souring."
Draco shook his head, not entirely believing that he and Hermione would ever reach that level of heat that he could fall out of love with her. Somehow, even at 11, he had known she was the only witch for him. They were meant to be, and if a war hadn't torn them apart, then he doubted there was anything else on this earth that could. Still, Draco nodded at Arthur and thanked him for the advice anyway.
"Right," Arthur smiled. "I'm sure you know you are welcome to conjure anyone else you can think of in the afterlife. If you are feeling up for it, there is someone else who would like to talk to you… if you are feeling up for it."
"There is?" Draco gulped. "Who?"
He felt silly asking the question when he already had a pretty good idea who Arthur was referring to.
The redhead gave him a knowing smile. "Goodbye, Draco. And good luck today."
Slowly, Arthur's translucent form faded out of existence. Draco didn't know how long he stared at the spot, his eyes dancing around the space, trying to comprehend what he had just witnessed. Though probably meant to lighten his spirits and calm his nerves on this most auspicious day, the conversation left him feeling unsettled in ways he could not describe.
It wasn't every day one had the power to talk to the dead in their hands. The ancient magic coursed through Draco's veins as he closed his eyes and spun the Resurrection Stone thrice. He allowed the stone's ability to work through him, sucking his desire to call forth the person he wanted to see. Draco took a few long, drawn breaths and opened his eyes.
His mouth gaped as his father stood before him, regal as ever, even when leaning on his favorite cane with the silver snake head that had emeralds for eyes. For a moment, neither Malfoy knew what to say as they stared at each other with a sense of apprehension.
Like Arthur, Lucius appeared in the same discolored, translucent form, which Draco was grateful for. It meant he didn't have to fixate on the glaring wound alongside his father's neck where Nagini had bitten and claimed Lucius' life. He didn't have to see the patches that would have been rusty red where blood stained the black Death Eater robes.
The last time Draco had seen his father he had barely been able to speak as he bled to death against the wall of the Hogwarts boathouse. Draco still had nightmares of pressing his hand against the punctured holes in the side of Lucius' neck while he begged for someone to help him. With his dying breath, Lucius had conjured memories through his tears, which Hermione bottled so that Draco and Harry could take them to the Pensive in the Headmaster's office. It was that act that gave them the final clue about how to defeat Voldemort once and for all. That brief moment of self-righteousness was the catalyst for ending the war. Draco didn't want to think where he would be standing now, if at all, if Lucius hadn't sacrificed that knowledge for them.
After what felt like an eternal silence, Lucius said, "Son."
"Father," Draco breathed out.
Lucius' unnerving steel eyes carted over Draco with a familiar cool detachment until he lowered his head in a sign of acknowledged surrender. "It is good to see you. You look well."
Draco couldn't help but puff out an incredulous laugh. Had his father actually said something civil to him? The words sounded so foreign to Draco's ears that he almost didn't believe Lucius had uttered them.
"Is that so surprising to you, Draco?" Lucius asked with a raised eyebrow, his tone borderline condescending.
"I've never known you to dole out compliments, so forgive me if I question the first sentence you have said to me," Draco said.
"One finds the afterlife tends to… rearrange priorities," Lucius replied.
"Oh? And what 'priorities' have you resorted to?" Draco asked.
Draco watched the slow rise and fall of Lucius' chest as the man took what he assumed was a steadying breath in an attempt to rein in his anger.
"Many things. Choices. Beliefs," Lucius answered cryptically.
"And what conclusions have you come to?"
Lucius' face fell slightly, dropping the hard appraisal of his gaze to one that looked almost akin to regret. "That I was not the father you deserved."
All the air left Draco's lungs as he fought to regain his sense of equilibrium. Never in his life had he heard Lucius Malfoy admit any failure. Hearing the almost apology Draco had fantasized about receiving from his father for every scrap of trauma he had caused was nearly too much to bear. It was almost unbelievable. But the dead couldn't lie, or could they?
"I know my actions have impacted you severely; for that, I cannot apologize enough," Lucius continued. "Since you were a baby, I had a map– a blueprint, if you will, for my heir to follow. The day of your birth was the proudest day of my life."
Draco scoffed, trying to conceal the tears that wanted to fall. He would not show any sort of weakness to this man, ghost or not. He would not allow his father to continue to claim any kind of control over him again. "Sorry to disappoint you."
"But that's it, Draco! You didn't!"
"What-"
"-it only took me dying to realize it, but you didn't disappoint me, Draco. In fact, I'm proud of the wizard you have become."
Draco froze, his heart stopping in his chest as he gaped openly at his father.
Lucius sighed. "You have become a man more than worthy of the Malfoy name."
At least what's left of it.
But Draco didn't voice that and kept his snark to himself. Instead, he closed his jaw, clearing his throat as he dug inside himself to find the courage to ask one more question.
"And… what about my bride?"
"Ah," Lucius averted his gaze. "I see. So, you are marrying her."
It wasn't a question, merely a statement of inevitable fact.
"Yes," Draco spat. He softened his tone slightly as he said, "Hermione is my best friend and soulmate."
Lucius didn't say anything for several moments, his mouth drawn into a thin line and hand gripping tightly to the snake head on top of his cane. An ire that hadn't been present in a long time started to burn in Draco at the sight alone. Lucius had no right to be angry at Draco's choice in a life partner. The man had to have known that what Draco shared with Hermione was more than just a passing teenage fancy. Hell, Draco had literally left his family to avoid a fate of servitude to a cause he did not believe in. He left to be with her!
Almost everything he did was for Hermione.
After several beats of silence, Lucius cleared his throat. "Hermione Granger is not a witch I would have chosen for you."
At first, Draco didn't know how to respond until the weight of the words finally registered. He glared at Lucius. "If you even think about finishing that thought…."
"However, I can see now she is the witch that calls to your soul and is meant for you."
Draco lost count of how many times Lucius had managed to stun him during the course of this conversation. It was as close to acceptance as Draco would receive from his purebloodist father. He was surprised Lucius didn't comment on the end of the purity of the Malfoy line, though Draco could see behind his ghostly eyes that Lucius was silently seething. He may have accepted Draco's choices when faced with his mortality, but it appeared there still needed to be some personal growth.
"I believe the sun is setting. It would be entirely impolite to be late to your own wedding, Draco."
He looked out the window, seeing the vibrant orange and yellow hues over the horizon line. It was time for him to leave, to take the short car ride to the pyramids and wait for his bride to walk down the aisle to him. With a final look at Lucius, Draco said, "Thank you, father."
Lucius inclined his head. "I'm proud of you, son."
The translucent form disappeared a moment later. With shaky hands and tear-stained cheeks, Draco placed the stone back in the velvet box, the snap of the lid echoing through the room with a sense of finality. Draco wiped his cheeks and took a steadying breath before opening the door, finding Harry on the other side with his hand raised like he was about to knock.
"Oh!" the dark-haired wizard gasped in surprise. "Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt. It's just that the wedding planner is kind of getting on everyone that we need to leave…."
"I'm ready, Harry," Draco assured. He gave his best friend a wide grin. "I've been ready for this for a long time."
Harry clapped him on the shoulder. "Let's get you married."
The stars had just started to twinkle into existence as twilight cast its nightly cloak over the desert venue. Torches of fire lined the rows of chairs while the guests took their seats on either side of the aisle, waiting for the ceremony to start. In the distance, Draco could see the three great pyramids outlined against the backdrop of the sky, the moon just beginning to rise higher in the sky. Despite the abstinence from the sun, the heat had not ebbed, but that's what cooling charms were for.
"It's a new moon," the magical bonder commented. He held his book of prayers close to his chest, giving Draco a sincere smile. "It is a good sign. Your marriage will be happy and blessed with wealth."
"Sounds great," Draco replied as the bonder gave him a nod and walked down the cloth aisle to take his place.
Draco tried not to let his nerves show through his voice, but it was hard to do when he felt like he was going to explode from the anticipation. He had wanted this for so long, and now that the ceremony was moments away from starting, it was like time could not go faster.
"Mate, chill. You're going to cause the Nile to flow backward if you don't get it together," Harry hissed. The strings from the quartet played loud enough to cover their conversation, hiding the general worry from drifting toward the audience.
"Do you need a shot?" Ron offered. He turned around and pulled out a bottle of firewhiskey from under the lapels of his dress robes.
"Are you crazy? Don't get him drunk right before he says his vows!" Harry admonished quietly.
"Well, how else is he supposed to calm down?" Ron asked.
"Oi! You knuckleheads! It's starting!" Ginny snapped. The redhead held out her arm and demanded that Harry take it while the quartet changed the song. "That's our queue."
"Alright, places, everyone! Mothers, do you have your candles?" the wedding planner called out. Kathryn and Narcissa were each holding large lit white taper candles that were engraved with the family names.
"Perfect, down you go."
The two matriarchs glided down the aisle, causing everyone to turn in their seats and watch as the ceremony began. When Narcissa and Kathryn reached the end, they were instructed by the bonder to add their flames jointly to the pillar candle sitting on the table. The white, intricate pillar candle popped briefly before the flame burned large and bright. Narcissa and Kathryn embraced one another before sitting in the front row.
Ginny and Harry were ushered to go next. As maid of honor and best man, respectfully, they were the first in the wedding party to stand before the crowd. From what Draco gathered, Hermione did not have a strong opinion regarding the dresses, content to leave the decision up to Kathryn and Narcissa while she concentrated on her NEWTs. The two women settled on a Grecian-style, grey steel gown that flowed gracefully down Ginny's and Luna's bodies.
Ron and Luna hooked arms and walked down the aisle next, their steps stiff and uncomfortable as all eyes followed them until they took their spots. Luna stood next to Ginny while Ron moved to be next to Harry. With everyone in place, it was now time for Draco to enter the picture.
"Whenever you are ready, Mr. Malfoy," the wedding planner said.
Draco took a deep breath and made his first step down the cloth aisle. He kept his eyes trained on the pillar candle at the end, guiding him like a beacon to the bonder and his friends, who gave him encouraging smiles. He listened to the romantic song from the quartet, letting the music conduct him until he was standing before the audience. His friends and family in the audience bounced excitedly, their faces smiling and crying as everyone waited patiently for the most crucial person…the bride.
The string quartet finished their song and smoothly transitioned into the wedding march. The beat queued everyone to rise from their seats and slowly turn toward the beginning of the aisle. Draco kept his eyes downcast, his palms sweaty, and his knees were shaky as his gaze lifted to meet Hermione's. She looked absolutely stunning in the simple white gown, the V-neck accentuating her beautiful shoulders and the fabric cinching in her waist before flowing out into an A-line gown.
She was a goddess, a divine vision that was too beautiful for this earth.
Tears instantly poured from his eyes. Draco could not contain his pure adoration for Hermione as she gripped her father's arm and practically glided toward him to the altar.
When they were within arm's length of each other, Hermione almost leaped out to embrace Draco but was briefly held back by her father as the bonder asked, "And who gives this witch to be married to this wizard? Bonded in life, magic, and soul?"
"I do," Richard declared proudly. He kissed each of his daughter's cheeks before letting her go to shake Draco's hand. Hermione couldn't slip her hand into Draco's fast enough as they stood before the bonder in the middle of the pentagram drawn on the floor below them.
"Hi," she whispered, unshed tears pooling in the corner of her eyes as Draco pulled her closer. With his free hand, he cupped her face, the pad of his thumb brushing against her cheekbone.
"Hi," he replied at the same level.
They were unconsciously leaning toward one another when the bonder cleared his throat. "Please hold the kissing until after the ceremony."
"Sorry," Draco and Hermione said simultaneously and with matching blushes. Quiet chuckles reverberated throughout the audience and the wedding party as the bonder opened his book and began the ceremony.
"We are gathered here today before the powers that be to unite two souls in matrimony." He nodded toward Draco. "Have you, Draco Lucius Malfoy, entered this circle of your own volition, willing to bind your soul and magic to this witch of your own free will?"
"I do," Draco answered assuredly.
"And do you, Hermione Jean Granger, enter this circle of your own volition, willing to bind your soul and magic to this wizard of your own free will?"
"I do," she replied breathlessly, her face positively beaming as she refused to look away from Draco.
"May I have the witnesses step forward," the bonder called.
Draco squeezed her hand tighter as Ginny, Luna, Harry, and Ron took up points around the circle drawn around them, each representing a direction and element. They each raised their wands and drew symbols into the air, the runes glowing with a different color to show what magic would be embedded into their soul bond.
Faith
Trust
Peace
Unconditional Love
"If you two would hold out your hands," the bonder ordered. He also raised his wand and cast a golden rope to bind Draco's and Hermione's left hands. "Repeat after me. I pledge my love to you and everything that I own."
"I pledge my love to you and everything I own," Draco parroted.
"I promise to love thee wholly and completely without restraint, in sickness, and in health, in plenty and in poverty, in life and beyond, where we shall meet, remember, and love again. I shall not seek to change thee in any way. I shall respect thee, thy beliefs, thy people, and thy ways as I respect myself."
Our love is never-ending, and we will remain, forevermore, equals in our marriage. This is my wedding vow to you," Draco finished.
He felt the magic tighten around them, its source flowing through his veins and into his heart and core as his vow cemented.
"Now, Hermione, repeat after me," the bonder ordered.
Her smile widened as she recited the vow. "I pledge my love to you and everything that I own. I promise to love thee wholly and completely without restraint, in sickness, and in health, in plenty and in poverty, in life and beyond, where we shall meet, remember, and love again. I shall not seek to change thee in any way. I shall respect thee, thy beliefs, thy people, and thy ways as I respect myself. Our love is never-ending, and we will remain, forevermore, equals in our marriage. This is my wedding vow to you."
The runes glowed brightly before floating into the golden rope, setting the bond. The bonder waved his wand one more time and proudly exclaimed, "By the powers vested in me, I do declare you husband and wife, soul bonded for life. You may now kiss your bride."
The golden chord tethering them burned, light enumerating from its surface before sinking into their skin. Draco and Hermione let out a collective sigh of exhalation as they felt the magic pulse and fuse into their veins, becoming one with their magical cores. If they were connected before the bonding, the ceremony only intensified the relationship. Draco swore he could feel Hermione's essence, sense her heartbeat, and everything that made her the witch she was. An emotion that mirrored the jubilation he was feeling, but not entirely coming from himself, bubbled up inside him as he pulled her closer and gently cupped her face.
"I love you," he whispered against her lips before descending upon them.
Hermione moaned against his mouth, meeting each ministration with equal want and desire. The world around them disappeared. No more was the clapping and wolf-whistling from the audience. The only thing that existed to Draco was Hermione was the other. His best friend. His bride. Now his wife.
Wife. My wife.
It wasn't until they heard a loud clearing of their throat that Draco and Hermione finally broke apart. They turned around to give Ron a sheepish look. "Now, now. Let's keep it decent. There are children present."
Draco and Hermione laughed but turned back to gaze deeply into one another's eyes. "Hello, husband," Hermione said.
He leaned down and pecked her lips. "Hello, wife."
She leaned into his side, allowing Draco to guide her back down the aisle. They were greeted by their friends and family throwing rice at their exit and a montage of well wishes and blessings for a long, happy marriage following them out of the venue.
"Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy, a flying carpet is waiting to take you back to the boat where the reception is being held. The lounge is-"
"Did you say flying carpet?" Draco cut the wedding planner off.
"But those are illegal," Hermione gasped.
"Not in Egypt," the coordinator informed. "As I said, the lounge is already set up and prepared to receive your guests. Once the cocktail hour is complete, the wedding party and yourselves will make your entrance and share your first dance."
Hermione hummed, though Draco could tell she was less than enthused at the prospect of flying by the slight tremble in her body. "Sounds lovely."
"Excellent! I'll see you in an hour," the coordinator said before running off to attend to ushering the guests to the reception.
The carpet was an 8x10 square with a red, blue, and yellow Persian pattern. For a moment, the couple stared at the object, unsure how to approach it, before Draco squeezed her hand. "I think we just sit on it, and the carpet does the rest."
Hermione gulped. "Okay." She followed Draco's lead and took a seat next to him. Surprisingly, the fabric was soft and felt sturdy under their combined weight.
"Um… could we take a tour of the city? Disillusioned, of course," Draco asked the carpet. As if it understood him, the rug shook slightly before taking off into the air at a leisurely pace.
Hermione grabbed onto Draco's shoulder, tucking her head into his neck the higher they climbed into the air.
"There's nothing to be afraid of, Love. Look down," he assured.
"I'd rather not!" Her voice quivered with fear.
Draco gently kissed her forehead. "I promise not to let anything happen to you." He nuzzled his nose along her skin while he tested the new bond inside them. He sent waves of serenity through their connection, the assurance slowly quelling her anxiety until she stopped trembling.
"Look out over the city," he encouraged.
With trepidation, Hermione raised her head from the crook of Draco's neck and peaked over the side of the carpet. Her breath caught with delight as she surveyed the bustling and historic city underneath them. "I've never seen anything like it," she whispered.
They flew around, enjoying the beauty and wonder of the night while holding one another. Once Hermione could relax and enjoy the ride, she shifted her position to be on her knees. With a sultry glance, she pushed Draco down into the carpet, causing the rug to shake slightly under the force.
"Whoa! My love!"
Hermione promptly flicked her wand (which was somehow hidden in the skirt of her gown) and cast a silencing spell around them for good measure.
"I am quite impatient to be with my new husband," she said in a husky whisper.
"Hermione…"
Draco's voice was cut off by a strangled sob as he watched Hermione's nimble fingers undo his trousers through hooded eyes. She aptly took out his cock, her hands gripping and guiding him to her perfectly red-painted lips. Arousal shot straight up Draco's spine while she swirled her tongue around the tip, teasing him.
"Do you know how much I wanted you today?" Hermione's tone was no more than a whisper, clouded with pure lust and desire for him. In one movement, she flattened her tongue and brought it to swipe the underside of his cock.
"Oh, Good Godric!" Draco exclaimed, his cock jumping as Hermione completely enveloped him.
He felt like he had died and gone to heaven, his eyes blessed with an unadulterated view of the stars while Hermione continued to suck and caress his cock with her mouth.
"Hermione. Love. I'm not…."
"Please, Draco. Come for me?" She pleaded against the tip, her hot breath causing him to shiver against the slightly chilled desert night air.
Her mouth descended again, slowly and surely moving back and forth along his length until he saw stars. Literally and figuratively. The orgasm she coaxed from him was nothing short of ecstasy, pleasure in its purest form. Draco's body violently shook as his semen shot down Hermione's throat, her cheeks hollowed so that she could suck every last drop of him dry.
When the blood stopped rushing through his ears, and the last waves started to subside, Draco propped himself up on his forearms, only to find Hermione sliding off him with a wet POP of her lips. She swiped her thumb along the rim of her bottom lip, catching a trail that had leaked out. Hermione eyed him mischievously before sucking the digit into her mouth.
"Merlin, witch! You are going to kill me!"
She removed her thumb with another wet POP before crawling over his body. "And what a glorious way to go."
Draco ran his hand up her back, coming to rest at the name of her neck as he brought her mouth down onto his. "Don't jest, Love. Can't leave you a widow so soon after your wedding."
Something twinged inside him, an emotion he did not recognize coming through the newly minted marriage bond. Hermione gripped the nape of his neck, forcing his head back so that he was looking deep into her chocolate-brown eyes. "There is no life worth living if you aren't in it, Draco Malfoy. I meant what I said when I stood at that altar and vowed my life, magic, and soul to you."
He kissed her left cheek before slowly moving over to kiss the other. Draco pulled back just enough to kiss her nose before he breathed against her lips, "Everything I have, everything that I am, belongs to you, Hermione. It always has, and now it always will."
The bond inside them exploded with reverence from the proclamation of their love. Their mouths moved in synchronicity, a coordinated dance that was a combination of lips and tongue. Draco sat up further, his hands finding the edges of Hermione's gown as he began to pull it along her legs.
"Draco," she moaned against him. "I love you!"
"Hermione…"
His hands wandered further up, finding purchase on her thighs when he felt the carpet begin to dip back down toward the city.
"No…" Hermione huffed out.
"The hour must almost be up," Draco reasoned, his head leaning back against the pattern of the rug while Hermione climbed off him. He quickly tucked himself back in, feeling slightly disappointed that he wouldn't get to return the favor to his wife.
"It's fine," she sighed, adjusting her skirt. She gave a coy smile over her shoulder. "I guess this means you'll have to make it up to me later."
Draco sat up, waggling his eyebrows suggestively at her. "Oh, trust me. I intend to make it worth the wait."
Hermione giggled, accepting a slow, sweet kiss from her husband.
When they arrived back at the venue, Ginny couldn't help but call out the fact that they both reeked of sex and were slightly dishevelled. There was no hiding what shenanigans the married couple had gotten up to while on their "magic carpet ride."
"Magic, indeed," the redhead cajoled.
"Talk about a whole new world," Harry teased, earning cackles from Ginny and Luna. Ron looked like he was about to be sick, yet he downed another shot of alcohol.
"Here, Hermione. I'll fix your makeup and hair," Luna offered. "Ginny, do you mind ironing out Draco's robes."
"Sure, Luna."
With the couple now presentable to their guests, they hooked their arms and waited near the lounge entrance for the coordinator to announce their arrival. Draco couldn't help but place a chaste kiss on the side of Hermione's neck, his mouth coming to whisper in her ear, "I love you."
Hermione giggled. "I love you, too."
"And now, being introduced for the first time. I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Draco Lucius Granger-Malfoy."
Together, the couple strolled out to the center of the dance floor, passing all their friends and family seated at the dinner tables. The musicians raised their instruments, a modified slowed-down yet familiar jazz tune that had Hermione smiling.
"Draco, you didn't," she gasped softly.
He pulled her body, swaying her to the beat.
Well, it's a marvellous night for a Moondance
With the stars up above in your eyes
A fantabulous night to make romance
'Neath the cover of October skies
"You know this is the song my parents danced to at their wedding," Hermione informed him as he spun her.
And all the leaves on the trees are falling
To the sound of the breezes that blow
You know I'm tryin' to please to the calling
Of your heartstrings that play soft and low
"I do. That's why I asked your mother if we could play it for our first dance instead of some traditional waltz," Draco said, pulling her back into his side.
You know the night's magic seems to whisper and hush
You know the soft moonlight seems to shine in your blush
Can I just have one more Moondance with you, my love?
Can I just make some more romance with a-you, my love?
They moved with the beat, their footwork perfect as they listened to the lyrics and allowed the song to drift them out of reality and into the realm of marital bliss.
Well, I wanna make love to you tonight
I can't wait 'til the mornin' has come
You know, I know now the time is just right
And straight into my arms, you will run
Draco's gaze drifted down to look at his wife, her head safely and contently tucked into the crook of his neck while resting on his shoulder. She pressed tightly against his body, her smile wider than he had ever seen.
And when you come, my heart will be waiting
To make sure that you're never alone
There and then all my dreams will come true, dear
There and then I will make you my own
He rested his head back atop hers, letting their heartbeats sink as the song went into the next chorus, and everyone watched them.
And every time I touch you, you just tremble inside
And I know how much you want me, that you can't hide
Can I just have one more moondance with you, my love?
Can I just make some more romance with a-you, my love?
Well, it's a marvellous night for a Moondance
With the stars up above in your eyes
A fantabulous night to make romance
'Neath the cover of October skies
"Draco," Hermione said, her voice slightly sleepy but happy. "I don't think I've ever felt more at peace than I do right now."
He turned his head so that he could kiss her forehead.
And all the leaves on the trees are falling
To the sound of the breezes that blow
You know I'm trying to please to the calling
Of your heartstrings that play soft and low
"We made it, Love. No more wars. No more dark wizards trying to kill us. This is it," Draco affirmed.
You know the night's magic seems to whisper and hush
You know the soft moonlight seems to shine in your blush
Can I just have one more moondance with you, my love?
Can I just make some more romance with a-you, my love?
Hermione smiled at him. "We made it. To forever."
As the song faded out, Draco tilted her chin up. "Forever," he vowed and then claimed her lips once more.