AN: Thank you for all the wondermous reviews. *kisses* - no one's guessed the identity of the serial killer yet...*le sigh* ..lol

Chapter 8 - Bonding

"Hermione! Step away from the bloody parchment and get your arse over here. I'll not have you late to your own wedding!" Draco's flat was filled with the sounds of bustling witches. Astoria Potter's voice was ringing out over the din.

"We've time! I'm so bloody close!"

Astoria sighed dramatically while ordering Ginny to lock Hermione in Draco's bedroom until she showered. She gathered the papers strewn across the glass table, placing them in a neat pile on the bookcase. She hoped Hermione wouldn't go searching for them. They were running late as it was.
Ginny Weasley dragged Hermione into the washroom, despite Hermione's protests and thrust her into the hot jets.

"Ginny, I don't have anyone to give me away."

"You should have accepted dad's offer. He would have done it." Ginny propped her leg against the washroom wall, fighting against the bubbles of fury clawing their way to the surface.

"I know he would have done it, Gin. I love your dad, your mum as well. I didn't want to be the cause of more tension between your parents and Ronald. I miss my parents. I don't want to miss them, but I do." Hermione scrubbed the sleep deprivation from her eyes.

"I've an idea actually. We're your family. I mean, all of us. You told me once some Muggle said something about choosing your own family. You've done that. We all love you. I'll send Luna in. She wants to do your hair." Ginny took a deep breath, vacating the washroom. She hoped the others would be receptive. She knew she wasn't their favourite person, but this wasn't for her, this was for Hermione.

"Ginny." Astoria did her best to keep her temper in check. She simply chanted, 'it's Hermione's day' to herself and pasted a smile on her full lips.

"Stori, uhm, Hermione's in a bit of distress, it's nothing you need to fix, swear it." Ginny held up her hands in supplication to the tiny witch.

"What is it then?"

"She's a bit distraught over..over.." Ginny swallowed, watching Astoria's eyes narrow and knew the pregnant witch was moments away from drawing her wand.

"What did you do?"

"Nothing! I swear it. She's missing her parents and.."

"Fuck. We thought of everything else, but not that."

"Lucius offered but."

"Oh absolutely not. I'm sure Arthur offered as well and Meo turned him down because of your git of a brother. She'd turn down Bill and Charlie as well. What's your idea then?" Ginny sighed in relief.

"We're her family. We're all her family, what if we..."

"Yes! That's brilliant!" Astoria impulsively hugged the fiery redhead with a wide smile. "You're really trying aren't you?"

"I am. Strange as it is, Theo really helps...calm everything down." Astoria's face crumpled, guilt etched in the furrow of her brow.

"Marry him. I know it's soon, too soon, but listen to me. If you care about him and he you, marry him. Run off and elope. You'll thank me later." Astoria clutched Ginny to her, hissing the words in the cacophony of witches.

"You know something..."

"I can't. I was sworn to secrecy. I'll say this much. Harry was supposed to Obliviate me. He didn't obviously. I know we've never been close but trust me. Marry him, Ginny."

"We're late! Come along then! Astoria, Ginny you're not even dressed yet!" Molly Weasley interrupted the private moment, waving her hands and giving orders. "Where's Hermione! We've nary an hour before the ceremony."

"She's with Luna."

"Oh my, you should have told me! Hermione's going to attend her ceremony with bloody birds and feathers in her hair!" Molly's brown satin robes flowed out behind her while she burst into Draco's bedroom.

"Wait until Narcissa sees Hermione. They had a heated argument recently. Hermione wanted to wear a Muggle wedding dress and Narcissa demanded she wear wizarding robes. Hermione wanted a traditional Muggle ceremony and Narcissa.."

"Mrs. Malfoy is just going to have to realise her son is marrying a Muggle-born." Ginny snorted, sipping a flute of champagne instead of downing it in one go. Astoria had to admit she was impressed.

"Help me into my dress would you?"

"You entrusted Ginny with your gown? What WERE you thinking?" Molly's hand patted her heart frantically as Luna removed the garment bag from the walk-in closet.

"I was thinking I didn't want to bloody go shopping. I was thinking I trust her since she knew exactly what I wanted. I was thinking anything was better than allowing Narcissa Malfoy to drag me around bloody London!"

"Of course dear, I gladly would have helped you.."

"I know, Molly, I know. I love you dearly, truly I do. I know it's been difficult with Ronald and I couldn't in good conscience add to the discord. I appreciate the offer though, truly I do. Now, let's take a gander at this dress."

"Your hair is lovely dear; I have to admit I was a bit nervous."

"Oh Mrs. Weasley, it seems the general consensus is I'm a bit off-kilter. It's alright, doesn't bother me a wit. Daddy says it's alright to be different even if others can't accept it." Luna's long blonde hair shimmered against the ice blue of her fitted dress as she flashed a brilliant smile toward the robust witch.

Luna unzipped the garment bag, revealing an ivory gown. Hermione sighed, her fingers trailing across the satin in awe. Ginny had captured the vision perfectly.

"Why, it's quite lovely. You requested this?"

"I introduced Ginny to the joy of Muggle pictures. They're called movies and I fell in love with a particular dress, except for the ridiculous bow across the bum." Hermione laughed as Luna turned the dress around to show it bereft of an obscenely large bow.

"I love Muggle pictures! Blaise introduced them to me. I'd wager it's due to Draco's influence. We have an entire library filled with those little cases. Which picture was it? Sometimes when Blaise is sleeping I sneak down and indulge." Luna's blue eyes were bright with excitement while she clapped her pale hands with glee.

"Malfoy sneaks over to my flat quite often to indulge as well. Ginny and I prefer the feminine films which he refuses to watch." Hermione allowed Molly to help her into the gown. Her fingers shook as she stared at her reflection in the floor length mirror.

"I see it now." Luna sighed, adjusting one of the many flowered pins adorning Hermione's up-do. "Bride Wars? Is that what it was called? The pretty brunette girl who didn't marry the one boy who was a bit of a prat?"

"You've seen it?"

"Blaise insisted. He's going to be over the moon to see you in this. That was a secret. I'm never supposed to tell he adores it." Molly's nimble fingers slid the satin covered buttons through their loops with tears in her eyes.

"Draco said to give this to you." Luna pressed a box into Hermione's hands before slipping out of the bedroom.

Hermione gasped staring at the exquisite sapphire pendant sparkling up at her from black velvet.

"Here dear, let me." Molly fastened the pendant around Hermione's neck, nodding in satisfaction as it danced just below her collarbone. "It's perfect. He obviously adores you."

"These were his grandmother's."

"Well, then it's only befitting they belong to his wife. Come along then. Why you lot insisted on your ceremony being held at this time of night is beyond me. Honestly. Teddy and Victoire have been asleep for hours. They're going to be quite put out to have missed it."

"The first time he kissed me was New Years." Hermione whispered, adjusting the barest hint of cap sleeves while Molly shook out her cloak.

It was her one concession. Narcissa demanded the wedding take place at Malfoy Manor. She demanded Hermione wear wizarding robes. She demanded Lucius escort her. She demanded the attendance of every witch and wizard she'd known in her lifetime, but Hermione would not budge.

Hermione was determined to have a ceremony which embraced both of her worlds. She was quite pleased when Draco had agreed. Therefore their ceremony was being held in the expansive back garden of Forest Lake, with warming charms in the billowing ice blue tents. Hermione was wearing a Muggle dress with a fur-lined ivory wizarding cloak. Her friends were wearing various shades of silver and blue, much to Narcissa's chagrin. She had protested, arguing for guests to display their house colours which Draco adamantly refused.

Molly pinched Hermione's cheeks, interrupting her contemplation, with a gasp of a proud mother.

"Ridiculous." Lucius Malfoy sniffed with disdain, eyeing the plethora of red haired witches and wizards bustling about.

"Ah Lucius, still as charming as ever." Arthur Weasley's blue eyes twinkled with mirth.

"Whatever are they doing?" Lucius ignored the subtle gibe, instead narrowing his silvery eyes as witches and wizards alike formed a line along the sides of the aisle.

He couldn't believe his only son, his heir no less, had agreed to a Muggle ceremony. Lucius shuddered in revulsion. He had dreamt of the day his son would stand beside his bride in the gardens of Malfoy Manor, surrounded by pureblood witches and wizards in a binding ceremony to rival all ceremonies. Instead, he stood in the fairly modest back garden of Forest Lake, surrounded by Weasleys. He was quite thankful the girl's parents were unaccounted for so he was not forced to associate with Muggles as well.

"Cheer up, Lucius. It's a wedding. Narcissa seems to be in good spirits eh?" Lucius thumped his ivory cane on the slate stone beneath their feet in irritation.

Narcissa Malfoy fluttered amongst the guests with a wide smile and a flush on her high cheekbones. She looked impeccable as always in pale blue robes, the edges sparkling with silver. Lucius envied her ability to adapt to unpleasant situations. She really was the perfect pureblood wife. Narcissa had managed to collude with Albus Dumbledore, securing their son's future as well as his life with a smile and a promise. She had used her Slytherin wiles in order to aid Lucius in seeing the benefit to their family. He was under no illusions, as far as his wife was concerned, that she would go to the ends of the very earth, battle with Lucifer himself to ensure Draco's future. He had to respect her immensely for that, even if he did not agree with the choice of bride for his son.

Hermione Granger was brilliant, there was no argument against that and Lucius knew it. It was her outspokenness which irked him the most. Narcissa was coy and subtle whereas Hermione Granger was a tornado. It was simply not proper for a pureblood wife to be so blatantly headstrong in public. Such things were to be reserved for the privacy of one's home. However, having witnessed Draco and Hermione's disagreements, he had to agree with Narcissa. Hermione Granger was a formidable witch who was perfectly suited to their son, regardless of her blood status.

"Bugger. Pansy Parkinson has penetrated the wards."

"That's most unfortunate."

"It seems even we were bound to agree on something, Lucius." Arthur bumped Lucius Malfoy's shoulder conspiratorially before venturing forth into the throng of guests.

"Isn't it lovely, Lucius?" Narcissa dabbed her eyes before clutching her husband's arm.

"That's not the word I would use while surrounded by Weasleys. Merlin, is that Xenophilius? Ridiculous robes, utterly ridiculous." Lucius snorted, patting his wife's hand. He lazily flicked his wand behind his back, transfiguring Xenophilius Lovegood's robes from a blinding yellow to a subdued shade of silver. The poor wizard hadn't even noticed while conversing with a scarred Weasley.

"Lucius, do not ruin this for them."

"My dear, I was simply aiding the decor. I don't recognise the witches there." Lucius gestured toward the guests which remained standing beside the rows of silver cushioned chairs.

"It's lovely. Ms Granger was having a moment. It was a bit distressing for her to realise her parents were unable to attend the nuptials. I, of course, offered your services, as it would be remiss for a bride not to be escorted by a paternal figure. She declined of course. She didn't wish to make Draco feel put out. She really is quite sweet, my dear. Arthur offered but considering the issues with their youngest son, Hermione declined that offer as well. The girl Weasley, I can't be expected to remember all their names, there are so many of them after all, she made a suggestion which everyone simply adored."

"Cissa dear, while you are absolutely enchanting, as usual, my question still remains." Lucius sighed, used to his wife's prattling. He supposed the ceremony was due to begin momentarily as guests were hurrying to their seats and Kingsley was making his way toward Draco.

"Oh, yes of course. I don't know if I remember all their names. Alright then. There's Astoria Potter, you remember her, don't you dear? Draco's little friend? The Weasley boys. Bill? He works with Hermione. Fenrir scratched him a bit, but he's lovely just the same. Charlie. He works with dragons. George? I'm not sure; he used to be a twin. Neville Longbottom. Don't bristle, Lucius. He's come a long way. Luna Zabini, she married Blaise, can you believe it? Minerva. I'm so glad she came. Harry Potter, of course, can you imagine Hermione Granger getting married without him?"

"Cissa..."

"Yes, my love. Alright, Chang? I believe that's her name. She's the little Asian girl. Those two boys there. One is Dean, the other is Seamus, I believe they're a couple if I'm not mistaken. Fleur Delacour. She's a Weasley now. Padma Patil, she's a twin. The tall dark girl, I believe is Angelina Johnson. She played Quidditch. I think that's all of them!" Narcissa beamed, obviously proud of herself.

"Ms Parkinson breached the wards." Lucius commented nonchalantly, keeping his voice low.

Draco stood beside his parents, his heart pounding so loudly in his ears; he was unable to hear anything besides his own breaths. Blaise Zabini kept murmuring comforting words to ease his nerves, but quite frankly he was a bit of a mess. He saw Harry and Arthur rush off toward the house and part of him wondered if Hermione had changed her mind.

"Malfoy, pull yourself together, you're going to sweat through your robes before the ceremony ever starts."

"I'm not wearing bloody robes, Zabini. It's called a suit. They're quite comfortable actually. I'm wearing a cloak so my mother doesn't faint."

"Why would she faint?"

"She wanted us to wear robes. She went on and on about it. Granger refused. I thought she'd appreciate it if I wore something Muggle." Draco adjusted his long, black cloak while casting a quick *Scourgify*. Blaise was absolutely correct in his assumptions.

"What if she.."

"She's not changing her mind." Blaise sighed, wishing he had remembered to fill his flask.

"How do you know?" Draco rubbed the back of his neck while taking shallow breaths.

"Take a look for yourself."

Pansy Parkinson slipped into Draco's flat with her heart in her throat. She knew she wouldn't be welcome. She fully expected to be hit with a multitude of hexes before she uttered a word, but she had to try. She smoothed the front of her pale pink dress, tucking her wand in the sash at her waist.

"Please don't hex me." Pansy's voice wavered as the conversation came to a complete standstill.

"What are you doing here?" Astoria was the first to speak. Her first instinct was to hex the glossy brunette, until she saw her thin beige lips waver.

"I need to explain, that night.."

"You! You're not welcome here!" The air crackled with Molly Weasley's magic.

"Molly." Hermione emerged from Draco's bedroom with her dress hidden beneath her cloak.

"Are you sure, dear? We're late as it is..." Molly huffed yet deferred to the bride.

"She's come here for a reason. I'd like to hear what she has to say. She can simply come with us." It was obviously the last thing her guests expected Hermione to say, yet they slipped into their cloaks in preparation to leave.

"It-it's not necessary. Not really, I don't want to take too much of your time, it's just.." Pansy's knees shook as her dark eyes took on a glassy sheen.

"Molly, would you take Stori and Ginny to the house please? Luna can stay behind with me. If we haven't arrived fifteen minutes prior to the ceremony, send Harry." Hermione turned to Pansy, dismissing the others without another glance.

"Th-thank you." Pansy nodded, her sleek dark hair fluttering around her face. Luna smiled, taking a protective sort of position to Hermione's right.

"I'm assuming it's something of great importance which couldn't wait."

"I tried before. I sent a few owls, but Draco wouldn't respond to them. He added protections to the wards so I couldn't simply show up, but I knew they'd be lifted today. I took a chance."

"Alright then, I'm listening." Hermione gratefully sipped from the offered flute of champagne, waiting for Pansy to collect herself.

"I work for the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. I've been an Inspector for just over a year. We've been investigating the wizarding club Nox. It seems they've had an influx of disoriented witches come morning. We've discovered its an illegal potion. Similar to certain Muggle drugs." Hermione motioned for Pansy to sit. Pansy sunk gratefully into a blue armchair, wringing her hands.

"Nox? That's the last place Oliver Wood was spotted. Viktor Krum as well if I remember correctly."

"Yes, exactly right. After collecting the scant bit of evidence at Hogwarts I went to Nox to question the personnel. I made a mistake. I wasn't thinking. I was so tired. You have to understand, Hermione. The things I said, the things I did? That wasn't me. I mean, physically it was me, but I don't think that way. I don't feel that way. I haven't had designs on Draco since sixth year to be quite honest."

"Why would you say those things then? Do you truly hate me that much?" Luna shushed Hermione, covering the bride's hands with her own.

"No! That's what I'm trying to tell you. I had a glass of firewhisky. I shouldn't have, I was still on duty, but like I said I made an error in judgement." Pansy began to cry then, letting the tears run her makeup without wiping them away.

"What happened?" Hermione was rapt with attention, leaning forward to grasp one of Pansy's hands.

"They teach you to never leave your drink unattended. I was always thought it was a bit silly. Whenever you move to another section of a crime scene investigation you never leave your things behind. I-I needed to use the loo and left my drink on the bar. When I returned, I finished it without thinking. I couldn't think. I mean, I was thinking, but I couldn't control my thoughts let alone my movements. I had to see Draco. It was a compulsion. I couldn't stop myself. It was silly really, I didn't even know where you lived, but I came across Padma and followed her after Disillusioning myself. The moment I saw him my skin was on fire. I was twitching and tingling everywhere and I had to touch him. I had to feel him. I was shouting within myself to stop, but I couldn't. I hated myself in that moment. Then I saw you and I was overcome with a blinding rage. I had to be as hurtful as possible. I was never as grateful as I was when Draco thrust me from the flat. I still couldn't breathe but most of the compulsions had waned. I managed to get myself to St Mungos."

"It was the drug wasn't it?" Pansy sighed in relief. She had hoped against hope that if anyone would understand it would be Hermione Granger and she wasn't disappointed.

"Yes. Exactly. They call it Imp. Some of the Healers referred to it as Implio. I overheard a few of them talking and the effects of it are quite detrimental. It's as if some dark witch or wizard bottled the Imperius Curse in liquid form and laced it with Obliviate. If I had fallen asleep before arriving at St Mungos, they said I would have no recollection of the things I had done. I would almost prefer it, but then you and Draco would detest me. I was so afraid. Draco's fancied you for so long, that's why I stayed away. I didn't want you to think I was still obsessed with him or anything. I wanted him to finally have his chance and one mistake could have ruined it. I'm so bloody sorry." Hermione was speechless. This wasn't the haughty witch she remembered from Hogwarts. This was an intelligent, contrite woman who was filled with shame.

"You did throw yourself at Draco in Diagon Alley, Pansy. Harry told me all about it." Luna's serene smile was a bit unnerving when paired with her biting words.

"Actually, that wasn't me. It was my younger, fatter sister, Peony. She attended Beauxbaton's and the minute she came back she decided to emulate me of all people. She's the reason I've grown my hair. She stole my trademark bob and my favourite dresses which she managed to squirm her less than attractive form into. She's despicable and it doesn't surprise me in the least that Draco thought her to be me. She is me. The worst parts of me." Pansy shuddered, the corner of her lip curling in derision.

"Hermione, if we don't leave now, Harry's going to be most put out."

"Yes, you're right of course, Luna. Pansy, come along then." Hermione stood, gathering her cloak around her.

"Y-you want me to come to your wedding?"

"Obviously. You weren't in control of your faculties Pansy; I'm certainly not going to hold that against you. I'm sure Draco would appreciate having another of his oldest friends in attendance. Blaise, Theo and Astoria are in attendance, what's another Slytherin? Come along then."

Hermione stepped through the wards of Forest Lake flanked by Pansy and Luna. She was terribly nervous, more than she was willing to admit. She found herself being lead up the half dozen steps and stopped at the ornate front door.

"What if he.."

"He'll be there." Luna smiled knowingly, peaking through the frosted glass beside the door.

"Oi! Hermione! You're here! Quick! Parkinson..." Harry's jaw dropped open in shock, cutting off the rest of his words succintly.

"Yes, Harry. I'm here. Luna's here. Pansy's here as well. I've invited her. You are not going to argue with a bride on her wedding day, now are you, Harry Potter? No, I didn't think so. However, perhaps later in the evening you'll find a spot of time to speak with Pansy. I think you'll find what she has to say very interesting."

"Er, yea sure, Hermione, whatever you like. Kingsley is ready whenever you are and considering you and Malfoy have it timed down to the minute, it might be best to get started." Harry offered a tight smile to Pansy while offering his arm to Hermione.

"It's most unusual to hold a binding ceremony so late.." Pansy frowned in confusion.

"It's a fusion ceremony actually. Hermione wished for some Muggle traditions. Draco and Hermione decided to reenact their first kiss. Terribly romantic, isn't it?" Luna skipped past Harry her ice blue gown billowing out behind her.

"Uh Pansy, why don't you go with Arthur, he'll show you to the ceremony site." Pansy gave Harry a small smile of appreciation and allowed herself to be lead away. Her eyes met Hermione's and she waved.

*Thank you* She mouthed over her shoulder the moment before they stepped through the French doors leading to the back garden.

"Are you ready? Are you sure?" Hermione nodded not trusting her voice.

Quite honestly she was terrified, but she couldn't confide her anxiety in Harry. He'd be the first person to tell her she didn't need to do this. He'd willingly whisk her away to parts unknown and tell her everything would be fine. She loved him for it, but she was unwilling to hurt Draco. Hermione wasn't positive he would be hurt, but if there was a chance, she wasn't willing to take it.

They had formed an easy sort of relationship. They spent their evenings in front of a crackling fire, sipping glasses of wine with easy conversation. Hermione returned to her flat at the end of the night after a quick hug and a peck on the cheek. She hadn't slept with him since the evening he'd shown her Forest Lake and he hadn't pressed her. They laughed, they argued and they shared. Hermione had grown closer than she expected to Draco and found herself valuing their unlikely friendship. Astoria had been correct in her assumptions. They did know each other. They understood each other's hidden pain and discussed it, which drew them even closer together.

"Do you want me to take your cloak?" Hermione blinked her eyes rapidly, peering through the French doors to see their guests seated beneath a large tent. The fairy lights twinkled in the night sky and she supposed a few Warming Charms had been cast as well.

"Molly's going to remove it before I walk." Hermione whispered, squeezing Harry's hand in a vise grip.

"Alright then, I have to take my place." Harry gave her a quick hug and hurried through the doors.

"NeeNee! Comin!" Teddy Lupin screeched, drawing the eyes of every guest. He leapt out of Andromeda's lap and raced down the silver aisle to latch himself to Hermione. Hermione laughed and picked up the toddler, gasping as his hair morphed into a pile of golden brown curls.

"Teddy, I have to go see the Minister now.

"Kings!" Teddy shouted, pointing at the burly black wizard standing near Draco.

"Yes, that's exactly right. Now, do you think you could sit with your grandmum? No? Alright. How about if you go and stand with Malfoy. You remember Malfoy don't you?" Hermione chuckled at Teddy's antics. He was definitely going to keep things interesting at Hogwarts.

"Mal!" Teddy pointed at Draco with a big smile, his hair instantly sleek and platinum blonde.

"Very good, Teddy. If you go wait with Malfoy, I'll make sure you get an extra piece of cake. Just don't tell Harry." Hermione kissed Teddy's cheek and set him on his chubby little legs. Teddy raced down the aisle, his little arms pumping.

"Mal! NeeNee comin'!" Hermione found herself holding her breath, hoping Draco would pick up the unruly child and he didn't disappoint.

She breathed a sigh of relief. Molly stood before her, unclasping her cloak full of eager smiles. Molly purposely barred Draco from catching a glimpse of his bride, by fussing over Hermione more than necessary. Ginny fluffed Hermione's train, using her wand to remove flecks of snow as well as a few wrinkles.

"It's time, dear. Remember; don't bother glancing at your guests. Keep your eyes on him. You'll see your guests later; you'll only see his reaction once." Molly stretched up on her toes to kiss Hermione's cheeks.

"Don't trip, those shoes are killer." Ginny patted Hermione on the back and moved to stand beside her mother.

The guests didn't stand. The wedding march wasn't played. There was something eternally peaceful about the silence. The collective gasp as Molly and Ginny separated, baring Hermione to probing eyes.
Later, Hermione would admit Molly had been absolutely correct. She closed her eyes for a moment, willing her feet to move.

"NeeNee long time." It was Teddy's adorable whine which made Hermione raise her chin and meet the stormy grey eyes she'd become accustomed to.

Draco's jaw dropped slightly, his breath caught in his throat. He blinked rapidly believing his eyes were playing tricks on him. Hermione winked, effectively knocking him from his stupor. He didn't think his heart could take much more until she began to move. Hermione walked slowly with a small smile and a bright flush. Confusion furrowed her brow for a moment as she passed her friends and surrogate family. Their wands were held firmly over their heads, forming an arch over Hermione's head. Draco had never seen such a thing and he suspected Hermione hadn't either. He felt as if it were hours before she finally reached him. Blaise cleared his throat, breaking the silence as he took a squirming Teddy from Draco.

"Hi." Hermione whispered, a sparkle in her brown eyes as she looked up at him.

"You're here." Draco whispered back, wanting only to snog her senseless regardless of their present company.

"Sonorus. Tonight we are joining together the two souls of Hermione Jean Granger and Draco Lucius Malfoy." Kingsley Shacklebolt began. His voice sounded through the back garden easily with the use of the amplification charm.

"First, as is the Muggle tradition, the question must be asked." Draco's eyes darted from Hermione's, flickering over the heads of their guests. His unfamiliarity with Muggle wedding ceremonies caused his anxiety to rise and if it hadn't been for the reassuring squeeze on his shoulder from Blaise, Draco was sure he would have hyperventilated.

"Who here gives this woman in marriage?" Hermione gasped, nervously nibbling her bottom lip. The shuffling of feet and a few murmured 'pardon me's' caused her to turn.

Draco reached out to brush the tears which had formed on Hermione's cheeks. There was a group of witches and wizards he easily recognised, standing below them with smiles.

"We do." They answered as one and Hermione had never felt more loved in that moment.

"Let us begin." Hermione didn't remember a single word of the ceremony. She hoped Draco never asked her. Instead she focused on his eyes, the movement of his lips as he spoke, the timbre of his voice and the feel of his hands in hers. She knew Kingsley was melding Muggle and Wizard and she trusted him.

"Mr. Malfoy, repeat after me." Kingsley fumbled with the notes in his hands, searching for the exact phrases. Hermione hadn't specified the sort of vows she wished, but Kingsley had done his research.

"With this ring, I give you my heart. I promise from this day forward, you shall not walk alone. May my heart be your shelter, and my arms be your home." Draco's hand shook as he slipped the platinum band onto Hermione's finger, nestled against her sapphire engagement ring.

"Yesterday, I was in darkness." Hermione's voice trembled; Draco gave her a bit of a half smile, giving her hand a squeeze. "Today, you're here and I know, tomorrow will be brighter."

After Hermione slipped Draco's ring onto his finger with trembling hands, Kingsley directed them to clasp arms. Draco was immediately more comfortable. This was something he was quite familiar. He had seen his fair share of wizarding bonding ceremonies.

"Tonight, we celebrate a bonding of magic and of love." Hermione knew Harry was rolling his eyes at the Ministers declaration.

"It is a sacred bond. May no witch or wizard tear it asunder." Kingsley peered over Draco's head to give a meaningful glare to Lucius.

"Do you, Hermione, accept Draco Malfoy, knowing he will unintentionally cause you pain, knowing he will disappoint, knowing his pain will become your pain, his tears your tears? Will you accept him as your partner, your friend, your lover? Will you accept his intentions of love and bind yourself to him for all your remaining days?"

"I-I shall."

"Do you, Draco, accept Hermione Granger; will you knowingly accept her into your family, your life and your heart, knowing she will unintentionally cause you pain and disappointment? Will you accept her pain as your pain, her tears as your tears? Will you accept her as your partner, your friend, your lover?
Will you accept her love and devotion and bind yourself to her for all your remaining days?"

"I shall." Kingsley touched his wand to their bound hands and smiled grandly over the crowd.

"Before your friends and family, we bless this union of two souls. Today they are one. Their souls have spoken and declared them bonded." Silvery wisps escaped Kingsley's wand.

Narcissa gasped, clutching her husband's forearm as the wisps became threads of red and green, melding together to form the brightest of blues before disappearing. She found Molly Weasley among the throng and they locked knowing gazes.

"Mr. Malfoy, you may kiss your bride."

"Apparently I now have a wife." Draco smirked before allowing himself to give in to temptation.

Hermione laughed, the sound being muffled by soft lips pressing against hers, searching, nibbling, probing and she melted. They ignored the subtle clearing of throats, the snickers, and the coughs, until Lucius clapped his son on the shoulder.

"Son, there will be plenty of time for that later, it's unbecoming." Lucius hissed over the flair of fireworks bursting in the air, signifying the New Year.

"Happy New Year, Mr. Malfoy." Hermione kissed Draco's cheek, pulling back from his insistent lips.

"Happy New Year, Mrs. Malfoy."

"MY NEENEE NO YOU!"

"Your mum and Molly are spending an extraordinarily unusual amount of time chatting. I wonder what they're going on about." Draco spun his wife on the makeshift dance floor in order to distract her. Instead he spied his mother gesturing wildly in the corner of the tent and Molly Weasley nodding rapidly. Inwardly he groaned, knowing nothing good could come of it.

"Teddy is quite put out. He gave me a ridiculously mottled lecture. Told me how I stole you from him even if girls are 'yucky'. We worked everything out of course." Hermione placed her head on her husband's heart, the gentle thumping lulling her to a sense of calm.

"What did you promise him then?" Hermione laughed lightly, well versed in Teddy Lupin's manipulation. Draco's arms tightened around her as their steps slowed.

"Our first daughter. He would accept nothing less."

"Just how many children do you think we'll be having, Malfoy?" She snuggled into his chest for the warmth as much as the unexpected contentment.

"According to the Weasel, you'll have a dozen blond haired demons, but I'm not thoroughly convinced he knows how many are actually in a dozen."

"Ugh. Ron, he's so...he's just so..."

"Poor?"

"Malfoy! Don't be rude!"

"Is it considered rude if it's the truth? Please, dear wife, enlighten me."

"You're incorrigible." Hermione threw her head back with laughter, lightly smacking her husband's chest.

"I'm a Malfoy."

A blinding flash interrupted their moment and Draco turned with a scowl. Arthur Weasley smiled and waved, depressing the shutter button on his Muggle camera at anything that moved.

"Oi. Hermione, next year? Buy dad something magical would you?" George rubbed his eyes, spinning Ginny furiously.

"Weaselette is looking ill. Can we retire now?" Draco kissed Hermione's temple.

"Malfoy, what of our guests? We can't just..."

"Granger..." Hermione hid her amusement. Part of her had a soft spot for Draco Malfoy's juvenile whine.

"Malfoy. I'd like a bit of cake, actually." He grumbled, yet led her toward the towering confectionary concoction.

Narcissa smiled, greeting guests and tendering to their comforts with a perfunctory air. She was a woman on a mission and nothing was going to stop her from having a word with Molly Weasley. While she was never particularly close or fond of the brassy red haired witch, there were much more important things than semantics.

She had settled Lucius at a semi-private table as far from Arthur Weasley as possible. She hadn't the slightest notion why Arthur was so insistent on seeking out Lucius, but Narcissa was decidedly against her only son's wedding reception being disrupted by a duel. Her husband was a difficult man, yet he was easily placated with sugary concoctions of the chocolate variety. A thin smile graced her pastel lips as she observed Lucius chortling over cupcakes beside Xenophilius Lovegood.

"Lovely ceremony wasn't it, Narcissa?" Arthur smiled brightly, his thin reddish hair frizzing against his shiny head.

"Delightful, tell me, is your lovely wife about?" If Arthur hadn't thoroughly enjoyed multiple glasses of champagne he would have been suspicious of such a question. Instead he gestured behind him, determined to escort Narcissa through the dancing couple.

"Yoohoo! Molly, love. Narcissa would like a word." Molly was a bit grateful for the interruption. She didn't necessarily detest Pansy Parkinson, she barely knew the girl really. It was simply a matter of being unable to abide completely aimless chatter and it appeared Ms Parkinson was an avid fan.

"Molly, I'd like a moment, unless of course you're otherwise engaged?" Narcissa arched a perfectly manicured eyebrow over Molly's head toward Pansy.

Pansy suddenly discovered her pink kitten heels demanded her rapt attention. The Malfoy Matriarch had always intimidated her, even during the scant months she had dated Draco.

"Don't mind me. I need to have a word with Bill. Thank you for a lovely evening." Pansy curtsied of all things before slinking away in the shadows.

"You saw it then?" Molly stared up at the formidable blonde witch, knowing Narcissa Malfoy had an agenda when it came to conversing with Weasleys.

"Of course." Narcissa sighed deeply.

"Saw what then?" Arthur smiled brightly, hiccuping.

"Their magic of course!" Narcissa resisted the urge to slap the inebriated wizard, allowing Molly to take the lead.

"What about it? Was lovely, yes? Reminding me of our magic, besides of course ours was red and red, but still, the brilliant blue at the end. Delightful!" Arthur snatched another flute of champagne off a passing tray, lifting it with a lopsided smile.

"Yes, Arthur and why do you think our magic did that?" Molly smiled, yet Narcissa smirked knowing the rotund witch was gritting her teeth.

"Well, we were expecting Bill of…oh Merlin." Arthur suddenly felt as if his limbs were refusing to cooperate. He was vaguely aware of Molly leading him a cushioned chair and forcing his head between his knees.

"Not a word, Arthur."

"Yes, yes, I'll just...stay right here then." Arthur groaned. Molly nodded curtly, adjusting her brown satin robes and gripped Narcissa's elbow in an iron grip.

Narcissa allowed it, not feeling an ounce of the revulsion she had expected at such contact. They finally found themselves near the corner of the billowing tent. Their eyes immediately perused the crowd, spotting Draco and Hermione dancing intimately.

"Do you think they're aware?" Narcissa wrung her hands nervously.

"Why? Afraid a half-blood child will mar the Malfoy family tree?" Molly spat, her fingers wrapped around her wand within the folds of her robes.

"What a load of rubbish. Contrary to popular misplaced opinion, I do not hold the same ludicrous ideals as my husband. Frankly, I resent the implication." Narcissa sniffed with an aristocratic disdain others would find quite intimidating.

"One can never be too sure, considering the Malfoy history, now can they?"

"They're obviously oblivious." Narcissa succinctly sidestepped the thinly veiled barb. Molly caught a glimpse of the newlyweds sipping from champagne flutes while they indulged in wedding cake.

"I was much the same way when expecting Bill. Arthur and I hadn't the faintest notion. It was our mothers who informed us. We thought they were taking the piss."

"You think we should inform them?" Narcissa flinched over Molly's crude language, but she supposed the situation warranted it.

"Merlin, no. Let them enjoy themselves while they can. They'll find out soon enough." Molly laughed heartily, resisting the urge to hug the matriarch.

"I'm..I'm..going to be a grandmother." The reality of it all came crashing down around Narcissa Malfoy with a vengeance. She was hard pressed to keep her tears at bay.

"Think of all the shopping."

The clinking of glasses interrupted their reverie and they turned their attention toward a laughing Draco Malfoy. He had scooped his bride over his shoulder in the middle of the dance floor, a hand resting across her bum. Hermione laughed, kicking her feet lightly as he gave her a bit of a swat.

"Oi! You lot! Clear out! I'd like to shag my wife!"

"I can't believe you just announced like that. In front of everyone, I'm so embarrassed." Hermione huffed with indignation the moment Draco allowed her feet to slip to the floor.

Their guests were drinking and laughing while saying their goodbyes. There were promises of lunch dates, shopping and afternoon teas followed by the distinct pops of Apparition.

"I've never shown you all of the grounds. There's a carriage house, just past the expanse of trees. My parents will be staying there tonight. It seems my father imbibed entirely too much champagne and cake. Mother doesn't want him to splinch. Molly and Arthur will be staying there as well. Strange to see how well they got on."

"Your parents and the Weasleys? Oh I hope they don't resort to a duel. You know how your father is." Hermione began pulling the pins from her hair.

"Don't. Leave them." Draco's hands caressed the bare skin of her shoulders, his breath warm against her ear.

"D-Do you think Harry and the boys got home alright?" Hermione stepped forward, her heels clipping across the cream tile in the unfamiliar room.

"Bill, Charlie and George are actually downstairs. There's a travel room for the Floo. It's a nice little area actually with more than enough room for them to sleep it off." He took her hand, leading her up the staircase toward the master bedroom.

"We have a travel room?"

"Of course, makes it easier to keep the riffraff out. There's a sizable bathing pool downstairs as well. It's next to the Potions lab and the research library."

"Malfoy, are you telling me Forest Lake has two libraries?" Draco nodded sweeping her into his arms. He carried her down the hall and into their room.

He hadn't really taken notice of the colour schemes or furniture while he dressed for the ceremony. He had been more nervous than anything yet now, he found himself gazing appreciatively at the cream textured wall coverings in the hall, the strategically placed art and the absolutely divine shade of blue splashed across the bedroom walls.

"I-I thought..." Hermione nibbled her bottom lip, searching the nuances in Draco's expression for disapproval.

"It's perfect." Hermione found herself with her feet solidly on the ground, Draco behind her, his hands on her shoulders just as they were downstairs.

"I uhm…"

"Let's get this off you." Draco purred into her ear. He pulled the pins from Hermione's hair, tossing them over his shoulder. When his hands slid from her shoulders, down her arms, her breath caught.

"Nervous?"

"Y-yes, actually, I uhm." Hermione shook her head, attempting to clear the rapidly forming fog.

"Me too."

"I don't understand. Why would you be nervous? It's not as if you haven't done it hundreds of times with...with..." She spun to face him, suddenly aware of their close proximity.

"Granger, stop." His fingers raked through his hair. He walked through the bedroom, leaving Hermione to stand in confusion. He ventured toward the washroom, and turned. "Coming?" He smirked over his shoulder.

"You didn't answer me." Hermione loved the way her dress swished around her as she walked and found herself moving toward Draco. She watched him spin the taps, presumably to fill the ridiculously large tub.

"No, Granger, I didn't." Draco slipped off his shoes, kicking them into a corner.

"Tell me?" She watched his fingers as they slipped his suit jacket off his wide shoulders, folding it in half and placing it over the vanity chair.

"You first."

"I-I don't know. It's not as if we've never...but it's, different, I suppose." Draco nodded slowly, his hands moving toward the buttons on his white dress shirt.

"Exactly. It is different. For your information, I haven't slept with hundreds of witches, hundreds of times. Yes, I've been with others, you already know this but.." Draco grit his teeth, shoving his shirt to the floor.

"But...what?" Hermione stepped into the washroom completely, closing the door behind her. She tossed a handful of pleasant smelling bath salts into the steaming water and waited.

"You're my wife. I've never had one of those before and it changes everything." He strode forward and kissed her then. Hard, unforgiving, as if he needed to prove to himself she was real and she was his.

Nimble fingers removed satin buttons from their loops and Hermione's dress was pooling on the floor. She stood self-consciously before her husband, toying with the word internally. Her first instinct was to cover herself from his darkened silvery eyes, but she couldn't force her limbs to cooperate.

Draco's lips parted, looking at her with new eyes. He'd seen her spread before him on satin sheets, but he'd never truly studied her. He found himself appreciating her ample bosom, the subtle inward curve of her waistline, the rounding of her hips. Her bustier amplified her assets in a way he found most delectable. Draco offered her a hand, as she stepped out of her gown, allowing him to maneuver himself behind her.

Part of him wanted to bend her over the side of the tub the moment he spotted the scrap of lace barely considered knickers. He found himself releasing the numerous clasps on Hermione's bustier, barely grazing her skin with his knuckles. He watched it fall away from her flushed skin before sending her knickers quickly following.

Draco loved watching her chest rise and fall with her eyes shut tight. The little pants escaping her plump lips, the wanton pucker of blush peaks, and he decided he wanted to know her, know all of her.

"Bathe with me." It wasn't what she was expecting. Draco's voice was soft and unsure instead of harsh and demanding yet Hermione found herself nodding. She stepped carefully over the side of the tub, sinking into its steamy depths with a soft moan.

The water truly was delectable. It soothed the ache in the arches of her feet, the tightness in the small of her back, and she reveled in it. While Hermione was adjusting to the healing qualities of the water, Draco stripped off his remaining clothes and climbed in behind her. She naturally slid back into his arms, her head lolling against his chest.

"This is nice."

"Nice? With an intellect such as yours, that's the best you can do?" Hermione studied Draco's knees peeking out of the hazy water and couldn't resist the urge to touch them, ignoring his teasing words. She found herself drawing runes on his thighs, using the smattering of bubbles around them.

*Beautiful. Attraction. Love*

"Why are you drawing runes in soap? Am I not entertaining you Mrs. Malfoy?" Draco plunged a white cloth beneath the water, lathering it quickly.

His fingers danced across Hermione's back, the cloth painting swirls down the length of her arms until goose pimples rose. Hermione groaned as the knots in her muscles dissipated into nothingness.

"Mmmm. You're really good at that. Had a lot of practice have you?" Instantly she regretted it, but it was already said. The cloth paused, hovering over the crest of her breasts.

"Actually, no. I've never bathed with anyone." He toyed with the wet ends of her curls, pulling them straight, letting the cloth float away.

"Why not?" Hermione was honestly curious.

His forefinger caressed her abdomen, sinking into her navel. His mouth laid the barest hint of kisses down the column of her neck. Her fingernails dug into the pale skin just above his knee, yanking the pale blond hair. His right hand covered hers, stilling it's sensual movements while his left sunk into the crease of her hip, constantly moving forward, teasing the illusion of curls, spreading her legs against his, brushing her folds until she moaned.

"I was never interested in intimacy." Draco nipped her earlobe, chuckling as she shivered, despite the heat of the still water.

Without warning, he rose from the bath, hefting Hermione in his arms. Draco didn't bother to towel her supple body dry nor his own for that matter. He didn't cast a drying charm or anything else to distract him from his mission.

Carefully he laid Hermione in their obscenely large four poster bed, her hair dampening the gray and silver duvet beneath her. She wasn't completely comfortable with her body, nor with being on display but all thoughts on the matter ceased to exist when Draco covered her body with his own. She felt as if she were being consumed by him. His eyes roved her every inch, his hands quickly following. She pulled him closer, clutching him to her breast, her petite hands stroking his back, her legs entwining with his. Every space between them was entirely too much space and they pressed together with pants and murmured affections.

He wanted her, the way he'd never wanted any woman before and knew he'd never want anyone else. They fit as if they were two pieces of a puzzle left scattered across a long forgotten table, rediscovered, as the dawn broke over the horizon. His hands were lost in her curls, his lips exploring every contour of her face. She writhed beneath him, flattening her breasts against his smooth chest as she clung to his shoulders.

"Draco." The sultry moan, laced with a need he quite understood almost broke his revelry. His throbbing hard length twitched on her thigh and she thrust her pelvis upward with impatience.

"Patience, love." He twisted his hips, teasing her core, chuckling as her hands fisted the sheets, her mouth groaned in frustration.

Hermione linked her legs behind his back, shoved against his shoulder and flipped him onto his side. She continued to push him, tucking her hair behind her ears until she straddled his waist. She attacked his lips with a fervor, thrusting her tongue into his mouth, her teeth nibbling his bottom lip before moving on to his earlobes, his neck, her fingers grasping his hair in her fists.

"Can't wait." Hermione mumbled reaching between their bodies, adjusting her hips with a sigh as she felt him slide into her.

"Baby, baby, slow down." Draco flipped them over, bracing himself on his elbows. His movements were slow and steady, agonizingly slow, at least Hermione thought so.

"Draco, please, faster."

"No. I need it slow. I need to look at you. I need to see you." He dropped his forehead to hers, kissing her lips sweetly.

The burn was a slow rise, a gentle simmer building through their movements. Her stuttered pants and strangled moans were almost the end of him, yet as she bucked beneath him, meeting his thrusts and her eyes darkened in the moments she came undone, he watched her. His stormy eyes never left hers. She fought to keep her murky brown eyes open, almost preferring if they rolled back in her head, yet she knew, he needed this, whatever it was. She felt her back arch of its own volition as the ecstasy rolled over her like a waterfall, cascading through her until it settled at the bottom. As he felt her clench around him, her fingers embedded in his alabaster skin, her eyes locked on his with the unfamiliar yet stimulating flutter in his chest, he ground himself into her hips, yanking her body against his and with a gasp he shuddered, allowing the wave to flow over him.

"Is..is it always like that?" Hermione asked later, with his head resting on her breast, her fingers toying with his hair.

"No baby, it's not." He caressed her hip before pulling the covers over their exhausted yet satisfied bodies. He kissed her cheek and pulled her into his side, his eyes drooping while the sun rose.

"I'm glad." She whispered, her curls spread over his shoulder, her fingers resting over his heart.
Something had shifted between them. They hadn't a name for it, yet it was comforting, it was satisfying, it was home.