A/N - Hermione is not a happy young lady. Seems someone is of the impression Hermione listens to orders. We will see how that plays out...

I still don't own them.

The chapter title gives away what this chapter is about...there may be a surprise or two along the way. Enjoy.

' - - - - - - '

Percy had received a note from Severus informing him of what Stephanie and Narcissa had done and he was not happy. In fact, livid would better describe his current mood. He realized his daughter would not stand for something like this. She was too much like him and that was worrisome. He had warned both of them to not do this but they had not listened. What he needed to do was speak with his daughter and see if anything in their tenuous and new relationship was salvageable. After a quick note to the school and confirmation that Hermione had to speak with him; Percy arrived at the gates of his former school.

"Hello Percy, it is nice to see you again." Minerva was a little shocked when news of the miracle was revealed. She had thought she was hallucinating when Albus appeared at the school with Kingsley. It took the two of them almost two hours beefier she truly believed he had returned. Even then, it was only after he had whispered their secret code that confirmed her hopes. Minerva viewed Percy as the exception to the Slytherins from his time at Hogwarts. He was one of the few who was genuinely disturbed during the initial stages of Voldemort's first attempt at world domination.

"Hello Professor. Where is Hermione? I think you know I need to speak with her before this escalates much more."

"You know it already has escalated. She has agreed to speak with you, and only you. She is very upset with her mother and Narcissa. It's a miracle that the school wasn't damaged. The walls were shaking when she was in my office."

"She seems to have taken after me in that regard. I think my vault is a bit smaller after graduating due to the repairs that were needed after a few skirmishes in the dungeons. Where is she? Her room?"

"No the 'mothers' haven't left yet. I think they are trying to wait Hermione and Draco out. They are in the Tower. Do you remember your way or should I take you up there?"

"Please, I think I remember, but it has been a very long time." Percy and Minerva walked up to the Tower in silence as there wasn't anything to say. Minerva spoke the password and opened the portrait for Percy.

"Thank you Minerva. I greatly appreciate all that you have done for my daughter over the years. If this conversation goes well then I'd like to take them somewhere for a short while. Assuming it is ok with you."

"They are really no longer my students but I appreciate your consideration of school rules. Please have them let me know when they are back." Minerva smiled and left as Percy turned and entered the common room.

"Hermione, are you here?"

"Father." Percy saw that she must have calmed down since earlier in the day but that she was still very upset. The tear stained cheeks and red rimmed eyes tore at his heart. He wished to hold her daughter and help calm her tears. Draco's arms were firmly around her and Percy realized that he had truly missed his opportunity. He damned Tom Riddle to a longer stay in that worst level of hell. Knowing there was nothing he could do about the past, he was going to help his daughter with the present and her future. He wanted her to know he would always be there for her.

"Severus sent me a note regarding the invitations and your reaction. Firstly, I told them to discuss this all with you before anything was decided. Secondly, it was my understanding that nothing was to be sent until after graduation. Finally, I apologize for not informing you sooner. I knew that Draco was planning on proposing but I did not want to tip you off to his plans. However, I should have told Draco sooner. Maybe he could have stopped this. Maybe not, Stephanie seemed very intent this morning. I don't really know what you are planning. I suspect, based on a couple comments from Severus and Minerva, you have a plan. You are so very much like me and whenever something needed to be done I always had a plan."

Hermione smiled at her father and nodded.

"I don't expect you to tell me. You don't have a great reason to trust me yet and I had hoped that over the summer we could get to know each other better. I did not expect Stephanie and Cissy to go so overboard. I would like to give you my wedding present now. I had planned to give it you both after graduation. It's a cottage on the Phoenix property. Obviously if you would prefer to live somewhere else I understand but this was always intended to be yours and it will always be there for you and your children."

Percy smiled and tentatively held his hand out to his daughter. Hermione looked at Draco who nodded. The three left and once past the school wards apparated away. They arrived in a building that could not be called a cottage. It was too large.

Draco looked out the window and was confused. He quickly walked out and started to survey the land. He chuckled to himself as he walked back in.

"So the mysterious Phoenix property was always this close and Lucius was never able to get to it? Wow."

"Yes, my ancestors were deeded the land generations ago. The house was built when we moved to England but the land had always been ours."

"Father, where are we?"

"Come and look out the window and tell me what you see." Draco pulled Hermione to the window for her to view what Draco had already determined. Down a hill Hermione saw the side of a magnificent home.

"It looks like the Manor. Malfoy Manor."

"And this is just one of the reasons I love her Percy, beautiful and brilliant." Draco hugged her tightly. Percy found great humor with Draco's reaction but wanted to get back to the point of the trip. Although Draco seeing the humor in what Percy's father had done was a nice surprise to him.

"Hermione what do you think of the cottage?"

"I think it's too big to be called a cottage Father."

"Valid point but the manor is larger so this was the cottage. You still haven't told me what you think of it."

"It's very nice; however, I'm not in a mind to make a decision this large just yet. Obviously I appreciate the gesture and it will allow us to live away from our mothers. I'm not sure the distance is enough. I'm still not happy with either one."

"I don't blame you. They are trying to wait you out in your common room; while they are there would you like to see Phoenix Manor?"

"I would love to. Draco, would you please come with me?"

"I'll follow you anywhere." The trio left the cottage and headed to the manor.

' - - - - - - '

"This is larger than Malfoy Manor, Father."

"I know. Lucius was always jealous." Draco and Percy chuckled. Draco knew that his father liked to think himself the head of the most important family in Britain but this home was obviously better than what he had. That had to drive Lucius crazy. Percy pointed out the different rooms and stopped in front of the study. Percy pointed toward the door and Hermione opened it. She gasped at what she saw.

"I know you read about our family history. This room contains both the physical objects that document our story but also our family tree."

Hermione glanced at some of the more famous members and smiled at their acknowledgement of her. She traced the tree farther back than the book. The book had glanced over their origin in Greece but here were the people. The oldest individual was called Drakon. He was the last Phoenix to have two sons. His eldest was called Euandros. The younger brother was not listed and it appeared as if his tree went off in the westerly direction. This mystery could fascinate Hermione for years. Drakon died over 2,700 years ago. Any history of him or his sons was probably lost. Hermione touched the space that should be occupied by her long last uncle. Sighing she turned to her father.

"Thank you Father. You've given me a visible reminder of a family I didn't know I had. I'm not alone anymore. You, Draco and Harry have made sure I know I'm loved and will not be alone."

The family spent a few more hours walking the halls of the Manor. The portraits were more than pleased to tell the girl their stories. Percy had pegged his daughter at Christmas. Hermione found knowledge more important than money or jewels. This fact made Percy incredibly proud of his daughter.

"I thought the study and portraits would will your interest, dear. That said, I don't think you should stay much longer as Minerva would like you back before sunset. And if you let your Uncle Nikon start into his story you'll never get to leave. His story gets more fantastic each time he tells it. One of these days he is going to tell someone that Homer's stories were really about him." Percy laughed at the put out face of the ancient. Hermione and Draco knew Percy was joking as Homer told those stories centuries before the man on the tree. Nike had a thoughtful look on his face for a moment before a mischievous grin crossed his face. "It's about time you paid attention to my stories. Of course Homer wrote about me. I'm really that important Hermione." The other portraits in the area groaned. Percy waved to his family before leading Hermione and Draco toward the study once more.

"I could spend days here." Her awe from earlier returning. Before leaving she found her name and touched the smiling blonde man set next to her image on the tree. Draco. Both the image and the man, smiled at Hermione as she brushed her fingers over the line indicating their bond. Percy was pleased it still showed them bonded but unconsummated. He looked to Draco who acknowledged his understanding.

"I see you got that picture updated. Much better than all that hair gel." She giggled as the portrait laughed at the put out face of the man standing beside it.

"Yes, it is important to keep those up to date. From now on we will both make sure our portraits are acceptable. That said, we should get back now."

"I agree. Thank you Father. This was nice. I'd like to come back soon, if you are agreeable." Hermione gave him a hug and kiss before taking Draco's arm and leaving. They arrived at the gates of the school and Hermione was generally in a better mood.

"Draco I need to let Minerva know we are back. I'm not sleeping in the dorm tonight if they are there. Maybe we can stay in another room."

"It's your decision dear. We can go together." As they walked the stairs to the Headmistress's office they heard the voice of Hermione's mother yelling about where they were. They turned as the door opened and Severus walked out. He silently motioned for them to follow him.

"Your mothers are less than pleased at your behaviors. And before you say anything Minerva and I both informed them that we were less than thrilled with how they handled the situation. I will let Minerva know that you are back and we had the elves clean the common room for anything they may have left. Your rooms were both warded and they could not access them or the bathroom. That upset them even more. It was quite humorous. Have a good evening and I will see you both at breakfast." Severus headed up the steps and back into the office with the screaming witches.

"Let's go to bed." Hermione walked to the dorm and entered.

' - - - - - - '

The next few days passed slowly for Hermione. A major part of the problem was that she was still very upset with the entire situation. What was worse, at least from Hermione's perspective, was a good portion of the Hogwarts student body had been invited to the event planned by Stephanie and Narcissa. It was all that anyone wanted to discuss. With only a couple days of classes left there wasn't much she could do to keep her class focused. She and Draco spent the evenings planning and everything was going as she wanted. It was suddenly their graduation day. Hermione had refused to speak with either Stephanie or Narcissa. Both of the older witches had made comments to Draco regarding Hermione's attitude. Draco always sided with Hermione telling the mothers that if they had just listened none of this would be happening but they didn't.

"She has to find a dress! This is ridiculous. After the ceremony we are taking her, by force, to the dress shop." Stephanie muttered.

"Good luck." Draco smiled knowing where he and Hermione were going to be after the ceremony was over.

"Now if you will excuse me I have a graduation ceremony to attend." Draco spun and headed toward the rest of the graduates.

"What did our mothers have to say dear?"

"That they are going to make you go to the dress shop by force after the ceremony is over. I told them 'good luck'. I can't wait for to see their faces." Draco knew the dress Hermione wore under her robe. It was a white dress with a sweetheart neckline. She wouldn't let him see her in it but Pansy had let it slip that she looked amazing. Draco took Hermione's hand and led her to their seats.

Even with a "combined" graduating class, the total number of students was extremely small. This due to a good number of students not returning and just wanting to move on or didn't make it through the war. After a moment of silence for those that had died Minerva began with her introductory speech. This was followed by the traditional speech made by the Head Boy and Girl. Draco and Hermione were glad they didn't have to give the speech. It was a good one and covered their time at the school, the war and the future. It moved everyone to tears, including Hermione. Draco carefully wiped her tears away and kissed her cheek. The final speech was from the Arthur, who as Minister of Magic, granted 'Orders of Merlin' on all graduates. After each had received their medal all students who died during the battles were granted theirs posthumously. Minerva wiped a few tears before returning to the podium.

"Before I continue with the ceremony I would like to request that Albus Dumbledore and Severus Snape join me on the stage." While they made their way to the stage Hermione started to wiggle out of her robes. Draco assisted her so that the movement was not so obvious. Pansy and Ginny were also removing their school robes.

"Hermione and Draco would you please come forward?" Draco stood and held his hand out to Hermione. She took it and stood. Everyone gasped. Minerva looked at the rest of the wedding party and nodded for them to stand. They stood and took their places behind Hermione and Draco. Hermione's dress suited her perfectly. With a snap of Hermione's fingers the stage was covered with flowers and bouquets appeared in her, Ginny and Pansy's hands. Colin Creevy stood and started to take photos. He was the only individual, outside of those on the stage who knew what was going to happen. Hermione had told him if he kept the secret he would be the only photographer present. It was an opportunity he could not pass up. He would be credited with any photos that ever appeared of the Phoenix-Malfoy wedding.

Percy sat watching his daughter prepare to marry Draco. He was sad he was not able to walk his daughter down the aisle. But he was not going to get too mad. He was working on his relationship with his daughter and she was a wonder. His wife on the other hand was livid. She could not believe what was happening. The planned wedding was now ruined. She had no idea has to fix this. Narcissa was at a loss but hers wasn't anger. She was just realizing what her following of Stephanie had cost her. This would not be the only surprise today for them.

Narcissa was sad that she had missed out on being part of this. She remembered how excited she had been regarding the wedding between Draco and Hermione. This had been before she realized who Hermione was. She knew then Hermione was going to be a Malfoy. Why had she allowed herself to forget whose wedding it was? Why had she allow Stephanie to take over?

"As many of you are aware, Hermione and Draco are engaged. They decided to profess their desire to be wed in front of those that are most important to them; their family and their friends. Hate, bigotry and war tried to tear our world apart. Love, devotion and hope helped to save our world. The love these two share was forged in the fires of war. They survived by relying and trusting each other."

Minerva turned to Hermione and Draco. "Have you come here of your free will?"

"Yes"

"Is it your intention to remain faithful?"

"Yes"

"Will you love the other with your whole heart?"

"Yes"

"Mind?"

"Yes"

"Body?"

"Yes"

Albus stepped forward with a gold cord. Hermione and Draco stared into the eyes of the other never looking at or hearing the reactions in the crowd.

"It is my honor to ceremonially bind your bodies, hearts and souls." Albus began to wrap the cord around their wrists.

"This cord represents your love, devotion and vows. Your bonds are stronger than this simple cord. As you grow older remember your promises and that you have been bound by love."

Albus smiled at the couple and stepped back. Severus, not one for speaking in public, stood before the couple and blessed their union silently. Minerva tapped the cord with her wand making it fade from their wrists before continuing the ceremony.

"Draco, do you take Hermione as your witch and wife? Do you promise to protect and love her? Do you promise to be faithful and honor her?"

"I do."

"Hermione, do you take Draco as your wizard and husband? Do you promise to protect and love him? Do you promise to be faithful and honor him?"

"I do"

"You are now man and wife. Draco you may kiss your bride."

Draco wrapped his arms around Hermione and dipped her deeply before kissing his wife. Colin was happily snapping pictures. This would be the picture that made his name. Draco stood Hermione up and smiled at his wife. They looked at their friends smiled and returned to their seats.

"Now we will continue with the graduation ceremony." Minerva began to call the graduates to accept their diplomas. After the last student crossed the stage everyone stood and cheered.

In the meantime, Colin had run off to develop and print the pictures. Hermione made him swear he would have them before the end of the ceremony. He returned just as Minerva finished the ceremony and released the students. Colin thrust the pictures into Hermione's hands. She quickly flipped through and pulled out 6 photos. They were copied and sent, along with the story, to The Prophet and The Quibbler. Hermione and Draco had written the piece. It wasn't difficult to tell the editor of The Prophet there would be a second edition. The hardest part of the discussion with Mr. Lovegood had been not telling what the story would be. Hermione looked to her father and smiled at him. He shook his head and returned her smile. Stephanie and Narcissa were trying to get to the students only to be thwarted by the other parents trying to get to their children. Percy grabbed Stephanie and Narcissa's hands and sat them down.

"Now I told you to wait and speak with Hermione. You both thought you knew better. Narcissa you know how bloody brilliant she is and that no one can force anything on her unless she wants it. This was her response to you both deciding what her wedding was going to be. Draco and I both told you to NOT send out those invitations. That is what caused my daughter to do this. That is what caused me to NOT be able to walk her down the aisle. Now I expect both of you to apologize and see if you can get them to agree to attend the reception at the end of the month. If you don't I fear you may lose the chance to get to know them and their children." Percy stood and walked away from the witches. They sat stunned. Stephanie never expected Percy to side with their daughter. Percy made his way to the happy couple as the owls started to deliver the second addition of the newspapers. Stephanie screamed in horror when they read the articles.

"Hermione don't you think the newspapers were a bit much?" Percy shook his head as he scanned the paper. The article was beautiful as were the pictures. Hermione looked stunning and Draco was happier than any man on the planet.

"No Father I don't. I'm sure they had already written what they felt was the story of my wedding. This is a new world and honestly this is the story that Draco and I wanted tell. We are going on our honeymoon. We will see you in a month." Hermione leaned up and kissed her father on the cheek before she and Draco disappeared with a pop. Percy looked at his daughter's friends and smiled at them and that was when Theo stepped forward.

"Mr. Phoenix, Hermione wanted me to tell you she really wanted to have you walk her down the aisle; however, she was worried you would tell them what was planned and they would stop it. All that Hermione wanted was the wedding she and Draco wanted. I hope that you are not too upset with them." Theo stepped back into the small group of friends.

"Theo, thank you. I was saddened that I did not have that opportunity either. Hopefully I'll be able to make it up to her at some point. I want to thank all of you for supporting them. If any of you know where they are going I suspect I'll have a letter or two to send their way. If one of you would be able to get it to them I know I would appreciate it."

Harry nodded "I know their itinerary so if there is a note that needs to get to them I'll get it there although I can't promise she will read it."

"I know. " Percy nodded to the group and turned away. He saw Stephanie and Narcissa standing on the edge of the stage looking around.

"Percy where are they?"

"They left for their honeymoon. I don't know where they are. They will be back in a month or so."

"What?! The party is in less than three weeks and they have to be there!"

"No they don't Stephanie. This was all your idea. I told you up there that you would be lucky if they showed up. You will need to apologize."

"How can I do that if she isn't here? She planned this so they wouldn't be there." Stephanie was pouting and acting more like an entitled teenager than the woman Percy married all those years ago.

"Yes she did plan it and there are individuals who can get them letters if need be. I recommend you both write one." Percy turned and strode off the stage and past the school wards. Severus watched the scene and decided to visit his friend.

' - - - - - - '

Severus knocked on the doors of the Phoenix Manor. They opened and a small house elf stood looking at the professor. "Is your Master home?"

"Yes sir, he just arrived. I shall tell him you are here." The small elf popped away. Shortly thereafter Percy walked into the foyer and motioned for Severus to follow him into the study.

"Firewhiskey?"

"Gods yes"

"I don't know what I'm going to do. Those women drove my daughter away by trying to run everything. I know that Hermione overreacted too but she has had less time to understand her new role. I can't believe that after what they know of Hermione they still tried to force this. UGH!" Percy swallowed the rest of his drink. Severus smiled at his friend and tried to figure how to tell him about his suspicions.

"Yes Hermione can be a bit of an over reactor, that is the Gryffindor in her. She gets over that response quickly and lets logic rule her. Since I was seen as the enemy until the end it was difficult for me to see how Slytherin she actually was. Apparently all through her years she was the planner of the group which is what made her so important. She is brilliant, brave and cunning...her opposition will never stand a chance. She greatly regretted not having you as part of the ceremony."

"Yes, Theo told me."

"Well beyond that, she was trying to determine how to get you involved. The time you have spent with her over the last few months are of great importance to her. She has mentioned a few times how nice it is to sit and talk with you. She also is feeling closer to you. Other than you telling Stephanie, she didn't know where the aisle would be. Since they were seated on the stage, when they stood they would be at the altar. There wasn't a place for a processional. Her thought was that maybe, if Stephanie and Narcissa apologize, then she could have you walk her into the party and meet Draco halfway. She asked me to propose that to you."

Severus stood and poured himself another glass and sat back in front of the fire.

"She would really do that?"

"Yes Percy she is quite loyal and loving to those that deserve it. Oh and given everything I would suspect that you will be a grandfather before too long." Severus let out what was supposed to be a laugh at the anguished expression on Percy's face.

' - - - - - - '

So they are married. Any guesses what the next chapter is? tee tee...

My last day of work for the year is tomorrow...I can hopefully get the last few chapters up before the end of the year. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday (whatever celebration you ascribe to) and thank you again for your time to read my little story.