Authors Note: Hello M'dears! How are you all? ;D Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed last chapter. We got to 150 reviews! Well, 151, I think:L! I was like WOW! ;D.

So I've written and re-written this chapter like a gazillion times… and probably edited it just as much, so I'm really, really sorry if anything is wrong, or misspelled or whatnot. J Just point it out to me and I'll try and change it.

IMPORTANT MESSAGE!

So I want to know, shall I change this story to 'M' rating? Because I want to know if you all want lemon's in it. I'm not fussed either way. It doesn't bother me if you want lemons, and it doesn't bother me if you don't. So every one, when you review (Please review ;) ) can you please let me know if you want a lemon or not? Because I don't want people to be unhappy if I change the rating or not. That's all for now. I hope you enjoy the chapter! J

Chapter Nine:

Saturday 19th September 1998. (Words: 3707)

Hermione was up at nine, pacing the floor on the newly cleaned of the living-room. She'd woken up at dawn, to nervous to sleep any more.

It may have been due to the fact that she had a raging hangover.

"Hermione? What are you doing up already?" Ginny groaned from the door way of the bedroom.

Hermione spun around to look at her friend, who's hair was a haystack and had make up smeared down her face.

"I couldn't sleep," Hermione said softly.

"Nervous?" Ginny laughed, before moaning, grabbing her head. "Shouldn't have done that."

"Here," Hermione said, grabbing the little vial from the table that held the hang-over potion that she'd made an hour before.

"Thanks," Ginny said, taking it before downing it in one. "The girls will be here in a minute," she added as an after thought.

"Girls?" Hermione asked, confused.

"Yeah, you know, the one's who were here last night?" Ginny laughed before giving her friend a slightly worried look. "Are you sure you're all right?"

"What? Yeah I'm fine," Hermione said, nodding absentmindedly as she rearranged some flower's.

"No, your not. Tell me what's wrong," Ginny insisted, grabbing Hermione's hand, pulling her towards the sofa.

"It's just … I'm not sure I'm ready for this, Gin. A year ago, Draco and I were on two different sides of the war, and now we're getting married?" Hermione said, frowning. She ran one of her hands over her face, a trait she'd picked up from her father when they were stressed.

She wanted to marry Draco, she really did, but she just didn't know if it was right. He was her enemy, wasn't he?

"Look Hermione, I know you're nervous, but that boy has changed. Even a blind man could see that. He really, truly cares about you," Ginny said reassuringly.

"I know it's just … is caring about me really enough? For a marriage to work… there need's to be love! I'm just… I'm not used to people loving me," she said sheepishly.

"Well, you'll just have to get used to it, because in a few hours time you are going to be Mrs. Malfoy," Ginny teased.

Rolling her eyes, Hermione stood up when their was a knock at the door.

She walked over to the door and swung it open, to reveal Pansy, Luna, Daphne and Astoria.

"The other's are still in bed, extremely hung over," Luna commented as they walked in.

"Right," Pansy said, grabbing Hermione's hand and dragging her towards the bedroom. "Let's make you beautiful."

"Are you saying she isn't beautiful already?" Ginny smirked as she, Luna, Daphne and Astoria followed them.

"Of course she is. But when I'm through with her, she'll look even better. Drakey-kins won't be able to keep his hands off her," Pansy smirked, shoving Hermione down into the chair in front of the vanity table.

Over two hours later, Hermione sat stock still, looking at herself in the mirror. Her hair was done, as was her make up.

Her hair was half up, half down, and in loose ringlets. Her fringe was slightly wavy, and swept across her face slightly. She had little jewels here, there and everywhere, pinning her hair up in places.

Her make up, was like Ginny's had been the previous week, light and simple, but still beautiful.

"Well?" Pansy demanded.

"Well what?" Hermione asked, startled, looking up. What now?

"Do you like it?" she huffed.

"Oh, right, yes, of course I do. I look beautiful," Hermione said softly, smiling at her.

They had become quite close friends since the shopping trip, which was surprising. At least this marriage law helps the House unity, if anything.

"See, I told you," she said, smirking smugly. Pansy loved it when she was right, it made her head swell.

"Right, we'll leave you to it," Daphne said, standing up from the bed.

"We'll see you in a little while," Astoria said, smiling at her.

"Good luck," Pansy said, hugging her tightly. "And I'm so happy for you," she added in a whisper.

"Thank you, Pansy," Hermione said softly. She was glad Harry had made her invite Pansy on that shopping trip. She was an incredibly good friend, despite what she had once thought about the girl.

"It's all right. Now, we'll see you in a bit," Pansy said before they all, except Ginny, bounded out of the flat.

"I'll get you're dress," Ginny said, walking towards the wardrobe to get the dress.

This was it. She was going to put that dress on, her father was going to come up, and take her to the room of requirement and she was going to get married. She was going to be stuck with this man for the rest of her life. Could she do it?

Hermione began to panic as Ginny helped her into her dress, chatting along happily to her.

Ginny only noticed Hermione's silence when she asked her a question, and Hermione didn't answer.

"Hermione?" she tried again. No reply.

"Granger!" Ginny said loudly, grabbing the girls shoulders and shaking her forcefully, snapping her out of her reverie.

"I can't do this, Gin," Hermione said suddenly, sitting down on the bed with a flump, her breath coming out in pants.

"What?" Ginny said, shocked. "Why not?"

"I'm eighteen. I can't get married!" Her voice was more than a little hysterical by now.

"Hermione, I'm a year younger than you, and I got married just fine!" Ginny said, looking down at her friend. "And technically, you're nineteen. Happy Birthday!"

"I know that, Gin," Hermione sighed. " But you're braver than me. You have more confidence than I do. I'm not cut out for this… and thanks for reminding me… I completely forgot!"

Ginny looked at her for a few seconds, unsure what to say.

"Hermione, you are one of the bravest people I know. Think of all the things you've done in the past year!" Ginny said in exasperation. "You helped defeat one of the most powerful dark wizards of all time! As for the confidence, you have more confidence than anyone. Who else could stand up to a bunch of Death Eaters like you could? Who but you could fought against tens and tens of people about the rights of House Elves? Of course your cut out for this!" Ginny then gave her a strange look. "How on earth can you forget your own birthday?"

Hermione looked doubtful. She may have done those things, but she wouldn't have gotten any where without the support of her friends. They weren't going to be there for the rest of her life. She was going to be on her own with an ex Death Eater. With a man who couldn't stand her. No. That was a lie. Hermione knew for a fact that he didn't hate her. Not any more.

Hermione was just about to speak again when there was a knock at the door.

"That'll be your dad," Ginny said, looking towards the door of the bedroom. "Listen to me, Mione', you can do this. You and Draco are going to get married, and you are going to have beautiful children and live happily ever after. Just you wait and see."

With that, she turned around and left the room, going to let Mr. Granger in.

Hermione stood up and walked over to the mirror. She took a deep breath, taking in her appearance.

"Okay Hermione, you can do this," she told her self. "Ginny was right, you are a talented and extremely confident woman, there's no need to worry about something such as trivial as this. You can do this!"

Once again, taking a deep breath, Hermione walked towards the bedroom door and flung it open, squealing in fright when she saw her dad on the other side.

"Jesus, Hermione, you scared me!" he said, holding his chest.

"Do I really look that bad?" she tried to joke. It didn't make her feel any better.

"Of course not, honey. You look wonderful!" Mr. Granger said, pulling her into a tight hug. "My little girls all grown up! Nineteen today! Happy Birthday!"

There were tears in his eyes, making them sparkle. He handed her a present, which she placed on the bed, making a mental note to open it later.

"Oh, daddy!" Hermione said, trying her hardest not to cry. "You're going to make me ruin my make up!" she scolded. "Thank you for the present … though I did tell you not to bother."

She really hated getting presents.

"I'm sorry dear," he said, taking a handkerchief out of an inner pocket, wiping his eyes.

"We should probably head down before Malfoy storms up here, petrified if his wide to be has run off with a Bulgarian seeker," Ginny winked, causing Hermione to blush.

Hermione felt her stomach drop once again. Oh god. She was about to get married. To a Slytherin. Her children were going to be half Gryffindor, half Slytherin. They were going to be half-bloods. Their father was part of one of the most prejudiced families in the world.

"Hermione, are you okay?" Mr. Granger said, looking at his daughter with worry etched on his face.

"Let's just … get this over with, shall we?" she said, her breath coming out in short pants.

"Are you sure you want to go through with this? I'm sure you're ministry won't mind if you don't participate in this marriage law. You're a war hero, after all," Mr. Granger said, trying to reassure her.

Hermione shook her head.

"No, I have to do this. I have to do what I can to help, it's the way you and mum raised me, dad."

With that, she all but stormed out of her bedroom, down the hall and towards the front door, Ginny and Mr. Granger following close behind her.

Hermione was extremely stubborn. If she told herself at the start she was going to marry him, then god damn it she was going to marry him.

They made they're way to the room of requirement in a deathly silence. Both Ginny and Mr. Granger giving Hermione worried looks. She looked incredibly pale.

When they reached the room, they stopped outside it. Hermione took a deep, shaky breath.

"I'll just, uh, go in and let them know your ready," Ginny said, handing Hermione a bouquet of purple tulips. "Everything will be fine, Mione."

After giving her friend some reassurance, Ginny opened the door a little and slipped inside, closing the door behind her.

"Okay angel, are you ready?" Mr. Granger said from beside Hermione.

Come on, Granger, you can do this. You're Granger for god sake. You can do anything!

She looked at her dad with a tight smile and nodded.

"Let's go."

Mr. Granger held up his arm for her to hold. Looping her arm through his, they walked towards the door.

Hermione braced herself as Mr. Granger opened the door. He led her forward, into the room.

Hermione gaped as she saw the interior. It was beautiful. Completely different from Ginny's wedding.

The wall and floor were a white marble. There were rows upon rows of white benches filled with awaiting guests. On the benches were green cloth banners, and there were vases of flowers here, there and every where. At the front of the room was a huge, white platform. On that platform was the minister, Draco and Blaise.

Everyone turned to face them as the entered the room, which made Hermione's heart beat faster and faster.

It felt like it was going to explode, however, when she noticed Draco looking at her with a soft smile on his face.

Was he really happy about this? Could he learn to love her? Hermione didn't know how long she could cope, being in a loveless marriage. It would drive her insane. She wanted to be like Mr. and Mrs. Weasley … still in love over twenty years after they were married.

Every step she took towards Draco she became a little more doubtful.

What would happen if they had an argument? She couldn't exactly move out, could she? She was stuck with him. Then there was the fact that they were to have children. She would be tied down by them … never aloud to leave because she had to stay with their father for the sake of them.

She would love them no matter what, there was no doubt about that, but she wouldn't love their father.

Because she didn't love him. She knew that. He didn't love her, either. There was no chance. You couldn't just throw two enemy's together for a few weeks and expect them to fall in love. It was impossible.

She was now stood right beside him, and her father walked to sit beside her mother at the front of the isle.

She did have feelings for him, though. Extremely strong ones. She could learn to love him. She knew she could.

Draco looked at her with a worried look on his face, and Hermione tried to give a reassuring look, but failed miserably.

This was it.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the presence of these witnesses, to join Draconis Abraxas Malfoy and Hermione Jean Granger in matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among all men; and therefore - is not by any - to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly - but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly," the minister began.

Hermione tried to control her breathing. She was getting married. To Draco Malfoy. A ex Death Eater. He had probably killed people. Well, there was no probably about it. What if he turned one day and attempted to kill her?

No, Hermione, you mustn't think like that, she scolded herself. He is going to be your husband. You have to trust him! She did trust him! He would never do that to her!

Wait, what was the minister saying?

" - any person can show why they may not be joined together - let them speak now or forever hold their peace."

Hermione half hoped someone would stand up and shout .. "NO! She can't marry him!" in a dramatic tone of voice. She half expected it to be Ron.

But guess what? They didn't. There was just an awkward silence for a few minutes… the only sounds being made were coughs here and there.

"Well then, we shall proceed," the minister said, causing Hermione's attention to turn back to him.

"Do you, Draconis Abraxas Malfoy take Hermione Jean Granger to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

Hermione couldn't look at Draco. Instead, she kept her eyes firmly on the minister, a porky, short wizard with hardly any hair on his head.

"I do," Draco said clearly, making Hermione's heart clench ever so slightly. He sounded so calm. Wasn't he having the internal battle with himself as she was?

"Do you promise to love and cherish her, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her, for as long as you both shall live?"

"I do."

There wasn't even any hesitation. How was he doing it? Hermione would be an emotional wreck by now, practically sobbing out her answer.

"Do you promise to welcome her into your home and family without a second thought?"

He didn't say anything for a few seconds. Hermione peaked at him out of the corner of her eye.

He was frowning. Maybe he would say no, turn around and run down the isle?

"I do."

Okay, maybe not. Oh god, it was her turn. She would have to repeat the same things he just had.

The minister turned towards her, a bright smile on his face.

"Do you, Hermione Jean Granger, take Draconis Abraxas Malfoy to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

Did she? No, she didn't. But she had to, didn't she? There was nothing else she could do. She wanted to marry him, she really did …

"I do." she whispered.

-but she wasn't ready! Was she?

"Do you promise to love and cherish him, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto him, for as long as you both shall live?"

No. No, never, ever, ever. Not in a million years. Nadda. She was going to turn around, walk out of this room and never come back, wand be damned.

"I do,"

What? What happened! You're weak, Granger, weak, I tell you!

"Do you promise to welcome him into your home and family without a second thought?"

This is it, Hermione. Your last chance to get out of this a single woman. It isn't so bad that you get your wand snapped, banished from the wizarding world forever, now is it? You can live without magic! You lived with out it for eleven years, for Merlin's sake!

Come on girl, just say no! You don't want to marry him, and you know it. Your mother was right … you're far to young for this.

"Hermione?" the minister said, looking at her with raised eyebrows. "Do you promise to welcome him into your home and family without a second thought?" he repeated.

Then again, was it so bad, to marry Draco Malfoy? You'd never have to work again… he had more money in his Gringotts account than you'd earn in a lifetime. You'd be forever secure. You'd never have to worry about money! You could live in luxury!

"Hermione…" Draco hissed from beside her.

You have to answer, woman! It's now or never.

Gulping… Hermione opened her mouth.

"I - I do."

Her voice cracked, and she felt her gut clench. Oh god, oh god!

"Now, the giving of the rings!" the minister said, almost relieved. Blaise walked to the front, brandishing a emerald green velvet box from his pocket, handing it to the minister.

Inside, were a set of silver rings. Around the edge of one of them were little green emeralds, and red rubies on the other. Around the middle was a engraved dragon. They were beautiful.

The minister handed Draco the ring with the emeralds around it.

Hermione turned towards Draco just as he turned towards her. She gave him a small smile as he reached for her left hand. He lifter her ring finger and slowly slid the ring onto it, never lifting his eyes from her face.

Heart beating like a helicopter, Hermione then took the other ring from the minister and reached for Draco's hand. She slowly slid the ring on, looking into his stormy grey eyes. Would there ever be life in them? There had been, over the past few weeks. She had caught glimpses of it. But it wasn't always there, was it?

Once the ring was on, the minister began speaking again.

"By the power of Merlin, I now pronounce you man and wife… you may now kiss the bride."

Hermione froze. She would have to kiss him. In front of all these people. Sure, she had kissed him before, but that was when they were alone … or drunk. Extremely drunk.

Before she knew what was happening, Draco lent forward and rested his lips on Hermione's, causing her to gasp and the crowd to break out into cheers. "Happy Birthday, beautiful," he whispered into her mouth.

Everything was a blur then. Tens and tens of people came up to them both, congratulating them and wishing Hermione a happy birthday. A photographer took hundred's and hundred's of pictures, the flash almost blinding Hermione.

They were lead into the disused (and enlarged) classroom that was being used as the venue for the wedding reception. It looked exactly the same as it had for Ginny's reception, only it had more tables in it this time. Draco was an extremely popular wizard, and had had guests Port keyed in from all over the globe.

Hermione and Draco were all but shoved onto the dance floor for their first dance.

Hermione looked up at Draco nervously as he placed one hand on her hip and held her other hand in the air.

They started dancing around the room when the Muggle song 'Amazed' by Lonestar started playing. It was Hermione's choice, obviously.

"So what was with you just now?" Draco said as they danced.

Hermione looked at him curiously.

"What do you mean?"

He couldn't possibly have noticed her hesitation, could he?

"You looked -" he tilted his head to the side, as though searching for the right word. "Reluctant … to say yes, I mean."

Hermione didn't know what to say. She wasn't reluctant … she knew that.

"It wasn't reluctance, per say," she said, looking up at him, frowning slightly.

"Then what was it, Hermione? I thought we had gotten over the hostility?"

"We have!" she exclaimed, shocked that he would think any different. "It was more … fright, really."

Now it was Draco's turn to be curious… and confused.

"Fright? What could you possibly be frightened of?"

Hermione looked down. She suddenly felt ashamed.

"Hey, look at me," Draco said softly. Hermione rose her head slowly to look into his eyes. There was an emotion in them that she couldn't quite place.

"You can tell me anything, Hermione," Draco whispered. "Never be frightened to tell me anything."

"It's just …" Hermione started. "I'm only eighteen - nineteen, sorry. I never expected to be married so young. Especially not to a -"

"A Death Eater?" Draco said a little sadly.

"An ex Death Eater," Hermione corrected him. "I admit, it worried me a lot at first … but then I got to know you. You're nothing like I once thought you was. I now know I'm in no danger of you."

As Hermione said this, the song came to an end, and their audience applauded.

"We'll talk about this later," Draco said, smiling (a little tensely) down at her.

Hermione nodded, reached up and kissed him softly on the mouth.

"I'm glad I said 'I do', Draco," she whispered against his lips. It was true… she both regretted it and was glad.

"So am I, beautiful, so am I," he smirked.

End Authors Note: So I hope you all liked this chapter … I'm not exactly amazing at writing in description, so sorry if some of you dislike the way I wrote the wedding … not everybody's perfect, M'darlings. ;D!

If any of you haven't read the top Author's note, It's just to ask if you all want me to change the rating to M and have a few lemons or not. So either place your answer in a review, email or P.M me. But I do need to know. Thank you, dears!

Reviews I was unable to reply to:

Harmonious: Ahh, it sucks that you don't have a computer L Thank you! I think Ginny's one of the easiest to stay in character with; she's not too complicated to write. Hope you enjoyed this chapter.

Tale: Thank you! And don't worry, I will. J

Anepet: Ahh, welcome, darling! It's wonderful to have new readers! Thank you!

Mollyloumellon: Seven loves? You're making me blush, sweetheart! ;D I hope you liked this chapter!

Sorry if I didn't reply to anyone; I try my best. Don't forget, reviews are love… so review! They make me smile! And you know what happens if you have a happy author? LONGER CHAPTERS! ;D!

Love you all!