The insanity that was the wedding of Ginny Weasley to Harry Potter was a fast paced blur. Many people showed up, reporters were everywhere, and everything seemed to mellow out when the couple was pronounced "Wizard and Wife." The chaos of the reception was smoother than anticipated. Dancing and food were abundant, photos were taken by all, and everybody could not help but laugh during the toasts.
There was only one thing that could have improved the day, and that would have been the presence of Ron. Due to the nature of his storming off, he chose to not attend a function, even his only sister's wedding to his best friend, if Hermione and Draco were to be there. Unfortunately, everybody else seemed to think this childish behavior was uncalled for, and encouraged the freshly announced couple to attend.
Many a wizard was confused when Hermione gathered everybody around after the toasting to share in some "muggle" customs for weddings. After explaining the bouquet and garter toss, everybody seemed to find it to be something rather fun. Because they were her suggestion, she had to partake in the toss as well, being the un-married witch that she was. The bouquet flew high in the air, and all the young women desperate to catch it squealed in delight. Hermione stepped away from the imminent stampeed, She closed her eyes, not wanting to see what was happening, to open them to a jumping and screaming Angelina Johnson. A rush of relief blew over her, knowing that she was not "the next to be married."
The wizards all rushed forward to partake in the garter toss, much to Hermione's surprise. She sat back and watched as Harry shot the garter up in the air, and saw the brawl that occurred to get it. Finally, after the shouting died down, a hand rose in the air victorious. Draco himself had caught the garter, and was beaming ear to ear with a wide grin.
The evening came to a close, and slowly, the guests began to leave. Couples littered the dance floor, slow dancing to the crooning song. Hermione sighed, looking at the newlywed couple dancing together, ignoring the world. Draco noticed her content mood and leaned in to whisper in her ear.
"Would you like to go home?" Hermione looked in his eyes and nodded, trying to stifle a yawn. "M'kay, let's go tell the Potter's we are off."
After much congratulations and hugs, Draco and Hermione apparated back home. She kicked her heels off and threw herself on the couch. Draco slumped out of his coat and sat next to his girlfriend, loosening his tie and unbuttoning the top buttons. He leaned over and kissed her cheek as he grabbed one of her feet. He began to give her a foot massage, smirking as her eyes fluttered from being stretched. Running his thumb along the arch of her foot, a gentle moan slipped from her lips, causing Draco to chuckle.
"Hermione..." Draco began, not sure he was ready to start talking about this.
"Hmmm?" She asked between purrs of delight from her foot massage.
"Did you enjoy today?"
"I had fun, why do you ask?"
"Well... I was talking with some of the people at the wedding, mostly the young ladies, and all of them seemed to babble incessantly about getting married or wanting to get married. I was just curious why you haven't said anything about it." He managed to get out, afraid of the answer she might give.
"I don't know. I've never been the kind of girl to have her dream wedding picked out. I never thought I would get married, at least not until I was well in my thirties and with an established career."
Draco sat back thinking on what she said. He felt let down, but he knew this could easily be changed.
"Huh, I don't know why I was expecting other wise. You always put your studies and work first. Come on, let's go to bed." He stood up and held out his hand in an offer, which she accepted, and they walked together up the stairs. Both exhausted, they just stripped out of their clothes and did not even bother to put anything else on. Crawling into bed, Draco scooted in closer just to be able to hold Hermione in the night. He needed that comfort.
Several hours later, Draco was woken up by a punch. He rubbed his wound and looked over as Hermione's fists were gaining speed once more, and he stopped her from doing more damage. Her eyes were shut tightly as she started thrashing about, muttering in her sleep. Draco worried and tried to hold her still, begging her to wake up. Hermione startled awake, clutching the sheets in her hands, drenched in sweat. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she tried to catch her breath. She felt Draco's hand rubbing her back, calming her down.
"Are you alright?" He asked, concern dripping in his voice. All Hermione did was nod. "Was that a nightmare?" Another nod. "Care to talk about it?" He waited to see if she would move. The only movement he saw was her taking a deep breath.
"I was getting married." Draco was about to laugh, but heard the fear in her voice. "I know it should not give me nightmares, but everything that could go wrong did, and my life was ruined. It was horrible! Much worse than the dream I had back at Hogwarts about failing my NEWTS and being told I could never get a job!" Hermione burst into tears, and all Draco could do was hug her, silent tears spilling from his eyes.
"It was just a dream. Your life is not ruined, you are not married, and you are absolutely fine. Now, give us a smile." Hermione managed to give a weak smile. "Much better. Do you want anything while we are up? Water, milk, something to eat?"
"A glass of milk would be nice," she answered softly. Draco kissed her forehead as he got out of bed in quest for some milk. He reached the kitchen and leaned against the counter. His hand reached for the drawer next to him, the one he stashed his snacks in, pulling out a small box. Opening it, he gazed at the beautiful ring inside, depressed knowing her feelings about marriage. He left the box on the counter as he grabbed the milk and a glass, pouring the mysterious woman a drink. He made it out the kitchen door before he realized he left the ring on the counter, and he rushed to put it away. Maybe some day he will succeed. Or maybe some day he will get the ring on her finger, but not for marriage.
On his walk up the stairs, he continued thinking about timing. Maybe it is too soon. He doesn't want to rush things. Should he wait for when she is ok with it, like waiting on a virgin to say she is ready for sex? Would asking anyways, knowing her answer, be a bad thing? Questions raced through his mind faster than the new Firebolt. He figured he would wait and ask for help about this from somebody who knows best. He handed over the glass of milk to Hermione, and watched and she took some cautious sips.
"I am so sorry for waking you up." Hermione whispered. Draco wrapped his arms around her as she finished her glass. Sending off to the kitchen, he pulled her in close and laid down. He kissed her neck softly, getting her to relax. "I guess marriage is not all that bad. I mean, if THE Harry Potter can get married, and things don't go crazy, then I guess it's not too bad." Draco smiled, and made a mental note to have a talk with The Potters. But that will have to wait until later. Now is all about the woman who he is tangled up with.
"Now, there is no need to work yourself up over marriage. What about kids? Do you want any?" Draco figured it was best to know now what her stance was on children. He could feel her thinking away on the answer, and continued to hold her close.
"I've never thought about having children. Not that I wouldn't want them, but I never really thought I would be able to find somebody who would want to have children, or if I am able to. I have read it is difficult for women who have been under Cruciatus Curse multiple times to bear children." She paused, remembering that he was there when it happened. "I guess now that I think about it, since I am probably unable to, I kinda wish I could." He felt a lone tear slide down his cheek, and looked up into her eyes.
"You have plenty of time to figure this out. And you are the brightest witch of our age. Maybe you will find a cure, find cures for those tortured. If you want, I will help fund you."
The young couple talked some more, falling asleep with some big plans. Draco thinking of marriage, Hermione of a possible new career path