Last time:
Good night Severus"
As Severus walked out of the office, he shook his head, "All hell is going to break loose, I hope it's all worth it."
Now:
At 6 am, Friday morning, Hermione sneaked out of the common room with her dress robes in hand and made her way down to the showers. She hadn't slept much the night before, thinking of her impending marriage to Draco and the stress it was sure to cause. She was positive Ron and Harry were going to have a fit when they found out, not to mention Lucius Malfoy, when he found out, he would be out for blood, there was no doubt about that. As she walked down the halls, she noticed very few students were actually up this early, which was good for her, the less people that would see her going into Dumbledores office, the better off she would be.
She entered the bathroom and placed her clothing on the bench before turning on the taps of the huge tub. She stripped down and slid into the water, waiting for the tub to finish filling. Once the tub had finished, she leaned back, allowing the hot water to sooth her nerves and wipe away the tiredness she still felt. Her thoughts were running through her mind at an alarming speed, what would happen when they were discovered? What would everyone say? Would she still be called Granger or would everyone refer to her as Malfoy?
"Hermione Malfoy" she muttered to herself, testing it out.
"Like that would ever happen." A female voice said from behind. Hermione sat up straight and turned around to see the owner of the voice, Pansy Parkinson. "This has to be the funniest thing I have ever heard, the mudblood Granger, lusting after a Malfoy."
"I was not lusting Pansy, I think you just heard me wrong." Hermione said with an eye roll
"No, I heard you right." Pansy replied, walking closer to the tub, "But it would never happen, You see, Draco is a pureblood, which means he would rather die then to be with someone of your...breeding, so to speak and besides, I'm pretty sure that when this weekend is over, I will have the Malfoy name."
Hermione raised an eyebrow, "Why would you have the Malfoy name?" she asked, playing dumb.
"Draco is to marry this weekend, and I'm one of the girls he is to choose." she said with a wistful smile, " yes, Pansy Malfoy does sound good, don't you think."
"Ummm, if you say so." Hermione replied, thinking that Pansy was going to be the one person she was happy about telling, not that she had a thing for Draco, but more to put the bitch in place. Hermione finished her bath quickly, wanting to get away from Pansy as quick as possible, not to mention she was to be in Dumbledore office in 20 minutes time. She emerged from the tub, not paying the slightest bit of attention to the girl still standing there with her arms crossed over her chest, who was now sporting a huge frown. Hermione finally looked over and sighed, "Problem Parkinson?"
"No, none at all, just waiting for to to leave so I can sterilize the bathroom before I take my bath." she sneered, "After all, I need to look my best today so Draco will pick me for his wife."
Hermione finished dressing and laughed, "Good luck with that" and left the bathroom to head for the headmasters office.
When she finally arrived, Dumbledore, Snape and Draco were all waiting and seemed to be in a deep conversation The three men turned when they heard the door open
"Ah, good morning Ms. Granger." Dumbledore greeted as he stood from his chair, "We were just going over the specifics of how things are going to work."
"Like what sir?" she asked, wanting to be clued in herself
"Well for starters Ms. Granger, it is no surprise that this is going to cause a stir among many, both inside and outside of Hogwarts. Please sit down and I will explain everything to you."
Hermione nodded and took her seat next to Draco, who gave her a small smile as she sat down.
"The marriage is going to be out in the open shortly after the ceremony, whether we like it or not." he started, " Lucius Malfoy will be expecting an owl this morning of Draco's choice, but further then that, the Malfoy's have a charm that alerts the head of the family when a new member is added."
"Like a registry?" she asked
"Yes, thats exactly what it is." Dumbledore answered, "which is what leads me to the second issue. Your marriage will be out in the open, which means you will both be in more danger then you already are, I have arranged for the two of you to share a dorm for protection purposes. I have informed young Malfoy here, that I expect him to watch over you like a husband would his wife and I expect the same from you... consider yourselves partners in the Order."
Hermione nodded in understanding.
"Now Mr. Malfoy, Ms. Granger, Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley have all received the mark of he order and it is totally up to you whether you want to take the mark or not. They received the mark because of their past involvement with the fight against Voldemort and the mark allows the three of them to know when one of them is in danger. If you choose to take the mark, you will be included in that protection as I will link it with their marks."
"What does the mark look like?" Draco asked
"It's not like the dark mark Draco" Snape stated, knowing where this question was heading, "The mark is very small and is put on the shoulder blade, it is charmed to conceal itself against unworthy eyes. The only people who can see it are other order members who also carry the mark."
Draco nodded, "If it will help me protect her, then I will take the mark."
Dumbledore smiled, "Very well, I will give you the mark as soon as the marriage is complete. I will link you to hers first, then once things settle down, I will link you to Mr. Potters and Mr. Weasleys. Now, if there are no other questions, we can get you two married."
Hermione looked over to Draco, who was already looking at her, "Are you ready?" she asked
"As I'll ever be" he replied.
Dumbledore passed a paper over his desk towards the two teens, " I have made this a simple process, The marriage only requires you to sign the paper, which Severus and I will sign as witnesses. I figured this would be easier considering the circumstances."
"Thank you sir, this does make things easier." she stated. Draco picked up the quill and signed his name in the required spot, before passing the parchment over to Hermione. She did a quick read, and signed the paper, making herself officially Hermione Malfoy.
Once Severus and Dumbledore signed, the paper folded upon itself and vanished, sealing the marriage.
"Now, If you will stand Mr. Malfoy, Mrs. Malfoy, I will place the mark upon him and link it to yours."
They both stood. Hermione unbuttoned the top of her shirt, allowing her shoulder to be exposed while concealing everything else. Draco follow he actions and prepared himself for the mark. Dumbledore recited a spell, placing the tip of his wand to Draco's shoulder, creating a small red phoenix on his pale skin. Dumbledore then recited a second spell, tapping Hermione's mark with his wand first, then moved over to tap Draco's, linking he marks together.
"It is done Mr. Malfoy, welcome to the order."
"Thank you sir" he stated, trying to see his mark by looking over his shoulder, " Is there a mirror I can use?" he asked
"It looks just like mine" Hermione stated, walking over so he could see the mark. He raised his hand and gently brushed the mark on her shoulder with his finger.
"At least its small... and tasteful." Draco stated as he stepped away from Hermione.
Dumbledore nodded, "the mark is strictly for protection, nothing more, nothing less. Now, both of you need to get to breakfast and eat. I have a feeling your father has just been informed of the marriage."
"Why would you say that?" Draco asked
"Just a feeling Mr. Malfoy, just a feeling."
Hermione and Draco made their way down to the great hall, walking 20 feet apart from each other as to not let the cat out of the bag before necessary. Hermione made her way to the Gryffindor table and sat between Harry and Ron, while Draco made his way to the Slytherin table, where Pansy was caked with make up and attempting to make sexy faces at him.
"Where were you this morning?" Harry asked
"Yeah, we waited for you forever, my stomach thinks you did it on purpose." Ron laughed
"I just wanted to shower early" she laughed, patting Ron on the shoulder.
"Do you see Parkinson?" Harry laughed, " Looks like she was attacked by a clown"
"Whats a clown?" Ron asked.
Hermione laughed, "Never mind Ron, I'll have to show you a picture sometime."
The three continued to eat with light conversation, laughing as they watched Draco fight off an overly excited Pansy. She would attempt to sit on his lap, frowning when he would push her away, she continued to try and link arms with him and place kisses on his cheek, making him swat at her like she was a fly.
Dumbledore and Severus watched the scene with amusement until Filch approached the staff table and whispered something to the headmaster. Dumbledore nodded and stood from his seat, putting the wand to his throat, placing the Sonorus spell upon himself.
"Mr. Malfoy" he called, instantly gaining the blonds attention, "Please gather your wife and head to my office immediately."
The great hall grew silent, while Hermione cursed under her breath, this is not how she wanted everyone to find out.
"Wife?" Harry asked
"Probably Parkinson" Ron answered, stuffing another slice of toast in his mouth.
"I don't think so" Harry stated, "He just left her at the slytherin table and is walking over here."
Hermione blushed and looked down at her plate as Draco approached with they eyes of everyone watching him. He stopped behind Hermione and extended his hand.
"What the hell are you playing at Malfoy?" Harry asked, swatting at his hand
"Just gathering my wife Potter, now if you will excuse us."
Harry glanced over to Hermione who was giving him an apologetic face as she stood and took Draco hand. Ron started choking on his toast, while Pansy screeched. As soon as Draco and Hermione left the hall, the doors were kicked open with an enraged Lucius Malfoy
"Where the hell is my son?" He yelled