Chapter Twenty-Nine:
"I found a dream that I could speak to. A dream that I can call my own. I found a thrill to press my cheek to. A thrill I've never known. You smiled, you smiled and then the spell was cast. And here we are in heaven, for you are mine at last" At last by Etta James cover Kina Grannis.
oOo
Wedding Day:
"Wake up, sleepy head, you need to get up," Anne Granger cooed towards her sleeping daughter.
Hermione burrowed further under the covers, blatantly ignoring her Mum.
"You have to wake up, today is your big day, remember?"
"What time is it?" Hermione grumbled.
"It's almost ten in the morning."
"Merlin!" she gasped as she sat up.
"No need to panic, dear, we still have plenty of time."
She stopped wrestling with the comforter, her sleepy eyes getting bigger at each passing second. "I'm really getting married today," she paused to look at her Mum. "Me, Hermione, I'm getting married today!"
"Err, yes, you are."
She scampered out of the covers and flung her arms around her mother, "I can't believe it! I'm really, really, getting married!"
Anne wrapped her arms around her, "You're really, really getting married," she said through chuckles. "And I couldn't be happier."
"I am too!"
"Ehem, am I disturbing anything?"
She pulled away from her Mum's arms, "I'm getting married today, Daddy," she said with a large grin.
"You are, Pumpkin," Richard replied with a smile. He then turned his eyes to his wife, "How many times did she said that already?"
"Four and still counting."
Richard leaned on the doorframe and folded his arms on top of his chest, "Do you think today can beat the "I'm going to Hogwarts" record?"
"I have no doubt about it."
"I'm getting married today!" Hermione exclaimed.
"Five, we're going to set a new record," Richard said with a laugh.
"Get up! Today is your big day!"
Draco grabbed a pillow to cover his face, "What time is it?" he grumbled.
"It's already eleven o'clock," Luci answered. She stopped at the foot of the bed and began tugging the covers, "Aunt Cissy is about to have a conniption, she's been looking for you since eight. Get your arse moving!"
He threw the pillow and sluggishly sat up, "Is she on a roll?" he asked while rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
"She can rival old Voldy," Luci joked. She sat down and placed her hands on her lap, "There's already reporters outside and it's driving her bonkers."
"Why are there reporters?"
"Are you really asking me that question?"
"Fuck," he mumbled. He threw the comforters off his body and planted his feet on the floor, "I better go check the wards."
"You should," Luci agreed. "Dray?"
"Yep?"
"I'm really am happy for you."
He turned towards his cousin and saw the look on her face, "Oh no, don't go crying at this early. You haven't even seen me at the altar, reserve the water works for that," he joked to lighten the mood.
"I will not cry!" Luci huffed. She stood up from her seat and began making her way towards the door, "I don't cry at weddings, that's just plain crazy."
He took a couple of giant steps and pluck the petite blonde woman off the floor; engulfing her into a bear hug.
"What are you doing?! Put me down!"
"Thank you for everything, Luc," he whispered.
She stopped wiggling, "You're welcome," she replied. "Now, put me down and go have Brunch, it's almost lunch anyway."
He gently put her back on her feet, "I'll be there in ten minutes."
"Don't take long, we still have to marry you off before Aunt Cissy turns into a mass murder!" she called out before slipping out of his room.
He braced his hands on his waist, his lips twitching upwards. "I'm getting married today."
oOo
4:30 P.M: 30 minutes before the wedding
"You're a sight for sore eyes, love!" Anne said with awe.
"You think so?" Hermione asked as she checked her reflection on the full-length mirror.
"Absolutely stunning," Ginny replied.
Anne reached for her hand and gave it a soft squeeze, "How do you feel?"
"Like I'm about to puke my guts off," she replied with a nervous chuckle.
Ginny laughed.
"I'm sure you are, weddings are supposed to make you feel that way," Anne said with a smile.
- - K
"Come in!" Ginny called out.
The door opened, "Are you all ready?" Richard asked.
"We're ready, is everything set?" Anne said.
"It's perfect," Richard replied He then turned his gaze towards his daughter, "You look breath taking, Pumpkin."
She felt her smile widen, "Do you really think so?"
"You look so stunning that I just want to lock you up in a tower and throw away the keys."
The three women laughed.
He pulled away from the doorframe and made his way towards her. He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tight, "Are you happy?"
"More than I can ever imagine," she replied.
He pulled away and planted a soft kiss on her forehead, "Let's get you to your ever after then."
Tears stung her eyes but she managed to keep it at bay, "Thank you, Daddy."
Anne cleared her throat, her eyes misty just like her daughter's. "We better get going."
Ginny stood up, "We should." She reached for her best friend's bouquet, "See you in a bit, Mi!" she said before leaving the room.
She swallowed the lump in her throat, "Ready to walk me down the aisle?"
oOo
"There, that looks better."
"Thank you, Mum," Draco replied with a smile.
Narcissa gently cupped his face, just like the way she used when he was just a boy. "I'm so proud of you, son, truly."
"You are?"
She nodded, "I've always been," she confirmed. "Are you happy?"
"Very much," he answered.
"Good, that's all I ever wanted."
He tugged her hand away and pulled her into a hug, ignoring her protest about his robes getting wrinkled. "Thank you for everything you've done for me. I know I haven't said it much but I truly love you."
She pinched his side, "I love you too, my handsome boy," she replied. She then pulled away and hastily wiped the stray tear that escaped her eye. "Make sure you two visit me often, okay?"
"Of course we will."
"And don't make me wait too long, I want grandkids," she paused, her face brightening with every passing second. "I want a whole lot of them!"
"I'll make sure to tell the wife," he said with a chuckle.
"You do that."
- - K
"Come in," Narcissa chimed.
The door burst open, admitting Theo and Blaise in.
"I'll leave you three to it," Narcissa said before walking towards the open door. "No horse-playing! Don't mess up your suits!"
"We won't, Aunt Cissy!" 'Theo called out.
"We'll be nice!" Blaise added.
"Ten minutes!" Narcissa called out before closing the door behind her.
Theo slipped his hands inside his pockets, "You ready to tie the-"
"Ugh! Don't you ever get tired of your Knott jokes?" Blaise groaned.
Theo grinned, "Never."
Draco shook his head with amusement. He turned towards the mirror again, checking his reflection for what felt like the nth time. "Did you happen to pass by the garden?"
"Is that your way of asking if this place is about to combust with red heads?" Theo joked.
"Don't let Hermione hear you say that," Blaise sniggered.
"She'll have your head in a platter," he added. He then turned towards his two best mates, "I can't wait for this day to be over. I just want to grab her and disapparate from all these craziness."
Blaise gasped dramatically. "And here I am, thinking that you Malfoy's enjoyed the spot light."
"Shut it!" he quipped.
"I don't even want to know what Aunt Cissy would do if you ever go through that," Theo said with a shudder.
He winced. "That's why I'm here, I don't want to know too."
"Sissies," Blaise said. He wrapped his arm around Theo's shoulder, "We should get going, we don't want you keep your bride waiting."
"We should."
oOo
"You look absolutely stunning, Mi," Harry said with a smile.
Ron nodded in agreement, "Way better than your normal look," he said with teasing smile.
"You two don't look bad yourself," Hermione paused and smiled sweetly at Ron. "Thank Merlin you didn't wear Aunt Tessie's robe."
Harry laughed.
"You're hanging around with Malfoy too much, I don't think I like it," Ron said with a faux pout. He then walked towards her and pulled her into a hug, "I'm really happy for you, love," he whispered.
She wrapped her arms around his large frame, "Thank you, Ronniekins," she whispered back.
"Very funny, ha ha ha," Ron said as he pulled away. "I better go check on Lav. See you out there, beautiful," he added before walking away with a wink.
"No second thoughts or anything? I can always bail you out of here, you know."
"Nope, I'm good," she replied. She walked towards her other best friend and threw her arms around him, "Thank you for always being there for me. You and Ginny. I wouldn't know what I'd do without you guys – just thank you."
Harry hugged her back. "If that ferret ever hurts you in any type of way don't hesitate to tell me. I don't care what time or day it is, let me know and I'll be there, do you hear me?"
"I will," she replied before she pulled away.
Harry reached for her face and wipe the stray tear that escaped her eye, "Ginny would murder me if your make-up was ruined."
She snorted. "She would murder me too, I reckon."
"It's almost time, Pumpkin, are you ready?" Richard said as he peaked his head inside the tent.
"I am."
"That's my signal," Harry said. "See you out there, Mi."
"Later."
oOo
Perfectly manicured bleeding heart rose bushes in full bloom surrounded the whole place, separating the garden from the vast Malfoy landscape. Iridescent string lights peeked through the translucent gossamer draping that lined the aisle. Rustic metal garden benches decorated with the same fabric and blooms were placed adjacently on each side; mimicking chapel pews. Mason-jars filled with candles were placed on the grass, serving as the makeshift aisle. A large arch decorated with real fairy lights, twigs and the couple's favorite blooms was erected at the front; making faux altar.
"This place looks exactly like you described, Narcissa, it's absolutely beautiful!" Anne Granger gushed as she stared at their surrounding with awe.
Narcissa's cheeks turned pink with her soon to be in law's praise. "Oh no, I didn't do this by myself, Anne, I had help."
"Oh hush, this is all your doing," Anne said with a smile. "You should consider a career in events, you have an exquisite taste and talent, if I may say."
She followed Anne's gaze and felt a tad proud of her handiwork. "You're too kind, but thank you."
"I think we're ready," Anne said upon spotting her husband.
"Perfect, we're just in time," Narcissa replied. She flicked her fingers and a soft melody began to play, "We should take our place."
"We should," Anne responded.
oOo
Hermione felt her heart skip a beat when she heard the orchestra play. She tightened her hold on her Father's arm, a nervous gesture she carried through her adulthood.
"Are you starting to feel nervous now, Pumpkin?" Richard asked.
She swallowed the snitch-sized lump in throat, "Yeah," she admitted.
He squeezed her arm comfortingly, "Just give it a few minutes. I'm sure that will fade once you see your beloved waiting for you at the altar."
"I can't wait for this bloody wedding to be over so we all can get back to our lives," she said with a nervous chuckle.
"You've never been a real fan of large gatherings," he paused and smirked, "Unless it was quiz bee or something."
She threw her head back and laughed.
A familiar patronus floated inside the tenth, "It's time," the horse said in Ginny's voice.
"I still can't wrap my head around those things," Richard said.
"Oh Daddy," she giggled.
"Let's get you married now, shall we?"
"I'm ready."
oOo
Wilshire, England: 5:30 P.M
Draco subconsciously kept fidgeting with his tux as he watches their guests take their seats. This is the day that he's been waiting for almost half of his life; the day he can officially call Hermione his wife - a full circle of their love story, so to speak. He shifted from foot to the other; trying to somehow alleviate the tension that's bubbling inside his stomach.
"Stop fidgeting, you're wrinkling your tux! Merlin knows what Aunt Cissy will do if she sees you less than perfect," Theo scolded.
"Listen to Luci, your cousin is always right after all," Blaise piped in.
"Sorry, Luc," he said with a smirk.
Theo rolled his eyes, "Ha ha, very funny."
He was about to open his mouth to tease Theo more but wasn't able to do so when the lights dimmed.
"This is it, buckle up, Malfoy," Blaise whispered with a small smile.
"Stand straight," Theo added.
He took a deep calming breath before facing the aisle.
Kingsley Shacklebolt appeared first. He walked along the aisle, smiling at the familiar faces that he passed by. He stopped right in front of him and offered a hand to him, "You're a lucky bloke, make sure you take care of her," he said.
He shook the other man's hand firmly, "I will, thank you," he affirmed.
Kingsley squeezed his hand back, "I'll hold on to that promise," he responded before taking his position.
He turned towards the aisle again.
Ginny appeared next. She made her way towards him, her face radiant with happiness. "She's stunning," she mouthed with a wink before taking her position.
The music stopped and the makeshift aisle started to glow brighter. He cleared his throat and stood straighter, his eyes never leaving the spot that he knew his bride would appear.
"Don't pass out now, breathe," Blaise whispered.
He blew out the air that he seemed to be holding just as a familiar tune started playing.
oOo
The canopy opened, giving Hermione her a first peek at whole place. "Merlin," she gasped.
"I know," Richard said. "Your mother-in-law sure knows how to make things happen." He squeezed her hand and began guiding her towards the aisle.
"A few more steps and we're done," Richard whispered.
"Y-yeah," she whispered back.
"Ready?"
She took a deep calming breath, "I am," she said more confidently. She lifted her gaze and it was instantly caught by her once clandestine wish; her greatest love and soon to be husband, Draco Malfoy.
Draco felt his heart stop for a second when his eyes connected with Hermione's for the first time. A huge lump formed inside his throat just as his vision started to be blurry. He knew from the very start that the love he felt for her runs deep, and watching her walk towards him now made all those feelings resurface; engulfing his heart with nothing but love and adoration.
oOo
Richard halted their steps and turned to face his daughter, "It's time to let you go, Pumpkin," he whispered, his voice filled emotions.
"I'll always be your Pumpkin, Daddy, no letting go," Hermione whispered back, her voice cracking.
Richard lifted her veil and planted a soft kiss on her forehead; the way he always used to before putting her to bed. "I love you, be happy," he said before pulling the veil back down.
"I love you too."
Kingsley cleared his throat loudly, "Who gives this woman to this man?"
"My wife and I," Richard answered. He then took a step forward and held his hand towards Draco, "Take care of my little girl, I'm leaving her to your care. Don't make her cry and just love her, do you understand?"
Draco shook the other man's hand, "I will treat her like a Queen and love her with my every breath. Thank you for accepting me into your family, Sir."
"Dad, you can call me Dad," Richard said before pulling him into a quick hug.
"Thank you, Dad," Draco said with a sincere smile.
Richard reached for his daughter's hand and gently placed in on Draco's. He smiled at the couple one more time before retreating next to his wife.
"Hi," she said shyly.
"Hello," he replied. He squeezed her hand fell into step with her; their backs facing the audience.
"We are all gathered here today to celebrate the binding of these two souls in matrimony. To stand as living testaments of how their love endured, changed and persisted through the test of time. The couple before me will be reciting their own promises of love to each other, but before they do so, I'm obliged to ask this question." He turned his gaze towards the crowd, "If anyone here present is not in favour of this matrimony, please speak now or forever hold your piece."
Complete silence…
Kingsley smiled, "Draco and Hermione, you may now face and each other and say your vows."
Draco cleared his throat as he turned to face her. He stared into her eyes and recited the words that came from his heart and not from his mind. "No words can express how much love I feel for you. I came here today prepared with the lines I practiced a week before, but standing here now; looking at you, made me realize that those words aren't enough to justify what I really feel." He reached for her hands, his eyes never leaving hers. "I love you. I am so much in love with you to the point that if don't say it first, I might implode," he paused to clear the lump in his throat. "We've been through so much, Mi, more than most people do. It wasn't easy and we've lost each other along the way once, but I guess when two people are meant to be together; their love will endure and fate will find a way to bring them back together – hence, we're standing here," he ended with a smile. He shifted closer and placed one of her palms to his chest, on top of his heart. "We would not always agree, I have no doubt about that, but do know that no matter how stubborn we both become, I will never ever let go of your hand. You were the light in my darkest times; the promised silver lining after every horrible storm. You are the only one this heart beats for and the only name it will carry until my last breath. Today, as I take your hand in marriage, I make this everlasting vow; I vow to always take care of you, spoil you and love you the best way I know how. I vow to protect you with my life and dedicate my years to you and to our love. You will not only have my name, Mi, you have all of me and I pray that it will be enough. From this moment onwards, you're the only woman who will wear my ring, hold my hand and have my love. I love you."
Kingsley cleared his throat and turned to Hermione; "Hermione, please recite your vows"
"Merlin," Hermione sniffed. "I don't know how to top that."
The crowd laughed, easing the thickness in the air a wee bit.
"I'm sure you can top that, Granger, you always beat me in everything," Draco replied.
"She sure as hell do," Ron piped in, making the crowd laugh again.
"Thank you for pointing that out, Ron," Draco quipped with a smirk.
"Welcome, Draco," Ron replied.
Hermione rolled her eyes playfully at the red head before turning her attention back to the man standing before her. "I love you too, Dray, let's get the out of the way first because I'm sure that I'll be babbling a lot."
"Thank you for the heads-up, love," Draco said with a chuckle.
She winked. "My pleasure." She then took a deep breath and cleared her throat, "Opposite to what you are thinking, I have not prepared nor practiced anything that I will be saying here today, because I would like my heart to do the speaking. She pulled her hand down from his chest and reached for his hands instead, "You have always been a dream, did you know that? When I was young, I often prayed that someday I would find my prince charming and he would sweep me off my feet. That did come true, you do look the part and Merlin, swept away, I was."
"I always knew you found me handsome, but Prince Charming level, I'm utterly shocked!" Draco teased.
The crowd laughed.
"Oh hush, let me finish," she chided playfully.
He made a show of snapping his mouth shut and nodding.
She squeezed his hand and continued. "But I lost that dream the day I lost you. I never thought I'd get the chance at an ever-after, Dray, but just like a true Prince Charming you came back and proved to me that fairy tales do come true and now we're here. Thank you for coming back to my life; for being the man I prayed for," she ended with a sniff. She cleared the lump in her throat and smiled widely, "Dray, today, I give my heart and hand to you. I vow that from this day on, you will always have me by your side. In times of darkness, I will guide you. In times of sadness, I promise to make you laugh. In times of defeat, I will hold you in my arms and love you the best way I know how. From this day on, I will take your name, proudly wear your ring and let the whole world know that I am yours as you are mine; my greatest love and husband."
Draco lifted her hand and pressed his shaky lips on it.
Kingsley smiled at the couple. "We would start the binding ceremony," he announced. "Draco, please put the ring on Hermione's left ring finger."
Draco plucked the diamond encrusted ring from Kingsley hand and gently slid in on her finger.
"Do you take Hermione as your loving wife; for better or worse, through sickness and in health and till death do you part?"
"I do."
"Hermione, please put the ring on Draco's left ring finger."
She took the platinum band from Kingsley's hand and slipped it into his finger.
"Do you take Draco as your loving husband; for better or worse, through sickness and in health and till death do you part?"
"I do."
"Hold your hands up, aligning your wedding rings together," Kingsley ordered.
Draco grasped her hand and lifted it, making sure to touch their wedding bands to each other.
Kingsley lifted his wand and began waving it in intricate patterns. A thin sliver light erupted from its tip, wounding it's way around the couple's hand before seeping through their skin. "The binding has been sealed; your souls are now intertwined. Love each other like you're both destined to; from now till the end of time."
The crowd all stood up and began clapping.
Draco raised a brow as Hermione fidgeted with her hand; both throwing Kingsley a look.
Kingsley chuckled. "It is my honour to present to you, Mr. and Mrs Draco Malfoy. Draco, you may kiss your beautiful bride, congratulations!"
He slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her flush to his chest. He lifted her veil with his free hand and got an unobstructed look on her face for the first time. He smirked. "I love you, Mrs. Malfoy."
She giggled. "I like the sound of that." She snaked her arms around his neck, "And I love you too, Mr. Granger."
He bridged the gap between their lips and kissed her senseless.