AN: Hello again everyone, I hope that your week has been good. I have been working on a few new things for the story and have decided that if things continue as they are and allow for a regular return to the story, I will attempt to post a new chapter once a week. If things don't then I will attempt to post a new chapter once a month. I know this isn't a very promising statement of when the updates will come, but this is the best promise that I can give aside from that this story will not be abandoned or discarded. I am glad to hear that you have enjoyed the last couple of updates. Now, back to the show shall we.

Harry sat on his bed, it had been a long day and tomorrow was going to be even longer, what with the wedding to Alexandrine. He sighed, he had spent most of the day between classes doing his best to get to know her and helping her to adjust to the differences in her new School. Surprisingly she was in their year which meant that she had simply joined him, Hermione and Ron in their classes without much difficulty aside from language and coursework.

It had been awkward at first, introducing her to the other Gryffindors who eyed her warily due to her family. Alexandrine had surprised him though, she had taken the challenge at hand and had ubiquitously set aside all doubts regarding her loyalties to him when Draco had come to the Gryffindor table at lunch.

It had been quite the moment when the deceitful git arrived at their table. He had obviously come to gloat over the impending nuptials the next day. At first Harry had heard him out, listening to the various statements he had to make.

"What, nothing to say Lord Potter?" Draco sneered as he looked down at him where he sat.

"No." Harry said simply.

Draco scowled, clearly seeing that his antics would have no reward. He had turned to leave when to everyone's surprise Alexandrine had stood, stepping in front of her cousin. Her small form nearly three inches shorter than his, but her eyes seething.

"Draco, zis was uncalled for." She said, an icy tone to her voice. "Eef I ever 'ear zat you 'ave said anyzing like zis again, I will 'ave no choice but to reveal vat I did to you last summer."

Everyone looked at her waiting to see if further information would come, however Draco had turned a rather odd shade of red as a mixture of fear and anger etched itself on his face. He did not retort to her threat, instead he turned and ran back across the room to the Slytherin table where he kept eyeing them throughout the rest of the period.

Harry had not pressed the issue at hand, but several of the others had attempted to pry for what she was referring to. Alexandrine had simply smiled but did not reveal her secret ammunition.

"Eef I told you zen it would no longer 'ave ze intended effect, no?" She said as she returned to her lunch with grace.

Intrigued though he was by the idea of what could so cause Draco to slither away so hurriedly, he had not pressed for details. He had already decided that he would give Alexandrine the benefit of proving her loyalties in her own terms rather than doubt her.

He was just pulling himself from his revelry when the door to his room opened and Hermione entered. She was already in her night clothes, a long shirt that he had only seen after they had moved into the quarters. She crossed the room to him and he curled up with her when she got into the bed with him, holding her close.

"Tomorrow is going to be a long day." He said quietly as he held her.

"I know." She said softly, snuggling into his neck as she rested her head on his shoulder.

"I'm glad you are going to be there though." He said, he had been surprised when the invitations for all of his betrotheds and her had arrived during the morning post.

She smiled softly, humming a reply as she simply continued to rest against him. He gently turned his head and kissed the top of hers as they lay there engulfed in each other. He was lost in her as always, the world was quiet and right when he was with her like this.

After several moments she pulled away and then leaned in to kiss him deeply, he could feel her pouring her love and devotion into the kiss. He felt it sear through every part of him as he felt their mental connection expand and soar, he could feel everything that she ever felt for him and more.

Breaking away only a few inches she stared into his eyes. I love you, I will always love you, I always have.

He smiled softly at her as he continued to stare into her eyes, into her very being. I love you too 'Mione. He could feel his body still singing from the kiss and through their mental connection he could feel hers too as if an electric charge were coursing through them.

She smiled and kissed him again, her cheeks turning pink as she let her thoughts and desires be known to him. He could feel his own cheeks burning as he sank down into the kiss with her until they couldn't breathe and finally she broke apart.

I want you. She said softly still not communicating verbally despite the fact that they were practically alone. I want all of you, not because of tomorrow or all of the others, I have wanted you since before all of this began. She continued, making her meaning and inclinations known.

She gently sat up and lifted her shirt over her head, revealing her nearly bare body to him as the only thing she had on under was her panties. He stared at her, taking her in, shock evident on his face as he watched her. She watched him too, smiling though he could feel her apprehension.

"Hermione a-" She gently pressed pressed a fingertip to his lips, nodding silently as she gently took one of his hands and nuzzled it with her lips.

I am sure Harry, I have never been more sure. She said softly as she continued to pull him into her. She sighed and then gently placed his hand on her hip before reaching out and beginning to unbutton his uniform shirt.

He gently let his hand trail along her side, feeling her soft skin under his fingertips as he allowed his eyes to take her in. He could see goosebumps appearing along her skin as his fingers continued to tease her, she smiled at him encouragingly. She sighed contently as she finished unbuttoning his shirt and she too began to trace her fingers along his now bare chest.

He stopped to allow her to remove his shirt before reaching out to pull her into him, kissing her even more deeply as he pulled her down onto the bed with him. She smiled as she wrapped her arms around his neck, his own holding her close as she hummed her approval through the kiss.

Breaking apart for air, he let his fingers begin to roam along her body again, teasing her as he did so. She jolted as he found one of her ticklish spots and he chuckled.

"HEY!" she yelped and slapped his arm playfully. "Don't do that, you know I don't like being tickled."

He smiled and then pinned her as he rolled above her, sitting up as he grabbed her sides and tickled her. "You don't like this eh?"

She squirmed beneath him laughing. "No!" She cried out, laughing and breathless. "Stop, please!"

He did stop and smirked down at her before leaning in to kiss her again, this time gently trailing kisses along her neck and down to her collarbone. She squirmed again at his ministrations, only this time moaning softly at his efforts as he felt her pleasure through their bond. He hummed softly, as his hands resumed their exploration of her body, his fingertips dancing along her belly as he traced the hem of her panties before tracing up to tease her bellybutton.

Oh...Harry...She sighed softly and he could sense her growing arousal. Don't stop...She cried as he removed his hands momentarily to hold himself above her so that he could stare down at his wife.

I will never stop loving you. He said softly, reaching up to caress her cheek. Never.

He watched as she continued to stare up into his eyes, a single tear forming on the corner of her eye which she reached up and quickly wiped away. "I love you too Harry." She said softly, leaning up to kiss him again before laying back as he resumed his teasing, this time tracing along her thighs with one hand while the other continued along her stomach.

He stopped just beneath her breasts, turning to look at her again as she gave a nod giving him permission to continue. He smiled softly as he began to trace the outlines of her breasts, tracing small circles around her nipples. She moaned again arching her back into him as he leaned in and began to place kisses along her body, trailing from her shoulders down to the top of each of her breasts.

He could feel the results of his ministrations through their bond as her arousal coursed through her, her mind racing to keep up despite the speed at which her body and emotions wanted to overwhelm her. He savored the moment before leaning in to kiss each of her breasts, lightly nipping at her nipples which caused her to cry out in her pleasure.

"Ha..." She managed before he felt the wave of pleasure that overwhelmed her senses momentarily.

He raised back up, the hand still resting on her thigh moving up to trace along her pelvis, feeling the warmth of her body through the fabric of her panties. She cried out louder as he smiled down at her, watching as her body flushed in her excitement.

"Take them off if you want." She said as she managed to catch her breath. Her brown eyes staring into his as he continued to watch her.

He moved down to do as he was bid, gently grabbing her waistband with both hands and guiding them down and off deftly. She lay bared before him, his eyes taking in all of her as she watched him intently. He sighed softly and leaned in to kiss her again, she wrapped herself up into him, pulling him down to her as she continued to deepen the kiss even further.

He let his hand return to exploring her body, causing her to moan into the kiss as her hips moved with him as he brushed against her most secret areas. In their mental connection he could feel her anticipation and anxiety at what was to come, but she continued with the kiss and moaned as he found her most sensitive spot.

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Harry awoke the next morning to the now familiar smell of Hermione's hair as she lay curled against him with her head on his chest. He gently moved so as not to wake her and nearly jumped when he realized that they were both naked. It took several moments for the events of the previous night to replay in his head, he smiled as he remembered everything that they had done.

She woke, looking up at him from the bed as he felt her too remember everything. She smiled and reached over to take his hand into hers, gently placing a kiss on it before she sat up.

"You were very gentle." She assured him as he watched her. "I do not regret what we did."

He smiled softly and gently pulled her to him, kissing her gently. "Neither do I."

She giggled. "Now, I need to go and perform a few charms and get ready for today."

He watched her as she stood and he could hear her thoughts as she went through the incantation for the contraceptive charm. He was somewhat surprised that she had not performed it last night before they had been together.

I did, but you have to perform it again the next morning to expunge any extra. She said as she pulled on her panties and shirt, separating her clothes from his own on the floor. I also need to go and get dressed. She added as he eyed her with a devilish grin.

I'll see you in a bit. She said as she left him alone in the room, staring at the door she had just exited through. He sighed and stood, looking about the room as he remembered he had a lot to do this morning. Crossing over to the dresser he pulled out the dress robes he had ordered yesterday, they had arrived during dinner, after McGonagall had taken his measurements after the events with Malfoy at lunch.

Grabbing up his planned outfit for the day, he pulled on a pair of pajama bottoms and made his way to the bathing pool. He was relieved to find the room empty of anyone and quickly locked the door behind him so as not to be disturbed.

He slid into the warm water and allowed himself to fully remember everything from Thursday until now, going over the events of the meeting with Lucius again despite having already accepted them. He knew it was pointless to try to fight what had been done, the only result that would have would be to upset one of the great families and land himself in Azkaban which would also result in his, Susan's and Hermione's deaths due to the contract with Susan.

He stopped as he remembered that Susan, Parvati, Padma and Ginny would all be moving in the next day after lunch. It was going to be a very long and very busy weekend. Luckily they had at least planned ahead to ensure that everyone would have their own space beforehand.

Bathing quickly so as to get out of the way before anyone else wanted to use the pool, he was soon dressed and heading back to his room. Just as he closed the door behind himself Hermione alerted him through their bond that he had to stay in his room for the next ten minutes as Alexandrine was in the common area and until she made it to the bathroom he was not allowed out in case he saw her. He sighed, Bloody ridiculous traditions.

She giggled and then he sat down at his desk and began to read through one of his books on Quidditch as a way to pass the time until they were out of the area. He had to get down to McGonagall's office soon so that he could start going through all the final preparations, at least Lucius had somehow gotten Dumbledore and the Governors of the School to allow the wedding to be held in the grounds, that at least meant that they did not have to travel far.

He had been surprised to find that all of his betrotheds and even Hermione, though it was only known widely that she was also one of them not his wife already, were to serve in the wedding as Bridesmaids. McGonagall had explained how it was traditional for this as it also cemented a bond with each other that brought all of the women on friendly terms. She had explained that normally there was also a practice ceremony the night before the wedding, but with the ludicrously short timing there was no way in which to pull it off.

He closed the book and sighed, it was not doing any good for keeping his thoughts elsewhere. Why me, why is it always me? He bemoaned to which he was surprised Hermione didn't answer. He frowned and then stood, tiptoeing over to the door.

He could not hear anyone in the common area outside but he dared not exit until he received the all clear. Ginny, Susan and the Patils just arrived, we're heading down the hall now. Hermione said through their bond, startling him at her sudden reappearance.

Were you shielding your thoughts from me? He felt her smile apologetically through their bond. Sorry, I didn't want you to see the dress or her for that matter; I'll be blocking you out for most of the day until the ceremony.

He frowned, he didn't like this at all but he knew it was the best way for him not to break the promises of not seeing Alexandrine before the wedding. He sighed, an entire day without her in their shared space, he hadn't been alone in a long time. It felt odd as he pushed the door open and quickly ran across the room and out the doors where he was surprised to find Ron waiting for him.

"There you are, what kept you?" Ron asked, his dress robes askew as he tried to pull himself together.

"Sorry, the girls were in the common area." Harry said with a shrug. "I had to wait until they were through, apparently it's bad luck to see the Bride before the wedding."

Ron nodded. "Yes, it is actually." Ron said with a thoughtful frown. "Damn, I still can't believe your getting married."

Harry laughed. "Ron, I'm already married."

"Oh yeah." He said with a shrug. "I forgot you and Hermione were married the night you formed your Bond."

Harry nodded, again he felt the emptiness of their shared mental space and he sighed. "Well, lets get down there before McGonagall has a cow. Thanks for agreeing to be my Best Man on short notice."

Ron chuckled. "Any time Mate." He said as he followed Harry at the brisk pace he had set. "You're in a rush."

"It's already nine Ron, the Wedding's at one." He reminded the redhead with a frown. "McGonagall wants me down there by ten at the latest so that I can go over the plans with her again as well as start greeting guests as they arrive."

Ron nodded. "Yeah, I know, I was in the meeting yesterday too."

Harry laughed. "Yes, but how much did you actually pay attention to?" He asked as he gave him a grin at his confusion.

"What d'you mean?" He asked with a panicked look.

"Nothing Ron." Harry said, deciding to have a little bit of fun. "Just remember you have to dance with Narcissa later."

Ron froze, horror written on his face. "WHAT!" He shrieked, "I never heard that."

Harry laughed. "I'm kidding Ron." He said as he grinned broadly. "I have to dance with her as she is filling in for Mother of the Bride. Alexandrine does have to dance with Lucius though."

Ron shivered. "No thanks, I will pass on that." He said and they both agreed that having to dance with the slimy git was a bit much.

"At least he was nice enough to fill in for her Father, apparently he couldn't get off in time to make it over from France and her mother was too ill." Harry said as they continued down the staircase. "I just hope things go smoothly, then again the whole school was invited along with about half the Ministry from the sounds of it."

Ron shrugged. "You're a Lord Harry, and your marrying into one of the richest families in the UK, how could you not expect them all to come?"

Harry shrugged. "I guess I thought that maybe it would be a quiet ceremony, preferably private."

Ron laughed. "It's Malfoy we're talking about, if Lucius is even remotely like his Son then private and small, let alone quiet, is not likely to happen."

Harry sighed. "I guess you're right, though still it would have been nice." He said as they turned off the staircase onto the First Floor and made their way to McGonagall's office.

She answered as soon as they knocked, her tartan dress very much different from what they had seen her in before. She quickly invited them in and then began going over all of the plans once again, barely giving either of them time to sit down before she was already headlong into the day's events and expectations.

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Alexandrine sat quietly in the tent that had been erected near the larger wedding pavilion that had been set up during the night. She had watched what she was able to see of the preparations from her window in their shared quarters. It was strange to think that within an hour she was going to be married, let alone married to Harry Potter.

She sighed again as her Aunt fussed about her hair, pulling several pins loose to redo an entire section of her elaborate bun. Her makeup had been tediously done by the Patil sisters, both of whom she had been surprised to find were to marry Harry. She looked herself over in the three floor length mirrors that had been setup in her tent, her beautiful white gown that had a completely open back, billowed out behind her nearly four feet due to the long train.

She was amazed at the different person she saw in the mirror, then again she was always surprised when she got to dress up. Her parents had warned her far too many times that despite her very low percentage of their Veela ancestry, she could still very easily enrapture any boy she set her eyes on for too long if she dressed too revealingly. She had been surprised when her Aunt showed her the dress, at how elegant it was but also at how low cut, especially in the back where it was open down to the base of her spine. Luckily the front at least covered all of her, though the elegant lace sleeves made her worry about catching them on something.

"Now Alexandrine." Her Aunt said to her in fluid French. "We must keep your dress clean at least until it's time to cut the cake, do you think you can manage that?"

She nodded. "Yes Aunt Narcissa." She answered, glad that she was not being forced to speak strictly in English until the ceremony unless the others in the room said something to her. "I will do my best to keep this beautiful masterpiece that you and Uncle Lucius got for me clean always."

Narcissa smiled softly. "It was I who chose it, I thought you would love it."

"I do, thank you." She said with a bright smile, she had been pleased to hear that the dress was hers to keep forever, though she doubted that she would ever wear it again after today.

"Here you are." Hermione said in her own perfect French as she came up with the veil. "Are we ready for it to be put on now Lady Malfoy?" She asked, turning to look at Narcissa with a gentle smile.

Narcissa nodded. "Yes, I believe so." She said as she took the offered lace and chiffon bundle from her. "Tell the others to get ready, we only have about fifteen more minutes and the music will start."

Hermione nodded and ran out of the tent to collect the other four girls. They had all stepped out to get a bit of fresh air, she could also tell that aside from Daphne none of them really seemed to care for her Aunt. Not that she blamed them, Narcissa and her husband were always a bit too much even for her tastes, she and her family in France had always preferred a much friendlier approach to others than the brash , rude way in which her English family members behaved.

"You could be nicer to them." Alexandrine said with a sigh. "I know Hermione isn't a Pureblood but the other four are, why do you dislike them?"

Narcissa frowned at her niece. "Have you lost your mind girl?" She said with a dark look in her eyes. "She's a Muggleborn, I may not be able to say what I truly feel but I'll be damned if I am any nicer to her than I have to be."

Alexandrine nodded, she had not expected a real response or even a provided reason from her Aunt. "Well, at least don't let them hear you carry on so. I can't let the stigma of what you feel ruin this Sisterhood that I am to have with them."

Narcissa frowned. "Thank the Gods you are not my daughter." She said pointedly. "I'll play your games today Alexandrine, but just remember you are a Malfoy and as a member of our Family you are expected to play your part."

Alexandrine sighed and began muttering in German, the only language she know that her Aunt didn't know and the only one she could think of for privacy. Narcissa glared at her but didn't say anything as she pinned the veil in place.

"There, now get ready." Narcissa snapped, clearly annoyed at the fact that she had swapped to another language on her.

Hermione and the others returned just as Narcissa swept past them out the tent doors, her emerald gown billowing behind her as she left. Alexandrine was relieved to finally be free of her, it had been the better part of the last hour listening to her constantly go on and on, berating her over every little tiny detail that wasn't in place.

"She's gone then?" Susan asked as she crossed over and began to take in Alexandrine with a bright smile. "You look beautiful."

Alexandrine felt her cheeks go pink at the compliment. "Zank you Suzan." She said with a gentle smile. "I vill 'ave to remember not to spill anyzing today."

Hermione smiled softly. "You'll have us there with you, don't worry about anything."

She smiled up at the girl, her bushy hair completely different after all the Sleek-Eezy she had to use to straighten it. She looked like a vision on her own, her elegant periwinkle dress flowing as she moved.

"You look so beautiful 'Ermione." She said with a gentle smile. "I believe zat color fits you perfectly."

Hermione smiled softly. "Not as beautiful as you do." She said gently as she crossed back over to the tent doors. "I hear the music starting, everyone get into your places."

Alexandrine sighed, she could feel the butterflies in her stomach starting again as she thought about the hundreds of people she was going to be standing in front of soon. She had nearly keeled over when McGonagall had informed them that the entire School would be attending as well as several members of the Ministry of Magic, she had been somewhat saddened that her Parents weren't going to make the wedding, but the other girls families where here as well as her Aunt, Uncle and Draco. She guessed it was something at least.

As she reached the tent doors she could hear the bridal music she had chosen only last night and knew that it was time to start. She exited the tent and could hear the others as they took up their places around her. She felt Hermione, playing the Maid of Honor, lift her train and then the other four proceeded on ahead of her as they made their way down the path toward the aisle.

She inhaled and then exhaled slowly, trying to steady herself before putting first one foot and then the other in time with the music. She could feel her body vibrating with her nerves and excitement as she continued down the path, the congregation coming into view after only a few moments. She felt her mouth go dry as she saw that there must be close to six hundred people in attendance, she inwardly began once more to panic but kept her face pointed ahead where she could see Harry standing up at the alter watching her with a gentle smile.

As they passed through the crowd she could hear mutterings of shock and approval, girls whispering at the beauty of her dress. Boys whispering at her beauty and how unfair it was that she was marrying Harry. She didn't turn to look around, knowing all too well that she would trip or worse if she did, too nervous to look anywhere but at him.

Finally after what felt like an eternity she was at the foot of the steps leading up to the alter where she was met by her Uncle who took her hand in his and led her up the steps. As the Head of House Malfoy it was his job to stand in for her Father and to give her away, something she knew he was relishing in as he had let slip the night he had brought her over from France. She wondered then, and still had some minor curiosity, why he had made the contract when it was known to the entire family that this marriage was not required for another generation or two.

The music stopped as they reached the top and she heard the hush land upon the crowd as she felt their eyes all focus on her and Harry. The Official looked to her Uncle and she barely registered the words he asked.

"I, Lucius Abraxas Malfoy, standing in for her Father, and my wife Narcissa, standing in for her Mother, give her away." Her Uncle said clearly answering the question that had been asked.

The Official nodded and Harry stepped forward to take her hand as her Uncle retreated down the stairs to sit with her Aunt. Harry smiled gently at her as the stood before the Official, their hands linked together as they stared into each others eyes.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here on this glorious afternoon to celebrate the union of Marquess Alexandrine of Houses Malfoy and Paravon to Lord Harry James Potter of the Houses Potter, Gryffindor, Peverell and Black." The Official began as he started the ceremony. "If there are any here who feel that there is a reason that these two should not be joined, let them speak now lest they forever hold their peace."

No one spoke, though she was sure that if they had her Uncle would have seen to them personally. She smiled as Harry continued to stare only at her, as if the rest of the crowd were not even there.

"Then, let us continue." The Official stated as he began to recite the next phrases she had only heard a handful of times. "The joining of these two hearts as one, one husband, one wife, one family brings many joyous occasions together in the future."

She blocked out the rest as her nerves continued to swell, she could feel his own hands shaking and she gently bit her lip. He was just as nervous as she was, she wondered again at how someone with his fame could be so easily frazzled by such a small event. Her attention finally returned to the ceremony when the Official began the Vows.

"Marquess Alexandrine, do you promise to be a loving and faithful wife to Lord Harry?" He paused to let his words sink in. "Do you promise to uphold your Vows and to love and cherish him for all of your days, to keep the sanctity of marriage and to care for him in sickness and in health, to always share your life only with him and to be faithful so long as you both shall live?"

She nodded gently. "I do, alvays." She said softly, just loud enough for him and the official to hear though she had the feeling that the rest of the crowd was able to catch her response.

The official nodded as Harry turned and took a small silver ring from Ron, a simple though elegant fleur de lis made of diamonds set atop the band. "I, Lord Harry James Potter, promise to always be faithful to you." He said, taking her hand in his again. "I promise to uphold our Vows and to love and cherish you for all of my days, to keep the sanctity of marriage, to care for you in sickness and in health, to share my life with you and to be faithful to you so long as we both shall live." He continued, echoing the Official who instead had him repeating the words.

He slipped the elegant ring on her finger and then the Official stepped back as he pulled her gently into his arms and kissed her. The Crowd grew electric behind them as murmurs began to pour forth. They broke apart though he continued to hold her and she still continued to stare only into his eyes, seeing only him. Finally after several moments they turned together as the music began again and they made their way back down the stairs and up the aisle together.

Everyone was still seated though she could now see that they were all eager to come to congratulate them, though she wondered if that was the only thing on the minds of some of them. Together they walked until they reached the area where the reception had been setup. She was surprised that everything had gone so perfectly with such short preparation time, but she was glad that they were now through the major part of the wedding. It was still going to be several hours before they could get away from the crowd, but she knew that the next few hours were going to be much easier than the last day had been.

AN: Well, another chapter, a beautiful ceremony. I hope you all enjoyed as much as I did writing this chapter. It was a little hard deciding on some of the things in this chapter but I feel that everything played out well. Anyway, as I said last chapter I am still looking for a new Beta Reader, preferably for both this story and the alternate version to help keep things flowing and to keep the stories fairly on par with each other minus the changes to Forever Always. If you or anyone you know are interested do not hesitate to PM me and we can discuss the details. Thank you all so much and I will see you next chapter.