A/N: I do not own any character references by JK Rowling in the Harry Potter series. This story is a product of my pure imagination.
This is surely not what you thought it would be
I lose myself in a daydream.
Where I stand and say
Don't say yes; run away now.
I'll meet you when you're out of the church at the back door.
Don't wait or say a single vow.
You need to hear me out.
And they said, "Speak now."
~ Speak Now by Taylor Swift
**If you want to see the Draco and Hermione portion of the chapter, see Snow on the Beach- Chapter One- December short for the beginning of this chapter**
*~*~* March 1, 2008 *~*~*
"So it was good between you two?" Luna asked.
Hermione nodded, "Mind-blowing, but I only had Ron as a reference, and we weren't magically compatible. I thought I was magically compatible with Draco, just not as much as Harry, because it felt similar as far as the pull I felt. So that didn't really mean anything, but I thought it did. It felt fantastic at the time." Hermione sighed, "But I didn't even see him for a week or two afterward. The wedding was creeping ever closer, and I was trying to distract myself, so I spent all my non-work hours translating Dumbledore's copy of Tales of Beedle the Bard. A month before the wedding, Ginny stayed the night over for the first time, and I felt her and Harry's… connection. I couldn't stay there if she moved in, so I told Harry I was moving out. It was starting to drive me mad."
*~*~* January 5, 2005 *~*~*
Hermione threw her pillow over her head as she heard moans coming from downstairs. Between hearing it and feeling Harry's magic be excited, Hermione couldn't stand it. Throwing her covers off her body, Hermione walked downstairs, casting a silencing charm on Harry's door. Continuing to the kitchen, she started making hot chocolate for herself. Turning the kitchen light off, she walked into the sitting room and curled up on the couch with a blanket. She closed her eyes and tried to put up her mental shields, which seemed to help with the feelings coursing through her.
The clock on the TV console flashed 3:17 in the morning when she heard the wood of the steps creaking making her open her eyes. Her vision adjusted to the pale moonlight of the front window as Harry's shape set foot on the floor.
"Harry," she said, causing him to jump. With a wave of her hand, the candles in the room lit.
"Merlin, Hermione, you scared me," He told her as he walked towards her, "Hot chocolate?"
Hermione nodded, "Couldn't sleep?"
Harry rubbed the back of his neck, "Yeah. You?"
Hermione inhaled before sighing, "Couldn't sleep, but it was mostly the lack of silencing charms that kept me up."
Harry blushed, averting his eyes, "I'm sorry, I didn't think-"
"Clearly," Hermione interrupted as she breathed, "It just made me realize it's time for me to move out."
Harry's head snapped to look at her, "Move out? Hermione, no, I found this house for us! You don't have to move out."
Hermione stood up and faced him, "Harry, seriously? Where will Ginny and your future kids stay? Your room is tiny, and you won't fit comfortably in it. This isn't about me HAVING to move out. It's that I NEED to move out."
Harry grabbed her arm as she went to walk past him to wash her mug, "What's your problem, Hermione? Why are you so eager to leave?"
As if her magic had been building, she felt herself explode, her mug flying in pieces across the room. When his hand touched her, she threw him off. "Because you aren't happy, Harry! You are marrying Ginny in a month and don't look happy. If you aren't happy, why should I stick around somewhere I'll be miserable too?"
Harry's face hardened, "That is ridiculous. Ginny and I-"
"You… are… just… settling," Hermione told him, interrupting him, her voice cracking at her emotions, "You don't love her the way you should, Harry, and it's breaking my heart watching you pretend."
They stood staring at each other, breathing heavily. When Harry finally spoke, his voice was laced with sarcasm so much that he sounded like Ginny instead of himself, "Maybe you're just jealous, Hermione."
Sucking in a breath as she stepped back, looking up at him, "Jealous of what, Harry? Your happiness? Your relationship?" Hermione shook her head, "I'll be out by Friday."
Turning, she ran up the stairs, leaving behind the mess she had made.
*~*~* January 7, 2005 *~*~*
Juliet Granger walked into her kitchen to see Hermione at the kitchen table with a bottle of wine in front of her. Sighing, she walked over and sat across from her, "All settled in?"
Hermione nodded as she sniffed at the wine in front of her, "I've been doing so good. It's hard not to drink straight from the bottle right now."
Juliet reached over and took Hermione's wine glass from her, causing Hermione to break down and sob. "I just don't understand it, Mum. Why? Why is he marrying her?"
Juliet grabbed her hand, "I know it hurts, honey."
"I've felt these feelings for him for years. I don't understand why he loves her and not me! He is so kind and sweet. He's always with me and rarely sees her. He's always holding my hand or has his arm around me. Not her. They don't have a loving relationship. They have sex," Hermione spit out, "I don't see what goes on behind closed doors, but I just don't understand."
Juliet moved her chair over to Hermione, "Sweetheart, didn't you tell me he didn't have the best childhood growing up? Didn't he tell me that he didn't have the best upbringing? He didn't have the love that you do and grew up with."
Hermione looked at her and closed her eyes, "You are right."
"So, I don't think he had a lovely upbringing. Maybe he just doesn't know what love is supposed to look like. Maybe, just possibly, he thinks that he is supposed to be with her. Molly is all he has known as a mother before me. He sees Molly, and Arthur thinks that it is love. Don't get me wrong, I love the Weasleys, but Molly runs that house and controls Arthur," Juliet stated.
Hermione nodded, "You are right."
Juliet squeezed her hand, "I will do a better job of coming over and inviting you both over between now and the wedding. We will show him love. How it's supposed to be and help him see that he really isn't in love with her. But Hermione, you have to face it. Maybe they will get married, and if it happens, you'll have to be able to accept it."
Hermione swallowed back the tears, "I know. I understand that could happen. I just think it would never work. He'll never truly be happy."
*~*~* January 8, 2005 *~*~*
Juliet looked at Hermione over her shoulder in the reflection of the mirror, "Why are you doing this to yourself, honey?"
Hermione sighed as she turned around, "Because Harry asked me to go."
Walking inside Pansy's boutique, Hermione took a deep breath. The shop was filled with racks of dresses that she had worn to various events. The few witches that were there gasped when they saw her walk in. The witch behind the counter pointed for Hermione to go back to the back.
Pansy had a measuring tape around her neck as she saw Hermione and walked away from the witch trying on a red dress, "What's Weaselette's problem?" She bluntly asked, "She's acting like she is a royal family member and is a total bridezilla."
Hermione sighed as she looked at Ginny, who was pushing her teammate back into the fitting room, "She's just stressed. The wedding is a month away, and she is just getting to the bridesmaid dresses and has to figure out who to replace me with."
Pansy rolled her eyes, "Perfection is one thing; she is insufferable, and I've worked with rich purebloods." Turning to her, "You left the wedding?"
"Kicked out. My schedule was too busy," Hermione stated, chewing on her lip.
Pansy looked at her, "Oh hell no, she didn't."
Hermione nodded, "That's fine. I don't want to stand up for her anyway."
Pansy shook her head, "Potter is an idiot." Pansy looked over her pencil skirt and nice blouse, "You are going to the hen night after this?"
"Yes, why?" Hermione asked.
Pansy grinned, "I'll be back."
After Luna and Ginny's teammates, Milan and Lydia, she discovered they were finished with their fittings. She had purchased their bubblegum pink dresses that reminded Hermione horribly of Umbridge. Their group decided to head to Crave.
"Wait! I need Hermione to try a style on for me," Pansy stated as she grabbed Hermione, "Come with me."
Ginny frowned, "We need to get going."
"Don't worry," Pansy smiled at her, "We will be quick."
Hermione looked at Ginny, "I'll meet you all at Crave."
Ginny put her sunglasses on her face, "Fine. Let's go."
"How do the bitches get it all?" Pansy asked as they left, "Come on, let's get you sexified."
Pulling down her dress, Hermione flooed into the Leaky Cauldron. Hannah looked at her and dropped a glass, "Holy Merlin, Hermione, you look hot. Where are you going?"
Hermione looked at her, "Ginny's hen night. Give me a very small amount of Firewhiskey, please, and put it on my tab."
Hannah stared at her, "Are you sure?"
"There is no way I'm making it through tonight without some kind of alcohol," Hermione told her as Hannah poured her one finger, "Make it two."
Hannah handed it to her, and Hermione knocked it back, "Thanks. See you later."
Walking down the alley to Crave, the bouncer nodded to her and let her in. For 8pm on a Saturday night, Crave was packed early. The music pulsated through her head, lights flashing as the crowd moved together like a wave. The closer she got to the VIP, she heard, "It's my hen night! I'm getting married! Shots!"
Closing her eyes and steeling herself, she walked to the stairs and the platform.
"It's closed tonight, ma'am," The guard stated.
Luna walked over, "She is with us. I love the dress," Luna said, looking at Hermione's pink metallic dress. Sitting beside Luna, who took her hand, she cursed her sobriety. Ordering a Shirley Temple, she sighed as the girls started gossiping about things they had seen in Witch Weekly. She closed her eyes and flagged down the VIP waiter, "Can I have a glass of wine, please?"
Luna frowned, "I thought you were giving drinking up?"
Hermione looked at her, "I think I deserve it tonight."
Two glasses of wine were in, and to the girls' surprise, Harry and the boys showed up for their stag night.
"Ladies!" George announced as they walked up to them, "Fancy meeting you beauties here."
"How was the Quidditch match? Did the Falcons lose?" Milan asked them.
"They lost," Harry said as they all sat on the couch opposite the girls after the VIP manager brought it over.
Draco's gray eyes flashed to Hermione, "Granger."
"Malfoy," Hermione told him.
George ordered a round of shots of Unicorn Blood. A shot that was silver and seemed to flow to Hermione, "I have an idea. Let's play a game of truth or dare with a twist."
Pulling out a pouch, he put a vial before each person, "Welcome Weasleys Wheezes newest invention, Truth Serum. Less potent than Veritaserum, but just as truthful and long-lasting."
Soon, the group was laughing and doing silly dares that were tame. Hermione, unfortunately, learned more about Ginny and Harry's sex life than she wanted despite having two of her siblings there. When Milan asked Hermione when the last time she had sex was. Harry and Ron looked at her, shocked when she said it was last month.
Unicorn Blood shots made her hot, and she excused herself to the lavatory. Stumbling out of the lavatory, Harry was on the wall waiting for her when she exited.
"Hermione, you are drunk. I thought you gave up drinking," Harry said concerned.
"I needed it to get through tonight," Hermione stated as she went to walk past him, but he blocked her.
"Tell me the truth. Why are you avoiding me?" Harry asked.
Hermione's heart pounded in her chest as tears welled in her eyes as she fought the serum in her veins, "I love you, but it's a secret. So I won't tell you about it."
Harry stepped back, shock written all over his face, "You're drunk. You don't know what you are saying."
Shaking her head, her vision blurred a bit, "Yes, I'm drunk, but I know that I'm hopelessly in love with you. Alcohol doesn't change that."
Leaving Harry behind, she stumbled back to the VIP section and grabbed Neville's Firewhiskey. Downing it in one drink, the burning liquid did nothing to dull the pain. George grabbed her arm, "Hermione, stop. No more. Truth serum and Firewhiskey together can cause memory loss. I don't want you to have memory issues. It's a side effect we haven't fixed yet."
Draco stood up, "Hermione, let me escort you home."
Hermione looked up at him and nodded. Offering his arm, he led her out of the club and into the alley. Hermione shivered as the cold air hit her bare shoulders. Unbuttoning his jumper, Draco draped it over her shoulders.
"Thank you, Draco," She mumbled, clutching the jumper.
"Anytime, Granger. You can return it to me later," Draco told her, "So, you have feelings for Potter?"
Hermione sighed, "Yes. Damn truth serum."
"That has to suck," Draco told her.
"It does," Hermione yawned.
Draco put his arms around her, "Close your eyes."
Together, they landed in the backyard of the Cornwall house. Hermione groaned as she almost lost her balance, "Shit, I moved out. I'm with my Mum, but my car is here. Are you drunk, too?"
"No, I told Potter that I wasn't drinking much. I can drive you. I swear I won't try anything. I would never do that to a woman."
*~*~* January 9, 2005 *~*~*
Hermione groaned as fingers ran through her hair.
"So, what she drank may have side effects?" Her mum's voice asked.
"George told me to check on her this morning. He knew that Hermione had drunk his truth potion and the Firewhiskey. He also found Harry at the bar shooting Firewhiskey. Harry doesn't remember yesterday at all and is having horrible vomiting," Luna's voice replied.
"I'm not getting sick, but I don't remember why I'm drunk. Why am I drunk?" Hermione asked, rolling on her back on the hallway floor, "I gave up alcohol."
"Ginny will do that to a person," Luna sighed, "She is becoming, what did you call it Juliet?"
"A bridezilla, from what you tell me. Why didn't you tell me she kicked you out of her bridesmaids?" Juliet asked.
"She did what?!"
Hermione sat up, nausea rushing through her, and she ran past Harry to the loo. Calming hands held back her hair as she got sick.
Sitting back, Hermione caught her breath as she heard yelling, "Is Luna yelling?"
Juliet nodded, "She's yelling at Harry, telling him all that Ginny has done behind his back."
Luna appeared at the door, "Well if Harry wasn't still sick to his stomach, he is now. He said he was leaving to talk to Ginny."
Hermione groaned, "You said something about a truth potion?"
"George gave us all some experimental truth potion when we played truth or dare. We learned too late that there are side effects between it and Firewhiskey. You, Neville, and Harry all had some last night," Luna told her.
"My head is killing me," Hermione told her as she pushed herself up, "Where is Harry?"
"Remember, he is talking to Ginny," Luna stated.
*~*~* March 1, 2008 *~*~*
"I was so concerned about you," Luna told her, "Your Mum and I put you back into bed and told you to sleep it off. There are things you forgot when recalling that night, but obviously, you remembered more than we thought."
"It took months, and then it was foggy," Hermione admitted as she sighed. "I returned to work that week. Harry took the next week off and sent Molly and Arthur somewhere on vacation. Bill, Charlie, and he got together and renovated the Burrow as his wedding gift to the family. Because Harry had the week off, Draco was on desk duty unless needed."
**** If you want to see the Draco and Hermione portion of the chapter, see Snow on the Beach- Chapter Two- Electric Touch for January 12th- January 21st****
*****Slight Draco ahead central to the chapter so she doesn't kill someone******
*~*~* January 25, 2005 *~*~*
Looking out at everyone in the audience, Hermione smiled as there was quite a big crowd. Tonight was the first school play for the Lily Potter School for Magical Beings. The children buzzed with excitement behind the makeshift curtain. Hermione turned to the headmistress and smiled, "Every seat is taken out there, and people are standing. Great job, Linda."
Linda hugged her, "None of this would have been possible without you. I think you should open it."
"No, this is your baby now. I'm just here to help where needed. I'm going to go sit with my family," Hermione told her as she found Teddy and kissed his head, "You will be great."
"Thanks, Momma," Teddy told her as Hermione left the backstage area and went out to the audience. Finding her spot next to Draco, sitting next to his Aunt Andromeda, she patted his leg as she sat down, "Thank you again for coming," She told him.
Draco glanced at the program, "Cinderella, Winnie the Pooh, Jungle Book… all these Muggle stories I've never heard of before? Cannot wait."
Hermione glanced down their row to see Kingsley next to Andromeda. Her mum sat next to Kingsley, talking to Molly. Arthur spoke to Harry, who had Ginny linked to him as if she was trying to become part of his body. Ron, George, and Angelina finished their row. Sitting back as the lights dimmed. Draco took her hand in his. Hermione looked at him, smiling as Linda thanked everyone for coming.
The first and second years were putting on the play of Cinderella. It was not the entire play, but a shortened class-friendly version where Teddy played Prince Charming. Harmony was also in it as the Fairy Godmother. Hermione smiled proudly, watching the Muggleborn witch who played Cinderella command the room. Harmony came out in her little fairy godmother dress, and Hermione glanced down at Harry to see that he was looking at her with a proud smile.
When Teddy finally came out, he flawlessly delivered his lines confidently at the end of the short play. Hermione had a tear slide down her face.
Everyone stood and applauded as Teddy's class ended their performance.
"We will have a brief ten-minute intermission to set up the next play," Linda announced.
Teddy ran over to them, throwing himself into Harry's arms first.
"You were amazing, Teddy Bear," Andromeda said, rubbing his back.
The mother of Cinderella came over, "Sorry to interrupt. My daughter Amy talks about Teddy all the time. Is this the famous Teddy?"
Teddy smiled at her, "Hello, I'm Teddy Lupin."
"Well, hello, Teddy," She said as she turned to Harry and Ginny, "I am Mary. Hey Teddy, do you think your Mummy and Daddy would let you come over sometime to our house to play with Amy?"
Harry went to speak up when Ginny interjected, "I am not Teddy's Mum YET," She said, flashing her engagement ring with a broad smile, "But I will be adopting Teddy when Harry and I get married. I'll be his mother very soon.
The words hit Hermione like a punch to her gut, and anger rose. Obviously noticing her anger, Draco put his arm around her and pulled her away, "Come on, Granger. Let's go calm down. You are sparking."
Hermione allowed Draco to lead her out of the gymnasium, where Kingsley and Andromeda spoke to some parents. Pulling away from him, she led him to her office. Slamming the door behind them, Hermione let out a scream of frustration.
"How can she just-"
Draco put his hands on her shoulders, "Ginny is being… well, Ginny. She always has been a jealous person. I mean, did you see her and Potter? It looked like she was trying to attach herself to him. You know how she can act. Don't let her ruin this night."
Hermione took a deep breath and slowly let it out, "It's just… she suddenly acts like she wants to be his mother and hasn't cared a bit about him since the beginning! Teddy is my son!"
"I know that, and we've only been seeing each other for a month. Teddy knows that. Aunt Andromeda does, too. Ginny's words can't change that."
Hermione sighed as she laid her head on his chest, "You're right. Thank you, Draco."
"Anytime, Granger," Draco said with a smile, "Now, shall we go back and enjoy the rest of the play. Ignore the redheaded witch. For some reason, I think she is trying her best to get under your skin."
Hermione looked up at him, "Can you find your way back? I just remember I need to sign paychecks quickly so Linda can give them out next week."
"See you out there," Draco told her as he left the office.
Hermione sighed as she sat down behind her desk and pulled the envelope with the checks over to her.
"What about my grandson?"
Hermione looked up to see Euphemia looking at her from her portrait. She sighed, "Harry is marrying someone else in 19 days. As much as I wish it was me, it's not, and I've realized it is time to move on."
"And that boy is who you want to move on with?" Euphemia asked.
"For right now? Yes. Is he Harry? No. But he makes me feel much better about myself than I have in a long time. Can I get over his past? He's atoned for his sins. He was a child soldier same as me and Harry. I can't change anything when Harry says 'I do' and bonds himself to Ginny. It's up to him at this point," Hermione told her.
*~*~* March 1, 2008 *~*~*
"I know you told me you didn't tell him about the bond and compatibility for stupid reasons, but why didn't the Potters tell him?" Luna asked.
Hermione scoffed, "Because Harry was afraid of them. He avoided their portraits like the plague. I wanted to put them in the house so he could always talk to them, but he refused. He said they should be in their home and looking over the kids in the school." Hermione explained, "Harry, he never had family that cared, and suddenly he did, and he didn't know what to do with them. So he hid them away essentially."
Luna nodded, "So the wedding was rapidly approaching, and you were with Draco."
Hermione nodded, "And I thought for the first time that if I couldn't have Harry… I had someone with whom I had what I thought was real chemistry. It was different than with Harry, but I had a connection. It was sparks. It was static electricity. While with Harry, I felt electric currents and lightning. Draco gave me warmth."
**** If you want to see the Draco and Hermione portion of the chapter, see Snow on the Beach- Chapter Two- Electric Touch for January 29th*****
***** If you want to see the Draco and Hermione portion of the chapter, see Snow on the Beach- Chapter Three- Delicate for February 4th****
*~*~* February 6, 2005 *~*~*
Hermione looked up from her Mum's sitting room as the front door opened. Harry walked into the sitting room and looked around, "Where is everyone?"
Hermione laughed, "Teddy talked Mum into ice cream."
Harry shook his head as he sat beside her, "Of course he did. Did you get your best woman dress?"
Hermione nodded, "It's upstairs. It's not pink, but red like your tie. So at least I won't think of Umbridge when I look at my dress."
"Good," Harry said, running his hand through his hair, "Shit, Hermione, in one week I'm going to be married."
Hermione chewed on her lip, "Why do you think you have to marry her, Harry?"
Harry looked at her, confused, "What do you mean?"
"It's fun, yes, but think about it. Do you really love her?" Hermione asked.
Harry looked at her, surprised, "Of course I do. Why? Do you think I don't? I wouldn't be marrying her if I didn't."
"Honestly, I've never known what to think with you two. You have much in common, but…" She sighed, "Molly got into our heads so early. That we'd be this big happy Weasley family together. Everyone could see how that worked for me and Ron. She even mentioned at dinner last weekend about me ever thinking about getting back with Ron. I don't know. Then there is the whole connection between Ginny and your Mum."
Harry stared at her, "What connection?"
Hermione laughed, "Oh, come on, she is a redhead. They look similar, a thin build from what I've seen of your mum in pictures. My Mum even notices it."
Harry stood up and looked out the window to the front yard, "Shit, Sirius joked about Potter men and their redheads." Harry looked at Hermione; the curtain he had opened made the sun shine on her, making her squinting at the sun. Harry stared at her, then shut the curtain so she could see again, "I never thought of it that way."
"I'm not telling you this to freak you out. Just seriously consider it, Harry. Wizarding weddings are truly for life. Your magic and hers will be bonded forever," Hermione told him.
Harry looked at her, confused, "What do you mean forever?"
Hermione sighed, "Honestly, Harry. Don't you read? Think of Bill and Fleur's wedding, Luna's wedding. They did a blood bond as part of the full wizarding bonding ceremony. Your magic will be bonded to hers to recognize her as your wife. It's archaic, but it's what is done."
"But there is divorce in the wizarding world. I've heard of it," Harry told her.
"For those who marry in a non-traditional pureblood ceremony, yes. Or those whose mate dies. Ginny wants the traditional ceremony like Bill did. It's basically an unbreakable vow," Hermione informed him, "Draco says that it's becoming less common in our world. If you want, I have a book on bonds."
"Sure, I'll look at it tonight," Harry groaned as he laid back on the couch, "I keep putting it off, but I need to write my vows. Every time I try, they come out awful."
"What do you have so far?" Hermione asked before she could stop herself.
Harry stood up and pulled a piece of paper from his wallet, "I have. Ginny, we have known each other for so long. You've been there from those early days when we were just kids growing together and what led us to this moment. I'm standing here as your friend and partner. I can't wait to join your family and become part of the family that has welcomed me with open arms. My acceptance with them has meant the world to me, and I look forward to creating more memories together." Harry looked up, "That's what I have so far."
"That's basically just vows to the Weasleys, not Ginny." Hermione told him, "You need to have something for her."
"What would you say?" Harry asked.
Hermione bit her lip as she stood up, looking outside at the setting sun, "Something like how she is your best friend, and you cannot see yourself living without her every day. How much you love her and how you want to grow and learn together. How you vow to be by her side through every high and low like you already have. You will be her rock when she needs strength and share every joy and sorrow. How you want to be the best partner that you can be and look forward to the future together."
"That's amazing, Hermione," Harry said as he got up to find a pen.
Hermione sighed, "Yeah."
*~*~* March 1, 2008 *~*~*
"You didn't."
Hermione looked at Luna, "Yep, Harry used what I said to write his vows."
"What a fucking idiot!" Luna stated, "I hope you heard that too Potter!"
"I'm an idiot. Got it!" Harry yelled back as he popped into the room, "I was walking by and heard you. By the way, you have red highlights in your hair in the sunlight. I noticed it that day and couldn't think of anything else."
Hermione pulled her hair around and looked at it. "Really?"
*****If you want to see the Draco and Hermione portion of the chapter, see Snow on the Beach- Chapter Three- Delicate for February 9th*********
**********If you want to see the Draco and Hermione portion of the chapter, see Snow on the Beach- Chapter Three- Delicate for February 11th************
*~*~* February 12, 2005 *~*~*
Rolling her neck to alleviate some tension, Hermione found herself in front of more people than she thought there should be for a rehearsal. It was the day before Ginny and Harry's wedding, and it appeared to Hermione that Ginny had invited everyone to the rehearsal and the wedding. It seemed that every member of the Holyhead Harpies and their significant others were in attendance. Many members of the DA, along with Ginny's whole family, were also in attendance. Hermione was surprised to see Dudley sitting in a chair next to Andromeda. They were the only two in attendance outside of herself and Teddy that Hermione could think of possibly being listed as Harry's family. Much to Hermione's dismay, her mother was not invited to the rehearsal.
The sun was beginning to set as Kingsley walked Ginny and Harry through the bonding ceremony. Hermione was staring off into the distance, trying to ignore the feeling building in her chest of anxiety and panic.
A mantra was going through her head. I can do this. I can do this. This is for Harry. I can do this.
Standing in her place, she vaguely heard Kingsley say, "And then I will cast the bonding spell, and you will be wed."
The assembled audience clapped, bringing her back to the present.
"Alright, Harry and Ginny, you'll lead the procession down the aisle. After they make it halfway, Hermione and Luna will go next, then Ron and Lydia, and finally Teddy with Milan."
"Do I have to go with the child? Can't I go with Ron?" The ditsy-looking blonde asked.
"Yes," Kingsley told her as Ginny led her and Harry down the aisle. Hermione walked towards the middle and held her arm out for Luna, "Ma'am?"
Luna laughed as she took Hermione's arm, and they walked down the aisle together. Hermione could hear Ron cracking a joke with Lydia behind them.
After everyone made it to the back of the tent, Kingsley looked at them, "Everyone set with their procedures?"
Ginny nodded, and then, with a Sonorous, she announced, "Mum is making dinner for everyone. Everyone is invited to the reception tent for a light dinner!"
Luna leaned into Hermione, "Ginny wouldn't let Molly cook for the wedding, so she had to settle for the rehearsal dinner."
Hermione nodded as she realized that was why it was a large production. They moved to the large tent that was set up for the dinner. The tent was beautifully decorated with fairy lights, and the long tables already held food buffet-style for everyone to enjoy.
Hermione sat between Ron and Teddy as they all started passing around dishes.
"Luna, I heard that you made quite the discovery," Kingsley said, handing George a dish. "I saw the paperwork that Hermione filed for the creature. What is it called again?"
"I have found that it's a cross between a salamander and the fluorescent eel. I found it in a grotto right outside of Capri Island in Italy. I am calling it a Fluorocaprimander," Luna stated, eating her green beans, "Its eggs are laid in a tree above the grotto. The eggs turn fluorescent at night and glow with the embryo's heartbeat. When the embryo reaches hatching, it floats near the water, and the egg becomes translucent so you can see the younglings within. Their heads are much like a salamander, but their body is that of an eel. They can morph and grow legs to crawl on land when they hatch. They are also very friendly creatures," Luna told him, "Hermione came to Italy to see them."
Hermione swallowed the bite of chicken that she had just eaten, "Very friendly. They liked to play around your feet in the water."
"So they are real?" Ron asked in disbelief.
Hermione nodded, "I saw them myself."
After the bellies were filled, Arthur walked up to the head of the tables. He raised his glass and tapped it, drawing everyone's attention, "I'd like to make a toast." The crowd quieted, "Ginny, my dear, from a young age, you knew exactly what you wanted, and that was Harry. Your steadfast determination brought our family complete. Harry, from the moment you first stepped into our home, you became part of our family. We are so proud of the fine couple that you two have grown to become, and I am glad that I can officially call you my son," Arthur said, raising his glass, "To Harry and Ginny!"
"To Harry and Ginny!" the guests echoed.
Molly stood up, dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief before taking her turn, "Ginny, my dear girl, you have always been the bright light in our lives, and Harry, you have brought so much joy and love into our family. We are overjoyed to see you two together and finally getting married. I wish you both all the happiness in the world and, of course, many grandchildren!"
Hermione looked around as the tightness in her chest was growing. Flagging down a server, she whispered for a glass of champagne. He handed it to her, and she tossed it back. Grabbing another glass from the tray, she turned back around.
Ron looked at her, "You okay?"
"Headache," Hermione stated as Luna stood.
Glancing at Luna, she looked at Harry and Ginny, "In the wild, when a female praying mantis finds her mate, they copulate and use their mate for their purposes, and then they eat their mate to provide extra nutrients to their bodies for production. I hope that is not how your marriage will go. I hope you find joy and adventure together, just like the Crumple-Horned Snorkack finds its way through a forest."
Hermione hid her smile in her glass as she read between the lines of Luna's speech. The rest of the guests were not as lucky as they exchanged confused glances. Ginny looked at Luna as if she had two heads.
Ron cleared his throat and stood up, "Well, I get to follow that." Ron stated, making everyone laugh, "Thanks Luna. Harry, mate, I've known you for what feels like forever. I've seen you face too many challenges that anyone knows, between Voldemort, dragons, and my sister's temper." He stated, making Ginny glare at him, "I reckon that you're ready for anything now. No matter what, I actually get to call you my brother now. And Gin, you've always been the toughest Weasley. Now YOU get to keep Harry in line. Good luck with that."
"To Harry and Ginny!" The guests cheered, raising their glasses.
Hermione took a breath, finished her champagne, and then stood up. Looking around the room, her eyes stopped on Harry as she unfolded the paper.
"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and the bride and groom. Firstly, when I met Harry, he was just a scrawny boy who barely knew he was a wizard. Before climbing on the Hogwarts Express, I had researched the wizarding world and read about him. I think I knew more about him at that point than he did. Over the years, I've watched you grow both as individuals and together. As Ron stated, we've faced many challenges together, more than people know." Hermione took a shaky breath, looking back at her notes, "I've had the privilege of knowing Harry for many years and Ginny for almost as long as that. I have to say, he's always been a special person in my life. From the moment I met him, I was captivated by his charm and incredibly dry sense of humour that sometimes only I understand. So good luck with that, Ginny. He's the kind of guy who can light up a room with just a smile, and believe me, he's done that," Hermione said as she took Ron's glass for another drink of her wine, "You see, as one of Harry's best friends, I've had a front-row seat to his life, and I've watched him grow into the amazing man he is today. We've shared countless adventures, late-night conversations, and even a few secrets."
Hermione closed her eyes and opened them as she looked right at Harry. "But there is one secret I've been holding onto for far too long. I have to share it before it's too late. Harry, you've always been there for me through thick and thin, and I can't imagine my life without you in it. You are my rock, my confidant, and my partner in crime. I stand here before you today, watching you and Ginny, and my heart can't help but ache. There is something I wanted to tell you for a very long time, Harry. Something I've kept hidden for years. I've tried to deny and push it aside, but it's impossible to ignore. The truth is, Harry, I'm head over heels in love with you."
Opening her eyes as Ron nudged her, she looked at him as he cleared his throat, "Secrets?"
"Sorry," Hermione said as she looked back at Ginny and Harry, "I raise my glass to the newlyweds-to-be. We will always be here to support and celebrate you. To share your lifetime of joy and laughter. May your journey together be filled with happiness and beautiful memories."
Ron looked at her as she sat down, "You okay?"
Hermione smiled, "Yeah, I will be."
Ron's eyes suddenly glossed over, and Hermione looked at him confused. He grinned a dreamy grin and stood up.
"Ron, where are you going?" Hermione asked as she watched him and nearly every other male member of the party stand up as Fleur walked to get another glass of champagne, "For heaven's sake! Bill!"
"Fleur honey, I think you've had enough," Bill said as he hurried over, pushing through the males, "Your allure is very strong right now."
Hermione rolled her eyes as she looked over at the head table where Ginny and Harry were sitting, and her eyes met Harry's. She gave him a small smile as Teddy asked her for some paper.
Hermione walked into the Burrow to use the lavatory before she left, and found Harry staring at pictures of them on the wall, "You okay, Harry?"
"Huh? Yeah," Harry said, shaking his head, "Just nerves."
Hermione glanced out the window and saw Luna talking to Dudley. "Did you invite Dudley? Or did Ginny?"
"No, I did. Why didn't Mum come?" Harry asked.
Hermione frowned, "Because she was only invited to the wedding."
Harry looked at her, "What?"
Hermione nodded, "She will be here tomorrow. She was only invited to the wedding. That's why I was surprised to see all Ginny's teammates here."
Harry looked away and frowned, "I wondered why she wasn't here. I planned to walk her down the aisle like George walked Molly."
"She'll be here tomorrow," Hermione told him as she felt the anxiety building in her chest again, "Well, I will see you in the morning. I am going to head home. I have a bit of a headache."
Hermione walked over and pulled him into a hug. Harry tightly pulled her into his arms, "I saw the RSVP cards earlier. Draco is your plus one?"
Hermione stepped back as he released her, "Yeah," She said with a shy smile, "I really like him, Harry. I never thought I would, but I do."
Harry nodded, looking out the window, "I'm happy for you."
Hermione approached the fireplace, "Are you sure you're okay?"
Harry nodded, glancing at her, "I'm getting married tomorrow. I'm okay. Goodnight, Hermione."
"Goodnight, Harry," Hermione said as she threw the floo powder into the fireplace. The back door opened, and Kingsley walked in as she flooed back home.
Juliet hurried into the living room, "So how was it?"
Hermione sighed as she threw herself onto the couch, "Awful. It's going to happen, Mum. He is going to be bound to her forever."
Juliet sat down next to Hermione and rubbed her back. Hermione suddenly felt a huge sense of relief under her Mum's gentle hands. "Well, honey, at least you have a good one in Draco. He seems to make you very happy."
Hermione smiled at her, "He does, Mum. I never expected it, but he does."
*~*~* February 13, 2005 *~*~*
Hermione grabbed her dress bag and makeup bag, then looked at her mother, "Ron said that closer to time, he would come over here and get you. So be ready around half past eleven."
Juliet nodded, "Is Draco meeting you there?"
Hermione nodded, "His Portkey is for noon. See you there," She told her Mother as she flooed to the Burrow.
Expecting to find it bustling with activity, instead, she met silence. Frowning, she set her bag down and looked out the window to see if everyone was outside, only to see an empty backyard.
In his evening robe, Arthur walked down the stairs and saw her, "Oh, Hermione. I'm sorry. I thought they would have told you."
"Told me what?" Hermione asked, confused.
Arthur sighed, "The wedding is off. Ron is with Harry at the house. You better go there with them."
Picking up her stuff, she nodded and flooed to the Cornwall house. Stepping into the sitting room, she saw Ron with a glass of Firewhiskey in his hand, lying on the couch with his eyes closed. Opening them, he looked at her, "Fuck, I'm sorry, Hermione," Ron said as he sat up, "We didn't tell you last night because it was too late by the time I learned. I have never even gone to sleep until now. What time is it?"
"Half past nine. Where is he?" Hermione asked.
"In his room, locked himself in. Maybe you can get more details. All he told me was that it was off, and then he stormed upstairs," Ron told her.
Hermione set her stuff on the couch and then ran up the stairs. Knocking, Hermione laid her forehead on the door, "Harry, are you awake? It's me."
She heard shuffling inside, and the door opened slightly. Pushing the door open, she walked inside to see Harry throwing himself on his bed. Slowly shutting it behind her, Hermione looked at him, "What happened?"
"Wedding is off, as you know by now. It was a mutual thing. You know how Kingsley came to me as you left last night?" Harry asked.
Hermione nodded as she sat on his bed.
Harry looked at her, "We never filed to have the Civil Partnership dissolved."
Hermione gasped, "Fuck, we forgot about it."
"Yeah," Harry chuckled, "It's just a form and about 400 pounds. The problem is that there's a 20-week quote cool-off period between filing and statement taking before it can even be sent to the court. Kingsley said it takes about six months total."
"Shit," Hermione said, rubbing her hand over her face, "We can file tomorrow."
Harry nodded, "I may have drank a bit too much after I found out, trying to get the nerves to tell Ginny that we'd even filed for a Civil Partnership in the first place. We could file tomorrow, but Ginny and I discussed some things, such as Mum not being invited to the rehearsal and her voicing her opinion on some areas. We realized what you've been trying to tell me for a while," Harry said as he sat up, "Ginny and I aren't meant to be bonded together for the rest of our lives. We fight, we have sex, we have fun… but we are never... together."
Hermione pursed her lips and breathed, "So, who called it off?"
Harry looked at her, "Me. Ginny said we'd call the wedding off and try it again in a year," Harry sighed, running his hands through his hair, "Then I asked her about the rumour I heard from one of my Auror teammates."
Hermione frowned, "What rumour?"
"He saw a woman that looked like Gin kissing someone in a bar after a Falcons game a few months ago," Harry told her, "Turns out it was her. She admitted to it. She claims it never went beyond kissing and touching, but it's happened a handful of times."
Hermione reached for his hand, "I'm sorry, Harry."
"She dared to say it was my fault, that I'm just not there enough for her," Harry told her, shaking his head.
"You two didn't communicate enough was ultimately the problem," Hermione told him.
"I see you were right all along, Hermione," Harry told her as he looked into her eyes, and she could see his pain, "I should have just listened to you."
Hermione swallowed, "The heart wants what the heart wants."
*********If you want to see the Draco and Hermione portion of the chapter, see Snow on the Beach- Chapter Three- Delicate for February 18th*******************
*~*~* February 19, 2005 *~*~*
"How is Harry doing?" Luna leaned over, whispering to Hermione.
Hermione sighed as she slowly used her paintbrush to blend the yellow and the red colors on her canvas to make an orange, following the instructor's directions, "As good as he can be, I guess."
Pansy reached over to sip her wine, "I'm just saying Potter lucked out."
Padma turned around, "Why did they break off their engagement?" Padma asked as she swore when her paintbrush dripped paint onto her jeans.
Hermione hesitated, focusing on the strokes of her paintbrush, "Harry has told me things, but it's really up to them to announce it if they choose to do so."
"Rita is going crazy to get answers," Pansy added with a smirk, "I saw Weasley throw her out of his shop today. She is getting relentless."
Luna bit her lip and nearly splashed Hermione with her paint as she flicked her brush at her canvas, "Their auras were just not well matched. It was fate."
Pansy gave Hermione a look as if to say 'Is she real?' and Hermione smiled, glancing at Luna's painting as the instructor told them to take a moment to let that layer dry before they moved on to the next area, "Luna, what are you painting?"
As Luna opened her mouth, Hermione's phone rang. Glancing at the screen, she saw Harry's name.
"I'm going to take this out there real quick," Hermione stated, pointing out the studio door.
Stepping outside, she answered the call, "Harry? What's up?"
"Hermione, are you busy?" Harry asked, his words partly slurred, making him hard to hear over the background noise behind him.
"I'm at a painting class with the girls. Can I call you back when I'm done?" Hermione asked.
Harry sighed, "I need you to bail me out of jail."
Hermione couldn't help but gasp, "Jail? What happened?"
"It's a long story. Could you come down to the station closest to our house?" Harry asked.
"I'll be there as soon as possible," Hermione promised, hanging up and walking back inside to grab her purse.
"What's wrong?" Luna asked, concerned, "Something looks wrong."
Hermione leaned over and whispered in her ear, "Harry is in jail. I need to go bail him out."
"What's wrong?" Padma asked.
"Nothing, family emergency. Everything is fine. I just have to go," Hermione assured them, "Enjoy the rest of the class."
Hermione quickly made her way out of the studio and walked down to the nearby apparition point. When she arrived at the station, she approached the counter, "I'm here for Harry Potter?"
"He's not being charged with anything. Just fill this out, and I'll release him to you. Make sure he gets home and gets sobered up," The officer said, handing her a clipboard.
Hermione was filling out the papers when a buzz made her look up to see Harry come out of the back. He stumbled over his feet, and an officer had to grab his arm.
"What did you do?" Hermione asked, handing the finished paperwork back to the officer.
Harry rubbed the back of his neck, "It was just a misunderstanding. I tried to break up a fight at a bar, but things got out of hand. I left and couldn't remember how to walk home when the officers came for the fight. They were going to charge me for being pissed in public."
Hermione sighed, "Let's get you out of here."
Harry pulled his jacket tighter to his body as they stepped out into the cool night air, "Thank, Hermione. I'm sorry to interrupt your evening."
*~*~* March 1, 2008 *~*~*
"Harry hit rock bottom pretty fast," Luna remarked.
"He hid it pretty well from everyone," Hermione stated, "It didn't help that he was torn about Ron. He felt that he was putting Ron in a horrible situation. At that point, he hadn't told Ron everything because he didn't want Ron to think anything bad about Ginny. Harry told Ron they had called it off, not that Ginny had cheated."
Hermione sighed, "Anyways, I got him home…"
*~*~* February 19, 2005 *~*~*
Opening the back door, Harry walked through with Hermione assisting him. She led him to the sitting room, where he fell onto the couch with a groan.
"Need anything?" Hermione asked, sitting on the couch next to him.
"Your old, time turner would be great," Harry mumbled into his arm as he covered his face.
"Sorry, I don't have it anymore, and I bet it was destroyed in the Department of Mysteries time room.
Harry lay down and placed his head on her lap. "What is wrong with me, Hermione?"
"Nothing is wrong with you, Harry," Hermione told him sadly, running her fingers through his hair.
"Why will no one love me? My mum loved me and then left. Ginny loved me, then cheated on me and left," Harry vented.
Hermione looked down at him, "You silly man. I love you. Ron loves you. Mum loves you, Teddy loves you. You've never had to really deal with this before. Breakups are hard. I wish you didn't have to go through this pain. It's horrible."
Harry closed his eyes as she ran her fingers through his hair, "Do you really like Draco?"
Hermione paused, then continued, "Yes, I do, Harry. I never thought I would, but I do."
Harry sighed, "I figured you did when it's only less than two months in, and you are having sex with him. You and Ron took forever."
"It's different with Draco. I don't want to kiss and tell, but let's just say it's different," Hermione told him, "Alright, let's get you upstairs and to bed."
After slowly climbing the stairs to his bedroom, Harry looked at her as he climbed into bed, "Thank you, Hermione. For everything," Harry told her as he rolled over, "Draco can come with you to our get-togethers. Let him know it's an open invitation."
"I will. Goodnight, Harry," Hermione stated, kissing his forehead.
"Hey, Hermione," Harry said as she was just about to open the door.
"Yes?" Hermione asked.
"You can move back whenever you want," Harry told her.
"We'll see," Hermione told him, opening his door, "Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Hermione," She heard him whisper as she shut the door behind her.
a/n: In a rush so just a quick post this morning. Hoping that the rain stops so that I can head to my local Wizarding Weekend for Harry's birthday. Thanks to those who read and review. New followers: Ariadnagod97, mimimo12, allthestrangekreachers, theboona, suigel, 1, JcL107, and cassihernadez8. Reviewer: DDNT.07 thanks for the review!
I know some aren't happy with the direction of the story, but just trust the process. After this, one chapter then the next chapter after the event happens and their relationship is over. There is a reason for what I'm doing. Just wait and see.
Preview of Chapter 31: Labyrinth
Theo waved as he and Daphne went on to talk about a Quidditch match. Walking to the lifts, Hermione rode to her floor and into her office. Sitting behind her desk, Hermione closed her eyes and dropped the occlumency shields she had been working on to help her block the bond with Harry. While it didn't block everything, it helped her feelings through the bond go from an 8 or 9 down to a 2 or 3. Relaxing, she didn't feel anything.
Returning to the work she had been working on before lunch, she was making notes on a case in the spirit division when suddenly it was as if something punched her in the stomach.
Gasping, trying to catch her breath, her head hurt, and then her leg started burning as if it were on fire before it spread to her whole body. Falling to the floor, the pain was so intense Hermione passed out.
When she came to, she did not know how long she had been out, but the pain was less intense, just below the surface of her skin. Forcing her occlumency shields in place, she pushed herself to sit up in her chair as Ron rushed to her office.
"It's Harry, isn't it?" Hermione asked, "Please tell me he is okay."
