To anyone else watching, it was just a newlywed couple enjoying their first dance. To Draco, he felt every wave of crashing passion, so much it was almost agony, radiating from her as they floated on the dance floor. It was like a switch had gone off. This was their- his turning point. He would truly do anything for her, and it left him helpless. Never did he think that he would be at the complete mercy of any woman, much less this one. She could sneeze and he'd destroy every plant, tree, flower that dared assault her senses. He felt raw in the most inconceivable but incredible way.
By the time the song ended, the air had been charged with something neither of them could explain. Both breathing heavier than their dance required, they reluctantly stepped back from each other and curtsied as their guests devolved into audible splendor. Draco led Hermione back to their table where he commenced the feast. As sharp crescent of the moon illuminated sky, the Malfoy gardens had been consumed by jovial chatter as the guests congratulated the couple and mingled amongst themselves. At some point, Draco and his mother danced together. Apparently "the mother-son" dance was another muggle tradition he was more than happy to participate in.
They briefly paused after dinner so Draco and Hermione could cut their cake and was photographed by Skeeter and Cho who had graciously offered to photograph their wedding. Soon, they were cornered by Rita who insisted on interviewing them at that very moment. Draco and Hermione shared a glance, silently communicating that they might as well. She fired questions at them while her quill scribbled away, her cameraman taking a shot of every damned flower, plant, blade of grass, and vine.
"How long were you two seeing each other? How did you end up together? What did Harry and Ron think? What would Hermione's parents think if they knew who she was? What did Narcissa and Lucius think? Are you planning to have children?"
That last question made Hermione choke on the words she was answering the previous question with. While she regained her composure, Draco took the pleasure of answering.
"We do see it as a possibility but we're enjoying each other's company at the moment and will be for the foreseeable future," he said eloquently. Hermione quietly gaped at him. He lied right through his teeth and didn't even blink. Rita looked a little miffed by the response but quickly recovered and moved on. Once she finished, she left the couple there and resumed her prowl on the attendees, attempting to get some gossip.
After that, they were pretty much separated the whole night, Draco made sure to keep sneaking glances at his beautiful bride. She caught his stare every time and sent a brilliantly sultry smile his way making him blush and requiring an adjustment of his collar. She was burning for him; the moment they sealed their vows with a kiss set her alight.
As Hermione chatted animatedly with Neville and Luna, laughter filling her voice, she suddenly felt a familiar warmth at her side. Draco's hand found her waist, and his presence behind her brought a gentle, grounding comfort.
"Sorry to interrupt," Draco murmured, though his voice held that soft lilt of teasing confidence she knew well.
"Oh, it's quite alright, Draco," Luna said, her serene smile deepening as her pale eyes sparkled knowingly. "We were just talking about how funny Thestrals can be when they're given sugar cubes."
Draco gave a slight nod, a smirk tugging at his lips. Then he leaned closer to Hermione, his voice dropping to a soft murmur. "Granger, there's someone here for you."
She looked up at him, her brows pulling together in confusion, and his eyes flicked meaningfully toward the hedges. She followed his gaze, and her heart gave a sudden, familiar lurch when she spotted a flash of red hair glowing in the fading light. It couldn't be- yet there he stood, unmistakably Ron, shifting his weight nervously. She turned back to Draco, her eyes wide with both surprise and apprehension.
"Go on," he said softly, giving her an encouraging smile.
She took a deep breath, squaring her shoulders, and made her way toward Ron, her steps quickening until she was just a few paces away. She paused, absorbing the sight of him. His blue eyes held that same endearing earnestness she'd known since childhood, but they were softer now, filled with something that hadn't been there before.
"I didn't think you were going to show," she said quietly, her voice betraying the hope and sadness she'd tried to bury.
"Hey, 'Mione," he replied, his voice gentle, laced with something she hadn't expected- remorse. "You look stunning," he added with a slight, crooked smile, and she felt a pang at the familiarity of it.
"Thank you," she said, managing a small smile in return.
A silence settled between them, thick with unspoken words. Finally, Ron took a shaky breath, his hands retreating into the pockets of his dress slacks. "Listen, Hermione… I am so, so sorry for lashing out and speaking to you the way I did," he said, his voice cracking. "I was angry, so angry- and such a… such a bloody idiot." He let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. "Harry, Ginny, and even my Mum gave me a proper tongue lashing. They made me realize how selfish I was, how blind I was to how much I'd hurt you."
Hermione's gaze dropped to the ground, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her dress as memories of their last confrontation resurfaced, sharp and raw. He had said things that left bruises on her heart, things she hadn't been sure she could ever forgive. But now, seeing the open regret on his face, something inside her softened.
"I was so wrapped up in my own feelings," he continued, his voice barely a whisper now, "and I didn't see what you were going through, something that was rather difficult. Instead of supporting you, I let my own pain spill out, and you didn't deserve that. I said things I can't take back, things I'll never forgive myself for."
Hermione's heart tightened, and she blinked back a few stinging tears, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. She hadn't expected this- a real apology, heartfelt and humble. She took a shaky breath, lifting her gaze to meet his, her eyes searching his freckled face for any trace of insincerity but finding none. He looked genuinely broken, his guilt laid bare.
"I… I never thought I'd hear you say that," she said softly, her voice thick with emotion. "Ron, those words- what you said… they hurt me more than you'll ever know." Her voice wavered, but she pressed on. "But seeing you here, hearing you now… it's… it means a lot to me."
She reached out, hesitating for a moment before lightly touching his arm. "We've been through so much together, Ron. I know you're sorry, and maybe… maybe one day I can truly forgive you."
A glimmer of hope flickered in his eyes, and he nodded, his hand moving to rest atop hers. "Thank you, Hermione. I know I have no right to expect forgiveness, but… I promise, I'm going to make things right. However long it takes. I love you, Hermione."
She winced as he said the last part but for somehow, she knew he meant it differently. They stood there in silence for a moment, the scars of old wounds and the possibility of healing hanging between them. Then, with a small, tentative smile, Hermione pulled him into a gentle hug, feeling the tension in his shoulders relax as he held her.
When they pulled apart, she looked over her shoulder, and her gaze found Draco watching them from across the garden, his expression unreadable but his eyes soft as he nodded once in quiet support. She felt an unexpected warmth spread through her- a sense of peace and closure that she hadn't thought possible.
"Thank you for coming, Ron," she said, her voice steadier now. "It means the world to me."
Ron nodded, the tips of his ears turning pink. "Do you plan on staying?" Hermione enquired hopefully.
He sighed. "I think it best I sit this one out," he replied with a sad smile. Hermione deflated a little but nodded in understanding.
"Will you at least take a picture with us?" she questioned. Ron smiled a bit wider. "Sure."
He trailed behind her as she rounded up Harry and Draco before making her way to Cho.
"Cho, will you take a group shot of us, please?" Hermione asked. Cho's eyes widened as she saw the three men standing awkwardly behind her. An amused smile dawned her face.
"Of course!"
Hermione took a step back, eyeing her friends as she carefully lined them up for the photo. Draco stood to her left, casting a wry look at the whole arrangement, his usual smirk softened by the warmth in his gaze. To her right stood Ron and Harry, both looking a bit awkward but grinning nonetheless. She adjusted them slightly, nudging Harry and Ron closer.
Cho, holding the camera with a look of concentration, gave Hermione a thumbs-up as she prepped for the shot. "Alright, everyone- big smiles!" she encouraged, holding up the camera with a tickled grin.
The first click captured them in the middle of trying to look posed and proper, but something in Harry's expression caught Ron's eye, and he muttered a quiet joke about their awkwardness under his breath. The next thing they knew, Harry broke into laughter, and that was all it took. Hermione's laugh escaped first, light and unrestrained, quickly followed by Ron's belly laugh and Draco's deep chuckle. Draco's hand found its way naturally around Hermione's waist, and even Cho couldn't hold back a smile as she captured the moment, freezing the shared laughter in time.
The final shot showed them all glowing, each smile genuine and radiant, their eyes crinkling with laughter, capturing that fleeting, perfect moment of joy, forgiveness and new and old friendship.
By the grace of Morgana, Blaise finally called an end to the evening. Draco and Hermione stood at the gates of the manor as their guests departed, graciously thanking them for attending. They returned to the Gardens where Harry, Ginny, and Narcissa remained to aid in cleanup.
"That was wonderful, Draco," Narcissa gushed as she rushed over to her son. He smiled widely, which was rare.
"Mother, I cannot thank you enough for planning and setting all of this up," he whispered solemnly into her embrace. She gave him a watery smile as she brushed some of his hair back. "I love you so much my son, more than life itself. Soon, you will understand."
Narcissa stepped back, dabbing her eyes and smoothing out her dress. She cleared her throat before speaking again. "I must see to it that the elves have transported you and Hermione's belongings here," she said matter-of-factly. Draco's eyes briefly passed over his mother to see Hermione smiling and talking with her friends.
"Once I situate things with them, I shall be on my way," she said someway. His eyes shot back to her and promptly furrowed.
"What do you mean?" he asked perplexed. "Are you going somewhere?"
"Yes, Draco. You are the heir to this property and now that you're married, it is yours. I'll be taking my leave of the manor so you and your bride can enjoy your new home. It is customary that the parents vacate. You know this," Narcissa disclosed.
"We're not staying here, mum," Draco admitted quietly, anticipated her reaction.
Her demure expression faltered. "But- wha- Draco, it's tradition!" she sputtered, a frown creasing her smooth face.
He looked at her boredly. "I think we're far past tradition at this point. Besides, it would be wrong to subject Granger to living in the house your sister tortured her in," Draco noted, calmly.
Narcissa's face dropped. She hadn't even considered that, the poor girl. How could she have forgotten?
"Yes, yes, I suppose you're right. Merlin bless her," Narcissa mused quietly.
"We agreed to stay here for the 'honeymoon' as I'm having some work done on the condo. After we're going back," Draco said casually.
"Oh?" Narcissa remarked, surprised. He nodded. "I decided to redecorate, make it a little homier, I guess."
Narcissa smirked. Hermione had him wrapped around her finger. She felt some pride surge for the witch.
"Regardless, I'm heading to Spain. Lord knows I deserve a break after doing all of this. We have a home out there, but your father was never keen on going. He always complained that the people there spoke too fast," she sighed while rolling her eyes.
Draco huffed out a laugh.
"How long do you plan on staying out there?"
"However long it takes for me to get an invite to your home or when my grandchild is born, whichever comes first," she hummed. Draco blushed.
"I love you, Mother," he said softly pulling her into another hug.
"I love you too, Draco," she sniffed. Pulling away, she gave him some terse words.
"Take care of my daughter-in-law and grand baby," she said turning around to look at Hermione. "She really is special," she said with what Draco almost thought was fondness.
She smoothed his lapel one last time before smiling up at her biggest accomplishment and heading inside to make the final arrangements.
"Oi, Malfoy!" Ginny called. "Finally done yapping with mummy?"
He rolled his eyes and made his way over to them. By then, the moon was high in the sky casting a delicate silken glow on the gardens. All the chairs, tables, and food had been cleared, restoring the gardens to its previously green glory.
He came up behind Hermione and slinked a muscular arm around her waist. He watched Weasley's jaw clench in satisfaction as Harry and Ginny tried to smother a laugh while Hermione simply looked up at him with her big, amber eyes that reflected every ray of the moon. He tore his gaze away from her to address her three companions.
Draco glanced over the group, letting his usual guarded demeanor slip just a bit. "Thank you for being here for us… for Hermione," he said, his voice holding a rare softness. He caught himself mid-sentence and corrected, revealing more vulnerability than he'd probably intended. Ginny's warm smile grew as she responded, "You are most welcome," her gaze steady, even as the boys shuffled awkwardly beside her.
Ron stepped forward, and Hermione felt his grip tighten on her hand briefly before he released it. He extended his hand towards Draco, his expression sincere, carrying years of history and tension. Draco stared at the offered hand, his face a mix of caution and surprise. After a beat, he reached out, his grip meeting Ron's in a firm, resolute shake.
"Take care of her, Malfoy," Ron said, his voice carrying both a quiet acceptance and a hint of lingering protectiveness.
Draco gave a small, respectful nod, clearly thrown off but accepting the weight of the request. "I will," he replied, the gravity of his promise reflected in his gaze.
Harry, Ron, and Ginny took turns saying their goodbyes, each with their own blend of care and humor. Harry's parting words were as concerned as expected, laced with both brotherly affection and a hint of a warning. "Please, take care of yourself," he began seriously, then his tone shifted to something more exasperated. "And don't hesitate to call, floo, owl, or send a patronus- or anything else, if Malfoy so much as puts a TOE-"
"Yes, Harry, I got it," Hermione interrupted, smiling but also clearly a bit embarrassed, as she pulled him into a tight hug. "Thank you."
When it was Ginny's turn, her eyes shimmered with unshed tears that she could no longer hold back. She took Hermione's hands in hers, squeezing them tightly before scooping her friend into a fierce hug. "I always knew you were going to leave me with the rent," she joked, though her voice cracked. "It's going to be so weird not having you around, Hermione."
A tear spilled down Ginny's cheek as she pulled back, brushing it away hastily, but Hermione's eyes were just as misty. "Thank you for being the big sister I never had," Ginny whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I wouldn't trade our friendship for anything in the world."
Hermione's lip trembled as she whispered back, "Nor would I." They both wiped their tears, and Ginny reached out to smooth a stray strand of hair from Hermione's face, her hand lingering on her shoulder.
Ginny tried to muster her usual sass, clearly determined to end things on a lighter note. "You'd better invite us over once you two are done shagging," she said in mock sternness. "I'd say use protection, but we wouldn't be here if you did, so… knock yourselves out!"
Hermione's face flamed with a fierce blush, and the boys couldn't contain their laughter, Harry snorting into his sleeve while Draco hid a smirk. "Yes, thank you for that, Ginny," Hermione replied, her voice flustered but touched.
Ginny gave her one last affectionate squeeze. "Take care, 'Mione," she said, stepping back with a warm smile. "We'll all be here when you need us. Always," she intoned.
Draco and Hermione stood together by the gate, watching as the trio faded from sight, the last echoes of their laughter lingering in the air. She held herself together until the soft pop of their friends apparating away shattered the final thread holding her composure.
Without a word, she turned to Draco, her gaze blurred by tears. He opened his arms, wordlessly pulling her close, holding her as she finally let go. Her shoulders shook against him, her fingers clutching the fabric of his robes as the emotions poured out. He kept his hands gentle but steady on her back, his touch grounding her as her breathing slowed and her tears softened.
Finally, Hermione looked up, her face flushed but calm. She took a shaky breath, meeting Draco's gaze. In his silver eyes, she found only understanding and an unwavering tenderness, as if he could read the depth of her feelings without a single word spoken.
He cocked his head, feigning confusion as a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "For?"
She searched for the right words, stumbling as she tried to explain. "For… everything. I-I don't even know how to put it into words."
Draco arched an eyebrow, his mouth curving into a playful smirk. "Well, that's a first," he teased, his voice softening the usual bite of his sarcasm.
Hermione let out a huff, rolling her eyes but smiling through it. "Really? I'm trying to be serious."
"I know." He brushed his thumb along her cheek, wiping away a stray tear. "But don't worry about the words, Granger. I think I get it."
She exhaled, the weight in her chest finally lightening. "Tonight… we start our lives together," she said, her voice thick with the realization, her heart racing as she spoke the words aloud.
Draco's expression softened further, and he traced his hand gently along her arm. "Yeah. We do." He leaned down, pressing a light kiss to her forehead, and she closed her eyes, letting herself fall into the moment, the two of them standing there, wrapped in the glow of the night, with the whole of their lives stretched out before them.
Without warning, Draco scooped her up into his arms, a bridal carry.
"Well then, Mrs. Malfoy, let's get started," he whispered seductively. Hermione felt chills run through her body and her skin get maddeningly warm, a shy smile stretching her cheeks.
"Are you really going to carry me all the way to the manor and up to our room?" she asked slightly concerned. The gate was an unnecessary distance from the entrance of the manor, in her opinion.
"They didn't make weightlessness charms for nothing, my dear wife," he quipped. Hermione snorted as his long legs strode to the threshold of the manor. Once they crossed it, he set her down to lock the door and set the wards. Before her eyes, she watched the manor change. It was so subtle, if she had blinked, she would've missed it. The once cool interior of the manor suddenly warmed and brightened. Some of the furniture changed colors as did the walls but other than that, everything else just felt different. She suddenly felt safe. Draco came up next to her.
"Do you like it?" he asked lowly. She turned to him with wide eyes.
"You did this?"
He nodded shyly. She stared at him before pulling him down hard onto his mouth in a deep kiss. His eyes were dark when she released him. She flashed that smile at him again, the one that made his heart speed up and loins simmer.
"I love it," Hermione said, resting her hands on his chest, her nails digging in slighty.
"In fact," she leaned closer, "You should let me show you how much I love it," she breathed.
Draco's jaw clicked and his breathing sped up. Without a word he took her hand and led her up the opulent staircase now decorated in burgundy accents to the bedroom at the end of the hall on the east wing, Draco's old room. He pulled her into the room and promptly shut it. Slowly he took off his robes and hung them up. Hermione took the brief pause to look around the room. It was huge. Fluffy cream carpet outfitted the floor and added a nice contrast to the mahogany walls that had red accents.
From what she could tell, there was a large walk-in closet with an equally sized washroom next to it. Three large bookshelves lined one of the walls and seemed to be already caving from the sheer number of books packed on there. She turned to face the four poster with light drapes announcing the king-sized bed dressed in ethereal gold and white linens.
However, Hermione didn't have much more time to admire as she felt Draco come up behind her. He unzipped her dress revealing her lacy white strapless bra and thong, pressing tender kisses to her neck and shoulders as he did so. He gently pulled it off her body before letting it pool at her feet and letting her step out of it.
She turned around maintaining eye contact, she undid her hair in a few swift movements as her tresses fell across her shoulders. She then reached up and began to undo the buttons on Draco's shirt before he took it off. He shuddered as the cool air lapped at his hot skin. Hermione stepped closer and began to undo is trousers. Once they were open, she slid them down along with herself until she was on her knees.
Draco stepped out of them and kicked them away. She was perfectly aligned with his pulsating member. She smirked as she ran her hand up the back of this leg before gripping his thigh. Slowly, she brought him into her mouth, his breath hitching inch by inch until she couldn't take anymore. She then began bobbing her head, slowly at first but gaining speed as his hands formed sheet white knuckles and his head fell back in a deep moan.
She went on for another minute or two when Draco abruptly stopped her and pulled her up. He hiked her up, her legs automatically wrapping around his waist. He kissed her hard and walked them to the bed before laying her ever so gently on the down comforter.
"You're incredible," he whispered before reuniting their lips and searching her mouth with his tongue. Hermione briefly broke the kiss to say "I know" and sharing a laugh before pulling him back to her. She could feel him twitching against her as they kissed like the other was their only source of oxygen. She weaved her hand through his styled hair and began to buck up against him to create some desperately needed friction.
"Shit, Hermione," he swore. Draco pressed her into the mattress, his arms forming a cage around her. He stopped the kiss and began peppering his lips on every part of her body. Her sigh turning into a soft groan as his large hands roamed her body. He stopped right between her thighs and looked up at her. Hermione shuddered as she felt his hot breath against her center.
He slowly pulled her thong down her creamy legs before tossing them to the side. He then began to suck and nip his way up the inside of her leg. He had to keep a firm grip on her as she started to squirm from his teasing.
"Draco, please," she whined.
"Patience, my dear," he gently shushed. He was back at her core and breathed in her heady scent before all but diving in with his mouth. He feasted like a starving man and sucked, swirled, and slurped until he heard Hermione's soft cries as she tensed and toppled off to the clouds.
She pulled him up and crashed their lips together, both breathing heavily but not daring to separate for something as trivial as air. Her hands roamed every reachable part of his silken skin, clinging to him as he finally slid into her and relieving that ache building within her all night. Hermione threw her head back in ecstasy as Draco pistoled his hips against hers in contrast to the sprinkling of tender kisses he placed on her exposed neck. Her moans and delicate fingers scratching what he thought to be the most beautiful pattern on his back was the only thing Draco needed to keep going.
Suddenly, he lifted her off the bed and into his lap. Their sweaty foreheads embraced as Hermione took the lead and rhythmically lifted and dropped her hips while employing a circular motion on Draco's throbbing shaft. He gripped her waist and neck, guiding her as if she was the only thing hold him to the very earth.
Her moans grew and soon she clenched around Draco making him hiss as her body stiffened in lascivious pleasure. Hermione's body was jello at this point so he laid her back on the bed and drilled into her as her head lolled on the bed unsure if she could take more from how stimulated she was.
"Hermione, look at me," Draco growled. She whimpered as she tried her best to open her eyes. His charcoal irises were unwavering as his sweaty hair moved around him creating a platinum halo. They moved in sync as Draco felt his climax build. His breathing became ragged as soft whimpers escaped his bruised lips that made Hermione's head spin and pussy throb.
"You're so beautiful," he whispered before a million waves crashed in his lower abdomen, temporarily blinding him. He groaned into Hermione's mouth as she pulled him into a sweet kiss. He collapsed next to her, mindful of her bump and tucked her into his side. They stared up at the twinkling enchanted ceiling that mimicked the night sky, both unable to form any coherent thought. Hermione began to trace circles on his taut abdomen as she listened to his slowing heartbeat.
Draco waved his hand, and his leaking seed was cleared from Hermione's thighs. He maneuvered them under the thick comforter and sighed as they shared each other's warmth.
"That would've been one hell of a way to make a baby if I wasn't already pregnant," Hermione joked, her lips curling into a mischievous smile as she leaned into Draco's embrace. The room was bathed in the gentle glow of moonlight filtering through the curtains, casting soft shadows across their cozy bedroom.
Draco chuckled, his voice a low rumble as he reached up, rubbing his thumb affectionately across her shoulder. The small, tender movement sent a wave of warmth through her, and she relaxed further against him, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath her ear.
"How far along are you now?" he asked, his voice filled with a mix of awe and tenderness that made her chest tighten with emotion.
Hermione paused, running the dates in her mind. "I'll be eleven weeks tomorrow," she said softly, almost as if testing the words herself. A quiet thrill tingled through her- every milestone felt like a small miracle, a step closer to something they both longed for.
A small gasp escaped Draco, and he tightened his arm around her. "So, you'll be starting your second trimester soon, then?"
"Yes," she murmured, her voice quiet, almost reverent. "I suppose so." A gentle tiredness settled over her, and she found her eyes growing heavy. She let out a soft, contented sigh as she snuggled closer, feeling the rhythm of his breathing lull her deeper into a peaceful haze.
Draco felt her breaths even out, her body growing still as sleep claimed her. He glanced down, taking in the serene expression on her face, her hand resting protectively over her abdomen. The weight of the moment struck him with unexpected force, and his throat tightened with an overwhelming sense of gratitude.
"Today was the greatest day of my life," he whispered, his voice barely breaking the silence as he pressed a gentle kiss to her hair, committing every detail of this moment to memory.