Work Text:
*****The Invite
Hermione sat at her kitchen table looking at the calligraphy initials on the outside of the thick light pink colored envelope with the deep pink wax seal. The initials L.L. and T.N. had her shaking her head. She could still remember the night the two of them officially met. Nearly a year ago, Hermione and her friends decided to go to The Twilight Bloom Exhibition.
“I’m so excited!” Ginny said bouncing as she walked towards the entrance of The Twilight Bloom Exhibition. Every flower in the exhibition only opened after sunset and would glow in stunning bioluminescent colors. The air was cool and smelled of earth, water, and various flowers.
Hermione watched as Ginny bounced up to Harry, linked arms, and smiled lovingly up at him. She looked over at Pansy and saw that she was engaged deep in conversation with Blaise and Draco. They were arguing about some various Turning next to her she saw Luna. Luna looked up at her and smiled.
“This really will be an extraordinary night.” Hermione agreed and smiled back at her. Just then Theo walked up from Hermione’s left. He nodded his greeting to Hermione and then looked to Luna.
“Oh. Hello.” He said with a bright toothy smile at her. Luna looked over to him.
“Hello.” She said as a light pink blush formed on her cheeks.
“I’m Theo.” He held out his hand. Luna reached her hand out to his. Hermione fell back a step.
“Luna.” She said as their hands connected. Neither let go for a moment, but both stopped walking.
“It’s lovely to meet you, Luna.” He said, staring into her eyes. Luna stared back.
“Excuse me.” Hermione said on a slight laugh as she brushed past them.
“Sorry Hermione.” Theo said, still not taking his eyes from Luna’s. By the end of the night Theo was calling Luna “My Lovely Luna.”. The cheesiness of it had everyone laughing under their breaths. Theo and Luna hadn’t noticed.
Hermione recalled that at one point Theo was attempting to show off his knowledge of flowers as he pointed out to Luna a “Silver Veined Lily.”. Theo leaned in close to the flower attempting to see its details.
“That not actually a lily.” Luna had said in a soft breathy voice. “It’s a Moonglow Parasite. It feeds on the dreams of those who come nearest.” Theo had instantly pulled back. Everyone had laughed at his stricken expression at the thought of his dreams being stolen.
From that evening on, the two of them never left each other’s side. Wherever one went the other would be there. Theo was attentive to Luna. Always aware of her needs and ready to fulfil them.
Everyone in the group seemed to be transitioning into pairs. Harry and Ginny. Pansy and Blaise. Theo and Luna. Occasionally Ron and Lavender would even join their group. Hermione and Draco would find themselves thrust together. Often, they would rile each other up so strongly that the others would either need to step in and separate them like children or Pansy and Blaise would just encourage them to kiss it out. Which only served to ensure both would quickly move away from each other.
They did have some good conversations though. Hermione often found that the results of their arguments left her feeling as if she could make decisions with a more educated choice in whatever it was, she was deciding upon. She knew that no matter what Draco would always give her his honest opinion and not hold back, especially when he felt she was wrong and he was right.
It always pained Hermione when he was right. Not that he would rub it in her face, but she thoroughly enjoyed his grumpy expression when he realized he was wrong. He would brood for hours. However, when he was right, he would smile. His smile was worth letting him win the arguments. It was bright and rare. Her favorite part of his smile was when he would realize he was winning before she would recognize it. It was his tell. It was a smirk that reached his eyes making them twinkle. A tiny twitch, lift of one corner of his mouth. As soon as Hermione noticed it, she knew she had lost. Sometimes she would give in in the moment, overtaken by his…
Hermione stopped her thoughts realizing they had drifted towards Draco, again.
Lately she had found that happening. Her thoughts drifted to him. Everyone was falling in love, and she was sitting there daydreaming about Draco Malfoy, who would never think of her twice in such a way.
Looking back at the envelope Hermione opened it and read over the details. She went ahead and marked down one for attendance on the reservations card and set it aside to be owled back shortly.
“Granger!” A voice called out from the floo. Hermione jumped and then walked slowly to her fireplace.
“Yes, Malfoy?” She asked in an annoyed tone. She, however, was not annoyed. Well not at him. She was more annoyed at the feelings he brought with him. Her stomach flipped slightly at the sound of his voice and her heart tripled in beat.
“Did you get your invite?”
“To the wedding? Yes.”
“I still can’t believe the two of them got together. They are so… odd together.” Draco said. Hermione made a humming sound of agreement. They were odd together. She and Draco were odd together. No. They weren’t her thoughts argued. They were good together.
“Granger?” Draco’s voice broke through again.
“Sorry, yes. What did you say?”
“I asked if you were coming over tomorrow? We’re supposed to have Muggle Game night again and I refuse to be paired with the Potters this time. I need someone who can keep up.”
“And that someone is me?”
“Yes. You’re the smartest Witch I know. Plus, your muggle born so… you know the games and all that.” He said downplaying his compliment.
“Oh. So you just want me there to help you cheat?”
“I do not cheat.”
“You cheat. All the time Malfoy. At everything.” He smirked. She blushed. Then she froze. His head had tilted ever so slightly, and he was looking at her a bit differently. He had noticed the blush. Neither of them said anything for a moment. Hermione was scrambling to figure out what to do to cover up the situation. However, the longer she scrambled the deeper his smile grew until it was a full-fledged smile.
“Well, well, well Granger. I had better see you tomorrow night to help me cheat.” His comment was normal, but his voice had grown husky and deeper with implications he was imagining from her blush.
“Sod off Malfoy.” She ended the floo call as he laughed at her grimace. It’s not like she hadn’t blushed around him before. Why was it so noticeable now? How was she supposed to go to the game night and deal with his smirks of knowledge that he was sure to throw at her all night in hopes of making her blush. Oh, how she would blush. All night, she knew he would make sure of it.
*****Game Night
Game night came and as Hermione had predicted, Draco mercilessly teased her and made her blush wildly.
The game night was filled with the chaos of competition and despite his attempts at cheating, Draco was growing increasingly frustrated as he continued to manipulate the rules but was called out.
“That an illegal move Malfoy.” Hemione said again as she nudged him with her elbow. She was having difficulty keeping focused on the game as Draco’s frustration was increasingly stealing her attention. That and the fact that he had rolled his sleeves up to his elbow and Hermione couldn’t help but glance at the strength of his forearms and the tattoo. How she found the death eater tattoo attractive she would never know. But on him. She sighed and felt her cheeks grow warmer.
“No. Its innovative.” Draco retorted leaning closer to her and taking notice of her slight blush. He smelled divine, she thought. Parchment, cedar, books. He smirked at her like he knew what she was thinking. He probably did. Sighing again Hermione tore her attention away from him and back to the game. Had anyone else noticed her train of thought. She glanced at the others, but they were all involved in their own discussions.
Hermione mistakenly looked back at Draco. He had not looked away from her. Their eyes met again and they both stilled. His gaze flickered to her lips and then back to her eyes. She felt herself lean in a little as she took the risk and looked to his lips. He licked them. Her eyes flew back to him.
“You seem distracted Granger.” He murmured, his voice going deeper, gentler, softer.
“I am not.” She lied, her fingers reaching for the dice, or where they were the last time. Her hand touched air.
“You definitely are.” Draco said, reaching his hand out, hesitating for a fraction of a second before he took her hand in his own. Slowly sliding his palm against her palm. His fingers between her fingers. His thumb brushing the back of her hand in gentle caress. The room seemed to change. The world seemed to change. Her life changed. She knew it then. She was hopelessly in love with Draco Malfoy.
She shivered. Draco smirked and didn’t pull his hand from hers. Voices of the others in the room were muffled and unintelligible.
“Hermione.” Harry’s voice broke through. Hermione jumped and looked to him.
“Wh…what?” She stumbled.
“I asked if you both were ready to guess.”
“Oh… Uh. Actually, I’m going to the bathroom.” Hermione stood swiftly, Draco let her hand slide from his with a tiny squeeze of her fingertips just before releasing her.
“I’ll be right back.” She said before racing from the room. All she could hear was Draco’s deep chuckle as he knew she was running from what he was doing to her.
“The answer is Popcorn.” Draco said calmly. The others continued the game.
Hermione stood in the bathroom trying to convince herself to get it together. After a few moments of breathing, she decided it was safe to go out again. She opened the door and stepped out. Draco stood leaning against the wall next to the door. Hermione jumped. He smiled at her with hooded eyes.
“The others have stepped outside for a bit. Walking the gardens.” He said as he stepped closer to her. He took her hand again in his and gave it a tug bringing her closer to him.
“I thought you and I might have a conversation.” He said softly as he reached up and tucked a whisp of her hair behind her ear.
“A conversation?” She whispered as his hand gently cupped her cheek. His eyes grew so dark she could no longer see the grey. His thumb slowly slipped across her cheek, and then her lip. She gasped and he smiled as her lips parted.
“Yes. Conversation. Where two people’s mouths communicate with each other.” His voice grew quieter as his face lowered closer to hers. “In one form or another.” He finished. She could feel his lips barely touching hers.
Hermione couldn’t breathe. She so badly wanted to close the distance between them, they were practically already kissing, she could just lean the tiniest bit. As she started to surrender herself over to him and lean forward, voices from the others returning from the gardens interrupted them.
“Later then.” Draco whispered his lips still so close. Hermione wanted with all her heart to give in and allow herself to kiss him like she hadn’t allowed herself to dream of. But the night was drawing to a close. The friends saying goodbyes to each other and heading to their homes. Hermione waited to be the last to leave as she looked up at Draco, she lost her words.
“Hermione.” He said gently. She was stopped when he captured her hand and tugged her back to face him.
“Stay.” Draco whispered looking into her eyes. Hermione couldn’t look away.
“What?” She asked, shocked.
“Stay. Tonight, with me.” He said softly. His eyes never leaving hers.
“Draco…” She said in confusion. Confusion of her own feelings about staying with him when she wasn’t sure how he felt. She looked at his beautiful grey eyes and then at his smirk. He almost seemed to be purposefully torturing her. She knew she should go.
“Oh Draco. Another time.” She laughed playing it off but watched as his smirk dropped off. “Goodnight.” She said softly leaning forward and placing a kiss on his cheek then turned and left.
***** The Note
Hermione spent the evening in a tangle of nerves. She hardly slept and eventually had gotten out of bed and settled with Crookshanks in the living room to read. However, she was still far too distracted by what had occurred.
Draco was nothing more than just trying to win at what he thought was a game. She knew he could see his effect on her, but she also knew how competitive he was. As dawn approached, Hermione decided to fix a cup of coffee and then go for a long walk in Muggle London to clear her thoughts.
After dressing and tidying up a bit she opened her front door to head out but stopped short when she saw a bouquet of white lilies tied together with a lavender bow. She gasped at the elegant arrangement resting on her door mat. A card rested in the center of the arrangement, sealed with a green drop of wax.
Hermione’s heart started to pound in her chest. With shaking hands, she lifted the bouquet and brought it into the kitchen, where she found a vase and settled them to rest inside. Then turned her attention to the card.
The green wax held the initials DM with a snake that completed the circle of the wax.
‘Granger.’ Was written in sharp elegant handwriting. Draco’s handwriting. She popped the wax seal open and unfolded the letter.
Hermione,
Stop over analyzing. I can see you want me. I am tired of watching you and pretending this is all a game. Meet me at ‘The Gilded Fern’ at seven thirty. Wear something dangerously tempting. I’ll wait for you for fifteen minutes. If you show, then we will see where this goes. If you find another excuse to run, then, I won’t pursue you. We will remain friends. Nothing more.
Take a risk Granger. It’ll be worth it. I swear.
-DM
Hermione took a moment and fanned her face with the letter. She had a choice to make. Did she give in and go to dinner with him. Take the risk of ending their friendship and turning it into something greater? He was so arrogant. He was so pompous. He was a complete ass to think that he could just write her a note and expect her to come running.
Unfortunately, that was exactly what she was going to do. She touched the lilies and their soft velvet petals. He knew her better than she had thought as she admired the flowers. With a sigh she set the letter down. She would go to dinner. She would show him she could handle his taunting. Hermione went to her room and through her closet where she searched for something ‘dangerous and tempting’. She had nothing. But Pansy would have something. She quickly sent off an owl to request her aid for a ‘special event’. Pansy’s response was to floo over immediately with dozens of outfit choices that were scandalous and quite dangerous.
*****Draco
What Hemione did not know was Draco was home pacing back and forth in his room trying to play off his fear that he had misjudged the situation the previous night. He threw back a shot of firewhisky and then threw himself across his bed. She had no idea how deeply he was in love with her. How he had been in love with her for years. He had no hope that she could or would have ever been interested in him in any way until the other night when she had blushed.
He had been shocked and was lucky enough to have caught it. Gods how he wished she had just said yes to staying. However, he did enjoy picking out her favorite flowers and sending them over. He hoped she enjoyed them. He would buy her millions of them if she showed up tonight. All the lilies in the world would be hers. Just as he already was.
*****Hermione
Hermione had selected a dark green backless dress that was short and hardly held onto her body by the thinnest straps. Pansy expressed how proud she was of Hermione for the selection. She was incredibly nervous. Never in her life had she worn something like it. But Draco had said Dangerous. So here she was dressed to the nines and ready to head out. She couldn’t wait to see his face when he saw her.
*****Draco
Draco arrived at The Gilded Fern at 7:25 with his heart pounding so hard he was afraid he would be in need of a healer before the night would be over. He sat at the table and waited, watching the door for her to come. Yet as 7:30 came and went, then eight, then nine. Draco found that while his heart rate hadn’t changed the feeling it produced had. Hand to his chest he felt as if it had shattered into millions of pieces. He slammed back his last firewhiskey. Paid the bill and headed home. His pride and his heart broken beyond reason.
*****Hermione
As Hermione attempted to leave, she found Luna on her doorstep crying.
“Luna! Whatever is the matter?” She asked, pulling her in from the rain.
“I had a fight with Theo.” She then burst into tears again. Hermione felt stuck. She really needed to leave but Luna needed her.
“I can’t face this Hermione. I don’t know what to do.” Realizing that Luna needed her, and that if Draco truly meant what he had said, she scribbled a note to him, sent it quickly, and returned to her friend.
Within a short while Hermione realized she was out of her depth with the situation. She sought out the assistance of Ginny, and Pansy. Both of whom quickly arrived ready to take Luna out on the town to forget her woes.
******Draco
Draco stumbled into his study and laid on the couch. He had drained half of a bottle of firewhiskey since arriving, not bothering to use a glass he drank straight form the bottle. Looking over at his desk he saw an owl sitting looking judgmentally at him.
“What? Can’t a man suffer heartbreak in peace!” He yelled at it. The owl chirped and nudged the note before flying away. Before he could get up to read it, the floo roared to life.
Theo and Blaise tumbled out into the room looking just as miserable as Draco felt.
“Women!” Theo shouted. Draco nodded his agreement.
“Join me.” He said holding out the bottle to them.
“Thanks.” Blaise said as he took the bottle, took a deep drink and then passed it to Theo. Theo finished the bottle off.
“More.” Theo demanded though his pain. Draco shouted for the house elf to bring more. Before he could finish his shouting, several more bottles appeared.
“Hazzah! Let us drink until our thoughts no longer can think of them.” Blaize said raising his bottle.
“Here, here!” Theo and Draco shouted back. The three men drank and talked about the cursed pain that loving a woman caused. As the night bore on, they each took their last sips and succumbed to the blackout. Theo passing out on the rug, Blaise legs hanging over the side of the chair, and Draco curled up on the couch.
One problem was Draco had forgotten to close the curtains, and the early morning sun broke into the room like a thief, shining brightly in each of the men’s faces. Blaise threw an arm over his, Theo groaned, turned his head to face the other direction and Draco turned his face into the cushion.
“Get up. Immediately.” The strong unmistakable voice of Narcissa Malfoy called across the room. While she had not spoke loudly, it was just loud enough that each man flinched in pain.
“Mother. Please.” Draco rasped from the couch.
“Each of you is a disgrace. Drinking and carrying on all night. Such selfish lamenting.” She started tapping her foot on the floor.
“Mrs. Malfoy, please.” Blaise begged.
“I will only grow louder until you all rise and come to breakfast.” At the thought of breakfast all three men groaned in pain. Narcissa tapped her foot louder.
“Alright!” Draco cried out attempting to stand. “I’m up. I’m up.” He swayed dangerously.
“Wonderful. Breakfast.” Draco paled and swayed more. “Also. An owl came for you last night. The letter was left on your desk.” She said before she left the room. Draco collapsed back onto the couch.
“You know she’s going to come back, louder this time.”
“I am aware.” Draco said. Theo murmured something from his place on the rug, but neither could understand what he said. Draco rose again and grabbed the letter from his desk.
Hermione’s writing. He tore it open and squinted hard to read it.
Draco,
Luna just arrived and is quite upset. I can’t leave her in this state. Please forgive me. Dinner would have been lovely.
-HG
Lovely. It would have been. Draco sighed. She hadn’t stood him up. She had wanted to go to dinner.
*****Hermione
Hermione rolled over and fell to the floor. She didn’t bother to try and get up. She laid still until the dizziness went away. They had gone out drinking and dancing and Hermione’s feet ached almost as much as her head did. Hermione lifted herself back onto the bed.
Pansy was strown across the bottom, Luna tucked in under the covers curled into a ball. Ginny had already left, running back home to Harry before the night had got too drunken for her.
Luna apparently had woken up and turned towards Hermione as she got settled in the bed.
“I still love him. It was a stupid fight.” She whispered. “I’m still going to marry him. He is the only person I want to be lost with. To be found with. He’s, my person.” She said as she drifted back to sleep.
Hermione felt a pang of envy as she thought of Luna and Theo and then how she and Draco were together. How his stubbornness and brooding caused her to smile and laugh. How honest he was with her but still gentle. Not trying to hurt her, just trying to stretch her into growth. She laid on the bed blinking away tears that were sure to make her head hurt worse, thinking about Draco and all of the many things she loved about him. She knew she didn’t want to only fight with him until one or the other was ‘right’. She wanted to be lost with him. To have him be her person in the same way Luna felt about Theo.
*****Draco
Draco, Blaise, and Theo made their way by the skin of their teeth to the dining room where Narcissa sat waiting for them.
“Good morning boys. Eat and then you may go.”
“I don’t believe I can eat a thing Mrs. Malfoy.” Theo said, followed by a belch that left him swallowing hard and a sour face glaring at the food on the plate that just arrived.
Blaise sat with his elbow on the table and his face resting in his hand, nearly asleep. Draco looked off into the distance, blinking trying to wake himself up. A dark cup of black coffee arrived in front of him.
“Oh, thank Merlin!” He said as he grabbed the cup and gently took a sip. This was exactly what he needed.
“There are several things that will be needing your attention today boys.” When none of them answered she continued.
“You will need to liven up for it. The wedding is just a few short days away. And you each promised to help. So, drink and eat and meet me in the gardens.” She stood and left them to their misery.
*****Hermione
After a few more hours of sleep, Pansy, Luna, and Hermione decided to get up and go out for coffee. While they sipped their drinks in the shop, they discussed how Luna was feeling and what they would need to do to continue with the wedding.
“I should probably send an owl to Theo and let him know I’m sorry about the fight.”
“Or you could just let him send one first.” Pansy said still nursing her headache. Luna ignored her and sent the owl as soon as she could. Shortly after they all parted ways. Luna to find Theo. Pansy to get more sleep. Hermione wanted to find Draco but she instead went home and followed Pansy’s plan to sleep.
*****Week of the Wedding.
Hermione and Draco hardly saw each other the week of Luna and Theos wedding. There were fittings to complete and other various activities that needed to be done before the wedding and each person was to play their part in accepting deliveries, arranging deliveries, or doing whatever other tasks needed to be finished.
Draco was frustrated by the lack of time with Hermione. Hermione was also growing in frustration over the same. Though when they were together they hardly ever found the time to talk to each other. They were working to hard to complete decorations or other items.
The pre wedding chaos was not supportive to a budding relationship. Draco vowed that when he married Hermione, they would hire out for all of these menial and annoying tasks.
*****Day before the Wedding.
The Malfoy gardens were filled with flowers, and more were coming. Draco, Theo, and Blaise were hauling the enchanted plants into place all over the gardens. Draco was quiet. Focused. He continued to look for Hermione to come through the gate. His mother had said the ladies would be expected soon to help with the décor. Draco’s jaw was tight as he glanced once more without sign of her.
Hermione, Pansy, and Ginny made their way to the gardens at Malfoy Mannor. Hermione was looking forward to catching a glimpse of Draco at some point. She was pleasantly surprised when she entered the garden and their eyes met almost immediately. He winked at her and gave her a sly grin. She shook her head and blushed, a smile forming on her lips.
Hermione followed the ladies into the garden and towards their pile of flowers. As she did, she passed Draco.
“Granger.” He murmured as she passed, reaching out and letting his hand slide down her forearm, to her wrist, and then laced their fingers together for a moment. His thumb rubbing the back of her hand.
“You’re forgiven for the other night.” He whispered for her only.
“Oh, how good of you to forgive me.” Hermione said sarcastically.
“Yes, it is, isn’t it. Though I do not think it was a good enough excuse to have missed the dinner I had planned.” He said staring down at their twined hands and then meeting her eyes again.
“Hmmm. Perhaps I needed a better invitation, Malfoy.” Hermione blushed as she attempted to flirt back. He had come closer to her. When had that happened?
“I know my invitation was perfect. I think you just accepted the excuse to run away again.”
“And what do you plan to do if I were to stop running Draco?” She countered softly. Draco gave her the smirk he knew she loved.
“Hermione! I need your help with this!” Ginny called.
“Go run away my darling.” Draco said bringing their joined hands to his lips, kissing the back of hers. His eyes went dark as his lips pressed against her hand. Her breath caught. The others were sure to have seen the moment, however, as Hermione headed to help Ginny, not a single comment was made about it. The only one commenting was Draco who continued to shoot her seductive looks, winking at her occasionally, and once even blowing her a kiss.
Later that evening everyone gathered in the dining hall for a rehearsal meal. Hermione wondered corridors of the Mannor prior to dinner. It was a beautiful home. She came upon the library and started to look through the books.
“Lost Granger?” Draco asked from the doorway. Hermione nearly dropped the book she was holding. Draco started to make his way to her side.
“No. Just… reading. You have a very extensive collection.” She said, turning back to the book in her hands.
“That’s not the only extensive thing that I have.” He whispered into her ear, his lips brushing just under its shell. Hermione gasps softly as she felt him press a kiss again to the same spot.
“Not looking to run away?” He asked as he nuzzled her neck, placing another kiss just to the pulse of her throat. Hermione’s lips parted and she gasped again. The yearning was growing painful.
“I’m not running.” She breathed. Draco pulled back and smirked down at her.
“Good.” He leaned down again and started kissing her neck back up to her ear. A loud pop sounded in the room causing the two of them to separate. Hermione was blushing brightly. Her cheeks hotter than she had ever felt before.
“Sorry Master. Mistress asked Bliss to retrieve you to the table. They’s ready to eat sir.” Draco rested his forehead against the bookcase and waved a hand at Bliss.
“We are on our way.” He mumbled, his tone expressing his growing frustrations. Hermione smiled. She loved it when he was grumpy. She moved towards the door. Draco caught her hand again. Together they walked, his thumb gently, soothingly, brushing the back of her hand.
The dining room was charged with anticipation for the wedding. Luna was glowing. Theo was smiling brightly. The entire table was enthralled with the meal and the excitement of the wedding they would all be a part of the following day.
Draco was seated next to her. When her hands weren’t busy, he was holding on to one. When she moved, her thigh would brush his as he was so close. When she would glance over to him, his eyes were already there on hers.
“You’re very quiet.” Draco commented leaning towards her. Hermione gave a little hum of agreement.
“Just thinking.” She whispered back, then took a sip of her wine.
“About?”
Hermione shrugged in answer looking back to him with a smile. Draco smiled back at her.
“Have you thought about our wedding?” He asked watching her eyes widen.
“Our wedding?” She whispered not sure if she wanted the others to hear.
“I have been planning it for weeks now. Though I do believe we should hire someone to help.” Draco squeezed her fingers under the table again. Then carefully pulled their intertwined hand and set it on the table. Hermione blushed, knowing the others in the room would notice.
Ginny was the first. She said nothing but wiggled her eyebrows and winked at Hermione. Hermione was surprised that no one bothered to comment or do more than smile and tip their glasses in a congratulatory way. She enjoyed the remainder of the night immensely.
“Enjoying your night?” Draco asked as he walked her to her room.
“Very much.” She bit her lip as she looked up at him. Before he could respond, Ginny, Pansy, and Luna came down the hallway.
“Come on Granger. Its gossip time.” Ginny grabbed onto Hermione and pulled her with the group. Draco glared at them all as they took her away.
*****The Wedding
The day flew by with final preparations. Theo and Luna had stunned everyone in attendance with the beauty of what the gardens had become. Luna wore a gown that changed colors in the various lights. Theo stood at the front, usually composed but appearing frazzled as he waited for his bride to come to him. The moment he saw her, his whole being changed.
Hermione looked over to Draco, who was staring back at her. He winked and she wondered if she would ever stop blushing when he did things like that. When the couple shared their first kiss as husband and wife, the flowers burst, releasing into the gardens stunning bioluminescent globes that floated and danced across the night sky, as if the stars had come down to play. It was so perfectly Luna and Theo, grounded flowers and floating orbs.
***** Karaoke
With a flick of her wand, Luna changed the entire gardens and wedding space, into a stunning ballroom floor with the flowers, orbs, and a mist guiding all of the attendees onto the dance floor.
Theo stood up and claimed the microphone where he started to sing a love song to Luna. Everyone enjoyed the karaoke and many took turns belting out either love songs or other songs that left many laughing hysterically.
Hermione sat at a table with Draco. The air between them grew heavier as the night moved on. Hermione felt that she might explode from all the emotions that she had swirling inside. Draco watched her like a predator watches their prey.
“I can see you want to go up there, Granger.” He said nodding towards the karaoke mic. “You should. Then we can get out of here faster.” He said with a wink.
“You think we are leaving if I were to sing to you?” She asked leaning towards him. Draco took hold of her hand.
“Yes. I do believe I will drag you out of here sooner rather than later. So sing your song and lets go home.” He murmured next to her ear. Then he nipped her earlobe. Hermione gasped. Draco chuckled and nudged her to stand.
She stood and made her way towards the karaoke machine, pausing once to look back at the man who made her life difficult but gave it the breath to live. She stepped up to the mic. Unknown to anyone, she had been practicing since the moment she knew Draco had feelings for her.
The guitar chords began and Hermione stood straighter, her eyes only for Draco.
I'm like the water when your ship rolled in that night
Rough on the surface but you cut through like a knife
And if it was an open-shut case
I never would've known from that look on your face
Lost in your current like a priceless wine
The more that you say
The less I know
Wherever you stray
I follow
I'm begging for you to take my hand
Wreck my plans
That's my man
Hermione’s voice was steady and clear. The room was captivated by her and she did not notice. Her eyes anchored onto Draco. His smirk had vanished and was replaced by utter shock. Hermione continued.
Life was a willow and it bent right to your wind
Head on the pillow, I could feel you sneaking in
As if you were a mythical thing
Like you were a trophy or a champion ring
And there was one prize I'd cheat to win
The more that you say
The less I know
Wherever you stray
I follow
I'm begging for you to take my hand
Wreck my plans
That's my man
Hermione watched as dawning sunk in and Draco’s smile returned, though it was different. Gentler. Softer. She saw him stand and make his way towards her slowly. The crowd seemed to part for him allowing him to reach the stage without taking his eyes off of her. He stood taking in the lyrics as she belted them out. His heart in his eyes.
You know that my train could take you home
Anywhere else is hollow
I'm begging for you to take my hand
Wreck my plans
That's my man
Life was a willow and it bent right to your wind
They count me out time and time again
Life was a willow and it bent right to your wind
But I come back stronger than a 90's trend
Wait for the signal and I'll meet you after dark
Show me the places where the others gave you scars
Now this is an open-shut case
Guess I should've known from the look on your face
Every bait and switch was a work of art
The more that you say
The less I know
Wherever you stray
I follow
I'm begging for you to take my hand
Wreck my plans
That's my man
You know that my train could take you home
Anywhere else is hollow
I'm begging for you to take my hand
Wreck my plans
That's my man
The more that you say
The less I know
Wherever you stray
I follow
Begging for you to take my hand
Wreck my plans
That's my man
You know that my train could take you home
Anywhere else is hollow
Begging for you to take my hand
Wreck my plans
That's my man
Hey, that's my man
That's my man
Yeah, that's my man
Every bait and switch was a work of art
That's my man
Hey, that's my man
I'm begging for you to take my hand
Wreck my plans
No longer was she singing about a girl crushing on a boy. No longer was she running away. She was singing to the man she never thought she would have wanted her. She was singing about their life; how many twists and turns had led them to this moment. Draco leaned against the stage, looking at her with unabashed love that she never dreamed of seeing upon his features.
The last note of the song ended and the whole garden was silent. Entranced by the spell she had woven over them all. No one moved, except for Draco. He made his way to the stairs and onto the stage where he walked right up to Hermione, cupped her face in his hands and looked down at her.
“I’m going to marry the fuck out of you Hermione Granger.” Then he kissed her. One hand slid into her hair as he deepened the kiss, the other to the small of her back as he pulled her against him, no longer able to hold back, he claimed her lips and she surrendered, melting into him.
When they finally parted the whole garden was clapping, cheering, and whistling their approval. Hermione smiled as she clung to Draco laughing and hiding her blushing face in the crook of his neck. Her world had changed completely. Now comprised of the man who smelled of parchment, cedar, and books. When the cheering died down they left the stage, still unable to look away.
“Let’s go home Hermione.” She smiled at him.
“Yes.” Then she leaned up on her toes and kissed him, smiling against his lips as he immediately responded, tangling his fingers in her hair, pulling her closer. She gasped and was lost in the way Draco continued to possessively kiss her. She was exactly where she was meant to be. Thankful for the
The group erupted in cheers, but for Hermione, the world had narrowed down to the cedar-and-parchment scent of his skin and the way his hand was firmly, possessively buried in her hair. She was finally lost, and for the first time, she was exactly where she was meant to be, with her Man.