Her Shoes

You are so rocking t_stevenson. Lady Lynn, I just went back and re-read By Reason of Birth again. Yeah, I love Blaise. Please go read my two wonderful betas fics if you haven’t done so.

Faithful readers, this is the second to the last chapter. I’m so sad! I thought this would only be 11 chapters and here we are at 18. WOW! Thank you again for all the lovely reviews and support.

Shoes: There were so many damn choices but I just fell in love with these Brian Atwood darlings. They are my favorite from his 2008 collection. They seem very simple but they transform when you wear them. I saw them on Reese Witherspoon’s feet, in red, and just stared in awe. They can be customized to any rich-jeweled hue imaginable. Brian Atwood Dorian: http://i601.photobucket.com/albums/tt99/margaritaabate/Dorian2.jpg

Dress: Again, there were so many. I know in a lot of fics, Hermione is usually wearing some type of gown-like dress but I really felt that my girl was simple, elegant and classic. Amsale is my favorite wedding dress designer and this gown was just the right one. Thanks t_stevenson for helping me see that.
Amsale Reese Gown: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2326/2250079714_333a0724c7.jpg

And now, the wedding! No, I’ve not forgotten that I promised a reveal about the epilogue. It’s at the end of the chapter. Yes, I know this chapter’s a bit fluffy but it’s a wedding damn it!

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Hermione was pacing throughout her suite in Malfoy Manor full of nervous energy. She was also fidgeting and mumbling, and in between her uncharacteristic quirks, she had to remind herself to breathe.

What if she tripped? What if she choked and couldn’t speak at all? What if she fainted?

“JUST STOP IT! For Merlin’s sake!” Pansy’s loud and commanding tone halted Hermione in her tracks. “You’re going to start perspiring and if you do, I’ll have to kill you, given all of the time I’ve spent on your make-up. Do you really want to die on your wedding day?”

Hermione rolled her eyes and snorted. “Just so you know, Pans, Draco would kill you!”

A beautiful redhead interjected, “Would you both just stop! You’ve been at each other’s throats all day. Hermione, you’ll be fine. And what’s wrong with you, Pansy? It’s her wedding day; she’s entitled to be nervous!”

At the harsh admonishment, Pansy suddenly burst into tears. “I’m sorry. I’m such a bitch. I’m . . . oh, Hermione, I’m sorry. I’ve ruined your day.”

Hermione and Ginny rushed over to the dark-haired girl and enveloped her in warm hugs. They were doing their best to soothe her and stop the flowing tears.

“What’s wrong?” Ginny asked quietly.

Hiccupping, Pansy shook her head and accepted the offered handkerchief from Hermione’s hands. “I’m so happy for you. I am and I just want today to be perfect and for you to look perfect and . . . I don’t know what’s bloody wrong with me.”

Hermione laughed. “I’m glad to see I’m not the only one feeling anxious. Now, aren’t you glad you have Ginny and me to help you feel better on my wedding day?”

Blowing her nose, she nodded her head then froze. Staring at Hermione’s bemused expression and Ginny’s smirk, she started giggling. Soon all three women had burst out in raucous laughter, hugging one another and falling onto the settee.

“That was utterly stupid, ridiculous and completely perfect.” Hermione sighed as she sat in between her two best friends. “I love you both so much. I hope nothing ever changes that.”

“It won’t,” Ginny added.

“It better not,” threatened Pansy.

All three women embraced warmly, cherishing these last few moments together. With a gentle squeeze, Hermione let them go. “I’m getting married today. Can you believe it? And I’m marrying Draco bloody Malfoy, Slytherin Prince and Hogwarts king of all prats!” Exhaling with a short puff, she continued slightly breathlessly, “I never would have imagined my life like this.”

Her raven-haired friend snorted. “He was an arse. Actually, he is still a bit of an arse.”

“But he’s my arse!” Hermione proudly stated. “Thank you for being my friends and the sisters I never had. I love you both.”

“You really do, I love the dresses you chose for us. We look good, don’t you agree, Pansy?” Ginny said as she admired her gorgeous dress. It was made of crinkle chiffon in a pale green hue. The strapless, knee-length dress had a pleated midriff and shirred skirt with a pleated hem that flattered any and all body types. Hermione had mixed traditions, asking her bridesmaids to wear Muggle dresses and the men wizarding robes.

“Yes, yes, the dress is stunning. Okay, listen. I can’t take anymore of this emotional crap. I’m a Slytherin.” Pansy shook her head and grinned. “You look gorgeous. I think Draco’s going to be speechless when he sees you.”

Hermione grinned back. “That would be truly miraculous.” She sighed deeply. “Do you mind if I have some time alone?”

Ginny and Pansy shook their heads amid gentle ‘oh, no’ and ‘of course, take all the time you need.’ In truth, Hermione needed some time to reflect. She had decided to walk down the aisle alone out of respect for her parents. No one could ever replace her father and she felt this was the right choice.

She had often taken Draco to visit their gravesite, most recently, two days ago. She had cried quietly while he held her. Never had she felt their loss as keenly and as deeply as she did planning for this momentous day. Hermione admitted how much she missed her mother and her regret at not having her father there to walk her down the aisle. Mr. Weasley, Harry and Ron had all offered to accompany her but she had graciously declined. No one could ever replace her father.

Now, alone, dressed in her beautiful wedding gown, only moments away from taking one of the most important steps in her life, she felt a deep and aching sudden sadness settle into her soul. She inexplicably felt alone. While she realized it was completely irrational and had no basis, the clogging in her chest seemed to weigh on her heavily.

Just as she was feeling the prick of tears, and her cheeks begin to flush hotly, there was a tapping at the window. She looked up and was momentarily confused at the sight of Draco’s majestic and large Barred Owl. She crossed the room, opened the window and the bird swooped in, landing on one of the desks. There was a package attached to its claws and it hooted impatiently as it waited for her to untie it.

“Hello, Achlys. What do you have here?” Hermione pet the large bird gently and undid the string holding the package. “There’s some toast over on the table, help yourself.” The proud beast hooted, seemed to nod its head and flew over to the dining table to pick at the aforementioned toast.

Hermione stared at the square present. It had to be from Draco, Achlys was his personal owl and he rarely lent him out to anyone, other than herself. But why would he send her a present now? Carefully, she unraveled the attached parchment.

Sweet,

Words cannot express how happy I am today. The girl of my dreams and desires is about to become my wife. We are about to embark on our life’s journey together. Who would have ever believed that a prat such as me would ever actually get the girl?

I know how you must be feeling right at this moment, sweet. You miss your parents. I hope you accept this small pre-wedding present as a token of my love and devotion. Now, don’t be angry with me, but I rifled through your personal belongings and invited myself into your childhood home so I might be able to give this to you.

All my love,
D

PS: Enough with this sugary, sappy nonsense, eh?

Hermione was smiling at the last line and could picture Draco grinning like a loon as he wrote it. Yes, he couldn’t be too sweet for too long, she had joked with him more than once. She loved her bad boy Slytherin, after all.

With nervous fingers, she unwrapped the ten by ten slim package to reveal an elegant, leather bound, dove-grey journal. The cover simply read ‘Love is Constant.’ She caressed the soft leather before opening the thin book and gasped at the first page. It was a picture of her parents on their wedding day.

Speechless, she turned the pages to find different pictures of her parents throughout their life, some with Hermione and some without. Her dark, disturbed, somewhat dangerous Slytherin had bestowed upon her the most precious gift. Somehow, he had known that she would feel this way and had delivered it at the perfect time. Hermione was beyond words, her heart full of love for Draco.

“Alchys.” At Hermione’s soft voice, the bird flew to her side. “Please take this and place it on the reception entry table, by the terrace. It’s surrounded by roses. Now, don’t scratch the leather and guard this, closely. After the reception, please return it back here.” She playfully scratched his head. “Remember, watch your claws. Thank you, off with you.”

She watched as Achlys hooted, then ever so gently lifted the journal in his massive claws, taking care to not mar the leather. He flew out the window and towards the direction of the reception.

It was time. Inhaling a deep and calming breath, Hermione realized she was no longer nervous.

*********************************
Ginny and Pansy had already walked down the aisle accompanied by Blaise and Theo, respectively. Hermione waited patiently as Luna and Adrian made their way to the altar. Suddenly, she looked up at hearing the music swell and change to announce her entrance.

‘Here you go, Granger!’ she mused, silently. ‘I love you, Mum, Dad.’ And with that final thought, she clutched her bouquet of her mother’s favorite roses to her chest and made her appearance.

A quiet hush, like a summer breeze, blanketed over the guest’s whispers as she stood there.

She wore a silk faille A-line gown with a sweetheart neckline and crystal beaded inset. Very thin spaghetti straps held the gown in place. It dipped very low in the back and was designed with ruched detail at the waist and flowed out in a tulip skirt with a modest sweep train.

Her hair was in a loose chignon. A veil, trimmed in Alençon lace and clipped to a simple satin rosette comb, was nestled low in her tresses. She wore Cecilia’s antique bracelet and earrings along with her engagement ring as her only jewelry.

Her shoes were classic elegance. Smooth, white, 4-inch satin sandals ended in a rounded open toe. The satin only ran on one side of the shoe while the other side was free of material, giving it a very delicate look. It was adorned with an askew half bow on the side with a beautiful crystal and rhinestone detail sitting on the bottom edge. She loved the shoes so much that she had asked her bridesmaids and mother-in-law to wear them as well, albeit in different colors. Her attendants wore them in a rich, dark green to offset the color of their dress while Narcissa had chosen a stunning deep teal-like blue to match her elegant silk robes.

Hermione felt as if her heart was caught in her throat. She was trembling, her skin dimpling with small ripples of goose flesh. Merlin, she needed to get down that aisle. At that moment, her eyes shifted to Draco.

Gods, he was so utterly handsome, standing there waiting for her. He and his best mates were dressed in charcoal grey wizarding robes, trimmed with black silk ribbon along the cuffs and neckline – the best money could buy, he’d said. Underneath, she knew he wore an equally dark grey, custom-made, designer Muggle suit. He was hungrily eyeing her with a look of complete wonderment and awe, when he smiled without hesitation. Their gazes locked on one another, he nodded and the smile changed to a smirk as he mouthed a silent, ‘I love you, Granger.’

A small giggle escaped from Hermione and she kept her eyes on him as she took a step forward to slowly walk down the aisle and stand by his side.

She looked up as he whispered quietly, “You’re beautiful.” Hermione smiled and blushed before turning her attention to the ceremony officiant.

After some discussion, Hermione had agreed to the Malfoy tradition of a Celtic hand fasting ceremony. The couple stood before an altar set in a ritual area bedecked in flowers from the Malfoy gardens, including the Malfoy prized roses. Their wedding officiant, a respected wizard well versed in ancient, traditional rituals, stood at the altar with two white candles, calla lily incense and a willow wand.

After lighting the candles, the officiant turned to face the gathering of guests. “May the place of this rite
be consecrated for the gods, for we gather here in a ritual of love with two who would be wedded. Hermione and Draco, please come forward and stand here before us, and before the gods of nature.”

As the couple stepped forward, the wizard continued the ceremonial words calling on the four beings of the earth – air, fire, water and earth. He asked for their blessing by bestowing gifts upon the bonding of this union – love and passion, deepest love, as well as strength and constancy. He ended by asking for the gods’ protection and love.

The wizard stared at the couple and continued, “Place your right hands over this wand and your rings,
his hand over hers. Above you are the stars and below you are the stones. As time does pass, remember, like a star should your love be constant, like a stone should your love be firm. Be close, but not too close. Possess one another, but be understanding. Have patience each with the other for storms will come, but they will go quickly. Be free in the giving of affection and warmth. Make love often, and be sensuous with one another. Have no fear and let not the ways or words of the unenlightened give you unease for the goddess and the god are with you, now and always.”

He paused for five heartbeats. “Is it your wish, Hermione Granger, to become one with this man?”

She smiled, shyly. “It is.”

He nodded before turning to Draco. “Is it your wish, Draco Malfoy, to become one with this woman?”

“More than anything in the world.”

The older wizard chuckled and addressed the guests. “Do any say nay?” He paused. “Then, as the goddess and the god and the Old Ones are witness to this rite, I now proclaim you husband and wife.”

Hermione, at this point, placed a simple platinum band on Draco’s finger while he placed a matching one with encrusted diamonds on hers. Both rings had been blessed before the ceremony and, as dictated by Malfoy tradition, also had powerful Fertility and Fidelity Spells woven into the very design and metallic element of the bands.

Overwhelmed with emotions, she felt Draco’s large, warm hands enclose the sides of her neck and face as he tilted her chin up. “Mine, at last.”

Then he kissed her, and the world stopped. All she felt were his warm lips and the gentle nip on her lower lip probing to seek entrance. She opened herself to him and allowed her body to be swept up into his arms as he deepened the kiss.

They broke apart to a rush of applause and laughter from their guests.

Draco grinned, a mischievous glint twinkling in his eye. “Shall we, Mrs. Malfoy?”

She nodded. “We shall, Mr. Malfoy.”

He tucked her smaller, delicate hand under his arm and escorted her past smiling faces and congratulatory whistles to the awaiting reception area.

**********************************
Draco held her close as they danced to a lovely waltz.

Arms wrapped tightly around her husband, Hermione snuggled closer into his chest. “Draco?”

“Yes, sweet?”

She held him tighter. “Thank you for my present.”

One strong hand rested against her back as his thumb traced small, slow circles on her skin. “Hermione, I love you. You don’t have to thank me for something I know brings you joy. It’s my pleasure.”

Her reply was a soft muffle of words into his chest. “I love you, Draco.”

They continued dancing.

As the evening wore on, they mingled with their guests. They shared laughter with their friends and his mother, who was beaming proudly along with Cecilia, whose portrait had been carried into the reception area and rested in a place of honor where she would view the entire affair. Lucius Malfoy sat quietly in the back, his first public appearance since his illness.

Draco rarely mentioned him, except in passing such as the time when he told Hermione that he had informed his father of their engagement and impending marriage. Draco stated that Lucius’ only reply was a stern look and curt nod, and after that he had been at every family dinner at the Manor. Hermione rarely spoke to the elder Malfoy, choosing to politely ignore him unless he spoke to her first. He never did. Neither Draco nor Narcissa ever encouraged a conversation between them.

Draco rolled his eyes at the innuendos of his Slytherin mates, ending in guffaws and claps on his back. Hermione cried when hugging Harry and Ron, reminiscing about a few Hogwarts memories. They both danced with other friends and family as the reception reached its peak.

Hermione was laughing with Ginny, Pansy and Luna when she felt a pair of muscular arms encircle her. “Ladies, if I may steal my wife, please.”

Pansy rolled her eyes. “Just be honest and tell us you want to shag her and can’t wait any longer, Draco. It’s been what . . . three weeks?”

“PANSY PARKINSON!” Hermione blushed a deep crimson while her friends merely burst out laughing.

Wanting their wedding night to be “special”, Hermione had calmly explained to Draco that she would be abstaining from sex for three weeks, prior to the ceremony. He had looked at her as if she’d gone mad, at the time. After a lengthy and heated row, he’d had little choice but to relent. However, after snogging her within an inch of her life, he’d warned her to be prepared for their wedding night because he’d ensure she wouldn’t be able to walk for days afterwards.

Draco smirked. “Say goodnight to our friends, Hermione.” Hermione glared daggers at her female friends as Draco kissed her hand and began tugging her towards the French doors. “We’ll see everyone at the wedding breakfast tomorrow.”

Hermione giggled uncharacteristically and allowed Draco to lead her through the Manor and up the stairs. However, instead of making a right, he pulled her towards the left.

“Draco? Our rooms are the other way.”

Chuckling, he winked and said nothing, merely leading her through the halls. They walked for a few more minutes and came to stop before a set of double doors. She looked at him inquisitively before he opened the doors and motioned for her to enter.

Hermione looked around in awe at the stunningly huge bedroom. “This is beautiful.”

Done in cream and pale gold, the oversized room was sparsely furnished. A gorgeous antique and ornate dresser sat along one wall. To her right were rows of floor-to-ceiling glass doors with silk drapes flowing to the floor. To the left was a massive marble fireplace flanked by two high wingback chairs and two sets double doors. Lush carpet drowned out her footsteps as she walked to the familiar four-poster oversized bed in the center of the room.

“This is our bed.” She ran her hands along the soft bedding.

Draco embraced her from behind, carefully pulling her veil aside and kissing her neck. “This is our new bedroom.”

Her eyes fluttered closed, as his words sunk in. “Mmm . . .”

Using his lips and teeth, he nibbled an erotic trail of kisses to her shoulders and pushed down one of the straps of her dress. “As head of the Malfoy family, I now have run of the entire estate. As my wife, you deserve a proper bedroom, not just a suite of rooms. Here, I’ll make love to you every night . . .”

Hands trailed up her arms. “And fuck you hard when you’re naughty . . .”

Her body tightened, responding immediately to his words. Already, the warmth in her lower belly was being stoked into a hot fire with each of his touches.

“We’ll conceive our children in this bed . . .,” he whispered as his other hand slid the other strap of her dress off her shoulder. Cupping both her breasts, he gently massaged them until her nipples were hard, turgid, little peaks.

“Sweet, I’ve missed touching you . . . tasting you . . . and I know you have a surprise for me underneath this stunning dress.” One hand remained on her soft breast, while the other found the comb in her hair that held her veil. He plucked it out and tossed it to the side.

Hermione was lost, enjoying the sensations and magic created by his experienced hands. She said little in reply, only the occasional sigh and moan leaving her lips. Dampness seeped from her body, coating the delicate knickers she’d chosen with Draco especially in mind.

Determined fingers began lowering the zipper at the back of her dress. “You took my breath away today. You looked so bloody beautiful. I can’t believe you’re finally mine.”

The dress slid down her body and he suddenly pinched her nipples, hard. “Are you mine?”

“Oh . . .” Hermione’s body convulsed slightly in his arms.

One hand continued to caress her breasts as the other trailed down to the edge of her lace knickers. Slowly, his fingers dipped in and his middle finger delved into her moistened cleft. “Mmm, so wet . . . Granger, I’m waiting!”

His voice was low and melodic, like a drug to her long-deprived senses. Hermione began rotating her hips slowly against his probing fingers. “Mmm . . . al . . . oh . . . foy . . .”

“Yes?”

Biting her lip, she shook her head. Merlin, he was making it so hard to think, let alone talk. “No, my name . . . i-it’s Mal . . . foy.”

She could have sworn she heard him growl before he spoke again. “On the bed, sweet. Face me. Leave your knickers, jewelry and shoes on.”

Sighing at the loss of contact, she climbed onto the bed and knelt with her back to him first. With slow, seductive moves, she plucked out the strategically placed pins from her hair, tossed them to the ground, and shook out her long curly mane. With a minx-like smile, she looked at him over her shoulder, briefly, before turning over to lay on the bed facing up at him. Staring up at him through hooded eyes, she watched as he shrugged out of his robes and removed the Muggle suit until he stood naked and proud before her. Taut, lean and muscular, he took her breath away.

“I love you, Draco Malfoy,” Hermione whispered.

“I love you . . . Hermione Malfoy.” Admiring, desire-ridden eyes drank in her form. “Gods, you are gorgeous . . . and those knickers . . .” he groaned.

Deft fingers danced along the white feather light, short-style knickers that lay on her skin like a tattoo. A flounce of Leavers lace united a floral design with a delicate plumetis effect. Completely see-through, she knew they wouldn’t last long on her body.

He climbed on the bed alongside her body and ran one hand along her leg, across the knickers, past her stomach and along her chest. “Are you really mine, sweet?”

His eyes were nearly pleading, his need for her evident in his heated gaze. It was a need that went beyond just the physical. This was a side of him that only she saw. This vulnerable Draco was a wonderfully private secret between the two of them.

Hermione smiled and nodded, her answer easing away any doubts. “I’m yours, Draco. All yours.”

Without warning, his gaze turned feral and possessive. “Mine.”

He then bent his head and claimed her lips in a deep, erotic and hard kiss. His hands roamed her body in rough caresses that left her whimpering for more. After three weeks, she knew he wouldn’t be gentle. No, this first time he would take her fast, rough and hard.

She shivered in delighted anticipation.

He settled his body over hers and sucked on her nipples, leaving them rosy and wet. He bunched her delicate knickers in both hands and ripped them off her body, causing her to gasp at the sting.

Merlin, his body felt so wonderful. Her hands ran along his back, down to his buttocks and up along his hips. “Please, Draco . . . been too long . . . now . . .”

He bit her ear. “Hold on.” Without another word, he plunged into her waiting body and they both hissed in relief.

“So good . . . you feel so good . . .” she panted.

Raising his body, he hooked one of her legs over his shoulder and began pumping into her. He angled his hips, seeking the sweet spot that would make her wild. Several strong thrusts later, Hermione rewarded his efforts with a guttural mewl.

“Touch yourself, play with those gorgeous tits . . .” he commanded. Oh, that authoritative voice only made her body tighten further as she grew even wetter.

She obeyed without pause as he continued to fuck her relentlessly. She could feel her climax approach as she continued to fondle herself. A small wail rose from her throat as she called out Draco’s name and her body exploded in a shuddering wave of bliss. She clenched around his cock as he pumped into her body until she watched his mouth open and jaw clench, and felt his seed spurt inside her.

“Oh . . . oh . . .” Hermione tried to catch her breath. “Merlin, you are so bloody amazing!”

Draco had collapsed on top of her and laughed. “I think that honor belongs to you, sweet.” He rolled off her and gathered her close in his arms. “Don’t plan on sleeping tonight. I took a stamina potion.”

“Is that so?” Hermione smirked. “Well, let’s not waste any time then.” She kissed him and wrapped a small hand around his hardening shaft.

She pulled away from him, shifted her body down and bent over him to engulf him in her mouth.

“Gods, woman . . .” Draco howled.

Hermione chuckled but nearly stopped her ministrations when she felt Draco grab her lower body and position her over his mouth. She moaned when she felt his tongue lap at her pussy.

Oh, gods, this was going to be a fantastically, delectable wedding night. Her last coherent thought was that she was still wearing her shoes.

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Well, the epilogue is next. I’m glad I didn’t have to break it out into a two-part epilogue (glances over at the sniggering t_stevenson).

The big reveal is that the epilogue will be from Draco’s POV. YES! Finally, we see what’s going on in our hot Slytherin’s head. I can’t wait to see what he tells me! I also hope he’s in a good mood, if not Hermione will have to intervene. LOL