Happily Ever After

Chapter Two

Hermione awoke the next morning with a throbbing pain in her head. The light in the room burned through her closed eyelids, causing her to place a hand on her face. She rolled over, her other arm feeling the empty space behind her. She grabbed for the blankets to wrap her body in, but suddenly opened her eyes when she felt silk.

Hermione sat up quickly, wincing in pain. She looked around the room and felt her heart beat fast in her chest. She was in a poorly lit room with pale pink walls and one single window. A wardrobe and a vanity were placed on the opposite wall. A door to the right was slightly ajar, steam emitting from it.

Bits and pieces of the night before began flooding back to her; the dancing, the drinking, and the man with the pale, pointed face...

"Malfoy..." Hermione breathed out, her eyes wide. She heard the shower turn off in the other room and instantly jumped out of the bed. She frantically grabbed at her clothes that were thrown around the room. She was just pulling on her knickers when the door to the bathroom opened and a blonde she hadn't seen in years stepped out.

Malfoy's body was glistening with steam, his pale body clad only in a towel tied around his waist. If Hermione hadn't been panicking, she probably would've been turned on by his appearance.

"Where you off to in a hurry?" Malfoy asked with a smirk. "I'd thought we'd get in a little repeat of last night and then I could buy you breakfast."

Hermione just stared at the blonde, not knowing what to say. She had a feeling he didn't recognize her. After a moment of just staring, she came to her senses and continued to put on her clothing.

"Alright, fine," Malfoy said, coming a bit closer. "Then just give me your name and I'll owl you sometime." Still Hermione didn't answer, throwing on her dress. Malfoy walked around the bed and stood right infront of her, his silver eyes staring into her brown ones.

"You can't tell me that after a night like that, you're going to run out on me." His face was inches from her's, his hand under her chin, tilting her head towards his. His soft lips touched her's ever so slightly, sending adrenaline flowing through her veins. His body pressed up against her curves, wrapping an arm around her waist. As she felt his tongue begin to probe her closed lips, she took a quick step backwards. Malfoy cocked an eyebrow at her and took a step closer, which she mirrored with a step back.

"Something wrong?" He asked her as she picked her pruse off the floor.

"I have to go." She told him, heading for the door.

"Well then at least tell me your name so I can owl you for another great night." He said, a smirk on his lips. Hermione hand was on the doorhandle as she looked into his dead eyes, his hand on her lower back.

"Hermione Granger." She quickly muttered before walking out the door. Malfoy froze for a moment, then started running after her. With a loud crack, Hermione was gone.

*

Hermione apparated to a small forest encircling the Burrow. She walked through the trees and wards surrounding the house. It was still early, so no one was awake. She sneaked in through the kitchen and up the stairs to Fred and George's old room. The many crates of their products that once littered the floor had been cleared out to make more room. Since the wedding was that day, she would be using the room to get ready, and had chosen to sleep in there as well.

Undressing and laying on the bed, Hermione muttered a quick numbing spell for her head and closed her eyes, hoping to get a bit of sleep before Molly came in to wake her up.

All too soon came a loud knocking on the door. Hermione reluctantly opened her eyes and raised herself out of bed, feeling only slight relief from her hang over. A smiling Molly opened the door, looking like she was made specifically for early mornings.

"Good morning, dear," She said happily. "About ready to start getting dressed?"

"Just about." Hermione yawned, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

"I'll go wake Ginny then." She told her, closing the door.

Hermione stood and stretched her body, her head throbbing. She took a few deep breaths as she raised her hands high above her head, relaxing her body. She had just enough time to throw on a bath robe when Molly and a tired looking Ginny entered the room.

"Mum, she doesn't need to be getting ready this early." Ginny pouted, yawning.

"Of course she does!" Molly exclaimed. "The guests are going to start arriving in an hour." Ginny rolled her eyes and exchanged a look with Hermione from behind her mother's back.

"Now, I thought we'd start with your hair, then your makeup." Molly told her, taking out her wand.

"Makeup? Mrs. Weasley, that's not really something I'm comfortable with. I never wear makeup." She said, holding out her hand for her to stop.

"Nonsense, this is your wedding day. And it's Molly now, dear." She answered, advancing. Hermione decided to give up and let her soon to be mother-in-law take over.

Forty-five minutes later, Hermione's hair was done in soft curls. She'd convinced Molly to go easy on the makeup, making it look more natural. The pink blush made her cheekbones look high and the mascara made her eyelashed look thick and full like she'd always wished they were. Her lips were painted a soft pink, matching the blush. Hermione smiled at her reflection in the mirror when Molly held one infront of her.

"You look amazing." Ginny told her, tears in her eyes.

"You really do," Molly agreed, embracing her tightly. "I just can't believe my babies are getting married."

Hermione felt a twinge of guilt deep in her stomach as the woman who had become like a mother to her hugged her. When she let go she had tears in her eyes as well, dabbing at them with a hankerchief.

"It's nearly time. Ginny and I will go get dressed, and you put on your dress." Molly gave her arm a gentle squeezed, then she and Ginny left.

Hermione walked over to the wardrobe and pulled her white gown out. She dressed herself in it, then magically enlarged the small hand mirror so she could see her full form. The dress was a bright white, silver sparkles shining all over the material. The top was tight and fitting, the bottom falling in layers at her feet. Her eyes fell to her left hand in the reflection, a simple silver band with a small red ruby on her ring finger.

Hermione felt tears well up in her eyes as she realized what she was doing. She'd just slept with someone she'd known as her enemy, and now she was about to walk down the isle, knowing what she'd done, and promise to be with Ron forever, all the while wondering if Malfoy would actually owl her.

She knew that she shouldn't be thinking like that. She'd promised to only be with Ron, but she just couldn't think of her life being like that. She cared very deeply for Ron, he was her best friend and had been for so long, but she was completely bored with him. She didn't want to hurt him, or to betray him, but she'd just finally experienced some real heat and passion. How could she just give that up and settle down?

She felt terrible at her thoughts, but they just wouldn't go away. She just could help thinking of the best sex of her life. Luckily, Ginny entered the room along with Molly and her parents.

"Pumpkin, you look brilliant!" Her mother exclaimed, wiping her eyes with a tissue.

"We're so proud of you." Her father beamed, taking her hand and squeezing it. Hermione felt the weight of her guilt increase, but she held it in, smiling like this was the happiest day of her life.

"It's about time to begin, you ready?" Molly asked her, placing a hand on her lower back. Hermione nodded her head, allowing the older woman to escort her down the stairs and into the kitchen. Harry and Arthur were waiting at the bottom of the stairs, a wide grins on both their faces. Harry took Hermione's hands in his, looking into her eyes.

"You look fantastic." He told her.

"Now, Hermione, you stay here while the music starts playing," Molly instructed, indicating to the kitchen. "Arthur and I will walk down the isle first. Then your parents. Then Harry and Ginny. After them, the music will slow down and then you walk. Alright?" Hermione muttered a small yes, then stood off to the side so she couldn't be seen by everyone outside. The music began playing and Molly and Arthur walked out the back door, signalling the start of the ceremony.

Hermione looked out the window at the Weasley's back yard. The yard was filled with rows of chairs, white candles floating above everyone's heads. The sun was shining down brightly, a cold breeze blowing. A small archway stood near the edge of the wards, an official and Ron stand under it.

After Ginny and Harry walked out and took their places under the arch, exchanging grins with Ron. The music slowed down and Hermione took a deep breath.

"Guess that's my que." She said to herself, walking out the door.

The guests stood, all eyes on Hermione. She forced herself to grin, trying to drown out the voice telling her not to do this. She locked eyes with Ron, mimicking his wide smile. When she got to the front, Ron took her hands in his, giving them a squeeze.

The official held his wand to his throat and performed the Sonorus charm, making his voice carry throughout the yard.

"Friends and family, we are gathered here on this joyous occasion to bond the souls of Hermione Jane Granger and Ronald Bilius Weasley," The official began. "The bonding of two souls is not one to be taken lightly, but these two magical beings have both promised to be faithful to one another and to love each other until their dying days," He then turned to Ron. "Do you, Ronald Bilius Weasley, take Hermione Jane Granger, to be your partner, your other half, and your soul mate for life, until your life ends?"

"Yes." Ron answered, staring into Hermione's brown eyes.

"And do you, Hermione Jane Granger take Ronald Bilius Weasley to be your partner, your other half, and your soul mate for life, until your life ends?" He asked her.

Without thinking, Hermione vigorously nodded her head and muttered, "Yes."

The official removed his wand from his pocked and began waving it over the couple's connected hands. Invisible bonds seemed to tie their hands together, making it impossible for Hermione to let go. The bonds then glowed scarlet and gold, shining brightly. Warmth spread from Hermione's fingers and through the rest of her body. The bonds faded away, but Ron didn't let go of her hands.

"And so bonded are the souls of these two beings. Shall their life together be triumphant and long lasting." The guests all stood and clapped their hands at the couple as they walked back into the house hand in hand, the wedding party following.

Molly had all the guests move off to the side of the yard, rearranging the chairs and conjuring tables. She hung lights on the trees at the end of the yard, music seeming to come out of nowhere. Hermione sat at a long table at the front of the dance area, her new husband's arm around her waist.

Every one of the guests had taken turns congradulating her and her family, telling her how happy they were for them all. A smile stayed plastered to her face as she thanked them, all the while her mind back in that little room the night before. All the while Ron was beside her, holding her hand tight and grinning like an idiot.

The food soon appeared on their plates, just like it did at Hogwarts (Molly had found the spell they used at the school). The guests ate their food, chatting excitedly.

As Hermione ate her food, she just couldn't help thinking about the night she'd just had. Hermione Granger had actually gone to a wizarding nightclub, drank firewhiskey and had a one night stand. It had felt so good to not do the right thing for once, to let her hair down and actually have fun. She'd finally done something that wasn't set in stone for her, and was thankful for it. It was a shame she couldn't continue on with that lifestyle, but now, as a wife, she had a job to be sensible and faithful to her husband.

"I can't believe any of us is actually married." Harry told Ron with a grin, bringing Hermione out of her thoughts.

"I know, it just seems so wierd." Ron agreed, shovelling food into his mouth. He took Hermione's hand in his and squeezed, earning himself a forced grin from his new wife.

"So, where do you two plan on staying now?" Harry asked his best friends. "Not gonna stay here at the Burrow?"

"We actually haven't thought of that yet." Ron told him with a fallen look in his face.

"Oh, I've been meaning to tell you," Hermione began. "My parents have actually rented out a place for us near Hogsmeade. Your parents helped them get one in the wizarding world."

"Really? That's great!" Ron exclaimed, hugging her.

"I hope you two invite me as soon as you're settled in." Harry told them.

"It shouldn't take too long, your parents and the rest of the Order have already performed the fidelius charm. I forgot to ask who the secret keeper is though, I'll remember to do that tonight." She added as an after thought. She was surprised Ron didn't seem mad about her keeping their living arrangements from him.

Ron and Harry then began discussing quidditch, losing Hermione's interest. Instead she turned to her other side where Ginny was talking with Charlie.

"...Just came back out of the blue, just like that." Charlie was telling his younger sister.

"Who did?" Hermione asked, craving some intelligent conversation.

"Lucius Malfoy's son, Dragon or something," Charlie told her. "The one who tried to kill Dumbledore then left. Apparently he's back in the wizarding world and wants to help us defeat the Dark Side."

"What does the Order have to say about this?" Hermione asked him, intrigued.

"I think they're going to let him help. They could really lose his help if we want this war to end soon." He said.

"Well I know Mum and Dad won't be too happy," Ginny inputted. "They're not going to believe his act for a second."

"I don't know, Gin," Charlie argued. "People are getting sick of all this fear and war. They want it to be over, so if that means trusting a Death Eater, they will. Not like they won't test his loyalty first."

"But how would they do that?" Hermione questioned, curiosity burning in her.

"I'm not sure, but they'll think of something." When Charlie didn't explain, Hermione turned back to her plate of food, still feeling slightly ill from her hang over.

So, Malfoy was back in the wizarding world, that would explain why she saw him last night. She'd heard that he'd fled to the muggle world after failing to murder Dumbledore. No one had heard anything of him, and they'd all been happy. But now he was back and wanted to help end the war. Well, she sure hoped she didn't see him around, after the night they'd had, there was no way either of them could pretend like nothing happened.

A few glasses of champagne later, Ron led Hermione onto the dance floor for their first dance. A slow violin played through the invisible speakers as the newlyweds turned continuously on the spot, Ron having never been much of a dancer. Hermione layed her head on his shoulder, just like she'd seen Fleur do at her and Bill's wedding the summer before seventh year. As the song ended, Ron gave her a peck on the lips and then went back to sit down, the dance area filling with couples.

While Ron was wrapped up in a conversation with Fred, Hermione stared longingly at the couples on the dance floor. They all looked so happy and in love, making her wish she felt like them.

Harry and Ginny were dancing together not far from the head table. They were smiling and talking as they danced, Ginny blushing a deep scarlet and laughing. Her arms were wrapped around Harry's neck and her eyes stared deeply into his. Hermione sighed sadly as she watched, wanting so badly to be in love, to have that spark in a relationship that she'd never know.

The sun had set by the time the guests began to clear out. The Weasleys and Harry cleaned up the mess in the yard, refusing to let Hermione or Ron help. Once everything was back to the way it was before the ceremony, Hermione and Ro shrunk down all their gifts, putting them in a suitcase. They then packed up whatever they would need for that night and flooed to their new home to start their new life as a married couple.

To Be Continued...

Ok, so I waited so long to update this story because I wanted to wait and see if I got enough positive feedback to convince me it's worth continuing. I haven't gotten as many reviews as I'd like, but I do realize that not many people would read a story posted two months ago with no updates since then. So, hopefully, I'll ge more. Anywayss, thnxx goes out to:

-flameddreams, happy to hear youu like it.

-luvhp, glad to know youu like it so far. Hope youu like this update.

-princesspeach, lol, thnxx. Here's your update.

-ohsnap_theresa, I'm happyy youu like the story so far. Hope youu like the new chapter.

Keep in mind, I'm still not one hundred percent on continuing this story. More feedback would definately help me decide. With that in mind, please R&R !

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