Moments in Time

I’m back! Believe it or not: No one dies, No one gets pregnant, and no one other than Draco and Hermione ma. Y. Yes it’s fluffy but indulge me I promise it’s worth it. In an effort to post this in time for Ra\'s big day I\'m putting this out unbeta\'d something I\'m sure I\'ll regret later.

This one’s for my girl Ra, happy birthday.

Summary: With Voldemort gone, the only battles left to be won are those of the heart.

From the song hero by Enrique Iglesias

HERO


Even clear across the hall he could feel her presence, despite being hidden under layers golden silk and gossamer wings, he knew it was her. No amount of decorations and makeup could hide that enchanting smile she gave freely to those around heror tor the last four years, Draco had spent endless hours secretly thinking that just for once even if only for an instant that smile would be for him.

As the Halloween festivities were in full force, Draco debated with himself for the thousandth time as to is he shoulproaproach her. On a night to celebrate the freedom of that which hides in darkness to roam free for just one night, Draco closed his eyes to the jubilant celebration around him and allowed his inner veela to radiate through his body. While blonde hair now glistened gold, pale skin bronzed though slightly sun kissed, and once slate grey eyes opened to reveal the most tranquil sea of blue rimmed with a violet hue.

Like an animal freed from captivity, the long dormant veela wasted no time in making the most of its temporary reprieve, and made his way through the crowd of euphoric teens to the only point on interest in the room, Hermione Granger.

Would you dance
if I asked you to dance?

Drawing her hand to his lips, Draco kissed it gently before leaning in and whispering in her ear “Just for tonight will you me mine?”

With confusion clearly written on her face she quirked her head to the side as she wracked her brain to figure out who the masked prince in the royal blue robes was before her.

In a breathy voice he whispered once more “No Trio, No Houses, No Light and Dark. Tonight it’s just us”

A flicker of recognition passed though her features, but before she could speak, he placed a smooth finger against her glistening lips, and looked deep into her eyes and spoke, “Hermione just one dance, that’s all I ask.”

Lost in his soothing eyes, she simply nodded and allowed her body to slowly melt into his. A single dance turned into a silent evening as hours passed and the rest of the world fell away as the two swaying gently in each other’s arms.

As midnight struck and the masks fell away gasps could be heard thought the hall as all eyes took notice of Slytherin’s crown prince and Gryffindors princess still dancing oblivious to commotion surrounding them.

Would you run
and never look back?

“Hermione!” Harry and Ron shouted in unison as they pushed pasted the crowds gathered around their best friend and her chosen dance partner for the evening.

Startled my the sound of her name being called, Hermione broke free of Draco’s embrace and turned to face the two men in her life she had come to think of as brothers, as the descended upon her with wands drawn shouting, “Get your slimy hands off her Malfoy”

‘Malfoy’ Her mind raced to understand what her friends were so upset about, but it wasn’t until she looked back behind her to the strong form towering over her that it all fell into place. She had spent the entire evening in the arms of her greatest enemy Draco Malfoy.

Raising a hand to cover her mouth, shock written clearly across her face, tears threatened to spill from her soft eyes. She bolted through the crowd, throwing the heavy oak doors open wide as she exited the hall.

Would you cry
if you saw me cry?

Hermione didn’t know what had come over her. All night long she had danced in the arms of her greatest enemy, and the only thing she could think of was how much she missed the feeling of his strong arms around her. How could something so wrong feel so right?

Being Head Girl afforded her the luxury of her own room atop the Gryffindor tower with clear views of Hogwarts picturesque lake and grounds. Retreating to her relaxation spot, she collapsed on her window seat. Hermione threw open the windows and closed her eyes as a cool rush of night air bathed her sense in a calming wave.

As each and every muscle in her body relaxed and the problems of the evening were washed away, she slowly dared to look out into the night. The sight of the lake lit only by softly glowing lanterns surrounding it, and the sound of the water lapping against the shore was always enough to put a smile on her face. Life was simple if you just sad back and enjoyed what it had to offer.

Tonight however was different for seated alone by the side of the lake, sat none other than the one person she was trying her best to forget, Draco Malfoy. Unmistakable even in the moons faintest light was his platinum blonde hair and pale skin. Silently he sat gazing out into the distance unaware of being watched. She couldn’t help but be mesmerized by the Slytherin who had asked her to dance despite knowing who she was even before the masks were removed. Even more perplexing were what seemed to be two lines of glistening diamonds streaming down is face.

And would you save my soul, tonight?

As unsure of anything else she had done that evening, Hermione still wearing her robes of flowing gold, made her way out of the safety of Gryffindor Tower and out unto the lakes edge.

Her footsteps were enough to wake Draco from his trance; in an instant he rose from his place alongside the lake and stood to face her. So shocked was she to see that is was not the shimmer of diamonds reflecting off his pale features, but silent tears cascading unnoticed down his face, that she stop in her tracks and leaned back against the tree behind her.

Would you tremble
if I touched your lips?

Without a word, Draco’s slate grey eyes once again rimmed with violet as he closed the distance between them. Hermione’s heart raced as he stood above her, only a breath away. For what seemed a lifetime, Draco looked down into Hermione’s eyes before sinking his fingers into her wild mane, and bringing her lips to his.

At first the shock of what was happening caused Hermione to tense, however as his soft lips worked feverishly against hers, she yielded to the moment and for the second time that evening melted into his comforting embrace.

Would you laugh?
Oh please tell me this.

It was Draco who eventually ended the kiss leaving Hermione’s bruised lips pouting for more. Looking first at the ground and then back at the lake he stated in a hollow voice, “You can run back to Potter and tell him what a fool I’ve been. Falling in love with the only woman in this school I don’t deserve to be loved by. I’m sure you and your friends will have a good laugh about this.”

Beyond confused by the cold, arrogant, Slytherin’s behavior, she asked the only question she could think of as her mind struggled to process what was happening, “Why of all the girls in this school who would lay themselves down at your feet would you wan. I. I’m nothing special. I’m not refined like Pansy, beautiful like Cho, or even amusing like Mandy. Why me Malfoy? Maybe you’re the oneyingying a joke.”

Hurt clearly written on his face, Draco looked back at Hermione and replied, “You don’t get it do you Hermione. You’re everything they are and more. You’re like the sun, shining so bright and beautiful in tistaistance. You know you shouldn’t look at it but you do. You know you can’t touch it, but you can’t help but want to. That’s how I see you Hermione when I know your there I can’t help but feel warm inside, but when you’re gone it’s like part of me dies.”

Now would you die
for the one you loved?

“You exaggerating a bit don’t you think Malfoy. I’m no ones sun. How often have you used that line to get into some girls knickers?” Hermione huffed unimpressed with his declaration.

Turning away once again he said into the night, “Never.”

“I’m not buying it, Malfoy. Come clean or I’m going back to my dorm. It’s after hours and you’ve fed me enough of your lines for one night.” Hermione stated with her arms folded across her chance.

With lightning speed, Draco whirled around on her and held her arms as she said, “You want the truth Hermione. Here it is. I’m part Veela. I’m sure you’ve spent enough time in the library to know that a Veela chooses but one mate for life, and from the moment they touch no other will do. From the moment you slapped me in third year I knew, I knew that the only woman I would ever love is you and it’s literally killing me.”

“Killing you?” Hermione gasped as her mind desperately searched through everything she had ever learned about Veelas.

“Yes killing me. Hermione despite what you may think of me Veela’s are creatures of love and without ity diy die. When you ran out of the hall tonight, I knew that you would never feel for me the way I feel for you.”

“Malfoy, I’ve never read of any Veela deaths, so you must be mistaken.” Hermione replied.

Both amused and annoyed by her stubbornness, Draco answered, “Have you ever heard of the Curse of Eros.” Hermione shook her head no as Draco continued, “Eros was the son of the goddess of love Aphrodite and the god of war Ares. When Aphrodites’s first husband Hephaestus learned of his wife’s adultery, he cursed the unborn child to never wander as it’s mother had, to love but one for a lifetime. As the years pasted Eros fell in love with a moral named Psyche. Voluptas their daughter was the first Veela being a mortal blessed with some of the gifts of a god, Voluptas could sprout great scaly wings when angered and release fire at will. The men flocked to her but the woman hated her and called her a Veela. Stories were passed from town to town of the winged creature that sought to steal their men. On the eve of her eighteenth birthday Voluptas found the man who’s scent so intrigued her, a wizard named Malfoy. From then on each member of my family has passed on the curse. As the years passed some learned that the curse could be breed out. If one was lucky enough to go two generations without wedding another with the veela gene they were fortunate enough to be freed of the curse. The Malfoy family throughout time has been different; we have always chosen honor and family above love. Any Malfoy who found themselves tied to a half blood or worse was bound and gagged until their eighteenth birthday in which they would perish in a blue burst of flame. My father forced me to watch my uncle Darius endure such torture when it was discovered his soul mate was a muggle girl from the village. So don’t talk to me about not dying from love, I’ve seen it first hand.”

Hermione gasped, “How did they know”

Draco closed is eyes against the tears that threatened to fall as he answered in a defeated breath, “I told them, I was only eight years old. I knew only that which my father told me. That muggles were vile creatures not fit to walk the earth. That they sought to destroy us. I had no idea how wrong he was”

Hold me in your arms, tonight.

Moved by his anguish, Hermione did the only thing she knew to comfort him, she wrapped her arms around him in a hug.

“Hermione, In two days time I will be eighteen, and unless you say otherwise I will be gone from your life forever.” Bending on one knee unto the soft grass he looked up at Hermione and spoke.

I can be your hero, baby.

“I may not be Potter but if you’ll have me I swear that I will never let any harm come to you.”

I can kiss away the pain.

“We lost both our families in the war, but if you’ll have me maybe someday we’ll have one of our own.”

I will stand by you forever.

“For me there is no other my heart could ever belong to. So if you’ll have me, I can promise it will be yours for life.”

You can take my breath away.

As he pulled a black velvet box from his pocket he asked, “ I guess what I’m asking is Will you Hermione Granger, be my wife?” before opening it to reveal the most breathtaking diamond ring Hermione had ever seen before.

Moments passed and not a word was spoken as Hermione looked between Draco’s hopeful face and the exquisite ring he held in his hand. “This means a lot to you doesn’t it?” She asked.

“It means everything.” He replied without moving from his place on the ground.

“And your sure I’m the one?” She asked.

He trademark smirk refused to remain hidden any longer as he answered “positive.”

“Life would be easier with out you around here tormenting us Gryffindors, Malfoy.” She replied with her own sly smile etched across her face,

Rising to from the ground he stood before her and said, “But it wouldn’t be any fun.”

With a far off look into the distance she remarked, “No I suppose your right it wouldn’t”

“Hermione.” Draco whispered in hopes of getting back her attention.

His eyes were pleading with her for an answer. Deep down she somehow knew that everything he told her was the truth, and that as much as he hated herself for it, she had never felt as alive in any mans arms as she felt tonight in the darkness with him. So she simply answered, “Yes.”

Would you swear
that you\'ll always bee?

Instantly Draco took hold of Hermione’s hand and pulled her towards his broom resting beside the tall tree behind them as the two flew toward the quite village. Hermione called out against the wind, “Draco what are we doing?”

With a grin replacing his usual smirk hewerewered, “Getting Married.”

Before she could protest, Hermione found herself standing before the village chapel, and Draco pounding on the door in hopes of waking someone inside. His efforts were swiftly rewarded as a slightly red-faced wizard clearly woken from sleep drowsily answered the door. “How may I help you?” he politely asked the two before him.

“We wish to wed.” Draco answered before Hermione could get a word in edgewise.

“Surely you would to prefer to wait until tomorrow when your families could be here to join you on such a joyous occasion.” The elder man replied.

Draco’s face darkened for but a moment as he reached into his cloak and brought forth a heavily laden bag of gold. He placed the bag soundly in the mans hand as he stated, “It’s just us and we apologize for waking you. If you could see your way to marrying us on this fine evening it would mean the world to us.”

By the weight of the bag the gentleman knew it was a tidy sum that the held, as he looked up at the hole in his roof he remembered leaking after the rain just lasndaynday, he nodded and bid them enter.

At the front of the chapel as the awaited the return of the minister, Draco the enjoyed Hermione’s heady scent of jasmine fill the air, and the playful way her hair refused to be tamed into obedience. Everything about her was amazing and for once in his life he couldn’t help but smile.

Dressed in traditional marriage garb, the plump minister made his way before the and and asked “Are you both aware of the path you are asking to el?”el?” With a simple nod the two teens tightly held each other’s hands as they gave their full attention to the minister before them. With a smile he continued, “By the way my name is Tiberius”

Politely Hermione answered, “My name is Hermione and his is Draco.”

Formalities covered, Tiberius stood behind the flower covered alter and began. “Let HE who wishes to be wed approach me now.” Releasing his hand from Hermione’s, Draco took a single step forward. “Let SHE who wishes to be wed approach me now.” As Draco did before her, Hermione took the single step forward to join them on the alter.

Tiberius closed his eyes and calmly asked no one in particular “Should any of the Spirits here gathered have objections to this union, now is the time to make it known.”

Those three heartbeats were the longest Draco or Hermione had ever known.

Given no objects from those beyond the living, Tiberius continued, “Do you, Draco, stand in our presence of your own free will to seek union with Hermione?”

Nodding solemnly he answered, “I come here of my own free will and desire.”

“Do you pledge that this union will be one of perfect love and perfect trust?” Tiberius asked.

With out hesitation he answered, “I so pledge.”

Turning toward the young girl before him, Tiberius asked, “Do you, Hermione, stand in our presence of your own free will to seek union with Draco?”

Slightly nervous Hermione replied, “I come here of my own free will and desire.”

“Do you pledge that this union will be one of perfect love and perfect trust?” He asked

A moment of doubt flickered across her face, but in the end she answered, “ I so pledge.”

“Now Place your ring on the tip of your wand, and present them to each other.” Tiberius continued.

With a look of panic Hermione looked to Draco who simply smirked as he slid a ring onte ene end of each of the two extended wands.

Seeing everything in place Tiberius smiled as he said, “As you have stated your desire to be united, one with the other, take now these rings and place them upon each others finger, as pledge and testimony to your love and commitment to each other.

As Draco and Hermione placed their rings on each others fingers, Tiberius announced in a well-rehearsed voice:

“Above you are the stars
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, yet be understanding
Have patience with each other
Be free and giving of affection and warmth
Make love often and sensuously to one another
Have no fear and let not the ways or words
of the unenlightened give you unease.
You entered alone yet you leave together”

From the stand beside the alter, Tiberius lifted a string of ers ers held together by a single silver ribbon, and wrapped it around the couples wrists as he said, “As this flowered strand ties your wrists, may it be a prelude to the flowering of your lives together, and a fond remembrance of this day. So also may it symbolize the bonding of your souls, your energy, and your life force; that throughout your life together, you may know of nothing but each other\'s joy and love, in perfect balance and peace.”

Turning to Draco his rosy cheeks reddened further as he asked, “May I borrow your broom sir?” With his free hand, Draco handed his prize thunderclap to Tiberius with a smile.

Returning the smile, Tiberius gently took hold of the broom he imagined was worth more than his entire home as he placed a levitating charm on it and continued with the ceremony, “Should the two of you be prepared to face the road ahead, come now and begin your journey on the other side of this broomstick.”

Hold firmly to oth other already wrapped hands, the two leapt as one across the still broom.
Please that the two had so graciously made their way across the broom, and with fond remembrances of no so successful couples he removed the ribbon as he announced, “By jumping the broom together, you have proven that you can work as a single mind and spirit. Henceforth, let the physical bonds of your wedding be removed and saved as a reminder of this joyous day. But ever remember, the spiritual bonds will always remain.”

Grinning ear to ear, Draco wasted no time in taking Hermione into his arms and kissing her deeply. As the two separated they noticed Tiberius had disappeared and in his place was a single package wrapped with a shimmering purple bow.

Hermione lifted the package and read aloud the simple note, “Seldom does one see a love such as yours, never lose it. It is truly one of life’s greatest gifts.” Curious as to the contents of the package Hermione removed the bow and peered inside to find the coin sac Draco had offered the minister. “Draco it’s your money.”

“Leave it Hermione, I have everything I’ll ever need now.” He said as he ran his fingers lightly through her curls.

Or would you lie?
would you run and hide?

The ride back to Hogwarts passed too quickly as the first rays of sunlight broke over the horizon. Having been gone the entire night, the two decided it best to return to their respective dorms before anyone noticed their absence. With a final kiss good night, Draco parted from his lovely wife at the base of the stairs as she rose toward the tower and he descended into the dungeons.

Without a moments sleep Draco showered and dressed for breakfast eager to once again see the woman who had made him the happiest man alive only hours before. That morning though she never came to breakfast or any classes or meals for the remainder of the day. Instead she was locked away in Gryffindor tower terrified to face her friends and tell them the truth. When she discovered the rings she wore signifying her marriage refused to be removed, her courage left her and she sank into disparity.

Harry, Ron, Ginny and what seemed to be every other member of Gryffindor house asked through the closed door if she was alright but always the answer was the same “I’m fine, just not feeling like myself today.”

Hermione’s absence did not go unnoticed, as the school was ablaze with speculation regarding the Head Girl. As rumors of everything from Hermione being pregnant by Potter or Weasley, to her loss of magical ability floated to Draco’s ears. Try as he might he was unable to stop the waves of anger washing over him.

Am I in too deep?
Have I lost my mind?

As the clock struck eleven, Draco paced the dungeon floor attempting to make sense of the situation in a matter of one hour he would be eighteen and though married to his love, he had yet to consummate their relationship and complete their bond. She had locked herself away in her tower, obviously ashamed of her actions. He felt the change spread through his body as the hurt refused to be swept away.

As shrieks filled the hall at his appearance, the veela in him took over as he half ran half flew through the corridors and out unto the grounds. So many nights he had watched her from the edge of the forbidden forest, that he knew exactly which room was hers as he rose to her window and perched on the sill.

Inside he found her asleep on the bed with tear stains running down her cheeks onto her pillow. Saddened that he was obviously the cause of her pain, Draco felt the veela slip away as he made is way to Hermione’s bedside.

As he brushed away the few strands of hair that covered her face he noticed the redness of her ring finger and understood what it was that kept her from leaving her room. She had not truly wanted the marriage. She had done what he loved most about her, she had been kind, and she had done it out of pity.

As the clock marked the half hour, he leaned down and whispered, “Don’t worry my love by tomorrow it will all be over and you’ll be free.”

I don\'t care...
You\'re here tonight.

At his words Hermione’s eyes fluttered open and she asked, “Draco what are you doing here?”

Stroking her hair he answered, “I’m just saying goodbye.”

“Goodbye? What do you mean? Why are you leaving?” She began asking as quickly as possible before Draco stopped her with a single soft kiss.

“At the stroke of twelve I will be eighteen and the burning blaze will come to claim me.” He replied as he wiped away fresh tears from her eyes.

In a rush Hermione clung to him as she sobbed openly into his chest, “But we’re married.”

Draco lifted her chin ever so gentle to that he could look her in the eyes as he answered, “Married yes but not joined. What we had was a union of words my love but not of souls.”

As Hermione noticed the clock on the was mark fifteen minutes to midnight she did the only thing she could think of, she kissed him hard and full on the lips.

I can be your hero, baby.
I can kiss away the pain.

Draco didn’t know how long he had but he knew was that the woman in his arms was the woman he loved and he had no intension of rushing. If me made it or not he wanted it to be a night she would always remember. As his lips worked against hers and his tongue made it’s way into her mouth, his skillful fingers worked to remove her simple button-down shirt and skirt.

As the cold night air stuck her naked body, Hermione felt her nipples harden with the most pleasurable pain. As their lips broke apart with her moan, Draco’s lips left a trail of light warm kisses across her neck and chest, her body began to undulate beneath him. Yet another moan escaped her lips as he took each nipple in turn into is warm mouth only to release it once more to be tormented by the fridged night air.

Not to be undone, Hermione fumbled to remove his clothing until she held his throbbing member firmly in her hand. With firm strokes she made her way up and down his length. It wasn’t until in a labored voice he said, “Unless you want this over before we truly start you’d better stop.” A bright blush swept across her cheeks as understanding set in and she removed her hand.

She was unprepared for what happened next as his platinum blonde head disappeared between her legs and his tongue lapped at the juices flowing there. Embarrassed by herself she blushed further as her hips thrust forward to meet his tongue as it darted playfully into her opening. In a horse voice he cried out “Draco please” as the torment was more than she could bear.

Understanding that she was as ready for him as he was for her, Draco lifted himself away from her with a final lick and placed his member before her. Unsure of how much experience with men she had he entered her ever so slowly. He was somewhat surprised yet proud when he came up again her still in tact virginity. With fear and insecurity written across her face he kissed her hard on the lips as he broke through her barrier. As he continued to kiss her, he felt her body relax around him as he was accepted and her hips moved ever so slightly beneath him.

For a beginner he was surprised how quickly she caught on, and within moments her hips were rising to meet his every thrust as she took him further and further into her. Lost in mix of jasmine and musk the two came hard against each other.

I will stand by you forever.
You can take my breath away.

Almost instantly Hermione drifted off to sleep against Draco’s strong arms. Content with holding his wife for the rest of his life. Draco heard the clock strike midnight and he too closed his eyes. Tomorrow they would face Potter but for today the battle was won, and for once he was the hero.