More Than Meets the Eye

A/N: Thank you all for your patience in the long delay. Apparently it is pregnancy time here at AFF because I too am pregnant. Between the holidays, work, chasing after a very active three year old, and the sheer tiredness of being pregnant, I have been writing at a speed of about three sentences a day. My energy has been coming back, so hopefully updates will happen faster.


Chapter 9

“Albus, you know you can release them from this oath. There is no need to continue this whole thing!”

“There is only an hour before the ceremony, shouldn't you be helping Miss Granger?”

“Albus...”

“Minerva,” he said quickly cutting her off. “We have had this conversation more times than I can count in the past four years. Must we really have it again?”

“Yes! Before things are done that can't be undone.”

Dumbledore sighed softly. “Minerva, you know as well as I do how rare it is for the house titles to present themselves. Perhaps this isn't the pairing we would have expected, but it is out of our hands. I fear for the future of the wizarding world if this binding doesn't occur.”

“But are you sure that we aren't pushing them too fast? They have hated each other for years!”

Dumbledore's eyes began to twinkle as he chuckled. “Oh I don't know about that. I know that they believe that they hate each other, but the opposite of love isn't hate, it is indifference. What ever can be said about these two, it could never be argued that they are indifferent to each other. No, I would imagine that it was easier for them to label the fire and passion between them as hatred.” He smiled when he saw her skeptical look. “Don't worry Minerva, everything will be fine.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“I have done something to help them through the awkwardness of their new relationship.”

“What have you done?” she asked fearful of the answer.

“Well, let's just say that they didn't receive the standard version of the fidelity charm.”

“What?! You changed the fidelity charm? Do you have any idea of what the Ministry will do to them, not to mention you, if they find out? Don't you think that they are in enough danger?”

“Calm down Minerva. I didn't change the charm. In essence it is the same. I merely gave them each an additional charm to go along with it.” He laughed at her horrified look. “Oh no nothing like that! I didn't give them a lust charm.” His eyes softened as he continued. “We both know about Mr. Malfoy's childhood. He grew up very lonely, and then received the same instruction on sex that many pureblood boys receive. For the past four years he has tried using physical intimacy to soothe the ache he feels. His attempts have failed, and have left him feeling disillusioned and disinterested. Not exactly the best attitude for a newlywed to have. So I added a wonderment charm. Everything will feel new and exciting, thus allowing him to enjoy the simple pleasures again. He is now like an experienced virgin.”

“What did you add to Hermione's charm?”

“Ah yes, that. I don't think that I will tell you.”

“What? Why not?”

“Because, even though it was a necessary addition, I don't think that you would appreciate it,” he answered firmly. “Now, you really should be inside helping Miss Granger.”


Hermione slowly walked across the grass to the spot near the lake where the small group of people waited. Molly, as her surrogate mother was next to her, and Ginny was in front, sweeping her wand back and forth to insure that the ground was nice and soft for her bare feet. Looking forward she saw Draco with his attendant Blaise Zambini, and Snape, who was acting as Draco's father. She took a closer look at Draco and smiled as it occurred to her why he seldom wore white. Not only did the color wash him out and make him appear paler than he actually was, but in his white wedding robe all he needed was some wings and a crooked halo to look like a mischievous angel.

She looked down at her own robe and felt a small pang that she would only get to wear it for such a short period of time. It was a shame that such a beautiful gown would be discarded halfway through the ceremony. She smiled as she past the few guests that were in attendance. Ron had a deep scowl, but everyone else was giving her encouraging looks. When she was standing in front of the headmaster he addressed the group. “Friends and family, we are gathering today to celebrate the creation of a marriage. All here are witnesses to the bonding of these two souls into one, a permanent creation breakable only by death. Who presents this wizard for marriage?”

“I do as the representative of his family,” Snape answered.

“And is it your testimony that he is of sound mind and able to uphold the responsibilities and duties of marriage?”

“It is.”

“Then you may light your family candle.” Snape stepped forward to light the candle on Dumbledore's left. “Who presents this witch for marriage?”

“I do as the representative of her family,” Molly answered.

“And is it your testimony that she is of sound mind and able to uphold the responsibilities and duties of marriage?”

“It is.”

“Then you may light your family candle.” When the candle on his right was lit he continued. “Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger, please step forward.”

Hermione was sure that everyone could hear her frantic heartbeat. Even though she had thought of little else since that night in the kitchen, now that she was in the middle of the ceremony it suddenly felt very real. For the past three weeks she had been able to pretend that it wasn't going to happen, or allow her sense of sacrifice convince her that since this was for the greater good everything would be fine. As she felt nervousness roll over her she realized that this wasn't about sex or saving Malfoy or anything else that she might have panicked about. This was about marriage, and it was going to happen. Willing her Gryfindor courage to kick in, she took a deep breath and stepped forward.

“Draconis Black Malfoy, do you stand here today of your own free will?”

“I do.”

“Is it your intention to enter into marriage with this witch and fulfill your responsibilities to her?”

“It is.”

“Then you may make your petition.”

Draco turned to Molly. “My dear Madam, as the matriarch of Hermione's family I honor and respect you. You have formed her into what she is today and I beseech you, for her sake, to accept me into your family.”

“You shall be accepted,” Molly responded with a gentle smile.

After Hermione had made her declarations and had been accepted by Snape, they picked up tapers and drew fire from their family candles. Bringing their tapers together they lit the candle in front of Dumbledore, the flame glowing green. Dumbledore waved his hand, causing the candle to rise just above their heads. “Just as two flames have come to create one new one, you are here today to create a oneness out of your two souls. Be ever mindful of your creation and protect it at all costs.” He then picked up a jewel encrusted goblet. Hermione's eyes widened when she recognized it as the Hufflepuff Cup. As tradition dictated it was the bride's family that provided the wedding cup. Since she was muggleborn and therefore had no family heirloom, she had had to buy one. Although her parents had given her a large sum of money there was no way that she was going to spend it on one object, so she had bypassed the beautiful binding cups and had purchased a plain gold one. She gave Dumbledore a grateful smile for allowing her such an honor.

He answered with his own soft smile before addressing the couple. “I offer you mead. As you drink let it remind you that life is full of both sweet and bitter, joy and sorrow. As you share it, remember that laughter shared increases, while tears shared diminish.” After they had both drunk from the cup, they were at the part of ceremony that Hermione was most nervous about.

“In marriage you must be willing to be honest about who you are and place your mate's needs above all else. Draconis Black Malfoy, do you promise to be honest with Hermione and share yourself with her?”

“I do.”

“Do you promise to provide for her needs above all else?”

“I do.”

“What do you offer as a token of your promises?”

“A robe.”

“Hermione Jane Granger, do you promise to be hones with Draco and share yourself with him?”

“I do.”

“Do you promise to provide for his needs above all else?”

“I do.”

“What do you offer as a token of your promises?”

“A robe.”

“Then you may proceed,” Dumbledore said taking a step backward. Ginny and Blaise stepped forward and together cast the spell to encase the couple in a golden column. Ginny stepped inside to help Hermione undress. She gave Hermione a reassuring smile as she undid the buttons and slipped the robe from her. Hermione was about to turn to face him, when he placed his hands on her shoulders, stilling her motion.

“I'll let you keep your modesty for now. You don't have to turn if you don't want to,” Draco said softly. Releasing her shoulders, he reached for the silver blue robe next to him. He wasn't surprised when she didn't turn around and was slightly relieved. As it was a large amount of his blood had headed south. Merlin what is wrong with me? he mentally berated himself as he helped slip her arms into the sleeves. All I've seen is her back and bum. How can I be this hard from that? he continued while slipping his arms around her to fasten the first few buttons on the robe to keep it from flying open when she turned to face him. Okay stop! You need to get yourself under control. he ordered himself as he turned her in his arms. Blaise was going to be undressing him soon, and although he was sure that he would understand, he really didn't want his best friend to see him naked with a hard on. Disturbing image, I need a disturbing image. Let's see...Dumbledore and McGonagall shagging...Hmm close but not quite. Dumbledore, McGonagall and Trelawney having a threesome and being forced to watch...Ugh yeah that did it! he thought with a shudder as he adjusted the waistband.

Ginny stepped out of the circle and a moment later Blaise joined him. As soon as the white robe was off of him, he felt her small hand on his back. He smiled softly when she told him that she would return the favor and he needn't turn around. So the brave Gryfindor isn't ready to see me naked yet. This could make tonight interesting, he thought wickedly, nodding when she told him that it was a two piece. He dipped his head so she could slide the under robe over it. With her help he slid his arms into the sleeves, choking back a groan as the silky material brushed against his skin. After he turned she buttoned his cuffs and place the over robe on him, fastening the midnight blue cloth to the silver fabric underneath. When she had finished, Blaise stepped out of the circle to end the spell with Ginny.

Dumbledore stepped towards them with a thin white ribbon. Hermione and Draco clasped hands and he preformed a series of twists and knots to tie them together. After he had finished he spoke the last words of the ceremony. “Since you have pledged yourself to this union, and have been accepted by each others families, I proclaim that you are bound. You may embrace as a symbol of your commitment to complete your binding.”

Draco lifted his free hand to gently stroke her cheek, wondering again at the slight tingle that shot through his fingers when he touched her. Bending his head he cover her upturned lips with his, immediately feeling the desire to deepen the kiss. Reluctantly he pulled away before he lost control. She was nervous enough without him embarrassing her in front of everyone. As soon as they broke apart the guests pointed their wands to the sky and uttered a spell, causing red clover blossoms and damiana to rain down on the couple.

A/N: Well there is the wedding. Next up will be their wedding night and this story will start to live up to its NC-17 rating. Please leave reviews, I love hearing from you all. Ryz