A/N: Small note. I said before I would have a special type of wedding, unlike the one that took place in the book. I still plan on doing that wedding.

Chapter Twenty-Four: Wedding Bell, Wedding Hell

Narcissa sat in the receiving room of the manor, waiting for a mediwizard from St. Mungo's. She kept telling everyone she finally felt better, but they kept insisting that she take it easy and not go outside into her garden anymore. She didn't understand why she couldn't go outside. It wasn't as if she was going to do something bad or illegal. Narcissa just wanted to escape the dreary walls of the manor that she'd been surrounded by ever since she became a Malfoy.

"Ms. Malfoy-"

"Black, thank you."

"Ms. Black, excuse me. I just wanted to check with the house elves and make sure they were overseeing your care as well as we hoped they would." The young mediwizard said in a slightly shy voice. After all the information he'd learned about this family, he still wasn't completely comfortable being there by himself. Alone. With the wife of such a notorious death eater.

"They've done everything you've asked of them. Sometimes, even doing more than you've asked, I'm sure, but those elves are painfully thorough in all they do."

"And I believe that is what has helped you recover so brilliantly. You were sick a long time, Ms. Black. Almost two months. We take illness that lasts so long very seriously."

"I know." Narcissa commented dismally.

"I know it was a burden to not be able to … live how you have been, but at your age, with sickness, we have-"

Narcissa's eyes burned with fire. "At my age?! What age is that, sir?"

The young mediwizard struggled to find his words. He had said the wrong thing. "I was- I mean- I didn't mean you were old, Ms. Black. I just meant that … as we grow older, our immune systems sometimes lose their abilities to fight off infections and certain viruses."

"I am not as old as you think, sir. I doubt I am very much older than yourself. How old are you?"

"I just turned thirty this February." The mediwizard could see that, even though she was older than most witches he looked at, most of those witches couldn't hold a candle to the witch sitting before him.

Narcissa smiled a smile that Snape himself would be proud of. "Not as young as I thought. I'm just barely over ten years older than you, so let us not act as if I've got one foot in the grave and you've got just one foot out of the cradle, please."

"Sorry, Ms. Black. It's still a very good idea to take it easy for the next few days as the sickness could come back very quickly and … more serious."

"I understand. Just as long as it doesn't interfere with my son's wedding. You only get one first marriage, you know.

Hermione sent out invitations again once Draco brought the news that Narcissa was once again feeling well. She was happy that, at least, ninety-five percent of the guests were still absolutely sure they could attend. She was still on the fence on whether to invite Ron and Luna. She had invited them the first time around, but Ron had said he wasn't sure if he could bring himself to be in the same place as someone who had punched him after he apologized. Hermione sent the invitation anyway, and hoped the day would go smoothly.

Draco and Hermione had decided he would move into her flat as it had two rooms and was a sight bigger than Draco's place. Draco used the last month to pack things he wanted to take with him and throw other things into the rubbish bin. Most of his things were already moved over to Hermione's flat, just to be moved again when they finally found another place closer to Hogwarts. He only had a bed, his dining table and chairs, and his toiletries left. He would have preferred to just move into the flat completely, but Hermione wanted them to live separately just before the wedding, so with a week away, he was at his place.

It was two days until the wedding and Hermione was sitting in the Potter's living room, talking to her best friend. It wasn't something she was completely ready to do, but she decided she just didn't want to run a station anymore and she could only think of one person to take it over for her.

"Hermione, I didn't expect you today. Nothing's wrong, is it?" Ginny said, holding a fussy Thomas on her knees.

"No, Gin. I wanted to come and ask you something."

"Sure. I'm all ears."

Hermione sighed, trying to get the words right. "Since the show's season is about to wrap up and Draco will be taking that job at Hogwarts, I've been thinking more and more about quitting. You know, taking up potion research. I've been talking to St. Mungo's and they're willing to let me work at home most of the time. Draco and I are planning to get a new place sometime after the honeymoon, so I could build a potion lab in an extra room or something and take up what I've been wanting to do for a while. What do you think?"

Ginny shook her head, taking everything in. "It sounds good, if that's what you want. I think it's a good move. You were wasting a lot of your life in that place."

"So, you think that the job at the station would be too much?"

"Well, not if you know how to relax and get out once in a while. Something you didn't do very often, unless it was a business meeting or lunch, and even then, you didn't enjoy yourself because it was too much about work."

"You could balance all that better than me, you think?" Hermione asked gently.

"I think so. Harry's always up for helping, so he'd be able to help immensely with Thomas and anyone else who comes along. I don't think I'd be better at the job, but I'd know how to take a break when it gets too tough."

"You're right, Gin." Hermione paused for a big breath. "What would you say if I turned the station over to you?"

Ginny almost nearly dropped Thomas off her knees. "What?! I thought you said you were going to sell it?"

"I wanted to, but I knew it'd be in better hands with someone who's worked there before and for someone who is best friends with the current owner."

"I'd be honored, but I can't just take it. You have to ask for something in return."

Hermione smiled. "Fine. I want one galleon and a promise that you'll try to make the studio a better place ... by firing Stanley."

Both friends laughed and the deal was closed with a kiss on each other's cheek.

The morning of the wedding was hectic. Hermione was surrounded by all her female friends. Each helping her with something or just providing support. Lavender was helping her with makeup and Pavarati had done her hair. Padma was supposed to help, but she said she wouldn't be able to make it until just before the vows were taken. Hermione wished all of her friends were here in the room with her, even Harry and Ron. Getting married was a whole new experience and she felt as if she was walking on a thin cloud that would dissolve any minute and she'd fall forever.

The wedding planner had gone ahead to the location where the wedding would take place. It was a beautiful place, a large manor house. Beautifully manicured grass covered the ground that laid around the manor. The ceremony would take place just in front of the large fountain and the reception would take place within the large dining room that could seat two hundred people. It was a dream place to be married.

"Gosh, I can't believe you're getting married. It was only yesterday that Harry, Ron, and you were running around together in the halls of Hogwarts." Angelina said brightly.

"And, now, she's marrying Draco Malfoy. Who would have thought?" Ginny chimed in, pulling Hermione's dress out of the box it'd been in for days. "I would have thought you'd have killed him before you married him."

Hermione spoke with her lips pursed, so Lavender could finish applying lipstick. "I still want to kill him sometimes."

Everyone gave a bit of laughter until they remembered that the mother of the subject of the joke was standing in the room, looking just a little paler than usual. "I'm so sorry, Narcissa. I didn't mean it, really." Hermione apologized.

"Don't be, dear. I understand the feeling. Draco was always such a difficult child. I blame his difficult father, obviously." Narcissa gave a little laugh, then her hand flew up to her head, something everyone missed. She had a headache again.

"Well, at least he isn't like that anymore, right, Hermione?" Luna asked, looking over Hermione's head and out of the window at birds flying by.

"Not usually, Luna."

"Close your eyes, Hermione. I have to work on them." Lavender said, holding a small vial of eye liner and a little liner brush.

"I don't understand why you can't just use magic to apply that stuff." Katie said, her voice still a little rough from all the screaming she'd done the other day when she and George had an argument. Her throat still hurt, but she could barely remember what they were fighting about.

"Because it looks better when applied the muggle way. I use magic to make sure nothing runs or smears, though." Lavender said, her eyes focused on the spot above Hermione's left eye lash.

There was silence after the small burst of conversation. The air was heavy with thoughts of relationships and love and what was important about both. The women in the room moved around slowly as the wedding was still a few hours away and the location was just a blink away.

"Why did I agree to come here, Harry?"

Ron stood a few feet away from the door which led to the room where Draco was waiting for the wedding to begin. Ron was surprised when Hermione invited Luna and himself again. She thought she would definitely only invite Luna, if either of them, but he knew she wouldn't not invite Luna just to spite him and if Luna was invited, he would be, too. Now, he wished Hermione wouldn't have invited either of them.

"I don't see what the problem is. You apologized. Malfoy hit you. I think you're both pretty even right now." Harry laughed.

"You can joke about this because you don't have to worry about your ex-girlfriend being taken advantage of by a slimy creep."

"The only real girlfriend I've had is Ginny and you know she wouldn't even think of going with Malfoy. Stop seeing it that way, anyway. You and Hermione didn't work out, you've both found someone you like/love, and you both have to live your own life, and if it applies, make your own mistakes."

"Do you think Hermione's making a mistake?" Ron said, looking down almost a complete foot at his friend who had never managed to pass him in height.

"No. Hermione's smart. You know she would never marry Malfoy if she had any doubts about him or his intentions. Just trust her. I do."

"You're right. Let's just get this over with."

Both friends walked into the room where Draco was and who had no idea of the little conversation that took place just beyond his ears.

The lawn was littered beautifully with decorated chairs and flowers. A long strip of black velvet had been laid down the aisle for the wedding party to walk upon when the wedding started. Both of Angelina and Fred's girls stood at the start of the aisle. They were dressed in little red dresses, with little red shoes, and little red bows, waiting to throw black roses from their little red baskets onto the aisle.

The wedding circle was made with a long slip of white silk. Small arrangements of flowers laid in the two places where the groom and bride would enter to take their vows. Guests were already spilling out of the manor house, heading to the numerous seats that practically surrounded the circle. The three groomsmen were already waiting just outside the circle, to be called to their places. The bridesmaids were heading to the location in carriages pulled by horses. It was decided that since they would be traveling to and through a muggle area, it wouldn't be the best idea to have Thestrals pull them.

Hermione sat in the second carriage that headed to the manor house. She kept thinking of how her life would change now. She wouldn't be heading to work every week day. She could wake up and go to sleep when she wanted. If Hermione wanted to not do any work the entire day, well, she could do it and not feel guilty. And best of all, Hermione would be Mrs. Draco Malfoy.

Once the bride stepped in the back door of the manor, the wedding ran ahead full steam. People from the wedding party rushed to give her hugs and kisses, then flew to find their places. Hermione only caught a small glimpse of the decorated lawn before being dragged off to get freshened up from her ride over. When that was finished, she was told to stand behind the last pair of bridesmaids and groomsmen behind the double doors. Hermione smiled when Ron and Harry looked back at her from their places.

Barely five minutes passed before beautiful, classical violin music filled the air. Suddenly, Hermione had the worst stomach ache she'd ever experienced. It almost made her bend over in pain, but she fought the waves off and stepped forward to the beat of the music. Just outside, Draco had experienced the same pain, in the same place. He shook it off as jitters and watched the line of people coming towards him.

Fred and Angelina's girls brightly walked, a little quickly, down the aisle. They reached into their little baskets and threw the flower petals along the walk way. Just behind them, the Matron of Honor, Ginny, and the Best Wizard, Blaise. Followed by Katie and George, Angelina and Fred, and lastly, Luna and Ron.

The line ended as each couple, made of one bridesmaid and a groomsman, separated and stood just around the circle. Then, the traditional wedding march started and Hermione knew the time had come to walk down the aisle. It had been decided that Mr. Weasley would walk Hermione down the aisle, as neither of her parents could be there. Arthur came up to Hermione, smiling brightly. As if it was his own child heading down the aisle. Tears started to form in her eyes, but she held them back. She took Arthur's arm and turned back towards the door. They walked out, slowly, to the beat of the music.

The crowd, who had since sat down, all turned and looked in awe at the pair coming down the aisle. Hermione smiled at the faces smiling back at her. She saw a few tears on a few faces and she couldn't help, but imagine her parents sitting in each row, smiling and crying, just looking proud of seeing their daughter make it to this day. Hermione always wondered if her parents really thought she'd ever get married, as she'd tell them she didn't have time to think about boys, or men after she'd gotten older, when there was so much to read and learn and discover.

The music came to a sudden swell as Hermione stopped on the other side of the circle, opposite of where Draco stood. Their eyes locked for a few seconds, but it felt like a lifetime. Neither could believe this was really and truly happening. They tore their eyes from each other once the current Mistress of Magic, Leda Swansong started speaking.

"We are gathered here today to witness the binding of two bodies, two spirits, two minds, two souls, but most important, two hearts. The young Hermione and Draco will now enter the circle and start the marriage ceremony. Take your places, please."

Draco and Hermione left their spots just outside the circle and walked almost to the very middle. They'd practiced two nights ago, but it didn't seem real then, as it did now. Both looked to the Mistress Leda for the next instructions.

"Who gives these two hearts over to the unity of marriage?" Leda asked.

Narcissa stood from her place and walked into the circle, touching Draco's arm. "I give my only son, Draco, away with love and hope for a long, happy marriage. I'm sure your father would, too."

Arthur also got up and stepped into the circle, touching Hermione's arm. "I give Hermione, who is like a daughter to me, away with love and hope for a long, happy marriage with the honor of passing blessing from her parents to their daughter."

Hermione and Draco touched both Narcissa and Arthur's hands before helping them out of the circle. Hermione and Draco returned to their places.

Leda nodded. "Thank you. I'm sure the absent parents are here in spirit. Now, Can I please have the Best Wizard and Matron of Honor come into the circle and bring the daggers with them?"

Blaise and Ginny received the beautiful, lace pillows that held two intricately decorated, silver daggers. Blaise stood just to the side of Draco and Ginny stood just to the side of Hermione. Ginny and Hermione shared a look just as Blaise and Draco did.

Leda continued. "The groom will make the first cut. Draco, please take the dagger from your Best Wizard and make the cut on Hermione's left palm."

Draco took the slightly heavy blade from Blaise and stepped towards Hermione. This was the part she dreaded. She wasn't really very fond of pain, as she imagined most people wouldn't be. She let Draco take her hand and their eyes met just before Draco took the dagger and pierced the skin, sliding the dagger downward, a steady beading of blood following. He moved the dagger away put it back on the pillow. Hermione had tried not to wince, but the cut had hurt … a lot.

Leda, seeing this was complete, started again. "Hermione, please take your dagger from your Matron of Honor and make the cut on Draco's left palm."

Hermione took the heavy blade from it's place on the pillow held by Ginny. Draco wasn't a fan of pain, but he knew everyone endured pain more than once in their lives. This was just another one of those times. He kept his eyes on Hermione's trembling face. He could tell she didn't want to do it and cause him pain, but the waiting was worse and he could take the pain if it meant he could spend his life with the witch he loved. He leaned in slightly and whispered, "I wish you would hurry up."

Hermione looked a bit startled, being talked to by him in the middle of the ceremony. She silently shushed him and went ahead with the cut. She penetrated the skin and pulled the blade down his palm, watching the red line form behind it. In a way, it was beautiful. Hermione pulled back and laid the knife back on the pillow. Ginny and Blaise stepped back outside the circle.

"Place your hands together and keep them connected." Leda told them.

Hermione and Draco stepped together, putting their bodies in perfect alignment to each other. They raised their left hands and slowly put them together. The dull pain that had been there, suddenly intensified as they put pressure on their hands. It was almost to make them pull apart, but the couldn't, as Leda was no speaking spells to bind them and their magic together and it would put a stop to the ceremony. Then, the last part of the ceremony began.

"Draco, ask your question."

"Hermione, do you willingly and lovingly join me in this circle?"

"Yes, I do."

"Hermione, your turn." Leda prompted again.

"Draco, do you willingly and lovingly invite me into this circle?"

"Yes, I do.

The circle started to form up around them. A white, sheer screen floated up to their thighs.

"Draco, what do you offer me in marriage and life?"

"I offer love, fidelity, respect, shelter, and protection. Do you accept these gifts?"

"I accept."

"Hermione, what do you offer me in marriage and life?"

"I offer love, fidelity, the continuation of your line, slight submission, and respect. Do you accept these gifts?" Hermione's eyes twinkled with laughter, though she did mean it.

"I guess I have to accept." Draco rolled his eyes.

The circle continued to form around and above them.

Leda stepped from behind the circle to address the crowd of people. "The couple has been bound in marriage, but the ceremony isn't complete until the circle breaks. Can I have the Matron of Honor and the Best Wizard step up to the circle with the daggers in hand? You will make the cut at the same time, ending the ceremony."

Blaise and Ginny stepped together just behind Leda and stabbed the circle. The circle fell away, revealing a feverishly kissing Draco and Hermione.

"I know pronounce them, Husband and Wife. Uh, he's already kissing the bride, so…" Leda started clapping and so did everyone else. Hermione pulled away from Draco and they came back to the wedding. Leda, Ginny and Blaise stepped out of the way, just in time for the newlyweds to run from the altar to the manor, hand in hand.

The wedding party and the guests floated back to the manor house and were shown into the reception area. The bride and groom were nowhere to be seen at the present time and people were told to take their seats to await the entrance of the newlyweds. Light music was playing amid the polite and excited chatter.

About five minutes later the lights brightened and the music came to a crescendo. The large, decorated doors swung open to reveal the bride and groom, holding hands, and waiting for their announcement.

Leda Swansong stood up from her place. "May I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Draco Malfoy!"

The reception hall erupted with cries of joy and congratulations. Hermione and Draco walked into the room, passing the table full of food and the table where they would be sitting, to stand in the middle of the room.

"Now, our newlyweds will share their first dance as husband and wife." Leda said, taking her seat once more.

The lights went down and floating candles drifted from the outskirts of the room into the air around Draco and Hermione. A new song started; an airy, romantic song, filled with violins and harps, pianos and light drums. Draco bowed to Hermione and then took her hand, leading her into a series of complicated steps and movements that they had practiced a few days before. Draco looked so confident, Hermione noticed, while inside, she kept wondering if she'd mess up. But she knew he'd had training in dancing since his early childhood, so it would make since that he would be more comfortable with the steps. She had mainly done typical and current muggle dances since she could remember, only dancing seriously during a school dance years ago.

The dance ended with a kiss from Draco on Hermione's cheek. The room seemed to share their joys and the occupants clapped until Draco and Hermione took their seats at the table. Food, then began being served. Delicious dishes of lobster, roasted chicken, baked ham, pastas, soups, and all manner of salads and vegetables. Everyone tucked in in happiness and vigor.

The day was going so well that it was a complete surprise and shock to everyone when the doors to the reception hall blew open. A slight, tall, blonde women stood in the doorway, looking out of breath and slightly angry. No, slightly angry is an understatement. She was boiling with rage. The women stepped through the doors and the door slammed shut behind her. No one seemed to know who she was, or did they?

"Draco Malfoy! I have to hear about this, this … wedding from my cousin. I thought you said you only loved me."

Hermione turned to Draco with amused, yet frightened eyes. "Draco, who is this and what is she talking about?"

"I'll tell you all about it, Mrs. Draco Malfoy, a title that should be mine." The witch walked up to the table where Draco and Hermione were sitting. "I am Daphne Bloodstone. The witch that wizard was supposed to marry. He told me he needed time and he'd come back after he explored some options. Well, here we are, years later and he's obviously found an option that worked better for him, I see."

Ron sat breathless for a moment at his table, then he gathered his composure. "See, Harry, I told you. I told you."

Harry couldn't believe this was happening. "Shut up, Ron. Let's see what's going on."

"How did you get in here, Daphne?" Draco said, finally coming out of his quiet shock.

"I said I was a late guest. It wasn't hard." Daphne sighed. "What's more important is that I can't understand why you would do this. I thought you loved me."

"I sent you an owl almost a year ago, telling you I was sorry, but I had moved on. Don't tell me you didn't get it."

Daphne's eyes shone with tears. "I did, but I thought you were just joking."

"I'm sorry to say I wasn't." Draco seemed calm and collected, as if this was an occurrence that happened every day. "You can stay for the rest of the reception, though. I believe we could make room."

"Make room!? MAKE ROOM?!" Daphne hit the table with her fists. "I should be the one sitting next to you. I should have the title of Mrs. Draco Malfoy. I should have never let you leave."

"I don't believe you had a choice in that matter. I left and there was nothing you could do. The love just … finished. No hard feeling, I would think. None on my part, anyway."

Hermione looked unbelieving. "Draco! Please, do something. You're humiliating her."

Draco looked at Hermione. "I'm humiliating her? She's the one who came bursting into our wedding, saying she should be my bride, with my bride sitting right here. She should see and accept that she isn't and go on with her life."

"Draco, I don't know what's going on, but you need to go talk with her."

Draco looked bothered, but noticed all the faces turned to them, on the witch and himself in particular. He wasn't one for huge scenes and this witch wouldn't make a mess of his wedding and his wife's big day. He excused himself and grabbed the with by the arm, disappearing into a room out side of the reception hall.

"What's the meaning of this?" Draco practically yelled once he'd cast a silencing charm on the room.

The witch in question pulled her arm from Draco's grip and gave a small smirk that eerily reminded Draco of his father. "I just came to claim what's mine."

"I was never yours and you know it. The relationship we did have wasn't very good and what would make you think I was joking in that owl? I made it perfectly clear that I'd found someone else and that you should, too."

"Well, I looked and I didn't find anyone. I decided I wanted Draco Malfoy and he is rightfully mine. I was your toy for a year, on and off, and I won't be discarded like a common piece of rubbish. I come from a good family, Draco."

Draco chuckled. "And what would your family say if they knew you were at my beck and call every single day? That you spread your legs for me or anyone else I asked you to. That you even let me fuck you in your parents' bed while your mother and father were visiting your sick grandmother. All you wanted was money and status and you know it. Why the fuck would I want to spend my life with someone who slept with me, but had a son and boyfriend sitting at home?"

"So, you used me?"

"So did you. You don't remember telling me that you only dated and had a son with your boyfriend was because you thought he had money? You were using me, waiting to see what you could get. Hermione, the witch I've made my wife, isn't like that. She loves me for me; not my money."

Daphne growled. "It's not my fault the bitch is stup-"

Daphne never had the chance to finish her sentence. Draco had taken out his wand and blown her back against the wall. She wasn't hurt, he knew, but it got her to shut up and listen to him, seriously.

"Daphne, I'm sorry you never found someone who fit your twisted ambitions of being famous and rich, but you will not disrespect my wife or me. I warn you to stay away from my wife and myself. If I ever see you around, you will find yourself in a lot of trouble, do you understand?"

Daphne nodded slightly, afraid to make a move. She grudgingly admitted to herself that Hermione Granger was a lucky witch indeed. She had a wizard with status, money, power, and a will to protect those he loved that scared her.

"Fine, Draco. I'll leave you alone. Just remember what you did to Daphne Bloodstone."

Daphne disapparated with a vengeful crack.

When Draco returned, there were whispers for a few moments, but then the reception went on as usual. Wedding gifts packed and the top layer of the cake saved, Draco and Hermione left for their honeymoon, amidst congratulations and tearful wishes.

A/N: A long time coming. If you read my page, you'll know what's going on, so I won't go into it here. I sort of pushed the last two chapters before the end together. The wedding and reception being separate, but decided against it. So, as you can tell the next chapter is the end and I'm actually sad about it. I thought I'd be happy and jumping all over the room. Well, I guess it's safe to tell you the sequel's title. Squares and Rectangles. I stayed with shapes, as you can see. Cubes, squares, rectangles. If there is ever a sequel to the sequel it may be called, Ovals and Circles. Maybe. I haven't thought that far into the future. And, yes, you will get the answer to the poisoning that took place, but in the sequel. Also, we will see more of Daphne Bloodstone and Vienna Lockwood. What? Don't tell me you forgot about them already.

Reviews are love, you know ... lol.

A Little Something:

Draco: Such sappy things weddings are.

Hermione: Weddings are happy, lovely occasions. What's your problem with them?

Draco: I didn't say I had a problem. They're just so … sweet.

Hermione: I believe weddings are supposed to be sweet.

Draco: Witches always think the wedding is so wonderful and such. It's not.

Hermione: Don't tell me. You think it's the honeymoon that's the best thing.

Draco smirks

Draco: You'd think that, but I was going to say the dressing up and the party afterwards. All that good food. Uh, to die for. Standing there for what seems like hours isn't the best part at all. But I can see you have a dirty mind.

Hermione: You're rubbing off on me.

Draco: What? I am not. Besides, I'd rather poke you then rub off on you.

Hermione: Ugh. You are so disgusting.

Draco: Hey, you started it.

Author: Just let it go, Draco.

Draco: I would, but I'm not ready. That dirty talk wasn't enough for me.

Author: You are disgusting.

Author smirks

Author: You'd better be glad I like that.