The gloomy winter and the appalling mood of the day chained Hermione to her dismay and shattered dreams. Her perception of simple and happy matrimony with her childhood sweetheart had twisted into a wish - a wish she could never reach the moment she tied the knot with Draco. Her dream of a warm summer wedding on a beautiful white sand beach in the middle of July will never happen and will remain in the jar of wishes she had to bury.
Hermione, together with her escorts, were the last to arrive at a Cathedral in Salisbury, Wiltshire England. She travelled with Lucius in a carriage flown by four Abraxan horses. They were silent the whole journey. Lucius was staring out the Abraxan horses, guiding them o which direction to go while Hermione stared out of her window, silently observing the muggles on the busy streets, clueless of what cruelty hides behind the disillusionment charm.
As they said, the wedding was very well planned. Disillusion charms and other protective charms were cast by tasked Death Eaters to keep the wedding venue enclosed to muggle view. The war had been won, which meant privileged access to places, even muggle properties, especially under the Dark Lord's name. Lucius, being the Minister for magic, was provided with almost the same privileges. The wedding was supposed to take place at Hogwarts, and for some reason, the venue changed last minute.
Protection for the Minister's family was taken seriously, and by seriously, it meant the disillusionment charm used on their carriages, brooms, and the venue. Several Death Eaters were assigned to protect and guard the family - including Hermione. Bellatrix and her husband were in a different carriage behind Lucius and Hermione's carriage, while Blaise and Theo used a different carriage in front of them - ordered to accompany the bride and the Minister for magic as protective escorts.
As they passed through a cloud, Hermione spotted the tallest tower of the cathedral. She bit her lower lip and played with the fabric of her wedding dress as they descended on the ground. The view went clearer as they lowered down. Death Eaters were guarding the cathedral, several carriages were parked on the front lawn, and the snowdrop was graceful and gentle.
Hermione waited for Blaise and Theo to hop off their carriage to escort her out of hers as Narcissa exactly instructed. The two men marched towards her carriage door, wearing black suits, and wands at the ready. Upon the snap of Lucius' fingers, her carriage door clicked unlocked.
Blaise opened the door for her. Her heart beat beyond usual, and her breathing sank deep that she scarcely reached them. It felt like she was at the bottom of a well, drowning and robbed of air. Her hands grew cold, and her cheeks flushed red due to the cold. She never thought a wedding could make her feel like that.
So, this is how it feels like to get married...
getting wedded to Malfoy.
Hermione wondered if it felt the same for Narcissa when she married Lucius.
A warm wave of sensation travelled her body - soothing the chills on her skin. She raised her head and saw Theo smiling thinly with his wand aimed at her, casting a warming charm on her.
"Let's go?" Theo invited, motioning for her to step out.
Hermione stepped out of her carriage with the assistance of Theo. Her gown was heavy, and her heels were far from her comfort, especially on a slippery walkway. Her travel seemed more prolonged than expected, as the distance from the walkway towards the cathedral felt endless. Every step she took was heavy. Her heart was still chained to Ron, and every step towards Malfoy at the end of the aisle was torture.
The presence of magic was strong around her. The warming charm, the disillusionment charm - and Blaise casting a thawing charm on the thin ice on the walkway.
As she placed a foot on the cobblestone doorstep of the cathedral, Lucius stood beside her with a face drained of emotions. Without a word, he offered his arm for her to hold. For a moment there, she stared at his arm. A memory of her late parents' faces flickered in her mind. She blinked tears and closed her eyes as she held Lucius' arm. Good thing her veil was thick enough to hide her tear-stained face.
Hermione forcibly composed herself as the orchestra began to play the traditional wedding march.
The Dark Lord was the first to march as the officiant, announcing the ceremony to commence. Draco walked after the Dark Lord, escorted by his mother. Theodore walked after Draco as the best man, followed by Blaise and Gregory. Pansy as the maid of honour, walked the aisle, followed by Daphne and Astoria. Nott Sr. with his wife, followed as the matron of honour with them was Goyle Sr., Bellatrix Lestrange and her husband, Alecto Carrow, Mulciber Sr., Pucey Sr., and Dolores Umbridge.
It was an odd set of Matrons of Honours for matrimony between a muggle-born and a pureblood yet again, it was probably the Dark Lord's bidding that drove them to agree to be a part of the wedding. The wedding did not have a complete entourage line-up, making the aisle immediately available for the bride.
The music paused, and the enormous main door of the cathedral opened slowly, welcoming the bride. Hermione was instructed to wait for the music to resume before entering. The door opened wide, exposing her and her escort to the witnesses of her wedding. The interior of the cathedral looked like the winter in fairytales. It was sparkly and elegant - too elegant. White butterflies and glimmering snowflakes were conjured on the ceiling, announcing the arrival of the bride.
Her heart seemed to skip a beat when Canon in D filled the room with graceful and peaceful music, echoing from one wall to another - like she was in a life-sized music box. Death Eaters in white uniforms of her age lined up along the side of the aisle, holding their wands to their chest, standing straight, and their chins held high, welcoming and honouring the bride.
Lucius waited for her to walk, and when she did, he followed with his head held high, jaws clenched tight, and his face serious as ever. Hermione could see the important guests of the wedding through her veil.
She could faintly see the abhorrence painted on their faces. Those unhappy faces seem to add to the weight of her heart. No one's happy about the wedding - not her and definitely not Malfoy. Her head was full of wonders as she walked down the aisle. She wondered, what if it was her parents that walked down the aisle and not Lucius? What if her Maid of Honour was Ginny? And Ron's Best Man was Harry? What if all she could see was the happy and proud faces of her guests? What if it wasn't Malfoy at all?
There were too many voices in her head, whispering her wonders and questions.
She stood on the edge of her breakdown, and as time passed by quickly it was getting a bit challenging to contain those sobs imprisoned inside her. She could not stop it. It was hard as loads of emotions wanted to burst out of her.
It was a long march, and finally, they stopped. In front of her was him, Malfoy. Not Ron, but Malfoy. Lucius let go of her arm, passing her hand to Draco. A cold hand held hers, guiding her to the centre aisle. She could feel Narcissa's sharp glares at her - the hateful looks of the witnesses as well that seemed to send sharp knives to her back.
A cold and dismal sentiment sprinted up her spine as Draco guided her towards the Dark Lord. The snake-like figure of the Dark Lord stood in front of her - high, proud, and tall. Darkness danced around him like a shadow, living to haunt her.
The Dark Lord grinned - smiling victoriously at the young lady whom he played with the strings of his power. Who knew a wizard incapable of love and affection would gladly wed two people. Two people with no love at all. No affection. Not even the slightest bit of affection.
Her fingers dug into Draco's sleeve, channelling her crippling anxiety to the expensive fabric.
Hermione's downhearted and tense facial expression consoled down. The emotions in her eyes washed out, and the heavy feeling in her chest lightened, allowing her proper access to air. Her wild and intrusive thoughts blacked out, placed in the far back of her mind. Her trembling fingers soothed down, and her hand wrapped gently around his arm. She stood there casually, not crying, not sad at all - only casual, numb, and blank.
Draco's hand let go of hers the moment her shoulder dropped and relaxed. He fixed his posture - his face as serious as ever like he was about to listen to instructions of a suicide mission. Like a soldier going to battle.
"Friends and family..." The Dark Lord's snake-like voice spoke. "We gather here today to witness the union of two extraordinary witch and wizard. This alliance will represent the payment for my... consideration for the mudblood's wishes to keep the Undesirables... alive."
The cathedral thundered with slurs and undesirable reactions from the witnesses - especially the Death Eaters. Mumbles and dirty looks on her back, thoroughly judging the whole situation, digging for the part where it will all make sense. Confusion tinted their faces. Though echoes of mumbled questions and confusion filled the cathedral yet, no one dared to ask stand to oppose.
"Bands?" The Dark Lord asked, extending his arm to his left where Theo stood, holding the wedding bands.
"My Lord," Theo greeted, bowing his head as he passed the rings to the pale snake-like hand of the officiant.
The wedding bands vibrated in a second as they landed on the Dark Lord's open palm. He snatched his wand and pointed at the gold bands hovering an inch above his palm. A strong spark of gold emitted at the end of the wand turning the gold rings into black rings engraved with gold ancient symbols.
Draco stepped forward to get the other wedding band. He faced his bride, holding the ring in his hand. Its magic was too strong that he could feel it calling for his mark - the magic in his blood rushing in his veins upon the touch of the black ring.
"With this ring, I promise to be with you for the rest of my life, Hermione Jean Granger - I give my word to be the guard of your protection. This ring will be the symbol of my trust in you. Let me be your emotional well in your drought, as I let you be mine..."
A deafening silence took over as Draco took her hand. The ring gripped tightly on her ring finger. The magic in her body hummed as the ring settled its magic on her. It felt different. A different taste of magic in her. It was dark and strong, unlike the magic she used to sense in her system.
It was Hermione's turn to say her vows and put the ring on his finger. She fidgeted with the ring on her fingers. The magic seemed to burn her skin as she held it.
"I - uhm," she was unknowing of what to say. "With this ring, I promise to be with you for the rest of my life. This ring will stand as the symbol of my trust and loyalty to you. With this ring, I promise to be - to be... uhm - be by your side in sickness and health," Hermione cleared her throat as she finished her vows, and the room sank into awkward silence.
"By the power vested in me. I, now pronounce you husband and wife..." The Dark Lord declared with a consistent grin on his face. "You may now kiss your bride," he added as he waved his wand, causing their rings to tighten around the couple's fingers.
Only Theo clapped, and then Blaise followed before the others gave a round of applause and fraud cheer to the newlyweds.
Draco slowly lifted her veil, revealing the emotionless eyes and blank expression on her face - like a controlled puppet. Their faces mirrored each other's emotions. Not a single flash of gladness was shown on their faces.
Hermione felt Draco's hands hold hers as he stepped closer, his eyes diving deep into hers. Hermione stood there in front of him, waiting for him to initiate the kiss, as she knew she would not initiate nor even try to meet him with the kiss. She felt his thumb gently caress her chin to steal her attention. He lifted her face to meet his sight, adjusting her face to an angle perfect for a kiss. She gripped her bouquet tightly as she closed her eyes, waiting for his lips to seal hers - it wasn't a long wait when his soft and warm lips touched hers. The enchanted orchestra blasted the cathedral with music as the guests clapped unhappily.
****
"Miss?" Kristell called from the outside of Hermione's bedroom.
"Yes?" Hermione replied whilst staring at her reflection in the mirror.
"The guests are looking for you. Do you need any help? Can I come in?"
"Sure," Hermione replied flatly.
"Young Master Draco's waiting for you, and so as the guests. Mistress Narcissa sent me here to get you," said Kristell as she helped Hermione change into her reception dress. It was a white long sleeve mermaid maxi dress.
"Oh, do you want me to call Amanda and Sharon to help you with your hair?"
"No, it's fine. I can manage," Hermione replied and smiled as she let her hair down, brushing her curls with her fingers.
"Which shoes do you prefer to wear Miss?" Kristell asked as she wandered her sight through the several boxes of shoes laid on Hermione's bed.
"The white one, the one with the three inches heels. The one I wore earlier was torture," Hermione chuckled as she tucked one loose curl behind her ear.
Hermione stared at herself once in the mirror.
Hermione Jean Granger-Malfoy...
Life will be way more different than what it already was. The last name she carries will make life way more interesting to live.
She bit her lower lip, holding back her tears.
For the Order, and Ron's chance to have a new beginning, she will do her best to live this new life.
She played with her wedding band, feeling its magic vibrating on her finger.
Hermione left her bedroom with a firm decision to accept her fate, with no withdrawal and no regrets. Despite the heavy anchor in her chest, she managed to gracefully walk down the steps with her head held up high. Theodore was right, if Draco wins, she wins too. If she obeys, privilege will follow. In a world like the one she currently lives in, power is vital for her survival, and her last name screams power.
The great hall of the Manor was pretty busy, the guests went on with the event without her. The space was a bit crowded by guests but finding her husband was easy all she ever had to do was spot his pushed-back platinum blonde hair.
"What took you so long?" Narcissa asked the sooner Hermione landed her step on the great hall.
"I-"
"It doesn't matter, never mind. Let's go, some guests wanted to meet you," said Narcissa as she dragged Hermione by the wrist, smiling at every guest they meet as they glided through the great hall.
"Don't slouch," Narcissa reminded.
Hermione clenched her jaw and fixed her posture as her mother-in-law dragged her to meet some people.
"Who are they?" Hermione whispered.
"They're my old friends back at Hogwarts, watch your mouth and don't embarrass me. Understood?" Narcissa instructed, still dragging Hermione towards her friends.
"There she is," Bellatrix announced when she saw Hermione coming their way.
"Oh, now here's the bride. Congratulations on your wedding" greeted a woman with short blonde hair, fair skin, and eyes as black as the night sky.
"Thank you," Hermione replied, smiling and shaking the woman's hand.
"Everyone, this Hermione. Hermione, they are my friends. Amaryllis Parkinson, Pansy's mother. Christina Nott, Theo's mother. Vittoria Zabini, Blaise's mother, and Adorabella Greengrass, Daphne and Astoria's mother. She designed your shoes," Narcissa introduced.
"I love all the shoes Mrs Greengrass, they're great," Hermione replied softly, smiling like a happy bride.
"Of course, you would love the shoes. Not everyone gets to wear my shoes. Aren't you a lucky girl, hmm?" Said Mrs Greengrass, the attempt of insult was thick on her tone as she raked her eyes at Hermione.
"I guess you could say that," Hermione replied, finishing her sentence with the most unnatural laugh she could ever put up.
"Nice to meet you, dear. So, you're Hermione? You're much prettier in person!" Mrs Zabini exclaimed and threw herself at Hermione for a quick hug.
Hermione saw Narcissa and the rest of her friends, raised their brows and took a sip of their wines, they seem to dislike Vittoria Zabini's presence.
"Congratulations on the wedding, I bet you and Draco would have such delightful babies in the future!" Mrs Zabini exclaimed and giggled.
"Well - uhm," Hermione muttered.
"We haven't planned about that yet, right Granger?" Draco interfered, placing his hand on the arch of her waist while the other held a glass with firewhisky.
"It would be a shame not to have an heir born from a such fine young man and a... and a bright witch," Mrs Greengrass replied holding back a cackle, causing Hermione's blood to boil.
"Well, Miss Granger's incredibly smart and clever. Draco's a powerful wizard, and their future offspring would be great. Imagine a little Draco running around the Manor - or it could be a lady Malfoy heir. Who knows?" Told Mrs Zabini.
"Are you ready to be a grand mummy Cissy?" Bellatrix asked and cackled, unconsciously hitting Theodore's mother, standing beside her.
"We'll know. They have all the time in the world to decide about that," Narcissa replied gracefully.
"How else would the Malfoy bloodline flourish if they won't have an heir?" Adorabella Greengrass added.
"That's not for us to worry Adora," said Amaryllis Parkinson.
"A woman's sole purpose, especially when marrying a sophisticated young man, is to produce an heir so that the bloodline could thrive. Am I right, Bella?" Adorabella faced Bellatrix.
The tension growing in the middle of the pureblooded women's circle seemed to burn the ambience of the surroundings. Bellatrix's smile dropped, and her eyes began to shut down the playful emotions on her face, the moment she processed what Adorabella had just stated. Hermione saw how Narcissa's eyes alerted the moment she heard those words as well. Bellatrix has always been sensitive when it comes to words about her having an heir.
Draco's hand squeezed her waist gently as he simply dragged her with him away from his mother's circle of friends.
"Mother, I've been looking everywhere for you," said Astoria as she arrived and kissed her mother on the cheeks.
"You know what, Adora? The moment I learned Draco and your daughter's wedding got cancelled, I almost lost my voice cheering all night. The job's done for me, I don't have to put effort to separate them. Even the Dark Lord knew your daughter would drag our Draco down. Imagine, he chose a mudblood to marry Draco instead of your daughter," Bellatrix spat with pure insult.
"What?" Hermione asked as she managed to hear Bellatrix's remarks.
"Granger, let's go. There are other guests to greet," Draco whispered, desperate to get them out of there.
"Oh, yes. Draco was supposed to marry this bitch's daughter, but the Dark Lord considered you more than her."
"Bella, that's enough," Narcissa said, before hauling her sister out of the circle.
Bellatrix's laugh echoed throughout the great hall as the surroundings dropped into awkward silence.
"Is it true?" Amaryllis Parkinson asked in disbelief while Vittoria bit her lips, suppressing her laugh.
"Let's go, Tory," said Adora and yanked her daughter out of the Malfoy Manor.
Draco sighed in frustration while Hermione stood beside him, processing the new information she had learned recently.
"Oh, don't you bother yourselves with that. Enjoy your night, congratulations, by the way," said Vittoria and tapped Draco's shoulder before leaving to find her son in the crowd. The ladies left as well, leaving Hermione and Draco standing in the corner as the party resumed as if nothing had happened.
"Is it true?" Hermione asked as she leaned against the wall, searching for emotion on his face.
She waited for an answer and observed him silently, while he drank his firewhisky straight.
"Excuse me," said Draco and left.