A/N-I apologize for the length of time it has taken me to get this out. I have been having major personal problems, and haven't been very creative. I hope this chapter is decent, and I am working on the next, (better!) one now…Thanks for reading.
Ginny took several deep breaths, but she just couldn't shake the nervous, jittery feelings she was having. Her wedding was tomorrow, she couldn't believe it! Where had the time gone? She had been over and over the list she had made, trying to make sure she hadn't forgotten anything, but she was still sure something would go wrong. She calmed herself with the thought that she did have one advantage over other brides; she could use magic to fix most problems, as long as none of her Muggle friends were around…
Ginny had left work early that Friday afternoon, after saying goodbye to Maggie and Sarah Hayes, Maggie's personal assistant, and Ginny's close friend, who would be over for a bridal tea later that evening. Ginny had asked Draco to stay at the Burrow with the rest of the Weasley men so he wouldn't see her before the wedding, and in turn, all the Weasley women would stay at Malfoy manor. Draco reluctantly agreed, he wasn't looking forward to it, but it was one night, and he wanted to make her happy, so he determined to it.
When Ginny apparated to the manor, she found Mrs. Linton ready to take Baby to Kirk for the weekend. Ginny felt guilty, but knew that she would be in good hands. Originally, she wanted Baby in the wedding party, she had even found a cute, fluffy white dress, but Draco just stared at her as she showed him the tiny dress.
"Ginny," he said, in the tone he used to get Baby to stop begging at the side of the bed.
Ginny finally agreed that it was best that Baby not be at the Manor, she would be in the way, there would be too many people around, and it was for her own safety. Baby would be coming home while Ginny and Draco were off for a two week honeymoon in France; Draco's family had a chateau, that Mrs. Linton called a palace.
Ginny said a tearful goodbye to Baby and went to the window to check out the progress being made outside. The chairs, tables, and tents were being delivered, and set up, and she was able to mark that off her list. "Deep breaths," she reminded herself. She still had twenty four hours.
Ginny was chewing on her pen and tapping her foot as she looked over her list, when she felt Draco put his arms around her waist. "You look worried, love. Everything will be perfect, like you."
Draco began kissing the back of her neck, and just under her ear. Ginny leaned her head back, letting her list fall to the floor. She sighed, the feel of his warm breath sending shivers through her, helping her to relax her body.
"Oh Draco, I love you, you always know what I need."
Draco pulled her closer against him, and ran his hand under her shirt, feeling her warm skin…His
fingers brushed the silk of her bra when someone cleared their throat. They broke apart, and turned to see Mrs. Weasley standing in the hall, holding her overnight bag, and a big velvet bag with Monique Lhuillier written on it.
"Mum," Ginny smiled, walking forward to help her.
"Is that the dress?" Draco asked, trying to sound innocent and change the subject.
Ginny grabbed the huge white bag that concealed her dress, hugging it to herself. "Yes, and you can't see it yet."
Draco smiled, and went to kiss Mrs. Weasley's cheek. "Sorry about that…Mum." Draco felt awkward calling her mum, but she had insisted, he had called his own mum, 'mother.'
Draco was walking down the hall to grab his own bag and head to the Burrow when Ginny called to him,
"Draco, did you remember to speak to the port traits? About not speaking with the Muggles?"
Draco made a face before turning around. "Actually, I was going to do that on my way out. I don't want them to forget…Stubborn Malfoy's you know," he winked.
Ginny raised a brow, and picked up her list from the floor. "Just don't forget, please. The last thing we want is the Ministry involved, modifying memories." Ginny shivered, thinking about a new worry, when Draco took her into his arms.
"Don't worry. It will work out."
"Save some for the wedding night, dears!" Molly said, wedging herself between them, and handing Draco his overnight bag. There would be no more funny business until they were married.
Draco took the hint, and kissed Ginny goodbye, whispering, "This is the last sleep as Ginny Weasley you know, tomorrow you are mine, forever, Mrs. Malfoy." Draco gave Molly a kiss on the cheek and gave Ginny a last glance before apparating away.
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Once Draco had left, Molly began preparing for Ginny's bridal tea. The ladies were going to arrive six-ish, so she supposed she couldn't exactly call it tea, but it was a dinner/Bachelorette party. Maggie thought differently, and had planned on hiring a stripper for a wild night, but after having gone to dinner at Malfoy manor, had changed her mind. The old manor would probably never recover from one of Maggie's parties, so she and Molly, and all of Ginny's bridesmaids were going to have a subdued party.
As Ginny made her way down her list, checking on the flowers, and the cake, Molly kept herself busy, getting the sitting room that led out into the garden organized for the party. She headed upstairs to check on her grandchildren, who were playing happily in Draco's old nursery, supervised by Mrs. Linton.
Ginny and Molly chatting in the garden when Maggie arrived with Sarah, horn blaring as she pulled up. She had a lot of brown paper bags, besides all her luggage. Sarah's face was as red as fire, and Ginny immediately became suspicious of the brown bags.
Maggie put a bag down and patted Ginny's cheek. "Don't you worry your little red-head about what's in here." Maggie began walking toward the doors. Sarah cast a sympathetic glance at Ginny and followed Maggie inside.
Ginny took a deep breath. She wasn't going to let this faze her; she was going to enjoy herself. Over the course of the next hour, all of her bridesmaids, a.k.a. her sisters in law and Hermione apparated to the manor. Maggie had already had a few cocktails and didn't ask how they just appeared, but Sarah did.
"We all got a ride in Bill's big van." Hermione supplied. She didn't think Sarah believed her, but she just smiled until Sarah turned away.
Maggie swirled the cherry stem in her glass and looked over the fare on the elegant table, shaking her head. This wouldn't do! There was a fruit and cheese plate, and some type of Mediterranean antipasto, prosciutto pinwheels, and apricot baked brie with almonds encroute. Maggie stopped looking at the other dishes and focused on the bright pink liquid in the punch bowl. She knew how to really get this little party started.
Maggie reached for her flask, but shaking it, found it to be empty. She headed down the marbled hall to the kitchens and went through the cupboards. Nothing. Maggie continued to snoop, and finally found what she was looking for in what must be Draco's office. There was a sidebar next to a very large, heavy looking antique desk. She grabbed the first bottle and read the label.
"Ogden's Old Firewhiskey?" Maggie had never heard of that brand, and she had tried it all. She removed the cork and took a whiff.
"Woo!"
Maggie shook her head and pinched her nose, positive that her nose hairs had just been singed off. She looked at the label again, and noticed the fire breathing dragon. "Well, what the hell." She took a big swig, and stomped her foot as the liquid burned a path down her throat. Maggie kept stomping her foot and smacking her thigh with her free hand until the whiskey made it's way to her stomach, then she felt a warm sensation through her entire body.
Maggie re-corked the bottle and headed back to the party. She smiled at Alicia and Charlie's wife Rachelle, who were getting plates from the buffet. Maggie poured the whole bottle of Firewhiskey into the pink punch that was sitting in a large silver bowl. "Pass it on, ladies!" she grinned.
Rachelle nodded and grabbed a bottle of milk. She was three months pregnant, and knew that Alicia was expecting too, and would want to avoid that punch now. There was enough booze in there to knock out a mountain troll.
Ginny was oblivious as she sat in a high backed chair, in the middle of a circle of all of her closet friends. She was the only one not eating or drinking, she was too nervous to eat, and she was wondering how Draco was fairing with her brothers…
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Draco was sitting on the sofa, in between Ron and Harry. His future brothers in law and father in law were scattered about the living room. The only noise that could be heard was Mrs. Weasley's knitting needles, feverishly knitting a blue blanket for Ron's new son, and the occasional whisper from Fred and George.
Draco wanted to flee very badly. This was horrible.
Bill cleared his throat, and all eyes turned to him. "Just had a tickle in my throat," he said, sorry that he had all the attention at the moment.
Fred and George got up and walked to the door. They were not going to allow Draco to enjoy the company of a stripper, though they had met a knock-out named Candy, who stripped for a living, while walking Baby in the park near Harry's. No, no strippers, but they weren't ones to sit and let the grass grow under their feet either. Since they were all stuck at the Burrow for an evening, they might as well make the most of it.
"Quidditch, anyone?" they asked in unison.
They moved out of the way as every man in the house headed for the door, saying what a great idea that was.
Once they reached the orchard and started to divide into teams, they realized they didn't have even numbered teams. They tried to coerce Percy to play, as Arthur agreed to referee, but Percy turned up his nose, and took a seat under an apple tree to get some work done. Draco asked if anyone minded if he flooed a few friends to join them, and soon it was a Gryffindor vs. Slytherin game. Theodore Nott, Draco's best man showed up with several of his friends. Theodore was something of a loner, but he and Draco had spent a lot of time together growing up as their fathers were both Death Eaters.
Harry and Ron recognized several of the men Theodore brought with him as Slytherin's, though they had never played on the team at school. The two teams huddled on opposite ends of the 'field' planning their strategies.
"Why bother with a plan?" Ron asked, looking over at the Slytherin team. "They probably never played quidditch before; this should be a quick game."
Ron was wrong. Theodore, Draco, Adrian, Paul, Gavin, and Donovan gave them a run for their galleons. Arthur finally called the game a tie, as the sun went down, and a bloodied Harry and Draco continued to slam into each other, neither overly anxious to catch the snitch.
Harry and Draco cleaned up back at the Burrow, and Arthur invited the Slytherin's to stay for the dinner Molly had prepared. Draco was grateful they accepted, and the evening went much faster surrounded by people who actually liked him. They ended up playing cards into the night, and even Ron's snarky comments didn't bother Draco. The clock struck midnight, and Draco smiled. He was that much closer to being married to Ginny. He wondered what she was up to.
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It wasn't until ten o'clock that Ginny got to open her gifts. Her nephews and nieces were finally asleep, and their mothers felt it was safe for Ginny to open gifts, once a silencing charm had been put on the nursery. It was a good thing. The woman screamed and yelled as Ginny opened one racy gift after another. Hermione bought Ginny tiny knickers that had 'Property of Draco Malfoy' printed on them. Ginny blushed, and Molly laughed and accepted more spiked punch. The brown bags Maggie brought contained such naughty items that Ginny refused to pull them out and show them.
Molly screamed and laughed the loudest as each gift was opened, and Ginny finally asked if she was alright. Molly and Maggie put their heads together and laughed louder. Ginny was informed by Fleur that they were the only two drinking the spiked punch. Ginny had never seen her mother drunk, and didn't think Molly had even known what she was doing. Ginny was grateful however that perhaps her mum wouldn't remember some of the embarrassing gifts she had received.
By the time Ginny had opened every present, the ladies were all yawning. It was almost midnight as everyone made there way to their rooms for the night. Ginny shook her head as she checked in on her mum and Maggie, sleeping on top of the covers in their clothes, snoring loudly.
She headed up the last few steps to the bedroom that she shared with Draco. When she changed and climbed into bed, she was exhausted, but couldn't sleep. She was nervous, and excited, and she missed Draco. She couldn't get warm, and she couldn't get comfortable. She usually slept in the circle of Draco's arms, and lying in the large bed alone made her realize how much she needed him. She said his name before she began to cry into his pillow.
At the Burrow, Draco tossed and turned on Ginny's old bed. He was grateful that he could feel her presence in her room, but it wasn't nearly as good as the real thing. He couldn't wait for tomorrow.
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The next morning arrived, sunny and mild, but absolutely beautiful. There wasn't a cloud in sight. The men hung around the Burrow, gathering their clothes and shoes and preparing to apparate to Malfoy Manor. Draco made Ginny's bed, (the first bed he'd ever made) and was just placing her pillows against the headboard when Arthur knocked and told him that brunch was downstairs, and they would leave after.
"Mr. Weasley…"
Arthur turned around, and Draco was unsure of what to say. He wanted to thank him, to tell him how much he loved his daughter, but he couldn't find the words. Arthur seemed to understand, and nodded as he headed downstairs.
Draco ate in silence as everyone chatted around him. Bill tried to engage him in conversation, but Draco wasn't paying any attention. He wanted to get to the manor, he wanted to be near Ginny, to get married and start his new life.
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Ginny managed to get maybe an hours sleep, but she had tons of energy as she headed downstairs to begin the day. She had so much to do, and while she sipped her tea, she noticed everyone was present but her mother. Ginny turned to Hermione and asked where her mum was.
"Not so loud," Molly responded from the doorway. She shuffled in, wearing Maggie's oversized sunglasses. Ginny started to panic. She needed her mum, today of all days! Hermione pushed away from the table and patted Ginny's shoulder.
"Don't worry, a little pick me up potion, and she'll be right as rain." Hermione headed off to Draco's library, Molly swaying behind her.
Ginny went to the garden, and looked out at the huge white tent that would hold her reception. There were hundreds of chairs in front of the outdoor altar, and a trail of white roses was being spread all along the grass, forming a path from the garden behind the tent where her father would walk her down the aisle. These were the last moments of peace Ginny had. She got to work double and triple checking on flowers and food, and guest lists when a refreshed Molly tapped her on the shoulder and told her it was time to change and get her make-up done.
Ginny went upstairs to her bedroom and showered, then sat and let herself be pampered as her hair and make-up were done for her. She was getting anxious, glancing at the mantle clock. It was five-thirty, and everyone was dressed except her. All she had to do was put on her gown and veil, so she stayed in her robe and went to the window. There were guests all over the lawn, milling about, and the candles were being lit as the sun was beginning to set.
Ginny took a deep breath. Not much longer to wait. She knew the moment Draco had arrived home, she was tempted to run to him, to tell him how much she loved him, but she didn't want to jinx anything…Just in case the old wives tales were true. She stepped behind a dressing screen, and tried not to cry as her mum helped her into her dress, and told her how happy and proud she was.
Ginny stepped out from behind the screen, and heard the sighs of the women in her life. Hermione smiled and told her she was the most beautiful bride she had ever seen. Fleur would have normally taken offence, but even she agreed that Ginny looked breath taking.
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Draco stood with his best man Theodore, impatiently waiting for Ginny to appear. The crowd was seated as the music began, and the bridal party made its way down the aisle. First came Percy and Penelope, Harry and Sarah, Ron and Luna, Fred and Angelina, George and Alicia, Charlie and Rachelle, Bill and Fleur, then Hermione, Ginny's maid of honor, and Maggie, her matron of honor. Her nephew Phillip waved at the large crowd as he balanced the rings on a white pillow, and Ron's daughter Sally tossed red rose petals on top of the white. The crowd rose as "Here comes the bride" began, and turned to see Ginny and Arthur, arm in arm walk down the rose covered aisle. The sun was setting, and making Ginny shine like an angel in her long white gown.
Ginny smiled as she spotted Draco. He looked absolutely dashing in his black tux. He wore a red rose on his lapel, the exact shade of her bridesmaid's dresses. "This is it," Ginny sighed.
Arthur smiled at his daughter, and held her arm tighter. He was losing his baby. The minute he put her hand in Draco's, she wouldn't be his little girl anymore. Ginny noticed her father tremble and pull her tighter and smiled at him.
"Daddy, you were the first man I gave my heart to." Ginny kissed her fathers cheek as he closed his eyes to keep the tears at bay.
Arthur smiled, and kissed his daughters cheek. He was ready now.
Draco swallowed hard as he saw Ginny step through the double doors, on her fathers arm. She looked amazing. She smiled as she made her way to him, and Draco couldn't help but walk to meet her.
"You're supposed to wait for me to come to you," Ginny whispered.
"I've waited all my life…I don't want to wait another moment." Draco extended his hand to her and hugged her to him as he shook Arthur's hand. He looked him in the eye as he said, "I want you to know, Mr. Weasley that I understand the treasure that you are entrusting to me…" Draco turned to Ginny, "And I promise to cherish, love and protect her forever."
Arthur nodded solemnly, and kissed Ginny's cheek again. Molly was openly sobbing, and leaned her head on her husbands shoulder when he sat beside her. Draco and Ginny walked the rest of the way together, to stand at the altar.
"You are the most amazing thing I've ever seen," Draco whispered.
Ginny smiled as she looked at the patiently waiting wizard who would marry them. "I wore my hair down because I know you like it."
"I do," Draco answered.
"We aren't at the 'I do' part yet, son," the officiating wizard smiled.
Draco grinned, still staring at Ginny, as they turned to face each other, and vowed to join their lives together, for always.
When asked if he would take Ginny for his wife, Draco responded, "I do…And I couldn't ask for more."
Ginny was already weepy, and let the tears fall as they looked into each others eyes. Draco wiped the tears away as the woman around them sighed.
When Draco was finally told he could kiss his bride, he gently pulled Ginny's face close to his own, "I love you Ginny, today, tomorrow and for always."
The crowd was on its feet as the couple sealed their union with a kiss, and was announced to the gathering as Mr. And Mrs. Draco Malfoy.
Ginny and Draco led the crowd into the gigantic white tent, as Draco received handshakes and wishes of congratulations. He held Ginny close, even as she was hugged by her friends and family. The tent was beautifully decorated with red and white roses, and ivy winding around the room. Fat white candles burned on every table, as well as tiny rose topiaries.
They made their way to the wedding table, set on a small platform. Draco pulled out Ginny's chair and they seemed to be the only two in the world as they tried to share a dinner, but couldn't seem to take each other's eyes off the other long enough to eat.
The spell was finally broken when Theodore stood up and raised his glass, saying, "Attention, attention, if you please." The loud celebrants began to quiet down as they turned to the main table "Can you hear me at the back?" Theodore asked as the small orchestra quieted.
When he was satisfied that all eyes were on him, he turned to raise his glass to Draco and Ginny, who were cuddled together. "When Draco asked me to be his best man, I reluctantly agreed. He was taking off the market, the most beautiful woman in England." Ginny blushed as Draco hugged her tighter, and she heard whistles and claps.
"Honestly…I could see that Ginny, you have made my friend happier than I have ever seen him, and I am honored to stand before you both, and wish you all the luck, love and good fortune that the world has to offer…To Draco and Ginny!"
He raised his glass, as the gathering did the same, shouting, "To Draco and Ginny!"
The next few hours passed in a flash for Ginny and Draco. They had their first dance as husband and wife, and Draco was reluctant to let Ginny out of his sight as she danced with her father and Fred and George at the same time. When Draco finally had her in his arms again, he asked if she was ready to leave the party. "I can't wait to get you alone; I want to show you how much I love you, how much I need you, how much I desire you."
Ginny giggled, and said that she was anxious to be alone with him too, but they should at least make the rounds, and thank everyone. Draco reluctantly agreed. They made their way through the crowds, saying hello to their guests, and thanking everyone for attending the wedding. Molly dabbed at her eyes as she watched her daughter, now a married woman, move gracefully through the sea of tables. Draco kept an arm around her waist, or on the small of her back, but he always touched her in some small way, just to let her know that he was always by her side.
After having made their way around the entire room, Ginny leaned on the empty chair next to Ron. It had taken a good three hours to make their way around the entire room.
"Oh! Thanking people is exhausting!" Ginny rested her head back on Draco's chest, and waited until she received his kiss before continuing.
"Ron, Luna, have you met my 'old man'? This is my husband, Draco." Ginny glowed with pride, and had to keep the little girl inside her from jumping up and down. She finally had her dream wedding, and she was having the time of her life…Teasing her brother was part of the fun.
Ron made a face, and rolled his eyes. Luna smiled and adjusted the baby on her shoulder. Draco bent down next to her and ran a hand through the baby's red curls. He smiled inside as he looked up at Ginny. "He is so…Precious. Isn't he Gin? I can't wait until we have one of our own."
Ron stood up in his chair, and made a fist, but Draco just smiled.
"Ron, dance with me?" Ginny asked.
Ron looked over at Draco. "Don't you want to dance with your old man?" he sneered.
Draco shook his head and kissed Ginny, taking a seat next to Luna. "Go on Weasley. It's our wedding night; I need to save my strength."
Ron reached back to hit Draco, but Ginny stood in front of him, and Harry jumped up from his chair to grab Ron.
"Don't ruin it for her, mate." Harry whispered.
Draco smiled, checked Ginny was alright, and watched as she walked to the dance floor with her brother looking back at him.
Ron felt his temper rise a bit, until he looked down at his little sister. How could he be irritated with anything, when Ginny looked so happy? She was only a year younger than him, but he had always felt older and wiser than her. "You look really beautiful, Gin," he said trying to control the emotion in his voice.
Ginny smiled as she looked up at her brother. "Thank you Ron. I am so pleased that you are here…You had me worried for a while there." Ginny continued to smile, but Ron didn't smile back, and he'd stopped dancing. Ginny looked at him with a worried expression, until he spoke.
"You really love him, don't you? It's like you're not my little sister anymore…I feel like I'm looking at a shining star, you absolutely glow."
Ginny bit her bottom lip to stop the tears, and stretched up to hug him. "I love you so much Ron, thank you for understanding me. I do love him."
Ron hugged his sister closer, and shut his eyes tight. He finally did understand. As much as he disliked Draco, she truly loved him. But was she going to change towards him, now that she had married someone he didn't have the best relationship with? Would he not see her as often as he used to? He didn't want to lose her.
Ginny seemed to read his mind, and leaned up to kiss his cheek. "I will always love you Ron, no matter what."
The song ended, and they made their way to the table where Draco and Luna sat chatting. Ginny yawned dramatically, and Draco insisted that she needed to rest before they left for their honeymoon tomorrow.
They walked out of the reception, hand in hand, being showered by more rose petals.
Draco carried Ginny over the threshold, and up the stairs to their bedroom. He opened the door slowly, and Ginny sighed, "Oh Draco…It's amazing."
Draco set her down, and led her into the room. The forest green comforter was covered in white rose petals, and the only light was the candles placed throughout the room.
"You are so handsome," Ginny whispered, running her fingertips over Draco's cheek.
"I am glad you think so…You are going to be looking at this face for the rest of your life, Mrs. Malfoy."
"Do you think you can help me out of this dress, Mr. Malfoy? " Ginny asked, pulling Draco towards her by the lapels.
Draco pulled her close and kissed her neck as he worked on the tiny buttons. "I really couldn't ask for a single thing more…"
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