Forever

*~*~*~~ Chapter Six *~*~*~*~~*

Clouds are shrouding us in moments unforgettable
You twist to fit the mold that I am in
But things just get so crazy living life gets hard to do
And I would gladly hit the road get up and go if I knew
That someday it would lead me back to you

~Maroon 5 , Sunday Morning Love Actually Soundtrack

With a pop three figures appeared in front of tall rod-iron gates, approaching the gate and the inanimate object spoke, "Please state your name and deposit wand into the slot on the right. If you are approved, then you will get them back on the other side."

"Hermione Jane Granger," Hermione spoke as she dropped her wand into the metal hole, which closed immediately.

"Approved and welcome, Miss Granger" the gate replied as she walked through and waited for her two best friends.

The redheaded witch placed her wand into the hole as she stated, "Ginerva Alexandra Weasley."

"Approved and welcome, Miss Weasley," the voice spoke as Ginny walked through it.

The last friend lowered his wand as well and said. "Harry James Potter."

"Approved and welcome, Mr. Potter."

Harry walked to the girls and grabbed his wand from the other side. Hermione heard a gasp behind her as the estate magically appeared upon the gates closure. "Well my dear friends, welcome to Zabini Manor. Come on. I am sure Mrs. Weasley is already here with a list for each of us to do before the wedding tomorrow."

Carrying a small suitcase holding all the necessities for the following two days; the bride-to-be led the way to large, double white doors. Harry and Ginny walked behind her as they took in the beautiful scenery of the front garden and detailed woodcarvings along the side of the building.

Six days had passed since she declared the final wedding date and the last time she saw her groom. The previous day had been spent locked up in her room until her two best friends bribed her with fresh chocolate brownies. They knew her oh-so-well, knowing that those chocolate treaties were her weakness. After a few hours of eating, talking, and more eating all the brownies were gone, Hermione felt better about the whole thing. Well as good as could be expected.

Yes, she was still frustrated with the Ministry and Malfoy but at least the person she was being forced to marry was a great guy. Both of her friends told her that he would not rush her into anything being the true gentleman he was. Of course, Harry stated that she was in need of a good snogging and that it couldn't hurt. With a heavy sigh, Hermione walked up the front steps of the house mentally agreeing with her friend. At the moment, she just wished the large butterflies, the size of hippogriffs, would settle down in her stomach.

The doors of the manor were opened revealing the figure of Blaise Zabini those damn butterflies became even more fluttery. Taking her bag he stepped aside to allow room for the trio to enter. "Welcome everyone to Zabini Manor. Would you like something to eat or drink? Or would you prefer- "

He was interrupted by the stressed out looking Mrs. Weasley coming down the winding staircase behind him. "No time to play the gracious host, Blaise. I'll show Harry and Ginny to their rooms while you take Hermione up to hers. I want both of you back down here in fifteen minutes. It is almost four o'clock and the rest of the guests will be arriving in an hour. There are still arrangements to be finished."

"Of course, Mrs. Weasley," he chuckled as he turned to a nervously awaiting Hermione and offered his arm. "Come with me, my lady."

Blushing slightly, she took his arm as he led the way upstairs towards her room. It was the room she had fallen in love with last Saturday. She remembered his mother's private rooms decorated in an elegant, old world charm, scented in jasmine. Light blues entwined with tones of cream colored the room peacefully.

As he was about to open the door to her new room, a set of doors at the end of the hall caught her attention. White fabric was tied around two-silver doorknobs. On the tour last Saturday he had not shown her the room stating it was under construction. At the time, she had not said anything more about it but her curiosity always got the best of her as she spoke, "What are those doors to, Blaise?"

Blushing he opened her door and stepped in, "That is the master suite. I have never slept there. It's reserved to be ours...when you accept me in your heart."

Hermione sat on the small bench in front of an oak vanity. "The master suite? You are the master of the house, where have you been sleeping?"

Placing her bag on the satin covered duvet he strode towards her. Reaching her, Blaise knelt down taking her hands in his. Unable to look in her eyes, he focused on her fingers whispering, "I stay in my old room. Don't worry, I will continue to stay there. The suite is meant to be shared by both of us...as husband and wife...when the time comes."

"You are not expecting me to consummate our marriage tomorrow night then?" she asked raising his chin. Searching his eyes, she found the love he felt for her. "Oh Blaise..."

"Hermione, I would do anything for you. I would gladly make love to you if it is what I felt your heart wanted. Only when you truly feel in your heart I am your husband will that step be taken. It will be your call, Hermione. Make no doubt about that, ever," he admitted caressing her jaw with his hand.

Hermione surprisingly lowered her lips to his as their lips met for the first time. His lips were so soft and sent a warm surge through her body, melting her inside. All her worries vanished as she brought her hand to the back of his neck, ensuring he could not retreat. Taking that as encouragement, he turned to change their angle allowing him further entry and Hermione spread her jean-covered thighs for his body to come closer to hers in his knelt position. A deep moan came from the back of his throat when his body made contact with hers. Feeling over-whelmed and very light-headed, she slowed down the kisses to soft gentle ones.

Their last, sweet kiss was interrupted by the sound of a throat clearing. Both remained in each other's arms but looked to find Ginny standing in the doorway. Her smile glowed, appearing to restrain herself from jumping up and down at the scene she intruded on. "Sorry, for disturbing you two in your special moment but mum wants you down there now. And you know how she gets."

"Believe me, I know. We'll be out in a moment," Hermione chuckled as Blaise got to his feet and quickly assisted her. Her legs were unstable from the mind-blowing kiss they just shared. Once Ginny was gone, Hermione looked back to the man that was making his way into her heart. She closed her eyes embracing him tightly. He kissed the top of her head as his arms wrapped tightly around her waist.

Hermione had a strong sense of deja-vu. Yes, they had hugged before but this time was different. Yet, it felt like she had done it countless times before. Before she could think on it anymore, Blaise's soothing voice interrupted her thoughts, "We better go. It's best not to irritate Mother Weasley."

Hermione laughed, regretfully untangling their entwined arms. She immediately missed the warmth and security. With a playful smile she tapped him on the shoulder and declared, "Tag. You're it!"

She dashed out of the room and down the hallway to the stairs. His laughter rang in the corridor as the sound of his shoes walked briskly after her. Hermione accelerated her pace as his long strides advanced behind her quickly. She took off down the stairs two at a time.

Harry and Mrs. Weasley stood at the small round table in the foyer giving her a curious look as she hit the last step. She smiled brightly and breathlessly as she stated, "We're racing."

Glancing behind her, the stairs remained empty as she returned to the conversation. A small pop from the bottom of the steps made her jump. Before she could say anything, Blaise stood there with a smug look on his face as he pulled her hips to his as he stated, "You're it."

"Now children, there is no time for tag games. You can continue those at a later time," Mrs. Weasley tutted as she walked over to the laughing couple and pulled the bride-to-be from Blaise's arms. The married woman of thirty years plus smiled at their playfulness, truly glad to see Hermione smile again. But there would plenty of time for lovers' games once the wedding was over tomorrow. At the moment, there were tons to do.

"Blaise has taken care of most of the details, dear. But if you want to make any changes, now is the time. Harry, Blaise go to the kitchen and make sure dinner is going to be on time. The girls will be taking dinner up in Hermione's room for her last night as a free woman."

"Yes, ma'am," the young guys replied with smiles on their faces seeing the horror on Hermione's face.

"Please, do not tell me that you have planned a bachelorette party for me. It is really not needed, Mrs. Weasley," she insisted as the older woman picked up scrolls of parchment and leading her to the informal study to their left.

"No, not at all," Molly replied as she sat at the desk and motioned for Hermione to take the seat on the other side. "Just getting your girlfriends together to do nails, complain about men, and snack on naughty foods till eight o'clock. You need all the rest you can get. Now, Blaise said that he thought your favorite colors where burgundy and silver. Is that right because I made most of the décor those colors?"

How did Blaise know what my favorite colors were? Not even Ginny had figured that out. That is why I keep getting pullovers in the color of red. Not that red was a bad color; it just wasn't one of my favorites. Hermione blinked her eyes twice and replied, "Yes, they are actually."

The older woman glanced up from the sketches and notes in front of her. With a sweet smile, she looked back down and started going over some of the things that needed to be double-checked for the wedding tomorrow. Hermione was repeatedly distracted with the thought of a particularly handsome wizard that had swept her off her feet with one kiss. After giving her head a shake, she leaned across the desk and focused on the things Mrs. Weasley was pointing out. After all, this would be her only wedding and she was lucky that the guy was really great over all. Maybe she would get her happily ever after.