Pastel Skies

Chapter 16

The next months passed in a blur of excited and sometimes frantic wedding planning. Hermione had seen a beautiful vintage tea-length dress in a magazine, found a dressmaker to have it tailored and took Ginny and Cho along for the first fitting. They both clapped their hands over their mouths as Hermione stepped out of the dressing room to show off the breathtaking dress she had chosen.

A pale, pearl pink dream of Satin, sleeveless, with a contemporary Bateau neckline and an A-line midi skirt, which hit just below the knees. A thin Satin belt completed the dress. No frills, no lace, just understated elegance.

Best of all Hermione felt, was that she had insisted on incorporating pockets into the dress. It made it even more perfect! She knew she was going to require a handkerchief, emotional as she was at times. The thought of having to hold it in her hand or even carry a clutch all day was out of the question.

The length of the dress exposed her beautifully shaped calves, granting her the opportunity to wear glittering, pearl pink, 3-inch strappy Dress Sandals.

She was contemplating wearing a soft petticoat underneath, and discussed the option with Ginny and Cho, trying on different densities and tulle layers, making the skirt either stand out dramatically, which they laughed at, or simply swaying softly as she walked, which they all loved. And so she chose the latter. Hermione couldn't wait to wear it, couldn't wait for Draco to see her wearing it.

The seasons at Hogwarts changed from a rainy and quite chilly autumn, to a harshly cold winter, with loads of snow, which Hermione loved, and Draco disliked.

Spring brought on the last preparations like seating arrangements and final fittings for her dress and his 3-piece fitted charcoal suit, which sported a pearl pink coloured bow tie, fashioned from the same Satin as Hermione's dress.

Draco and Hermione had chosen a historic castle in the western part of Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands. The cosy castle and cottages were set in beautiful unspoiled woodsy surroundings and sloping green hills. It belonged to an old Wizard family, who had happily arranged everything for them, from a spectacular menu to the flowers in the castle's chapel to the breakfast the day after and everything in between.

Harry and Ginny would be the couple's best man and maid of honour. Choosing Harry hadn't even been Hermione's idea. Draco had simply gone to find him in his office one day, late in the afternoon and straight out asked him, without any heads-up or warning.

"Draco, good to see you," Harry said, coming around his desk to shake Draco's hand.

"Yeah, good to see you, too," he replied, taking his hand in a firm grip. "I have quite a favour to ask," Draco blurted out immediately.

"Okay," Harry said, gesturing towards a chair opposite his desk. "Have a seat."

Draco sat. "I want you to be my best man."

Harry stared. Then, still standing, as he'd only just reached his own chair, looked around mockingly, as if there was anyone else in the office, Draco could possibly refer to. "Me?" he asked, pointing at himself.

"Yup."

"Why?"

"Well, for starters, it would reflect my sincerity. I know we're not tight - yet. But I feel I couldn't trust the job to anyone else. Plus, it would quite please Hermione, I'm sure."

"Uuuh..." Harry stammered flabbergasted. "You caught me off guard, mate, to be honest." He rubbed his face with both hands and combed his fingers through his hair, resting his hands at the back of his head. "I'll do it." Harry said after a minute.

"Fantastic!" Draco announced, jumped up to shake Harry's hand once more across the desk and sat down again. "Mind if we quickly talk this through?" he added.