A/N: Another really long one. And the sad part, I probably could have made it longer. Tying up loose ends is hard.

So here it is. The ending. More or less. There is still an epilogue with a time skip that will give a more complete ending, letting you know the fates of several of our beloved couples. And then that's it! Just one more update. How have I already written another 300,000+ word story? Sheesh!

Okay, song recs:

During the scene where everyone is dancing I imagine the song Draw Your Swords by Angus & Julia Stone is playing. And during the wedding scene listen to Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol.

And here we go …

Hermione left Rose's room in the early morning hours after gently reminding her half-asleep daughter that they both needed to shower before the day truly began. Rose was just answering a phone call from an excitedly screaming Lily as Hermione exited.

She hurried down to her room, checking her phone and seeing that she had received a message from Draco at around three in the morning asking where she was. She stopped and clenched her eyes shut. Shit. She should have told him she was staying in Rose's room.

When Hermione got back to her room, she quietly opened the door, peeking inside and seeing Draco asleep on the bed still wearing his clothes from the night before. She went in and tiptoed over to him, sitting down beside his sleeping figure and gently stroking his hair. His eyelashes began to flutter and then, suddenly, his eyes snapped open. He grabbed her hand.

"Where were you?" he asked.

"Rose wanted me to stay," she answered. "Sorry, I should've called you."

Draco sat up.

"Are you alright?" she asked.

He nodded. "Yes, I was just … worried."

"Well, I'm fine." Hermione leaned in and kissed is cheek, then she brushed a strand of hair away from his forehead. "So did you want to talk about what happened with Astoria?"

"It was nothing," he said. "It just kind of hit me how really awful I was to her. You will let me know if I'm ever treating you like shit, won't you?"

Hermione smiled. "Haven't I always?"

Draco nodded. Then he looked at her curiously. When they locked eyes, she glanced away. "Are you alright?" he asked.

"Yes," she answered. "Just tired. I didn't sleep very well. But I do need to get in the shower." She stared off towards the washroom. "Is there anything else you needed to talk about?"

Draco shook his head. "No, not right now. When we're not on a schedule."

"Alright." Hermione kissed his lips once before standing. She took one look out at the pouring rain and sighed. Then she began to strip, packing her dirty clothes away neatly before heading into the washroom.

Draco looked out at the rain, remembering he needed to go down to the concierge's desk and see if he received a response to his owl. And then he was suddenly thinking about a different piece of parchment.

Looking at where Hermione had packed away her trousers, he stood and walked over to them. After a quick peek into the washroom to make sure she was occupied, he reached into her suitcase and pulled them out, searching the pockets until he found the one housing the parchment she had been writing on the night before. He unfolded them and took a look, laughing a little when he saw it was just the names of bridges around the world. For some reason he had been thinking it was something much worse. Then he turned to the second page, his heart stopping a little when he saw a timeframe mapped out. Five days in Prague, three in Venice, four in Florence, then there was Denmark, Switzerland, France, Spain … And that was just Europe. China, Japan, Australia, the United States … It was all a bit scattered with lines drawn about to put them in some sort of order, but this was a six month journey, at the least.

"Draco!"

At the sound of Hermione's voice, Draco went into a panic, closing her suitcase but keeping the parchment with him, stuffing it into his coat pocket, which he had laying over a chair.

"There's no time for funny business but you should really get in here, too!" she called.

Draco looked at where he had hidden her parchment and sighed. "One second!" he called back to her.

He rubbed at his face, both hating himself for invading her privacy like that but also wondering how serious she was about this trip. It would have to be made before the election, meaning in the next year, but there was no way Draco could get away for six months. Not with work or, more importantly, his mother. But then it hit him that she had never asked, never even mentioned it as a possibility. She had even booked their getaway together for July because of his mother. So did that mean she wasn't going to ask him to go with her?
"Draco, I'm waiting!" she called.

With a heavy sigh, Draco stripped off his clothes, doing his best to put on a smile as he joined his girlfriend in the shower, who he loved more than he ever thought capable. Who smiled and kissed him like normal, but refused to look right at him. Who was definitely hiding something.

After their shower, Hermione gathered her things and hurried off to meet the bride. Draco put on some regular clothes since he did not have to be in his suit yet and hurried down to the ground floor. He was happy to find the familiar concierge there.

"Have I received a response to my owl yet?" he asked the moment he reached the desk.

"I am sorry, Monsieur Malfoy, but ze owl 'as yet to return."

Draco formed a fist and grunted. He stared out of one of the high windows at the pouring rain. Then lightning struck. Shit. "It is imperative that I receive that owl the moment it arrives."

"Oui. I will make sure to deliver eet personally," he said with a smile.

"Thank you." Draco began to walk away.

"Oh, Monsieur Malfoy."

Draco turned back around.

The concierge leaned in and quietly said, "Ze man who left yesterday 'as returned."

"What man?" asked Draco in his usual voice.

The concierge motioned for him to keep it down. Then he looked him square in the eye and repeated, "Ze man who left yesterday 'as returned. And not alone."

"Right," said Draco, nodding with a tense face. "That man. Got it. And do you know where he has gone?"

"I do not."

"I see. Thank you for the information." He reached into his pocket, pulled out five Galleons and handed them over. "And if you happen to see him again, please have me informed immediately." He handed five more Galleons over.

"Of course, Monsieur Malfoy." He smiled. "'Ave a beautiful day."

Draco started to walk away again, but then he doubled back. "Could I just ask …" He leaned in and whispered, "Do you even like men?"

The concierge smirked. "We live een a modern world, Monsieur Malfoy. I do not see gender."

"Right, quoting Alex," said Draco. "Fair enough. See that man or receive that owl, find me immediately."

Draco wandered off again, planning to return to his room. But then he saw something. Something unusual. He walked back a few steps, catching a glimpse into the small boutique they had in the château, which was currently occupied by an unlikely pair of shopping buddies. He headed for it.

"Alex," he called the moment he stepped into the shop.

Alexandra turned and looked at him, her eyes flooding with relief.

"Oh, Draco, perfect!" said Pansy, running up to him with two dresses in hand. "The green -" She held one dress up to her. "- or the blue?" Then the other.

"Are you being held against your will?" Draco asked Alexandra.

"Something like that," she answered. "I just came down for some coffee."

"Oh, don't be so dramatic," said Pansy. "I merely asked for your female opinion, which you still haven't given."

"That's not what you really wanted to ask me though, is it?" Alexandra said harshly. "She keeps trying to talk to me about Blaise, and I don't want to talk about Blaise, Draco!"

Pansy raised her hands defensively. "Sorry. Clearly someone needs her coffee."

"Let's go, Alex," said Draco, motioning towards the exit. "I need my coffee, as well."

Alexandra happily obeyed.

"The blue one, Parkinson," said Draco before following her out.

"Thank you!" Pansy called after him.

As Draco and Alexandra headed to the café, he stood close to her and said, "We might have a slight problem."

"Oh, what now?" she asked in a frustrated voice as they got in line.

"I have reason to believe that Owen has returned here, and with company."

Alexandra grunted. "So who's your money on? The domineering father, or the belligerent sister?"

"Oh, the domineering father all the way. You were his objective and his son failed to acquire you."

"Just what every girl wants to hear. That she was just a bloody chess piece in a game being played by a man dead-set on keeping his bloodline going and strong no matter the consequences."

"Really, you should be complimented," said Draco. "Daddy Sharrow saw you worthy enough of carrying on his precious genes."

Alexandra stared sadly down at the floor.

"Alex."

She looked back up and met Draco's eyes.

"You didn't even like him," he said. "If you did then you would have told Blaise you were bringing him here and ended things for good. But you didn't. The Sharrows aren't the only ones playing games."

"Maybe," said Alexandra. "But whether I liked him or not, I'm still humiliated. And to have that done to me by the man I might actually …" She closed her eyes and took a breath. "It doesn't matter." They arrived at the counter. "Two large coffees, please."

Once they got their drinks, Draco and Alexandra headed for the exit.

"I'm going to find somewhere to hide out until I have to start getting ready, just in case Owen is outside of my door," said Alexandra. "If he is there and you see him, could you -"

"Yes, of course," said Draco. "I'm not heading that way now but when I do if it's clear I'll let you know."

She nodded. "Thank you." Then she wandered off, farther into the château by herself.

Only seconds past before Draco felt another presence beside him. "Funny that Blaise likes her, isn't it?" said Pansy, following Alexandra with her eyes. "She's so … stiff."

"She's different. That's what he likes."

"Yeah, I guess if you're into that sort of thing."

"Do me a favor, will you?"

"Go and put my lingerie back on? Absolutely."

"Yes, and then Hermione can finally succeed at ripping your hair out."

Pansy sneered. "Funny."

"But seriously, Parkinson. Tell Blaise that Owen Sharrow is back, and I need him to get rid of that man by any means necessary. He isn't a client anymore so I don't care if he's dirty about it. Just get him out."

"Is that the gay man?" asked Pansy.

"Yes."

"Well, I'm on it," she said, putting the garment bag she was holding over one arm and saluting him. "See you later, Draco." She winked before hurrying off towards the West Wing.

Draco waited a moment before following after. He had done all he could down here for now. What he really needed to do was check on the groom.

Draco headed towards the room he knew Scorpius was staying in, which was undoubtedly overcrowded with him and his groomsmen. As he approached the door on the second floor, he noticed someone pacing just outside of it. He eyed them curiously.

"Deacon?"

The boy's head shot in his direction as there was a clear shock in his heart at the sound of his name. "Hi, Mr. Malfoy," he said, looking slightly terrified.

"What are you doing out here?" asked Draco as he approached him.

"Umm, well …" He blushed. "It's just … I'm not really sure about the rules at weddings when the groom finds out you've slept with his mum the night before the ceremony. I mean, do I lose my best man title? I don't know! I …" He paused, suddenly turning ashen. "Oh gods. Mr. Malfoy, you did know, right? My dad told me forever ago that you did and if I did it again you would beat my arse, but he's been known the embellish sometimes and I don't really -"

Draco held up his hand to silence him. "I did know," he answered. "And I'm not going to beat your arse. But Scorpius might. That's on him." He headed for the door. "I'll let him know you're out here." He opened it and went inside.

"Hey, Mr. Malfoy! About time you got here!" shouted Niles Vaisey, one of Scorpius' groomsmen, immediately handing Draco a glass of firewhiskey.

"You have company, Scorpius," said Draco, taking a very small sip for celebration's sake before putting the glass down, then chasing it with his coffee.

"Yeah, I know," said Scorpius as he stared out the open balcony doors at the rain. "Someone please just tell him to go away."

"He is kind of your best man," said Edie, who was sitting in an armchair with her little brother David at her feet. She was working on slicking his hair back for him.

Scorpius grunted. "Not anymore. Parker's already agreed to take over."

"I did agree to that," said Parker. "Shoulda been me in the first place. If it wasn't for this shit." He pointed at Hugo, who looked at Albus and rolled his eyes.

"Keep being pissed at me over Issy and see how well Lily takes it," said Hugo.

"I'm not pissed over Issy!" Parker said defensively. "Don't go spreading lies like that to Lily!"

"Bit of advice for you, Parker," said Scorpius. "If you really like the girl then stop being an arse to her cousin, who might as well be her brother. Hugo's over it, and he's definitely not going to steal this one -"

Hugo opened his mouth to protest.

"- intentional or not, so you need to get over it, too."

"Excellent advice," said Draco. "Now follow it."

Scorpius looked at his father curiously. Draco pointed at the door.

"No," Scorpius said sternly. "Dad! He slept with Mum! I'm not going to get over that!"

Draco shrugged. "Well, probably not today."

"Not ever! And I know it wasn't just once. Sab confirmed for me that Deacon told him a while back it had gone on for a few months." He motioned to Sebastian Rosier, who was sitting on one of the beds with a firewhiskey in hand. "Months!"

"That's not entirely true," said Draco. "I'm not going to get into specifics with you, because this is twisted enough as it is, but I am going to let him in, and if you don't want him to be your best man or even a groomsman anymore then fine. But you're going to tell him. If you're old enough to get married then you're old enough to deal with this."

Scorpius rolled his eyes. "Fine. Let him in. I'll be mature."

Draco smirked. "Yes, just like that." He reached out and opened the door. "Deacon, come in here, please."

Deacon went white. He was across the hall in that moment but slowly began to approach the door. He moved stiffly, his gaze glued on the floor as he realized all eyes were on him. While Niles and Sebastian looked amused, everyone else looked pretty nervous. All of their eyes moved to Scorpius.

"You slept with my mother," Scorpius said slowly.

Draco was quick to shut the door in that moment. No need for any passersby to hear this.

"Yeah," said Deacon in a quiet voice. He gulped. "I did."

"Why?"

Deacon shrugged. "I don't know. I've always thought she was fit. And when I found myself alone with her I just kinda went for it."

Scorpius' face became stuck in a sneer.

"To be fair, your mum is pretty fit," said Niles in an attempt to lighten the mood.

Scorpius took off his shoe and threw it at him. "She is not!" he yelled. "She is beautiful in a motherly way! Dammit, Deacon!" He rose to his feet. "Last summer you kept talking about this older woman you were seeing! You gave me details! I mean, what the fuck is wrong with you?"

"I was trying to act casual," said Deacon.

Scorpius turned red in the face. "I don't want you in my wedding!" he shouted. "If you were really a friend of mine you never would have done this! You're not my best man, you're not a groomsman, and you certainly aren't a friend."

Deacon gulped. "I am your friend."

"No, you're not. You've been trying to make me break up with Rose since day one," said Scorpius. He looked away and sighed. "Look, if you want to stay for the wedding you can, but I just … I don't want you in it. So if you could … just go."

Deacon didn't move.

"I mean it, Deacon. Don't make this any more awkward than one of my oldest mates shagging my mother already is."

"Alright," Deacon said stiffly. He turned towards the door, hesitating for a moment before opening it and walking out.

"Not that I condone his behavior, but aren't you being a little harsh?" asked Edie, going back to work on David's hair.

"I said he could stay!" snapped Scorpius.

"Yeah, but you also essentially said your friendship is over," she stated. "Not to mention, you're out a groomsman."

"Then put on a suit and be a bloody groomsman already," he said. "Really you should've been one in the first place."

Edie smiled. "As flattered as I am, you may want to run that by the bride first."

"Fine," said Scorpius, taking out his phone and walking out to the balcony.

Draco gave his son a couple of minutes before going out and joining him. "And what did the bride say?" he asked, noticing he was off the phone.

"She says she's fine with it," said Scorpius. "Of course, the only reason she's saying that is because she feels bad for me."

"When you hurt she hurts. It's part of marriage. Rose isn't pitying you, she just wants you to be happy," said Draco. "Which you should be. It's your wedding day."

"Yeah, I know." Scorpius put his arms on the railing and leaned into them, staring out at the rain. "I am happy, despite the fact that my fiancée's dream wedding is going to shit. I really just wanted today to be perfect and it's not," he said, covering his face. "Mum, Deacon, this bloody rain."

"Yes, and you'll forgive your mother, you'll one day forgive Deacon and you'll marry your fiancée rain, snow or shine, and when you see her walking down the aisle none of the shit will matter."

Scorpius uncovered his eyes and looked over at his father. "I'd be more likely to believe you if you actually had a wedding where you were excited to see the bride walk down the aisle."

"I often imagine how it would be," said Draco, staring at the hazy mountains in the distance, just able to make out their silhouettes. "It doesn't matter where you are or what the weather's like, all that matters is that she's there, walking towards you with that smile of hers, as eager to start her life with you as you are with her."

It was several seconds before Draco realized Scorpius wasn't saying anything. He turned and looked at his son, who was watching him with inquisitive eyes.

"Oh, hell," Scorpius suddenly said. "You're going to marry her, aren't you? You're going to marry her, and my soon-to-be-wife is going to be my bloody step-sister."

"I never said that."

"You didn't have to. But, despite the creepiness of it all, I'm glad you're happy, Dad." Scorpius stood up straight. "Merlin, we have a fucked up family."

"Language," said Draco.

"Yes, you always say that, even though your language is far worse than mine." Scorpius turned toward his father and smirked. "I guess it's time to start getting ready. Wedding starts in just over an hour."

Draco nodded. "I suppose I should go change and check on your grandparents." He put his hand on Scorpius' shoulder. "Just remember, son. Be happy today. You'll never get another like it." He pulled him close and kissed the top of his head.

"Yeah, yeah. Stop being so bloody mushy and get out of here already."

Draco laughed, giving his son one more mushy kiss before heading for the door. When he looked back, he was happy to see that Scorpius was smiling. That was all he wanted.

XXX

In Rose's room, Hermione sat on the floor and instructed several of her nieces as they added red roses to white umbrellas for the bride and bridesmaids, and black umbrellas for the groom and groomsmen. She also had some ribbon to wrap around the handles, to really make them look nice.

Rose was currently having her hair worked on by Victoire. Everyone else was already finished with hair and makeup, just waiting for the very last minute to take off their pajamas and get into their dresses and heels.

"There's a problem!" Lily shouted suddenly as she began digging through a bag she had brought up with her.

"What is it?" Rose asked with wide, worried eyes.

Lily froze, all color draining from her face as she stared at her cousin. "I can't find the veil."

"Lily!" snapped Lucy. "You had one bloody job!"

"I had more than one job!" Lily snapped back at her. "I swear I have it! It must just be in my room somewhere …" She began walking toward the door, but stopped and turned back with a tense expression. "No. No, it is definitely in the bag I know I left at home."

Rose went white.

Lily squealed in frustration. "Oh my gods! I am so sorry, Rose!" She had just begun to cry when Ginny went over and put her arm around her.

"This is really not a problem," said Hermione, standing up from the floor. "We are surrounded by gardens. I will simply go downstairs, find the white roses and make you a wreath for your hair."

"A wreath?" repeated Rose.

"Yes. You're already wearing that long cape over your dress so the veil really wouldn't have done much. A wreath will do just fine." Hermione caught Victoire's eye. "Make sure her hair is pinned low so it won't get in the way of the flowers."

Victoire nodded.

"I will be right back," said Hermione, going over and giving her stressed daughter a kiss on the cheek. "Relax, sweetie. Everything will be fine." She picked up the umbrella she had been working on. "And I will give this guy a test run."

Hermione smiled before walking toward the door. She borrowed Lily's pair of wellies that were by the door and went out.

Before heading outside, Hermione stopped by the concierge's desk to ask for directions to the white rose garden. The concierge also informed her where the Tea Olive garden was after she told him her plan, just in case she wanted to add a little bit of white flower variety to her wreath. Hermione thanked him and went on her way.

The white rose garden really wasn't far from where Rose and Scorpius were planning to get married. After gathering some flowers, she went over to take a peek at what was going on. Of course she wasn't shocked to see Astoria out there barking out orders. But she was a little shocked that Ron was with her.

Hermione stood there for a moment, watching them until Ron noticed her. Astoria ran off to correct the person casting a spell on a bundle of umbrellas so they would float above where the guests were sitting. Apparently, they were not putting enough care into their work. When she ran, she took the umbrella she had been holding of her and Ron's heads with her.

Ron pulled the hood of his cloak over his head before walking over to where Hermione was standing.

"Hey," he said. "What are you doing out here? Shouldn't you be with the bride?"

Hermione gave him a small smile and lifted the flowers she was holding. "Lily forgot Rose's veil. I'm making her a wreath for her hair in its absence."

"I suppose a veil is the least of her worries when the gods are dropping an entire lake on her outdoor wedding."

"I think she's keeping it together rather nicely," said Hermione.

Ron smiled a little awkwardly and nodded. "Do you need me to hold that for you while you work?" he asked, motioning to her umbrella.

"Umm … sure," she said, realizing that it was more logical to make the wreath outside in case she needed more flowers.

Ron took the umbrella and the two of them sat down on a bench in the back of the open space. After Hermione used her wand to dry it for them, of course. Astoria glanced back at them every now and then, but she didn't come over.

"You two have certainly become friendly," said Hermione as she weaved the flowers together.

Ron smirked and said, "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you sound a little jealous."

"Not jealous. Just …" Hermione stared down at her art project and sighed. "I'm not adjusted yet. To us not being together. To you being in a bedroom with another woman and that being okay." She paused and gulped. "I guess that's how you must have been feeling these last few days. I'm sorry, Ron."

"S'alright. I'm fine," he said unconvincingly.

Hermione gave him a look.

"Really, I am. You're with Malfoy now, and I get it. I don't particularly like it but I get it."

Hermione nodded. "If I'm being completely honest, I don't like that you were locked in a room with his ex-wife last night." She glanced sideways at him and smiled.

"Yeah, well, I guess there isn't much we can do about that. After almost thirty years with someone it's hard to get rid of that whole jealousy thing." He paused. "If it's any consolation, I'm not ready for that. To have another woman stay in my room, to date, any of it. I guess that's what's really hard about seeing you with Malfoy. The fact that you were ready so fast."

"I wasn't. I …" Hermione gulped. "I'm not. It all just sort of happened."

Ron raised his eyebrows. "So you're not ready for a relationship, but you're in one …"

Hermione said nothing, just stared down at her flowers and the wreath they were forming.

"Hermione. If that's true then you need to tell Malfoy that."

"Well, I'm in it. So I must be ready."

A moment of silence. "Hermione …"

"I can't do that to him, Ron," she said, snapping her head in his direction. "Not again."

"But what about you?"

Hermione sighed and went back to her work. They were silent for a long while. Up until they felt a presence approaching. They both looked up to see Astoria standing above them.

"What is that for?" she asked, motioning to the nearly completed wreath.

"The maid of honor forgot the bride's veil, so I'm improvising," answered Hermione.

Astoria laughed a little. "Is there really nothing you can't do?"

Hermione smiled and shrugged. "When you have a little girl named after a flower and in-laws with a large garden you find yourself making lots of wreaths."

Astoria nodded. "I saw some white lilies not too far from here. I guess they're still blooming since there's been no snow or frost of any kind."

"Isn't this place enchanted to bloom year round?" asked Ron, obviously not catching on to her jab at the venue.

"If you could grab me some white lilies that would be great," said Hermione.

Astoria nodded again. "I'll be right back."

It didn't take her long to return with the lilies. She sat on Hermione's other side, watching in fascination as she wove them into her wreath. Once it was finished, Hermione held it out for all to see. Astoria reached out and made a small adjustment.

"I think it looks good," said Hermione with a smile.

"Better suited for that dress than a veil," added Astoria. She then looked out at where her son would be getting married in a short while, frowning as rain poured down on it.

"Despite the weather change, the place still looks very beautiful," said Hermione. She glanced over at Ron's watch. "I suppose we should all go in and get ready."

The three of them stood and walked inside. Ron branched off to his room first, but when Hermione and Astoria reached the second floor, Hermione stopped.

"Astoria, why don't you bring your dress up to Rose's room and get ready with us."

Astoria was silent for a moment. "I don't know about that?"

"Why?" asked Hermione. "Don't tell me you're still embarrassed about yesterday?"

She said nothing.

"You really don't have to be. You spoke out in a moment of passion. No one is going to hold that against you. And I know Rose would really like it if you were there." Hermione smiled.

Astoria still didn't speak but it was obvious by the expression on her face that she was thinking about it.

"How about I just wait right here while you go get your dress," said Hermione, taking a seat on one of the steps. "Hurry along. I still have to get changed, too."

Astoria looked at her and gulped. "It would really be alright?"

"Of course it would," said Hermione. "You really are your own worst enemy, Astoria. Now, go get your dress. We are on a tight schedule."

After another moment's hesitation, Astoria nodded and walked down the corridor to her room. Hermione smiled and looked down at the wreath she was holding. At least one thing was going right that day.

XXX

Once Draco was changed, he headed down to his parents' room to check on his mother. Before he even knocked, he could hear some sort of altercation on the other side of the door. His father answered almost immediately, looking disheveled.

"What is it? What's wrong?" asked Draco.

"Nothing is wrong!" he heard his mother shout from somewhere in the room.

Lucius closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "She's been sick all morning. She had a small seizure when she first woke up and she's been vomiting off and on ever since."

"I'm fine, Lucius!" shouted Narcissa, walking out of the washroom, her skin sallow and her movements weak. She began to sway on her feet.

"Mother!" Draco rushed forward and caught her before she could fall, carrying her over to the bed.

"Draco, I'm fine!" she protested as her son put her down. "Please, both of you, stop putting me in this bloody bed. I need to get ready."

"No, Mother, you don't," Draco said sternly. "The most important thing right now is your health and -"

"No, no, no!" she screamed, shoving him away from her and getting back to her feet. "It is not! My health is not the most important thing! That's already gone. What I need right now is for someone to help me get ready for my grandson's wedding, because that's all I have, Draco! This is it for me. I can't be sick today, I need to be okay so I can see his face when she walks down the aisle. I've already missed so much these last few days. I …" Tears began to pour down Narcissa's cheeks as she spoke. When she whimpered, her legs went weak and she collapsed back onto the bed. "Please, someone just help me."

Lucius ran forward and took his wife's wet cheeks in his hands. He looked into her sad eyes and said, "Alright, Narcissa. I will help you."

She nodded through her sobs, reaching out and clutching onto the fabric of his robes.

"Draco, could you please leave us so I can assist your mother."

Draco looked from Narcissa to Lucius, gulping before giving a shallow nod and heading for the door.

Once out of there, Draco started walking quickly to the front of the château, desperate to get outside for some air. The moment he stepped out, he started crying, his breath heavy as it came out in thick waves, appearing like smoke in the cold air. And then he smelled smoke. It had been months since he had smoked from his pipe and, without the aid of alcohol, he did not know how he was going to get through today.

So he turned and followed the scent, noticing a man standing just out of reach of the rain several feet away. He had his hood on, but after turning slightly to face him there was no mistaking that face. Draco took a deep breath, swallowed his pride and walked over.

"Morning, Weasel."

"Morning," said Ron, taking a puff of his pipe. "Everything alright, Malfoy?"

"No, actually. My mother is dying, I ruined my ex-wife's life, my vice president is humiliated and miserable, and my son just ended a lifelong friendship with his best man. I've had better days. Mind if I have a smoke?"

"I feel worse for them than you," said Ron. "But, if it's any consolation, Astoria's life isn't ruined. It just sucked for about twenty years." He handed his pipe over.

Draco took is gladly, lighting it with his wand and taking a puff. "I wasn't aware you smoked," he said before taking another.

"Normally, I don't, but my ex-wife, who I'm not over, is running around here sharing a bedroom with her new boyfriend, my daughter is marrying into a family I don't particularly like, and I'm expected to just grin and bear it all because I was stupid and made mistakes."

"At least you made your wife happy," said Draco.

"At least you didn't cheat on yours," said Ron.

"At least it really was 'just a kiss'."

Ron nodded and took his pipe back. "At least your wife still loves you, and not someone else."

Draco frowned and cast his eyes towards the ground.

"You need to talk to her, Malfoy."

"Astoria?" asked Draco.

"No. Hermione. Just because she loves you doesn't mean she's ready for whatever it is you're expecting from her."

Draco narrowed his eyes. "If she wasn't ready then she would damn well tell me about it."

"Would she?" asked Ron, raising his eyebrows. "Or would she stay quiet about it, because she loves you and your mother is dying, and all she wants is for you to be happy."

Draco's face tensed, his throat going raw as the parchment he had taken of hers burned a hole in the suit pocket he had moved it into.

The two of them smoked for a bit longer in silence before they both agreed it was time to go inside. It would only be a matter of minutes before the guests started arriving.

As soon as they stepped inside, Draco noticed the concierge giving him a funny look. Pursing his brow, he watched as the man motioned over to the room with the fireplace. He headed that way. Ron, noticing the exchange, looked at him funny and followed.

When Draco saw what was happening in there, he hurried forward. It seemed that Blaise had found Owen, who was indeed with his father, Maynard, and no one looked especially happy about it.

"Get the fuck out!" Blaise ordered, but neither man moved. "Haven't you done enough to her already?"

"Do you need some help throwing them on their arses?" Draco asked Blaise as he approached.

Maynard's eyes lit up. "Mr. Malfoy. Just the man we were looking for."

"Why?" Draco asked sharply.

"My son tells me that you plan on dropping us as a client, and I have come here to renegotiate."

"Really?" said Draco with a laugh. "And you thought it was appropriate to come here on the day of my son's wedding to discuss business? I assure you, Mr. Sharrow, this would never be appropriate, even if you hadn't tried to make Alex your son's beard. Please leave."

"I am afraid I cannot do that," said Maynard. "Not until we come to some sort of agreement."

"There is nothing to agree upon. Our business arrangement is over."

Blaise nodded. "Yeah, so take your bloody arses and get the fuck out of -"

"Blaise!"

Blaise stopped. He turned slowly, his entire body stiffening when he saw Alexandra standing in the entrance to the room, just beside an amused-looking Ron.

"What are you doing?" she asked.

"He's just helping me get rid of some uninvited guests," said Draco.

"Ms. Eld, you have always been the reasonable one at Malfoy Enterprises," said Maynard. "Please tell your boss that there is no reason for him to drop us as clients."

"I wasn't aware that he had," said Alexandra, walking farther into the room.

Suddenly, Pansy was poking her head around her to get a better look. She stopped when she noticed Ron standing there.

"Weasel."

"Parkinson."

"Draco, you dropped the Sharrows as clients?" asked Alexandra as she stopped beside him.

"Oh! You're the gay guy!" Pansy shouted from the entryway. Then she grimaced. "Oh, Alex, you are far too pretty for him. What were you thinking?"

Alexandra ignored her and waited for Draco to answer.

"I did," he said. "For people who didn't even want to work with Malfoy Enterprises in the first place, they have sure been a pain in my arse. And I'm done with it."

"Any pain we may have caused you has not been business related, Mr. Malfoy," said Maynard. "Any personal vendetta you have should not be used against us."

"Like hell it shouldn't," said Draco. "You told your gay son to date my employee in hopes of marrying them off. You crossed a line, Mr. Sharrow."

"Draco, I don't need you fighting my battles for me," said Alexandra.

Draco took a deep breath. "You're right. This was your account, Alex. I will leave their future at Malfoy Enterprises in your hands."

Alexandra blinked. She slowly looked towards Owen.

"Alex, no!" Blaise suddenly shouted.

She moved her eyes over to him.

"I know what you're thinking. Multi-million Galleon account, blah, blah, blah. Whatever! Your company doesn't need the business. There will be another account this big for you."

Alexandra shook her head. "I can't be selfish when it comes to my job."

"Yes! Yes you can!" said Blaise. "You are the least selfish person I have ever met. That's why I'm so bloody stuck on you. If it was up to me, I would have already snapped my fingers and had them thrown out of this place, which is what you should do. They are selfish, bloody pricks who thought it was alright to come here on someone's wedding day and discuss business. They don't even care that you were humiliated! Which, I know, I didn't help with! But I care about you, Alex! And you deserve better than this! You deserve a little bloody vengeance for being wronged and you deserve …" He stopped and gulped. "You deserve to be with someone who can give you what you want, and to be happy and not have to look at the face of someone who tried to use you every day. You're better than that."

"Aw, that was actually pretty sweet," whispered Pansy as she leaned in towards Ron. "I think my little Blaisey is growing up."

Alexandra stared at him blankly. After several moments, she blinked back to reality and gazed properly into Blaise's eyes. "You're right." She turned towards Maynard. "I believe our business relationship has run its course, Mr. Sharrow. Now, if you will, please remove yourselves from the premises before we have someone do it for you."

Draco smirked. "You heard the woman. Chop, chop!"

Maynard's face turned bright-red. "Mr. Malfoy, you are making a terrible -"

"Monsieur Malfoy! Eet 'as arrived!" shouted the concierge as he suddenly ran into the room waving an envelope. "Your owl." He handed it to Draco.

Draco gasped, taking the envelope and ripping it open. He read over it, suddenly laughing hysterically as he was overcome with happiness. "This is it!" he shouted. "It says we need seven." He looked around the room and counted. Him, Blaise, Alexandra, Pansy, Weasel … "Blaise, call Theo, Weasel, call your boyfriend, we need them to meet us outside by the venue immediately."

"Why?" asked Ron while Blaise was already on his phone.

"An employee of mine also works on the Christmas decorations in Diagon Alley every year. He is the one who came up with the spell for the ongoing snow. And he just sent it to me."

Ron blinked. "Snow?"

"Yes," said Draco. "It looks to be a complicated spell but definitely manageable with good enough wizards and witches. Now, call your boyfriend. As much as I hate to admit it, you and Potter wouldn't be running the Auror Office if you weren't capable."

Ron nodded. He took out his phone and dialed quickly.

Draco turned towards the concierge. "Do me a favor and have these men escorted out of here immediately," he said, motioning towards Maynard and Owen. "If they offer you any amount of money to stay, just know that I will double it once they are gone."

The concierge smiled. "I will take care of it, Monsieur Malfoy."

Draco nodded, reached into his pocket and handed the man a pouch of Galleons. Payment for his immediate delivery of the owl. And then he was headed outside, everyone following after him as they prepared themselves to get rid of this bloody rain, and finally make it snow.

Owen could be heard running after them, calling Alexandra's name. Draco turned to retaliate but, by the time he did, Alexandra had beaten him to the punch. Literally. She stopped, turned and punched him in the face, then used a Freezing Charm on him so he couldn't follow them. Blaise smirked at her and she smirked back. It was a beautiful moment.

XXX

Lily ran back into Rose's room to announce that Scorpius and his groomsmen had headed outside, meaning the coast was clear and Rose could finally go downstairs. She gulped, nervously checking the wreath that had been pinned to her head while everyone squealed in excitement.

"You look beautiful, Rosie," said Hermione, kissing her daughter's cheek.

"Thanks. So do you," said Rose, looking her mother up and down.

"As sweet as that is, the way I look really isn't the primary focus today."

Rose smiled and took her mother's hand, giving it a squeeze.

Hermione put her arm around her shoulders and said, "Come on. It's time to get you married."

Rose nodded, letting her mother guide her out while her bridesmaids worked on carrying the train of the long, white cape she was wearing, not to mention her dress. When they got down to the first floor, Hermione noticed Narcissa and Lucius standing just outside of their room. They seemed to be struggling.

"Rosie, you all go ahead," she said to her daughter. "I'll be right there."

Rose nodded and Hermione hurried down the corridor.

"Is everything alright?" she asked as she approached.

"Yes, fine," said Narcissa, droplets of sweat on her forehead as she held onto her husband's arm with a death grip. "But could you be a dear and fix my face for me? Lucius had to help me this morning and I don't believe he did a very good job."

Hermione nodded, lifting her wand and clearing the sweat from her face before touching up her makeup. Then she straightened her slightly tangled hair and adjusted her dress. "You look lovely, Narcissa."

Narcissa smiled and looked her over. She was wearing a long, black dress with a high neck but low back. Her makeup was simple, her lips nude, and her hair was slicked back in a tight twist. "Not as lovely as you. Has Draco seen you yet?"

Hermione shook her head.

"I'd like to see that moment, too." Narcissa tried to take a step but nearly collapsed. Lucius and Hermione both caught her.

"Narcissa, please, you can't go out there in the rain," said Lucius.

"There are umbrellas up. Astoria went this morning to make sure it was done," said Narcissa. "Lucius, please stop fighting me on this. I am going to see my grandson get married. I can't miss that."

She released him and began using the wall to move, not making it very far before she was collapsing again. Even though Lucius caught her, Narcissa continued to fall until she was on her knees, leaning forward and holding her head as she tried really hard not to cry.

"Narcissa …"

"Lucius, no!" she snapped. "You know it comes and goes. I just need to get out there. Once I'm sitting I'll be fine."

Hermione looked at Lucius, who was obviously trying to keep it together. It was impossible to Apparate her outside since there were charms around the inside of the château. Their only option was to walk out there.

Right at that moment, Hermione heard people coming down the stairs. She gulped when she saw Andromeda walk into view with Teddy, both of them cooing over Dora in her little floral dress.

At the sound of Narcissa struggling to get back to her feet, they both turned and looked, her eyes widening as her sister leaned onto her husband, desperate to be strong enough to make it outside.

Her eyes on the floor, Narcissa tried to use the wall to steady her other side, but she began to fall again, her legs giving in.

Andromeda hurried forward, helping catch her sister as she fell, landing on the floor with her as Narcissa slowly looked over to see who was helping her. The moment she did, she burst into tears.

"Hermione, shouldn't you be with Rose?" asked Andromeda, helping a weeping Narcissa back to her feet.

Hermione gulped back tears. "I …"

"We'll help out here. You go find your daughter."

She looked at Narcissa and nodded slowly.

"Would you mind giving Dora to Fleur?" asked Teddy, handing his daughter off.

Hermione smiled and said, "Sure."

She took Dora and began walking down the corridor, looking back every few steps to make sure they were making progress. They were.

"Mom, there you are!" said Rose with relief as her mother appeared by the doors of the château.

"We're trying to figure out the best way to get her out there without soaking her dress," said Ginny, staring out the open doors at the wet cobblestone.

Fleur was right there and Hermione handed Dora off. "I'll clear the puddles," she said, taking out her wand. "Everyone else follow. Anyone not on dress duty will hold the umbrellas."

Hermione stepped out first, taking out her wand and casting a spell so the puddles split like the Red Sea, easily clearing the way for them. It was a bit of a trek since they were going the back way to avoid any guests, but once they got through several gardens to the one Rose would be getting married in, she looked out to make sure everything was in place.

It all looked beautiful. The guests were filing in while the umbrellas floating above their heads followed them around, red roses surrounded the space and their petals led the path to the alter, and small, white lights twinkled from every corner. Scorpius was already down there, looking nervous while Parker appeared to be giving him a pep talk. Edie was there, too, with James, clad in a suit just like Parker's but altered to fit her girlish figure and a cape she kept pulling over half of her face like the Phantom of the Opera. It was actually quite cute, and James laughed as she gave a twirl for him. Hermione caught her eye and waved her over. She squealed and grabbed the other groomsmen, shoving them until they were all headed towards the back of the garden.

"Where's Dad?" Hermione heard Rose ask behind her.

She scanned the space but didn't see him. "I don't know."

"I'll call him," said Ginny, taking out her phone. After a few seconds, she frowned. "No answer."

"Alright, Ginny, you look that way." Hermione pointed left. "I'll look this way." Then she pointed right. "And, Astoria, you go up front and tell them to stall for a couple of minutes."

Astoria and Ginny nodded, each heading in their respective directions. Hermione did the same. She had only turned a few corners when she suddenly heard voices.

"Malfoy, we're cutting it close here. How much longer is this going to take?"

Hermione pursed her brow. That was definitely Ron. She reached the corner the voice had come from and slowly looked around it.

"Just keep your wand steady, Weasel," ordered Draco, as they and several others walked around in a circle, their wands twirling as a gray cloud formed in the center of them.

"But my daughter gets married in five bloody minutes, and I would like to be there to walk her down the aisle."

"Oh, shut it, Weasel. Once we get it snowing she'll be so happy that she won't even notice you're late."

Hermione's mouth fell open. Snow.

"And wet," added Alexandra, pulling her hood a little tighter over her head.

"At least you have a hood," said Pansy, grimacing as she walked around in a circle wearing nothing but her dress, which was already soaking wet.

"Just tell Rose what you were doing, Ron," said Harry. "Then she really won't care that you were late."

"No!" snapped Draco. "There will be none of that."

"Why not?" asked Ron.

"Because this is a bloody wedding day miracle! Got it?"

No one protested. Hermione smiled. She watched Draco for a moment, his expression very serious, before turning and returning to Rose.

"Did you find him?" her daughter asked.

"Yes, he just needs a couple minutes," said Hermione. She leaned in. "Washroom emergency."

Rose crinkled her nose in disgust and asked nothing more.

It was only another minute before Hermione noticed the clouds above their heads begin to change. The rain stopped, causing Rose and her bridesmaids to let out a breath of relief. And then, still looking up, Hermione saw it. The smallest snowflake falling from the sky, traveling in a whirly pattern before landing on the tip of Rose's nose.

Her daughter's eyes lit up. She looked up, her mouth falling open as several flakes began to fall. Then several more. Until, finally, a light snowfall was surrounding the garden.

"Oh my gods," said Rose, bringing her hand to her mouth. "It's snow. Mom, do you see it? It's snow!"

All of the guests began to ooh and aah as the snow filled the space around them, Astoria quickly waving her wand and moving the umbrellas out of the way so the snow could fall properly. Scorpius was watching it with as much wonderment as Rose.

"Rose!"

Rose turned at the sound of her father's voice and she smiled brightly at him. "Dad, did you see? It's snowing!"

"Yeah, I saw," he said, kissing her cheek. "Sorry I'm late. You look beautiful."

"It's fine. If you were on time I'd be walking down the aisle in the rain."

All of the bridesmaids put down their umbrellas and searched for their respective groomsmen.

"I've been upgraded," said Parker, holding out his arm to Lily. She smiled and took it.

"Alright, who gets me?" asked Edie, doing a little dance to show of her groomsman moves. She was given Parker's old partner, an embarrassed looking Molly.

Hermione gave Rose a kiss before heading down the aisle to take her seat. Draco was already sitting in the front row with his mother and father. His eyes lit up when he saw her, and Narcissa whimpered a little as she watched him watching her.

Hermione smiled and took her seat on the opposite side, next to Molly and Arthur.

It was not long before the music started playing, Wimsy heading down the aisle in a fancy suit, guiding Perdita with a pillow carrying rings on her back while Eirwen flew above them, dropping rose petals. The house-elf broke into tears when he saw Scorpius standing at the end of the aisle. He took out his personal camera and snapped a photo. Scorpius struck a pose.

Then it was time for the bridal party. Niles came first with Roxanne, Sebastian with Lucy, Albus with Dominique, Edie with Molly, Hugo with Victoire, then, finally, Parker with Lily. Hermione noticed Deacon sitting near the back with his mother and father, trying to keep it together as he looked ashamedly down at his feet. Pansy put her arm around him.

And then the music changed. Everyone stood up, none more eager than Hermione as she stared down the aisle and waited for her daughter to appear. And then, she was there, on Ron's arm with a bouquet of red roses in her hands. The snow was still falling in light flakes, creating a winter paradise as Rose's eyes fell into Scorpius'. Her fur-trimmed cape floated behind her as bits of snow clung to her wreath, making her look like a snow queen. She was a vision.

Tears filled both of their eyes as she walked down the aisle. Hermione tore her eyes away from her for only a moment, looking at Narcissa and smiling as Draco held her up, a beautiful look on her face as she watched her grandson watching his bride.

And then Hermione's eyes were back on Rose, her happy daughter trying really hard not to cry as she reached Scorpius. Ron kissed her cheek and guided her hand into Scorpius', squeezing his shoulder in approval before going over and joining Hermione.

The snow stopped falling just in time for them to say their vows, the ground already covered in a thin, white blanket. Wimsy struggled with the pillow on Perdita's back before being able to give them their rings, making the guests and bridal party laugh a little. As he walked away, the house-elf snapped another photo.

Before Hermione knew what was happening, the rings were exchanged, Scorpius and Rose no longer trying to hold back their tears as they were announced as husband and wife.

"You may kiss the bride."

Everyone cheered as Rose and Scorpius went for each other, giving a long, soft kiss before smiling and beginning on several smaller pecks.

Scorpius held her cheeks and whimpered a little before quietly telling her, "You're my wife."

Rose laughed and they kissed again, rose petals and glitter falling all around them as they burst out of peoples wands. Hermione held onto Ron's arm as their daughter headed back down the aisle with her new husband on her arm. She cried into his sleeve. It was perfect, all of it. Never in her life could she ever remember feeling this happy.

And then she looked across the aisle at Draco, who was watching her with a worried look in his eye. She smiled, released Ron's arm and went to him, letting him hold her while Narcissa watched with a smile on her face. But something didn't feel right about his arm, and Hermione looked up into his eyes. But he avoided her gaze, staring after their children as they disappeared around the corner.

XXX

Hermione hurried around the sheer tent they were having the reception in, making sure everything was running smoothly. The food had been served, the speeches had been said, surprisingly none more tear-jerking than Lily's, the cake had been cut and the music had begun to play.

Hermione stopped for a moment and watched as Rose and Scorpius danced together. When the song went from fast to slow it didn't make much difference. They were already glued together. Victoire handed Dora off to Teddy and went over to where Draco was sitting with his parents. She held out his hand and he gladly took it, letting her lead him onto the dance floor.

A short ways away, Pansy was talking Alexandra's ear off while Deacon sat slumped in the chair beside her. Alexandra actually looked relieved when Blaise came up and held his hand out to her. But she still looked at it hesitantly before taking it. He led her out to the floor, pulling her close and holding on tightly as they swayed to the music. Hermione had never seen that sort of look in Blaise's eyes before, but it definitely seemed like something had shifted inside of him. Whether he had chosen to let Alexandra go or give her what she wanted, she didn't know, but she really did want the best for him.

Theo and Jaclyn were dancing only a few feet away, looking very much in love as they held onto each other.

Lily and Parker were also on the dance floor, spinning around in circles and doing more of a contemporary dance than anything. They bumped into James and Edie, who began chasing them around the floor.

And then Hermione's eyes stopped on Cormac, who had been watching Astoria all night. She was at a table with Ron, the two of them laughing over something while they picked at two slices of cake. Cormac had asked Hermione earlier in the evening if they were seeing each other, and Hermione had assured him they were not.

After taking a deep breath, he finally went for it, approaching Astoria and holding out his hand. "Would you like to dance?"

Astoria stared blankly at the outstretched hand. She looked to Ron, who shrugged, then up at Cormac. "Do I know you?" she asked.

Ron laughed, his face turning red as he was embarrassed for Cormac.

"No, not yet," said Cormac with a cocky smirk. "But we have met."

Astoria looked at his hand again. "Alright," she said, lifting hers and taking it.

Cormac's face lit up as he helped her to her feet, cupping his hand with hers and guiding her onto the dance floor.

Hermione caught Ron's eye then. He smiled and held out his hand. She nodded.

Ron stood and the two of them met halfway, walking out to the dance floor. He took her in his arms and they began moving to the music. Hermione clung to his shoulders, her head on his chest as she realized she could not remember the last time they did this. Danced and held each other. And then she realized that this might be it for them.

"I miss you," he breathed into her ear as he continued to hold her.

Hermione did not respond right away, just held on tight. It was like all those months ago in the Three Broomsticks, where he had held her and said those same words. Only, she had been unable to say them in return, because she refused to admit that the Ron she missed was never coming back. But now Hermione could tell from the sound of his voice that his words were different. He didn't miss her, he missed what they had. Something that had been lost throughout the years.

"I miss you, too," she said, finally able to accept that this really was it for them. Their love was over. And, with that, new doors could open. She looked over at where Draco was dancing with Victoire and gulped. Yes, doors could open, but perhaps it was too soon for her to open this particular door just yet.

When the song finished, Hermione and Ron held each other for a moment longer. When they finally let go, Hermione wiped a tear from her eye and headed for the tent's exit. Draco watched her as he walked back over to his mother. Lucius had just been pulled away to dance with the bride so she was alone, unable to get to her feet and dance with her grandson, despite his request.

"Draco, go," said Narcissa, motioning towards the exit Hermione had disappeared through. "I'm fine and she needs you."

"You're sure?"

Narcissa nodded. Draco leaned down and kissed her cheek before following Hermione out. Narcissa stayed put, watching Lucius dance with Rose while Scorpius danced close by with Molly Weasley. He caught her eye, smiled and waved. She waved back, unable to control the pang of jealousy she felt that she would probably never be able to dance with her grandson again.

A chair shifted beside her. Narcissa looked over to see Andromeda sitting there. Her sister smiled. "Crazy day, right? The Weasleys and the Malfoys joining as one."

Narcissa nodded.

Andromeda reached over and entwined her hand with her sister's. "How are you, Cissy?"

"I've been better," said Narcissa, her eyes filling with tears.

"Would you like to meet my great-granddaughter?" asked Andromeda. "She's really small and can make just about anyone feel better."

Narcissa nodded, lifting her free hand to wipe a tear.

Andromeda motioned at Teddy and Victoire. The two of them walked over, Dora bouncing in her mother's arms. "Narcissa, this is my grandson, Teddy. I imagine he will become Minister when Hermione's done with the job. And this is his wife, Victoire, and their daughter, Nymphadora. Named for her late grandmother."

Narcissa looked at her sister with sad eyes and said, "Andy, I didn't … I … I didn't stop Bella and I'm sorry. I'm so, so sor -"

"None of that," said Andromeda, squeezing her sister's hand tighter. "Just tell me how cute my great-granddaughter is."

Narcissa nodded and wiped away a few more tears. "She's very cute. Definitely looks like a Black."

Victoire sat down on Narcissa's other side and put Dora in her lap, the woman smiling in a way she hadn't in a very long time.

Outside, it was just starting to get dark. The lights in the gardens turned on and it did not take Draco long to find Hermione sitting on a bench just behind the tent, searching through the small purse she was holding. A faint hint of the music in the tent could be heard.

Hermione looked up as he approached and attempted a smile. She held something up. "Do you think this is still good?"

Draco looked. It was the flask he had given her the night of the graduation. "Six months in a metal flask? Doubtful," he said, taking a seat beside her. "But, by all means."

Hermione opened the top and took a whiff. "Smells alright." She took a sip, nearly choking before handing the flask off to him. He followed suit.

"Tastes like metal," he said.

"Sorry," she said. "You told me it wasn't the cheap shit, yet I still let it go to waste."

Draco smirked. "To be fair, you did try to drink it the first night we shagged. I just didn't let you because I didn't want you to lose consciousness before I was given my opportunity."

"Yes, and I suppose that worked out well for you."

Draco nodded as his smirk faded.

Silence.

"Hermione, what's going on?"

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"Something's changed."

Hermione went white. "Nothing has -"

Draco pulled several pieces of parchment out of his coat pocket and handed them to her. "What's this?"

Hermione looked at the parchment in her hands. She blinked. "Where did you get this?"

"I found it?"

"In my trousers that I packed away?" she asked.

"Yes, in there," he answered.

Hermione sighed. "It's nothing, Draco. Just a trip I planned to go on when I was younger."

"Not now?"

She paused. "No."

"You hesitated."

"No I didn't."

"Hermione, be honest with me!" he snapped, his eyes desperate as he looked at her. "You haven't looked at me right all day. What's happened? What's shifted?"

She did not answer.

"Do you not love me anymore?"

"Of course I do," she said quickly. "Draco, no. That's not it." She took a deep breath.
"Actually, that's part of the problem. I love you. So much."

Draco gulped. "But?"

Now Hermione gulped. "But … you and I … we got together while I was separated, and that was fine, but then I got divorced, and suddenly it felt like my heart was starting over again and I just … I'm not ready for this," she finally admitted, the same heart aching as her hands clenched in her lap. "You're right, I want to go on this trip, before it's no longer an option. It was my dream." She paused. "But I also don't want to leave you."

"Because of my mother." Draco leaned forward on his knees, his throat raw as he avoided looking at her. "Hermione, I don't want you to be with me out of obligation. And neither would she."

"It's not that." She tried to grab his hand but Draco moved away.

"Why did you even come back to me?" he asked.

"Because I love you," she said. "And I missed you. Please, Draco, you have to believe that."

He said nothing.

"Draco, I'm sorry. I just think I need to be by myself for a while. To take this trip and figure myself out. And you … you want this commitment that I don't think I can give. Not now. Draco … I love you. I really, really do."

Still nothing.

"I just fear that I won't be able to give you what you want."

"And just who are you to decide what it is I do and do not want?" Draco snapped, lifting his sunken head and facing her with wet eyes. "I want you, Hermione! That's it. I'd like more but if that doesn't happen I'd be fine. Because I'd have you. That's all I want. Just you!"

Draco leaned in and pressed his forehead against hers. He held her chin as he kissed her softly, tears falling between them.

"I can't do this again," he said with a heavy heart. "You wanted a deadline? Well, we've just hit it. You are free." He reached up and stroked her hair. "Go on your trip, Hermione." With one last, sad look into her eyes, Draco stood up and began to walk away.

A slow song began to play in the tent, creating soft music around the garden.

Hermione whimpered as she watched him. She sucked in a breath and jumped up. "Draco!"

He stopped and turned.

"We still have never danced together," she said.

Draco stood there for a moment, unmoving. Then, slowly he strutted over to her, holding out his hand and waiting for her to take it. Hermione did, keeping one hand entwined with his while the other wrapped around his neck.

The two of them held each other close, their bodies barely moving as they swayed to the music, his hand caressing her back while he rubbed his cheek against hers.

And then, far too soon, the song ended. Draco and Hermione stopped swaying but neither of them moved, still holding onto each other and afraid to let go.

Finally, Draco pulled back. He gazed into Hermione's amber eyes and reached up to stroke her cheek. "Hermione, do …" He gulped. "Do you want me to wait for you?"

Hermione sniffled. "What?"

"Do you want me to wait for you?" he repeated.

"Draco, I could never ask -"

"That is not my question," he said sternly. "Do you, Hermione Granger, want me to wait for you?"

Hermione gazed back into his eyes, liquid pools of silver that she wanted to melt right into. "Yes," she found her heart saying before her mind could even argue. "Yes, Draco Malfoy, I want you to wait for me."

Draco nodded. "Then I will wait." He leaned in and kissed both of her eyelids. "As long as it takes." He released her. "And I still plan on kissing you at midnight on New Year's. Your orders," he said with a half-hearted smile.

"I know what you did today."

Draco looked blankly at her.

She pointed up. "With the snow. I saw your little spell circle." She smiled. "Thank you, Draco."

He smiled back at her and winked. "Don't mention it." He took her face in his hands and gave her one last kiss. Then he whispered, "This isn't finished, Hermione."

With one final turn, Draco hurried away and was gone, disappearing inside of the tent and leaving Hermione outside alone. Suddenly, a snowflake landed on the tip of her nose. She looked up, smiling as she realized the real snow had finally begun to fall.

In that moment, Hermione reached into the neck of her dress and pulled out the chain she was wearing. Staring down at the emerald ring she had attached to it, she wanted nothing more than to keep a part of Draco close to her. "I know it isn't," she whispered into the night.

Extra A/N: Don't you dare kill me until the epilogue has been read! ;o)