October 2005

Hermione was pacing, wearing a path into the floor of the room that had been appointed her 'Bridal Suite' by Narcissa. Obviously, she'd done this whole wedding thing before, but this felt different. With the Weasleys, there had been no fuss whatsoever. She'd had a perfectly lovely small wedding at the Burrow, much like Bill and Fleur's. There was no grand garden, no string quartet, and Molly had cooked nearly all of the food herself.

This event, this wedding, was still simple, but there was a certain elegance to it. It was more a formality than anything else, so she'd given Narcissa her way on the reception. A whole grand ballroom in the Manor had been remodeled and was currently being decorated with both white and deep red flowers. It was likely the first time in history a Malfoy wedding would include the colour red.

But they were getting married in a Muggle location, a public garden that was near where Hermione had grown up. She used to go there with her Mum when she was younger, and it made her feel closer to her parents, like they were there looking down on her. Since the ceremony would be magical, the Ministry had received permission to ward it against Muggles for a few hours.

Pausing to look out the window, she saw the skies were overcast, threatening rain. Not that rain was unusual at this time of year.

"Please stay dry," Hermione said to herself.

A voice behind her made her jump. "Rain on your wedding day is supposed to be good luck, Hermione." Ginny walked towards her, an envelope in her hands. "This is from Draco. He wanted me to give it to you."

"I don't know why he's being so ridiculous about all of this. We've been living together and soul bonded for three bloody years," she grumbled, taking the envelope and tearing it open.

Granger,

Today, I make you mine in one last way, and I couldn't be more excited about it.

Everything I said on the night I proposed is still true — I'd still walk through that hell all over again if it meant we ended up here. And I know you say you'd go back to the end of the war and choose me instead, but I'm a better man now than I was then. Who knows what would've happened if we'd fallen together immediately?

No, I'd still take the same path we did seven years ago, no matter what. Living apart, experiencing the other relationships, made us appreciate what we have now even more.

I'm proud to be the one you chose to share your life with. How lucky am I?

I love you.

Draco

Hermione nearly broke down into tears as she read. Sometimes, she still couldn't believe how lucky she was. Even if it had taken heartbreak, war, and divorce to get there, she was back on the path her soul was destined for. Her crankiness about the whole ordeal of a day faded, and she felt the tension leave her shoulders.

"See. He probably knew you'd be grumbling on about everything today. Everyone knows you're doing this to make Narcissa happy," Ginny stated.

"And Draco. He wanted this, too."

Ginny nodded. "And Draco. You should start getting ready. You've certainly kept the man waiting long enough."

Laughing, Hermione sat down in the chair in front of the vanity and summoned Darcie. The little elf started on her hair, and Hermione just leaned back and thought of the honeymoon to come — it would be nothing short of amazing. While she didn't know where they were going, she knew it would be beautiful and secluded. She'd be hitting her heat cycle next week, and Draco was well aware. They'd chosen the wedding and departure dates carefully because of it.

Ginny sat beside her, chattering about how the preparations were going and the flowers Narcissa was so enamored with. Focusing on Draco, Hermione reached out.

Thank you. I love you. I can't wait to see you.

Oh, I think you have that backwards. I can't wait to see you. You're going to be the most perfect bride that has ever existed.

His excitement about this day had been growing for weeks, and she wasn't sure if it was the possessive Alpha trait or the spoiled Malfoy heir finally getting what he wanted causing the change. Either way, it was slightly adorable — one would think that neither of them had ever been married before.

But this was different.

It was forever. They were forever. Even without this wedding, they'd be forever.

You're so adorable. I know this is your special day—

Our special day!

Please! With the way you've been talking about it and have been a perfectionist with every little detail, you'd think you were the bride!

You're going to pay for that one tonight, witch.

Hermione caught herself smiling in the mirror, and Ginny glared at her. "I thought you two wanted to be kept separate all day? No talking or anything?"

"We're not talking," Hermione replied, batting her eyelashes to appear innocent. "We're just… saying good morning."

Darcie smiled. "They does not go more than a few hours without talking. Darcie is surprised they made it this long."

Barely restraining her laughter, Hermione squeezed her eyes shut, unable to look at the smirk on Darcie's face — the elf was definitely part of their little family, and she was quite funny when she wanted to be.

Your elf is being cheeky and spilling our secrets to Ginny.

I'm sure we don't have many secrets from Ginny. That woman is so nosy.

Yes, but we're about to have even less.

"Master Draco cannot wait to take Mistress Hermione away. She is going to go into heat and—"

Hermione cleared her throat. "Please do not speak about those things, Darcie. It's not polite. And do not punish yourself, either."

"Yes, Mistress," she said, chastened.

Ginny's eyes met hers in the mirror. "It's not like I didn't know that you'll be in heat on your honeymoon, Hermione. We all know your timetable almost as well as you do at this point."

"Yes, well, there are just some things that she's either overheard or seen or… Trust me, you don't need or want to know."

"I do want to know!" Ginny said, bouncing in her seat. "Honestly, I'm so deprived right now. Ever since I found out about the baby—"

She clapped a hand over her mouth.

"Baby?" Hermione asked. "You're pregnant, Gin?"

"Oh, bollocks, we weren't going to tell you until you got back. Harry is going to kill me. He was so excited to tell you," she groaned.

A smile stretched across her face. "That's amazing, Ginny. I'm so happy for you — I didn't even know you two were trying! I'll act surprised when he tells me. There's nothing to worry about."

"Yeah, except for the fact that he thinks sex will kill our baby," she grumbled. "It's not like his dick is that big."

Hermione laughed harder than she had in quite some time — she couldn't even bring herself to feel disgusted about the thought of Harry's… equipment. It was just too ridiculous that he'd be worried about harming the baby.

"I can talk to him," she said through peals of laughter. "I mean, you could give him a book that explains that it's perfectly natural and safe."

It was Ginny's turn to go into hysterics. "Oh, can you imagine? 'Here you go, Potter. Your wife is pregnant and horny and wants to shag. See? It's perfectly safe. You don't have an Alpha cock so…'"

Hermione nearly had tears of laughter running down her face. Darcie patiently waited for her to calm again, holding the hairbrush in one hand and a chunk of Hermione's hair in the other.

"I'm so sorry," Hermione choked out. "I promise we'll behave, Darcie."

"Darcie doesn't believe that for one second, Mistress, but it's okay."

Ginny and Hermione looked at each other in their peripheral vision and nearly started laughing again.

"Can I be serious for a moment?" Ginny asked a while later.

Hermione was examining her hair in the mirror and applying a bit of lip gloss. Glancing up, she met Ginny's eyes in her reflection. "Of course. What's up?"

"As nervous or cranky as you were before, this is how it's supposed to be, Hermione," Ginny began. "I was there when you got ready to marry Ron, and there was no anxiety, no giddiness… It was just like any other day for you."

"I don't think today is all that different."

"It is. You're different. You're confident and happy."

Sighing, she replied, "It's easy to be confident about a marriage when you're soul bonded, Ginny. But yes, I'm happy. I've been happy for the past three years. I told you once we reconnected — there's nothing like a soul bond, and if you've never had one, there's no way to understand it." She paused for a moment. "Draco knows me, he loves me, not the idea of me. He can hear my thoughts and knows every part of me — all the light and the dark and the ridiculous — and he loves me anyway."

"I'm so happy for you, Hermione. Really, I am. And I know my whole family, Ron included, is too," Ginny said.

Hermione just nodded, unwilling to open a discussion about Ron in this moment. Today was about her and Draco, about the life they were starting together years after they should've. As time went on, and she and Draco grew stronger together, she found herself resenting Ron and even some of the other Weasleys for delaying her happiness, the fulfillment she felt when she was with Draco.

Ginny took the hint, dropping the subject. A moment later, Narcissa swept into the room, a garment bag levitating behind her. Hermione instantly brightened when Draco's mum hugged her.

"Your hair looks gorgeous, darling!" she exclaimed. "It's going to be absolutely perfect with the dress."

"It is," Ginny agreed. "I can't wait to see everything put together."

Narcissa smiled. "Do you have your undergarments on beneath that dressing gown?"

Nodding, Hermione stepped towards the garment bag, unzipping it carefully to reveal her wedding dress. It was strapless and the neckline plunged enough to be a little bit sexy while still covering her. The white lace was very different from most she'd seen, looking more like widely-spaced vines and leaves than just simple flowers.

"Draco is going to lose his mind," Ginny said with a smile. "He's going to be speechless when he sees you."

Oh, I hope so. I hope he's a mess.

Draco was standing at the end of the aisle, Theo and Blaise beside him, and he was full of nervous excitement. Hermione had managed to keep every little detail of how she'd look a secret, despite the fact that they normally told each other everything. Knowing she'd be beautiful no matter what, he'd relented and stopped asking what she was going to wear.

"Mate, calm the fuck down. You're already soul bonded. This is essentially an excuse to have a party," Blaise said.

Shooting a glare at Blaise, Theo hissed, "Shut up. You just don't get it because you've never been in love."

"I'm in love all the time. It's just with different women."

"Yeah, well, just imagine having that feeling about the same person every single day for eight years," Draco replied. "And then imagine what it would be like to lose her, accept that you'll never be with her again even though the feeling's still there, and then get a second chance. You'd be just as excited as I am now."

Blaise rolled his eyes. "You're a bloody Hufflepuff when it comes to her."

"I bet he's not in some ways," Theo said, smirking.

Draco didn't answer either of them. All of the seats were already filled, and he knew the wedding would be starting soon. Glancing at his watch for the hundredth time, he saw they had about three minutes to go.

He allowed himself a moment to scan the crowd. At Hermione's insistence, there was only one seating area, not two divided. She'd be walking on a curved path around the side of the guests rather than through them. There was so much red hair, so many bloody Weasleys, and his eyes fell on the one who had always been a point of contention between them. When Draco had found out she'd invited him to the wedding, they'd not spoken for a whole evening. Hermione hadn't locked herself away, still sleeping in bed beside him and acknowledging his presence, but she'd thrown up her walls.

Staring at his least favourite Weasley, Draco's eyes moved to the woman beside him. Blonde, of course, with a swollen abdomen that made him think she was about six months pregnant. Hermione's ex-husband rested his hand where the baby grew, and Draco felt like a complete arse all over again.

Weasley was besotted with the woman beside him and his excitement about the baby was evident. He had moved on with his life and had likely found someone better suited to him. But Draco couldn't help hating the man who'd stolen so much time from them. He and Hermione could've married years earlier, could be the ones who were expecting a baby…

"Do you want us to kill Weasley?" Blaise whispered in his ear, snapping him out of his daze. "I've just talked to Theo. We can do it. I'm sure only his mum would care."

"No," Draco sighed. "Hermione would be cross with me, and I wouldn't want his child to grow up without a father."

Blaise shook his head, looking disappointed. Beside him, Theo was trying — and failing — to stifle his laughter.

And then the music started, and Draco tried to focus on Hermione's feelings. He wanted to know what she was thinking, if she was nervous or excited. However, all Draco felt was a jumble of emotions.

His mother quickly glided into the room and took her seat in the front row, beside Andromeda. Teddy was on the other side of his grandmother with Potter next to him.

Harry bloody Potter front and center at my wedding. Just what I've always wanted.

Oh, cut it out!

Her voice danced through his head, making him smile. The swirl of emotions he felt belonged to both of them, melding and morphing into one. He kept his eyes down, not wanting to look up until Hermione had entered the garden. He saw Ginny's feet walking towards him, and he glanced up and met her eyes for a moment.

She smirked at him. "I hope you can control yourself. She's so hot in that gown that I want to fuck her."

Draco couldn't help the laugh that escaped. It broke the tension inside of him, and Hermione spoke again.

I'm sure I don't even want to know what she just said to you.

Oh, I'll tell you later. Hurry up and get your arse out here, witch.

She didn't respond, but the music changed, a beautiful lilting melody that sounded like hope and love and everything Hermione had given him over the past three years. His heart started to race, but he kept his head bowed.

And then all the guests stood, cueing him to look up. When he did, his breath caught in his throat, and his eyes watered. Hermione was standing at the other end of the aisle, her hair pulled back from her face by two intricate braids at her temples, but still down and curly, all of it cascading over one shoulder. Her white dress hugged every curve she had, flaring out from her knees. The lace was patterned with vines, reminding Draco of her first wand, the one she'd had when they were in sixth year. Despite having access to all the Malfoy and Black heirloom jewellery, she wore the small ruby pendant he'd given her when they were just two stupid teenagers falling in love.

And her flowers also matched the ones he'd given her that night — deep red dahlias — though his mother had insisted that white be mixed in, as well, since they were bridal flowers.

She was perfection — more than he ever could've dreamed. Every eye was on her, but it didn't matter. They all knew she was his.

He stood and watched as she walked towards him, her hips gently swaying with each step. Since he knew her, he could tell she was purposely slowing her steps, trying not to walk quickly down the path.

There are no words to describe you.

With a smile, she stepped up beside him and handed her flowers to Ginny. When he looked into her dark eyes, he saw his future, his entire life reflected back at him. There were potions and heat cycles, quiet nights at home and glamorous galas, children and trips to Platform 9 and ¾, more friends and family than he ever would have imagined.

Tonight, she was giving him the world.

As Hermione stood beside Draco, and Kingsley started the marriage rites, her magic vibrated like it was unable to contain its excitement. They'd opted for a bonding ceremony, one where their magic would be tied together. It was an old ritual, not commonly performed anymore since a divorce could result in a damaged magical core, but she and Draco had decided on it together. Ultimately, they were already soul bonded and had already been through the worst things most people would ever face together.

This was forever. They both wanted forever and had decided that years ago.

Hermione barely heard the words Kingsley spoke; she was so focused on Draco, on watching his eyes and holding his hands.

"Draco and Hermione, you two have overcome many obstacles, fought many battles to make it to this day. While your souls are already bound, your magics remain your own. After today, they will be combined. After today, you will be one in every way possible," Kingsley said. "As we all know, the only constant in this life is change — we've seen so much of it over the past ten years. Assuming that your love will remain the same for the rest of your life is foolish. It will change — it will shift and grow and be altered by your circumstances. When it shifts, you will move with it together. When it grows, your connection will become even stronger than it is today. When your circumstances change, you will meet the new challenges together."

Kingsley paused, catching his breath. "Between the two of you, opposites attract and reconcile. Pureblood and Muggle-born, Alpha and Omega — I'm sure there are many others, as well. Everyone here has watched you for the past three years, seen how your love has grown and changed. You are possessive of each other, but not controlling. You are serious and fun—"

Can't he get to the good part? I don't need to hear what we are to each other.

Draco, you read the ceremony when we selected it! You knew how long it was.

But I just want to be married. I want you to be my wife.

Soon. Now pay attention.

When they refocused on Kingsley, he had taken his wand out, and Hermione knew he'd be starting the binding momentarily.

"Marriage bonds like this are simple, yet complex. The more love there is between a couple, the tighter the bond will be. The tighter the bond, the more dangerous a reversal. I have a feeling that we're going to see a full binding today." He paused, smiling warmly. "Hermione and Draco, please join hands — left in left, right in right."

They followed Kingsley's instructions, linking hands so their arms crossed between them. He pointed his wand at their left hands first, encasing them in a bond of bright red magic. "As we all know, the old magicks were based in the elements. This binding relies on each of the four natural elements to tie a couple together. For Hermione and Draco, I thought it fitting to start with red, which symbolises fire. May the fires of deep, passionate love always burn bright within you."

Hermione heard some chuckling from the crowd, but she was so focused on Draco, on the way their soul bond seemed to be drawing off the additional binding magic.

Sweet Salazar. Can you feel that?

I can. It's… pulsing.

A dark green bond landed around their right hands next. "Green for Earth — may your love grow as large as a tree in the forest, flourishing and sprouting new branches through the years, remaining grounded by its roots while continuing to reach new heights."

Another jolt moved through their bond, and the pulsing sped up from a gentle thrum to a steady thumping. Hermione's breath hitched when she met Draco's eyes and saw his pupils dilating in an all-too familiar way.

Do you feel that…? I hope this doesn't force me into heat.

Oh, I feel it. And I can smell you.

Hermione closed her eyes and scented the air, picking up his minty notes more strongly than usual. As a shudder of arousal racked through her, she hoped that no one watching noticed.

Kingsley's voice broke the silence again, and a blue bond entwined with the green. "Blue for water — may your love fill you and nourish your growth, flowing freely through you and your bonds."

The intensity of the binding magic increased again, making the pulse of their bond shift to a fast-paced thumping. Hermione's heart rate synced with the rhythm, and the magic coursing through her was making her want — want to be joined with Draco in every single way possible. This time, she didn't even bother trying to communicate with Draco; she knew he could feel everything she was experiencing, as she could feel him more clearly than ever.

A moment later, Kingsley's voice rang out again as a silver ribbon of magic wove around the red. "And finally air — with each breath, inhale the love from your partner and let it fuel the passion within you. Exhale love, as well, so your partner can breathe it in again."

Once the words had been spoken, the magical bonds tightened, pulling their forearms upright and drawing Draco and Hermione closer, their bond pounding between them. There were barely any pauses between the spikes in magic. Between their bodies, their arms were crossed, but flush against each other, and the magic of the bond seemed to be equally drawing off of theirs whilst giving them something new all at once.

Hermione looked up at Draco and his head was already tilted down, watching over her, making sure she was okay. She gasped when she noticed a cloud of gold with intermittent silver starting to surround him. Another jolt ran through her and a shimmering silver haze formed around her, flecked with some gold.

Kingsley spoke. "You can see their magics in the air, separate but eager to combine since they're soul bonded. Their magic recognises each other, knows that it's safe to join fully since it has already mixed. The elemental bonds will ground them, keeping them tied firmly to this world, while their magics exist outside their bodies during this transition."

At his words, Hermione noticed the shift, the way the cloud of magic was swirling and mixing, gold and silver spiraling together. She kept her eyes focused on her Alpha, the love of her life, the man she never wanted to be without again. They'd spent so many years on opposite sides, torn apart, but she could feel in her soul that it would never happen again. Neither of them spoke, aloud or through their bond, as the ritual continued around them.

"As the magics fully combine, you can see the change — it would take an eternity to separate one from the other. Even when one of them goes beyond the veil, leaving this earth, the other will still be able to feel their presence, their love and their warmth," Kingsley continued.

The cloud was growing smaller, the magic slowly disappearing from the air around them and entering their bodies again, coursing through their veins and somehow jumping from Hermione to Draco and then back again. She could feel the unbreakable bonds forming in every part of her body as their magic moved freely between them.

"From this moment forward, just like your souls, your magic is bound together, tied in this life and on the other side of the veil," Kingsley said as the last vestiges of gold and silver disappeared through their skin. "The elemental bonds will also live within you, allowing the ebb and flow of magic between yourselves. You will be able to draw power from each other when needed, just like you are able to take comfort in your bonded partner. When you are weak, they can give you strength. When they are tired, you can give them the energy to make it through the day. If you are in danger, they can help you to protect yourself."

She felt a wave of relief wash through her, and she knew that Draco's fears were being laid to rest — he would be able to help her, even when he wasn't there. The elemental bonds seemed to sink into their skin, as well, creating another surge of power.

Oh my Gods, I've never—

I feel so strong, like my magic is ten times stronger than it ever has been.

Me too.

When the visible magic had fully faded and they were able to move apart, they didn't. Hermione and Draco stood frozen, the new power still unsettled between them. They hadn't broken eye contact other than to blink, and she couldn't bring herself to look away.

"Hermione and Draco, your souls and your magics are now bound to each other. I am proud to officially declare you husband and wife. You may further seal your union with a kiss."

And just like that, Draco leaned down and captured her lips, kissing her with their arms still between them, their hands still tightly clasped.

Hermione vaguely registered the sound of cheers and applause, but Draco's voice was steady in her head, much like it had been when he had claimed her.

Mine. Mine. Mine. I love you. I'm never letting go.

And she felt it with absolute certainty.

I know, love. I can feel you in every part of me.

After photographs were taken, they returned to the Manor for the reception. Their guests were already there, anxiously awaiting their arrival. Narcissa had respected their wishes and kept the guest list small — less than 75 people were present, and a good portion of them were Weasleys either by birth or marriage.

When Hermione and Draco slipped into the ballroom, not wanting to make a grand entrance, everything was perfect. From the flowers, to the tables, to the dancefloor, everything was elegant and coordinated, though that wasn't surprising — Narcissa Malfoy had always known how to plan an event. Trays of champagne levitated around and Hermione knew there was a team of house-elves in the kitchen, sending out more trays of food and drink to be enjoyed.

Draco led her towards Narcissa and Andromeda, and they were greeted with warm, congratulatory hugs. Smiling down at his mother, he said, "Thank you. Everything looks wonderful."

"No need to thank me. I'm just glad it's finally happened. You're properly married after three years," she replied, and Draco could feel Hermione's annoyance. However, she didn't show it — they were both aware of Narcissa's impatience for their entire engagement.

Andromeda quickly changed the subject. "That was quite the ceremony. I'd never seen a magical binding like it until today."

"Well, we figured we'd take the extra step," Hermione said with a smile. "We're already soul bonded, so this just seemed to make the most sense. It was very different from what I was expecting, though. The power was unbelievable."

"Let's talk about that later," Narcissa whispered, looking around. "I know it causes a surge, and I don't want tongues wagging."

Draco chuckled. "Tomorrow, then. Once everyone leaves—"

"Yes, I'm well aware of what your first priority will be," his mother interrupted. "No need to talk about it."

Stop winding her up, Draco! It's so awkward.

You have no idea how fun it is. She used to be so stuffy.

It's our sex life, and she's your mother. Find something else to get her riled up about.

"Thank you, Narcissa. I know it was a long wait, but everything really is perfect. The renovation was an excellent idea," Hermione chimed in. "We're going to make the rounds and thank everyone for coming. Where's Teddy?"

"He's likely off with Victoire somewhere. They're getting on quite well now that she's a bit older," Andromeda answered.

"We'll find them," Draco said, taking Hermione's hand once more. "Let's go greet the Potters and all your Weasleys and Gryffindors."

One by one, they thanked every person who had come to celebrate their marriage. He could feel the excitement radiating off of his bride, and she looked so beautiful, her happiness only enhancing her wedding regalia. All of the Weasleys hugged her effusively, save Ron and Charlie, and Potter had lifted her off the floor and spun her around.

Draco had heard him say, "This is right, Hermione. This is how you're supposed to feel on your wedding day. I'm so happy you and Draco found your way back to each other."

And it made him proud that someone he had once considered an enemy, someone who had once refused his friendship, could see past everything that had happened over the years and trust him to make Hermione happy and care for her.

The Patil twins, Blaise, Theo and Cho, and many other friends were there, a jumble of Slytherins and Gryffindors with a few others from Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff mixed in. So many gaps had been bridged through their relationship. Those who couldn't stand to be in the same classes together all through their Hogwarts tenure were now socializing, and Draco recalled what his mother had said at the beginning of all of this — Fate had been trying to unite the two sides, blood purists and those willing to accept change, Death Eaters and the Order of the Phoenix.

When Hermione and Draco openly acknowledged their relationship, the sides did slowly knit together, the younger generation having learned from their parents' mistakes. He knew there were no guarantees, but the world definitely felt different than it had a few years ago, and he liked it.

After dinner, Draco and Hermione shared their first dance to a simple instrumental piece of music — she hadn't wanted to choose something with the wrong words in it. Draco was happy to just hold her in his arms, moving her around the floor with ease. They'd danced hundreds of times now, and he always enjoyed it. They were constantly in sync, each step taken in unison, and he imagined that would always be the case.

In his mind, he couldn't help but compare this event to the cold, austere wedding that he'd had the first time. Astoria had been a skilled dancer, a welcoming hostess, and a beautiful bride, but they'd had no connection. Feeling Hermione, knowing she was happy to be there with him, that she was his, was unlike anything he could've ever dreamed.

When the music ended, he didn't want to let her dance with anyone else, but he knew he had to — it was just the way of things at weddings. Handing her off to Potter, he moved to the sidelines, getting a firewhisky with Blaise and Theo. Cho was standing beside them, as well.

"I'll never understand how Ginny doesn't get jealous of her," Cho stated. "Look at the way they smile and laugh together."

Draco shrugged. "If you spend time with the two of them, you just know that there's nothing more than a sibling-esque relationship. They're positively nauseated whenever anyone says anything like what you just did. And if I can reign in the jealousy, Mrs. Potter certainly can."

Cho didn't jump back in, so Draco let his eyes wander. Once again, they fell on Hermione's ex-husband. He was seated with the rest of the Weasley clan, but his eyes were on Hermione and Harry. When he rose to stand at the edge of the dance floor, his companion urging him on, Draco stiffened.

Blaise put a hand on his arm. "Mate, you need to let this happen. If Granger doesn't want to dance with him, she won't. But you can't make the decision for her. She's a grown witch."

Hermione must have felt his discomfort; she met his gaze and he flicked his eyes over towards Weasley. She nodded her understanding and refocused her attention on Potter.

I'm going to dance with him, and then I'll come straight to you. I promise.

Draco let out a sigh, his annoyance threatening to break through. When the song ended, he watched as Weasley approached her and she nodded, allowing him to loop an arm around her waist and take her hand. They kept a respectable distance apart, and Draco's instincts quieted a bit.

"You look wonderful, Hermione. Happy. I…" Ron paused. "I'm glad you've found what you need."

Hermione looked up into his familiar eyes, and she allowed herself one moment of nostalgia, thinking about how he'd looked down at her at their wedding. After that, she came back to the present.

"Thank you, Ron. I am happy," she replied, keeping it short and to the point.

He sighed. "Things are never going to be the same again, are they? We'll never be friends like we were before?"

Sadly, she shook her head. "I don't think they can ever go back to the way they were, Ron. There's just… too much between us. I know Draco would struggle with it, and I'm sure Allie would, too."

Ron's eyes moved to his pregnant girlfriend and softened. "You know, it wasn't supposed to happen, but I'm glad it did. I was still fucking up, but Allie and the baby, they've made me sort my priorities out. I'm so sorry it's taken me so long and I've not apologised to you properly."

A small pang of sadness for her lost relationship, her damaged friendship, rang out inside her chest.

Are you okay? Do I need to come over there?

Hermione met Draco's eyes and shook her head. "It's okay, Ron. I know we hurt each other. A lot. There's no good way to fix it."

"I know, but I miss you," he admitted. "I don't want to tell my kids stories about when we were at Hogwarts and have them not know who you are. I want you to be around."

Tears filled her eyes, and she looked up at Ron. "I know what you mean. I'm not planning to avoid the Burrow or Harry's house or anything. We will see each other, Ron. I just — right now, I think we both need to be settled in our new lives. You need time with Allie especially. You're going to be a dad soon."

"I am," he said, smiling. "I'm excited for that. And Allie's been great. Mum loves her."

Hermione nodded. "I know. She's told me when we met for tea."

"I'm glad you still do that, Hermione. I know she was worried you'd stop seeing her eventually."

"I won't stop. I tried at first, but I'm still a part of the family, regardless of everything," Hermione answered. "I love your whole family, Ron. I always have, and I always will."

His Adam's apple bobbed when he swallowed. "Good. Then I'll see you around still."

"Absolutely," she said, letting go of his hand as the song came to an end.

Ron's other hand stayed on her waist for a moment longer and then he let go. She moved towards Draco, and she felt Ron's gaze on her back. When she wrapped an arm around Draco's waist, he pulled her in close and kissed her temple before returning to his conversation with Blaise.

Her ex-husband gave her a sad little smile before turning. With that, he moved back to his table, sitting down beside Allie and placing his hand on her cheek before kissing her softly. When they broke apart, he smiled more genuinely than she'd seen in years, and Hermione felt a sense of relief wash over her — Ron's happiness had been the closure she hadn't known she needed.

At the end of the night, Draco swept Hermione into his arms for a final dance. Holding her flush against his body, he felt complete. Everything that had ever happened between them had led him here to this moment, and he didn't think he could be more grateful. Her strawberry scent had been strengthening all night, and he'd barely managed to restrain himself — he'd wanted to whisk her away to the bedroom hours ago. She hadn't helped matters, constantly running her lips over his neck and her hands up and down his back while they danced.

"Can we go after this song?" Hermione murmured, looking up at him.

Draco smiled at her. "Absolutely. We've stayed longer than most probably thought we would."

Her cheeks blushed sweetly, and he kissed her forehead, holding his lips there longer than usual.

"It's been a wonderful day," she began, "but I want my wedding night."

Chuckling, he asked, "Is it going to be different from our other nights?"

"I'm willing to bet it will be. We have this new bond to play with, and you're my husband."

He wasn't sure why she was emphasizing that, but it made his heart pound a little faster.

"And you're my wife."

"That I am. Hermione Malfoy," she stated, making him freeze.

He looked down at her again. "Just Malfoy?"

With a twinkle in her eyes, she nodded. "Yes. Just Hermione Malfoy."

Draco swallowed hard and pulled her from the dance floor, trying not to look hurried, even though he felt like he might burst from the tension she'd just twisted inside of him with her words.

Are you okay, Draco? Why—

I can't wait another second to undress you and get inside of you, Hermione Malfoy.

Laughing, she lengthened her strides to keep up with him. However, he stopped, picked her up into a bridal carry, and Apparated to his childhood bedroom, taking her back to the place it had all began.

Author's Note: I'm hoping for Saturday, but the final chapter may get pushed to Sunday. I'm revising it a bit and it's not coming to me easily. Either way, by the end of the weekend, this fic will be complete!