A/N- I am overwhelmed with the kind comments from the last chapter. I'm so pleased that so many people enjoyed the library scene between Hermione and Draco.

I'm sure I won't be able to post again before Thanksgiving, but I do have off until next Tuesday, so I'll do my best to post again soon.

Chapter 10: Mr. and Mrs. Zabini - March 15, 2008

"Why the fuck aren't we wearing shoes?" Draco asked skeptically, his arms folded across his broad chest.

"You want us to wear the formal dress robes you picked without shoes? That seems strange, mate," Harry added.

"Please tell me the whole wedding party will be in the buff!" George giggled. "No shoes, no pants, no problem!"

"Your brother and your bloody sister are in the wedding party, you git! Is that who you hope to see naked?" the blond challenged, silencing George with the unwelcomed image of his siblings.

"You'll be wearing clothes...and I didn't say you wouldn't be wearing shoes, just that you won't feel like you're wearing them..." Blaise trailed off sheepishly, avoiding eye contact with everyone.

"I'm not wearing a lion's head or whatever Lovegood used to wear to Quidditch matches back at Hogwarts," Draco declared incredulously. Remembering the ridiculous headpiece, Harry and Ron snickered behind their hands.

"It should be no surprise that Luna's wedding dress is nontraditional," Blaise said, ignoring his best friend. "It has been magically preserved and passed down through her mother's side of the family since the fourteenth century when witches and wizards were more closely tied to the natural elements. In honor of her mother, I planned every detail of the wedding around her dress," Blaise explained.

"What kind of clothes did they wear in the fourteenth century?" Ron asked with a furrowed brow. He looked like he'd just swallowed a nasty potion.

"I present to you your wedding clothes!" the Italian wizard announced with a swish of his wand. The wizards looked around at one another, torn between complete disgust and laughing hysterically.

"These are fucking dresses, you prat!" Draco griped. "And what the fuck are these pants?" Unable to contain himself any longer, George collapsed into a fit of giggles at Malfoy's outburst.

"It's called a tunic, not a dress, and those aren't as much pants as they are stockings," Blaise corrected with a smirk. "I look amazing in them. Look at the size of this bulge," he bragged, pulling up his knee-length garment to show off the front of his stockings.

"Come on, mate, nobody wants to see that!" Harry whined.

"Look at the detail in the embroidery on these," Blaise said, pointing to some stitched designs in the fabric.

"Stop saying words like 'embroidery' to me," Ron complained. "You know I have no idea what you mean, nor do I have an inclination to care."

"I love my dress," George announced.

"Tunic," Blaise corrected.

"Perhaps I'll start wearing these all the time," the older Weasley went on, spinning around like a child. He reached for Draco's hand as if he was going to spin him, but the blond quickly moved out of his grasp and slapped George's hand away from himself.

"And what do you think Angelina will think when her husband starts wearing a dress around?" Draco laughed, clapping George on the back.

"Tunic."

"She'll never let you shag her again, mate," the blond warned.

"Fair point. Maybe I'll just wear the stockings with my cock on full display everywhere we go. That'll get her going," the Gryffindor grinned wickedly.

"That's the spirit, George!" Blaise exclaimed with a chuckle. "Wait until you see your wives. You'll thank me later," he boasted.

Somehow, the Italian Wizard had found a large cave behind a magnificent waterfall to host Luna and his wedding. It was lit with fairy lights and decorated as if it were the royal dining hall of a castle. Because they were his fiancé's favorite animal, the Italian wizard had arranged for a herd of unicorns to graze near the entrance of the magical venue. Hagrid had worked tirelessly for over a week to scout the area and lure the gentle creatures near the path where Luna's procession would walk right by them. It was a treat for his bride and guests alike. Draco couldn't wait to hear how Cassie reacted to seeing real unicorns.

From the moment his wife led the procession of bridesmaids into his view, Draco had to keep reminding himself to pay attention to the wedding. He never knew a neck could be so sexy, but the way the neckline of her dress accentuated the tops of her shoulders and the smooth skin of her throat made him want to lick every exposed centimeter of her. The finely embroidered silk was rich with deep blues, greens, and golds, which complimented his costume perfectly. When Hermione eyed the lot of them standing beside Blaise, she failed to conceal the giggle that escaped her full lips. For the millionth time today, Draco cursed Blaise's choice in groomsmen attire. As his wife drew closer, her eyes slowly drifted up and down the length of his body, and just before she turned to stand in her spot, she bit her bottom lip, winking at Draco.

"It appears that the young Mrs. Malfoy might fancy some roleplay," Blaise knowingly smirked as he elbowed the blond wizard in the ribs.

"It just goes to show how handsome I am: even this dress looks good on me," Draco quipped.

"Tunic," Blaise corrected.

"If it makes you feel better to call it that…"

"It seems to be having the same effect on Mrs. Potter and the two Mrs. Weasleys, so just thank me and get it over with," the Italian wizard persisted. The witches had similar reactions to Hermione's upon seeing their respective wizards.

"Care to make a bet gents?" George whispered from beside Draco. The two Slytherins grinned in response.

"Always," Blaise said conspiratorially. Suddenly, horns announced the start of the Bridal Chorus, immediately ceasing any further conversation. The groom stood taller and stared anxiously at the spot where his bride would enter.

Luna Lovegood was a sight to behold as she floated down the aisle with her blue silk dress, embellished with gold accents. A dopey smile adorned Blaise's smitten face, his love for the blond witch emanating off of him. Through their joy, the couple didn't seem to notice the tears flooding her father's eyes when he placed his only daughter's hand in the palm of her groom. Draco watched the man with pity as he imagined the day he'd one day have to place his own Cassie's hand in that of James Potter. He felt Hermione's amused expression on him as he shot a scowl toward the young boy where he sat between his grandmother and Scorpius. Ron must have frowned at Scorpius too because Molly flashed both men a reproachful glare, motioning angrily with her finger for them to turn away from her innocent grandsons. For the first time, Draco could actually understand Ron's frustration with Scorpius. Though the young boys were simply children now, one day they'd grow into the men that would take their little girls away from them. What had happened in his life that he could see Ron's perspective on things? What was worse is they'd be sure to be on the wrong end of a scolding from the fierce Weasley matriarch later.

The wedding was intimate with only about thirty people in attendance. It was the bride and groom's wish to have a private ceremony and only invite those closest to them. While Luna's reasoning for having a small guest list was because she wanted to spend the day with those she loved the most, he imagined Blaise's reasoning to be far less noble. With A-list guests like the Golden Trio, the Minister of Magic, and Quidditch stars Oliver Blythe and Ginny Weasley in attendance, his Italian friend would not be the center of attention with a larger crowd. Either way, Draco was relieved to be spared from the prying eyes and curious stares his family still received from strangers after all these years.

The golden rays of the setting sun shone through the waterfall and lit the couple in rainbows as Luna and Blaise spoke their vows in Italian, the love language sounding ethereal in Luna's dreamy voice. Though some may not have understood the words, the meaning and emotions were clear. Once the Minister had performed the incarnation for the marital binding, waving his wand over the heads of the happy couple, a shower of stars rained down upon them. Everyone clapped while Blaise kissed his bride. Eventually, the applause died down as the kiss heated further.

"Shall we all wait here and watch while you consummate your vows or can the rest of us move on to the reception?" the blond wizard repeated the same words Blaise had said to him on his wedding day so many years ago.

"That would be wonderful, Draco. Thank you," Luna replied, hardly pulling away from her new husband's lips as he choked on a laugh.

"Sorry, love. Now I'm going to make you wait for me as I've waited for you," Blaise smiled at his witch. "I plan on taking my time with you and certainly won't want your father around to hear when I make you scream," he whispered loudly enough for Draco to hear.

"Alright. You have three hours before I start with or without you," she said, kissing her groaning wizard on the cheek and pulling him toward the small gathering of well-wishers.

"Don't you look fetching in a tunic and stockings," Hermione said suggestively as she looped her arm through Draco's.

"We both know I look fetching in everything, darling," he smirked.

"Don't be a prat."

"You married a prat. How else would I behave?"

"Perhaps if you do behave, we'll try something new tonight," she whispered breathily. "Molly already offered to watch all of the children for the evening." Merlin, he loved this woman.

"I can be a very good boy for you, Mrs. Malfoy," he wagged his eyebrows. Leaning down, he purred, "If you want, I can be very bad too." Draco grinned as his wife shivered at his words.

For his part, Blaise pulled out all the stops for his own wedding. It was as if he and Luna were a king and queen hosting court from the head table at a great feast during the fourteenth century. Between each course, there were dramatic interludes featuring various wizarding musicians. After the meal ended and the cake was served, a band serenaded the couple for their first dance. Others joined them on the dance floor, including little Cassie, who danced to every song.

Slipping the band some extra galleons, Draco was able to persuade them to play the song Lucius had used to teach the little witch her Viennese Waltz. He watched her face light up as the first few notes played. She began to move on her own with an imaginary partner with a serene smile on her face.

"May I have this dance?" Draco asked his daughter. The year of hell his father put him through to learn this frustrating dance so long ago was well worth the sight of pure glee in Cassie's eyes. He waited for her to place her hands, a challenge because of their difference in height.

"Daddy, how do you know this dance?" she wondered as he led her around the floor.

"The same way you do, darling. Your grandfather taught it to me," he answered. Draco decided to spare her the details of how he was forced to learn and hated every minute of it.

"Are you mad at him for teaching me?" she asked sadly.

"Only if you don't like it."

"It's my favorite thing in the whole world!" she announced happily. "And Grandfather is the best teacher. He always tells me how well I am doing and how proud he is of me," she continued. His father was proud of her? The thought was astounding. Draco would have done anything as a child if he thought he might please that man.

"I can see why. You are much better at this than I ever was," he told her, slightly choked up. Cassie beamed at her father's praise.

"He says he'll teach me more dances if I want to learn them. I do, Daddy! Please say it's alright!" Cassie begged, her big brown eyes pleading with him. As if he would ever say no to this little girl. He'd give her anything when she looked at him like that.

"Of course, you can continue taking lessons from Grandfather if you like it," he told her.

"Thank you, Daddy!" she cheered, jumping into his arms. He danced with his daughter hugging his neck tightly until the song ended. Cassie kissed his cheek before jumping down and running toward the group of other children. He tried to ignore her as she pulled James to the dance floor before the music started again. Was there a wizard in existence that his daughter didn't have wrapped around her finger?

"I suppose your father has something to do with our daughter's improved dancing skills," Hermione slid her arms around him.

"She loves it."

"I know. I've seen her practice," she replied. "You know Scorpius isn't too thrilled to be pulled in as her partner every so often," the curly-haired witch smiled.

"It couldn't hurt the boy to learn. We know Pansy will force Rose to take lessons one day too. At the very least, he'll be able to impress her as I do you," Draco smirked, pulling his wife into his arms and leading her around the dance floor.

"What makes you so sure I'm impressed?" she rolled her eyes.

"Nice try, witch. Even if I couldn't feel it here," he placed their joined hands over his heart, "It's the way you undress me with your eyes and chew on that bottom lip of yours," he said, staring into her eyes and challenging her to deny it. She flushed and turned away. "Don't look away, love. I find your tells endearing." Hermione smiled shyly as she turned back toward him. Slowly, Draco leaned down and kissed his wife. He couldn't thank the Weasleys enough for taking care of the kids tonight.

March 16, 2008

It's not that Lucius wasn't grateful for the opportunity to spend the remainder of his prison term in his familial home. Of course, being at the Manor with his family was much more preferable than rotting in Azkaban. At the time he was released, he had only imagined being content with spending the rest of his time with Cissa and not missing anything from the comfort of his home. That was before he met his grandchildren. Before he knew all of the future events he'd be missing.

He'd had plenty of time to think of every moment he'd miss the night before after Cissa left for the Zabini wedding. There'd be so many things he'd only get to hear about and not see for himself. Last night, it was how Cassie danced the waltz with Draco. There were Quidditch games, celebrations, and vacations he'd never have a chance to be a part of. Worst of all, he'd never see Scorpius, Cassie, and Ori off to Hogwarts for the first time. His only saving grace was the new baby on the way. At least he'd be able to see that pivotal moment in his youngest grandchild's life.

The Weasleys and Grangers accommodated him as much as they could, but they couldn't always be expected to come to the Manor for every milestone. What would happen at Christmas? Would his family leave him to go to the infamous Burrow he'd heard so much about for their holidays? He found it difficult not to mourn the loss of memories he'd never get to make. Once again, he hated the wizard he once was. The wizard that was too ignorant to see Tom Riddle for what he was, a madman.

Suddenly, the floo came to life with a whoosh of green light, pulling him from the cloud of depression settling itself around him. When Molly and Arthur stepped through with the children, Lucius could feel his mood improve instantly.

"Grandfather! Are you feeling better? Grammy said you were feeling under the weather and couldn't come to Uncle Blaise and Aunt Luna's wedding last night," Cassie rushed out as she ran into his arms. Lucius shot Molly a look of gratitude, which she returned with a warm smile.

"I'm much better now that the three of you are here," he said as he kissed the top of his granddaughter's head. Scorpius and Ori pushed forward and hugged him tightly.

"I'm glad you're well, Grandfather," Scorpius admitted, his inherited gray Malfoy eyes filled with concern. He didn't deserve his grandson's empathy, and the thought of telling him the truth one day gutted Lucius.

"Love you!" Ori squeezed Lucius's leg. The boy pulsed with magic that enveloped the older Malfoy's entire being. He could feel the magic pumping through him, pushing the darkness away and leaving love in its wake. The compulsion to fully embrace the child overtook him, and he dropped, along with the Weasleys' jaws, to the floor to let Ori climb into his lap with Cassie and Scorpius flanking his sides.

"I love you too," Lucius whispered around the lump in his throat, his own magic reaching out to the three young children.

"We have a present for you!" Cassie announced gleefully. "Can we give him the present now, Grammy?"

"Of course, dear," Molly smiled. The little witch ran to her Grammy and began jumping and clapping in anticipation of whatever the elder witch had stowed in her bag.

"We know this doesn't make up for not being there, but we hope it helps," Arthur said as Cassie handed Lucius a picture frame.

"Dear, Merlin, what is my son wearing?" he wondered, laughter bubbling up within him. Unbidden tears stormed his eyes as he continued to watch the picture behind the glass. He must have sat there for a long time watching the scene of his son dancing with his granddaughter before Scorpius was handing him some sort of book. He hadn't even felt the boy leave his side.

"These are from Nan and Pop's Muggle camera. The pictures don't move," Scorpius explained. Lucius opened it to the first page, where a still picture of Draco's smiling family at the wedding filled the whole page. He continued to flip through the book, enjoying the commentary from Scorpius and Cassie of what was happening in each photograph. Cissy hugging all of the children; Blaise and his new bride as the Minister performed the marital bond; Draco with all of the groomsmen wearing those ridiculous tunics; Hermione with her fingers woven through Draco's hair as he knelt by the swell of her middle and grinned; Cassie dragging the oldest Potter boy toward the dance floor. The final image gave him an idea.

"I cannot thank you and the Grangers enough for this. It means the world to me," Lucius affirmed from his heap on the floor.

"It was nothing, dear," Molly waved him off, but he could see the joy in her eyes.

Mr. Potter,

It has come to my attention that your son is as inept in the skill of dancing as his father. If he ever wishes to be tied to my granddaughter, he will need to remedy his shortcomings. Cassie's happiness is paramount to me, therefore, I am offering my services to train the boy.

-Lucius A. Malfoy

Mr. Malfoy,

Because my wife thinks the children will look adorable dancing, I am being forced to accept your offer. Apparently, your insults toward me and my son are easily ignored for the sake of cuteness. When would it be convenient for James to begin?

-Harry

A/N - Please let me know what you think of this chapter!

Have a wonderful holiday!