Thank you for reading the story so far. Here is the last chapter.
o-o-o o-o-o o-o-o
Monday, 30 March, 23:20, PDT present day
"Please think about this, Phil. This isn't you," she said. He noticed her pale skin beginning to turn crimson. He smirked down at her.
"So, this is what you've been hiding from him," he said as he ran his fingers over her abdomen. He felt her tremble slightly at his touch.
He watched her take in a sharp breath. He snorted as she tried to slap his hand off her. He yanked both of her arms above her head and slammed her wrists into the stone floor. She cried in pain.
"You're hurting me, Phil," she said as he looked down at her.
"Do you really think that I care how you feel, half-breed?" he said, icily as he pushed her right thigh open. "And my name is Kourtney. You will call me that by the end of this night."
He took in a breath and without warning, he rammed himself into her eliciting a cry of pain from her. Her eyes met his as a tear streamed down her cheek. He noticed her breath hitched.
"I guess I was wrong about the 'with benefits' part," he said with an evil grin. With that, he pumped into her repeatedly.
"Please stop, Phil," she pleaded. He felt her struggle against him. He continued to rape her, disregarding her pleas for him to stop.
He watched her eyes flutter as she endured the onslaught. She averted his eye line as he continued to assault her. He pulled her knees to wrap around his waist. He took in a breath as she arched her back on reflex. Her skin began to flush. He covered her, their bodies contacting each other.
"You're weakening," he whispered harshly into her left ear as he thrust into her. "Soon my revenge will be complete."
"Please, Phil," she said, shutting her eyes. "Please remember."
He lifted himself off her torso. He ran his palm over her breasts. She whimpered at his touch. He swooped down to kiss her full on her lips. He felt her struggle against him as he felt her essence escape from her.
He finally broke the kiss. She lay underneath him, taking in small breaths.
Phil felt a little dazed as he thrust into her one last time. He looked at the pain in her face. He shook his head as he watched her arch, more due to a spasm in her back than in pleasure. He pulled out of her and sat back on his haunches. Her eyes fluttered as she took in small breaths.
"Accio wand," he said softly. The wand flew to his hand.
He waved his wand over his lower limbs, uttering the cleaning spell, Scourgify. He shook his head, his vision blurred for a moment. He narrowed his eyes at her. Drew looked up at him. She took a deep breath as he aimed the thin stick at her. He waved his wand over her, muttering the same cleaning spell. He waved his wand again and their clothes reappeared.
They both took deep breaths as they locked eyes. He aimed the tip of his wand at her again.
His tone was measured, "You'll die a painful death, unable to heal yourself. You have no power. My revenge is almost complete; your family will learn what it is like to lose one of its own."
o-o-o
Phillip bolted to a sitting position. He felt a hand on his chest. On reflex, he slapped it away. He took in a sharp breath as he saw her face.
"Are you alright, Phil?" she asked softly as he took in another deep breath.
He was drenched in sweat. He looked at her, "Yeah, I'm okay."
"Do you want to talk about it?" she asked as she turned on her lamp. She looked up at him.
"No," he said sharply, gulping.
He watched her blow out a slow breath. She nodded then added softly, "I'm going to check on Andy."
He watched her get out of bed and walked out of their bedroom. He shut his eyes, immediately feeling awful. He swung his feet over the edge of the bed and switched his lamp on. He stared at the doorway for a moment.
He looked down at his hands. He pulled the gold band from his left ring finger and twirled it in his fingers. He took in a breath as he looked at the inscription, "Star crossed, 15 February, for eternity."
o-o-o
Monday, 16 December, 07:00, PDT, almost three and a half months ago
Phillip, dressed in his blue silk pajama bottoms and a grey t-shirt, kindled the flames in the fireplace. He had awoken only ten minutes before. Drew, still in her blue linen scrubs, had already been up for half an hour, breastfeeding Andy, the early-riser. She placed the sleeping toddler into his playpen before heading to the kitchen to pour two cups of coffee from the brew cycle she had started ten minutes ago.
Phillip smiled as he took the mug of coffee from her. She sat down next to him on the rug in front of the fireplace as they both heard the fire crackle. They both perked up as the flames turned green and the face of the old estate attorney appeared.
"Ah, Mr. Montague, thanks for taking my call," Phillip said as he spoke to the face in the flames.
"Good afternoon, Phillip," the face in the flames greeted the younger man.
"Good morning from where we're at, Sir," Phillip said. "L.A., California."
"Well, top of the morning, then," Mr. Montague said as he raised his cup of tea. "So, how may I be of service?"
"Well, do you remember that hospital fundraiser event?"
"Ah, yes, of course," the wizard asked, "how did that go?"
"It went swimmingly, Sir," Phillip said as he turned to Drew, smiling. He turned back to the older gentleman. "I'd like you to meet my fiancée. I'm not sure if you've ever met Dr. Drew Granger of the Granger-Malfoy clan?"
"Ah," Mr. Montague said as he finally noticed the young man's female companion, "I went to school with your mum and dad.
"Nice to finally put a face to the name, Dr. Granger," the older wizard said, gesturing to the young woman, "Phillip, here, talks about you all the time at our monthly Thursday lunches."
"Not all bad, I hope," Drew said. The three of them laughed.
"Not at all," Mr. Montague said smiling. "Mrs. Montague and I are always rooting for the both of you. I'm glad you two are finally together."
Phillip laughed. He squeezed Drew's hand. "I know the office is closing up shop right now. Drew and I were going to head into the hospital in another two hours to transfer some funds."
"I'll stay until I get the communication from you folks," the older wizard said.
"Thanks, Mr. Montague," Phillip said. "How might we go about sending the paperwork to the office?"
Mr. Montague chuckled. "Here take down our fax number. Oh, I'll also give you my email."
"You guys have means to communicate digitally with the Muggle world?" Phillip asked incredulously.
Drew and the wizard laughed. "Of course, Phillip. How do you suppose we set up all of those endowments with your Muggle charities?" the attorney asked.
"Right," Phillip laughed.
"Here is my email," the old wizard waved his wand and his email appeared in writing above the mantle in the Martinez home, "and our fax number is 0114420995559876. We'll be awaiting your transmission."
"Thanks, Mr. Montague," Drew said.
"You two are very welcome," Mr. Montague nodded, "I'll be awaiting your call. Congratulations, again."
"We'll talk to you soon, Mr. Montague," Phillip said.
"Maybe we'll see Dr. Granger at the next Thursday luncheon, Phillip," Mr. Montague smiled. The three laughed as they signed off.
o-o-o
Monday, 16 December, 07:15, PDT, almost three and a half months ago
"He seems like a very nice wizard," Drew said as she looked at Phillip. "Yes, he is. He kinda reminds me of Dad," Phillip smiled. Drew squeezed his hand and nodded.
"We have like two hours before we meet with your boss," Phillip said, changing the subject. "Why don't you go back to bed for another hour or so. I'll watch Andy."
"We're already up, Phil," Drew smiled. "How about breakfast?"
"Now you're talking," he said as he stood up. He extended his hand to her to help her up. "Shall we?"
o-o-o
Monday, 16 December, 09:30, PDT, almost three and a half months ago
The threesome walked out of the fireplace of the Wizarding Los Angeles pub, a nice leisurely ten-minute walk from the Muggle hospital. Phillip pushed Andy in his stroller as the little infant looked at the people that passed them by. Even at 9:30 in the morning, the streets were already quite busy.
The family arrived at the hospital lobby within ten minutes of leaving the pub. Drew led the way to the Office of the Director. She opened the door for Phillip and Andy to enter. She followed them in.
"Good morning Elaine," Drew said as the receptionist smiled at the new arrivals.
"Good morning, Dr. Granger," the older woman smiled back. "He's just finishing up his morning phone calls. Maybe another ten minutes?"
"Thanks, Elaine," Drew said as Phillip took one of the seats in the waiting room. Drew joined him. He extended his hand to her as they sat quietly listening to the instrumental music playing.
o-o-o
Monday, 16 December, 09:55, PDT, almost three and a half months ago
"Drew," the older gentleman said as he entered the waiting room. Both Drew and Phillip stood up. Dr. Johansson extended his hand to the young man as he smiled, "Mr. Martinez."
"Good morning, Dr. Johansson," Phillip said as he shook the director's hand.
"Shall we?" the director said as he pointed to his office. The young couple nodded as Phillip pushed the stroller forward.
Drew and Phillip took a seat on one of two couches in front of the oak desk. Dr. Johansson walked to the small bar in his office.
"May I offer the both of you coffee or tea?" Dr. Johansson said as he poured himself a cup of coffee.
"Tea for me, Sir," Drew said as she nodded at Phillip.
"I'll take a tea as well, thank you," Phillip said as Drew pulled Andy out of his stroller. She sat him on her lap.
The doctor placed black tea bags into two cups. He filled both of them with hot water and then placed all three cups onto a tray. He carried it to the sitting area, placing the full tray onto the coffee table. He sat opposite the couple.
"Thank you for coming in," Dr. Johansson said as he took a sip of his coffee. The pair nodded at the older man. "Friday's fundraiser event was a great success. I think we can actually break ground earlier than the five-year projected start time."
"Glad to hear that, Sir," Phillip said, taking a sip of his tea.
"It's the support from donors like you that truly help to make our hospital run as smoothly as it does," the director began. "The new cancer wing will help so many."
"I'm humbled to have been able to assist," Phillip said as Drew squeezed his hand.
"So, you both are actually acquaintances," Dr. Johansson said as he smiled, "Phillip mentioned it that night."
"Em, yeah," Phillip nodded. "My father moved us back to the U.K. before high school started."
"That's where we met," Drew shrugged.
"High school sweethearts?" the older man asked.
The pair chuckled. "Em, no," Phillip said as he smiled at her.
"We were in the same classes," Drew smiled.
"Well," Dr. Johansson nodded, "Dinner, even between friends, would never offend anyone."
"Well said, Dr. Johansson," Phillip said.
"So," the older doctor said as he picked up the folder on the coffee table. He opened it up and looked at the set of legal documents. He handed the papers to the young man, "Thank you again for the generous one million dollar donation."
Phillip smiled at the older man as he looked over the paperwork. Phillip picked up one of the blue pens on the coffee table and scribbled on the sheets. He nodded at the older man as he handed the official documents to him.
"Ten million dollars, Dr. Johansson," Phillip said as he took a sip.
Dr. Johansson breathed in deeply as he looked over the paperwork. "I didn't think you were serious about that."
"I'd like to think I'm a man of my word, Sir," Phillip said, "besides, if this helps to build the wing faster, then so be it."
"Thank you," the doctor extended his hand again as Phillip shook it.
"My attorney is awaiting the paperwork," Phillip said as he reached into his pocket. He handed the director the slip of paper on which he had written Mr. Montague's contact information. "Em, you can fax or email it to him."
"Of course," the doctor stood up. "I'll get Elaine to fax these to him immediately."
The young couple watched as the older man exited his office. "High school sweethearts?" Phillip said. Drew rolled her eyes.
"So, will you two be joining us for the hospital tour Friday morning?" the director asked as he walked back into the office.
"Yes, Sir," Phillip said, nodding. He looked at Drew. "We'll also be taking advantage of that dinner date that Friday night."
The older man nodded at the pair. He smiled inwardly, knowing how happy his employee must be. They all settled back down in their seats, enjoying each other's company as they waited for the confirmation of the transfer of funds.
o-o-o
Monday, 16 December, 11:00, PDT, almost three and a half months ago
The family of three exited the hospital. Phil pushed Andy in his stroller as he held Drew's hand.
"So what do we want to do for the rest of the day?" Drew asked as she looked at him.
"We can order in and veg out for the rest of the day?" Phillip smiled.
"Pizza?" she asked as they made their way to the Wizarding pub.
"Sounds like a plan," he nodded as they headed home.
o-o-o
Friday, 20 December, 18:40, PDT, almost three and a half months ago
Phil rinsed his razor in the sink before looking up at his reflection in the mirror. He smiled to himself as he thought about the whirlwind week that started with an unlikely reunion with his former classmate.
Drew had accompanied him and Andy to Malfoy Manor early Tuesday morning. She had an early shift that day. Phillip went through daddy-boot camp for two days. Mrs. Malfoy was a great instructor.
Earlier Friday morning, Phillip and Drew had joined several donors and their fundraiser dates, who served as guides, on a hospital tour. Drew was, by far, the most beautiful tour guide.
Phil took in a deep breath as he nodded at his reflection. He headed for the door.
o-o-o
Friday, 20 December, 18:45, PDT, almost three and a half months ago
Drew stood in front of the full-length mirror, struggling a bit with her wardrobe. Her zipper on her royal blue calf-length evening gown was giving her a little trouble. She turned and smiled as Phillip exited the bathroom.
"Zip me up, will you?" she asked as she turned her back on him.
Phil, with a towel around his waist, approached her. "Wow," he said as he reached her. He pulled the zipper up. She turned around to face him.
He smiled at her. "Wow," he said again.
"Am I underdressed?" she asked unsure of herself.
"No," he shook his head as he wrapped his arms around her waist. "You look amazing."
She laughed. "Get dressed," she said as she stepped out of his embrace. "We'll be late for our seven o'clock dinner reservation."
He laughed as he looked at his Rolex. "It'll take us five minutes using the Floo network."
"Suddenly you're an expert on Wizarding travel?" she asked, canting an eyebrow.
"Yup," he said as he smiled. "Your brothers are great professors."
"Get dressed," she nodded at him as he rolled his eyes. He pulled his towel off as he opened one of the dresser drawers.
Drew turned away, blushing, still unused to seeing him that way. Phillip put on a pair of dark blue boxer briefs before walking to the bed where his black Armani suit lay. He started to get dressed.
"I can't believe we're finally going on our first official date," Drew said as she turned to watch him pull his trousers on.
Phillip laughed as he turned toward her. He pulled on his tank top. "You know it took me all of tenth year to get up the nerve to ask you out."
She laughed. "You asked three other girls out that year. Practice?"
He laughed as well. "Yeah, I was a dumbass," he shrugged as he pulled his white dress shirt on. "If it weren't for Professors Kaiser and Ingles putting us in those workgroups together, I probably wouldn't have been able to string a coherent sentence together."
"Most of our conversations were more academic in nature," she said.
"Yeah, I could fake that pretty well," he smiled. "Each year after that, I made it a goal to date you. But then you go and try out for the basketball team and that threw a wrench in the plan."
"Well, if you hadn't mucked up our science marks during twelfth year, I wouldn't have had to go the nuclear route," she smiled as he put his dark blue necktie on. "So, what you're saying is that you and I could have been enjoying ourselves at prom instead of me staying home and doing two weeks' worth of homework."
He shrugged as he put on his black dinner jacket. He kissed her on the cheek as he wrapped his arms around her waist.
She looked up at him and smiled. "Maybe you should have asked your dad to cut me from the team."
He laughed. "Oh, trust me, I tried. He wouldn't go for my petulant whining," he said. She laughed. "Besides, I don't know if our friendship would have been as endearing if things went the other way."
She kissed him on the cheek. He smiled at her before taking a deep breath.
"Shall we?" he said as he nodded for them to exit the bedroom. She laughed as she allowed him to lead her out.
o-o-o
Friday, 20 December, 19:30, PDT, almost three and a half months ago
"Never thought I'd ever see that in one shift," a waiter said as he waited for his entrees.
"What's that," the English chef said as he watched the line chefs quickly plate the numerous dishes that were ready to go.
"A couple actually ordering off the British menu," the waiter said as he picked up the two plates. "They're sharing an order of fish and chips and an order of bangers and mash for their appetizers."
"Beef Wellington and Shepherd's Pie?" the chef-owner said as he looked at the two plates in the waiter's hands. "What type of meat?"
"Lamb," the waiter shrugged as he added a Yorkshire pudding on each of the plates.
The chef raised an eyebrow. "I'm intrigued."
"Yeah, the bald African American ordered the Wellington," the waiter said. "I think he's American. He didn't have the British accent like his brunette date."
"Lead the way, young man," the chef-owner said as he followed him out to the dining area.
o-o-o
Friday, 20 December, 19:35, PDT, almost three and a half months ago
"How's it going tonight?" the chef asked as the waiter placed the two entrees in front of the customers. "Is everything to your liking?"
The pair looked up and smiled. The bald African American stood up and pulled the shorter man into a hug. The waiter raised an eyebrow, unsure of the gesture.
"You're actually working tonight?" Phillip said as he nodded at his oldest friend.
"Haha," Aston said as he nodded back before heading towards Drew who also stood up. Aston kissed her on the cheek and hugged her.
He nodded for the couple to sit down. He sat in the empty seat to Drew's left.
"So, I guess Operation Parent Trap was a success," Aston said smiling.
"Oh, is that what you three called it?" Drew said, raising an eyebrow. The three friends laughed.
"Marco said you bid a million for this dinner date," Aston said smiling.
"He donated an extra nine million," Drew said as she tucked into her Shepherd's Pie. She took a sip of her wine. Aston raised an eyebrow as he looked at Drew and then at Phillip.
Phillip rolled his eyes as he took a sip of his own wine. "Well worth the money," Phillip said as he took hold of Drew's left hand and kissed it.
Aston smiled as he noticed the diamond ring on her finger. He smiled at Phillip who nodded.
"That's thirty years in the making, you know," Aston said as he smiled at Drew.
"Don't listen to him," Phillip laughed, "He's crazy. He thinks he's a prophet."
"Hey," Aston said, mocking offense, "That's a Legilimens to you, mate."
The three laughed again. Phillip nodded at his old friend. "We're not sure, just yet as to when our big day will be. But, when it comes around, I was wondering if you would be my Best Man at the wedding?"
"Yeah," Aston said as he pulled Phillip into a hug, "Hell, yeah. It would be my pleasure.
"I've always known you two would end up with each other," Aston smiled at Drew.
"Um, sorry to interrupt, Sir," their waiter said as he approached the table. The three turned to face him. "The kitchen staff is waiting."
"Of course. Inspection time," Aston said as he stood up, "Make sure you take good care of these customers. Refill their wine glasses. We're footing the bill for this date.
"You guys enjoy, alright," Aston nodded at his friends as the waiter went to retrieve their bottle of red wine. The newly engaged couple watched as their former classmate went toward the kitchen door. They turned to each other and smiled before continuing to enjoy their first official date-night dinner.
o-o-o
Friday, 27 December, 09:00 GMT, almost three months ago
Drew looked over the patient's chart. The delivery appeared to have gone well. The baby boy had arrived nearly two hours ago. All her vitals looked normal. She smiled to herself as she replaced the chart next to the bed. She took a seat in the cushioned armchair next to the sleeping form, shutting her eyes, if only for a moment, as she reflected on the past week since her dinner date with Phillip.
Phillip, Drew, and Andy spent the Christmas holiday with the rest of the Malfoy clan at Malfoy Manor. With the time difference, she was able to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas morning in Wiltshire with the family before she headed west to pull her Christmas morning shift at the hospital. Phillip was going to stay in London to get some after-Christmas shopping done for the usual Martinez gift baskets he was to deliver to Wellesley Comprehensive School.
She had been on her 9 pm rounds, four hours away from the end of her shift when she got the phone call from Phillip. He had just received a Messenger Patronus from Hans who had received one from Jessica saying that Harlin had taken Ronda to St. Mungo's Hospital. She was going into labor.
Drew smiled as she heard the news. Phillip said he'd meet her at The Leaky Cauldron when her shift was over so that they could go straight to the hospital to check in with the couple and their new arrival.
o-o-o
Friday, 27 December, 09:15 GMT, almost three months ago
Drew stretched in her chair, waking up from her nap. She smiled as the new mother stirred. She stood up and walked over to the side of the bed.
"Hey," the ginger patient said as her eyes fluttered. Drew held her hand. "When did you get in?"
"About fifteen minutes ago," Drew said. "Phillip met me at the Cauldron. We came right over."
Ronda yawned. She looked around the room. "What time is it?"
"A quarter after nine," Drew said. "Harlin took Phillip to show off baby Jankovic."
"I've never seen him happier than when he was able to carry Junior," Ronda said smiling.
"Fatherhood will do that sometimes," Drew nodded as she helped Ronda adjust the bed, allowing her to sit up.
"You know he balked, at first, at naming him after himself," Ronda shrugged. "Harlin Ronald Potter Jankovic Jr. I thought it suited him."
"That's a good strong name, Ronda," Drew smiled. "I'm so happy for the both of you."
"Hans mentioned you and Phillip finally got together," Ronda said smiling as she saw the ring on her old friend's finger. She squeezed Drew's hand.
"Yeah, it was a storybook reunion," Drew shrugged. They both laughed.
"Congratulations," Ronda smiled as she brought Drew's hand up. Drew smiled as she shrugged.
"Not to steal your thunder," Drew said as Ronda laughed. "We don't know when the big day is, but I was wondering if you would be my Maid of Honor?"
Ronda brought Drew in for a hug. Drew hugged her back. Ronda smiled at her when they broke their embrace.
"I would be honored," the new mother said, smiling. They both turned toward the door as the two men walked in, smiling as well.
o-o-o
Friday, 14 February, 18:00 GMT, almost a month and a half ago
The groom gazed into the eyes of his bride as they held each other's hands. They synchronized their breathing as they turned to the officiant.
"With the power vested in me by the Ministry of Magic, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Yada yada yada," the old wizard smiled at the couple. The rest of the ceremony rehearsal attendees clapped.
"I think that's a wrap, Draco," the grey-haired Ministry worker nodded.
"Yeah, I agree, Larry," the Malfoy patriarch said before turning to the rest of the group. He waved his wand, "Let's eat."
Food materialized on the different folding tables where the rehearsal dinner guests sat. The guests started to tuck in. Drew sat next to Phillip who held Andy in his lap. Across from them sat Ronda, the Maid of Honor, and Harlin who held the one-month-old infant in his arms. To Harlin's right sat Marco and Aston, the Best Man.
At the next table sat Dean, a groomsman, and his wife Neve. Their children thought their sleepover at Uncle James' and Auntie Lauren's house was more fun. Draco, a groomsman, and Payton, a bridesmaid, also sat at the same table. Their children along with the other Malfoy children sat on the grass eating their dinner. Jessica, another bridesmaid, and her new husband, Blaise rounded out the tablemates.
"OMG, how did you guys get through this early pregnancy timeframe," Jessica said as she blew out a breath.
"You're in your eighth week," Drew smiled, "Wait till you get to that time when your ankles start to swell."
Everyone laughed. "Drew's right," Ronda shrugged.
"I don't know how you were able to get through your Auror shifts, Ronda," the pregnant Auror said.
"Well," Ronda laughed, "I did throw up on a couple of early morning assailants."
"They probably deserved it," Jessica said as everyone laughed. She turned to Drew, smiling, "It's a good thing your wedding is tomorrow. I don't think I'd look very becoming in a bridesmaid's dress in another few months."
"Don't be ridiculous, Jessica," Drew said, "You look beautiful, right, Blaise?"
The Ministry Obliviator chuckled before kissing his wife on the cheek. "She's the apple of my eye."
Everyone laughed at that. Drew smiled as she looked around the backyard. By the same time tomorrow, she and Phillip would be husband and wife. She turned to look at Phillip who smiled back at her. He kissed her on the cheek.
"Alright, ladies and fellows," Dean said as he held up his glass. "To Drew and Phillip, finally."
'Haha,' Drew mouthed at Dean as she smiled, shaking her head at him. Everyone in the backyard laughed as they raised their glasses and toasted the bride and groom-to-be. Drew's stomach fluttered as she thought of the next day, but also smiled to herself as she thought of the life she and Phillip were going to begin.
o-o-o
Saturday, 15 February, 17:10 GMT, about a month and a half ago
"Hey, breathe, mate," the charcoal grey tuxedo-clad Best Man said as he massaged the white tuxedo-clad groom's shoulders.
Phillip turned to his Best Man and took a deep breath. "Right," he said softly as he looked at the rest of the wedding party. The Maid of Honor and the bridesmaids, all in dark blue evening gowns, stood across the aisle. The wedding guests all stood behind their chairs at their white tablecloth-covered rectangular picnic tables.
Everyone turned as they watched Crystal and Heather, the two little eight-year-old Malfoy cousins dressed in white dresses, drop red rose petals on their way to the altar. Right behind them, the Malfoy matriarch, dressed in a dark red evening gown helped the one-year-old clad in a grey suit walk down the aisle.
The boy carried the white cushion in his little hands. Nestled in the puffy cushion were the two gold wedding bands. Phillip smiled as he watched his son walk down the aisle.
The platinum blonde father, dressed in his formal black robes, nodded at his only daughter. He smiled at her as he took in a deep breath. "You ready?" he asked. She nodded.
Phillip had to remind himself to breathe as the pair walked slowly down the aisle. The old wizard nodded at the groom and then at his daughter before joining his wife and grandson at one of the head tables.
Phillip lifted the thin white veil from Drew's face. They smiled at each other before turning to the Ministry official. Lawrence Freir, a former Hufflepuff, nodded at the pair and smiled.
"Dearly beloved," the old wizard began, "We're gathered here today in the presence of these witnesses, to join Phillip and Drew in matrimony…"
o-o-o
Saturday, 15 February, 18:30 GMT, about a month and a half ago
The witch kissed her one-month-old on the head before kissing her husband on the cheek. He nodded at the Maid of Honor before she made her way up to the podium.
o-o-o
The wedding ceremony seemed to last but a mere moment for everyone involved. Mr. Potter had enchanted the backyard of the Martinez' house to be able to accommodate the one hundred or so Muggle and Wizarding guests comfortably.
After the Ministry official introduced the new married couple, Mr. Malfoy had nodded to the pair as they made their way to their head table. He turned to the English chef and nodded before he waved his wand. Food from the Los Angeles hotel restaurant appeared on the guests' plates and was welcomed with 'oohs and ahs' before everyone started to tuck in.
The bride and groom sat at the head table next to the podium on the slightly raised stage. Andy joined them as they ate. Drew's parents sat at the table next to theirs. Joining them were the elder Potters, the Montagues, and Drew's boss, and his wife.
Aston, the Best Man, and his significant other, Marco sat at a table joined by Aston's father. Also at the table was Ronda, the Maid of Honor, and her husband, Harlin, and their infant son. Jessica Zabini, a bridesmaid, and her husband, Blaise joined them at the table.
Draco, a groomsman, and Payton, a bridesmaid, sat at another table along with their three children. They sat with the last of the groomsmen, Dean, and his wife, Neve, and their three children.
The guests enjoyed each other's fellowship. And the food wasn't half bad.
o-o-o
Saturday, 15 February, 18:35 GMT, about a month and a half ago
They all turned toward the podium as the chef tapped the microphone. He smiled at the veteran Auror as she made her way to the stage.
The ginger Maid of Honor cleared her throat as she stood at the podium. The dark-haired chef nodded at her.
"Drew's family and mine have known each other since forever," she smiled at the bride. "We were both our families' only daughters. Growing up we were thick as thieves.
"And although, our paths may have diverged at the gates of Hogwarts, Drew and I remained close," Ronda said. "At get-togethers, Drew always introduced Phillip as a friend. Deep down, I think everyone else but the two of them knew they were kindred spirits, soulmates, destined for each other."
"I'm glad they finally gave in to their feelings," Ronda said as she nodded at the newlyweds.
"So, let's lift our glasses up to help me toast these two soulmates," Ronda turned to the newlyweds, "To Drew and Phillip, may you continue to be each other's happy ending. Cheers!"
The crowd raised their beverage glasses and toasted the bride and groom. A round of 'cheers!' rang out from the crowd.
Aston clapped before giving Ronda a high five. He turned to face the crowd. "Well, I'm not quite sure how to follow that up, but I'll give it a go," the restaurateur said.
"I've known Phillip since he and I were in diapers," Aston began as he heard a collective laugh. "And I've known Drew since we entered seventh year together.
"When their paths finally crossed in tenth year," he smiled, "I was stoked."
The Best Man faced the newlyweds and smiled. He turned back to the crowd. "It still took them eighteen years to finally get together, though.
"The stars finally aligned," he said smiling, "and I couldn't be happier for them."
Aston picked up his champagne flute and raised it in the air. "So, when I was younger, Dad used to take me to all the family weddings. Good Filipino food and good fellowship. There was one thing that caught my attention," the baker's son smiled at his father, "the Filipino wedding toast that bestowed long life to the bride and groom.
"So, with raised glass, repeat after me," the Best Man said, "Mabuhay!"
The crowd repeated after the young man. Aston raised his glass two more times as the crowd repeated after him.
"Congratulations, you two," he nodded at Phillip and Drew. They nodded back. The Best Man and Maid of Honor made their way back to their seats.
"Thank you, Aston," Master of Ceremony Hans said.
"And thank you, Ronda," Heath, the other emcee continued.
"Now it's time for the time-honored father and daughter dance," Hans said as he nodded at the band.
Phillip nodded at his new wife as she smiled at him. She stood up and met her father at the center of the dancefloor.
Her father bowed to her before taking her into his arms as the slow number began. "I told you things would work out, eventually," the old wizard said.
"I love you, Daddy," she said as she leaned against his chest.
"I love you, too, kiddo," the wizened father said as they danced.
o-o-o
Saturday, 15 February, 23:35 GMT, about a month and a half ago
"Well," the platinum blonde father said as he entered through the back door, "That takes care of the backyard."
"Thanks, Dad," Drew said as Phillip carried Andy in his arms. Drew kissed the infant's forehead before Phillip handed the boy to his grandmother.
"Andy say, 'bye,' to mum and dad," the brunette witch said. "You won't see them for a while."
"We'll videoconference for the next two weeks, mum," Drew said as they all chuckled.
"Well," Draco began as he put his arm around his wife's waist, "We'll call before his bedtime, around 8 pm our time. That should be around 10 am in Hawai'i."
"Sure," Phillip nodded.
"We'll see everyone in three Sundays," Drew said as she hugged her father and mother. The older couple nodded before stepping into the chimney to floo to Wiltshire.
"Well, Mrs. Martinez," Phillip said as he smiled at her, "What say you, we call it a night."
Drew laughed as she let him lead her up the stairs to his bedroom. Phillip paused in front of his door. He smiled at her before carrying her into his arms surprising her for a moment. She rolled her eyes as he carried her over the threshold and into his bedroom.
He unceremoniously dropped her on the bed. She laughed as he straddled her hips. He brought his face close to hers as he kissed her. She kissed him back.
He pulled back to look at her. She breathed through pursed lips as she looked back up at him. He smiled as he waved his wand, divesting them of their wedding attire.
His lips caressed her neck before he moved to take one nipple in and then the other. She let out a moan as she felt his lips on her abdomen.
He could feel her take in a breath. He looked up at her.
"You feel tense," he canted his head for a moment.
She shrugged. "I just realized we've never actually," she paused as she looked around the room, "done it in here."
He laughed good-naturedly before kissing her neck. He looked into her eyes, "There's always a first time."
She laughed as she looked up at him. "I guess, I'm just picturing the ghosts-of-all-your-girlfriends-past," she said as he kissed her shoulder.
He trailed kisses down the center of her chest. He looked upwards at her as he ran his hand down the length of her inner thigh. She took in a sharp breath. He smirked at her, "If it's any consolation, I pictured you under me every time."
"You're incorrigible," she said as he kissed her neck again.
"Yes, but you married me anyway," he whispered in her ear before looking down at her.
She pulled his face closer to hers. "Shut up and kiss me," she said.
"As you wish," he said, kissing her as he pushed into her.
She arched her back for a moment. She enveloped him in, keeping up with his thrusts. "I love you, Phil," she said as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
"I love you more, Drew," he said, kissing her as they continued to make love on their first night as husband and wife.
o-o-o
Sunday, 16 February, 10:05 GMT, about a month and a half ago
"Morning," he said as he looked up from his laptop screen. He watched her eyes flutter.
"Morning," she said as she looked up at the digital numbers on the clock. She turned to look at him. He was already dressed in his green Aloha shirt and his black surf shorts. "I see you're all ready for our honeymoon."
"You know me, I love a good sunrise," he said as he watched her pull the bed sheet around her.
"I should get ready, too," she said.
He watched her stand up before walking to the door. He watched her drop the sheet, as she walked swiftly down the hallway, naked.
"Were you ogling me?" she said as she ducked into the bathroom, sticking her head out from the door as she looked back at him.
He laughed. "As the husband, I think I'm allowed to do that, right?"
"You're …" she began.
"I know, I know," he said laughing. "Incorrigible. You know I wouldn't have had the guts to do that eighteen years ago for fear of getting a basketball in the face during dad's Year 10 PE class."
He heard her laugh before hearing the running water from the shower. He went back to cleaning his email inbox.
o-o-o
Sunday, 16 February, 16:00 GMT, about a month and a half ago
"You ready?" he asked as he extended his hand to her. Dressed in her dark blue board shorts and a dark red t-shirt, she smiled at him as she pulled a suitcase full of two weeks of clothing for the both of them.
"Of course," she said as she placed her hand into his. They walked into the chimney, flooing first to the Leaky Cauldron, then to the international fireplaces in Da Imu, the small bar in Waikiki. There, they flooed to the Malfoy family beach house where they would start their two-week honeymoon.
He smiled at her as they walked out of the fireplace at the beach house. He led her to the back patio where the waves lapped up. They sat, placing their legs into the water as they watched the orange and red hues as the sun rose in the east. Phillip kissed her cheek as they watched the disc rise above the horizon.
"It's still 6 am," Phillip whispered as he looked at his watch. "You know we can still go to bed for the next few hours. I'm not that hungry right now. Zippy's can wait."
She laughed as she stood up. She held his hand as she led him to her bedroom.
He took in a breath as he looked around unfamiliar surroundings. He never was privy to the room, although it was more because he didn't want to intrude in her safe-space.
"What?" she asked smiling as she looked at him.
He shrugged. "So, did, um, Greene hang out here?"
She smiled at him then blew out a breath as she took a hold of his hands. "We hung out at each other's homes, but we always made it to our own beds at night," she shrugged.
He gulped. "So, should I be jealous of any other suitors," he gave her a weak smile.
She laughed, as she looked up at him. "I think you got the answer that night, Phil."
He swooped down to kiss her. She walked backward, pulling him onto the bed. He waved his wand and they were both naked.
He kissed her neck and then kissed her down the middle of her sternum, trailing kisses down the center of her abdomen. He pulled her thighs towards him as he smirked up at her.
"I think I know what will tide me over until breakfast," he said as he kissed the inner part of her left thigh. She gasped as he licked her folds. He plunged his tongue into her, tasting her. He nibbled her clit, making her fist the quilt under them, uttering soft moans.
"Deeper, Phil," she said, straining. She could feel him smirk against her thigh. He plunged deeper into her folds, making her shudder in orgasm over and over. He licked her one last time before kissing his way up to her face.
He paused as he looked down at her. He swooped down to kiss her.
"You taste amazing," he whispered into her ear before entering her. She kept up with his rhythm as the early sunrise gave way to the mid-morning light.
Phillip had maneuvered them under the covers. They shut their eyes, listening to the waves lap the shoreline. It was a beautiful start to their Hawaiian honeymoon.
o-o-o
Monday, 30 March, 23:25, PDT present day
Phillip stood up a little shakily. He headed to the en suite bathroom. He turned the faucet on and filled his cupped palm with water and then drank it. He looked at himself in the mirror. He looked ragged. He splashed some water on his face.
He noticed his chest was covered in sweat. He grabbed a hold of the bath towel on the rack behind him. He wiped his face before toweling off his upper body. He threw the drenched towel into the hamper before grabbing a new towel and placed it on the rack. He took another deep breath before heading out of the bathroom.
He stepped out of the main bedroom and headed to the dimly lit nursery. He hesitated for a moment, staring at her back as she stood next to the toddler's crib. He quietly joined her at her side. He noticed her take in a deep breath.
"I find myself here, sometimes, just wanting to watch Andy sleep," she said softly. She turned to look at her husband, "It's peaceful and grounding."
He nodded. He saw her smile at him before she left him standing in front of the baby's crib. Phillip blew out a breath. He gently kissed Andy's forehead before exiting his room.
o-o-o
Monday, 30 March, 23:35, PDT present day
He walked quietly into their bedroom. She had turned off her lamplight and lay facing outward. Moonlight from the full moon streamed through the small opening between the dark maroon curtains. It softly lit her face, her eyelids shut. Phil doubted that she was already fast asleep.
He turned his lamp off and quietly got into bed. He blew out a breath as he gently draped his left hand over her hip. He held his breath as she interlaced the fingers of her left hand with his. She pulled their hands to rest under her chin. He softly kissed her shoulder.
"The nightmare flashbacks came, off and on, immediately after that night," he began. She slowly turned around to face him. He averted her eyes for a moment before looking at her. "I focused on my work and everything was going okay until I got injured.
"Going back home to London," he paused as she searched his face, "the nightmares became more vivid. I was torturing you, relentlessly. I told your brother, Draco, about them. He just nodded and listened.
"Then right around the same time last year," he said, gulping, as he moved a strand of hair from her cheek and hooked it behind her ear, "the nightmares … the nightmares got more graphic. I was raping you."
"Phil," she said as she placed her hand on his chest. He took in a breath.
"Junior chalked it up to sexual frustration," he rolled his eyes. "He said it was because you weren't answering my texts or voicemails."
Drew laughed. He smiled. He placed his hand on hers. "Your family knew about Andy," he said as he looked at her. "How could they stomach what I did to you?"
"Phil," she started, "My family forgave you long before I woke up from my coma.
"I forgave you soon after," she said as she caressed his cheek. "You have to forgive yourself, Phil."
Phil closed his eyes for a moment. He gently placed his hand on hers as he looked into her eyes, "Your father told me that your mother said the same thing to him. He said he still has the nightmares, though.
"Drew," he said, as he gently took her hands into his, "Your father let me read your statement. There was nothing in there about the sexual assault."
"I guess we both blocked it out."
"Drew, If I had known about Andy, I would have asked you to marry me on the spot. You should have told me about the pregnancy."
Drew looked into his eyes. She blew out a long breath. "I didn't realize what had happened until June. I'm a doctor, I should have noticed the signs. I was throwing up, feeling queasy," she said. "I thought it was just stress of the new job and of the move to L.A. So, I scheduled a doctor's appointment the same day your team had your NBA Championship parade.
"Mum and Dad had ESPN on at the right moment," she said shrugging. "The cameras panned on the trolley; you and Lisa were celebrating.
"I went to my appointment half an hour earlier than I had to," she shut her eyes for a moment, "I stayed in L.A. for another five hours after I got the news."
"Your family let me into their lives, knowing what I had done to you," he choked up. "They were so genuine."
"Phil, your grandfather used a spell on you. You weren't in charge of your own faculties. I knew that, my family knew that as well. They know what you were going through."
"You still could have told me, Drew."
"I was afraid," she said, gulping. "Just like you, I don't think I could have dealt with rejection from you; especially after I told you how I felt about you. Seeing you and Lisa on that trolley. You'd taken my advice. You went back to her."
"Drew," he said, shaking his head. She placed her fingertips on his lips.
"I thought you two were together. I didn't want to open a can of worms by dropping that bomb on you," she said looking at him. "I wasn't going to force you into something you didn't want, Phil."
"That seemed to be the bane of our existence; the lack of communication," he said softly. "It was my poison and your dagger. But we've since cleared that up, I think. Life's too short, right?"
She laughed, "You're incorrigible."
"You love me anyway," he said, smiling and then paused.
"Drew, if I ever hurt you or Andy ever again," he breathed deeply, "Promise me you'll have your father throw me into prison and toss the key."
She looked at him intently. He held his breath for a moment. "I trust you, Phil," she said softly. "I know you could never hurt me or our kids, ever."
"Kids?" Phil asked, and then smiled.
"We're pregnant," Drew smiled back. Phillip kissed her on the lips, surprising her at first, but then she kissed back.
"How far along?" Phillip asked as he ran his palm over her midsection.
"Fifteen weeks," she smiled.
Phillip pulled her in closer to him. She rested her hands on his chest. "So, this is how our story ends then, happily ever after?"
He laughed good-naturedly. "I'm not so sure," he began as he watched her breath hitch. He touched her face, reassuring her, "I think our family story has just begun.
"We're star-crossed lovers," he said as she smiled. "Neither continents nor oceans, neither time nor family rivalries could have kept us apart. Our love is eternal, Drew."
She breathed in, shutting her eyes, "You really are the English major."
He laughed as he felt her palm rest on his chest. He took in a breath, feeling the cold cylindrical gold piece against his skin.
"I love you, Phil," she said softly, her eyes fluttering. He heard her starting to breathe deeply, ready for slumber. She tucked under his chin.
He kissed the top of her head. "I love, you more, Drew," he whispered as he started to close his eyes as well.
'No more nightmares, at least for tonight,' he thought to himself. He smiled with his eyes closed as he could tell she was already asleep. He considered himself lucky that they had walked back into each other's lives. The stars had aligned for them and he knew from this point forward, he would never take what they had for granted, a forbidden love that had sprung from animosity, unbeknownst to either of them. He knew they would write their own happy ending together.