CHAPTER 11

3 Months Later…

Diana and Draco stood, hand in hand, surveying the church to a shocked room of witches and wizards. There were quiet murmurs, whispers between surprised friends, looks of discomfort with Malfoy being there in the first place. Diana squeezed her boyfriend's hand in encouragement.

"So which side do you sit on if your family has tried to kill both the bride and groom?" Draco asked, only half joking.

Diana sucked in a breath, hearing just how nervous her boyfriend was, "Well, my love, that's a great question. While I can't answer that one, there's a spot for you on Hermione's side… you know… because you're my date."

"Ahhh," Draco sounded, nodding slowly. Her nervously glanced around seeing his old schoolmates. There was Neville Longbottom, cozied up with Hannah Abott. He saw the ocean of red hair, seated on the right hand side of the church. Never in his life did he picture being here.

"I won't be long. The ceremony itself is quite short and I'll be right by your side for the reception," Diana whispered.

"Of course, darling," Draco nodded, nervously. He meant to sound reassuring, but it wasn't exactly what came out.

"Besides, you were a hit with my family. Who says you won't be today?" Diana brought up, hoping to give her boyfriend a little more confidence.

"Well, they weren't exactly in school with me. They weren't there to see… well, you know…. After everything, do you really think people will… will see that I've changed? I don't know, Di…. I don't exactly expect to charm the pants off of anyone tonight..." Draco trailed off.

No matter how much time had passed, he couldn't help but feel the pangs of guilt in his stomach at the thought of his past. Not only had he been the school bully but he still felt deep shame for the role his family had played in the war.

Diana squeezed his hand once more, "That's not who you are anymore. And you can't control what they see but… you can give them a chance to see that you've changed, love."

Draco nodded, "You're right," almost as if he were convincing himself. "You know? Leo wrote to me. Sounds like he'll be in town for a bachelor party in a few weeks or so. Wants to have a drink." Yes, he was definitely convincing himself.

"I heard… sounds like the two of you are getting chummy," Diana giggled.

Draco nodded once more, feeling more confident in himself. He could do this. He could be a part of her life, even if he had wronged the people in it.

"'ll leave you to your maid of honor duties. I'll be alright myself," Draco chuckled nervously glancing around the church. "Besides, if anyone says anything, I can always go for an old school day hexing."

"Not funny," Diana shook her head, rolling her eyes playfully.

"'S a little funny," Draco replied, a smirk on his face.

Diana continued to shake her head, leaning in for a quick peck.

"Behave, Malfoy," she teased, playfully using his last name as if they were in school again. Draco kissed her once more, before watching her disappear to the back of the church.

Diana knew that Draco would be alright. Besides, her friends were good people. She knew that it wasn't the most ideal nor comfortable position to put Draco in, but they both knew that these were the kinds of uncomfortable situations they'd have to navigate at first. She knew that it would only be temporary. She could only hope that her friends would come around and see that, at least, Draco had really changed. She had no expectations of everyone becoming best friends, but she hoped that at least they could accept it.

She knew Ron was less than thrilled about him being at the wedding, but he at least had taken it a bit better than Harry. Harry on the other hand, was another story. There was an uncomfortable tension at work that they were pushing through, and every time someone even muttered the name 'Malfoy,' his jaw would clench and his cheeks would turn beet red.

"Ah, there you are, darling! She's back from the pictures and is almost ready!" Molly Weasley greeted warmly, seeing Diana back from her mission to make Draco just a little more comfortable.

"Oh my! I can't wait!" Diana cheered gleefully. Molly quickly ushered her behind the door, shutting the door quickly before anyone could get a peek at the bride.

There she was, in a full white gown, covered in layers of tulle, her hair in a perfectly pinned updo. Hermione turned around, grinning at her best friend. Ginny Weasley kneeled on the floor, straightening out the rather large skirt of the dress, while Hermione's mother was talking to the photographer that they had hired.

"Can you believe it? That I'm getting married today, Di?" she asked, on the verge of tears.

"Hermione, you look beautiful," Di smiled, running over to embrace the girl.

"Mum! I said it was okay! I'm fine," Hermione sighed out as her mother quickly tried to blot the sweat off of her daughter's face. Hermione floated over to Diana, grabbing her hands. "It was quite hot outside… for the pictures, you know. How's Malfoy?"

"Oh you know… a little nervous. It's… I'm happy he's here though," Diana replied. "So sorry he couldn't make it to dinner last night. He had an overnight shift at St. Mungo's.

Ginny shifted uncomfortably at the mention of his name. Diana noticed but chose not to acknowledge it, as there had already been an awkward tension between the friends since the rehearsal dinner the night before.

They hadn't talked much at all since her return. The night before she was practically glued to Harry's hip, which Diana hoped for Harry's sake was a good sign. It's not like they really HAD the time. This morning as they had gotten ready for the wedding, every woman in the bridal party was focused on Hermione. But Diana could tell that something was different. Ginny felt distant and hadn't seemed all that excited to see her. Did she know? Had Harry said something? Who was she kidding? Harry didn't have to say anything. A woman always knew...

"It's quite alright. I'm just happy that you're here… and that you're happy…. Merlin, Di… it's my wedding day and I just-, well it's a dream come true! I just want everyone to be as happy as I am today," she blushed, barely able to contain her excitement.

Diana gently placed her hands on either side of her best friend's face, "I love you."

Hermione grinned back, "I love you too."

"Well, alright! It's time to start!" Molly Weasley exclaimed, corralling the bridal party.

"Let's get you married," Diana squealed, delightfully, giving Hermione's hands a squeeze.

"And now. Introducing for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley," Arthur Weasley announced, a wand to his throat for extra volume.

The doors to the transfigured tent opened, revealing both Ron and Hermione, happy as ever. The party hadn't gone on too long without the bride and groom, but all of the guests had arrived and gotten comfortable prior to. Hermione and Ron walked into the tent, hand in hand, grinning from ear to ear. A muggle song that Diana didn't recognize came on as they walked to the dance floor, embracing each other in their first dance.

Draco squeezed Diana's hand, watching the happy couple sway side to side. Diana watched as eventually, Arthur and Molly Weasley, followed by Hermione's parents, then a few of Ron's brothers began to join them on the dance floor.

"May I have this dance?" Draco asked, curiously. He stood out of his chair, offering his hand to his girlfriend.

"I'd love to," Diana answered, a smile on her face. She let Draco lead her onto the dance floor, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. "How was the wedding? You know… as a spectator?"

"Good. Good," Draco answered, casually. "Not so scary after all. I don't expect to ehm, make a friend or anything... but… people don't seem to be all put off that I'm here."

"Well, I'm glad you're here," Diana said, emphasizing the word 'I'm.' "You know, I think the last time we danced together was fourth year."

"Merlin, was it really?" Draco asked with a chuckle.

"I think so," Diana giggled, pressing her face into his chest for a moment. "And if you had told fourteen year old me - fourteen year old either of us - that we'd be here at a Weasley wedding together, happily in love? Well, I just might think you'd gone barmy."

Draco let out a hearty laugh, "You and me both, darling."

He sighed, holding his girlfriend close to him.

"No. No I never thought we'd end up here… but I'm so glad we did."

"I love you, Draco," Diana said, softly, looking up at her boyfriend. Their eyes met, and it was as if she was falling into them - the love she felt for him almost overwhelming.

"I love you too, dear," Draco said back, a small smile on his face. "And now we get to do it forever."

"Hm?" Diana asked, breaking her gaze.

Draco smirked, "Nothing. Just-, all this talk about love tonight's got me thinking."

"Does it, eh?" Diana shot back, seeing the mischievous look on her boyfriend's face.

"Yeah, just a bit," Draco said, smiling back at her.

Then there was a moment of quiet.

"What?" Diana asked, curiously.

"Nothing," Draco replied.

"I don't believe you," Diana shot back.

Draco smirked once more, "It's just…"

"What, Draco?"

"I've got an idea…" he trailed off, a glint in his eye. He pulled apart from her, offering his hand out to her. "Do you trust me?"

It was almost reminiscent of school.

"Yes."

And in an instant, they were sprinting out of the tent and across the pathway to where the carriages were waiting - the carriages that had taken them to the forest wedding reception. Draco ran, making sure to keep a tight hold on Diana, searching for the carriage that they had come in. He had considered them lucky. They had gotten to ride in by themselves. It wasn't that he wasn't willing to make friends, but he was ambivalent that they would want to make friends with him. And he had been right. While he hadn't received a cold welcome, it certainly hadn't been the reunion of old friends either.

"Ah… this one'll do," Draco said, practically ripping open the door to the carriage.

"Draco, what're you-," Diana started.

But he had cut her off, crashing his lips into hers and pulling her body tightly against his.

Oh.

Her hands in his hair. His tongue begging for entrance to her mouth. A battle for dominance as if they couldn't get enough of each other. The kisses filled with insatiable passion, hunger, longing. Each touch was intoxicating and they weren't about to stop here.

"My love…" Diana breathed out, in between kisses.

"Yes?" Draco mumbled against her lips, slowing down his feverish pace.

"Would you like to continue this in the carriage?" Diana asked, desperately.

"I thought you'd never ask."

"I just want to say our goodbyes quickly, Draco," Diana muttered, looking around the party. Part of her hoped no one would notice that they had gone missing but she knew it was unavoidable. The wedding party, after all, had been friends and family only.

"'S alright, love. I'll be here. You say your goodbyes," Draco said, before placing a soft kiss on her cheek. "Oh and Diana?"

"Hm?" she asked, turning back to him.

"You may want to fix your hair," he smirked, teasing her.

She playfully rolled her eyes, "And whose fault is that?" before turning to walk away from him.

Diana made her rounds at the party, making sure to say goodbye to her old friends from school. She watched as Draco sat patiently at their table. He wanted to be respectful and give her space since he knew wasn't exactly welcome here on his own. Part of her wished he had been able to connect with some of their old classmates but knew it was unrealistic to wish for that so quickly. It would take time - for all of them - to come to terms with what happened during the way and Draco had been on the wrong side of it.

She understood, but she wished it had been different.

"Oh no! Are you leaving?" Hermione cried out, having had a few too many glasses of champagne. Was it the champagne or was she just high off this perfect day?

"Yes, we're going to go but… thank you for letting me be here for you on your special day, Mione," Diana beamed at her best friend.

"Thank YOU!" she cried out once more, throwing her arms around Diana.

"Has the bride had a little too much to drink?" Diana teased playfully, steadying the two of them.

"I think so," Hermione giggled. "Wh-where's Malfoy? I mean. Draco."

By the time Hermione had mentioned his name, Ron was wrapped up in another conversation with George, his attention elsewhere.

"He's waiting for me. I think he ehm, well he wanted to give us all space… you know… since this is… unfamiliar territory," Diana answered.

"Oh! Oh alright. I must say goodbye to him!" Hermione declared, picking up the skirt of her dress. "Ron! We've got to go say goodbye. They're leaving!"

"Hermione, I-," Diana began to protest.

"Who?" Ron asked, chiming in.

"No! I want to! I promise," Hermione smiled. "C'mon, Ron! Diana and Draco are leaving. We've got to go say goodbye."

"I-," Ron started, before being pulled away by his wife, letting out a grunt of disapproval as she marched them both over to Draco.

"I… ehm. Well, alright then," Diana giggled.

Diana watched as Hermione plopped down right beside Draco, alarming him just a bit. He sat up in his chair, just a bit startled as Hermione began throwing her arms around him and muttering 'thank you' over and over again. She watched as Ron gave him a curt nod and a handshake before glowering at Hermione.

"Well then you can go and I'll stay!" she heard her best friend say with a laugh, causing her to laugh. It felt good to see at least Hermione welcoming Draco in. She knew it hadn't been easy at first, but Hermione had warmed up to him, slowly getting to know him - the real him - over the last few months.

"Mione," Ron grumbled, before slumping off to glare from afar.

"Leaving already?" Diana heard a voice say. She turned to where the voice was coming from, only to see Ginny standing beside her.

"Oh ehm, yeah. We're… we're a bit tired, I suppose," Diana replied, suddenly becoming very uncomfortable.

"Malfoy. Interesting choice in a partner," Ginny observed, watching as Hermione began talking Draco's ear off. "Never thought I'd see the day those two… bet the champagne doesn't hurt."

"It's… it's complicated, Ginny," Diana said in response. She almost felt the need to defend both Hermione and Draco in that moment. She knew she had to keep her cool, but she didn't exactly want to. "And I appreciate the effort Hermione has put into giving him a chance. I mean… don't we all deserve second chances?"

"Harry doesn't seem too keen on the idea. Everytime anyone brings Malfoy up, he turns bright red and… well half the time he leaves the room," Ginny continued, not yet making eye contact. "It's funny, really."

Diana knew she hadn't meant funny… Ginny had meant 'strange.' Odd. Peculiar. Suspicious, maybe? Did she know?

"I don't blame him… for not being happy with it. They have… a lot of history," Diana agreed.

"Yes. And so do you," Ginny said back.

Diana took in a breath. Whether or not Harry had told Ginny, whether it was the jealousy Harry couldn't seem to hold back… Diana had a feeling that Ginny knew.

"Harry's just my partner," Diana stated, firmly.

Well, it was sorta true.

"I understand," Ginny said back, finally glancing over to Diana.

"So are you… back for good, or what?" Diana asked, meeting Ginny's gaze. She hadn't meant it to come out as a challenge.

"Yes. I'm… I'm back for good," Ginny answered plainly, returning her gaze to a very drunk Hermione giving Draco a hug and a very overwhelmed Draco patting her gently on the back.

"Good," Diana nodded.

The two women stood side by side, not making eye contact, just listening to the hustle and bustle of the party around them. Glasses clinking. Feet shuffling. Laughter erupting. Dancing and singing.

"You know, we're all rooting for you, Gin? I am. I'm rooting for you. For the both of you," Diana said, breaking the silence.

And she was. She meant it. Maybe this was her way of reassuring Ginny that she wasn't a threat.

Ginny nodded, a small hopeful smile on her face.

"Me too."