A/N: So we've come to the end of my little story. I hope you've enjoyed it and that you'll check out the other offerings in the "Once Upon a Time" Fest over on AO3. Thank you once again to TheMourningMadam for organizing the fest, you're amazing and it was a joy to participate. Lastly, to Mcal- what can I say that I haven't already? Your encouragment and positivity know no bounds. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart for all you did to help me prepare this story. You are a true friend!

The usual disclaimer about my not owning the rights to Harry Potter.

Chapter 19: Epilogue

Caroline's orange grove was much the same as when Draco had sought refuge from his pain here. Today the grove was heady with the sweet scent of orange blossoms and filled with the people he and Hermione held dear.

Draco watched Luna and Caroline share a secret, their faces alight with mischief, and he could only imagine the wonders they were both privy to.

Potter and Weasley were making stupid faces at Potter's months old son, the baby's lilting giggle carrying on the soft breeze in the grove.

He didn't know how she's talked him into it, but Draco stood barefoot, the linen of his suit blowing around his ankles and the grass cool under his feet. He watched as people began to take their seats and he took a deep breath as the music began to play.

He should not have been nervous, but Merlin's pants he was. Theo nudged him and Draco realized he'd been staring at his bare toes for an inordinate amount of time. Theo chuckled and motioned for Draco to look down the aisle.

He gasped. There she was. And she was resplendent.

Her dress flowed out around her in the breeze and her loose curls followed suit. With each step she took, he could see her bare feet peeking out from below her gown. Her father held her close to his side as he ambled up the aisle, but his girl was so impatient sometimes. He saw her pull insistently on her father's arm, almost dragging him toward the altar.

Soft laughter was heard from the guests and Hermione's smile grew brighter as she came nearer to Draco.

Impatient himself, he stepped toward them as they closed the distance and extended his hand to his bride. She turned to her father and laid a smacking kiss on his cheek; he chuckled at his daughter and returned the gesture with one a bit less in volume. But before fully handing her off he extended his hand to Draco and pulled him in for a hug. "Thank you for bringing our girl back to us. Love her well." Draco blinked back the emotion and nodded once in acceptance of this most precious gift.

With Hermione finally by his side, they stepped toward the altar together, clinging fiercely to each other, the orange blossoms woven in her hair and in her bouquet amplifying the sweet perfume of the day.

The ceremony was a beautiful blur. Minerva McGonagall officiated, an impish smirk gracing her usually stern face as they spoke their vows of love and devotion. She waved her wand is beautiful theatrical arches as the ties of matrimony floated around them in bright swaths of gold and bound them body and soul.

"You may now kiss your bride."

Draco had never heard more beautiful words. He wrapped one arm around her waist and the other caressed her cheek as he pulled her close to seal their marriage bond.

A gasp was heard throughout the crowd, for as their lips touched, a pure white light burst forth from their connection, blanketing all in attendance-and the orange grove itself-in the warmth of their love and devotion. When they separated and the light waned, the guests gasped once more, for every tree in the grove hung heavy with fruit.

Draco and Hermione looked around in awe of the power of their love, and just as Draco's eyes scanned over the crowd he caught Caroline's knowing gaze. She nodded at him and gave him a subtle wink. He chuckled and turned back to Hermione, pulling her close for another kiss. "Shall we, my love." He pulled away and extended his hand to lead her back up the aisle.

She giggled at him her eyes shining with glee, "Shall we what?"

"Live happily ever after, of course."

THE END

Thank you readers! I hope you enjoyed it and I'd love to hear your thoughts. To those who reviewed, I tried to message back if you were signed in, if not, my sincerest thanks for you time and thoughts. Happy Reading!