The guests went to the grand ballroom at the Ministry of Magic for the cocktail hour, while both Lucius's and Narcissa's families and the bridal party posed for pictures along with the newlyweds. "We'll have to decide which one looks best for the front page of The Daily Prophet once we see the prints," said Druella.
"We don't get to choose the one we like best?" asked Narcissa through a smile, trying her best not to ruin the shot.
"You both will be on your honeymoon when they run the article, dear. We'll take care of it," said Eleanor.
"Welcome to the wedding of the century, Mrs. Malfoy," said Lucius. Narcissa couldn't help but chuckle.
By the time the bridal party arrived to the Ministry of Magic, the guests were more than anxious for the reception to officially start. As Narcissa and Lucius waited their turn, they listened to the emcee announce their families and friends. "Mr. Abraxas Malfoy, father of the groom, and Mrs. Eleanor Malfoy, mother of the groom. Mr. Cygnus Black III, father of the bride, and Mrs. Druella Black, mother of the bride. Mr. Atticus Crabbe, groomsmen and mate of the groom, and Ms. Victoria Greengrass, bridesmaid and mate of the bride. Mr. Evan Rosier, Best Man and mate of the groom, and Mrs. Bellatrix Lestrange, Matron of Honor and sister of the bride." The emerald green dress robes complimented the lavender bridesmaid dresses.
"This is it, darling. Are you ready?" asked Lucius.
Narcissa took Lucius's hand and squeezed it. "I'm ready."
As they processed toward the entrance to the ballroom, the emcee said, "And last, but not least, it is my honor to present the newlyweds: Mr. Lucius and Mrs. Narcissa Malfoy!"
Narcissa and Lucius entered hand in hand, and their egos thrived on all of the attention focused on them. Narcissa took a glance around the ballroom, and everything about it was perfect. There were balloons, streamers, and tablecloths in green and lavender. Roses provided centerpiece decorations, only they were also lavender or green, unlike her bridal bouquet. A crystal chandelier hung overhead, and some white lights were strung on the ceiling. Wait staff that consisted of both wizards and house-elves served cocktails and appetizers. Most importantly, she was surrounded by people ready to celebrate her new marriage. The orchestra played the opening notes of You Charmed the Heart Right Out of Me, the same song that was playing when they became engaged in this very same ballroom. Only this time, Celestina Warbeck sang along to the melody. Lucius escorted Narcissa to the middle of the dance floor, with their families and friends surrounding them as they danced their first dance as husband and wife. The pair wrapped their arms around each other, though Narcissa pressed her body up against Lucius's, inhaling the scent of his musk cologne to match his shampoo. As she melted into her husband's arms, Narcissa couldn't help but recall their first slow dance together during Slughorn's Christmas party when she was a mere first year. She had enjoyed Lucius's attention, and though she had seen herself tolerating a marriage to him, she could have never imagined falling deeply and hopelessly in love with him.
The song ended, and the couple sat with their bridal party at the head table. Evan stood and called, "If I could have everyone's attention, please?" The crowd quieted and focused on the Best Man. "I'll be honest, Luce, I've been a bit busy these past few weeks, so I didn't bother to write my speech until yesterday," Evan began. "It was during my and Lucius's second year at Hogwarts when it happened. Lucius came into our compartment on the Hogwarts Express, and he had a certain look on his face. He had a goofy smile, he was blushing a little, and he kept fixing his hair. I asked what was up, and Lucius said he had just met the prettiest girl he had ever seen in his life. Well, I didn't think much of it at first, because witches were always falling over Lucius Malfoy. But then, when we got to the Sorting Ceremony and the first years entered the Great Hall, Lucius pointed out which girl he meant. And after the first years were sorted, I realized, 'Merlin, Lucius Malfoy is sweet on a Black witch!' That night, the two of us along with Xavier and Philip got to our dorm room, and Lucius wouldn't shut up about Narcissa. That was when I knew Lucius Malfoy was smitten. After about three months of his constant prattling about her, I finally told Lucius to ask her out on a date. And thank Merlin I did, because if not, he would probably still be just making eyes at you and carrying on small conversations with you." Everyone chuckled. "But as I stand here and give you my well-wishes, I can't help but think about how compatible you are, and I know that you both will have a fulfilling life together."
Bellatrix stood and began her toast. "Well, almost everyone here today knows the origin story: Cissy came into our train compartment looking like a love sick prat, and I knew some boy had taken notice of my baby sister. I never believed that boy would turn out to be Lucius Malfoy. Somehow, in eleven years, Cissy went from accidently causing biscuit batter to explode all over the kitchen via accidental magic to being noticed by Lucius Malfoy." Narcissa's cheeks reddened. So that was the embarrassing story Bella had managed to sneak into the reception toast: the time she and her sisters were helping bake Christmas biscuits with Druella, and in her frustration of not being able to hold the mixing spoon properly, six-year-old Narcissa had caused the batter to explode all over not only the kitchen, but both her mother and her sisters as well as herself. The house-elves had quite the mess to clean, and it still took some magic to return the kitchen to its original sparkle. At least Bella left out the details of the incident. "Anyway, Cissy, Lucy, I don't know what life will bring you two, but I know you both love each other so much to the point where it makes me want to gag sometimes, so you will be able to handle anything life brings you. I love you, Cissy." Evan and Bellatrix held up their champagne glasses. "To Lucius and Narcissa."
"To Lucius and Narcissa," everyone chorused and took sips.
Bellatrix sat back down, and Narcissa said, "Thank you for leaving out the details of the Christmas biscuit batter incident."
"Don't flatter yourself; I didn't want to hear it from Mother about ruining your wedding day."
The feast began—roast chicken or beef, bangers and mash, mushy peas, Shepherd's and cottage pie, and roasted potatoes—and afterward, the father-daughter and mother-son dances were held. As Narcissa danced with Cygnus while Lucius danced with Eleanor, Cygnus said, "You chose a wonderful wizard, Cissy. I'm confident that you and Lucius will have a happy marriage."
"Thank you, Father. Having you as a role model helped."
Cygnus and Eleanor escorted Narcissa and Lucius to each other, and Cygnus said, "Take care of my little witch, Lucius."
"I will, sir," said Lucius. Abraxas and Druella joined their spouses, and other couples were invited onto the dance floor. Lucius and Narcissa cut the cakes; one was a traditional fruitcake, while the other was a three-tiered wedding cake with green layers as the top and bottom, a silver center layer, and a serpent as the topper. The couple had to incorporate their Slytherin allegiance into the reception somehow. Narcissa tossed out her bouquet while Lucius tossed out the garter, and the couple specifically directed the items to Victoria and Atticus to send a clear message to Atticus to get on with proposing to Victoria.
Before the couple prepared to make their grand exit, Abraxas gestured for them to follow him, the older wizard leaning on his snake-adorned walking stick. When the three of them and Eleanor were away from the reception attendees, Abraxas said, "We didn't want to do this in front of everyone, but we want to present you both with something." The elder Malfoys handed the newlywed ones a key, and Abraxas said, "Your mother and I are permanently moving to our home in Tuscany."
Lucius looked up at Abraxas. "Seriously?" Lucius had overheard the possibility, but he had never actually believed it would come to fruition.
"Yes. You are a married man now, Lucius. You and your wife need somewhere to live, and you need to be able to spend time alone, so we're gifting you the Manor," Abraxas explained. "I know we wizards don't often use the front door, and when we do, we use the Unlocking Charm, but the key is a symbol."
"What about the rest of your properties?" asked Lucius.
"Those properties still belong to your father," said Eleanor. "But the Manor in Wiltshire now belongs to you."
"You will also need a place of your own once you have children," said Abraxas. Lucius and Narcissa glanced at each other and forced smiles. Only Merlin knew if or when that would be. "And Lucius, since you will now be the patriarch of your family, it is appropriate to gift you this." Abraxas held out his walking stick for Lucius to take.
"Father, I could never…"
"I purchased a backup wand because I knew this moment was forthcoming."
Lucius took the stick from Abraxas and ran his fingers over the elm wood. He pulled the wand out of the stick, the silver serpent head ornamenting the top portion of the wand. The wand was made of the same elm wood as the cane itself. "What is the core?" asked Lucius.
"Dragon heartstring."
Lucius pulled his current wand out of his robe pocket: a brown oak wood wand with a dragon heartstring core. "I suppose I could place my current wand with some of the other magical artifacts in the Manor."
"It might take some time for the wand to adjust to the change of ownership, but I assure you, it is powerful once it adjusts," said Abraxas.
"Thank you, Father. I promise I will care for it."
"Make sure you also care for other special things, or should I say, a special someone," said Eleanor. She glanced over to Narcissa.
Lucius looked at Narcissa and took her hand. "I promise, my love."
The newly married couple bid their farewells to their friends and families, and after they left the Ministry, Narcissa looked up to Lucius and said, "I suppose we go to the Manor now." Lucius nodded as the couple Apparated to their home.