Two Become One

The next morning, Artemis and Draco were awoken by the loud quacking of the ducks, as they happily bathed in the pond. At first, both of the children were startled to note that they were not in their respective rooms, but after a few moments, the events of the previous evening came flooding back and their surprise waned.

"Morning... feeling better?" asked Draco, as he rose from the bench, stretching out his sore, cramped muscles.

"Yes, I am, thank you. Though my neck is very sore," replied the young woman, as she too, stood to stretch. As soon as Draco was able to move without shooting pains darting through his muscles, he leaned down, kissing his soon to be wife.

"You know, now I can say we slept together," joked Draco, as he pulled back from their kiss. Artemis wasn't sure why, but she felt different this morning. She wasn't sure if it was because it was still early and nothing had gone wrong yet, or if at some point last night, something had changed between her and Draco. What ever it was, she was sure that could only help matter's.

"Get your head out of the gutter," replied Artemis, brushing the wrinkles out of her skirt.

"We were wondering when you two would finally wake up," drawled Lucius Malfoy, as he approached the children slowly, his wife and the Fowlington's following closely behind him. Both Artemis and Draco, blushed a deep shade of red, knowing that, once again, Lucius was teasing them. It appeared that teasing his son, and future daughter, had become his new hobby. With a quick flick of his wand, Lucius cast a refreshing charm on the children, their clothes instantly returning to their usual pristine condition.

"We have to go and meet the caterer's. You two need to make a final decision on the menu," informed Persephone, as she began fussing with her daughters long, thick tresses, in an attempt at taming them.

"There. Pretty as a picture."

"I agree," declared Draco, grabbing her by the hand. "Is there anyway you guys could decide on the menu? I'd like to spend some time with Artemis."

"Draco, you haven't had anything to do with planning this wedding, and now you want to skeeve off. The one time I ask you to help out!" exclaimed Narcissa, looking up at her son, who had grown to be even taller than his father.

"Geez, Mother., calm down. I'll come, all right?" offered Draco, looking at his mother as if she had lost her marbles. "First she chucks a sewing basket at my head, now she's trying to bite it off. What's next?"

"Ignore your mother, Draco. She's just a little stressed by the wedding. She'll be back to normal once you and Artemis have left for your honeymoon," stated Lucius calmly, patting his son on the back and ushering him, along with Artemis, towards to carriage.

"I swear, the whole lot of them are off their rockers," Draco muttered, softly.

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The final three days before the wedding passed by quickly, Artemis and Draco barely having enough time, for a quick kiss. Their days had been filled with visits from family and friends that they had not seen in ages, making final decisions, in regards to the menu, and supervising the decorating of the hotel. By the time the eve of the wedding arrived, Artemis and Draco were both, stressed out and terribly bitchy. Draco had already managed to make his aunt Bellatrix cry, on two separate occasions. This was, most certainly, not an easy task, as his aunt was rather rough around the edges, after having spent many years in Azkaban. While Draco was busy making people to cry, Artemis was doing a great deal of crying on her own. She had worked herself into such a rut over the passed few days, that just the sight of her wedding gown caused her to burst into tears and babble incoherently.

Luckily, Lucius Malfoy had a plan. He had decided that all of the arrangement must be finalized before the eve of the wedding. That way, the children would be able to calm themselves down, the day before they were scheduled to walk down the aisle. Lucius had insisted that Narcissa and Persephone take Artemis out for a day of pampering, while he and Perseus had arranged an afternoon, for Draco, that would certainly help improve his mood.

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"Artemis Fowlington... just once, can't you be on time! Just once!" Draco yelled, sure that she would be able to hear him, all the way upstairs. "I'll not have her ruining my wedding because she has no consideration for anyone other than herself, shouted the angry young man, gesturing wildly at his and her parents.

"Draco," chided Lucius, laughing at his sons frantic state. "I think it would be best if we left now. I don't think you really need to say goodbye. You'll see her tonight."

"If, she decides to waltz that cute little behind of her's down the aisle, on time. I'll not stand around waiting forever, you know," whined Draco, following his father towards the door, Perseus following them, laughing at the young man's fussy state. Narcissa and Persephone were both lounging around the sitting room, also laughing at the young man, as he left, along with their husband's.

"Hold your horses!" shouted Artemis, as she stormed down the stairs, looking absolutely pissed. "Just once, I would like to get ready in peace, without His Highness, bitching at me. Is this what my life is going to be like?"

"He's left," informed Narcissa, smiling up at Artemis as she stormed into the room. As Artemis noticed that Draco wasn't there, her mood instantly lightened.

"So, what are we doing today?" she asked, as she began to prepare a cup of tea.

"Today, you will be treated like a queen. First we are going to the spa, then well have lunch at the club, and then, my dear, we will be apparating to Paris for some serious shopping. After all, you have a honeymoon to get ready for," said Persephone happily, loving the way her daughters eyes lit up.

"We thought you could use some "me" time, before the wedding. It'll calm your nerves," aid Narcissa, sweetly.

"That sounds marvelous!" exclaimed Artemis. " I don't know if you've noticed but I've been a bit stressed the past few days." Both Narcissa and Persephone, dissolved into a fit of laughter. Neither could understand how Artemis was capable of believing that no one would notice the state of her nerves.

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"Where are we going?" huffed Draco as he stared out the window, pouting, for some unknown reason.

"Well, you've been being a bit of a bitch, as of late, my boy. So, Perseus and I have arranged an opportunity for you to blow off some steam," informed Lucius.

"You mean... you got me a prostitute? Cause as much fun as that sounds Father, I couldn't do that to Artemis," replied Draco, worriedly.

"I... Do you ever think about anything other than sex?" Lucius asked. He couldn't believe his sons one track mind.

"Not if I can avoid it," mused Draco.

"How in the hell did you become Head Boy," asked Lucius, not really expecting an answer. Draco just laughed. "No, we did not get you a hooker. We've arranged a nice, friendly little game of Quidditch." As Lucius said this, they pulled up to a large Quidditch pitch, several of Draco's friends, and several people he wasn't particularly fond of, stood waiting for him. As Draco approached, he saw Ron Weasley, with his twin brothers and Harry Potter, chatting animatedly with Blaise Zabini and Vincent Goyle. When they saw him walking over, they turned to greet him.

"Nice of you to finally show up, Malfoy," joked Harry, him and Ron laughing jovially.

"What, you couldn't wait to get your ass kicked... again?" countered Draco, as he began to suit up. Harry just rolled his eyes, not really sure of how to respond.

"Down boy," joked Perseus, as he, Lucius, Mr. Weasley, Mr. Zabini and Professor Snape approached them, all dressed to play. Unlike the others, Professor Snape was dressed to referee the match.

"Perseus, all four Weasley's, Crabbe and Zacharias will be on the red team. While, Draco, myself, Mr. Zabini, Blaise. Goyle, Nott and Millicent will be on the black team. Naturally, Severus will make sure that everyone follows the rules," said Lucius, a smirk plastered on his handsome face. "Let the game begin."

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"Oh, thank you so much! I really needed this day," gushed Artemis, as she flopped down on the settee, exhausted from her strenuous day of shopping.

"I'm just glad it worked. We thought you'd burn yourself out before you and Draco ever came close to actually being married," sighed Narcissa, sitting down beside her soon to be daughter.

"Not to mention the fact that I doubted wether or not Draco would survive, to see the wedding," joked Persephone as she sat on the other side of her daughter, all three woman lounging on the same settee looking completely exhausted. Just then, the front door swung open and three dirt and blood stained men stormed in, laughing and joking wildly. The three woman stared up at them, intrigued. As they walked into the sitting room, their steps slowed, as they took in the obscene number of shopping bags and boxes strewn about the room.

"Oh god. When we planned on joining our families, I don't think we took into consideration what would happen to the state of our fortunes. One obsessive shopper in a family is enough, but now, we both have three," muttered Lucius, staring at the mountain of new clothes and trinkets. Draco peered into one of the bags, reaching inside he withdrew a sheer negligee.

"Well, this has potential," smirked Draco, dangling the naughty garment on his forefinger.

"It is quite sexy, isn't it?" asked Artemis, winking at her fiancé. Draco nodded, dumbly, excited by the prospect of her actually wearing it. "I'm sure your Mother will look drop dead gorgeous in it." Draco's smile instantly faded, replacing it was a look of absolute disgust, as he dropped the garment to the floor, as if it were some contagious disease.

"Eww, eww, gross, my mother, sex... ugh," muttered Draco, his voice panicked, as he continuously wiped his hands off on his dirt covered pants. Everyone began laughing at the young man's distress over the image of his mother wearing the sexy negligee.

"So, what did you boys do today?" asked Narcissa, picking her new nightdress up off of the floor, where her son had dropped it. Draco tried to look at his mother as she spoke to him, but every time he saw her, he couldn't help but picture her in the lingerie, forcing him to turn away.

"We played a nice little game of Quidditch... blew off some steam," informed Lucius, eyeing the garment his wife held, with keen interest.

"Good to hear. Well, I see that Draco is feeling better, so I'll ignore the mud you've tracked onto my pristine floors," said Narcissa happily, putting the distracting garment back into it's bag, in hopes of drawing her husbands attention away from it.

"I see Artemis' mood has improved, as well. So I suppose this ridiculous amount of shopping was not in vain... no matter the cost," replied Lucius happily, eyeing the large amount of purchases. All three woman looked away, blushing slightly at the implications of his words.

"Well, my dears, it is getting late and tomorrow is a very, very big day. So I think it would be best if you turned in for the night," declared Perseus, rising and approaching his daughter. "I will walk you to your room, After all, it will be the last chance I have to do so, before you're married." Artemis stood and approached Draco, kissing him softly on the cheek, before heading upstairs with her father and mother.

"To bed with you," said Narcissa, kissing her son on the forehead and shooing him off to bed. As he left, Draco looked from his mother, to the bag that he knew contained the naughty nightdress, with one final cringe, he bounded up the stairs.

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To Artemis, it seemed like, no sooner than she had gone to sleep, it was time for her to wake up. Though she protested vehemently, her mother, along with Narcissa, continued trying to jostle her awake.

"Darling, wake up. Your getting married today," cooed Persephone in a sing-song voice. Artemis merely mumbled incoherently, before turning over and burying her head underneath her pillow.

"Artemis, get up, you've got to start getting ready now, or you'll be late!" exclaimed Narcissa, beginning to get annoyed. They had just three short hours to get the entire wedding party, dressed and to the hotel, for the ceremony.

"Everyone already knows I'm going to be late, so why bother rushing?" muttered the sleepy young woman, ignoring her soon to be mother's orders, to get out of bed. Just when they were getting ready to give up and go and get the girls father, there was a soft tapping at the door. Before anyone had the chance to answer, the door began to open.

"Artemis," whispered Draco, "you up yet?'

"Draco what are you doing here. You're not supposed to see her until the ceremony," chided Narcissa, rushing over to intercept the young man.

"Mother, that's ridiculous. It's not like anything can actually stop our getting married. So what's it matter?" replied Draco, side stepping his mother and taking a seat on Artemis' bed. "Could we have a minute, please?"

"Sure, just make it quick. We're on a schedule," ordered his mother, as she and Persephone left the bride and groom alone. At this point, Artemis had come to terms with the fact that she wasn't going to get back to sleep, and was lying on her back, staring up at her soon to be husband.

"What?" she asked, uncomfortable by the way he was staring at her.

"I just wanted to say hi. See how you were doing," replied Draco, lying down next to her and resting his head against Artemis'

"I'm doing good. You?" she countered, twining her hand with his.

"Me. I'm good. I'm getting married today. Though my bride is sure to be late," he joked. "I thought I should remind you that the ceremony begins at eleven, not twelve, not one... eleven."

"You are such a smart ass! I know when the ceremony begins. Now if you'll leave, I'll be able to start getting ready." said Artemis, hitting his arm playfully. Draco rose, pulling her up with him, so that he could kiss her.

"You know, that's the last time, I get to kiss Artemis Fowlington," declared Draco playfully. Artemis smiled back at him. Knowing full well, that he was correct. In no time, she would no longer be Artemis Fowlington, she would be Mrs. Draco Malfoy.

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Just as everyone had predicted, Artemis was running late for the ceremony. It was already eleven twenty and she was just now struggling to make it down the stairs, her gown and robe causing her a great deal of trouble. For once, the delay was not Artemis' fault. The hair stylist had been nearly an hour late. When she had finally arrived, she had to rush through Artemis', the bridesmaids and Narcissa and Persephone's hair. Since she had opted not to wear a veil, Artemis had decided to wear her hair down, soft ringlets cascading down her back with strings of diamonds woven around the crown of her head.

"Oh, my," gasped Persephone, as her daughter came into view. Though her mother had seen her in her wedding gown before, Persephone had yet to see the finished look. "You look so beautiful."

"Thank you, Mother," replied Artemis sweetly, as her bridesmaids rushed over to see her gown up close. They had little time to fuss though, as the wedding planner came rushing into the room, reminding everyone that they were already quite late. Once they were all seated in their carriages, the bridesmaids were in one carriage while Artemis, Narcissa and Persephone were in another, they set off for the hotel, sure that they would receive an earful from the groom.

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"I even reminded, this morning, not to be late, and sure enough, she's still late!" exclaimed Draco. Who had been pacing the groom's suite, for nearly an hour. Lucius and Perseus had listened to Draco rant all morning, but both had known that regardless of how many times he had reminded her of when she needed to arrive at the hotel, she would still be late. In their opinion, as the bride, it was her right to show up when ever she pleased.

"Calm down, Draco. It's not like all she has to do is throw on a suit and some dress robes. There's a great deal more to it than that, and trust me, when you see her walking down that aisle, it'll have been well worth the wait," assured Lucius, patting Draco on the back, in hopes of calming the young man's nerves. Just then, Blaise Zabini, the best man, and Vincent Goyle walked into the suite.

"She's finally here," informed Blaise offering Draco a glass of champagne. Lucius intercepted the glass before Draco could get a hold of if.

"Do you remember what happened the last time my son got a hold of champagne?" joked Lucius, before drinking the contents of the glass, himself. Blaise and Goyle began to laugh uncontrollably at the memory of Draco's drunken escapade, causing him to blush a deep shade of red. As they continued laughing at the grooms expense, the door opened and Narcissa and Persephone walked in, both dressed in velvet, crimson colored gowns.

"She's ready for you," Persephone whispered to her husband, taking him by the hand and leading him to the door. On her way out, Persephone leaned over and kissed Draco on the forehead, offering him a quick smile and whispering, "she's look's beautiful, honey. Well worth the wait."

"It's time to go. We need to get to our places," instructed Lucius, ushering the groomsmen out the door, following behind them with his wife and son.

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While the guests waited for the ceremony to begin, the orchestra that the family had hired, played classical music for them. The entire hotel had been rented out for the Malfoy/Fowlington wedding and it had been decorated to look like a forest during the winter, complete with snow, though a warming charm had been placed on the rooms to prevent everyone from freezing. The hotel looked amazing, it was exactly as they had hoped. The entire place looked like an enchanted, winter wonderland.

The aisle that the wedding party would walk down, was dark red velvet and had been laid atop the pure white snow. Since this was not only a wedding but a binding, they had decided that they should provide comfortable chairs, rather than the usual wooden chairs, as the ceremonies were quite lengthy. Therefore, the enormous ballroom was filled with four hundred dark red velvet armchairs, lining the matching aisle. The crimson fabric, reflecting the soft light cast by the many dimmed chandeliers, hanging from the gold leafed ceiling. Since there were four hundred guests in attendance, the usually one level floor, had been transformed into a more stadium-like configuration, so that everyone would be able to see. This meant that the aisle started at the highest level and followed a long path of stairs down to the floor, where the altar had been set up.

Lucius Malfoy had commissioned the Minister of Magic himself, Cornelius Fudge, to wed the children, while Albus Dumbledore would be responsible for binding them. As the Minister of Magic, took his place at the altar, the crowd hushed and the orchestra quieted, waiting for their cue to begin the selected piece for the wedding parties arrival. Once all was quiet, the large gold leafed doors opened, and Draco sandwiched between his mother and father, began their walk down the aisle. When they reached the altar, Draco shook his father's hand, and kissed his mother on the cheek, before they took their seats and Draco took his place at the altar.

Once the groom was in position, the best man, Blaise and the maid of honor, Cosette, began their descent down the crimson walkway, Blaise's black tuxedo and dress robes, complementing Cosette's red full skirted, ball gown, beautifully. Blaise and Cosette, were followed by Goyle and Hermione and after them came Abigail, one of Artemis' fellow Ravenclaw's and Crabbe. After the bridal party had taken their places, the groomsmen standing behind Draco and the bridesmaids standing opposite them, the large doors opened, once again, and Artemis appeared, standing between her mother and father.

As everyone caught sight of Artemis, a resounding gasp could be heard, along with the bright flashing of hundreds of cameras. Lucius, ever the opportunist, had been sure to invite every reporter he knew of, ensuring as much exposure as possible. As the guests rose, Artemis and her parents began their walk down the aisle. Try as she might, Persephone could not help but cry, though they were tears of happiness, rather than tears of sadness.

When Draco was finally able to get a good look at his soon to be wife, he couldn't believe how lucky he was. She was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. He had known that she would design a gorgeous gown, but what he saw was even more than he had expected. Seeing his son's elation, Lucius mouthed, 'told you so', in regards to her being 'well worth the wait'. Draco smiled at him, nodding in agreement. Once Artemis was close enough, Draco leaned forward, attempting to kiss her, but Cornelius stopped him

"NOT YET!" shouted the short Minister of Magic, his hand just barely covering Draco's mouth before he had successfully kissed her. The entire room, broke out in laughter, at the young groom's, over zealous behavior. After clearing his throat, the Minister began the ceremony.

"Marriage is the union of husband and wife in heart, body and mind. It is intended for their mutual joy- and for the help and comfort given to another in prosperity and adversity. But more importantly- it is a means through which a stable and loving environment may be attained. "Who give's this woman in marriage, to this man?" questioned Cornelius."

"Her mother and I do."stated Perseus, as his wife kissed Artemis gently on the cheek. Perseus then did the same, before shaking hands with Draco and offering Artemis' hand to him. Perseus then joined arms with his wife, and headed towards their seats. The Minister of Magic then continued with the wedding ceremony

"... and so, by the power vested in me, by the Order of Merlin, I now pronounce you man and wife- may your days be good and long upon this earth. You may NOW, kiss the bride"Draco leaned down, gently placing his lips over Artemis', officially sealing their union, as their guests applauded raucously. As the Minister of Magic stepped down from the altar, Albus Dumbledore rose from his seat and took his place, ready to begin the binding ceremony.

"We have come together in celebration of the joining together of Artemis Persephone Fowlington and Draco Lucius Malfoy. Much wisdom concerning the joining together of two souls, has come our way through all paths of belief, and from many cultures. With each union, more knowledge is gained and more wisdom gathered. Though we are unable to give all this knowledge to these two, who stand before us, we can hope to leave with them, the knowledge of love and its strengths, and the anticipation of the wisdom that comes with time. The law of life, is love unto all beings. Without love, life is nothing, without love, death has no redemption. Love is anterior to Life, posterior to Death, initial of Creation and the exponent of Earth. If we learn no more in life, let it be this."

"This union is a bond to be entered into only after considerable thought and reflection. As with any aspect of life, it has its cycles, its ups and its downs, its trials and its triumphs. With full understanding of this, Groom and Bride have come here today to be joined as one. Bride, is it true that you come of your own free will and accord?" asked Albus, turning his attention to the young bride.

"Yes, it is true," stated Artemis, happily.

"With whom do you come and whose blessings accompany you," asked Albus.

"She comes with me, her father, and is accompanied by all of her family's blessings," assured Perseus, standing up and addressing the crowd.

"Please, join hands with your betrothed and listen to that, which I am about to say," Albus stated, looking down at the two smiling children. " Above you are the stars, below you are the stones, as time doth pass, remember... Like a stone should your love be firm, like a star should your love be constant. Let the powers of the mind and of the intellect, guide you in your marriage. Let the strength of your wills, bind you together. Let the power of love and desire make you happy, and the strength of your dedication make you inseparable. Be close, but not too close. Possess one another, yet be understanding. Have patience with one another, for storms will come, but they will pass quickly. Be free in giving affection and warmth. Have no fear and let not the ways of the unenlightened give you unease, for the Lord and Lady are with you always. Draco, I have not the right to bind thee to Aretmis, only you have this right. If it be your wish, say so at this time and place your hand in her hand," requested the old wizard.

"It is my wish," assured Draco, placing his hand in Artemis'.

"Artemis, I have not the right to bind thee to Draco. Only you have this right. If it be your wish, say so at this time," continued Dumbledore, before pausing for Artemis' answer.

"It is my wish," she replied, Artemis gently squeezed Draco's hand, smiling up at him happily, tears beginning to form in her bright blue eyes.

"Draco, if it be your wish for Artemis to be bound to you, recite to me, your vows," said Albus, as he prepared to bind himself to the love of his life.

"I, Draco Lucius Malfoy, in the name of the spirit of the Lord and Lady that resides within us all, by the life that courses within my blood and the love that resides within my heart, take thee Artemis Persephone Fowlington, by my hand, my heart, and my spirit, to be my chosen one. To desire thee and be desired by thee, to possess thee, and be possessed by thee, without sin or shame, for naught can exist in the purity of my love for thee. I promise to love thee wholly and completely without restraint, in sickness and in health, in plenty and in poverty, in life and beyond, where we shall meet, remember, and love again. I shall not seek to change thee in any way. I shall respect thee, thy beliefs, thy people, and thy ways, as I respect myself," as Draco finished reciting his vows, his eyes began to well up with tears, realizing that it was nearly done. Artemis would soon be his and his alone.

"Artemis, if it be your wish for Draco to be bound to you, recite to me, your vows," Albus asked, requiring Artemis to do the same as Draco had just done.

"I, Artemis Persephone Fowlington, in the name of the spirit of the Lord and Lady that resides within us all, by the life that courses within my blood, and the love..." Artemis had to pause, her voice faltering as she began to cry. "...and the love that resides within my heart, take thee, Draco Lucius Malfoy, by my hand, my heart, and my spirit to be my chosen one. To desire and be desired by thee, to possess thee, and be possessed by thee, without sin or shame, for naught can exist in the purity of my love for thee. I promise to love thee wholly and completely without restraint, in sickness and in health, in plenty and in poverty, in life and beyond, where we shall meet, remember, and love again. I shall not seek to change thee in any way. I shall respect thee, thy beliefs, thy people, and thy ways, as I respect myself." As Artemis finished her vows, Albus Dumbledore, brought forth a chalice filled with red wine.

"The years of our lives, are as a cup of wine poured out for us to drink. The cup of life contains within it the sweet wine of happiness, joy, hope, and delight. This same cup, at times, holds the bitter wine of sorrow, grief, and despair. Those who drink deeply of life invite the full range of experiences into their being. As you drink from this cup, you acknowledge to one another that your lives, until this moment separate, have become one vessel into which all your sorrows and joys, all your hopes and fears, will be poured, and from which you will receive mutual sustenance. Many days you will sit at the same table and eat and drink together. Drink now, and may the cup of your lives be full, to running over." As he finished his speech, Albus handed the chalice over to Draco, who sipped from the cup. After his drink, Draco held the chalice up to Artemis' lips, allowing her to take her sip. Once finished, Draco handed the chalice back to the Headmaster, who replaced it on the table.

"As you are now bound, soul to soul, heart to heart, I ask that you to withdraw your wands, so that you may be bound, magic to magic." Artemis and Draco both did as requested, both holding their wands in their right hands. As the bride and groom were readying their wands, Albus withdrew a long strand of crimson velvet ribbon, muttering an unfamiliar incantation, causing the ribbon and their wands to glow, brightly. "Place the tips of your wands together." Artemis and Draco did just that. As their wands touched, a bright flash of light burst from the conjoined tips, before shooting upwards and encircling the couple in a bright shield of magical light. As the light began to wear away, Albus Dumbledore began chanting loudly, causing the light to form a ball and concentrate over the ribbon before completely dissipating. The room erupted in applause and loud chatter, most commenting on how powerful their magic was. It has been said that the more powerful the witch and wizard are, the brighter their light will be, when their magic is joined, and Artemis and Draco's light had been wonderfully bright. Lucius and Perseus looked on excitedly, both in shock over just how powerful their children would be, now that the were joined.

"Impressive," said Albus, his eyes twinkling brightly, as everyone recovered from the bright burst of light. "You may put your wands away." Artemis handed her wand to Cosette, while Draco gave his to Blaise. "Now, raise your left hand." Dumbledore then took hold of the still glowing ribbon, raising it for the guests to see. "And now, is the time to complete your binding. Lastly, I will bind you, body to body. If you will please, place your hands together, palm to palm." Once their hands were in position, Albus began wrapping the ribbon around them loosely, before tying the ends in a tight knot. Placing both of his hands around their conjoined hands and muttering the same incantation from their wand joining. After several moments of chanting, the ribbon stopped glowing. Taking them both by the elbow, Albus drew their hands apart, sliding them from within the ribbon. Once free of their hands, the ribbon slid to the ground, before disappearing completely.

"Now, if you will please, in unison, recite your binding claim," requested Albus. When they had requested that the Headmaster bind them, he provided them with a short statement that they were required to memorize, for this very moment.

"Entreat me not to leave you, or to return from following after you, For where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your Lord will be my Lord. And where you die, I will die and there I will be buried. May the Lord do with me and more, if anything but death parts you from me," Artemis and Draco stated, with conviction, both meaning every single word of it.

"Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there will be no loneliness, for each of you will be companion to the other. Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before you. May beauty surround you both in the journey ahead and through all the years, May happiness be your companion and your days together be good and long upon the earth. Treat yourselves and each other with respect, and remind yourselves often, of what brought you together. Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your connection deserves. When frustration, difficulty and fear assail your relationship - as they threaten all relationships at one time or another - remember to focus on what is right between you, not only the part which seems wrong. In this way, you can ride out the storms when clouds hide the face of the sun in your lives - remembering that even if you lose sight of it for a moment, the sun is still there. And if each of you takes responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and delight. May your love so endure that its flame remains a guiding light unto you," said Albus, signaling that the ceremony was over. Draco looked around worriedly.

"So, um... can I kiss her?" he asked sheepishly, wishing he had paid more attention when everyone was explaining the ceremony to him. The Headmaster laughed.

"Yes, after all, she is your wife," joked Albus. Draco smiled excitedly, before leaning down and kissing his new wife, their guests clapping for the new couple loudly.

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YEAH! THEY'RE FINALLY MARRIED. THAT WAS A TOUGH CHAPTER TO WRITE. I COULDN'T POSSIBLY KNOW ANY LESS THAN I DO, ABOUT GETTING MARRIED : ) THE WEDDING CEREMONY AND BINDING CEREMONY ARE COMPILATIONS OF VARIOUS CEREMONIES I FOUND ONLINE. SO PARTS OF IT WILL PROBABLY BE FAMILIAR.

NEXT CHAPTER SHOULD BE FUN TO WRITE. IT WILL INCLUDE THE RECEPTION AND THEIR WEDDING NIGHT, WHICH SHOULD BE INTERESTING. LET'S JUST SAY, DRACO FINALLY GET'S KNOCKED OFF HIS HIGH HORSE. I'M QUITE GLAD THAT SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE NOTED THAT DRACO IS AN EGOTISTICAL JACKASS. I HAD HOPED THAT HE WOULD BEGIN TO WEAR ON PEOPLE'S NERVES A BIT. THAT WAY, YOU'D FEEL HE DESERVES HIS IMPENDING EMBARRASSMENT. DON'T WORRY, IT WON'T BE TOO BAD. BUT IT'LL CERTAINLY MAKE THEIR WEDDING NIGHT A LITTLE EASIER FOR ARTEMIS.

JUST SO EVERYONE KNOWS, GRANTED THE SUBJECT MATTER IS A BIT SENSITIVE, THE NEXT CHAPTER WON'T BE DESCRIPTIVE.

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