The Wedding

"Allow me," Draco smiled, he stepped forward and gently patted away his fathers' trembling hands, taking Lucius' forest-green tie, he knotted it around his father's neck. "You look more nervous than me on my day," his son chuckled lightly.

"I know, silly really, I've just awaited this day a long time," Lucius exhaled.

"You both deserve this day," A small smile appeared on Draco's lips as he stepped back and allowed his father to assess himself in the mirror.

"When did I get so… old?" Lucius sighed as he looked at his appearance in the mirror. He smoothed out his black dress robes, his hands running over the fabric.

"You're a father of four now, that is bound to bring on a few wrinkles," Draco couldn't help but smile as his father pushed at his crows' feet. "Astrid loves you for you, she doesn't care about your age father,"

"I know, just… I will do her a disservice stood next to her like this," Lucius half smiled.

A knock at the door interrupted the father and son.

Draco stepped over, his shiny black dress shoes clacking against the wooden floorboards of the cottage.

"Who is it?" Draco asked as he reached for the brass door knob.

"Harry, open up. You have a couple of visitors here,"

Draco did as the voice of Harry Potter commanded, and opened the door to the bedroom, revealing Harry Potter wearing some light grey dress robes, Sebastian stood at his side, his dark hair hung loose around his shoulders, a similar style to his late father, it made Draco smile, reminding him fondly of the potion's professor. Sebastian was tall now, at five years old he was much taller than Everly when she was of the same age. Another inherited trait from his beloved father. Perched on Harry's hip was another boy, this one much younger, twenty-nine months old to be exact. His hair was a complete contrast to Sebastians: white blonde, falling in delicate waves around his ears. Both boys wore matching black dress robes, with little green bow ties.

"Who is it Draco?" Lucius called over his shoulder as he tied back his blonde hair in a black bow.

"Potter, and he has some little friends," Draco said fondly a he stood aside. Lucius spotted the spectacle wearing man in the mirror, and then his eyes wondered to the two children accompanying him.

"My boys," he beamed turning around, Sebastian ran to the only man he'd ever known as father and threw his arms around him giddily. Lucius held his arms out for the younger one, taking him from Harry and perching him on his hip.

"Is mummy ready for us?" Lucius asked the two lads.

"She's in the bathroom putting on a dress," Sebastian told him. "It's really big!"

"Mummy will be princess!" The younger child giggled.

"Mummy is always a princess, Alastor," Lucius smiled at his youngest. He set the boy down next to his brother and crouched down to the two boys.

"Look at you both," Lucius smiled proudly as he adjusted Sebastians bow tie. "Are you ready?"

"I feel so pretty!" Everly sighed as she twirled around in her sage green dress, it was fit for a princess, poofy with floral detailing around the hem. Her blonde hair had been curled, a flower crown of pink and white daisies sat upon her head.

"You look beautiful," Molly Weasley beamed proudly from an arm chair in the master bedroom. "Have you got your shoes on?"

Everly hitched up her skirt slightly, showing off her sparkly gold ballerina pumps.

"When's mother going to be ready?" Everly asked impatiently as she spun around, watching her dress flare out in the mirror.

"Soon," Molly smiled. Her words were almost a trigger of fate, as Astrid walked out of the adjoining bathroom, her big white princess gown barely squeezing through the doorway. The dress was strapless, with big sparkly net sleeves that puffed out around her arms, gathering in a frill at her wrists. The skirt and bodice were lace, with a subtle sparkle seen through the layers of tulle. Astrid's blonde hair had been curled and loosely hung about her shoulders, a long white veil trailed down her back, the fabric shimmering slightly in the summer sunlight.

"Wow! You look so pretty!" The eight-year-old beamed.

"Stunning darling, absolutely stunning, oh you're going to make me cry," Molly sniffled, standing.

"Don't be silly," Astrid shook her head with a shy smile as she walked into the room, the long train of her dress trailing behind her elegantly.

"It took us about thirty minutes to get her into that thing," Hermione laughed as she walked out of bathroom in a one shouldered bridesmaid dress that matched Everly's perfectly.

"Yeah and it'll take Lucius thirty seconds to get her out of it!" Ginny laughed as she too walked out of the bathroom in a matching bridesmaid's gown.

"Oh you two! Stop it!" Astrid laughed as she lightly covered her face in embarrassment.

"You're stunning, Lucius will be lost for words, I'm sure of it," Molly smiled, stepping forward she took Astrid's hands in her own and squeezed them gently.

"Where are my boys?" Astrid asked, looking about.

"Harry took them to join the men," Molly explained, easing Astrid's worry.

"Yes, they need to be with their father at the altar, oh do they have their button holes? Did Alastor have a snack? It will be a while before we eat…" Astrid's mind raced with so many questions and worries.

"Yes, yes, yes, everything is as it should be, stop worrying, this is your day, your perfect day, remain calm," Molly's soft voice washed over Astrid, and the woman's shoulders relaxed as she took a deep breath. "Hermione, Ginny, could you take Everly down stairs I have something for you." Molly announced, releasing Astrid's hands she reached slowly into her small brown handbag and pulled out a small package wrapped in white tissue paper.

"I said no gifts Molly," Astrid tutted teasingly as she accepted the white wrapped present.

"It's not a gift, I'm simply returning them," Molly smiled as she watched Astrid slowly unwrap the present.

"Returning them? What c- Oh!" Astrid gasped, a delicate hand came to her lips as she stared down at the package before her. "Oh Molly."

Lowering her hand she ran her fingers across the gift, three squares of fabric, each embroidered with initials in the corner. SB, LAM, SS.

"Where did you find these?" Astrid choked as she allowed the tissue paper to float to the floor, she gently rubbed the handkerchiefs between her fingers as memories flooded over her.

"Two were in your trunk, at the burrow, and the other Minerva found in the ruins of the headmasters office at Hogwarts, tucked away in the side table in your chambers."

"Oh Molly, thank you," Astrid held back a sob as she pulled Mrs Weasley in for a tight hug.

"Another thing," Molly sniffled as she broke the embrace, she reached into her bag and pulled out another white package. "This one Arthur and Harry found in their search for you."

Astrid carefully pulled apart the paper as she clutched the three handkerchiefs between her fingers. Inside was another white handkerchief. Rather than embroidery in the corner, the initials were burnt into the fabric, as if branded. They read: AM. Astrid knew it certain wasn't hers…. That meant it must be…

"My father," Astrid gasped. "You found some of his things?"

"They found an old safehouse he'd used, that was there along with a few books, a few pieces of parchment, he must have left in a hurry," Molly explained softly.

"Oh, I wish he was here Molly," Astrid sighed, as a tear slipped down her cheek. She held the handkerchief up to her nose, hoping to smell the familiar earthy scent of her father, but it was not there. "I miss him so much."

"He would be so proud of you Astrid; he would be so proud to walk you down that aisle."

"I wish he could've met Sebastian, and Alastor of course," Astrid smiled.

"He would've loved them, just as he loved you and Everly, you have such a beautiful family, I dare say he might've even warmed to Lucius in the end…" Molly laughed through her choked words. Astrid nodded agreeing.

"I miss them all, my father, Sirius, Severus, Fred, Tonks, Remus… So many have left us behind Molly," Astrid sniffled as she wiped at her tears with her father's handkerchief.

"And they are watching over us, watching over this blessed day, and we will be reunited with them all one day, I'm sure of it," Molly smiled. Astrid nodded. "Now, we can't have you crying just yet, you'll ruin that beautiful makeup!"

A knock at the door had them both turning their heads inquisitively. The door cracked open, and the head of Ginny poked through.

"Guests are seated, they're ready for you," she told the two women. Astrid took a deep breath, dabbing at her eyes once more.

"Here," Molly smiled, taking all four handkerchiefs from Astrid, she pulled at a layer of the gown, revealing a hidden pocked at the side. She pushed the handkerchiefs gently inside and patted the pocket fondly. "Now you can carry Sirius, Severus and your father with you down the aisle."

Lucius stood at the end of the isle nervously, his feet shuffled as he waited, a wait that felt like centuries rather than minutes. Draco stood to his side as the best man, and in his hand, he held Alastor's small one, the little boy was getting restless, pulling on Draco impatiently.

The wedding was to be held in the cottage gardens, a large arch covered with baby's breath, blush and ivory roses, wisteria, eucalyptus and other greenery stood at the end of the isle. White chairs with rattan backs lined either side of the white petal aisle. The cottages gardens lined with roses of every shade added to the weddings romantically natural backdrop.

The strings of a violin began to play, and Lucius's ears perked up, he had his back to the aisle, daring not to look.

"Is she coming?" He asked in a low hushed voice.

"Bridesmaids." Draco uttered back with a soft smile.

Lucius looked over his shoulder to see the Granger girl walking down the isle with a nervous smile on her face. She was followed closely by Ginny Weasley, a girl he had almost caused the death of in the chamber of secrets funnily enough, he pushed the distant memory away, it felt like another life time, another man. He turned his head back to the alter, and took in a deep nervous breath.

"Everly," Draco said fondly.

Lucius turned once again, to see his beautiful daughter practically prancing down the aisle, throwing blush pink rose petals upon the floor, scattering them majestically among the white petals that made up the aisle. He smiled and stifled a laugh at the sight, his perfect little princess, when did she get so big?

"Sebastian," Draco said, but Lucius had already spotted his dark haired son making his way down the aisle, carefully clutching an ivory pillow where two rings lay. He came to join his brother next to Draco, a big cheesy smile plastered on the boy's face. How unlike Severus, Lucius though to himself with a smile.

The violins seemed to be strung more dramatically now, as they seemingly announced the arrival of the bride.

"She's coming," Draco breathed, as all heads turned to the back of the garden.

Audible gasps filled Lucius's ears, he wanted to turn around, but not yet.

"Mummy," Alastor called out to his mother, but Sebastian gripped the boy's free hand, and between him and Draco they managed to stop the toddler from running towards his mother.

Lucius turned now, he couldn't take it anymore, he wanted to see his bride. His eyes grew wide, and his heart filled with love, so much he thought it might burst. She was radiant.

The music played slowly as she walked towards him, taking what seemed like forever to join him at his side. In her hands she clutched a bouquet of white roses, picked from that very garden, and on her face was a wide smile as she took in the sight of her husband to be. Astrid saw the look on his face when he turned around, and the twinkle in his eye, her own eye's welled at the sight. They were finally here, finally promising themselves to each other for the rest of their lives.

She handed her flowers to Ginny carefully and joined Lucius at the front, the two were so wrapped up in their own bubble, they hardly noticed the large gathering of family and friends that watched with teary eyes from their chairs, or the ministry registrar that was officiating the wedding.

The ministry man cleared his voice, as he fondly looked over the two lovebirds.

"Today we are gathered here for the union of these two individuals: Lucius Malfoy and Astrid Moody." The minister started. "However, if there is any person here, present, who knows of any lawful impediment to this marriage, then they should declare it now."

Lucius eyes glanced over to Narcissa, who seated close to the back with her new husband, he half expected her to stand and say something, but she just looked at him, a smile on her lips as she shook her head lightly. Silence fell over the ceremony.

"Before you are joined in matrimony, it is my duty to remind you of the binding nature of the vows you are about to make. Now, do you Lucius Malfoy, take Astrid Moody, to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

All eyes turned to the blonde man, Lucius reached forward taking Astrid's hands in his own and squeezed them.

"I do."

"And do you, Astrid Moody, take Lucius Malfoy to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

Astrid looked into Lucius' eyes, her aqua blue orbs glittering in the sunlight.

"I do," She breathed.

"Now, the rings," The minister announced. Draco nodded his head at Sebastian, who on this que came forward with his pillow, presenting it forward with both hands. "

A ring is an ancient and traditional way of sealing the vows you have just made; I urge you to exchange them now by repeating after me. I, Lucius Malfoy, give you this ring as a symbol of my love and devotion," The minister spoke slowly, and Lucius followed soon after:

"I, Lucius Malfoy, offer you this ring as a symbol of my love and devotion,"

Lucius reached for the pillow that Sebastian had presented, and plucked the emerald ring he had once given Astrid from it's silk bed. Astrid gasped upon seeing it.

"You still have it?" She asked breathily, as she raised the back of her hand to her quivering lips. She hadn't seen it since the day she handed it back to him, all those years ago.

"How could I ever let it go?" Lucius whispered with a smirk as he slipped it on to her left hand.

"Now Astrid, repeating after me, I Astrid Moody, give you this ring as a symbol of my love and devotion."

"I… Astrid Moody, give you this ring… as a symbol of my love and devotion," Astrid choked as she reached for the platinum ring on the pillow. Sebastian moved away, back to his brother, and stood up straight and proud, his chin high after his shining moment. Astrid slipped the ring on Lucius' left hand with trembling fingers.

"Nervous?" he asked teasingly.

"Excited," She breathed back.

"It gives me great pleasure, to pronounce you both husband and wife…. Congratulations, you may kiss the bride." The minister stood back as the bride and groom leaned in, applause, whoops and whistles filled their ears, but it still felt like they were alone in their own bubble amongst the roses. They kissed tenderly, each smiling as they collided softly. Lucius deviously pulled Astrid forward, and dipped her back, low, she squealed with delight as he kissed her romantically.

"Eurgh!" Everly laughed from besides Ginny and Hermione, covering her eyes dramatically.

"Finally, you're all mine," Lucius whispered into Astrid's ear as he brought her back up.

"I always was," Astrid smiled as she leant her head against her shoulder and looked over their standing friends and family who applauded the happy couple. She giggled, shaking her head in disbelief, they were finally husband and wife.

Lucius took Astrid's hand in his own, and led from the alter. Everly ran forward, taking her mother's other hand. Sebastian moved forward taking his father's free hand, Lucius gave it a reassuring squeeze.

"You did an amazing job young man," Lucius told the boy, and Sebastians face lit up.

Alastor broke free from Draco's grip and ran to join his parents. Sebastian took the youngest's hand protectively and the five of them made their way down the aisle.

Draco followed after, his pregnant wife on his arm.

"I can't believe it, it's over just like that," Molly sniffed as she dabbed at her eyes with green lacey handkerchief, a year of organising for it to be over in ten minutes?

"It's not over," Hermione smiled, as she looked at the retreating family. "It's only just begun."

"Yeah, there's still food, dancing, after party! Whoop!" Ginny laughed as she waved Astrid's bouquet around.

"You know what I meant," Hermione shook her head. "They're just starting the rest of their lives together… it's awfully…"

"Boring?" Ron asked with a wink, finishing her sentence as he snaked an arm around her waist.

"I was going to say romantic!" Hermione hit him playfully in the chest.

"Oh Ronald, you would be so lucky if this one chooses to marry you!" Molly scolded her youngest son. Mrs Weasley looked over the distant figures of the married couple, and their beautiful children, as they headed towards the cliffside stairs down to the beach.

"Besides, a love like Lucius and Astrid…" Molly said dreamily as she dabbed at her eyes once again. "It's written in the stars, they were meant for this, the universe already bound them, they're just finally making it official."

The End