Draco fussed with his tie and checked the holster on his arm was well concealed by his shirt and robes. It wouldn't do to advertise the presence of his wand at this event. He'd checked and rechecked every detail for their outing. None of it needed checking, but he needed something to do. Waiting for Hermione to join him was agonizing.
He stroked the wooden box he'd been carrying all morning. The torc changed itself each time he opened the box. The traditional form with two dragon heads gave way to a single stream lined dragon after his third examination. Then it started switching from one identifiable breed to another. He quit checking after a Hungarian horn tail had roared up at him.
"She will be down." Augusta Longbottom fussed with her new charm bracelet. There were runes etched into the thing and a small vulture worked in mithril. The elves had presented it to her with a great deal of pomp. "Neville went to fetch Hannah. She won't keep us waiting."
"It's the elves." Draco frowned. "They have to prepare the lady for her outing apparently."
"Well, you can continue your pacing, or you can let me distract you." The older woman grinned. "I had tea with your mother yesterday. I assumed a simple reminder of my house's might would be needed."
Draco nodded and concealed his shock. Augusta Longbottom was a formidable witch. She was always three moves ahead. Her plan shouldn't have surprised him. It was sensible to approach his mother. His father was too volatile and unpredictable.
"She approves the match." Augusta took a sip of her tea.
"She what?" Draco plopped down onto the couch and stared at her.
"Gobsmacked?" Augusta chuckled as he nodded. His mother approving of the match sounded like a fairy story if ever there was one.
"She could be lying." Draco took a deep breath. "It's like breathing for my parents."
"I grew up with their parents." Augusta shook her head. "If Brax and Cygnus never fooled me, your parents won't. That woman wants you happy. It's the only thing she wants."
"I don't trust her. She lied to Riddle. I'm pretty sure she could lie to you." Draco sighed. "I wish I could trust her, but Hermione is too important to risk."
"I would never risk Hermione, Neville, or you." Augusta let her bracelet go and locked her gaze with his. "You are my family. Frank and Alice would stand with me if they could."
"Your family deserves better than me." Draco frowned. "Hermione deserves better, but I can't exist without her, not anymore."
"I felt the same way about my husband." Augusta shook her head and smiled broadly. "Longbottoms are warriors. My husband used to peak under Frank's bed each night when the boy was frightened. He'd bound around the room and check each window. It was a silly ritual, but Frank loved it. The last words they spoke every night were 'If there be Dragons, fetch a Longbottom.' I can still hear them when I settle in at night. I think that bit of sweetness led my son to be an auror, but I don't resent it. Now, my Hermione has gone and fetched a dragon of her very own."
"I'll do my best by her." Draco swallowed past the odd lump in his throat. "I'll do my best by our family, but if there be a monster, in this house, call the dragon."
"The elves agree with you, Draco." Hermione drew his eyes up to the top of the stairs.
Her blue gown was lovely, but the acromantula silk robe was true art. The carefully worked lace shimmered like scales as his wife moved. Her hair was pulled back and twirled through with silver vines and a few delicate crystal blooms. Sapphire studs sparkled on her earlobes. She looked every inch a lady and still fired his most lascivious imaginings.
"You look lovely." Draco moved to the bottom of the stairs and greeted her with a bow and the barest touch of his lips to her fingers.
"No one will miss that I belong to you." Hermione chuckled. "Even if my scales are formed from tiny flowers.
She held out the lace for his inspection. The intricate twists of flowers and vines echoed her hair ornaments. The elves were artists.
"I would think your outfit only makes it clear that I am yours." Draco opened the box and looked down at the dragon torc.
The necklace had taken a sleek form and looked like a dragon with flowers etched onto its scales. The bright sapphire eyes blinked carefully. The necklace appeared to be studying Hermione. Leave it to his ancestors to have sentient jewelry.
"Aren't you lovely?" Hermione grinned and extended her hand toward the box. The dragon pushed up from the velvet and flew to her hand. She cooed at the bit of enchanted metal and stroked it gently. The torc rubbed its snout against her finger tips and let out a small blast of smoke.
"The dragon breathes for our mistress." Mari flapped her ears and clapped her long fingered hands together. "Not since time before the Merlin has Grá Airgid offered such a tribute. We must be celebrating."
Draco frowned and noticed that several elves had appeared in the room. They were all grinning the wide, manic grins of the truly happy house elf. It was strangely intimidating.
"Silver Love." Hermione stroked the thing again. "Do you want me to wear you, Grá?"
"The dragon will keep our mistress safe." Mari patted Hermione's hand. "She bes the beloved of the Dragon Lord."
Hermione blushed and looked up at him through her eyelashes. Circe, he loved the unique rose shade that bloomed on her cheeks. The dragon torc settled around her neck and looked around the room. She stroked the metal and the thing seemed to purr.
"Of course, the bloody thing loves you." Draco shook his head ruefully. "You have a habit of collecting fierce things. First there was Potter, then the bacon thief, then Krum..."
She pressed her fingers against his lips and smiled up at him. He wondered briefly if she would hurt him more than the elves if he tossed her over his shoulder and dragged her upstairs. This damn farce of a wedding wasn't worth forgoing a snogging session with his lovely wife.
"Harry, Crookshanks, Grá, my family, and you." She reached up and pulled him down into a kiss.