Draco stood next to his parents and faced the group of Longbottoms arrayed around the room. For the first time, he understood why the Longbottom name was revered. He'd seen Neville and Hermione in action, but to feel the power of the newly reunited family was akin to standing too close to a bonfire.

Hermione fit into the family with ease. Her brown eyes were near in color to her new father's, and Longbottoms were traditionally brunette. It was more than that though. Standing before them, even in this neutral space, was like standing before a pride of lions without a wand.

Draco dragged in a breath and glanced toward his mother. She had a genuine smile on her face. The polite mask he'd grown used to was gone. His eyes moved to his father. The man seemed to have grown three inches. He considered there disparate behavior and frowned.

He just wanted to hold his wife. It wasn't going to happen. He'd barely gotten to hug her before her father had pulled her back into his arms.

Lord Longbottom wasn't letting go of Hermione. His arms looked to be casually draped, but the man was on guard. This was his family. She was his family, and he was making her status quite clear. Hermione was the treasured daughter. There hadn't been an awkward moment for them. Alice and Frank accepted her. He could see how happy she was in the circle of her father's arms.

Of course, watching Lord Malfoy and Lord Longbottom size each other up wasn't exactly comfortable.

"She tells me they're planning a wedding." There was no quaver, no hesitation, in the man's voice. "I understand the bonding already occurred, but we will do this right."

"Of course." Lucius inclined his head. "Your daughter will be afforded every honor."

"The wedding was to honor Hermione's birth parents and to honor the choices she's made." Draco glanced toward his father. "We were planning a muggle ceremony."

Lucius merely nodded.

"We've been to a muggle wedding." Alice stroked her fingers through the hair at the end of her braid. "I understand they have a great variety of acceptable venues and styles. Lily used to wax poetic about it."

"There will be no quick run to the ministry for my daughter." Frank pulled Hermione in closer to his chest.

"It would be a useless endeavor." Lucius frowned. "The ministry recognized the bonding. This should be a public celebration of their choice."

"Well said." Frank inclined his head. "I spent too many years trapped in my own mind. I wake up to find my family has grown."

"It has grown strong." Narcissa stepped into the fray. "You have every right to be proud."

"It's good to see you smile, Cissa." Alice grinned. "I thought you'd lost the ability when we started school."

"No Black witch should smile like a simpleton in public." Narcissa rolled her eyes. "Mother was quite clear."

"Do you still summer at the cottage?" Alice smiled.

"We haven't been for years, but perhaps we should reopen both houses." Narcissa broke ranks and moved to sit next to Alice. "Our grandchildren can roam both properties freely. We could spruce up the tree house and have picnics."

"Let's plan the wedding before we stock the nursery." Lucius grinned. "No old buddies counting back on their fingers, please."

"I agree." Frank smiled. "In fact, Hermione should return home until after the wedding."

"One hand too far." Augusta snickered.

"I have a home of my own." Hermione shrugged out of her father's arms. "It's perfect."

"The Keep is a pile of rocks." Lucius frowned.

"Actually, it's not so much anymore." Draco shrugged. "The elves have taken to restoring it. There were blueprints and garden designs on the table this morning."

"I'm sure your home is lovely." Alice smiled.

"Until the wedding, she should stay with us." Frank glanced at his wife. "It is still our job to protect her."

Augusta crossed her arms over her chest. Alice planted her hands on her hips. Hermione narrowed her eyes. Narcissa raised an eyebrow.

"Dad." Neville shook his head. "Hermione, injured and wandless, could take me on my best day with the sword of Gryffindor in one hand and my wand in the other. She earned her Order of Merlin."

"So did you." Hermione smiled at Neville, but she didn't correct him. "I think we need to catch up. Why don't you all stay with us?"

Draco closed his eyes.

"They aren't releasing you yet." Augusta glowered at her son. "Which is probably for the best. You sound like my grandfather."

Frank blushed, and Alice giggled.

"I want to do this right." Frank grumbled. "I had a toddler yesterday. Now, I have two grown children. We missed it all."

Alice moved on shaky legs to sit next to her husband. The exhaustion of it all was beginning to catch up with them. She patted his hand.

"You haven't missed it all." Hermione knelt before them. "Neville and I are trouble. I dance in fountains."

"Among other things." Neville rolled his eyes.

"He lets Luna and I experiment in the greenhouse." Hermione smirked. "Ask Lord Malfoy about the things we've done."

Draco chuckled and watched his father blush. His mother stroked his father's back and tugged on the end of his hair. Goddess, his parents looked happy.

"Plus, Neville's honor needs to be protected." Hermione grinned up at her brother. "And his arse, because Hannah is going to skin it for leaving her out in the hall while we had a family discussion. No sword will save you now."

Neville turned an interesting shade of green and turned to the door.

Hannah was propped in the doorway with a wide smile. Draco glanced at his wife. These witches were up to no good.

"I didn't want to overwhelm them." Neville held up his hands. "I didn't forget you."

"I'm giving them the vial. Last Beltane, Luna's wine, and the maypole." Hannah smiled. "They need to see how much supervision you need."

Draco shook his head when he saw his wife smirk. Evil witches. The whole lot.