Autumn Wedding
It was a glorious Autumn day as Malfoy Manor was abuzz with excitement for the pending nuptials of Draco and Hermione. Narcissa was busy ironing out all the details to make sure this was the event of the year. Lucius was hiding away in his study trying to avoid participating in any of the festivities unless absolutely necessary. Narcissa burst through the double doors of the study in a dramatic fashion she gracefully collapsed on the couch her arm covering her eyes.
"It's about time you've stopped flittering about." Lucius drawled.
"Our only child is getting married in mere hours. The entire wizarding community will be here as well as key members from the Order of the Phoenix. Believe me when I say I want everything in perfect order... perfect order Lu." She said sitting up to face her husband who was still behind his newspaper.
"How can you so freely open our home to this mud- (clearing his throat) Muggle born?" He flipped the paper down to look at his wife.
The look on her face was murderous. "Do not make another slip like that again Lucius, I am warning -" She replied coolly
"Cissa, I am trying this is an adjustment, you know that it is engrained ... I don't have a soft spot like you." Lucius replied sounding defeated at the end.
"Hermione saved our son. She brought him back to life after he was forced to the edge by that maniac. I owe her my life." Narcissa pleaded passionately.
"That and your family's predisposition for being sympathizers." Lucius stood to fix himself a cup of tea from a tray at the bar. He looked over his shoulder as Narcissa shrieked.
Hopping to her feet she closed the distance between her and Lucius. "You dare speak against the most noble house of Black -"
"I'm just pointing out that your family is more ... accepting of Muggle borns, case in point Andromeda and Sirius, even Regulus in the end I think let go of the mania embedded into him." Lucius sipped his tea.
Narcissa let go some of her ire. "It does not matter to me anymore, and it should not matter to you. Draco and Hermione have been together for three years now. He is happy, I have done and will do anything to keep him that way. Hermione makes him happy. She is a powerful, talented witch that any wizarding family would be honored to have join them. You Lucius need to get past this quickly, I'll not lose my son again."
Lucius took a deep sigh, setting down his cup and saucer on the desk, he turned back to face Narcissa. She met his softened gaze, her blue eyes electrified with anticipation. If he said anything against Draco, Hermione or their marriage she was more than prepared to petrify him and stash his body in the bedroom closet till the ceremony was over.
"Cissa, I know. I see it in how Draco carries himself and I suppose if there were ever a ... (clearing his throat) a Muggle born witch that is suitable to become the next Lady Malfoy, Hermione is the best. After all we Malfoys deserve the best." Lucius placed his hands on each of Narcissa's shoulders, pulling her close to kiss her forehead.
Elsewhere in the Manor, Hermione was in one of the ornate guest rooms preparing herself for her wedding when there was a knock at the door. She set down the brush that she was just about to run through her hair, standing to open the door. "Draco, what are you doing here it is bad luck to see the bride before the wedding." She gently questioned stepping aside to let him in the room.
"I don't believe in luck, I can brew it in a cauldron." He said dismissively with a wave of his hand. "I just ... I needed to see you."
"Oh God, you've changed your mind haven't you? You are calling off the wedding..." She started to panic.
"NO! Merlin no ... Have you changed your mind?" He asked placing his hands on her shoulders.
Hermione took a deep breath. "No Draco, I can't wait to be your wife to begin our lives together. If you're not cancelling then what is going on?" Reaching up to stroke his cheek. Closing his eyes he leaned into her touch.
"I... I just want to know that you are sure, really sure you want me. I mean I know you said yes but, it's ... (taking a deep breath and walking around in a circle) it's not going to be easy. I know Potter came around to the idea of us but Weasley, he stopped talking to you the day you told him I proposed." He said.
Hermione took a step reaching out to him and hugging his waist, she said into his chest. "Ron is Ron and he will come around eventually and if he does not it is his loss not ours. "
Another deep sigh from Draco made her head raise and fall with his chest. "My Father is not fully on board."
"And your Mum is working on that. She will do anything to ensure your happiness. Now, what is really bothering you?"
Draco placed his chin on the crown of her head. "Am I that transparent?" He said.
She let out a low chuckle. "Only to me, I assure you. Draco what is it, talk to me?"
Draco gave her a squeeze then released her from his hold. Hermione took the opportunity to look up into his soft grey eyes. She could see the love but also a hesitance. "Why me Hermione? I was such a little shite to you when we were younger. -"
"Stop." She said putting her fingers over his mouth."We went over this when I first told you 'I love you' and it still stands today. I have forgiven you, I love you, I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I also want you to promise me that from today forward you will stop this self doubt. You and I are getting married today, I love you and ..." Hermione pointed to him.
"I love you." He said smiling brightly.
"Now, go get ready, I need at least an hour to get this mess of hair into something decent for the photos." She smiled at him brilliantly. Draco walked back over to her and swept Hermione up in his arms. "You my wife to be are gorgeous. Wear it long for me, ok." Then he kissed her passionately.
As Pachelbel's Canon in D major softly floated in the air, Hermione stood at the bottom of the stairs in the foyer of Malfoy Manor, hooking her arm into her Father's. He placed a soft kiss on her temple. "You look stunning my dear." He whispered to her.
"Thank you Dad, I'm so glad you and Mum are here. I know to took you sometime to warm up to Draco but... He loves me Dad, truly." She said through a plastered smile as the photographer took their picture.
"He has assured me and your Mother that he has changed and will honor you. I can see how in love you two are. I am happy for you both." He replied giving Hermione's hand a squeeze. "Now let's get you married."
The pair stepped out of the grandiose French doors that lead to the gardens which was alight with the colors of Autumn leaves. The music changed to the traditional wedding march calling the attention of the guests to the end of the aisle where Hermione and her Father began the progression to the altar and a nervously awaiting Draco. He let out an audible gasp the moment he laid eyes on her. Hermione looked a vision in white with her long lustrous curls hanging down her back, the delicate veil covered her face but could not hide the bright smile she gave him.
Once her father gave her hand over to Draco they exchanged their vows. Hermione looked over to Narcissa after she finished her promises to Draco noticing the older woman wipe away tears of joy, a prideful smile on her face. She also noticed Lucius reaching over to pat Narcissa's hand he gave her a nod and tight smile graced his lips. Turning back as Kingsley asked the couple to face him again she felt Draco reach for her hand.
"I call forth the powers of the elements, bless this union. I now pronounce you husband and wife. Please open the circle." Kingsley's voice boomed. The flowers and leaves that were set in a circle around the ceremony site began to float and scatter. Kingsley spoke again. "Draco, you may kiss your bride."
Draco lifted Hermione's veil then cupped her cheeks placing a sweet kiss on her lips. He broke the kiss to stare deep into her eyes. "I love you Hermione." He whispered.
"I love you too, Draco." She said back as he pulled her close to kiss her again.
Kingsley cleared his throat."Perhaps you should save some of that for the honeymoon." Causing the attendees to laugh.
The End