I'll warn you ahead of time - consider this part one of two for the wedding day. I was going to merge it all into one like I did with the day before BUT I didn't think it flowed all together like the previous chapter. Also - I'm still writing the second part, as I'm positive it will be the last chapter in what I secretly call "The Little Story that Could." I never imagined my story would be this popular, and it's all thanks to you!

The morning of the wedding, Hermione woke up first, spooned into Draco as he had both of his arms wrapped around her, including a leg for good measure. She couldn't help but feel irritated when they first started sharing a bed, as this was how she would wind up most mornings, but she didn't mind being trapped anymore. Hermione didn't care that she couldn't move, because she didn't want to. She was perfectly content staying wrapped up in him forever, closing her eyes, as she stayed relaxed in his embrace. The feel of Draco's warm breath on her neck lulled her back to sleep for another hour or so. The next time she woke up, she was facing Draco as he stared at her; brushing stray stands of hair away from her face.

"Good morning, bride," he whispered with a grin.

She giggled softly. "Good morning, groom."

Draco leaned in and kissed the tip of her nose. "Did you sleep well?"

"I'm not sure I had a choice with the hold you had on me," she teased, brushing her lips against his. "I love you."

"I love you," he replied, sighing contently as he moved closer to her, draping an arm around her. "Mum cleared the morning schedule by the way - I think she feels like she's to blame for your exhaustion."

Hermione bit her lip slightly, contemplating if she should tell him. On one hand, if she told him, she didn't know if he could keep his mouth shut because she wasn't ready for anyone to know. She also wanted to go see Healer Morgan again just to be completely sure she was pregnant. It wasn't her intention to get pregnant immediately, and while she was excited, she was also slightly scared. Hermione didn't want to get his hopes up only to have something happen. Then again, not telling him - if something did happen - would probably infuriate him to no end. He'd probably never forgive her if that happened, considering she would have a hard time forgiving Draco if he ever kept something so important, something potentially life changing from her.

"Hermione?" Draco said, looking at her peculiarly.

She shook her head for a moment, smiling as she snapped out of her thoughts. "Sorry - I was just thinking."

Draco pressed a kiss to her forehead. "About?"

Her nose scrunched up and her lips turned as she decided which route to take. "Well," she finally said, sitting up in bed as she adjusted one of the straps of her chemise. "I have to tell you something. But you can't freak out, you can't tell anyone, and more importantly - you literally cannot tell a soul. Or really, you cannot tell anyone just yet."

Following her lead, Draco sat up in bed, criss crossing his legs. "You're kind of scaring me a bit, Granger."

"It's not scary," Hermione said quickly. "I mean, I guess it is, but it isn't. Just let me explain."

Draco followed along as she told him about her healer appointment, watching her wring her hands nervously as her eyes darted around the room, purposely avoiding his as she told him about the part she purposely left out. He listened, eventually grabbing her hands to calm her a bit as she talked about some of the women her healer told her about that had unforgivable curses used on them during the war and how they had a problem conceiving or worse - had a miscarriage. He felt an uneasy feeling pooling in the pit of his stomach as she talked, but said nothing. What could he possibly say? It was his aunt that used the damn curse on her while he and his parents watched. She was essentially telling him she might have trouble getting pregnant because of his deranged aunt.

"Draco," Hermione said, squeezing his hands.

He sighed, trying to process everything. "You're saying we might not ever have kids, aren't you?"

"Not exactly," Hermione said. "I said the healer thought we might have an issue with conceiving."

Draco leaned in and kissed her. "Hermione…we'll have kids. One way or another. I mean, my roommate at university - his parents, they like, bought him or something - they weren't his real parents. If his parents could buy a kid then we certainly could."

Giggling, Hermione pressed a hand to her lips as she shook her head. "Sweetheart - his parents didn't buy him - they adopted him. Do you think that muggles just go to a store somewhere and purchase children?"

Slightly miffed, Draco rolled his eyes. "How in the bloody hell would I know what weird things you muggles do? And anyway - that isn't the point. We have more money than we know what to do with - and if that's what it takes to have children, then that's what we'll do. I'll spend all of it if I have to."

The passion in Draco's voice nearly brought Hermione to tears. Smiling, she blinked the looming dampness away from her eyes and smile coyly. "As much as I admire your determination…I'm not sure we'll need quite that much of it."

He stared at her, unsure as to how to read her face. "I don't follow."

Hermione rolled her eyes and laughed. "Remember when I came to your office on my birthday and told you that we weren't going to be practicing anymore?"

"Yes. You mocked me because I said I had…" he stopped talking, thinking about that day for a moment while Hermione chewed on her bottom lip, a bit of a sparkle in her eye. "Wait. You're joking."

She shook her head no. "I'm not."

"But…you said it would take months."

"I did," Hermione timidly replied. "Because that's what the healer said."

Draco's shoulders dropped slightly as he continued to process information, his mind reeling a mile a minute. "You're sure about this," he finally said.

"As sure as I can be without seeing a healer," Hermione replied. "Ginny did a spell last night - and it worked all three times."

He felt a grin creep across his face as Hermione stared at him, continuing to chew her lip. "Well, her charm may as well be as good as a healer's word, considering she's a Weasley."

Hermione let a laugh escape her nervous lips, as she now chewed on her thumbnail. "Probably." The two of them said nothing, just sitting in each other's presence in the middle of the king sized bed in their hotel suite, processing their conversation. "Draco," Hermione said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Say something."

"Why…why can't we tell anyone?"

"We can," Hermione said. "I just don't want to yet. Most people don't say anything, or know really, until they're farther along. Had Ginny not made, well, forced me to lie down, I would've just assumed I was exhausted because your mother is a wedding drill sergeant. Lots of times…if anything were to happen, it usually happens during the first three months."

He heard her fear in the last sentence as she voice trailed so that it was barely audible. "Hey," he said. "Come here."

She followed him as he pulled her back down on the bed, Draco laying down on his back as Hermione rested the back of her head on his stomach, looking up at him as he took a hand and placed it on her flat belly. "Nothing is going to happen," he said.

"You can't make that promise," Hermione said.

"I beg to differ," Draco said. "After all, your healer pretty much told you that this might not even be an option, which I nearly find insulting, as do my super sperm -"

"Sweet Merlin," Hermione muttered with a snort.

Draco grinned. "Did I or did I not tell you I had super sperm?"

She sighed, feigning annoyance. "You did."

"They clearly felt like they were being challenged, and apparently, rose to the occasion."

"You're going to talk about your 'super sperm' forever now, aren't you?"

"There's a good chance that it might frequent various conversations, yes," Draco replied, grinning from ear to ear. "You want to know why?"

Hermione looked at him, her nostrils flaring just a bit. "Because apparently, your sperm is indeed of a superior nature?"

"You're goddamn right it is," Draco said, laughing as Hermione bit her lip, shaking her head though clearly amused. Hermione placed her hand on top of his hand still resting on her stomach. "We're going to have a baby, Granger."

Nodding, Hermione managed a small smile. "It's sooner than we planned -"

"It doesn't matter to me," Draco said emphatically. "Does it…does it matter to you?"

Hermione was silent for a moment. "It doesn't matter…I just don't want anything -"

"Nothing is going to happen," Draco repeated, moving so that he was hovering over her. He put a hand on her cheek and tilted her face so that he was looking right at her. "Repeat it, Hermione - nothing is going to happen."

She took in a deep breath, staring directing into his shining grey eyes as she slowly spoke. "Nothing…nothing is going to happen."

"Because I was impregnated with super sperm."

"You're barking! I absolutely will not repeat that," Hermione defiantly said, looking away.

Draco wiggled his eyebrows. "Say it - or I'm holding you hostage all day."

"Please. Your mother will save me," Hermione retorted. "She'll save me and then she'll kill you for ruining her plans."

"I'm not afraid of her," Draco whispered, his lips close to her ear. "Say it, Granger."

Hermione turned her head so that their noses were nearly touching. "If I say it - I never want to hear the phrase 'super sperm' again."

Draco pursed his lips together as Hermione gave him a look. "I'm not sure I'm ready to agree to those terms, considering that I was right and you were wrong. I might want to boast a bit longer."

"Yes well, even a blind squirrel finds a nut," Hermione replied.

"What the hell?"

Hermione laughed. "It's something my mum used to say to my dad on the rare occasion he was right. It means it was bound to happen sooner or later - you being right, that is."

Draco shook his head, rolling his eyes as Hermione giggled, wrapping her arms around her neck. "What am I going to do with you, Granger?"

"Marry me," she replied, pulling him close. "Have a bunch of…what did you call them - little know-it-all babies with me."

Laughing, Draco kissed Hermione, softly catching her upper lip with his lips as he nuzzled his nose to hers. "Brilliant know-it-all babies," he corrected. "Because I have -"

"Super sperm. There - I said it." Hermione whispered, kissing him again.

"I love you," Draco whispered, caressing her cheek. "We're going to have a baby."

Nodding, Hermione felt a tear trickle down her cheek. "We're going to have a baby."

Hermione sat next to Ginny in a plush salon chair, the two of them waiting for their nails to dry as they had salon technicians tending to their pedicures. She politely refused champagne each time one of the salon hostesses came by, though had to accept when Narcissa showed up the third time. Holding the flute in hand, she muttered a spell that turned the champagne into ginger ale as Ginny knowingly giggled - considering the red headed witch had yet to turn down a glass.

"If you get drunk and spill my secret, I swear I'll kill you," Hermione teased as Narcissa stood to the side, instructing one of the hair dressers as to what she wanted done for her up do.

"Please. Give me a little credit," Ginny replied. "Did you tell Draco?"

She nodded, biting her lip so she didn't laugh as the salon technician scrubbed the bottom of her foot with an exfoliating brick. She laughed every time she tried to speak, so instead, she waited until the older woman at her feet was done scrubbing before trying to talk. "I told him this morning."

Ginny stared at her, waiting for her to continue. "And?"

"He was ridiculous, but he's excited," Hermione replied with a grin.

Ginny flashed a brilliant smile. "As I knew he would be. I told Harry this morning…but I also told him to look surprised when you said something, only to mess with him a bit."

Narcissa came over to the girls to discuss the schedule for the afternoon. Once their nails were tended to, they were getting their hair and makeup done, then photos with parts of the bridal party that excluded the groom and vice versa, as their photos would be finished after the wedding ceremony. One of the high fashion wizard magazines based in Paris, Belle Sorcière, was in town to do an article on the wedding and one of their high fashion photographers, Maurice Delacroix, would be doing the photos for the article in addition to the wedding photos. Hermione wasn't wild about the idea at first, but after giving it thought, and a promise on behalf of the editor at Belle Sorcière that the article would not be derogatory in the slightest towards the Malfoy family, she and Draco agreed. Hermione was most excited about the pictures, as she was a fan of Monsieur Delacroix's work.

"Dear," Narcissa said, resting a hand on top of Hermione's hand. "Are you feeling better?"

She nodded, smiling as she sipped her faux champagne. "Brilliant, Mother. Never better."

Narcissa smiled. "If you start feeling under the weather, I insist you let me know."

"I will," Hermione promised. "Don't worry. I'm fine."

"I'm keeping a good eye on her," Ginny added. "Promise."

Nodding, Narcissa gave Hermione's hand a final squeeze. "Very well. I'm off to get my hair curled and pinned. You girls make sure you're dressed and ready no later than three-thirty."

"Mum is coming to help us get dressed," Ginny said. "We'll be ready."

"Perfect!" Narcissa exclaimed. "I'll see you dears in a bit."

Harry, Draco, George, and Blaise stood at the tee of the 18th hole, drivers in hand as they stared over yonder at a grassy knoll where a few photographers had conspicuously gathered. Draco was a bit unimpressed, considering that he assumed wizards could do better at disguises, even if they were nothing but dim-witted reporters. Pulling his white golfing gloves on, he fasted the velcro straps around his wrists as he held his driver horizontally under his arm.

"What do you think they're hoping to take a picture of?" Harry asked. "We're golfing."

"Who bloody cares," Blaise said, teeing up first. "Bunch of nosey bastards." George laughed as he hustled over and took Blaise's ball and replaced it. "I'm not fuckin' falling for that shit again, Weasel. Put my ball back."

Still laughing, George shook his head no. "Trust me. Hit the ball."

Blaise gave George a look, catching on as he nodded his head towards the green. "Right," he finally said.

Draco, Harry, and George backed up and watched Blaise line up his driver, slightly rocking his club three times before winding back, the head of the driver connecting with the ball. The four of them watched as it sailed straight down the fairway before making a jagged left hook, exploding with fireworks and smoke in the midst of the poorly hidden photographers. "Uh…fore?" Blaise said, hardly a shout as the four of them laughed.

"Nice one, Weasley," Draco said.

"Bloody wankers," Harry mused as they photographers scattered, coughing and cursing along the way.

As the rest of them teed off, Blaise hopped in the cart with Draco, driving off as George and Harry followed. Draco held onto the roof of the cart as his friend whipped around the cart path. "Please don't kill me," Draco said. "I am getting married today, after all."

"Funny," Blaise replied. "So are you going to tell me what's with the goofy face you've had all day - or are you just that excited to tether yourself to one vagina for the rest of your life."

Draco rolled his eyes. "That's rich coming from someone who seems pretty enamored by a witch who won't let him get past second base."

"You can't compare the two," Blaise said as he took them around a curve. "I've had my adventures with women. I'm ready to attempt to settle. You on the other hand -"

"Not everyone goes through a state of being a complete and utter whore before figuring out he or she decides to choose monogamy," Draco said. "People do grow up, after all."

Parking the cart, Blaise turned the key and laughed. "Maybe. But you look awfully happy for someone celebrating his last hours as a free man."

Draco shrugged, still grinning. He desperately wanted to tell his secret but knew Hermione would have his head on a platter. He was elated at the idea of being a father, but as excited as he was and as much as he tried to convince her otherwise, he could see she was scared. "Someday, you'll get the notion to truly settle down and marry someone who makes your life infinitely better."

"Let's not get too crazy now," Harry said, catching the last part of their conversation as he walked over to his ball with an iron. "You are talking about Zabini." He lined up his shot and gave his club a good swing, his ball sailing through the air and falling just short of the green. "How are things going with Luna, anyway?"

Blaise walked over to his ball with his club, lining up his shot and taking a swing, his ball landing barely on the green. "Alright I guess. I don't think she's done much…so I'm trying not to scare the shit out of her by suppressing my overwhelming urge to jump her."

"Just remember - no means no," George teased.

"Funny, George. Hilarious," Blaise mocked.

"Is she worth it?" Harry asked.

Blaise unsnapped his gloves as he braced his club behind his shoulders with his arms, swiveling his hips slightly. "Yes. I think so. Once you get past the fact that she has some of the kookiest theories I've ever heard, she's quite brilliant to talk to, and she makes me laugh. She's the first girl I've met that I've wanted to actually get to know instead of just having a quick shag."

Draco nudged Harry and mockingly placed a hand over his heart. "Look Harry - our little boy is growing up!"

Harry laughed, as did Draco and George. "Who would have thought we'd ever see the day?"

Scowling, Blaise removed his gloves and shoved them in his back pocket. "I hate you both."

Molly zipped up the back of Ginny's bridesmaid dress. It was a gorgeous, strapless mermaid gown, a demure dusty rose color with a piped and pin-tucked corset top. The bottom of the skirt was an overflowing fabric volume of organza petal ruffles and embroidery, much like parts of Hermione's dress. A thick, purplish-steel colored sash tied around her waist with a multi-looped bow on her side, mimicking the bow on Hermione's own wedding dress. Her red hair was curled and pinned in a loose, low chignon, her makeup dramatically tasteful.

"Oh Ginny, you look wonderful," Molly gushed.

Ginny laughed. "Just wait until you see 'Mione, Mum." She walked over to the bathroom door of the hotel suite and gave it a knock as Molly unzipped the garment bag containing the wedding dress. "Hermione - you in there?"

The door opened and Hermione walked out in a lace, nude colored strapless bra and matching panties, an emerald green garter high on her left thigh. Her hair was fluffed and styled to perfection, her makeup exquisitely applied. "Sorry," she said. "I just…needed a moment." Which was the truth. She nearly burst into tears while getting her hair done, thinking about all things she wished she could tell her mother, and all the things Hermione thought her mother would say in reply.

Molly waved a hand at her as she held her dress open. Carefully, Hermione stepped into it, holding her arms up as Molly and Ginny pulled the dress up. Hermione held it in place, her hands against her chest as Molly delicately zipped up the back, fastening the eye hook while Ginny used her wand to tie the sash around her waist so it looked perfect. Hermione turned around and took a look at herself in the floor length mirror, with Molly and Ginny on either side of her. "Bloody hell," Hermione gasped. "I'm really getting married."

Laughing, Ginny grabbed her hand and gave it a squeeze. "You are most definitely getting married."

"You look absolutely beautiful," Molly said, holding Hermione's other hand.

A knock on the door was heard before it opened, Narcissa walking dressed in satin, plum colored robes, her hair in a tight French twist, and a gift in her hand. Hermione turned around and smiled, her hands patting against her dress. "Well, what do you think?" she asked.

Narcissa smiled from ear to ear. "I think you just might be the most beautiful bride to ever wed a Malfoy." She handed her the gift, wrapped with a bright red bow. "And with this, you'll most certainly top it."

She gave Narcissa a look as she carefully took the box. Peeling away its wrapping paper, she slid the paper and bow off and found a flat, black velvet box with a note on the top. "Open it!" Ginny exclaimed.

Hermione took the note and opened it, her eyes scanning the familiar chicken scratch Draco called handwriting. I'm almost positive you don't have a headband quite like this. See you at the end of the aisle, my beautiful bride. All my love - Draco. Cracking the velvet box open, she gasped, as did Ginny and Molly, at the simple, narrow headband, completely embedded with diamonds. Narcissa gently lifted the headband out of its box and Hermione lowered her head just a bit as her mother-in-law placed it just so in her hair as if it was meant to be there all along. Hermione turned back around to the mirror to see, staring in awe at how it was just enough to make her entire look complete.

"He said he didn't think he'd recognize that it was you if you weren't wearing a headband," Narcissa said.

Hermione giggled. "Yes, well, he exaggerates. I don't wear them all the time." She lightly touched the tips of her fingers to it, making sure it sat securely in her hair. "I certainly won't be using this one to push my hair back when I wash my face at night, that's for sure."

"You should do it once, just to see what he does," Ginny mischievously said.

"He'd have a stroke, for sure," Hermione said with a laugh.

Molly opened up her arms spontaneously and gave Hermione a big hug and a kiss, which Hermione returned whole-heartedly before Molly pulled away. "You just look…so beautiful. Arthur and I are so very happy for you."

"Merlin, Molly, don't make me cry," Hermione said, blinking away tears.

Molly dabbed her eyes, then Hermione's, with a crumpled handkerchief. "Arthur by the way has a surprise for you at the reception. I have no idea what it is, but I just figured I'd warn you in advance. He's been working away at it very hard."

Hermione blinked her eyes quickly to dry them. "I'm sure that whatever it is, it's lovely."

"Let's hope," Molly replied. "You know how overzealous the man gets at times."

"Also…" Ginny said, trailing a bit. "Ron is coming."

Hermione nodded. "Yes - he sent back an RSVP weeks ago. I think he's coming with Pansy."

"I promise you - I've warned them both to be on their best behavior," Molly interjected.

"And I warned Pansy as well, just as an added measure," Narcissa added.

"What in the hell have those two been doing, anyway?" Ginny asked.

Molly shrugged. "Who knows. All I know is that I've never seen anyone more lost in life than those two souls."

Ginny walked around the room, gathering things she and Hermione might need and putting them in her small clutch, complete with an extension charm from Hermione. "Well, we best be heading downstairs for pictures. Fleur should be waiting with the little ones."

Hermione clapped her hands together excitedly. "Brilliant! I cannot wait to see the boys in their little tuxedos! And Victorie in her flower girl dress!"

"Victorie has been just dying to wear her dress," Molly said, as the four women headed out of the suite. "She might never take it off now that she has it on."

The secluded location for the wedding photos was an abandoned schoolyard outside of London, with a gorgeous, old brick schoolhouse on the property. Hermione realized how editorial her pictures were about to be and was practically giddy at the thought. She never used to be into the pageantry that was weddings, but her interest in fashion was her only real hobby once she moved to New York, and she loved seeing photographs in muggle and wizard fashion magazines alike. Today, she was going to be one of those beautiful girls she saw on the glossy pages, photographed in eclectic backgrounds hidden between fashion tips and love life advice.

James and Victorie ran around the playground, laughing as Monsieur Delacroix flashed photos, while Albus toddled a bit slower behind them, laughing, as his brother and cousin would whoosh by. Several pictures of Hermione and Ginny were taken together, then separate, then Hermione with the three small children. Monsieur Delacroix took amazing photos of Ginny and her boys on the dilapidated playground equipment, as Narcissa watched in awe. "He takes such brilliant photos," she said to Molly, who could only nod in agreement.

Harry, Blaise, and Draco were inside the old school house, Blaise and Harry to be called out for their photos with the girls. Draco was a bit miffed he'd have to wait to do his photos with Hermione after the wedding, but Narcissa didn't want to spoil the surprise of Hermione in her dress, considering he refused to spend the night apart form her. They'd already taken their pictures with the kids and together, which Draco was a bit anxious to see in terms of how they would turn out.

Narcissa walked inside the school house and asked for Harry first, who grinned at Draco. "You'll get to see her soon enough," he teased.

"Sod off," Draco playfully bit back.

Hermione sat in a swing, slowly swaying back and forth when she saw Harry round the corner. Leaping to her feet, the two best friends stood meters apart, staring at each other with faces that words could not express, as the photographer captured the moment. She held her arms to the side a bit and spun around.

"Well? What do you think?" she asked, the two of them slowly approaching each other.

Harry swallowed the lump forming in his throat. "I think…you look beautiful."

Hermione smiled, willing tears away as she could see Harry's eyes were already glassy. "Stop it," she jokingly warned. "You will not make me cry."

Harry looked over at his wife, who was holding Albus, her other arm draped over James' chest as he leaned into her. He reached out and squeezed Hermione's hand for a moment before walking to Ginny, kissing her soundly on the lips. "You look amazing," he whispered. "Positively stunning."

Ginny smiled. "You look pretty handsome yourself, Potter."

Harry wiggled his eyebrows. "I'm going to go take pictures with the bride. I just wanted to make sure you know how much I -"

"I love you," Ginny said, shifting Albus higher on her hip. "Now go - take pictures with your sister."

Guests began pouring into the Buckleberry Hotel at a past five; all of them trekking upstairs to seek their seats for what The Daily Prophet was calling "the Wedding of the Century." Draco sat with Blaise and his father in a small private room on the top floor near the rooftop access opening. They could hear guests bustling by, all of them excited to see the wedding between the Gryffindor Princess and the Reformed Death Eater. Draco began to pace quite nervously, the first time since he'd mustered the nerve to propose that he began to feel jittery. Lucius poured him a glass of brandy and walked it to him at a quarter 'til six.

"Drink it," he instructed his son. "It will make you feel better."

Draco took the glass and downed it in one gulp. "Thanks."

"The idea was to sip it slowly," Lucius replied, taking the glass away. He retreated to the desk in the room and picked up a gift, walking back over to Draco who sat down next to Blaise on a sofa. His friend clapped a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Here - this is from Hermione."

Taking the gift, he shredded the paper away, handing it to Blaise who crumpled it up into small balls before tossing the trash aside. He looked at the dark, cherry wood box with his initials engraved on the top. As he opened it, he saw twenty-four empty squares with a note inside. Draco rested the box in his lap as he opened the note, laughing a bit as he read the impeccable cursive words. If you haven't figured it out yet - it's a box for you to keep all of your cufflinks in, so that they're organized instead of scattered about in a drawer. This way - you can always find the matching pairs. Love you forever - Hermione.

Draco handed Blaise the box and the note. "Always the practical one," Blaise said with a chuckle. "It's a pretty sweet gift though - I didn't even realize they made boxes for cufflinks."

"If it aids in organization, Granger will seek it out," Draco replied with a grin.

A wedding coordinator timidly popped her head in to the room, holding a clipboard in hand. "Excuse me - but it's time for the groom to escort his mother to her seat, with Mister Malfoy following, then the groom will walk back and meet Mister Zabini - the two walking down the aisle together to stand up front with the Minister of Magic, before the bridal party proceeds."

Blaise and Lucius stood from their seats, waiting for Draco. "Son," Lucius said, adjusting his own robes slightly. "It's time."

Nodding, Draco stood, straightening his jacket. He looked at Blaise. "You have the rings?"

"In my pocket," Blaise said, tapping it for good measure.

"Don't lose them."

"Do I look like I have a death wish?"

Draco clapped a hand on Blaise's shoulder. "Come on then - let's get this show on the road."

The three men followed the coordinator to the rooftop, where they found Narcissa standing off to the side and out of sight of the guests, sitting patiently while a four string quartet played classical music. At the signal of the coordinator, the musicians began to play a slow, soothing melody as Draco offered his arm to his mother while his father followed down the aisle. Draco held a hand over his mother's hand that clutched his arm, smiling at guests as they walked down the aisle. Once they were at his parents' seats, he kissed his mother on each cheek and gave his father a simple handshake, retreating away as he walked back towards Blaise.

The coordinator came to fetch Ginny, James, and Victorie from the other room on the top floor near the rooftop access door, leaving Harry and Hermione alone. Arthur and Molly were already seated up front with Albus, across the aisle from Lucius and Narcissa with an extra open chair for Harry to sit, the three of them sitting up front in place of her parents. Harry sat on the couch with Hermione, who leaned into him as he draped an arm across her shoulder, rubbing it soothingly, feeling her relax a bit.

"So…" Harry said, trying to fill the silence. "Anything you want to tell me?"

A knowing smile tugged at Hermione's lips. "Not if you're wife already did."

Harry barked out a laugh. "You should have seen her…all high and mighty about knowing something about you that I didn't. She tormented me for nearly an hour before telling, the wicked witch."

"She's definitely wicked," Hermione said as she giggled.

She shifted on the couch, sitting up a bit so she could look at him. He smiled brilliantly at her as he reached for her hand. "You're going to be a mum."

"Cautious optimism," Hermione reminded. "I still haven't seen a healer, and there's still plenty of things that could go wrong -"

"Don't think like that," Harry said, cutting her off. "Don't think of that for even a second, Hermione - do you hear me?"

She dropped her head. "I can't help it. No one gets everything they want, Harry."

"Hermione Jean Granger, you look at me this instant," Harry said, soft and stern. Once she looked up, he squeezed her hand before he spoke. "Everything will be fine."

"I already told Draco and I'm telling you the same thing - you can't make that promise."

He grinned. "Of course I can. You want to know why?"

"Why?"

"Because I'm the chosen one."

The wedding coordinator popped her head into the room, saving Harry from a through smack upside the head. "We're ready for you."

Harry stood to his feet, reaching his hands out to Hermione who took them and stood, fluffing her dress out a bit before letting him lead her out of the room. Reaching the rooftop, they stood off to the side as Ginny made her way down the aisle. She linked her arm with his, letting him hold his hand over hers as he gave it a reassuring squeeze.

"You look beautiful," Harry said. "Draco won't know what hit him when he sees you."

She grinned. "Thank you for giving me away, Harry."

"Believe me, the pleasure is all mine," Harry replied.

"You didn't have to," she said, looking directly into his piercing green eyes. "I don't know how I can even begin to thank you for everything you've done, for always taking care of me."

He squeezed her hand again. "Hermione - I promised your father I'd take care of you, and that promise doesn't stop today. I love you - you're my best friend."

Her eyes watered as she smiled. "You're my best friend too, Harry." She leaned in and kissed his cheek. "I love you."

With the final cue from the wedding coordinator, they heard the violins switch to the wedding march and the rustling of the more than two hundred guests rising to their feet. "Let's get you married, shall we?" Harry asked, grinning as Hermione eagerly nodded in return.