"Draco, your tie isn't straight!"

"Urgh, Mother! It looks fine. Calm down." Draco said, as Narcissa fiddled with his tie.

"I will not calm down until I make sure you look absolutely dashing, young man!" Narcissa said. "You're getting married, for goodness sake!"

"Thanks, I'm aware…."

"Don't give me that attitude." Narcissa said as Draco rolled his eyes.

"Can you please just stop fussing over me? I'm twenty-one! I can take care of myself."

Narcissa smiled. "Well, I think you look handsome enough now, so fine, I guess I can stop fussing over you now."

Draco grinned in return. Seeing himself in the mirror, he began feeling quite nervous. I am getting married! The sudden realization had struck him, despite his earlier cheekiness toward his mother.

I can't believe it's actually happening! I'm getting married to Astoria! Astoria was wonderful in so many ways. She had given him life when he was on empty and was going crazy. She was his muse - such a beautiful inspiration. Draco had countless regrets and had done things he still felt guilty over, but he was striving to be a better person, and Astoria was a strong guiding force in his life. He was so excited to start a new chapter of his life with her.

"Draco?" Narcissa questioned. "Are you alright?"

Draco snapped out of his daze. "Oh–uh–yes. Just a little nervous."

"How about you sit down and just relax for now," Narcissa suggested. Draco sat down on one of the soft chairs in the room. "Do you mind if I leave you here for a while?"

"No problem," Draco said.

"You can always call me if you need anything." When she opened the door, another familiar face was there. Startled, Narcissa abruptly stepped back. She glared at Andromeda as she entered the room then left without another word.

Draco fake coughed, trying to clear the air of the awkward tension.

"Draco, it's so good to see you. I just came to see how you're doing." Andromeda said. "I've already talked with Astoria."

Draco beamed at the mention of his almost-wife. "Astoria is wonderful."

"She certainly is, and I'm so happy for you two!"

Draco felt overwhelming joy, but then the nerves hit him again, and he focused his attention on his sleeve and began fiddling with it. What if I mess up? What if I cry during the vows?

"Draco," Andromeda said steadily. "You're going to do fine." It was as though she had sensed his concern. "I'm proud of you. You've come a long way from when you were at Hogwarts. It was brave of you to reach out to me when you first did and later on came to meet me." Andromeda gazed steadily at him. "And I also know that your parents aren't all too pleased with you choosing to marry Astoria."

Draco's heart raced. It was true. His parents weren't fond of Astoria. They still couldn't look past their own prejudices toward muggles and muggleborns, and as Astoria was seen by them as a blood traitor, she was in the same boat.

"You've made the same decision as me. Love over prejudice." Draco knew Andromeda was talking about her marriage to Ted Tonks. Unfortunately, he had been killed during the war. Draco had never met him.

"But… I do still love my parents…" Draco said.

"Of course, and you're lucky they didn't disown you like mine did to me."

Draco felt a pang of guilt. His mother–Andromeda's sister–still refused to talk to her.

"I should be getting to my spot now, but I just want you to know that you should always cherish what you and Astoria have together." Draco noticed a tear trickling down her cheek.

I will.

Standing by himself, with everyone watching, was one of the most difficult things for Draco. He felt shaky and sweaty. He just wanted Astoria to be there with him. His gaze kept flickering over to where she would be entering. He just couldn't handle the anticipation. He was heaving in deep breaths.

When Astoria finally appeared alongside her father, Draco felt as if his heart was bursting from his chest. She was breathtaking. Her dazzling white dress complemented her natural beauty, and the flowers in her hair suited her perfectly.

Draco almost couldn't breathe at this point. He gazed in awe as she walked up to join him. She had the most wonderful smile on her face.

"Astoria," Draco breathed out. "You–you're–beautiful!"

"So are you!" Astoria giggled a little.

Draco reached for her hand. She graciously took his hand in hers. He gazed into her eyes. "Astoria, I love you, and I always will. I'll care for and protect you with everything in me. I promise I'll always be by your side." He could feel his eyes growing misty and tears sliding down his face.

"Draco," Astoria said. "I'll always love and care for you, too, through thick and thin, rainy and sunny. We might laugh together. We might cry together. But no matter what, we'll love each other unconditionally."

When they kissed, Draco's heart soared. The world around them was frozen in place, and he thought the moment would never end.

When it did, all Draco could see staring back at him was an absolutely beautiful face–the face of his wife.