Devotion

Chapter 13

My high spirits didn't fade in the slightest as I got prepared for the wedding. I allowed Pansy to do my hair and makeup, as she seemed to be an expert in the topic. Hermione and Luna were also in the room, figuring out the look for the bridesmaids.

While my hair was being curled, I recounted the day to the three of them in detail. Pansy was ecstatic about it, asking for more and more details, like how he held me, what all he said, etc.

I happily answered all of them, the smile never leaving my face. Even though Hermione didn't say much, most likely because Pansy was in the room, or because she wanted to scold me about how dangerous what I did today was, I didn't let it get to me. I was safe, and the day so far was perfect.

I began growing anxious as I watched the sun move through the sky, worrying that we wouldn't get done in time. But I needn't have been. Pansy kept a close eye on the clock, and was able to do my hair and makeup in record time, but still beautifully.

I couldn't stop gazing at my reflection in the mirror. I could hardly recognize myself. And my hair was done so extravagantly that had I not been sitting there the whole time, I would think it had to have been a wig.

My hair had more volume, the curls were intricately curled, with not a hair out of place. It was pinned into perfection, and yet it still was loose and had some bounce to it. I was afraid to touch it, in case I messed it up.

Draco had done it amazingly well before. But Pansy's skill was on another level.

"You need to be a hair stylist when you get a job, Pans. I'm serious, you're extraordinarily talented at this," I told her.

Pansy blushed and turned away to put her supplies away. "I was considering it. Now, go with Granger and put your dress and tiara on while I get ready," she ordered, but not harshly.

Hermione and Luna were already in their dresses, wearing identical makeup and hairstyles. They looked very pretty, but more muted, so as to not upstage me.

My sister and I walked to a side room and she helped me slip on my white gown, without messing up my hair. I eagerly picked up the Malfoy tiara out of the box, but before putting it on, I spun around gently to show Hermione.

Her reaction wasn't quite what I had expected. She looked almost pained as she looked at what was in my hands.

"What's wrong? Do you not like the tiara? I think it's beautiful, and Draco's mother was so kind to give it to me—"

Hermione just shook her head. "It's not that, Evelyn. It is a beautiful tiara. But it's very fancy, very over-the-top, very Malfoy-y," she said.

I squinted at her, trying to see what she was getting at. "And what's wrong with that? I am going to be a Malfoy in a few hours."

"I know that. But I see the way you're looking at that tiara. Just promise me you won't turn into them, and get lost in their riches. I know it's tempting, but don't let them change who you are," she pleaded.

I put my hand on her shoulder. "They aren't changing me, Hermione. I know full well how to live without riches. But I can't deny that some of these luxuries are a dream come true for me. I would be a fool to push them away, and cruel to deny them from Draco."

"Alright, I'll trust you, sis. Now put that on, and let's go get you married."

~

The wedding was indescribable. Perhaps it was just because it was a magical one, but it was more amazing than I ever imagined it could be.

When I walked down the aisle, I was surprised to find that I wasn't nervous with all the eyes on me. In all honesty, I barely gave them a thought. I only had eyes for Draco.