The Right Choice

Chapter Twenty Two

Five Years Later:

Hermione carefully stepped into her wedding dress with Ginny's help. She sighed happily into the mirror before her.

"It's so wonderful of McGonagall to suggest you have your wedding in the Great Hall. I couldn't imagine a better place." Ginny told her as she straightened the dress out.

It was true, no place was more beautiful in the summer than Hogwarts. McGonagall had written to Hermione after hearing of her engagement, insisting that the war heroine be married in the Great Hall. Hermione accepted the offer right away. The combined efforts of her parents and her soon to be in-laws had resulted in a beautiful scene. They had spared no expense for their children.

"This is where I fell in love with him." Hermione said simply. She felt herself about to cry at the memories.

"I'm so happy for you Hermione!" Ginny said, embracing her friend.

"Oh! You're starting to show!" Hermione said, touching her friends slightly swollen belly.

"Yes, five more months to go." Ginny said, placing her hand on her stomach.

"I can't believe you and Harry are welcoming your first child! Has it really almost been two years since you two got married?"

"It doesn't seem like it. Cherish your time with him, Hermione. It's going to go by fast."

The two girls giggled, and there was a knock at the door. Ginny answered and Mrs. Weasley poked her head in.

"Ready girls?" she asked.

"Yes." Hermione answered, gathering her skirts.

"Oh my dear! You look absolutely lovely!" Mrs. Weasley said, taking Hermione's face in her hands.

"Thank you." Hermione gushed with a smile from ear to ear.

"Wait outside the doors. They'll open when they're ready for you, dear."

Hermione nodded and Mrs. Weasley departed, trying to hide tears. Hermione found her father and stood with him while Mrs. Weasley went back into the Great Hall. Hermione heard music, the ceremony had started. When the doors closed, the two remaining waited behind them.

"I'm so proud of you, darling." her father said, choking back tears.

"Thank you, Dad. I love you." Hermione said, squeezing her father's arm.

Then the doors opened and the many guests stood for Hermione's entry. She smiled as she saw her friends and family surrounding her, along with a few important magical figures.

When she looked toward the altar, she saw her three beautiful bridesmaids Luna, Fleur, and her maid of honor, Ginny. She looked to the right and saw Draco's groomsmen. Ron, Neville, and Harry as his best man. They had become remarkably close over the years, despite their past differences.

Below them were pictures of Hermione's dear friends who had fallen victim to the horrors of the past. Remus, Tonks, Fred, Mad Eye Moody, Dumbledore, and even Severus Snape, who had sacrificed his life being a double agent for Dumbledore.

Hermione could now see their families in the first row. Draco's parents were sitting with her own. The Malfoy family had seen past their prejudices long ago and were now rather close with the Grangers. Their mothers had worked together for months on the planning, often laughing and joining each other for a casual afternoon tea.

Hermione could see her mother crying and caught her eye. Draco's mother was dabbing at her eyes with a tissue and watching her son.

Hermione followed Narcissa's stare and finally set her eyes on Draco. He looked glorious in his suit. His hair was slicked back as it always was, with only a little in the front hanging loose.

Hermione had reached the end of her walk with her father. He kissed her on the cheek. Draco extended a hand that Hermione took. She took her other hand in his as they began their vows. Hermione followed what the minister said to repeat, but Draco had a few ideas of his own.

"I've written my own vows." Draco said, to the surprise of Hermione and everyone watching.

"Hermione Granger," he said, looking her in the eyes, "you came into my life at eleven years old. But I didn't see you until we were sixteen. I'm sorry it took so long. I wish I had opened my eyes sooner. When I started to let you in, I didn't even expect us to be friends. I didn't deserve anything more than a study companion. But you saw past my obvious flaws and gave me a chance. I admit, I was in denial for a long time. Then the day came when I could no longer hide my feelings. I cared about you in the most intimate of ways. I know I broke your heart, and I never thought you would trust me again. But I would have died to keep you safe, Hermione. We've been through hell and back together, and it's made us so strong. I love you. It took me far too long to come to that enlightenment, but I swear I'll never let you go again."

Hermione was in tears, as were most of the people in their seats watching the two of them. Ginny was crying into her bouquet. Narcissa and Hermione's mother were grasping hands and crying together at the happiness of their children. Hermione felt bad that she hadn't prepared her own vows, but the minister's pre-written ones were near perfect as she repeated them, and meant every word.

Finally, the minister announced the couple as "Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy" and they embraced.

Draco took Hermione's face in his hands and kissed her like he would never be able to again. They pulled apart and Hermione laughed as the tears ran down her face. They walked back down the aisle hand in hand as Filibuster's fireworks, no doubt set off by George, lit up the room.