The Dragon's Treasure

The Olde Ways Return

Draco wiped his mouth as he stood to his feet, and combed his hair back into place hurriedly.

Holly smoothed the fabric of her gown, smiling as Draco looked at her reproachfully.

"We're supposed to be at the Flint's in five minutes," he whispered as he grabbed her hand and hurried towards the Floo. Holly pressed a kiss to the back of his neck as he reached for the Floo powder, smirking wickedly when he turned back to glare at her.

"I'm not the one who dropped to their knees and begged to taste me," Holly reminded. Draco shook his head in amusement as he hauled Holly closer to him for one final kiss. He bit down on her bottom lip, enjoying the dazed look in her eyes when he pulled away.

"Let's go then love."

Holy followed him into the green flames, a look of desire painted on her features. Marcus was waiting for them on the other side. He grabbed Holly, and pulled her into the corner as Draco followed behind them. Holly wrenched her arm from Marcus' grip, looking up at her usually calm friend.

"What's the matter? Is someone hurt?"

"What? No. No one's hurt. Hols, what if this is a mistake?"

Holly paled as Draco appeared at her side, putting an arm around her shoulders.

"What do you mean Marcus? Don't you love Pansy?"

"Of course I do! I've loved her since the day I met her."

"Then what's the problem?" Draco demanded.

Marcus' jaw ticked in annoyance. He really didn't want to have this conversation in front of Draco, but he knew he didn't have much of a chance of separating Holly from him.

"What if I'm not good enough? What if I disappoint her, or she gets tired of me over time? She's bloody smart, and fuck, what do I do?"

Draco's posture softened as he dropped a kiss on Holly's hair. She would know what to say. She took a step forward out of his arms, and held onto Marcus' arms in a reassuring grip. He looked down into her eyes, begging for reassurance.

"You marry the girl you have loved your whole life. You were made for each other. She's the only person who makes you happy, and you do the same for her. She's mad about you, and more than all that, you are good enough for her. You're a wonderful man."

Marcus swallowed, nodding his head, letting the words sink in. He could do this. He loved Pansy.

All his self doubt started to fade into the background. He suddenly remembered Draco was there, and met his gray gaze. Draco stepped forward, and Holly returned to her spot under his arm.

"Hols is right, mate. I wouldn't trust my soulmate with just anyone. You're just as formidable as Pansy is, she's just louder about it."

Marcus chuckled then, the last of the tension in his shoulders melting away.

"You're right. You're right."

"Of course I am," Holly chimed. "Now let's get you ready to bond."

Holly sipped from a flute of champagne. The ritual had gone off without a hitch. Primrose,

Daphne, and Ginny stood beside her. Their soulmates were huddled a few feet away discussing their newest business venture.

"What are the twins and the boys up to?" Daphne asked. Primrose turned to look at them. Fred was gesticulating wildly, and there was a bright smile on Draco and Neville's faces.

"Draco and Neville are funding the twins' joke shop. They've just found a shop in Diagon Alley.

They should be open in time for the back to school rush."