Just a Kiss

Epilogue

On a warm Sunday evening, a very elated couple stands on a raised platform with twenty of their closest friends and family gather around and staring up at them. The woman is dressed in white and the man in a fitted tuxedo. Oblivious to the world around them, they have eyes only for each other. 

The warm voice of the minister fills the small chapel, coaxing a wide smile from every attendant as he starts. Attention shifts, for a moment, to him. An old man, bent near double and white hair sitting like a mop on his head. Before long, focus moves back to the bride and groom, and, despite his age, he notices quickly. 

With a quiet chuckle, he rushes through his words, stopping only to have the couple exchange vows. Finally, he closes his book and says, "I pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride." 

The groom jerks to attention. With a whispered word to Ginny, Harry sweeps her into his arms and presses his lips to hers. He breaks the kiss off to send a cheeky smirk to the crowd and then twirls Ginny around and dips her low. Ginny's laughter is drowned by the guests who coo and clap. More than a few men let out a sharp wolf whistle, which earned each of them a scolding smack from any female nearby. 

Hermione is one of these girls, batting at Draco's shoulder, who sits at her side in the first pew. "Draco, be good," she chides. The impact of the words is ruined when she bursts into a fit of giggles part way through. He joins her, nudging her gently. 

"You know he won't mind. I'm his favorite," he taunts, earning himself another smack. 

Hermione scoffs and rolls her eyes. "Only because you managed to impress him at the Weasley's Sunday quidditch matches," she shoots back, turning away to look back up at the altar where the bride and groom have finally parted and are making their way down. 

"You sound jealous. Are you upset that I stole your best friend, Hermione?" It earns him a sharp jab to the ribs. He pulls a wounded expression as they stand from their seats and rubs pitifully at his side. "You've a terrible addiction to hitting me," he grumbles. 

"It didn't really hurt you, did it?" She whispers, peeking at him with wide eyes. "I'm sorry, you know I'd never mean to actually hurt you. I'm not like him-" 

Draco shakes his head, sneaking an arm around her waist, and pulls her close. "No, I'm only joking," he reassures. She takes a breath and relaxes, leaning into him. 

As the newlyweds walk past, Hermione and Draco fall in step behind them, and as they walk up the aisle, the other guests file behind them. Outside, everyone gathers around Harry and Ginny, showering them in grains of rice. 

Ginny ducks behind Harry's back, sniggering as Harry is pelted by her brothers. A handful from George explodes over Harry's chest and, when Ginny peers over Harry's shoulder, George throws another up and over Harry so it rains down on Ginny. It's Draco who manages to catch Harry in the face and Harry glares darkly with a vow of revenge. 

When the rice runs out, Harry and Ginny wave then disappear with a pop, heading directly to the reception. 

Hermione and Draco arrive just after Blaise and Luna, appearing on the front step of the Malfoy Manor so suddenly that Blaise starts. 

"Zabini," Hermione greets, not having had time to speak to them at the church. "And Luna, I've missed you. We should meet more often." She steps forward and embraces both tightly before letting Draco takes her place and do the same. 

"You as well, Blaise. You rarely care to come visit anymore," Draco adds, parting from his friend. "My mother is getting concerned."

Blaise snorts, shaking his head. "She's said nothing to me. Are you sure it isn't just you, Draco?"