After a War ((Old Copy))

Chapter 23 Book 4

(This chapter came up later because it was hard and emotional to do, another one will be posted later today, and then After a War will not return until early Febuary, but the spinoffs of this book will begin.) 

Her dress seemed to be made of white feathers and tear dropplets, she practivally glowed as the setting sun's light began to hit her. Her hair was cut, and white as snow, as it was many months ago, there was a white vail over her head and he could still see her bright smile. The dress was long sleeved and the bottom of the dress reached the ice below her, which worried him that she'd trip, but being her, she wouldnt. Her feet had no shoes, but just a simple flower design, tied to her ankle, that only came into view whenever she took a step forward. Behind her came Maya, the Maiden of Honor, with George, and Pansy, again with Jack, Luna, again with Neville, and Ginny, again with Potter, Makayla stood with Fred, but this time it was really her, which meant she'd actually have to walk with him, now Solomon did stand with Stella, which he seemed pretty pleased about. 

And right by Hermione's side, walking with her, was his father. He had been sent an invitation, but Draco never believed he'd actually show up.

"Your mother would be proud," Lucius whispered to Draco as he gave Hermione to him.

"What are the empty seats for?" Draco asked Luna as she passed by to get to her spot as bridesmaid.

"Don't you know?" Luna asked, Draco shook his head. Luna glanced at Hermione and then looked back to Draco. "Its for those who couldn't be here today, Draco, doesn't your mother have around have a year of ghosthood left?" Luna asked calmly, and then Draco realized, there were around one hundred empty seats, he thought people hadn't shown up, but he realized now that everyone had showed up, and he just wasn't paying close enough attention, as he looked closer, he could see just basic silhouettes of people, though he didn't see his mother, or Hermione's parents.

Maya kissed George and took her place as Maiden of honor, and all the girls did the same to each person they walked with, but Stella and Makayla, who simply kissed the cheek of those who they walked with. Solomon did go pale though, Draco nudged him with his elbow once Solomon stood by him.

"Shut up," Solomon whispered, Draco grinned at him and turned to Hermione.

"You cut your hair, about time I'm able to breath at night instead of fighting with monsters of hair." Draco whispered to Hermione jokingly, she smiled brighter and almost laughed under the veil.

"While I never though this one would happen -no offense to the dears- I am pleased to stand here today and witness this." McGonagall began. "My lovely girl that I lost to Slytherin this past year at Hogwarts, and this man, who had been second in all his classes from year one, and while I didn't know what was going to happen to you, I had hope that one day you'd find a nice girl, and it seems you chose wisely." McGonagall continued happily. Then she did all the minister things and allowed the two to do their vows.

"Draco Malfoy, I had my entire life planned out, I was going to finish my school, get an extra education, and then I was going to go straight into the Ministy, but obviously, that didnt happen, I hit road bumps, I got scars, I made new friends and I lost some. But I never would have gotten anywhere if it wasnt for you. When we were little, even when you bullied me, it gave me strength, and made me have to work harder to get what I wanted, to get what I needed. And In forth year, I think I knew, actually I know I knew back then, that I did have feelings for you, the night of the yule ball I almost told you, but I never did because of how we didnt get along, I didnt myself to get hurt, but I guess you liked me back then too, just imagine how things would have been different if we had actually gotten together sooner. Maybe thig would have gone better, or they could have gone worse. We'll never know, because that's the past. All im going to worry about, it our future together, and this child's future. Today is Justin's birthday-" Justin giggled and clambered out of Lucius's lap when he heard his name and climbed into Hermione's arms, making both the bride and groom laugh when both of them had already been crying. "-and I'm so glad that you're helping me with him, because I wouldnt be able to do it without you. Even though we met Justin while under the worst conditions. The same with Teddy. But today isnt about them, its about us. I love you, I adore you, I cant live without you, not for a day, not for an hour, I have to know that your safe and unharmed, I have to be able to run free under the stars with you, I have to be able to live life knowing that you're living it with me. There's no life without you in it. And I cant do it without you." Hermione said, by then, everyone was once again in tears or at least Glossy eyed, even the Slytherins, mostly because none of them ever expected Draco to get married. And Draco was bawling both because of what Hermione said and because he got a glimpse of Molly. Draco checked around for his mother, he did spot an empty seat next to his father, but she wasnt in it. He looked back at Hermione, stil teary eyed and smiled.