Post DH #6 . . . . . The pleasure of your company

Chapter 7

                                                                              Chapter 7:

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                                                                  I now pronounce you . . .

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Astoria peeked into the sanctuary to see how the decorating was coming along.  Her mother was directing the florist as he draped the autumn themed garlands on the pews.  The flowers around the alter were magnificent, candles had been positioned everywhere, waiting to be lit; it would look stunning!  She just hoped Draco would think she was stunning, too, as she came down the aisle.

'Don't be foolish!' Astoria chided herself, shaking her head. 'He'll be gob-smacked!' A smile came to her face as she headed to the brides room at the back of the fellowship hall.  Her sister Daphne was walking ahead of her, carrying the bag containing her veil.  Her wedding gown had already been hung up and a table readied with her makeup and a mirror.

As she entered the room, she took a deep breath to calm herself; there it was, hanging on a hook on the wall . . . her wedding dress.  She unzipped the bag and stood there looking at the white lace, with its crystal and pearl accents.

"Draco's going to faint when you come up the aisle,"  Daphne giggled, as she stood by her sister, arm around her waist.

"He'd better not, but I'll take shaky knees as a good sign." Astoria looked at her sister and they both laughed.

"Let's get started on your hair and makeup, shall we?"

"Let's!"

 * * * *

"Here, dear, let me help!"  Narcissa advanced on her son, taking his hands gently away from the crumpled tie with which Draco had been struggling.  He threw up his hands and surrendered.

"What's the matter with me?  I know how to do a tie, but I can't seem to get it right!"  Draco was getting exasperated and frustrated, frowning as his mother's nimble fingers quickly had the bow tie finished, tight and centered under his chin.  She stepped back so he could see his reflection in the mirror.

"Wedding day jitters, darling . . . your father was the same way, although he'd not admit it."  She put her hand on Draco's cheek.  "You'll calm down the minute you see Astoria starting down the aisle."

"What if she doesn't . . . start down the aisle, I mean . . . what . . ?"  Draco was starting to panic.

"Draco! Really? Astoria?  She was brave enough to fight at Hogwarts, so I know she'll come up that aisle with her head held high and a smile on her face."  She kissed her son's cheek and then turned to walk out of his bedroom.  "Now I have to go help you father with his tie . . . runs in the family." Narcissa winked at Draco, just as Lucius' voice could be heard from down the hall.

"NARCISSA!! Come here and help me with this blasted tie, before I do myself a mischief!"

Mother and son shared a grin and then she walked out, closing the door behind her.  Draco turned and looked at his reflection in the mirror.  Over his shoulder he noticed the framed picture of Hogwarts sitting on his bookshelf.  Yes, Astoria had been there during the worst of the Battle;  helping to move some of the younger members of Ravenclaw house to a safer section of the castle so they could be evacuated, fighting Death Eaters who had gotten into the school hallways, and working with Professor Flitwick moving debris and stabilizing parts of the castle where the defenders were bringing the wounded.