Learning to Love Him

Part 9 - The Wedding

I looked at myself in the mirror, willing myself not to cry. But, I wasn't crying because of sadness. No, these were happy and reminiscent tears.

"Dani?" Ginny asked, opening the door to the room I was in and peeking her head in. "no no no, don't cry!" she exclaimed, rushing over to me. I laughed.

"Don't worry, Gin, I have waterproof mascara on," I assured her. She smiled weakly at me, not taking my reassurance. Suddenly, music started from outside. Draco and I had chosen to use cue music, and this was the first cue.

"I have to go," Ginny said, and rushed out of the room. But as soon as she left, Harry walked in.

"Are you ready to go?" Harry asked. I nodded and threaded my arm through his. We walked out of the room and into the hallway of the church. I could still see Ginny and Blaise waiting to walk down the aisle, so I knew that I had a bit of time. I turned to Harry and said,

"I know I've only known that you were my brother for a year, but in that time, you were the best. And even before that, you were one of my best friends with a protective tendency over me. Thank you." Harry had tears in his eyes. Suddenly, the music changed and I could hear feet shuffling on the other side of the doors. I took a deep breath and slowly walked forward, through the doors which Harry held open for me. I looked at the altar and saw Draco standing there at the end. He had a beaming smile on his face and his eyes were slightly shiny. He stood to the right of the altar with his hands clasped in front of him and his shoulders tense. When he saw me though, he relaxed and his posture became one of ease. I smiled at him and he smiled back at me. As I walked down the aisle, my mind flashed back to all of the moments Draco and I had shared together over the past year. Our meeting, Defending him from Harry, school starting, birth, and the twins. I smiled as the memories flashed through my mind at lightning speed and before I knew it, I was standing across from Draco at the altar. Harry kissed my cheek and walked down to sit by Ron and Hermione. I smiled at Draco and he clasped my hands in his. The minister droned on for a long amount of time but I didn't pay much attention; I was too wrapped up in Draco's eyes.

"You have prepared your own vows, yes?" The minister asked, snapping me out of my reverie. Draco and I nodded and I took a deep breath before starting.

"Draco, I grew up hating you. You were the enemy of my best friends, why wouldn't I? And when I was younger, I was raised being told to stay away from people like your parents were associated with. But after the marriage law was instigated, I got to know you much better than I ever had before. I learned that you had been through more than any man your age should have to go through, and I learned that you were nothing like the people my parents told me to stay away from. Many people see the cold front you put up, but you allowed me to see the funny, loving, kind man on the inside. I would never have imagined that I would have this kind of life with you. I never imagined having two kids at eighteen, much less with Draco Malfoy, but here I am, and I couldn't be happier. I can't imagine my life without you or our children Draco, and I wouldn't change it for the world. I love you, Draco Malfoy." I heard multiple sniffles from around the chapel, and I thanked Ginny soundlessly when she pressed tissues in my hand. I used them to wipe my eyes before Draco started his vows. He took a deep breath and then started speaking, keeping his eyes on mine the entire time.

"When I was younger, I was a jerk. I had been raised to hate people that weren't purebloods, which caused me to hate most of the people around me. I also hated what they call blood-traitors, and unfortunately, that included you, in my mind. Know-it-all Granger was one of my worst enemies and I hated you for hanging out with her. But now I know that I don't need to think that way. I've gotten to know you and Potter, Weasley, and Granger this past year, and you are better people than I've ever even spoken to. I've eschewed my way of pureblooded racist thinking but I always feel the need to apologize to each and every single person I've ever spoken to. So, Dani, I apologize again for treating you badly in the past. And I apologize to you," Draco paused and looked at Harry, Hermione, and Ron in turn. They nodded in response. "But, Dani, I know that I've done a lot of work on myself to try and make me a better person, but you've done more work than I ever have. You are the most open-minded and compassionate person I've met in my life, and you have helped me be more open to people through that. You have helped me be a better person and I am forever thankful for that. Along with being open-minded and compassionate, you're an incredible mother and the most amazing woman I've ever met. I can't imagine never having met you, and in a sick, twisted way, I am glad that this marriage law was instituted. It helped me meet the most amazing woman in the world, the love of my life. I love you more than words can say, Danielle Potter." I smiled at him. I had tears running down my cheeks but I didn't care what I looked like. Draco's words were on repeat in my head and I smiled when I heard the replay of him calling me Danielle Potter. It held an amazing significance because Draco used to hate Harry. I bet Draco never imagined, even in his wildest nightmares, that he would marry a Potter. The minister cleared his throat and continued with the ceremony.

"Danielle Lily North-Potter, do you take Draco Lucius Malfoy to be your lawfully wedded husband, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?" I nodded and smiled at Draco as I said,

"I do." He smiled back and slipped the silver wedding band on my finger along with my engagement ring. The minister turned to Draco then and said,

"Draco Lucius Malfoy, do you take Danielle Lily North-Potter to be your lawfully wedded wife, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"

"I do." I slid the ring on Draco's finger and smiled up at him.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." Draco swept down on me and kissed me passionately. We heard cheers from around the room and when we parted we were both grinning ear-to-ear. We walked back down the aisle hand in hand while people cheered around us. What I'd heard before was right; your wedding day was the best day of your life.