#post second wizarding war

you padded down the stairs after noticing the warmth from your side had diminished. after a bit of tossing and turning, you set after your husband. you knew percy’s location without having to search—his study.

it was illuminated by the fireplace, causing his body to cast a shadow against the wall as he worked. he hadn't noticed you when you entered, focused on his parchment and cuppa rather than the creak in the floorboard as you approached. it wasn't until your hands were resting on his tense shoulders and gently caressing his biceps that he began to acknowledge you.

the curtains were still open from the night before, the glow of the fire flickering against the glass window pane. his head was low only exaggerating more of his concentration as his quill scrawled across the page.

you dipped your head, resting your lips against his temple for a brief moment before kissing him. his eyebrows were furrowed because of the immersion in his work.

“you’re going to cause an early wrinkle,” you mumbled jokingly, sleep still dancing in your tone.

you smirked against his temple, dragging your lips down the side of his face and planting another kiss on the underside of his jawline. his head tilted up slightly as his hand adjusted the spectacles that were beginning to slip off his nose.

percy cleared his throat. “darling, i thought you were asleep—” he was a bit flustered upon your surprise and forward arrival.

you pulled back his desk chair, the wheels gliding against the rug with a soft squeak. you slid into the gap you had created, lifting his quill from his slender fingers and placing it back into its holder. you grabbed his lukewarm tea and placed it on the shelf next to his sturdy, wooden desk.

percy’s blue eyes dragged over your exposed shoulder and then to the supple skin of your rounded bottom as you bent over to safely relocate his parchment.

“i’m not interrupting, am i?” you questioned dumbly, closing the ink pot.

“actually, i-i was drafting a new proposal for my meeting next—” percy’s thoughts always seemed to follow him even in his slumber. this particular idea had him scrambling to his desk to expand it further on paper.

you dusted your hands, halfway crawling into his lap, one of your knees situated between his legs, and your lips lingering against his ear lobe.

“mm, sounds riveting,” you teased, nipping at his freckled skin.

percy’s once tense body seemed to relax now, although his fair skin was blushing. his hands were hovering over your waist, almost debating whether or not he should engage with you or gather himself.

his eyes flicked to the parchment then back to your tousled hair, dreamy eyes, and clear desire. he rubbed your hip lightly, the knitted jumper and the waistband of your most comfortable underwear being the only barrier.

“distracting, quite frankly,” he mumbled lifting the hem of your sweater with a gentle tug to bring you closer.

“what a shame,” you shrugged breathlessly as he pulled the material higher to expose your stomach. within seconds, the garment was resting on the floor; his new proposition now didn’t stand a chance compared to you.

percy swallowed, cupping the sides of your breasts as you leaned into his touch. his slender fingers gracing your soft skin with his gentle touch; the same touch that you fell in love with.

your fingers trailed from his cheek to his lap where your knee had his legs spread. his flannel pajama pants were tightening in the crotch as you palmed his semi-hard erection. he moved his shoulders back, digging into his padded chair with anticipation.

“it doesn't seem like much of a shame now,” percy admitted, placing his large hand over yours—not to stop you, but to adjust your positioning on his hardening cock.

you bit the inner tissue of your lip, batting your eyes as you climbed off the chair and dropped to your knees on the rug—the horribly patterned antique rug—gifted to you by fleur and bill upon moving into your home.

percy helped you remove his pants and briefs, immediately springing to life was his shaft which was dripping a bit of precum. your hands linger across the tops of his thighs to position yourself steadily on your knees. he held the end of his shirt just above his belly button, his midsection seemed comfortably full after his second cup of tea.

you spit into the palm of your hand, stroking the length of his cock while lubricating it enough for your mouth. you guided his stiff shaft into your mouth leaning in as much as you could to comfortably coat him in saliva.

you bobbed your head slowly, getting accustomed to his size and length, even after years together it took a moment to gather yourself. percy gripped the arm of his chair, his other hand slowly began brushing back the hair that was hanging in your face. he wasn't forcing your head or pushing the matter or even rushing you, but rather appreciating every movement made.

percy adjusted his round, tortoiseshell glasses again when he released a breathy sigh as your mouth enveloped more of his aroused member. he was focused on you with your flattened tounge working his tip and your hand at the base of his cock stroking him upwards.

you were killing him; every extra bit of shaft you were taking each second was almost unbearable. percy’s lips were parted as the spit that pooled at his balls was quickly massaged into his skin. you were leaving no room for error, merely doing good work in the art of oral pleasure.

you gradually sank further and further down his cock, a slurry of moans and sighs were not only evident from percy but from you as well. in your kneeling position you had made it possible to have the heel of your foot giving some stimulation to your soaking core—or as percy liked to say—“pretty little cunt.” he had the dirty mouth when it was necessary.

“darling,” percy rasped, clearing his throat. you were pulling away from his cock to breathe for a moment, a string of saliva followed. he held your face, massaging your sore jaw as you looked up at him— swollen, puffy lips and watery eyes. “you're taking me so well.”

you pulled away from his hand, looking at his cock. “i’m not done yet,” you mumbled, finding his length again, and choking it down. even with a bit of gagging, you managed to finally have worked yourself to meet your hand at his base.

percy seemed tense again, regathering your hair and sitting on edge as you perfectly positioned his member to the back of your throat. you were breathing heavily through your nose, crowded by your hand and his pubic hair, slightly wincing as it passed the threshold of comfort.

“darling, you…don't have…to keep—” percy paused every few words unable to process his thought fully. his cock was twitching, as your head bobbing continued, you knew he was on the edge, becoming a bit antsy as his orgasm grew closer. you were especially determined now.

percy leaned his head back, placing a tighter grip on the bundled shirt in his hand and keeping his gentle approach on your head. he had an overwhelming amount of self-control not to buck his hips into your mouth. he knew you could take care of him.

the back of your throat was squeezing him just right. your eyes widened, having to pull back some as you felt his twitching cock begin to spill. choking a bit as you tried to hurriedly swallow the thick, white cum. percy was panting, trying to help you pull back on his shaft.

steadily your head rose from his lap and his thumb was wiping the corners of your mouth. you were clearing your throat, the sides of your jaw feeling exhausted from the stretch. the sun began to rise, the dark sky lightening by the minute.

percy was praising you with gentle caresses, helping you off your reddened knees and kissing your temple.

Ronald padded sleepily into the kitchen, stretching his arm. He'd slept in the wrong position and woke up with a numb hand that was taking longer to wake up than him. He would've stayed in bed, but his stomach had won the mental battle. He shivered at the rush of cold air once he opened the fridge. He was looking for milk; he felt like having cereal today. It was a cool, blue morning, a morning where the sun shined through the windows, but looked icey instead of golden. He loved those kinds of mornings. It reminded him of his childhood, when he'd wake up at the earliest times and find his twin brothers goofing off downstairs.

Ron grabbed one of his favorite cereal boxes, and a red bowl, messily pouring the contents. As he let the cold milk slip into his bowl, he felt a contrasting warm force coming up behind him; two delicate arms squeezing his stomach.

"Hi," He mumbled, already knowing who it was by the bushy, crazy hair he felt tickling his sides.

"Hi," A soft voice replied. Her voice was faint in a way that you could tell she didn't use that voice for softness often. Usually that voice was used for lecturing, nagging, just as much talking as possible. But being around a certain redhead for a decade could soften you.

Hermione pressed her lips to Ron's cold, bare back. "You're up early."

"Yeah, not willingly, though." Ron grumbled, mixing his cereal.

Hermione chuckled, and pressed another kiss. It was typical Ronald behavior to let his stomach win anyway. "You should've stayed. I was cold." She whispered. For some reason, Hermione could say the smallest things and they would tug on Ron's heartstrings like a skilled musician. "We could go back if you like." He turned his head, wanting to see the face of the girl he loved. Screw the cereal "No, we're already up. Might as well be productive." She mumbled. She'd been trying to move her kisses toward his neck, but was challenged by Ron's sheer height. Curse these Weasley genes.

"You've taken your potion, yeah?" She asked, now focusing on his freckles for her kisses. "Yeah. Feeling as manly as ever." Ron joked, sighing. Being around her always made him feel so complete, so far away from the roads of insecurity he zig-zagged across in his teen years. A few minutes of comfortable silence passed through the kitchen. Ron looked outside, seeing the icey sun start to fade into a soft yellow. It was weird how colors worked. Colors fading into another to create a sight nothing could replace. Despite being opposite of each other, yellow and blue always worked so well. Hermione, meanwhile, was trying to absorb as much of him as she could. "Could you turn around?" She relinquished her arms' squeezing hold on him, and he turned his body to face her. Seeing her face up close was seeing the true power of the sun. Almost blinding, like a sweet aroma. He ducked his head to kiss her lips, and she returned it pleasantly. "Up for a round?" "Always." ꨄ︎

The Greengrass family were very confused when Draco said they were in the wrong seats. “I'm sorry, there's been a big mix up with seating. You've got specific seats.” He said and Mr and Mrs Greengrass got up along with Daphne. “You look very handsome, Draco.” Mrs Greengrass said politely. “We were just talking to your mother.” They followed him to his side and Draco stopped and gestured to a row. “Thank you, kindly. You're all looking wonderful today.”

“It's a lovely day for a wedding-” Daphne’s breath hitched. On the end seat was a covering and saying the seat was reserved.

‘Our eyes cannot meet. Our hands cannot touch. Your presence is with us in heart and soul. Our vows spoken and watched over by you. This seat is reserved for the spirit of our dearly missed Astoria Malfoy. Mother of Scorpius Malfoy.’

Daphne quickly teared up whilst her mother Mrs Greengrass wasn't far behind. Draco smiled sadly, his hand on the back of the chair, fingers curling around it. “It was Katie's idea. Muggles do it at weddings. She…she wanted Astoria to be remembered during this day. She has a lot of respect for her.”

Mrs Greengrass dabbed at her tears with a handkerchief. “It's wonderful.” She managed out. “I like that muggle idea. If we can't- do thank her for us.” Mrs Greengrass said.

With Astoria’s life cut short, there was so many milestones missed. So many things Draco could have said even after the many letters he wrote to the Greengrass family. He wrote to them about Katherine. About Scorpius. About their growing bond. His love for her. Admittedly there had been guilt. The guilt of falling in love again after vowing his heart and life to Astoria. Guilt of remarrying. Yet the Greengrass family had a level of grace that was unprecedented to many old pureblood. For not once moment were they scorned, in fact they encouraged him in a way his parents never did. He always remembered Mrs Greengrass's response to his fears of falling in love and his guilt to moving on from Astoria.

‘Falling in love once is a surprise. Falling in love for a second time is a gift. Astoria was a chapter in your life. You were her happy ending. You gave my daughter what she had hoped and dreamed for. Don't cut your life short and stop living when she no longer can. Live for her. She'd want you to be happy and nothing else. Now it is time for you to give this new love everything she ever hoped and dreamed. That is the gift of you.’

It had brought him to tears. Relief, joy, heartbreak, grief, love, a sense of freedom. It was ironic how his own parents struggled to accept him marrying a halfblood yet the Greengrass family accepted him moving on with a grace and encouragement he had never seen before. They were proud of him. It was all the more reason why they'd always be family. Not just by Scorpius. He grew up a lonely boy, an only child. His teenage years were isolation and traumatising with a crushing sense of duty. Now grown up, the sense of duty still weighed on him heavily but he wasn't alone. He was aware of all the love surrounding him. That his small piece of family only got bigger since time went on and not even death could separate them.

When the Goyle family showed up, Draco did the same and led them to another reserved seat but the name was Gregory Goyle. The couple were touched. Mr Goyle reached out and tenderly touched the chair. “I…I haven't…” Draco nodded. “It was Katie's idea. I hadn't heard of it either. She wanted Gregory and Astoria to be with us today, in the best way she knew how.” Mrs Goyle swallowed thickly. “It's very…very kind.” She managed out through the lump in her throat. The couple, despite all these years since the wizarding war, weren't able to fully move on from their only son's death.

Mrs Crabbe reached over from her seat and took Mrs Goyle's hand. She turned to see her and gasped, tears falling. “Oh hello.” She barely got the words out and Mrs Crabbe got up and pulled the woman into a hug. “It's been too long, my dear.” Mrs Crabbe smiled and kissed Mrs Goyle’s cheek before squeezing her. “I've missed you so.” Mr Crabbe and Mr Goyle shook hands. Mr Goyle misty eyed and nodded, unable to really say much in his emotion. Yet Mr Crabbe nodded knowingly. “It's good to see you, friend.” Mrs Crabbe rubbed Mrs Goyle's back. “It's wonderful isn't it? I got teary just looking at it.” She giggled. “We've got a lot of catching up to do, you and I. We've got a lot of shopping and tea dates to catch up on too!”

The two men stayed silent. It used to be something they'd grumble and moan about. They'd accuse their wives of draining their bank accounts desolate. When Gregory died, the Goyle's withdrew. The two families lost touch. The two men stayed silent yet had the same longing in mind. They'd give all their money they'd have if it meant their wives went on just one more tea date or shopping trip. A sense of normality and peace once more.

“And we will,” Mrs Crabbe insisted with a teary smile. “We will, I won't take no for an answer. I'll come and drag you out the house if I must.” Mrs Goyle laughed lightly through her tears but nodded. “Yes.” Draco's departure went unnoticed, his heart touched by the scene and swelled with love for his bride. She didn't know it. yet her thoughtfulness had reunited two close knit families. Families that had fought against her and people like her. Yet she still extended kindness. He wouldn't tell the two families how it was something muggles did because it hadn't mattered. Nothing should taint the gesture and Draco wouldn't even allow even their beliefs to taint the experience. For one day, they could feel that they had their son back and that should never be tampered with.

The guests were spread out to two columns instead of just his side. The time was coming. The ceremony would be done within the hour. It didn't make him nervous the second time around. He was excited to see his wife. He longed to just pull her into his arms and hold her tight. The atmosphere carrying him away into a calm sense of purpose. All the pain and suffering was worth every happy moment he got. He spent so much time worrying he was replacing Astoria that now that the time had come he realised it wasn't a replacement at all. It was new. Different. Yet just as enchanting and filled with love as his first wedding day.

“Are we ready for the first look!? Pansy called out.

“Ow! Must you!? That was right in my ear, Pansy!” Theodore scowled.

“Sorry.” She sighed. “I just know Crabbe is ignoring me.”

“Wha-?” Crabbe looked over at the sound of his name.

“First look! Come on!” Pansy cried with exasperation, hands outstretched.

Theodore, Blaise, Crabbe and Pansy stood waiting. “Just waiting on Mrs Malfoy-” Pansy was cut off by the door opening.

Narcissa Malfoy entered the room like she owned it. A walk that came naturally after years of inherited status and etiquette training growing up. Her expression was firm as she looked them over. “Well don't you all just look dashing. Where's Katherine?” Narcissa asked. “Bathroom.” Pansy said. “I wanted make sure everyone sees at the same time.”

“Camera is at the ready.” The photographer said.

“Please don't get photographs of the bathroom.” Narcissa frowned.

“I don't think any photographer would do that, Mrs Malfoy.” Pansy replied and the boys looked amused.

“Wait for me!” Scorpius could be heard running down the hall. “I want to see too!”

“Quick, quick, quick!” Mrs Malfoy called opening the door and he came running inside.

“Did I miss it!?” Scorpius cried out, eyes wide.

“No, no, you're just in time.” Narcissa soothed him, bringing him in front of her.

Pansy then moved to the bathroom, opening the door. “Ready?” She called out to no one in particular and got hums of agreement. She took Katherine by the hands and led her out of the bathroom and swiftly closed the door. Then fixed Katherine's dress. “Okay everyone can look!” Pansy exclaimed.

Scorpius's reaction was immediate. “Woah! You look like a princess!” The fourteen year old gasped. Katherine smiled. “Now if you keep the compliments like that going-” She joked and the room chuckled.

“You do look beautiful, Katie.” Theodore nodded. “Very much like royalty. Scorpius is right.”

“An excellent choice. That dress was made for you.” Narcissa agreed softly, her lips upturned.

Narcissa began to notice how Katherine's smiles didn't meet her eyes. “Might I steal that moment alone with my new daughter in law?” Narcissa asked. No one ever refused Narcissa so they made a quick exit. She moved towards Katherine. “You're a beautiful bride but you don't look happy.” Narcissa said softly.

Katherine looked down. “I'm not having second thoughts if that's what you're thinking.”

“No but that doesn't mean something isn't bothering you.” Narcissa replied and leaned against the vanity. “What is it? It's no good when your day isn't perfect. So what is it?” She asked.

Katherine felt tears building in her eyes. She swallowed thickly. “It's not…what I thought it would be.” She admitted. “What I wanted.” She took a breath. “It's all so beautiful. Perfect but…” She sniffled. “...they aren't here to see it.”

Narcissa’s expression softened and Katherine continued. “Back in the war, I was always told how cruel pureblood supremacists were. How ignorant, bigoted and there was no reasoning or compromising with them or their intolerance. I knew my family didn’t approve of Draco but I never thought for people who spoke of pureblood supremacy intolerance that they'd be so intolerant that they wouldn't show up to my own wedding day.” She managed out whilst sniffling. “I'm completely alone here.” Narcissa handed her a handkerchief.

Narcissa could never truly shake off a young person's tears. Her maternal instincts always made themselves known to her with a light jab to her heart. However it wasn't just that which got her. It reminded her of her sister Andromeda who had lived the very same hardship. She had married Ted Tonks with none of her families approval or support. Being disowned, no one in her family showed up. It almost felt like cruel karma that she'd have to see this outcome for her daughter in law. To see what her sister had endured and the pain it caused because how couldn't it have hurt? There was truly nothing she could say or do to make it better but one attempt came to mind. She approached Katherine, taking Her hand and moving to the sofa. She sat Katherine down and clasped her hands in her lap. “My wedding wasn't how I imagined either.” Narcissa admitted.

Katherine was surprised by the admission. It was surprising that a family that expected nothing but perfection could dare admit something wasn't perfect in what they did. Narcissa kept her head high, her lips upturned in a knowing smile, almost amused. “Mhm. I had it planned down to the tiniest detail. Lucius and his father practically handed the planning to me which was best. I don't think either of them could plan a decent social gathering if their lives depended on it. They always get something wrong or miss something entirely. So I was given free reign, I was allowed to decide everything. All Lucius had to do was show up. So I did. It was my dream wedding and I had made it come true. However my sister wasn't there. Andromeda. Bellatrix couldn't relax because she was being hounded by my parents to be on her best behaviour since she wasn't married at that time so they were disappointed in her. Andromeda not being put a hole in it that I could overlook because that's what my family trained us to do. However what truly went wrong was out of my control because everyone couldn't help but notice my cousin, Sirius, had large bruises on his neck and scratches on him. My Aunt Walburga had lost her temper on him and hadn't even bothered to try and cover his bruises. Now I don't condone violence in my house. I never liked that my aunt had violent tendencies and would use them on her children. I believe that my father never laid a hand on us because we were women. The Black’s insisted on being recognised as noble but our actions were not always so noble. Especially not to each other. However, like my cousins and sisters were taught, I was taught to conceal those issues. To ignore it and lock it away and seeing Sirius walk around with those bruises…well there was no hiding that. People had seen. I hated it. I was embarrassed. It went against everything I had been taught.”

Katherine found that surprising, Narcissa’s immediate reaction was about her wedding day when her cousin was clearly in a bad situation. Life threatening even if the bruises were anything to go by. Narcissa caught it and answered. “I know and truly there's no real defence for it. It's a terrible thought but the reality is when someone grows up with violence, they're surprised when it's not there and it was always tolerated in our family with one thing. The pain is to teach a lesson but we never had to worry if our parents would kill us. There was a line. Even if Aunt Walburga crossed it and we didn't know. It was considered enough if she didn't intend to kill.” She sighed. “Of course in my own home, as I said, I never allow it. Not for my son. In my house, for as long as I live and breathe, there won't be violence. That's all anyone can ask for. Learning from mistakes.” She turned to Katherine. “No, your family aren't coming- ” She said. “but you can't change that. You can't make them. This day is for you. Don't let it be about those who didn't bother to be here. It's not deserved. Take that from someone who didn't have her perfect wedding no matter how hard she tried. Take that from a sister who never attended her sisters wedding so she didn't get disowned.”

Katherine headed out the door to find Blaise. “Oh…hi. I didn't know you were out here.”

“Well, plans are changing. I'm giving you away.”

“You are?” Katherine asked. “Are you sure? You don't have to if you don't want-”

“Oh I'm under very strict orders.” Blaise smirked. “If I want to keep my pretty face, I best comply.” He paused. “Besides…Katie…someone should walk you down the aisle. You're just lucky it's me.” Blaise said and she laughed.

“Very lucky indeed.”

Scorpius and Narcissa were the first to walk down the Aisle who then went to their seats, holding hands. Then it was Theodore and Pansy, linked arm in arm. The two broke off at the alter. Pansy stood at the brides side to the left and Theodore to the grooms side at the right. After that followed Crabbe. Theodore and Draco mentally kicking themselves that it didn't look seamless to suddenly have one best man alone. Crabbe stood beside Theodore. Finally everyone was told to rise for the bride. Draco felt his heart flutter.

“She's gorgeous.” Theodore muttered in Draco's ear. Draco quickly met his eyes and swallowed. “As usual then?”

“Oh just you wait.” Theodore murmured.

When the music started, Blaise looped his arm with Katherine's. “Ready?”

“Yes and no.” She admitted and he smiled.

“You can do it, Katie.” He reminded her.

“My legs feel like jelly.” She cracked a teary smile.

“I can tell, your hands are shaking.” Blaise smiled.

When the mark hit Katherine and Blaise started to walk. He made sure she stayed on time with the music.

Theodore put a hand on Draco's shoulder and Draco turned to look. He inhaled sharply, the air knocked out of him. A smile growing on his face. Serenity washed over him. When they got to the alter, Draco reached out and Blaise put Katherine's hand in Draco's before moving to stand beside Pansy.

The ceremony went well. Very well. However, once it was over with, the reality struck Katherine again that she had gotten married and none of her family had shown up. The witnesses to her wedding were the very people who believed her less than any of them.

Despite how many actually turned up for Draco. Katherine's mind began to doubt. She wasn't even sure if it was paranoia. However she couldn't escape the sinking feeling that no one here truly believed that she belonged. They had appeared merely because the Malfoy's had requested it. Not because they genuinely supported the marriage.

Perhaps even she was second best if even considered worthy to be associated with the word ‘best’. These same people reliving the wedding, her wedding, and remembering the first. Astoria and Draco's wedding.

Katherine excused herself suddenly and quickly from her seat at the head table. She tried to keep it together. Appearances meant everything to everyone around her and if her make up was ruined that would be used against her in her social standing. Something she couldn't afford.

She went into the room where she had gotten ready, closed the door behind her and slid down the door onto the floor. She caught every tear and tried to breathe through the sniffles and hiccups.

She had thought marrying Draco would help her feel more worthy yet now she felt like a fraud. The downgrade of Astoria Malfoy. Not even her own family had shown up. Helping to raise a son that no one would ever consider hers and it be considered best she didn't have her own. At least not with Draco lest she ruin the bloodline after centuries. Yet she adored Draco and Scorpius all the same. She didn't regret it but she couldn't say it was a part of the dream.

Draco noticed that she was gone and had been gone for twenty minutes. He worried that if he checked on her, he'd draw unwanted attention to her. He knew she was being brave and that her family not attending was a big blow to Katherine on her wedding day. He knew he'd talk to her about it. Put her mind at ease. He just had to wait until after the wedding to do so. That’s when Lucius spoke up through the microphone. “Now I'd like to invite the happy couple to the dance floor for their first dance."

Draco looked to his side discreetly, eyes flickering to Katherine's empty chair. He exhaled and held back the burning embarrassment and incoming dread that since Katherine had been gone for a long time, it could mean she wasn't coming back. The piano started to play a slow melody. Just as slow as the sinking feeling in his heart when there was a rustle of fabric from a dress and the sound of heels on wood and there Katherine stood, on the dance floor waiting for him. Her gaze watching him as she wore a small smile.

The weight lifted as he looked her over for a moment, a faint smile grew upon his face. Within seconds so many things were said.

Are you okay?

You're so beautiful.

Where did you go?

Thank you for not leaving me.

He stood up and moved around the table towards his new wife with elation, joy and relief that for their sake, he didn't show. His family and friends didn't need to know that.

Draco's smile grew as he moved toward her. "Hey, darling." He spoke quietly and smiled fondly. "Sorry, I missed some stuff." Katherine apologised sheepishly, being just as quiet.

"You didn't." He reassured, taking her waist and starting the dance. She looked discreetly at the audience and Draco frowned slightly as he saw the tension in your body. She leaned in closer, nearly nose to nose with him as he met you halfway. "Do you wish I was as good as a pureblood bride?" She asked. His frown disappeared and he relaxed again, hand sliding up to cradle the nape of her neck momentarily. "You are." He smiled and swayed the two of them with a little more intent, trying to loosen her up to enjoy it. It's what he wanted for her at the very least.

After every tribulation, he wanted to both remind Katherine of their victory as a couple and reward the effort at that. This was Katherine's wedding day and if Draco had any say in it. She'd only get one, and it'd become the beginning of a good life together. Like every other person should on their wedding day, he wanted Katherine to enjoy it.

As someone who was doing this for a second time, he'd be damned if there would be a third. He promised his entire life once before and fate had other plans. This time, he wanted it to be Katherine. He was ready to spend his life with her. Which is why he was so determined that this wedding would be a day she'd love despite the drawbacks. “We'll talk later but, for now, know this Mrs Malfoy.” He whispered. “I'll love you today, tomorrow and every day that comes after that. You'll be a wonderful mother as you have been to my son. Every second of my life, I want to spend it with you. Nothing will ever change that.”

Two months later…

Upon seeing the photographs they were beautiful. Perfect in every way. He was eager to get portraits done for the manor based on these photographs.

Yet one caught his eye longer. It could have just been a trick of the light. A fault in a camera. Draco stood by Katherine who held Scorpius’s hands as they faced the camera. His gaze overlooked himself and instead latched onto Scorpius grinning and Katherine's radiant smile. However, by Katherine's shoulder was a light like the side of a circular reflection. Like the sun peeking out behind an eclipse just outside of the moon's outline. A crack of light. It didn't ruin the photograph by any means but wasn't ideal. Yet he saw the same light in another photograph that just so happened to be in the space of a reserved seat for Gregory Goyle. Smaller from the distance and beside Mrs Goyle.

Draco was no expert in cameras or photography but he was sure that any glitches or faults in the camera wouldn't be smaller or closer in distance. They'd simply block whatever the subject was. That told him it was nothing to do with the camera. There was nothing to reflect on Katherine's shoulder, certainly nothing to reflect from a wooden chair in the distance.

“If I recall well, you agreed in wanting to make the living room cozier,” replied the person who at the time was still the sole owner of number 12, at least until the joint ownership procedures had been approved by the bureaucratic machine that was the Ministry. If the couple in question had been another, for example straight and not featuring an ex-convict, even if completely cleared of all charges, and a registered werewolf, he was certain they would’ve already received a response, but they weren’t a common couple, and with it came pros and cons.