Chapter Text
Hogwarts, End of School Year, July 1999.
Today is the last full day of the school year. Tomorrow, the graduating seventh and eighth years will get to leave via the enchanted boats across the lake.
Hogwarts is brightly lit in the sun, and the skies are blue with the occasional wispy white cloud. Exams are over. Results are back for the internal exams; as for the OWLs and NEWTs exams, the students will have to wait another two weeks.
After a meeting with McGonagall, Draco descends down the stairs. He pauses by a window, which is slightly open and letting in a warm breeze, carrying joyful laughter. He can see students in their casual wear from his vantage point, scattered across the green lawns and colourful gardens and adventure playground. Some students appear to be asleep with their books covering their faces. In the distance, he can make out the motion of students whizzing across the quidditch pitch.
The bonds in his chest are peaceful.
The past year has been...a lot, filled with impossible happenings. Yet they had happened, and now Draco’s life has turned out like this, and it will change again at the next stage of his life.
This won’t be the last time Draco sees everyone, and this won’t be his last time at Hogwarts. A Muggle London trip has been organised for all the students in the summer holidays, as proposed by Hermione Granger. Later, Draco will also have to return to Hogwarts to hand over the Head of Slytherin title to a new professor chosen by McGonagall (though he’ll keep the robes since they’re his). Assuming that his NEWTs results go well, Draco plans to start a joint charms-potions mastery. Harry wants to volunteer in charity work in a ‘gap year’ that Draco suspects will last longer than just a year.
Nolan will have to return home with Harry first, with the last of the adoption procedures to be finished soon. There are also some other students that will best come stay with Harry and Draco over the summer holidays. Regardless, Draco plans to keep in touch with all of the Slytherins and werewolf students. They are also all welcome to either his home or Harry’s over any of the holidays. He and Pansy and Felicity are working on how to extend the communicative functionality of their badges, both to facilitate communication during the rest of the year, and as a new product for Pansy to sell.
Draco raises an eyebrow when one of the flying figures comes closer. He opens the large window fully, allowing Harry to touch down on the stairs.
“Watch out, don’t trip,” Draco says.
Harry jumps onto Draco’s staircase step and wraps an arm around Draco. “Save me, Draco! Keep me safe!”
“If you hurt yourself, it’ll backfire on me,” Draco says drily.
“Oh yeah, I keep forgetting about that...anyway, finally done? You can’t delay the seeker competition anymore, Draco!”
“Losing to the young children?” Draco drawls.
“No, no, I simply need to beat you so that, for the rest of our lives, I can say I was better than you at seeking at Hogwarts,” Harry says boldly.
Draco narrows his eyes. “You dare say that?”
“I do.” He leans in, but before he kisses Draco, he jumps back onto his broom. “Catch me if you can!”
Draco huffs at the lost kiss and summons his broom. A second later, he flies out the window, eyes narrowed towards Harry Potter’s bottom on that broomstick.
“Catching you? You can’t run forever,” Draco shouts.
Harry looks over his shoulder. “Turning into a dragon is cheating!”
Draco pouts. Damn it. “I don’t need to do that to catch you!”
They completely forget about a golden snitch as Harry abandons the casual quidditch match he’s supposed to be playing in favour of flying all over Hogwarts, Draco hot on his tails.
And Draco would like to say that he eventually catches Harry, and Harry likes to maintain that he’s still the best seeker since Draco failed in catching the snitch, and so both are happy with the outcome.
Winter holidays, December 1999.
Since the start of his joint apprenticeship in charms and potions, Draco has been staying with Harry in Grimmauld Place in London.
On the first Yule and Christmas after graduation, Draco returns to Malfoy Manor.
It’s not the first time Draco has spoken to his parents in person after he proposed to Harry, but it is the first time others have come too: Harry and Nolan and Pansy and Blaise and Francis Mallow and Alice Mistle and some other students who would prefer not to go home for the Winter Break (although for Francis Mallow at least, he may end up being pseudo-adopted into the family of his best friend, Alyss Singh).
It’s the condition that Draco proposed to his parents—he will return to Malfoy Manor for Yule and the Winter Solstice, but he will spend Christmas with Harry and the children. Whether he stays at Malfoy Manor at Christmas or, say, the Burrow, is his parents’ choice.
In the end, Lucius scowls and proverbially throws his hands in the air. “Invite whichever riffraff you want, you’re clearly already thinking of yourself as Lord Malfoy.”
Narcissa gives Lucius a glare before turning to Draco. “I will prepare the North Wing for their arrival.”
Malfoy Manor is big, and it would be no problem for Draco and the others to stay in the North Wing the entire time. In the worse case, Draco will do just that.
Harry arrives first with all relevant children from Hogwarts. As Hermione had reminded him beforehand, Harry prepares all the correct kinds of gifts for Narcissa Malfoy and Lucius Malfoy, as does Nolan.
With Draco staring them down, Lucius accepts the gifts with an unchanging cold face, while Narcissa smiles politely. “Thank you. Draco will show you to your rooms.”
“Yes, thank you, Mr Malfoy and Ms Malfoy,” Harry says.
Nolan can’t help but slump slightly when he follows Draco to the North Wing. Mr and Ms Malfoy didn’t ask him to call them ‘Grandpa and Grandma’. It reminds him that although Harry has adopted him officially, Draco is still not officially his father.
Nolan looks up when a hand falls on his hair.
“Don’t worry,” Draco says, patting Nolan on the head. “I’ll make it work out.”
Nolan nods, and then Harry distracts him by trying to pat his head too. Nolan shoves Harry’s hand away.
“But why can’t I? I’m your father too!”
“Only on paper, Harry,” Nolan retorts.
“Fiance, son, you two should get along,” Draco teases.
Both Harry and Nolan pull a face, like father like son. Draco’s lips twitch in amusement, but he won’t tell them this little fact.
Narcissa ends up becoming distracted when Ms Zabini arrives alongside Blaise. The two retire to Narcissa’s drawing room with afternoon tea and catch up on old times and reminisce on when their sons were young.
Ms Zabini sighs dramatically. “Well, in the end, they’ve both grown up well. The War was truly a big mess, but they’ve pulled through for the better.”
“Yes.” Narcissa’s eyes lower to the teacup in her hand.
Lucius ends up becoming distracted when Mr Parkinson arrives alongside Pansy. The two of them retire to Lucius’s office while Mr Parkinson tells Lucius in incredulous tones the business empire his daughter has created over the last less-than-a-year.
“—And your son has been earning a lot of royalties just by existing,” Mr Parkinson says jokingly. “All those dragon toys, who made them so popular? Not to mention the charmed devices available on commission.”
Lucius’s eyes flicker as he recalls Draco’s incitement to disown him. The name and reputation that Draco has already made for himself. The followers, too. If Lucius ignores the fact that this fame and these followers are not the ideal kinds of people, then one could judge Draco as being successful.
With the way Draco is going, he might even be able to hold a Wizengamot seat in his lifetime, despite the Death Eater conviction. Unlike Lucius.
At dinner that evening, a few days before Christmas, Draco notices the glances his parents give him and the others, which is more contemplative than the annoyance at the speaking at the dining table.
Then, on Christmas morning when Draco and Harry and the others come down to the room with the big Christmas tree, they find all the older adults waiting, including Narcissa and Lucius.
Both sides are pleasantly surprised to find that they’d prepared gifts for each other.
When the children give heartfelt thank yous to Narcissa Malfoy and Lucius Malfoy, both for the gifts and for allowing them to spend Christmas here together, Narcissa and Lucius can’t help but think: maybe this liveliness is...acceptable after all.
A year later, summer 2000.
In a bright and airy room in Grimmauld Place, Draco makes a face at the vague silvery mist emitting from his wand. The window overlooks the back garden, where Nolan and some other Slytherins are playing.
“An entire year and you still can’t cast a Patronus charm?” Harry teases. “I was successful in my third year. I must be a genius!”
“I’ve been busy,” Draco retorts. “For example, my mastery. For example, the engagement party preparations, which will be happening next week, do you realise? Perhaps I’m simply not happy enough. Expecto Patronum—mmfff!”
Harry wraps his arms around Draco and plants an enthusiastic kiss on his lips.
All of sudden, the wispy silvery mist becomes the silvery mist of dragon smoke, and a huge silver dragon emerges from the tip of Draco’s wand, far bigger than the room.
Outside, the teenagers jump to their feet, mouth dropping open at the half-of-a-dragon poking out of the house.
“That’s Dad’s Patronus,” Nolan says proudly.
Harley snorts. “Yeah, I gathered.”
Back in the room, Draco finishes the kiss with Harry and pushes him away so that he can smirk.
“What was it that you were saying about not having a Patronus?”
Harry rolls his eyes. “I helped!” He grins. “You’re clearly happy when I kiss you.”
Draco pokes Harry in the chest. “Summon your Patronus.”
“Expecto Patronum.” A large silvery stag emerges from Harry’s wand. While the stag is bigger than both of them, it suddenly looks very small next to the dragon.
Draco gives Harry a pointed look. “Now that I’ve perfected the Patronus charm, it’s time for you to acquire your animagus form.”
Harry grimaces, glancing again at the difference between the stag and the dragon. “Yes, well, you can’t expect me to hold a mandrake leaf in my mouth during the engagement party, do you?”
“Oh, you’ve earned a delay...for now,” Draco says.
“Yes, it won’t be a problem at all—isn’t it close to lunchtime now? Teenagers get hungry quickly, let me prepare lunch!” Harry dissipates his Patronus and heads out of the room to the kitchen, where Draco knows all the food is already prepared.
Draco lets him pretend otherwise. They have a long time together, after all. Draco will convince Harry eventually.
Another year later, summer 2001
After the large engagement party a year ago, Harry was so tired and didn’t want to hold a wedding at all. However, at the threat of a surprise wedding instead, he capitulates.
“...You’re not even organising it,” Draco says drily.
“But I have to attend,” Harry grumbles. “Why can’t it be a small thing?”
“Our mothers would tie you up, and not in a pleasurable way,” Draco drawls.
Harry makes a face. “Fine, I trust your decisions.”
“Good, now go and sign Nolan’s school forms for me…”
The main organisers of the wedding are Draco, Narcissa Malfoy, Molly Weasley, and Minerva McGonagall. Narcissa wants to hold the wedding at Malfoy Manor while Molly wants to hold it at the Burrow. With neither budging, Draco successfully asks Minerva to hold the wedding at Hogwarts during the summer holidays instead.
The date is chosen such that it's away from the full moon, though over the last few years, werewolves, through various training, have started to gain some control over their transformation the way Draco can control his. And with the introduction of the scholarships and monetary support in honour of Remus Lupin, as paid by Harry, there are now also more Healers and magical academics studying medicine relating to werewolves.
On the day of the wedding, the weather cooperates with warm sun and blue skies and cool breeze.
Narcissa and Molly and Minerva greet the guests by the gates of Hogwarts: only those with invitations are allowed to enter. Those without invitations can only buy one-time-only wedding commemorative items Pansy has on sale, including a silver dragon and golden stag joint toy set, and wait for the future news articles written by selected journalists. Lee Jordan is one of them, Luna Lovegood being another. With them, Pansy and Narcissa don’t need to threaten them to ensure good articles.
Wedding guests who do successfully pass the gates then walk up the pathway towards the castle gardens. Silver and gold adorn the pavilions and trees, and flowers are even more abundant than during Draco and Harry’s Valentines date years ago. Neville Longbottom has outdone himself.
Hogwarts glows as wedding guests admire the castle and the scenery. Hogwarts glows brighter when Blaise Zabini arrives.
“Out of all the castles, you are always my first,” Blaise assures Hogwarts as he sends a gift of magic to the castle. Over the last two years, Blaise has become an emerging expert in the care of magical buildings (Pansy likes to call him a castle whisperer), but despite all the opulent castles he has visited and worked with, Hogwarts has a unique charm and personality and will forever hold a place in his heart.
Good! Hogwarts replies with satisfaction. Hogwarts becomes even more pleased when Blaise starts working out some of its magical knots that it didn’t realise it had.
Jamie Ottley arrives with Charlie Weasley, as he has been doing a summer internship at the Romanian dragon reserve along with a couple of other students interested in dragons and Greg Goyle, the latter of whom has also been working at the reserve after his community hours were completed.
Jamie happily greets Michelle Nguyen and makes an exaggerated confused face when she starts talking about the novelty mini rituals she’s been able to create as part of her internship with a magical theorist.
As the time draws nearer to the ceremony, a nervous Harry fights the urge to pace around.
“Nothing substantial will change,” Hermione tries to comfort Harry.
“Hey, if you mess up, we won’t laugh too much,” Ron says with a grin. “Ow!”—That’s when Ginny punches his arm.
“Just do it. Get it over and done with so that we can eat,” Ginny says.
“Draco will love you regardless of whether you mess up,” Luna says with a serene smile.
“That’s right,” Ginny agrees.
Ron pouts. “Hey, when I say Harry will mess up, you punch me. What’s with the double standards?”
Ginny sticks her tongue out.
“Alright, everyone, don’t make Harry more nervous!” Molly admonishes. “Harry, you look lovely, and Draco will think so too.”
“After all, he chose those robes for you,” Andromeda adds, carrying a toddler Teddy in her arms.
“How about I look after Teddy while you walk down the aisle as my proxy?” Harry tries.
Teddy cutely shakes his head. “No, no no!”
Meanwhile, in another white pavilion, Draco raises an eyebrow when a loud voice calls out.
“Draco! They’re here to see you!” Hagrid says.
Draco walks out of the pavilion, much to Narcissa’s dismay, to greet the large black thestrals. There are new baby thestrals that Draco hasn’t met before, while the previous baby thestrals have grown big.
Draco shakes his head in exasperation. “But you are still clumsy,” he chides indulgently when a particular thestral stumbles over its own legs.
After Hagrid promises he’ll let the thestrals watch in a roughly fenced area separate from the human guests, Draco submits to Narcissa’s final touches on his robes.
“Everyone, may you all please take a seat, the ceremony will soon begin.” McGonagall’s voice carries through into the pavilions.
On cue, Harry’s and Draco’s hearts begin to beat faster.
Narcissa reluctantly leaves the pavilion first.
On a grassy area outside the castle, a white arch with curling plants stands. There are three columns of chairs and two aisles. At the front, Narcissa, Minerva, Nolan, and Molly await.
As everyone finds a seat, soft music starts. The chatter quiets as the processions appear.
Minerva speaks. “Welcome, friends and family. We are gathered here today to witness the bonding of Harry James Potter and Draco Lucius Malfoy.”
On one side, Harry in golden robes is being led by Arthur Weasley, followed by his attendants: Hermione and Ron.
On the other side, Draco in silver robes is being led by Lucius Malfoy, followed by his attendants: Pansy and Blaise.
Minerva smiles warmly as the two groups approach.
Nolan’s chest starts to get choked up as Harry and Draco walk over to him, and he’s not sure if the gilded open box in his hands—which contains the rings—is shaking or not. He smiles wobbly when Draco gives him a warm look.
“The story behind Harry and Draco can span books. As first their professor, then headmistress, then friend, it has been my pleasure to see these two young wizards grow up and grow together into fine young men. The grooms have both prepared their vows, which they will now speak.”
Harry goes first. “I, Harry James Potter, love you and I promise to love you always.” He stops. “That’s it.”
Draco raises an eyebrow.
Harry grins. “Okay, fine. You were a smarmy kid, but you were my arch nemesis. Through everything, despite everything, I’m so happy to be standing here with you today. I promise to cherish you always, to love you and to honour you, and not even death will part us.”
“I, Draco Malfoy, believe in my heart that you are my soulmate. You may be a Potter, but you’re my Potter.”
Harry’s lips twitch in amusement.
“I promise to love you always, in sickness and in health, and not even death will we part.”
Draco turns to Nolan, who holds out the rings. Draco mouths a thank you as he and Harry each pick up a ring.
Minerva waves her wand above each ring. A thin line of magic connects to two.
“Today, Draco Lucius Malfoy and Harry James Potter have chosen to complete a marriage bond,” Minerva says solemnly. “Together, they will share their joys and share their sorrows, and share their lives.”
This time, Draco begins first, threading the ring onto Harry’s hand. “With this ring, I bind myself to you.”
“With this ring, I bind myself to you,” Harry echoes.
They press their hands together, palm to palm. The magic in the air coalesces around them as the bond settles in their chests.
Harry starts to smile, and Draco can’t help but smile in return.
“By the power vested in me as the Headmistress of Hogwarts, I now pronounce you husband and husband!”
To the riotous applause and the sparkling magical lights, Draco and Harry kiss.
THE END