Chapter Text
Once they were both frozen mid-step by one of Narcissa’s hexes, the matriarch marched over, wand still raised, and gave them a thorough piece of her mind — only to break off halfway through, voice cracking, before dissolving into tears.
“Oh, don’t look at me like that,” she scolded weakly as she unfroze them, pulling them both into a fierce embrace. “You’re impossible. Absolutely impossible.”
Then Draco told her about the ring — about Astoria’s diamond, how Hermione had woven it into his band — and that was it. Narcissa cried harder, clutching at her chest, calling for the Greengrasses, who promptly joined the group hug, Katherine sobbing openly as she thanked Hermione over and over.
After far too many tears and not nearly enough tissues, they were finally ushered back inside and settled around the table, plates overloaded, wine flowing freely.
“Even Mum baked less, ’Mione!” Ron said around a mouthful of beef Wellington.
“That’s because you were po—”
Draco yelped as Hermione jabbed him sharply in the ribs.
“You will say no such thing,” she warned sweetly, “or you’re sleeping on the sofa for a week… husband.”
The room erupted in laughter, glasses clinking as toasts were made — to love, to friendship, to peace, to survival.
When Hermione slipped away to fetch the cheese, Narcissa followed.
In the quiet of the kitchen, Narcissa took her hand gently. “Hermione… know that I am very glad Draco has you. As a mother, it is my greatest blessing to see my son this happy.” Her voice softened. “I don’t think he has ever been this happy. And I know it is because of you.”
“Narcissa,” Hermione murmured, already blinking fast, “I’m going to cry again.”
“I know you don’t need it,” Narcissa continued firmly, “but you have my blessing — officially. As a mother. As a Black. And as a Malfoy. It is an honour to welcome you into our family.”
Hermione hugged her tightly. “Thank you.”
“I am still cross about the elopement,” Narcissa added briskly.
“We are still having the wedding!”
“It’s not the same.”
“I was thinking,” Hermione added carefully, “of a soul bond.”
Narcissa gasped, eyes shining. “Truly?”
“I haven’t told Draco yet,” Hermione admitted, “but… it feels right.”
“They are rare,” Narcissa whispered, already emotional again. “Oh, I am absolutely spending the night crying. Now — food. Before Theodore starts speaking nonsense.”
A few hours later, Theo had in fact been temporarily banned from speaking after one too many crude jokes. Pansy swayed gently with Neville, Daphne chatted with Ron and her parents, Blaise discussed parenthood with Ginny and Draco.
Scorpius slept on the couch with a party hat slipping over one eye and his dragon plush in one arm.
Hermione stood with Narcissa setting out desserts and champagne for the countdown, chatting about dresses and venues and flowers, until Draco stole her away for a slow dance, pressing a kiss to her temple.
“I’ve never been this happy,” he whispered.
“I know,” she murmured. “Me too. I think… you were the missing piece. We made it. After everything.”
He kissed her again as Theo and Harry wolf-whistled.
Ten minutes before midnight, Scorpius was woken gently and bundled into her arms, blinking sleepily as everyone gathered around the television.
“Before we count down,” Hermione said softly, squeezing Draco’s hand, “I just want to say how grateful I am that we all found our way back to each other. It wasn’t easy — Merlin knows that — but I would do it all again to find you.”
She smiled through tears. “I wouldn’t trade Theo’s crude jokes or Harry’s blushing. Or Pansy and Ginny dragging me shopping to spend Malfoy galleons. Or Daphne’s stories, Ron’s appreciation of my food, Blaise’s historical lectures. Or Narcissa’s fierce love. Or the Greengrasses, who taught me that family is built on love and acceptance.”
Her voice wavered. “And I certainly wouldn’t trade those two blond smiles every morning. You are my favourite chaos. I love you all.”
“Hermione,” Pansy sniffed, “I cannot break character and cry. I’m allergic to emotions.”
“Come here, Pans,” Hermione laughed, kissing her cheek.
They counted down together, before all screaming “HAPPY NEW YEAR” — Scorpius wriggling free to hug every guest in turn before Hermione kissed his head and turned to Draco.
She kissed him softly. “To many more New Years as your wife.”
He smiled against her lips. “I like the sound of that.”