The Union

                                    

                                          
Hermione had spent the last few weeks preparing vigorously for her wedding. Despite arranging every single thing with Draco, she was absolutely restless for the one thing she had not planned for with him. The wedding dress. 
She woke up in a frenzy, and despite her mother's several warnings to her to get a good night's sleep, she did not abide. Instead she sat on the edge of her bed, rubbing her eyes and trying to avoid the panic that rose in her. 
It was her wedding day, and she still hadn't seen the wedding dress.
The venue was The Burrow, on Mr. Weasley's kind and stubborn insistence. The wedding was in six hours, and Hermione felt like a billion tasks had been left incomplete. 
She got out of bed, freshened up and started arranging her bedroom, packing the last of her things she had left in her parents house before moving to the apartment. Just as she was about to panic again, she heard a knock. It wasn't coming from the door. 
She opened the window to discover a grey owl carrying a huge parcel in its claws, looking tired from it's journey. It's yellow eyes scanned the room before dropping the parcel on the bed. Hermione reached for the owl treats and it immediately devoured them from her hand before setting off into the clear, morning sky. 
She examined the parcel and saw a note attached to it in crimson red ink. 
I figured you should see it before it reaches the venue in case you want any changes or tweaks. I can't wait to see you wearing it.
Draco's handwriting was shaky, as if he couldn't contain himself. Hermione felt unnervingly excited too, glancing at the shining stone on her engagement ring. She knew the dress would be perfect. 
Her hands shaking, she began tearing open the parcel.
**
For once, and Ginny was surprised to see it, the Burrow was calm and peaceful. There was no hustling and bustling. Mr. Weasley had taken the job of transforming the garden to accomodate all guests. He had set up beautifully made chairs and tables, with sage green tablecloths and lavender napkins. 
The aisle was scattered with colourful flowers of all kinds, and Mr. Weasley had constructed an arch which was decorated with live, fluttering, colourful butterflies. 
The garden looked wonderful, and Ginny couldn't help but marvel at her father's creativity and his efficient use of magic. 
Harry had taken the responsibility of 'ironing' everyone's clothes and attending to minor inconveniences, for instance fixing the zipper on Teddy's pants as he pointed it out, his hair fiery orange from fury. 
'You're just like Tonks, little buddy.'  Ginny pat his head and took his little hand in hers, leading him to the kitchen.
Ron, Bill and Mrs. Weasley had taken the role for baked items and refreshments.
'This lemonade's missing something, but I can't tell what it is...' Ron offered a spoon to Bill to check it out. 
'I think you ought to put some salt in it.' He told. 
Ginny set Teddy on the kitchen counter and handed him a plate full of strawberries and blueberries. They had discovered his hair changed to red and blue and sometimes a mixture, when he tasted either of those, and he loved that. 
'Ginny dear, could you help with the frosting, the cake is almost ready.'
Ginny took her wand out and started decorating the ten-layered cake, which was a few inches taller than her.
Charlie came bursting in, his eyes bright.
'HEAR ME OUT EVERYONE! HOW WONDERFUL WOULD IT BE IF I ARRANGED FOR A DRAGON TO FLY HERMIONE AND DRACO IN!'
The idea must have felt brilliant to Charlie, but every one just looked at him as if he had gone mad. 
'Fine... you all are jealous you couldn't come in on a dragon on your wedding.' Charlie shrugged.
'Where are Percy and George gone?' Molly inquired. 
'They went  to bring Hermione here. The guests will start arriving in a few hours.' He replied, uninterested. 
'Well then, I better give Harry the bridesmaid dresses. Luna, Parvati and Padma will be here soon.'
**
Nothing had ever put Hermione in such a daze before. Perfect wasn't the right word. Nothing was right to describe the beauty that was infront of her. White, like all wedding dresses were, it had a beautiful upper body, stream-lined to fit her perfectly, decorated in intricate, thinly sewn gold patterns of shimmering swirls. The boat-necked torso hosted lace lined arms and neck, while the frock ran down, not in a stiff manner. Rather it was flowy silk, decorated by the same gold patterns at the back, and plain at the front. 
The veil was entire lace, beautifully adorned with a single stone where it would be fixed on her head. The stone shined a shade of emerald and blues, just like her ring. 
Hermione stared at it as if she was looking at something extremely beautiful for the first time in her life, and as if it was the last time she was looking at it.
She was definitely not a materialistic person, but this dress had woven a mess of emotions she could barely describe within her. 
The door burst without warning and Mrs Granger was already yelling, 'THE WEASLEYS ARE ON THEIR WAY HERE! QUICK, TAKE A SHOWER-'
And then she saw it, her hands covering her mouth as if in sheer and utter shock.  
'Oh my God, that's beautiful!' She whispered. 
'It is...' Hermione ran a hand down the smooth silk. 
Mrs. Granger shook herself, as if freeing herself of an enchantment. 'Sweet heart, why don't you bathe? The Weasleys are on their way here and we have to get going. I'll pack this.'
She looked at her mother, a small sadness sweeping over her. 
'Mom...' she said, putting a hand on her shoulder. 'I'm going to miss you.' 
She hugged Hermione. 'Now, now dear, getting married does invoke such feelings, but we will always be here for you.'
**
When her mother said 'The Weasleys', Hermione assumed all of the Weasleys. The car ride was silent, and when they were far from the Muggle settlement, the car began to fly. Mr and Mrs Granger were amused. 
'Just like an airplane, but more convenient.' Mr. Granger laughed. 
'What's an airplane?' Percy asked. 
Mr. Granger looked at Hermione in shock. 
'Dad, you'd react the same way if I said 'Niffler'.' Hermione laughed.
**
Draco knew he was going to be late. He was looking at himself in the mirror, unsure how Hermione would react to his appearance. He wore his wedding suit, black overcoat lines with the same gold patterns in Hermione's dress, a dark green waistcoat under, with a black, shiny bow-tie. His shoes shined, and his gray eyes sparkled. His platinium blond hair were slicked back. 
'Come on Draco Malfoy, you don't want to be late for your own wedding!' Narcissa urged.
'Yes, yes, let's go.' 
He got into the carriage with Blaise and his mother, both looking extremely impatient. The groomsmen were wearing sage green coats and pants, and the bridesmaids were wearing lavender dresses, a theme both Hermione and Draco had agreed on. 
Draco felt fidgety and nervous. He couldn't wait to see Hermione in that dress. He couldn't wait to say 'I do' and take her to places they had never seen. It all felt like a dream; one that Draco would have never thought of dreaming up. 
He had hated Hermione when they were kids, and maybe it was because she was the smartest, always getting her House more points, she was Harry's best friend, and it appeared she was loved. Draco on the other hand, had always been fed hatred for muggles and muggle-borns by his father. 
Maybe Draco wanted his father's approval more than he wanted anything else in the world. And yet, despite him losing all his capabilities and qualities as a good human, he had never gotten even an ounce worth of the approval he was looking for. 
His thoughts carried him all the way to The Burrow. The noises and sound of music playing, people laughing and talking, brought him back to earth. He was surprised to see the small crowd filled with familliar faces as he got out and walked all the way up to the aisle with everyone congratulating him here and there. 
The mixture of sage green coat-pants and lavender dresses looked amazing, but what caught his eyes was how beautifully decorated the garden was. 
Narcissa got lost in the crowds, and Blaise awkwardly made conversation with Luna and Ginny. Draco craned his head to look for Mr. Weasley. 
When he found his face, he ran towards him, unexpectedly holding him into a hug. 
Arthur Weasley seemed mildly surprised as he pulled away. 
'Do you like it?' He asked. 
Draco's eyes filled with tears. 'I love it. It's absolutely spectacular.' 
He put a hand on his shoulder and smiled. 'I'm glad you like it, son.'
'Mr Weasley.' Draco stopped him as he was about to walk away. 'Will you ever be able to forgive me?'
Arthur Weasley's eyes widened.  'For what?'
Draco looked at him with nothing but gratitude. 'For letting me anywhere near yourself or your family after every terrible thing my father had done to you, let alone arranging for the most wonderful wedding for a malicious boy who hated you and your family.'
'My son, your past does not define you anymore. You are no longer who you used to be, and that's what matters the most.'
**
It was finally the moment Hermione walked down the aisle, and nothing had ever felt so magical before. Luna and Ginny walked behind her, as her father took her arm. She took a deep breath and looked at him.
'Don't worry darling, we know he loves you.'
With that they walked towards the enterance arch, decorated with white, purple and green flowers. He walked Hermione down the aisle gracefully, as her eyes landed on Draco. His eyes were a mixture of overwhelmed and overjoyed greys, as she left her father's arm to hold his hand. 
He looked at her from behind the veil, unable to take his eyes off her lucuious curls, her cherry-tinted lips, and those bright eyes. 
He couldn't help but stroke her arms, admiring her even more with every moment passing by. She looked perfect in the dress.
'Draco Lucius Malfoy,' The vows begun, and before Mr. Weasley could say any further, Draco interrupted.
'I do, I do, I do.' 
'And Hermione Jean Granger, do you accept Draco as your lawfully wedded husband?' 
'I do.' She smiled. 
Draco felt heat rising in him, butterflies twirling in his stomach, as she said it thrice.
'With the power vested in me by the Ministry of Magic, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may now-'
He didn't wait, throwing the veil up and grabbing her face gently, pressing lips to hers and not letting go. A cheer erupted from the crowd, as a shower of petals were conjured by Mr. Weasley to fall on them both. 
The best part, however was yet to come. A bell started jingling, as Draco let go of Hermione's lips. Crookshanks walked over towards them, looking annoyed. The rings were tied around her collar, and Ginny reached for them, handing them to Hermione and Draco. 
He held her hand and slowly slipped the ring on, smiling at her mischeiviously. She put the ring on his finger, smiling back.
Blaise walked up on the aisle, reaching for his wand, making it into a mic. 
'Ladies and gentlemen! Today, my best friend has achieved something beautiful, a partner, a woman his heart not only yearns for, but needed desperately. I'm not good with speeches, so I'll just say this.' He rose a glass of champagne towards the couple. 'I hope your babies look better than the both of you.'
There was an eruption of laughter, and Hermione couldn't help giggling, looking at the scowl that had managed to form on Draco's face. 
'To Hermione and Draco!' Ginny raised her glass, holding Harry's arm. 
'To Hermione and Draco!' The crowd bellowed. 
Draco looked at Hermione as she was approached by Ron and Harry. He watched her talk to the guests, laugh and cry. He had never felt so blessed before.