Disclaimer: All canon characters, plots and situations from the Harry Potter series belong to JK Rowling. We make no profit from this story.

A/N: Hello to readers, new and old! This has been on hiatus for quite a long time, but I promise you needn't give up on me yet! I solemnly swear that I have every intention of completing this story. I am in the process of editing the current chapters uploaded and plan to release a new chapter as soon as that is finished. I hope for both our sanities, that is soon! I thank you tremendously for sticking with me!

For those that are new readers - This is a FEMSLASH and will eventually involve some degree of lemons. Seventh year AU, with ZERO involvement of MoldyVoldy. He does not exist! Characters may seem OOC for the sake of my version of this universe. Roll with it.

Welcome aboard the SKMW wagon. I do so hope you enjoy!

She Keeps Me Warm

Prologue

"...I know you may be scared, and I know we're unprepared, but I don't care…"

(Vulnerable - Secondhand Serenade)

Looking around the garden, he noted each detail was in perfect position. The house elves had prepared everything exactly as requested. If so much as one lantern had not been lit, or one flower nearly wilted, Pansy would have his head.

Draco Malfoy was seated on a stone bench just near the entrance of the spacious greenery. Taking a long pull from his glass of Ogden's, he studied his wife from afar. He'd always admired the way her hair seemed to glow, and the evening sun cast a brilliant halo around her porcelain face. He watched as she whispered to Pansy and ran a soothing hand down her arm. He wasn't used to seeing his longtime friend so frantic; she always exuded such calm. Yet there she was, her normally composed face held in a slight grimace as she wrung the hem of her dress in a nervous frenzy. He fought the urge to cross the lawn and slap her fingers away from the delicate material. She'd surely curse herself later for the wrinkles she was causing.

Just a few feet over stood Hermione Granger, completely oblivious to buzz of anticipation surrounding her. She leaned in briefly to smell a patch of flowers he was certain had not been there this morning. Pansies, he realized, were planted all around the area they were occupying.

What a coincidence, he thought dryly.

Shaking his head, he grinned as he acknowledged there were some constants you could forever count on, like Pansy Parkinson always being a bit self absorbed or Hermione Granger drowning out her surroundings as she focused solely on whatever task was at hand. He chuckled none-too quietly, rolling his eyes plainly enough that Pansy noticed and lifted her brow in suspect. He winked at her reassuringly, knowing full well she was on to his mindful teasing.

Draco swept his eyes across the area one last time as, fidgeting with the collar of his shirt anxiously. It wasn't even his big day, yet he still felt a slight drip of sweat on his brow. He stood slowly and made his way to his wife's side, taking her gently by the hand to lead her back towards his designated seat.

As if that were her cue, Pansy took a deep, calming breath and raised her eyes to meet his. One nod was all he needed to know that it was show time, so he and Ginny settled in to watch the merriment unfold.

While some things certainly remained consistent, he knew that the best of changes had been brought to their lives over the years. He eyed his witch in remembrance, his skin warming slightly as he kissed her on the temple and turned his eyes back to his once-unlikely best friends.

With soft light glowing from the lanterns as the sun sank away, life in this moment was absolute bliss.

He grinned ear to ear as he watched Pansy take Hermione's hand, lowering herself to one knee, completely unruffled at the thought of grass stains on her person. Years of proper upbringing meant nothing to the witch as the sound of joyous laughter rang throughout the garden.

He squeezed Ginny's hand tightly before gently wiping away the tears now speckling her cheeks. It was no surprise when Hermione leapt into Pansy's open arms, ring sparkling as it caught the twinkling lights. If any of them heard him sniffle, they were much too occupied with their own emotions to call him out on it.

Change, Draco decided, was indeed a beautiful thing.