Hi everyone!
Some of you have probably already read my "A Muggleborn Malfoy" series consisting of one-shots. I decided to delete the individual works and compile them into one story so it's simpler to follow. Sorry for the inconvenience.
There is still one more one-shot to be added to this collection, so stay tuned for that.
I hope you enjoy it!
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Disclaimer: Everything belongs to J.K. Rowling. I own nothing.
Chapter 1: A Malfoy Marriage
Summary: Narcissa Malfoy watches as her son experiences on of life's most beautiful milestones.
Malfoy Manor had never felt so radiant.
Bells chimed against the hum of the wind, infusing the atmosphere with melodic tones. Winter had evolved into spring, creating a vibrancy that had been absent in times past. White and red roses lined the gardens of the estate and large, neatly-trimmed bushes surrounded the backyard.
Narcissa Malfoy watched from the window as guests began to arrive and took their seats in the lawn at the back of the Manor.
Simple, white chairs were aligned in rows with an open space acting as an aisle in the middle. At the front of the setting, where the bride and groom would wed, a tall arch stood, adorned with ivy and flowers.
Narcissa dabbed her under eyes with her finger, wiping away the tears that were beginning to appear.
Draco, her beloved son and only child, was getting married to the love of his life today. Draco Malfoy was marrying Hermione Granger.
Unlike her husband and son, Narcissa never felt any particular animosity towards the girl. Despite being a pureblood and having connections to two of the oldest wizarding families-House of Black and the Malfoy Family-she did not harbour the same feelings of resentment that other purebloods did towards muggleborns. That's not to say she liked Hermione in the past, no. She was simply indifferent to her existence.
However, she had heard much about her over the years. Whenever Draco returned home for breaks during the school year, he would gripe about the "insufferable know-it-all." Lucius would often refer to her as "Potter's mudblood" or simply "the mudblood" whenever she was involved in one of Potter's schemes or recent occurences relating to the Dark Lord.
After years of listening to rants, complaints, and extensive accusations, Narcissa had later concluded that both her husband and son were simply jealous.
Lucius was jealous, she assumed, because the girl often interfered with his missions, such as the notorious Battle of the Department of Mysteries during Draco's fifth year, which landed him in Azkaban and severely diminished the Malfoy name in the Dark Lord's ranks. She often outsmarted witches and wizards more than twice her age without using a hint of dark magic.
Draco, however, was jealous because she had been a threat back in his Hogwarts days, Narcissa presumed. Lucius had been disappointed after learning his son had come in second, and to a muggleborn no less. That wasn't to say Draco earned unacceptable marks. At Hogwarts, he received mostly Exceeds Expectations and Outstandings and managed to qualify for a few N.E.W.T. level courses.
However, Lucius cared much more about status than marks. Losing to a muggleborn witch was a far worse defeat than failing a class, in his eyes. Draco admired his father deeply, craving his approval and took the discontent to heart.
Learning that a muggleborn witch was not only at the top of Draco's class, but was also one of Potter's friends, led Narcissa to the realisation that her son also felt threatened by her "position" as the Chosen One's best friend.
The understanding of the dynamics between her son and his soon-to-be wife was not something Narcissa had discerned immediately. It had taken her years to recognise that their Hogwarts rivalry laid the foundation for a romantic relationship to emerge after the Dark Lord's death.
Despite their childhood and teenage hostility, Narcissa gathered that both children still maintained a mutual respect for each other's intellectual capabilities and willingness to protect people they cared for.
When she first heard of the relationship though, she had been baffled. Not because her son fancied a muggleborn, but because a muggleborn fancied her son.
Narcissa loved her son more than anyone in the world and like any mother, thought very highly of him in all regards, but she was not ignorant of the political climate leading up to the Second Wizarding War.
The hatred it induced had been so powerful that she didn't know if purebloods would ever marry someone outside of their inner circle. Not because of blood purity necessarily-though there were still many pureblood supremacists-but because the prejudice they had promoted seemed like it would prevent them from mixing with other members of the wizarding community ever again.
But that's when she realised why her son fell in love with Hermione Granger. She possessed the loyalty and bravery of a Gryffindor, willing to do anything for the people she loved and refused to be degraded by anyone. Yet, she was also willing to forgive Draco-the boy who treated her with utter disrespect and hurled hurtful slurs at her during their childhood.
Hermione gave him a chance at redemption.
Narcissa had been aware of the pressure her son faced when he was made Voldemort's youngest Death Eater, though she didn't believe anyone else could understand.
Draco's attitude had already begun to shift when he learned that the life of a Death Eater was not the paradise he had imagined his father living. After the war, however, when she learned Draco and Hermione's relationship was becoming serious, the subtle differences in her son's beliefs became more obvious. Hermione Granger had an effect on people and her son was changing for the better.
And for that, Narcissa Malfoy was eternally grateful.
She never wanted her son to become a Death Eater. Throughout the war, she began to realise just how sickening the idea of blood supremacy was and the high sacrifices her family's allegiances demanded. Yes, she, Draco, and Lucius made it out alive, but at what cost?
But then Hermione Granger came into her son's life again at some point shortly after the war's end when he began working at the Ministry. She was already known for being incredibly smart and courageous, but she also proved to possess a heart of gold, giving Draco a second chance that others did not.
As Narcissa reminisced about her son's relationship, a pair of arms wrapped around her from behind.
"Mother, you don't have to cry," Draco whispered. "It's only a wedding."
Though, when Narcissa looked up at him, she noticed a pool of wetness beginning to glaze his grey eyes as well.
"I'm just so happy for you," she sobbed. "You've just grown up so fast and Hermione is a wonderful girl."
His embrace only intensified the feeling of contentment in her heart, generating more tears of happiness.
"Oh, Mother," he sighed, quickly wiping his eyes and looking away to prevent a stream of tears from cascading down his face.
She squeezed his cheeks, placing a kiss on his forehead. "I love you so much."
"I love you too, Mother," he smiled.
"I only wish your father were here," she admitted after a moment.
Lucius had been arrested immediately after the end of the war. He refused to defect from the Dark Lord like Draco and Narcissa had at the Battle of Hogwarts, so he was now serving time in Azkaban. He was, however, one of the lucky ones. Other Death Eaters that still remained were serving life sentences.
Draco nodded, though he didn't comment about his father. He gazed out the window as if he were memorising the intricacies of the Manor's gardens. They both missed Lucius terribly, but could not deny the horrible duties he had performed under the reign of Voldemort.
Narcissa could sense that Draco was feeling overwhelmed and perhaps a bit wistful, so she decided it would be best to give him a moment alone.
"I'm going to check on Hermione," she decided.
He bowed his head slightly in acknowledgement as Narcissa left the room.
She walked down the hall to the bride's room, carrying an emerald green box fastened with a silver ribbon that was tied into a bow.
"Hermione, dear," she spoke quietly, opening the door and stepping into the room.
Hermione turned, wearing a semi-sheer, floor-length gown. It was a blush-pink colour, highlighting her skin tone and auburn locks. The fit was loose, but still managed to accentuate her petite frame beneath. Her forearms were uncovered; the loose sleeves ended just past her elbows and hung delicately around her arms. The v-neckline showed off her contoured collarbones and bronzed skin.
Around her neck hung a small, silver pendant on a thin chain. When Narcissa inspected it, she noticed the necklace had an "M" engraved on the surface, resembling the Malfoy family crest.
Her hair was natural-long, wild, and wavy. She wore a floral crown adorned with roses and leaves. Her face was free of makeup and her freckles seemed to glisten as the afternoon sunlight caressed her exquisite features.
The sight was beautiful. Hermione was stunning. Narcissa thought she looked like a goddess.
She forgot about the gift she was carrying and momentarily abandoned it on a nearby table. Rushing over to Hermione, she cradled her face in her hands.
"You look gorgeous, sweetheart," she admired, tears threatening to slip from her eyes again.
Hermione beamed. Her smile seemed to brighten her already vibrant expression even more.
"Thank you, Madam."
"Oh, please," Narcissa hummed, still in a state of awe. "We're family now. You can call me Narcissa."
She embraced her daughter-in-law tightly, pressing her against her chest. "Draco is going to be so thrilled when he sees you."
"I hope so," Hermione giggled shyly. "How is he doing?"
Narcissa sighed. "He's a bit sad about his father's absence, but overall quite excited. You know how he doesn't show his emotions very openly."
Hermione offered a small smile as she gazed up at her mother-in-law. "I'm so lucky to marry him."
Narcissa was warmed by her daughter-in-law's heartfelt kindness, yet again. "Dear, he's the one who's lucky to marry you."
This time, Hermione hugged Narcissa tenderly. "Thank you for everything," she whispered after a moment.
After they broke the embrace, Narcissa remembered the gift she had. Reaching out, she grabbed it off the table and held it out to Hermione.
"Here my dear, this is for you, as my blessing for your marriage."
Hermione carefully untied the ribbon and opened the box. Inside, she found a set of traditional wizarding robes, usually worn for special events. A long black dress and cape were folded neatly together, along with a silver clasp and black gloves.
"Oh, my. Thank you so much, Narcissa," Hermione gleamed, as a few tears began to fall from her eyes. "They're beautiful. I love them."
Narcissa smiled back, but quickly grabbed her face again to wipe the younger witch's face dry. "Oh, dear. It's almost time to go out. We can't have you sobbing already."
They giggled together as Narcissa finished drying her under eyes, straightened her flower crown, and kissed her on the cheek, wishing her good luck.
Walking out the door, Narcissa exited the Manor and found her seat in the front row next to Andromeda-her previously estranged sister whom she reconciled with after the war. Andromeda held her grandson, Teddy Lupin, in her lap as he giggled and pulled at her hair.
Looking around, Narcissa noticed that most guests had already arrived and were seated, awaiting the arrival of the bride and groom.
Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley sat a few rows behind her, cradling their newborn son. Draco's old housemate, Pansy Parkinson, was seated next to Ginny and held Ron Weasley's hand. There were many other young couples Narcissa recognised from Draco's year at Hogwarts. Theo Nott and Daphne Greengrass, Blaise Zabini and Tracey Davis, Greg Goyle and Millicent Bulstrode, Seamus Finnigan and Lavender Brown, and even Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood.
In addition to Draco and Hermione's fellow Hogwarts alumni, other older adults were present as well. Narcissa did not know all of them, but was able to recognise Minerva McGonagall, Hagrid, Kingsley Shacklebolt, and the rest of the Weasley family.
A string quartet was positioned in the front, but off to the side. They were playing elegant music that filled Narcissa's ears with a pleasing melody.
Quiet chatter swept through the air as old school friends and families were reacquainted at the beautiful event, but it soon began to die down as Draco walked down the aisle and took his place at the front of the garden. The musicians began playing a new tune, indicating the beginning of the ceremony.
Draco looked so handsome, Narcissa thought. He wore his classic, all-black suit with a black cape hanging off his shoulders. A silver pendant was attached to his chest and his Malfoy ring was wrapped around his index finger.
His blonde hair was neatly gelled back, though some pieces fell forward, framing his pointed features. It was a stark contrast against his dark attire, but a flattering one.
He maintained his usual, emotionless expression, though Narcissa could see the elation in his eyes as tears threatened to escape them.
Suddenly, the entire audience turned as Hermione stood at the end of the aisle. She looked even more breathtaking in the sunlight. Narcissa had never seen a smile so genuine, one that displayed the purest form of joy a human could experience. Every eye was focused on her and the ethereal beauty she emanated. Harry had stood up to walk his best friend down the aisle.
Unfortunately, Hermione's parents could not be located after the war and she would have to walk the aisle without them ever knowing. The thought saddened Narcissa, though she knew the bride considered everyone in attendance her family.
Glancing back at her son, she noticed a few tears had slipped down his face and he promptly wiped them away, willing himself not to sob in front of the large audience and Hermione.
Harry extended his arm and the stunning witch reached out and clutched it with grace. They strode down the aisle elegantly, as everyone maintained their focus on the bride.
The music came to a halt as Harry and Hermione reached the end of the aisle. Releasing her, he gave a curt nod to Draco and returned to his seat.
The bride and groom intertwined their fingers and gazed at each other lovingly. Narcissa felt her heart flutter as she witnessed the happiest moment of her son's life, as well as her own.
Hermione's back was facing her, but Draco's face was visible. His eyes softened the moment he held her hands and tears were now openly pouring down his face, though he wasn't completely sobbing.
The audience emitted a soft chuckle upon seeing the usually confident, unemotional Draco Malfoy now teary-eyed.
Hermione reached her petite hands up to his face and wiped away a few of the tears before the minister began speaking.
During the war, Narcissa did not foresee a bright future for her family, no matter the result of it. However, once the Dark Lord was defeated, she doubted her son would ever find real love. That was the least of her concerns though, really. She only hoped that her family would be safe and live relatively quiet lives post-war. She assumed Draco might marry a nice, young girl from another respectable pureblood family, but she couldn't imagine true passion or affection in a relationship like that.
No, he never did fancy a pureblood girl though. He loved the purest and kindest soul Narcissa had ever met: Hermione Granger. She was a lioness at heart, but possessed a tenderness for Draco only.
The ceremony was beautiful.
The bride and groom shared their vows and promised to love each other "til death did them part." They placed rings on each other's hands. Hermione's ring was a silver band with an "M" carved into it, similar to the Malfoy ring Draco wore. Draco's ring was thin and silver, embellished with small jewels from a necklace Hermione's mother had given her as a child.
"And I now pronounce you Lord and Lady Malfoy," the minister spoke.
The newlyweds sealed their love with a kiss.
The music began playing again as the crowd cheered. Narcissa was fully sobbing now, though she was accompanied by many others, including her son.
Draco and Hermione Malfoy strode down the aisle, smiling brightly at each other, hand in hand, heart and soul united forever.