A Summer in the Life of Draco

"CISSY?! WHERE'S MY VEIL?!" yelled Dominique from the spare bedroom. The wedding started in forty-five minutes and the house was in total and utter chaos. When Keith was running through the hall, he had nearly knocked over the wedding cake. Ella was down in the hall greeting guests, Melanie was searching for Dee's veil, and Narcissa was trying to find her stilettos.

"GOT IT!" yelled Melanie when she discovered the white veil in the master bedroom. She sprinted down the hall and back to Dominique. The hairdresser was very impatient and snatched it from her hands. He centered it into the bun of ringlets that sat upon Dominique's head. She looked at herself in the mirror and clapped her hand to her red lips.

"I... look... GORGEOUS!" said Dominique as she began to fan herself with her free hand. Melanie rolled her eyes. She was such a drama queen.

"I found them!" said Narcissa as she hurried into the room. She had finally found her stilettos in the downstairs closet. When she saw her little sister, she stopped dead in her tracks.

"Oh my goodness, Dee! You look beautiful!" said Narcissa as she began to fan herself too. It must be genetic, thought Melanie. Just then, Draco opened the door and popped his head in.

"Um, ladies? Do any of you know how to tie a bowtie?" he asked. The hairdresser, Geoff, walked towards the door.

"Move your pretty little hand and let me do it," he said. His voice... it was so... so... QUEER! Draco screamed and ran down the hall and locked himself in the bathroom. Since his run-in with the boy in Paris, he was slightly homophobic. "What? Was it something I said?" said Geoff as shrugged his shoulders and walked out of the room and down the hall to the study where the boys were preparing.

Lucius was pacing the floor as John fumbled with his bowtie. He had to be down at the alter in half an hour. This was not the stress he needed.

"Oh, come on John! It can't be that difficult!" said Lucius as he tried to remember how to tie it. Just then, Geoff came into the room.

"Move over and let me do it!" he said. Lucius and John had no idea who this strange man was that had intruded into the study. Geoff did a few twists of the fabric and it was soon tied perfectly into a neat little bow. "You, come here," he said to Lucius. Normally he wouldn't listen to some random person, but he was desperate. With his nose in the air, he let Geoff tie it quickly for him.

"There! Now you boys better hurry up! You have twenty minutes!" he said as he turned and left the room. With a shrug of their shoulders, the boys continued to prep themselves for the biggest day of John's life.

Down the hall, Ella was standing outside the bathroom door trying to coax Draco out. He was refusing to go anywhere near the hairdresser.

"Draco, you sissy! Come out! It's not like he's going to jump you! I won't let him, I promise," she said. Finally, she felt the knob turn and Draco opened the door cautiously. She smiled and tried to hold back the laughter. He looked like a ferret that had been shaken up in a can. "Come here and let me fix your hair," she said as she moved his hair back into place. He smiled his thanks.

"How much time do we have?" asked Draco. Ella looked at the clock on the wall.

"Shit! We have less than fifteen minutes! Go get the boys! I need to make sure that the ladies are ready," Ella said, slightly flustered. She pushed Draco down the hall to make sure that he got the message.

"Ladies! We have just enough time to lace up the stilettos! Move it!" said Ella. She sounded like a drill sergeant. Just then, Dominique remembered something.

"Wait! I can't go down there yet!" she screamed. Melanie, who was lacing up Dee's dress, gave it a tug and carried on.

"What do you mean? We have to get you down there!"

"I don't have something old, something new, something borrowed, or something blue!" she said in distress. Narcissa rolled her eyes.

"Oh Dee, come on! That's a muggle tradition!"

"So? I think it's sweet! I'm not leaving until I get those things, so you better hurry up!" she said in a very stuck-up manner.

"Ella, we need to finish getting ready. Do you think you could get us something new, something borrowed, and something blue in less than ten minutes? We'll get something old," asked Melanie. Ella thought for a second. It would be a challenge...

"I think I can do it. I'll be right back," she said as she left the room. She hurried through the downstairs until she saw Draco, who was waiting by the back door that led to the garden.

"Draco! I need a galleon!" she said breathlessly. Draco looked at her with a raised eyebrow.

"What for?"

"I just need it! There's no time to explain!" she said. Draco rolled his eyes and reached into his back pocket and pulled out a large silver coin and gave it to her. She kissed his cheek and thanked him quickly. She still needed something blue and something new... and then it hit her.

She sprinted upstairs and rummaged through her trunk. She knew she had packed it somewhere! When she had finally found what she was looking for, she realized that she needed something new.

Ella thought for a second on the floor of her room. What did she have that was new? When she had finally thought about it for two very long minutes, she convinced herself that Dominique was already wearing new shoes, so she didn't need anything new. With that in mind, Ella hurried down the hall to the other guest room that was serving as the bridal suite.

"I've got it! Ok, here's a galleon that I borrowed from Draco," she said, handing the coin to Dominique. She put it into her bra. "You're wearing new shoes, so you don't need that. Now hold out your foot," said Ella as she unscrewed the bottle of blue nail polish.

"You're going to screw up my pedicure!"

"Oh, take a chill pill! It's only one toe!" said a very irritated Ella. "Where's the something old?"

"Oh crap! Melanie, get me that bag! I've got an old something of Dee's in there," said Narcissa. Melanie did as she was told. They only had three minutes until they walked down the aisle.

Narcissa dug quickly through the bag until she found a silver chain. It was an old anklet that she had borrowed while on their stay in Paris. "Dee, hold out your ankle!"

Dominique did as she was told. Narcissa quickly attached the anklet. Ella looked at the clock on the wall and shooed them out of the room and down the stairs. They got there just in time to hear the pianist begin to play the music to walk down the aisle.

Draco was nervous. He stood at the end of the aisle between Derek and his father as they waited for the girls. John looked nervous as well. In the wizard world, you had to be damn sure that you wanted to be married. They believe that marriage was forever, whether you liked it or not. Hence, the Unbreakable Vow. There was a soul mate out there for everyone and it was important that you wanted to be married.

Just as the music began to play, Draco's ears perked up. He watched the end of the aisle as one of his little cousins, Annabelle, began to spread the rose petals. Followed closely behind her was Adam, John's nephew. He held the pillow that contained the rings. Then, the ladies began to come.

First came Narcissa. She was wearing a silver, floor length gown that had a deep v-neck. It was a halter style dress that accentuated her curves.

Next came Melanie. She was wearing a strapless, silver gown that had a slit up the thigh. It showed off her beautiful cleavage.

Ella came last. Draco thought she looked flawless in her silver, knee-length gown. It had a scoop neckline and she wore silver lace-up heels that wrapped elegantly around her muscular calves. Her hair was pulled up onto her head in a beautiful display of curls.

When Ella had reached her place by the alter, the music stopped for a moment and the crowd stood up. The bridal march began to play. John's back became straight as he waited for his bride.

Dominique turned the corner and stopped at the end of the aisle. She would be walking herself down the aisle today since her father was dead. The walk down the aisle was slow and she tried to fight the urge to run to the alter. She loved the dress that she had decided to wear.

It had taken many tries and trips to fifteen different bridal shops, but they had finally found the perfect dress in a little shop on the outskirts of Paris. It was a white, strapless gown that had a hoopskirt. The train was at least eight feet long. On the back were two strips of fabric that featured black embroidery of roses and vines. The bodice also featured the same embroidery. The bodice had a corset that was laced with black ribbon. It fit her like a glove and she knew that it was the perfect dress for her.

John smiled when he saw her. There wasn't a doubt in his mind that he had found the perfect woman for him. He stood up proudly. When she reached him, he happily took her hand and waited for the ceremony to begin. The priest glanced down at his book, smiled at the two of them, and prepared to start.

"Marriage is the holiest of unions. It takes something stronger than magic to create a true love. Today, Jonathan and Dominique show their love for each other by pledging their loyalty with all of us as witnesses. Please step forward and we will begin."

~*~*~*~*~

"And do you, Dominique, promise to uphold the honor of both his and your family's as they join into one?"

"I do," said Dominique. The final vow had been said and the last bit of silver escaped the end of the priest's wand. He put it back into his robe.

"By the power invested in me by the British Ministry of Magic, I know pronounce you husband and wife. John, you may kiss your bride," he said. John smiled and leaned in. He kissed Dominique sweetly on the lips. There was a shower of rose petals and two white doves were released. There was an eruption of applause as Dominique and John turned to face the crowd. Draco glanced over the aisle as they got out of the way. Ella was quietly blotting her wet face with a tissue. Narcissa was as well.

They started down the aisle, each of them pairing of with the next person. Derek went first, accompanied by no one. Then Narcissa and Lucius went arm in arm. Keith and Melanie were next and then Draco looked at Ella.

She was still silently crying. The ceremony had been absolutely beautiful and she hadn't wanted it to end. When they began walking back down the aisle, Ella took the arm that Draco was offering her. She gazed up into his gray eyes and smiled. Not looking from each other, they walked to the end of the aisle as the rose petals continued to fall. Draco thought he heard the priest say something about meeting in the tent, but he wasn't sure. He was just so wrapped up in Ella.

When they finally reached the tent, they could see that it was already crowded. Dominique and John had slipped away and were taking pictures while the rest of them waited patiently. Draco and Ella worked the crowds, occasionally talking. They were walking down one of the paths in the large garden when they saw Melanie, Narcissa, and a group of other women they didn't know. They made their way over to them.

When they got close enough, they saw that they were all gathered around a redheaded woman who was holding a baby. The ladies were cooing to the little thing and saying compliments on how adorable she was. Ella dropped Draco's hand and made her way over to see it.

"Oh, Maya, she's beautiful!" said Narcissa. The little girl was wearing a pink dress and gazing up at her admirers. Ella walked to the middle of the group.

"Maya, this is my daughter, Ella and Narcissa's son, Draco," said Melanie.

"Pleasure to meet you two," said Maya with a smile. Ella couldn't hold it in anymore. She sat next to Maya on the bench and asked the question she was bursting to ask.

"Can I hold her?" she asked. Ella loved babies.

"Sure! Her name's Taylor, by the way," she said, carefully handing the baby into Ella's waiting arms. A smile lit her features as she gazed fondly down on the little girl.

Draco, who was standing a little ways back, watched the scene. Ella looked beautiful with a baby in her arms and he couldn't help but notice it. He found his mind drifting to thoughts of him and Ella with their own baby, strolling through the park...

"Draco? Do you want to hold her?" he heard Ella say. He snapped back from his day dream. Yes, he wanted to hold the baby. The problem was that he had always been anxious about holding babies. What if he dropped it, or it started crying? He was just nervous about it, that's all.

"I don't know..."

"Come on, Draco," said Narcissa. "She doesn't bite."

"Oh, I guess so," said Draco. He sat next to Ella on the bench. She carefully laid the baby into his arms. Draco tried to recall everything he knew about holding babies. Support the head... if they cry, don't panic...

As soon as Draco felt the weight of Taylor in his arms, he softened. The little girl gazed up at him with a smile on her face. He couldn't help but smile himself. Any fears that he had had were now gone. He brought his finger to her cheek and gently stroked it. She began to laugh and she grabbed it. It was strange. Draco noticed for the first time the beauty of a baby's tiny fingers...

Just as Draco began to play with her, Lucius and Keith came over. It had been nearly forty-five minutes since the wedding and people were starting to wonder where the bride and groom were. Keith answered this question.

"They're just wrapping it all up now. We went and checked," he said.

Ella leaned over Draco's shoulder to see little Taylor. She linked her arm through his and gazed upon her pretty face. Resting her chin on his shoulder, she held her hand out to Taylor, who grabbed her finger as well. They didn't know it, but the group was watching them.

"Oh, I want one of these," said Ella, not realizing what she had said.

"Me too," said Draco. There was a giggle from a few of the women who were standing there. Draco and Ella didn't realize what this must sound like to them.

"I don't think so!" said Melanie.

"You're far too young!" said Narcissa.

"I'd keep an eye on these two if I were you," said another woman in the group with a laugh. Keith and Lucius looked very uncomfortable. Ella and Draco both blushed.

"That's not what we meant!" said Draco as he carefully handed the baby back to Maya, who was smiling at him. He could feel the embarrassment on his face. Ella was laughing at her disability to keep her thoughts in her head. Luckily, Dominique saved the day.

"Well, what are we waiting for?! Let's get this party started!" she said. They group made their way into the tent and the DJ came on to announce their arrival.

"Ladies and gentleman, can I please have your attention? We would like to begin this celebration and it gives me great pleasure to introduce to you for the second time, Mister and Misses John Bancroft!" he said. Everyone clapped as the couple began their first dance.

Ella stood by Draco's side as she watched the newlyweds. The love that they felt for each other was something that could not be hidden. She laid her head against his shoulder. When they were finished, they announced that food was available. As usual, they didn't need to say that twice...

~*~*~*~*~

It was six thirty and the sun was just starting to set. John and Dominique had been married officially for five hours. So far the night had been magical. Dancing, partying, cutting the cake... it was all wonderful.

"Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please! All of you ladies without a ring on your finger, get out onto the dance floor for the throwing of the bouquet!" said the DJ. Ella, who was schmoozing with an old family friend, made her way through the crowd so that she could get a prime location. Dominique stood by the stage where the DJ was and turned her back to the group of about twenty girls. Ella wanted this bouquet even if she had to tackle somebody.

"Ok ladies, I want this to be a neat and orderly operation! Ready? One... two... three!" yelled the DJ as Dominique through the bouquet up and over her head. It landed short of the group and Ella dove onto the ground with about three other girls. She pushed one out of the way and kicked the other and before she knew it, she was raising the flowers into the air.

"What now, ladies?! WHAT NOW?!" she yelled. She was a little short of breath and began laughing uncontrollably. She had achieved her goal.

Draco, who had watched this whole ordeal from the sidelines, laughed along with her. In her haste to catch the bouquet, her curls had been knocked askew. She walked off the dance floor and towards him. He held out his arms and she ran into them, still laughing. Then, the DJ made yet another announcement.

"The ladies have had their chance, now it's time for you men! If there isn't a ring on your left hand, get your booty out here!" he said. Ella looked up and Draco with a smile.

"No way in hell, Ella," he said. These little public things weren't his thing.

"Please, Draco? For me?" she said with that famous puppy-dog pout. Draco tried to look away, but it was no use. She was far too powerful.

"Oh, all right," he said, irritated. Ella clapped her hands as he walked out onto the dance floor. A group of about fifteen boys had gathered. Dominique sat in the chair as John made a big show about removing the garter. Draco stood at the back of the group with his arms crossed and looking very much like he didn't want to be there. When John had finally removed the black and white lacey band, the DJ made the call.

"Alright gentlemen, on the count of three! One... two... three!"

The garter flew out of John's hands as he tossed it over his shoulder. There was a slight scramble as everyone looked for where it had gone. The crowd parted when they realized who had caught it. Well, he hadn't caught it exactly...

Draco looked towards the top of his head. He reached up and grabbed the garter, which had landed neatly upon his blonde little head. He was slightly embarrassed as he walked off the dance floor to Ella, who was laughing with the rest of the crowd. He had really not wanted that to happen.

Just as things couldn't get any worse, the photographer went up to the two of them and asked for a picture.

"Come on Draco, it's not that bad!"

"Oh fine... ONE picture," said Draco. Public embarrassment was absolutely not his idea of fun.

"Wait one second! Something isn't right..." thought Ella as she examined him. She spotted the garter in his hand and had an idea. "Give me that!" she said, snatching it out of his hand. He looked confused. Before he could open his mouth to object, Ella put the garter around his head. She turned him towards the camera and smiled with the bouquet up by his face. The camera flashed and the photographer thanked them for their time. Draco glared at Ella, who just laughed.

They exited the tent together, arm in arm. Ella still laughed at Draco and he just tried his best to ignore her. They floated through the crowd, occasionally talking to someone they knew. When they had made their way to a fairly secluded area, they sat on one of the benches that had been brought in for the occasion.

For a moment, nothing was said. Draco sat there looking at something in the distance, seeming a little out of it. Ella stared at him, wondering what must be going through his mind.

"Penny for your thoughts?" she asked. He snapped back to reality with a perplexed look on his face.

"Excuse me?"

"Oh, I'm sorry... I forgot that you were raised anti-muggle. When I say "penny for your thoughts" it means you have to tell me what you were thinking at that moment. So tell me Draco, what were you thinking?" she said. He thought for a moment and then told her his answer.

"I don't know... I guess I was thinking about going back to school and seeing everyone," he said with a shrug. Ella nodded knowingly. This time, Draco gazed upon her. She had the same distanced look that he had worn only moments ago. He decided to make some small talk.

"Hey Ella?"

"Yeah?"

"What's the one thing in your past that you regret more than anything? The one thing that you wish you could change?" he asked. When he realized the obviousness of his question, he cast his gaze downward. "Sorry, I forgot."

"It's ok. I'm a lot more comfortable with it now than I was back then. I know that I need to be more careful and not let things get to me like they used too," she said with an encouraging smile. "Now it's my turn to ask a question."

"Ok, shoot," he said. Ella got a look of sadness across her face. She glanced down at her hands and thought for a long moment before letting out a sigh and turning to face him.

"Will you miss me? You know, when I leave tomorrow?"

Draco hadn't been prepared for this. It had been a topic they had clearly been avoiding since they went to Paris. I guess they thought that if it was mentioned, the magic would be gone and they would wake up from this marvelous dream they were having. But the magic was not gone. Ella was still looking at Draco as he thought of his answer.

"Ella Stone, I will miss you more than anything. These last three months have been the greatest time of my life," he said. He reached into his back pocket and pulled out a little box. He held it out to her. "This is for you. It was my grandmother's."

Ella took the box with shaky hands. She felt the smooth velvet covering on the box as she carefully opened it. When she saw what it held, she clasped her hand to her mouth.

"Draco, it's beautiful!"

"I thought you would like it. It's just a little "forget-me-not" present."

Ella still gazed upon the silver locket in the case. Embossed into the cover of it was the Malfoy family crest. How on earth could she possibly forget him now?

"Draco, it's so beautiful! Thank you so much! But... I also have something for you," she said, reaching into her evening bag. She, too, pulled out a velvet covered case. This one was slightly smaller than his, but he could tell that it was jewelry. She held it out to him. "Open it."

Draco took the box and lifted the lid carefully. There, sitting upon a little cushion, was a silvery-white band. He lifted it out and noticed that there was a little inscription on the inside of it. He looked closer at it and read what it said:

"It's a white-gold band that I bought for you in Paris. I had it engraved when we were shopping. Do you like it?" she said, biting her lip. Draco took it from the box and slipped it on his finger.

"A perfect fit," he said with a look into her eyes. For a moment, all was still. There was no one in the world but them. Time seemed to have stopped to cherish this moment that they still had. In less that twenty-four hours, they would part. Leaving behind something greater than themselves.

"Draco?"

"Yeah?"

"I... I love you," said Ella. She bit her lip nervously again. He just sat there, looking at her with a perplexed look.

"What?"

"I said I love you. You don't have to say it back, but I know that that's how I feel and I just want to let you know before it's too late."

Draco's silence wasn't what Ella thought it was. In his house, those three words were hardly spoken. Everyone knew of their love for each other and that was thought to be good enough. The truth was, he didn't know how to respond. The shock of hearing the three words he had been longing to hear all summer had finally been said.

"Ella?"

"Yeah?"

"I love you too."