The In-laws

The In-laws

Chapter 1 'Father of the Bride'

Harry Potter is sitting in a big, fluffy armchair in the middle of a nicely decorated living room... however, he looks anything but comfortable. He frowns, resting his chin in one hand and anxiously tapping the arm of the chair with his other. He is about forty-five, but other than obviously having aged a bit, he looks just like he did at Hogwarts at age eleven. Messy brownish-black hair (now sprinkled with a few wisps of grey) and small, round glasses. Next to him, in an identical hunter-green armchair, is Hermione Granger. She is curled up behind a huge book. She is oblivious to Harry as he looks up and begins to tell the story.

My Haylie. It seems like just yesterday Hermione and I held her in our arms and watched as she performed her first spell--magically refilling her juice cup after she had spilt it on the floor. It seems like just yesterday she received her Hogwarts letter in the mail, and all she talked of were Quidditch matches and transfiguration classes and winning the house cup.

I have no idea how it happened. I tried so hard to be a good father.

It all started a few days before Haylie's graduation. It was around dinnertime when she suddenly came bounding through the door with her best friend Krista Weasley. Haylie's long, wavy, chestnut hair was identical to her mother's at that age, and I have to say, her sparkling, mischievous, green eyes reminded me of my own. I had never seen her looking so joyfully radiant.

"Mom! Dad!" she laughed, practically pouncing on Hermione and me. "I'm getting married!"

Neither Hermione nor I said anything for a moment; I think we were waiting for her to finish the joke.

"Well, aren't you guys going to say anything? I'm so excited, I-I have everything planned!! It's going to take place at the end of the summer, and here..." She and Krista skipped around the kitchen and shoved a catalogue of bridesmaids' gowns under Hermione's nose. "Look Mum, I like these violet ones, don't you? I mean royal blue is nice too..."

Hermione looked as if she had been struck with a stunning spell.

"Haylie," I said finally.

"What?"

"You're only 19 years old! You have your entire life ahead of you for marriage. I certainly wasn't married at age 19, and your mother and I have never even met Devin... I'm assuming it is your boyfriend Devin whom you're intending to marry?"

"Well you were married at twenty one; that's pretty close Dad! And of course it's Devin! You know we've been dating since 3^rd year. And you just never see him because his family always goes on such exotic vacations over holiday. I mean most people do, it's just that WE always have to stay here doing the most boring--"

"Sweetheart," Hermione cut in weakly, recovering from her trance. "I don't even know his last name."

"That's true Hale, " I added, "We don't."

Haylie looked exasperated. "Oh, don't you two ever listen? I talk about him constantly! Mum, I always tell you about the sweet little gifts he sends me and how wonderfully he dances at all of the Yule balls! And for goodness sakes Dad, I tell you all the time how we compete in Quidditch and how I make him think he's let me win."

Hermione shot me a regretful look. It was a good point. I guess I had been selectively tuning out Haylie's Devin ramblings, attributing them to a passing teenage infatuation.

"I love him! I've never been so in love with someone in my entire life. He's head boy, you know! Did you even pick up that much? He speaks three languages, he's sooo amazingly brave! He can beat almost anyone in a duel." She smiled dreamily. "You guys are going to be so pleased with him."

"He's also filthy rich." Krista smirked.

"So tell us," I sighed. "What is my soon to be son-in-law's last name?"

"Malfoy."

Chapter 2 'The Unthinkable'

"We're moving to Austria because he's going to be doing some executive work for Gringotts, and I decided I want to be an author. I'm going to write this column for Witch Weekly--"

I heard Hermione give a tiny gasp.

"Mum, I know you wanted me to stay here and work for the Ministry, but I honestly need to get away for a bit, I really do. I want to see the world! Devin's so cultured and I've never even been out of England!"

I didn't know if I was going to laugh or cry. "Did you say Malfoy?"

"Yes Dad, I've only told you a thousand times over the last three years... Uh, you guys look thrilled. Thanks for your support," she added sarcastically.

I wanted to say something... anything. I really did.

"Well, Krista and I have lots of planning to do, so, I'll be back later!" Smiling once again from ear to ear, my only daughter skipped back out the front door.

I had tried to keep my work as an Auror as much apart from my family life as possible. I suddenly realized that in doing so I had never mentioned to Haylie the names of any Death Eaters or suspected evil wizarding families. I thought I had been shielding her from things she didn't need to be bothered with. She was so young. So free...so protected from the evil I had been so accustomed to dealing with at her age. It's true- we had never even taken her out of England. I had just wanted to make sure she was always safe.

Hermione's large almond eyes began to fill with tears. "I never even imagined that slimy ferret having children."

I gently placed my hands on her shoulders. "Now Mione, we don't know for sure that this kid is... Draco Malfoy's son." I could barely choke out the words. The simple thought of my conceited, manipulative, Hogwarts nemesis instantly filled me with anger.

"I just had such high hopes for her. She's so intelligent Harry, and she has your brilliant sense of adventure...I thought maybe she'd even become an Auror like you..."

"Hermione...."

She began sobbing uncontrollably. "And now to think she's fallen in love with some horrid... Death Eater!"

"Now, now, we don't know that for sure. Honestly, Mione, there isn't any recorded proof that Draco Malfoy is a Death Eater, and we do have the names of most of them. We know his father Lucius was one, but Draco..." I suddenly couldn't suppress the urge to laugh.

"What is funny about this?" Hermione snapped.

"J-Just try picturing Draco Malfoy as a mature adult. I just can't get the image of that tow-headed little school boy out of my head."

Hermione had to smile. "Constantly surrounded by those two huge goons."

Suddenly we were both laughing and reminiscing on the many ways we had outwitted Malfoy and the other nasty Slytherins back during our school days.

"Honestly, Mione, Devin could be completely different from his father."

"I guess you're right."

Chapter 3 'Devin'

Draco Malfoy is seated quietly at a large mahogany desk in his luxurious office. He is a very attractive middle-aged man, but seems to have lost his childhood vivacity. His cold, grey eyes stare intently through a pair of faint, square-shaped spectacles. He is reading a piece of parchment.

Oh, I remember the day clearly. The day I had lost just about all respect for my own son. I was about to respond to his fascinating letter when he came bounding through the door himself. It was remarkable how much he resembled me at his age. Slicked back blonde hair, thin build, and full of perpetual energy. It made me smile.

"Father, I know you were coming up to see me for graduation on Tuesday anyway, but I just had to speak with you--"

"Still seeing Potter's daughter, Devin?" I didn't even glance up.

"Oh, Father, you know I am, you have my letter right there--"

"Then get out of my office."

Instead he slammed his hands down on my desk for emphasis. I always enjoyed his rebelliousness. Courage was something I never had growing up.

"Listen to me! I'm so happy, Father, so please, please, just consider what I've explained to you in my letter. We have everything planned perfectly; we're going to live in Austria for a few years...and I know this is going to be a bit much to ask but, I want your blessing."

I had to suppress a chuckle. "Well, it's quite an interesting idea you have here Devin but--"

"Father, I'm serious. I love her."

I slowly drew my spectacles away from my face. "You want to marry Haylie Potter?" I stood up and circled my desk until I was facing my son. We were exactly the same height. I don't know when that happened. "You want to marry the daughter of the one man who is the sworn enemy of the Dark Lord? And don't say you won't care what people will think!"

"But you're not a Death Eater! What do you care what they think?" I stiffened at hearing the title and how freely it rolled of my son's tongue. My voice was an angry whisper.

"I care because we still want to remain on the good side of the Dark Lord, foolish boy!" But that wasn't it. There was something else. Call it a schoolboy grudge, but I just couldn't bare the humiliation of facing Potter and his crew again, forget being related to them. "Are you going to ruin the time-honoured relationship our ancestors have built between this family and those with power...due to a silly love affair with some stupid Mudblood?" Devin's face turned to ice.

"You've never let yourself fall in love, Father. I don't expect you to understand. But give up your false pride, will you?" With that, he stormed back out the door to my study, leaving me in a bewildered rage.

I could hear Pansy and her personal decorating assistant in the hallway, discussing some unnecessary fireplace renovation--which would undoubtedly be costing me a fortune.

"Pansy." My patience was virtually non-existent at this point. "Pansy, come here!"

"Oh, I'm so sorry Giorgio, I'll be back in just a minute. You take those measurements.... what." Her syrupy tone dropped as she stopped outside my office and tapped her excessively long, red nails on the doorframe. "Can't you see I'm a little busy?"

"Have you heard our son's latest plans?"

"Is he...going to become a Death Eater?" she whispered, her eyes wide with anticipation.

"No!" Honestly the woman was so stupid sometimes I couldn't believe I'd put up with her for 20 years. "Although I would rather that than this. He...He wants to marry Harry Potter's daughter." I could feel the blood rising to my cheeks as I spoke.

"Oh, that. Well I knew that," she mumbled.

"You what? How long have you known that? And why on EARTH didn't you tell me?" This was impossible. I was about to perform an unforgivable curse on myself just to put me out of my misery.

"Oh," she cooed. "Well Devin told me not to, dear. Come now, Drac. Surprisingly, she's a very pretty girl, haven't you seen her? Looks nothing at all like that dishevelled mother of hers. And I guess she is a pure blood--"

"A Pure Blood!? Anything born of that Mudblood Granger is-- "

"Oh, who bloody cares about Granger. Are you still jealous that she graduated top of the class with more O.W.L's than you?" Pansy let out a piercing giggle, twisting a coarse, brown curl around her finger. "Oh, she'll probably have her nose buried too deep in some book to even attend. All that matters is that this gives me the opportunity to throw the grandest celebration the wizarding world has ever seen. Every witch who matters will be speaking about it for years to come!"

"What the hell- Pansy! You know Granger's parents were Muggles!...Oh bloody h- think of our grandchildren!" I began thunderously pacing the room. "This will permanently corrupt the Malfoy lineage... impossible. This is not happening! I won't let it happen," An eerie thought suddenly crossed my mind. "What would my father have said?" I collapsed back in the chair and covered my face. "I am a disgrace. If my own son doesn't know to stay away from Mudbloods and Muggle lovers...then I'm a failure as a father."

Pansy sighed and put her hand on my shoulder. "Yes, I was personally hoping he would marry India Zambini; Blaise and I have become quite good mates lately and were planning on purchasing a beach house together on the Mediterranean. Oh, can't you just see it, dear? I've really always wanted to live closer to the water. I was thinking of something yellow with a nice, white balcony overflowing onto the..."

Kill me, please. Someone.

Chapter 4 'Dinner at the Potters'

After weeks of failed attempts at dissuading Haylie and countless fits of tears, Hermione and I reluctantly decided it would be best to finally meet our soon to be son-in-law. In mid August, Haylie invited Devin over for dinner.

Hermione was rushing around pulling out all of the best china, carefully rolling brightly coloured napkins around the silverware and decorating each room with freshly picked flowers from our garden. Haylie was also running about, whining that her curling spells weren't working and blaming Hermione for cursing her with such frizzy hair.

I sat in my favourite green armchair, pondering the situation and glancing over The Daily Prophet. Hermione dashed by in a huff.

"How are you so calm at a time like this? I refuse to be humiliated by the Malfoys! Everything has to be perfect, so Devin can see for himself how--"

"Hermione, I don't care what Draco Malfoy thinks. And I certainly don't care what his son thinks."

"Well, I won't have him returning to his parents to insult our beautiful home...those pompous, insolent--"

"Mum!" Haylie had overheard and stopped in the doorway, arms folded indignantly. She looked simply elegant in her light blue sundress.

Hermione sank back into the other armchair. "I'm sorry Hale, it's just...you don't know these people. They're, well, your father and I grew up with them and--"

"I know Devin! And I've met his parents, too."

"You have?" I looked up from the newspaper.

"Well once, at a Quidditch match."

"What did they say to you?"

"It was just for a minute or so. Devin's mum just said she had heard so much about me from Devin and that she was pleased to meet me."

"What about his father?" Hermione grumbled.

"Um, well he kind of just nodded...he was really busy reprimanding Devin for not knocking Taylor Thomas off of his broomstick when he had the chance." Haylie smiled. "Actually he did mumble something about me having a pretty good Wronski Feint!"

"That's my girl! Show those Mal- I mean..."

"Dad. Look, I understand that you and Mum didn't get along well with Devin's parents at Hogwarts, but you're being ridiculous. That was so long ago. I want you guys to just act normal, ok? Don't say anything weird, and don't scare Devin. I'm going to finish getting ready."

Don't scare Devin. Funny. The kid probably had unforgivable curses ready to pop out of the tip of his wand at the slightest tap.

*****************************************************************

A few moments later, I heard Haylie quietly giggling with someone in the front hall. Hermione and I exchanged an impressed look. The kid could Apparate. She quickly straightened the table centrepiece as our daughter strolled into the kitchen, arm in arm with her fiancé.

My first thought was 'My lord. This kid is pure Malfoy.' Devin was tall and thin, with pale, blonde hair and a pointed face. There was no trace of Pansy Parkinson in him at all. He was an exact replica of the boy I had detested throughout my school days. I sincerely hoped my resentment didn't show on my face.

Haylie smiled radiantly. "Mum, Dad, this is Devin Malfoy." I cleared my throat.

"Well, it's nice to finally meet you Devin." Unlike Draco, Devin did have a charming smile.

"I'm pleased to meet you too, Mr. Potter," he said, taking my outstretched hand. "Mrs. Potter?" Hermione was clearly a bit apprehensive, but she nodded warmly and shook his hand as well. I couldn't help wondering what the kid's father had told him about us. I almost expected him to start looking around for some Auror secrets to report back to the other side. But Devin just smiled at us.

"You have a lovely home." It sounded so genuine. Hermione looked utterly perplexed.

"Thank you."

"Well, let's sit down," I said. "Come on kids. We have so much to talk to you about."

I couldn't help noticing Devin's refined manners. He pushed in Haylie's chair and stood up any time she or Hermione left the table. After we listened to their plans for the wedding--which they wanted to take place in the fall--he eagerly discussed everything from ancient magical manuscripts to the latest Gilderoy Lockhart novels with Hermione. She was gazing fondly at him. He told me about his love for travelling and about the Gringotts account he was to manage in Austria. I have to admit, by the end of the evening I was quite taken with the cultured young man myself. However, I was still contemplating what evil secrets could possibly be lurking behind those handsome blue eyes. And I was dying to know what his father had been up to all these years. Finally, I couldn't resist asking.

"So, Devin, how's your father? I haven't seen him since Hogwarts."

Devin cleared his throat. "My father? Well, um, he's doing well. He's usually working....you know, involved with his business activities." The question had obviously made him uncomfortable.

"Oh really, what kind of business?" Haylie shot me a look of death.

"He's the CEO of D.M. Publishing, Inc." I should have thought of that. The monstrous publishing company affiliated with almost every dark arts book created in the last 20 years. D.M. Draco Malfoy. Creative chap.

"I see."

"Well," Haylie chirped. "Devin and I are going for a walk before he leaves, so if you'll excuse us for a bit..." Devin jumped up after her.

"Thank you very much for having me. It was a wonderful dinner, Mrs. Potter."

"Why thank you Devin," Hermione beamed.

Haylie skipped out the door pulling Devin Malfoy by the hand.

Hermione and I sat for a while, looking thoughtfully into each other's eyes.

"Well," I started. "I...don't know what to think."

Hermione sighed. "Did you see the way he looks at Haylie? His eyes just light up every time she speaks. It's priceless. She was blushing throughout dinner."

"No she wasn't."

"They're in love, Harry."

Chapter 5 'Evening at Malfoy Manor'

I had been up all night editing an extremely important manuscript when Devin once again burst into my office.

"Good morning Father."

"What do you want."

"What are you doing up so early?"

"I'm working." I could tell he didn't plan on leaving any time soon. "On a piece that's going to become an instant international best-seller." Devin scooped up the manuscript from my desk.

"The Man Behind the Mark: A History of Our Lord Voldemort...written by the Death Eaters. Is it true?"

"Some of it."

"Oh. Well...I, um, I've realized that you've never met Haylie."

"And why would I want to meet Haylie?"

"Because...she's about to become your daughter-in-law." The words zipped a sick feeling to my stomach. "The Potters had me over for dinner the other evening, and I think we should do the same for Haylie."

I grudgingly looked up to meet my son's determined face. He wasn't going to give up.

"Fine, talk to your mother about it."

***********************************************************

Haylie looked just like Granger. I watched from a third floor window as Devin gently lifted her off of his racing broom and twirled her in the air. They were both laughing.

"Devin, your house is amazing!" I heard her exclaim as they stepped inside. Yes, aren't you an observant little Mudblood.

Pansy met them at the door.

"Oh, hello dear! Nice to see you again," she piped, just a little too cheerfully. "Marcus, take her cape will you?" Marcus, our ghost butler, swooped down to take Haylie's silk, hooded cape. I have to admit; they did look quite regal standing there...the two of them hand in hand, wearing long, black dress robes. It made me even angrier. I stood at the top of the staircase, watching.

Haylie suddenly looked up and spotted me amidst the shadows. I could tell she was wondering whether or not to say anything. I stared back at her coldly. Stupid child. How dare she cause my son to fall in love with her. Pansy followed Haylie's uncertain gaze.

"Why, Draco dear! Come down here and meet our future daughter in law." Grudgingly, I made my way down the curving, carpeted staircase.

"Miss Potter." I muttered through clenched teeth. "Nice of you to join us this evening." To my surprise, Potter's daughter smiled at me. "Thank you Mr. Malfoy, I'm so happy to be here."

Devin looked a bit anxious. "I'm going to take Haylie on a tour of the manor, all right father? We'll meet you in the hall for dinner at seven." Before I could answer, he had whisked his fiancé around the corner.

"What a pity it would be if she got caught in one of the anti-Muggle traps," I snarled. I marched back up to my study and slammed the door, kicking a house elf and cracking the doorframe in the process.

*****************************************************************

I grabbed a manuscript to bring to dinner and placed myself at the very end of the table, hoping Devin and Haylie would sit as far away as possible. But to my horror, Haylie Potter quietly slipped into the chair right next to mine. I glared at Devin, who sat down across from her, looking a bit paler than usual.

"What are you reading, Mr. Malfoy?"

Potter's daughter wants to be friends. How sweet.

"Father, do you really have to work on that right now?"

Ignoring Devin, I turned to Haylie and stared maliciously into those innocent green eyes.

"Well if you really must know..." I dropped my voice to a whisper. "...It's a list of the world's most powerful hexes and exactly how to perform them."

"Father!"

Haylie grinned, unaffected. "Sounds scary."

"Oh, it is."

"He's just kidding, Haylie."

"No, actually I'm not." Just then Pansy strolled in, followed by the house elves carrying the dinner platters.

"Now children, we need to discuss this upcoming extravaganza!" She leapt into the chair across from me. "I have quite a bit of it planned already, and I'm going to have Georgio make up the 400 invitations for our guests. Now, I'm not quite sure what your mother has in mind, Haylie..." Devin's mouth dropped open.

"Well, Mum, Haylie and I weren't really thinking of anything too large..."

"Oh don't be ridiculous darling, it's going to be huge."

Haylie seemed to be considering the idea. "Well, I guess a huge wedding wouldn't be that bad, after all. I mean, the more people there to celebrate with us, the better, right Dev?"

"I guess so."

You mean the more people there to watch me die of humiliation, the better. I slowly pushed some caviar around my plate.

"Draco dear, aren't you going to eat?" Pansy pouted.

"I'm not hungry." What bothered me the most was how utterly relaxed and content Haylie Potter was with this whole situation. She was sitting there, touching Devin's hand--with not a care in the world. I had hoped she would be a bit scared or uncomfortable or something in the great Malfoy Manor. And for goodness sake, she should at least be glancing around for some Death Eater gossip to bring back to daddy. Hadn't Potter and Granger told her anything about me?

No, by the looks of the carefree, giggling little Mudblood, they couldn't have.

"So Haylie dear," I said finally, turning toward her. "Tell me; what is it like to be the daughter of everyone's favourite Harry Potter?" Pansy smirked.

"Well..." Haylie actually seemed to be thinking about my question. Devin looked mortified. Good. "It was nice at Hogwarts, I mean, all of my professors would ask about him. Some of them actually had him and my mum as students, like McGonagall!" She smiled at Devin. "Well, I guess you must have had the same professors too, Mr. Malfoy, right? Snape always talks to Devin about you during Potions."

"Yes...I suppose so." Unlike her father, this cheery little Potter did not seem to be affected by anything I said. Damn it.

"And back to this wedding..." Pansy cut in. "The colour scheme will be green and silver, I presume, since Devin is a Slytherin, and Haylie, you are of course marrying into our family..."

That was all I could take.

"I-I'm really not feeling very well. You'll have to excuse me, Pansy."

As I climbed the stairs, I could faintly hear Devin trying to convince her that the colours of their Hogwarts houses shouldn't be an important factor in the decorations.

Chapter 6 'Countdown to the Wedding'

As autumn drew nearer, Hermione and I wondered just when we would be forced to meet up with Devin's parents. Our dread was greatly intensified the morning a huge, eerie-looking owl soared through the kitchen window and dropped a gold-trimmed envelope in Hermione's hand. It was sealed with the Malfoy crest.

Dear Granger,

As your daughter is to be wed to my darling son, I assume you want some say in the planning of this spectacular celebration. First, since I'm sure we'll be paying for most of it, I suggest we hold the wedding at our own magnificent Manor. It is much more elegant than any reception hall, and it can hold all of the many guests we are sure to be having. You may owl me back with any menu or ceremonial suggestions. I guess I'm obligated to say invite who you like, but let me assure you, I won't have any 'Muggle business' embarrassing me in front of the entire upper-class wizarding population. May I also recommend that, for their own safety, you don't bring any of your other family to the event.

Kisses & Butterbeer,

Pansy Parkinson Malfoy

"Can you believe her?! Who does she think she is?" Hermione crumpled the note and lobbed it against the wall. "What the hell does she think this is going to be? I was picturing a nice, traditional ceremony... and Malfoy Manor?! It's a wedding, not a funeral!! Noo way. This is as much our celebration as it is theirs! How dare she assume I would ever go near that awful place! I--"

"Hermione, I'm sure Haylie plans on following tradition and marrying at Hogwarts, as we did, and as my parents did."

"Oh, she better have that in mind. Because I swear, there is no way I'm going anywhere near that haunted, retched, death eater infested prison! And...and of course my parents are going to want to come see their granddaughter getting married!!" I was sure she was going to faint from hyperventilation.

"Mion, calm down! We'll simply owl her back, and let them know we're going to have just as much to do with this wedding as they will."

**********************************************************

The following Saturday, Hermione and Pansy met in Diagon Alley to make arrangements for the big day. I would have gone, but it was the same afternoon as the annual International Magical Security Council meeting. Apparently, Draco was also too busy to attend--probably making some preliminary plans to turn my grandchildren over to the dark side. According to Hermione, the afternoon went as follows:

She travelled by Floo powder to Gulliver's, a rather fancy café, where Pansy--wearing sunglasses and an excessive amount of glittering jewellery--was waiting for her at a table with an attractive, dark-skinned young man. Pansy flashed her a falsely cheery smile.

"Hello Granger."

"Hello Pansy, how have you been?"

"Oh wonderful. Simply wonderful, of course. But enough small talk, sit down so we can discuss this festive matter of business."

"Of...course." Hermione apprehensively took a seat next to the young man.

"So, my son seems determined to hold the wedding at Hogwarts, I suppose this is your daughter's ever so lovely idea?"

"Well, actually it's been a tradition in our family--"

"I see. Well, I guess the location is not as important as the other details...like the invitations." The young man sitting next Pansy immediately handed her a thick, silver piece of parchment with a black sparkling inscription. On the top was a twisting green ribbon tied into a bow. She smiled affectionately at the invitation before holding it up for Hermione to see. "Here is a copy Giorgio made up for us. Fabulous, don't you think?"

Hermione cautiously read over the glittering, Slytherin-advocating document.

Draco & Pansy Malfoy and Harry & Hermione Potter

request your presence at the wedding of their children

Devin Lucius Malfoy

&

Haylie Grace Potter

On the twenty-second of September, of the year

Two thousand and twenty-four

in the great hall of Hogwarts School of

Witchcraft & Wizardry

at seven o'clock in the evening.

"Well the lettering is nice, but I thought maybe you would have waited for me to--"

"So you like it then? Excellent. Giorgio, I need four hundred of these ready to be owled out by Monday. And how many will you need, Granger?"

Hermione was becoming too angry to argue.

"One hundred will be fine."

"Are you writing this down, Giorgio? Good. Now about the decorations. Giorgio and I agree that proper wedding decorations must match the colour scheme of the invitations, don't we?"

"Of course, my lady," the young man piped eagerly.

"So Hermione dear, shall I let Hogwarts know we'll be needing the great hall adorned with plenty of green and silver?"

"You know Pansy, I think it would be only logical to add some brick-red in with the colours as well."

"Why, of course..." she drawled, sounding not at all thrilled. "Although I don't believe my husband will be favouring that idea. Well, um, add it to the list, Giorgio. Now the ceremony--"

"I want a traditional, magical marriage ceremony for Haylie and Devin." Hermione was stern.

"Yes, well, at least we agree on that."

"With Dumbledore performing it, as he did for Harry and me."

"Oh, Granger, you can't be serious. That old hag?" Pansy broke out in a fit of hyena-like giggles.

"I am serious. And Haylie has already asked him to." Hermione flashed her a triumphant grin. Pansy pouted.

"Well, then. I guess that's all we need to settle for today. I'll be in touch with you shortly." She motioned for Giorgio to follow her to the door.

Hermione sighed and started back toward the fireplace as Pansy called after her.

"And Granger, you might want to do something about that hair before the wedding. Don't want anyone to think my grandchildren will be turning out looking like little cave Muggles!"

Chapter 7 'Rehearsal Dinner'

Knock knock knock.

"Master Malfoy, Master Malfoy sir..." A house-elf was persistently rapping on my bedroom door." I let it knock a few more times before allowing it in.

"Yes?"

"Master, Lady Malfoy has sent me to tell you that it is almost time to leave."

"Oh, is it?" I grumbled, slamming the door in its face. As soon as I had I fallen back on to the bed, Devin anxiously burst into the room.

"Father! You're not even in your dress robes yet!"

"And what if I don't feel like going? It's just a dinner, isn't it?"

"Draco!" Pansy had suddenly appeared in the doorway, practically blinding me with her fire-red robe. "You're going, whether or not I have to put you under the Imperius curse to get you there."

It was pointless to argue. I just really, really did not feel like socializing with Harry Potter.

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The great hall was not yet decorated for the wedding, but the bridal party and their families were already scattered about, chatting happily. I tried to inconspicuously seat us at a table in the back, but Pansy wouldn't hear anything of it. She marched right ahead to the centre of the festivity. I was considering just sneaking back out the door and flying home...

Then I saw him.

There, in the front of the hall, sitting with his arm around his mudblood of a wife, was my old, messy-haired, scar-headed arch-nemesis himself.

Harry Potter was smiling, and sitting across from him was none other than that carrot-topped Ron Weasley! I had almost forgotten about him. He was with his own wife, Lavender Brown, another Gryffindor from our same school year. The sight of Potter and his two love buddies all together again made my blood boil.

I was thinking of some clever, insulting greeting when I was suddenly knocked forward by a strong whack to my shoulders. Coughing, I turned to see two huge, overgrown men towering above me.

"Heya boss." Vincent Crabbe and Greg Goyle, my lackeys ever since we started at Hogwarts. "Nice party ya got here."

"I didn't know Pansy invited you two," I mumbled, still rubbing my back.

"Yeah well, our kids are in ya weddin party."

"Oh." Once I thought about it, that did make sense. Derek, Goyle's son with Millicent Bulstrode (and a quite intelligent young fellow, unlike his father), was Devin's best friend. But I honestly never knew Crabbe had any children.

"Crabbe, you have a son in Devin's wedding as well?"

"Nope. I'm just here for the food." He and Goyle let out hearty chuckles.

"Uh...right. Well, I guess you boys have spotted Potter and his pals up at the front table."

"Yeah we did. Crabbe tried to pelt 'em for ya with some olives, but he kept missin...and eatin' the rest." Again they guffawed stupidly. Then Goyle's face turned slightly serious.

"So, uh Boss, no offense or nothin', we were just wonderin'...why are ya letting Devin marry Potter's kid? In case ya forgot, the big guy isn't too fond of Potter."

"You idiot. I didn't let him," I snarled. But my stomach dropped a bit as I comprehended Goyle's words. "The Dark Lord... knows of this arrangement?"

Crabbe and Goyle were both too brainless to consider doing anything else after Hogwarts besides following in their parents' footsteps and becoming Death Eaters. So they did, of course. And they constantly prided themselves on their connections with the 'big guy.' I liked to keep a safe distance from it all, but I hadn't really thought that Lord Voldemort would be angry with me for my son's stupid decisions. This wasn't my fault!

"Yeah, uh, he don't like Potter too much," Crabbe added.

"Haven't ya even tried to stop the wedding?" Stop the wedding? No. I hadn't really thought of that.

"Of course I thought of that. It's just...well, not exactly an easy task." I guess something in the back of my mind had kept telling me Devin wouldn't really go through with it in the end. But there was Potter, sitting just half of a room away from me, looking as annoyingly gallant as always. And my son was really about to marry his daughter.

"Want us to help, boss?" They were right; something had to be done.

"Yes, I do actually." Hmm. "How about this... We'll poison Potter's daughter just enough to knock her out for the rest of tonight and tomorrow. Then, we'll take a hair from her head and mix it with some Polyjuice Potion, and one of you can drink it. Tomorrow evening you'll take Haylie's place in the ceremony, and when old crackpot Dumbledore asks you to take Devin's hand in marriage you say, 'No!' It's brilliant! Yes?" They looked as if someone had just confronted them with a complex Arithmancy equation.

"Uh well," Goyle sputtered, "if it were my son I'd just put him under the Imperius and order 'em not to marry her."

Crabbe looked even more befuddled. "I was thinkin' we just go kick Potter's arse like old times."

"All right then."

Chapter 8 'Everlasting Enemies'

It was wonderful to see Ron again. We were only able to see each other a couple of times a year since his job as U.K. Representative to the Ministry required him to travel constantly. But his daughter Krista was to be Haylie's maid of honour, and we were having a jolly good time reminiscing about our school days. We were finally realising just how many of our old Hogwarts pals had children the same ages as ours--they began showing up for the rehearsal dinner in clusters. Katie Bell had married Oliver Wood, and their son Justin--captain of the Gryffindor team two years in a row--was running about handing out shiny green bow ties to the other groomsmen. Fred Weasley and Angelina Johnson's daughter Marla Anne seemed to be organising the bridesmaids' accessories.

"Uncle Ron! Uncle Ron! Look at this!" Patrick and Audrey Longbottom, Ginny's 11-year-old twins, were running so quickly they nearly smashed right into our table.

"It's a chocolate frog, Uncle Ron. Eat it!" Audrey giggled.

"Oh, really? Are you sure you didn't get this little guy from Uncle Fred or George?"

Just as Patrick was about to protest, the frog began to swell to triple its size and finally shot out across the hall like a deflated balloon. It had most definitely been a gift from one of Ron's older brothers, owners of the infamous wizarding joke shop, Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. The children erupted in giggles, and we couldn't help laughing with them. In fact, we were having such a pleasant time that I had almost forgotten about the father of the groom.

"Better not eat too many more mozzarella sticks Potter, we don't want to see that middle of yours getting any thicker, now do we?"

Recognizing the drawling voice immediately, I gave Hermione a knowing glance before turning around. Draco Malfoy--looking much older and oddly more sophisticated than I remembered--was standing, arms crossed, surrounded by those enormous goons Crabbe and Goyle. He was flaunting that same old, obnoxious smirk. The sight of the three of them, all in their forties, standing there as if they were about to beat someone to a pulp, was enough to make anyone laugh--and I would have, if I hadn't remembered I was about to become related to Malfoy.

"Nice to see you again, Malfoy," I said flatly.

"Yes, I suppose it is. Wouldn't want to go too long without seeing my handsome face." The goons chuckled. "So, I guess this little fiasco is your doing? Encouraging your daughter to marry into the esteemed Malfoy family?"

"Sorry to disappoint you, but it was all up to Haylie." Something told me this was going to be a long night. And a dreadfully long next 50 years.

"Well, at least someone in your family has good taste. And speaking of good taste, Potter, I hope you had enough sense to invite some honourable guests as well as these impoverished Weasels. Looks like the entire freckle-faced brood showed up."

Ron's face was quickly matching the colour of his hair.

"Now that we're out of Hogwarts, Malfoy, there's nothing stopping me from beating the living day lights out of you!" Lavender was tightly gripping the sleeve of his robe. The goons were clenching their fists.

"Is that so? It seems to me you're still a bit scared of me, Weasley." I couldn't get over how little he had changed since Hogwarts.

Ron stood up, facing him.

"I was never scared of you, you conceited rat!"

"Oh, but I thought that was why Potter invited our idiotic old headmaster--to make sure I don't curse you all before you even have the chance to taint my family name. Isn't that right, Potter?"

Hermione seemed to be humming to herself.

"Ignore him. Ignoooore him, just ignore him Harry."

But I couldn't ignore him. Draco Malfoy was just about the only person in the world who had the uncanny ability to make me lose my temper. I stood up between him and Ron.

"Malfoy," I muttered through clenched teeth. "You know very well that Dumbledore is here because it is tradition in our family that he performs the marriage ceremony."

Unexpectedly, Malfoy stepped toward our table and swiftly leaned over so only I could hear what he had to say. His face was suddenly serious and void of its usual smirk.

"Listen, Potter...I know neither one of us wants this wedding to go any further than it already has. You don't like me, and I sure as hell don't like you. So why don't we stop playing along and just mutually call it off?" His voice was a harsh whisper. I was still struck by the sudden change in his expression. "It really would not be beneficial to your career for your name to be linked with mine, and I am not about to sit back and watch my family gain mudblooded relatives like Granger!"

Before I even had time to react, Ron had wedged himself between us and grabbed hold of Malfoy by the tie.

"You filthy, conniving--" By that time Crabbe and Goyle were pouncing on him, knocking me over as well.

I managed to pull out my wand. "Petrificus Totalus!" Crabbe crashed to the floor, taking a few tables with him.

After Ron and Malfoy had bashed each other for a few more moments, with Lavender crying and Hermione screaming and trying to pull me away from it all, Malfoy got the upper hand and shouted a tying curse at Ron--which wrapped his arms up tightly within his robes, leaving him in a ball on the floor. I turned just in time to see Goyle bounding my way.

From underneath Malfoy, Ron managed to point his wand and shout a muffled, "Stupefy!" Goyle was locked in raged punching pose. I immediately leapt on top of Malfoy and we rolled for a few feet, wands interlocked.

"Expelliarmus!"

Devin was standing in the front of the hall, with his wand outstretched. All of ours flew into his other hand. Next to him was Haylie, looking absolutely devastated.

"Father, what is going on?" Devin's voice was stern.

Pansy's nervous giggle echoed throughout the hall. "Ha ha, no need to worry! Just a little disagreement...all over now! Everybody get back to this fabulous party here..." No one seemed to be listening.

Haylie's beautiful eyes were overflowing with tears. I couldn't look at her.

"Dad, how could you?" She bolted out the back doors.

"Haylie!" Devin ran swiftly after her. Malfoy was still on the ground, looking repulsively satisfied.

"Malfoy." I glared down at him. It took every ounce of strength I had not to strangle him right there in front of all of the guests. "As much as I may want to agree with your proposal, I respect my daughter's decision--although I may not personally agree with it. I believe it's part of being a good father. Besides, I don't find Devin to be anything like you."

With that, I turned and walked slowly out the back of the silenced Great Hall.

Chapter 9 'The Forbidden Wedding'

I believe it's part of being a good father. Why, of course. Perfect Potter. Always the ideal wizard; fighting Voldemort, saving the world...it only made sense for him to become a perfect father as well. And as always, in doing so he had to make sure he looked better than I did. He had to make it look as if I were causing all of the trouble. He didn't want this wedding to take place any more than I did! But what was that git doing? Standing back and just watching it all happen.

I was ready early the following evening, this time it was Pansy who was rushing about--taking every last second to perfect her appearance. Devin and his groomsmen were outside, having some final pictures taken by the photographer. I was sitting in the living room, brooding, and gazing at a portrait of my father Lucius. What would he have done in this situation? The thought still gave me chills. If I had brought home, say Hermione Granger, as my chosen wife--he would have whipped me senseless. Disowned me, even. Now, was I too much of a coward to stand up to my own son? In many ways, I was very different from my own father.

But just what did Potter mean, 'Devin wasn't anything like me'? Devin was exactly like me--handsome, clever, ambitious.....oh, who was I fooling. Devin was everything I wasn't. Well-liked, kind-hearted, free spirited...but really, who wanted to be any of that anyway?

Marcus the butler flew by with a list of final preparations. No one was speaking to me. Pansy was furious that everyone had left the rehearsal dinner early and claimed she had never suffered a greater embarrassment. She wouldn't even allow me to sleep in the same bedroom that night. Devin wouldn't so much as glance at me. He had been moping about all day with a hurt look in his eyes--trying to make me feel guilty. Even the house elves seemed to have an air of indignance about them. Good. I liked it all better this way.

**********************************************************

The sky surrounding the Hogwarts castle was a colourful swirl as the bridal party flew in, backed by a gleaming orange sunset. Unfortunately, I was too miserable to enjoy the scene.

The Great Hall was set for the ceremony with hundreds of chairs on either side of a long, dark red carpet. The decorations were mostly pine green and silver, but I scowled noticing the occasional twinge of maroon. Pansy must have gone soft when negotiating the colour scheme with Granger. I quickly decided I could always tell the relatives that the red was meant to symbolize the changing seasons.

The guests were already seated as Pansy and I flew in and dismounted our brooms. I tried to pull her along to our seats up front as quickly as possible, but she insisted on making a show out of it and waving energetically to everyone we had invited. Granger arrived just minutes afterward and took her seat in the row directly across from us.

"Oh look dear! They're starting!" Pansy tugged on my arm. The entire congregation turned as the orchestra in the back began to play the traditional ancient Gregorian marriage music, and three little red headed girls started prancing down the aisle, throwing flowers. Damn it. There were more Weasleys in that one room than I ever wanted to imagine existing.

Devin's friends began to parade in, accompanying girls in deep red robes. First came Oliver Wood's son with Ravenclaw Ashley Finnigan. I also recognized Taylor Thomas. I couldn't stand that kid--a famed Gryffindor chaser. Dozens more Weasleys passed by. I stopped counting after a while. Finally, Goyle's son strode in, hand in hand with the maid of honour--a tall girl who, judging from Ron Weasley's stupid grin, could only be his daughter.

Devin, who still would not once even glance my way, was standing up front beaming, with the legendary Dumbledore's hand on his shoulder. The whole sight was too much. Behind me I could hear the shocked whispers of our family friends. This was not happening.

A pause in the music announced the bride. I really didn't want to look, but Pansy's tight grip on my arm forced me around with her. In the very back of the Great Hall, appeared the familiar figure of Potter. On his arm was his wide-eyed yet captivating daughter, wearing a flowing ivory robe with a red satin sash tied into a bow at her waist and a thistle wreath with berries adorning her long hair. It was quite a different look from that of the grossly antique, greyish wedding gown Pansy had worn, which had been passed down in her family for generations.

Heads strained to see. The hushed chattering coming from the Malfoy rows was unbearable.

"Is that who I think it is?" "It simply can't be!" "I thought the invitation was surely a joke."

I gripped the chair ahead of mine for composure. Pansy leaned over to whisper to the people behind us.

"Well the gown is a bit plain if you ask me. I tell you, if I had a daughter..."

I had been determined to ignore Potter for the entire ceremony, but for some reason my attention was focused on him and his daughter as they reached the end of the aisle.

"And who presents this young witch to be married?" Dumbledore smiled knowingly at his old favourite student. Potter had always been everyone's favourite.

"Her mother and I do sir."

Dumbledore nodded, and took Haylie's hands in his own. Quickly, Haylie spun back around and placed a kiss on Potter's cheek.

With an absurd twinge of jealousy, I heard her whisper, "I love you Daddy," before turning back around. Why did that affect me? What the hell was going on? Granger was frantically batting her eyes with a cloth. Straight faced, Potter handed Haylie a single red rose before slowly walking back and taking his seat next to his wife. It would have made my night if he had been crying. Really it would have.

"Well children," Dumbledore croaked. "You may recite your wedding vows now. As you speak, this golden quill will spell out your words for you. Then you may sign the parchment, here in the presence of the Minister of Magic, Mr. Percy Weasley."

Standing behind him, Percy Weasley nodded triumphantly. Out of the entire Muggle-loving clan, he was definitely the one I despised second most--after Ron, of course.

Devin gazed lovingly at Haylie. "Haylie...it is with the greatest joy and pride that I take you as my wife tonight. I know that together we have a strength that can overcome anything. You are the love of my life."

And I will never show my face in public again.

"Devin, you are truly my best friend. When I see my future, I see you. I love everything about you. I love the way you laugh, and the way you tell the most amazing stories. I love your quirky family. And I am honoured to be taking your hand in marriage."

Was she joking?! From the intense way they were gazing at each other, it certainly didn't look like it.

Glancing over at Potter, I noticed he seemed to be in the slightest bit of agony, as if facing some inward struggle. This made me smile.

"Does anyone object to the marriage of these two?" Dumbledore's old, cracked voice echoed throughout the Great Hall.

I thought I was going to faint. I stared at Potter imploringly. Do something. But he wasn't looking at me. He was staring straight ahead, scowling, with his arms folded--I assumed to prevent any impulses to grab his daughter and make a run for the door. All of those times he was the brave one, the hero... but now he was just sitting there, rigid as a stone. Just say something, you fool. Don't make me do this to my son, Potter...

"I-I um..."

The hall fell silent. Devin turned and looked right at me, fear flooding his face.

"Father?"

I was shaking.

"Yes, Mr. Malfoy?" Dumbledore enquired.

At that moment, as I was desperately scanning the scene for an excuse--any possible excuse to stop the ceremony--my eyes locked with Haylie Potter's. It caught me completely off guard. The same fierce, emerald eyes that I had stared into so many times before, through duels and mutual hatred, were now reflecting only an innocent sadness. For once, I was speechless.

And then, for reasons I will never know, she smiled. Haylie Potter had her father's eyes. And in them, instead of the anger and resentment I had grown to enjoy, I saw hope and what I will dare say seemed to be the slightest hint of affection.

Maybe it was because a warm gleam of friendship was what I had originally sought when first looking into those eyes years ago... or maybe I was just losing my Malfoy wit, but for whatever the reason, I couldn't say a word. I sat back down. Damn you, Draco.

"Well then," Dumbledore continued. "Sign this sacred parchment here, will you two? Then we can get on to the feast!"

As they did so, brilliant red and green sparks of magic shot up from the quill and sprinkled everyone within ten feet. Laughing, Devin scooped Haylie up into a tight embrace and the old geezer muttered, "Mr. Devin Lucius Malfoy and Miss Haylie Grace Potter, I now pronounce you wizard and wife. You may kiss your bride."

Chapter 10 'A Reception...'

With the outbreak of cheers, the Great Hall was magically transformed into a ballroom for the reception. My little girl was a Malfoy. Hermione was in tears.

"Aw Mione, it's not that bad after all. Things could be worse I suppose..."

"Oh no, Harry! I'm just so happy. Doesn't it remind you of our own wedding day?"

"Uh...yes, it does." Except the Malfoys weren't at our wedding. For that one split second I had actually hoped Malfoy was going to say something to put a stop to it all. The one time we needed someone to be crudely obnoxious, he had to stay mute. Oh, I had never felt so guilty. Haylie was happy, and that was all that mattered.

She and Devin waltzed out to the centre of the floor for their first dance. I suddenly felt a slight tug on my arm.

"Oh Potter..." It was Pansy, looking more appropriately dressed for a funeral in a swishy black robe with long black gloves and a black-laced cap

"Hi..."

"Now that we're related, some of my friends want to see that infamous scar of yours. Come with me..."

"Uh well, don't you think we should just watch our children dance?"

"Oh honestly! Who cares about that... look at all of these high standing people I have here! If we're going to be spending holidays together in the future, Potter, you'd better get acquainted with some of them."

As she was whisking me across the floor, I caught a glance of Malfoy--sitting by himself at a table in the back, chin in his hands. He looked miserable.

"Oh Pansy, remember back in fourth year when you and all the other Slytherins wore those 'Potter Stinks' pins around school?"

"Heh heh...you remember that, huh?"

"Well now that we're related, don't you think you should apologize?"

"Well it was obviously Draco's idea! Ask him to apologize." Hmm. Maybe I would.

Free from her grasp, I decided to do the unthinkable. I walked over and sat down next to Draco Malfoy. He practically jumped out of his seat.

"I don't feel like talking, Potter."

"Good, me either."

"Then...just what are you doing?" He looked as if he were expecting me to pull out my wand and hex him at any second.

"Sitting next to you. You look like you could use a friend right about now."

"We're not friends, Potter."

"And why aren't we?"

"Don't be stupid."

"No, really Malfoy. I'm beginning to think this whole situation is a bit ridiculous. Look at our children up there, having the time of their lives together, and here we are ready to slit each other's throats as always. Come to think of it, I can't even remember why we dislike one another so much in the first place..."

"Think about it," he drawled, still eyeing me suspiciously.

"Well besides the fact that you spent most of our Hogwarts years trying to make my life a living hell..."

"You really don't remember a damn thing, do you?"

"I remember you being a nasty little brat, getting my friends and me countless detentions--"

"I wanted to be your friend, you git!" he turned to face me. And for the first time I could remember, Draco Malfoy actually looked hurt. "I introduced myself to you first year. First I introduced Crabbe and Goyle, and then I even told you I would help you make friends with the right sort of wizards!"

"You were insulting Ron."

"Oh, Weasley..." he snapped.

"Yes, Weasley! The only friend I had at the time... Is that what the whole thing was about? You were angry that I had chosen Ron over you for a friend?" It couldn't be.

"No."

"Well... how about we'll just pretend to be friends for the rest of the evening, for our children's sake?"

"Stop talking."

"Attention everyone!" Derek Goyle's voice rang out. "It's time for us all to say a few words and give a toast to the bride and groom!"

"Potter, quick, go somewhere! I don't want to be seen with you." Malfoy slouched down in his seat.

"Um, it's kind of too late, everyone's already stopped talking."

Pansy skipped over and took the seat on the other side of Malfoy.

"Have you prepared what you're going to say, Draco? You're going to speak right before me--"

"I'm going to what?" he shot back up. "Pansy, there is no way I'm saying one word!"

"Oh, but you have to dear!"

Derek Goyle walked out to the centre of the hall carrying a voice-amplifying device. "Well I guess I'll start! It's not everyday your best friend gets married, and I have to say mate, this day has really meant a lot to me..."

Hermione slipped quietly into the chair on the other side of mine.

"There you are, Harry! I've been looking all over for you--" She paused, observing the other occupants of the table.

"Malfoy and I were just having a little chat," I assured her.

"...Right."

Derek finished his heart-felt speech and passed the enchanted microphone around to the rest of the bridal party.

"Now I think we should hear what the bride's family has to say!"

Gulp. Haylie smiled at me expectantly as the attention was thrown on to our table. Malfoy immediately turned his back to us and pretended to be absorbed in a conversation with Pansy. She promptly shoved him back around.

"You first Mr. Potter!" Derek said, slapping me good-naturedly on the back.

"I, well..."

Hermione was biting her lip. I honestly hadn't even thought about the toasting speeches. Guess I'd been too busy worrying about getting on with the groom's intolerable family. "Well I guess I have to say that at first I wasn't quite sure how this day would turn out." The hall fell completely silent.

"I know...that people often say you can learn a lot from your children, but I never realized how true that is...until this evening. Haylie, I admit I may have been a bit self-righteous in protesting your decision at first. I realize I was thinking of only my own personal prejudices, which were, after all, formed quite a long time ago."

Malfoy was avoiding my glance.

"You two have shown us that love truly does prevail over almost anything. Devin...you make my daughter extraordinarily happy. You're a good man. And I'm proud to have you as a son-in-law."

Chapter 11 '...and an Insight'

Damn you, Potter. He couldn't really mean a word of that rubbish, could he?

"And last but certainty not least, let's hear from the parents of our groom!" Goyle's son shouted above the applause.

Pansy beamed as the enchanted spot light swerved directly over us. With a nod, Harry Potter placed the voice amplifier in my hands. It was so bright I could barely see a bloody thing. What in the world was I going to say? What could I possibly say that would compare with Potter's noble spiel... I couldn't live with myself if everyone really thought I supported this union, could I? But then again, why did I care so much about what ancient friends of my parents thought, anyway?

My son had been wrong about one thing. There was someone I loved. There was one person whose opinion I really did care about...and he was sitting at the small table at the very front of the hall--staring anxiously back at me with identical, pale blue eyes.

"Devin." I cleared my throat. "...I want you to know how proud I am of you." I smiled as his eyes widened in surprise. "Not proud like Potter says he is, but proud because you are my son, and I see myself in you. I will support any decision you are truly sure of." Haylie looked at Devin in disbelief. "...I believe it's part of being a good father." I forced myself to choke out the last words.

For the first time ever, I grinned at Harry Potter. It wasn't a smirk; it was a real, genuine smile. It took him a second to wipe the shock from his face, before apprehensively smiling back.

Pansy yanked the voice amplifier out of my hand.

"My darling children! What a splendid evening this is indeed! I think I'll take this time to say hello to a few people...."

*************************************************************

I sat with Crabbe and Goyle for a while at one of the farthest tables. Fortunately for me, the conversation of how much trouble I was going to be in with the Death Eaters--which they found to be so hilariously amusing--had been dropped. Their attention had turned instead to Derek Goyle, who they realised had been dancing every single dance of the evening with the girl who was obviously Ron Weasley's daughter. I was loving every minute of it. Crabbe contorted his face in deep consternation.

"I dunno Goyle, I mean, he looks sorta...happy."

"She's got 'em under a spell, I tell ya. He don't act like this at home."

"Maybe he's in love." They looked at me as if I had sprouted another head. "Oh come now Goyle," I smirked, "I know you wouldn't mind having a few red-headed grandchildren..."

He pounded an enormous fist on the table before getting up and sulking away. I slyly turned to Crabbe.

"I don't know for sure, but I don't think the 'big guy' is too fond of Weasleys..."

He shuddered slightly before pushing back his chair. "I-I think Goyle and me need to go settle this before stuff gets outa hand..." Because, heavens! I can't imagine what it would possibly be like for your child to fall in love with the child of someone you despised your entire life...

I sighed. Devin was wildly spinning Haylie in circles on the dance floor. Soon other people were trying the same idiotic trick, laughing and falling on each other. This vivid scene was so different from my own wedding, which had been dark and solemn and took place at our manor, complying of course, with my father's wishes.

I saw Haylie whisper something in Devin's ear, he nodded and then...to my surprise, she came scampering over to my table.

"Hey Mr. Malfoy...come dance with me!"

"...uh..."

"Please?"

Oh bloody hell.

The dance floor was quickly deserted, and as we stepped onto it, Muggle music began to play. I kid you not. Haylie cupped a hand to my ear.

"It's called 'Either Way' by Guster. It's one of mine and Devin's favourite songs!"

I was certain Potter was about to Avada Kedavra me at any second...but as I glanced around, I was relieved to see that Devin had brought out an equally surprised Granger.

Haylie was quite a graceful dancer. "Don't worry," she whispered. "I promise I won't start calling you Dad or anything!"

At that moment, Devin winked at me. Waltzing with his wife, I smiled back. It was as much of a blessing as I could give.

I noticed Potter standing a few dozen feet away, chin dropped, looking something between panicked and insulted. I couldn't resist throwing him a Malfoy smirk. Ha ha. Your daughter is dancing with your arch nemesis, Scarhead. It was priceless.

Sparks of simultaneous red and green were once again flying through the air, but this time they seemed to be aimed directly at us. Apparently unnoticed by all but me, Pansy and Granger were having a mini-war. I watched as Pansy faked a yawn to the person she was conversing with and discreetly mouthed the words, 'Lumos verdium!'

Granger looked enraged. From around Devin's back she pointed her wand and distinctly retorted, 'Lumos ruberius!' I decided against telling Haylie that her sash was repeatedly changing colour.

"So Miss Potter...you're a Malfoy now. Scared?"

She giggled innocently.

"You wish."