Remember You

Remember You
Chapter Twenty
~~~~~

The fatalities of the war for the Light side had reached a high unseen in a war since Grindewald's reign. There was a record low number of Aurors after the last battle, and it seriously inhibited the reconstruction of the Ministry of Magic. There were about twenty Death Eaters who had escaped from Hogwarts after they had heard of their Master's demise, and were yet to be caught. But with the diminished academy of Aurors, there was not much the magical community could do about the continued existence of Death Eaters in society. They just had to wait, and hope that the newest recruits could be trained quickly enough to join the Aurors and round up the last of the Death Eaters.

Harry was not worried about those witches and wizards who were hoping to make it through the extensive three year training program. He was worried about his chances of the Aurors even letting him into the program. Harry found that the injury to his arm was a lasting one that would probably stick with him his entire life. Madam Pomfrey had been working with Harry through physical therapy since the end of the battle. They had made some improvement. When first coming from the battle, Harry had only been able to keep his arm straight with his body, lifting his hand a mere two inches before the pain started. Now, with the nurse's help, he was able to lift it up to a forty degree angle.

The now former Gryffindor tried not to let his hopes fall due to his injury, as it had only been a month since the battle, but it was hard not to worry since the trials for the Auror program were fast approaching. To top off all his worry, though Draco wanted Harry's arm to heal, Harry felt that Draco was almost supportive of a slow recovery. It annoyed Harry, but he tried not to let it bother him when he and Draco were together.

Draco had been very preoccupied ever since the last battle. Snape had been very seriously injured in the battle, and was still in St. Mungo's recovering from dragon burns, and a blow over the head from a troll's club.

This was why Harry spent most of his time at Black Manor with Sirius and Remus, with Hermione and Ginny as frequent visitors, planning for the wedding. Plans had become the main focus ever since the N.E.W.T's had been finished. Two weeks after the battle, the teachers arranged for seventh year students to take the tests. Tents were set up around the Hogwarts grounds – one for each subject – and the students convened in their respective tents for their tests. It had taken approximately a week, and by the beginning of July, all tests for fifth and seventh years had been administered. Harry had gone in confident that he could do everything with ease, but he no longer cared. He did not have a reason to do the best he could. Nevertheless, he did show everybody that he was capable of completing the difficult tasks set. Harry was glad when it was all over, and he could concentrate on something that did not make him want to sulk. The ceremony and reception plans were coming along great, but there was still the problem of booking a place to hold both. The Minister of Magic had held true to his promise, even after Harry killed Voldemort.

"Oh, Harry," Hermione sighed fretfully the evening before Harry's birthday, in the sitting room. "I just don't know what we'll do if we can't find a place. The date is coming up so quickly. Have you realised that you're getting married in no less than three weeks?"

"Yeah, Hermione, it has crossed my mind a few times," Harry said dryly.

"Any normal bachelor in Harry's place would have that on their mind twenty-four hours a day, Hermione," Sirius commented, walking into the room.

"Sirius!" Hermione immediately jumped on the older man, but for reasons completely separate from the wedding. "How is the reconstruction of Hogwarts coming?"

Sirius dropped unceremoniously onto a couch with a sigh just as Remus entered the room, looking worse for wear. They had both offered their help in rebuilding the castle that summer, and returned home every night exhausted and completely drained of magic.

"It's coming, that's for sure. We finally finished the Great Hall today around noon. We've started on Gryffindor Tower. And a specialist team has come in to repair the paintings. I'm afraid that the Gryffindor portrait hole will have to have a new portrait. The fat lady's portrait is completely irreparable. She fled the portrait, and nobody had been able to find her. I don't think she's coming back. What with my attack on her that one time, and the attack a month ago, she's probably decided that Hogwarts isn't safe enough for her."

Hermione frowned. "That's really too bad. I always rather liked her. I hope she is all right. What about the other holes that were made in the castle?"

"There's somebody working on those," Remus said, moving an arm around Sirius's shoulders. Sirius moved into his body with a small sigh and closed his eyes. "It's difficult putting stones back into a castle. It's like trying to finish a puzzle, but finding that you can't because the pieces have been torn apart beyond recognition."

"I would imagine it would be difficult," Hermione sympathized.

"Yes," Remus sighed, "but I've had enough talking about Hogwarts for one day. Did you look at any potential wedding locations?"

"We didn't," Harry gestured between Hermione and himself, "but Draco did." He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "He Floo-ed me when he got back to Snape's house. He was quite distressed about what happened."

"What happened?" Sirius asked curiously, lazily opening his eyes.

"Well, we had been looking through books of places the other day," Harry explained, "and found this nice looking place in Wiltshire. Draco was particularly excited about it because that's where the Manor House is located. He was hoping that it would make it easier for his mother to attend, though I don't see why she would, just because it's close. Anyway, Draco went there this morning, expressing interest. The owner was quite amenable to the idea at first. But when the owner asked how Draco had come across the place, he said, ‘Harry was looking with one of his friends, and they came across it in a book.'

"Well," Harry sighed, "the old coot became suspicious and asked if his fiancée's name was Harriet by any chance." Hermione let out a small laugh, but quieted when Harry glared at her. "Draco was quite blunt and said, ‘No, my fiancé's name is Harry. If you're wondering, yes, Harry is a man. I am marrying a man, and would like for you to accommodate us.'"

"He kicked Draco out, didn't he?" Remus asked.

"At wand point," Harry replied tonelessly. "The man even threw a curse at Draco. Draco had boils on his arm when he Apparated home. I suppose it's an improvement though. I mean, it tells us that Fudge hasn't been to every possible place to tell them not to host our wedding. Yes, that guy was a bigoted piece of sh—"

"Harry!" Hermione admonished. "You've been with Draco too much."

Harry shrugged. "Well, he was a bigot anyway. We just have to hope that there is somebody out there whom Fudge hasn't contacted, and doesn't mind two men being together."

"Don't worry about Fudge, Harry," Hermione said vindictively. "He'll be out of office soon enough. The election is coming soon, and I'll personally make sure that he gets the boot."

After receiving the results for the N.E.W.T.s a week prior, job offers had poured in for Hermione. She had received the highest scores since Dumbledore himself. Hermione had not needed to deliberate for long, and quickly chose Junior Undersecretary for a very popular candidate in the race for Minister of Magic. She had chosen this in hopes to have a better chance in furthering her pursuits with S.P.E.W and any other endeavours for magical creatures that may cross her mind. After her appointment, the Daily Prophet had done an extensive article on her, protesting her appointment as she was so young. But the candidate had come forward with permission from Hermione to publish her N.E.W.T scores. The general public had agreed that she was indeed a good choice. It had all happened so fast for Hermione, and it looked as though she was beaming with happiness whenever anybody mentioned her accomplishments in front of her.

"Yes, but the election is after the wedding, isn't it," Harry commented wistfully.

Don't worry so much," Remus consoled. "We'll find something."

Suddenly, Sirius sat up straight, eyes bright. "I thought of something. We're stupid not to have thought of this before. I'll be back!" With that, Sirius ran from the room.

Harry sighed and leaned back into his seat. "He almost reminds me of Hermione when he does that."

"Hey!"

Sirius bounded back into the room a few minutes later in his dog form, tongue lolling happily from his mouth. Sirius transformed back into a man and beamed down at Harry.

"I just had a chat with a certain Headmaster of Hogwarts," he smiled evasively.

"Good for you, Sirius," Harry smiled, an eyebrow raised.

"You don't get the point, Harry! I asked him permission to use the Hogwarts grounds for your wedding, and he said that he would be delighted to hold the wedding there. I'm sure that by that time, the castle should look okay from the outside, if not from the inside. But that wouldn't matter anyway, because weren't you looking for a place with nice grounds so that you could hold the ceremony outside?"

"Yes, but Sirius… won't Fudge protest?"

"Fudge, smudge," Sirius waved him off, sitting next to Remus again. "Have you ever known Dumbledore to listen to the Minister about something that he doesn't agree on? Dumbledore doesn't mind gay relationships, and certainly not gay marriages. I hear tell from Mad Eye that Dumbledore sowed a few wild oats with both genders in his youth, though he never did settle down with neither man nor women. His preference is still a mystery to me."

"But…" Harry protested. "His youth was in the 1800's, Sirius! How in the world was that even done back then?"

"Wizards have always been more understanding, though everything was still kept hush-hush, I could imagine. Anyway, that's not what's important… what do you say about holding the wedding there?"

"Holding the wedding where?" Draco asked, entering the room. He was dressed in splendid blue robes that Harry had bought him on their shopping trip in Hogsmeade, and just visibly peeking from underneath were Harry's gift of dragon hide boots on his feet. Harry stood with a smile. They had not come into close contact for the better part of four days, as Draco was at the hospital at all hours of the day, or at Snape's home, sleeping.

Harry grabbed the blonde's hands and pulled him into a tight embrace. "I haven't seen you wear any of those clothes yet. They look stunning on you."

"You had doubts?" Draco smirked.

"Of course not," Harry grinned, giving the blond a kiss.

"Anyway," Draco started again, pulling Harry back into his seat, "where are we planning on holding the wedding?"

"If it's all right with you and Harry, we can hold it at Hogwarts. Professor Dumbledore gave his permission to me a few minutes ago."

Draco's eyes lit up and he looked to Harry. "I had thought of that a few months ago, but I didn't think it would be possible. What do you think, Harry? I think it would be perfect. We can get married by the lake at sunset, and have fairies light up the reception…"

"Aww," Hermione cooed, "Draco the romantic."

"Hush, Granger. Oh, where are my manners?" Draco chastised himself, and standing in front of the young woman and taking her hand. Hermione seemed to be a bit taken aback as she stared wide-eyed up at him. Draco offered up a silly grin. "Congratulations on becoming youngest Junior Undersecretary to a potential Minister of Magic. ‘Tis quite the achievement, milady." Draco swept his free hand behind his back, bending slightly and kissed the back of Hermione's hand with practiced elegance. Harry smiled goofily at him, while Hermione gawked.

"Er – Draco, thank you…. I think."

Hermione continued to stare with her mouth slightly agape as Draco sat beside Harry again. She coughed when Harry elbowed her in the side. "I think I'll put down some money to get Ron some lessons, so that he can do that without blushing."

Harry grinned, letting Draco drape his arm about his shoulders and pull him further into their seat. "By the way, Draco, I would love it if we held the ceremony at Hogwarts."

"Wonderful!" Sirius exclaimed jumping up. "I've just had another idea!" And with that, he was gone from the room. ***

"Harry…. Harry, Harry, Harry.... Harry, babe."

Harry swatted at Draco, who was now blowing in his ear, trying to wake him up. "If you call me ‘babe' ever again, I won't be responsible for anything that I do," Harry snarled irritably. Harry had been having a most pleasant dream about having sex with Draco, and was very miffed that he had been woken from it.

"But, Harry," Draco whined. "I can tell that you were having a wet dream, and I wanted to do something about it."

"Sod off," Harry grumbled as he tried to pull a blanket over his head to block the sun, but found that he had kicked the blankets off him "I don't remember going to bed with you last night," he murmured sleepily.

"That's because you disappeared last night and fell asleep in the grass by the water, you prat," Draco said exasperated.

"Huh?" Harry asked intelligently, lifting his head up, to find that he had indeed fallen asleep by the lake. With this realisation, he at once made another one.

"Oh… I was quite drunk last night, wasn't I?"

"Yes, you were."

"Did I make a complete arse of myself?"

"Not entirely," Draco said indifferently. "Even if you did, it was your birthday, and so had a right to.

"What time is it?"

"Noon. I saw you here last night, but decided to teach you a lesson in getting drunk."

"Oh, well, I'll have you know that I didn't learn one."

"And I'll have you know that your breath quite possibly smells exactly like hippogriff dung."

"So kissing you senseless is out of the question."

"It is for now, yes." Draco lifted his wand and cleaned Harry's mouth with it. "I was a bit disappointed, you know. I had a surprise to give you in the bedroom last night when everybody went home, but you had to go wander off like the drunken idiot you were."

"Can you give it to me now?" Harry asked slyly. "I'm sure that there is nobody in the Manor but the house elves to see anything."

"What makes you think that it's dirty?"

"By that evil glint in your eye… come on, Draco, give it to me!"

Draco smiled a bit shakily and looked around. "I… Harry, I'm nervous about this, though. Can't we go somewhere a bit more secluded?"

"Sure. Lead me and I'll follow."

The blond stood up and offered Harry a hand. "Let's go to the gardens. There's plenty of seclusion there, I think."

"Why don't we go inside?"

"I want it to be somewhere unique, now that my first plan for the bedroom was foiled."

The two young men walked across the grounds of Black Manor with Harry enjoying the early August warmth. It was a clear day so far, but there were clouds over the mountains that held promise of a good storm later. Harry decided to revel in the fact that he had Draco with him, and that there was no hangover of which to speak. Either he had not drank as much as he thought, or Draco had given him a hangover cure before he woke up. The former was entirely possible as Harry was quite the lightweight with a drink.

Draco led him into the maze, and soon they came upon a small courtyard. There was a large tree in the middle with four-foot high bushes surrounding it in a circle. Draco hurdled over it easily and motioned for Harry to do the same. There was hardly room to move in the small area between the tree and bushes, but Draco pulled Harry down so that he was sitting with his back against the tree. Harry eyed a rather suspicious looking hole in the ground, hoping that it was not a gnome hole. The last thing they wanted to contend with was a pesky gnome. Draco sat lotus style, knees touching the side of Harry's legs.

"So, what's the surprise?" Harry asked eagerly.

"Er – I know it may sound crazy, Harry… but I've decided that I want… no I need this. And I've also decided that you won't mind giving it to me at all since you love me, and would do anything for me…" Draco offered an uncertain smile.

"Of course I would, you idiot," Harry admonished gently, leaning over to kiss his cheek. Before he could pull away however, Draco had grabbed his chin and pulled him into a deep kiss. Harry answered with an appreciative moan, pulling the blond onto his lap. When they finally pulled away, they were breathing heavily.

"What do you need, Draco?" Harry asked gently, running his hand down Draco's cheek.

"I need you."

"You have me."

"No, Harry… I need you."

"Oh. Oh! Draco… how can you be sure?"

"Because I love you and therapy has been going well. Healer Adina says that I'm doing so well."

"I know you're doing well with therapy. You're not so bad with your emotions afterwards… but Draco, honestly, are you ready for this?"

"Yes!" he exclaimed vehemently. "I want this, and so do you. Please."

Draco took him in a hard, passion-filled kiss. Harry did not feel the energy to reject him, so he kissed back. Before they knew it, their clothes were both discarded, thrown in different directions. Harry's shirt was strewn over the opposite side of the bushes. When he had opened his eyes as Draco devoured his neck, he could have sworn that he caught a glimpse of Draco's trousers in the tree. He could not be sure since Draco had forcefully pulled his head back down for a kiss. It all seemed rushed and needy, but as they both realised that they could not wait much longer to be joined together, it slowed down to a slow, steady pace.

"How do you…" Harry gasped out.

"I want to be on top," Draco panted, pulling on Harry's earlobe with his teeth. The blond pulled back, taking Harry's hand and sucking leisurely on the darker boy's fingers. Harry groaned, watching Draco's mouth devour his fingers. Harry took his fingers back and guided them gently behind Draco, prodding gently. Breath hitching in his chest, he slid a finger inside. Draco was shaking almost uncontrollably, but he nodded encouragingly when Harry questioned him with a look. Draco moaned each time a new finger was added, and began moving on them slightly when the third was in.

Draco gasped. "Please, Harry…"

"I need something," Harry breathed. Draco spit onto his own hand and coated Harry's erection with his saliva. Harry moaned, arching into the touch.

"Okay." Draco moved to position himself.

"Are you sure?" Harry asked one last time. He knew that if Draco did not make him stop now, it would be hard to do so once they really began.

"Yes."

Harry bit his lip as he began to ease his way in. He watched for any signs on Draco's face for any further discomfort than was normal, or any signs of fear, but seeing none, he pushed all the way in, with which he only received one whimper of discomfort. "Let me get used to it," Draco whispered, letting his forehead rest on Harry's shoulder.

Harry pressed his lips against Draco's neck, and muttered encouraging words, and how much he loved Draco, just to remind the blond who he was in case he had any flashbacks.

"Okay," Draco whispered finally and slid up.

Harry clenched his jaw, the heat almost too much to handle. He thought he would not be able to last, and was afraid to disappoint Draco. But, he held onto Draco's hips as an anchor and desperately tried not to drown before him. From there on out was almost a blur as their bodies moved together with increasing speed and passion. Their sounds of arousal echoed in the air around them, but they took no notice. Draco was almost constant with his purrs, moans, and encouragement as he rode Harry. At one point, they leaned their faces into each other's bodies, smelling the sweat that was coming from their bodies, smelling the heady scent of arousal.

"Oh…. Harry!" Draco moaned.

Harry felt his heart swell as they leaned away, only to come together again in a kiss. The tips of their tongues met and casually smoothed over each other, gradually probing in further and further. They slowly pulled away from the kiss, and Draco bit down on Harry's bottom lip. It sent shockwaves of pleasure throughout his body, and he could not hold back any longer. He cried out, digging his nails into Draco's skin. "I'm sorry…. I'm sorry," he whispered against Draco's neck. "I tried to wait."

Draco laughed quietly. "Stamina does not come naturally," he rubbed his face against Harry's, his face set in a grin. Harry, in order to cover his embarrassment, kissed Draco hard and wrapped a hand around him. Draco grunted, pressing closer. It did not take much longer before Draco was gasping and then sagging against Harry's body. Harry collapsed back against the tree, completely wiped. They kissed lazily for a few moments. "I love you," Harry murmured.

"Mmm… love you so much, Harry," Draco slurred sleepily.

A loud clap of thunder sounded above them, and rain started to pour down around them. They both looked up in surprise, not having noticed the storm move over them. "We should get dressed and go inside," Draco suggested reluctantly.

"You do know that we're going back to bed, right?"

"Oh, yes, Mr. Potter… I know." Draco winked at Harry, sliding his body gingerly off of Harry's. The blond looked at their surroundings with a furrowed brow. "Where in the bloody blue hell did all my clothes go?"

Harry was watching him, slack jawed from the ground. Rain was pouring from the skies, running in torrents down Draco's naked body, and his hair was in strings, plastered to his forehead and cheeks. Harry grabbed Draco's hand and pulled him back in his lap. "I say we stay out here and have another go," he purred, nipping softly at Draco's neck.

"Even I can't believe that you'd be ready for another round after that," Draco shook his head. The blond looked up and spotted his trousers in the tree. "Wow… I wonder how that happened."

After much toiling around on Harry's part, they managed to summon all their clothing, pull on the sodden material, and trek back through the maze of gardens and back to the Manor. When they arrived, Sirius met them, grinning slightly, but also admonishing them for being so careless in the rain. "Remus doesn't want me to say anything," Sirius whispered conspiratorially as Draco dried his clothes with a spell, "but I'll have you know that you two gave the house elves quite a scare."

"Why?" Harry asked confused.

"With all the noise you two made out there, they thought you were killing each other. It was echoing all over the place."

"Oh," Harry blushed, and pulled Draco up to their room, still dripping wet.

"But don't worry," Sirius called after them. "I don't think the neighbours in the town ten kilometres off are too worried about you. I think they could distinguish the sound of se—Ouch!"

Harry looked back and saw the Remus had sneaked up behind Sirius and hit him across the shoulder and begin chastising him like a two year old. The two younger men laughed silently and continued on their way.

The next few weeks passed in a blur of frantic, last minute wedding plans. In the interim, Snape had been released from St. Mungo's with a bill of good health, and had proceeded in badgering Harry about making less than satisfactory plans for the wedding. Harry ignored him to the best of his ability, but it was difficult. But before he knew it, the day arrived and thankfully, he did not need to talk to or see Snape until after the ceremony.

There were two tents set up where the grooms each readied themselves, and waited for the time. Harry paced around his tent for an hour until he heard Draco arrive in the tent next to his, then he paced for another hour until Hermione finally kicked everybody out and forcefully stopped him.

"Harry, what is the matter with you?"

Harry pouted. "You've forced Draco and me to stay away from each other since after dinner last night, saying it was for good luck…. Well, I say sod that! I would feel a whole lot better if I could just see him once before we marry!"

From somewhere in the tent beside them, a muffled ‘hear, hear!' was shouted at them. Harry grinned foolishly. "See? Draco agrees with me."

"It's not going to happen under my watch. Now I'm going just outside the tent to speak with Mrs. Weasley. The guests have started to arrive, and we want to make sure that the only photographer who gets in is Colin Creevey. I'll be watching, so don't even think about sneaking over there."

"I'd chance it, Harry!" Draco yelled through the tents.

"Oh, honestly," Hermione huffed and stalked out of the tent.

Harry walked to the wall that was nearest to Draco and stared. He was sorely tempted to just crawl under the cloth wall and into Draco's.

"Are you standing at the wall too?" Draco asked suddenly. Harry jumped back slightly in surprise.

"Yes, actually, I am."

"Well, put something on over your clothes so that I can't see how dead sexy you look in them and crawl under here."

"Why don't you crawl under the tent?"

"Because I'm much too pretty."

Harry shrugged, grabbed a table cloth from the one table in the tent and wrapped it around himself. "I'm coming under," he whispered conspiratorially as he glanced at the door. He stooped to his hands and knees and crawled beneath the tent wall. There was only a foot of space between the tents and when he looked, he could see people milling about to his right. He bit his lip to keep from laughing and lifted the bottom of Draco's tent over his head.

"Hello, stranger," Draco whispered and helped him to his knees. He, too, had grabbed a table cloth to wrap around himself. Harry lifted his head with a smile. Draco took a deep breath and licked his lips. "You're not wearing your glasses."

"No. Does it look bad? I keep going to push them up my nose. It's kind of annoying."

"Blimey, no, it doesn't look bad. Stand up already."

Harry stood, and they both stared at each other for a few moments. Draco's face seemed like it had been scrubbed clean at least ten times. His cheeks were rosy, his eyes shining, and his hair didn't have gel in it. It looked soft and was falling around his eyes.

"You are too pretty," Harry breathed; now glancing down to Draco's lips. They looked almost swollen, like Draco had been biting them; they were freshly moistened and opened partly.

Draco must have liked what he saw as well, because Harry thought that he looked just as mesmerised by Harry. Harry did not think he looked any different than any other day, except that he had decided not to wear glasses. Hermione and Ginny had tried to get something done with his hair, but as usual, it had been a hopeless case. They had ended up washing it again to get the gunk out of his hair and let it dry naturally. In fact, Harry thought he looked a wreck, but was not about to care too much about it.

Draco smiled at him and gently touched his hair. "What did you do? It looks somewhat tamed."

"It does?" Harry asked surprised.

"No. I'm just trying to make you feel better. I can see it in your eyes that you're self-conscious about something, so it's probably your hair."

"You know me too well," Harry murmured, leaning in closer.

"More than I'd care to know you," Draco teased. "But really, you look smashing today, Harry." The pair kissed affectionately. When they pulled away, Draco placed his hands on either side of Harry's neck, and put their foreheads together.

"Harry!" Hermione shrieked from the other tent. Harry swore under his breath.

"This has been a nightmare so far, Harry. Do you think it's too late now to elope?"

"Now that I've been caught in the act, yes, I believe it is too late. Sorry, Draco."

Harry kissed him again. "See you in twenty minutes." And he ducked down to begin crawling back, but Draco called his name. "Yes?" he looked up.

"Harry… I just," Draco had a look of such determination and something else that there wasn't a name for, but Harry understood completely. Harry nodded to it. "I'm ready for this. Really."

Harry smiled. "Me too."

Before crawling through to his tent, Harry looked up at the crowds of people. There was a woman in a velvet, purple cloak, a hood covering her head. He stopped to look at her better, and gasped quietly when she turned to him. It was Narcissa Malfoy. She had not sent an RSVP, so Harry had not expected her to come.

Draco pushed on his butt and kicked his foot. "Get going you great pillock!" he hissed from behind. Harry did not take his eyes from Narcissa, and could have sworn that she had a hint of a smile upon hearing her son's voice before turning away.

Harry hurried through into his own tent. Ron and Hermione were waiting impatiently for him there, but none of the admonitions Hermione had waiting for him were enough to make him sorry for sneaking over to Draco's tent. He felt ready for the ceremony and for the night. Instead of pacing until the ritual, he sat quietly in a chair by the wall closest to Draco until it was time. The parchment which they had ceased to use since the night of the last battle was lying placidly in his lap with Draco's writing scrawled across it.

If I could have a colour, hold it, or own it, I would want emerald. I dream of emerald at night, and when I wake, I see it in your eyes. When we walk down the aisle, part of it will become mine. When you say you'll be mine forever, I'll own it all. And I won't give it up or forget about it until the day I die.

Harry could not think of an adequate reply, so he wrote: I love you, too.

Simpleton.

And then it was time.

The ceremony was held in the midst of a copse of trees, flowers were clinging to the branches above for a natural roof. The chairs the guests sat in were wooden and white, and the scenery behind Dumbledore, who was marrying them, was the lake. The sun was making its way down behind the mountains, and the skies were clear. Dumbledore smiled around at everybody in his majestic mahogany robes, putting on a nice façade for the occasion, but everybody knew that he was nearing his end. He wheezed when he breathed and limped from his injuries sustained in the battle. His body was too old and too weak to heal properly anymore, even with the help of magic.

Harry stood impatiently as the music started. He and Draco had decided against anybody else walking down the aisle besides them, as Draco did not want to ask any of his old Slytherin friends to stand for him. Ron stood near Dumbledore holding the wedding bands. Finally, Hermione made a face at him from her seat and he walked forward. Draco came into view from the other side and they smiled at each other. Draco looked happy and elegant in his robes. They were a dark blue with silver trimming. Harry's were a lighter shade of blue with the same silver trimming. The robes were not billowing as most designs of wizard's robes were, but more form-fitting, and their trousers were black. They were each holding a string of magical beads, radiant in their purple colour. When they were within feet of each other, they held the beads out and they drew towards each other like magnets and bonded. Harry and Draco were now joined by one string of the magical beads.

Turning down the centre, they each held their end of the beads. But as they got to their halfway mark, Draco leaned his head back, switched to hold the beads with his left hand and lifted Harry's robe away from his backside. He made a satisfied noise. Harry glanced nervously at him, and tried moving them along faster as they had almost made a complete stop. "Draco," he hissed.

"I was worried about that when I designed those trousers, but your arse looks really good in them. I must know your body pretty well."

Harry's face flamed red as the immediate crowd around them laughed. "Now, Draco?" Harry felt himself whining and pulled on the beads. Draco grinned unabashedly around at everybody and lifted Harry's robe all the way.

"Look at that arse. I'm a lucky man, no?"

Colin's camera flashed, and Harry had a distinct bad feeling about it. By now, Harry was beyond mortified and pulled his robe back down. "I can't believe you," Harry hissed, but he was fighting a smile as people whistled at him.

"Ah, they agree with me," Draco cooed as he continued down the aisle. "We all know you have a good arse."

Dumbledore smiled at them as they took their places in front of them. Harry smiled at him and then looked down embarrassed. "Ready, boys?" Dumbledore asked a twinkle in his eye.

"Ready for anything," Draco smiled, finally settling down.

"Good. Raise your beads, and we shall start."

***

"I'm ready for something to drink," Draco murmured against Harry's ear. They were dancing to a slow song with only a few other couples on the dance floor with them.

"Me too," Harry replied.

"Besides, my feet can take only so much trampling," Draco mock-winced, "I think we should have paid for your dance lessons."

"I'm not a bad dancer!" Harry exclaimed.

Draco raised a brow. "Tell that to my feet." He pulled away. "I'll get us something to drink. Even if my feet weren't bloody and bruised, I would still want to quit right now, so stop looking like a kicked puppy."

Harry grinned, glancing away for a moment. "Sorry," he apologised.

Draco kissed him. "It's quite all right, Harry. I'll be back."

While Draco was gone, Harry decided to mingle with his guests off the dance floor. Tonks and a few other Aurors came to give him their congratulations, and a few housemates pulled him to their table. He sat rehashing events in school for quite sometime, and only when Seamus suggested playing an impromptu game of ‘I've never,' did Harry leave. After all, Draco had been gone for nearly a half hour now, and Harry could not see a sign of his blond head anywhere.

"Hermione, Ron!" he called to his friends, who were dancing together, "have you seen Draco?"

"Not since he left you," Ron called back.

"Oh, okay… thanks."

Confused, Harry set off in the opposite direction where the table with drinks were laid. He asked the bartender if he had noticed which way Draco had gone, but the bartender said Draco had never come to get drinks. Trying not to let worry get the best of him, he strained his neck over the crowd in attempt to see him. "I saw him go in his tent," a voice said behind him. Harry spun around and was quite surprised to see Pansy Parkinson scowling at him. "Don't look so surprised, Potter, I did receive an invitation."

"I never expected any of his Slytherin friends to show up."

"Despite who Draco has chosen as his mate, I would still support him. We have been friends since we were children."

"Yes well…"

"You don't need excuses not to talk to me. Go find him if you must. I thought I would inform you of where he was." Pansy shrugged and turned away to join her date, who Harry saw was Blaise Zabini. Blaise scowled at Harry and linked his arm through Pansy's. Shaking off his encounter with the Slytherins, Harry pushed through the crowd toward the tents. As he approached, he could hear Draco's low voice speaking with somebody, though it did not dawn on Harry who he could possibly be speaking to until he heard a woman's voice.

Narcissa.

Immediately, his hackles were raised, as he had already forgotten that Narcissa was present.

"This conversation is heading in circles, mother."

"I am just trying to make sure you have not made a mistake, Draco. Do you truly love him, or has he told you he loves you so much that you have started to believe you feel the same?"

Harry stopped in his tracks, pausing to listen just outside of the door. "I love him," Draco said firmly. "I did not make a mistake. And whether I did or not is now too late to consider. He is my husband, and I will honour it, just as he will."

"Do you not hold any allegiance to your father, Draco? Harry Potter is the reason he is dead."

"And for that I am sorry, mother, but I will not let you bring father into it."

"He has always been a part of it, Draco!" Narcissa said hotly. "Will you deny me as you denied him before he died?"

"So that is what this is about. You're scared I will reject you."

"Is it so much of a mother to ask for her son?"

Harry moved as close as he dared, waiting for Draco's answer. If it made everybody happy, he would like for Draco to reconcile with his mother. "I will stop rejecting you once you stop rejecting Harry." There was a pause. "Whether you like it or not, Harry is my life. I made a promise to him today and I don't intend to break it. I do miss you, mother, but you need to get over your own pride and accept my husband. If you can't say you do, then I have nothing further to say. Harry will probably be wondering where I've gone."

Harry panicked, not wanting Draco to know he had heard part of their conversation. He quietly hurried into his own tent, and watched nervously as Draco went back to the reception. Narcissa appeared moments later, stopping for a few moments to watch him walk away, before her face turned hard and she moved toward Hogsmeade. He waited for a few moments before sneaking from the tent. He moved to the edge and quietly watched her retreating form before heading in the direction Draco had left.

The blond was now at the bar, retrieving two drinks. Harry approached from behind, trailing a hand along his shoulders.

"I've been looking all over for you, Draco," he murmured quietly. "I thought my groom had disappeared," he smiled softly as Draco turned to him. His face was stitched with annoyance and anger, and he tried to smile, but it was forced. "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine, Harry, don't worry about it."

Quite suddenly, Draco kissed him, his arms going around his shoulders, the drinks sloshing to the ground behind him. When they pulled away, Draco was trembling. "Are you sure you're okay?" Harry whispered. "You can tell me."

"I'm fine. I just wanted to kiss you."

"Okay…. I love you, Draco," he said with deliberateness.

Draco visibly loosened his muscles. "I love you." Then he laughed and pulled him to sit with Snape. Later that night, Harry sat back in his chair and looked up at all the fairy lights that were twinkling overhead, sighing with contentment. It was getting very late, and Harry was getting a bit anxious to get to his and Draco's flat to have their private celebration. Then it was off to Majorca for the three-week honeymoon.

"Knut for your thoughts," Draco whispered into his ear, coming from behind and wrapping his arms around Harry's shoulders.

Harry turned his head slightly towards his new husband. "I have always been under the impression that my thoughts would be more than a Knut."

Draco gave a low chuckle, sending shivers down Harry's spine. "Fine, a sickle, and that's all you'll be getting for your thoughts."

"I was thinking along the lines of a galleon, but I suppose that a sickle would have to do. I was thinking about the celebration we'll have at our flat tonight."

"Oh, really?" Draco whispered, kissing the place beneath Harry's ear. "What do you say we get a head jump on that then? All of our guests seem to have consumed way too much alcohol. I don't think they'd mind if we left now… or even notice for that matter." Draco kissed Harry's pulse point, just underneath his jaw. "Besides, I don't know if I can wait much longer to bugger you into the bed."

"Mmm…" Harry sighed, leaning his head away from Draco to give him better access. "What makes you think you're on top tonight?"

"Because I said so and because…. You're. So. Damn. Sexy." Draco punctuated each word with a kiss. The blond pulled away and smirked. "That's reason enough for me to want to bugger you in our bed so hard tonight that you won't be able to get out in the morning."

"Pity… then I suppose you'll be going to Majorca without me, won't you?"

"Hmm," Draco pondered. "Well, we'll jump that hurdle when we come to it." Draco pulled Harry to his feet, taking the taller man in a long, deep kiss. The crowd that were still gathered broke out into applause and catcalls. Harry was blushing by the time they pulled away, but Draco gave a low, gracious bow. "I'm glad you all enjoyed our little public display, but I am afraid that my new husband and I will be taking the rest of the show to our bedroom just now. And sorry, the show is sold out, although I know how so many of you wanted to see us having wild, passionate animal sex—"

"Draco!" called a scandalised voice from the crowd. Harry smiled, recognising Hermione's voice. "Tease! First you show us his arse, and now this!" somebody else called out, and Harry could have sworn that it was Seamus Finnigan, but could not really be sure.

Draco sighed, shifting restlessly on his feet.

"What?" Harry turned on him.

"You're such a complete and utter woman," he murmured under his breath.

"If you want to bugger me into the bed tonight, then I suggest you shut your mouth, otherwise, it'll be me who buggers you into the bed."

Draco rolled his eyes, a smile twitching the corners of his mouth. "Scary," he said tonelessly.

"Come on! It's your wedding night, quit fighting!" called out Tonks cheerily.

"You're quite right, cousin!" Draco called back, then turned back to Harry, dipped and kissed him passionately. Harry immediately felt his indignant anger dissipate and he felt quite ready to have Draco be top that night. With that, they hurried as quickly as they could to the thestral drawn carriage that would take them to the edge of Hogwarts, sparks from wands shooting overhead, calls of congratulations following after them.