Nerves, Notes, and Nuptials

Olivia Montgomery's POV

FIVE YEARS LATER

"Once again, what's the occasion?" Pansy asks as we all sit down at our usual corner table in Celeste. I grin and slide into the seat next to Hermione. "Why do I need an occasion to have dinner with my girls?"

"Because it's been months since we last saw you," Luna says in her usual soft tone, though there's just enough bite behind it to make me wince.

I hold my hands up in mock surrender. "Okay, fair. But Draco's working full-time at the Ministry now, I'm juggling being an Auror and a guest lecturer at Hogwarts, and planning a wedding. I barely have time to brush my hair, let alone breathe."

The waiter approaches and we start rattling off our orders. Just as he finishes jotting it all down, I add, "And one more thing—ask Andy to bring out the specials after dinner." He nods and scurries off, clearly used to the bossy energy I've inherited from living with Draco Malfoy.

"What specials?" Ginny asks, glancing around the restaurant like I've planned a surprise concert. "You'll see," I say with a smug little smirk. Dinner goes brilliantly. We drink, gossip, and catch up like no time has passed at all.

"So," Pansy says, swirling her wine. "What's left for the wedding?"

I let out a long sigh. "We're having it in the Manor gardens. It's perfect for a small gathering. The date's locked in, we've finalized the guest list... but I still haven't found the dress." Every single one of them gasps so dramatically, I worry someone's going to knock over a candle.

"Shhh! What are you doing? People are staring!" I whisper-shout, glancing around.

"You haven't found a dress?!" Hermione exclaims, clutching her chest like I've just murdered her soul. "I know, I know," I say quickly. "I still need to find an officiant too. Which brings me to why we're really here."

I give the waiter a nod and he returns with four wine bottles, setting them in front of my girls. Their favorites. Each with a custom label.

"What is this?" Luna asks, beaming at the bottle.

"Turn it over," I say sweetly, and pull out my phone to record their reactions.

Ginny's bottle says: Will you be my maid of honor, Ginny?

Luna's: Will you be my bridesmaid, Luna?

Pansy's: Will you be my bridesmaid, Pansy?

Hermione's: How would you like to officiate our wedding, Hermione?

There's a moment of stunned silence. Then all four of them squeal and launch themselves at me in a massive group hug, knocking over a napkin holder and almost my water glass.

"So?" I ask again once we've all settled back into our seats. "Yes, yes, obviously yes!" Ginny grins. Hermione looks at me, hesitant. "Liv... are you sure? I mean... is Draco okay with me officiating?"

I laugh and roll my eyes. "Mione, you're officially Draco's only and favorite Muggle-born now. He specifically asked me to ask you." Her jaw drops. "He what?"

"Let's go shopping tomorrow!" Ginny says, already clapping her hands in excitement. "Dresses, shoes, everything!"

"I'm home, darling," Draco calls out as he walks through the door.

I'm buried in paperwork at the dining table, wearing a crop top, my tiniest shorts, and my glasses perched on my nose. "Good evening, love," I murmur, pecking his lips as he leans over. He settles into the kitchen chair across from me. "So, did they say yes?"

"They did. They were all so happy. We're going shopping for dresses tomorrow." He nods. "Sounds like a lot of work."

"Tell me about it," I mutter, flipping another page and rubbing my temples.

Draco comes up behind me and gently massages my shoulders. I groan softly at the relief. He chuckles low in my ear and presses a kiss to my neck.

"Mmm, Draco... This is due tomorrow" I sigh, tilting my head toward him.

"I thought we were still madly in love. What happened to that?" he teases, mock-offended, and then dramatically storms out of the room.

I giggle and return to my work, though part of me wants to follow him.

The next day, the girls and I go shopping and finally find the dresses. My bachelorette party is wild—maybe a little too wild. Apparently, the girls thought it was a brilliant idea to hire a ridiculously hot Muggle stripper. Draco? He nearly had an aneurysm when he found out. I had to promise him a private show of my own at his bachelor party, which I absolutely delivered... just not in front of the others.

A week before the big day, Draco and I move into the Manor. Narcissa is floating on a cloud of excitement, and even Lucius—though pretending to be indifferent—is clearly moved.

He planted the flowers around the grounds that were going to be used for the wedding.

Can you believe it?

Lucius Malfoy planting flowers.

Draco has Blaise as his best man, with Theo and Crabbe as his groomsmen. I've never seen the garden so alive—fairy lights, flowers, and magic buzzing in the air.

It's all really happening.

And somehow, it's perfect.

The week flies by in a blur of flowers, fittings, and last-minute chaos. I decide — and I say that with full dramatic emphasis — I decide that Draco and I should spend the week apart, in different rooms. Just to make the wedding day feel extra special.

Draco, obviously, hates the idea.

Every single night, he finds some sneaky way to get back into bed with me, like a very well-dressed trespasser. And every single night, Narcissa kicks him out like he's a misbehaving schoolboy. Honestly, it's a miracle he hasn't pitched a tent outside my window.

Now, as I stand in front of the mirror in my room, fully dressed, I let out a long, shaky sigh. My heart feels like it's beating right in my throat.

I'm not scared. I'm not. I know I want to marry Draco. I want to spend every ridiculous, chaotic, beautiful second of my life with him.

But I'm nervous. Who isn't?

Mum, Narcissa, Ginny, Pansy, and Luna are all in the room with me. I wear light makeup and a soft bun to hold the veil in place. The crown Draco gave me back at Hogwarts sits gently on top, glittering like a secret promise. When I turn around, everyone gasps.

"You look beautiful, Liv," Luna says as she hands me the bouquet. "Yes, very beautiful," Mum adds, sniffling into a tissue. "Thank you," I whisper, lowering myself slowly onto the vanity stool. I take a deep breath and try to calm my racing heart.

Then there's a knock.

My stomach plummets.

What if it's Draco? He can't see me before the wedding. What if something happened? What if he—?

"Calm down, Livia. Whatever you're thinking, it's not that," Pansy says as she crosses the room and opens the door. "Is she ready?" I hear Dad's voice, warm and full of pride. Pansy nods and lets him in... along with Sirius, Remus, and Professor Snape.

"Ahh!" Dad says dramatically, clutching his chest like I've just physically wounded him. His eyes shine with unshed tears. Sirius and Remus immediately rush toward me, but the girls stop them just in time. "Careful. Of the dress. The veil. And the makeup," Ginny warns like a general.

"Alright, alright," they grumble, then give me gentle hugs.

"Your mother would be so proud," Sirius says, cupping my face and pressing a kiss to my forehead. He and Remus leave soon after, giving us a bit of space.

"Dad?" I whisper, my voice trembling. He pokes his head back in and walks over. "Olivia," he says, and I crumble into his arms. He holds me tight and starts crying softly.

"Look at her, Molly," he murmurs. "She's all grown up."

"You look very beautiful, pumpkin," he adds, kissing my forehead before gently stepping away. Snape clears his throat and steps closer. "My child, you look absolutely beau—"

I don't let him finish. I throw my arms around him, clinging to him like the overwhelmed child I suddenly feel like. He wraps his arms around me, solid and comforting. "Shhh. I don't want the girls yelling at me for ruining your makeup," he murmurs.

We all laugh through the tears. One by one, they trickle out of the room, and I'm left alone.

I walk to the window and peek through the sheer curtain. The Manor garden looks breathtaking — glowing candles float above the tables, flowers bloom like they've been waiting for this day. Thank you, Mr. Malfoy. Blaise, Theo, and Crabbe are teasing Draco. He has a drink in his hand, but I can tell he's nervous. He looks so handsome, it actually hurts.

A soft knock pulls me from the window.

"Yes?" I call out, heart jumping.

No answer.

Another knock.

I open the door slowly, only to see someone holding a massive bouquet of roses in front of their face. I frown. "Miss me?" a voice says. I gasp. "Chris!"

I jump into his arms and he lifts me off the ground with ease. "Hello, darling," he says, setting me down and kissing my head. "I thought you weren't coming," I say, still half hugging him. "Oh please. For one, my baby sister's getting married. And two, I won the bet."

I roll my eyes. Of course.

Back in Hogwarts, he swore Draco only bullied me because he liked me. He said we'd end up married. I laughed in his face.

Well. Look who's laughing now.

"Yeah, yeah, wipe that smug look off your face," I say, tugging him into the room with me.

But secretly?

I'm glad he's here. Everything feels a little more perfect now.

Draco Malfoy's POV

"Who would've thought? The Draco Lucius Malfoy, getting married — and to a Gryffindor, no less," Blaise drawls, smirking like the devil himself. Theo and Crabbe snicker, Pansy shakes her head like she can't believe it either.

I roll my eyes and take a long sip of cold water, trying to calm the hell down. My palms are clammy, my collar feels tight, and my stomach? Useless. Absolutely useless.

Mother's outdone herself decorating the garden. Everything looks immaculate — classic, but not showy. Just how Olivia wanted it. People have started to arrive, which only makes the nerves worse. I frown when I see Lopez. Of course he's here. She insisted. They're old friends. He still looks at her like he's waiting for her to change her mind.

Bad luck, mate.

Hermione stands to the side, flipping through a stack of parchment, probably rehearsing every word of the ceremony in her head. She catches my eye and nods once. I nod back.

Mother and Father arrive next. Mother is wearing the deep green gown Olivia got her on her first Christmas with us — of course she is. Father's face is stoic, but his nod tells me everything. For once, he looks... proud.

We begin to take our positions. The procession starts.

First Blaise and Ginny, looking like trouble and elegance combined — Best Man and Maid of Honor. Then Theo and Luna, Crabbe and Pansy. Everyone looks sharp, the music swells, and then—

The doors open.

I stop breathing.

Olivia stands there, radiant. Absolutely radiant. The world goes silent around me. She looks like every dream I never admitted I had. The dress, the crown, the veil — all of it perfect, but nothing compared to her. There's a lump in my throat. I blink fast to stop the tears, but she sees me. Of course she does.

She smiles. Just a little. Just enough.

Mr. Weasley walks her down the aisle, her arm looped through his. She kisses him on the cheek halfway down, and he kisses the top of her head like she's his own. Then, from the side, Snape steps up and takes his place beside her.

I reach for her hand as they arrive. Snape hands it over.

Hermione asks who gives away the bride.

Mr. Weasley and Snape both step forward.

It's strange — this mix of calm and chaos inside me. I'm holding her hand, and still I can't believe this is real. She looks up at me like she knows exactly what I'm thinking. "Here you go," Snape says dryly.

"Here you go? What am I, a Quaffle?" Olivia says, raising a brow.

Everyone laughs — of course they do.

Snape smirks. "Take care of her, Draco. Or remember what I told you — I will follow through."

Olivia giggles. I break into a sweat.

"You look beautiful," I murmur to her, already leaning down to kiss her before I'm immediately interrupted by Hermione clearing her throat. I shoot her a death glare. She ignores it. Shocker.

"Dearly beloved," she begins, sounding every bit the head girl she used to be, "we are gathered here today in the presence of these witnesses, to join Olivia Aurora Montgomery and Draco Lucius Malfoy in matrimony..."

She talks about us. How she's known us both. How we're perfect for each other — her words. I don't even roll my eyes.

Then comes the line:

"If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together, let them speak now or forever hold their peace." I instantly pull out my wand. Laughter erupts around us. Olivia playfully smacks my hand and pushes it down.

"Now I would like to ask the couple to take a seat while we say the prayer," Hermione says, and everyone on stage steps aside.

I sit beside Olivia and whisper, "Can you believe it? We're getting married."

"Yeah!" she grins, her fingers brushing mine. "Are we, though?" I tease, tilting my head and pointing at my cheek. "Just to be sure..." She leans in — and I turn just in time to steal a kiss on the lips. Her eyes widen.

I grin like the smug idiot I am.

She smacks my thigh, not hard enough to stop smiling. Everyone bursts into laughter again.

"Love is patient. Love is kind," Hermione says sharply. "But it is not going to put up with all the side chatter, so knock it off." I lift my hands in surrender. "At least she's yelling at someone else for a change," I hear Weasley whisper to Potter behind us.

Honestly, does the man ever whisper properly?

"Ronald!" Hermione snaps.

Silence.

Prayer continues. Everyone bows their heads. Except me — I can't stop looking at Olivia.

And somehow, for the first time all day, I finally feel calm.

"I believe you've prepared vows?" Hermione asks, her voice formal and just a touch bossy.

We both nod. Olivia reaches over and grabs a few notes from Ginny's hand. She gives me a smile — that tiny one where her nose scrunches up slightly. The one that made me fall in love with her in the first place.

She glances at the paper and then back up at me. "Usually, I know what to say. Not usually — I do always know what to say," she begins, and people laugh a little. But her eyes lock with mine, and my heart stills.

"Yet somehow," she says, her voice softer, "you make me speechless. Draco, I couldn't have imagined a better guy — nor would I have found one — to spend my life with. I can't imagine loving you more than I do right now... but I thought that yesterday. And the day before that. And the day before that."

She pauses. Her voice wavers, just for a second. "Draco... I don't know what the future holds. But I can say — I've never been happier than I am in this moment, marrying you." My throat closes. A single tear escapes, and I don't even try to stop it.

She smiles through her own tears. And now it's my turn.

I clear my throat. "Darling, as we stand here on our wedding day, my heart is overflowing with your love." That line earns a few sentimental sighs. But I can't stop there. "I knew you were something special the day I first saw you — even though you punched me right after."

Everyone laughs. Olivia gives me a dramatic little glare, but her eyes are glowing.

"The way you love me is unlike anything I've ever known," I say. "You see me — really see me. You know exactly who I am, and yet... you love me anyway." She's crying again.

"You're kind. Thoughtful. You have the sweetest heart — totally opposite of what I am." She lets out a soft laugh and mouths, "True."

"I couldn't imagine a better wife. And I know one day, you'll be the most incredible mother." Her bottom lip trembles. "With you by my side, nothing feels difficult. You're the sun of my life. My only star. I... I could—"

But I can't finish.

The words catch in my throat. I look at her — really look at her — and my voice gives out. She's sobbing now, beautiful and messy and perfect. "Why would you say that?" she whispers, overwhelmed.

I take her hand and smile through my own emotion. She wipes a tear from my cheek with her thumb.

"I couldn't have imagined how good life would get — from the moment I met you," I say. Then I look right into her eyes. "'May my heart be your shelter, and my arms be your home.'"

And I lean in for the kiss, overwhelmed and absolutely done waiting.

But—

"Not yet!" Hermione barks, pushing me gently away with one hand.

Everyone bursts out laughing. Even I laugh, shaking my head. Bloody officiant rules.

"Who has the rings?" Hermione asks, still keeping one suspicious eye on me.

Theo hands them over. I take Olivia's hand, sliding the ring onto her finger slowly, deliberately. She does the same for me, her hands trembling just a little.

Then Hermione turns to Olivia. "Do you take the groom to be your lawfully wedded husband through sickness and in health? Do you promise to love him, comfort him, be faithful to him, honor him for as long as you both live?" Olivia pulls her hand back dramatically and taps her chin. "Let's see... hmm..."

"Olivia!" her mum scolds from the front row. "I do," she says sweetly, winking at me.

Hermione turns to me. Same question. I mimic Olivia exactly — tap my chin, pretend to think. "Let me think..."

"Draco Malfoy!" my mother hisses, sharp as ever. "I do," I say, grinning shamelessly.

Hermione lets out a sigh and announces, "By the power vested in me by Merlin, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now—finally—kiss the bride- Oh he already has!"

I don't wait.

I cup Olivia's face and pull her close, kissing her like no one's watching. Her arms loop around mine and we just melt into it.

And because I am Draco Malfoy, I finish the kiss with a proper dip — dramatic, classic, perfectly theatrical.

The crowd erupts in applause. But all I hear is her breathy laugh in my ear.

Mine. All mine.

Olivia Malfoy's POV

"I, now, present you for the first time ever — Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy," Blaise announces as we step into the hall. The applause washes over me like a warm wave. Everyone is cheering. Draco and I glide through the crowd and find our seats for dinner and the speeches.

Later, we share a beautiful first dance — just him and me, swaying perfectly to the music — and then the party really kicks off.

I'm in the middle of dancing when Narcissa suddenly pulls me aside. "Time for the Garter Ceremony." I choke on my breath. The what? No, no, no—not the Garter Ceremony.

I glance over at Draco. He's already smirking at Ginny. Now I get it. That's why she's been pushing me to wear the garter.

A chair is placed right in the center of the room. I sit down, heart pounding. Draco drops to his knees in front of me, his grin wide as he buries his head under my dress.

I feel his hand slide discreetly to my other thigh, his fingers caressing gently. Then he bites the flesh on my left thigh — ouch — and it's all I can do to hold back a moan.

He pulls the garter off with his teeth. The crowd erupts in cheers.

Later, I'm sipping champagne when Rafael comes over. "Where's the pretty bride?" he says, wrapping me in a hug. "Raf! I didn't see you," I say, hugging him back. He has no date tonight, which surprises me. He said he'd bring someone.

I frown, raising an eyebrow at him. "I thought you'd end up with Luna," I say, smiling. He grins. "And I thought you'd end up with me." I laugh nervously, trying to dodge the awkwardness.

"Time for the bouquet toss!" Ginny yells, pulling me away just in time.

Thank Merlin for Ginny.

Now it's my turn. "Line up, ladies!" I call as all the girls at the wedding fall into place behind me.

I fake-throw the bouquet a few times, teasing them, before I turn around, walk over to Hermione, and hand it to her. Then I spin her around so she can see my brother down on one knee.

Draco and I are talking quietly when Narcissa approaches us, tears in her eyes.

"Mother, are you okay?" Draco asks gently. She nods. "Yes... just — Aurora and I promised our kids would get married. And look at you. You did it." Lucius strokes her back. "Now, now, dear. Let's not ruin their wedding night."

They leave us alone.

After everyone else has gone, Draco and I share a special last dance — just like our first dance, but without anyone watching.

I place my hands on his chest. He slips his hands to my waist.

We move slowly, perfectly in sync, staring at the love of our lives — each other.

To love, laughter, and happily ever after.