Chapter Fifty
1 year later
The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the grand courtyard of Malfoy Manor. A slight breeze ruffled the leaves of the ancient trees, the rustling sound filling the air with an almost magical sense of tranquility. It was a perfect day for a wedding—clear skies, the scent of blooming roses filling the air, and the promise of forever hanging between the two people standing at the center of it all.
Harry stood on the edge of the courtyard, his back straight, his heart racing in a way that had nothing to do with nerves. He was no longer the uncertain boy he had once been—afraid to love, afraid to commit. He had found his place, and it was here, today, in this moment, waiting for the man he loved more than anything.
Draco Malfoy, the man who had once been his enemy, stood before him now, not in the usual sharp suits or expensive robes, but in a simple, elegant black tuxedo that fit him perfectly, the subtle Malfoy crest embroidered on the cuffs. He was looking at Harry with such intensity, such love, that Harry could feel his pulse quicken. The last year had been a whirlwind of moments—some quiet and intimate, others loud and full of laughter—but each one had led to this day, to this moment when they were about to make their vows to each other.
Draco's eyes softened as he caught Harry's gaze, his lips curving into a smile. The cocky, arrogant mask that had once been his default had fallen away entirely, replaced by someone real, someone Harry had come to love with every fiber of his being.
"I still can't believe we're actually doing this," Draco murmured, his voice low but filled with something deeper—something Harry couldn't quite place, but understood all the same.
Harry couldn't help but laugh. "If you'd asked me a year ago, I'd have said the same thing. But here we are."
Draco shook his head, a grin tugging at the corners of his lips. "You always did have a knack for making me lose my breath."
Harry's heart skipped a beat. They had spent the past year together—finding their rhythm, learning each other's quirks and habits, building a life that felt entirely their own. And in that time, Harry had fallen deeper than he had ever imagined he could. He loved Draco. He loved the way he challenged him, the way he made him feel alive. He loved the way they could fight and argue, but it always ended with them finding their way back to each other.
But more than that, he loved Draco for who he had become. The man before him wasn't the same person Harry had once despised. He was someone better, someone who had shown Harry that love was worth fighting for, no matter how difficult it might be.
"Ready?" Draco asked, his eyes filled with an excitement that mirrored Harry's own.
Harry nodded, a smile spreading across his face. "Ready."
The sound of the guests settling in their seats behind them brought Harry back to the present. The garden had been transformed for the occasion. White and gold decorations adorned every surface, flowers blooming in abundance, the air heavy with the scent of jasmine and roses. The Malfoys had spared no expense, but it wasn't the extravagance that mattered. It was the meaning behind it all. The love that was palpable in the air.
Draco reached for Harry's hand, his fingers brushing gently over Harry's skin as he guided him toward the altar. The nervous flutter in Harry's stomach was real, but it wasn't fear. It was anticipation. This was it. They were doing this.
The guests were a mix of familiar faces—friends who had supported them, family who had come to accept them, and a few people from the wizarding world who had heard about the whirlwind romance between the former rivals. The Weasleys, for all their history with the Malfoys, had sent their well wishes through a letter, but they were absent from the ceremony. Harry understood, but it didn't bother him. Not anymore.
Narcissa Malfoy stood near the front, her eyes filled with a quiet pride as she watched her son, the boy who had once been so lost, now standing at the threshold of a new life. Lucius Malfoy, on the other hand, was a little more reserved, his expression thoughtful, but Harry could see the faintest glimmer of approval in his eyes. Draco had always sought his father's approval, but Harry knew now that the only approval that mattered was Draco's own.
As they reached the altar, the officiant—a kind, slightly eccentric wizard named Professor Flitwick—smiled at the couple, his eyes twinkling with warmth. "We are gathered here today to witness the union of Harry James Potter and Draco Lucius Malfoy. A union that defied all expectations, broke boundaries, and proved that love knows no limits."
Harry felt Draco's hand tighten around his, a silent reminder of how far they had come.
The ceremony itself was simple, elegant. Words of love were spoken, vows exchanged, and promises made. Harry's voice caught in his throat as he spoke, the weight of the commitment sinking in. Draco's voice, too, was thick with emotion, his usual sharp tone softened by the sincerity of the moment.
"I, Draco Lucius Malfoy, take you, Harry James Potter, to be my partner for life," Draco said, his voice unwavering despite the emotion behind it. "Through everything—through all the fights, the struggles, and the chaos—I choose you. I choose this, I choose us. And I will choose you every single day for the rest of my life."
Harry's heart swelled with emotion as he replied, his voice soft but filled with conviction. "I, Harry James Potter, take you, Draco Lucius Malfoy, to be my partner. You are my home, Draco. You're where I belong. And I will love you, every day, no matter what."
Draco's eyes softened as he looked at Harry, his lips trembling slightly before he spoke again. "I love you, Harry. More than anything."
"I love you, too," Harry whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "More than I ever thought was possible."
Professor Flitwick smiled warmly at them. "Then by the power vested in me by the Ministry of Magic, I now pronounce you husband and husband. You may kiss the groom."
Without a moment's hesitation, Draco leaned forward, capturing Harry's lips in a kiss that was full of everything they had built together—the laughter, the tears, the fights, the love. It was perfect.
The guests erupted in applause, but Harry and Draco only had eyes for each other. In that moment, nothing else mattered.
As they pulled away, Draco grinned wickedly, his eyes dark with amusement. "So, how does it feel to be married to me, Potter?"
Harry chuckled, feeling the familiar surge of affection that only Draco could evoke. "It feels like the best decision I've ever made."
"Well, I'm glad you finally figured that out," Draco teased, his voice light but filled with warmth. "Took you long enough."
Harry rolled his eyes, but his smile was all-encompassing. "Shut up, Draco."
"Only if you insist," Draco smirked. But there was nothing but love in his gaze, the kind of love Harry had always dreamed of but never thought he would find. The kind that made everything else fade into the background.
As they turned to face their friends and family, the air was thick with happiness and love. This was it. This was forever. And Harry had never felt more at home.
The End