WARNINGS: FLUFF

Friday, April 15th 2005:

SOUTH OF FRANCE VILLA

A glorious aura orbited Artemis as she stared at her reflection.

She was getting married.

"Just breathe," she whispered, smiling widely at her appearance, "just breathe."

Fingers fiddled with the lace of her floor-length gown. A white gown this time. It grew the further it went down her legs, creating a long train behind her. The hemline was just about covering her bust, which was encircled by the off-shoulder sheer sleeves. A variety of patterns beautifully ran over the delicate fabric. I love it, she recalled screaming when her mother and aunt presented it to her, and then shortly after Daphne did the same. It was one of the finest pieces she had ever worn and they ever created.

Artemis softly laughed at herself, not believing that this day had finally come. Turning her head, her sterling snake-shaped earrings graced her shoulders, it was her 'something new' which Klaus bequeathed. Her 'something borrowed' was a hairpiece her mother wore on her wedding day and now was holding together all the dark curls shaped into a low bun. Her 'Something Old,' was one of the first poems Draco had ever written to her for her 12th birthday, 13 years ago.

25 and getting married.

All her bridesmaids had left the room, wanting to allow her to have some time to herself.

In other words, they knew she needed to have time to panic or cry or whatever she wanted to do alone.

Thankfully she wasn't stuck in her own mind.

Artemis and the rest of her close-knit group had begun seeing mind healers shortly after the war. For some it worked, fortunately, she was a part of that majority, whereas Blaise still struggled and so did Draco, but neither of them stopped progressing, it just took them a little longer to get into it.

Soft knocking at the door of the room she was occupying made her smile, she was certain she knew who it was.

"Arty?" Draco spoke from the other side of the door, "I know I'm not supposed to be here, Mum bit my head off for even considering speaking to you now but it's been a week since I saw you last and I can't stand it."

"I've hated it as well," she confessed, knowing she wished she'd enjoyed the time with her girls but she missed him so much, "don't say a word to Daph."

"I won't, she's terrifying when she's mad, even more than you," he chuckled through the door, I've missed that sound, she thought "even more so now since you know..."

"The baby? Believe me, I know that little one had been drooling all over me," she gushed, recalling their newest addition to the family.

Many changes have happened over the last 7 years. Klaus and Celeste tied the knot back in '01, Elijah and Ophelia did in '02, whilst Blaise and Daphne planned theirs for November of '03 without realising 9 months later they would pop a child. Astrid Ophelia Zabini was the spitting image of her father but had her mother's need to grab at anything shiny set in front of her.

Luckily she could attend today's celebration. Daphne had put her into a dress which matched the rest of the bridesmaids and stuck a matching headband over a few strands of hair that were growing.

Adorable.

"Cute, isn't she?" Draco chose her name, although Daphne would say otherwise.

"The cutest. We're godparents to the most gorgeous girl."

He smirked, "Until you pop one out of course."

"Easy, let me get down the aisle first."

"Not unless you want me to come in," he reached for the handle, "we can start right now."

"Draco Lucius Malfoy, you better not," she warned, knowing he was about to ruin their luck if he caught a glimpse of her in this dress, "you just have to wait until our honeymoon."

"So you still want to marry men then," she could hear the nervousness in his voice, making her frown, "again I mean, no backing out?"

"No backing out," she said immediately, allowing him to stop sweating through his shirt. Merlin, his mum was going to murder him.

"I just needed to hear your voice."

"I'm here Amore," she planted her hand on the door and he did the same.

"You'd think that after 24 years I wouldn't get this nervous about being around you," he bit down on his bottom lip, "M'suppose it's not nerves just heart palpitations, normal ones you know, the ones I always tell you about."

She grinned, "The happy ones."

"Exactly the happy ones. The Arty ones."

She softly chuckled, shifting on her ivory heels that were already hurting her feet, but hearing Draco distracted her from everything. His voice was like home to her and she couldn't wait to be reunited.

"I get them too. The Draco ones, the darling, Amore, above the stars ones. All you."

Her voice soothed him in ways he didn't think were possible, but with that her voice also made his heart want to jump out of his chest.

He was so in love, he couldn't help it, nor did he want to.

"Did this help, talking to me?" she quietly asked.

"You always help."

The couple were smiling widely, teeth and all, their faces were going to hurt before they even got hitched...again.

"Now get to the alter, you know Daph will have a fit if you don't," she joked.

"Trust me I know," he slowly removed his hand from the door, "I'll see you there, don't leave me looking like a melt."

She would never say, "Well... you know I love to torture you a little bit."

"I know, but I won't hesitate to drag you down there."

"Oh, I know," she laughed and so did he, "I love you."

"And I love you."

***

"Oh come on, It's your second wedding can't be late, thanks for inviting me to the first," Klaus spoke, with his back against the door, watching as Artemis fiddled with her hands.

She rolled her eyes, "It's been 7 years and you're still stuck on that."

"At least you let me walk you to the aisle this time," he joked, "stop fussing, you look perfect."

Finally, she dropped her hands and glanced up at his teasing smirk. It had been 11 years since he'd been in her life, and even more, since he'd been in her mother's, making her happy in any and every way possible. Despite how much Artemis had tried to hate the hybrid when they first met, she couldn't and Salazar knew she tried. He was there whenever she was struggling and there when she was happy.

What she didn't know is that the moment Klaus Mikaelson met her, he promised himself never to give up, never let struggle alone, and never abandon the young witch that was clearly lost just like he did with Marcel a few centuries ago.

It was like he knew that they would all be a big dysfunctional family and he had to make it work.

"Are you sure mum's ready, she's walking me down the aisle," Artemis stressed.

He held back his laugh, "She's aware."

"Don't joke about this," he could easily detect the humour in her voice.

"Take my arm."

"O-okay..." she felt calmer by his side.

Klaus pressed a kiss to her temple and said, "You look stunning and if I walk into that room and do not see your little wizard bawling his eyes at the mere sight of you, I suppose gouging out his eyes would do the trick," he received an elbow to the side, but he didn't relent, "I believe you know how serious I take my threats."

"And so does he, you said that to him every day leading up to the wedding."

"Oh, so he informed you?" he received a nod in return, "Snitch."

Artemis couldn't help but laugh, the sound put a genuine smile on the hybrid's face.

She might be 25 years old, but she was still a little girl to him, his little girl.

To Klaus, Artemis looked like the spitting image of his lovely wife, but there were traces of Ezekiel, that he couldn't deny, even though he wanted to, he couldn't. He accepted a while ago that there was a part in both his adoptive daughter's and wife's life that he would never understand, no matter how much he tried to.

"You look utterly beautiful," he said, leading her out of the room. "May I say that the earrings I gifted you add to the look?"

"You may," she giggled.

The earrings that curved around her ears and dangled down were charmed. Celeste aided him with that.

"Did you know how I apprehended those earrings?" Artemis shook her head and he continued, "My dear wife, you're exceptional mother found one of your father's old cuff links," her brown eyes widened, "apparently you used to play with them all when you were a child. So she had the brilliant idea of melting a few not all down and shaped them into these, for your something new," he grew slightly worried that she didn't like them anymore, "I hope you don't mind."

Tears formed in her eyes, "I love them even more."

"You do?" he was getting choked up.

"I do."

"They also smell like Ezekiel, they always will," he informed, "the charm I recall Daphne informing of. She allegedly used it on a framed moving picture of her and Blaise for his 12th birthday, remember something like that?"

"Yes," Artemis found her words and squeezed his arm, "I helped her with that present."

"Oh I have no doubt about that," he noted her silence, "are you sure that you like them, I should've asked you to touch your father's belongings."

"No it's fine," Artemis beamed at him, "it's my something new... and old I guess. From one father to the next."

Klaus' heart stopped for a second at her earnest words.

Father, a word she never called him. Even though it had been years he never fretted, despite sometimes wanting to. And today, just now she came close and he almost lost his breath at the thought.

Klaus nodded, "Yes, one father to the next."

Once Artemis saw her mother at the doors, she let out a breath she didn't know she was holding and unbeknownst to her, Celeste did the same.

"O-okay, I'm ready." her palms were so sweaty.

"Remember to breathe."

"I will. Thank you... Nik."

He winked, "Blow them away little witch. I'll meet you there."

***

Outside the grand room where the guests waited, Celeste tried not to cry when she took her daughter in her arms.

"You look... sorry I shouldn't cry, I thought letting it out this morning would be enough."

"You're stunning mum," Artemis would always be in awe of her mother. As the years went by, ageing was nothing against the Zabini twins, they looked the same as they did when they had their children. "Always stunning."

"My baby's getting married," a frown appeared on the older witch's lips, "for the second time, at least I'm here for this one."

"No one will let me live that down," Artemis muttered.

Celeste agreed, "Never. I thought I was mad, little Daphne had to be restrained by Elijah."

"I know, she almost killed me." Artemis would never forget the day that she was frightened of her best friend.

"Well she won't now, we can't be late, she planned this one."

"I don't know how she managed to do that and her own."

"Luckily it's smaller than her own," Celeste joked.

"Small for Daph is still big, 500 people at this one," Artemis nodded at the door that Klaus slipped through only moments ago, not before he pressed one last kiss to their heads.

"Right, we can't be late," Celeste said, passing her daughter white dahlias, "The bridesmaids are already."

"How Daphne managed to lose the baby weight to fit into that dress I will never know," Artemis murmured when they turned to face the door. "She said she couldn't ruin the dress."

"Suppose that will be you soon my love. You know twins run in the family"

Artemis sighed, "I'm not pregnant."

"Yet."

Before Artemis could object, Celeste waved her hand.

Suddenly the doors opened and everyone was on their feet.

From the alter, there stood Draco who sucked in a deep breath at the sight of his wife-to-be... well they were already married, not like anyone would let them forget. He couldn't take his eyes off of her, he literally froze and could've sworn his heart skipped a beat before it rapidly started up again.

Blaise and Theo were to his left, even though Theo argued millions of times that he wanted to be the maid of honour, Daphne was willing to duel him for that spot.

So that's where she walked in front of Artemis, with glistening tears in her eyes, and hair in an updo with curls falling insinuating her face, just like the rest of the bridesmaids; Astoria, Luna, Alana and Aurora were in lime-green – shockingly Artemis didn't want them to wear emerald, she insisted that they wore something light, so they did. All the dresses were slightly different.

Sprinkled through the venue were her grandparents and other cousins that travelled from all over. Septrim wouldn't miss his little ghost get married nor would Sapphire.

Slytherins like Marcus were there struggling not to cry. Lucien knew his close friend would bawl at the sight of his protege all grown up, so he had tissues at the ready. Millicent stood near them and an empty seat was next to her, for her best friend, her best friend that could never attend.

Lee joked with Iziah and Fred in the Crowd, Angelina and Lei Mai rolled their eyes, whilst Hermoine scolded them, especially when her husband joined in. Harry just smiled, especially when Ginny held his hand and gossiped about all of the various wizarding moguls that attended. Fleur gawked when Artemis walked in, Bill teased that cornish pixies would fly into her mouth.

Dean stood next to Narcissa at the front, with Seamus, Neville and Neville's wife Hannah behind them.

On the other side, Ophelia bounced an 8-month-old Astrid (her grandchild that Daphne recently birthed) in her arms, whilst Elijah tended to the drool she was spitting. The first baby of the new spectre generation, everyone gushed over the beautiful little girl.

Marcel and Klaus were next to them, the former had Itri by his feet, monitoring the dog and hoping that he wouldn't make a scene, whilst his father had the task of watching the two ladies in his life making their way down the aisle safely.

Many absences were evident and weighed heavy on Artemis' heart, her father, and her godfather. Cedric, Zacharias, Fred, Pansy, Lavender, Snape. She never stopped thinking about them, but she had to carry on and so she did.

"Im so proud of you, words can't describe it... honestly, if I tried I would cry and I spent a fortune on this look," Artemis managed to hold back her tears as they continued to walk past the many faces. "I'm not the only one who would be proud of all you accomplished, your father..." Celeste turned to her daughter who was gulping, "Ezekiel would've carried you down here if you wanted, "The paired softly laughed, "Never think neither me, him nor Klaus aren't proud of you because I don't think we could ever stop."

She nodded, "I know mum, I just wish he was here."

"So do I."

"I suppose I'm lucky, we'll kinda... I have two dads," she said and caught the wink Klaus sent her. She knew he, Elijah and Marcel could hear every word of what was said, "one with me here and the other looking over me."

"That's one way of looking at it."

Receiving a nudge from Blaise, Draco snapped out of the trance Artemis unintentionally put him in, which earned a few chuckles.

Celeste whispered a few words to draco which had him blushing, then when she turned to her daughter, kissing her cheek, and muttered the same thing to her, rendering Artemis gobsmacked, before taking the dahlias and going to find her seat next to her husband.

Make sure to give me many grandchildren, is what had been said.

Draco gracefully took Artemis' hands and helped her up the steps.

She didn't miss the proud look on Blaise's face or the tears glistening in Theo's eyes, just like draco didn't neglect to see all the bridesmaids looking at Artemis in complete amazement.

"Hi," she whispered to Draco.

He grinned, "Hi."

"You look handsome."

"And you're everything."

The officiator cleared their throat, "Will everyone take their seats?"

***

The burning sun was replaced by the ivory moon.

Everyone was carrying on the festivities in the large hall with archways next to more archways, with flowers covering and kissing every table. Food rested on every plate and soft tunes hummed all around them.

Pretty lights sparkled through the venue encircling them as they overlooked the sea.

There was no ceiling just like they wanted.

Nothing stopping them from meeting the stars.

"Did you know that Potter was rich?" Theo rushed over to Blaise who was fixing the bow on his daughter's head.

The little girl looked a little sleepy but she fought it off because of the attention she received throughout the day. Soon after the wedding concluded everyone made their way to the reception.

"Looking better looking now right?" Blasie joked, nodding to where the Potter wizard stood as far from the mikealson as possible because Klaus couldn't forget what happened to Artemis all those years ago, "being an auror got him into shape."

"Don't let Daph hear you say that."

"Or Dean."

"She would burn the other half of my body if you she did."

Theo didn't laugh at the joke, instead, he began to fuss over the little girl in his best friend's arms. His goddaughter. Even though Blaise joked about the scars on his body, he would always be cautious about them no matter how hard he tried to convince his family. The scars covered most of the left side of his body. Cursed magic ruined his life and Elijah secretly poured money into research about trying to reverse the damage of what happened to his son, whilst Artemis did her best to come up with pastes and other concoctions to minimise the scars.

It would take a while but Blaise still rarely wore short-sleeved shirts or shorts not like that stopped people fawning over him.

He didn't understand why he still managed to get attention, but the answer was simple.

He's Blaise Hunter Zabini.

"Be careful of her bow T," Blaise said, giving his daughter to Theo, "Daph will be on both our arses if that falls."

"Striddy will protect us won't she," Astrid blew bubbles at that which made the two wizards smile.

On the other side of the room stood Ron who conversed with his sister Ginny and his friend Lee about Quidditch, whilst Fleur talked to Opehlia about opening a branch in France.

Everything was going swimmingly.

Well, apart from when Theo would joke about throwing Astrid across the room.

"Theo do not throw my child in the air!" everyone turned once they heard Daphne's voice.

"Dean, my lovely catch," Theo jogged away from Blaise with Astrid safely tucked in his arms.

"Theo!"

Over by the front of the beautifully decorated room, Draco chuckled into his wife's arms as she smacked him.

"It's not funny."

"Come on," he slyly tugged her closer, so he could whisper in her ear, "it's a little funny."

Ignoring the way her skin heated up, she replied, "Not when it is own kids in the air."

"They'll be own brooms before they're out of nappies."

"Oh really?" she turned so their lips were nearly touching.

"Yes really," he stole a kiss from her, having wanted to do that since they officially tied the knot this time, "and when we won't be able to keep them," kiss, "on," kiss, "the" kiss "ground," their noses touched and rubbed. Artemis giggled at the feeling and he laughed, "Thinking of any names?"

"What's with everyone today?" Artemis was shocked at home many people could bring up her future pregnancies, "Mum said I was going to have twins, Tori told me to use the protection spell, because we all know how she is –"

"--Disgusted by kids –"

"-- Yeah, and Nonna Sapphire told me to eat lemons because it increases the chances of having a girl and don't me started on George."

"What did Weaslebee – I mean Weasley say?"

"To make sure I have a how Quidditch team of kids so they could come by Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes and make sure they're never out of business."

Draco smirked, "sounds like a plan."

Artemis feigned shock, "As if I'm pushing out 7 kids."

"Carrot-top's mum did it."

"Oh, so you counted?"

"Yes I counted," Draco playfully rolled his eyes, then leant closer to his wife again, "and we have all the time in the world don't we?"

Artemis bashfully nodded, "All the time...when I'm not being a healer."

"I'll stay at home with them when I'm not focusing on Alchemy."

"Sounds like a plan," she mocked his previous words earning a chuckle from him.

Over by the drinks table, Narcissa wiped away a tear watching them. She couldn't believe how happy her son looked, looking around the room she couldn't believe how happy everyone looked and for once she had no one next to her, well...not her husband or sister.

Lucius was arrested and given a lifelong sentence in Azkaban, along with Theo Sr. Truthfully neither son was hurt by it, they were far more upset for their mothers but they seemed to be thriving a lot more alone than in their marriages. Celeste was gutted but made an effort to visit Lucius, along with Ophelia although they were never regular, not that it mattered to man, he had gone mad — having no idea of happiness or sadness had made him lose it. All he saw were visions of his best friend. They were so frequent he believed Ezekiel was alive.

How sad.

Narcissa knew Artemis missed Lucius tremendously but knew nothing could be done about his sentence. But considering how much more confidant Draco was without the looming presence of his father she didn't dwell. He was a big part of her life and now he was gone too. All in all the Malfoy woman was glad to have such a brilliant daughter-in-law.

And considering her sister was gone too, she spent most of her time, in silence, which for once, she liked.

Feeling her gaze on him, Draco turned and waved at her, mouthing a quick, are you okay mum? To which she happily nodded.

"Come you two," Theo urged them to stand, whilst holding Dean's hand. Dean sent Sraco a smile, that was instantly returned. Their friendship had really blossomed over the last couple of years and they were fairly close which came as a surprise to everyone, "we need more pictures," he said holding a new Polaroid that Dean gifted him.

Artemis sighed, "Are you forgetting that it's our wedding and we have plenty of photographers?"

"'Scuse me for wanting to get as many before you and your hubby start shagging," his words were met with many glares from the vampires that occupied the room. Klaus had the biggest scowl on his face, no calming words from Celeste could knock it off so Theo decided to turn away, "Your dad looks like he's about to bite my head off."

"Then don't provoke him," Artemis scolded.

Theo wiggled his brows, "But I might like that,"

"You're with Dean!"

Dean waved them off, "Oh it's fine, we discuss this all the time".

"What-"

"Say, Spectre!" Theo yelled holding up the camera.

"Spectre!" they all posed.

Turning back to him Artemis tried to ask, "Now Theo -"

"Gotta run," Theo paced away, leaving his boyfriend to sit next to Draco, "Oi Potter take a picture with me, need to show my dad next time I visit him, he will probably off himself."

"Theo!" All the mums present scolded him.

"Kidding..."

Artemis kissed her husband before standing to go and greet more of her guests, leaving him and Dean to talk.

The hall seemed to be getting more and more crowded by the second, with children running, chocolate frogs jumping about the place and even the odd sightings of brooms flying around.

"Oi brown eyes!"

Artemis smiled as she turned around to see her old friend, who was heavily panting without his blazer on.

Grouping a flute of champagne she passed it to him, "Zay, why are you out of breath?"

The wizard didn't hesitate to down the whole thing before taking another from a passing waiter.

"Me and your brother had a race outside," he nodded to Marcel who was mingling with a few witches and seemed fine compared to him.

She quirked up a brow, "And you thought you would win?"

"Worth a shot."

"Idiot."

"Hey!"

"Get over it," she laughed, watching him down another drink  "I never got to ask how's Misfits going?"

Misfits...the band he and Alana put together several years ago. They didn't have much money but they did have tons of support. Iziah tended to say that Zacharias and Cedric guided them. His father wasn't supportive in the slightest, but fortunately, Alana's parents were. They were currently on tour and luckily they had some time off for the wedding, not like they would dare to miss it.

"Swimmingly and the donation helped a lot."

'If your friends aren't there to see you succeed, is there any point in success' Her words stuck with him and she always made sure to donate as much as possible.

She shrugged, "Well, I heard Harry chipped in."

"I keep forgetting how much money he has."

"Tons," she grabbed two shots of dragon whiskey and passed one to him.

"So are you happy?" he asked after they both winced at the burning sensation going down their throats.

She happily nodded, "The happiest."

He smiled, "I'm glad."

"Really?"

"Eh," he jokily shugged making her laugh, "Besides I got over you years ago." she raised a questioning brow, "alright fine 5 years ago and being single is good for the brand."

"Yeah, I heard you and Lana believe it gets more fans that way."

"It works. Zach was the one to tell me to do it actually."

Artemis nodded in understanding.

Not once did she forget to visit Zacharias' grave, she did it annually, same with the rest of all the people they lost. She could've sworn when she went to visit Fred she felt a hand on her shoulder, which she would've found chilling but she felt the same whenever she saw Cedric too.

Amos Diggory attended tonight, he stuck by the older witches and wizards and occasionally spoke to Harry.

"I bet he did," she mused, "Most of the Mediwitches and wizards at St Mungo's have your merchandise."

"Might have to swing by."

George suddenly appeared with Angelina by his side, "Swing by Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, having a rockstar would never be bad for business, isn't that right Ang?"

"Suppose it wouldn't be," Angelina laughed along before hugging the bride.

"You reckon that your uncle would come around again?" George asked, after pulling Artemis for a side hug.

"My uncle said he wouldn't return after his face grew to the size of several quaffles."

They started to laugh and Artemis never forgot the day she found Elijah being treated by her aunt Ophelia whilst Blaise and Theo stood there in fits.

"I did tell him to stay away from certain sweets," George mumbled, "it ruined it suit didn't it?"

"He had to be cut out of it he was so swollen. I thought his healing would've kicked in by then."

"Bloody hell Georgie were you trying to kill him?" Angelina glanced up at her husband.

"Killing an original, I'm not daft, but if I did that would be good for business."

When the original in question overhead the conversation he sent the wizard a stern look, to which George gave him a friendly wave.

"Idiot," Angelina had to pull his hand down, which sent Iziah into drunken laughter.

"Peaches!" Artemis turned to the sound of her best friend after hearing their safe word.

"Gotta go," despite her reception gown being as thick and long as her wedding dress she still managed to whisk herself away.

Isiah turned to George in confusion, "What was that about?"

"Women," he was quickly nudged by his wife. "Sorry, Ang."

"Honestly Georgie, you wonder where little Fred gets it from," she feigned annoyance, referring to their son who was being taken care of by Molly.

George's face lit up, "He's a genius isn't he?"

"Last time I'll babysit him," Iziah murmured to himself, then raised his hands when the married couple sent him a glare, "what he almost tricked me into biting into one of those bombastic bombs of yours."

"Brilliant!"

Artemis finally caught up with her best friend, "Where is my little goddaughter?"

Daphne was quick to embrace her for the 4th time today.

"Marcel's got her somewhere..." Daphne didn't waste time dabbing her tears with a handkerchief Elijah offered her earlier in the day. Everyone had their time taking care of the littlest new addition to the family today. Blaise thought it was best they didn't bring their daughter because of the loud noise and flashing cameras - Theo's more than anyone's, but they both didn't want to let her out of their sight, "Look at me, I'm a mess."

"You were always like this Daph."

"And Merlin knows you weren't."

The pair start to laugh.

"Striddy sneezed yesterday and I could've sworn the curtains caught on fire," Daphne informed.

"She is Blaise's daughter," Artemis remarked sipping on some brandy she found.

"Yours will be the same."

Artemis groaned, "Let me enjoy today first before I get pregnant."

"I said the same and 9 months later my little girl popped out."

"Blaise certainly didn't waste his time."

Daphne blushed at the memory, "he certainly didn't."

"Arty!"

The pair turned to see Theo run up to him with Dean and Blasie hot on his tails.

Artemis groaned when she saw his camera, "Theo we've already taken dozens of pictures."

"Not as a group now come!" he retorted.

"Phrasing," Blaise and Dean mumbled,

"Shut it," Artemis sent an apologetic smile to Dean,  "not you Dean," and then was quick to receive a flick to the forehead from her cousin, "Arse. Fine, let's take another."

"Say let's get pissed!" Theo held up the Polaroid.

"Let's get pissed!" they said in unison.

Theo grinned when he spotted Marcel talking to Luna and Padma, the two witches only recently started dating.

"Teddy don't –" Dean didn't get a chance to finish, "and he's off."

They watched Theo race across the room.

"How does he have any energy left?" Daphne gawked at her friend.

"He's high," Blaise blurted out, which earned shocked looks from the witches.

"He's what?"

"He's high," Dean repeated, looking very amused.

"You didn't smoke did you?" Daphne pressed, looking at her husband.

"Of course not," Blaise answered very quickly, making his cousin narrow her eyes at him.

"Right," Adrienne hissed when he nudged her side.

"Besides,  did you guys forget about our old business?" Blaise asked after Dean went over to talk to Harry and Ginny.

"The business we had to stop because we turned 18."

"Yeah..."

"Blaise," Daphne scolded.

"Is that a cornish pixie?" he pointed at nothing in particular, "best go and investigate."

"Blaise Hunter Zabini!"

Artemis laughed when Daphne scattered across the floor in her heels trying to catch her husband.

The bride then went over to talk to Hermoine whilst passing her mother who was glaring at her godmother.

"Honestly Cissy they got married without all of us attending," Celeste said, shaking her head "It's not funny."

Narcissa shurgged, "Never said it was, the two did it on their own accord."

"With you and Lucius there," Ophelia pointed out, coming over to back her twin.

Narcissa raised her hands, "Their own accord."

"Traitor."

"Get over it and dance with me," Narcissa held out her hand.

Playfully rolling their eyes the twins took their best friend's hand and went over to the centre of the room and got lost in the music that was playing.

"Moine you have to," Artemis pleaded.

"I'm babysitting those two," she nodded to Harry and Ron who were indulging in more alcohol than they should which stressed out Hermoine.

"Please just another drink," Artemis held up some cocktails.

Hermoine laughed, "Gosh Artemis are you drunk?"

"No, I'm not drunk, just happy."

"I was when I married Ron," Hermione needed some sort of liquid courage to help her down the aisle, she was so nervous.

"Do you think they're gonna kill each other?" She asked, spearing a glance at their husbands who were seemingly getting along...for now.

Artemis waved her off, "Of course but who doesn't love a fight at a wedding"

"How Slytherin of you."

Artemis winked at her, "And don't you know it,"

Between going back to finish their final year of Hogwarts before graduating Hermoine and Artemis managed to expose what truly happened to Ezekiel Seramore. The crimes of Dumbledore. An exposé on the deceased wizard was on the front page of every paper in the wizarding world for weeks, then months and even a couple of years. Xenophilious Lovegood aided in spreading the truth and surprisingly so did Rita Skeeta who did get many details wrong like Artemis' age and also insinuated that Klaus helped with the murder which resulted in the woman getting sacked... permanently.

"Have you spoken to Theo?"

Artemis noted the small glances Hermoine was giving him. Theo was looking more radiant than ever and healthier too, no doubt it was because of the arrest and sentencing of his father or the fact he and Dean finally brought themselves a nice cottage in Dover.

Hermoine's mouth fell open, "Why would I speak to Theo, why would I need to speak to him?"

Artemis stayed silent and took a huge gulp of her drink which made Hermoine huff.

"We've chatted and that's it and that's all it'll ever be," Hermoine said rather quickly, "we even hugged and took pictures on his Polaroid that is winding everyone whos anyone up but that's it.

Artemis hummed, "Okay..."

"I supposed one drink can't hurt," Hermoine mumbled, making the bride squeal.

They turned to where the Nott wizard was capturing more moments with the Mikaelsons and even snapped a few with Ron to which Lee and George happily jumped in, as did the rest of the Divine group without so much as a care in the world.

It was annoyingly cute.

Artemis' mind brought her back to her 16th birthday when she watched Theo get scolded by Snape throughout the night just for simply breathing, but she could've sworn a smile wanted to break through his stoic expression.

She missed the mean professor... her mean professor.

As minutes passed Draco met his wife again, pulling her to his chest and twirling her around, ignoring the cameras that flashed around them.

"Have I told you how breathtaking you look?"

"You have but not enough," Artemis teased.

"Well then, you look breathtaking," he leant down, "and I cannot wait to take this dress off of you."

"Look forward to it," Artemis whispered.

The couple tried speaking quietly but those around them doubted heard the tipsy words exchanged.

Itri came onto the dance floor and barked around them for attention, even going as far as to almost knock Aurora off her feet.

Theo got a picture of that.

"Theo I will shove that camera up your arse!" she screamed, trying to get it off of him.

"Rory, my child!" Daphne hissed, holding up the baby that babbled in her mother's arms.

"Sorry Daph," the girl blew a kiss at the baby before going off to smoke, Merlin knew she needed one.

"Draco," Klaus called out to him and begrudgingly the groom nodded, then pressed a kiss to his wife's lips before leaving.

"What was that about?" Daphne asked, turning to her best friend as Astrid played with the rings on Artemis's finger.

"Nik wants to bond," she spoke as softly in the presence of her goddaughter, "oh yes he does," Astrid squealed at her tone.

"Adorable."

"Isn't it."

They turned hearing Alana curses at Theo for taking a picture of her whilst stuffing her face.

"Want me to steal that camera from him?" Blaise asked, approaching the two as they walked off the dance floor, "Might be fun, watching him chase me around."

"You're a dad," Artemis exclaimed.

"And?"

"Fine, maybe after I cut the cake," she indulged him.

"I'll hold you to that."

"No doubt about that."

"Now will my two girls join me in dance?" Blaise took his daughter in his arms after she reached out for him.

"I was waiting for you to ask me," Daphne playfully rolled her eyes, but still took his hand just as he pressed a kiss to it, making her cheeks turn red.

"Sorry about the wait," he turned to Astrid, "Papà is silly for keeping you and mamma waiting isn't he?"

Astrid giggled into his chest.

"Let's go," Blaise smiled at his cousin as they walked off.

Artemis pouted at the sight, it was beautiful.

She felt a tap on her shoulder and turned to see her grandfather, whose hair turned grey yet his dark skin barely tightened

"It's time you dance with such an old, genius, regal man," he said cheekily.

She looked around, "Where is he?"

Rolling his eyes, he took her hand, "Hilarious, now come."

"Phrasing," she mumbled.

"What?" he said, not hearing her.

"Nothing Nonno just don't step on my toes," she teased when they got to the crowded space.

Everyone made sure to make room for them.

He narrowed his eyes, "Woman, I'm 78, not senile."

"Debatable."

"You're worse than your mother," he said as they swayed.

She snorted, "That's the best compliment I've recieved all day."

They laughed.

"I tried catching you earlier but I underestimate how popular you are."

"Nonno you've been stuffing your face, I feared that my hand would get taken off if I tapped your shoulder."

He feigned offence, "Funny, now try and keep up with me."

From the other side of the venue, the Greengrass witch was taken back by some news.

"Theo," Astoria pondered what she was about to say next, "You and Dean really want me to do this?"

"Only if you want to," Theo smiled as he and Dean sat close to her, tucking into their food. 

"We trust you this Tori, we also know that you have no plans to have children in the future, we know that can change so if you would like to back out just tell us, and we won't judge," Dean added.

The brunette gulped down some wine, "Can I have time to think about it?"

"Of course, a child is a big responsibility and blimey if you didn't consider it I would be more shocked."

She glanced down at her stomach with a faint smile, "A little Theo and Dean in my tummy, now that's a picture."

"Sorry, we shouldn't have brought it up here and I know you're busy with all the work you're doing with the Haven foundation," Celeste's foundation really kicked off after the war, there were many children harmed, young and old who had nowhere to go, and there were many parents left without children that needed support, "we wouldn't want to disrupt that."

"I-i know."

"Dean and I aren't busy, well not all the time, he works me than me," Theo said.

"That isn't a surprise Theo, not at all," Astoria deadpanned, making Dean choke on the cake he was consuming.

Theo playfully rolled his eyes, "Yeah, well I have hobbies."

"I bet you do."

"I do," Theo exclaimed, further amusing the witch.

"Teddy, eat something before you blow your lid," Dean pushed another slice of cake in front of his partner,  pressed a kiss to his cheek then turned back to a giggling Astoria.  "We've thought about adopting for a while but we never considered surrogacy, it's odd I know, carrying someone else's kid and then giving that kid to two men. Two dads," being a dad was something Dean always wanted, considering he never knew his and whilst Theo never had a present one or one that wasn't a judgemental death eater, all he knew was that he was going to be better than him, they both were, "it's honestly a bit mad."

"It's not, not at all. I've heard more barmy things tonight," she motioned over to Nevile who was in conversation with Hannah and Artemis, "but I do have one main question." the two wizards waited for her to continue, "Who's – I mean, out of you two – who will be the main umm – you know..."

Theo chuckled watching Astoria's cheeks turn brighter than the red dress Padma was wearing.

"We said we'll flip a coin."

Astoria's eyes widened, "What?!"

Many guests turned to the table after hearing her shriek.

Dean waved them off, "He's telling Porkys," he cast his partner a glare, "Teddy stop."

Theo jokingly raised his hands, then went back to his cake.

"Arty's looking into it..." Dean cryptically said.

"...how?" Astoria asked after minutes had passed, confused about his answer.

Theo jumped in, "You'll find out in about 9 months –," that earned a smack to the back of his head, "or 10, the baby could be late."

Artemis snapped her head to the side after seeing Theo sprint away from where he sat, with Astoria hot on his tail, "what the –"

"Are you sure, I don't want to intrude, she could be having an important conversation, highly important, isn't that what designers do? I dunno though..." Nevile rambled to the witch after his wife went to speak to Alana, "Arty," he sent her a cautious look, "you think it will be alright to ask your mother to sign this? It's for Gran, I bought her a la mante gown last month and she would not stop raving about the pockets and how soft they were."

Artemis turned to look at the gown that suddenly appeared in his hands, "Nev you know you don't have to ask, Mum loves you."

Nevile's cheeks turned red.

"A-alright, I'll just go over," he said swallowing the bile travelling up his throat.

Artemis snorted, "Get Hannah to go with you if you're going to piss yourself."

His cheeks reddened, "I will not piss myself, haven't had enough to drink for that to happen."

She pushed him towards where her mother was sitting,  "Just go."

She giggled watching Nevile stumble over with the gown in hand. She often visited his parents whenever she could even when Nevile wasn't present, ensuring they were comfortable and getting somewhat better. It was tough and Nevile seemed downright embarrassed and sometimes just sad, but she did her best and he was grateful for that, as was Hannah. 

Turning her head, she heard the squealing of a few older witches, "Marcel stop flirting, they're married."

He scoffed, "And?"

She rolled her eyes and picked up another drink.

Watching her from a distance, Klaus and Draco conversed with a drink in their hands and Itri by their feet. The dog was tired and quite overwhelmed by the noise right now, even though the attention he received was very comforting, he just wanted to sleep.

The hybrid was feeling happy that he and Draco could have a decent conversation. Although it had been years, he knew it was only a matter of time before they acted like a family.

A dysfunctional one, but a family nonetheless.

Klaus turned his head to Draco after hearing him laugh at one of his jokes.

"You like me don't you?"

Playfully scoffing, Draco said, "Not a chance."

They kept laughing as the festivities only grew.

Something caught Draco's eye, making Klaus follow his gaze to see Harry approach Artemis and engage in a conversation.

The hybrid turned back to Draco, "I hear that he wants to dance."

"She can dance with whomever," he said attempting not to sound jealous "We already had our first dance, just this time he can get one, the rest are all mine... and a dozen more guests."

"We're married to desired women, it comes with the territorial."

"And don't I know it,"

"Just don't slob all over my daughter."

Blaise came over holding Astrid in his arms.

"I think you'll find that he does that in his spare time," he paused, "he's quit the slobber."

"Praising," Daphne found herself saying it without thinking, "you've got me saying it now and all," she said joining them.

"Yes, why do you all implore yourself on expressing such foolishness?" Elijah questioned as he and Ophelia glided over to them. He pulled out her chair before sitting down next to her, holding her hand, "People would consider you children."

"Young at heart," Blaise joked, and Elijah tried his best not to smile.

"Not with my granddaughter you're not," Ophelia narrowed her eyes at her son, picking up baby Astrid, who yawned, then turned to smile at Daphne, "'Lijah and I insist that we take her tomorrow  whilst your two are off doing...whatever."

"She gets passed around more than Marcel," Draco remarked, nodding to the vampire who was currently entertaining multiple people at once.

Blaise snickered at the joke, which earned him a pinch from his wife.

"That's your god-daughter you're on about,'' Daphne cast Draco a playful glare.

"I'm aware she was slobbering all over me--" he hissed at the jab she gave him, "Astrid is my favourite niece."

"Your only niece," Daphne and Blaise corrected.

"Not for long," the Mikaelson brothers muttered to each another, drawing confused looks before the pair shrugged.

Ophelia gave her husband a look that screamed tell me later but he merely turned to his granddaughter and took her lovingly from her arms.

"Hello little one," his wide smile made her giggle. Klaus started playing with Astrid's fingers, what a strong grip you have, he ignored the argument near them. Their cufflinks were all her little hazel eyes could focus on, she even tried to bite them, "Careful."

She was just like her mother.

" - she's a baby," they heard Daphne speak with irritation.

Draco shrugged, "And? She will be flying in no time."

"Blaise, love please correct your godbrother."

"She's a baby," that response only made Draco's eyes roll, "my little princess won't lift a finger unless she wants to."

"Thank you, now my darling mother-in-law, I need to go and pump," Daphne said standing up.

"Oooo let me assist, Blaisy never liked the bottle, always the breast," Ophelia's words had her husband's attention as well as her son's.

"Mum!" Blaise screeched as the two women chuckled, both smothering the baby in kisses (Daphne more than Ophelia) then walked off.

Draco and Klaus snickered to themselves.

When the laughter died down, Draco turned back to Blaise.

"We're teaching her how to play quidditch, all that nonsense was just for Daph?"

Blaise rapidly nodded, "Obviously, we'll teach her in a couple of months but for now. happy wife happy life."

All the men around the table agreed before they began fussing over the baby who did very little to amuse them.

Artemis laughed against Harry when he couldn't find his rhythm.

"Merlin, try not to step on my toes, you may be the chosen one but that doesn't mean you won't get smacked for ruining my pedicure," she jabbed his finger into his chest with the widest smile he'd ever seen on her face.

Harry snorted, "A smack sounds worth it."

She pouted, "Harry."

"Artemis."

The two didn't realise the eyes on them, might be down to the dragon whiskey that Artemis was consuming or the lack of awareness on Harry's part. Neither cared. It had taken a lot to get him to get them to a place of peace and they weren't going to allow anyone to ruin it. Friends, that's what they were, sometimes close, mostly argumentative but friends nonetheless.

Being an Auror was something Harry found some sort of purpose in, many of the people he admired, respected, and even loved were or used to be in positions of protectors, Mad eye moody was one of them, Frank and Alice Longbottom and even Snape.

He took pride in his profession and his friendship with someone who claimed to publicly dislike him despite actually helping him over the years.

"Moine, please swap with Harry, he's hurting my feet," Artemis complained loudly drawing more attention.

"Coming!" they heard Hermoine say.

Harry tossed up his arms, "What? I was brilliant."

Artemis shook her finger in his face, "You dance like a codfish is eating away at your... you know."

"Little chosen one," Theo commented, clearly hearing the conversation from when Dean spun him around.

"I do not," Harry frowned, looking down at his trousers.

"You do Harry, I remember fairly well," Hermoine exclaimed, thinking back to their dance whilst they were Horcrux hunting, "besides, it's nothing that practice can't fix."

"Let's all just dance ay?" Dean suggested, coming closer to them.

"Yeah dance with us Potter," Theo teased, then winked at Hermoine, "dance Moine," Artemis pounced on him, making him chuckle, "Come on Gryffindorks!"

"Theo!"

Harry giggled at the name and chose to spin Theo around, just as Ron and Ginny all came over with Padma, Alana, Aurora and Angelina in tow.

Nevile stumbled over with his wife not long after.

George had apprehended Theo's camera with Blaise's help and took many pictures, even with their middle fingers raised in the air before they were scolded by their wives.

As time ticked, Artemis was requested to throw the bouquet once again because Marcel had caught it the first time.

"Move," Alana screeched, elbowing everyone as she battled her way to the front.

"Lana!" Aurora hissed.

Daphne whispered something in Artemis' ear, making her laugh as they watched from the stage as a few wizards darted to the crowd, regardless if they were married or not.

Pavarti whined, "Who stepped on my shoes?"

Theo called out, "Throw it Temi!"

"Yeah! Go on Cugino," Blaise cheered as baby Astrid clapped in her father's arms.

Artemis turned around with the help of her best friend, who hoped she wouldn't fall and threw the flowers.

Screams were heard.

Celeste could've sworn that a punch was thrown.

Elijah hid his amusement with his hand and Klaus openly laughed alongside Marcel.

But all the noise died down when the bouquet landed in Harry's hands, stunning the unexpecting wizard, who quickly threw it away when he saw a herd of people charge at him.

"Run Harry!" Ron screamed, laughing when his friend ran around the villa.

"Yeah, use those chosen legs," Theo yelled, holding up his camera to capture the moment.

"The boy who lived, come to die at a Seramore wedding," Sapphire remarked, standing next to her husband who snickered.

"There's your headline, Lu," Daphne commented.

"It would be on the cover for weeks," Luna whispered to herself, "how wonderfully morbid."

Shortly after, Draco brought his wife over to their table, trying to sober her up with some food as he held baby Astrid who was just fed. Theo snapped a picture of them, before leaving them alone. Draco couldn't help but think what it would be like to have children and the look in his eyes made Artemis think the same thing.

Even when he's holding Astrid so lovingly it made her swoon and how he fixed the little green bow wrapped around her head, made her want to cry. 

So as Artemis managed to get up and go over to her parents who were swaying not too far away, she still adorned the same dazed smile on her face.

"P-parents! Oh dear parents," Artemis squealed, landing in Klaus' arms, whilst Celeste giggled at her drunkenness, "I've missed you."

Klaus scrunched up his face, "It's been 5 minutes —"

"— we've missed you too, my girl," Celeste said, cutting him off.

"I love you," she sang, taking them off guard, rendering them speechless, "I'm proud of you mum, so so proud and Da-Nik," she corrected herself but that didn't stop the blush appearing on his face, "I'm proud of you as well."

"Thank you," Klaus responded, knowing his wife was far too emotional too," and —

"We love you," Celeste added, feeling overwhelmed by the tears brimming in her eyes.

"Always and forever?"  Artemis giggled, sheepishly looking up at Klaus.

He nodded instantly, "Always and forever."

From the distance, Blaise heard a few people saying 'Phrasing' every now and then, much to many people's confusion.

He grinned from where he stood, with his daughter that Draco passed him a few minutes prior. She was getting tired again, he could tell. She reminded him so much of Daphne, even though everyone said Astrid looked just like him.

"Pretty girl," he whispered in her ear, before glancing at his wife who chatted away with Luna and his mother, "there's mamma, just as pretty as you right?"

Despite the little arguments he and Daphne still looked at each other like no one else was around. He always told her how happy she made him, how grateful he was that she made him a father and how he would never take it for granted.

Looking back down at the baby in his arms, he held her closer to his chest, watching her yawn again and fight off the sleep that had been trying to consume her.

Blaise always tried to be as lenient as possible when it came to parenting, as loving as his mother and as gentle as his wife, because he knew he didn't want to be like his own father and the others that came after that. Not nearly enough therapy would make him forget, but it made him better, more conscious and careful of everything that was out there, that could hurt him and his family.

Daphne made him the happiest person alive by making him a dad and he promised every day to be there for them both, in that moment and all the others after that.

Blaise jokily tried to bite his daughter's hand which made her squeal into his chest, "I would never hurt you, my pretty princess. Papà would never hurt you."

Astrid just stared at him after she settled down with her big hazel-coloured eyes.

"Dad I can feel you lurking," Blaise said, not bothering to look behind him.

Elijah smirked to himself.

He'd been standing there for quite a while, just basking in the moment.

Elijah gently shook his gin around, "I was merely drinking."

"To the side and behind me?" Astrid reached for Elijah's tie to play with, "Oh so now you want your Nonno?" Blaise cooed.

Elijah stepped closer, "Son do not refuse this precious girl of spending quality time with me."

"I can't do that can I?"

Blaise and Elijah just talked whilst entertaining Astrid with whatever until Daphne, Astoria and Ophelia joined them and played along.

Just as the night met its end, the crowd drew into a circle watching as the married couple danced under the stars, swaying as they lovingly stared into each other's eyes.

"I'm so happy," Artemis confessed, tightening her arms around his neck.

Draco continued to beam down at her, 

"Well then, we have a lifetime together," he said, tugging her closer by the waist.

"Yes, we do Mr SeraMalfoy," she cooed.

He cringed at the name, "...no."

Even after all these years, they couldn't agree on a name.

"What? it's brilliant."

"Because you're drunk."

"It sounds good," she said, pouting.

Glancing out at the crowd, he saw Klaus' face, insisting that he agreed, making him sigh, "...it sounds good."

She drunkenly squealed with excitement, "I told you so."

His tongue swiped his cheek as he slowly nodded at his wife.

"You did amour, you did."

Artemis giddily smiled, "Hey D?"

"Yes, Arty."

"...we're above the stars my darling."

"We're above the stars."

***

a/n:

this chapter took me a while guys, not because i was struggling to write it was because i didn't want it to end. I hope you enjoyed the different friendships that developed over the years as well as the relationships. even the newest member of the zabini/greengrass/mikaelson family, baby astrid.

one more chapter to go and i might cry.