LIFETIME MATE

Chapter Thirty-Two

Hermione was roused from her sleep by a scratching noise on her window the morning of her wedding. She looked out with sleepy eyes to see Katrina’s owl standing on the outside ledge, scratching insistently on the window. She quickly unlatched the window to have it fly in out of the cold, and followed it as it sat on a nearby chair back, ruffling it’s feathers from the snow. After detaching the note and giving the owl an owl treat that she kept handy for unexpected letters coming, she opened the window to have it fly back out into the early morning mist, back to the owlry.

She rubbed her eyes wearily, as she didn’t get much sleep the night before. With the combination of excitement for the wedding and not having Draco beside her while she slept, it was hard to get to sleep, no matter how tired she felt the night before. She unrolled the parchment and scanned the contents and smiled. It was a request from Albus for Katrina and herself to meet in his office two hours from now.

She pulled on her robe and went to Katrina’s room to wake her daughter. She stepped in the room to see that Katrina was tangled in the bed covers, her hair spread out all around her head. Hermione stepped closer to the bed and shook her gently, with no response. She levitated her in the air with a smile and then let the her drop back onto the bed, at last rousing Katrina to wake. “Mum, what did you do that for?” She said as she rubbed her eyes.

“Dumbledore wants us to meet in his office in a couple of hours, you need to get dressed.” Hermione said as she stood up to go.

“How come?”

“You’ll see, it’s a surprise.” Hermione said mysteriously, as she went to have a shower to wake herself up.


About ten minutes before the time to meet, Hermione and Katrina walked into Albus’s office. Also present were Hermione’s parents, Narcissa and Draco. She looked to Albus, “I didn’t think this would be ready so soon.”

Draco had gotten up when his girls walked into the room and walked over to them. He kissed Hermione softly on the mouth and looked into her eyes. “I missed you ‘Mione.”

“I missed you too.” Hermione said twining her fingers through his.

Draco kissed Katrina’s cheek. “Morning Kat. Do you know why you are here?”

“No.” She replied as she looked around the room.

“Well, if it’s alright with you. I want to legally adopt you as my daughter.” Draco said as he gazed into eyes so much like his own.

Katrina hugged Draco. “Of course it’s alright. Does my name change too?”

Dumbledore got up and walked around to the front of his desk, his eyes twinkling merrily. “Only if you want it changed Katrina.”

She looked to her mum who smiled and shrugged. “It’s up to you honey. No one here will be upset if you want your last name changed.” Hermione said as she looked around the room where they all nodded their assent.

“Katrina Malfoy. Sounds pretty good. Okay lets do it.” She said smiling to Draco who beamed with pleasure. “Do we have to wait for someone from the Ministry to authorize it?”

“No. The Ministry has sent me the documents for everyone to fill out here. I have the authorization to notarize it myself.” Dumbledore stated as he placed the papers on his desk. “Now, I need all three of your signatures on the forms. Katrina you sign on the last line.”

Katrina watched as her parents signed the papers and then took the quill and dipped it into the ink. She was just about to sign her name when Draco put his hand over hers. “Are you sure Katrina? I love you no matter what your name is. It’s your choice.”

“I’m positive. I love you father, and I would be happy to have your name. I sign this with not doubts.” She said as she turned to sign her name on the last line. Almost immediately the documents vanished into thin air with a poof.

“There. The documents are now filed at the Ministry. Your name is now Katrina Malfoy.” Dumbledore stated as he grasped her hand in both of his. “Now I believe that Narcissa has something to add to this little meeting.” He said smiling.

Narcissa stood up beside Dumbledore. “Katrina. My granddaughter. I am so proud of you, and am happy that you three are a family again. Mind you I was proud of you even before you changed your name to Malfoy.” She smirked. She took out a flat square velvet covered box. “I was planning on giving you this even before I found out about the adoption.” She handed the box to Katrina as she kissed her cheek.

Katrina gingerly took the box. “Grandmother. You didn’t need to do this, or give me anything. I’m happy just you being here.”

Narcissa smiled, her eyes misty. “I’m happy to be here also. Now open it to see what it is.” She watched as Katrina opened the box, her eyes widening with pleasure.

“It’s beautiful.” Katrina gasped as she looked down to see a silver chain with a circular shaped pendant centered in the middle. In the middle of the pendant colors swirled around in blues, reds and greens.

“This pendant has been in my family for many generations. It’s passed down to the first granddaughter in the family. It is said that when wearing it when you are troubled, it helps to soothe the mind. It does work. I have often been troubled in the past, but when I was wearing it around my neck, it helped me remember the good things in my life, instead on dwelling on the bad.” Narcissa said remembering the times when Lucius was especially hard on her.

Katrina closed the box carefully and went to Narcissa. “I’ll take care of it always. I think I’ll wear it today. It will go nice with the dress I am wearing.” She hugged her tight. “Thank you.”

Narcissa hugged her back. “You don’t have to worry about losing it or misplacing it. It knows that you are the owner now, it will always find it’s way back to you.” She stated thinking back to when Lucius tried to throw it into an enchanted river. The next day the chain and pendant were on her dresser having found it’s way back to her.


After lunch, it was decided to have tea and dessert in the rooms where the elder Grangers were residing during their time at Hogwart’s. Hermione curled up to Draco on the couch, with Katrina on his other side. Minerva and Severus soon joined them also for tea.

With Draco’s arm wrapped around her back, Hermione slowly closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep, the conversation continuing around her. Albus looked to the sleeping bride-to-be and smiled. “Perhaps we should see how the decorations are coming along in the Great Hall.” He said has he nodded towards Hermione.

Everyone glanced to Hermione who was snuggled up to Draco, her arm loosely around his waist. “She said she didn’t get much sleep last night.” Katrina said as she looked to Draco.

Draco felt her even breathing against his side. “She is out cold.” He said smiling.

“Why don’t you two have a lay down for a bit. It’s going to be a long day.” Danielle said as she got up and retrieved the blanket from a nearby chair.

Katrina covered both of them up and leaned over to kiss her father’s cheek. “See you later father.” She whispered.

“See you later Miss Malfoy.” Draco smirked to his daughter who smiled in return.

After they all cleared the room, Draco shifted carefully so he was laying on the couch. Hermione snuggled closer to his side in her sleep, while Draco hugged her close. In short time Draco joined her in sleep.

A couple of hours later, Hermione woke up feeling revived and refreshed. She really needed that snooze. She was pleasantly surprised to feel Draco at her side, his arm around her back. Her arm tightened around his waist as she moved her head closer to his neck, nuzzling her lips against him. She licked her lips, then pressed them against his neck, gently nipping the skin with her teeth. She loved the smell and taste of him. She slowly unbuttoned his shirt midway down, to slip her hand in, feeling his warmth.

Draco woke up, instantly hard for Hermione. Her mouth and tongue were making their way up and down his neck, while her fingertips were teasing the ringed nipple. “Hermione.” He said huskily. He shifted her on her back and pressed his lower body on top of her while he braced his upper body with his forearms on either side of her face. He leaned down and trailed a blazing trail of wet kisses along her neck, slowly coming up to claim her waiting mouth.

They both moaned at the contact of their lips and tongues touching each others. Hermione wrapped her legs around his lower legs as he increased the pressure of his lips against hers and rubbed his erection against her jean covered heat. Draco pulled back reluctantly, looking into her eyes. “I missed this last night. The bed seemed awfully big to me without you beside me keeping me warm.” He smiled as he kissed her lips.

“I missed you too. Why do you think I was so tired this morning.” she said as she rubbed her hands along his back. “I can’t believe I fell asleep while we were having tea.” She smirked.

“No one minded. They all left shortly after you started snoring.” He joked.

Sheghedghed. “I wasn’t snoring.....was I?”

He laughed. “No, you were not snoring. Now I think we should get up....unless there’s something else we can occupy our time with.” He said suggestively as he kissed the column of her neck.

“Hmmm......that does sound tempting.” She moaned as he bit gently into her neck. “But we should gp. p. We have tonight. The next time you make love to me, I want to be your wife.”

He kissed his way up to her mouth. “Well, how about a preview of the honeymoon then.” He whispered close to her mouth before he delved his tongue into her mouth.

For the next hour they explored each others mouths with their lips and tongues, tormenting each other for what they were going to conclude after the wedding. When they went their separate ways much later, it was to have a cold shower and start to prepare for the wedding, a happy smile on each of their faces.

Later that night, close to midnight, students, professors, family and friends all gathered in the Great Hall for a long awaited wedding ceremony. The enchanted ceiling had thousands and thousands of dancing lights that seemed to flitter around haphazardly. On closer inspection the lights were actually tiny fairies fluttering around on this grand occasion.

Down the middle of the Great Hall, the aisle was kept clear with rose pedals scattered throughout the floor, giving off a rose scent as they were walked through, letting it linger in the air. The chairs all were bedecked with silver, red and green bows. Green for Draco and the red for Hermione, their house colors. The alter was set up at the top of the few stairs that usually led to the head table, surrounded with vases that were overflowing with roses.

At the top of those stairs stood Albus Dumbledore, with his usual twinkle in his eyes. Before him stood Draco in his black tuxedo looking very handsome, looking expectantly towards the Great Hall doors. Beside Draco looking very elegant and dapper was Severus Snape as best man, and Harry Potter as groomsman.

Professor Sprout who played the organ then started to play the wedding march after Albus’s signal. Everyone turned their heads to the doors in wait for the bride.

Draco stood at the front, his hands hanging loosely at his sides. He smiled as Ginny first made her way to the front wearing a sleeveless long green colored gown, that fell gracefully to the floor, swishing around her ankles as she walked. In her hands she held a bouquet of roses in various shades of red, pink and white with silver ribbon trailing down the front, almost touching the floor. Then came Katrina dressed almost identically to Ginny. Her dress was the same deep shade of green but with puffy sheer sleeves that ended at her wrists. The sides of her hair were pulled up at the back, tied with silver ribbon, her blonde ringlets falling down the center of her back. Around her neck she wore the family pendant proudly, the colors swirling in the center. She came up to the stairs and Draco held out his hand and leaned down to kiss her cheek, with Katrina likewise doing the same to him.

Draco stood back as he looked to the doors. Standing there was Hermione, looking beautiful and radiant. She walked at her fathers side as they slowly made their way to the alter. Draco lovingly took in every detail of Hermione. The dress was a cream colored strapless dress with a scalloped neckline, the edging imbedded with cream colored beadwork and lace. The dress hugged her figure and fell straight to her feet with the slit at the side, adorned with beadwork and lace also. As she walked towards him, he caught a glimpse of a stocking covered leg, thinking on howwoulwould be removing those stockings soon. Her hair was spiraled up loosely with strings of beads interwoven in her auburn tresses. But what got his attention the most was her eyes, they were filled with love for him and promise of things to come.

Hermione slowly walked up to Draco, wanting to actually run up into his arms. She glanced to Katrina who beamed with happiness for her parents. She looked to Draco again and thought of how lucky she was. He stood there tall and proud, his eyes gazing intently into hers. She reached the bottom of the steps and her father kissed her cheek and stepped back to sit beside her mother.
She walked up the few steps and stood beside Draco, who reached down for the hand that was not holding the bouquet to link his fingers through hers. They both looked to Albus who stood smiling at the two of them.

Albus looked around the Great Hall as his voice raised for all to hear. “We are gathered here to witness the joining of mind, body and soul between Hermione and Draco. I have watched as these two first fell in love and formed a bond that is eternal.....even in death.” His eyes twinkled mischievously. “I have watched them go through heartbreak and anguish over the years. And have seen them overcome some of these obstacles to find the love they have for each other that is strong and everlasting. Now I believe that they have something to say on their own behalf.”

Draco turned to Severus, aseruserus in turn handed him the gold band. He looked to Hermione, gazing into the brown of her eyes..


“Hermione, in my youth, you inspired me
And motivated me to become the person I am today.
And you continue to do so today.
I will treasure our friendship and love you today, tomorrow and forever.
I will treasure our daughter, our children until I part from this world,
With you still in my heart.
I dream of your face, your touch and your warmth when you are not near.
You give my life meaning and purpose.
I love you Hermione,
And plan on spending the rest of my days showing that to you.
Your are my greatest love and my last love.
You are my lover, my friend, my lifemate.


Draco finished his words and smiled at Hermione whose eyes were misty with unshed tears of happiness. He slipped the wedding band on her left finger. “I love you Hermione.”


Hermione smiled at Draco and turned to Katrina who handed her a matching gold band that was just put on her ring finger. She turned to Draco and grasped his hand in hers.


\"Draco, my friend, my lover, my lifemate.
Over the years you have never left my heart
Even after all the tears I’ve cried.
Only you can make me fall in love with you twice.
The way you touch my body, my mind, my soul,
You make me feel cherished, a part of you.
I will be there to support, encourage and comfort you,
as we face the years side by side.
You are a part of me,
You are the man of my dreams,
I love you Draco, forever and always.\"


She said the words, looking intently into his eyes, showing him the love she felt for him. She slid the ring onto his finger, as he caressed her other fingers.


“Now, I think the two of you have waited long enough.” Albus spoke up. “You may now kiss to seal the bond of marriage.”

Draco took the step forward and gathered Hermione close. He brought his hand up to cup the side of her face, then touched his lips softly to hers. Albus and the rest of the wedding party stepped back in amusement as Hermione wrapped her arms around Draco’s neck and deepened the kiss.

They withdrew from the kiss at the same time. “I love you.” Draco whispered.

“Love you too. Forever and always.” Hermione whispered back.

Albus stepped forward again. “Now it is with great pleasure that I introduce you to Draco and Hermione Malfoy. Husband and wife.” He announced.

Draco and Hermione faced the crowd gathered to witness their wedding and smiled. Draco reached over to take Katrina’s hand to place her in between Hermione and himself. “The Malfoy family.” He corrected, as he kissed Katrina’s hand.

The friends and family all stood and applauded as the clocks chimed the midnight hour. The fairies from above showered everyone with flakes of confetti and rose pedals. It was the New Year, the beginning.....of beginnings.


After the feast was over and the cake was cut and fed to each the bride and the groom, the tables were moved to clear the dance floor, and the DJ was getting ready to play muggle music that was arranged. While that was being attended to, Colin Creevy from Hermione’s and Draco’s school year, a professional photographer now, took pictures of the happy couple and family for them to treasure in later years.

“Now, ladies and gentlemen, would the bride and groom step forward for the first dance as man and wife.” The DJ reted.ted.

Draco took Hermione’s hand and led her to the dance floor where he gathered her close, as the song ‘Here Without You’ started to play. He held her close as his arm caressed her back and he held her hand that was clasped at his chest. They swayed to the music as he lightly kissed her cheek. “In a couple of hours, we’ll be on the beach. Did you pack your bikini?” He smirked.

“Yes. But I’m not planning on wearing it much.” She smirked back as he groaned against her mouth, right before his lips touched hers in a heated kiss. “Are you all packed?” She asked breathlessly after they drew apart.

He thought about what he packed. The jar of liquid chocolate and the black silk ties. “Yes. I’m ready.” He smirked, privately anticipating the moment when he could have a turn licking the chocolate off of her, inch by inch.

“Draco.....I have an early wedding present for you.” She smiled.

“What? Just having you finally as my wife is enough for me.”

“Well, I just confirmed the gift yesterday.” She started. “You Draco, the love of my life, will be a father again.” She smiled, her smile lighting up her face.

“A father?” He said as he stopped dancing to look to see if she was serious.

“Yes, a father. I’m pregnant. We’re expecting a boy.” She gushed happily.

Draco swept her up in his arms holding her tight. “A father.” He swung her around, much to the amusement of the surrounding people and kissed her soundly.

After the kiss, she looked into his eyes. “It happened the first night of my cycle in November. Are you happy about this Draco?”

“Happy?! Hermione, you have made me the happiest man alive. I have you, Katrina, and now a son on the way. My life can’t get any better than this.” He exclaimed as he hugged her close, not being able to stop smiling.

“Draco, there is still the honeymoon. I intend on making it even better yet.” She promised seductively as she pressed her body close to his, and kissed him slowly and deeply on the mouth. Either one of them noticed the song had ended and another started, as the other couples joined them on the dance floor.

The End.........Maybe.