Bound by Fate

Chapter 34: A New Beginning

A soft breeze swept through the gardens of Malfoy Manor, carrying with it the scent of blooming flowers and the warmth of the late afternoon sun. The once cold and imposing grounds of the estate had transformed in the past few months, and today, they were the backdrop for a new chapter in the lives of Draco and Hermione.

The wedding was small—far from the grand affair that had once been planned for Draco. Only close friends and family were in attendance, and the atmosphere was warm and intimate. It was exactly what Draco and Hermione had wanted—a quiet celebration of their love, away from the eyes of the wizarding elite who would never understand.

As Hermione stood at the entrance to the gardens, her hand resting on the small bump of her three-month pregnancy, she felt a sense of peace wash over her. The past months had been filled with challenges, loss, and change, but through it all, she and Draco had found each other. And now, they were starting a family—a family that would be built on love, not duty.

Harry and Ginny stood nearby, waiting for Hermione to make her way down the aisle. Ginny, now six months pregnant, looked radiant as she chatted with Harry, her hand resting protectively on her own growing belly. Hermione couldn't help but smile at the sight of them. They had been through so much together, and now, they were both starting families of their own.

Draco stood at the end of the aisle, dressed in simple but elegant robes, his hands clasped in front of him as he waited for Hermione. His heart raced with anticipation, but it wasn't the nervousness he had felt during the wedding to Astoria. This time, it was excitement, joy, and love. The woman he loved was about to become his wife, and nothing else mattered.

As Hermione made her way down the aisle, her eyes locked on Draco's, the world seemed to fall away. Every step she took brought her closer to the life they had both dreamed of—the life they had fought so hard to have. The sunlight filtered through the trees, casting a warm glow over the scene, and the sound of the wind rustling through the leaves was the only noise, save for the soft beating of her heart.

When Hermione reached Draco, he took her hand, his thumb gently brushing over her knuckles as he gazed down at her with a soft smile. They exchanged a look that said everything they couldn't put into words—the love, the gratitude, the promises for the future.

Harry stepped forward, shaking Draco's hand with a smile. "It's good to finally be here," he said, his voice filled with warmth. "Thank you for inviting us."

Draco returned the handshake, his expression one of genuine appreciation. "Thank you for coming. It means more than you know."

Ginny hugged Hermione tightly, her belly brushing against Hermione's as they shared a soft laugh. "I can't believe we're both pregnant at the same time," Ginny said with a smile. "I guess our kids will be growing up together, just like we did."

Hermione smiled, her hand resting on her own bump as she looked at Ginny. "It feels surreal, doesn't it?"

Ginny nodded, her eyes sparkling with happiness. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

As they talked, the soft sound of laughter caught Hermione's attention, and she turned to see Ron and Lavender arriving with their red-headed twin toddlers in tow. The sight of the two bright-haired boys, identical in every way, brought a smile to Hermione's face. Ron had changed so much over the years, and though they had grown apart, seeing him happy with his family filled her with a sense of peace.

"Blimey, look at this place," Ron said with a grin as he approached Draco and Hermione. He held one of the twins in his arms while the other clung to Lavender's leg. "Never thought I'd see Malfoy Manor looking this... friendly."

Draco chuckled softly, shaking Ron's hand with a nod. "We're working on it."

Lavender smiled warmly at Hermione, her eyes briefly flicking to her small bump. "You look beautiful," she said. "Congratulations on the baby."

"Thank you," Hermione replied, her heart swelling with gratitude for the kindness that surrounded her. The years of war and conflict had left scars on all of them, but now, here they were—friends, family, and love all around them.

As the ceremony began, there was a sense of peace in the air that hadn't existed in Malfoy Manor for years. Draco and Hermione exchanged vows, their voices steady but filled with emotion as they promised to stand by each other for the rest of their lives. It was a simple ceremony, but it was perfect in its simplicity.

When they finally kissed, sealing their bond as husband and wife, the small gathering erupted in quiet applause. The sound of laughter and joy filled the gardens, and for the first time in a long while, Malfoy Manor felt like a home—a true home filled with love, family, and hope for the future.

Later that evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon and the guests began to depart, Hermione and Draco stood together at the edge of the gardens, watching as Harry and Ginny said their goodbyes.

Ron and Lavender were still chasing after their energetic twins, the sound of the boys' laughter echoing through the grounds.

Draco wrapped his arm around Hermione's waist, pulling her close as they looked out over the peaceful scene before them. "We did it," he murmured, his voice soft and full of contentment.

Hermione smiled, resting her head against his shoulder. "We did."

As they stood there, watching their friends and family, their hands rested gently on Hermione's growing belly. The future was bright, filled with promise and new beginnings. And no matter what challenges lay ahead, they knew they would face them together.

Because love—true love—knew no bounds.