Friendly Competition

[21] Collecting Names Like Silver Spoons

Their wedding was small, as far as weddings went.

They got married outdoors, even though it was November, but even still, it felt like a bit of a crush at times fitting all twenty one (now that Ron and Hermione had had two children) Weasleys into the reception tent, along with Andromeda, Teddy, Neville and Hannah, Luna, Dean and Seamus, Hagrid, Minerva, Narcissa, and Draco's friends from France, who Harry was excited to finally get to meet in person.

And, of course, Thibaud and Saphronia, who had to make nice for the day as they perched themselves protectively on top of the arch Harry and Draco did their vows under.

Luna was still living in the Amazon, but had started coming back to the UK for book signings ever since her and Neville's book had finally been published, so they were thrilled that she had been able to make it.

"What a lovely ceremony!" Georgienne said afterward, giving Draco three kisses on each cheek, and holding her hand out for Harry to shake. "And it's so nice to finally meet you after all I've heard!"

"Likewise," Harry said. "I've heard so much about all of you, but with the distance... Maybe some day we can visit France?"

"Ooh, that would be lovely!" Georgienne said enthusiastically.

"Yes, you know you are always welcome, Draco," Madame Jaubert added.

Draco smiled. "Thank you."

"Are you not doing a honeymoon?" Perlah asked.

"Ah, later." Draco waved his hand dismissively. "We don't have time right now, but probably next summer."

"We still have teaching to do," Harry said, "but we just didn't want to wait any longer."

"How romantic!" Hervé said, holding a hand to his heart. "Look at how our little vampire has grown!"

Draco laughed. "I'm glad you guys could make it."

"Well of course⁠-"

"We're not going to miss your wedding⁠."

"What kind of friends do you think we are?!"

"Alright, alright." Draco held his hands up.

His flowing wedding robes slid down his arms, and he abruptly put his arms back down by his sides.

"Oh, mon cher, don't worry about this at your wedding," Georgienne said, putting a hand on his arm and looking sympathetic.

Draco took a lurching step back, looking a bit cornered, and Harry grabbed his hand for support.

"Silly boy!" Madame Jaubert said, much less kindly, and rapped her fan against his shoulder. "Did you think we did not know? Do you think I did not know who I was taking on as a pupil? Do you think I go into things half-cocked and unplanned?"

"...Non, madame," Draco hesitantly said.

"Then what are you hiding for? Do you think I'm so frail I'll faint at the sight?"

Draco's face seemed to be fighting between shame and relief. "Non, madame," he repeated.

"...T'inquiètes, she didn't tell us," Hervé tried to assure. "But it was a little hard not to wonder, and it wasn't very hard to find answers. You are a little..."

"Notorious?" Perlah offered.

"Yes."

Draco gave an incredulous laugh. "I don't honestly know whether to laugh or cry."

Georgienne gave him another kind smile. "Well, we thought it best not to bring up anything painful, and I don't know how you may have been before, but I think you're wonderful now, so it doesn't really matter, does it?"