Elaine's POV:

Right before it was time to go to the Burrow for dinner with Ginny, George called a staff meeting in his office. "Come on in everyone," he said, pushing his desk over so there was enough room for all of us. "First things first, I wanted you all to see the newest installment of my office," George said, stepping aside to reveal an empty portrait. "This portrait connects to the one at Hogwarts...so Fred can walk back and forth whenever he wants," George explained as everyone clapped happily. "And second. I need a partner. Running this business without Fred isn't easy, and I need help. So, if you want to apply for the position, I would like for each of you to schedule a meeting with me this week and explain why you'd be a good partner for me," George said, then dismissed the staff.

I hung around in George's office, staring at Fred's portrait. "You okay?" George asked when he realized I didn't leave the office yet. "I just miss him a lot today...he always knew what to say to make me feel better," I said, feeling my eyes start to water. "Did something happen?" George asked, letting me sit in his desk chair. "Draco and I sort of had a disagreement...about telling his dad we're engaged...and when we had his mother over last night she left in a hurry when Draco snapped at her not to tell Lucius about us," I said. "You don't think Lucius probably already knows that you're engaged? I mean, it was in the Daily Prophet," George said, sliding himself on his desk. "Exactly...I told him that too, but he didn't want to listen. Said it'd be putting us in danger," I said, subconsciously placing a hand on my stomach. "Why'd you do that?" George asked, smirking as if he already knew the answer. "I-uh-I had an itch," I said, scratching my stomach. "You just said 'us'...you're-you're pregnant aren't you?" George started. "God I can't keep anything from you...yes...I'm pregnant. But don't tell anyone...please," I pleaded as George's face broke out into a huge smile. He pulled me in for a loving hug...the kind Fred used to give me. "Congratulations," he said, still smiling at me. I looked at him with raised eyebrows. "I promise, promise...I won't say a word," George said, holding up his pinky to make that promise solid. "Thanks," I said, holding my pinky out for his.

"I'll see you later...I've got to be at the Burrow for dinner," I said, kissing George on the cheek as I grabbed my wand and bag. "I won't see you there," he said with a smile. "Why not?" I asked. "I bought Brandy and I a house...we just finished moving in...she's actually waiting for food at the Leaky Cauldron now," George explained. I squealed with happiness for him, beyond delighted that he was finally as happy as he was before Fred died. I congratulated him and waved goodbye before I apparated on the spot.

My feet landed in front of the giant house. I could see Mrs Weasley rushing around the kitchen to get dinner done. Hermione and Ron were tossing a quaffle on broomsticks on the field next to the house, and I waved to them. After they waved back, I made my way towards the front door where Ginny was already waiting for me.

"Elaine!" she squealed throwing her arms around me for a hug. "How are you feeling?" she asked, pointing to where I was stabbed. "Much better...the wound is almost gone," I said, lifting my shirt to reveal a small scabbed over cut. "Did they find Pansy yet?" she asked as we walked into the house. "Nothing yet...Draco went today to see if he could help them find her," I explained.

Ginny led me inside where Mr and Mrs Weasley greeted me with a hug. "Let's hang out in my room before dinner," Ginny suggested and we walked up a few flights of stairs before we reached her room. "So what is it you wanted to ask me?" she asked as she sat on her bed. "Oh right," I said, having completely forgotten the whole purpose of me coming over. "I was wondering if you'd be a bridesmaid!" I exclaimed as I saw her face break out into a huge smile. "OH MY GOD YES!" she squealed, throwing herself on top of me, crushing my stomach. "Easy you're gonna crush the bab-" I started, but caught myself a second too late. "Baby? Did you just say I was gonna crush the baby?" she asked. "Umm, no," I said, knowing right away she knew the truth. "You're pregnant!" she exclaimed loudly. I quickly quieted her down, telling her that no one else knows besides Hermione...and George. Man I'm terrible at keeping secrets.

"Alright alright I won't tell anyone...but that's amazing! I'm so happy for you," she said, putting her hand over my stomach. After a lot of baby talk, we moved our conversation back to the wedding. "Who else are you going to ask to be a bridesmaid?" she asked. "Oh just you and Hermione...the wedding won't be anything too extravagant," I explained. "What about groomsmen?" she asked. "Blaise is Draco's best man, and Jason is a groomsmen," I explained. "Blaise? They're that close?" she asked. "Yea I suppose...it's better than having any other Slytherin at my wedding," I replied as she laughed and agreed.

Dinner with the Weasleys was very nice. Mrs Weasley made roast chicken which is something I've had such a craving for, and we got to talk about my plans for the wedding. It honestly killed me I couldn't tell the rest of the Weasleys about my pregnancy, but they would know soon enough.

The next couple of weeks I really didn't have much time to think. I wound up applying and getting the position of being George's partner at the store, and with the new school year approaching, the store was constantly packed with kids. And Draco applied and got a job as an auror working for the Ministry. Although I'd rather my future husband not do something so dangerous, I was glad he found a job that he really enjoyed.

Brandy had visited the apartment a few times since she was back being Draco's best friend. Her and I made amends, and I wasn't jealous anymore. I finally thanked her for saving me from Pansy that day on the Quidditch field.

Narcissa was also over the apartment almost everyday helping Draco and I plan for the wedding, and it was really starting to stress me out. She was a great help, but there was so much for us to do that it was very overwhelming. "Elaine...go get some fresh air...stress isn't good for the baby. I'll write to the florist," Narcissa said, pushing me out of the door.

With a few minutes to myself, I knew there was something that needed to be done. Despite having put it off for a while now, I knew it was finally time. The wedding, after all, was in three days; so, I made sure to have my wand and Dumbledore's compass on (I rarely took it off anyways), and I apparated.

My feet landed in front of gigantic black gates. Azkaban was standing tall behind them. "Identification," a wizard guard asked me. I handed him my wand and he examined it carefully. "Who are you here to see?" he asked, opening the door to let me into the freezing cold jail. "Lucius Malfoy," I said bravely, even though my legs were shaking. "Follow me," the guard said, looking quite shocked.

The guard led me past cells filled with Death Eaters I recognized as they hissed and cursed at me. Holding my wand and compass close to me, I stepped in front of Lucius Malfoy's cell.

"Ah Miss Granger," he sneered. I've never seen him look scarier. His hair was matted, his eyes were bloodshot and distant. "Hello Mr Malfoy," I said, leaning again the bars on his cell. "What do you want? Come here to remind me that my son is a traitor?" he asked, rolling his eyes at the idea of Draco. "No. Your son is a wonderful person and I know that deep down you love him and know that," I began. He rolled his eyes again, scoffing at me. "I came to tell you something...despite the fact that Draco doesn't want you to know," I said. "Well get on with it," he said, looking quite interested in what I had to say as he stood up behind his bars.

He completely towered over me, but I stood tall with my head held high. "Draco and I are getting married next month," I said. I sounded a lot like Hermione when I spoke. "I know..." he said, looking rather disappointed. "And...I'm pregnant," I said as I watched Lucius' eyes light up. "You are?" he asked. I could almost see a smile forming on his face. "I just thought you should hear that you are going to be a grandfather from me rather than the Daily Prophet," I added, holding a hand on my stomach as I spoke. "When are you due?" Lucius asked, looking down at my stomach. "Sometime in January...I'm only about 10 weeks," I replied pointing to my little bump.

"I see," he replied, looking quite excited despite the fact that he's behind bars. "That's all," I said, smiling slightly at Lucius before turning around to leave. "Wait," he called, making me turn back around to face him. "Miss Granger, you should know that family is the most important thing to me. I have done everything in my power to protect my wife and Draco...so, just...thank you for telling me," he said, struggling to find the right words. I nodded, smiling at him now completely.

I knew all along that Lucius wasn't a bad person deep down. Despite his ways of hating muggle-borns and praising pure-bloods, the love he had for his family was immeasurable. I knew, after meeting with Lucius, that he would never hurt a hair on my child's head.

When I finally got back to the apartment, Draco and his mother were both writing letters. "Feel better, darling?" Draco asked me when I stepped inside. "Much better," I replied, deciding not to tell Draco about my conversation with his father just yet. I kissed him gently on the cheek as his arm snaked around my waist.

"Is there anything I can do?" I asked Narcissa who was shuffling through papers. "Nothing, sweetheart. Just remember tomorrow you have to pick up your dress at Madam Malkin's," she said, handing me a piece of paper with the details scribbled on it. I placed the piece of paper on the windowsill so I wouldn't forget.

Three days flew by, and before I knew it, Ginny and Hermione were picking me up from my apartment and bringing me to the Burrow. My wedding was going to be held on the grounds of Hogwarts, but I wanted to get ready with my sister, Ginny, and my mom at the Burrow. The Burrow, after all, was where I spent most of my time with my family.

When my hair was done into a low and elegant bun, and my makeup was complete, I slid my dress on. "You can see the bump!" I said, trying to suck in my stomach. "Oh please Elaine stop!" Hermione said, rolling her eyes as she smoothed out my dress. The dress I chose was like the one Cinderella wears, which meant that it was tighter over the stomach and puffy once it reached my waist.

"Sweetheart you look gorgeous!" my mom said, kissing my forehead as she handed me my vail. "Remember...pictures in the castle first, then Draco will leave first and meet you on the lawn," Hermione said, running through the itinerary of the day. I decided to have our wedding pictures first so in case anything were to happen (like my hair becoming frizzy from the heat), they would already be done.

"Oh Elaine!" Mrs Weasley said as I walked down the stairs. She had already started to tear up when she saw me. "Mrs Weasley I wanted to tell you something while it's just us," I said, checking up the stairs to make sure no one else was coming downstairs. "I'm pregnant," I said and she let out the loudest possible scream. "Oh my goodness! I knew it!" she screamed, immediately pulling me in for a bone-crushing hug. Of course, I answered the usual series of questions. "I want to announce it at the reception in the Great Hall, but Ginny and George already know...so I was wondering if you could make sure they keep their mouths shut," I asked, knowing she'd love to help me out today. "Of course...that George...I better go to Hogwarts right now and make sure he isn't running his big mouth!" she said, shuffling out of the house. "Everyone ready?" I asked, calling upstairs.

My mother soon came down the stairs in a long navy blue dress. "You look great mom," I said, kissing her cheek before she left the house to meet my dad (they were being taken to Hogwarts later on with Kingsley).

Ginny and Hermione soon followed, both dressed in long, flowing lavender dresses. "Shall we?" Ginny asked, holding her hands out for Hermione and I to take.

The three of us apparated right outside of Hogwarts, and were immediately swarmed by photographers. "Elaine look over here!" they yelled as Professor McGonagall cleared a path for us. "You all look beautiful," McGonagall said, beaming at us. She was absolutely thrilled that Draco and I decided to get married at Hogwarts.

After a quick carriage ride up to the castle, I immediately saw where Draco and I would be getting married. The lawn was all set up for our wedding and it looked beautiful. White rose petals were sprinkled down the aisle, and Hagrid could be seen setting up the chairs.

"Alright...photos first," Hermione said once we reached the front door of the castle. "I just have to go do something really quick," I said, completely ignoring Hermione's protests as I walked up the nearest staircase.

When I finally reached where I needed to be, I looked into his eyes as he started crying. "You look...beautiful," Fred said. It seemed to be the only words he could manage to say. "He's a lucky man," Fred added when I twirled to show Fred my dress. "I really wish you were here," I said, starting to feel myself tear up. "No-no don't cry...because you're just gonna make me cry even more," Fred joked, moving himself so he could get a better look at me. "You're glowing," Fred added when I smiled at him. "Thank you," I replied, looking at my feet. "No, I mean...you're really glowing...kind of like the way a pregnant woman glows," he said, raising his eyebrows. "You know...how do you know?" I asked, totally shocked. "I heard you tell George that day he put my other portrait in his office...congratulations," Fred said, smiling at me. "Let's see it then...do you know the gender?" Fred asked as I held my dress tightly around my stomach to show my bump fully. "No I won't know until the halfway point," I explained. "Well...if it's a boy you should name him Fred," Fred said jokingly. "Hm...I'll think about it," I replied, knowing how much it would mean to him if I did. "Fred I really should be going...the reception will be in the Great Hall if you can find an empty painting," I told him as I hiked up my dress to walk away. "Elaine you know I'll be there every step of the way...I love you and, if I was alive, even if you were still marrying Draco...just know I'd be holding you right now telling you how beautiful you are," he said, making a few tears leak out of my eyes. "I love you too," I said, turning away to walk down the stairs.

When I reached the corridor near the front door, Draco was waiting for me along with my sisters, Jason, and Blaise. I felt the butterflies slowly start to creep up into my stomach when I saw Draco look at me. His mouth fell open, and it seemed that he couldn't find the right words. "Wow!" Jason said from behind Draco.