I do not own Harry potter, or its characters. This is merely a work of fanfiction.

I have combined the rest of the summer, and the first half of the school year in this chapter. I imagine this may be the format going forward, as we come to the conclusion of our story. I hope y'all enjoy:)

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Draco wiped his mouth as he stood to his feet, and combed his hair back into place hurriedly. Holly smoothed the fabric of her gown, smiling as Draco looked at her reproachfully.

"We're supposed to be at the Flint's in five minutes," he whispered as he grabbed her hand and hurried towards the Floo. Holly pressed a kiss to the back of his neck as he reached for the Floo powder, smirking wickedly when he turned back to glare at her.

"I'm not the one who dropped to their knees and begged to taste me," Holly reminded. Draco shook his head in amusement as he hauled Holly closer to him for one final kiss. He bit down on her bottom lip, enjoying the dazed look in her eyes when he pulled away.

"Let's go then love."

Holy followed him into the green flames, a look of desire painted on her features. Marcus was waiting for them on the other side. He grabbed Holly, and pulled her into the corner as Draco followed behind them. Holly wrenched her arm from Marcus' grip, looking up at her usually calm friend.

"What's the matter? Is someone hurt?"

"What? No. No one's hurt. Hols, what if this is a mistake?"

Holly paled as Draco appeared at her side, putting an arm around her shoulders.

"What do you mean Marcus? Don't you love Pansy?"

"Of course I do! I've loved her since the day I met her."

"Then what's the problem?" Draco demanded.

Marcus' jaw ticked in annoyance. He really didn't want to have this conversation in front of Draco, but he knew he didn't have much of a chance of separating Holly from him.

"What if I'm not good enough? What if I disappoint her, or she gets tired of me over time? She's bloody smart, and fuck, what do I do?"

Draco's posture softened as he dropped a kiss on Holly's hair. She would know what to say. She took a step forward out of his arms, and held onto Marcus' arms in a reassuring grip. He looked down into her eyes, begging for reassurance.

"You marry the girl you have loved your whole life. You were made for each other. She's the only person who makes you happy, and you do the same for her. She's mad about you, and more than all that, you are good enough for her. You're a wonderful man."

Marcus swallowed, nodding his head, letting the words sink in. He could do this. He loved Pansy. All his self doubt started to fade into the background. He suddenly remembered Draco was there, and met his gray gaze. Draco stepped forward, and Holly returned to her spot under his arm.

"Hols is right, mate. I wouldn't trust my soulmate with just anyone. You're just as formidable as Pansy is, she's just louder about it."

Marcus chuckled then, the last of the tension in his shoulders melting away.

"You're right. You're right."

"Of course I am," Holly chimed. "Now let's get you ready to bond."

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Holly sipped from a flute of champagne. The ritual had gone off without a hitch. Primrose, Daphne, and Ginny stood beside her. Their soulmates were huddled a few feet away discussing their newest business venture.

"What are the twins and the boys up to?" Daphne asked. Primrose turned to look at them. Fred was gesticulating wildly, and there was a bright smile on Draco and Neville's faces.

"Draco and Neville are funding the twins' joke shop. They've just found a shop in Diagon Alley. They should be open in time for the back to school rush."

Holly smiled, "That's fantastic. The twins are brilliant. We'll all make a killing."

Ginny beamed happily. It was heartwarming to see them all getting along so well. Somewhere in the crowd was Bill, Percy, and Charlie as well. All the people she loved were in one place.

Pansy appeared, and put her arms around both Holly and Daphne, though she turned the force of her stern look on Holly.

"We're leaving soon, but I wanted to say goodbye. We'll be back in a week. Marcus says to tell you to take Vince and Greg with you if you leave the Manor, or he will fly back and kick your arse."

"That's nice."

"Yes. He's a sap," Pansy cooed.

"It's just a week. We'll be returning back to the Manor, and I'll be staying put. Relax and enjoy your honeymoon."

Pansy beamed as she stepped back from them, gliding to where Marcus stood next to Draco. Her black dress glittered in the canglelight as Marcus led her out of the ballroom.

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The reception carried on into the early hours of the morning. As the clock ticked closer to midnight, Holly's limbs began to feel heavy. Her attention drifted as she began to fantasize about the soft sheets waiting for her back at Malfoy Manor. She felt the effects of all the champagne and rich food, as exhaustion began to overwhelm her.

She turned her attention from the conversation in front of her, to seek out Draco. He was talking to the Weasley twins and Neville, no doubt discussing their new business venture. She excused herself and made her way across the ballroom.

She slipped her hand through the crook in Draco's elbow. He immediately shifted to pull her into his arms. She snuggled against his chest, and allowed her eyes a moment of rest as they talked about something called a Portable Swamp, and the fireworks they were preparing for Samhain.

"Are you ready to go, love?" Draco whispered in her ear.

"Mmmm," she hummed, too tired to bother with full sentences. She knew the Weasley's and Neville wouldn't judge her for her lack of decorum.

"Take my godsister home. She looks like she's a moment away from falling asleep standing up." Neville teased.

Holly peeked open her eyes a fraction of an inch, and glared at him. Neville laughed in response and waved her off. Draco led her out of the ballroom, quickly scooping her up in his arms when they were out of the sight of others, and carrying her towards the Floo room.

"You're so tired," Draco observed as she snuggled her face against his strong chest, not even bothering to protest at his support.

"It's been a long day, and I'm usually asleep by now."

Draco smiled as he held her a little tighter against him. He carried her through the Floo easily, stepping out at Malfoy Manor for the first time since their bonding. He carried her towards their wing, and down the long hall.

"Mum told me she was redoing our rooms while we were gone. She combined them."

Draco stopped at the door that had belonged to him, and pushed on it. The room was massive, with a large sitting area, Holly's vanity, two separate walk-in closets, and a large bathroom. None of that mattered to Holly though. All she wanted was to be in the massive gilded bed that was against the wall.

"Bed," she whined.

Draco chuckled and set her on their bed, removing her dress quickly with a spell. Holly released her hair from its braids with a wave of her hand. It spilled over the sheets, the mere sight of it taking Draco's breath away. He shook his head. Now wasn't the time. Holly's eyes were already drooping.

"Pajamas?" He asked.

Holly nodded tiredly. Draco summoned one of her nightgowns from the closet. He doubted he could find one easily, having never been in the new one.

"Lift up your arms love," he instructed.

Holly did so, and Draco slipped the green silk nightgown over her arms. He removed his robes, choosing to sleep in his boxers. He slipped into bed behind her, and buried his face in her hair, breathing deeply of the smell of her hair oil.

"Tomorrow we should look around," Holly mumbled, already half asleep.

"We will Hols. Rest now."

"Ok," she mumbled, her voice soft and sweet. "Love you Draco."

"I love you too."

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When Holly's eyes opened the next morning, she was met by the sight of two very excited house elves. Trixie and Mipsy threw themselves at her, hugging her tightly.

"Wee Mistress is home," Mipsy cried happily. Laughter peeled out of Holly as she hugged them back, grateful to be with the rest of her family once again.

"Is Draco around here somewhere?" Holly asked as she pushed herself up in bed. The elves scrambled to the end of the bed, where they perched on the bed frame. Mipsy pointed a finger towards the archway in the far wall.

"Wee Master is taking a shower. Mistress would like to see you both for breakfast when you're ready."

Holly smiled as she wiped the sleep from her eyes. She excused the elves and wandered towards the archway, looking around the room as she went. It was beautifully decorated in soft greens.

She entered the bathroom, where she could finally hear the sounds of the running shower. She pulled off her nightgown and stepped in behind Draco, tickling him along his ribs. He turned with a smile.

"Hello love."

Holly wasn't even able to get out a greeting before Draco was pulling her into a kiss, drowning out her sense of anything but him. After a moment he released her, enjoying the dazed look in her eyes. He nudged her under the stream of water. He reached up to get some of the hair potion she favored, and worked it through her long hair for her.

"I don't know how you washed your hair yourself," Draco mused as he combed his fingers through the long strands. It made him feel like a king to be able to handle her hair, to feel the power in it. He had developed a habit of brushing and styling it for her while they were on their honeymoon.

"It took time, patience, and magic," Holly admitted.

"Well now you have me," Draco boasted. "Not that you haven't had me wrapped around your finger since we met."

Holly laughed as Draco turned off the stream of water, and worked a hair oil into her long hair, and wrapped a towel around her. She had learned in the short amount of time that they had been bonded, that Draco loved to take care of her. It made him feel strong, and important, and needed. He was all of those things and more, so she let him.

"Mipsy and Trixie were waiting for me when I woke. Mum wants to see us as soon as we're dressed," Holly told Draco.

"Alright, why don't we both get dressed, and then I'll braid your hair."

Holly smiled as she went into her new closet to find a dress for the day. She picked out a dress of mint green that was made of a thin eyelet fabric. Perfect for the summer heat. She picked out a pair of summer gloves, and pulled them on before exiting the closet.

Draco was standing beside her vanity, looking over two trays that held her collection of hair combs and pins. "Which one today?" Draco asked as she approached.

"Hmm...you choose love."

Draco smirked as he picked up the peacock comb and handed it to Holly. He brushed her hair carefully, as not to pull it, and braided it up, placing the comb carefully in the overlapping braids.

"All done. Let's go see the family."

Holly took his hand and allowed him to lead her to the breakfast room. Ginny was there, she smiled sleepily at them as Holly rushed to hug Cissa, and then Lucius.

"You saw them last night," Draco laughed as he patted Ginny's shoulder affectionately. She smiled back at him, and offered him a cup of coffee as he took his usual seat.

"It was only for a few seconds!" Cissa protested. "I'm so glad to have you both home. It was entirely too quiet. Ginny barely made any trouble!"

Draco gave Ginny a look of incredulity, and she shrugged with a mischievous smile. She knew Cissa secretly loved the chaos that came with a full home of children, so she may have invited Neville and the Gryffindor team to use the Quidditch Pitch one day. They were mostly on their best behavior.

"Well we're back now, and I've promised Pansy and Marcus that I will stay at the Manor during their honeymoon. He threatened to fly back if I tried to step out on my own."

Lucius chuckled as he looked around the table at his family. It was nice to have them all home. It wouldn't be long before Ginny was bonded as well.

"Well you have free run of the Manor, as always. Draco still has a couple weeks until he is expected to take up his duties at Malfoy Enterprises again, and the Wizengamot meeting is still a month away. Relax and enjoy this time with your friends."

Draco smiled. He didn't need to be told twice.

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The next week flew by. The other Heirs and Heiresses flitted in and out of the Manor, along with the Weasley Twins, who were becoming more and more of a presence in their group as they prepared for the opening of their store.

Before Holly knew it, it had been a week and one day. She entered the breakfast room to find Pansy and Marcus at the table. She couldn't help the squeal that escaped her lips, or the little run she did to embrace her friends as soon as possible. She pulled them both out of their seats and into her arms.

"I missed you both so much! You look so good, and tan!"

Draco nodded at them with a smile as he entered behind her.

"You want to play Quidditch today?" Draco asked Marcus. "We can send the elves to fetch some of the Gryffindors, and have a scrimmage. I've only got a week before I have to go back to work."

Marcus scowled at the thought of Gryffindor's, but agreed. He loved a good competition, and he hadn't flown in a week and a half.

"Sounds good."

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"The Wizengamot meeting is tomorrow," Hermione mused.

Holly turned over on her side, to look at her friend. The sun beat down on them, tanning their skin as they laid by the side of the Quidditch pitch. Ginny and Luna laid on her other side, in the shade of a parasole. Their skin didn't take as well to the bright sunshine.

"I suppose it is. Are you ready?"

"I think so," Hermione hedged. "It's sure to be tense."

"Don't be scared," Luna added. "We were born for this. We're doing the right thing."

"It will be my first meeting," Hermione mused.

"Mine too," Ginny added. Though she was not married to Neville yet, he and Holly had insisted she be allowed to join the meeting at his side along with the rest of the Heirs and their soulmates. It was the easiest way for her to learn about her future role as Lady Gryffindor.

"Don't be nervous. We have our own box, and seniority. All you can feel in that box is the other Founders' magic. It feels so safe, you won't even be anxious."

"Do you think we'll have a fight on our hands?" Ginny asked.

Luna got that airy look on her face as she stared into the middle distance, then returned her attention to Ginny.

"I don't think so, but we can force it if we have to. We have more power if we vote as one, and we are all in accord. Not to mention the votes of Papa, Lord Malfoy, Lord Diggory, and Lady Smith. That's just our immediate families, not to mention the guard families, business partners, and allies. It should be a song."

Ginny laid her head back, enjoying the heat, as she hoped that Luna was right.

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Draco helped Holly into her emerald green cloak, being careful of the delicate beading on the shoulders. Sally and Godric watched from their bed, with their two hatchlings wrapped around them.

"Mama looks like a queen," Sally hissed.

A knock sounded at the door, and it cracked open the tiniest amount.

"Hols?" Ginny called.

"Come in."

Ginny came in, wearing a pretty red gown. She had her pearls in her hand, and a flustered look on her face. Her hair was piled up in a messy bun, with pieces of her red hair sticking out here and there. Draco looked away instinctively, causing Ginny to throw a stinging hex at him.

"You're my brother, you prat! I don't care if you see my hair down."

Holly couldn't help the laugh that spilled out of her, as Ginny came to stand in front of her, handing her the pearls with a desperate look.

"I can't get the clasp. I can't seem to do my hair. I was so nervous I could hardly sleep. Please help me."

Holly gave her a sympathetic look and ushered her towards the vanity. Draco called for Mipsy while Ginny sat at the vanity, putting her head in her hands. After a moment, she sat up and straightened her shoulders.

"Alright, I'm ready."

Ginny relaxed as her sister pulled the silver brush through her hair. Draco came to stand beside her, and held a vial out to her. She looked up at his reflection in the mirror, and gave him a skeptical look.

"It's the same thing Holly takes when she's anxious. It will help you stay calm."

She took it and threw it back in one gulp, wincing slightly against the bitter taste.

"Thanks, Dray."

"No problem. Shall I have the elves bring you some food? Something easy to eat?"

"Yes please."

Holly smiled as she began to plait Ginny's hair. Draco was so gentle with Ginny. He was going to be a marvelous father one day. She continued to work, satisfied to see that the potion seemed to take effect as she did so. The tension melted from Ginny's shoulders as she munched on her piece of toast.

"You have to remember Gin, Mother Magic wants you to be lady Gryffindor. We'll all be with you the entire time."

Ginny nodded, and Holly could tell her confidence was building by the spark in her eyes.

"Besides, you're my sister in law. Which makes you better than all of them, really. You're perfect by association." Draco added. Ginny gave him a look of fond bewilderment as Holly finished her hair, and she stood to her feet.

"Okay, I really am ready now."

"Great. Let's go."

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The Heirs kept their silence for an hour while people argued about whether or not it was a good idea to reinstitute the Olde Ways. It seemed everyone had a position that needed to be heard. Lord Black, and Lord McKinnon were heard to be in favor, as well as Lord Malfoy.

"I worry about the effect this will have on Muggleborns," a minor Lord piped up.

"How about you ask one yourself, instead of speaking for them?" Zach interrupted. "Or have you all forgotten that Lady Hufflepuff is a Muggleborn?"

Hermione's head was held high. Holly beamed at her confidence. Her rich gold gown picked up the golden undertones of her brown skin flawlessly. Minister Shacklebolt motioned for her to take the floor, and she stood to her feet.

"I am a Muggleborn, as my Lord husband says. The Olde Ways pose no risk to us. If anything, they welcomed me to my new world. They spoke to me in a way Muggle traditions never did."