The war was over and our lives were at peace. Draco and I had just arrived at Malfoy Manor. He held the front door open for me and we made our way upstairs to the nursery that the house elves had put together for Brielle.
While we were away, the elves looked after Brielle.
I felt so bad for her. She was born only days ago, but she already lost both her parents. Not to mention, she was receiving care from house elves, not even from a parental figure.
Brielle was asleep in her crib so I lifted her out carefully and held her in my arms. Draco stood behind me and wrapped an arm around my waist while he peered down at Brielle - our Brielle.
"I feel so bad for her," I whispered.
"Me too. I never would have thought she would actually be our responsibility," he responded. "You are really good with her though."
I smiled down at the baby girl in my arms, the one that resembled my little sister so closely. It hurt to look at her, but at the same time, it was nice still having a part of Vanessa with me.
Slowly, Brielle began to stir in my arms. Her eyes opened and suddenly, she erupted into a loud cry.
"Oh!" I exclaimed, "Draco, can you get her a bottle? She is probably hungry."
I met Draco's eyes. He looked absolutely clueless. I shook my head and laughed softly.
"Here, you hold her and I'll get a bottle," I recommended as I started to pass Brielle over to him.
"I-I don't know how to!" he spluttered.
"Just make sure to support her head and neck," I said as he took her into his arms rather reluctantly.
I jogged out of the room and to the kitchen. Moments later, I hurried back upstairs, though I could no longer hear crying which worried me a bit.
"Is everything okay?" I asked as I entered the nursery.
Draco sat on the couch, Brielle still in his arms. He smiled proudly at me as I sat next to him.
"How'd you get her to stop?" I asked as he gave Brielle back to me so I could give her a bottle.
The pale color on his cheeks quickly turned to red, showing his embarrassment.
"I don't know. She just stopped," he said quickly.
I shook my head and a small smile spread onto my face when the nursery rhymes book that was open on the floor caught my eye . . . and that boy claims to not be soft at all.
-
After Brielle finished her bottle, she instantly fell asleep, so Draco and I took a walk in the garden.
"Have you heard from your parents?" I asked as we sat down by the water fountain in the center of the garden.
When Harry was found alive, Narcissa and Lucius ran away. I guess Narcissa had lied and told Voldemort that Harry had died, when in fact he was still alive. If it was not for her, Draco and I probably would not be together right now. She is truly a hero.
He shook his head. "I'm hoping my mother is okay though."
I took his hand in mine and rested my head on his shoulder. The events from the past year are just all so crazy to me, and it's hard to believe that we are now free from it all.
"What about you?" he asked, breaking the small silence that had overcome us. "Any news on your parents and Dylan?"
"No . . . but Oliver said they shouldn't be too hard to find. My uncle thinks they fled England and went to France because my mom lived there for quite some time when she was attending Beauxbatons. Her family's manor is still there so they might be staying there."
"That's good to know. I hope you find them."
"Me too," I sighed.
-
-
-
I just could not believe that we were finally free. It all felt so unreal. I was incredibly overwhelmed as the feeling of freedom still had not entirely hit me yet.
I was so incredibly happy though because Elizabeth and I made it. We could finally be together without Voldemort trying to stop us. It was an incredible feeling as I have never felt this way.
But knowing Elizabeth and I were able to overcome Voldemort and his challenges, it made me realize that we can also overcome anything that will ever dare to stand in our way.
"I love you," I murmured before kissing the top of her head.
She turned to look up at me. Her soft hand cupped my cheek and she pulled my face to her's. We gazed into each other's eyes for a few moments before I could not resist anymore, and I kissed her softly.
Merlin, I cannot wait to marry this girl.
-
That night, after we fed Brielle and she finally fell asleep, I led Elizabeth to my room.
"I'm going to shower. Feel free to join," she said with a giggle and shooting me a wink as she slipped into the bathroom.
I chuckled, and as much as I wanted to join her, I had more important matters to deal with.
When I say I want to marry her, I am being serious. I want her to be Elizabeth Malfoy as soon as possible.
So, I pulled out my quil and some parchment so I could write to Oliver, Blaise, and Ellie. I want the proposal to be special, and I know they will all help me accomplish that.
Just as I gave the letters to my owl, I heard the shower shut off. Moments later, Elizabeth came out of the bathroom with just a towel wrapped around her body.
"Come here," I rasped.
She smiled and walked over to where I sat at my desk. I placed both of my hands on her hips and pulled her into my lap.
"Nice shower?" I questioned.
She nodded with a smile on her face while she wrapped her arms around my neck. I slowly leaned in and kissed her.
I could not help but smile as I kissed her. It is just crazy to me that I found such an amazing girl that I love - I did not even think love existed; that was up until I met Elizabeth of course.