This was the year everything changed.
While we should have been finishing our last year of school, we were instead traveling with Harry for horcruxes that would save us all. While we should have been safe within the walls of Hogwarts, we were captured and I was brutally tortured. While we should have been known simply as best friends, we were more commonly referred to as the heroic trio. While we should be thankful to be alive, we were too heartbroken over the loss of our loved ones.
In May, the battle with Voldemort finally came to an end, but not without its consequences. The battle left us in a very fragile state of mind. In September, when I returned to school, I knew how hard it was for you to let me go. We spent our summers very much like we had in the past—together. But, this summer was different. We were different. The war had taught us how important it was to never hold back. This was the summer our status as friends changed.
I took a sip of my butterbeer and turned to look at you. You were laughing with George, a rare occurrence since Fred's death. His smile was very much justified, however. We were in the final minutes of this horrific year. A new year, a chance at renewed happiness for us all, was at our fingertips. You put your hand on George's shoulder—you had been a great source of support for him this year. We all knew that if you had not stepped in and gave George everything you had, we would have lost him too. This, among many other reasons, was why I had so easily fallen in love with you.
You must have known I was looking at you, because your eyes met mine. Your lopsided grin made me giggle, and you said something to George before walking towards me. You put out your hand to help me up. Your family was beginning to raise too, drinks in hand, ready to toast to the New Year. You nodded to Harry, who was holding your sister close—it had been hard for you to fully except the relationship your best friend shared with your only sister, but you were insanely happy for them. You would never admit it, but I had known you always secretly hoped for it. Your parents, as in love as they ever had been, were standing to your left, glasses poised. I saw your father wink at you and a blush form in your cheeks. Bill and Fleur, glass of pumpkin juice in hand—she was pregnant with your first niece—were standing across from us. George had assumed position next to Charlie and I could see he was trying hard to keep his smile. Percy and his new bride, Audrey, had only arrived minutes before, having just returned from their honeymoon. Your mum had insisted they get their rest, but Percy, having missed so much of his family's lives, wanted to be here.
The countdown was beginning, all of us shouting loudly. 10-9-8. The couples around us were leaning in close, ready to start the year with a kiss. 7-6-5-4. I felt your hand leave mine and I turned to meet your lips. 3-2-1. I closed my eyes, ready to feel your lips against mine. But, you were not there. I panicked for a moment, my eyes flying open, and then I found you, still in front of me. You had dropped down on one knee, a beautiful ring in your hand. You look my left hand in your right.
"Hermione, will you be my wife?" I understood now your father's wink and your blush. I became quickly aware that the others were staring, waiting for my reply. I thought again of everything we had lost, but then realized how much more we had gained.
"Yes," I whispered, as you placed the stone on my finger. You pulled me into our New Year's kiss as your family cheered around us. I could not stop the tears that fell, this time not from sadness, but from complete and utter happiness.
Indeed, this was the year everything changed.