A/N: My FFSS Slythadri wrote an absolutely awesome Prequel called Read Between the Lines. If you are here, I encourage you to read this story first and then come on back. Thank you so much!
s/13083512/1/Read-between-the-lines
Draco was finally free. He was done with wearing the mask of indifference. He was done with having an expressionless face. He was done with showing no emotion.
He was also done with falling. Falling for the pureblood superiority crap, ingrained in his head from infancy. Falling from social standing, since his name was basically mud and no longer held the power and influence it once did. Falling into the dark, because he had no other choice since a madman lived in his house and assigned incredibly impossible tasks to him that insured guaranteed failure. Falling from grace, which made his soul ache and begging for reprieve. But the best falling he had ever done was falling in love with her.
Because of her love, he could have a meltdown, cry and whine like a toddler. He could show elation and joy. He could smile til it hurt his mouth because it was so wide.
He couldn't believe she could ever see past all those years of hatred and bigotry. The insults that spewed from his mouth. But she was light. She saw the good in everyone. She looked past his hideous attitude and stony facade. She had forgiven him. She encouraged him to forgive himself, otherwise he would never be able to move forward. She found a broken man and with patience and love, slowly picked up the pieces and started putting him back together. There is an old saying that when something breaks, it is stronger when put back together than it ever was when it was whole.
He knew this perfectly described him. Her love was the glue and he knew he would never ever break again. She gave him strength. She gave him hope. He dared to dream of a future where he could finally do what he wanted to do, and be who he wanted to be.
As she was walking towards him, a vision in white, Draco felt a tear roll down his cheek. His former self would have chastised and been appalled at this behavior in public. But his new and improved self let it roll as he smiled brightly at her.
When she stood before him, he took her hand and kissed it. He knew the love behind her smile matched his as she looked at him with her own dewy eyes. He squeezed her hand and she winked at him.
In a few moments, she would be his forever. He knew it would not be easy. He knew public opinion hated that the ex-Death Eater ended up with the Golden Girl. But that didn't matter. All that mattered to him was that she loved him. Any obstacle thrown his way could be defeated with her by his side.
Vows said and declarations of undying love given, they were finally one. Draco kissed Hermione with all the love his heart held for her. As he dipped her backward, she laughed and looked at him with equal the love.
He grabbed her hand and held it up in victory to the applause and cheers of the few they chose to witness this miracle. Then they sprinted down the aisle. Forever was beckoning...it was bright and full of promise.