Forever, what did that mean to him then? Did it mean that he fell in love with the feminine grace she embodied? Did it mean that when she talked, he could swear he had been listening to a gently sweeping wind touching the beautiful sea.? It meant all of those things, but it meant a lot more. He had found a beauty to compliment his own, a mind both intimidating and outspoken, to interest him when he felt alone in the world. There were dainty arms to hold him while he slept, a mouth to whisper her love for him into his ear. She had a body for him to love and hold as she cuddled in his arms. Love was warmth and safety, gentle, and natural. Flowers are so rare but she was a rose in perpetual bloom. All he had to do was look at her and he knew he was alright and loved.

"Hermione I love you so much, and I live only because you are in my world. I want you to marry me, I want you to be my forever."

She reached out to touch the soft skin of his cheek, he was asking her to be with him for the rest of her life, she wanted to think about it but she couldn't stop herself from seeking the comfort of his arms, hugging him and telling him what she had known since she met him. "I've always wanted to marry you." He breathed deep and held her and smothered her face with kisses. There was a love that would last forever, just as he had promised it would.