Hello my dear readers! I am so sorry it has been so long since I have written or updated. I just got the creative juices flowing when I heard Thomas Rhett's new song marry me, please listen as it inspired this two-shot. I will be updating my other story Aphrodite's Poison soon as well.
Enjoy! Xoxo Stargoddess400

Marry Me

December 19, 1998
Heads Common Room
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

"Seriously? A backyard wedding? Aren't girls supposed to want the big white church, pygmy puff dress, with a reception fit for the Queen of England herself?" Draco queried, intrigued by the head girl's future plans. The two had been sitting in front of the roaring fire in their respective large armchairs for the past hour. Classes done for the week, their discussion of head duties had been lost long ago, as Draco started to pry into Hermione's love life.

Hermione started laughing, her "spiked" hot chocolate making her more open than usual. "Well, I am not the princess type, you know that? But no, I always wanted a quaint outdoor ceremony; peonies and hydrangeas, trees with fairy lights; very organic. And of course, well it can't happen now, but I would have wanted my grandfather to give the sermon. He passed last year. I didn't know until I repaired my parents' memories." She finished, becoming more somber.

"I didn't know that Granger, I am truly sorry for your loss." Draco replied sincerely. He wanted desperately to reach over and grab her hand, but didn't push it. He was lucky they were even here, conversing. It had been difficult to say the least the past 18 months. Finding solstice with the Order, befriending Potter, Granger and finding Weasley tolerable at times; watching his father choose the Dark Lord over his mother and his only son. Granger and his friendship was rocky at first. But now as they returned to Hogwarts, they shared the role of Heads and surprisingly a common room.

A few weeks into the school year, Granger had made the suggestion since they didn't have classes after 11 am on Fridays, they would meet and discuss Heads work and the like. After a month, those meetings became more time for relaxation, getting to know one another. And for Draco, his feelings for the Head girl grew, and it was worrisome. She was just too good of a soul, pure, kind…in other words way to damn good for the likes of him. Ex-death eater and a young man trying to redeem himself.

"Draco, DRACO!" Hermione said a little too loudly, waving her hand in front of him.

"Huh, oh I'm sorry, what did you say?" Draco returned dazed.

"Oh my, Draco Malfoy apologizing twice in 5 minutes, I think I might swoon!" Hermione jested with a giggle.

He rolled his eyes, but couldn't help but smirk. "Only for your Granger" Draco replied smoothly with a wink.

She blushed, turning her gaze to the fire. She cleared her throat. "How did we get on the topic of future wedding plans, I need a boyfriend first!" She giggled. "Did you spike this?" She asked as she took another swig, leaving her with a chocolate covered lip.

Draco laughed, shaking his head. "You'll never know, though you are warming up right? And ah, you got a bit on your…" Draco finished as he reached over and dragged his thumb across her lip so gently but swiftly she hadn't even realized until he brought his thumb to his own lips sucking of the sweet liquid.

"Oh my, um than- thank you." Hermione stammered, her heart beating fast. "I think I need to go finish some reading, we have that paper due" She quickly made an excuse, flushed.

She made it up the stairs, before he could respond, her empty mug on the coffee table. He sat back in his chair, downing the rest of his firewhisky in one swig.

"Fuck." He whispered to himself.

June 6, 1999
Great Hall
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

"We did it, we graduated!" Hermione shouted as she ran and jumped onto Draco's back.

"HmmpH!" Draco laughed as he barely moved from the collision. She weighed nothing as she wrapped her legs around his waist, essentially riding him "piggyback" as she describes it.

Blaise and Theo, two other Slytherins started chuckling at Granger's excitement. They had grown fond of the lovely Gryffindor for many reasons. As they had all grown closer returning to Hogwarts, she was the first to extend a hand in inter-house unity and her bossiness could not be ignored. So, others followed her lead. They found, the budding relationship between her and their dear friend Draco was one to not overlook, curious as it was. They knew to let it figure itself out, if their arse of a friend would make a move.

"Woah there Granger, the Valedictorian shouldn't be acting in such a manner. Not to mention Draco might enjoy it too much" Theo chuckled, taking a drink of his champagne and glanced at Draco.

Draco scowled in return as Hermione laughed.

"Drake just puts up with me because my mum sends him muggle sweets." Hermione laughed and ruffled Draco's blonde locks.

Draco shook his head, and snorted "Sure Granger that's why I put up with you, you saucy minx." He whispered as he whipped her around to hug her around the waist before placing her on her feet. Theo and Blaise just shared knowing looks and turned the conversation back to future plans of the graduates.

By the end of the night, various 7th years were found laughing and jeering in the Heads common room. Drinking, playing games. Draco and Hermione were secluded on the window seat, the full moon shining in.

"Draco, you'll stay in contact, right? You won't go off and marry one of your rich pureblood tarts and never talk to me again?" Hermione asked nervously, staring at him through her mascara coated lashed.

"Granger, Granger Granger…you couldn't get rid of me if you tried. You know, I truly never thanked you for accepting me and my flaws…our friendship means, well…" Draco stuttered, unlike his usual suave attitude, this girl made him act like a bloody first year. He leaned in closer, taking in the scent of her vanilla perfume.

Granger scooted closer to him, she leaned in as well and moved her hand to his, she unconsciously licked her lips in anticipation. "Drake, I feel I need to be honest -BANG!" Hermione screamed as Draco jumped up, numerous exploding snaps erupting at their feet, they looked over as Ron and Seamus were drunk and laughing, continuing to throw the tiny intrusive explosives.

Hermione squealed jumping up and running after the two Gryffindors, whipping out her own wand with a spell ready. "You lot are gonna get it!" She screamed half-heartedly.

Draco was left, almost kissed by the girl he thinks he is in love with. "Damn." He whispered, running a hand through his hair. Getting up in search for some strong firewhisky.

January 7, 2000
Whimsical Tales and Tombs
Diagon Alley

Draco and Hermione had been meeting at the hidden bookstore since July after graduation. "Their spot," Granger had declared, of the cozy hideaway. There, they had met every other Sunday morning for tea. Discussing work, family, friends and the current topic, Hermione's sudden boyfriend.

"I don't like him. He just wants you because you are part of the bloody Golden trio and of course you're beautiful!" Draco heatedly exclaimed, gripping his tea cup a little too tightly.

"You say that about every man who looks my way, but I appreciate the concern. I really like him." Hermione rebutted with a dreamy smile. "Besides, its only been a month, I like to take things slow. Daniel seems to want the same." Hermione expressed sincerely. Though Draco's demeanor didn't go unnoticed by the young woman.

They hadn't spoken of their almost kiss on graduation night. The tension passed and their friendship stayed strong even outside of Hogwarts. Keeping each other afloat as they blossomed into adulthood, dealing with work and family expectations.

"Enough about me and Daniel. Is your mum still harping about what's her name, Tiffany?" Hermione queried with a raised eyebrow and smirk.

"Pfft, Tiffany will never be the next Lady Malfoy, trust me. She is as bright as tar and can't even hold a conversation that doesn't involve makeup or who is on the cover of Witch Weekly." Draco replied annoyed.

Hermione frowned, reached over and grabbed his hand. "Keep looking Draco, the girl you're meant to be with is closer than you know. Your mother should know better that you want love in your marriage" Hermione finished with a squeeze of his hand and reassuring smile.

Draco looked up and stared at her. Yeah, he thought, she is the one he wants to marry. But she wouldn't want to marry him.

December 5, 2000
The Potter's residence
12 Grimmauld Place, London

"Congratulations to Hermione and Daniel on your engagement! May you have a happy, loving marriage and lots of babies!" a pregnant Ginny Potter announced to the group of friends and family. Hermione blushed as her fiancé pulled her in for a dramatic kiss.

Draco swallowed his firewhisky in one swig, as he watched from the back of the room at the happy couple. His heart shattering, desperate to tell her. Daniel was a good guy, but not the right guy for Hermione, HIS Hermione. Why couldn't she see that. He was the first one she told when Daniel proposed. The pounce did it at a crappy restaurant and hid the small classless ring in her cake. She almost choked on it. Hermione, like Draco, loved her sweets, and apparently wasn't paying attention. He wondered if her nodding yes was in response to the question of marriage or can you breathe alright?

He wanted badly to tell her he loved her, at all their teas, movies, friends' parties, when she was there comforting him at this father's funeral. But no, she said she was happy. She wanted to get married, but she didn't want to marry him.

October 15, 2001
Hermione Granger's Flat
Cambridge, England

"Do you ever feel like you made the wrong choice Ginny?" Hermione questioned her best friend as they were wrapping wedding favors.

"Wrong choice in what Mione?" Ginny replied, constantly looking back and forth between the task at hand and her infant son in the bassinette next to the table.

"Marriage, kids so fast? I mean, I know you love Harry, but…" Hermione pondered, the thoughts in her head becoming fuzzy.

Ginny's eyes went wide, grabbing the favor from Hermione, forcing her to look at the red-haired witch. "Hold up there missy! I am perfectly happy in my life, and you are going all reverse psychology on me! Hermione are you second guessing Daniel?" Ginny questioned seriously, searching the brunettes face for signs of doubt.

"What, no…well I mean, no I love Daniel. He is a good wizard and safe." Hermione stuttered, attempting to sound convincing.

"Safe? Bugger to hell, that's not how you describe the love of your life Mione! You can say no, we can call this whole thing off. Everyone will understand." Ginny expressed dramatically, in attempt to reassure her worries and fears.

"Oh No! I couldn't, I mean I don't want to call it off. I want to marry Dr- I mean I want to marry Daniel." Hermione said quickly correcting herself.

Ginny's eyes widened even more…she knew it. "He loves you, you know." Ginny said plainly.

"Of course he does, Daniel wouldn't have proposed if he didn't" Hermione laughed, going back to the favors. "Ignore me Ginny, just pre-wedding jitters. I mean the wedding is next week!" Hermione exclaimed with a bright smile. Though her smile didn't reach her eyes. It was a little too forced.

Ginny nodded her head, returning to folding the favors again, not sure if she should just lock the two idiots in a room. Everyone could see Draco loved Hermione, and she had feelings for him as well. Why was she so scared? Was her friend marrying the wrong man?

October 25, 2001
St. James Church, London

Ginny fluffed Hermione's gown in front of the floor length mirror provided in the private room of the church. Hermione was a nervous wreck. Was this wrong? She wasn't in her parent's backyard. She had a bouquet of roses, not peonies. Daniel had desired a church wedding, she wanted organic. He wanted over the top. But they comprised for love, right?

"You okay Mione?" Ginny asked as she finished adjusting the brides veil. Her friend was a vision, but her face showed more worry than joy.

"Hmmm, oh of course. All the guests are here, I just need a minute, is that okay?" Hermione whispered.

Ginny nodded and squeezed her best friend's hand, she went in search of her husband and son.

Draco arrived at the church, responding to the welcomes and hellos from fellow guests. He wanted to go find her, get it off of his chest. Tell her she was making a mistake. But he couldn't do it. Draco barely made it to the pews, where Blaise and Theo were sitting, they ushered him over and Draco couldn't handle it, he was ready to cry, she was going to get married, and it wasn't to him. He would wish her the best, but later. He found himself rushing back out of the church doors, going anywhere, anywhere but there.

Hermione arrived at the aisle, where her father waited with a large smile. Hermione reached for him, grasped his arm and held on tight. As the procession began, instead of looking at her fiancé waiting at the front of the church, her eyes were searching the crowd. Her breathe hitched and rushed out of her. Draco. He wasn't there; that blonde hair of his could easily be spotted, and as they made it halfway down the aisle she stopped. She turned to her father.

"I'm so sorry Dad. I can't" Hermione whispered, tears forming in her eyes. She looked at Ginny. Ginny looked knowingly. Hermione's gaze then drifted to Theo and Blaise. Blaise nodded and mouthed "your spot, go."

Hermione's eyes widened, as she turned around bunching the bulky dress up "I'm so sorry Daniel, I have to go." She apologized, running out of the church. She apparated the minute she was outside, thinking of the little bookshop in Diagon Alley.

October 25, 2001
Whimsical Tales and Tombs
Diagon Alley

Draco sat at the small round table nestled in front of the glass window of their spot. He poured the contents of his flask of firewhisky into his cup of tea. His black tie off to the side, his hair tussled from running his hands anxiously through it. "I should have told her, bloody hell, she's probably already said I do." Draco muttered, looking down into his tea.

"How would you know, you weren't there" a voice interrupted his conversation with himself.

His head shot up, she was a vision in white, standing there. The small room, feeling cramped as she shuffled her way towards him.

"What, what are you doing here? Where is Daniel?" Draco questioned in distress.

"I couldn't do it. I just, you weren't there. I realized I didn't want him! Draco," Hermione drifted off, confused as tears spilling silently down her cheeks. "Oh Merlin, I left him at the altar, I am a terrible person! All those people, oh Draco! I'm so selfish!" Hermione cried out, realization hitting her.

Draco stood up, rushed to her, grabbing her by the waist and pulled her in.

"Stop, Hermione. Stop, shh…Calm down, I'm here. I've got you." Draco reassured her. Grasping her face in his strong hands wiping her tears away with his thumbs. Her crying turned to sniffles, as her mascara ran streaks down her cheeks and she began to calm from his movements and husky words of comfort.

"Hermione, do you want to marry him?" Draco asked seriously as she finally stopped crying, his eyes searching hers for an answer.

She looked back at him, smiled and shook her head no. He needed no further encouragement. He crashed his lips against hers. Their kiss was magical, shocking them both as they felt tingles rush to their toes. Her hands reached to run through his blonde locks. She sighed in contentment. This was right where she was supposed to be.

Draco swiped his tongue against her lip, begging for entrance, she obliged eagerly and he gripped her to him, in fear she was a mirage and would disappear. After what felt like minutes, they pulled back, gasping for air. Draco trailed kisses across her face, as she began to giggle. He picked her up hugging her, twirling her around.

"Draco! Draco, put me down!" Hermione squealed.

Draco was grinning like a fool, she didn't marry Daniel. "I love you, Hermione, I have for a long time…. I don't know why I didn't ever say anything. I'm sorry, love. Please, please tell me you feel the same." Draco expressed eagerly as he placed her down gently.

Hermione's eyes widened for what felt like the hundredth time that day she opened her mouth in response.

To be continued….