Disclaimer: JK-Mastermind Me-imagination :P

Crossroad Blues

"Is that your answer?"

"No."

"'No'?"

Epilogue: Redemption

It was strange. I didn't know how to describe my feelings in that moment. They'd finished taming my hair—nothing was cut, thank God, but it was now glossy and swept back into an elegant—'effortless' in Narcissa's words—updo. She had been absent—getting her own hair and nails touched up—and she dragged me off after the stylist was through with me. We crossed another bridge and I found myself in a sparkling wonderland.

Tiffany and Co. the plaque read. Narcissa decided to give me a little back-story on the founder.

"My great-great-great Grandfather, Cygnus Black the First, was a business associate of Charles Tiffany's. Cygnus' wife was best friends with Charles' pureblood wife—Harriet Olivia Aveny Young. This is quite interesting," her tone of voice made it seem like it was a privilege for a muggle-born girl with no connections to know this. "In those days there were frequent spelling errors and they misspelled Harriet's name. It was originally Harriet Olivia Avery Young. But Charles had horrid writing and so the error was recorded on their marriage certificate."

I was too amazed to be listening, the sparkling jewels shimmered under the lights of night-time New York—the darkened buildings outside were given shapes through their lights and I could see the younger generations of the purebloods strolling the streets below, dressed finely for an evening soiree.

"Yes he was very fond of our family. His daughter Annie married into the Malfoy family."

Lucius probably got a discount on the rings then, being some sort of distant relative to a diamond fortune. I wasn't bitter.

She went around, picking out beautiful necklaces, earrings, and rings for 'casual' wear. If those were casual, I think I would faint when we got to the 'eveningwear'. She draped them across me, even pinning in some earrings to get the full effect against my new look. I felt the full, heavy weight of the jewels once they were placed on me and I protested that she add anything more—my neck felt like it would snap with the added weight of 80 carat earrings and a 98 carat necklace. I had no idea what the carat weightings were but once I glanced at a price I nearly swooned—and I was not the swooning type.

"Yes this would work splendidly with the navy Chanel piece, do you remember that one?" She asked me and I nodded, trying to remember that one outfit out of the hundreds of outfits we'd bought today. "I won't always be here with you when you update your wardrobe." She announced over her shoulder for the second time that day. What did she mean? What was she implying? I felt my stomach do back flip but I pressed my hands against it; I wouldn't hope for stupid dreams, I wouldn't set myself up for disaster. She was merely being nice...yes, nice, that was it. She felt that buying me new clothes, shoes and accessories would be doing a good thing in the world. Like she said: I was a charity case.

Yes. That was it. Narcissa Malfoy was being nice.

I passed by costume jewellery and instantly there was a memory of a masquerade ball at the Malfoy Manor—my fantasy. There was a wide variety of things before me under the glass. Headpieces, masks, facial jewellery, hairpieces, pieces for the dress or dress-robe. Some of the items were enchanted and until that moment I forgot this was Magical New York. They changed colour in a brilliant display of rainbow-lights.

"Ah, this is lovely." I heard Narcissa say and I curiously went over to where she was, my new shoes clicking against the marble of the floor.

I nearly slipped as I made to stand beside her to see what she was examining. The jeweller was smiling, showing Narcissa her pick.

It was probably the most gorgeous diamond ring I'd ever seen. Or ever will see.

"Holy bloody bugger." I swore softly—ignoring the look the jeweller gave me.

It had a giant diamond in the centre, flanked by two smaller diamonds—compared to the middle diamond. The band seemed to be made of hundreds of smaller diamonds that gleamed, showing off their clean shine to the room. It seemed that the few witches in the giant room turned their heads to look—their husbands had a sour look on their faces and I assumed that they were saying 'Thanks, now I have to buy her something better.'—I couldn't tear my eyes away from the ring for long though. Narcissa looked at the jeweller and without saying a word she seemed to ask the question of price.

"272,108 Galleons." She announced, as if to dare the audience in the room to listen. "Mined in caverns of eastern Denmark, the clarity..." She droned on explaining its brilliance but I was still stuck on the price. I quickly did the mental math. It would turn out to be around 2,000,000 American dollars; 1,209,594 £.

Two million dollars! I had to stop calculating and converting the amounts before I fainted.

Before I knew it I felt something cold slide up my finger and I looked down. It was the ring. The jeweller resized it with her wand and I was breathless, it was stunning. The younger witches in the glass-filled hall stared enviously at my finger which housed the sparkling diamond. Narcissa pulled it off faster than I could blink.

"Not today perhaps." She said curtly to the witch, handing it back to her. The jeweller placed it delicately on the velvet cushion and stowed it in the back—it hadn't even been on display. Narcissa turned to me and gave me a dazzling smile—her eyes revealed that she was still a cold-hearted bitch deep down. "I believe Joseph is waiting for us down on the second floor. I think it's time for us to leave." I turned away and began to walk back to the bridge to take the lifts down but when I glanced back I saw Narcissa whisper something to the jeweller discretely. I frowned but paid no heed to it as I entered the lifts, putting my arm out so that they didn't close—I vaguely wondered if they would, being in Magical New York would probably mean they wouldn't—Narcissa's heels clacked loudly as she swiftly made her way into the lifts.

"We must do something about your posture and manner of speech tomorrow." She said, her iciness back in a second. I rubbed my thumb against my fourth finger absently, remembering the feel of the ring against it.

***

Joseph informed Narcissa with a winning smile that all of our days' purchases had been sent to the Manor—a few had been sent to my flat—and she thanked him with a light hug and peck on the cheek. "Until next time darling." She said, pulling her gloves on. He helped her into her coat and then he helped me into mine (new one). He gave me a peck on the cheek—apparently liking the new me a lot better than the me who walked in this morning.

We took the lifts once more to the first floor and then we walked through the magic change room into the muggle world.

"Goodnight Mrs. Malfoy." A woman said as we passed her. Narcissa made no comment and did not acknowledge hearing her as she pulled on her gloves and we passed the remaining employees in the giant store. It was closing hours and the few straggling shoppers made their way outside into the still-busy streets of New York. Muggle New York was just as busy in the night as it was in the day. Narcissa took my arm and apparated us back to the front step of my flat. I was glad—I'd never cross-country apparated and was afraid I'd splinch myself. Ron told me it was unpleasant experience so I had no desire to test it out.

"Well, it's been quite a day. But I hope you've learned something Miss Granger." She told me, checking her outfit to make sure everything was in place.

"Um. Yes. Thank you for everything, really. I don't know how I'm going to pay you back one day but—"

"'Pay you back'? What is that?" She asked, genuinely confused at my phrase.

"For all the things you've bought me. I would feel extremely guilty if I didn't give you your money back—" I broke off at the horrified look on her face.

"Pay me back..." She repeated, and I was sure she was in shock. Suddenly a flush of her cheeks confirmed she was angry. I took a small step back. "Miss Granger." She took me by the shoulders and I was surprised by her strong grip. ".." I could tell every word hurt her as she forced it out of her mouth, flinching slightly. "What is ours is yours. And so your new things were bought with your money." I was confused.

"But—"

"Tomorrow morning. Nine AM. Be awake...dear." She added too late and it had the sombre effect rather than awakening a pleasant feeling. She bid me goodnight with an awkward hug before disappearing. I stood on my step for at least five minutes before entering my flat, still confused.

It was all a dream. It had to be. I opened the door to my flat but the door was wrenched open before I could get a foot through the door.

"WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?" Ginny shouted as she pulled me in. I saw Harry and Ron by the fireplace looking murderous. I gulped. It was going to be a long night of explaining.

***

"Narcissa Malfoy...took...you...you...shopping." Ginny said, dumbstruck. Ron was still trying to get past the whole 'Narcissa showed up two days ago' thing, Harry was awestruck at the amount of money the Malfoy's had. They were also shocked at my new look.

"Well then..." Ron kept saying.

"272,108 Galleons." Harry kept repeating.

"I need to see those shoes." Ginny announced seriously.

"They're at the Manor." I said quietly, though they all heard me. Ginny raised an eyebrow.

"What does that mean?"

"I have no idea...look I'm so exhausted, could you all possibly come around later tomorrow?" I explained I had another appointment with Narcissa and they were dumbstruck.

"Why are you doing this?" Ron spat.

"Look if there's a possibility that I could see Draco—" I caught myself too late and Ginny's face softened, a smile appearing on her lips. Ron fumed and was redder than before and Harry set his jaw, clearing his throat quietly.

"We'd better leave. It's late." Harry announced and the Weasley siblings all but jumped on him.

"WHAT?" Exclaimed Ron. "I think I'd better stay the night." Ginny said at the same time.

She only wanted to hear more. I wasn't having any of it.

"No please, all of you just please go home and rest. I'll tell you more when I can. Just...please go. Goodnight." I said kindly and softly as to not hurt their feelings. Harry kissed my cheek, Ginny hugged me and I could feel the hardness of her stomach press against mine, and Ron—grumbling and incompliant—kissed my cheek before following them out.

I sighed a long, exhausted sigh before retiring. Before falling into a deep, fitful sleep.

***

I awoke promptly before nine, put a kettle of tea on while I got ready. I washed my face, trying to wake up my tired, sleep-filled eyes. And changed into one of my better outfits with my newfound knowledge and I was standing at the door, waiting for her knock at eight fifty-nine. On her second knock I opened the door with a smile. It was my competitive nature to take her advice and 'lessons' to heart. I wanted to prove her wrong.

The tea simmered in their cups on the coffee table as I welcomed her in.

She said nothing of my new attitude and manners but simply nodded as she crossed the threshold. "Good morning."

"Good morning Mrs. Malfoy." I replied, shutting the door.

"I have a few errands to run this morning if you don't mind." She said, removing her felt gloves, placing them on her lap as we sat. She wore a myrtle-green scoop-neck dress and completed the outfit with black stilettos and black onyx-set jewels in her ears and around her neck. Her wedding and engagement rings flashed every time she reached for her cup on the saucer in her right hand.

"Not at all." I replied.

"Good, I suggest we meet at the Manor at around eleven for brunch?" She suggested—God this was weird. It was like living out an Austen or Brontë novel with their courtesy calls and tea and manners. Draco would be my Mr. Darcy. WHAT? Stupid stray thought...I mentally beat at it with a bat...a metal bat. Draco in the rain, arguing with me like Darcy and Lizzy. Stupid Thought. Go away. I'm being girly and full of upper-class manners. Go. Shoo.

I widened my eyes in an attempt to pay attention.

"Eleven. Brunch. Fantastic."

"Mhm..." She seemed lost in thought and glanced at me only once. I was waiting for her lectures. "Your posture will be worked on then." She stood and I stood too late, nearly knocking over the tray of tea. She did not let that go unnoticed. "And your...skills."

After she left I had a small moment of anger. What was that for? Waking me up before nine just to serve her tea? I wanted to shout, to relieve my anger but Draco's face swam past my vision. I shook my head. Damn. Well I would've been awake anyway for work. Work! I suddenly remembered. I had to ask Harry if he'd made any headway convincing the Head of the Department to let me come work again. I wrote Harry a hurried letter, explaining to him and Ginny where I'd be for the morning if not the whole day.

Eleven. I had two hours. A stray thought nagged at me—no, not Draco in the rain, although it just resurfaced with me thinking about it, damn—no, something about money. I grabbed my new coat from yesterday's excursions and made my way out, apparating to Diagon Alley.

***

I twisted my fingers nervously as I rode the roller-coaster-like ride to my vault. The goblin did not move fast enough. I cursed under my breath as he wheezed, making his way to my door. It was out of the way and smaller than most because I was muggle-born so I had to establish my own dingy vault when I entered Hogwarts. My parents had helped, giving me 24, 170 £, roughly 40,000 American dollars, when I graduated Hogwarts (every year I'd attended the school they'd give me enough to convert into Galleons for my school supplies and such); I'd built on what I was given through my years of working with the Ministry but when the goblin went left instead of right I hesitated. I rarely checked my vault but I knew it was always on the right.

"Um..." I began but he beckoned me forward as he opened a different vault.

"Here you are Miss."

"But..."

"It was too much to fit into your personal vault, so he requested that we open this one for you instead."

It was a huge vault—wait 'he'?

"He?" I questioned.

"Mr. Malfoy of course." The goblin said. And I felt myself slowly getting angrier. As I saw the amount of gold reaching for the high ceiling in my new vault I nearly fainted. "He set this up for you. Your private account. All of your monthly income and allowance will be stored in this vault with the best security."

"Allowance?" I was still unable to talk, the anger formed a ball in my throat.

"If you would like to go to the Malfoy family vault I must—"

I held up a hand, cutting him off.

"Please take me back." I could feel the tears of anger ebb at the corners of my eyes.

***

The goblin seemed to sense my anger and was beside himself with fright as I scrambled out of the cart, leaving Gringrotts.

I passed the witches and wizards crowding the streets of Diagon Alley and in my blind rage I'd knocked over a few children—which I was sorry for later, but not in that moment.

Once at the apparition point I turned on the spot, grinding my heel into the dirt with more vigour than usual and then found myself outside the Manor Grounds. I promptly stomped my way up the gravel road and past the gate, up the drive and steps to the front doors. I banged on them with both of my fists, unceremoniously, relentlessly.

They opened and I nearly forgot what I was mad about. Seeing him for the first time in days—has it been weeks yet?—brought forth an emotion that closed my throat. He stood before me garbed in his boxers—just his boxers—with his hair tousled from sleep, a bowl of some breakfast food in his hand, a shocked expression on his gorgeous, chiselled face.

"What is your problem?" I shouted once I found my voice. He was silent, still in shock. "What's wrong with you? You haven't spoken to me or seen me in weeks," –I decided that it would be weeks because I wanted to make him feel worse about it—"then you arbitrarily send your mother to teach me some upper-class manners and then, AND THEN!" I was so overcome with rage that my thoughts made me sound crazy and erratic as I just remembered some of them. "YOU BUY ME NEW CLOTHES AND THINGS AND GIVE ME MONEY? WHAT IS THAT ALL ABOUT MALFOY? Do you think you can OWN me? Is that what you're trying to do? Buy me?" I screamed, my voice echoing across the lush, impeccable lawns of the Malfoy Manor. I paused in my rant, sucking in air, taking note that his mouth had opened wider from the added shock.

Silence....Well, this isn't really how I expected him to react—shout, rant, cry, even become violent—but never silence, submissiveness. I crossed my arms in anger; usually in the novels they would argue back and in the midst of their passionate anger they'd grab your face and kiss you but he just...stood there holding his breakfast. I admired his toned body—wonder if Mr. Darcy had a body like that—DAMN it's loose again. The Stupid Stray Thought...I've got to do something about that soon.

"Well you can forget about it, because the way to a girl's heart is not through diamonds and fancy things." Maybe it was about diamonds a little bit...I was still thinking of that bloody ring.I was about to continue when he dropped the bowl—it shattered at his bare feet and I winced, what if he'd cut himself!

"It's you." He whispered simply.

...I was at a loss for words.

He seemed to reach out to touch me but I took a step back in defiance, he took one forward and I took three back. HA!—oh how stupid I could be. My foot came into contact with nothing as I slipped backwards down the stone steps that led up the doors.

***

I came to sometime later. The room spun as I opened my eyes, there was a dull throbbing at the back of my head but I could tell it had been a lot worse. I moaned as I tried to sit up but a hand pushed my gently back down.

"Now now dear, gently." It was Narcissa and I groaned once more, this time it wasn't about the pain I felt. I sat up with some effort but I was able to take in my surroundings—the gigantic den, the roaring fire in the fireplace, the light flakes of snow drifting past the floor-to-ceiling windows—the first snowfall of December in London.

"Draco..." I mumbled, remembering the last thing I saw.

"I sent him off to run an errand for me." Narcissa said, too dismissively. I glanced around suspiciously, not believing Mrs. Malfoy, expecting to see Draco around the corner. Hiding like a coward. No, he's probably off brooding like Dar—FINISH THAT SENTANCE, AND DIE THOUGHT. Narcissa noticed the pained expression on my face.

"Tea dear?"

I lost it.

"NO! I don't want your tea or your money, or pity, I want to talk to Draco, now!" Manners be damned I stood and nearly knocked over the tray. Narcissa remained composed and I wanted to slap her suddenly. "Why have you been keeping him here? Against his will? How do you expect me to believe he couldn't just walk out the door to see me those days ago?" I balled up my hands at my sides to keep them from shaking in anger. Narcissa sipped her tea quietly, her long legs neatly arranged into a proper manner of sitting-style.

She set the cup on the saucer and I took note of their ancient, expensive quality. I know now why she disapproved of my set.

"There is an ancient form of magic that binds purebloods." She said simply. Like she'd said two plus two equals four.

I waited.

"Ancient form of magic that forces Draco to break off all contact with me?"

"Precisely. The magic binds the wives to their husbands and the children to their parents. It also binds the servants to the family. Wherever we go, they go."

That explained the empty manor and I guessed it'd been empty save for Draco since Lucius left. She continued.

"If I tell my son he is not to see or speak with you until I say then he will obey. He is bound to my word."

So he's your bitch? I didn't say that but still...

"And why are you doing all this?" I didn't specify but she understood I meant making me over.

"To make Lucius change his mind."

I was caught off-guard and I felt my eyes widen, eyebrows raising in surprise.

"Your husband." I stated stupidly. Gosh I wasn't really living up to my title of know-it-all was I?

"My say on the choice of wife my son takes matters not unless my husband, who has the last say in anything, consents." She put her cup and saucer down on the black oak table before her, "this may shock you, but I care for my son's happiness."

It did shock me.

"Remember when I told you what my son wants, he gets?"

I nodded silently.

"If I did forbid Draco from seeing you, talking to you, ever mentioning you again, he would fall into a corner and brood for the rest of his days."

Told you he'd brood like Darcy, like a man. I was never going to win against this damned rogue Thought. Narcissa stood and walked over to the fireplace, her heels muted by the lush carpet.

"And if Lucius ordered Draco to create a marriage union with another pureblood family he would be obliged to do so—but the sacrifice would be his happiness." Her hands clasped, her face a mask, I couldn't tell if she was sincere.

"And you believe that I am the cause of his happiness?" Gosh, I couldn't picture Draco happy about anything, I couldn't even picture a real smile on his sculpture of a face.

"I do." She was serious.

"I—I need to leave I can't deal with this."

"Is this how you intend to solve your problems? By running away from them?"

I wanted to slap her but instead I squeezed my hands tighter, creating crescent-shaped indentations in my palm. I nearly screamed out of frustration.

"You can't just marry me to your son! We haven't even gone on a date for Merlin's sake! You can't just bind me to some arranged marriage I had no knowledge of. We don't even know each other—"

"I was under the impression that you and my son have known each other since you were both eleven years old."

"Yes, but—"

"And do you not know Draco more than he knows himself?" She added quietly. I was humbled by this comment.

"I wouldn't say I know him—"

"He's changed because of you. That is all he will tell me about his new outlook on life. Falling in love with a...muggle born is proof of that change." I knew she caught herself at the last second, she would've said 'mudblood'. It didn't bother me actually, Draco had only said it that one time—well twice, but who's counting really?—in school. Woah. Back up a second. My brain was starting to function like the me I knew and loved.

"'Love'?" I questioned and her eyes glittered with some emotion I couldn't name.

There was silence and the grandfather clock ticked loudly, the December snow falling lightly outside the windows.

"What does Lucius matter in all of this?" I asked, crossing my arms over my chest.

"Without my husband's consent, Draco will lose everything. His title, money, the Manor, and he will be shunned from the pureblood society."

"He'll be shunned anyway if he marries me." I stated.

"Only if he marries you without consent."

"What about the consent of my parents?"

"Oh yes, you're muggle parents. Well, he may introduce himself to them if you find it prudent." She waved her hand, dismissing my family as if they were nothing.

"Yes I find it prudent. Even a mudblood such as I have morals that I must abide to."

"Oh darling, don't be too harsh on yourself." She gave me a smile that lacked warmth, trying to brush off the insulting title given to me in my tween years.

"I have to leave." I said suddenly. I couldn't stand to be in a room with Narcissa Malfoy any longer than necessary. I gathered my things and stumbled out the front doors without saying goodbye. I walked briskly, ankle-deep in snow and frozen, I arrived at the apparition point and vanished back to my flat.

Was she right? Did I run away from my problems?

***

A knock on my door. A few seconds later I sighed and got up to answer it. Harry. I hugged him and inquired about going back to work.

He hesitated, sitting down on the couch with me. I had my answer.

"Hermione...you were dead..."

"But I'm not anymore." I was tired of being treated like a weakling. I was fine now.

"And I think that garners another week off—" I cut him off, desperate and, by now, hysterical.

"ANOTHER WEEK?! No Harry, I need to go back to work right now. I can't stand it; Malfoy family interventions, money, family politics, marriage—" His turn to cut me off.

"'Marriage' what are you talking about?"

I sighed, then explained everything to Harry—it took a good two hours, the remnants of noon were gone and the day was wasted—Gosh, how did we go from eleven in the morning to five in the evening? Was I knocked out for longer than I'd estimated? When I was through, Harry sat, stunned.

"So...are you going to say yes?"

"What?" I was the one who was stunned now.

"If he asks you, what will you say?"

I hadn't thought about it—NO, no, I will not fall into a trap. I will refuse of course! I realised that I'd said none of that out-loud and bit my lip.

"I have no idea." I put my face in my hands and wallowed.

"I know you'll know what to say Hermione, you always do." He said cryptically before rising and patting my shoulder gently. "Don't be mad."

"What?" I looked up as he opened the door.

Draco.

My heart stopped for the second time in my life.

"Just hear him out..." Harry began, and I glared at him, his face was guilty and he knew what I was thinking. Traitor!

Harry slowly backed out of the door with a silent exchange of looks between him and Draco—I wonder if Ron knew about this...this plot! Evil plot! That's what this was.

I stood when Draco entered, my hands fists at my sides.

"Hermione."

"Let me stop you Malfoy. I've already expressed my views on you...marrying me without ever going on a single date or meeting my parents—"

"Oh..." There was something he tried to hide but I couldn't tell what it was. "I...already saw your parents. Your father's quite fond of me actually, and they both give their blessing."

This wasn't happening.

"But I came here to ask you...would you—"

"HOLD ON A SECOND....wait just, just wait alright? I need time to think about this and to yell at people I thought I could trust..." I said, thinking of Harry and my parents. I took in the fact that he was wearing a suit and was looking very suave. I put my hands over my eyes in an attempt to calm down.

"I just wanted to take you out for dinner..." He said quietly and I looked up, startled.

"I'll find something to wear then..." I trailed off, a small smile playing on my lips, he made no move to leave and his body language indicated he would wait.

Well then...

***

We went to the Waterside Inn restaurant—an obviously expensive and upper-class place to eat dinner but I remained silent until we were seated and ordered—well, Draco ordered for me, recommending a plate I couldn't even pronounce.

The waiter returned and placed the plate before me with much flourish. I thanked him quietly as he took a step back to be on guard should our wine glasses need filling. The awkward silence was driving me mad, I wanted him to say something so that I could hear something other than Chopin's Nocturne in the background. He only stared at me with intensity that made me look down at my sparse plate. 100 £ for this? My mind wandered. What was wrong with me? I was complaining about Draco not even taking me on a first date, and yet here we were. Gosh I was selfish. I should go ahead and say something.

"The fish—"

"You look—"

We both spoke at the same time. He cleared his throat and motioned for me to continue.

"It's...great." I concluded lamely.

"You look beautiful." Tonight I mentally added, it was the standard comment of a date.

"Thanks." I mumbled.

"You look beautiful every time I see you." I looked up again, he was still looking at me with intensity. "I wanted to let you know that...I've changed. I'm...not the same person you knew."

More silence.

The piano played on, the solemn tune was beautiful and complicated—much like Draco.

Dinner was eaten quickly—as if we both knew how this night was unsalvageable—but instead of leaving out the front he took me out the back and I found we were walking on a little bridge that sloped over the still waters.

We stopped at the apex of the little bridge and I leaned on the wooden rail, looking at the scenery around me. I was dressed in a cream-coloured Versace dress and white two-inch heels.

Draco wrapped his arms around me and I suddenly felt light and airy, this was where I belonged, enclosed in his strong arms. I leaned my head back and closed my eyes, sighing.

"Tired?"

"Confused." I replied.

"Well how about I clear things up for you..." He leaned around and I turned my head and he kissed me deeply. Gosh what would Ron think? Seeing his enemy making out with his best friend? I hoped he wasn't arbitrarily taking a stroll around the restaurant. But then again, it was a beautiful night.

Suddenly I felt stupid. Why did I need a first date with Draco? I practically grew up with him in school. I do know him, the real him and I know myself enough to know that I was scared...of the commitment Draco was 'forcing' upon me, scared of the future...of a future, with Draco Malfoy. I had my answer, and suddenly, I wasn't scared anymore, only invigorated.

I turned to voice my thoughts to Draco when I was nearly blinded.

Opened before me was a box, a small box. That box housed the most spectacular piece of jewellery I'd ever seen. The ring...TheRing, the one from Tiffany, the one Mrs. Malfoy had asked to see—suddenly I remembered:

"Draco..."

"I sent him off to run an errand for me." She had been too evasive on the matter. He was in New York. In Tiffany. Buying the Ring.

It was a being unto itself and so deserved a capital letter. Merlin, Arthur, and Morgana it was amazing. Even more so under the moonlight. I gaped at its brilliance and almost didn't hear Draco when he spoke.

"Will you marry me?" He was smiling. It was a small tugging at the corners of his mouth but it was a smile!

"I can't..." believe you're smiling, a genuine smile! But I didn't finish and the smile disappeared when he heard my words.

"Is that your answer?"

"No," I replied hastily, trying to salvage the moment.

"'No'?" His eyebrows raised, he leaned backward but I grabbed him by the lapels of his black dinner jacket and yanked him forward.

I shook my head, "Ask me again." I needed a do-over.

"If that was your answer?" He was feigning confusion with another dazzling smile and I laughed, bowing my head in defeat. I put my hands on either side of his face.

"Yes. I will marry you. Yes. Yes. Yes." Something wet on my cheeks—tears? I was crying? Really? Merlin, I was living every cliché in the book.

"After everything I've said and done to you? After I was an ass in school?"

Don't make me change my mind I joked to myself. I sobered and looked deeply into his eyes. "It doesn't matter anymore because you saved me." He saved me in the literal sense and that was worth a thousand redemptions.

"No...you saved me."

He reached forward and gripped my hips, pulling me close, my arms around his neck. He then kissed me. Passionately. I felt like sticking it to Lizzy Bennet in that moment—Draco Malfoy was indeed no Fitzwilliam Darcy—he was better.


A/N: YAYYYYYY FINISHED! :D:D:D:D:D:D Hope you all liked it and enjoyed the journey, I hope it was a satisfactory ending, and if you all want more please voice it in your reviews which are much appreciated and have kept me going through my time of suffering (all my data being lost off my USBs, effectively putting a halt to Fix You my other story, please R&R that as well! :P) Alright so this was the epilogue but whoever said epilogues couldn't have thier own epilogues ? ;) LOL if you guys are amazing (which you are) you shall review and you shall recieve a cookieeee!!!! Once again, I hope you all loved it, thanks so much for following this until the end!

-k-