They arrived at the restaurant early, taking their seats before the others arrived. Draco ordered a glass of firewhiskey and Hermione ordered Elderflower wine. She didn't usually drink, but she was on her second glass when the rest of the party arrived.

Harry was suspiciously quiet and seemingly unfazed by Draco's presence at the table, while Ron was red-faced but quiet immediately upon their arrival. Ginny worked diligently to diffuse any situation that may arise, as she already knew of the forbidden relationship that was taking place between Hermione and Draco.

Saying the dinner was awkward or tense would be an understatement, as the thickness in the air grew with every angry glance Ron sent in Draco's direction. It wasn't 10 minutes after they finished their meals that Hermione spoke, hoping to either diffuse or blow up the situation enough to get rid of the uncomfortable silence that was left when Ginny realized nobody was really paying her any attention.

"Ron, Harry…" They both looked at her, Harry's eyes wide as if he was shocked by words she hadn't yet spoken, "We brought you here today to inform you that we're together… Dating. Draco and I are in a relationship. I love him. If there's anything you'd like to say about that, now's your chance."

Draco lifted his glass to his lips, "that was rather forward."

Hermione looked at him and shrugged just as Ron spoke up.

"Are you out of your damn mind?" His fists were clenched into balls on the table and he was staring daggers at Hermione.

Draco's voiced lowered to a threatening growl, "Watch your tone, Weasley."

Harry immediately moved his hand to Ron's shoulder, stopping him from standing and making a scene.

Ron's gaze went from Hermione to the blonde next to her, "Did you curse her, you freak? Is that the only way you can get a woman?"

Draco snorted and Ginny looked angrily at her brother, "Ronald, you should have more respect for Hermione than that."

Ron looked to Ginny, "You knew about this, didn't you?"

Suddenly, Ginny's eyes widened and everyone was turned to her. Hermione sipped her wine and looked away from the table, pretending to admire a painting on the wall.

Ginny nodded, "Yes, I did. Hermione tells me things because I'm a real friend. I don't blow up and accuse her of losing her mind or getting herself cursed because of who she decides she loves. She's been with him for a while now, just so you know, and from what I've heard and seen he treats her like a queen. Much better than the way you treat Rachel."

Ron opened his mouth to protest but Harry stopped him, "Look, Hermione is an adult and we just talked about how she's seemed much happier recently," he looked to Hermione, "that's all we've ever wanted for you, is to see you happy. I don't care who it is that makes you smile, so long as you're doing it."

Draco nodded at Harry and Ginny, then turned to look at Ron, "I do take very good care of your friend, Weasley, believe it or not."

Ron's fists unclenched slightly, and then red on his face deepened with embarrassment rather than anger, "If you hurt her I swear to-"

Draco interrupted, "I would welcome it. I would never dream of hurting Hermione," he moved from his chair and held Hermione's hand in his own, kneeling down on one knee and pulling the ring box that now seemed to weigh a ton from his pocket, "In fact," Hermione's eyes widened with realization, "Hermione, I love you more than I ever thought possible. I know I've treated you poorly in the past and I don't deserve one ounce of the love you have shown me," Draco smiled to cover the tears welling in his eyes at the sight of Hermione crying silently, "but, I can't live without you now that you've shown me what true love really is. Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

Hermione nodded silently and allowed Draco to slip the large ring onto her left hand. It fit her perfectly and she was so overwhelmed by its beauty that she had to force her eyes away from it to look at him.

He stood and kissed her softly, "I promise to spend the rest of my life trying to show you just how much you mean to me. I will cherish you forever, and always treat you like the queen you are. I will forever work to make up to you the things that I have done in the past."

Hermione stood and hugged him tightly, "I love you, Draco."

The restaurant was roaring with applause and the flash of cameras was coming from every angle. Ginny was crying and Harry was smiling. Ron was looking a bit disgusted but slightly happy for his friend.

Draco whispered in Hermione's ear, "I love you more, Hermione."

She smiled and the wait staff shooed off the onlookers and picture takers, leaving them alone with Harry, Ron, and Ginny for a while longer before they all decided to head home. Before they departed, Harry shook Draco's hand, Ginny hugged him the best she could despite her large pregnant belly, and Ron apologized to Hermione. He shook Draco's hand quickly and then proceeded to wipe his hand on his pants as if he was mortified by having to touch Draco, but it all made Hermione happy and for that, Draco was thankful.

Their next stop was St. Mungo's, where Hermione's elated state was quickly suppressed by fear the closer they walked to Narcissa's room. Though she had received the slightest bit of acceptance from her future mother-in-law, she wasn't convinced in the least that Narcissa was going to be proud to have her as an undeniable part of the family.

Draco held her waist tightly, trying to reassure her without words, as he was nervous himself. He also kept his grip tight because he was afraid if he let her go she would run as quickly as she could in the opposite direction.

When they reached Narcissa's room, Draco hugged Hermione tightly and told her it would be alright. He opened the door for her and they stepped in. Narcissa was out of bed and moving around the small room, admiring flowers and other small trinkets she had been receiving regularly during her stay.

She was surprised to see them, but happy, "Draco, Hermione! I didn't expect to see you today."

Draco smiled at his mother, "Well, mother," he looked to Hermione, who was whiter than a sheet, "we have a bit of a surprise for you."

Narcissa moved towards the couple, "I hope you haven't come with bad news?"

Draco smiled and lifted Hermione's left hand in his, showing the ring to his mother, "Not at all."

Narcissa gasped and covered her mouth. She was silent for a moment and then tears swelled in her eyes and she hugged Hermione in a way she had reserved solely for her husband and son until now. Hermione's eyes were wide, but she returned the hug and was grateful she was surprised with affection rather than a curse.

Narcissa stepped back, but kept her eyes on Hermione, "Oh congratulations my dear, welcome to the family!"

Hermione finally found her voice, "Thank you, I'm elated."

Narcissa nodded and then turned to Draco, she hugged him quickly and then gave him a stern motherly look, "You have made a wonderful choice, dear. I cannot wait to properly welcome Hermione to our family."

Draco was ecstatic, expecting the cold shoulder from his mother instead of this warm welcome and genuine approval of his engagement to Hermione. They stayed for a while and talked with Narcissa about her treatment, which was going well, and Narcissa beamed over Hermione's ring about a dozen times.

When visiting hours were over, they went back to the manor and Draco summoned Peeky so Hermione could tell her the good news and show off her ring. The elf was so excited she banged her head against the wall a few times to calm herself despite Hermione's protests.

When Peeky finally stopped talking about how beautiful the wedding would be and left, Draco and Hermione were finally alone to be excited about their new engagement together. Draco held her hand in his and admired the ring for a while, noting the intricate layout of the design and the clarity of the stones for the first time. The jewelry shop was rushed and his head was clouded with anxiety, but now he could see the ring on his future bride's finger clearly and he noted the beauty of it but reminded himself it was nothing compared to Hermione.

He looked up at her smiling face, she was watching him with love in her eyes he had never seen from anyone but his mother. Even the love his mother had shown him wasn't as evident or passionate as what was shining in the mocha-colored eyes Hermione was watching him with. He smiled and kissed her sweetly, taking time to savor the way her lips felt and tasted. He was still in disbelief that he would have this woman forever.

When they made love that night, it was tender and full of emotion Draco had been afraid to show before now. Hermione could feel his tension subside as their bodies met and became one, over and over again. They were happy and in love, and Draco was no longer afraid. Everything was working for them and all the pain, darkness, and sad times in Draco's life dissipated in Hermione's small, delicate hands.

When they were worn out, sated, and overtaken with their love for one another they laid silently together in Draco's bed and welcomed sleep that came to them both relatively quickly. The last thing Hermione heard before drifting off was Draco's sleepy voice telling her 'I love you, forever.'