Disclaimer: I own nothing.

So Hermione secretly feels the same! But how will Draco approach the situation?

Sit back and find out!

Love always,

Avoline

He stood at the door of the library, watching her read a book. He wasn't sure what to say, or how. She was free to leave now, and yet he still wanted her to stay. Like he couldn't just send an owl or a patronus.

The light bulb went off in his head, and he gave his wand a quick wave.

A little silver ferret shot out and bounced towards her, fueled by the memory of yesterday. She glanced at it, then jumped and started laughing. He smiled and stepped towards her, sitting beside her on the couch.

"A ferret, Draco," she giggled. "The Dark Mark fades, and your patronus is a ferret!" He chuckled with her.

"Imagine my surprise," he answered. "Wait until you see Father's! Mother has the best out of all of us!" A smile graced the battered woman's face.

"I'm sure it's something graceful and powerful," she commented. "And not of the weasel family." He nodded at her words.

"Hermione, Potter and the Aurors caught Nott," he began. "Which means, you're free to go."

They sat in silence, her staring at the floor, him fighting to say what he needed to say. He wanted her to stay, needed her to stay. He needed her there to greet him in the mornings, needed to hear her say goodnight every evening. He needed to watch over her and protect her from anything and everything. He needed to make every scar fade into memory and hold her when they haunted her. He needed to right every wrong he had committed, starting with her.

"But," he blurted as she tried to stand. Their eyes met, and he could see her fear. "I don't want you to leave. Call me selfish, I don't care." He sighed and looked away. "But I need you."

"What do you mean," she inquired.

"I need you to stay," he explained. "I know I've been a right bastard when we were kids. I know I'm everything Weasley wasn't. I know there are a thousand reasons why you should go, and they're all good reasons. But the only reasons I have for you staying is that I love and I need you and I don't know if I can go on without you after this." He finally looked at her. "You've filled a hole I didn't know existed. And while you're not in any immediate danger anymore, all I can think is that you'll leave and I'll never see you again and I can't-"

"Draco," she interrupted softly. "I don't want to leave."

Time stopped for a moment. He was trying to process what she had just said, and why. And if she really meant it, or if she was simply trying to get him to calm down.

"Draco, this house, your parents, it's all been wonderful," she continued with a smile. "This library is amazing, and you have been so attentive and kind." She looked around, and her smile widened. "And I don't know if I can leave it. I love it here, I love you, and I want to stay." He felt the hope building, but needed to know if she meant it.

"Hermione, please, tell me you mean it," he pleaded. "Please, tell me this isn't a lie." She leaned towards him and kissed his cheek.

"It's not a lie," she whispered. "I mean every word. I'm staying."

He claimed her lips. Gods, she tasted divine. She tasted of mint and tea and something else that was familiar to him, but he couldn't place it. He angled his head slightly, his mouth never leaving hers. He finally had to pull away for air, and when he did, he met her gaze.

This was perfection. Having her here, knowing that she wasn't going to leave, knowing that she loved him. He couldn't ask for a better life. He couldn't ask for a better outcome to everything.

He could live in this moment forever.

He laid in bed, a smile on his face and his mind racing with possibilities. What would their kids look like? Would be smart like her? Would they be good at Quidditch like him? Would they excel at potions like their grandmother?

Or would they turn out to be Squibs?

He sighed as the smile evaporated. It was a risk, and a big one. He prayed that their kids would be just as powerful as her. But with her Muggle bloodline, he could never be sure of anything.

He shook his head. The Malfoy line was flawless. And just as dominant as the Weasley line. What was he worried about? Everything would be fine. And it was almost neant to be. Her patronus is an otter; his a ferret. He closed his eyes, finally able to relax. Everything would be fine. Just fine.

A familiar sound reached his ears. He sat up to see the silvery peacock prancing around. He bit back a laughing, knowing it would only anger the owner of the Patronus.

"Still over-thinking everything with Ms. Weasley," came his father's smooth voice. Draco waved his wand and told the translucent ferret his reply. It bounced away, and he laid his head back on the pillows.

She was perfect. It was as simple as that. She was perfect for him, and in spite of what he had been told for years, she would more than likely enhance the Malfoy family. Her intelligence would be wonderful to have around the house, and he knew, no matter what, that she wasn't going anywhere. This would be her home, as it had been to many generations. She would be safe and happy, and he wouldn't have to worry anymore.

He dozed off imagining her in an elegant wedding dress.