I seek the truth in you
The weak lie is not you
So speak up, yes you

- The Truth in You, Sylvia Chidi

Disclaimer: The poem above is NOT mine and neither are the Harry Potter characters. The only things that are mine are this plot, the O. C's, and the poem at the end of the story.

Author's Note: I am proud to present you with the last chapter of this story. And I just want to thank everyone who helped and encouraged me along the way! I owe it to you guys! Please tell me what you think at the end!

Epilogue: Final Verdict

Draco walked through the halls in his usual fashion: head held high and a bounce in his step. He ignored the glares and whispers that seemed to follow him everywhere now after his return from the trial a week ago. Apparently news of the trial had leaked out and everyone (including the Slytherin house) was against him for standing up for a "murderer".

But none of that mattered.

What was important to him was the girl who walked beside him. She too held her head high and fixed her eyes straight ahead. Despite all this he wasn't fooled. Hermione was trying hard to not show the pain she felt. Draco knew that Harry, Ron, and Ginny had stopped talking to her and that she felt the brunt of it. And instinctively he knew there was nothing he could do to help.

They continued up a couple flights of stairs in silence. Neither of them looked at each other, both of them too occupied in their thoughts. Through this method the walk to the common room went by quickly. Before either of them knew it they were standing at the portrait of the Fat Lady.

"I'll see you tomorrow." Draco said with a small smile.

"Yes, you will," Hermione gave a lopsided grin of her own.

With that said, she turned to the portrait and then faltered for a few seconds. She went back over to Draco and surprised him with a hug. The only thing he could do was place his arms around her complacently. Against his cheek he could feel her soft wavy hair and could smell cinnamon .

The hug ended as abruptly as it began. Before he knew it she had gone through the portrait hole and he was alone. He walked over to the wall and slid into a seated position. He let his head drop to his knees and closed his eyes. He must have fallen asleep sitting there. The next thing he heard were footsteps approaching where he was sitting.

"It was you, wasn't it? You turned Hermione into a filthy murderer!"

Draco looked up to see that Ron had been the accuser. Beside him was Harry his mouth in a scowl.

"I didn't think I could hate you even more than before, but I do," Ron continued heatedly.

Before he could say more Draco cut in, "You ought to know what really happened before spitting out accusations, Weasel. But then again, I suppose you weren't taught how to properly behave with others. Turns out I was protecting Hermione!"

"Since when have you become the good bloke? You sure you didn't just hit your head very hard during Quidditch practice?" Harry asked mockingly.

"Haven't you ever heard the saying 'Don't judge a book by its cover'? I never wanted to be anything like my father, I was forced into it."

"What does this even have to do with Hermione?" Ron asked impatiently.

"I saw a group of Slytherins place a curse on Hermione and then she fainted. I realized this was my one opportunity to do something that I wanted, not something my father threatened me to do." Draco paused, his face softening.

Both Ron and Harry remained silent appraising the sudden change in Draco's expression.

"So I helped her. Then somewhere along the way I feel in love with her. Looking back, I believe it was because she was and is everything I had always dreamed of being." Draco finished speaking, his face slightly vulnerable .

He turned and walked away, not bothering to look back. Behind him Harry and Ron wore stunned expressions.

The next day Draco and Hermione are in the kitchens together eating lunch so as to not draw more attention to them. The house elves are bustling around them, making lots of clanging noises, getting dishes prepared to send up. Every so often one of the house elves would come over and ask:

"Is there anything thing else the mister and miss need?"

Hermione would smile, say no, and thank the house elf appreciatively. While Draco would try not to lose his patience with constantly being interrupted from the conversation he was having with Hermione. While another house elf was asking them the same question for the sixth time, Hagrid hurriedly burst in. Immediately he made his way over to Draco and Hermione with a letter in his hand.

"Fer you, Hermione. It came an hour ago, there 'bouts." He gave her an uncertain smile and walked out.

Hermione stared at the front for a couple moments, studying the return address with her eyebrows furrowed.

"Open it. Just looking at it won't do any good," Draco said encouragingly.

Hermione handed it to him to open without saying anything. As she watched him tear the top of the envelope into shreds, she smiled. If it was her she would have opened the letter carefully making sure to preserve it in its perfect condition. Her smile faded as she watched his solemn eyes scan over the letters contents. She became nervous as she searched his expression for traces of disappointment. Nothing.

Draco looked up from the letter into her eyes. His expression went from intense to a huge grin. He picked her up from under her arms and twirled her around.

"You're innocent! They dropped all charges!" He exclaimed joyfully and in turn Hermione laughed.

There was a loud rattling behind them and they both turned their heads. While Draco had been spinning Hermione around, they had knocked down a bunch of pots and pans. Now they were confronted by a dozen angry house elves.

"Mister and Miss must get out! They have caused a big mess," one of the house elves said.

Before they knew what was happening they were both pushed out of the kitchen by a herd of house elves. Outside by the portrait of fruit, both of them burst out laughing.

After Hermione caught her breath she said, "Ron and Harry talked to me this morning. You know, about what happened yesterday with you guys."

"They told you?" He asked incredulously.

"Yes," Hermione nodded. "And we're on our way to becoming friends again, I think."

"Oh, that's great." Draco said half hearted.

"But there's more." Hermione paused studying him carefully, "They told me that you l-l-love me."

Draco stared at her wide-eyed and mesmerized.

"I want to know. Is it true?"

"Yes," Draco hesitated for a moment, thinking. "Do you remember the kiss?"

Hermione nodded before saying, "I didn't really know what to make of it. It was that day I saw a different side of you almost and I didn't know if it was really you."

"I loved you then, but I felt ashamed at my feelings, at first, and also at being so forward."

"I should have shown you my feelings. But I was so concerned about losing my friends and I was confused. But I understand now." She tilted her head up to his and kissed him. The feel of her lips against his was as exhilarating as flying on a broomstick—only better.

Hermione drew back, smiling up at him, "This reminds me of a poem I once read."

Draco put on his smirk, "How did I know you were going to say—"

" Day by Day,

My life goes on.

Excitement at every turn,

My life goes on.

A Promise Waiting To Be Fulfilled"

THE END

Author's Note: So what did you guys think? Would you call this chapter cheesy or a big ball of fluff? I'm still trying to decide myself which one it is XD I'd love to hear everyone's opinions and I'm also open to constructive criticism!