A/N: well here is a moment everyone was probably looking forward to. I got the idea of how he would do it from a Pinterest head canon thing I found. This is more of a filler chapter than anything, there will be a little drama at the end though. Enjoy.

Chapter Fourteen

Draco

This was it. Draco's hands were sweating profusely and he was scared shiteless, but he was doing this. He had had it all planned out to perfection. Two days ago, he visited the Burrow, where Arthur Weasley was dutifully taking care of his wife like she had done for him all those years ago. He wore a proper shirt, trousers and tie and had- thankfully- not mucked up his request for permission to marry Hermione. Arthur had looked at him for a moment and then asked him one simple question while Molly Weasley had glowed with happiness.

"Do you love her?"

Draco had promptly replied, no hesitation whatsoever, in the affirmative. "More than my own life."

Arthur again went quiet for a moment and Draco had begun to sweat when the older wizard had abruptly smiled at him, stood and shook his hand. "Then it would be my honor to tell you yes. Oh, and thank you for considering me enough of her father to ask me."

"You've been like a father to her for years Mr. Weasley. She'd have my head if I hadn't asked you."

"Arthur, call me Arthur. We are about to be family after all."

Now he just needed to do the actual proposing. He had originally planned some big gesture, complete with a nice dinner and a ring in a drink or fairy cake or something- totally cliche he knew, but that's what he had come up with. But now, as he looked at her laying there on their couch, a book in front of her face- one of many she had piled on the end table- he couldn't wait. She wouldn't care about a grand gesture. All she would care was that he loved her enough to ask.

In one corner of the room their tree was trimmed in gold and red and the glow from the many twinkle lights was the only thing lighting the room, besides the lone candle next to her. So he moved forward, she was completely oblivious of him until he stood in front of her and dropped to one knee, the ring box hidden behind his back. She paused in her reading and looked up at him with questioning eyes.

"Draco? What are you doing?"

"I need you to sit up love and not speak until I'm finished."

"What? Why?"

But he merely looked at her until she had sat up, legs crossed beneath her. He took her left hand in his right and began speaking from his heart, his carefully prepared speech gone quite out the window now. "Hermione, I remember a time when had anyone even suggested what I'm about to do I would have laughed and sneered and called them names. I can't tell you how sorry I am for those first years but I know, if you'll let me, I can spend the rest of our lives making them up to you. I will never cease to remind you how beautiful you are, with your head of bushy, mahogany colored hair and your big, beautiful, honey brown eyes that always hold everything you're feeling even when you try to hide it.

"I will always remind you that I see a courageous and loving woman who has a heart so big she had to share it with so many people at once; and yet it is still capable of sharing so much more. I will remind you that while you may be highly intelligent you are, in fact, not always right and if we ever get into a fight I will ensure neither of us ever go to bed angry. I will love you even when we're old codgers wanting nothing more than to sit in rocking chairs and sleep. This is it for me. I will take everything you are so long as you take everything I am," then he pulled the box from behind him and opened it. She gasped and tears began to slide down her cheeks, but all he saw was the love shining on her eyes.

"Marry me, love. Marry me and let me provide for you for the rest of our days. Let me love you, care for you when you're sick, kiss away your tears when you're sad and laugh with you when you're happy. Let me love our children and show them the world in which we now live and tell them they never have to go through the things we did. Marry me, Hermione Jean Granger, and make me the happiest man in the world."

Her tears were falling fast now and at first she couldn't say anything, but she finally caught her breath to whisper out the one word that made him pick her up and swing her around and laugh with her and kiss her over and over again. "Yes!" Sitting her down he slid the engagement ring on her finger, kissed her hand and then picked her up bridal style and kissed her once again, before carrying her to their bedroom where they rang in the early Christmas morning by making love over and over again until they fell onto the bed in a sated heap and fell into a blissful sleep.

Hermione

The gifts had been opened at Granger's, the tots exclaiming in delight as they opened all the bags of candies and new toys, and now they were sitting in the massive lounge of Malfoy Manor getting ready to exchange gifts there. Hermione couldn't help continuously looking at where the ring Draco had given her last night should be on her finger, or sliding her hands over the new Navy longsleeve lace dress Draco had given her. As she did so she phased out of the conversation going on around her and thought back to that morning.

They had woken up right around eight in the morning, got dressed in some comfortable clothes, and made their way through the newly fallen snow to the main house where they were greeted by one of three wreaths she had insisted decorate the doors: one on the Mill House, one on the back door of the main house and one on the front door as well.

Then they stepped into the kitchen and were quickly set upon by excited children ready to open their presents- Millie was spending the holiday with her family as was Annabelle. As Nick's family was in Philadelphia and he was on assignment, he was spending the holiday with them and so Hermione had made sure he had a couple gifts as well, much to Draco's amusement and Nick's pleasure. She really hoped after all this was over with they could all remain friends.

After Hermione made them all a light breakfast, no use in making them wait too long so scones with jam and milk would do, they went into the formal lounge where the tree for that house was and designated two children to hand out the gifts. Once everyone had a pile of presents in front of them, the kids were given permission to dig in. Wrappers flew all around the room as tots ripped open packages and squealed in delight. For Hermione there was the lovely dress she was now wearing and her own watch.

Draco had found the perfect one for her, it was handmade brown leather in a wrap bracelet design with a leaf and flower charm. She had gotten Draco a watch as well, as he had suggested. When she had seen the engraved silver Rolex she knew it was perfect. She also got him a tin of his favorite chocolates and a bottle of Ogden's Finest.

Draco had thanked her, as she had him and when they kissed they got a round of ewwws before Hermione broke it off with a giggle. Sebastian had been immensely pleased with his blue stripped hooded jumper and the handmade vintage leather messenger bag Hermione had chosen so he could carry the books and papers and such for his apprenticeship at St. Mungo's and had thanked them along with the rest of the tots.

After that it was a snowball fight in the gardens and building snowmen and making angels. Then it was a light lunch before the youngest went down for a small kip. Once everyone was awake again they were all dressed in their nicest clothes and flooed to the Manor. A much easier form of transport with everyone that was coming that day.

Here they had found all the Weasleys, the Zabini family, the Greengrasses- including Daphne much to Hermione's disappointment and Draco's irritation- as well as Theo and Pansy and her parents. Their other friends, with the exception of Gregory who was seated next to Ron on one of the couches looking decidedly as if he expected someone to say something mean to him at some point, were of course, spending time with their families.

The tots were all tasked with taking the gifts that had been brought and piled under the tree to the proper person and Hermione was brought back to the present with Narcissa's ok to begin opening their gifts. Bill loved the cat statue, apparently he had noticed it before but it hadn't been ready for purchase then and he hadn't gotten around to going back and seeing if it was. Molly and Fleur, who were both still just a bit off color- for different reasons of course- exclaimed their delight over the Hermes scarves.

George immediately put on one of the five monstrously loud ties and everyone laughed at the garish design. It was a Christmas tie Hermione knew he would be delighted with. It had gold foil and little bulb ornaments on the part that hung down. It really was quite ugly. Lucius thanked everyone for his gifts but she could tell he was especially happy with the box of expensive cigars Draco had gotten him and the handmade book ends Sarah and Daniel had made with Draco's help. Both the Zabinis were surprised to be included in the gift giving but were happy with the items they received nonetheless.

Daphne was even included, Narcissa being the only one who purchased her a gift- to which the ungrateful witch pouted over. Goyle was even surprised to receive anything, but delighted all the same. Once the gifts were opened and everyone was back to their conversations before the elves announced dinner, Draco stood and Hermione knew it was time. While she hated being the center of attention she was happy to be sharing the exciting news of her engagement with her family.

"Pardon me everyone. Hermione and I have an announcement." Arthur and Molly looked at them with knowing smiles and it didn't take long for everyone else to catch on, except for the tots- Sebastian not included as he was old enough to get it- and smiles began forming on faces long before the words were spoken. "Last night I asked Hermione to marry me; and she said yes!" With those words he pulled the ring out of his pocket- a decision they had made so no one would see it until they were ready to make the announcement- and placed it back on her finger.

Then they were surrounded by their friends and family and given hugs and kisses and congratulations. With the exception of Daphne who merely sneered at Hermione and stomped off. Her mother merely smiled at them and whispered, "don't worry about her. She'll get over it eventually. She needs to learn she can't get everything she wants all the time."

But the couple weren't so sure. With what they knew, it was very possible Daphne had just gone to message Rastaban or something. They hadn't heard or seen anything indicating the two were working together but that didn't mean anything. It was possible she had slipped past the Aurors that had been set to watch her movements. They also couldn't check her correspondence, but hadn't indicated any sort of increased owl activity. They just had to be extra vigilant, not that they weren't already.

Now, as Hermione sat at the table surrounded by her family and friends to partake of Christmas dinner, she felt a warm glow of happiness. Things were so much better than during the war, despite the threat they were currently facing. Everything was falling into place. Now all she needed was to start the adoption process for Alrakis. She was thinking about when to go about it when she felt a warm hand begin to slide up her thigh. His fingers dipped under her dress hem and touched her through the material of her knickers. She glanced at him, but he was seemingly still lost in his conversation with Blaise. Well that was just fine, two could play that game.

As she tried to keep from moaning when he deftly moved her knickers aside and touched her already swollen and needy flesh, she slid her own hand across his lap and cupped him. Rubbing his todger through his trousers. She felt him stiffen and when she chanced a peek at him she saw he was no longer talking to Blaise, but had his eyes closed and was taking in deep breaths in a blatant attempt to keep from bringing attention to their activities.

She turned to look at him directly and, as if sensing her gaze upon his person, he opened his eyes and turned to look at her. She could see the lust in them, see how desperately he wanted her. She wanted him as well and if it weren't for the fact that dinner was about to be served, she would take him up to his childhood bedroom and shag him senseless. But she could always take him there during the after dinners. She didn't care if she missed those because between herself, Molly, Narcissa's house elves-which she wouldn't get upset over since they were treated much better than they had been before-, and Fleur there were plenty of them. Even with the probability of Ron stuffing his face with several.

Narcissa wouldn't hear of guests bringing food at first, because to her it was bad etiquette, but when met with the stubborn witches named Molly Weasley and Hermione Granger- well she had no choice but to allow them to bring desserts. They had only spent a Christmas holiday together once since they had all become a part of each other's lives and so Narcissa had yet to see just how adamant she and Molly could get when it came to getting their ways. She would learn soon though.

After the meal, Hermione and Draco snuck off- seemingly to no one's attention. They were on their way up to his bedroom just as Hermione had planned when they were intercepted.

Draco

Well bloody hell! What could that slag want. Draco was irritated because Daphne was interrupting what had been promising to be a pleasant interlude with his fiancée. He rather liked that word, fiancée, and the way it rolled off his tongue. He watched as she sneered at them, like she had all throughout dinner, but didn't speak and the longer the silence became the more wound up he got. Finally he couldn't take it any longer and snapped.

"What the bloody hell do you want Daphne? If it's to merely sneer at us then bugger off!"

That seemed to bring her about and she lost the sneer and looked at Draco with feigned pity. He didn't want it or need it. "Oh Draco," she crooned. "What are you doing? The only son of a proud pureblood family stooping to dig in the filth to be with rubbish like that mudblood? I thought so much better of you. It's not too late, you can end the engagement and come to your senses before you make the biggest mistake of your life. Please, drop the bitch and come back to what you're meant to be. A pureblood who only marries Purebloods and leaves the rubbish at his feet. You know we are good together. Why marry her when you can have me?" She batted her lashes at him and he realized then just how dim he had been back in sixth year when he had shagged the bint.

"Daphne, even if I did dump Hermione and marry a pureblood it sure as shite wouldn't be you. Even my mother would disown me if I even contemplated giving you the Malfoy name and shaming my 'noble' family. Jealousy is unbecoming and so is your entire attitude. Now either apologize to the love of my life, or get out of my house."

"I'm not going anywhere, I was invited and you're a complete fool Draco Malfoy and you'll live to regret this day!"

Before Draco or Hermione, who had been rather quiet, could speak- two new voices entered the fray. "And to think I call her daughter! I'm truly sorry Narcissa. When you invited my family I thought I could trust her to be the well bred young lady she's supposed to be and maintain some manners, but I guess I was wrong. I'll take my family and go. This is your house and your dinner and it wouldn't be fair to stay. I'll have Daphne over tomorrow for tea where she will sincerely apologize to you for disrupting the festivities on what is supposed to be a holiday of joy and giving.

"I'm just sorry, Adelia, that you feel you have to leave because of your daughter's ill mannered attitude. It's unfair to you and your husband. Please, send her home and stay. If not then at least allow Astoria to stay. I think her and young Mr. Zabini are finally getting closer to an actual relationship. He seems one word or gesture away from giving in finally."

"Yes I think you're correct. I don't think it'll be much longer before he's requesting permission from David to marry her. But as the day is quickly disappearing we won't stay and allow Daphne to continue to mar it. We shall take her home. Astoria is old enough now to make decisions for herself so I'll gladly allow her to stay if she wishes. Draco, Miss Granger. I apologize on behalf of my daughter since I know she won't do so on her own. I bid you both a good evening. Come along Daphne!"

It was a testament to pureblood manners that neither woman raised their voice once in that entire exchange, but you could still hear the authority in their voices. Draco and Hermione wished Adelia Greengrass a good night and she made her way back to whichever room the group was in to retrieve her husband and leave. Before his mum followed she gave them a wink. Draco had to laugh when Hermione finally spoke.

"Well that was quite entertaining wasn't it? I would worry about what she said, but I'm too randy to care. Take me to your bedroom and shag me my fiancé."

Laughing louder he swooped her up and carried her the rest of the way to his room, where he commenced to give her that which she desired and shagged her senseless. He would have to put that Christmas on the top of the list as the best one ever.

Harry

Harry moved back into the shadows after the exchange between Daphne and Draco and Hermione. Narcissa and Adelia Greengrass catching the bint in the act was just a bonus. He knew she had shucked her Auror detail. Knew she was looking for information in the records department, and also knew that she was only here to get information out of them, but they had been careful not to speak of such things around her.

He had seen her in the Ministry and had followed her to the records department where he had overheard- much to his disgust- her shagging the man in charge there and his concession to allow her to look at certain records. The man had been sacked for allowing himself to be bribed into giving up information on the whereabouts of people's personal homes without express permission from the home owners. Harry's home was safe, there were no records there, same with Shell Cottage. It was Hermione's estate and the fact Draco was living there that she had succeeded to learn so he warned them.

He knew Hermione had tightened her wards to add not just the Intruder Charm but also a caterwauling charm. He remembered distinctly the sound that thing emitted. Lestrange's or Daphne's eardrums would probably be bleeding by the time they figured a way to get around the wards. So he wasn't too worried about that. It was too bad they couldn't absolutely prove that that slag was working with the bloody bastard, then they could take her into custody and remove one obstacle. Oh well, they could wait and watch for the bint to make a mistake. They'd catch her soon.

Daphne

Daphne had never been so humiliated in her life. When her mother entered Lucius Malfoy's study and announced to every man in the room that her and her family were leaving because her daughter had forgotten what manners were, she hadn't quite believed it. Now as she thought on it more and more as she sat in her bedroom at Greengrass Manor and wrote her letter to Rastaban Lestrange, she felt angry. She was livid actually.

That little mudblood bitch would pay, she just needed to figure out how. She hated the idea of hurting Draco, but there wasn't any other way. She knew no one could get to those little brats so Draco it was. But hurting him didn't mean he had to die. Merely that it would upset the little bitch and that made Daphne feel good. After all, hadn't Voldemort taught them that one person's physical pain was sometimes necessary to hurt those who needed punished. Hadn't he used Draco that way? As well as many others? She had never been allowed to join the Death Eaters. Her parents had wanted to remain neutral and wouldn't allow their daughters to go against them.

Well she no longer cared. She was an adult now and they had no say in her life. As she wrote out what she desired Rastaban to do for her in exchange for what she could tell him about the location of mudblood's home- and that Draco was living there- and Molly Weasley, she smiled to herself. Soon the mudblood would be in a panic, soon she'd watch in delight as that bitch was terrified of losing Draco. But it wasn't enough, it wouldn't be until the bitch was dead.

Rastaban

Rastaban read the parchment for a second time, mentally cackling at what his new ally, and shag buddy, wanted him to do. He had no issues hurting the Malfoy heir. No issues at all. In fact, it should be quite enjoyable as there was always the chance the boy would put up a good fight and give him the challenge he was wanting. She let him know the location the traitor would be at that would give him easy access. It also told him he'd get a two for one deal as the Loxias boy would be there too and he had been wanting a go at him for a while now.

He turned in his own father after all, betraying the cause. Loxias was in Azkaban now, drooling and dimwitted just like Rastaban's brother. Yes, Rastaban would hurt that one too. He rubbed his hands together in glee as he thought up a plan to ensure maximum damage to the Malfoy heir, but kept himself from getting caught among all those witches and wizards at the station. He was truly having fun now. Too bad he wasn't able to get the locations of Bill Weasley and Harry and Ginny Potter.

He didn't dare try for Charlie Weasley, he didn't fancy having a go on the one surrounded by dragons and he couldn't get into the ministry for the third oldest. Since that one was so devoted to his job he slept in his office most nights. After coming up with a plan to hurt his next targets, he thought about who he would go for next. Surely Lucius would come out of hiding eventually.

If not him, he could always try to get onto the mudblood's property to get to her or maybe even one of her brats. According to Daphne, the witch was partial to one of the little brats and hurting the girl would hurt the filthy mudblood. He wouldn't do too much damage, but hearing the little girl's terrified screams and seeing the look of horror and fear on the mudblood's face would be worth it. If not her, then perhaps in was time to go for the youngest Weasley children. Or Gregory Goyle, another traitor. Decisions decisions.