19 September 2002

It had been a little over a month since the Alpha laws had been abolished and they were happy. Since May, so much had happened that they'd hardly had the time to just be. They were always worried about something, always trying to find their footing with each other.

That was no longer the case.

From the time Hermione learned the laws had been changed, she relaxed into her new life. The apothecary had two functioning locations now, thanks to a bit of magic, and she'd managed to staff both appropriately. She was working a normal schedule, which made Draco happy. And his happiness was contagious, especially since she could feel it nearly as strongly as he could.

Every day, they discussed the mundane things she and Ron had never talked about — what they did at work, what was going on at Malfoy Industries, what they were currently reading. Draco talked about Quidditch, but not excessively unless Harry and Ginny were around to prolong the conversation. On weekends, they still had regular brunches with Narcissa and Andromeda, and Hermione's hormones went into overdrive when she watched Draco interact with Teddy.

This simple existence out of the spotlight was what she had longed for. Once she'd given an interview to Parvati about Cormac and the fight over the Alpha laws, no one contacted her. Her side of the story was out there, along with her thoughts and opinions on the whole mess, and she became uninteresting. Ron, however, was still gracing the society pages, spending time with multiple different witches. Hermione wasn't surprised; he had always wanted to go out more than she did.

Most of the issues Hermione and Draco faced had been resolved, and she actively made herself talk through any frustrations rather than locking herself away from Draco. Every time they had a spat, it became easier for her to talk to him and communicate why she was upset. Other than taking a bit of time to cool off, they worked through any issues like proper adults and respected each other's opinions.

This life, everything about it, just grounded her. She felt settled, even as she was heading steadily towards her next heat. There was no dread, no fear, no anxiety — she knew Draco would be there to see her through, to care for her and make sure she was satisfied.

Hell, he did that when she wasn't in heat.

Given how well things had been going between them, Hermione was surprised to wake to an empty bed on the morning of her twenty-third birthday. She listened carefully and didn't hear him in the bathroom or moving about the house. It was strange; she didn't remember him telling her he'd be going out.

Had he forgotten…?

No, there was no way. It was her birthday, and he'd asked her over a month ago what she wanted to do.

When she rolled over, she found a note on her nightstand.

Good morning, love!

Happy Birthday! I'll be back shortly. I had to run to the Manor and a few other places to finish arrangements for today. Don't panic. Just have breakfast and take a bath.

I love you more than you'll ever know.

- Draco

With that, she smiled and got out of bed. She wanted to be ready when he got back.

Draco had made sure to leave before Hermione woke. His mother had picked up the finished engagement ring from the jeweller weeks ago, but he'd left the ring at the Manor, unsure of where to hide something so important in Hermione's house.

Well, he supposed it was their house now, even if it wasn't legally the case. He'd been living there with her for nearly two months, and he'd never been happier. Once he was free of the Manor, he found a sense of peace that had been missing from his life. Although that could also be Hermione's doing; they were in a proper relationship and she was starting to appreciate the little things he did more and more each day.

When he stepped through the Floo, he was surprised to see his mother in the sitting room having tea, his father's portrait hanging over the fireplace. Draco swallowed hard; his mother had been asking him to visit the portrait, and it seemed she'd grown tired of waiting for him to do it.

When Lucius saw him, a smile spread across his face. It was an expression Draco had rarely seen while his father was alive, so it was a bit shocking.

"Draco," the portrait greeted, "you really are looking well. Being a fully bonded Alpha suits you."

Clearing his throat, he replied, "Father. Thank you. It really does."

Narcissa smiled. "Draco, sit with us for a few minutes. Please."

Taking a seat in an armchair, he looked up, waiting for Lucius to speak.

When he finally did, Draco was shocked once more. "I hear congratulations are in order. You are going to ask Ms. Granger to marry you."

"I am," he said. "I'm going to ask her today, though I have a feeling she won't want to get married right away."

"I've no doubt. Your mother told me of the debacle with that Weasley boy. The Mud—Muggle-born—has always been leagues above him in power and intelligence, and she was clearly supporting him if he needs the gold. So like a Weasley to marry up and try to take advantage," his father's portrait said. "Though, it's not hard for a Weasley to marry up, I suppose."

Draco couldn't suppress his smirk at his father's comments. Weasley would always be a thorn in his side.

"Now Lucius, a good portion of that family is perfectly lovely," Narcissa interjected, pointedly glaring at him. "Their daughter married Harry Potter, and I've seen Molly quite frequently with Andromeda, Arthur sits on the Wizengamot now, and one of the other sons has a very profitable business."

Based on the look his mother had leveled his father with, Draco was certain she'd threatened to hang the portrait in a lonely, dark corner of the Manor if he didn't behave himself during this conversation.

Lucius forced a smile. "Yes, dear, I know. It doesn't mean they… Nevermind. That's not what I wanted to discuss with Draco."

Draco sat up straighter, looking the painted image in the eyes. "What did you want to discuss, Father?"

"Well, firstly, I wanted to apologise. I shouldn't have been so… I shouldn't have assumed you'd just stay away from Ms. Granger because of her blood status. I should have taught you about Alpha/Omega dynamics," the portrait said.

Draco knew his father had never apologised to him for anything while he was alive, not even for getting mixed up with Voldemort.

"Well, right now, I'm rather glad you didn't, to be honest," Draco replied. "I was able to get the Alpha laws repealed. I have Hermione, and that's at least partially because we bonded without realising what we were doing."

After looking to Narcissa, Lucius continued. "I also have to apologise for all of the actions that led to your… separation. The war, the task, what happened to her here at the Manor… My choices affected you so much more than I ever could have anticipated, and I'm sorry I couldn't find the words to say when I was alive. I didn't think I'd be sentenced so heavily after the information I gave, so I thought I'd have time to tell you all of this."

The emotions coursing through him were mixed and overwhelming, and Draco didn't quite know what to do or say. He just looked up at the mere shadow of his father, the man he had looked up to for most of his childhood, a bit blankly.

"I don't expect you to forgive me, Draco. The things I did, well, there is no good way to make up for them now that I'm gone. I can only hope that you've learned from my mistakes and will do better as a father when the time comes."

Draco blinked and cleared his throat again. "I — well, I think I will. Hermione won't let me be a bad father. She would Avada me before allowing any harm to come to our children, I'm sure."

Narcissa and Lucius both laughed. "I've no doubt," she said. "That witch, she protects those who matter to her most."

"You do understand, Draco, that once she gives birth, you won't be the center of her universe anymore?" his father asked. "She will still be yours, but her focus, it will shift. She'll protect her babies at all costs."

Draco wanted to reply with a scathing comment like ' that's how it should be ', but he didn't want to hurt his mother. Instead, he settled on, "I do. I understand that she'll be the lioness protecting her cubs."

"Good. Just remember that when the time comes. It would've been remiss if I didn't warn you about this final thing," Lucius said. "Oh, and your mother showed me the ring. It's a lovely choice, even if it's not the family ring."

"Thank you, Father," Draco replied.

Narcissa rose from her seat, took the ring box out of her robe pocket, and handed it to him. "Good luck today, my Dragon. I'm sure she'll say yes, but it never hurts to offer luck."

Hugging her close, Draco said, "I know. Thank you, Mother. Just remember — no pestering her about setting a date or making a fuss over details unless she asks you to."

His mother faked a pout. "Not even a little?"

"Not even a little."

Hermione was soaking in the tub, relaxing while she waited for Draco to come back. He hadn't given her a timeline, so she was just moving at her own pace. The hot water raised her body temperature, and she felt herself beginning to sweat. She could smell Draco on her skin, or under it, her body marked as his. She didn't notice it often, but right now, she did, and it made her want him. Need him.

She was tempted to touch herself, but knew that wasn't necessary. When Draco got home, he'd likely smell her scent and rush to her side, eager to please her and take the edge off. Smiling at that thought, she just slipped a little deeper into the water and continued to enjoy the scent of her Alpha and the warmth she felt both inside and out.

After half an hour or so, Hermione stood from the water, grabbing a towel and casting a warming spell on it before wrapping it around herself. She'd managed to keep most of her hair dry by piling it on top of her head and securing it with a clip. Walking to the wardrobe, she pulled out a simple black dress that would be suitable for wherever Draco decided to take her. Taking her time, she primped and polished in a way she usually didn't, making sure her hair was as tame as possible.

When she heard the Floo roar to life, she smiled. She was nearly ready and he was home. Summoning a pair of heels, Hermione took one last look in the mirror. The shoes came to rest by her feet and she stepped into them, holding onto the edge of the counter. Satisfied, she walked back into the bedroom and saw Draco standing in the doorway, his lips slightly parted as his eyes roamed over her.

"You're so gorgeous," he said, moving towards her and kissing her softly, one arm wrapping around her waist and pulling her close.

Hermione smiled against his lips, and she could feel his excitement. Knowing he had something planned, she pulled back and raised an eyebrow at him.

"What's going on today?" she asked.

He just smiled at her. "I'm not telling you. It's your birthday. Everything is a surprise for you today."

Eyeing him skeptically, she said, "You know how I feel about surprises."

Draco closed the gap between them again before pushing her hair behind her ear. Leaning down, he whispered, "All good things, Hermione. All of the surprises from here on out are good ones."

His warm breath and the rumbling whisper made her melt. Normally, she would fight it, fight the feeling of him taking over. But, for today, she would allow it. It was one day, and he was more excited than when he'd taken her on their first proper date. His happiness was important to her, as well.

With a theatrical sigh, Hermione replied, "Fine. I guess I can let you sweep me off my feet and spoil me today, Malfoy."

He grinned at her. "Good. First order of business — I have a present for you."

Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a box that could only contain some kind of jewellery. Hermione tamped down the urge to argue, set on just accepting whatever he was going to give her that day.

Birthday gifts. It was normal for a partner to give birthday gifts, but his would be a bit more extravagant. He had more Galleons than sense, and he wanted to spoil her.

"Stop overthinking it, Granger," he commanded, handing her the box. "Open your present."

When she flipped the lid, she gasped and he laughed. Inside the box, she found the necklace he'd given her in sixth year.

"You really hid this well, Hermione," he said, removing it from the box. "I searched the whole bloody house because it couldn't be summoned."

She didn't know what to say, so she stayed silent as he hooked it around her neck.

"Although, I must say, the fact that you kept it made me happy," he continued. "I almost thought you'd chucked it in the bin."

She swallowed. "I'd never… I wouldn't have been able to do that. No matter how angry I was with you."

Draco leaned down and kissed her again, his hand over where the tiny ruby pendant lay against her chest.

"I know, Granger," he murmured. "We were always inevitable."

Draco trailed Hermione around Muggle London, letting her show him everything she loved about the city. She'd thought he had a big elaborate plan for the whole day, but he hadn't. When he Apparated her to Diagon Alley, he simply said, "I want to see all of your favourite places in Muggle London. Take me wherever you'd like to go."

When her eyes lit up with excitement, he knew he'd made the right decision.

"Well," she began, "my absolute favourite place would be the British Museum, but it would take me days to walk you through there. Let me think for a moment and come up with something."

She'd brought him all over, pointing at buildings and showing him the intricacies of the Muggle side of King's Cross. She'd regaled him with the tale of how frightened she was to run into the wall to get onto Platform 9 ¾, laughing and smiling the whole time. She was a completely different Hermione from the first time they'd been on a date, and he was basking in her happiness. She lit up every place they went.

From there, she Apparated to a strange round building called BFI and they started walking to something named the Eye. Hermione checked their surroundings and dropped the Disillusionment Charm she'd cast over them before they'd Apparated.

"I've never ridden the Eye before," she said, "But there are supposed to be great views. It seems like it would be the perfect place to take you."

Draco was picturing an eyeball like Mad-Eye Moody's, so he just nodded and hoped for the best, listening to Hermione chatter away.

"—and sometimes they have this book market. My Dad found some really nice older editions of books there."

She was perfect, everything he'd ever wanted, and she was his. Grabbing her hand, he laced their fingers together. She turned and looked at him, smiling from ear to ear. Pulling her to the side of the pavement, he kissed her.

"I love you," he told her. "So much, Hermione."

Her cheeks blushed the smallest amount and she placed another peck on his lips. "I love you, too, Draco."

He resumed their walk, moving in the same direction they had previously, her hand held tightly in his. Honestly, he didn't even mind walking and traveling the slower Muggle way since she was with him.

"So you're likely going to be a little… shocked by the Eye," Hermione said casually. "I want to assure you now that it's perfectly safe—"

Groaning, he cut her off. "What is this Eye, then?"

"It's a ride. It's rather hard to explain, but you'll see. You really can't miss it. It's huge," she replied.

Draco saw an enormous circular contraption with little compartments attached to it. Stopping in his tracks, he looked at it from a distance in horror. "That's not it," he stated.

"It is."

"What in the bloody hell are you thinking, Granger? We're just supposed to sit in one of those little compartments and dangle ourselves over the water?" he asked, panic lacing his voice.

Hermione stifled a grin. "Draco, you flew hundreds of feet in the air on a broomstick. I think you'll be fine on a Ferris wheel."

"But I was in control of the broomstick!"

She grabbed his arm. "Look at me. This has been here for a few years now. Muggles ride it all the time. It's perfectly safe."

Draco let out another groan. "You really want to do this?"

She nodded and leaned in, whispering conspiratorially in his ear. "I'll even let you use a Confundus Charm on the attendant so we get our own compartment with no other people."

Perking up, he said, "Really? How long is the ride?"

"I've not done this, so I'm not sure," Hermione replied.

He smirked at her. "I bet I can make you come while we're riding."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "You need less than five minutes to do that. Of course you can do it. I'm not taking that bet."

With a laugh, he began heading towards the ride, a spring in his step at the thought of Hermione alone in a compartment with him.

Much to Draco's chagrin, Hermione was too enthralled with the views and seeing what was pointed out on the ride to fool around. Her eyes scanned everything, and she noticed that his did, too. There was a little screen and audible narration, which Draco hadn't been prepared for. He'd nearly jumped out of his skin when it had started playing.

However, it was a lovely little activity, and Hermione thoroughly enjoyed it. She'd wanted to go when it opened, but Ron hadn't often ventured into Muggle London with her, preferring to stick to what he knew.

When they disembarked, Draco turned to her and said, "That wasn't as terrifying as it looks from down here."

Hermione laughed. "Of course it wasn't! And, on top of that, we easily could've Apparated out if something had gone wrong."

"So, what next, love?" he asked.

"I was thinking. While we're over this way, there's a theatre. They usually do performances in the afternoon. Do you want to get something quick to eat and then see if we can get tickets to the show?"

He considered it for a moment. "Whatever you want to do is fine with me, Hermione. This day is all about you."

Grinning, she grabbed his hand and pulled him along, stopping at a small restaurant for a quick lunch. Draco asked her about the British Museum, and she described all the strange Muggle things she'd seen there.

"Can we go? Not today, but another day. I'd love for you to see it," she said, a touch of anxiety in her voice.

Smiling at her, he said, "Of course we can. Why wouldn't we be able to?"

She exhaled the breath she'd been holding. "That was silly of me. Of course we can go. I meant to ask if you'd like to go."

Draco rolled his eyes at her. "Hermione, you're doing that really obnoxious thing where you think I'm Weasley again. I'll take you to every museum in the world, love. I'll go to bookstores and lectures about potions and enjoy every single second because I'll be with you."

Feeling his annoyance, she grasped his hand. "I know, Draco, but I don't want to drag you places you're not interested in."

"I'm interested in most of the same things you are," he pointed out. "And, even so, are you saying you wouldn't go to a Quidditch match if I wanted to?"

"I would. I do enjoy it sometimes. If you could make it a game that Ginny's in, I'd appreciate it," Hermione replied, causing him to laugh.

Love, stop this. We're having a lovely day. We're going to go wherever we want to and enjoy every second of every day we spend together. Stop worrying.

You stop worrying, too. I just have a few more small habits to break.

Draco grabbed her hand and squeezed it, reassuring her. "Anywhere you want, love. I mean it. If you're there with me, I'll enjoy it."

After lunch, Draco followed Hermione again, heading towards the theatre. On the way, she pointed out landmarks and nearly stopped in a few shops before reminding herself they were on a schedule if they wanted to get seats.

"That's the Tate Modern," she said. "It became an art gallery a couple of years ago. I've not been there yet, either."

Draco frowned. "Art gallery? Like the museum?"

"Yes. Muggles keep a lot of historical artifacts and art in places like that so anyone can view them. Exhibits even move around the world to make them accessible to more people," she explained.

"I'm going to assume they're all Muggle paintings and the like."

"It's actually modern art. You… likely won't think of it as art at all, now that I think about it," she responded.

Nervously, he cleared his throat. "Speaking of art, or what I think of as art, anyway, my mother relocated Father's portrait to the sitting room. I… spoke to him this morning."

Hermione stopped, pulling him off to the side. "You did? Are you okay? I can feel your nerves."

"I'm fine. He just… he apologised. I'm sure Mother put him up to it. She probably threatened to hang him in an abandoned corridor or to leave him in the gallery with centuries of relatives," Draco said in a rush.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and her fingers worked their way into the hair at the back of his head, moving soothingly. "If he apologised, I'm sure he meant it, Draco. It can't have been easy for him."

Shrugging, he said, "It's a bit different coming from a portrait. I wish…"

"You wish he'd apologised for everything while he was still alive?" Hermione asked, understanding what he was trying to say.

Draco nodded.

"It can't be changed, Draco. He can't come back to do it. Your father was a proud man, even when he was at his lowest. I'm sorry he died without giving you any sort of closure," she said.

He let out a sigh. "I know. This was the wrong bloody time to bring it up. We're having a lovely day, and—"

Kissing him to halt his words, she used their connection.

It's fine, Draco. It's on your mind. I don't want you to hold anything back from me. I love you.

He broke the kiss and pulled away, smiling at her.

How did I get so lucky?

By having really hot but irresponsible teenage sex with me one night?

They both laughed and continued on, the mood moving back to jovial. When they reached Shakespeare's Globe, Hermione ordered tickets, opting for seats and hiring cushions, which she enhanced with further Cushioning Charms. Settling down, she tucked herself into Draco's side, leaning into his body.

She enjoyed the performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream , and Draco was enthralled by it, as well. He kept asking her questions.

Are those real fairies? They don't look real.

Is that like the Imperius Curse?

Love potions? Really? Muggles know about them?

Hermione tried her best to answer without mocking him, gently reminding him that Muggles thought they knew about magic and what it entails.

By the time the play was nearing its end, Draco was completely invested in the story, and she found it adorable.

When they exited the theatre, he said, "I'd love to do that again."

With a smile, Hermione replied, "It was lovely. There are more comfortable theatres, though. Ones with electricity and lights and sound equipment. And then there are cinemas."

Draco didn't ask what a cinema was. He looked down at his watch. "We need to Apparate in an hour or so. I have the evening planned out for us. Is there anything else you'd like to do before we go?"

"No," she replied. "We can Apparate early if you'd like. I'm sure there's something to do wherever we're going."

With a smile, he took her hand, leading her to a secluded area and spinning on the spot.

Hermione looked around, noticing they were in the park in Diagon Alley. Draco held her hand and began walking again, guiding her down the paths. They shared companionable silence as the sun dipped below the horizon. The sky was illuminated orange, and Hermione loved watching it change.

"It's so beautiful," she said, more to herself than to Draco.

He kissed her cheek. "It is. Just like you, love."

She nearly rolled her eyes, but decided against it. "What time are we eating?"

"Soon," he replied. "We should probably start making our way there now."

Nodding, she took his offered arm and they moved through Diagon Alley, still eliciting some stares and murmurs. Hermione prayed that, one day, they wouldn't cause a stir just by walking down the street. When they stopped in front of the restaurant they'd gone to on their first 'romantic date', she teasingly said, "Memory lane?"

Memory lane would involve fucking you all over Hogwarts, and school is in session now, so that's not really an option.

She laughed aloud, likely looking a bit insane since Draco's words were only in her head. She pinched his arm, eliciting a glare from him.

Don't give me ideas you can't follow up on, Malfoy.

Just then, they were led to their table. Hermione felt much more at ease than she had the first time, ordering the wine without a second thought. Draco smiled at her, likely noting the differences between last time and now. They'd been on other dates, but she'd definitely undergone a gradual shift.

"Thank you," Hermione said quietly. "I had such a great time today. It's probably the best birthday I've had since… well, since I was much younger."

"You don't need to thank me," Draco replied.

"I do. I need you to know that I appreciate all of this. I love that you're willing to go new places and try new things with me. It's different and wonderful. That's all I'll say," she stated. "So just take my thanks and move on."

Bossy little thing.

Oh yes. Bossy little Omega. I'm definitely in charge here.

He chuckled before returning his gaze to the menu.

Like always, their conversation flowed, Draco talking about all the places he'd seen throughout the day and asking questions. They made plans — vague ones, but still future plans — to return to many of them together. Hermione's heart swelled, feeling like it could burst with happiness.

This man was hers, and he wanted to do the things she liked doing, even if some of them weren't his cup of tea. He would accompany her to her favourite places because he liked being in her company and making her happy.

After they'd finished their meal, Draco said, "You're happy. I can feel it."

"I am," she replied.

He smiled at her. "Good. I like you happy."

"Are we having dessert?" she asked. "It is my birthday, after all. It feels wrong not to have some cake."

"We'll have one at home. I asked Darcie to take care of it. Hers will be better than what we'd get here," he whispered.

Hermione nodded, knowing he was right. The little elf had learned all of her preferences so fast. "So we're heading home then?"

"I want to make one stop first," Draco said, standing and reaching for her hand. "Can you handle one more surprise?"

She laced her fingers through his, nonverbally agreeing to go with him. He led her out the door and back to the Apparition point. When they arrived there, he pulled her into his arms and pressed his lips to hers.

Just then, she felt butterflies in her stomach, not sure if they were really hers or if they were his. Before she could figure it out, he spun, taking them away from Diagon Alley while still kissing.

When they landed on the Manor grounds, Draco's nerves quickly escalated and he was sure Hermione could feel them. She looked at him questioningly.

"I… wanted to show you something."

He took her hand and led her towards the hedge maze at the back of the Manor. Their path was illuminated by lanterns the elves had hung, bathing it in a soft glow. He noticed her eyes scanning everything around her, surveying the plants and the terrace in awe. It really did look completely different at night when it was lit up like this.

A shiver went through Hermione, and Draco felt it. He pulled her closer, letting go of her hand and wrapping an arm around her waist.

When they entered the maze, he guided her along. "During the war, right after sixth year, I couldn't bear being in the Manor anymore than I had to. When I was in there, I was in my bedroom, and when I was in my bedroom, I saw you everywhere," he began. "It was wonderful and terrible all at once since all I had left of you were the memories. But the house was swarming with Death Eaters all the time, and I just needed to escape."

Hermione glanced up at him, nodding, begging him to continue. "Everyone knew I loved to fly and spent time on the Quidditch pitch, so I was easy to find there. Eventually, I wanted somewhere I could go and just be alone. These hedges had been here my whole life, and I'd never really explored them. I started walking through them every day, lost in my thoughts, and I'd eventually end up lost in here, too. I usually had to Apparate out."

Draco continued to guide her, walking slowly along the path, trying to keep his thoughts straight and speak at a measured pace so the story would last the duration of their journey.

"I'd think about what a mess I'd made my life, how at seventeen, I'd basically sold my soul to the most twisted, evil wizard of all time. And I'd think about you — where you were, what you were doing, who you were with. I'd wonder if you were safe," he confessed. They turned around another bend. "But I wished every single day that I'd had the courage to ask for help. I knew I'd fucked up and would either end up dead or in Azkaban at the end of everything."

Hermione stopped moving. "Draco, you don't need to go through all of this with me—"

Turning, he faced her. "I do. I know we've talked about it, but I really… I just need to do this, okay?"

She raised up onto her tiptoes and kissed him again. "Okay. Let's keep going."

"I hated myself for hurting you already. I hated that I had found a way to hide everything from you when you were one of the few people who could've helped me. I hated that I was born into this family, and that was so hard for me because I had always been so proud to be a Malfoy. But everything that summer was a nightmare — this house, my brain, the whole world around me. Every mission I got sent on put me into a spin because I was afraid I'd find you and Potter."

Squeezing his hand, Hermione encouraged him to go on.

"And then I went back to Hogwarts and I could see you everywhere there, as well. It wasn't the same Hogwarts anymore, and I just ended up doing more things that made me hate myself. I did feel a bit more free while I was there since I wasn't sharing space with Voldemort, but it wasn't really a relief. I just… I wanted things to be like sixth year where I had an escape, but I couldn't bring myself to go to the Room of Requirement," he continued.

Turning around yet another bend, he knew they were nearing the center of the maze.

"After the Easter hols, I ended up trapped here again and all I could think about was you, how you looked while you were here. You'd lost so much weight, and then Bellatrix had tortured you. I had no idea if you were even alive. I heard your screams everywhere. Before that, I'd escaped everything when I was asleep because I'd always dream of you. After that, I had nightmares about that day…"

Draco let his voice trail off while they moved around the next corner. "But when I saw you at the battle, I was so relieved. You'd survived, but now you were fighting again. I vowed I'd protect you when I could that day, but I didn't really get the chance. After everything, when I got back here, I found myself out here in this maze a lot. My father was unbearable before his trial, and my mother was an anxious mess since she knew both he and I were going to be tried as Death Eaters."

And they turned again, a short path in front of them. "And I knew you were with Weasley, but you guys were front and center of the Prophet every single day. It was too much for me. I was wandering through here, lost, thinking that I was just waiting for the true end, and then it didn't come because you and Potter saved me. For whatever reason, you decided I was worth saving—"

"Stop!" Hermione said, her voice shaking. "Of course you were worth saving! Draco, why are we going over all of this again?"

When they turned into the center, it was lit by more lanterns and deep red dahlias decorated the hedges, just like the ones he'd given her in sixth year.

"We're talking about it because I want to tell you that I'd do it all again. I'd go through the whole mess all over again, including the war and years of separation and the divorces and bloody McLaggen, as long as we ended up here again. As long as we ended up together in the end, it would be worth it to make the same mistakes and go through all the pain a second time," he said, and he could feel the moment she started to realise what was going on.

Draco turned and tilted his face down, looking deep into her brown eyes. "Hermione, I know that no one — absolutely no one — will ever be able to love me like you do, in a way that's so pure and full of forgiveness for our past. I know you'll say I don't have to, but I want to make everything I've ever done up to you. I want to wake up with you every single day and put a smile on your face. I want to go through your heats with you and end the ridiculous pure bloodlines of Malfoy and Black together when you're ready. I don't ever want to be separated again," he said.

"We won't be, Draco. Don't be silly—"

Dropping to one knee, he pulled the ring box from his pocket. "Hermione Jean Granger, I know it's only been about three months, and we've both just gotten divorced, but I've loved you since I was sixteen years old, and I know I'm going to love you forever. We're already soul bonded, but I want more. I want you to be my wife and the mother of my children. I want you to make sure I'm the best father I can possibly be. Will you please marry me?"

She was crying, and she didn't answer right away. Draco started to feel like he had really miscalculated this — perhaps talking about their past had been the wrong way to go about things.

Just as he was about to rise and ask for forgiveness, she spoke. "Stop, Draco. Don't worry. I'm just… I'm overwhelmed right now. I love you. Of course I want to marry you."

She held out her hand and he pulled the sapphire ring from the box, sliding it onto her finger slowly. Draco had been expecting at least a little bit of excitement from her, but she was quiet, tears still running down her cheeks. He rose and she threw her arms around him.

"I'd do it again, too," she said, her breath dancing along his ear. "But if I could go back to right after the war, I'd choose you. I'd hold onto you forever."

Draco kissed her, sealing what they'd just confessed. When they broke apart, he repeated the words she'd said right before her heat.

"Forever isn't even long enough, as far as I'm concerned, Granger."

Author's Note: This is the last real chapter. Epilogue Part 1 will post on Thursday, and the final piece will post on Saturday. Thank you so much for coming on this ridiculously long journey with me!