This is the penultimate chapter. There won't be a Camp scene in this story, although I may add a oneshot later. Thank you for all the love for this story...and those who have taken the time to review...much love and thanks!

Hermione woke up and felt Draco curled around her like a niffler and she smiled softly. Yesterday had been a gut-wrenching day but the biggest surprise that had come out of it was how wonderful and supportive Draco had been. He hadn't acted jealous, possessive nor prattish—he'd been thoughtful, kind and loving.

It had been unexpected but very welcome.

Carefully moving her body, Hermione tried to disentangle herself from her boyfriend's grip, but when she tried to roll away—Draco just pulled her back further into his embrace as he hummed into her neck and gave her a sleepy kiss before she heard his soft snoring a few minutes later. She couldn't help but smile at how adorable he was when he was like this. Who would have ever thought that Draco Malfoy, Slytherin prince would be such a cuddler?

Definitely not her.

After a few minutes more, her bladder started to protest and Hermione gently lifted Malfoy's arm with one hand while grabbing an extra pillow with the other and as she slid underneath his outstretched appendage—she gently pushed the pillow into the vacated space.

Draco grumbled and gripped the pillow tightly before rolling over and falling back asleep instantly.

Hermione rushed into the loo and relieved herself, before washing up and brushing her teeth. When she reentered the room, Draco was still asleep—so she tiptoed over to grab her beaded bag when she saw a small basket under Draco's robes. Her stomach growled at that moment, letting her know that she was hungry—so she picked up Draco's robes and went to set them down when she heard a small thud on the floor.

Looking down, Hermione's brow furrowed in confusion, then realization as she gaped in shock and the little black box sitting on the floor. Grabbing her wand, Hermione transfigured a towel into a robe that went down to mid thigh before she crouched down and picked up the box—weighing it carefully in the palm of her hand.

She didn't know how long she'd been standing there like a statue just staring at the box, until a voice cleared from behind her and her whole posture stiffened as she looked over her shoulder wide-eyed at her wizard—who was rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he considered her.

"Morning, my love."

Biting her lip, Hermione didn't know what to do. If she picked up Draco's robes and tried to discreetly put the little black box back into its original nesting place—he'd likely think she went spying through his robes.

But it wasn't like she'd have a reason to do so, right?

And the little box could be something completely different that what she was thinking it was, right?

"Granger?"

Her startled 'yelp' as she clasped her hand over her heart caused her wizard to narrow his gaze at her, as he was now standing right behind her.

And then he noticed what was in her hand and sighed.

"Don't be angry." She pleaded. "I didn't snoop on purpose! The basket was sitting there and I was hungry so went to move your robes and the box fell out and landed on the floor and I was going to put it back, but you woke up and I didn't want you to think that I was snooping..."

Draco was staring at her incredulously as she continued to ramble, before his face broke out in an amused smirked and then he chuckled deeply.

"Breathe, love."

Hermione clamped her mouth shut, her skin flushed as she bit her lip hard. She watched Draco moved towards her and reach for the little box—which she relented to him with a sigh. He then took her hand in his and led her over to their couch, sitting her down before he went and grabbed a pair of trousers and his shirt.

Once dressed, he came back and knelt down in front of her with the box firmly held within his grasp. His grey eyes met hers and they were filled with so many emotions it was hard for Hermione to grasp onto just one—but it didn't stop her wizard from shaking his head ruefully at her eventually.

"I had hoped to do this some other way."

"Draco—" she began, "you don't have to do this now."

"Oh really?" He grinned, clearly not upset at all. His expression was both amused and exasperated.

Hermione huffed and folded her arms petulantly across her chest as she stared him down, but his smile only got wider.

"Don't look at me like that, love," he quipped with a wink, "this wasn't how I'd planned to do this but the fact remains that I did plan to do this."

"Oh really?" She bit back with a half grin and he just huffed at her.

"Yes. Minx." Draco then lifted up the black box and handed it to her. "I suppose I could spout some romantic prose, or perhaps wax poetic about how we are fated. But you'd just hex me, so I think not."

Hermione was really trying hard not to smile at how adorable her wizard was being right now.

It was a side he didn't show to anyone else but her.

Well, maybe his Mum.

"I could shout out from the tallest parapet of my adoration and devotion. Perhaps even write a haiku or two?"

The giggle that erupted from her lips caused Draco to chuckle.

"I could maybe get some pointers from your brother—even though he doesn't like me but perhaps he'd take pity on my pour soul and do me a favor, yes?"

Hermione shook her head in the negative. "Apollo wouldn't bother."

"Probably not." Draco sighed, feigning being put out over such a slight. "But I digress witch." He then nudged her knee and said softly "open it."

Her breath caught as she fiddled with the box for a few seconds before she slowly cracked open the lid and the words, "oh Draco!" fell from her lips without a second thought. Her widened eyes lifted to his darkened grey ones, as he gazed at her possessively.

"I suppose I could've waited, but then I thought to myself 'why?' Why would I wait to ask you to be mine, when it's all I've ever wanted for my life? To be your husband. You might think it's a cheesy line or wonder how could Draco Malfoy, git extraordinaire—who was such a first class prat— simultaneously wish for something his actions never proclaimed him as wanting? Well, I'm a complicated wizard love—you know this better than anyone else. You know the heart of me—the real me. Despite our tumultuous past, you have always seen me...even when I didn't want to be seen. And the truth is—I've always seen you too my love. Hermione Granger, who loves literature and has a voracious appetite for learning and knowledge. Who's loyal to a fault—kind, brave and true. Stubborn and strong-willed...cunning and drives me spare with how sexy she is. We belong together Granger—you and me. So whether we get married next week, next month, next year or 100 years from now? I'm not going anywhere. I'll wait forever for you to be mine." His smile was sinful as he said huskily, "Marry me witch, so I can spend the rest of our lives making love to you."

Hermione didn't know whether to laugh or cry...well, she was crying but they were happy tears—as she stared into grey eyes that had captivated her since they were eleven. A wizard who had infuriated her, challenged her, angered her, worried her and confounded her...but he'd also intrigued her, attracted her and made her feel things she'd never felt before—for good or bad, it didn't matter.

No one had ever made her feel as much or as deeply as Draco Malfoy had and did.

As if she'd ever tell him anything but...

"Yes, you pompous prat. I'll marry you."

Draco's grin split his face as he took the stunning diamond ring out of the box...it's delicate filigree made of goblin silver and the five carat blue diamond was surrounded by smaller pave white diamonds with tiny fleur d'lis on either side.

It was simply exquisite.

Draco didn't need to be told twice as he placed the ring on the third finger of her left hand, watching with satisfaction as it sized immediately to her and then he grabbed her and pulled her into his embrace before snogging her senseless.

Which led to the removal of clothing yet again and another round of desperate lovemaking.

As Draco's body tightly hovered over hers, his hips swiveling in that oh so perfect way—he held her arms firmly above her head and Hermione realized as she stared into slate grey eyes that were looking back at her with unbridled passion and love—that she had made the right choice.

The only choice for her.

She nipped at his lower lip which caused him to growl before he plundered her mouth just as her body bowed, snapped and she moaned out her release. Draco's desperate 'fuck' followed as his hips pushed forward one final time and she felt his blissful warmth spread inside her causing her to sigh in contentment.

"I love you."

Draco kissed her breathless for several more minutes before he finally growled out, "Love you more, witch."

Once they disentangled their bodies from each other and Draco had cast the contraceptive charm again—they made their way into the loo and got cleaned up for the day.

It wasn't but an hour later that the two of them were wandering towards the Great Hall for breakfast—starving and so blissfully happy—they didn't immediately notice everyone staring at them, until someone loudly cleared their throat.

Draco looked up and sneered at the stares coming their way while Hermione just rolled her eyes at how intrusive people were. You'd think she'd be used to it by now, but the truth was she would never get used to witches and wizards who thanked they had a say in her personal life.

It was fucking intrusive.

Draco pulled her along with him as they headed towards the Gryffindor table, where he placed a soft kiss on her temple and helped her into her seat before sauntering back towards the Slytherin Table. He'd nearly gotten there when he heard the Weasel's ruddy voice yell, "No way, Mione! Absolutely no fucking way you're marrying that ferret!"

The entire hall hushed while Draco turned around, his eyes blazing as he noticed his witch glaring angrily at her soon-to-be-dead-former-best-friend who was glaring down at his witch's left hand that was currently grasped within the Weaselette's hands.

"Ronald!" Hermione hissed angrily, but the red-headed dimwit didn't seem to be getting the memo as his face turned as bright as his hair.

"Ron..." Harry's voice was stern, as he clamped a hand on his best friend's arm...trying to keep him from staring up and creating an even bigger scene.

"What?!" Ron bellowed, as he shook of Harry's hand. "She can't be serious, Harry?" Ron's blue eyes then scope-locked back on his other best friend. "You can't mean to marry, Malfoy?"

The rest of the Great Hall gasped in shock as now everyone was openly staring at the scene being played out before them.

Hermione pulled her hand away from Ginny and went to stand up but Ron was faster as he gripped her arm tightly—preventing her from doing so.

Then Draco's low voice vibrated over the Great Hall and everyone could see the blonde wizard was livid.

"Get your hands off my witch, Weasley."

Ron glared up over his shoulder at Malfoy, who was now standing directly behind him.

"Piss off ferret!"

"Mr. Weasley!" Professor McGonagall's stern voice echoed over the Great Hall. "You will remove yourself from Miss Granger. You and Mr. Potter are guests here at Hogwarts."

Ron's expression didn't change, but he did let go of Hermione's wrist. The witch stood up with Percy's help...and made her way over to her wizard who quickly enveloped her into his side, placing his customary kiss on her temple.

He then led his witch over to the Slytherin table, and placed her next to her cousin—who was glaring daggers at the Gryffindor table.

When Hermione was situated, Draco sat down on the other side of her—nodding to his friends who all had amused smirks plastered on their smug faces.

"Nice ring." Blaise quipped from across the table, his gaze fixated on the impressive bling on the witch's left hand.

"Thank you." Hermione murmured, her gaze lowered as she watched Draco plating her breakfast. It wasn't too long before Annabeth came over and plopped herself down next to Blaise, ignoring the put out looks from the other Slytherin's. She gently reached for Mi's left hand and her best friend didn't protest as she eyed the crown jewel with an inpressed grin.

"Well done Malfoy."

"Thanks Chase." Draco's voice was clearly bemused as the demigod grinned at him.

"Ignore that knucklehead," Annabeth bit back, "Are you happy?"

Hermione's amber eyes glistened as she nodded and her friend just returned the gesture with a finality that brokered no more argument.

"Then that is all that matters and anyone who can't get on board with that, I'll personally trap them in the Labyrinth and call it good."

Hermione giggled while everyone else just seemed confused.

"Labyrinth?"

"Hmm?" Annabeth's gaze moved away from Hermione's ring as her brain caught up with the question. "Oh, the Labyrinth...it was invented by Daedalus to hold a certain monster inside it. The one we fought back when Mi got injured."

Everyone nodded, some still confused until Annabeth's face brightened. "Hey, that reminds me? What did you do with your spoil of the battle? I never thought to ask Seaweed Brain where he put his."

"It's in my trunk. I will probably put it in my cabin at Camp."

Annabeth nodded. "I think Percy has his first one there too. Does that mean you're going to come back to Camp after school is done?"

Hermione glanced over at Draco, his expression was curious and she reached for his hand under the table and gave it a squeeze. "I haven't discussed it with Draco or Nico but if they're up for it, then yes...I think I'd like to go see everyone at Camp over the summer."

Draco just shrugged. "Sure, I mean I think it would be interesting to see this Camp."

Nico grinned and then nudged his chin in Hermione's direction. "I go where she does." His expression softened as he tilted his head silently as his boyfriend, who nodded once. "Theo can come too."

Annabeth chuckled. "I think we should ask Chiron first."

"Probably a good idea." Hermione admitted with a slight frown. "I'm sure Mr. D isn't going to be all too thrilled, but I'm sure Chiron can get him to come around."

Blaise just sat there and pouted before saying petulantly, "Nice you two! Leave me out of it!"

Draco just rolled his eyes. "Look Mate, I'm sure if there is a way that Granger can convince this Chiron to allow Theo and I to go to Camp...he might not be agreeable if we all try and beg an invitation." Blaise just glared while Theo put his hands up in defense.

Hermione just eyed the dark skinned wizard with a fond shake of her head.

"Zabini, I will see what I can do..." at Blaise's happy smile, she felt compelled to add, "I make no promises though. Chiron's word is law. If he says 'no' then there's no way...understand?"

Blaise sighed, but nodded reluctantly. "No, I get it."

"Thank you."

A few seconds later Percy came over and sat down next to his girlfriend, earning him even more looks of incredulity. "What are we discussing?"

"Camp." Annabeth nudged him with her shoulder.

"Oh, yeah..." Percy's gaze was thoughtful before he said, "you thinking about coming back home?"

Hermione felt Draco bristle next to her at the mention of Camp as her 'home.' She just patted his knee again as she replied easily, "Yes. I'm thinking about visiting my cousin Hector too. It might be nice to see their home and visit my family again."

"I think that's a great idea." Percy's gaze met the grey one of the wizard staring at him and he grinned mischievously. "Maybe we could play 'capture the flag' Mi. You know, for old time sake. We've never played against each other?"

Hermione scoffed, while Annabeth chuckled at Draco's expression of horror. "Absolutely not!" He griped out unhappily. "She just got healed and you want her to go put herself in harms way again!"

"Draco!" Hermione hissed as their gazes locked and he could see her irritation with his heavy-handed chivalry.

"Don't Draco me, my stubborn witch! You almost died Hermione and I'm supposed to be alright with you going out and willingly putting yourself in a battle for fun?"

"You could join us, you know?" Percy grinned even wider, and ignored his cousin's caustic stare promising retribution. "That way you could look out for her?"

The blonde just rolled his eyes in disgust. "Nice try with the reverse psychology Jackson."

"Just think about it." The demigod winked before standing up with a soft kiss to his girlfriend's temple and sauntering back to the Gryffindor table where everyone accosted him when he returned.

Hermione caught Harry's gaze and he shrugged, but his smile was accepting as he nodded in her direction. She mouthed, 'thank you' and he just returned the gesture by saying, "love you Mione.'

Her smile was blinding and Draco, who caught the exchange nodded in Potter's direction while the Boy Who Lived just sighed and bowed his head in humbled acquiescence. It was clear to Draco that while Potter wasn't thrilled with his new role in his best friend's life—the git loved Hermione more than he hated him so Draco figured that was all the concession he was going to get for now.

It was better than nothing.

Weasley, for his part—just kept staring daggers at him over his shoulder and Draco sneered at the git—who clearly wasn't ever going to accept the fact that Hermione Granger was now engaged to him.

Bullocks! He probably should owe his parents before someone else decided to break the news to them both.

"I need to send an owl after breakfast." He whispered into his witch's ear. "You'll be okay for a bit?"

She nodded. "Your parents?"

"Yes. I think my mother would rather hear it from me that you've accepted my suit than to find out some other way."

"Probably a good idea."

They finished breakfast and Draco got his owl sent off before he found himself permanently ensconced in the library with his witch and friends as they studied for their NEWTS.

For the next several days, all they did was study. His witch was singularly focused on passing her exams with the highest marks possible and Draco wasn't successful in distracting her until the last one was completed and they back in their room having one final night alone in the castle they'd grown up in.

Lying naked in their bed, Draco ran a possessive hand down his witch's back before squeezing her delectable arse and kissing her breathless. When he pulled back, he smiled softly at the warm amber eyes staring up at him with such love it momentarily took his breath away.

"You ready for the future, Granger?" He finally got out, his words were emotive and he watched her bite her lip and sigh before she nodded.

"I am." Her eyes sparkled with intent as she moved over and straddled his waist, her hair cascading like ringlets over his torso. "Are you?"

Draco grinned up at his witch, who was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen and said firmly, "I'm going to miss it here a bit, but I can't wait for our lives to start together. I'm anxious to see this Camp of yours and meet everyone. But mostly, I'm looking forward to what comes next. I'm not sure I've ever said it, but thank you my love—for giving me a chance to love you. For seeing the good in me and believing in me when no one else did."

Hermione's eyes glistened with tears as she swallowed heavily, before aligning her body down on top of his and his own heart stuttered as she kissed him tenderly.

After a few minutes she lifted her head up slightly and smiled brightly.

"If I had to do everything the same, just to get us here—I'd do it. This is more than I could've hoped for Draco and I love you more than I ever thought it was possible to love someone."

His answering smile was blinding as tears leaked from the corner of his eyes. "I second that statement. I wish we could've found another way—another path. I would've given anything to have had the chance to fall in love with you back when we were younger. To have had the freedom and the courage to claim you as mine even in the face of adversity."

"It would've been nice, but this is all the sweeter—don't you think?"

Draco rolled her back under his body, before joining his body with hers—their passion equally matched and the smell of ozone burning his nostrils as they both came together with combined moans of bliss before he eventually replied once he'd gotten his breathing back under control...

"I'm a luckiest bloke in the world to have won your love, Granger. I don't think there is anything sweeter or more perfect in all of creation than you."