DISCLAIMER: In no way do I own any of the characters in JK Rowling's Wizarding World. I am but a fan who has run away with her imagination.

Chapter 27

If she could choose, she'd be back at the hut with Draco, enjoying a calm and tranquil weekend with him. But instead, at this very moment, she was standing motionless inside the apparition chamber in the Malfoy Manor, waiting for her limbs to start moving. But she couldn't. She was stuck, unwilling to move, her nerves getting the best of her.

Unfortunately, It was time to face the weekend that she had been dreading for months. She looked at Draco beside her, his brows furrowed and his lips forming a thin line in concentration. She knew that he too was feeling a certain fear of what was to become of the weekend. She knew. She could tell by the tightening of his jaw and his ragged breathing. But there was no turning back now. To turn back now was to admit defeat over Draco's parents' wishes, over what society deemed acceptable, over their love for each other. And they both knew that couldn't happen. They were in this together and by Godric's name were they going to make it until the end of the weekend. They had to. Draco looked at Dara by his side, his face determined, giving her hand one last squeeze, before pulling her out of the chamber and into the much anticipated weekend.

"The weather is in our favor today." Draco pointed out as he led Adara out into the tea area at the back of the house. You could access it from the open living room giving you a perfect view of the lush grounds around them. The sun was out and the wind blew gently keeping the temperature generally cool.

"It is, isn't it." Adara smiled back at Draco. They have been successful at avoiding any humans since they've arrived and were enjoying each other's company as Draco took Dara for a tour of the immediate area. They've already been to the great hall, the family living room and the library where Dara gushed in awe of the sheer volume of books and texts that adorned the shelves.

To say that the Malfoy Manor was impressive was weak. Yes, it was impressive just by the sheer size and span of it. It was, after all, one of Britain's most beautiful properties. But when you take into consideration the dark interiors, lush furniture, prolific art collection, well manicured grounds and greenery, calling it imposing would be more accurate. Yes, the Malfoy Manor was imposing, standing tall and square with a vast amount of land surrounding it. It had carefully manicured lawn and gardens and pocket gardens. Inside, dark wood, marble and cement was the going theme from room to room.

When you arrive at the Manor, its massive frame greets you first. It towers over the gardens and topiary beside it at four full floors. To the normal person it would look like an old medieval castle with its squared edges and towers. Leading to the entrance is a graveled path surrounded by clean cut hedges on each side. At the end of the path stands the main door, a thick, black wooden double door where the family sigil hangs as a door knocker. As soon as you enter, you land on an expansive marbled floor, giving you access to the back of the house. The wall on the farthest part of the floor is covered in glass windows from ceiling to floor, with a view and access to the rose garden at the back. Up in the ceiling, an antique chandelier hangs from the glass dome ceiling.

Past the foyer, to the right was the library first, holding a collection of texts, scrolls, manuscripts and journals dating from the earliest years up until the present, all housed within 3 floors. Next to it was the family room, a small dark room where the Malfoy family could meet and gather in private. Beyond that as an access to the side garden. To the left of the foyer was the continuation of the expansive living room, for entertaining guests. Which was followed by the private dining room again, only for the use of the Malfoy Family and one door down, the formal dining room again for guests and bigger parties. And down farthest in the hall was the ballroom; a grand and majestic hall filled with ornate hanging candelabra and marble statues. The ceiling was painted in the medieval fashion, with gilded filigree beautifully decorating the corners and sides. Again, on the farthest wall gave you a view of the grounds at the back as well as a staircase that led you to the little pocket of garden that was always well manicured.

The second floor held a number of extra bedrooms as well as a music room, game room, a drawing room and an art gallery Lucious Malfoy proudly curated himself. Private rooms - a master bedroom for each of the Malfoy family members and at least 3 extra bedrooms for visiting families and special guests filled the third floor and extends up onto the fourth floor. The kitchens and the elve's quarters you could find in the basement as well as the wine cellar and the pantry. Out in the back were the stables, the green house, a number of pocket gardens and ponds and, of course, more expansive land.

"Come on. There's something I want to show you before everyone else gets access to it." Draco pulled her by the hand, down the stairs to their left and onto a path that led deeper into the greenery. Here the branches had magically met in the middle to create a covered walkway shielding them from the sun.

"In the middle of spring these branches will begin to sprout tiny white flowers. It's quite picturesque." Draco narrated. Dara could only imagine how pretty the alcove looked during that time, adorned with flowers.

"This is my favorite part of the house." Draco whispered as he took a step back and placed himself behind Dara. You could see the anticipation in his face as he pushed Dara past the entrance and into a greenhouse filled with roses. The scent hit Dara's senses first, filling her nose with flowery and powdery notes. It was a big area, filled with neatly trimmed rows of rose bushes from end to end.

"It started out as a summer activity my father suggested I try. I was reluctant at first." Draco started. Dara watched him walk a few paces away but she was still distracted by the blooming flowers surrounding her. There was a section designated for each color and mutation, Draco later on explained. "Later this afternoon this will be open to more guests."

"Do you not like it?" He had to ask as he saw Dara still glued to the spot.

"It's amazing Draco. I'm still…" she breathed, her eyes twinkling with awe at how Draco's little summer project had grown into a spectacular site to see. "I have never seen so many beautiful roses in one place." She finally was able to say something more coherent. She took a step towards Draco who had an arm extended, waiting for her.

"I'm glad it is to your liking." He smiled and placed a kiss on her cheek, feeling proud. "This was where I was supposed to ask you, the moment you and I arrived on the grounds."

"Really? What made you change your mind?" She looked up at him allowing him to drape an arm around her waist.

"I was taken with you at that exact moment back home. I just knew."

The rain outside was pounding hard against the hut with a force Draco had never seen before. The wind too was howling, battering against the structure making creaking noises here and there. But the hut stood against the beating like the old sturdy thing that she was. Whatever rage the weather was expelling outside was the complete opposite inside. It was hard to tell what time it was. It was considerably dark outside and frankly, neither had checked the nearest clock.

They had just finished making love, again, and they were scattered amongst the sheets, basking in their post coital glow. Their limbs, a tangled mess, their breathing steady and the heat between their bodies keeping them warm from the increased temperature brought about by the rains. Gone was any trace of anger or uneasiness.

Draco was laying on his back, one arm behind his head and the other caging Dara to his body, his fingers drawing circles on her back. Her chin was resting against his heaving chest, her fingers tracing lines across his face.

Dara after sex was radiant. He knew he'd never told her before but he'd always notice it, her cheeks were flushed, her lips slightly swollen and pink and her eyes glazed in satisfaction. There was a ghost of a smile creeping at the corners of her mouth as she looked up at Draco, examining his face. She closed her eyes, her lashes fanning across the tops of her cheeks, as she inhaled his sweet musky scent. When she opened her eyes, Draco was still looking at her, watching her closely.

"I love your lips when they're wet with wine," she began, her voice low and slightly airy, as her finger ran over his lower lip. "And red with a wild desire."

"I love your eyes when the lovelight lies lit with a passionate fire." She brought a thumb and grazed it near one eye, touching the soft flesh above his cheek. She allowed her finger to run down his cheek, his neck, his shoulder and to his free arm, kissing the bulging muscle against her shoulder.

"I love your arms when the warm white flesh touches mine in a fond embrace." Bringing her finger back up where it came from, she combed her fingers through his blonde hair, moving a few hair strands away from his forehead.

"I love your hair when the strands enmesh your kisses against my face." He watched her closely and listened to her calm melodious voice recite the words with care and intent. He had read the poem she was reciting many times before but only now did it seem to sound and feel different. Only now did the words actually mean something to him.

"Not for me the cold, calm kiss of a virgin's bloodless love," she stole a kiss from his lips, short and sweet.

"Not for me the saint's white bliss," another kiss on his jaw.

"Nor the heart of a spotless dove." Another just above the scar he had right where his heart was.

"But give me the love that so freely gives and laughs at the whole world's blame." She said her eyes searching Draco's face, her knuckles gliding against his jaw. "With your body so young and warm in my arms, it sets my poor heart aflame."

"So kiss me sweet with your warm, wet, mouth" she pressed her lips gingerly against his, feathery and light. "Still fragrant with ruby wine."

"And say with a fervor born of the south that your body and soul are mine." It was barely a whisper against his lips. "Clasp me close in your warm young arms while the pale stars shine above. And we'll live our whole young lives away in the joys of a living love."

"I have never been in love with anyone as I am in love with you." She said, a few breaths later, without hesitation, still looking up at his beautiful gray eyes. His heart was mush, she had melted it and left it in that state. He felt each and every kiss, touch, word and feeling she put into reciting that poem. Could he love her even more than he already did? - this beautiful, graceful, precious woman he had in his arms.

It was time. Now was the right time. He's had it with him for a week now, wanting to give it while at the manor but he knew now was the perfect time. With Dara still in his arms, he uttered a wand less accio and watched a small black box float towards his waiting hand. He looked back at Adara, her eyes registering what was about to take place. She shifted in place, slightly sitting up and angling her body towards him. He sat up and took one last deep breath for courage as his free hand fidgeted with the black box, freeing the trapped ornament inside, so that he could offer it at the right time.

"I love you as certain dark things are to be loved," he held one side of her face in his palm.

"In secret…" he kissed her left eye then her right.

"Between the shadow…" he kissed her nose.

"And the soul." He planted a kiss on her lips. He reached for her left hand and gave it a squeeze before asking.

"Marry me, Adara Vega Burling." His eyes were almost pleading compared to her's - slightly wide and in shock. She watched everything as if it were in slow motion. Draco had the beautiful ring between his thumb and index finger as he gingerly slipped it onto her ring finger. She was momentarily stunned at how beautiful the piece of jewelry was. In the middle was a dark green emerald stone, a sizeable one, she noted. Surrounding it was a diamond crusted crest or badge shaped silver frame which sat atop a silver band which too was lined with small diamonds. It shone under the dim light and gleamed when she would move her hand. It sure had some weight to it but what struck her most was that it for perfectly - literally and figuratively. She wasn't sure but the ring seemed to hum with energy. She looked back up at a waiting and expectant Draco.

His face bore no traces of stress, only a quiet confidence. His eyes were alight with hope and longing. She had so many questions running through her mind but she would have to stow them away for now. Seeking her own confidence and voice, she closed her eyes and uttered her answer.

"Yes." She breathed. "Oh Draco, yes." As soon as she had confirmed, a surge of power shot through her hand and up her arm. But she quickly dismissed it when Draco lunged for her lips, grabbing her face and smothering her with kisses. He was happy, ecstatic and it was all over his face. For the first time in years, Draco Malfoy felt like he had done the right thing.

Author's Note: I love, love, LOVE the poem Dara had offered to Draco. I think it's just the sweetest and purest evidence of love. I hope you enjoyed this one a much as I did.

Poem #1: I Love You by Ella Wheeler

Poem #2 (Excerpt from): XVII (I Don't Love You) by Pablo Neruda