Quite the Catch

MarcusxHermione; DracoxLuna

Rated T

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or its characters from the franchise. That honor belongs to JK Rowling

Quite the Catch

Chapter 18

1 Year Later…

Hermione let out a sigh as she exited the Hogwarts greenhouse, having just finished her Herbology lesson with Professor Sprout. She looked up at the snow falling gently from the sky, adding to the white blanket spread out along the castle grounds. Adjusting her knitted hat, she began to walk back towards the castle, intent on going inside to warm up and take a break from her classes and studying. It was so good to be back in Hogwarts learning again. After not only a year of having missed her final year because of the war, but also another year so the castle could be rebuilt and lessons return to normal, Hermione was glad to be formally invited back to finish her final year. Though, she was considered an Eighth Year for not having finished and thus returning. It was strange, especially considering she was in classes with the other Seventh Years. But she also had a bit more free range being an Eighth Year and could still walk around after curfew, so that was a plus. It meant more study time in the library for her should she choose it, but for Ginny and Luna, it meant more girl time. She also got her own private quarters, something she really enjoyed having.

She hadn't been the only one to return to finish. Draco had returned to finish his school year, as well as Harry and Ron, though she suspected it was Molly's doing that Ron had returned to Hogwarts. Hermione's friendship with Ron was no more and hadn't been since the day he made her choose between him and Marcus, though if she was honest with hersel, it had ended long before that. Apparently, her choosing her boyfriend had slighted the redhead and he wanted nothing more to do with her. That was fine with Hermione, as she had realized long ago being friends with Ron wasn't good for her mental health and toxic to her. Harry had made up with him, but their friendship was strained a bit, especially with Ron being somewhat opposed to Harry dating Daphne Greengrass. Hermione had made up with Ginny and their friendship was back to normal, though the brunette knew she would always resent the redhead for never telling her of Ron's infidelity during the time she had been dating him. But despite that, they were in a good space.

Her friendship with Draco had actually blossomed wonderfully, and it was nice talking to another intellectual that understood what she said and didn't look at her confused all the time. Also, the blond wizard's wit and dry humor were great to have around when she felt down while at Hogwarts. He had become one of her closest friends in the past year, becoming a shoulder to lean and cry on when Harry couldn't be, and becoming a confidant. It made her glad they had started over and were no longer enemies.

Yes, life was back to normal for Hermione in the ways of her schooling. However, the only thing about being at Hogwarts was that she couldn't see Marcus as often as she would like. He had been to visit her only twice while she was at Hogwarts, his training schedule with the Falmouth Falcons keeping her boyfriend busy. It made her sad that she didn't get to see him as often as she used to—especially with having become used to seeing him everyday since moving into Marcus's home—but she also understood and was proud of him regardless. Marcus had even written to her that he wished he could be there with her or her at home with him, telling her he couldn't sleep in his bed anymore it seemed, as it just wasn't the same without her in it next to him. And all it had done was make Hermione wish she would have convinced McGonagall to allow her to still come to Hogwarts for her schooling, but still live at Flint Manor with her beloved. Despite the distance and lack of seeing each other, the two of them made their relationship work and they became stronger than ever.

Hermione headed back up to the castle with the rest of her peers, only to stop when she heard her name being called. Turning, she saw Draco walking up to her said, "Hi Draco. Are you heading back inside, too?"

Draco reached the brunette and greeted her with a smile before answering, "No, not quite yet. Luna wants me to meet her by the Great Lake."

"Okay. Can I tag along?"

"Sure, you know she won't mind."

The two of them began walking to the Great Lake, discussing their N.E.W.T. studying and future job prospects. It hadn't been something to think about during the war, but now they could and it was nice talking to one another and bouncing ideas off one another. Before long they reached the Great Lake, the water completely frozen over with how cold it was. The snow was landing on the frozen water, it only being disturbed by some of the students ice skating on its surface. Among those students skating was Luna, her long dirty blonde hair floating behind her as she glided gracefully, twirling here and there as she did with her usual serene smile on her face.

Hermione couldn't help but giggle softly at seeing Draco's face break out into an adoring smile as he looked at his girlfriend. The two of them were so cute together, completely smitten with one another, and Luna brought out the best in the blond wizard. They watched Luna take a few more turns on the frozen lake before gliding over to them and coming to a stop, her blades kicking up a bit of ice.

"Draco, Hermione, hello," Luna greeted them.

"Hi Luna," Hermione replied.

"Hello love," Draco greeted to his girlfriend, stepping closer to the edge of the lake to give her a kiss.

Luna smiled and asked, "Are you both done with classes now?"

Nodding Draco replied, "Yes, we just finished up with Sprout. Hermione was on her way inside to warm up, but I invited her here."

"Well, I'm glad you showed up Hermione. You know, it won't be long before we head home for Yule. It will be nice to have such a break. What do you plan on doing during the holiday?"

Hermione thought for a moment before saying, "I'm not sure. I'm definitely going home, but Marcus and I haven't exactly discussed what we'll do in our letters."

"I'm sure Marcus will pull something together," Draco said.

A cold wind blew around them, causing them all to shiver and the falling snow to pelt against their faces. Once it passed, Draco announced, "Okay, time to go inside before we freeze out here."

Hermione agreed and waited for Luna to exchange her skates for her boots before the three of them headed back towards Hogwarts, eager to get out of the chill and warm up with some Butterbeer and hot cocoa. As they did, Hermione couldn't help but wonder if Marcus had anything planned for them.

During dinner, the last dinner before Christmas break, Hermione sat with Harry, Ginny, Draco, Luna, Neville, and Daphne all near the end of the Slytherin Table in the Great Hall. All of them were discussing what they would be doing during the winter break. Daphne had invited Harry over to her home to meet her family and spend Christmas with them, something which Harry was open yet nervous to do. Neville would be spending it with his grandmother, though Ginny—who he was now dating—promised she'd come over to visit him; 'rescue' had actually been her words, but Neville was pleased all the same.

Turning her attention to Hermione, Daphne asked, "What about you, Hermione? What will you do?"

The brunette took a sip of her Pumpkin Juice before answering, "Well, I'm definitely going home to spend the holiday with Marcus, but we haven't exactly discussed anything in particular. With his busy training schedule, it is rather hard, but we make things work."

"You really love him, don't you?"

"I do." A bright blush was on Hermione's cheeks, but she had a happy smile on her face.

Draco's grey eyes darted towards the entrance of the Great Hall before turning back to Hermione. "Maybe you can discuss it now."

"Hm?" Hermione replied in confusion, only for large, familiar hands settle on her shoulders. Looking up, she couldn't help but grin as she looked into the dark grey eyes that she loved. "Marcus!"

Marcus grinned and gave his girlfriend a sweet kiss before saying, "Hi. I hope I'm not interrupting your conversation."

Shaking his head, Harry replied, "Not at all. We were all just discussing what we'll be doing during Christmas."

"Hermione said other than going home, she has no prospects," Ginny added.

"Well good, because I actually came to talk to Hermione about something during Yule," Marcus replied. "That, and to attempt to convince McGonagall to allow me to take her home early instead of having to wait until tomorrow."

Draco snorted. "Good luck with that."

Marcus rolled his eyes before taking his girlfriend's hand and gently pulling her away from the table. The two of them left the Great Hall, completely ignoring the stares and whispers towards and about them as they did. Apparently, it was still hard to believe that Hermione Granger was still dating Quidditch star Marcus Flint. Even so, those that saw them together could not deny that they looked smashing together.

The two of them walked out of the Great Hall and down a corridor until they reached a familiar courtyard. Marcus and Hermione couldn't help but smile, as this was the courtyard that started it all for them. Marcus had saved Hermione from falling to her death here, and it was here they had had their romantic—something they both had acknowledged—dance during the Yule Ball. And now here they were, back again for a third time. Walking out into the courtyard, Marcus led Hermione to a bench and sat down, the brunette sitting next to him. Once they were comfortable, Hermione asked, "What is it?"

Looking into her mocha brown eyes, Marcus said with a grin, "I've got a surprise for you that I think you will really love."

"Okay, what is it? Is it something that I have to wait until Christmas for?"

"No, because it will be here before then. In fact, should be here tomorrow around noon."

The brunette raised an eyebrow and said, "Tell me then."

Marcus reached into his pants pocket and pulled out a folded piece of parchment before handing it to her. As she opened it to read, he said, "During our match against the Australian National Quidditch Team, I actually made friends with one of the Beaters on their team; his name is Linus. We hung out a few times while they were in the area and I had told him about you, as he was discussing his wife and kids. He was surprised I was dating a war heroine, but happy for us. I mentioned what you did to protect your parents during the war and how you sent them to Australia under a new identity, as well as how you were trying to get them back before leaving for Hogwarts. He has a friend or two in their Ministry and he was able to get them to pull some strings. And as you can see…"

He trailed off as he gestured to the letter Hermione was reading, her hands shaking as she held it and read. When she finished reading, she looked up at her boyfriend with tears glistening in her eyes. A small gasp escaped her throat before asking, "You found my parents?"

"Well, Linus's friends did."

"But you put them up to it. You found my parents!"

Her tears fell down her face as a happy laugh left her mouth, Hermione throwing herself at Marcus and wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug. She cried and laughed as she thanked him over and over. Marcus chuckled and told her she didn't have to thank him, as he would have done it for her even if they weren't a couple when he had the chance. Wiping her tears, he said, "Now, I have another surprise for you."

Eyes wide, Hermione asked, "Another?"

"Yes."

"But you only said one."

"I wasn't specific, I'm sorry. But yes, I have another for you, this one just as serious."

The brunette nodded and finished drying her tears before giving Marcus her complete and undivided attention. The older wizard took a deep breath to calm his nerves, his heart beating wildly in his chest. He could do this; he knew he could. After all, it was Hermione. Then again, that was also why he was so nervous, because it was his beloved Hermione. Looking at her patiently waiting face, he took another deep breath before reaching into his other pocket and pulled out a little black box. Upon seeing it, Hermione gasped and her hands flew to her mouth, her mocha brown eyes wide.

Realizing what she thought, Marcus shook his head and said, "It's not what you think."

"I-It's not?" Hermione asked, a hint of disappointment in her voice.

"No, n-not completely. It's…well…" Marcus shook his head, telling himself to get it together. Though his face was red and his hands were shaking, he strengthened his resolve. "Hermione, I want you to be my wife one day. It's all I've wanted since last year, but I know it is too early and you haven't even graduated yet."

Hermione's nose scrunched up in disagreement, but otherwise said nothing. She knew whatever Marcus wanted to say, he'd only have the best intentions.

"Even so, I can't see my life without you in it and I want you by my side for as long as you'll have me. Of course, I'd like for you to marry me one day, though not now. So, I wanted to give you this as a promise that I will one day propose properly and ask you to marry me. If you'll have me, of course."

Opening the black box, Marcus revealed to the brunette a beautiful opal ring surrounded by tiny diamonds all nestled in a white-gold band. Hermione couldn't help but gasp at seeing its beauty. It was rather large, but she had to remember that large rings were normal in Pureblood culture. Then again, its size could also represent Marcus's love for her. Whatever the reason behind its size, she new the entire ring completely represented not only his love for her, but his promise to marry her one day. And Hermione had no doubt he would keep his promise.

Nodding, Hermione replied, "Absolutely. Of course, I want to marry you one day, Marcus. And I won't ever take it off until that day comes."

Marcus grinned and kissed her hand before taking the opal ring out of the box and sliding it along her left ring finger. The ring looked beautiful on her dainty hand, like it belonged on no one else's finger. And as far as Marcus was concerned, it didn't. Smiling at the brunette, he kissed her lips sweetly and passionately, Hermione returning it with as much fervor. Pulling away, he whispered, "I love you."

"I love you, too," Hermione whispered in reply.

The snow was falling down from the sky again, landing in their hair and decorating the courtyard. Hermione looked around and asked with a smile, "Remember the last time we were here? It was around this time of year."

Marcus nodded. "I do. Would you like a repeat of that time?"

Hermione giggled and stood up with her boyfriend, once again conjuring a Muggle radio and having it play Tchaikovsky's Pas de Deux, just like the last time. Marcus led her out to the center of the courtyard and bowed, Hermione curtseying in response. Soon, they were spinning and dancing around the courtyard, happy, loving smiles on their faces as nothing but love radiated from them for each other. And as they danced, Hermione couldn't wait for their future together.

Author's Note: This is the penultimate chapter of this story. So sad that it is almost over but am happy with where it went. I hope you all like this chapter and stick around for the final one. XOXO, SehunsBae37.